Le Stage

I’m learning:

How to converse with people that are WAY more intelligent than me, hello Harvard educated

How not to talk about things

That God reveals things in clever ways

How to quickly check a man’s ring finger, it’s one way I keep occupied during my 1 hour and 45 minute commute

How to use the fancy pants DC SmartCard

How to say goodbye to a toenail, thanks fellow COMMUTER

Going to bed early (10 PM), I wake up around 5:15 am

I survive off my excellent people skills

There are truly good people in the world that are fighting for humanity, to make the world a better place without any recognition. Most of my coworkers are not Christians, but they have passion. Something we all should have.

College Video Part 1

Okay. I probably spent close to 2 hours writing a post about my Budapest trip, and I have NO IDEA where the post went. So, if you want to hear funny stories, you'll have to get in contact with me.

On a different note, I took lots of videos this year, because well this was my last semester. I will be sharing some sporadically.

Explanation: My dorm, Burgess Hall, would host a themed party every year. This year theme was Around the World, every floor had to provide decor, food, and games. My floor was India, and we had a turban contest. The people wrapping the turbans were blind folded and had ten seconds to wrap their partner.

Enjoy

Three Credits

I wanted to take an easy elective, my choices were Photography or Oral Interpretation. I thought to myself: I already know how to do forensics, so why not try photography? What I thought would be easy turned into a very time consuming class. Looking back, I wish I would have taken Oral Interpretation, but I got to experiment with a nice camera. Here are some photos:

Modern Funny Girl

Movement

39 days

...till graduation!!

What to do: 25 page paper on Disney and feminism, Night of Forensics, elections, case study, photography essay, and HANG OUT WITH PPL I LOVE! In the future look for a post about Budapest.

Oscars

One of my favorite nights of the year approches.....OSCAR NIGHT! I love seeing the gowns, listening to the speeches, and seeing if my Oscar ballot lines up with the Academy. There is one huge plus to this year's festivites- James Franco.

I have seen 7 of then 10 Best Picture Nominees. The battle is between The King's Speech and The Social Network. Sorry, 127 hours.

When I tutor in speech, I keep coming back to a powerful scene in the King's Speech:

King George VI: Listen to me. *Listen to me!*
Lionel Logue: Listen to you? By what right?
King George VI: By divine right if you must, I am your king.
Lionel Logue: No you're not, you told me so yourself. You didn't want it. Why should I waste my time listening?
King George VI: Because I have a right to be heard. I have a voice!
Lionel Logue: [pauses] Yes, you do.

Speaking of speech, I shall now retreat to practice one of my four speeches for the IFA tournament.

Snowed In

Soon I may have cabin fever. Evangel has received 13 inches of snow and have not adequately plowed the parking lot. So instead of my usual Saturday morning routine (going to a coffee shop to get homework done), I am sitting in the Burgess Computer Lab drinking cranberry juice, wearing a white robe, and blogging.

Thoughts occurring at the moment:

Why did it take me so long to like Mumford and Sons?

In an hour I get to play racquetball

Where can I find a good Cold War speech for my speech tournament in Budapest?

I hope my computer gets fixed soon.

I'm going to miss all my EU friends.

Christmas Break

Let the pics begin....

I can never get a good picture with Samson. So I thought that if I used a kong, he would be photogenic. I was wrong. lol

Celia and I hitting up The Cheesecake Factory in Baltimore on Christmas Eve

Inner Harbor

My dad and I were ready to face the 30 mph winds

The Christmas Tree Fountain

DC Adventures with Jeanette

Paper Currency during the Colonial Period

Did you know that it takes 18 months to make a Pop Up book?

Jeanette and I played in the children's area

1. False. This was popularized by films
2. True, but they were used for trading purposes
3. True, it was easier to maintain than water
4. False, pirates did much crueler things. Walking the plank was first seen in Peter Pan

I've always wanted to ride a carriage like this

First Ladies Dress Collection

Mrs. Lincoln

Notice "Stylish Cotton"

I didn't know Lincoln was home-schooled

Jeanette and I wanted to see all the hype with Georgetown Cupcakes. Senators and celebrities eat here. Verdict: The Cup in Springfield has better cupcakes and prices. But, hey at least we visited a TLC show.

For you Little Women Lovers

I've been meaning to blog about my experience visiting the Orchard House, aka the setting for Little Women and Louisa May Alcott's home. I visited with my mother while in the Lexington and Concord area. It became the highlight of my New England vacation.

Fun Facts

• Mr. Alcott was a teacher without prejudice, meaning he believed that women and non-white should receive an education. Quite a modern idea back then.
• Mr.Alcott built the Orchard House over a well so that his daughters did not have to go outside to retrieve water in the bitter New England winters.
• Louisa May Alcott (LMA) wrote Little Women based off her own family. Jo is LMA.
• The Alcott Sisters (March's) really did put on plays
• Friedrich's character was based off Emerson, the writer, whom Jo had a crush on. In fact, Emerson visited the Orchard House often.
• Originally LMA's publisher did not like Little Women. However, the publisher's daughter got hold of the manuscript and fell in love with the story, so much so that she persuaded her father to publish Little Women.
• LMA made $45 million, thanks to Little Women.

These are just some things. If you ever watch Little Women with my mom or me, you will learn more.

Poor Candle

I can laugh about it now, just as long as I do not get fined. Thanks to Emily and Stephanie for helping me clean up the mess.

So, What's Your Will?

The question of the semester...

"What are you going to do after you graduate?"

It's almost overwhelming coming home, because I am constantly reminded how I am a senior and with no plan after graduation. Now I know why people stay in Springfield after they graduate.

To be honest, three months ago I thought I had it all figured out. Earn my MBA at a top-notch school, be a marketer for Disney, and end up producing all before the age of 35. However, one thing was missing... prayer. I did not pray about this decision and God slammed that door shut. Lesson learned: pray before making decisions.

Now it's back to square one. I've been the planner type, so what I am going through is very difficult. I never thought I would be THAT senior. What's funny is when I was a freshman, I thought after graduation I would move to LA, be an assistant director with my film degree, and already be engaged. Little did I know that technology and I would not be friends. I have no regrets for not dating so far at Evangel, God has protected my heart; don’t get me wrong I want to get married, but on God’s timing.

Earlier this week, I went to a Foreign Service worker's going away party. No one really talked to me (I was clearly the youngest person in the room.) However, one man, Erik, a strategy DOD worker, talked to me for a little bit. He told me that it is good that I am a communication major, "No offense, but diplomats aren't always good communicators." While eating in Georgetown later that night, my dad told me how my speaking has improved mightily. This may come to a surprise to you, when I was younger I had a speech impediment. I had to go to a speech therapists for over 10 years, and now I am on the forensics team, all we do is SPEAK. Funny how God works at times.

Currently, I see myself taking a year off. I will probably work on Capitol Hill or with the Ravens. It will be a growing year, which normally is not fun, but I will come out fully knowing what I want to do. Also, I will have the initiative to study for the tests in order to get into a grad program. Because, I have tons of interests but no idea what I want to do. Who knows, maybe God will surprise me and I will have an urge on what to do. :D

I am aware that I want to work with the Arts or for a company that is artistic. I need to be surrounded by the creative. I see Christ through creative things like film, art, and music.

All in all, I keep on remembering what someone once told me,

“There is beauty in the process.”

Hello, Break!

This is my mom's dog named Buddy, I actually think he has missed me, because he has been coming into my room. You have to admit he's pretty cute. Today, my mom and I went searching for the dog's Christmas presents; yes, I know my dogs are spoiled, but they bring so much joy to our family. Anyways, we asked a worker for their toughest toy, because Samson is notorious for destroying squeaker toys in a matter of hours. The worker gave us their "toughest" toy, which happened to be a dragon. The verdict: in ten minutes Samson ripped off the dragon's wing. Oh, well.

The ride home went pretty fast. I made it home in record time- 18.5 hours. This ride comes with stories. Like how Celia got a speeding ticket for trying to catch up with the group, but she was actually in the lead. Or how Jill now has gone through a background check thanks to a couple of post it notes.

My car was pretty event free, I mean we almost ran out of gas, and survived a SKETCH gas station. For some reason it was always hot in my car , which could be because we had three blonds all in one car ;). We drove two miles out of the way for some Starbucks, but hey it was a bathroom break for me. Eventually, I had to hide drinks from myself in the car in order to make stops less frequent. All in all Brooke, Chris, and Celia were/are great car mates.

PS: Thus far I have slept many hours. 14 hours on the first night, and 11 hours last night :D.

Poetry for Christmas

Kiliam McDonnell, a Roman Catholic theologian, is definitely not the average church member. He progresses with the culture and seeks to reveal what audiences always interpret. McDonnell’s style bursts energy and modern words that bring a new perspective to the Biblical texts. While reading the poems, I kept thinking about Slam Poetry, and how effective these poems could be using that sort of performance. I believe McDonnell has literary license. Before every poem, he gives a reference verse and follows the Biblical narrative outlines. Now to some Christians, McDonnell’s interpretation may be offensive. However, why water down the thoughts and events that changed history?

In the Kitchen paints a new setting for a divine and historical moment. Mary is doing her daily routine. She is normal like us, and God uses her. We can seek encouragement in the fact that God sees our normality and makes us become great through glorifying him. Also, ending the poem with, “And I dropped the rag,” sums up Mary’s emotions: awe, wonder, excitement, and shock. This is quite a pivotal ending to a moment that revolutionizes everything.

In the Kitchen

(“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel . . . .” Luke 1:26)

Bellini has it wrong.

I was not kneeling

on my satin cushion

quietly at prayer,

head slightly bent.

Painters always

skew the scene,

as though my life

were wrapped in silks,

in temple smells.

Actually I had just

come back from the well,

placing the pitcher on the table

I bumped against the edge,

spilling water on the floor.

As I bent to wipe

it up, there was a light

against the kitchen wall

as though someone had opened

the door to the

sun.

Rag in hand,

hair across my face,

I turned to see

who was entering,

unannounced, unasked.

All I saw

was light, white

against the timbers.

I heard a voice

I had never heard.

I heard a greeting,

I was elected,

the Lord was with me,

I pushed back my hair,

stood afraid.

Someone closed the door.

And I dropped the rag.

A New Tradition

Where has the freshman spirit gone? The spirit of staying up late, making movies for the fun of it, dance parties on floors, and SPONTANEITY. Elise and I have had enough of the senior stress, so we have taken matters into our own hands. We have created Senior Spontaneity. Every week, Elise and I will create a joyful, fun, and memorable experience or story. Let me tell you about our first couple of weeks:

Week 1

Elise and I were sitting on the couch hungry (this should be of no shock.) I told Elise how that I planned to put on a mud mask that night, and Elise spoke of her fast food lover aka Taco Bell. Thus, we developed the plan: to go to Taco Bell with mud masks on.

Here's the video:

It's funny how the worker thought nothing of us, that's when you know Springfield is strange.

Week 2

Lunch time on a MWF. (Maybe Elise and I create stupid ideas with non satisfied stomachs.) Casey, our RD, was at the time still prego and past her due date. Elise, Celia, and I decided to scare her by jumping and poking her. I admit, not the smartest idea, but Casey's husband laughed at us AND Casey had her baby the next day.

Week 3

The week of little sleep. Elise and I were preparing for our communication finals, and we needed some energy. So, we decided to run around Burgess Hall at 12:57 a.m. without real shoes to see if we could make it back in time before curfew. Verdict: 1 minute and 13 seconds. Elise taped it.

Week 4

Dinner. Cafe. Tots. That's right tots like from Napoleon Dynamite. The cafe served tots, and I don't know how this happened, but Elise and I stood up and yelled "TOTS" three times. However, we did not stop there. When we were done eating, we walked by George(who at the time pretended like he did not know us) and said "tots." Then prior to leaving the cafe, we screamed "tots" one last time and I jumped.

We would tell you to join us on our next spontaneous moment, but then it would not be spontaneous.

Quote of the Day

First off, I am happy to announce that soon and very soon, you will see more posting from me this week.

However, let me ease you in by a quote that came from my roommate today....

"What's my favorite Christmas Song?... I do not like most Christmas songs... Can I put down Mr. Grinch?"

- Stephanie Edwards

Oh, Mr. Grinch. What's ironic is that the forensics team is doing a Reader's Theatre of Dr. Seuss' classic for some Evangel faculty.

Life Update

I could study for Geology or I could record the occurrences of the last couple days. Lets go with the latter.

1. I have sprained my foot. I did not know that this was humanly possible. I've heard of a sprained ankle, but never a foot. How, you ask? I believe it was a combination of running in heels from work to catch the last 5 minutes of the Ravens game and then playing powder puff. I'm just thankful that nothing is broken. I promise to not play powder puff for a week. I'm a senior and I want to play in one more game. ( Isn't ironic that I am injured in possibly the busiest time of the semester?)

2. Of the one day that I have been on crutches, I have noticed that more people talk to you. Which is had been fun, I've met some new people.

3. My love with classical music has rekindled.

Sink the Vikings

HOMECOMING IS SOON!!!!!!!

(Which means long nights and lack of blog posts.)

Panera Homework Break

Current Song: Your Song by Elton John

Status: Homecoming Planning and Geology HW

I must take a break from doing homework. Elise and I are trying to be productive before our hopeful picnic.

While eating our bagels, Elise and I were discussing our favorite classes we have taken thus far at Evangel. Here are my top 3:

1. Direction in Film

2. 20th Century European History

3. Feature Writing

Improv almost made it. I was a little shy, so I never did much, but when I did preform I would always receive an "A." More importantly in improv, I made lifelong friendships with Elise, Joanna, and Bethany.

Enjoy your Labor Day!

Films on your Lap

During the summer, I spent some of my days watching films on netflix. After watching some I wrote down what I thought of them with a grade. ( This post is nearly funny without any grammatical thought.)

To Kill an Mocking Bird A

What a powerful film! I've heard about To Kill a Mocking bird via American Film Institute (AFI). Here are some awards has issued it:

#25 Best Film

#1 Best Hero

#17 Best Film Score

#2 Best Cheer

#1 Best Courtroom Drama

To be honest, I do not feel worthy enough to write a review, because I did not pay attention to the first half of the film. However, by the end, I wanted to become a lawyer to help people in need.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus B

"Don't believe everything you read. Especially The Mirror."

I would not have enjoyed this film if I did not understand Terry Gilliam (director.) This past semester, I had to write a 15 page paper on this fantasy mastermind. I am not going to lie, the story is WAY out there. Regardless, you will see art in moving pictures with wide angled lenses. One thing I learned after watching this film is you never win when dealing with the devil.

Dear John C-

I did not like this film! It is a rare occasion that I enjoy a Nicholas Sparks storyline. I will not tell you my reasoning upon my rating due to the fact that I would ruin it for you. I will say one thing though, there is an incredible moving father and son scene.

Into the Arms of Strangers B+

A documentary about European Jewish children sent to England during WWII. Very moving. I am grateful that we do not live in the fear of those days. I think I would have taken children in, if I lived during those times.

Raising Arizona B

"I'll be taking these Huggies and whatever cash ya got."

Oh, the Coen Brothers. One never knows what to expect. They never cease to amaze me with their cult humor and characters that are interesting, but allow no connections with audience. I watched this film with Celia, and we laughed. Maybe it was because it was late at night, or because it was plain ridiculous. Also, watch for the motif of birth.

CIty of Angels D

Although, a great song came out of this, Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, I felt like I was watching Twilight.

Amadeus A-

I did not know what to expect from this film. All I knew was that I would be hearing Mozart's music throughout because well, the film is about him. It won Best Picture in 1984. The costumes were great. Mozart's laugh, could be annoying, but it reminded me of a friend. I saw on Imdb, that there are some historians who said Mozart had an obnoxious chuckle. I'm not a music major, so I did not know about Mozart's life nor his pieces. I'm sad to say that "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" did not make the film ;) I was impressed by the cast's preformance.

Arranged B+

If you're looking for a cute pick me up, choose this. Jews and Muslims can get along! Basically, two young teachers become friends and talk about their "arranged" marriages to be.

Fargo C

"Don't ya know"

I had high expectations from this film, due to the fact that it is the Coen Brothers and it won some awards. My mom feels like she is watching a foreign film, because of the accents and way of life. I wasn't expecting the violence, and the only funny characters were Marg, the prego police woman.

Leap Year C

Believable? Absolutely not. Cute European? Indeed! Type A female protagonist? Hello, it is a chick flick.

Oh, if any of you want free netflix for a month, let me know and I will send you a link.

Food Inc. B+

Wow! I’m sort of disgusted with our food system or at least some of it. For instance, did you know when you eat a hamburger the meat does not come from one cow but from hundreds. Or that Tyson chickens are feed hormones to get fat quick, which makes them unable to walk. I’m thankful that they did not show a slaughterhouse otherwise I might have stopped eating mammals. Repulsed, right? Well, the one thing we can do is buy organic food. In the film they showed how Wal-Mart started selling organic food because the people demanded it. Yes, organic is more expensive but it’s better for you and the Earth, plus Jesus probably ate organic foods ;) lol.

Erin Brockovich B

I was scared to watch this film because I thought it would provoke me to study for the LSAT. I knew to expect Julia Roberts to tear it up on screen. I liked Erin’s spunk, and refusal to quit. What I found interesting is that Erin starting becoming happier with herself not from a man, or paycheck, but by helping people.

No Impact Man C

How would you feel about only eating natural foods produced no further than 250 miles from your home? No electricity for three months? No toilet paper? No make up? Having worms as your trash can? Well, one family decided to do all of this and more to not have an impact on the environment. I never knew what idea (rule) would appear next. I do think we need to take care of the environment, since God made it and told us to take care of it, but somethings are essential in life, like toilet paper. In the end all, too liberal and this coming from a moderate who recycles for her floor.

Wall-E A

Cute. Cute. Cute. I did not know what to expect. All I knew was that a robot that liked another robot. Thomas Newman created a wonderful score; he also did Finding Nemo and Little Women. Pixar showed the audience the importance of having purpose, and the beauty of free will if you don’t know what I mean, watch the film again. (I wonder how Pixar can dream up such moving, creative, and fun stories. Is it by a divine authorship? I think so; all truth is God’s truth.

What’s Up, Doc? D

All characters are annoying and have no depth. I tried to sit through the whole thing, but I was positive that there had to be something better on TV.

Art & Copy A-

I’ll admit that I am partially basis to this film due to the fact that I just took an Advertising class. It’s a documentary of how advertising shapes America. One quote stood out to me by George Lois:

“ Creativity can solve anything.”

Confessions of a Shopoholic B

At first, I thought this would be another pointless movie, and tell America how someone is only accepted if they have fashion. However, I was wrong, it encouraged me that what matters is to have your own style that way fashion does not take over your life.

Fashion in Film A-

I’ve never realize how Hollywood controls fashion. Just think how Breakfast at Tiffany’s created the little black dress. Clue inspired plaids. Legally Blonde made pink cool. What’s to be next?

Amistad A

One of the elements that led to the Civil War. A slave ship uprises at sea and somehow gets to America. The horrors that happened on the slave ship were horrendous. I’m so glad we have ended slavery. There are some beautiful moments like when an African discovers his Savior through Christian drawings. One thing is for sure- John Quincy Adams knows how to make a case!

Blood Diamond A

Wow. The only reason why this does not get an A+ is for the language. It deserves it R rating for sure with the violence; it’s hard to believe that there are 200,000 child soldiers in Africa. I watched this film because I have heard good reviews and after watching Dijimon Hounsou performance in Amistad, I wanted to see more. Leonardo DiCapro and he did a outstanding performance. I had no idea about the diamond cartel in Africa, now I will make sure that eventually if ever buy diamonds to check that they are conflict free.