Musings of a Literary Junkophile

A life to travel

2010-09-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I haven't felt like blogging in the past few months, well maybe I do, but its kind of a long story. I am back at school, back into the routine of life. Classes, homework, working out, friend time, sleep, rinse and repeat. Not to say that anything about that is bad.

This school year is turning into a very interesting one. My classes are fascinating; for the first time every single class I am in is something I enjoy. From History of World Christianity to Biochemistry to Lifeguard training. I have less free time than I had last year (if that is even possible) but I don't really care. I pride myself on finding that fine line between complete insanity and the appearance of insanity.

It is also strange to be back on campus without a few people of note. Having people gone means learning to trust and depend on different people, but it also means a chance to get to know other people at a deeper level.

Cheers!

Laura

Finals Loom

2010-04-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

I'm half way through the last week of classes. Its hard to believe that this year is nearly gone. It seems like it was just yesterday I was moving in and saying goodbye to my family. And now, I'm going to be moving out of my dorm room in less than two weeks. Even though this year has flown by it seems like so much has happened. It is strange to think that some of my closest friends I didn't even know at the beginning of this year, and now I can't imagine my life without them. I am so thankful for the people that God has placed in my life, both at home in Oregon and here in California.

One of my favorite hymns is "How Firm a Foundation", and I especially like this verse:

Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

At the moment I'm just so very tired and stressed with some much to get done in the next year weeks. But knowing that my foundation is not in this world, but instead in Christ means that I don't have to go through anything alone.

I'm not even done with this school year, but already I'm excited for next fall. It will be a very different semester. Two of my closest friends with be gone in England, and a handful of others will also be spread out across the globe. But my class schedule could be more fun. I found out two weeks ago, that I am on the SBIC core team for next year. This is the team that plans the trip to SF that I went on for spring break. I'm really excited to be in a new role for next year, and to have the chance to serve and lead in an organization and place that I have come to care for deeply. Isn't it funny how God's plans work out? I really only wanted to go to SF to see if I could handle being in an urban environment, not to fall in love with the people, and fall at His feet for their brokenness.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: I'm reading a book called Awakenings. Its about Parkinson disease. Its sort of like reading a textbook, but a really totally awesome text book. Next on my reading list: rereading "A brief History of Time" and "The Universe in a nutshell".

Amendment 2: Did I mention that I can't wait for medical school?

Amendment 3: Ok, I can wait, only because I love my life here at W_______, and will miss it when I've moved on.

April has Arrived

2010-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

As always, life is moving at a break-neck pace. With only a little over a month left until the end of the semester, school is becoming more and more time consuming. Which translates to less and less sleep.

My classes are still mostly fun. Lit. is probably my least favorite class only because our class discussions leave much to be desired. Philosophy oscillates from being enthralling to being down right mind numbing. It doesn't seem like there is a middle ground for me in philosophy, either I really love it or can't stand the material. Analytical chemistry is at times interesting. I really prefer the theoretical parts of chemistry much more than the lab work, so it isn't all that exciting to me, but it is still chemistry so I am still enjoying the class. Genetics is by far my most interesting class. The labs are very exciting. We have made antibiotic resistant E.coli, tested a potential mutagen, and are now crossing fruit flies to find out what traits are on the same chromosomes.

After numerous false starts, research is finally going well. We have been plagued with technical difficulties all semester, but it seems that finally we are getting good data. Which is very good in my opinion because it means fewer things for me to sort out at the beginning of the summer when I'm doing research full time.

On top of school social stuff is also starting to take up more time recently. But in a very good way. I sometimes feel like when ever life starts to calm down and become routine something new happens that adds excitement. That has certainly happened in the last month.

This past weekend was Easter break. I spent most of the break on campus, doing homework, and relaxing with friends. On Easter Sunday I attended my normal church and then spent the rest of the day at a friend's house that lives locally. It was so nice to be in a home, even if I was only visiting. I had forgotten just how wonderful being in a house, with people of different ages can be. I believe I have hit the point in the semester that I am really starting to feel like wanting to go home. I haven't been at home since early January, four months now. I have another month and bit to go, then a wonderful busy week at home, before summer research.

Cheers!

Laura

Amusing things learned in the past few weeks:
1) Facebook privacy settings are funny things, especially for friends-of-friends.
2) "Uhmm... friend" is a term that is apparently acceptable to use in some circles.
3) Cracking confetti eggs over friends' heads is a very fun activity.
4) Styrofoam $.99 airplanes can be surprisingly entertaining.
5) Nerf gun wars in a three story dorm building are not only good exercise but also ridiculously fun. Just watch out for "civilians" (aka other students).

Spring Break in the City: San Francisco

2010-03-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don’t know, I spent last week (spring break) in San Francisco on a mission trip. In short, the trip was amazing. I had a great time in the city, but I also learned so much about myself, urban ministry, and about my fellow team members. There are so many wonderful stories I could tell, and an equally number of heart breaking stories. I feel as if I left a little part of my heart in SF.

One of the main things I learned personally about myself was that I can do urban ministry. I grew up in a rural environment, always hating cities. Homeless people scared me, as did the loud, noisy smelly cities that I associated with them. But throughout the course of the week I came to realize that what people on the streets, or in horrible living conditions really want is just to be humanized, the same as everyone else. We spent lots of time passing out food to people that had literally next to nothing, but what they wanted and needed more than the food was the conversation and a smile. It makes so much sense and I can’t believe that I never thought about it that way before.

Being faced with so much poverty was at times overwhelming and very difficult. I knew that poverty existed in the US but I had never seen it so clearly. I realize now that while doing missions overseas, and in other countries is important, it is also important to do so in the United States. You don’t have to go to Africa to find people that are hurting, broken, and desperately in need of Christ’s love and compassion. (this is not to say that missions not in the USA are in any means bad, but just that we should also look to inside our own borders for places to minister). An entire family living in a 10x10 room, with no bathroom or kitchen should not be acceptable here. I have no idea what the answer is to some many of the problems, but things need to change. For the sake of the kids we worked with, things need to change.

Walking around and seeing places that were most certainly brothels or sweatshops was really hard. We went on a prayer walk our last day in the city and learned just how much pain and hurt was in the three blocks surrounding the church where we stayed. I’m not sure I can go back to normal life after being faced with trafficking victims and girls that have aged out of the foster care system being used as sex slaves. Walking around the neighborhood that we had been staying in and learning just so of the many problems that are faced by that community made me feel physically ill.

I am so thankful for the life I had growing up. I always had a roof over my head, food on the table, and parents that I knew loved me and wanted the best for me in everything. I never had to call home as a six year old to remind my parents to come and get me, and I never had to worry that my parents might not come home at night. We take so much for granted.

I was so encouraged on this trip to see a church that is really doing hard work. I have been feeling a little disenchanted with the Church recently, but to be able to experience a church that really was reaching out to the lost and the hopeless, and pulling people back from the precipice is something that I am so thankful for.

Christ came to serve, but I think sometimes the church brushes aside the people that are uncomfortable or difficult to serve. I realized walking around SF that our culture has made a new kind of lepers. In the Bible we read about the lepers, the outcasts of society, that people couldn’t touch; they wouldn’t even look them in the eye; they were completely ignored. How many of us do the same thing with people on the street? I know I am guilty of this. If we see a homeless person we just walk around them, not even giving them a smile. By doing this we have dehumanized them and deprived them of respect and dignity.

After this last week, I definitely want to go back to SF. I feel like there is so much more I can learn at the church we worked with. I went on this trip because I knew that where ever I end up for medical school it will mostly likely be in an urban environment. I wanted to learn something about the issues and problems that Christians face in that type of ministry. I came back with so much more. I feel encouraged that it is possible to find the balance between pure evangelism and just giving people a sandwich and a blanket on the road to Hell. I feel more confident that if I do end up working and ministering in an urban setting I can do so. I want to help the people that no one else is. The world is filled with broken people that desperately need Christ’s love and compassion. I want to find a small corner and stand between the gates of Hell and the hopelessness of the world.

~Laura

Church (big 'C')

2010-02-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

Quote from Max Lucado:

"God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship. The boat has one purpose—to carry us
safely to the other shore.
This is no cruise ship; it’s a battleship. We aren’t called to a life of leisure; we are called to a life
of service. Each of us has a different task. Some, concerned with those who are drowning, are
snatching people from the water. Others are occupied with the enemy, so they man the cannons
of prayer and worship. Still others devote themselves to the crew, feeding and training the crew
members.
Though different, we are the same. Each can tell of a personal encounter with the captain, for each has received a personal call. He found us among the shanties of the seaport and invited us to
follow him. Our faith was born at the sight of his fondness, and so we went.
We each followed him across the gangplank of his grace onto the same boat. There is one captain
and one destination. Though the battle is fierce, the boat is safe, for our captain is God. The ship
will not sink. For that, there is no concern.
There is concern, however, regarding the disharmony of the crew. When we first boarded we
assumed the crew was made up of others like us. But as we’ve wandered these decks, we’ve
encountered curious converts with curious appearances. Some wear uniforms we’ve never seen,
sporting styles we’ve never witnessed. “Why do you look the way you do?” we ask them.
“Funny,” they reply. “We were about to ask the same of you.”
The variety of dress is not nearly as disturbing as the plethora of opinions. There is a group, for
example, who clusters every morning for serious study. They promote rigid discipline and somber
expressions. “Serving the captain is serious business,” they explain. It’s no coincidence that they
tend to congregate around the stern.
There is another regiment deeply devoted to prayer. Not only do they believe in prayer, they
believe in prayer by kneeling. For that reason you always know where to locate them; they are at
the bow of the ship.
And then there are a few who staunchly believe real wine should be used in the Lord’s Supper.
You’ll find them on the port side.
Still another group has positioned themselves near the engine. They spend hours examining the
nuts and bolts of the boat. They’ve been known to go below deck and not come up for days. They
are occasionally criticized by those who linger on the top deck, feeling the wind in their hair and
the sun on their face. “It’s not what you learn,” those topside argue. “It’s what you feel that
matters.”
And, oh, how we tend to cluster.
Some think once you’re on the boat, you can’t get off. Others say you’d be foolish to go
overboard, but the choice is yours.
Some believe you volunteer for service; others believe you were destined for the service before
the ship was even built.
Some predict a storm of great tribulation will strike before we dock; others say it won’t hit until
we are safely ashore.
There are those who speak to the captain in a personal language. There are those who think
such languages are extinct.
There are those who think the officers should wear robes, there are those who think there
should be no officers at all, and there are those who think we are all officers and should all wear
robes.
And, oh, how we tend to cluster.
And then there is the issue of the weekly meeting at which the captain is thanked and his words
are read. All agree on its importance, but few agree on its nature. Some want it loud, others quiet.
Some want ritual, others spontaneity. Some want to celebrate so they can meditate; others
meditate so they can celebrate. Some want a meeting for those who’ve gone overboard. Others
want to reach those overboard but without going overboard and neglecting those on board.
And, oh, how we tend to cluster.
The consequence is a rocky boat. There is trouble on deck. Fights have broken out. Sailors have
refused to speak to each other. There have even been times when one group refused to acknowledge the presence of others on the ship. Most tragically, some adrift at sea have chosen not to
board the boat because of the quarreling of the sailors."

My pastor read this in church on Sunday. The message was about the Church universal, and what our place should be in it. I liked this analogy, especially because it really hit on some very important but very sensitive topics about the conduct of people in the Church.

I’m not sure why I’ve suddenly been thinking so much about the Church (as opposed to the church, little ‘c’). But it does seem to keep coming up. Even in chapel today, the speaker was a women, a wife of a priest from the Church of Antioch. This is an Eastern Orthodox church tradition. I didn’t necessarily agree with everything she said. And I also felt that she made some rash generalizations about the Western church that made me rather less likely to give her the benefit of the doubt on the things that I didn’t agree with. But on the whole it was a fascinating message. I have little to no experience with the Eastern church. Learning about the importance of art (icons) was particularly interesting.

But the Church universal seems to be on my mind lately. Perhaps, because I've been thinking and praying a lot about my future. Not the medical school part. At the moment I truly feel that that is where God is leading me. But I am also realizing that being a doctor will give me a unique set of skills that I can use almost anywhere in the world, and in many different settings. This opens a lot of doors, and gives a chance to be involved in people's lives that would otherwise be unreachable.

At the moment the questions that are floating through my head are these:

How can I keep myself from being lumped in with the perceived members of the Church that do not do a good job of representing Christ?

Which of my beliefs are matters of doctrine which are matters of freedom?

Does patriotism get in the way of the work of the Church?

If we have the Answer then why is the Church so ineffective at so many things?

Shouldn’t all Christians feel broken-hearted when looking at the world, because I’m beginning to think God must?

Is it enough for the local church to be concerned with their congregation or do they need to be involved with the larger Church?

Can one person really make a difference in a world filled with so much pain and hurt, but more specifically, can I?

How can I share the Hope I understand through Christ and the natural world with others?

What did Christ mean when he told the the disciples to buy swords, and am I strong enough and brave enough to fight when I have to?

~Laura

Random Thoughts from Lit. Class

2010-02-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

A quote by David James Duncan:
When I was thirteen and my brother was dying, a clergyman told me that if I prayed hard enough and with a pure enough heart, I could save my brother’s life. And then my brother died. This left me with serious questions about the pastor who told me those things, and about the purity of my own heart. So to the extent that I had bought the old time religion, I was guilt-ridden—I felt like I had been given an ideal that was impossible to live up to. But the older I grew, the more the ideal seemed like Swiss cheese religion—full of some serious holes. I couldn’t figure out, for instance, how to make God compassionate when all the people on the earth are only given one life and everyone is supposed to accept Jesus… It seemed to me that any God that I would believe in would have to be merciful. I felt that the God of my childhood was not merciful, and became an atheist, at least in terms of that God. I mean, I believe in God devoutly, but if Pat Robertson’s God is God, then I’m an atheist. I make a distinction between God and ‘God’.

David James Duncan wrote a book called the “River Why”. I had to read it for my English lit. class last week. The book takes place in Oregon and is basically about this young man’s spiritual journey as he finds God (or something like God). In general, I liked the book. It preached the normal Pacific Northwest Christianity, obsessed with nature and the natural world, focusing on a loving God without any judgment, a God that can basically become whatever anyone needs him/her to be. I didn’t agree with a lot of the spiritual aspects of the book. But that is really neither here nor there.

On Wednesday, when my professor brought in this interview with Duncan (quoted above) I started to think. In fact, I got so lost in thought that I didn’t bother paying attention for the rest of the class. The quote above made me, once again, wish that there was something else I could call myself besides a “Christian”. Because, very simply, I don’t want to be associated with the clergyman that told Duncan if he prayed hard enough his brother would live, or with Pat Robertson who proclaims that the earthquake in Haiti happened because the Haitian people had sold their souls to the devil.

How often does the Church drive people away by casting judgment, making snap decisions about people, or by petty arguing? And please don’t think that I am not guilty of this as well. I have messed up plenty in the Church, especially while in leadership positions. The thought that I might have driven someone from the Church is a constant in my life.

I have been a part of a church that went through a church-split. I know how devastating it can be. What would a visitor to the church have thought the Sunday when three pastors read resignation letters at my former church? I pray that they would have found somewhere else to worship, a church that was healthy. But what if they didn’t? What if that one event was enough to drive them to leave the Church for good?

Is the Body of Christ really a welcoming place? It should be. Everyone should be welcome regardless of race, political opinions, theology, past mistakes, or sexual orientation. Now, before anyone freaks out… There is a difference between welcoming someone into the Body of Christ as Jesus would, and being tolerant of blatantly unbiblical behavior.* Jesus came to sinners; there is no prerequisite for becoming a Christian. So why do we sometimes act as if people must first clean up their lives and THEN become Christians? We as a body of Christ certainly still have a lot of cleaning-up to do in our lives. Why should we expect others to uphold standards that we ourselves can’t maintain?

The 2nd greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Is the Church really doing this? The way we treat each other matters to God. And it matters to people outside the Church. If people on the outside look into the Church and see only a squabbling, hypocritical, and judgmental group, then why would they want anything to do with our God?

~Laura

*I’m not in anyway saying that within the church we should accept certain behaviors. However, there is a difference between being judgmental and correcting in a loving manner. This is a difficult thing to do, and I personally think that if we aren’t completely sure (and by that I mean, you need to be able to point to a specific verse) then we have no right to tell someone their actions are wrong. God is the ONLY judge. And once again, I am not trying to say that I am above reproach on any of these matters. Just by writing this I am in some ways being hypocritical. I am a sinner, that is saved by undeserved Grace.

Week One

2010-01-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

Week one: Check.

I’m back at school for my second semester of my junior year. Christmas break was really wonderful in so many ways. I got to spend time with family and friends in Oregon. I also had a lot of time to relax and read. I think I read something like eleven books. It was so nice to just to get my head out of school for a while. Fall semester, while extremely rewarding, exciting, and just plain fun, was very exhausting both physically and mentally. So it was nice to be home and have time to sleep. The many conversations I had with my family and friends meant so much to me, and I was able to spend some time with most of the people at home that I care the most about.

That said break was also hard and challenging in ways. I won’t go into everything, but just knowing that I wouldn’t be home until May and then only for a week made the ‘goodbyes’ that much harder. Suffice it to say that I came back to school with a lot to think and pray about.

Last week was difficult to get through. I was still mentally back in Oregon, with everyone there that I loved, and trying to focus on school was nearly impossible. But as of this weekend I am now back into the swing of things. It was/is so nice to be back and see friends again. I now have my family at home and my school family. (I’m still trying to decide which family is stranger).

My class load this semester is a little lighter than usual. Analytical Chemistry, Genetics, Studies in Lit. Philosophy, Fencing, and research. Even though my classes are less work, I am also studying to take the MCAT in May so I’m about at busy as I normally am.

As usual, I am involved with pre-health club, running ECD club, participating in Martial Arts club, and spending what other free time I have hanging out with friends. (And maybe trying to sleep a bit as well).

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: Fencing is, so far, one of my favorite classes. We just started learning to use a foil, and will later learn some epee and saber.

Amendment 2: In genetics class we have already made antibiotic resistant E. coli. Very cool and very fun stuff.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

2010! Can it really be 2010? It really seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2009. 2009 was the first year that I spent more time away from Oregon than in Oregon, and in 2010 I will be spending even less time at my Oregon home.

I am leaving for school on Saturday, and I won't be back in Oregon until mid-May, and then only for a week. I'll go back to school after that for summer research. I will be home for about four weeks in August before going back to California to start my senior year of college.

Christmas break has been wonderful. I have had a chance to rest and relax. I have also been able to see most of the people I am close to here. I have finally been able to read for enjoyment again. I've gotten through a lot of books that I have really wanted to read: Three Agatha Christie mystery books, Dante's Inferno, Arcadia, Dirk Gentley's Holistic Detective Agency, Till We Have Faces, the Screwtape Letters, the Great Divorce, and the Hero and the Crown. A very productive break.

As usual, I ended up with a large number of additions to my personal library thanks to Christmas presents and Christmas money. Though I don't suppose I will have time to read any of them until I have another break, in other words, when spring semester is over.

Next semester will be a busy one with lots of classes, research, and preparing to take the MCAT.

Cheers!

Laura

Christmas Blogging

2009-12-26T00:20:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas is over. It was a normal Christmas for my family, filled with everything that entails. I got home from school about a week ago. One of my friends and I drove up together. It was my first long drive without my family, but I had a wonderful time with one of my best friends. I think we actually managed to talk for the entire seventeen hour trip. It was so nice to finally catch up with her about our lives at college, especially since we hadn't seen each other for almost four months.

My semester ended well. It was crazy busy, but very fun. As always, it seems like life is complicated, but I suppose there is no real way around that. It was a relief to finish up a couple of my classes. My physical chemistry class is the hardest class in my major and it was so satisfying to finally finish it. I was also very excited to finish my third semester of calculus. It is the last real math class I have to take, and even though I like math, I am done with it!

This semester I have been enjoying getting to know people at school better. Due to circumstances beyond my control last year, I didn't get a chance to make that many friends, and so it has been wonderful this year to finally have some really close friends at school. I've had the opportunity to get out of my shell a little more at school and get to know people on a deeper level.

This last week that I have been home has been really great. I have already gotten to spend some time with friends and also relax and sleep a little. I'm looking forward to getting some more rest before I head back to school for another long semester. Even on break life has a way of being busy. I need to start working on my personal statement for med. school applications, and spend some quality talking time with a couple of friends. The next time I will be back in Oregon will be in May so I'm trying to make sure I see everyone at least for a little while.

Blessings and Merry Christmas to you all!

Laura

For Friends

2009-12-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

[Random update paragraph] School is going great. I only have one week left of the semester, a few days of exams, and then I'm home for Christmas. It really is crazy how fast this year is flying by. I have tons of things to be doing this week, but that's ok. I was telling my roommate this afternoon that I'm a mid-semester stresser. I tend to get all freaked out about half way through the semester about all the things I have to do, but then after that minor break down, I'm good and get on with the rest of my work, much less stressed, but still getting everything done.

[So these are some thoughts that came out of a conversation I had last night with some friends]

1) I would not consider myself a people person. I'm too introverted and reserved, plus at times I feel like I dislike more people than I actually like. That said, I'm realizing that though the list of people I don't like is large, I do love my friends and family. I love them to the point that I will do anything for them. Maybe that's why I don't make friends very easily, because I don't take friendships lightly. Once I have decided to be friends with someone, in my mind, there is no turning back. Its like some reversed and warped imprinting (like baby birds do). If I imprint on someone they can't really get out of it, they are just stuck with me. In other words, if I call someone a friend I mean it, and they need to realize the extent of my commitment to that friendship.

2) Caring to much is a huge blessing, but its also incredibly painful. This partially comes back to how I view friendships, but I have a tendency to try and take the burdens of those I care about on myself. In many circumstances I don't care if I get hurt, but if someone wants to see me truly mad* try and pull something on one of my friends. I'm not sure if this is caring to much, but it is how God created me. Sure, I get myself into the middle of things a lot. I can't say 'no' when someone I care about asks me for help. And when one of my friends is hurting, regardless if I had anything to do with it, I feel like my heart has been ripped apart. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm learning how much of who I am is rapped into caring so deeply: my desire to go into medicine, my stubbornness, and my heart for mission work (I'm still figuring out where God will lead me on this front). As an interesting side note: apparently people like this tend to be friends with others that are similar.

Cheers!

Laura

*For some reason people at school joke around that they don't want to get me mad. I'm not sure how this started, but I think its funny because I don't really get mad, unless its about a friend/family member, and then you REALLY don't want to get me mad.

Home Again

2009-11-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

I have been home in Oregon for the last few days for Thanksgiving break. It has been really nice to be back. I have missed my family a lot, and it has also been nice to see some good friends as well. I have been gone for over three months now, but that is hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday I was starting my new classes, and moving in a with a new (and wonderful) roommate. But now the semester is nearly over, and I am back in Oregon for a few days.

This has led me to the question of when did the definition of 'home' become so difficult to nail down? Oregon is home. It is where my family lives. But school is also home. I have wonderful and amazing friends at school, and I am truly happy there. So how did two completely different places 900 miles apart become equally home-like to me? I certainly have no idea; it just happened.

Other than some random thoughts about what home means, life is good. I'm having a wonderful time at school getting to know some people better. School is going great. I'm really liking my classes. I just registered for next semester's classes. I'm taking one chemistry class, a bio class, two G.E.s, research, and fencing. I'm looking forward to learning how to use a sword. That should be fun, and one more thing to terrify my sister with when I'm home.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: We decorated the house for Christmas today. I'm glad I got to be around to help.

Amendment 2: I will be glad to be back at school. There are only three weeks in the semester left and then Christmas break.

It can't be November Already

2009-11-08T21:17:00.001-08:00

This past week was certainly a crazy one. Three projects and two exams, is not a good way to get sleep. But the week is over, and this next one is looking much calmer. I just have to write a paper and study for one exam. I can't believe I will be home for thanksgiving in about two weeks. The last two and half months have flown by! I've been gone from Oregon for about three months now, and and at school for almost as long. I really wish I could hit the 'pause' button sometimes. Junior year is going to quickly.

I had my first official English Country Dance Club event this last week. It went very well. There were about 25 people there, which turned out to be a very good number. We even managed to talk a few boys that were playing Foosball in the lounge to dance with us. They are now members of the FB group :) At this rate I will convert the entire school to ECD before I graduate ;)

It has been a little strange being more involved on campus this year. Between pre-health club and ECD I have met a lot of students that I really wouldn't have had much contact with other wise. I'm still getting used to walking around campus and have people address me by name that I really don't know, only to realize afterward that I had probably emailed them about a pre-health event or introduced myself at the club fair in October. I suppose this is a good thing, since I'm tossing around the idea of running for a student government position next year. But still for someone that values privacy it can be a little disconcerting at times, not to mention the fact that I can never seem to remember these people's names.

It is finally starting to get a little colder here. I miss Oregon weather. Its nice to have a chill in the air at night, but there is something so comforting about dark clouds and rainy days. Finally, I can wear sweatshirts to class; I just wish I was wearing a rain jacket as well. There are perks to living in Southern California though. Its November and I can still read outside in a hammock on the weekends.

I am still attending the same church here and I'm starting to feel more at home there. If I can't be at my real home church then there is really no place I would rather be than the Naz. church here. My pastor has been going through the book of Ecclesiastes this fall. I think I had read the book before, but it has been quite a learning curve. I think it is amazing how God lines up what you are going through in life with what you are hearing in church. He has been teaching me a thing or two about balancing my hopes for the future with my life right now.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: I learned how to salsa dance on Saturday night. That was very fun, and I finally got to practice my swing dancing.

Amendment 2: Research is going well. I haven't had anymore issues with nearly blowing expensive equipment up.

Amendment 3: I don't remember if I put this on a previous blog, but here's a riddle. If you are told to choose one of three doors. One of which has a prize behind it and the other two don't have anything. You choose door number three. Then someone opens door number one and its empty. You are given the option to change your answer. Do you change it? If so why?

Random People

2009-10-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ever had one of those days when you are missing someone and you just want to be with them? Well, I'm having one today, so I thought I would write a blog about some of those people that I really miss a lot. This is just a random selection of the people back home. It isn't really even based off of who I'm closest to, just who comes to mind right now for some wacky reasons.

My sister. So this should be obvious. My sister is like my other half. The half I fight with, hug, and get mad at for no reason. She is also the one that comes into my room late at night to talk and doesn't leave until early in the morning. She is also the main reason I have friends at college, since I would never have been anything close to social if she didn't make me. Thanks Sis! I would not be where I am today without you.

Becca and Rachel. Yes, I'm going to combine them, just because I almost always hang out with both at the same time. Becca is so funny. I love how quirky she is. Your mad drawing skills amaze me. Rachel is also funny, and I love how she teases her sisters without them even noticing.

My Dad. I miss just sitting in the living room with him not talking, just sitting. Maybe we will talk about important stuff, but just hanging out with one of heroes is a blast. I love being able to ask my dad any question about politics or history and him having an opinion whether he knows about the subject or not! Your lectures are famous dad! Maddy and I have learned never to get you started after 11pm because we would never get to bed.

Dewey (my pastor). Dewey is probably the funniest pastor I have ever met. His sermons are without a doubt the best ever. I have never met someone that can speak for three weeks on one word! Germaphobe though he is, I never get tired of his high-fives.

Mariah. I miss just sitting on the couch and laughing with her. Yes, she can be inflammatory at times, but someone that speaks her mind isn't that easy to come by, so I guess I'll keep her around.

So that is random smattering of people that I'm missing. There are lots more. People like mom, Christie, Nana, my dog, Britt, Katie, Charlie. But this will have to do for now.

Cheers!

Laura

Hit the Ground and Run

2009-10-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

This semester really is flying by. I am now half way done, which means I'm a quarter of the way done with the year. I still miss being home a lot, but school really is home now. It is still strange to be happy in a place that is 900 miles from my family, but I suppose that is life. A series of adjustments.

Classes are going well. I'm still very busy with everything. Finally this week I finished a project I had been working on for the pre-health club, which I am an officer in. We went to a conference a few weeks back, and as the treasurer I had some bookkeeping things to do afterward. But I'm finally done with that minor headache.

It seems like I have been learning a lot lately about being a good leader. This summer with co-leading youth group, and now with the pre-health club and my ECD club. I can see that my leadership skills need some honing and practice. Being in charge is tough, and sometimes down right painful. I do enjoy it though. Having the ability to actually change a situation you don't like or agree with is a very satisfying position to be in. I'm learning to balance my show of confidence, (something important for a leader, and easy for me) with knowing when to ask for help and advice isn't always easy, but I think I'm getting better at it.

I have the first ECD club meeting on November 3rd. I'm very excited and a little nervous. I have no idea how many people will show up. We might have 20 people who have never danced before show up. That is a scary thought, trying to teach 20 new people how to dance at once. I will need to put some planning into the first event, and some thought into what dances I want to teach. I know I will do Marie's Wedding because I already have a request for it, and it is really simple, but oh so fun.

Next week a very exciting event is happening on my campus. Humans vs. Zombies. Its a game that involves an original zombie turning the other players (humans) into zombies and then they can turn others into zombies. I think something like 80 people are playing. I am not one of them, however most of friends are and I am planning being on hand with a camera for all the events. As is I don't have enough blackmail pictures on them already. Did I mention that I got a new camera for my birthday? Well I did. I should take a picture of it with my old camera and post it on FB it is really very cute and little with a measly 10 mega pixels.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: Fugacity is my word of the week. It is similar to pressure but is used for a real gas. It is defined as the limit as P goes to 0 then f equals P.

Amendment 2: I will be home in about four weeks. I can't wait to see you all!

Amendment 3: For my PE class this week I had to write down all the things I was doing this semester and then come up with a plan so I wouldn't get to stressed about it. I wasn't all that stressed until I wrote down exactly what I am doing this semester. Now that I KNOW I don't have time for everything, it suddenly seems so much worse than when I was just doing it.

How do I take my foot off the accelerator?

2009-10-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished week seven of my first semester of junior year! I'm almost half way through the semester, and all I want right now is for things to slow down. I spend about 30 hours in class a week, and then another forty-fifty hours on homework a week. Somewhere I have to fit in sleep and meals, plus social time. Sometimes it seems that my life is one giant blur; one day fades into the next. All I want to do is yell "Stop". I love my life right now. I have wonderful friends. College is a wonderful place to be. I'm surrounded by the greatest profs. in the world. I would love to be able to take ever single class offered here. Well, maybe not all, but most. But life is flying by me.

I know its not going to get any better. Life only becomes more complicated and busy the older you become. This summer I take the MCAT and apply to medical schools. Hopefully, in less than two years I will be a medical student somewhere. Life goes on. I love the quote from the Lord of the Rings. "If you step onto the road, if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." Isn't life amazing? God has blessed me with so much, and I wish I had to enjoy every minute, but I guess I will just have to find my minutes between my classes, between study times, maybe on occasion over a meal (when I have time to eat :P), and in chapel.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: The sign on Sarah and I's door reads "Welcome to dragon country; mind the balrogs"

Amendment 2: Starting to get ready for the first official ECD club meeting a two weeks!

Amendment 3: For someone that doesn't know a thing about cars I really do like car analogies. My current favorite: if life is a highway it is sometimes necessary to pull over and check the map.

Six Weeks of Craziness

2009-10-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Six weeks of school! Six weeks! I can't believe it has already been six weeks! Ok, now I have that out of my system how about a nice long update.

School has been going well. I'm so busy that I'm starting to feel like I have no life but other than that I'm loving it. My classes are hard, especially p-chem, but very interesting. I had three exams this week and that was a little intense, but I survived (just barely) and now I have a four day weekend.

These last six weeks have been the most exhausting of my life. I feel like I have been going non-stop ever since arriving at school. I'm taking five classes, plus research, and running one club and helping run another. I'm also on the worship team at my church once a month. Life is crazy, but I love it.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go up to UC Davis for a pre-medical conference. Though the weekend was very tiring, I had a wonderful time. The other officers and I put a lot of work into all the details and I was so glad that things went off mostly without any problems. I learned so much about the medical school admission process and I feel much more confident about applying this spring. I also feel encouraged that I can and will get into medical school. It is a competitive world, but I know I can do it. It was great to hear that grades and test scores aren't everything, and that I am doing a lot of things that will help me get in.

Even all the work was fun (at times). I'm the treasurer of the club, and I enjoy all of the money stuff. Wow, I can't believe I wrote that! I sound like an accountant. Most of the details worked out fine in the end. There were a few minor heart attack moments in the week leading up to the trip, and a few on the trip as well. But other than getting no sleep and being sick (not a good combination) it was a wonderful time.

This weekend I don't have much planned. Getting some sleep, a lot of sleep. Doing some homework, and going on a day hike on Monday. Monday also happens to be my birthday. I think my mom is sadder that I won't be home than I am. Twenty just doesn't feel like a big deal. I'm excited to go hiking and spend the day with my best Westmont friends.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: No, I am still not dating/courting anyone. So you can stop wondering.

Amendment 2: My favorite quote from my p-chem textbook. "Because researchers do not have access to an infinitely large water bath... " It sounds like they just ran out of funds to buy one.

Amendment 3: My second favorite quote from my p-chem book. "any well-behaved function can be expressed in analytical form" What is a well-behaved function? Or a better question how does a function misbehave?

Amendment 4: I feel like this entry was all over the place. But I'm so tired I don't even care.

Amendment 5: Maybe when I'm less tired tomorrow or Sunday I will write some more details.

One Month In

2009-09-25T14:35:00.001-07:00

I just finished my fourth week of school. It is strange to think that I've been gone from home for nearly six weeks now. Everything has gone so fast. There are only about fourteen weeks in the semester so being four weeks in, is really the middle of the semester.

I'm starting to have my first round of midterms. I had one this week, I'll have one next week, and two the week after. I think one of things academically I'm getting better at is exams. Being homeschooled for so long you don't really know how to take tests well. Thankfully, I feel like I am now a good test taker, especially in my science classes. While practice doesn't always make perfect is certainly helps, and I've been having a lot of practice with science exams.

It is hard for me to believe that I'm in my junior year now. In less then two years I will be, Lord willing, entering medical school. I have had a number of people over the years tell me I will be a good doctor, a doctor they would go to. I hope so... Being a doctor is a huge responsibility, and I think it would be fool-hardy for me to say that I am ready for that kind of responsibility. And the thought that I might some day, either by accident, mistake, or by just missing something, kill someone is terrifying. But I suppose being scared is probably a good thing in this case.

Since I only have three semesters left after this one, I have been planning very carefully what I need to do to graduate. I love my school, but we do have so many GE requirements. I have already fulfilled over a third of them and I still have 8 classes left to take! I have this horrible suspicion that my final semester will be me and a bunch of freshman some basic classes. At least I will have plenty of time for research :) The funny thing about my school is that the science departments are so small a lot of classes are only offered one semester either fall or spring. So next semester I will only have one science class with a lab, but next fall I will have three. While that sounds like fun to me, my friends are calling it suicide. But I guess that's what I get for hanging out with a bunch of English majors.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: Interesting Fact: I now know how to mathematically prove that you should slow down before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

Amendment 2: Things I hate about FaceBook 1: People who put "In a relationship with Jesus" as their relationship status. That means any guy/girl that wants to date them must get that person to break up with God. Like that's going to be easy :P

Amendment 3: Time is precious here at school, so if my proof reading time goes down, please forgive me.

Why Do I Even Bother?

2009-09-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have a cold, I am under a huge amount of stress from various different activities, and I still have hours of homework ahead of my today. It is at these sorts of times that I become introspective and slightly outwardly emotional. So you have been forewarned.

I was chatting with a friend this last week and he made a comment that really made me think about my life planning skills. He said something to the meaning "In two years if you get accepted to OHSU then you will be home". This is what I have been planning for the last year or so. Not just because of the cost of medical school, but also because I want to be home. All this made me look back at my track record for predicting my future, especially in geography.

Four Years Ago: I was planning on studying biology at a local christian liberal arts school. I was going to go to medical school. I wasn't going to live at home, but 30 minutes from home wasn't all that bad.

Three Years Ago: I had a change of heart. I decided I wanted to go to a more conservative school. So my original choice of the school close to home was out. You should have seen the look on my mom's face! I once again started looking at a school in Michigan that I had always liked. It started to look more like a possibility.

Two Years Ago: I graduated from High school early, and decide to take classes at a different liberal arts college in my home town. I wasn't ready to leave yet, but I wanted to make the most of this year. I was looking at colleges in earnest. But mostly the one Michigan. I went and visited it, and loved it. I knew then that's where I wanted to be, and I thought I knew where God wanted me.

Year and Nine Months Ago: My mom dragged me to CA to look at one more school. I knew I was not going to like it. I had my school all picked out, I was just there to go to Disneyland, and prove to mom and dad once for all, I knew what I wanted. Oops! I didn't just like the school, I loved it. It was very different from the one in Michigan, but I loved it just the same. It felt right.

Year and Half Ago: I had to send in my check that night. Both schools needed a deposit by May 1st. It was the night of April 30th. I had to make a decision. So I did. I chose to come to Southern California, a place I really hate to a school I didn't even want to go and look at much less attend. Yeah, this was an "Ok God, I hope you know what you are doing" moment.

So all this to say "Why do I even bother making plans?" Obviously I have to do some sort of long term planning. But it comes down to this. I'm just crummy at it. I'm not good at seeing the forest through the trees. And I certainly can't predict where I'm going to be next year (well hopefully still here, but not spiritually) much less in two or three years.

Cheers!

Amendment 1: Perhaps I can blame my parents. They always say that the only subject they failed at teaching me was geography.

Amendment 2: Or I suppose I could just sum it up to "Welcome to the world of not being God".

Amendment 3: There are a few things in life that I'm still reasonably sure about. One is going to medical school. Another is God is God and I'm not. The third is I have the best group of people around me that I could ever ask for.

Week Three Update

2009-09-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well the semester is in full swing now. I am now ridiculously busy. I'm spending 20 hours in class a week, 8 hours in labs, and 4 hours in the research lab. Add in 4-5 hours of homework every night, 2 hours worship team practices every Wednesday night, all the time I spend on my two clubs I'm involved in, and that's like what a 60-something hour week. Life is crazy right now!!!

Even though things are really hectic, I'm still enjoying school a lot. My classes are really interesting, and I'm having fun with my upper level chemistry stuff. Research is at times a little overwhelming because of the complicated computer work that is required. I'm sure once I get used to running the optics program, the temperature program, the camera, and the other program I can't remember, all at the same time I will be fine. Physical chemistry is a really hard class. I needed one of the other students to explain partial derivatives to me yesterday, since I don't really know what they are, and everyone else has taken multivariable calc. already.

I still miss everyone in Oregon like crazy, but I'm less homesick now. Maybe just because I'm so tired and have so much to do, that I barely have time to think, much less miss people. I'm already looking forward to fall break in three weeks so I can take a little breather before heading into the second third of the semester. My birthday is also over fall break so, I'm going to drag Sarah and Faith on a really good hike that weekend, something long :)

Cheers!

Laura

Never Forget

2009-09-11T19:25:00.001-07:00

Singing LitGirl's praises

2009-09-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have a number of wonderful friends. People that I know my life would be sadly boring, and uninteresting if I didn't know them . I hope you all know who you are. (here's a hint, I really only tease people that I consider good friends, people I'm willing to put time and energy into, so if I tease you chances are you make the list). One of good friends is Mariah C. (LitGirl on blogger). We have known each other for a long time, and even though she is strange some times, I still love her. She is now an art major in college, but I still think she is an amazing writing, and very funny. This a copy and paste from her blog. http://thoughtsofuniverse.blogspot.com/ I hope you all like it.

"So tonight my brother made his girlfriend upset. This happens from time to time. It's never really his fault. He never means to say something stupid. He just suffers from male emotional illiteracy. My father assures him it is a common malady. My mother and I try to coach him on to better things. He's getting better. I think he is far more advanced in this area than most guys I know. However, for the good of interpersonal communications the world over, I am making a list of general rules for men dealing with women. These have been arrived at through years of observation and study :)
1. Women are not cars. DO NOT try to fix them. Self help books do not make good gifts.
2. When you ask a woman what's wrong, and she says nothing, she is LYING.
3. Just put anniversaries, birthdays, etc. on the calendar. Forgetting them is normal and forgivable, but it just makes you look dumb.
4. Think before you speak. If it would sound dumb on a video of your life, it should probably not be spoken.
5. Do irrational, unreasonable things for her. This doesn't actually make sense, but a lot of girls expect it, or at least secretly hope for it. It will just make your life easier.
6. Do not insult her pet hobbies, interests, whatever. Just don't. She will take it personally. If she likes cats, do not pretend you are going to throw one out a window.
7. Tell her what you're feeling. Yeah, you'll feel stupid, but she'll like it.
8. Be mushy. Just close your eyes and do it. You'll feel like a fool. You probably are. Just do it anyway.
9. Don't make a comment about her appearance that isn't positive. This is not a fair rule, because a girl will feel that it's her right to tell you when you look silly or ugly. But you just shouldn't go there.
10. Try to accept that most girls have a lot of emotions going at all times, and thus will often seem very complex. Try to watch for the signs. Pay attention. Girls are not crock pots. You can not just leave them unwatched for a while.

And remember, these are general observations. They aren't fair. They aren't always true. But they may be helpful for navigating the waters of the female psyche. Good luck. I'm going to go comfort my adorable, clumsy brother now. "

Cheers!

Laura

Just For Fun

2009-09-09T20:53:00.001-07:00

Classes

2009-09-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a run down of what I'm taking this fall.

Physical Chemistry/Thermodynamics. Because my school is so small the p-chem and thermo. classes are combined since the material first semester is exactly the same. This class is already shaping up to be like my 0-chem class from last year. Tons of homework, and lots of hard material. I feel a little out of place in this class. It is small, only seven people. I'm one of two girls and all the boys are senior physics majors except for one. I'm a young junior (supposed to be a sophomore), and I'm the person that has the least amount of math. I'm only just now in multivariable calculus.

Life and Literature of the New Testament. This is a GE at my school so it is a big class. So far it hasn't been particularly interesting, but I'm hoping it well get better soon. It is also a strange class since there are a ton of freshmen in there with me. I got asked on friday, why as a junior I had waited to so long to take this class. Apparently, this freshman didn't understand the concept of a second year junior who is also a science major and pre-med. I'm luck to be in a GE class before my senior year!

Biology. This semester of Bio is my last pre-med class I have to take to go to med. school. So far it isn't very exciting, and I don't think it is going to get much better. I'm not a huge fan of animals. I don't not like them, and I certainly love my pets, but learning about every phylum known to man is just not my cup of tea.

Multivariable calculus. At the moment this class is so boring. We are talking about vectors which after a full year of college calculus and a year of university physics, I can do in my sleep. But I really like my professor. Math profs. are so funny. I think it takes a special person to get a Ph.d in math. I think this will be a fun class.

I also have a P.E. class, not very interesting. I just have to sit in class for 50 minutes a week, and then run around four times a week on my own. Not a big deal.

I also have research (four hours/week). And I am an officer in two clubs. AMSA, a pre-med club, I'm the treasurer. And my ECD club. Which I am running, and the president. That just sounds cool. I am the president of English Country Dance club :D

Cheers!

Laura

Road Maps

2009-09-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

In chapel today the speaker (one of the music professors) gave a very good analogy. It reminded me of a few of you GPS crazy people. It went like this. When you get into a car for the first time with a GPS you assume it will get you to the right place. Sometimes the unit doesn't tell you early enough about a turn or something so you miss it. The GPS doesn't freak out and tell you to pull over and consult a map. It just recalculates your route. It may take you a little longer, but you will get there, you just have to follow the directions.

Here's the application. If we put that much faith in a little piece of technology, then why are we constantly questioning God about where He sends us? Do we actually have more faith in GPS units than the God of the universe? Sometimes when God is giving us directions we get messed up; we miss a turn or don't pay attention to the directions. But God doesn't freak out. He gives us an alternate route to get where we need to be. There maybe be consequences for getting off track, but God always gets us there.

I had to drive by myself this weekend in CA for the first time. It was a little scary. When you get on the freeway, and the speed limit is 65 in the construction zone, and people are flying by you at 75+ things get interesting. The other weird thing about Southern California is how bad the roads are. Maybe because we get so much rain, but in Oregon the roads are never this bad!

Cheers!

Amendment 1: I think this analogy is right up there with the "God is packing my parachute" one.

Amendment 2: Week one is done. On to week two!

Amendment 3: It is mostly decided. I will be staying to do research this summer. This of course, means that any and all are welcome to visit me. I'll be living in an apartment so I'll even have room for visitors! And I will still get a five week summer, so I'll get to see you all for a little while.

Amendment 4: Once again my school's area is back on "High fire danger". Dear God, please not again!

School, Home, and Research

2009-09-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

Right now I'm almost finished with my first week of classes. I'm still having a hard time believing that I'm really starting my junior year of college. It has gone so fast! I haven't been back even a week, and already some exciting things have happened. The main one being joining a research team in the chemistry department. I won't repeat myself, because I wrote a Facebook note about. But I'll just say that I have been given an amazing opportunity for this year, and most of next summer, that will end me being able to co-author a paper for publication!

So far I'm loving living with my new roommate. We were best friends last year, and we seem to have made a good decision about roommates. We have yet to have any disagreements, and have similar schedules and bedtimes. And the only thing that can beat staying up late with your roommate/best friend as school talking about politics and theology is sister time.

One thing I was not expecting when I got back to school was homesickness. Last year I missed my family very badly, and was very lonely at times, but I was never what I would call homesick. But this year is different. I'm not sure why. It seems strange to me that I would do ok for one year and then come back and not be ok. But right now I don't even want to think about the next three months away from home, or the months of may, june, and part of july. I suppose this independence is all part of growing up, but some times I just have to keep repeating to myself "God is here with me, God is here with me".

I miss you all, and can't wait to see you all at thanksgiving.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: I was thrilled today to learn that because the way my class schedule worked out I will be home for a week at thanksgiving, instead of just a few days.

Amendment 2: If anyone is interested, the research I will be doing involves studying the way different molecules transfer energy between themselves. It, apparently, has an application in LED lights. (If anyone cares enough about this stuff, I can give you more details, but I won't bore the rest of you).

Junior Year Here I Come

2009-08-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back at school. I moved in yesterday and right now most of my stuff is all put away and organized. I'm living in a different dorm, with a different roommate, and on a different end of campus. I'm very excited for this year to start.

I dropped my family off the airport last evening (I get to keep the car!!). It was harder than I imagined to leave them. I suppose because it will be three months before I see them again, and because I missed them so much last year. I know once I start classes again I will be too busy to think much about being homesick but...

A few days after I left Oregon I got a really exciting email from one of my professors. Apparently, my organic chemistry professor recommended me to a different chemistry professor as a research assistant. So on top of all my classes I will also be doing research this year. The professor is a physical chemist, and I will be using the mass. spec. a lot. Good thing I learned how to use it last year so well!!!

Before I got back to school we spent five days at Disneyland. That is a really long time. It worked out well though, because we had to take it really slow for Maddy. She just doesn't have much stamina. It was really nice to get to spend so much time with my family (except Dad) right before I had to leave them. Even though I was getting nasty looks and getting yelled at (by Maddy) for refusing to say "Disneyland is the happiest place on earth". :D

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: It was almost as hard to leave my friends as my family. I will miss you all so much.

Amendment 2: See you all at thanksgiving or Christmas, but hopefully both!!

Welcome to L.A.

2009-08-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

I finally made it down to California a few days ago. We have been staying in LA for Maddy's doctors appointment, and tomorrow we are going to Disneyland for a few days. Then after that I go to school for the next three months.

Other than quick trips through LAX I haven't been to LA before and it has been a bit of a culture shock. I expected the smog, and noise, and rude people. But the advertising, that I didn't expect (though perhaps I should have).

I have only spent time in three major cities, Portland, Seattle, and Chicago. In all three there are billboards everywhere, advertising movies, shows, products. But here in LA, specifically Hollywood everything is advertising. The other cities pale in comparison. It also seems that from one billboard to the next they are just trying to out do each other. By this I mean they need more beautiful people, a better catch phrase, and more sex appeal. And when they can't do anything more than that they become just plain offensive. To the point that it makes me embarrassed just to see them.

I suppose if you lived here you would just ignore the billboards. You would become immune to them, and they wouldn't bother you. But it makes me wonder: why as a culture are we taking our cues from the people that come up with these offensive billboards? Do we really have to become desensitized to things like that? I certainly hope not. But that brings up another question: is it really our choice to become desensitized to these things? Sure, we can stick our heads in the sand and just ignore everything that is going on around us, but as Christians can we Biblically do that? I don't believe so. But how can we live in this world and be a Christian of conscience? I suppose this all comes back to being in the world but not of it. It just seems so much harder in Southern California than in Oregon.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: Does anyone besides me wish at times you could just be a small child again, and not have to worry about all these complicated matters?

Amendment 2: Maddy's doctors appointment went really well, finally finally we got some good news. We really needed that.

Amendment 3: Disneyland tomorrow!!!

Off on a Great Adventure

2009-08-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Summer has officially ended for me. I leave tomorrow to go back to school (eventually). After today I will have said goodbye to everyone but my family and best friend. Times like these I tend to struggle with just trusting God. I am one of those people that plans everything in advance; once I make up my mind about something or someone there is no going back for me. I don't like not knowing what is going to happen. But I'm 19, single, and in college. It seems like my life is filled with unknowns and possibilities. Scary but exciting at the same time.

I will be back home in three months. Over the past year I have learned that three months can be a long time, time enough to change a person. I left last August and came home in November a very different person. But isn't that one of the best parts about life, you are always changing and growing. My goal everyday is to look at life like a great adventure. To see obstacles as chances to grow, and not a road blocks, and to see clear stretches as gifts from God to be cherished.

Not that I always succeed, leaving home and everyone you know is really hard to do. After being away for a year, I honestly don't think I could permanently move away from everyone I love. I have realized that next to my relationship with Christ, family and friends are my top priority. They even trump school (shocking coming from me, I know). Through all these unknowns and scary stuff, I am so glad that while I'm the one living my life, I'm not the one that's in charge. Knowing that that the Heavenly Father has my back is the most amazing experience in the world. My adopted grandmother always says "Our God is not walking the halls of Heaven saying 'What do I do now'." You cannot surprise God, He can only surprise you.

Cheers!

Laura

The song that has been running through my head for the past few days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrrjbTc0urk&feature=fvw

Chemistry and Packing

2009-08-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

This past week I helped at a kids' chemistry camp. It was overall very fun. Though, I have never been asked so many times in all seriousness "Am I going to die because I got x,y,or z on my hands". Doing stuff like this reminds me of why I am interested in doing pediatrics as a profession. Doing stuff like this also reminds me how much people that don't fully understand science annoy me.

I leave next wednesday to go back to school. It really seems like the summer has flown by so quickly. I have been so busy, (or have I?) and have had tons of fun. I really love studying and school, but breaks are nice too. I'm looking forward to all my classes this fall, and I'm super excited to live with my new roommate. It will be hard to leave Oregon, it always is. But it will be very nice to be back in the routine of school life.

Before I go back to school my mom, sister, Brittany, and I are making a quick stop in LA and then going to DisneyLand. It should be very enjoyable. There really is nothing like running around like a six year old trying to find Mickey Mouse :P It will be really nice to get to spend time with some of my favorite people in the whole world, before I don't see them for three months.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: Unthinkable may have been a bit strong a word in my last blog post. I believe unlikely might have been a better choice.

Amendment 2: World Series actually diverges.

Updates

2009-08-05T16:42:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I leave in less than two weeks! It seems like this summer has gone so fast. I'm really looking forward to being back, but the transitions between home and school are the hardest. I'm not a real fan of change, and just having to pack everything up is a stressful event for me. But I am looking forward to being back and settled in.

It is hard to believe I am starting my junior year of college. It seems like graduation was not that long ago (either one or two years depending on what graduating means to you :P ) I know I still have six years of school left, Lord willing, but it is so nice to know that in two years I will be finished with my bachelors' degree. I could go out and get a job in a chemistry lab, or do a one year program to become a medical technician. Not that I'm planning on either of these things, I still believe God is leading me in the direction of being a doctor. But it is nice to know that I have options, in case the unthinkable happens and I get married or they stop accepting medical students (one never knows with our crazy Congress and Executive branch) or some other unknown variable happens.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: I got some of my textbooks in the mail this week. With the exception of a very strange multivariable calculus text that begins on the page 656 and chapter 11, everything looks really good, and I'm looking forward to all my classes.

Amendment 2: No, I am not dating or courting anyone. Right now I'm just trying to concentrate on being friends with both guys and girls and thinking about what qualities I would like in a future spouse. So in other words: stop asking me about this subject! I have no doubt God will eventually bring the right guy into my life, but until then...

Amendment 3: I believe in the heat death of the Universe.
I'm a Kelvinist.

Amendment 4: Old chemists never die they just reach equilibrium

I "Heart" Oregon

2009-07-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

In less than three weeks I leave to go back to California for the school year. Though I'm very excited to be back at school, I am starting to become sad about leaving. Even with email, chat, facebook, and phone calls, I miss my family and friends so much during the year. The other thing I miss when I'm at school, something I didn't even anticipate missing when I left last fall, is Oregon. And here are the reasons why.

1) The Oregon Coast. They don't make coasts like these in California. I want to be able to wear a sweat shirt to the beach, and to always be prepared for a sudden rain storm, even in summer. I don't get the CA beaches, people just go to get tan and wear inappropriate clothing. And seriously what is up with beach volleyball, when did that become an Olympic sport?

2) The Green-ness of Oregon. You don't even think about how green things are until you leave. The trees may be green in some parts of CA, but it isn't the same color. In CA it is a sickly pea green color, not the deep forest green of the Willamette Valley. When I came back to Oregon after being gone for three months, I was socked by just how green everything really was here, and how much I had missed it.

3) Outdoors-yness of Oregon. How many people do you know that haven't been hiking at least once, that don't know where to go to find a good spot without any people, or don't know what REI is? If the answer is few to none, then you live in the pacific northwest. The main activity in CA is going to the mall or to the beach to "lay out". God gave us nature for a reason and we are supposed to enjoy it. Now, how to talk my CA friends into that.

These are just a few of the reasons I will be sad to leave Oregon for California in a few weeks.

Cheers!

Laura

No News is still no news

2009-07-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Three weeks and two days! That's when I leave to go back to school. It is hard to believe the summer has gone so fast. Not that I should really be surprised since I have actually been busy this summer. It has been so wonderful to spend so much time with my family and friends. I don't even realize how much I miss everyone when I'm at school until I'm home and able to do things with everyone.

Last week my mom and I went up to my grandfather's house. It was a typical trip up there, full of new and "exciting" family adventures. Trips like these make me come home reciting in my head "I am structurally sound, I am structurally sound". They also make me extremely grateful to all the people in my life who treat me like family even though we aren't related by blood.

On Saturday, three friends and I went hiking. It was a really fun trip. The four of us used to spend a lot of time together in Bible quizzing and it was nice to be all together again. The hike itself was beautiful, with a huge payoff in the end in the form of a suspension bridge.

Though I know I will miss everyone in Oregon, I'm really excited to go back to school. My classes are going to be really fun this year, and I'm looking forward to living in a new dorm with a roommate that is one of my best friends at school. How could I not be thrilled to go back when I get to take physical chemistry, multi-variable calculus, and astrophysics. Plus a couple of other random classes.

I have spent the last few weeks slowly going through a list of all the medical schools in the country to look for ones I might apply to. It feels a bit like college searching all over again, except this time there are fewer choices and my main goal is just to get accepted somewhere. All this has been a little stress inducing. I don't want to spend four years in Milwaukee, or Detroit, or New Orleans, or South Carolina. Yet, if I get into medical school in only one place and it is a place I don't want to be then I guess I will bite the bullet and do it. I know God has everything under His control but it is still scary knowing that I could end up so far away from everyone I have ever known for four years of my life.

My dream is still to go to OHSU, but I will just have to wait to find out if I get accepted or not. Applications are due for the entering class of 2011 June 1st 2010 so I'm trying to make some decisions now before I'm extremely busy with school.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile. (Laura)

Amendment 1: The Laws of Thermodynamics Paraphrased
1. You can't win, you can only break even.
2. You can only break even at absolute zero.
3. You can never reach absolute zero.

Amendment 2: Q: if both a bear in Yosemite and one in Alaska fall into the water
which one dissolves faster?
A: The one in Alaska because it is Polar.

Amendment 3: Q: What do chemists use to make guacomole?
A:Avogadros.

Chemical Fun

2009-07-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, for Christmas, my parents gave this wonderful book called "Chemically Speaking". Take one guess what it is about. Here are some of my favorite quotes.

The Rules of the Lab
1. When you don't know what you're doing, do it neatly.
2. Experiments must be reproducible. They should fail the same way eath time.
3. First draw your curves, the plot your data.
4. Experience is directly proportional to equipment ruined.
5. A record of data is essential. It shows you were working.
6. TO study a subject best, understand it thoroughly before you start.
7. If you can't get the answer in the usual manner, start at the answer and derive the question.
8. If that doesn't work, start at both ends and try to find a common middle.
9. To do a lab really well, have your report done well in advance.
10. In case of doubt, make is sound convincing.
11. Do not believe in miracles- rely on them.
12. Team work is essential. It allow you to blame someone else.
13. All unmarked beakers contain fast acting, extremely toxic poisons.
14. Any delicate and expensive piece of glassware will break before any use can be made of it.
15. The probability of an event occurring is inversely proportional to its desirability.

"Organic chemistry just now is enough to drive one mad. It gives one the impression of a primeval, tropical forest full of the most remarkable things, a monstrous and boundless thicket, with no way of escape, into which one may well dread to enter." ~Wohler.

"Lord, I fall upon my knees
and I pray that all my syntheses
may no longer be inferior,
to those conducted by bacteria." ~Unknown

"A chemist, a physicist, and a geologist were walking along a beach when the physicist suddenly said that he wanted to measure the depth of the sea, and then he jumped into the sea. The geologist said that he wanted to see the seabed and he followed suit. The chemist waited for a while for the to reappear and then concluded 'Physicists and geologists are soluble in sea water'." ~unknown

"Physical Chemistry- The pitiful attempt to apply y=mx+b to everything in the universe.
Organic Chemistry- The practice of transmuting vile substances into publications.
Inorganic Chemistry- That which is left over after the organic, analytical, and physical chemists get through picking over the periodic table.
Chemical Engineering- The practice of doing for a profit what an organic chemist only does for fun." ~unknown

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Of Sailboats, Summer, and Sunshine.

2009-07-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

The last week or so has been really busy (for summer that is). One of my friends remarked last week at dance class that business in the summer tends to come in spurts; either you are bored out of your mind or you are running around like a maniac. (sorry, Emily S. I'm paraphrasing).

Saturday (the 4th of July) was extremely busy. My dad and I got up early (early for summer at any rate) to go to the reenactment. It was fun to see friends there and to watch the battle. After the battle we went back to town so I could go to the TEA Party (Taxed Enough Already). I told my mom that morning that I was going to go to the TEA party, and she was a little surprised to see me standing on the sidewalk, holding a sign, down town a few hours later. Apparently, she envisioned me drinking tea with a few friends all dressed up. I suppose I should have specified what exactly I meant by "TEA Party".

That evening we went to see our town's fireworks, and then followed that up with a show of our own, complete with patriotic music provided by my wonderful little sis. I'm not sure the neighbors appreciated the rousing piccolo playing at midnight, but the 4th of July is only once a year after all.

Sunday brought more fun with a church picnic, and a softball game. Though confidant that we would end our loosing streak, we lost again. However, no one has as much fun loosing as New Hope. And being warned off by the umpire that I better stop acting like a fast pitch player and hit any ball I could about made up for the loss.

On Monday I went to one of my good friend's 21st B-day party. It was so nice to see her. We both go to college, so our visits are few and far between now. After the party I had youth group. Ever week it seems to be going better. My guitar playing is getting better, and I'm more used to the kids.

I just got back from a walk around the neighborhood. Someone that lives in the neighborhood just bought a brand new, absolutely beautiful boat. (The only thing that could make it better is if it was a sailboat). We were walking around it looking at when the owners came out and offered to show us the inside! It was wonderful. And it only has 3 1/2 foot draw! I'm slightly green with envy right now. At some point in my life I will own a boat, but a sail boat (well with a outboard, because getting into a harbor is just too hard without one). Things like this make me wish that my grandfather was still alive. Not just because he built sailboats, but because I wish I could share it with him.

Thankfully, this week the weather has cooled down a little. Last week was much too hot, it was like California all over again. If I wanted it to be 90 degrees I would go to school in CA. Oh, wait...

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Boats are one of the main reasons I want to someday live near the coast.

Amendment 2: A northwest coast, not california.

Amendment 3: About six more weeks before I head back to school.

Silly Laura

2009-07-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well I messed up. I went back and watched my videos that I posted on my blog (three post back, the one with the funny videos, go back and watch them if you haven't already) When I got to the last one I realized something. It was too long. The clip I was actually looking for stops after Mark Lowry says he went around and closed all the windows. I didn't mean to get the rest of it in there. And so now you are going to get a lecture.

In the clip Mark Lowry goes on to give the "watch example". You know the one. It shows up in every single christian textbook when they try to disprove evolution. It goes like this. If I smash my watch up, and put it in a plastic bag, and then shake it up for 6 million years, I will NOT get a watch back. They say that this disproves evolution.

It is based on the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics which states that the over all entropy in the universe is increasing or things go from order to disorder. BUT, But , But. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics is only statistically true. Let me say that again. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics is only statistically true. This means, for the entire universe things are going from order to disorder, but it does not mean that small examples of disorder to order will not happen. And when you look at the universe Earth really is just a small part. So the point is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics does NOT disprove evolution.

Now before some good creationist comes and kills me, I do NOT believe in evolution. But I will not sit by and let people give all Christians a bad name, because a few of them don't understand their science.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I told you, you were going to get a lecture.

Amendment 2: I know I come off strong, but science is a huge part of who I am, and and I hate it when people try to say that I am a hypocrite for believe both in God and science. There is no true conflict.

She Stands

2009-07-04T01:29:00.000-07:00

Dear God,

Thank you for allowing me to live in this country. I know it isn't perfect, but thank you for the freedom that you have given us here, in the USA. Help me to appreciate this freedom daily. Do not let me take it for granted. Thank you for giving me a country I can be proud of, a country where I can worship you in safety and openness.

Help me to remember that my freedom is not free. It came at a terrible cost. A cost of many lives. Men and women, that gave their lives for mine. Don't let me forget their sacrifice. Help me to honor them by respecting and remembering what they died for. God thank you, for blessing the U.S.A.

Amen!

Much Too Hot for anything but blogging

2009-07-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well I was bored today. It was to hot to be outside, and you can only play ping pong for so long. So I decided to write a very self centered blog post. 20 Things You May Not Know about Me. Sounds like some kind of movie title.

1) I have a small scar on my hand that I don't know where it came from.

2)I learned to read lips at a very young age for a very good reason.

3) I can't whistle.

4) Now that I have been to Europe, I want to go to Israel.

5) I refuse to eat tomatoes.

6) But I like ketchup.

7) I have a trig function on my bookshelf that when graphed, looks like a butterfly.

8) I wish people would make sense.

9)My personal opinion is that baseball is an analogy a life.

10) My favorite toys growing up were legos. I built a very nice hospital once, complete with ER, outpatient clinic, lab, MRI, x-ray, and CAT scan.

11) If I can avoid talking on the phone I do.

12) Punctuality is a trait I admire in people, so much that I have a hard time dealing nicely with people when they are late.

13) I do not beleive in lucky or unlucky numbers, but my favorite number is 16.

14) My best friend is my sister.

15) If I call you my friend it should mean a lot to you.

16) I have been in love with math since I was about 7 years old.

17) I don't have my ears pierced.

18) I prefer not to be in charge but I will if I have to be.

19) I'm an INTJ

20) My room has a nautical theme, complete with instruments from my grandfather's boat.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I heard a really fun thing said today. "I was dealing with my own problems for a while. Like the leggings fiasco."

Amendment 2: Take a guess who said the previous quote, and it wasn't me.

Funny Videos

2009-07-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite youtube videos. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Medical Humor

2009-06-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of summer break is being able to read non-school books. Don't get me wrong I love school, but at times I enjoy a break from textbooks for some lighter reading. Today I finished a book called "Invisible Enemies" by Jeanette Farrell. It is the story of the seven most influential infectious diseases in history, smallpox, leprosy, plague, tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, and AIDS. At the end of the book the author gives some recommendations for further reading. She is nice enough to include a short blurb about the books she recommends. I hope you will find them as amusing as I do.

The Plague: "The story of Dr. Rieux, who one day discovers a dead rat in his apartment building and within a week finds himself in the middle of a plague."

Microbe Hunters: "you will not find a more exciting account than this book. It is a classic." (Moby Dick, Dante's Inferno, and Microbe Hunters all classics)

Princes and Peasants: "The history of smallpox is thorough and entertaining." (we all know death is very entertaining)

Alone No Longer: "This autobiography reads like a novel." (did I mention this is a book about a man with leprosy?)

Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Man: "Harrison presents the fight against malaria as the exciting story that it is, complete with photographs of the main characters." (would those main characters be the mosquitoes, the malaria bug, or the men?)

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I'm not poking fun at the author, my blurb about her book would read something like this: the story of the seven infectious diseases that changed our culture.

Amendment 2: Johnny, feeling like a bore, drank some H2SO4
So his father, an MD, gave him CaCO3
Johnny's neutralized, it's true but he's full of CO2

Of Procrastination and Youth Group

2009-06-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

The last few days, while not eventful were fun filled. I am enjoying being home with my family. But I am realizing that I'm not very good at getting things done in summer. These past few days I have had only a few things to do, and what have I done? Only the ones that I absolutely had to do! Perhaps this is a consequence of having a never ending series of deadlines at school.

On Monday I had youth group for the first time. (by "having youth group" I mean I was 50% in charge of 16 middle school and high school students for 2 hours!) I had a blast doing it. Things were a little rough, but I'm sure once the other leader and I get to know the kids, and each other better things will go much more smoothly. But some of the boys can and will be a handful for the rest of the summer.

As a youth leader I am in charge of game time (which means I have to come up with games that get out energy, but at the same time limit the possibilities of someone getting themselves or others injured or killed, ideas anyone?), and worship time (I have much more practice with this).

The hard part of leading worship is I'm not doing it on the piano; I'm playing the guitar. I'm not a horrible guitar player, but I'm not great either. But it is very hard to get a piano to the park. I spent a lot of time practicing for Monday, and now I have to turn around and start again for next week. I have a feeling my guitar skills are going to get much better this summer.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile

Amendment 1: Ok, so maybe this week wasn't as uneventful as I thought

Amendment 2: Tomorrow: dance class, Friday: a friend sleeps over, and Saturday: hiking with friends. Busy rest of the week. I love summer holiday!

Updates

2009-06-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so before I say anything else. I know that I haven't posted in, like, forever, but I have been a little busy. I was in Europe for over two weeks. (check out my pictures on facebook). But I will post another time about that trip.

Since I have been home, I watched two of my very best friends graduate as well as a handful of people that have meant the world to me in the my 19 years. Becca, Rachel, Kirsten, Joshua, Enoch, Holly, Brianna, Kevin, Ashley and others, you all rock, I'm so excited for you, and so proud that you all made it this far (I know it was in question for a few of you, j/k). Graduation also brought up the horrible thought that next year it will be Indie (my sister). It seems like just yesterday I was graduating and next year it will be her turn.

I have also had lots of time to hang out with friends, though I have been abandoned by a few of them this summer (Christie and Mariah, I love you guys, but...) It has been really fun to spend time with Charlyn, and other people that I haven't seen in so long. I'm still missing everyone at school, but there is nothing in the world like being home.

So far my plans for summer are house sitting for a friend at church, volunteering at the Gilbert House, being 50% in charge of my church's youth group so our wonderful youth pastor (that is a tent maker) can have time off, and spending lots of time with my family and friends.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Never ask for tap water at a restaurant in Belgium, they consider it to be VERY rude.

Amendment 2: I would be remiss if I didn't mention to all of you how much I appreciated all the phone calls, letters, and chats that you all made time for during this past school year (especially at the beginning of the year). They made the 900 miles seem like just a few, and cheered me up more times than I can say. Thanks everyone!

Amendment 3: A cool video of a popular song.

Home for the Summer

2009-05-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm home for the summer. Though I know that I will miss my school family, it is so so nice to be back with my real family, and the friends that I have known for so long. I didn't even realize how much I was missing my sister until I got home, and remembered just how close we are. Phones, email, and chat are truly wonderful things, and have made the last eight months seem a little shorter, and 900 miles seem like only a few, but there is no substitute for a big hug and a good face to face talk.

I have been done with school for only a little over a week and already I have been so busy. My mom picked me up in California last thursday (about 12 hours before my campus was evacuated by a fire again, don't worry, everything turned out alright for us). We then drove all night to Idaho to see a friend that I have known for years get married. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, and the bride was, well, I'm biased, but Anna looked so perfect, despite being sick.

On Sunday night I was finally back home. The last week has been great. The weekend was filled with HSA events as four people from two different states were visiting. It was fun to meet new friends and at the same time see people that I hadn't seen since Christmas.

There was one sad goodbye this past week. My close friend Mariah has left for California for the summer, and will not becoming back until after I leave for school. It is a very sad that thought that I won't see one of my best friends until Christmas.

At the moment my family it trying to get ready for our vacation. This involves me unpacking, repacking, and cleaning all at the same time. My bedroom is finally starting to come out of the disaster zone that it was last week, but I can see that the next two days will contain more housework than fun.

I can't even describe how nice it is to be back in Oregon. Just sitting in my room, or taking a walk has been wonderful. I had forgotten how green it is here. In California where I live it isn't really brown and dry, but there is a deep green color of plants that can only be had with the inches upon inches of "Oregon Sunshine".

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Wood smoke is so much nicer than "my campus is burning down" smoke.

Amendment 2: Yes, I will take lots of pictures and post them on facebook when I get back.

Amendment 3: I apologize for the numerous typos I most likely made, I wrote this a bit too fast, without the proper amount of time for proof reading.

To be a Science Student

2009-04-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

As a chemistry major (and possibly a double major with a physics as well), I sometimes feel that I walk a fine line because I am also a Christian. But I was listening to Pandora Radio today, and I heard this song. The verse sums up for me what it means to be a science major and a Christian.

"A thousand sparking stars upon a midnight summer sky
the majesty and wonder of the ocean's wondrous tide
and the more I see the more I can't explain
how the one who set the world in place
could even know my name, I'm amazed, I'm so amazed."

Science is for me a way to understand God better. He created the entire universe as a testament of his love for us. To not study science for me would be to receive a present from a close friend and not open it; just to sit and look at the box. There are very few things in my life that I am as sure about as my decision to study science.

Here is the whole song if you want to hear it

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Walking a Dangerous Road

2009-04-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Two blog posts in two days. That is a record for this school year. I had my last day of classes today. There are classes tomorrow but I just have labs so today was the last day for me. It was a bitter sweet day. In two of my classes my professor passes along some thoughts about college and life in general, and that was really nice. I love the fact that my professor are Christians. They really care not just about how we do in the class but also how we mature as Christians.

It was especially sad about my o-chem professor all he teaches is organic chemistry and knowing that we wouldn't be having him as a professor ever again was sad. When asked if we were one of his memorable classes he said "yes, very memorable, and very unique" We all choose to take that as a compliment, though I'm not sure it really was.

This year has been so eventful. It was the first time I left my family and home. And then there was the fire. In some ways the campus is still healing from that event. I know I for one won't be so calm when I hear a smoke alarm for a long time. But God has been SO faithful. He has healed wounds that I thought would have taken years to heal. He let so many things go well in a horrible situation, and He blessed us a hundred times for what we lost. Yes, the fire was a horrible event, but I wouldn't change what happened if I could.

I'm sitting in my dorm room. In exactly one week I will be sitting here for the last time. It is hard to imagine someone else living here next year. But change is a part of life, as hard as it is to accept.

Some times I wonder what things would have been like if I had chosen differently about college. It would have been so easy for me to end up in Michigan, but I didn't. I ended up here. I have already seen God work in so many different ways that I don't regret my decision in the slightest, but I also know that I will never stop wondering what I would be like right now if I had made a different choice last May. I'm not the same person that left Oregon eight months ago.

My parents put this quote on my cake for my going away party last August, its meaning has continued to become clearer to me this year. "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no telling where you might be swept off to."

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I may have figured out a way to double major in physics and chemistry.

Amendment 2: Realizing that things are going to change just makes you appreciate the moments you have left more.

The Last Days of the Semester

2009-04-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I am in the middle of my last week of classes for my first year away from home. I can't beleive how fast it has gone. It really seems like just yesterday I was leaving for college, and now the year is done. I'm really excited to be home for a while. I have missed being at home with my family, going to my church, hanging out with friends, ECD class, and just being in Oregon.

These past few weeks have been really busy. My o-chem synthesis is finally done, and yes it failed. For some reason that is unknown even to my professor it didn't work, but I'm just happy to be done with it. Though I really do like o-chem I'm starting to be ready for a break.

Bio is still boring; we are know talking about plants. Old Testament is a little more interesting, but I'm starting to disagree with the professor on a few things like when the book of Daniel was written. Physics is really the only class I'm sad to be done with. I really love my professor, and just the class material in general is fascinating.

Other than school there is very little to report, I get up go to class, do homework and go to bed. (Rinse and repeat).

Cheers!

Your Very Boring and Tired Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I have hit the point in the semester where all I am doing is listening to Disney songs and doing homework. In other words, Beware of Laura.

Amendment 2: Having a hard time coming up with something to say here, but if you have a 1 you have to have a 2.

If you have to be late just don't tell them...

2009-04-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

I found this on CNN this morning. I thought it was really funny and really good advice for anyone that has a job.

"If you've decided honesty is not the best policy for you (when you are late for work), don't try using any of the following excuses as the reason why you're late -- they've been heard before.

Here are 12 of the most outrageous excuses employees have heard for being late to work:

1. My heat was shut off so I had to stay home to keep my snake warm.

2. My husband thinks it's funny to hide my car keys before he goes to work.

3. I walked into a spider web on the way out the door and couldn't find the spider, so I had to go inside and shower again.

4. I got locked in my trunk by my son.

5. My left turn signal was out so I had to make all right turns to get to work.

6. A gurney fell out of an ambulance and delayed traffic.

7. I was attacked by a raccoon and had to stop by the hospital to make sure it wasn't rabid.

8. I feel like I'm in everyone's way if I show up on time.

9. My father didn't wake me up.

10. A groundhog bit my bike tire and made it flat.

11. My driveway washed away in the rain last night.

12. I had to go to bingo."

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Don't be late (or if you are don't give one of those excuses)

Amendment 2: The Quotes from this article are the property of CNN.com

Amendment 3: Yesterday, in physics class my professor told us a really funny story. We have an observatory on campus. When my professor was setting up his office in the observatory he wanted to have a very accurate clock, (something about keeping track of astronomical phenomenon). So he bought an atomic clock. However, this does present a slight problem. In an observatory there is a large metal dome, that happens to be very good at blocking the radio signals the atomic clock is supposed to receive to keep it on time. The obvious answer to this problem: walking the clock. One of the duties of the students that work for the physics department is to take the clock for a walk around campus about once a week, to make sure it can get a good signal.

La, La, La, La, La

2009-04-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend my life is basically singing. We have been practicing for Spring Sing (its tonight) nearly non-stop. The songs basically require belting out lyrics at the top of my voice in one song, and then a high soprano echo in the very next song. In other words I go from singing as loud as I can in the middle of my range to some really high notes in a matter of minutes.

I am also singing a duet at church tomorrow. The song (Hosanna by Hillsong United) can get very high in places, and then, on the part where I am singing harmony, very low. This morning I had practice for church service and we had to sing it so many times (don't ask why) that I'm hoarse. We practiced for two and half hours! I have to sing again tonight for spring sing and tomorrow in church. I think by the end of this weekend I will be all sung out for a while. On the upside, I will find out tomorrow if I got into College Choir. I'm hopeful, but overly so that I will get in.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I think I need to not talk for the rest of the day, because my voice hurts right now.

Amendment 2: I also think I need to take a nap because I haven't been getting enough sleep because of Spring Sing practice, and I have to get up tomorrow morning at 6:00am.

Amendment 3: I only have four more weeks of classes, and one week of exams left, and then I will be home for the summer!!!!!!

Updates?

2009-03-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, I realize an update here is long overdue, for someone that claims to be an avid blogger. Right now my life is very busy. My school's oldest tradition is in full swing: Spring Sing (a musical skit competition between the houses). I'm not actually dancing in it but I am singing side mic. which means I will actually be heard by the audience Razz Then add in my normal crazy workload of classes and homework and you get a very hectic life schedule.

The other thing that is going on in my life is a flair up of arthritis again. I have psoritic arthritis for those of you that don't know. It is really similar to rheumatoid arthritis. This time it has come back in my hip, so I am once again on crutches. Unfortunately, this means that I will need to be treated with a different medication. The options aren't that good; all three types of medications carry some risk (mostly because they lower your immune response to work) and some possible risky side effects. I would really appreciate some prayer for wisdom for my doctor.

The really funny part about this whole arthritis thing is that many people on campus are under the impression that I am very accident prone. Last semester I was on crutches, earlier this semester I was wearing a sling (when my shoulder flared up) and now I'm on crutches again.

Its spring here in so I have been enjoying the sunny 75 degree weather. A far cry from the horrible weather some of you had hiking last weekend. I have already broken out my shorts and flip-flops. The advantages of going to school in southern CA.

Register for classes next fall is right around the corning. I'm hoping to be taking: thermodynamics, analytical chemistry, general biology II, Life and Literature of the New Testament, astrophysics, and ballroom dancing. It should be a busy and fun fall.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Do you know that the Doppler Effect is why the sound of an ambulance coming toward you is different than one traveling away from you?

Amendment 2: My roommate laughed at me today for saying that the class I have added into my schedule next semester, purely for fun, is astrophysics. I don't think that was very nice of her.

Amendment 3: Am I crazy to major in Chemistry and minor in biology and physics?

Amendment 4: Why do we say "update" when we aren't talking about a direction or a meeting of two people (possibly for romantic reasons)?

How to know if you are spending too much time on Organic Chemistry

2009-03-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

O-chem has ceased to be an activity and has become a verb. “Sorry, I don’t have time today; I’m o-chem-ing tonight.”

You can do reactions in your sleep.

Instead of just reading the label on food products you have an overwhelming desire to actually draw all of the chemicals listed.

You dream about your organic chemistry professor.

You find yourself talking about o-chem with people that aren’t even in chemistry classes.

You read your textbook more than your Bible.

Your reaction flashcards go everywhere with you; you are even considering making flashcards that are waterproof for the shower.

You start sentences about other classes with “unlike my o-chem. class…”

You try to relate everything in your other classes to organic chemistry.

You own a nerdy O-chem shirt.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Spring Break and back to school

2009-03-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back at school after a wonderfully delightful week at home. It wasn't an exactly relaxing break, but I had a really great time. I got to see all of my friends in someway, even if just at the ball. I was able to see Maddy's concert, and spend lots of time with my favorite little sis.

Even though my parents were working a lot of the time, thanks to tax season, I did get to spend some time with them.

Seeing Wicked was one of the highlights of the week. I have been listening to the music for over a year now, and to finally see the play was wonderful. I still have the music stuck in my head.

I was able to go to dance class on thursday night. It was so much fun to be back and to see Charlyn again. I had a great time learning some more dances, and paying particular attention to the callers, as that will be me, officially, next year, when I start my ECD club on campus. Right now I'm looking for people to the officers with me next year. And I will need lots of advice on picking more dance, music because right now I only own one ECD CD.

Going to the ball on saturday was the icing on the cake of spring break. It was nice to see everyone again, and even though I don't enjoy the process of getting dressed up, it feels wonderful to be dancing in costume. As usual the ball went late, and by the end I was standing on only one foot, because my silly psoriatic arthritis was acting up again. But it was still a great evening.

Now that I'm back at school, I have only 6 weeks left in the semester things are really picking up. I have lots of projects coming due, plus the normal homework, and studying. I think by the time the year is over I will be really ready for summer holiday, and to be with my family.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I really should think about a name change for this blog, as it has now become just a general update on things in my life.

Amendment 2: I'll see you all in about two months!!!!!!!!11

Some Math Fun!

2009-03-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, imagine you have won a spot on a game show. You are presented with 3 doors. Behind one there is a new car, but behind the other two are a goat. You pick, knowing you have a 33.33% chance on any door, door 1. Then the game show host shows you what is behind door number 3, a goat, and offers you a choice. You can pick again. Door 1 or 2. Do you stay with your original choice or do you change you answer and why? Yes, there is a mathematical reason.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

"Seriously, Who are we waiting for?"

2009-03-04T15:07:00.001-08:00

Some times you just have to wonder, what were they thinking?

The Iowa House has approved a bill changing the name of the Department of Elder Affairs. If the legislation is signed by Gov. Chet Culver, the agency will be known as the Department of Aging -- or DOA.
~From the New York Times.

A couple drove 170 kilometres (100 miles) from South Africa's famous Kruger National Park with a highly venomous spitting cobra in their car, the Beeld newspaper reported on Wednesday.
~From Breitbart.com

MEDFORD, Ore. — An arsonist is on the prowl in Medford for green Ford Escorts from the 1990s.
~From Fox News

TOKYO — Japan now has so many people over 100 that it is cutting costs by reducing the size of silver cups it presents to those who reach that age.
~From Fox News

Say please' at U. S. border nets pepper spray. Canadian traveler says demand for politeness met with use of force
~From National Post

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Safe in His hands...

2009-03-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

I was reading the news this afternoon (Fox and Drudge Report are my first stops), as I normally do, when it stuck me just how scary our world is. How much fear, hate, sadness, violence and uncertainty we all have to live with. Here are the headlines that made me think of that:

Pilot Had Chance to Land Before Crashing F-18 Into California Neighborhood
Jurors in Vegas Toddler Sex Case Begin Deliberating
Body Found of Girl, 5, Trapped Inside Car That Sank in Frigid Colorado River
Gunmen Ambush Cricket Team in Pakistan, 7 Killed
U.S. Says Threat of Mexican Drug Cartels Approaching 'Crisis Proportions'
Social Workers Failed to Warn Foster Parents About Teen Who Abused Their Kids
Bali Kicks Off Yoga Festival Despite Muslim Fatwa
White House Knocks Jim Cramer For Calling Obama Budget "Greatest Wealth Destruction By a President"

We need to face the fact we live in a scary and sin filled world. A chapel speaker recently referred to the Original Sin as making us all "morally insane". It doesn't take a theologian to realize he is right, just a look at the news headlines. The world is morally insane. So the question comes up: What is a Christian to do? I can't personally stop the drug cartels in Mexico, make different religions get along with each other, solve the world hunger problem, or solve our economic problems. So what is a Christian to do? Do I have to accept my own inadequacy to solve the world's problems, do I have to learn to live with the sadness of knowing there are children perhaps in my home town that are being abused and forgotten? What is a Christian to do in a world that is filled with sadness and pain?

First, I would say that we need to remember that what we are going through is not new. Just a glance through the Old and New Testaments will find people that are filled with hurt and pain, some to the point of suicide. Yes, our world is a scary place, but it has been that way since the Original Sin. We many face different trials, but there have always been trials.

Second, as hard as it maybe at times we have to praise God. Read through any of the Psalms of David. David was a man that was deeply hurt, but through all of his suffering he always praised God, and thanked Him for what he did have.

Third,it may seem at times that God has abandoned His world. That He has thrown up His hands and given us and the world over to Satan. But if He really had done that then there would truly be nothing good left in the world. All beauty and goodness come from God, so if you can find even one small thing that is good in this world then God has not abandoned us.

Fourth, ask God to make His pain your pain. I truly believe that God is heart broken by the horrible things that go on in the world. He has promised to love us, and when someone you love is hurt it can be more painful than if you yourself were hurt. In a world of so much hurt, it can be easy to turn your back on that pain, and ignore it, but if God doesn't stop feeling the pain why should His followers?

Fifth, understand that God fills us to be emptied again. I don't mean that God will ever take His love away from us. But that Christians are not an exception to the pain of the world. Just like everyone else in the world we get sick, we feel immense pain, and we die. Whatever happiness you feel right now will sooner or later be changed to grief and heartbreak.

Finally, know that life here is temporary. Heaven is promised to be a place without pain and sickness, but instead eternity with God. Whatever your life on earth has brought you heaven will be so much better. Life without pain and suffering, as God intended life to be. Clearly, Christians are not helpless, there is much work to be done, and an eternal life to look forward to.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

This has become one of my favorite songs and applies nicely to this blog post.

Thoughts about Marriage

2009-02-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know this is a strange subject for a 19 year old, unmarried, not even in a relationship, college student, but my chapel speaker talked about it today, and it was really good, so here are my thoughts on marriage.

First off, let me make it clear, that I am not ready to get married nor do I anticipate being ready in the next two years. I enjoy being single, and being accountable only to myself, my parents, and God.

The chapel speaker had three main points:

Use wisdom when choosing a partner. Don't be looking for your "destiny."

Emotions are fleeting, so if that is what a relationship is based on you will be sadly disappointed in marriage.

Above all, look for a godly individual, that has a lot of humility.

I hadn't really considered his first point of not looking for "destiny." He was talking about how we somehow have this idea that there is one "right person, your soul mate" and without that person you can't be truly happy. The speaker was saying that it isn't a matter of one right choice, but between many right and wrong choices. He also said that he thinks this is why some main people get divorced these days. The get married, and then when things don't work out perfectly, they think they must have married the wrong person so they get out the relationship without really working at it. I guess I must have fallen for the idea that there is one prince charming for me out there, because when the chapel speaker said that it made me really think.

The speaker's second point about emotions being a bad guide to marriage I had heard before and heartily agree with. This is one of the reasons I really want to be friends with my future spouse before getting involved romantically. I want to know that there is something beyond infatuation to keep the marriage going when we don't feel "in love" anymore.

I of course knew that I was looking for a godly man, but I hadn't really thought about the humility part before. The speaker's point was that all people are fallen and will make mistakes, and will need to be forgiven many many times through out a marriage. To make a good marriage work you need to be able to say you are sorry, and that you were wrong. That can all be summed up to humility.

By the way, the chapel speaker was Gary Thomas. I didn't know who he was, but I guess he has written a lot of books about marriage.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Here is my favorite marriage seen from a movie. Just for kicks.

funny videos

2009-02-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

A friend posted these on her blog, and I thought they were really funny so I'm posting them here as well.

Cheers!

Theological Ruminations

2009-02-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in chapel today during the worship when something occurred to me. We were singing a song with the words "Glory, be to the Father, amen", and we had just finished a song that had a line that said "Lord have your way in us". This started me think about what exactly we were asking for with those words. These last few months have been hard from the standpoint that a lot of unexpected things happened outside of my control. I feel like I have finally started to come to an understanding with God about it. (By that I mean, I have finally gotten over the fact that God is God and I'm not). But maybe in some way I actually ask for those things to happen.

When we sing, at least for me, it is basically a prayer. So today we were praying for glory to be given to God and his will to be done in our lives. I was asking God to use me for his glory, whatever shape or form that may take, and that can be a scary concept. We ask for God to use us, and then act surprised when things happen, like fires, illness, or other trials. I'm not saying that God causes those things to happen. It may just be the combination of God allowing things and then using it for His glory and some spiritual warfare, since Satan really is fond of attacking those that God is using.

I suppose chapel just made me realize that God really does use people and events for His glory, and that can mean trials and hardship for us (think about Job), but in the end it brings us closer to God.

In church right now we are talking about the Lord's Prayer, that ever present example of how we should pray. I don't think it is a mistake that Jesus says to pray "Thy will be done". Sometimes that seems to be the hardest part of prayer. We have a tendency to ask for some many things. Things we "think" we need. But we are instructed to pray that God's will be done, not ours. Just saying those words and meaning them can be a huge struggle.

I'll end with this: God help me remember all things are used for your Glory, whether they seems to be a blessing or a trial. Help me to ask for your will to be done, and not mine. Amen

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I was feeling a theological mood today.

Amendment 2: I am now finished with my first round of exams! I believe all of them went well.

update

2009-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well, the last few weeks have been nonstop excitement for me. It seems I finish one thing (test, exam, lab etc..) only to be presented with something else that desperately needs my attention and study. Classes have been going really well. I am taking a heavier class schedule than last semester and loving it. I was getting bored at times last semester, and when you are away from home for the first time in your life bored is not what you want to be.

My favorite classes right now are physics and o-chem, but biology is also very interesting. I am also taking Old Testament, but for various reasons that class isn't very interesting. I'm very excited to be doing a lab synthesis for chemistry lab, thought the time commitment is going to be staggering. As a project in lab my professor is having us synthesis a compound. To do this we have to do lots of research to find the best method, and then carefully (since our grade depends on our success) recreate it. I know it will be a lot of hard work, but basically creating something from scratch is going to be so cool!

This semester I am trying to get more involved with outside activities. I have started an ECD group. The group isn't official yet; I'm planning to make it a club next year. But we have a lot of fun on the weekends, and people here (so far just girls) are soaking it up. I am also getting more involved with the chemistry club. Next week we are going to a local elementary school for their science fair to show off some cool experiments.

I have also started playing on my church's worship team. I'm not playing every week, but it looks like I will be playing once or twice a month. I'm really excited to be doing that, and to be slowly getting to know everyone at church.

Answers to some recently asked questions:

No, I am not nor planning to date anyone any time soon.
Yes, I will be home for spring break in March.
No, I will not be home for Easter after all.
Yes, I have decided on a minor, physics.
Yes, the weather in CA is nice.
Yes, people here are afraid of the rain.
No, I do not own a umbrella (oh wait only people here have asked me that)
Yes, I am now on Facebook.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: To find the electric flux take the dot product of the area and the electric field.

Amendment 2: The compound I have to synthesize for o-chem lab is 4-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-1,3-oxazole, and if anyone can tell me the structure I will take you out to coffee, my treat, when I get home.

Quotes of the Week...

2009-01-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have decided to start a new tradition on this blog: Quotes of the Week. They will be taken from professors, fellow students, and my dorm mates. Here is the first set:

In Organic Chemistry my professor was explaining how chemists are unsure whether the reaction mechanism given in the book is completely accurate. One student responded with this question: "Can we be equally unsure on our exam?"

Today in O-chem class my professor asked a question of the class. One girl shouted out the answer. My professor didn't respond, waited a few seconds and then told us the answer. The same one that the girl had just said. She then said "But Dr. ____ I said methylcylcohexanol." My Professor said "I know, I just ignored you."

In biology class we were talking about polar molecules. One girl raised her hand and asked "Insoluble means it won't dissolve, right?"

In Physics class this afternoon, my professor was talking about electron waves. "How big is an electron really? It seems to be just a point in space, but we physicists are suspicious."

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile

Amendment 1: I am now trying to figure out how I can get a chem major and a physics minor in only two more years here.

Amendment 2: Hulu is as addicting as YouTube.

Amendment 3: Craisins are also addicting.

Don't check the web address just yet...

2009-01-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

I decided that "Musings of a Literary Junkophile" needed a new look. So being the computer savvy person that I am, I quickly headed onto my blogger dashboard and selected a new layout. If someone smart and computery wants to let me in on the little secret of how to make your own layouts let me know. I would love to have something more unique.

I have now completed four days of my second semester here in California. I am enjoying it immensely, especially my science classes. I am also taking Old Testament and though, in some ways it will be repetitive, I think I will enjoy the historical portion of the class. I also have a new roommate, who I am getting to know.

It is very strange to be way from home, but I am slowly getting used to the freedom and the responsibility. I am also so excited to see what God is going to do this semester in my life. He never ceases to amaze. I just love understanding more about his creation through my science classes, and understanding his nature better through biology, chemistry, and physics.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Does anyone but me get excited about NMR spectroscopy?

Amendment 2: NMR is like a 2D MRI, very cool, and very magnetic.

Amendment 3: The biggest problem with college, in my opinion, is there are so many classes and things to major in. How is a person to choose?

Amendment 4: I am still chemistry major though. Chemistry majors are the coolest, and the most positive since they are always dropping electrons everywhere.

Time Travel (I think)

2009-01-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

I left Oregon in mid January by plane and landed in southern CA in June. I am still trying to work out the particulars of how exactly Horizon Air managed that, but it is about 78 degrees here, bright and sunny, with a light wind blowing off the Ocean. I have once again broken out my shorts, t-shirts, and sandals (yes in good Oregon fashion, I wear them with socks). My physics classroom was so warm this afternoon that the whole class, including the teacher, was falling asleep. This begs the question: How exactly did this happen, and is there some way to get back to winter weather. So here is a list of possible solutions that I would imagine came from some popular scientists (both real, and fictional people).

Einstein: Time is relative, so the plane must have traveled close to the speed of light. There by slowing down time for the people on the plane, while time proceeded at the normal rate for everyone else.

James T. Kirk (Star Trek): Clearly, the plane was equipped with a shield that protected it while it flew close to the sun. The plane was set into a close orbit of the sun and was then catapulted forward in time. Due to the complex math that was done, I can only assume that Spock must have been present on Laura's flight.

Heisenberg: Due to the fact that you cannot know where you are and how fast you are going at the same time, and the pilot knew where they were during the flight, the plane must have been going much faster than thought. I seem to remember something about going really really fast, and time. Perhaps you should ask Albert about it.

Samantha Carter (Stargate SG1): The plane must have traveled through a stargate at the precise moment a solar flare happened. The flare sent the plane into the future by six months.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Yes, I realize before hand that by going to school in CA I was sacrificing some of my winter weather.

Amendment 2: But I still would like to see how people down here react to a good cold snap.

Amendment 3: And by cold snap I mean 40 degree weather.

Skips and School

2009-01-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

Well, apparently I have become a very bad blogger. It has been month since my last blog. Granted a lot has happened in that month, exams, going home, snow, ice, snow, Christmas, snow, New Years, snow, and family.

I leave to go back to school tomorrow. I am a little sad, but I am really ready to be back in the grind of school. I am going to have a very hectic semester. I'm taking O-chem, physics, bio, and a RS class. That's three labs, and 17 units! I am also getting a new roommate as Ashley decided to transfer out.

I had a very nice Christmas, and a very snowy Christmas. Two Feet of snow on the ground is a lot! and learning how to drive in it was even more exciting. But i am now very glad that the snow is over. Since people in Oregon don't drive in the snow, I couldn't really go anywhere for a week and that was very boring (a little like Boring Oregon, maybe).

It was wonderful to see so many of you over the past few weeks. The ball was so much fun, as was the little get together at my house. I miss you all when I'm at school, but I will be home in may for a while (I may even get tired of seeing you).

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Yes, you all have permission to yell at me for not updating my blog for so long.

Amendment 2: I finally figured out how to get my dad to let me take a picture of him. You have him stand in front of some military plane. Suddenly, he becomes almost photogenic.

Amendment 4: Special effects have come a long way since the original Star Wars were made.

Amendment 5: Yes, skipping Amendment 3 was intentional. I wanted to see how many of you are still awake.

Amendment 6: I am finally going to start an ECD group at my school. I even ordered a CD of music.

not again...

2008-12-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

Well, once again I am finding myself with out a room for the evening. thankfully this time isn't due to a fire and my dorm isn't in any danger of being destroyed, but I am without power. I just hope it comes back on before midnight when I will really need to get to bed. One of the dorms that was destoyed in the fire finally caved in today and the roof fell on the power line. So now my entire dorm is without power. So I'm sitting in the afterhours cafeteria not doing homework. I had an o-chem exam today, so I thought I would give myself a break tonight and only write a lab report. well, that is done and now I'm just messing around on my computer.

But then the phrase "my computer" opens up a whole other can of worms (so to speak). My computer's motherboard was damaged in the fire due smoke so my parents had to mail me my younger sister's laptop. So I'm now on a itty-bitty laptop. Hopefully, my computer will be fixed when I get home for Christmas break in a little over a week!

Your Literary Junkohpile.

Amendment 1: Alkanes, alkenes, amines, and alkynes all have higher pKa values than water.

Amendment 2: it just doesn't feel like Christmas time here; it is simply to warm.

back and school and fire updates

2008-12-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

well, I am very sorry for my long absence. If you don't know about the fire please read this next paragraph, but if you already heard the story feel free to skip it.

On thursday the 13th there was a wildfire here at my school. I was in my room when it started and within 30 minutes the fire was on our campus. All together the school lost 3 academic buildings three dorms (not mine), and 17 professors and staff lost their houses. (Pictures are on my school website). The students were sheltered overnight in the gym, while the fire burned around us. On saturday I went home, and classes started up again this week for the first time since the fire.

It is very strange to be back. A lot of my friends lost their dorms, and they physics department is completely burned to the ground. So my two physics classes are very different.

Individually and as a school we all have a lot of healing to do, but the spirit on campus is one of hope. So much of our campus was spared and that means a lot to everyone, but we have also lost a lot as well.

Your Literary Junkophile

Amendmnet 1: Your prayers are still needed for my school.

Amendment 2: Thank you so much for the prayers you have already said, it means so much to me and my entire campus that so many people are praying for us.

Amendment 3: Email me if you want to help in any way or if you want more details.

Puppy Love

2008-11-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Has anyone but me noticed the attention the press seems to to be paying to the Obama dog situation? And by the Obama dog situation I mean the fact the Mr. Obama promised his daughters a new dog when they move into the White House. Here are some examples of the web sites and news articles out there on this very topic.

from the Associated Press: Obama: Getting a family dog isn't easy

from yahoo news: "Peru Offers bald Dog of Incas to Obamas"

www.obamafamilydog.com A whole website dedicated to convincing the Obama family to adopt a shelter dog instead of buying one from a pet store.

From BBC News: Obama Family dog 'major issue'

From Fox News: Obama: Choosing family Dog is a 'Pressing Issue'

From the Washington Times: Obama" Getting a family dog isn't easy

PETA to Obama: adopt your Dog from a shelter

The AKC conducted a survey to decided what breed the family should get. The final verdict: Poodle.

From Chicago Breaking News: Obama girls getting a puppy.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I can only hope that the American public turns out to be as interested in rest of Obama's decisions as his dog decision.

Amendment 2:I guess we could call this fascination in the press with the new dog as "puppy love."

Amendment 3: I only have a week and half left until Thanksgiving Break!

Amendment 4: an enantiomer is a non-superimposable mirror image isomer.

Amendment 5: All this talk about dogs makes me miss my little Reggie.

Fun Vidoes and Quick Catch-ups

2008-11-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm sorry that I haven't posted for so long. Things can get a bit busy here. My knee is finally starting to feel a little better. I had to get a steroid shot last week, and I believe it might finally be on the mend. I have to go to one more doctor's appointment over Thanksgiving and hopefully I will then find out what is causing my knee pain. I will keep you all updated.

This weekend my dad visited me here at school. That was very nice and really fun. I don't think we have spent that much time together just the two of us for a very long time. We went had a really great time, and it meant a lot to me that he wanted to come down here and spend the weekend with me.

I can't believe that it is only two weeks until thanksgiving break. I have 11 days of school left until break and then only two more weeks of classes after that, a week of exams and then my first semester here is over. It has gone very quickly. I am still loving school and I am planning on officially declaring my major this week as chemistry.

Here is a video that a friend posted on his blog that I thought you would all enjoy:

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I can't wait to see some of you at thanksgiving!

Amendment 2: that doesn't mean that I'm not looking forward to seeing some of you, just that I don't think I will have a chance to see lots of people, as I will be visiting family.

Amendment 3: Pressure equals force divided by area.

Amendment 4: prayers are still appreciated for my knee and also as I find out what is really wrong with it.

Updates

2008-10-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid I have very little to report. Life goes on. I am settling in back at school and am now almost caught up in all my classes. I still need to make up an O-chem lab, but I won't do that until next week.

Next week is going to be very busy. Physics exam on Monday, paper due on Wednesday, and o-chem exam on Friday. Plus Friday is Halloween and my school is having a dance that I will be going to. I won't be doing any dancing as I am still on crutches. I believe I will go as a pirate as the other things I have considered do not lend themselves well to crutches.

The really odd thing about going to school in southern California is the heat. When I was home on break it was nice and cool. What I would consider Autumn weather. But here it is still in the 80s. I hope that by thanksgiving it will have cooled off a little. I just doesn't seem like fall with out the weather change. And it certainly won't seem like the holiday season if it is still the high 70s low 80s.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: If you want to know how stressed you are just multiply your elastic modulus by your strain.

Amendment 2: that was physics by the way.

Amendment 3: A practical joke I want to try at some point: put a spinning fly wheel in a suitcase and tell someone to walk around a corner.

Knees, news, and no more home cooked meals

2008-10-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I am very sorry that I haven't updated in so long. I have been a little distracted being at home and dealing with my knee. So before I get to anything else here is an update about my knee.

I have Patella Femoral Syndrome. This basically means that my knee cap doesn't track correctly when I bend my knee. The hill here at school made it flair up. The good thing about this is that I don't need surgery; I can't do any permanent damage by using it. The bad thing is that I am going to have trouble with this for the rest of my life. A rather sad thought for someone that has nearly three years of climbing hills every school day. However, there are somethings that I can do to manage it. I will be on crutches for the next few weeks to settle this flair-up down. I will have to do PT and exercises on my own for a while. (Well, I will have to do exercises for the rest of my life). As soon as I can, I will be getting a bike to help me get up the hill. I would also recommend buying stock in Motrin, as I can guarantee that they will never go bankrupt as long as I am alive.

I have to say that it was so much fun to see everyone at home. It was the perfect birthday present to be able to come home, see my friends and go to church. I miss you all terribly when I am away.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I have a new CD to listen to (my birthday present from Indy), As I Am by Kristin Chenoweth.

Amendment 2: And wonderful new stationary (from The Stomach) to write letters on.

Amendment 3: Does anyone still care that I ended that last amendment with a preposition?

Anecdotes

2008-10-05T20:54:00.001-07:00

well, I injured my knee again, but I don't really feel like writing about that right now, so here are some funny stories about my life here at school.

My physics professor is very smart. He knows exactly what the people in the back of the room on laptops are really doing. So he sometimes will pull out the router on the way to class. He says that everyone in the back row looks "very grumpy" on those days.

doing your own laundry is not as easy as it sounds. I have yet to have any problems because I don't wear fancy clothes. The other girls in my suite have not been so lucky. yesterday someone finished her laundry with an extra shirt and one less sun dress.

It was raining for the first time since I have been here yesterday. It wasn't really raining just misting. But the item of dress that most people had in common (usually it is sun dresses for the girls, and shorts for the boys): rain boots. Who wears rain boots for a light rain?

I am now sure that the dining hall serves the same chicken everyday. Only they call it something different.

Right before I came here I switched shampoo bottles so a brand that I had never heard of so i wouldn't get it confused with other people who used the common brands. Five out of the seven girls in my suite use the exact same brand. So much for no confusion.

we get to listen to music during O-chem lab. It turns out my professor is a music lover with a huge knowledge and passion for oldies. You learn something new and random everyday about your professors.

My comp. professor has sever hearing loss. They way he got it: driving race cars. How many people drag race in their twenties and then decided to get their doctorate in English?

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: p=mv. Momentum equals mass times velocity, and is always conserved.

Amendment 2: If you do want to know what happened to my knee, check out my church website in the prayer request section or my HSA blog.

A video

2008-10-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

A friend posted this on his HSA blog. Please watch all the way to the end. Honestly, I don't care what your personal political views are. But this man is right, all people deserve the freedom that we have in this country.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Updates and WWII Wall Pictures

2008-09-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I promised a friend that I would put up a picture of my latest addition to the wall. So here it is.

My mom sent me some WWII pictures that I had up on my wall at the farm. I never got the chance to put them up at our new house, but I really love them and I thought they would make a nice addition to my dorm room. The upper right and upper left photos are of General Eisenhower talking to some men from the 101st Airborne division before D-Day (I'm a big fan of the Screaming Eagles, in case you didn't know). The center picture is of a little girl in France placing flowers on an American soldier's grave after D-Day. All of the other pictures were taken in the Pacific at places I'm not sure exactly where.

I haven't been very good about doing email updates so I thought I would add a little one in here. I was lying out on the front lawn last night with my section mates. And I realized how odd it was that I was here at this school. For as long as I can remember I have told my family that I would never go to school in Southern California. Here I am. I wanted to go some place with snow and cold weather. The average temp. here all year round is 75 degrees. I had my top two schools already chosen since I was 16. But I'm not at either one. I only really came to visit because we got to stop at Disneyland. But I'm here now. God really is amazing! I had my college life all planned out until He got in the way. And I'm so glad He did, because I know this is where He wanted me.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Power equals force times velocity.

Amendment 2: I will be going to Mexico for a short weekend mission trip at the end of October. I can't wait to go!

Amendment 3: the 101st Airborne Division is what Easy Company (band of brothers) was a part of. I wrote a blog entry about them a while back you can reread it here: http://literary-junkophile.blogspot.com/2008/07/band-of-love.html

News, Next weeks, and Newton

2008-09-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I am almost done with my fourth week of classes. Next week I will have my first physics exam and probably a paper due for my composition class. So this weekend is going to be a little busy for me. As those of you that know me well know, I am very interesting in politics and news in general, so I thought it would be fun for me to write a blog post about my news sources. Over that past year I have found a number of websites that combine give a well rounded information net. So here are my news sources and the reasons I use them.

Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/
I read this because in general it is more conservative than the other big news sources. They also have a great collection of different kinds of news. I always check out the health and science sections.

Klove News http://www.klove.com/news/
I read this news site because it is great for finding things of Christian interest. It is basically just a bunch of links to other sites, but they pull out things that maybe hidden on the back page but have special interest to the Christian world.

IMDB's news from Wenn http://www.imdb.com/news/
I read this news site because I know that this is the news that so many people my age care about. Many people don't care about politics, but the most recent Hollywood scandal. So I try to keep up on what other people know about. There are also some strange things that occasionally come up about politics, world views, and Christianity.

The Drudge Report http://www.drudgereport.com/
If you haven't found this news source you don't know what you are missing. This is my first stop in the morning before classes. It has everything from politics, the economy, to the latest science technology. Did I mention it is extremely conservative. I usually check Drudge Report three to four times per day.

I also read what my dad fondly calls "the local rag". Even at school I like to keep up with what is going on at home. This is also the only Newspaper I have ever been published in (letters of the editor), so it will always have a special place in my heart. Not, I really only read this to keep up with the news at home, since the NR is strongly left leaning.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: F=ma is the mathematical representation of Newton's Second Law.

Amendment 2: 15 days!

A month ago I was home...

2008-09-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been a month since I left home. In some ways the time has gone so fast, but I feel like I have been here forever. The time really has flown, which is nice for me because I know that I will be home before I know it. But I also feel like I know everyone so well (at least in my section), that I couldn't have only known them for a month.

I miss you all terribly, and can't wait to see you. On that note: I will be home for a weekend in October (the 10th-14th). I will be at church, so those of you that are New Hope-ers will get to say hi. But if you don't go to my church you are welcome to stop by my house and say hi. Just let me or my mom know. I'm excited to be home for my birthday and to see my family.

My classes are going great. I had my first organic chemistry exam last Friday, and I did well on it. As of yesterday, I remember why I am a chemistry major. Up to this point we hadn't done anything new, but Monday we finally did something fun and exciting. (Well, exciting if you are a chemistry major). So, sorry physics and engineering majors that were trying to convert me, I am happy as a chem. major.

I just love going to a Christian school. I love being able to share that bond with fellow students and my professors. I can sit out on the lawn with a group of friends and sing praise songs and not be looked at strangely, or have a spontaneous prayer meeting without feeling odd.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I mostly wrote this post because I didn't get a chance to write an email update this weekend (computer trouble). So if it seemed a bit odd, that is why.

Amendment 2: My interesting fact today is actually a questions. How do you win a tug-of-war game? If you have taken physics you will know that it isn't as simple as it sounds. Let me know what you think the answer is.

A Picture is worth a thousand words,,, here is a ten-thousand word entry

2008-09-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I took last weekend around my campus.

Hummingbirds love the bush right outside of my dorm.

This picture was

taken outside of the administrative building.

My campus is crawling with lizards. It is hard to tell, but this lizard was actually about 6in. long.

This is one of those southern California plants that I have know idea what it is. (Mom, do you know?)

This is an arbor in the formal gardens on campus. When I say formal gardens I mean the part of campus you have to walk through to get to any class.

The Perfect ECD spot. Can't you just picture a late afternoon dance going on right here.

Some place I won't be walking. (I think this is poison oak)

Another beautiful tree.

The tree that hangs over my dorm.

Yes, I go to school with palm trees.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I hope you enjoyed my campus tour.

Amendment 2: The chemical with the formula CH3CH(CH3)CH(CH3)CHCH(Cl)CH3 has the proper (IUPAC) name of 5-Chloro-2,3-dimethylhexane.

Lunch Time!

2008-09-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is the lunch of a college student that isn't fond of her dining hall's food.

Cranberry juice
string cheese (that doesn't seem to want to "string")
Crackers
Apple Sauce
Spoon (I don't eat this, but finally have one is exciting)
Homemade chocolate chip cookie from home (my mom sent me some)

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I will write more this weekend when I have more time.

Amendment 2: The Correct answer on my poll was velocity. I'm so glad that two of my friends apparently are comedians or else have very poor reading comprehension.

I cried for them that Day

2008-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I realized that I missed blogging on September 11th. So I'm making it up now. My greatest prayer for people is that we won't forget. I'm not talking about revenge or safety of our country (though protecting out country is of utmost importance), but the reaction people had was truly amazing. For the first time in a long time, our country had something to pull together for: to recover from 9-11. So I will start off by telling you what I remember about that day.

I got up early because we had some where to go. I heard the TV on in the living room; that was unusual, we didn't usually have the TV on in the morning. I walked in the room, and before I even saw the TV I knew something was wrong from the looks on my parents' faces. For the first time in my life I saw my parents scared. Later that day before my family prayed for everyone that had been effected, my dad made me promise that I would never forget that day. What happened, and the pictures we saw of people in other countries partying in the streets because of what had happened. I learned that day, that many people fear the freedom we have, and because I am an American I will be hated by some. By people that don't differentiate between children, soldiers, civilians, atheists, and Christians, only that they are Americans. I will never forget. What about you?

God has Blessed America!

Your Literary Junkophile.

This a picture I took while in Chicago, it is on the back of a statue outside of Soldier Field.

Nine days down... many more to go

2008-09-11T11:35:00.001-07:00

well, I didn't have classes this morning, so I decided to get out my calculator and do some math. I did do my physics and composition homework as well, but I don't have a math class this semester so I thought I would do something fun. A few days ago my sister titled her blog entry "One day down...to many more to go". So I thought it would be fun to figure out just how many days of school I have left. (I assumed that there are 148 days of school in every year (that's how many I have here, if I don't do any May terms); I also assumed that I would finish school in four years of undergrad. and four years of medical school.) The total number: One thousand twenty-seven days of school left for me. I guess it is a really good thing that I actually like school, unlike some other blogger I know.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Don't worry, I'm planning to write a nice long entry this weekend, complete with pictures of...

Amendment 2: If anyone has any specific questions about my schedule, my classes, or my life in general feel free to ask me. I'm trying to get around to emailing people, but right now it really isn't happening regularly.

Amendment 3: What's a blog entry without an interesting fact?

Amendment 4: An alcohol is a carbon group attached to an OH group. Two carbons triple bonded are called an alkyne. Two carbons double bonded are called an alkene. A ketone has a carbon double bonded to an oxygen.

Some things you may not know about me

2008-09-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

My nickname as a child was Laura Bell (LB).

I would rather read a good book than be sociable.

Before I die, I want to travel to Israel.

I am an INTJ (google it if you don’t know what I’m talking about).

My favorite kind of salad is spinach with honey mustard dressing.

My favorite socks are purple.

My favorite animal is a beluga whale.

If you really want to annoy me, be late.

I like writing only when I don’t have to.

I have kept every card ever given to me.

I love getting snail-mail.

I always thought boy scouts would be more fun than girl scouts.

I would rather be sick in bed than have a sore throat.

I want to learn to scuba dive.

I can practically quote the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder series to you.

I went to half a year of Catholic Kindergarten.

I want to travel to Great Britain some day.

I actually like our rainy winters.

I choose my friends very carefully, so if I call you a friend it should mean something to you.

My favorite kind of candy bar is Twix.

If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be mashed potatoes.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I'm not sure why I have been writing so much lately. Maybe I just miss you guys.

Amendment 2: See Mariah, I'm still blogging.

Stories of my First Week

2008-09-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well, my first week is over! It went so fast that I can't believe it is already done. In general it was a really great week. I did find out some really sad and upsetting news from home and it was hard not to be at home with my family (one of our dogs died). But this blog is going to be about the good and happy stuff, so don't worry if you have a week heart or a passion for animals, you can keep reading.

My first story involves my English Composition Class. The title is actually the story. You see it should be titled "Learning to write by reading". I anticipated when taking this class that I would have to be doing a lot of writing, but when I got to my first class I was informed that I would only be writing four papers the whole semester. I also found out that I would be reading many essays by authors from dubious backgrounds with viewpoints that no self respecting American would hold. Already this has turned into a very interesting class.

My Next story is about my chemistry class. On Thursday I had my first Organic Chemistry lab. Usually the first lab is a short one, simply because you can't really do much when you have only covered the review material. So I did not expect to be there a half hour late (this turned my already four hour lab into a nearly five hour lab). Because of the hoods (if you don't know what these are, you are sadly science deprived) it is impossible to effectively run air conditioning in a lab. This meant that the lab stayed a nice seventy-eight degrees. Which in case you weren't aware, this is the warm and cozy temperature, the one that makes you want to take a nap. Needless to say, it was a very long afternoon.

My last story is about my southern California culture shock. I'm not sure why, but all of the girls down here have a tendency to dress in an immodest way. I don't know if this is culture related, weather related, or simply a lack of good judgment on their part. But there seems to be a ridiculous number of sun dresses walking around on any given day.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Science lab Hood= a device that is used to pull vapors out of the air and keep them from getting into the main lab. It looks like a box that is enclosed on four and a half sides. So you can safely handle volatile substances or things with dangerous vapors.

Amendment 2: The most useful advice I was given in my O-Chem lab. If there is a fire in the building please get out of the building. (This and other common sense things were why the lab ran so late).

Its a Small, Small world

2008-09-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't have much time right now. Lots of Homework already! But I thought I would tell a quick funny story that happened to me last night. Before I get to that, classes are going great, I'm really enjoying everything; can't wait to get home, but I am having fun. I'll find some time this weekend to give you all a proper report.

My story: Yesterday, I was chatting to Charlyn, while taking a break from studying. She asked me if I had every heard The Hand Song by Nickel Creek. I hadn't, so I looked it up on Youtube. Well, I really liked it and was listening to it later, when I happened to look over at the related videos and recognized someone. I met this person at WorldView two years ago, and then stayed with her when I went to visit a college last November. When I was there I heard her playing in a band, and apparently she put some of their music up on Youtube. Of all of the Youtube videos out there I had managed to stumble across the one I wouldn't ever expect to find. The world seems so small sometimes.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: If you aren't on my email list for updates let me know, and I will add you.

Amendment 2:

Amendment 3: When I started this blog last January as emails, I always added something cool that I had learned in class. During the summer, I stopped this but I'm going to continue the tradition now.

Amendment 4: If you integrate acceleration (if you have limits for the integral) you find velocity. Integrate velocity (with limits) and get position.

Amendment 5: That was from physics by the way.

Your Questions Answered

2008-08-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, a number of you have been adding comments to my blog so I thought I would write a quick entry responding to those. I am also starting classes on Monday so I most likely won't get around to writing again until next weekend.

I know one of my my comments on my last entry may seem a bit odd to some of you. The point about not meeting many home schoolers. At home I am very involved in home school circles, and as we all know, home schoolers have their own unique culture. So being some where that isn't populated by under-socialized anti-government skirt wearing girls (I'm joking; I've never met a more social, open minded, well dressed group then in my home school circles) is just strange for me. I wasn't really expecting to find that here, but I'm going through just a bit of culture shock.

Yes, I do have a bottle of hand cleaner on my desk. The reason: I have met more people in the last few days then in the last three years, and yes I have shaken a whole lot of hands, so mom (and Charlyn) I am using my hand cleaner. The Lysol wipes are for cleaning my room.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I love and miss you all.

Amendment 2: So please keep writing me comments and emails.

Amendment 3: In case you didn't figure it out, I'm trying to use positive reinforcement to get everyone to leave comments. You leave a comment and then get the satisfaction of actually getting you questions answered. See, basic psychology.

My Room!

2008-08-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

The first picture is of my side of the room. Notice my periodic table on the wall. It is the only poster I have gotten up on my wall. So now everyone here knows I'm a chemistry nerd.

The second picture is of my desk and computer. I have the Nanny Journals on the screen.

It is already so strange being here. I like everyone, but it isn't home. It certainly makes me want to go to Medical school in Oregon. I'm getting to know everyone, but I miss everyone at home.

The strangest this so far: I've only met one home schooler!

The coolest thing so far: Bagpipes at a ceremony yesterday.

The Hardest thing so far: My parents Leaving.

The Easiest thing so far: Knowing that this is where God does want me.

The funnest thing so far: Country Line Dancing last night (if only it was ECD).

The most boring thing so far: Being told again and again that we have to study hard. That is the reason I'm here, to study, if you haven't figured that out by now you shouldn't be at college.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: All my friends need to get gmail so I can talk with you.

Amendment 2: I miss you already!

Its a Dorm Life for Me

2008-08-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm now in my dorm room and sort of settled in. I start classes on Monday and I can't wait. I'm taking O-Chem, Physics (with calc.), English composition and a PE class. The trip down was fun. My family had some family time and most of the drive was beautiful. We got to stop in the Redwoods and drive down Highway 1. That was all really amazing. Check out my pics. at the end of this post.

On thursday I started orientation. In some ways this was good, but a lot of the information was a repeat from the school I went to last year. But it has been really great to get to know everyone. I have one roommate; there are 5 other girls in my suite (we all share one bath room!); I have 24 girls in my section. I have already gotten to know the girls in my suite really well. I have a lot in common and we all get along well. (Don't worry, my friends here will never replace those of you at home). I will right more later, but right now I need to get some sleep.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: My car packed with everything for college.

Amendment 2: A large Woodcutter and his blue ox

Amendment 3: Me in the Redwoods

Amendment 4: The Beautiful California Coast

Amendment 5: I have a new favorite bible verse. Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Addendum

2008-08-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

One more thing this is a video I found that is really sweet and sums up how I feel about all of you.

http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/life-on-train.php

Thanks for Riding with me!

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

So Long and Thanks for all the Fish!

2008-08-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sitting in my room for the last time for a while. I'm sitting here eating Oreos and milk (I'm a dunker in case anyone cares). It is really odd to think I won't be here in 24 hours, or 48, or 1000hours. Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited about school, but it will be strange not to see everyone for so long. I'm really going to miss a bunch of people.

My Darling Sister
My Darling Sister's best friends (OK, she is one of my best friends as well, you know I love you Britt :) )
My mom and dad
My Bestest Friends, Christie, Mariah, Becca and Rachel (Charlyn fits in here too, but I'm already missing her)
My best Nana/friend/teacher.
My favorite little boy (Reggie)
My very goofy but talented worship team at church
My Pastor
Everyone at my church (I'm actually trying to think of someone I won't miss)
All my friends at dance class (you know who you are)

Now here are the reasons I will miss these people (and dachshund:

(Maddy) She is not only my sister she is my best friend, but closer
(Britt) We are closer then most actual sisters
(Mom and Dad) Hey, they are my mom and dad
(Christie, Mariah, Becca, Rachel)I won't have anyone to "enjoy"; all the deep discussions and stargate talks; it is just Becca (need I say more); she is so funny and sweet.
(Mrs. R) She is so close to me and has had such a wonderful impact on my life, and hey she is 78.
(Reggie) My little buddy is always there for comfort.
(Worship Team) I love them for their strange ways, Dustin, Eric, Jared, Brian, Ann, Steve, Christie, Heidi.
(Dewey) My pastor is so much fun, and love to listen to his sermons, how many people can actually say that they would listen to their pastor talk for fun.
(My Church family) Everyone at New Hope is so great and loving. They are a second family and I can't imagine my Sundays without them.
(My Dance group) I have only been going to dance for about 6 months but I have made some really good friends that I will miss dancing with and talking with.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkohpile.

Amendment 1: Everyone needs to check out my sister's blog http://www.maddy-confussedmind.blogspot.com/ she gave me some really good advice for things not to do at school.

Amendment 2: Everyone got that Reggie is my dog right, not some random guy I like.

Amendment 3: So Long Oregon, California here I come!

Amendment 4: I know that there are some people I forgot to say goodbye to. To those of You: Goodbye, I will be praying for and I can't wait to see when I get home!

Amendment 5: The post title is a line from the Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a book/movie that is not as anti-Christian as everyone says, but that is a different post.

I'm off to the land of Cereal

2008-08-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

well, I leave the day after tomorrow. I'm sad and excited all at the same time. I can't wait to get back to classes, meet my roommate, start my second year of college, and generally be on my own. But I'm nervous about leaving my family and generally being on my own. Today was the last time I will be at church for a while, and it was really hard to say goodbye to everyone. A lot of people that went through the church split are really close. We have become a family and it was like saying goodbye to a family today. It was hard knowing that I won't being see those people next week. Church is something I look forward every week and to lose that is really sad for me.

On a lighter note: Last night I went to the ECD ball. I had a wonderful time and the ball went very smoothly. Except for the people that didn't know how to dance and kept messing others up (you can't blame them, I was like that once, but it is still bothersome), and the fact that it went a hour and half late. Once again it was hard to say goodbye because unlike my Church family, I won't see most of those people until December or next summer. Though, thanks to HSA and Gmail I will still get to talk to most people even when I'm at school.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I leave on Tuesday for the land of cereal (fruits, nuts and flakes).

Amendment 2: Here are some pictures from the ball:

My Hair

My Dress

Talking with Friends

Working Toward Leaving

2008-08-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent most of today getting ready for college. A couple hours of shopping at Wally World (Wal-Mart), going through my closet, opening all of the things I purchased at walmart, and other random things that I needed to do before leaving. Right now our biggest problem is if everything is going to fit in the back of our car for the drive down. I have confidence in our extreme packing skills, but my mother is already making plans to ship me a box of clothes I won't need in the first week.

I just took a brief break from writing to try on some long lost PJ's. So right now, between my light blue robe, matching slippers, and my "new" PJ's, I look like some well dressed 7th grader at a slumber party.

I realized last night that when I head off to college I"m really going to miss tutoring. I spent the last two years tutoring a number of different students in math and science, and now that I will be at school I will really miss my math/science challenged middle school and high school students. I'm not sure why I like tutoring, but I really do enjoy it. There were a lot of hard things, those days when nothing went right or when I thought I student had understood something only to learn to late they hadn't. Though, it has led to some very embarrassing situations for me.

Two years ago when I was at Western, I was tutoring a girl in math and biology. Her main problem (in science) was that she didn't have good study skills. Bio. has lots of memorization and if you can't come up with ways to memorize stuff you can really struggle. So I was frequently in the library after school trying to come up with goofy little sayings and phrases to help her remember that various parts of what ever bio organism she was memorizing at the time. But when that didn't work I was left with acting out the part to hopefully cement a hand motion in her head. Needless to say, in my Senior year, not only was I classified as I geek, but I also received many funny looks in the library after school.

You maybe wondering, why if with all of these difficult times I like and will miss tutoring. perhaps another story will explain.

The same year, I was also tutoring a 6th grade girl. She most likely had ADHD and/or dyslexia, but hadn't been tested yet. She was frequently getting picked on at school and was failing both math and english. All of this had been going on for most of the year, and not surprisingly her self-esteem was suffering. So I can't even begin to describe the look on her face when she would finally get something right, or when I would tell her she wasn't stupid. She was so proud that she was getting tutored by a senior that she told the whole middle school about me. Though, it was odd being known by the middle school as "Blank's tutor", it did give this little girl some needed bragging rights. The expressions of the other middle schoolers when I would sit next to this girl on the bus or tell off one of the 8th graders for picking on her were priceless. I will really miss tutoring next year.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I get to try on my ball dress tomorrow.

Amendment 2: Only three more days until the ball, and five days until I leave for school.

Amendment 3: I am now on HSA.

My Reasons to Believe

2008-08-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

I had good friend spend the night at my house a few nights ago, and we started to talk about science and God and what the two subjects meant together. And I realized that this was one subject that, though close to my heart, I hadn't discussed on my blog.

I have always had a strong interesting in science. Since I was a little kid I have always believed that science and the Bible are compatible, and that they are actually two examples of the same thing: God's love for us. Three years ago when I went to school I was made to memorize something by my science teacher that I still treasure and think back on daily. It is called Neander's Law:

Neander’s Law

God reveals himself in his word, as he does in his works.
In both we see a self-revealing, self-concealing God.
Who makes himself know only to those who earnestly seek him.
In both we find stimulants to faith, and occasions for unbelief; in both we find apparent contradictions, whose higher harmony is hidden except from him who gives up his whole mind in reverence; In both, in a word, it is a law of revelation that the heart of man should be tested in receiving it; and that in the spiritual life as well as in the bodily, man must eat his bread in the sweat of his brow.

Augustus Neander, Life of Christ, 1851

I know some Christians don't really like or appreciate science. They seem to think "Science=Evolution=Sin". But true science does nothing but add weight to the evidence of a biblical creator. As Christians we need to be prepared to give a defense of what we believe. And whether you accept science or not, it can be a wonderful defense. So please, don't write it off simply because you don't agree with the theory of evolution.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: In many ways I feel closest to God when I'm studying science. I wonder what my very anti-christian former Chemistry professor would think if I told him I learned more about God's nature in his class then in a year of Sunday school classes?

Amendment 2:If anyone is interested, I can recommend a few books (Christan and non-Christian) that describe the natural world in such a way that you can't help but be strengthened in your faith.

One Last Day at the Clinic

2008-08-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I spent my last day at the clinic. It was a very nice day, because I all I did was shadow, no filing. I had a chance to talk with almost all of the providers one last time. And one of the doctors ended up sitting down with me for about 30 minutes to answer so questions and make me a surprising future business offer (mostly in jest).

I really enjoyed working at the clinic. Not only learning all of the medical stuff, but also how a medical clinic is run. It was odd at times being in on some "interesting" procedures. And uncomfortable seeing people I knew come through the office. But these are things I will have to learn to deal with as a doctor, so I'm sure that it was very good practice, and that I got a few of the harder lessons out of the way.

On Tuesday, I also ran into someone that has always been really encouraging to me about my goal of being a doctor. He was my physical therapist when I injured my knee two years ago and bruised/broke my leg last summer. He is a wonderful Christian guy, that has given me lots of great advice not only about being pre-med but also about the importance of balancing academics, social relationships, and your relationship with God. It was really nice to see him again before I head out to college. I hope that I will not be in need to his professional services again, so it was really nice to say good bye.

One of the other great things about working in the clinic this summer has been the friendships I have made with the doctors that work there. I know that in a less than a year and a half I will be applying to medical school. And having someone (with MD after their name) to write me a letter of recommendation is a good step toward that.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I am hopeful that I will be able to work at the same clinic next summer.

Amendment 2: I have a brief funny story. I had one of my friends come up to me at church and ask me for details on the "interesting" procedures that I had seen. Now, when I say "interesting" I really mean not church appropriate. So I was standing in the middle of the sanctuary trying to come up with a good and subtle way to explain some of the more private things people come see their doctor about to my (at the time) clueless friend.

I can't believe I'm LEAVING!

2008-08-13T16:39:00.001-07:00

Well, I don't really have much to say, nothing exciting and interesting like my last post. I did, however, get to talk to my roommate last night. She sounds really nice and I can't wait to meet her in person.

It has been really strange these past few days, because I keep doing things that I know I won't do again at home (before next summer), spending the night at a close friend's house, going to a church picnic, working at the clinic, even seeing that I won't be home to see the milk go out of date is getting sad for me.

So many things in my life are changing right now, and in some ways it is very scary. Even though I will be at a wonderful school with a good support network, I will still be on my own for the first time in my life. I have always had my parents to depend on for everything, and soon I will only depend on God and myself. But I guess that is a big part of growing-up.

The nice thing is that even though I will be in a different state I will still be in close contact with everyone at home. Between cell phones, e-mail, and this blog I'm sure that I will still be hearing from everyone back home frequently.

It is also strange to think that I will be living in a different place. I have only every lived here, and so moving is going to be a big change for me. I'm not like some people that moved all over the US as a kid and so doesn't hesitate to move again. I will miss the trees, the farms, and the rain.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Sorry, this was a really sad and moody post. I'm probably going to be like that for the next few weeks.

Amendment 2: I leave on the 26th. School starts on the 28th, and classes on the 1st.

Laura's List for your Lousy Larboard Watch

2008-08-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally found out who my roommate is. However, I haven't heard back from her yet, and as I'm still not feeling back to normal, I needed something to do. So I thought to my self, why not write a blog about nautical terms. So I looked it up on the world wide web, and sure enough I found numerous sites all about sailing terms. So now we can all speak like sailors together. (OK, that was a crummy joke, but you know what I meant.)

About - on the other tack
Abyss- That volume of ocean lying below 300 fathoms from surface.
Adrift- Floating free with the currents and tide, not under control. A rope may be adrift if comes out place.
Avast! - The command to stop, or cease, in any operation.
Batten down-Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck.
Bearing - The direction of an object expressed either as a true bearing as shown on the chart, or as a bearing relative to the heading of the boat
Bilge- The lowest part of the interior hull below the waterline
Boatswain-- Also bosun, bos'n, bo's'n, and bo'sun, all of which are pronounced bosun. A crew member responsible for keeping the hull, rigging and sails in repair
Boom: - a horizontal spar attached to the bottom edge of of a sail, riding on the mast and controlled by sheet.
Capstan: - the drum-like part of the windlass, which is a machine used for winding in rope, cables or chain connected to an anchor cargo.
Dead reckoning-A calculation of determining position by using course speed last known position
Draft-The depth of water required float a vessel
Even keel -When a boat is floating on its designed waterline, it is said to be floating on an even keel.
Fathom-Measurement of six feet.
Furl - to fold or roll a sail and secure it to its main support
Halyards: - lines used to haul up the sail and the wooden poles (boom and gaff) that hold the sails in place.hanks -- metal hooks used to secure a sail to a stay; to hank on a sail is to hook it on a stay using the hanks
Heave to -To bring a vessel up in a position where it will maintain little or no headway, usually with the bow into the wind or nearly so.
Jib: - a triangular foresail in front of the foremast.
Keel stepped -A mast that is stepped (placed) on the keel at the bottom of the boat rather than on the deck. Keel stepped masts are considered sturdier than deck stepped masts.
leeward --The direction away from the wind. -downwind
Mainmast: - the tallest mast of the ship; on a schooner, the mast furthest aft.
Mainsail: - The sail set on the mainmast.-the lowest square sail on the mainmast.
Old salt -- a very experienced and/or old sailor
Port - left side of the ship when facing forward
Ready about - prepare to come about
Reef - to reduce the size of a sail
Reefing-The operation of reducing a sail by taking in one or more of the reefs.
Shake out - to release a reefed sail and hoist the sail aloft
Starboard - right side of the ship when facing forward
Stem: - the timber at the very front of the bow.
Wide berth - To avoid something by a large distance.

Now you know some very useful sailing terms. So you can now understand Horatio Hornblower, Pirates of the Caribbean, and my bedroom a little better.

Cheers!

You Literary and Sailing Junkohpile.

Amendment 1: My roommate's name is Ashley.

Amendment 2: I still intend to own a sail boat some day, but for now by model on my wall will have to suffice.

Amendment 3: Larboard is the old term for the left side of the ship. But because starboard and larboard sound so much alike larboard was switched to port. If you read any older sailing literature you will still hear about the starboard and larboard watches.

Amendment 4: Starboard/Larboard Watch - the watch rotation was spilt into two groups. Each watch might be on deck for eight hours with eight hours off, and then a four hour night watch. Or everyone could be on deck all day long with the night watch split evenly between the two watches. This is type of system that was used on the old sailing vessels.

To Spell the Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

2008-08-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, my grammar problems aren't my only problems. I must have been sicker than I thought when I wrote my last post. I couldn't even spell!

Cheers!

Your English Challenged Literary Junkophile.

The Lady of Literature

2008-08-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally feeling a bit better. I'm typing again with two hands, and I eat dinner (however, my grammar leaves much to be desired). So hopefully this means I have a full day of church and softball tomorrow.

The next (and my last) ECD dance is two weeks from today. So of course, we decided we needed dresses. Thankfully, I have a friend who is a wonderful sower because my sowing skills are very non existent. Before asking Lady Heather perhaps I should have asked the Hopeless Romantic. I hear that she is very fond of sowing now:)
So I now have my dress pattern and some good ideas about what material to use.

I know I have mentioned before why I enjoy dancing so much. And I realize that it is still a mystery for some of you (Mariah). But if any of you want to come to the ball on the 23rd I can tell you where to go to get tickets. The theme is Robin Hood. So yes, there could be a few men in tights running (or skipping) around. As far as I'm concerned, as long as it is only a costume the boys can wear what ever they want (within reason).

Cheers!

The Lady Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I'll post a picture of my dress when it is finished.

Amendment 2: Tomorrow, I find out who my roommate is tomorrow!

The One Handed Typing Bandit

2008-08-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight I am a one handed typist. I had to go get a booster shot on Thursday (Hep. A) and my arm is so sore that I can't type with it. The shot also made me sick so I really haven't done anything for the last 36 hours. I did make myself go to dance class last night because I only had three more left to go to. By sitting out for a few dances I made it through but only just.

I only have one day left working at the clinic (Tuesday), because they ran out of things for me to do. I was very glad that I didn't have to go into today. I would have ended up a patient:)

Sorry, this is going to be short, but I'm just really tired and typing with one hand is much harder then it looks (probably something like shooting out the tires on a run-away RV).

Cheers!

Your one handed literary junkophile.

Amendment 1: I have two days until I find out who my roommate is.

Amendment 2: And only two weeks left at home.

Dates (not the food kind or the romantic kind either)

2008-08-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some important things coming up in my life (over the next few years).

5 Days until I find out who my roommate is.

21 Days until I leave for college.

68 Days Until I turn 19.

21 Months until I take the MCAT.

23 Months until I apply to Medical schools.

25 Months until I can start medical school interviews.

32 Months until I graduate from college.

36 Months Until I can start Medical school.

Cheers!

Your Tired and Jet lagged Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Caution: all date are subject to change without notification.

Amendment 2: these dates reflect the present intentions of the writer, but are not in anyway legally binding. (ie. if things don't work out the way I want, don't bug me about it.)

Doctor's Speak

2008-08-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted for a week. I have been a little busy. Mostly with exciting things like job shadowing and finishing my file project (This wasn't my personal file project just what I was working on for my volunteer hours).

I have gotten to see some really interesting stuff at the clinic lately. The doctors are starting to get to know me and letting me help out. Mostly stuff like handing them things during procedures, getting copies made and other little things. Even though what I do get to do may be considered trivial and boring, it is a whole lot better than doing nothing. I also got to make rounds at the hospital with one of the doctors. That was really exciting especially since I haven't been up to the ICU before or seen babies only hours old.

Really the more I see of the medical world the more I want to be a part of it. Even with all of the "boring and everyday" things (sore throats, ear infections, colds, headaches) doctors have an amazing job. They get to deal with people when they are at their worst and in most cases make them better. Doctors have to walk the fine line of compassion and objectivity. In the short time I have been volunteering I have already seen the looks of sadness and defeat on the doctors' faces when they realize that no matter how many times they tell someone to quit smoking, they won't, even though it will probably cut their life by 10-20 years. And then at the end of the day the doctor has to go home to his or her family and let go of that. I clearly have much to learn, behold the simple science of being a doctor.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I am once again reading "Exodus" by Leon Uris. I would recommend this book to everyone over the age of 16. It is also on my list of favorite books (see side bar "LB's favorites").

Amendment 2: I am off tomorrow for Wisconsin for Indy's appointment. We have to leave at 5:30am, so it will be an early morning.

The Latin You Wished You Knew

2008-07-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Tempus Freezit- the last five minutes of class are longer than the first fifty five minutes.

Fridian Extendium- Things always go slower on Friday.

Canius Mandilar Landium- Dropped food always lands in the dog's mouth.

Pyrus Emptium- The toilet roll is always at the very end.

Verbum Obliviscor- The word that always escapes you when you need it.

Garmus Sunda Absenta- The Church clothes you want to wear are never clean on Sundays.

Campus Awaymus Greenus- The grass is always greener on the other side.

Luma Roja Universum- Hitting every red light while driving.

Troublae con mater et pater sistrum causa- When you get into trouble for something your sibling did.

Forgitium Vidium Reternium- Forgetting to return a rented movie.

Computae Hitium et Bangium- The desire to damage your home computer.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I hope you all realize that though based on real Latin, I did make most of this post up.

Amendment 2: I really do speak Latin, really.

Housekeeping

2008-07-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I really don't have that much to report. I'm just plugging away at the clinic. Getting ready for college and trying to have some fun. I did do something exciting and very interesting yesterday.

Because my sister had flute camp, my mom, Mariah, and I went to Powell's Books yesterday. I really have a hard time coming up with a better way to spend an afternoon then surrounded by books. Granted, there are a lot of them I really wouldn't be interested in reading (namely, the romance section and gardening section), but still to be in a place with that many books is just exhilarating.

I came home with about four new books (and a fifth, that I promptly loaned to Mariah). Three of the books are about medicine. Mostly virology and other interesting things. One of the books was another in my long line of "Band of Brothers" books. This one written by one of the original Easy Company men that happens to be from Oregon.

(I know that most girls are not that interested in things like Band of Brothers, but I really can't get enough of history, mostly war history that is. I actually had a very nice conversation with someone at dance tonight about band of brothers.)

Oh, I guess I really got six new books. I also got a book about the top medical schools. I can't believe that I have to start thinking about medical school right now. But I only have a year and a half until I take the MCAT so I do need to start looking into my options. My dream school would be OHSU. They are one of the best schools for what I want to do, and they have an amazing program that I love. I just hope when the time comes I can get in. (But really that isn't my department, I just have to do the best I can, the Man Upstairs ultimately has the final say).

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: Sorry, this was such a strange post.

Amendment 2: I like to call these kinds of posts "housekeeping Blogs". The things you have to say at some point, but really aren't that interesting to hear.

Welcome to the Lovable Nerd Awards

2008-07-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, some of you have complained that my last two posts were too depressing, so to lighten the mood I have decided that it is time for THE LOVABLE NERD AWARDS. To qualify for this award you must have a few characteristics. You must be a nice guy, a good person (in Hollywood's view at least), and most importantly an unabashed nerd/geek. So without further to do, I bring you the Lovable Nerd Awards.

Clark Kent (aka Superman) played by Christopher Reeve. Clark is a normal nerd in so many ways, he does his job, he is always after the girl (but just can't pull it off). And of course he is Superman, the dream of every self respecting nerd alive.

Dr. John Carter (ER) played by Noah Wyle. Carter is just one of those guys that is perfect in so many ways, he is kind, he really cares for people, and he can't seem to find the right girl (not a sign of perfection, but it really isn't his fault). Did I mention that he is doctor and a great one at that. Dr. Carter definitely qualifies for a nerd award.

Alex P. Keaton (Family Ties) played by Michael J. Fox. Alex, while being wild about money, actually manages to be a nice person. He may come off as inhuman and mean, but really he is there for his family and cares what happens to his friends. Did I mention that he is a capitalist and a republican. Only a nerd would have posters of all the ivy league schools on his bedroom walls.

Dr. Carson Beckett (stargate Atlantis) played by Paul McGillion. Carson is just the perfect guy. He is there for is friends, he feels horrible about leaving his mother, is Scottish, he wears is heart on his sleeve, and best of all is a brilliant doctor who has a solution to everything.

Data (Star Trek: Next Generation) played by Brent Spiner. Data is such a wonderful person. In many ways he is more human then the rest of the people on the show. He is conscious of people's feelings, he tries to be aware of what is going on in his friends lives, and he can lock out the main computer in less then five seconds with a code even the Borg (no, they aren't Swedish) can't crack.

Adrian Monk (Monk) played by Tony Shalhoub. Monk has problems, but he is so lovable that nobody cares. He puts his friends through a lot, but his friendship is worth it. He is also an amazing detective that doesn't know how to dress. What a nerd.

Dr. Daniel Jackson (Stargate SG1) played by Michael Shanks. Daniel is really just a guy that wants to find is wife and get back to his life of archaeological study. Unfortunately for him, he gets to be the human touchstone for a group of people that are learning to handle the dangers and moral dilemmas of space travel.

Elvin Tibideaux (The Cosby Show) played by Geoffrey Owens. Elvin is so wonderful to his wife, but can't ever stop himself from putting his foot in his mouth. After he finally got over his Wilderness Store "thing" he made a great doctor and an even better dad.

Peter Parker (Spiderman) played by Toby McGuire. Peter is smart and sweet. He always tries to help is family out and be a good friend. If only his promising science career hadn't been interrupted by a spider bite.

Dr. Radek Zelenka (Stargate Atlantis) played by David Nykl. While Zelenka may be on the "B Team" he is still a brilliant scientist. He also has to put up with Rodney and this alone makes him a hero and very patient man.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: There, that wasn't dark and heavy.

Amendment 2: I would love to hear your opinion on the Awards. And maybe your favorite nerds as well.

My Medical Musings

2008-07-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally have something of interest to report, but I will get to that later. First, the boring stuff.

I went to dance class tonight. Alas, no Mr. Darcy, but perhaps I should say no Ramses. Though, I seriously doubt that Walter Peabody Emerson (yes, that is his real name (if you had read the books you would understand why he isn't called that)) would be fond of dancing. So if I am really looking for my Ramses maybe I should join an Archeology group instead of an English Country Dancing group.

Now, the interesting stuff. I started my job shadowing/volunteering at the medical clinic yesterday. Already I have seen some amazing and fascinating stuff. The very first thing I did on Wednesday was watch a procedure that I never fathomed I would see as a pre-med student and much less on my first day, in the first hour. I won't tell you what procedure it was, if want to ask me privately then that is fine, but things like that don't really belong on a family friendly blog. So that also means I won't be discussing the "gross" medical stuff. So Maddy, you can relax.

I will tell you that being in the clinic has already been an eyeopening experience. I have had several things happen that have made me realize how blessed I am to have been brought up in a Christian home with parents that really care about me. So many times we don't realize how much we have until we have lost it. Being presented with people that have either lost or never had the support structure and love I have experienced makes me pray that I am never in their situation.

I know these feelings are natural and are something that all people who are studying to become doctors go through. You just try to stay as professional as possible while at the same time not alienating or being inhuman to the patient. But I also know that there will always be people that get to you more then others. People who's place you can easily see yourself or your loved one in.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: I do hope you realize I am kidding about all the "Mr. Darcy and Ramses" stuff. I want to get married and have a family, but there are a few things I know God wants me to get done first. So you don't have to worry that I'm going to run off and get married without you.

Amendment 2: Sorry, I'm so depressing about all the deep feelings about being in a medical setting. It is all so new, that I'm going to be overflowing onto you for a while. So you had better just get over it.

Amendment 3: Has anyone see Firefly?

A Band of Love

2008-07-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, once again I have very little to report. I am starting volunteering at the clinic tomorrow. So that means I get to spend my morning filing charts and hopefully getting to see some "interesting" cases.

I just finished reading a book called "Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends". It is another book in the long line of books that could be called Band of Brothers books. This particular book is written by Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron, two men that served in the 101st Airborne division, 506th regiment, 2nd battalion, Easy Company.

If you don't know, "Band of Brothers" was a book written by Stephen Ambrose about the men of Easy Company during WWII. This group of paratroopers were unique in the fact that they were trained together and then sent into combat together. This had never been done before. And it formed a deep bond between the men that were at Normandy, Market Garden, Bastogne, and Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Yes, Easy Company was at every turning point in the European Theater.

This book was turned into an HBO miniseries in 2000 by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. This show has extreme profanity, some of the most hideous gore I have ever seen, and is one of the most realistic movies out there about WWII. It really is something that everyone should see. Not when you are a kid, but people need to understand about war.

But this book, the one I just finished reading, is also really good. I wouldn't recommend it until you have read "Band of Brothers" and maybe even "The Biggest Brother" (another book, about Major Dick Winters, the commander of Easy Company). I have another book to read about Easy Company, major Winters' memoirs.

I'm not sure why Easy Company's story has captured the hears of so many people, including mine. Perhaps, it is because these men stayed friends for so long after the war was over? But personally think it is because those men were the best. They were the best, but they were human. They gave up so much to protect the freedom of so many people, in so many countries. Easy Company had over a 50% casualty rate. Those men not only became brothers, they became brothers that fought and died together.

I was watching an episode today, where two of the most well like men were wounded and almost died. For the other men it was as if their own flesh and blood brothers had been hurt. In the book I just finished Babe Heffron says he doesn't believe he is a hero, that the men that didn't come back are the heroes. That may be so, but they are all heroes in my book.

Cheers!

Your Literary Junkophile.

Amendment 1: If anyone does want to watch some of Band of Brothers, I would be happy to have you over. But it really isn't a pleasant show to watch.

Amendment 2: Reading/watching things like band of brothers really makes me realize how blessed we are. To have men that were willing to fight and die to protect you isn't something we should take lightly.

Amendment 3: A lot of people have sacrificed a lot so that we don't have too.