Missy

Haircut!

2009-05-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Business

2009-04-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Scrolling through and reflecting on my past blog entries, I came to the conclusion that the majority of my posts are lame or overly hurried. Here, I am about to make up for that.

Life is good as of right now. I have finally finished my training in the process of becoming a volunteer at Carenet Pregnancy Center. This past Monday, I began shadowing some older, more experienced employees at the center and am learning a lot about client confidentiality, organizing and filing client records, proper protocol for answering the phone, watching the parenting/informational videos that the clients may view, familiarizing myself with the specific center I will be at, etc. I was also informed by the director that I will most likely become a peer counselor sometime in the near future. The next step for me is to sit in on 4 or 5 counseling sessions with an experienced peer counselor, then I must do a session for myself while being observed by the director. I am very nervous for this, I feel as though this is a big responsibility, and that I am not qualified. Being a peer counselor, what I will be doing is spending 4 hours on Monday afternoons, and taking care of being available for any appointments or walk-ins that may occur. These clients are women, ranging in age from very early teenagers up until middle-aged women, that come in because a.) they suspect they may be pregnant b .) are pregnant and do not know what to do about it, c.) they need a proof of pregnancy, or d.) they have had a previous abortion or multiple abortions. I will not be handling any post-abortive counseling. I may, and in all likelihood will, encounter woman who have had them but are there for different reasons. I will be helping administer pregnancy tests, gather information about the clients from them, sit in on ultrasounds, provide them with information on abortion methods, risks, and repercussions, and help them make an informed decision about their next step in their possible pregnancy.

As far as my schooling goes, I have just completed my sophomore year online through Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am studying psychology, and after I get my b.s. in psychology, I plan to possibly relocate to Virginia Beach to pursue my Masters in counseling. I really think that the experiences I have at Carenet will help me discern whether or not I could possibly do counseling as a career or not.

I am still working at Starbucks, I really do like it. The hours are early (a lot of 5am shifts thanks to all you coffee drinkers out there!), but in being so they allow me to have the time for my other job, my studies, church, family, friends, and travel. And I have the best boss who is flexible with my sporadic travels and sometimes odd schedule! I also am still working for East European Missions Network as an office assistant and am the editor for The Network (their quarterly(I think) newsletter) and also am the editor of 2 or 3 other missionary newsletters which are under EEMN. I truly love this job!

On June 1oth, I will be leaving overseas to spend my 6th summer doing missions work and traveling in Europe. This year I will be traveling to Latvia, Austria, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, and France for various reasons. A highlight will be visiting Turkey, which is someplace I have never yet visited! We will be able to take a day trip to Ephesus, an historic place and one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Besides all of this, I am keeping busy with my friendships, church, more traveling, family, etc. I am still praying about where God wants me in the future, both near and far from this point in time, as it seems as though many doors are closing to future plans I have been making. It is comforting to know that God has it all in His hands and I know there are great things in store for me in my life!

And now, I am off to see Mae for the fifth time at the launchpad!

Big shoes to fill, Abbey..

2009-04-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jer!

2009-04-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Denver Weather

2009-04-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

My old ballet school again

2009-04-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

I sweated my brains out here every day of the week...Such good memories

Continental Ballet Company

2009-04-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our old ballet school is behind me! I miss it ..

Chipotle..

2009-04-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

in minnesota! Mmm..

Nice teeth

2009-04-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Bingley, your teeth are as perfect as Anoop Desai. So smile bigger!

Guard dog?

2009-04-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

No, kip is the guardian of the small. Madeline, as you can see, was in much danger. We salute you, kip, for doing what no other dog dares do.

Miserable

2009-04-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

My arms and back are itchy. They have red bumps on them. My throat hurts. I am lightheaded. My stomach is queasy. I have no appetite.
Allergic reaction to something? I am thinking it might be so. I obtained hives all over me when I got stung by that bee in fourth grade, and now we know I am deathly allergic. I am a slave to my Epinephrine-Pen.
Joshua put paint thinner in his fire the other night. I believe I inhaled the fumes which probably contain chemicals. And the smoke from it enveloped my skin.
Either that or something else caused it which I have not a clue about.
Now I must go take a benadryl again. Watch me fall into another two and a half hours of hard, deep sleep.
Praying it goes away soon...

Pretty Girls

2009-04-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

They are such pretty girls!

A Long Day

2009-04-19T10:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a long day. I wish I could entertain you with a picture from it, but alas, I do not think I took one. I woke up, drove 35 minutes to the other side of town, and sat through a meeting at Carenet Pregnancy Center for 6 hours, from 10am to 4pm. The good thing is, it was my last training session! So next week, I am going to shadow one of their employees and learn more about how to counsel. Needless to say, the meeting was very interesting. It was about birth control and abortion methods. I'd say I'm pretty qualified in both of those areas now...
I then went home, at dinner, then turned around to go to church for an hour and a half. It was a good sermon though. But I suffered a massive headache during the service, and dumb me, I didn't have any medication with me. Where's mom when you need her?
Then we went to Josh's for a fire.
The end.

This Man

2009-03-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

This man loves Disneyland. Just look at him, he can hardly contain his excitement about this train ride..

My Feet...

2009-03-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Noah, who is 6 informed me that my sandals look egyptian. What a kid.

Road Trip

2009-03-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Christy and i are driving to california, well specifically LA, and im enjoying an interesting read and some all natural apple licorice.

Driving

2009-03-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Driving with Noah and Julia to see Bolt at the dollar theater..

Birthdays

2009-03-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Abbey is two now and adorable.

Hiking

2009-03-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

We took the tram up sandia peak, its snowy up here. And im hungry.

Sling

2009-03-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

A family walk with 13 people and 4 dogs. A few people chuckled at us as we passed by. I carried madeline in the trendy sling, which are the most amazing, comfortable things ever. Welcome to my family, I can't wait for the rest to come, it is going to get chaotic!

Good Old Paul Bunyan

2009-03-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Last night Paul Bunyan was a big topic in our conversation. After a (somewhat) controversial sermon at Calvary, Christy, Mia, Brian B., and I all settled in at Dion's for food. Well, as always, we talked one another's heads off. Brian was supposed to be there for only about 25 min. because he had to drive to another city far away that night, but alas; we lost track of time. We ended up talking for close to two hours.

Brian wanted to talk to us about a book he had been reading on John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress. I thought he said Paul Bunyan, the big lumberjack from tall tales with his blue ox. I began telling all of my table mates that there was a ride in the Mall of America in Minnesota with Paul Bunyan towering over it. Then Brian corrected me, "no, I meant John Bunyan, you know, the guy who wrote Pilgrim's Progress...". We all ended up in much laughter. So then he went on saying, "so as I was saying, I was reading a book about Paul Bunyan..." and we corrected him again. More laughter. I guess we all just wanted to talk about that manly lumberjack last night.

Oh, and Christy thought he said John Bunny, hahahahahahahaha. Christy, Christy, Christy, you are too funny.

All in all, I declare last night good, and so it was.

Berry Tart

2009-03-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

I made this.

master's chair

2009-03-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Master Monique sitting in the master's chair..

Babies

2009-02-26T15:47:00.001-08:00

Airielle and Jeremiah had a baby last week, so now I am an aunt 5 times over. Madeline Rachal is now 8 days old and perfect. Someday I will possess one of my very own.

Chocolate

2009-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

I made chocolate truffles today. Almond Chocolate Cream, Double Chocolate Cream, and Black and White Cream. Bridal shower tornado here I come!

Road trip!

2009-02-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

We drove to kansas city missouri this weekend, it was a blast! My good friend laura lives there. I love her, what an amazing woman! We have 12 hours to drive today to get home, what would we do without music?

20!

2009-01-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

I am no longer a teenager. I am 20. And look, i got 20 pink roses.

I believe.

2009-01-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

Gotham's white knight.

And

2009-01-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

I am officially still addicted to Rockband.

Slacker

2009-01-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

This is just what I am. I has officially been 34 days since my last posting.

This new year brings a few changes to my life. But please do not be mistaken, these are not "New Year Resolutions", because frankly, I am skeptical of those commitments. Rather, it is instead just mere additions to my life.

First of all, I have my own car. This has it's pluses, but personally I believe the drawbacks outweigh the positive aspects. I enjoy the freedom of having an automobile all to myself, however with that comes hefty car payments, car insurance, and gas. And more gas. Then it's empty again and I have to put more gas in my car. I will say this, though, I am very happy that gas prices are so low. Now I must own up to you that I bought my car before 2009.

I am now just beginning training to be a volunteer at Carenet Pregnancy Center, a pro-life ministry which counsels mothers (who are often in crisis situations) on their options. I will most likely be a peer counselor, and basically what I will be doing is, after extensive training, counseling the mothers on their options, how abortion is performed, the harms of it, and also talking to them about their spiritual lives, if they have any. I am very excited for this, as I hope to get my master's in marriage and family counseling once I graduate with my B.S. in Psychology.

Airielle is going to have her baby in less than three weeks! I am so very excited for her! Just 3 weeks ago or so we threw a baby shower for her, which was quite fun. They are having a girl, and they think they will be naming her Madeleine.

I just returned from a family vacation to Maui, Hawaii. It was an amazing time, the weather was perfect, the ocean warm and clear, and my stomach always full of food. I only have two months to get back into shape so that I can look presentable for John and Nichole's wedding.

John, one of my many brothers, and Nichole are getting married on March 20th. I am going to be a bridesmaid, and everyone is busy with wedding preparations already.

One of my best friends, Laura, is engaged! I am sooooo happy for her! I have not seen her in almost a year, but will be visiting her in February.

Christy got a puppy a month ago, Harvey Dent "Tutu" Moberly. He is adorable.

(See picture below for a glimpse of what I look like, sideways, holding Harvey)

That is all that I can think of that is happening in my life at this point.

Oh. One last thing; I am in my last 4 days of living out my teenage years.

Abbey's bear hat

2008-12-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

Abbey and her awesome bear hat. Haha.

Wow.

2008-12-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

Wow. Thats just one of the wine racks. Thats michelle for ya.

My parents took my car and brought it ba

2008-12-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

My parents took my car and brought it back to me with a new cd player with an output to plug in my zune!! I am happy!!

Snow in albuquerque!

2008-12-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

Snow in albuquerque! This was like on monday.

Writing my final paper

2008-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Writing my final paper for multicultural psych.

Its snowing!

2008-12-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Its snowing!

Kip is such a baby.

2008-12-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Kip is such a baby.

Pasta face!

2008-12-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

This face showed up after i ate pasta. Its so sad and unhappy...

Before 5?

2008-12-10T04:07:00.000-08:00

Im sittin waiting to go in to work after getting up at 4am after just 3 hours of sleep. All i want to do is go back to bed:(

Its snowing very lightly! Its so excitin

2008-12-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

Its snowing very lightly! Its so exciting!

DSC00626

2008-12-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Im never gonna get to jer and air's house! I didn't know civilization existed this far out of town! Hah.

On top of sandia peak on sunday, sunset

2008-11-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

On top of sandia peak on sunday, sunset hike!

DSC00610

2008-11-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

We think this might be the chicken's heart. Ew.

Driving and fearless

2008-11-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

'dont forget to look before you fall'. Wise words from taylor swift. Very wise.

Thunder!

2008-11-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

Mags and i on thunder mountain!

We just saw vanessa hudgens here at disn

2008-11-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

We just saw vanessa hudgens here at disneyland! She is short.

Christmas in disneyland

2008-11-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas in disneyland already?! Seriously? Oh well, i love it here anyway.

Ordering at in n out!

2008-11-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Ordering at in n out!

Singing to work..

2008-11-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Singing taylor swift on the way to work.. Today is going to be good!

Natural hair day!

2008-11-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

Natural hair day!

31 degrees outside? It was 28 when i lef

2008-11-07T05:52:00.000-08:00

31 degrees outside? It was 28 when i left home. Ew.

Good looking teeth

2008-11-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Getting a massage in the dentist chair! I hate the dentist.

I voted today!

2008-11-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

I voted today!

Lake harriet! 75 degrees outside in nove

2008-11-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Lake harriet! 75 degrees outside in november, so perfect for walking. There's dad!

Every time i go to wash my hands in stev

2008-10-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Every time i go to wash my hands in steven's dorm, this is what i see in the reflection. So scary.

Minnesota...still.

2008-10-29T19:24:00.001-07:00

I am still in Minnesota, I have been here for about six days now. I got to visit with my grandparents and my aunt and uncle and cousins on my aunt's side, and that was so great! I do not get to see them as often as I like. Steven came and met them, too, and then on Sunday we headed up to his college where I am at this point. We're studying in the library actually, but seeing as I was falling asleep because I have to read about "Research methods for multi-cultural psychology" and I'm on some medication, I decided to take a little rest. It snowed, as the previous post shows. It has gotten quite cold here, too. I've been to classes with Steven, been babysat by his roommates, walked all over this town BY MYSELF, and laughed really hard. The week has certainly been good so far.
Today I walked to the store because, well, there were some much-needed items that I lacked. I had a chocolate craving! You should be proud of me, I don't eat much sweets. So now I have peanut butter m & m's, air heads, and reduced fat wheat thins. Ahhhhh...so good. But so bad. I will fast next week.
I will attempt to post some pictures here soon. Patience is a virtue.

Its snowing so hard we can hardly see!

2008-10-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

Its snowing so hard we can hardly see!

The dog wanted to be petted all the time

2008-10-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

The dog wanted to be petted all the time.

A memorable flick

2008-10-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

It slipped my mind! We watched 3:10 to Yuma a few nights ago, and as disturbing as it was, I loved it! It really was a good, psychological western that had many lessons to learn from.

Not to mention Christian Bale is the best actor ever. EVER.

Watching Hannity and Colmes

2008-10-24T18:50:00.001-07:00

It's October twenty-fourth, in the year of two-thousand-and-eight.
The setting is Alexandria, Minnesota.
It is late evening. The weather is so cold. It is dark in the out-of-doors.
I am watching Hannity and Colmes. Such a wealth of information.
All is well in the world. I just wish it were warm.

Getting pedicures once again!

2008-10-22T15:51:00.001-07:00

Getting pedicures once again!

I got to see my sister-in-law's 3-d ultr

2008-10-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

I got to see my sister-in-law's 3-d ultrasound today! Hannah moberly is going to be her name. It is so amazing!

Today

2008-10-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. After some last minute Minnesota shopping, I got to meet up with Tiara. We haven't gotten together in about two months so it was great to finally get to talk with her! We talked for about two and a half hours straight and I got a lot off of my chest, I love talking with her so much! She is such an amazing woman, really.
I also bought "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I really want to make devotionals and reading my Bible more of a priority in my life because it needs to be.
I got my Multicultural Psychology in the mail this evening.
I must admit I am somewhat on edge once again tonight. My stomach is not pleased with me. I am convinced one day it's going to completely turn on me and leave my body to fend for itself. I don't think it likes food, but unfortunately, my body does.
And now I must get some sleep once again.

Love Story

2008-10-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

This song is stuck in my head, it has been all day. It is one of the cutest songs I've ever heard; "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. Maybe putting this down on paper will help it stop going around and around in my head. But then again, maybe I don't want it to stop.

We were both young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts: I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air.
See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns. See you make your way through the crowdand say hello;
Little did I know That you were Romeo; you were throwing pebbles, And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet."And I was crying on the staircase,begging you, 'Please, don't go.'
And I said,"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run. You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"
So I sneak out to the garden to see you. We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew. So close your eyes; escape this town for a little while. 'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter, And my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet," But you were everything to me; I was begging you, 'Please, don't go,'"
And I said,"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run. You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'
Romeo save me - they're tryin' to tell me how to feel; This love is difficult, but it's real. Don't be afraid; we'll make it out of this mess. It's a life story - baby just say "Yes.'"
Oh.
I got tired of waiting, Wondering if you were ever comin' around. My faith in you was fading When I met you on the outskirts of town,
And I said,"Romeo save me - I've been feeling so alone. I keep waiting for you but you never come. Is this in thy head? I don't know what to think-"
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said, "Marry me, Juliet - you'll never have to be alone. I love you and that's all I really know. I talked to your dad - go pick out a white dress; It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"

Almost Done

2008-10-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Andrea, Christy, and I went out into the desert last night and had pint night. Ice cream pints that is, and actually in my case frozen yogurt night. We parked on a hill up on the west side, opened the back of our SUV, ate, listened to music, bundled in blankets, and admired the beauty of the city lights and God's creation. It was an amazing night.

My first set of classes end on Sunday night. I have this huge paper due for my Theories of Personality class that day, and I am working nonstop, well almost anyway, to get it done by then. I'm on page 13. I probably have only 3 pages left!

Next week is my fall break. All week long.

I leave for Minnesota on Thursday and I cannot wait for this! I might get to see Jen that night, and then for the weekend I visit my grandparents and aunt and uncle and cousins. On Sunday (of next week), I will go up to visit Steven for a week. That will be so much fun I really am so excited to go! I don't really care what we do, I just want to be there.

I work early again tomorrow and I will get up at 4:30am so I suppose I should go to sleep. Tomorrow is a full day and I need my beauty sleep.

Until next time...

Bella

2008-10-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

So it's very late. Or maybe very early. Either way I have to get up for work in less than five hours. But I'm quite wide awake.
I watched Bella tonight. It was such a good movie, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. It edified the concept of family, it was positive yet realistic, and above all it had a blatant pro-life message.
Needless to say, I was very proud of it. And me, for watching it.
Watch it.

A very smart democrat indeed!

2008-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

A very smart democrat indeed!

My new camera!!

2008-10-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

My new camera!!

And

2008-10-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's another bad day. I can't handle this.

'pro-choice? Follow me to the polls.' wh

2008-10-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

'pro-choice? Follow me to the polls.' what a sad sticker.

A balloon just landed! There are sooo ma

2008-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

A balloon just landed! There are sooo many of them in the sky its amazing! Like a fiesta..

Control

2008-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you have no control over your life?
First, let's get past the fact that my life is God's hands. Yes, I know this.
But I'm supposed to have some say in my life, yet I don't feel as though I'm qualified or capable of doing so right now.
And that, ladies and gentleman, is frustrating. Maybe a little bit sad.

Kip found it

2008-10-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Kip found the towels, hot from the dryer...

Christy and steven attempting to buckle

2008-09-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

Christy and steven attempting to buckle abbey up..and abbey pinching his cheek back. I dont know why. El pinto was so good!

Its barak obama!!

2008-09-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Its barak obama!!
But actually he belongs to balderdash.

My outlook

2008-09-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking again, and yes, I am aware of the fact that my thoughts usually get so complex that I can hardly organize them onto paper. And then I get a headache and need to dig myself out of my mind.
I feel as though work has been going far better than ever. I am truly embracing the idea of me using this as an opportunity to share Christ with my co-workers. Ashamedly, I cannot say as though I have done so yet. This is partly due to the fact that we are, well, forbidden to talk religion or politics at work. And they STRICTLY enforce this. I believe, however, that God is using other methods through my actions to show them how I am different. I hope that I am living as a good example, and am fairly confident that I am succeeding at times.
I could hardly believe how some of my co-workers treat our customers. I have always had the mindset that the customer is always right, no matter how "right" they may actually be. We are to smile, act friendly, and be accomodating even when we may not think they deserve this.
There are two ladies that come in about every other day to get drinks for some doctors and nurses that they work with at the hospital nearby. They provide us with a list of about ten to twelve drinks and names, and are always friendly. But every time they come in, my fellow employees get these horrible attitudes and are like, "don't put the drinks on a drink tray for them, make them do it themselves" and "don't write the names on the cups, it takes too long and they don't deserve it". Since I've been gone a lot, I figured they must have done something HORRIBLY offensive to earn this sort of treatment. So I asked why they are so disliked. My shift manager says, "well, they come in every day, and they have ALL these drinks, and they NEVER tip. It's so annoying." And she proceeds to make fun of them. And all of this is just because they don't TIP? I was thoroughly disgusted with my coworkers. So, since I was the designated drink maker, I defiantly put the names on the cups, put them on the tray, etc. And I kept smiling at them and making conversation, and just treating them very respectfully. Anyway, when they were about to leave, one of the ladies said to me, "We really appreciate you being so friendly and nice to us, it means so much to us." And she smile and went on her way.
I can tell you that I felt like I did the right thing. And this is only one instance like this that I have experiences in the past few days all because I chose to smile when no one else would.
What gives people the right to demand tips? Or even just things in general? We are owed nothing. We come into this world with nothing, we will leave with nothing. And most importantly, we deserve nothing.
So keep smiling, even when others cannot understand why you are doing so. It is so rewarding!

We're leaving disneyworld...im so sad. I

2008-09-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

We're leaving disneyworld...im so sad. I don't want to leave.

We ate at boma tonight, it is so good! B

2008-09-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

We ate at boma tonight, it is so good! Beyond good, as a matter of fact. The food is african and delicious. It is my favorite restaurant on this planet.

Crowds

2008-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

We went to the show fantasmic and there were so many people there. I loooove that show.

My burned leg. Ouch.

2008-09-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

My burned leg. Ouch.

I burned today a looooot!

2008-09-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

I burned today a looooot!

Sunbathing in florida. Its so hot here b

2008-09-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sunbathing in florida. Its so hot here but my skin is so white i need it a lot. I dont want to go home. But i am tired of eating..

At the pool..

2008-09-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

At the pool. Its so hot in florida!

Abbey can't go on some sides. So we hang

2008-09-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Abbey can't go on some rides. So we hang out instead.

Our bodies in disneyworld! Thank you joh

2008-09-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Our bodies in disneyworld! Thank you john.

Abbey on a leash. And fascinated with a

2008-09-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Abbey on a leash. And fascinated with a drain at disneyworld! Haha the things they love.

Greedy ducks. Or birds. Whatever they ar

2008-09-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Greedy ducks. Or birds. Whatever they are. Florida ducks are odd.

Almost to disneyworld!! I feel like a ch

2008-09-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

Almost to disneyworld!! I feel like a child. But im so excited!!

Im feeling like shawn spencer. Noticing

2008-09-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Im feeling like shawn spencer. Noticing everything. I must be psychic.

This is how gross i look after running.

2008-09-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is how gross i look after running. Back in the 50's..

Preppy

2008-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Last night at Satellite, Mia said I am preppy. I don't know how I feel about this. So it started a discussion as to what I am. Mia said it was a good preppy, not a Hollister preppy. Chris said that I have "Jackie Kennedy" style...weird. And btw, Christy is included in this also. Anyhow, Monique agreed that I have that style. But I do not wear dress up skirt suits.
So I argued this a little bit, to which they replied, "No, I think it's a really good thing!!"
So I said, sarcastically, "Maybe I should just start wearing those little hats she wore."
To which they countered, "Yes, you should! That would complete the whole ensemble! It would be cute!" And, yes, they were being dead serious about this.
I don't know what to think about this.
But I am what I am.
Do I like what I am?
I thought I did, but I don't know how I like being called "preppy".
End of story

From the sacred store.

2008-09-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

From the sacred store.

Finally i went. It was amazing.

2008-09-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

Finally i went. It was amazing.

Monique at satellite with all of us. It

2008-09-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

Monique at satellite with all of us. It was really dark. This was after urban outfitters and renovate. Such a good night.

Alone

2008-09-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

My family is in Florida now, but I am at home...school and work suck, they really do. But I'm sure you already know that. The upside is that I will meet them all there on Monday. I'm pretty sure that they're doing all the fun stuff before I get there though, and when I get there they'll be like, "Oh, you wanted to do that today? Well, we already did that like FIVE times. Sorry, we're just going to sleep now."
Tonight I'm going with Mia to Urban Outfitters and then we're going to Renovate, because I haven't been to church in a week now. I'm excited about the former, though. I know I'm going to fall in love with something and buy it, I just know it. It's just such a BEAUTIFUL store! I'll send a picture from there later on so you can see just how beautiful it is.
Corey (the boy I liked a year ago but don't "like like" anymore) randomly invited me to the Kanye West concert in April, and that was the last time I heard from him. Today he texted me to come to his bbq party on Saturday night. I don't know if it will be wild. Probably not, but I don't know for sure.
Should I go?
I think I will go.

My head...

2008-09-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

It hurts so much. I still think that I might be dying, so we will see. Who gets sick 3 times in four weeks? Me, that's who. No one else. And falling asleep at odd times of the day all day, not to mention hitting the sack at 8:30 is unacceptable and certainly is growing old.
Now I am going to go load up on drugs.
The legal kind though.

Ho-o-o-mework

2008-09-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

Doing homework :P I'm so hungry, but I will not give in until my last thought is penned.

I made these!

2008-09-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

I made these! I did it all by myself. I am aspiring to open a coffee and pastry shop, so yeah--I know, I need to keep practicing. But I think my frosted cookie cups turned out a-okay this time.

Defense mechanisms.

2008-09-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Defense mechanisms are really interesting to me, I find myself looking at other people in order to understand which defense mechanism they utilize. I promise, this is my last post today. I just wanted to get this information out there. And what better place to do it then here, where my thoughts are broadcasted for all to see? Here are my thoughts on defense mechanisms. Enjoy!

"Being the humans that we are, our beings naturally come across thoughts and desires that are both acceptable and maybe even some that are considered socially unacceptable. We are aware of what we do with these good thoughts and desires; we act on them daily. But what do we do with the unacceptable half of these? Our bodies and beings react differently to these thoughts and desires, and most employ certain attitudes and actions to attempt to suppress or channel these things. How we deal with our thoughts and desires is widely known as our defense mechanisms. There are many different defense mechanisms, and the use of them differs in variety from person to person.
Three of these defense mechanisms are as follows. First off, there is one known as “sublimation”. Sublimation is the act of channeling these socially unacceptable thoughts and attitudes into acceptable situations or activities that really have hardly anything to do with what we are feeling. For example, a high-school-aged young man may be having trouble at home in that he can never live up to his dad’s high expectations and therefore ends up in constant argument with him. All this pent up frustration and anger is then spent at his high school in football practice and games where he is able to run off this energy and tackle to his heart’s desire. The second of these mechanisms is known as “displacement”. Displacement is when one takes out his or her anger at someone or something on another person or thing not involved in the situation at all. For example, a husband and wife are in constant argument and causing much tension within their household. However, instead of solving the issues with one another, the father begins taking out his anger on his children, yelling at them, and perhaps physically or mentally abusing them. The last of the three defense mechanisms I am going to discuss is known as “denial”. Denial is the defense mechanism that a person may use that means that they will not accept that there is anything going on that should be troubling them, whereas there actually is. They just refuse to acknowledge that there is anything worth recognizing. For example, a man is dating a young woman and is in deeply in love with her. However, the feeling was not entirely mutual and the young woman breaks up with the man. The man is so hurt and so in love that he refuses to accept the fact that their relationship has come to an end that he does not stop calling her, referring to her as his girlfriend, and saying she is only “taking a vacation” to explain her absence. All of these forms of defense mechanisms are so very commonly used, yet some are obviously more drastic than others, as shown in the “denial” form.
A good example of someone dealing with the “displacement” variety of defense mechanisms is shown through the character of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (both the film and the classic book). His life has been difficult, and has been drastically stabbed in the back by a close friend of the family—hurting him deeply. As a result of these actions against him, he takes out his anger towards the man to all whom he encounters, especially his love interest, Elizabeth. Even as he begins to fall into love with her, he finds it hard to express the love because of his constant coldness and anger that he exhibits much of the time. Though he is not angry with Elizabeth, his attitudes always come across as such because of other circumstances which feel out of his control.
Defense mechanisms are complicated things that we all employ, mostly on a daily basis. Though we all may utilize different forms of them, we all use them just the same to give the same effect, to “deal with unwanted thoughts and desires”. (Burger, 2008, pg. 48)
References
Burger, J.M. (2008). Personality. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth."

Freud was a nutcase but I study his theories.

2008-09-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am a psychology major, and I love it! I am hoping to go into counseling, either working with pro-life organizations or doing marriage and family counseling.
I am taking a class called Theories of Personality right now, and it is quite interesting. This week I had a discussion with my professor and classmates about our unconsious mind. The unconcious portion of the self is quite interesting, I find that though we give it little or no credit most of the time, it drives what we do. This is not to say we do not have access to this part of the mind, but actually it is what gives fuel to the things we do which we do not take the time to think about. Freud proposed the idea that all things are done intentionally--well, at least that nothing is done by accident. He believed that even accidents were the intentional actions of the unconcious working to get its point across. I highly disagree with this idea. We are not clever enough for things to be this complex, but rather, being the sinful beings we are, it is only natural that we commit "accidental actions" on somewhat of a daily basis.
Freud was crazy, my textbook says he died of cancer, but I found out through other sources that, while he did suffer from cancer, he in actuality committed suicide.
Here is a glimpse into a portion of my part of the discussion we had this week.

"It is fascinating to realize to what extent Freud attributed our personality to its unconscious dynamics. The majority of humans are vastly unaware of the effect our unconscious mind has on our being—what we think, do, believe, etc. I found it quite interesting reading the following from Jerry M. Burger (2008), “…if you are like most adults in this culture, you freely accept the idea that what you do is sometimes influence by an unconscious part of your mind.” (pg. 41) We overuse the phrase, “I must have done that unconsciously”, without thinking about what that sentence entails. I think we attribute our mistakes or unexplainable patterns of behavior to our unconscious being. My explanation for this is that perhaps it is a result of information we have stored away and have not used for some time. And, unlike Freud, I believe that mere accidents exist, without having hidden motives behind them. I do, however, believe that there are instances in which what we do is a direct result of our unconscious mind—just not everything is so.
I am aware of the fact that much of who I am is influenced by my unconscious mind. I look to my growing up years and experiences to understand who I am today. My family was ever-supportive, encouraging, yet not indulgent, and surrounded me with unconditional love that represented Christ. My entire personality and all that I do is a result of these experiences—my optimistic demeanor, hopeful attitude, moral decisions, and life priorities. This is how I recognize the unconscious influences in others’ behaviors as well. Although because it is difficult to be able to point out why others do what they do, I believe it is possible to do so when you are familiar with them beyond being mere acquaintances.

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References

Burger, J.M. (2008). Personality. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth."