The last final/royal wedding/Sarah’s home!/craft days

My last final is a portfolio of two short stories from my Fiction class. I’m kind of going out on a limb and re-writing one. As of right now, it’s very linear, sentimental, and isn’t as depressing as my other one. Believe it or not, I fear this will work against me.

But its flowing from my finger tips, and when these things are on a roll, I best not disturb them.

***

This evening I finally get to watch the royal wedding! I keep hearing tid-bits about how amazing Kate looked/is so I’m excited to finally see the big event. I even heard The Doctor was at the wedding. British Win!

***

Sarah’s home for her very short summer break. Sometime’s its hard to believe she’s been out of my life for months.

***

Danielle and I have decided that we will meet once a week to have hardcore crafting days. Because I lack drive to get a full time job (my time for that rubbish will come soon enough!) I’d really like to invest more time in creating things. I’ve decided it’s time to pull out the old sewing machine and start quilting again. So if you know anyone who wants a custom quilt, I’m your girl.

Crafting days will also give me something to blog about. Because as of right now, my life is very bland.

Wedding time

I am trying my HARDEST not to accidentally see any wedding pictures until after I watch the actual ceremony—tomorrow night. Possible? Hopefully.

Me and some dear friends are going all out… Making cake, wearing tiaras, lots of Kleenex.

I think there’s something in every girl that wants that grand wedding. Every couple of decades, we get to live it vicariously through real princesses.

Why is Anna Smiling?

Yeah, I look like a crazy person.

Buuutttt, today was my last day on campus. All I have to do now is two writing assignments (which should be decently easy) then wham bam, thank you Peg. I am finished!

 

WAHOO!

Reading through the Bible—things that stand out

I’ve downloaded a New American Standard Version of the Bible onto my kindle, and I really enjoy reading scripture on this electronic tablet. I’m starting over, from the beginning. And here are some of the interesting passages from Genesis that have caught my eye:

“The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” (Gen 1:2)

This concept of “the deep” really baffles me. I wonder if there is any connection between that and “deep calls out to deep.” So I took it to the internet and found my answer at yahoo.answers:

“  Creation began when the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, and darkness lay on the face of the deep (tehom; same word). In Romans 8 we read about creation groaning and suffering anxiously from longing for the revelation of the sons of God, and we must recognize that in the private ardor of Psalm 42, the voice of the entire universe resounds, perhaps even as primary intend. But that's far from all.

In verse 9, the author likens God distinctively to the opposite of water: a rock. "The figure of God as a rock becomes typical for the New Testament teachings relative to Christ's person and walk - 1 Pet 2:6; 1 Cor 10:4" (TWOTOT, page 627), and our attention is drawn to Jesus Christ. Remarkable, because where the Psalmist states, "I will say to God, my Rock, "Why hast Thou forgotten Me?"," Jesus cried from the cross, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mat 27:46).

Dying the way Jesus did is a pretty hard death. There is some debate about His actual posture, but everyone agrees that His arms were stretched, and placed either sideways or straight up. The result of this is that the chest cavity expands and exhaling is made difficult. After a while, breathing is impossible and Jesus' actual cause of death was exhaustion and asphyxia. This makes the report of His dying by Matthew and Mark highly remarkable, if not boldly referential, "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit" (Matt 27:50); "And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed His last" (Mark 15:37).

"Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty" (John 19:28)." NAS links this to Psalm 22:15. Others to 69:21. But perhaps Jesus thought of Psalm 42:7, and its incredible extent of profundity, and Deep cried out to Deep.”

Thank you some person named Paulette.

Genesis 2 states: “²¹The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.”

The unfortunate truth about reading an English translation of scripture is that it lacks the same detail as original. “Garments of skin”? Did he actually create the stretchy epidermis in that moment, or was the skin from another creature? GOOGLE TIME!

In another English version, they are a little more liberal with detail and say “tunic of skins.” According to an article from the Lavista Church of Christ’s site, “The Hebrew word translated as "skin" is 'owr which means hide or leather.”

So my human skin hypothesis was wrong.

A couple of chapters into Genesis, the lineage and _______ bequeathed _______ at _______ years old starts to take over. I used to find these passages langweilig, but now I find them fascinating. These people’s names are in the Bible. They are important, so pay attention. The section in Genesis 6 titled: “The Wickedness in the World” caught my attention. Why? Because I am currently in conspiracy theorist mode, and feel like the 2011 world culture is in the pits.

Sad, but true.

Reading that God was actually regretful of his decision to make humans kind of stung. I am of the belief that he knows every potential outcome, and no action is a surprise to him. Why now, here, in this portion of scripture does it reveal that God was troubled.

Then something stuck out to me:

“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”

That is the man that God saved. Noah’s culture was wicked and inclined to do evil, but because he lived righteously, blamelessly and faithfully God was inclined to preserve his life.

This was kind of convicting because I realize that the first three adjectives I’d use to describe my character are not in line with those. And that is a result of my decisions not to live like that.

Oh Genesis! You make me uncomfortable!

This is how we study

Grab the jellybeans, it's gonna be a late night

Oh me, oh my.

Last night I realize I had a writing assignment due tonight--not a week from tonight. Here's praying that I can hone all of my proofreading skills to shape this 80 page screenplay into a read to behold.

While I wrote the final scene around midnight, I don't feel settled about where the script drops off. These characters have been through so much. Is it satisfactory to feed them sushi and send them off on their merry ways?

And do you know if stress makes nails brittle? Mine won't stop breaking. Its very annoying.

Putting it Together

Happy Easter everyone!

The unfortunate thing about Easter happening the day before finals begin is that the celebration an hoopala is overshadowed by a slightly panicked am I read for finals to begin??

Right now I’m working on my chap book for an editing class. I’ve spent the entire semester working on a friend’s story, and today its finally becoming a printed treasure. I’m petrified. Its been copyedited, line edited, proofread x2, but I’m still a little apprehensive.

Look at what a mess I’ve made!

 

The Fall Schedule Saga Continues…

Remember how I was gushing about the ArtsBridge program?

As soon as I clicked “publish” things went downhill.

I received an email from my old English teacher that expressed that while she had looked forward to working with my in the program, the school’s administration wasn’t interested in hosting any interns. This was really hard news, because at this point, ArtsBridge was the eggs and the basket perched precariously on top on top of my fence of security. As soon as my plans toppled, I became angry because why would a publish school reject college educated volunteers who were willing to do whatever it took to help struggling students learn. This further fueled my dislike how the modern educational is being run, but I will not dwell on that because clearly they don’t want anyone’s help.

Yes, my pride is still a little hurt by that door slamming in my face.

But recently, God hasn’t left doors closed for long without indicating another way “in.” Its funny, because even as I type this I realize that I might have been knocking on the wrong house’s door.

I went to speak to a University faculty member about the internship, and what the next step would be if I were to continue pursuing the program. Its difficult to get really involved with University affiliated programs because I have such a long commute. But my last semester is this fall, so I was kind of willing to sacrifice.

“You know, I’m not sure ArtsBridge is what you really want…” The faculty member said. At first, I was a little taken aback, because I had my heart set on something. But I could tell by the enthusiastic smirk across her face that she had something to propose.

And she did. There is a second program at the University that is essentially ArtsBridge minus the restraints of an educational establishment. Use arts, writing and creativity to help whomever you want. I could go into a grade school and teach poetry. I could facilitate creative writing workshops in nursing homes. She explained that in this second program, I have all the control; and because of my “go getter” attitude it would be perfect for me.

Talk about taking my cheap old plastic pearls and replacing them with the real deal.*

I felt on top of the world after hearing this news. I just wish that I could have this kind of luck in the whole car situation. We’ve got a lead on a car, but honestly, I’m struggling to keep optimistic about it. I believe words have power, but I also have a habit of setting my expectations low with the hopes of avoiding disappointment.

My fingers are crossed.

 

*My dad told me this parable when I was a kid. I’ll write the whole thing down tomorrow. Its a great object lesson.  

She throws herself on the bed and sobs

(This is how Disney has taught me to cope with my emotions.)

I think once school is over, I’m going to lock myself in my room and watch a whole lotta Disney movies. My life (as of late) seems almost manic depressive—one moment things are great, so high, so wonderful. The next moment, everyone flakes and I’m just left tapping my foot, counting down the days till I’m a little less dependant on the man, the car, the school… Maybe I’ll never shake the need, but I’d like to think that independence is a stone’s throw away.

End of Semester To Do List

It's that time again! I need to get listy, then turn off the internet.

But first, a little advice from Tim:

Will do Tim!

1. Make ready-to-print mock book. Proofread.
2. Line edit Character Sketch
3. Revise short story till it's outta the park
4. Finish script.
5. Line edit script. (Due Monday)
6. Write detailed log of Cypress Dome involvement, reading series
7. Work on handbook
8. Write writing reflection memo, find original professor feedback. Gee, i wished I was more organized.
9. Monday: final editing project due. Wednesday = exam.
10. Meet with ArtsBridge professor Wendesday
11.

Fantastical Fate

I cannot go another night without confessing the really fantastical things that are happening.

I decided  to graduate in the fall. This was a major step in faith, because I thought being the CD Managing Editor was door I was supposed to walk through. But I didn’t feel a peace about it. One of the stranger things about believing there’s a God of the universe, is knowing that he’s got a still small voice inside of us all that intuitively communicates with us. That still small voice, that intuition, was saying don’t do it. So I said, “God, why? It would be crazy to turn this down.”

My heart had reasons reason knew not of.

Once I had relented that path, a bright light illuminated another one: ArtsBridge UCF. ArtsBridge is a program that gives students opportunities to go into schools (in my case, a high school) and teach/tutor once a week for a semester. Its an internship, basically. That little voice said to give it a try, so I did. But I had some bases to cover before I got the “go ahead.”

Firstly, I needed to see if I hadn’t missed the deadline.

Secondly, I needed to see if I could work at a local high school.

No joke, within the first hour after sending my query emails I received one back from the ArtsBridge director saying that the program was still accepting applicants. Woo!

Then the waiting game started for my second response. I knew FCAT was happening at the time, so teachers weren’t going to respond for a couple of days. Which I guess was okay. But I really like to get quick responses on things.

Later that afternoon, I craved egg rolls. The New Peking close to my house has some SUPERB eggrolls, and they’re cheap. So I threw on my hoodie and brushed my wet hair and got me some egg rolls. As I stepped out of the restaurant, I heard someone frantically calling, “Anna, ANNA! Anna!!”

It was my favorite English teacher from High school. Not only had she received my email about ArtsBridge, but she really wanted me to intern at the school.

Can I get a holy cow? I mean an AMEN.

So it’s really happening. I’m graduating this fall.

But wait, more fantastical events occurred.

Remember the time I wanted to own a coffee shop? I might have not made a big deal about it on here, but in the flesh, I was determined. I thought that any shop opened after 8 in this little town is bound to be a success—but I didn’t have the capital to start it so I kind of let the dream fizzle. I’ve been kind of dreamless for a month and a half.

Saturday, I was painting at a local teen-community center (its fairly new, they’re still trying to organize and put together the building) and I struck up a nice conversation with one of the organization’s leaders. She asked me about my degree, what I wanted to do…that kind of generic talk. I explained that while I am a creative writing major, my desire is to own a little shop and write while I serve customers. But that it was just a dream, and I’d probably up graduating and working a zillion jobs until I find something else.

“We want to open a cafe downstairs. Do you want to run it?” she asked.

“Seriously yo?”

I asked her if it would be a paid position, and she said it would be. Right now they’re in the planning stages, but if I am interested I can attend some planning meetings.

So the job isn’t set in stone, but the fact that within ten minutes of meeting this stranger my dream of owning a coffee shop was realized and possibly answered makes me think that God’s kind of interested in what’s happening in this little life of mine right now.

I still have a list of “desires” for the near future. I desire a car. I desire to move into a house with my best mate. I desire for the heavens to split open, choirs to sing and Mr. Right to reveal himself. If in ONE WEEK God can open two fantastical doors, I’m sure he can provide for the other desires of my heart. In due time.

Murphy’s Law

 (My primary source of transportation…)

You know those miserable comedies where the plot is a series of torturous events concentrated on one character?  I hate them.

But Friday, it happened to me.

First it happened before my alarm clock went off…When someone busted into my room and told me I had to take my sister to school if I wanted a car to drive to work today. Because sleep is precious, I gave her the car and opted to ride my bike to work.

After ten minutes of fussing with my bike lock, I gave up and stashed the bike in a corner of the gymnasium. Hopefully, no kid would steal it. No one did, so I guess that was a plus. But I DID see a dead rodent of sorts as I was dragging it in doors. Death has a really unpleasant odor.

My boss was sick, so she was gone. My Friday cook was gone, so she had a replacement. Basically, I was the only regular. 45 minutes into the day, our tea machine broke. This is a big deal, because not only are we FAMOUS for our sweet tea, but junior high gets really upset when you don’t give them their mid-afternoon caffeine spike. I had been prepping the pizza when I heard my co-worker Jennifer holler, “Umm, help guys!” Jennifer is one of those amazing people whose tones of voice it always chill. She could be freaking out about winning the lottery, but her tone of voice would sound like she had given her kids permission to go to the park. Its a welcome balance to my insanity.

So, she is calling for our assistance because the machine will not stop running the water. Watery tea was everywhere and we had to keep rotating giant containers to collect all of the water.

That put us behind schedule.

Then we had lots of food options for the kids, and in case you are wondering, options make the job a little more strenuous. Not stressful, just more work. Its hard enough to get 10 kindergartners to decide between applesauce and pineapple, now add in pizza, shephard’s pie, tater-tots, ketchup or not, cookies or cookies in a cloud, and don’t forget to put your lunch ticket in the basket…thanks sweetie.

The tea machine fixers came and helped us out with our liquid problem. However, during that process they had to shut off the water—which mean no dish washing!  We had a massive pile of dishes, bowls and trays by lunch time and had no guarantee we could wash them after lunch. There is a constant fear of inspection in the kitchen. Not because we are sloppy, we always do great during inspections, but they don’t spare you demerits (or whatever they do as punishment for non-perfection!) because someone else’s machine is broken and you can’t do dishes.

Even though everything seemed to be going wrong, there was a great spirit of comradery the entire day. Stress makes some people angry, shut down, recluse… I think stress at work just makes me silly. When the final bell rang and the kids went back their classrooms, we sang “It is Finished.” Thankfully, by that time the water had turned back on.

I thought that Murphy’ Law would stop after I rode my bike home. But it followed me. As I tried to nap, there were so many distractions. My dear, dear, sister started screaming my name when I finally reached REM cycle and I was forced to leave the couch and put on my “Super Sister” cape to attend to whatever was killing her. It was only her foot in a puddle of blood.

.  .

My exacto knife had fallen on her foot. It was just a flesh wound, but she’s a gusher. I’ve got to stop leaving my craft supplies within the reach of children.

The Mush Diet

I wonder how much weight I could lose if I only consumed products that didn't require hard chewing. I love mashed sweet potatoes and sugar free vanilla pudding, I might just have to invent a new fad diet.

Are you with me? Let's get mushy!


(believe it or not, I have more intelligent things to say.)

Do you ever...

I time everything. I just recently realized this.

This morning, I set my alarm for 7:50AM knowing that I really didn't need to get out of bed until eight. After I took a shower, I looked at the clock and told myself you've got however many minutes between now and 8:20 to surf the internet. So within that time, I drank my coffee and sat. After that, I knew it would take about five minutes to do my hair and makeup, seven or so to get dressed, and then leave for work after that. Everything was perfectly portioned.

Then I lost my eyelash curler.

But that's not what I'm writing about.

When I'm trying to decide to do something ("should I make flowers?" "should I watch another episode of Arrested Development?") I always wait until the half hour or the end of an episode...

I just realized how strange I sound. Its just quirky.

Danielle took this shot while we were shooting a wedding. It was my first time holding a real bouquet.

The bride just handed it to me and said, "see you in a bit." I felt like I was on a mission. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

And this is a little more candid. I was probably thinking about love, or something. :)

Blogging makover

Because I’ve been dry on content, I decided to give the blog a makover. It’s not finished, but it’ll have to do for now.

Anyone know a web designer who has nothing better to do than to pimp my blog? Just curious.

Life is actually a positive experience

Anyone who wishes to convince me otherwise with get a handfull of glitter blown into their face.

Good news:
1. I got a summer job!
2. God has given me clarity about what I'm supposed to do this fall!
3. I am graduating this fall!
4. Long dresses are the most comfortable things in the world!
5. I don't mind letting my hair dry au-natural!
6. This coffee is delicious!

Testify.