So as some of you may already know, I was not too happy with a little company called Sony after an incident last fall with Switchfoot CDs. My anger had finally subsided some, but alas, now Sony has done it again - at least to me. My $400 camera that I got last spring as an early graduation gift now has a broken zoom. Yeah, it's barely over a year old. And the zoom is broken. Guess what? Sony wants my family to pay them $200 to fix it. No way am I paying that... grrr... what makes them think that sort of customer service is going to make me willing to buy anything from them ever again?

So yeah... I guess I need a new camera. Bummer. Anna Miller, I wish you better luck and happiness with your new Sony camera than I ever had with mine.

Mom said I can play with her Nikon for a while though. It's not digital but it is very nice.

I also start my summer school class next Monday. Whoo hoo I can hardly wait (note the sarcasm in my typing... lol...)

On a more positive note...

So something that is muy bueno is the video contest I was going to enter now has an extended deadline to turn in the video. The only downside to this is that I think it was extended because no one was turning in videos... and I would have had a much better chance of winning... oh well... lol... since I have more time now, maybe I should invest a bit in editing software that isn't Window Movie Maker. If you have any suggestions please let me know. And I need an external DVD burner as well...

Why are my interests expensive?

Don't forget about the events this weekend, mentioned in my previous entry.

Theory of the day: MTSU gets less money than UT, even though MT is a bigger school. If MTSU got the money it actually needed, MTSU employees would be happier. In return, they would be more helpful to the students and we would be happier too.

Quote of the day (actually yesterday): "I have the imagination of a squirrel." -Amy Bonin

*Damascus Road concert Friday night at 7:30. This will be held at Salt and Pepper's garage (yes, they have a garage) and The Garrett Shaw will be filling in as bassist.
*Belle Aire's drama "The Hiding Place" will be Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 6. I have two parts and only one line between them. But it's a great story, and Brian is a very mean Nazi soldier. Ashley screams a lot in one scene. So come check it out!

First off, would anyone else agree that they do not like the combination of 90 degree weather and heavy traffic when running on E?

In other news, I feel like everyone is getting engaged. I have three friends from Texas, two of them who are barely older than me, that are recently engaged. Not to mention the people from Murfreesboro that have been engaged for a time now, including the very-soon-to-be-wed Nathan and Rachael.

Hodge and Jeff's party tonight... yay... I'm glad they're back!

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! I'll definitely have to check some of those out!

Being the most remarked entry two days in a row is also pretty awesome...

If you wanted to act in my music video, I think I am totally changing what I want to do... like the story and the song... But I could still use some footage. If you're interested and are avaliable anytime on Friday, leave me a remark and let me know what time you are avaliable and I'll try to figure something out. Thanks!

*EDIT* So my mom and I were just having a conversation about how you can't trust people who go by three names, like Lee Harvey Oswalt and John Wilkes Booth. Then my dad pipes in: "Hillary Rodham Clinton". :)

First off, I wanted to let MTSU academic scholarship students that have to do scholarship work know that I forgot one bit of advice for them yesterday: do not work in the honors college building. And the human sciences department is a good place to work. Garrett doesn't like his work at the LRC. Business office is also a good place. I bet most anything in mass comm would be good. But beyond that I don't know.

Secondly, I want all the bookworms to give me advice of what to read this summer. I am finishing up Pride and Prejudice and need more reading material. I'm mostly interested in classics, and also any good Christian fiction. No sci-fi (well, maybe some... like classic sci-fi), horror, or romance (like the written version of porn kind) please. Thanks!

This is the first time I get to feel old as I pass down wisdom and advice to graduating high school seniors. My first bit is just advice to all in general, and then I want to specifically address those going to MTSU.

And so to all seniors...
1.) Learn about your professors before you take them. This may very well save you.
2.) Don't stress out too much, but do work hard. Study the material in-depth, but don't do it all in one late-night cramming session. You may not do well on your first tests, but be assured that you will eventually do better and your semester grade will probably end up being better than you imagined it would.
3.) Do not go to either of these common-among-freshman extremes: either going wild and crazy, get drunk all the time, and skipping classes; nor fall prey to over-achivement, afraid-you-won't-make-it, gotta study your brains out extreme.
4.) Just because you can skip class, it doesn't mean you should. There are actually some teachers that do require attendance and not attending will greatly affect your grade, and not just because of the information you missed. It is also to your benefit to be in the class and hearing the lecture and taking your own notes instead of copying someone else's later. Many teachers also give students extra credit if they have perfect attendance or if they attend on certain days of the semester. Attendance can make a big difference in what your final letter grade is - trust me.
5.) College tests are different than high school tests. I can't explain it, but you'll experience it and learn to cope with it.
6.) You can change your major - so don't freak out if you change your mind. I have a friend who's the same year as me and she has changed her major four times this year - and that's ok.
7.) College is just different over all. I can't explain this one either. In college, no one is popular. There isn't a bunch of political garbage going on. It's just different. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
8.) Don't be discouraged by a first bad day, week, month, or semester. Give it time to adjust.
9.) Start attending AO on Wednesday nights this Wednesday at 6:00 at the church's pavillion (unless it rains, then in the AO space).
10.) Have fun! Get involved with something! Get plugged into a great college ministry (AO if you're staying here) and find a way to get involved on campus as well.
11.) Facebook is cool. Check it out at facebook.com. If you have a high school account, get a college account.
12.) You can change your schedule around before the semester starts (and for a couple of days after as well).
13.) Don't be afraid of your professors. Most of them are willing to help if you don't understand something, need some extra credit, etc. Just speak up and confide in them, because it works.
14.) People who didn't talk to you in high school may suddenly speak to you if they see you on campus. Count on it.

To those going to MTSU...
1.) Mtsureview.com is your new best friend. Cherish it. But also, evaluate the GPA and absenses missed by those who write the reviews, because some of them are just stupid. Also consult friends. I'll be glad to share about my professors and classes.
2.) Accept now that nothing at MTSU makes sense. Period.
3.) If you hate science, hold out for an astronomy class. Only take geology if you're miserable at science, and if you do, take it with a friend to help you stay awake. Also be sure you take Collins for lab. Don't take biology unless you're required to.
4.) If you can, take honors classes. They're not harder in the least bit. They're smaller and more interesting as a general rule, but it can depend on the professor. A couple of them do take it too seriously or not seriously enough, so be sure to check out your professor before signing up for one.
5.) Make a friend at Customs, otherwise you'll be bored. Just strike up a converstaion with someone and hang out with them. I made a friend at Customs and we still talk to each other.
6.) If you want to challenge yourself in an English class, take Therrien. She's tough but she's amazing. I would take her again in a heartbeat and I hope to one day.
7.) Go to AO. I can't stress it enough.

And for the rising seniors...
1.) High school is overrated but senior year really is great. Make the most of it. Take a zillion pictures to capture it all.
2.) Take a healthy balance of easy classes and harder classes. Don't stress out or freak out too much, especially your second semester. If you can aide, even for just one semester, do it, because it's awesome.

That's what I leave you... take it to heart!

I am back.

And I am tan.

Here are some highlights of the trip:

The nice place we stayed at

Palm trees

The pool

Celebrating two years with Garrett on May 16

The local wildlife

Clint visiting us

Putt putt

The beach

The weather
and...
monopolizing the galaxy in Star Wars Monopoly, shopping, hanging out, and too many other random happenings to mention here...

I'll be back Thursday!!! Don't forget to leave me a comment if you can help out with my video next week. Thanks and see y'all later! I'll be sure to take pictures! 

This information is for those who showed interest in helping me with my music video or think they may be interested:

Props needed:
-Full-length mirror (I have one but I would rather use a nice one)
-Framed picture of girl and her ex-boyfriend (I have lots of frames - just need the picture)
-Two different jackets or a shirt and a jacket – one needs to be on hanger – jacket she wears needs a hood – preferably plain and black
-Messenger bag (just bought one tonight for personal use that we can use)
-At least two flowers - dasies
-Paper airplane(s) Places needed:
-Girl's bedroom
-Stairs of hallway where girl sneaks past fighting parents
-Front door of girl's house
-School bathroom
-School classroom
-Wherever girl goes – random street, etc.
-Wherever I get random shots from
-Wherever guy and girl talk

People:
I have Ashley, Zach, Ben, and Katie jotted down to help me to fill in my bigger roles. I can definitely use some extras. I need some people to bully the main guy around. I also need some random people for a part of the song without lyrics. I was going to have different people going through various struggles. For example, I already have a shot of a girl contemplating killing herself with pills, and another one with a girl upset with her homework grade. I need people to help me with other things like that. I would really like two adults (one man, one woman) to help me out by arguing with one another, but I can probably work around it. However, I think the video would be effective with it.

I'm going to be gone all next week so I need to start shooting things the week after next, and I'll be on a time crunch. Please let me know if you can help with anything. The song is called "Take Hold" by Shawn McDonald in case you want to look up the lyrics or buy the song off iTunes. Thanks again for those willing to help.

-Cable internet (just got it)
-Vacations (have one coming up)
-Musicals (going to see one tonight)
-Bella Optical (they just gave me the most amazing contacts ever today)
-My friends (because y'all are just awesome)

I'm so excited that I have to share the news!!!! I still have my 4.0!!!! That is 110% the grace of God because I really thought that history class was going to mess me up! Before the final my average was an 85, so I had a few extra credit points and the final of doom to make it or break it. Something went right. And I am thankful for it. There is no way I'm doing this was done in my own strength. I have decided, however, that this next semester I will seriously chill out. And I want all my MTSU friends to hold me accountable to this. I want to dedicate some time to doing what I love: video production. I really want to get involved and get some experience. I plan to take 13 hours next semester (once I get my schedule changed around to what I really want) so I will have a little less stress. I also want to not freak out over every little thing. And if I make a B or two next semester, that's fine. I want to totally trust God and let Him do some cool stuff in my life. He's really given me much more than I deserve.

The only thing worse than having dial-up Internt is not having Internet at all. BellSouth cut my family off early, but on Friday we will have Comcast Internet. And the angels will sing, and it will be a day of bliss. But yay for Internt at MTSU so I don't feel completely disconnected.

I totally rocked on my EMC final, at least I think I did. I felt pretty good about it. I think I have an A in that class. So the only class I'm really concerned about is history. But realy, if I get a B in there, who cares? One B in two semesters is an accomplishment. No one expects me to be perfect except for me, and that's just silly.

Thanks so much for those who expressed interest in my video. I will give y'all more info soon, and if anyone else wants to help I can definitely use extras. I've got the main roles covered though. I want to start next week possibly, but we'll see how that goes.

I get to go to Destin the week after next! I can hardly wait! I really need this kind of vacation after this semester... and year...

I'm sick of all the illegal immigration stuff...

Ok, I ought to study for history now so I won't bomb the final tomorrow...

Yes, I am buttering you up. If any of you are willing to spend the next month helping me with my music video, I will be eternally grateful. I really need people who will be willing to act. This is for a contest I'm entering and I have to send it in the in the middle of June. I don't have any ideas yet, but I'm going to start planning ASAP and let you know what I need...

I've had so many different thoughts and feelings and emotions these past few days. Yesterday and Sunday were both very hard days for me to get through, but I have survived this week thus far. Today was the last day of classes for us folks at MTSU, and it's a nice feeling. I am so thankful because I only have two final exams, but of course they are in my two hardest classes, and in the two classes that I'm concerned about (classes that I could get an A or B in, largely depending on how I do the final.)

So yes, if anyone wishes to hold a prayer vigil for Wednesday's EMC final of doom and for Thursday's history final of even greater doom feel free to.

I also just dropped my summer Orientation to Art class and added Intro to Music. I think I'll like it more.

This summer I want to: read books, write, and make music videos and/or movies.

Or am I? I'm doing 15 songs instead of 30 because wow... that's a lot. Here we go, you should now the drill by now, tell me the ones you know:

1.) "Close your eyes, try to imagine a world full of heavenly love, it's a dream you can't abandon, Jesus is counting on us, one little touch could be all it takes..."
2.) "Wonderful, so wonderful, is your unfailing love, your cross has spoken mercy over me, no eye has seen, no ear has heard..." -"Beautiful One" - Jeremy Camp
3.) "When I made up my mind, and my heart along with that, to live not for yourself, you forgot somebody said..." -"Getting Into You" - Relient K
4.) "Columbine, flower bloom, tenderly I sing to you, Columbine, rose blood red, heartache overflows my head..." - "Friend of Mine (Columbine)" - Jonathon & Stephen
5.) "No more days slipping through my hands, no more wasted minutes, come too far to deny my heart this dream I hold inside, I want to know the depths of God's love..."
6.) "Barren land come overflow with life and freedom... oh... barren land with labor and soil..."
7.) "She was walking in the garden one day when a snake slithered around her feet, follow me to this tree and I'll give you something good to sure, well I'm not sure, I don't know, I don't think it is right..."
8.) "I'm falling out of grace with the world they say I've lost my mind and everything I've turned to gold has now turned to rust..." - "Falling Out" - Relient K
9.) "Lights go out and I can't be... and I tried to swim again... I begging please... shooting an apple off my head... singing... ahhhh..."
10.) "Living in my own world, didn't understand, that anything can happen, when you take a chance, I never believed in, what I couldn't see..." - "Start of Something New" - High School Musical
11.) "Great is your faithfulness O God, you wrestle with the sinner's heart, You lead us by still waters into mercy, and nothing can keep us apart, so remember your people, remember your children, remember your promise O God..." - "Your Grace is Enough" - Chris Tomlin
12.) "Rain rain on my face, hasn't stopped raining for days, my world is a flood, slowly I become, one with the mud..." - "Flood" by Jars of Clay
13.) "Up to my ears in bitter tears, I can't believe I sunk this low, as I walk the plankton... you said north I headed south... I'm sleeping with fishes here..."
14.) "In the days we were swinging from the trees, I was a monkey, stealing honey from a swarm of bees, I could taste, I could taste you even then..."
15.) "Hello, good morning, how do you do, what makes the rising sun so new, I could use a fresh beginning, all of my regrets are nothing new, so this is the way that I say I need you, this is the way..." - "Learning to Breathe" - Switchfoot

I'm sorry that three of these songs you may have never heard - one is pretty darn indie but is on a CD I'm sure some of you have and two are from the same group that I'm sure none of  you listen to... all songs are male performers, except one song is a female/male duet. I don't know how that happened... ha ha... Good luck...

In case you haven't already seen the most remarked photo of the day, here's Brian's new cut:

In other news, I'm actually not stressed about the paper, presentation, and speech I have due Monday. Hmmm... maybe tomorrow.

And I now own the movie Pride and Prejudice. *Happiness!*

Quote of the week:
*Before speech class*
Dustin: I actually took a women's studies class one semester.
Me: Were you the only girl in there?
*Dustin, Katie, and Garrett just look at me, and I am oblivious to what I have said*
Garrett: Don't you mean wasn't he the only guy in there?
Me: Oh yeah... yeah... I'm so sorry!
Dustin: That's ok; it's much funnier when you say it that way.

So I remember an instance from elementary school when the lights went out. In a twist of fate, however, one of my classmates had randomly felt like she should pack her flashlight that day. So we had a flashlight in class while the lights were out!

Flash forward to yesterday. I randomly felt compelled to put my iTrip in my purse, thinking that I should store it in my car in case I ever want to listen to my iPod while driving. I mean, that is why I had gotten the thing. So, I put it in my purse and what do you know, EMC class rolls around and a guy asks a question about if the FCC has to approve the FM transmitters that people use with their iPods. Dr. O'Neal said that something about FCC approval should be on there. Wow, I realized, I had my iTrip in my purse! So I took it out and looked at it, and low and behold, there is a FCC ID on the sucker. Wow. Now you know!

It's really cool how our seemingly random actions and the timing of everything we do is planned out by God. Have you ever thought of that? In fact, this morning I was driving to school and at a certain spot it was backed up. It was a wreck scene they were trying to clean up and part of me wondered if I had been there a few minutes sooner, could that have been me? And I don't mean that to sound paranoid, but thigns like that sometimes really get me to thinking...

God always knows what we need, and He provides. And that's really awesome. This is something I am really trying to live by the semester winds up here and I'm starting to feel the pressure of final grades and the impact they will have in some of classes (because I have a borderline A/B in a few of them). God knows all though, and that's comforting to me.

or else these guys will get you...

Horrible morning/afternoon:

Hence the angry post.

Dumb history test.

Wonderful evening/night:



A group of us from AO went to the McPhee's and hung out. Boy, do they know how to party!


P.S. For my friends who were planning to apply for Collage but have not sent in your application, please do so over the weekend if you're still interested and don't freak out about the letters. Just e-mail the application in and I'll talk with you about the letters if you have questions about them.