So first of all, thanks to everyone who gave me advice about the whole credit card thing. I think it's probably just because of my lack of credit, so I'll probably either co-sign with one of my parents' cards or try elsewhere. And I do know that credit cards can be evil, evil things, but don't worry, I am cheap and have no desire to use it lightly! I would treat it kind of like my debit card and pay my bills every month.

 

Anyhow, so now I need more advice. Does anyone have a suggestion for how I can get some web space for cheap? I have been working on a website on iWeb, and so it's pretty much already designed, I just need the web address and the ability to put it on the web. I would do it through Apple, but it's $100/month. :( No bueno. So please refer me to a good (and cheap!) web host if you know of any.  Thanks! 

 

And... I don't really have anything profound to say today. Yesterday I started writing yet another movie script. It's about a drunk driver who wrecks into a young man and how his life is changed by it. I want it to be really inspirational and moving.  

 

I hope everyone has a great week! 

Last month I applied for my first credit card through Suntrust. The lady at Suntrust predicted that there would be no problem for me to get approved for one. Well I didn't get approved. My parents and I came to learn it was because of something in my credit report. But I don't have a credit report. So, my parents and I figured that someone must have gotten a hold of my identity and used it to get a credit card and mess up my credit.

 

So we sent for a request for my credit report. And now they say they can't send me one, because I either 1.) don't have a credit report or 2.) didn't supply them with enough information. Well, I'm pretty sure I sent enough info, but I also know that I shouldn't have a credit report. But Suntrust denied me for something in my credit report. Or was it really my lack of a credit report? Capitol One is usually happy to obloge with being my first credit card and have sent me numerous opprotunites in the mail, but they have suddenly stopped. They check credit reports, so is there something wrong with mine? Or did they just get tired of rejection? As I said, I personally don't have a credit report, but I don't know what any criminals out there could be doing under my name!  So I don't know what to do with all this. But after college I would like to buy a house, but in order to do that I will have had to established credit! But no one will directly tell me what the problem is, thus, no one is helping me, this  the problem cannot be solved, thus I cannot have good credit! AUGH! 

 

Anyone have any advice or knowledge about this? 

Well, I had my second wreck today, but this time it was my fault. It was just a tiny fender bender so it's not a big deal.  I was in a lane going straight and decided I wanted to get into the turn lane. I didn't see anyone so I went over and that's when I bumped into a Jeep. Yes, a Jeep. My first wreck was with a Jeep that ran into me, that totaled my (or actually my dad's) car meanwhile it was barely harmed. And then this time around I get a big dent and he gets nothing. I'm thinking I need a Jeep. But anyhow, all is well, I just have a dent I have to live with since my insurance doesn't cover my own stupidity.

 

This really spoke to me yesterday...

 

"...one can learn much about a prospective mate by observation alone. There is no better place than a college campus to observe what a man or woman is made of. From a respectful distance, with no knowledge on his part, I had the opprotunity to observe the character of Jim Elliot... When we began to get better acquainted through conversation, I found my hunches verified. Long before I had any reason to think he might be interested in me, I had put him down as the sort of man I hoped to marry. Kissing and holding hands would have added nothing to this conviction (anybody can kiss and hold hands). On the contrary, in fact, it would have subtracted something very important. I wanted to marry a man prepared to swim against the tide.

 

"I took it for granted that there must be a few men left in the world who had that kind of strength. I assumed that those men would also be looking for women of principle. I did not want to be among the marked-down goods on the bargain table, cheap because they'd been pawned over. Crowds collect there. It is only the few who will pay full price. 'You get what you pay for.' 

 

"It is a powerful lie that, because sexual desire is natural, healthy. and God-given, anything I do because of that desire is natural, healthy, and God-given... Christians who are buying such rubbish today are without honor. They have lost the notions of fidelity, renunciation, and sacrifice, because nothing seems worth all that...

 

"If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd."  

 

Written by Elisabeth Elliot 

The past two weeks have been pretty crazy. First I had to deal with the deal of my granddad, and then the day after his funeral I had to drive back home, only to fly out to Charleston the next day for M-Fuge. And after all the craziness of the previous week, something I had been really looking forward to I suddenly started to dread, but the week of camp proved to be exactly what I needed. It was such a huge blessing to work with children from lower income families and God taught me a whole lot. I felt convicted about things I need to really work on here at home. 

 

I had such mixed feelings about coming back. While sleeping in my own room and returning to my family and friends all sounded very ideal, leaving new friends and those kids behind was not what I wanted either. But that's the way it goes. My mission field in Charleston was meant to only last that one week... for now... I don't know what the future holds. I may never go back or I may move there one day, who knows? But right now, my mission field is right here, and I have to admit I've been failing pretty miserably at treating as such.

 

It's hard to not be "normal". It's so much more comfortable to live life your own way than God's way, but it's not worth it at all. I'm sorry Joel Osteen, but the Bible I read says I will go through trials and times of trouble, but to rejoice in all circumstances and to know that God always has a purpose that surpasses anything as shallow as how I feel. He'll give me the strength I need for those times as well. 

 

So that is not to say I am going to have to ship off to Africa or live on the streets. I may very well spend all my days as a middle-class citizen in the surburbs with my husband, 2.5 kids, picket fence, and dog. But whatever I do, God will give me the desire. Sometimes it'll be easy, and sometimes it won't, but the important thing is that I focus on Him everyday. 

 

Anyhow, I guess that's enough rambling for now. By the way, I thought I'd add, for those of you who are reading the imported version of this on Facebook, that I caved and added a couple extra applications. Yeah, it pretty much kills me inside, but I was very tasteful about it (the "where I've been" map appears after my wall, at the very bottom and very uninstrusive, and the ribbon awareness has one ribbon and is nicely set to the left side) and I just thought they were worthwhile. And none of you should have gotten an invite to add these applications. So if you're into applications: be selective, discreet, and tasteful. Having 20 of these things stuck in the middle of your profile is a little obnoxious. That's all for my public service announcement. Thank you. :) 

This morning around 10 my granddaddy, Luther Stephens Litchfield, passed away. He has suffering from Alheizmer's for about two years and my family and I have been praying that the Lord would bring Him peace, and He has. Despite the suffering he has endured, his passing this morning was quick and very peaceful; he was sitting in his wheelchair and in an instant slouched over, dead. This is my first grandparent to lose. I am so proud of all he accomplished as a Marine, a WWII veteran, and as a pastor, but most of all as my grandfather and friend. He was an amazing man of God and I know that right now he is running on those streets of gold of heaven, rejoicing. We are still working on funeral arrangements and are uncertain how soon my aunt and uncle, who are currently out of the country, will be able to make it, but it looks like the funeral will probably be on Sunday. I had plans for next week that unfortunately will probably not work out, but that's ok, because I trust in God's Will. Please pray for my grandmother and mom at this time especially, as well as everyone else in our family.

The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. -Isaiah 57:1-2

I'm not sure if there's a way to describe how I'm currently feeling. I am in Mississippi, once again, and I think this may be the third trip now that I've made here with the shock that my grandfather is still alive. Everytime I see him I pray to God that He would take him home. But He hasn't yet, and I'm not sure why. I know he'd be so much happier there.

 

My grandfather has now wasted away to 115 pounds. As a thin, petite girl standing at 5'1" and weighing at 100 pounds, it marvels me that this man can survive at a weight only 15 pounds more than my one. When I was warned of his weight I was extremely shocked, but nothing could prepare me for the first time I laid eyes on his new, ultra fragile figure. I couldn't help but cry.

 

He also hasn't recognized me yet. Last time, in January, he actually realized who I was a few times. But this time, it's like he's on a whole other planet, seeing things that aren't there and talking to people who aren't there. He's always looking away, and rarely at my mom or me when we're in the room. It hurts so much to remember that just a few years ago he was my goofy old granddad, whose house I would love to go to, especially at Christmas. I remember hugging him when we walked in after our arrival, after he made some goofy comment, acting as if we were total strangers. But now it's not an act. Now we are total strangers to him.  

 

I feel as if to ease the pain, I am trying to disconnect from the situation, even withdrawing myself from my grandma. I hate to do that... it's not like she deserves that. I actually feel that I don't know how to act around her anymore. I've been so quiet on this trip, hardly talking, and that's very unlike me. I have been submerging myself in the fiction world of books, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, except that has been more of a reality to me than my actual reality.  It's been a tough two days, and there are only more days to come. Now as you read this and if you ever think to in the future, I would appreciate it if you say a prayer for my family. This is a rough time for my mom and me, and we're still trying to figure out how to handle it all. 

So, being a worry wart rarely pays off, while being concerned can sometimes pay off. And it sure did today.

I must preface all this by saying... God's time sure is amazing!

Last Thursday I went to go get my eyes checked, just to get a new prescription for my glasses and contacts. Nothing out of the ordinary. But it was during this routine check-up that the doctor noticed a virus in my left eye, believed to be caused by a severe cold I had.


Then, over the weekend, I learned that the contact solution that I have been using is being recalled in foreign countries because it is causing infections that may cause blindness. Uh... yikes. I'm getting a little concerned, and my mom and I talk about trying to get an appointment with another eye doctor to make sure things are going alright.

There was a cancellation this morning at 7:45, so I was able to get in. We went in asking questions about my virus and if it was getting better and what solution I should be getting now that there is no way I'm going to keep using what I have been using. Well it turned out that my virus infection deal was healing quite nicely and things were going quite well in that department. The doctor also confirmed that it came from my cold (which was probably actually allergies gone wild) and not my solution. Good news there.

But upon further examination of my eyes, he spotted another problem that was totally unrelated. And this time it was worse in my right eye than my left. It is a little something called pigment dispersion syndrome, which is a possible forerunner of glaucoma. Well, the doctor decides I probably don't have glaucoma, and noted that everything else in my eyes looked good, but this was something that we need to take care of. So in June I will be taking glaucoma tests and have a quick surgery on my right eye to move my cornea (or do something like that) to hopefully prevent glaucoma. More good news. And I'm not going blind. That was nice to know after the guy freaked me out with his medical jargon, long pauses, and saying things like, "that isn't normal".

So all will be well by the end of June… hopefully. After my two weeks out of town, I will have a week filled with eye appointments, including a laser surgery. Fun. I'll be wearing glasses and using eye drops for another week, and should be able to wear contacts by the time I hit M-Fuge. Thank goodness.

So that's what's up in my life!

Also, I thought I would add to my previous entry about the latest Pirates sequel. While I am still disappointed in the movie, I have decided that the characters of Will and Elizabeth are not entirely to blame. As it was pointed out to me, Will and Elizabeth end the movie nobly. I do think their journey there is a little rocky, but really, I see several problems throughout the story that just bug me. But mostly I hated the ending. And I just wish they had stopped after the first Pirates movie. And overall it was very well-made but the story itself was just completely lame and very incomplete feeling. But that's just my opinion. :)

One last thing... I very rarely confirm friendships (on Phusebox) with people I don't know. It's nothing personal, it's just my nature. Obviously, anyone can stumble across this page and read it, which doesn't bother me too much, but I have gotten a lot of friend requests from people I don't know and I just don't accept them. So I hope that doesn't make anyone too sad. I guess it's cool you find me interesting, but I'm just not into the whole meeting people online thing, since you never know if anyone is actually who they say they are. So anyhow, point being, I don't mind if you read my entries or comment on them (as long as the comments are nice), this is the Internet after all, but if I don't know you I'm not going to confirm friendship with you.

All that being said, how are YOU doing, friend?

"But Will and Elizabeth, as
characters, are destroyed. They've become a mass of multiple motivations and
loyalties. Lacking consistency, they're shoehorned into any configuration that
the screenwriters devise, to the extent that when we look at them, we no longer
see Will and Elizabeth. We see Bloom and Knightley gamely struggling to locate
a shred of authenticity in their roles. They don't find it, and it's not their
fault. It's not there." - Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

This reviewer is absolutely correct. I went through the movie, skeptical and wary at first, but slowly giving in to the little pleasures it tossed to me. It was very well made, which I can't resist as someone who is learning how to make good movies. The last ten minutes of the movie, however, destroyed what decency the movie actually had. Just when I thought Disney had righted the wrongs of the second movie, they hanged themselves again! They killed Will and Elizabeth's characters and turned them into completely different people. I know that people change, but the changes here are unnatural and just downright foolish. All I can say is... what a letdown...

Well good grief.

Let me preface all this by saying that I am generally a very healthy person. When I get sick, it's usually a simple cold due to stress that I can shake off. It's not like the one I battled this weekend when I harldy moved off the couch.

It started off with my nose acting up. And then drainage dominated my chest and I coughed constantly. I finally saw the doctor, fearing bronchitis was just around the corner. He gave me antibiotics, and I started improving. Yesterday, things were looking pretty good for me.

Well, today I had a divine appointment. I went to go have my eye examined, as it was scheduled weeks ago, when the doctor notices that my left eye is way off base from what it's supposed to be (based off last year's prescription, which I know hasn't changed all that much) so she decides to check it out. And what do you know, but the virus from my cold inside my body has made its pesky way to my left EYE! That's right ladies and gentlemen, I have a VIRUS IN MY EYE!

So I obviously could not get my eyes properly examined (dang it, because I'm really wanting some new glasses!) today and have another appointment scheduled for the middle of June. My eye doctor prescribed some eyedrops for me that will kill the virus.

So no contacts for at least a week, and as of now I'm having trouble seeing even with my glasses on (and though they may be old and slightly off base, they're generally not as bad as they have been today) all because of the virus in my eye. So for those of you who noticed my red eye last night at AO, it is actually because of my cold, as I had speculated; it's just a little bit more serious than I thought!

Maybe one day I'll be normal again.

So, I've been sick this weekend, and anytime I'm sick, mom is always sure that we have popsicles handy to make me feel better. And for those who have not enjoyed a popsicle in a while, remember the jokes on the sticks? Well I've encountered several lame ones these past couple of days, like...

Q: What has spots and rides on a fire truck?
A: A fireman with the measles.

Q: What did the dentist give the marching band?
A: A tuba toothpaste.

Q: Where do bees go on their day off?
A: The wax museum.

I think you have agonized enough now...

The point is, anyone above the age of seven cannnot help but roll their eyes over these lame jokes. Whoever writes these jokes needs to be FIRED. Or forced  to listen to country music. Anyhow, that's just my thought for the day.

Tonight we mourn even greater than weeks previous for the elmination of another America Idol contestant. The best one this season. Period, and unquestionably. Simon knew she was the best, but obviously America didn't. Personally, I had picked out Melinda Doolittle as a favorite since her audition. Week after week, she consistently gave the most solid performances, period. Blake can't even sing. Jordin's incredible (her rendition of "I Who Have Nothing" pretty much gave me chill bumps), but she is not as consistently solid.

Some people have criticized Melinda for her "false" humility and her shy countenance, but if you've really watched the show, then you would have seen the transformation of this woman from a timid background vocalist to a bright star. Was anyone else wowed by how she rocked the mic last night?! She owned that stage! She was all over it and having a blast!

Despite what some say, I can see that she is a genuinely humble girl with a sweet spirit, and I know she will is going to go far. Melinda, you better believe I'm going to buy your CD the minute it hits shelves!

So, I've noticed that I'm not shy at all about showing off my videos (speaking of which, check out And The Rocks Cried Out, now viewing on MySpace and Facebook), but I don't like to talk to people about my stories that I write. When I wrote the script for The Case of the African Tsetse Fly, I had no problems with writing the script and then throwing it out there for my talent to see. But then today at work, when my co-workers asked me what I was writing on my computer, I suddenly didn't want them to see or know about them. Why is that? I wonder if the novels and other stories I work on just seem more personal than a script or a video...?

I'm sure most of you have seen the Disney movie "The Kid", where Bruce Willis' character meets his younger self, played by Spencer Breslin. Well, there is a scene where Bruce is talking to an aquaintance about the fact that's he met his younger self, which the woman surprisingly seems to believe. She then tells him that if she younger self were to come visit her, the one thing she would tell her is that everything is going to be ok.

Have you ever thought about what you would say to your younger self if you met him/her? I was just thinking about how God has really given me a burden to reach out younger students, especially those in junior high. I have to admit that have somewhat pushed this aside. Now granted, I do not think nor or even later is the time for to be fully devoted to ministering to these students, but I do believe it is supposed to be a part of my life. And I have noticed that I have been pushing away those thoughts about the way life used to be for me... back when I was in junior high...

Junior high was tough for me. Some how, some way, I was able to withstand many of the temptation and pressures thrown my way during that critical age. I had to cling on so tightly to God... that was when I finally began to understand what a relationship with God was. I had some really high standards for myself that others my age did not have, and that was only by the grace of God.

So as I reflect and remember on those painful times, I wonder what I would say to the twelve or thirteen year old version of myself if she was to fnd her way to modern-day Murfreesboro. And like that woman in "The Kid" I would assure myself that everything would be ok and that it would work out. But I would have to go further that...

I would have to encourage young Amy that to stick with our convictions and standards, but to always seek God above all else, because He will surprise her. I would tell her that high school and college aren't a cakewalk, but they are definitely better than junior high. I would have to tell her that God is going to take her to some great places. I would assure that she will make some strong Christian friends. I would tell her life will consist of many stories that will one day encourage her as a twenty-year old college student that still doubts sometimes that God is there for her. I would tell her to keep journaling, because one day she will look back, realizing the importance of remembering what it was like so that she could more effectively minister to others.

Stay strong, Amy, is what I would tell her. And if thirty-year old Amy came to me today, I'm sure she would share those same words with me. I may not know what the next several years will bring me, or heck, even the next several months, weeks, or days, but I know that if I stay strong and look to God, it will all work out just fine... probably much different than I expected... but all things do indeed work together for the good of those who love Him...

I got all A's this semester! Woot!

Roger Clemens is going back to the Yankees. What a jerk.

I still haven't seen Spider-man 3.

I still haven't been to Disney World either.

It feels really nice to not worry about school, even though I was really enjoying my semester.

I've decided to not do the TobyMac contest. I really wasn't getting inspired. So now I need to write a screenplay for either my soap opera or my parody...

I went to the dentist this morning, and she definitely pulled on my retainer and causeed the glue on one end to come undone. So now I have to go to an orthodontist to either have him glue it back down or take it off.

So how are you???

Tonight we mourn the elimination of a great man... Phil Stacey... tears were shed tonight on the American Idol stage by three ladies that had grown to love this man, inevitably bonded by the Christian faith they all shared. Phil may have not been the best singer, but I could see something in him that is much truer or deeper than talent, and that is faith and devotion to God. And that is an awesome testimony that will surpass this season of American Idol.

So whenever I log into Yahoo to check my e-mail, I always notice the news feed on the home page. It seems like everytime there is something about the Democrats pressing for getting the troops home and ending the war and Bush vetoing it. Am I just imagining things or is this really happening like all the time?!

Apparently neither the Dems nor Bush under social psychological methods of persuasion. If they would meet the opposing viewpoint almost to their extreme, and then slowly but surely progressed closer and closer to what they actually want, they would be much more successful. Neither Bush nor the House/Senate is going to want to meet on middle ground (and in a case of ending a war, I can imagine it would be sorta hard to find a middle ground) so someone just needs to be lure someone in somehow someway. Or just find middle ground and get over it. When I discovered that both the House and Senate were going to be Democrat-majority, my biggest fear was that nothing would be accomplished for this very reason.

But oh well, I guess worse things could be happening...

If only we could all just sit around and sort through things. I have to admit, as a supporter of Bush, that he did not approach the Iraqi situation in an ideal manner, but his stance now is what he believes is the best way to solve the problem. I have no idea whether or not it really is the best way; I just don't think that suddenly pulling the troops out is the answer. The Democrats want a timetable (I think, I don't really keep up with it that much so you can correct me if I'm wrong), which isn't really all that... well it's just difficult. You can't predict what's going to be happening over there in one year. So... I guess I wish the Republicans and Democrats would just spend an afternoon at Starbucks together and say ok, how can we get them out soon, without a certain time set but maybe set goals as to how this war can be ended sooner without immediate withdrawl or surrender?

Anyhow, this was not an angry post, so in return, I ask for you to not leave angry comments.

And on a different note, say a prayer for my TV Production final of doom if you don't mind. My teacher barely taught the material and the terms on the study guide really aren't in the book so... yeah... fun times... bleeeeeeeeeeeeeh... NOT!

So in case you haven't already guessd, I'm a sucker for video contests, even though I've only entered one... but I'm always wanting to enter one but don't normally have the time.

Well TobyMac has turned things around for me. He is hosting a music video contest, and I am definitely going to have to enter this one. The prize isn't nearly as impressive as a MacBookPro (that was the prize for the other one I had entered) but it will still be a good experience if nothing else. Anyhow, I think the song I'm going to do is "I'm For You". I think I can do a lot with it. So I may have to put the Facebook soap opera on hold and do this first, or do the two simultaneously... ooh wouldn't that be something? Two projects at once like a pro... Anyhow, as always, let me know if you want to help!

Tragedy does something to me. It just turns on a switch inside me and allows me to connect a different side of myself. It's easier for me to write when tragedy has striked. This is not to say that I wish for tragedy to happen often so I can write, because that would be horrible. Besides, there are other instances that I find inspirational.

But this morning I realized just how fortunate we are everyday.

I was going my usual way to campus this morning, but I didn't go very far because I was blocked by a school bus and emergency vehicles. I called my mom, who had left shortly before me, just to make sure she wasn't involed with the incident. Thankfully she had not. And I thought about it. Today is the eighth anniversary of Columbine. A similar tragedy struck Virginia just Monday. A wreck happened less than a mile down from where I live. Anyone could have been involved. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Anyone I know can go at any time.

And they have. Ellen Dent left us on January 9, 2004, and Bruce Gilley left us August 20 of that same year. I didn't know either of them extremely well, but what interaction I had with them was meaningful, and their passings grieved me. I don't know anyone near VA Tech, but I mourn for them. I empathize with them. Shortly after Columbine I read books about a couple of the different victims and felt a connection with one of them that made me feel as if she was a long lost friend.

I hope each and every one of you knows that I love you. And I mean it. With all my heart. Maybe one day I will take the time to tell you how much and what about you specifically. But today just know that you are loved.

I don't know how much longer it's going to take me to write my novel. But I am very inspired now. I hope it continues. But without tragedy. Instead I would like a constant reminder running through my head, how very fortunate we all are to be here today.

School violence is something that has really stuck with me since Columbine. Not too long after the instance I begin to write a novel about a high school shooting that I am still struggling with as I try to give the message of the story justice (although I am resorting to writing a screenplay since I find that much easier and would rather make a movie). Now, it seems more personal because I am a college student just like these kids that just died. I know many of you feel the same way, so let's just continue to lift them up in our prayers.

I thought I disliked directing and liked editing.

I have changed my mind.

If I am truly passionate about a project and feel confident about it, I think directing and I could get along.

Meanwhile... editing is tough... ha ha... I still like to a degree, I mean, it's really neat to put everything together, but it sure is super frustrating. So maybe that isn't the direction I want to head.

I'm starting to think the writing/producing thing is really for me, and possibly some directing... but not so much editing... I just have these stories in my head that I want to share...

But then again, I do like the control... hmm... well I guess I have some time to figure it all out. I might turn a couple of my summer projects to other people for editing and see how that works out for me.

Speaking of summer projects, I think the first one I'll be working on is a soap opera based on the drama of Facebook. The second will probably be a spoof of various movies. After that or between those two I might try a serious music video.

Oh yeah, and does anyone know a super flexible place I could work at for a second job (for the summer only)? I would want to work only like 10 to 15 hours this week, want a few weeks in the summer off, never/rarely ever work weekends, and avoid food and retail at all costs. Yes, I am asking for the impossible. So do have any ideas...?

Happy Easter, everyone!

I must admit, I'm not in much of a mood for deep or reflective thought, but I have to say that I have never, ever been moved by the music in a Sunday morning service as I have today. EVER. In fact, I honestly have a really hard time focusing on the music at all on Sunday mornings. Does anyone else have this problem? Why is it easier to worship on Wednesday nights at AO than Sunday mornings at church? Is it because on Sunday mornings I don't feel as free? Is it because at AO I am among my peers, and thus feel more comfortable? Is it because I just don't like the music as much?

Well anyhow, it was just awesome this morning... it was a great reminder of the reason for this holiday that I take for granted after 20.5 years in church and almost 14 years as a Christian.

So on a completely different note, I have my schedule for fall (as long as I don't change my mind, which is entirely possible). Here are my classes (excluding Single Camera Directing and Producing, which I am still waiting to get approval for):

MW:
-Principles of Marketing
-Social Psychology of Close Relationships
-Abnormal Psychology

TR:
-Media and Messages
(And hopefully Single Cam!)

F:
-Principles of Marketing

On MW I am avaliable at 11 for lunch, TR are still up in the air, and on Fridays I am good either before or after Marketing class.

Here's a list of video projects I would like to work on this summer. Quality is more important to me than quantity, so I don't plan on getting them all done, but if you're interested in helping out, especially with acting but also with behind-the-scenes crew work just let me know and I will love you forever. I really want to make more movies and get more experience before my class next semester, which is supposed to be more challenging than what I am used to...

-A murder mystery (a script I have been working on)
-A spoof of EVERYTHING (Lord of the Rings, Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars, and pretty much everything else)
-A movie based on the book Rebecca (I did this in tenth grade and really want to do it again with my improved movie making skills and editing techniques)
-Star Trek spoof (showing the nerdy side)
-Any other original script I can think of to write...
-And music videos, including but not limited to the songs "Slipped Away" by Avril Lavigne and "You're Beautiful" by Paul Wright

Good call, Ryan...

Too bad though it just gives the kid more attention.

This is my first time to follow American Idol, and quite frankly, I am not too happy about it these days. While people were concerned about Simon's ultra mean remarks to the crazies at auditions, I didn't care. And when Brandon, whom I loved dearly and expected to see in the Top 5 was kicked off, I tried not to care. And then week after that... but now, it's gone too far. First Brandon, then Stephanie, and now CHRIS SLIGH?! You've GOT to be kidding me, America. With Phil Stacey, the best male vocalist in the competition in the bottom three, and there's Sanjaya looking on? No way...

I've never been into network television, but because this is potentially the field I am entering, however, I am trying to give it a shot. American Idol seemed to be the best thing on. But man, the voting's jacked up... I didn't want to be one of those fans who felt they had to vote, but now I think I'm going to have to start voting just to keep anyone good on the show!

So here's my deal with the whole Sanjaya thing... the kid's getting a ton pf publicity. He's still on the show because people ARE making a big deal about him. And people are making a big deal because "awww, he's so cute and Simon's so mean to him", and "wow, did you see that new do?!". Seriously, that kid has got to have a publicist now that must be telling him to do these things to get attention. And it's working. Too well.

Simon may be a jerk, but he's right sometimes, and American Idol is a singing competition. But it's turning into a popularity contest, which is sad. But it's just like everything else in life I suppose...

And that's frustrating to me. Sometimes it seems like talent doesn't even matter. Sometimes personality doesn't even matter. It's just status. If someone is somehow popular, then they're golden, and all eyes are on them. It's just ridiculous...

So yeah, why am I surprised by this whole American Idol gimmick? I've seen it present everywhere. It's how the Homecoming Queen gets chosen. It's how the class president gets chosen. Everything's a popularity contest. Is that the way it's going to be in the "real world" when I'm graduating college and trying to get a job? I sure hope not. I hope people actually evaluate me for my ability, my personality, and my ability to get along with others, and not for meeting some status quo.

But anyhow, I don't everyone to think that I'm bitter about anything, and I especially don't want anyone to think that I don't like popular people at all, or that every single election or contest turns in favor of the most popular person, but it's there a lot... and I'm just rambling... But anyhow, if you watch American Idol at all, and if you ever vote, just think about who actually deserves to win.