Well...

The good news is that it didn't look like something died on my head.

The bad news is that it looked like something pooped on my head.

We will try this again tonight.

Exp-hair-iment

Yeah, yeah...groan at the pun.

Anyway. I always flip out at the idea of trying something new with my hair because I'm afraid I'll get comments like "What died on your head?" So, I'm (cautiously) trying something new-ish today.

I'll put up pics later if no such comments are made.

Puntar

Last Friday, there was a sentence on the board in AP Spanish. We had taken tests a week before and Sra. Jones was determind to get them done. So she wrote-

Si no he calificado sus examenes y sus ensayos por lunes, ustedes pueden puntarme.

Which is something along the lines of-"If I don't have your essays and tests graded by Monday, you guys can kick me" She didn't have them done. So, Monday there was a little stick figure drawn bending over with the caption-

Puntarme.

We didn't puntar her.

I think I need a sign.

Si no salgo mi cabeza de las nubes y no vengo a la realidad, ustedes NECISITAN puntarme.

And somebody needs to actually do it.

Youth Night

I have come to love doingstupid stuff with my youth group. It's always fun. Stupid, mindless fun. Like bowling. I can't bowl. I know I can't bowl. Yet I can laugh when my ball goes in the gutter and my shoes make me slip and do the splits. Ow. Also, when certain guys in the youth group attempt to be Johnny Bravo-like and slide, and end up sliding off of the end of the platform. Then I laugh hysterically.

Also, when Sis.R secretly butts into pictures.

And Alison is miraculously impregnated by a bowling ball. She was carrying quite low.

Also, when we recovene at the youth leaders' house for hot fudge cookie sundaes and play Mafia. That is insane, loud, wild and crazy fun.

7 Days and Counting

So, I had a moment of flipping out. Several actually.

It has just occurred to me that in a week, I will be 18.

Yeah, I knew that.

But, then it also occurred to me that I would be a grown-up, technically, then.

Big deal. Knew that, too.

Then I realized  I would never be a kid again.

What?

What the crap?! No more being a kid? I'm a grown-up? For real?

Crap.

Happy Birthday, Sis.R!!!

Tonight we threw a birthday party for our wonderful (young) youth leader's wife. She didn't see it coming!

I would like to point out to everyone (especially Sis.R) that I did not choose the candles (although I about peed myself laughing at them),and I was just a pawn used for decorating purposes.

We abused her and made her wear a rafting helmet and feathered mask. She didn't appreciate that too much.

We had some issues with the lighter, though. The guys kept trying to melt things (like styrofoam cups) and Sis.R remarked by the end of the evening that they had melted so much and released so many fumes that it smelled like pot was burning. Not pleasant.

Another thing I would like to know. Whose idea is it to keep giving the G-man lighters?

                               

I mean seriously. Didn't we see this same scenario 2 weeks ago?

The glazed over expression? The demented smile? The spatula or feathered mask? Really, people? Who comes up with this stuff?

Shocker there...

Well here's something I just NEVER saw coming....


Also today, the sky was confirmed to be blue, stunning millions of preschoolers everywhere. "I never saw it coming!", remarked one such tot.

The Waiting Game

Did I mention that I applied to college last week?

Well, I did.

Kent State has my app and my transcript. I should hear back about that at the end of October, beginning to mid November, supposedly.

I have my app for Lambaré filled out and (pretty much) ready to go, too.

 Now all there is to do is sit and wait.

My brain is currently mush from a horrible test over Beowulf. Seriously. I wanted him to take Unherth's sword and beat MY brains out with it by the end of that. UGGGH! Excruciating, it was.

I will have more deep thoughts later.

Maybe.

Things That Will Make You Hate Your Job...

So, I'm already writing an "I'm only coming back to get my check, there is no notice, and adios" letter for work (don't ask), but now I'm really bumming out.

Dawn's kids are going back to their mom today, which is royally sucky anyway. So, I get a text at about 7:30 from Dawn-

"R u @ work?"

I told her yes and asked why. She says because Tonya wanted me to come over so she could give me kisses goodbye before going to her real mom's house.

Darn you, lattes.

We Don't Like Ike

Ok, for some reason, Blogger hates me and won't let me do my pictures the way that I want to. But here are a few of the pictures from the "mild leftovers" from Hurricane Ike that hit last night. I was at Dawn's when it hit and she didn't lose power, so we got to church to see that it was cancelled. Someone came up to me and told me that my house and car got hit by a tree (they didn't, but I didn't know that), so I , who hates storms anyway, was hysterical, which was not a good thing. Our house (and cars) aren't hurt from the storm, but our neighbors carport wasn't so lucky (I'll get pictures later of that). So, while I'm at Dawn's and have power and internet (the lack of cell service is killing me), here are a few pictures I took last night.

This is a building frame that was (key word- "was") going up. I'll bet they're glad they have insurance.

This is near my house. Which has no power. Which is part of the reason I'm not there. Not really.

 

This is the HUGE branch that fell on Dawn's house. Part of the gutter is off. Her neighbor has powerlines on his porch.

More later...

Irresponsibility...

I did something juvenile and irresponsible and messy tonight and it was fun.

That's right! I had fun!

Irresponsibility

I rarely do things that irrational and meaningless.
I may have to do it more often. But not that often. And not while wearing a white shirt.

That's Comforting, Gabri....

I love my sister, but sometimes she's just not that comforting.

She has this obsession with mermaid-style wedding gowns (I'm training her young) and we were looking at some today in the new Brides magazine that I bought at the store. Yes, it's my guilty pleasure. So sue me. Anyway. She asks me, "Sissy, what dress are you going to wear when you get married?"
"Probably a ballgown."
"Can I help you pick it?"
"Sure."
"Right now?"
"Probably not."
"Why?"
"Because I'm not getting married right now."
"You're not?"
"Um...no."
"But Mommy was 17 when she got married."
"Uh-huh. You don't have to get married when you're 17."
"When you're 18 will  you get married?"
"Probably not."
"Why?"
"Because I don't have anyone who wants to married to me. And I don't want to get married, yet."
"They don't like you?"
"Nope."
"They hate you?"
"I don't know that I'd say that."
"Sissy?"
"Yeah?"
"You need to find someone who thinks you're pretty."
"I do?"
"Yeah. Because then they won't hate you."
"Thanks."
"Sissy?"
"Yeah"
"I think you won't get married till before you're 100."
"Thanks, Noonle."
"You're welcome, Sissy."

Letter to The Washington Post

After reading about this cartoon on Tiffany's blog, I wrote my first letter to the editor ever. After seeing the cartoon, I would like to urge my readers, particularly those that are Pentecostal, to do the same.

To Whom It May Concern,


This letter is in response to an extremely offensive cartoon seen in your paper on September 9. This comic featured Sarah Palin speaking in tongues and was degrading and offensive to those of the Pentecostal faith, myself and my family included. It is completely unacceptable to publicly mock the religion of anyone, especially in such a public manner. Racial slurs and statements against lifestyles such as homosexuality are frowned upon and often not permitted in newspapers or on-line periodicals, and I find it extremely disturbing that a paper with such high regard and credibility would not be tolerant of the beliefs and practices of a religious organization.


I would like to see a retraction of the cartoon and a public apology to Pentecostals. We have the right to read your paper without being offended by such blatant intolerance.


Sincerely,


Rebecca Ryan

Wow....

One of the weirdest things in the world, I have decided, is going on a friend's MySpace, knowing that you used to do Bible Quizzing with them, knowing that they used to be your best friend, knowing that you looked up to them like a big sister, and seeing pictures of her with her new husband. They're not supposed to be MARRIED! I went to CAMP with her. We daydreamed about the same guy for yeeeears. It's insane to see that.

That, my friends, is a twilight zone moment.

I told ya..

Didn't I tell ya?

You are a Hippie

You are a total hippie. While you may not wear birks or smell of incense, you have the soul of a hippie. You don't trust authority, and you do as you please. You're willing to take a stand, even when what you believe isn't popular. You like to experiment with ideas, lifestyles, and different subcultures. You always gravitate toward what's radical and subversive. Normal, mainstream culture doesn't really resonate with you.

Are You a Hippie?

On the Bloggy War Path

I think I need to control my rage before commenting on other peoples' blogs.

This lady was talking about how horrible Palin is because she's a woman and (supposedly) biblically, women can't lead a nation. (Also, in a previous post, Deborah was refuted as an exception for this. Don't ask me why.)

Now, she's entitled to her opinion, but so am I. So I opened fire on this blog. The first part is in response to a comment on the post, so you can ignore that if you want. Also, men reading this blog, I'm not trying to degrade you in any way on this blog, and that was just a (valid) observation. Take no offense. It's not your fault that our country is in a downward spiral.

This will be the first election I’m able to vote in, and honestly, I think that some of the comments I’ve been reading are simply ridiculous.

Why isn’t it okay for a mother to work outside of the home? I’m a conservative Christian, and I have NEVER understood the idea that a woman who works can’t be a mom, too. Now, my mom stays at home, and my brother is home schooled, so I’m the only child who has been out in public schools. I love having my mother at home, but honestly, if she wanted to go and work, too, that would be great. Just because she would have a job doesn’t mean she would be neglecting her children. I know plenty of absolutely wonderful Christian mothers who work full time jobs and their children turn out great. But that’s enough of that.

As for Palin, I find her remarkable. Maybe you don’t agree with her stance on sex ed or the make-up of a family. Good for you. But the point is that those are things that are pertinent to our country right now. It does’t matter if you agree with her or not, there are still problems that need to be resolved regarding homosexuals and kids having sex. Just because we don’t agree with them, doesn’t mean that kids are going to stop having sex or homosexuals are going to stop wanting rights. She’s not running away from the issue , she’s providing realistic solutions. Which is an important trait to have in politics.


Also, being a “self-proclaimed feminist” doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. For some reason there is a stereotype out there that all feminists want to overthrow men, hold hands,and sing “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar” while burning their unmentionables. But for some people, it just means that they want to stand up for themselves and have a chance to have their say in what’s going on in politics. What better way than to go to the White House? Maybe that’s what we need. Because you seem to think that our country is in decline, maybe you should consider the fact that men having been leading the country while all that decline has been going on. Maybe we need new perspective and have more than just white men deciding what’s best for the country.
 
 

So, now, let me close with this little gem-

I Are A Collidge Stoodent

Did I mention that I'm taking a few classes at the local college here? I have my application on the table and, because I'm in high school still, the state is paying for me to go. Oh joy and gladness!

So, right now I'm looking at taking two classes this fall and at least one this winter. I think I'm going to take Ethics and Basic Principles of Business this quarter. Then, next quarter, I'm thinking about Business Law and maybe Intro to Algebra or Basic Mathematics (because a monkey is better at math than I am).

I'm extremely excited, because I already have one credit from last year, am taking another Kenyon class this year, and will have some education credits this year, too. I'm trying to stock up on all of them that I can get, just in case I have to put off college for a year to go overseas.

On a completely different note, this is how you know that your education class is full of dorky cheerleaders-

We're talking about tortured artists and someone brings up Vincent Van Gogh, who many of you know cut off his own ear. So, a girl in our class hears "cut off his ear" and says, "Who cut off his ear?"
"Vincent Van Gogh."
"Doesn't he go to Clear Fork?"

Of course he does.

The Anti-Wedding

Now, those of you who know me know that I am obsessed with all things wedding. This, however, struck me as fascinating. I think it's ridiculously awesome.


But I still want a big blow-out wedding when the opportunity finally arises.

I'm All Girly and Stuff

I just experienced an "Ahhh...crap" moment.

I was reading my cousin's blog and she and my aunt are in great celebration over my transformation over the summer. It's kind of tragic in a way for me.

When I was younger, there was this girl that I was friends with at church who was the biggest tomboy ever. Seriously, I still remember literally gasping when I saw Bath and Body body splash at her house all of the sudden.

"L!", I said, cleverly masking her name to protect her identity, knowing that I would use it on a blog someday even though blogs weren't invented yet, "You're turning into a GIRL!"

So, now L is one of the girliest people I know, within reason. She's all about the flourescent shiny patent leather stillettos and her clothes make me so envious that I'm not that skinny because she dresses awesome. I wouldn't mind inheriting that trait of becoming girly.

So, similarly, the women of my family were appalled at my non-girlishness. (It's okay, Tiff and Aunt Julie. You can admit it.) They sought to intervene to no avail as I whined, "Oh, dear GOD! $5 for a thing of hairspray?!?!" Yeah. The $5 hairspray thing is still something that I can't justify. I did, however, about get a blessing and do a glory dance in the middle of the Kroger cosmetics and hair aisle when I saw Aussie products 3 for $10. I snatched my favorite $3.33 hairspray up and grabbed some Long Term Relationship shampoo and conditioner for good measure. (Just a note for you Pentecostal ladies out there- that stuff has to be straight from the Big Guy himself. I have all three of those products and they are WONDERFUL) And while I still won't spend $5 on hairspray, I will spend $6.38 on this wonderful thing. Anything with Champagne and Diamond extracts HAS to be great. And it is. Other girly things that I've become addicted to are- None of Your Frizzness leave-in creme from Herbal Essences,  Captivating Curls leave-in creme from Sunsilk, and this All-That Hair Dryer (Which, may I add, I got because it was $8 and cheap and it is AWESOME).

So, because I have now done an entire post about hair products, which was UNTHINKABLE a year ago, it is safe to say that "Oh-Em-GEE! I'm turning into a GIRL!!"

It's okay, Aunt Julie and Tiffany. You can gloat below in the comments.

Other Awesome Stuff That You Should Try (I should get royalties for this post):
Aussie Conditioning Shine Spray
Aussie Sprunch
Aussie Moist 2-in-1
Aussie Aussome Volum Styling Gel
Herbal Essences Break's Over
Herbal Essences Drama Clean
Sunsilk Products: Thermashine, Waves of Envy, Straight To Perfection
TRESemme Tres Two Ultra Fine Mist Hairspray
Revlon Amber Waves Dual Edge Straightener

Oh Joy and Happiness

Despite working 8 hours in my little box today, I am in a great mood. I FINALLY got an email back from Sis.Missionary, who although she didn't know the answer to my question, referred me to someone who does, and it was great to finally get an answer.

Also, there are some days that I absolutely LOVE my hair! I put it up today while I was at work, and when I took it down, it looked like this-

I'm trying very hard to remember exactly what I did to get it to do this, so I can do it after I wash my hair tonight and get it to be all curly for church in the morning.

Weighing Going Global

So, here's what has become of me being within days of sending out my AIM application. I was sitting in my class this afternoon, studying the psychology and development of 5-year-olds and it was so sinfully boring (because of my group) that I was imagining what my class is going to be like in a year. Which is a really weird, jumping-the-gun kind of thing to be thinking about because I haven't even been accepted yet. So I'm sitting in that class and Spanish (usually in this class, a feeling of 'oh-dear-God-I-can-barely-understand- what- the- SIMULATED- people- are-saying-how-am-I-going-to-teach-a-bunch- of- children- still -developing- their- language-skills?!?!' sweeps over me rather than the pleasant day dream.)

So, anyway, I keep thinking of my fourth grade teacher. She was also from a foreign country---Alaska. Anyway, this teacher was awesome. Possibly the greatest fourth-grade-teacher ever. So, around major holidays she would always share her traditions and things from Alaska, like at Christmas, and incorporate them in her lessons. Now, I have no idea what traditions Paraguay has at Christmas and I have a feeling that I would end up insulting some poor kindergartener's intelligence and having them cry and then getting deported 2 months in to my year-stint. But it was fun to think of, anyway.

And then I remembered that their school year is from February to November. I wouldn't celebrate Christmas in the classroom. Smooth.

On a different note, I let the Hren borrow the DVD about the school. She took it home over the long weekend, watched it, and was gushing about it all day today. "Do you need reference letters?" "Do you need help with ANYTHING?!?!" She thought it was the most amazing thing ever. And the Hren would know, the great world traveler that she is.She's been to every continenet except for Antarctica and Australia. Which she is saving.She's met Mother Teresa and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Also, King Hussein of Jordan. And Winnie Mandela. That's quite a resume. If you can impress her with your travel ideas, you're in good shape.

The awe seems to be the general concensus with my teachers. Sra. Tuel, from last year couldn't believe that I had ANY hesitation about going. "Rebecca," she says, "It's little kids and Spanish, both of which you love! Why would you not go?"

"How do you know I love Spanish, Sra.Tuel?"

"Me humor, Chica!"

And she's right of course. I do love kids and I do love Spanish, even though I don't think I'm all that good at at it 80% of the time. Even though my grades tell me that I get it right about 85-90% of the time. So, this really does make sense.

Sorta.

Brain-Deadness. I also haz it.

I promise I will be up and blogging again. I have been busy. They don't joke around Senior Year, do they?

Anyway, I had the Sweet Corn Festival this weekend, so today was my "cram day". I had a room to clean. (Yes, it's clean!!!) And a speech to write, and some Forensics homework to finish. And a Spanish quiz to study for. And a college novel to SparkNote (because it is SINFULLY boring.) And an education textbook to skim....err....read and study thoroughly.

So, anyway. I'm loving the Teacher Academy. I'm really excited about what's going to happen with it this year.

Finally, I have four paychecks that I need to cash in. I did the math and I have just enough to pay tithes, pay off that dumb KAP fine, buy my passport, and pay the fee for my missions application.  I can't believe I'm actually doing this. In a year, I could be blogging from Paraguay. That is quite unsettling. I don't know which is more disturbing- the fact that I could be eating Guinea Pig in a year (*shudder* my poor Probie!!!) or the fact that I could be educating Paraguayan inner-city children. Both of those are pretty big things. Also, I'm going to be an actual grown up in a month. A MONTH! And I'm getting a diploma in about 8 months! That's just insane to me.

So, I'll hopefully be back into the daily blogging again this week. That is, if school doesn't kill me first.

P.S. Hey, Tiffany, I'm getting my CURVE tomorrow!!!