one of those times

It's one of those days that moves and flows from up to down and back and lands somewhere in the middle. I realize now, more than ever, how much I would truly love to live in a world where I can always please everyone and make everyone happy. I also see that I'm nowhere near that...yet.

I find that I'm a faithful and trusting person. And in things, both large and small, global and local, I see that what we miss so much now is faith and trust and simple belief in people and in their goodness.

That's frustrating.

things that go beep

For the past three days, I have been terrorized by some random beeping thing in my office. I slowly began to remove things in hopes that the beepy thing was in a random box or something. Today, one of the students revealed that she and another RA had used me as their test subject for this abuse. After learning this, I notified Stephen, one of the individuals involved, to be aware that payback is on the horizon. Here is his response:

Regina,

Since I have been implicated, I am willing to admit my part in this. I don't know what Sarah told you, but I feel it is only fair for me to give you my side of the story. For Christmas, Andy gave me a gift certificate to Thinkgeek.com, and the evil genius within me couldn't resist getting one of these beepy things, thinking what havoc I could wreak upon the Residence Life Office. It took Sarah's malevolent influence three weeks later, however, to convince me to actually go through with it, and to choose you as the innocent target of our assault on sanity. I won't deny my complicity, but it should be noted that I was merely a puppet; Sarah was the true mastermind behind this plan, and that you were chosen because you were convenient. Had I been acting alone, the beepy thing would have stayed in its box until I found someone truly deserving, such as, perhaps, Brian Jones.

That being said, I realized when I committed myself to this conspiratorial course of action that I would be opening myself to your revenge after it was discovered. I was, of course, hoping to remain anonymous and ninja-like, thereby dodging your just retribution, but Sarah's remorse overcame operational prudence and she spilled the beans. I am certainly willing to accept the consequences of my actions, and I do not intend to beg for mercy. Bring it on, as they say.

Anyway, I'll see you around!

.stephen

crawling

So, my friends Brandon and Kelli have a little girl, Maddie Grace. Last Thursday, my friend Khorey and I were hanging out with them and I was trying to entice Maddie to crawl to me so she could grab my keys and chew on them. (Hey, keys are better than some alternatives.)

Well, she sort of did it and I was so excited. I can't wait until she's walking and talking and playing. This is a picture of my mom and Maddie Grace.

elevation

So, some of my family have been attending this church called "elevation" in Charlotte, NC. Now, when I go home, this is where I go to church. It's definitely worth the 45 minute drive.

I think what automatically drew me to the church was the connection to the pastor, Steven Furtick. Now, he's quite charismatic and definitely passionate and devoted to what he does. But, my draw was that we were from the same place. He grew up in Moncks Corner, SC. I first lived in Moncks Corner when I was born. We then moved to the next county over, but there's still that connection. When I listen to his sermons on podcasts and I hear him talk about Ridgeville, SC--a place that no one knows about--I'm drawn back home.

Anyways, here's his blog. http://www.stevenfurtick.com/?page_id=138
You should check it out. Good book recommendations as well. Also, if you're looking for a great video podcast check out the church's website: http://www.elevationchurch.org/

more about kenya

Here's a view about what's going on in kenya...
http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/08/560005.aspx

cleaning

today is the first day that i woke up and felt comfortable in my apartment since returning from Christmas vacation. i finally unpacked and cleaned up. i'm one of those people who doesn't feel at peace until things are in place. at times, i can get a little anal about it, but i'm not so obsessive that everything has to be in the exact place; however, i do want a sense of normalcy and order. so, i'm better because things are in place.

in other news, kenya has been getting some press recently. after a presidential election that creating some controversy (it's believe that the incumbent rigged the election to win again), there have been riots and unrest. early last week, a church was burned when a mattress was set on fire. residents in the town of Eldoret had sought refuge in a local church (Assemblies of God) and the fire caused a stampede out of the church. some were not able to make it out alive. our leaders for our trip are giving this the thoughtful consideration that it needs, but i feel completely convinced that our trip will procede on schedule.

snow in the south

So, yesterday, I drove from NC to Tennessee. Simple enough, right? I mean, they're right next door to one another. They connect through I-40. But, due to the snow in the mountains, I took the route that guided me from NC to SC to Georgie to Alabama (my first time) to Mississippi (I've been there about five times) and, finally, to TN. Birmingham scared me. I stopped at some random gas station on Hwy 78. I got out and immediately got back in my car. It seemed to be one of those gas stations that, well, didn't sell gas.

I also would like to suggest that no one make a twelve hour drive on a sprained foot/ankle. It's a crappy way to travel. I hurt my foot while playing soccer with my dog in the field at my parent's house. My dad decided to lecture me on the stupidity of that decision. I decided to, subsequently, spend New Year's Eve on the couch with my right foot wrapped in ice. I returned to Memphis on what is predicted to be the coldest night of the year. Too much excitement from a simple drive. But, when you mix snow and the south, it's nothing like normal.

That's all I've got for now.