Words can't describe.

I am so excited that Christmas is almost here.

One week left of lectures, then finals.

After that I'm done with on-campus classes at Valencia; I'm taking all online courses.

I think I'll really enjoy the freedom.

(And sleeping in).

There is a lot of studying to do, but I'm starting early this weekend to get a head start and hopefully learn it all really well.

I'll be so happy when finals are over. It'll be a big weight lifted off my shoulders.

Then I get to go back up to Georgia, and spend a month there.

I love it there, where it's cold in winter and family surrounds me and all the people I love are in one place.

Not to mention all the good friends, baking great food, and the Christmas decorations.

I plan to try out a lot of recipes over Christmas.

And I just love seeing all the lights and trees and such.

Few things can make me smile as soon as I walk in the door, and one of them is Christmas decorations.

The smell of the Christmas tree, the lights, the ornaments, the little Christmas villages... all of it.

It makes a house look its best.

Everything seems so merry and cheerful.

It is the most wonderful ending imaginable to the year; the only bad part is, it doesn't last long enough!

But I guess it only being this time of year just makes it more special and gives more to look forward to for the rest of the year. I am a little sad because I know that as soon as Christmas comes it will just as soon end, but I am determined to make it as wonderful as possible.

In between studying I have a lot of cards to make, stuff to pack for Georgia, presents to buy and home-make, recipes to gather and write down, lots of cleaning to do, and just everything in between.

There are a flurry of parties to attend and help my friends organize, people to see, calls to make, family to greet.

But I love it all.

I love to be busy with doing things that make me genuinely happy, and the task of making presents and seeing people and just exuding Christmas joy and warmth just makes me feel so happy on the inside.

This time of year one truly feels closer to God.

All this happiness and peace and joy and love around us all.

I'm thankful for this year.

The good and bad,

The sad and wonderful,

fun and boring,

memories,

times.

2010 has been a good year - one of the best, in fact.

Here's hoping 2011 will carry in its footsteps.

It's going to be full of changes - this is my last Christmas "at home", (though I won't actually be at home.) I'm leaving for college in just 5 months, as soon as school is over.

I am full of anticipation and excited to see how this year will be.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Bad Day.

Ugh, what a hideous day.

Got an awful biology test score, my first bad one of the semester. I am humbled. I aced the others no problem. What really got to me was that I got the answers right, but many were still marked wrong. But I'm not allowed to ask any questions about the exam - I have to submit it all in writing and she'll consider looking at it again. I guess it's worth it, I'm just really discouraged, because as nice as I try to be to my Professor, she is always so rude and plain mean to me. She picks favorites, and you can tell as she helps me versus someone else - the tone in her voice, the way she reacts, etc. I know life isn't fair, and I should probably just count my losses, but I'm just so taken aback by the way she treats me and how there is nothing I can do about it. Just survive, I guess. Next semester is going to be awful, but I hear the rest of the BIO teachers at VCC are worse. It's going to be a long senior year. I was counting on an A in this class, but with this exam score looks like a B. I don't know how I'm going to get a good GPA this semester, which sucks. I'm disappointed in myself - I feel like I've failed this year. I wish I could do better, but I'm pouring so much time and effort in as is, it feels like I have nothing else to offer.

Meanwhile, my nose started running enough to power a small waterfall, and by the time I got done with classes today, my head ached, my mind was foggy, my nose stuffy and runny at the same time, scratchy throat, coughing, you name it. How awful.

Today is just one of those off days and I really hope it gets better the rest of this week. Laters...

FIRST DAY OF COLD-NESS!!!

Okay firstoff, I think I am addicted to blogging. (Note below as proof).

Secondly, this is the actual point of this post.

It's cold today!!!

Tuesday and Thursday brought in a flurry of cold-storm rain that left behind a very brilliantly windy, refreshingly cold, Florida. No, we don't have colorful fall leaves, we don't have snow, we don't even have hills, for goodness sakes.

But it is cold.
And thus that is all that matters.

I celebrated by wearing a winter sweater for the first time in months. I also attempted to drive to publix in order to get a very particular brand of face lotion stuff I reallyyy wanted to get.

I couldn't find it.

I went to CVS.

They didn't have it.
I'm trying Walmart next.
Walmart has everything.
For cheap, friendly prices (or that's something how like their slogan goes).

I need to finish filling out college apps and scholarship apps first, though, so I'm holding myself hostage at home until I do. Hopefully that won't take that long, because I am headed to the mall later. This is the first free Friday I have had in WEEKS!!!

Yippee.
I'll study for chem later.

Until then, fair blog-readers, we shall meet again. So long for now.

Me in my winter sweater-ness!

Update on BSC1010 Survival Tips

Looks like I'm going to have to get on good terms with Monster-teacher, err, I mean Ms. Schumpert.

Unless I want to wake up at 6 to get to class every Tuesday and Thursday, looks like she's the only professor available (besides worse ones).

It all comes down to the life changing decision of,

To sleep in, or not to sleep in?

...

Sleep in. Def.

Hola, Mrs. Schumpert!

(Let's entertain ourselves with some ratemyprofessor.com ratings, now.)

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=988338

BSC1010 Survival Tips

My biology professor is not very nice.

In fact, she's hideously mean.

If she met a monster and the two were to fight, Ms. Schumpert would win.

Yesterday she asked me a question and I answered.

I might as well have said,

"You look like a rapist", or, "I am wearing potato chips in my socks today." (Note: I was not wearing socks that day). Afterwards, I was told that I was part-right, but I was still wrong, and I was not to answer with that answer again.

If you have a hint of doubt in your voice, Monster-teacher will yell at you. You are not allowed to guess the answer to a question you don't know, even though she asked it, and has yet to teach you what the answer is.

She asks if you have any questions, and if you have a question, she will yell at you.

Survival Tips for BSC1010:

- do not ask questions.
- do not answer questions.
- sit in the back of the room, as far away as possible, and do not draw attention to yourself.
- do not try to defend yourself if attacked. monster-teacher always wins.

This semester, I will spite monster teacher, by acing her class, thus defeating her.

She may yell at me, but she will not win!

MATH

BlahblahblahIhatemathmathisahopelessdeathtrapfromwhichIwillneverescapeIamSMAObutworriedIwillgetnogoodresultsIsurehopesowhymustpeoplebesoevilandforceotherpeopletodomathinasickformofhumancruelty?

UGHHHHHHHHHHH.

I HATE MATH.

Life is a maze, love is a riddle

What better way to get into the studying mood than to listen to some music?

Lenka
The Show

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

Slow it down, make it stop or else my heart is going to pop
'Cause it's too much, yeah it's a lot to be something I'm not
I'm a fool out of love 'cause I just can't get enough

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down
I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show

The sun is hot in the sky just like a giant spotlight
The people follow the signs and synchronize in time
It's a joke nobody knows, they've got a ticket to the show

Yeah, I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down
I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show
Just enjoy the show

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go, can't do it alone
I've tried and I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out, it's bringing me down
I know I've got to let it go and just enjoy the show
Just enjoy the show, just enjoy the show

I want my money back, I want my money back
I want my money back, just enjoy the show
I want my money back, I want my money back
I want my money back, just enjoy the show.

Late-Nights and Sniffle Noses

Exactly what it sounds like.

Well, still fighting an attack via-cold on my immune system, and I'm looking forward to a long day of studying when I wake up, and a long Thursday. Thankfully, though, it rained today for the first time in weeks, and it's supposed to get a little cooler this weekend, a nice reprieve from the heat. I plan to go out and buy some winter clothes sometime this week when I have a free moment.

It will be nice to have a little bit of a break this weekend. Only one job - it's a slow week after Halloween, which means I won't be making much money, unfortunately, but it's nice to have a day off every once in a while.

I'm so excited for Thanksgiving and visiting Macon again! I'm leaving right after school so I can get there and have as much time to stay as possible, then 3 more weeks and school is over for the semester - then just one semester left of Valencia to go. SO excited to finally graduate. It's about time, seeing as it's felt like I've been graduated since 2009 when I started at VCC. But no matter.

Well, I'd love to stay up, but I really need to be off to bed. I'll leave a song I like lately (liking the Tennyson influence they have going on in the video):

Random

I'm tired, my throat hurts, pretty sure I'm sick. Time for some tea and honey.

I'm exhausted and sleepy and ready for bed, though college studying is calling my name - joy. Well, it WILL all be worth it, someday.

I can't remember my dreams hardly ever.

I like artistic things.

I would love a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and a cherry right now.

I don't know how I do it, but I can drink about a gallon of iced tea in about 5 minutes, stat. It's crazy.

I love to read new books.

I enjoy chocolate.

I think pancakes are the best breakfast ever.

I haven't had a doughnut in forever.

I wish studying did itself.

It puzzles me how a room can get messy so quickly after being cleaned. Talk about the second law of thermodynamics (there's my geeky side coming out).

I could watch the movie Pride and Prejudice over and over, and I do. (There's my girlyness coming out).

I wish I had a bigger bed because I like to stretch out in my sleep, and I have no room on the floor to put all the stuff that's on my bed.

Fall makes me happy.

<3

The Adventures Of...

... Woah. This past week has been an absolute whirlwind!

It started with mine and Erica's birthday party last Friday, 10/22. Amidst all the hectic-ness, we had food platters to prepare, decorations to set up, a house to be cleaned, wasps to be killed, and more... when the guests finally decided to trickle in, we still had yet to set up the bungee run, and inflatable bounce house. There are two lanes for two people, and each is attached to a vest; they have to run down their lane and try to place their velcro strip as far as they can. Whoever places theirs the farthest wins. A group was gathered as I demonstrated how to set up the bounce house; turning on the blower, I went around it adjusting the velcro flaps to make sure everything was in order. Of a sudden, I heard people say, "Hey look, it's Josh." There was another Josh at the party, but I perked up just a bit, subconsciously; "Lacy, it's your man." Peter shouted. I looked up to a familiar face staring at me from across the yard, only about 6 feet away. I did a double take, staring at Josh for seconds before I realized he was actually there. My face must have looked so silly, but I didn't care. I was shocked and in awe. I went over to him after realizing that he was actually real and hugged him. "You came?" I asked, in disbelief. "That was a horrible drive!" He told me.

It was the best surprise ever.

The rest of the party was filled with swimming - where I discovered that the game Spoons is not contact-friendly in the pool (I wear contacts), everyone hitching a ride in the back of my truck (about 20 people) as we rolled the windows down and blared loud music, friends, painting curtains for when Erica and I leave for college, a crazy obstacle course that Mr. P set up, and lots more...

The rest of the weekend I hung out with Josh, completely neglecting schoolwork, but I managed to make it through this week in one piece and juggle it all. We saw Paranormal Activity II, Inception, The Expendables (In other words, we got completely movied out). We painted, went out to eat lots, and visited lots of stores. One of my favorite things that we did was go to the Millenia Mall and walk around, viewing all the stores. I hardly ever go there, and Josh had never been there, so it was a fun experience for us both to look inside the Sony store, at $150 jeans, and lots of other places. After a great afternoon, we went to Olive Garden. Then we went to the movies, and concluded the night.

What I got at Olive Garden. It was so good!

What Oshie got for dinner - also really good. I hadn't been to Olive Garden in years!

For dinner we got this amazingly good baked apple vanilla ice cream thingy - definitely not good for you, but it sure did taste good.

The day Josh planned to leave, he came to my house to see me. We went to the park just down the road and had a great time admiring the scenery - minus the mosquitoes. As darkness began to fall, we headed back to the car. All of a sudden, Josh stops and realizes his keys are missing. We cooly return to the pavilion where we were sitting, sure they're there (hoping they're there). But they weren't. The keys had disappeared somewhere between the car and the park, in the middle of a huge grass field, and it was growing darker by the second. For hours we looked - we got the help of the police, about 4 different golf carts, and several different people. But no luck. The keys could not be found. Exhausted and disheartened, we got a ride from the police back to my house. Josh wouldn't be leaving that night. We took a trip to Walmart to get him some shorts and a shirt to wear, and we stopped at Wendy's for some food, hungry after the long hours of searching. After showering and watching TV, we headed for bed.

The park where we lost the keys. As you can see, it's huge! Finding keys was a big task for two little people.

The amphitheater we sat at in the park before we lost the keys.

The next day, I woke up and made Josh french toast. From there, we headed back to the park to search. No luck yet; no one had turned any missing keys in. It was a hot day (gotta love Florida when it's almost NOVEMBER). After 5 minutes of searching, Josh calls me over and holds up the keys - they were in a tire track, slightly buried. They must have been run over when we were searching for them! We couldn't believe it. So after a relatively painless searching experience, we retrieved Joshua's Neon from the park, drove back to my house, and Josh spent the whole day with me! Looking back, I'm really happy everything worked out as it did - the extra day spent with him was wonderful, and I'm so happy we found the keys. God certainly works in amazing ways, even if it's just giving me yet another day to spend with my wonderful boyfriend. Josh left later that evening. I miss him very much, but I know I'll see him soon for Thanksgiving, and that's just around the corner! Until then --- here I am, bored in Fl... but not for long! (Now to hit the books and continue studying).

My life in things that make me happy

Joshua
Pancakes
Waffle House
Zaxby's
Sweet Tea
Tulips
My betta fish
My kitty
Mamabird, Jakey, Papabird, Marleigh, & all of my awesome Georgian friends
Good cell phone reception
A clean bedroom
My car working
Free things
No homework
Days off of class
Autumn
The fact that Oct. - Jan. is all like one huge stretch of holiday
Buying gifts for people
Animals
Rainy days
Comfy beds
Bare feet
Sundresses
Boots
Florida friends
Vacations
Road trips
Listening to music in the car
CD albums
New books
New clothes
Doing well in a class
The feeling of knowing what I am doing
Dances
French vanilla coffee
Cheap gas
Good smelling cologne and perfume
Face painting
Showers
Sleeping in
Hugs

& more.

[Forgotten Language]

Today is October 18th, 2010.

There will never be another October 18th, 2010.

That's pretty weighty, isn't it?

So go out an do something special with today, and make it count, because you'll never get today back.

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein

Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly
in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions
of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying
flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go?

Felling leaves on falling trees

These Autumn Days

Fall brings onslaughts
of daydreams back to this time-- last year's this time,
Soft remnants of distant memories I keep ever-close,
cherished like the most valuable treasure

Pausing to find a quiet moment to reflect
I think back to the days that happened so seemingly long ago
A world away
Hardly stirring, I hardly stir...
Daring not even to breathe; I find that I am not;
As if even the slightest breath would muddy the memories
So as to not be as exact and whole
As my mind has preserved them
Like stirring the silt at the bottom of the pond
Clouding up the water

No, these memories are left perfect; untouched;
Thought about in these quiet moments of fall
Bidding the time until I once again see you
Like I did last year.

---

you being in love... (XII) by E. E. Cummings
you being in love
will tell who softly asks in love,

am i separated from your body smile brain hands merely
to become the jumping puppets of a dream? oh i mean:
entirely having in my careful how
careful arms created this at length
inexcusable, this inexplicable pleasure-you go from several
persons: believe me that strangers arrive
when i have kissed you into a memory
slowly, oh seriously
-that since and if you disappear

solemnly
myselves
ask "life, the question how do i drink dream smile

and how do i prefer this face to another and
why do i weep eat sleep-what does the whole intend"
they wonder. oh and they cry "to be, being, that i am alive
this absurd fraction in its lowest terms
with everything cancelled
but shadows
-what does it all come down to? love? Love
if you like and i like,for the reason that i
hate people and lean out of this window is love,love
and the reason that i laugh and breathe is oh love and the reason
that i do not fall into this street is love."

Of sweet tea, green lights & pillow hearts

This weekend has been so busy! I would actually love a free weekend at least once, but I haven't had a single one since I've been back in 407-land. Between work, school, volunteering, family and other obligations, it seems I hardly have a chance to breathe anymore. Free time feels strange to me.

Today I volunteered at the Winter Springs Art Festival. I 'booth sat', which was basically watching an artist's booth while they went to lunch. I saw a lot of interesting things at the festival - beautiful jewelry, several amazing paintings, baskets, woodwork, and spoons. I would have love to by something, but $750 and $7500 price tags are, unfortunately, out of my range. I did get a pretty handmade ikebana, though - Ikebana is a type of japanese "vase", if that's easier to envision, though instead of a hollow hole in the vase to

put flowers in, ikebana are shallower and secure the flowers on a bed of needles. You would think this kills the flower, but no, you just put water inside and your flowers do just fine.

Mine doesn't look like this, but I tried to find a picture that shows a good view of the inside so you can know what I'm talking about.

I booth-sat for a man who did woodwork, carving bowls and random things out of beautiful hickory wood. He gave me a cute little carved wooden acorn that I can use as a christmas ornament or doorhanger as a thankyou.

Now I am TRYING to get myself to study ... so I should probably get off now to hit the books.

Write more later.

Birthday Day

Well, yesterday, October 13th, was my 17th birthday... I don't really feel much different!

For my birthday, I got another book in a series I've been reading for the past couple of years. It's taken awhile for all the books to come out. I'm looking forward to reading it soon --- I love the feeling of reading a brand new book! I also got this really beautiful handmade, hand-crocheted purse! That was my favorite present.

I went out to brunch with mom, which was yummy. It was at Mimi's, a really cute restauraunt that's great for breakfast/lunch/brunch. I left restauraunt mispelled (in case you notice) because, even though I'm a spelling bee champ, never for the life of me, no matter how many times I correct myself, can I spell restauraunt correctly. Just a bit of trivia about me, haha. 

My birthday " brunch" was supposed to be breakfast, but I ended up sleeping in, so we arrived considerably later than breakfast-time. But it was fun nonetheless! I had a really good quiche and a coffee cake muffin. It kept me so full, that that was all I ate all day.

From there, I had to run errands, which included visiting my old school/church to get papers signed for Wesleyan scholarships. It was so amazing to see all my old friends, who I went to preschool with, now in 12th grade, soon to be high school graduates! It's so weird to know we've lived all of that time out, knowing each other through our entire grade-school careers. I hadn't seen any of them in at least 11 years, so it was truly a 'blast from the past'.

A picture of me on my seventeenth birthday, 10/13/2010.

I then had to go to work. I chose to work on my birthday, but I made money, which I was happy about. I'm saving up as much as I can when I leave for college, so every little bit counts. I saw firedancers and talked to lots of interesting people. The catering job I did was on a beautiful lake and was a luau. It was a really neat experience. 

On the way back home, I got lost on I-4, accidentally going South towards Miami instead of going North towards Ocala. Of COURSE there were no exits anywhere in sight... it was about 12am and I was low on gas, and I had to drive a long ways before I could get off and get turned around in the right direction! But thankfully, I made it home safe, just in time to see the end of my birthday out and fall asleep before classes the next morning. I got an orchid from my job there, it's really pretty and I put in in my new fishes' tank. I think he likes it; it looks very nice in there, and Kobe, my cute red betta fish, likes to go over and stare at it quite frequently.

Well, that was my birthday! My party is next week and I am looking forward to it. Maybe by then, I'll feel a bit more like 17. For now, well, I really just feel like me.

I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You by Pablo Neruda

I do not love you except because I love you;
I go from loving to not loving you,
From waiting to not waiting for you
My heart moves from cold to fire.

I love you only because it's you the one I love;
I hate you deeply, and hating you
Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you
Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.

Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.

In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.

Politics Rants

When our founding father's created this country not even 250 years ago, it was much different than it is today. With the upcoming elections for Florida's Governor, as well as governors everywhere, and just the large amount of hype politics is receiving lately, it's just really got me thinking. I watch ad after ad of mudslinging candidates advertising for their party, hear of democrats supporting democrats, republicans supporting republicans.

Did you know that when America was originally founded, the father's didn't even want parties at all? Apparently that didn't work out. Naturally, people took their own views, and found groups of people who supported their views, and so on. Thus, the parties were born, from federalists to anti-federalists. The list of parties today goes on and on and on - and yet, if they're so great, is this the reason why so many people are registering as independent's these days? I almost can't really blame them. I'd be sick of the mudslinging from party to party, the disgust with which each treats each other. That's not what America is supposed to be like. That's not what we're supposed to treat each other like.


I do support the Libertarian Party, am a libertarian-conservative, and hold many of those views. I support gun rights, the legalization of marijuana, the benefits that would result from major tax cuts, less government spending, smaller government, and many other things. However, I do believe in keeping my eyes open and looking at each candidate not just for what party he stands for, but for what he stands for. And I can really see how parties can be a bad thing for several reasons.


Firstly, they split us up as Americans. We are supposed to be the United States of America. Back when America was first around, the British saw us and joked about us being the Disunited States of America - well, just look at us now! We seem very Disunited indeed. Hating our fellow neighbor and not letting him get a word in if he dares to oppose your views. We should ALL be proud to be Americans. Not just proud to be a Republican, proud to be a Democrat - we're still all people. We're still all a part of this country. We should act like it. I'm not saying parties are completely bad - but at the same time, I think people take them a little too seriously. We should all - and that means YOU TOO, candidates - be treating each other with respect. Guys, there have been some great republican presidents. Ronald Reagan, of course, namely -Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln. And there have been some equally great Democratic Presidents! - John F. Kennedy, and even Clinton come his second term, did wonderful jobs. My point is, there's something that everyone can bring to the table as both president and as an American, whether Democrat or Republican or another party. Those people are still unique people and the men I listed - and many more I did not list - each and all did amazing things for our country. 
If we opened our eyes long enough to look past democrats and republicans, we'd see that both of these parties have some good ideas and there's a lot we could learn from them. In life, we are both teacher and student - we learn some, we teach some. You don't know everything, no matter what party you belong to!


Secondly, if we were less inclined to vote for someone merely because of party affiliation, I think American voters would be far more encouraged to learn more about a candidate and educate themselves on government better. I believe many candidates are guilty of hiding behind party lines and affiliations, not called upon enough to truly present their views and what they're all about. You can  never really be sure of who you're voting for based on what he or she says alone. You need to find out for yourself as well - and that doesn't just mean watching the news or listening to political ads. Check different sources, see what information can be validated. I'm a big supporter of being educated before voting. Call me ridiculous, but I do think that if you should have to take a citizenship test, drivers license test, CPT's and SAT's to get in college, and get a permit to carry a weapon, then you should have to take a test to vote. Basically, if you are not educated enough to know how the American system works, and who it is you are voting for, YOU SHOULDN'T BE VOTING! It's as plain as that. Voters NEED to know what they're doing. Regardless of whether a candidate says he is republican or democrat, or another party, you need to learn about him or her! What do they stand for, what have they done, what are their goals? Research, research, research. And form your own views and opinions on the way! Does said person agree with you on this point? Maybe not, but what's the most important thing you're looking for in a candidate? Do you honestly think they would do a good job in office? What is their background like? Ask questions, and find answers. Voting is not a privilege - it's a right our ancestors fought and died for. That's a pretty hefty price to pay for something you take for granted today. Get out there and educate yourselves.


We are Americans. We are supposed to stand for freedom, liberty, and justice. Don't just sit back and let the government take over - don't take the easy route out and let them feed  you all that they're saying about how they'll give you free this, free that. A government with enough power to give you anything you want, can just as easily take it all away. Don't let America lose the principles it once stood on that made her the most prosperous country in the world. Despite her present shortcomings, America is still an amazing country, one we should be proud to be a part of. And then we should use this pride to take action - to educate ourselves, to defend our rights, to keep this country the land of the truly free and the home of the brave. Stand up for yourselves, Americans, or one day it may be too late.

Coffee and tests and morning drives [There is another sky]

This weekend was one of those weekends you can't really wait to get over with. I survived round 2 of SAT's this Saturday - hopefully I did even better and 6 endless hours of my time which I can never get back will pay off. For those who know me, you'll know almost first off that I'm not a morning person... at all... however, I will say that I was rather proud of myself for waking up, making coffee and being all ready to go bright and early before 7:30 am. Apopka High is right down the street, so I got into my truck at 7:20 am and headed towards my destination. The area in Apopka where I live must be one of the only hilly places in Florida - it's quite pretty, actually, driving down roads that wind and shape to the contours of the green and grassy hills, dotted with oak trees, ponds and lethargic cows. Turning onto the street that would take me to the school, I was rather shocked to find a very pleasant surprise waiting for me - the road was enveloped in fog! The hill rose before me, enveloped on either side by hills, and to my left lay two ponds. The sun was just rising over the hill, still yet to gain later-day strength, the sky was a brilliant autumn-blue, pink and orange -- and cloudless. It was like entering another world, a faerie-land, a place that exists only in story books and old hidden away child's dreams. I can't quite describe its beauty - but as I intook a breath and drove as slowly as I could along, the world was perfect for that moment, and God's glory was truly apparent to me.


Maybe I should contemplate waking up early more often.


... just not tomorrow.




There is another sky
Emily Dickinson

There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum:
Prithee, my brother,
Into my garden come!

Random Lacy Update 5 Min. Later Following Last Post

I dyed my hair for the first time! This is the finished product.

Tough Decisions

Daily I find myself barraged my a flurry of mail from colleges; I'm receiving scholarship offers and acceptance into a few; but really, I have no idea where to go. I'm so confused as to where to choose!

1. Wesleyan College (Macon, Ga)

Originally my first choice, I've been accepted and received a scholarship. By the time I raise my SAT score even higher (this Saturday when I re-take it hopefully), I will get more scholarship money, and then be in the running for the big, full-time scholarships. I still have lots of chances to get bigger scholarships from here, plus pell grant and Phi Theta Kappa scholarships will cover virtually all tuition costs, even if I don't - and housing and books if I (hopefully) do. I'm really impressed all-around by Wesleyan so far. Wesleyan being out of state really appeals to me, as I've always wanted the chance to live somewhere new, even if it's only a state away from Florida. It's private, so it does not have out-of-state fees. I know Macon, plus I really like how small and how attentive everyone is to you here. It's a beautiful school, and I love small, private colleges far better than big universities, even with the extra expenses. With scholarships those expenses don't figure in as much, afterall. Plus there is a massive resident cat living in the library. However, it is all women, and you are required to live on-campus. These might be potential downsides for me - maybe I wouldn't like the lack an all-women's school? Maybe I'd want to get an apartment? Housing is a lot of $$$. Still deciding whether or not I should attend, but it's still my first choice. I'm definitely waiting to see what they offer if I can get some bigger scholarships as well - plus what Grad Schools I can go to for Physical Therapy, and a potential deal with Pruitt that would pay for all college costs in exchange for employment.

2. Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, Florida)

Jax University was never really high on my list of choices for me, but it's really been growing on me and is definitely my number two choice - possibly number one. I recently learned that I have been accepted and have received a $13,000 per year scholarship from them - though I'd still have to come up with $13,000 more - it's $13000 per-semester, being private. However, after pell grant and Bright Futures, it would be virtually free, housing not included. It's a very nice school, I've heard, plus it's got a good pre-physical therapy program for Biology Majors. I'm going to go visit and see - maybe I'll go here!

3. UCF (University of Central Florida) (Orlando, Fl)

I go to Valencia Community College for full-time dual enrollment in Orlando, Fl. Basically, I'm practically going to UCF - Valencia features "direct-connect" to UCF in which Valencia students can take classes at both Valencia and UCF at the same time, and Valencia students are guaranteed admission into UCF. Naturally, I can't rule UCF out. I've only just applied there, but the low tuition costs plus the location (right here) are certainly really convenient. I do a lot of very helpfully profitable entertainment and party work in Orlando, so I wouldn't have to give that up and/or have to rebuild business and clientèle as I would have to in a new place. Phi Theta Kappa scholarships, Bright futures, and Pell Grant will also make UCF virtually free, even with housing - not to mention UCF is the only one of the schools I've mentioned so far that offers the Physical Therapy Doctorate I want, so I wouldn't have to go elsewhere for grad school. Downsides are, UCF is one of the largest schools in the country, so I would lose the benefit of one-on-one teacher experience and small student-to-professor ratios. With the difficulty of my upcoming classes and my major in general, finding a school with helpful professor's and small classes could really make a big difference in my success - so that's definitely something o think about when considering UCF.

4. Mercer University (Macon, Ga)

Mercer is also in Macon. This would be a fantastic school to go to, plus it has one of the best Physical Therapy graduate programs in the country... however, my chances of attending here are about, well, nada. About $30,000 a year for tuition alone means either they give some really great scholarships, or the closest I'll get to Mercer is, well, on this list!

5. University of Florida (Gainesville, Fl)

Go Gators! 'Nuff said. I'd love to go to UF - have ever since I was little. However, UF is a very competitive school to get into. It would be nice, however, not to mention it too features a very nice Physical Therapy Graduate Program (My intended Doctorate after getting a Biology B.S.) I'm going to see how this one turns out, and if  don't end up going here, I won't be supper-bummed or anything.

6. Meredith College (Raleigh, NC)

Meredith is a very out-there possibility, nor have I finished applying - another all women's school, they offer good financial aid, I here, and so far the communication I've had with them seems to be really nice. Everyone is willing to help and seems genuinely interested in you as a person. They seem very personal, also like Wesleyan. It being in NC is really appealing to me - I would love to go to college in NC! One of my favorite states. But NC is awfully far away from any of my family, loved ones, and friends - so I'm not really heavily considering going to Meredith. It's just a thought.

7. Brevard College (Brevard, NC)

Another really lovely college, and in NC - though I hardly know anything about Brevard and, like Meredith, I'm not really heavily considering going there. Yet to send in transcripts - might or might not, it depends on how things with other colleges work out as well.

As for Grad Schools for Physical Therapy, I have a lot of research to do, but so far I've found UCF, UF, UNF, Mercer, and a few Georgia Colleges offer Physical Therapy Doctorates. This is going to be a tough choice, not to mention I have no clue how I'll pay for it since federal aid is not offered in grad school, but I'll save it for later in the future, as I'm worrying about getting my Bachelor's at the moment.

Well, those are my choices for colleges right now! I'm excited to pick and go to a college, whichever that might be. Even if I technically already attend college, this is really a new and fascinating adventure for me. I can't wait to see how it turns out, and can't wait to graduate and be able to get a good job and see all my hard work pay off. I don't know if things will turn out like I expect them to, but suppose that's all part of the process. We'll see how to future turns out. For now though, while I know I'll end up choosing one and hopefully the right college, I'm finding it to be such a hard choice for me. If you have any advice or opinions, I would love to hear them. Please let me know, because it might really help. Thanks for reading, everyone!

Realizations

Today I came to a sinking realization.
As I get my tests passed back to me at Valencia, I can't help but look at them and wonder, what happened?
So used to being a prodigious A student, for once in my life, I am facing the dilemma of pouring hours of hard work and study into my schoolwork - with nothing to show for it.
It's slowly dawning on me just how difficult this undertaking of choosing to major in Biology is - and I'm in for a long few years. I started thinking, "maybe I'm not smart enough? maybe I'm not cut out for this?"
But honestly, I can't think of anything else I would rather do. I am having a hard time and I am struggling in school, as well as facing the added pressure of it being my senior year, having to keep my GPA up for scholarships and honor societies. But if I don't do it now, what am I going to do? Just give up? I can't.

Things are getting hard, but I just need too find a way to push through and get on with it.

My Day

12:33 am.

Spent the past hours studying for trig, hoping the hard work will pay off Thurs.

My Day:

I like vanilla coffee from gas stations.
I do not like paying for gas.
I do not like it when the Dakota decides to drive funny.
I do like Biology.
I do like feeling like I know what I'm doing on BIO tests and quizzes.
I do not like getting bad scores on chemistry tests.
I like nice classmates.
I do not like upcoming trig tests.
I do love Joshua David Kuckuck.
I like having a drivers license.
I like listening to loud music in the car.
I like clean rooms.
I like sleep after a long day.

Yesterday was a good day

Yesterday was a good day. Mamabird and I went to the flea market. First of all, it was ungodly hot. But it was really fun to look around. We saw things ranging from bunnies, to belts, knives, giant giraffe statues and a questionable-looking tattoo parlor.
During our adventure, we decided to get Jakey a bunny as a pet - we held to the firm belief that he was, indeed, in need of a pet to love and that it would do him good. Picking out a cute little brown and black bundle of fluff, we went to Subway and brought the bunny inside. Ate lunch with the bunny, then went home and presented it to Jakey, who quickly fell in love. Watched The Sixth Sense for the first time - creepy but artful and thought-provoking.
Well, more later.

Go, or I will send my evil army of alpacas out to hunt you down, and hurt you

You should go to the blog "Veritas vos Liberabit" (under blogs I follow, if you can't find it). Anyways, it's awesome, and I highly encourage and recommend it...and all that kind of stuff that advertisers say. (Basically, this speech (enter different product here) can be found on any 3am. infomercial. But that is very much besides the point. So, go ahead and check it out, but keep reading here! Because alpacas are far more vicious beings than you take them for...

Where did all the time go?

Today I woke up, ate breakfast, and then fell back asleep. After a myriad of strange dreams, upon waking up I proceeded to apply to more colleges in hopes that I will not become an epic failure at life. In the meantime, I have learned that one of the greatest disappointments in life is pouring a bowl of cereal, looking forward to eating it, getting your spoon, then opening up the refridgerator... only to find that there is no milk! It's an absolute tragedy, and I don't think that sweet tea tastes very good with Fruity Pebbles. I've started reading Pride and Prejudice again for the second time in two years - I'm enjoying it a lot better this second time than when I was obligated to read it and write an essay on it in tenth grade. Maybe because I'm (can you believe it) older?
Gosh, that seems so long ago. It's incredible how quickly things change and go by. Here I am, it's the first day of August, and what I wouldn't do to go back 3 months to May when I first got here in Macon and had the whole summer before me. How did the whole summer flee so fast? I wish I didn't have to go. My impending return to Florida, dare I say it, fills me with a sense of sadness and dread. It's going to be such a culture shock to return after being up here so long - it's the longest time I've ever been away from there. Granted, I'll be back for visits, and for college... but until then, I'm really, truly going to miss this place and the people here. With all of my heart. Sweet tea, Zoey, the Kuckuck's, extended family and friends, the sky, 2am trips to Waffle House, sitting on the front porch, Zaxby's, Kroger, everything... and of course, Joshua. At least some consolation that I do possess, is that it will soon be fall. Something about fall just makes me happy. The year is winding down, things feel slower and more laid back, my birthday is right around the corner, the weather (maybe...) gets cooler, and everything just feels far improved. The rest of the year pales in comparison to me. I still have yet to get my license, but it's first on the to-do list when I return. That will definitely improve things, too. Anyways, I'll write more soon. Lacy.

To each his [her!] own; my own words of wisdom

Here are some words of wisdom that I have accumulated throughout my adventures in life:

Firstly, beer pong with nickels does not work. Also, using golf balls does not improve said situation.

Make sure the melted cheese is NOT scalding hot before you pour it all over yourself.

When in doubt, always add MORE sugar to the sweet tea, as opposed to less.

Butter makes everything taste better. Everything.

Most of life's problems can be solved with homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Treat people the way you would if it was the last time you ever saw them. Make the best of it, you never know when it will be.

"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God!"

Careful when praying to God for patience ...

Don't be afraid to love with all of your heart, even if you might get hurt. It's worth it.

God knows best. Seriously.

Obama is WRONG. THE END.

Don't be afraid to do something crazy. Despite its potential downfalls, at the end of your life, which will be more worth it? The ordinary, or the unconventional? Jumping into a pool with all your clothes on, or not because you just want to stay dry?

Quantum Law of Physics: All fun things cost at least 8 dollars.

The Church doesn't make the Christian.

Hold onto that one special thing in life that gives you joy, at all costs. Because if you let it go, you may never get it back. Other happiness pales in comparison.

Give LOTS of hugs.

If you hear a song and like it, write it down!

Waffle house at 2am. makes everything okay. The world disappears, even if just for a little while.

Laugh out loud. Loudly.

Have at least one person you can trust and tell your secrets to.

Write it all down.

Drink Cheerwine.

Read something you wouldn't normally read.

Wear something you wouldn't usually wear.

Take a bubble bath.

Ponytails = panacea for bad hair days.

Don't be afraid to listen to new music.

Don't hate. It can control you, it has the power to consume you. Hate is a wasted emotion.

God will make all just in the end.

Go ahead and put that eyeliner on the inside of your eyelids.

Never underestimate the power of prayer, especially in numbers.

Believe in the unbelievable.

YOU cannot be replaced.

Listen to your gut.

People matter more than things.

Jump off at least one cliff in your life.

Prefer the deepest joy to the unremarkable, safe emotions; even if it has the potential to cause the greatest pain.

Try a crazy food.

Paint a room a crazy colour.

Run outside and dance in the rain.

Smile at strangers.

Never forget your roots.

---

[Under Construction]

7/28/10

New life goal!

In addition to Russian, I wish to learn Hebrew. Awesome much? Yes!

More politics-stuff...

Interesting politics-stuff, read if you like liberty:

http://contraries.net/the-odinga-obama-cousin-thing/

http://www.nysun.com/opinion/kenya-connection/69273/

This is [short]

Boo's birthday party today. Long day. Everyone's still here. I'm ready for bed.

I'm so tired. Blah =/

Worries

Sometimes I'm afraid.

I'm afraid I'm going to fail at life. Afraid I'm not going to be successful. Afraid I will amount to nothing. Afraid nothing will work out, my hopes will be crushed, my dreams will amount to nothing because I lack the ability to make them come true.
I'm applying to colleges and I'm just so worried. What if I mess up? What if I can't pay for college? I'm basically depending upon the hope of a scholarship to get me the education I need. But what if those doors don't open for me?

I guess I'm just a little bit insecure about my capabilities. I know God will provide and take care of me, I'm just worried about the future at times.

We must have prayer and faith and hope - things will work out.

Way to early to be up in the am. (for me!)

My list of life goals so far:

- Travel to all 50 states in the US
- Own a venus flytrap
- Marry off Jakey
- Marry off Erica
- Own a stribling CD
- Learn Russian (with Kelsey)

The use of being multilingual... (or at least having access to the internet)

These words do not have direct equivalents in English. Some of them would definitely be useful for us English-speakers, don't you think? I'll add words to it periodically.

1. Waldeinsamkeit (German): the feeling of being alone in the woods

2. Ilunga (Tshiluba, Congo): a person who is ready to forgive any abuse for the first time, to tolerate it a second time, but never a third time

3. Taarradhin (Arabic): a way of resolving a problem without anyone losing face (not the same as our concept of a compromise – everyone wins)

4. Litost (Czech): a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one’s own misery

5. Esprit de l’escalier (French): a witty remark that occurs to you too late, literally on the way down the stairs…

6. Meraki (Greek): doing something with soul, creativity, or love

7. Yoko meshi (Japanese): literally ‘a meal eaten sideways’, referring to the peculiar stress induced by speaking a foreign language:

8. Duende (Spanish): a climactic show of spirit in a performance or work of art, which might be fulfilled in flamenco dancing, or bull-fighting, etc.

9. Guanxi (Mandarin): in traditional Chinese society, you would build up good guanxi by giving gifts to people, taking them to dinner, or doing them a favour, but you can also use up your gianxi by asking for a favour to be repaid.

10. Pochemuchka (Russian): a person who asks a lot of questions

11. Tingo (Pascuense language of Easter Island): to borrow objects one by one from a neighbour�s house until there is nothing left

12. Radioukacz (Polish): a person who worked as a telegraphist for the resistance movements on the Soviet side of the Iron Curtain

13. Selathirupavar (Tamil): a word used to define a certain type of absence without official leave in face of duty

14. Hiraedd (Celtic): Something that is longed for but cannot be obtained

Our Wonderful Government

Our founding father's would be turning in their graves if they saw America today.

Many people fail to realize the true extent of the corruption and incapability of the government today.

As America is spiraling down a socialist path under the abhorrent leadership of President Obama, the Government has, in addition, far outstepped its intended reach. The Government's purpose is to defend the people and protect their freedom. Many wonderful and "free" "services" the Government offers today are certainly not constitutional. Welfare, foreign aid, the recently passed healthcare bill, federal roads, income tax, even public education were never intended roles of our federal government.

I beg you to remember that nothing you receive from the Government is free. It is all paid for by YOU and YOUR taxes. If you weren't paying all those taxes, couldn't you pay for all of those services for yourself? Not to mention get better service for your money.

More later ...