I spent the first week in June as the 4 year old coordinator for Parkway's VBS, and it was so much fun! I hadn't been a part of a VBS since I was in high school, and I didn't realize how much I missed it. I really haven't worked with kids very much at all since I moved to Auburn (with the exception of Pine Cove, but that still didn't involve much QT with the kids). When I was in high school I babysat at least 3 days a week and served in the children's ministry as much as possible. Maybe it's just because I don't have that frequent interaction anymore, but I'm very surprised by the things I observe when I'm around kids now. It seems like they're never entertained enough, and they're growing up way to fast.
For instance, the teachers at VBS were constantly trying to make up games and attention grabbers because the children didn't know how to sit and listen or even how to just play together. I realize that they are 4 and their attention span isn't very long, but it was a little ridiculous. It's not too much for a 4 year old to sit and listen to a story. And they all expected to watch a movie in the classes. Really?! 4 year olds shouldn't be so media minded that they expect all information to come out of a television. It makes me wonder how much time and effort is put into some of these kids. I think that technology can be a very good and important tool for development and teaching children. But when it becomes the main source of learning and entertainment it honestly seems a little lazy on the parents part. Is that too big of a statement to make? All I'm wondering is why so many kids (very young children) have all of these games/movies/etc. to entertain them? What happened to playing outside and finger painting? And what happened to the social skills that kids developed when they took part in "normal" kids' activities? It's just weird to me. I saw these on this website. I know statistics are relative, but it is something to think about.
In the United States -
19% of children aged 1 and under have a TV in their bedroom.
29% of children aged 2-3 have a TV in their bedroom.
43% of children aged 4-6 years have a TV in their bedroom.
And this:
“I watch CSI…[S]he sits down and watches with me. I don’t know how harmful it is to her. It’s something gory, but it doesn’t seem to bother her. She hasn’t had any nightmares from it.”
-Mother of a 1-3 year old, Irvine, California
Why in the world would an infant need a TV in their bedroom?!?!
If I think about this too long I get aggravated, so I'm going to stop now. However, I definitely have more to say about kids growing up too fast. This may come in a different post.
6.18.2008
6.17.2008
A few of my favorite things...
I take a lot of things for granted. Recently, I've been thinking of the little things that I overlook in my day to day life. Some are HUGE blessings... some are just fun and make my heart happy. I thought you should know about these things.
#1-
I LOVE storms!! I don't really know why, but they just calm me. In fact, there is a storm brewing in Auburn as I type. I think that my love for them started when I was younger. I began to see hurricanes as a common occurance at a young age, and I remember the excitement of preparing for them. Once everything was secured, I loved being able to settle in with my parents and spend real quality time together as we waited out the weather. For me, it felt as if the world stopped for a little while. No one could leave the house... the electricity was off... family came up from the coast to escape danger. It was fun to just hang out and play cards for a while.
In the spring of 2007, a terrible storm system came through Alabama. It included several tornadoes which destroyed parts of Enterprise, AL. I do hate that that had to happen. Really, I do have a heart. However, I remember spending the evening with my favorite Lucinda and my favorite Joel watching movies and laughing. That afternoon was one of my favorites from all my time in Auburn thus far.
#2-
This, friends, is Auburn football. If you know me at all, then you'll know that I don't really get excited about the actual game. But I do love how for one day so many people can come together for one purpose. (This would be more beneficial in several other situations, but I'll take what I can get.) I love tailgating and hearing "War Eagle" as I walk across campus. Basically, I love the social aspect of it. And, sometime I even love how my neighbors celebrate... don't tell anyone though :)
#3-
and
I've become a hot tea fanatic. Especially Tazo tea. I think I'm up to 2-3 cups a day now... it's a problem. I've just recently added the black tea to my cabinet, and while it's not a favorite yet, I had to have something with a little more caffeine. It's a little ridiculous, but at this moment I have 3 boxes of this stuff in my cabinet.
#4-
I didn't really realize how much I appreciated the common toilet until mine broke... 3 months after moving into this apartment. In 2005. All of the stuff on the inside keeps breaking, and I just keep "engineering" it all back together. Friends, the ASVAB said I'm mechanically inclined, but it lied. Safety pins and paper clips aren't really effective. Last week it broke again, but I'm waiting to fix it. I guess I'm just hoping it will fix itself. Until then, I have to stick my hand down the back to flush and hold the chain so it won't get sucked down the drain.
#5- This one is my favorite :)
FRIENDS!
As an only child, I get pretty attached to friends. They're like family. Unfortunately, a lot of times I keep few close friends and lots of acquaintances. I would like to be better at building close friendships. But no matter what kind of relationship it is, I love it! The people in this picture are in no way the only people I'm talking about. This just happened to be the first one I thought about. It's so great to have such a wide variety of friends, in so many places, with so many different strengths and characteristics. And I'm glad to say that the majority of the people I call my friend really are family... in a much more eternal way :) I thank God that He has called you to himself not only because it's good to know there's that support there, but also because I see the way that He is working in everyone's life and the way that people are serving him. It makes my heart happy.
#1-
I LOVE storms!! I don't really know why, but they just calm me. In fact, there is a storm brewing in Auburn as I type. I think that my love for them started when I was younger. I began to see hurricanes as a common occurance at a young age, and I remember the excitement of preparing for them. Once everything was secured, I loved being able to settle in with my parents and spend real quality time together as we waited out the weather. For me, it felt as if the world stopped for a little while. No one could leave the house... the electricity was off... family came up from the coast to escape danger. It was fun to just hang out and play cards for a while. In the spring of 2007, a terrible storm system came through Alabama. It included several tornadoes which destroyed parts of Enterprise, AL. I do hate that that had to happen. Really, I do have a heart. However, I remember spending the evening with my favorite Lucinda and my favorite Joel watching movies and laughing. That afternoon was one of my favorites from all my time in Auburn thus far.
#2-
This, friends, is Auburn football. If you know me at all, then you'll know that I don't really get excited about the actual game. But I do love how for one day so many people can come together for one purpose. (This would be more beneficial in several other situations, but I'll take what I can get.) I love tailgating and hearing "War Eagle" as I walk across campus. Basically, I love the social aspect of it. And, sometime I even love how my neighbors celebrate... don't tell anyone though :)#3-
and
I've become a hot tea fanatic. Especially Tazo tea. I think I'm up to 2-3 cups a day now... it's a problem. I've just recently added the black tea to my cabinet, and while it's not a favorite yet, I had to have something with a little more caffeine. It's a little ridiculous, but at this moment I have 3 boxes of this stuff in my cabinet. #4-
I didn't really realize how much I appreciated the common toilet until mine broke... 3 months after moving into this apartment. In 2005. All of the stuff on the inside keeps breaking, and I just keep "engineering" it all back together. Friends, the ASVAB said I'm mechanically inclined, but it lied. Safety pins and paper clips aren't really effective. Last week it broke again, but I'm waiting to fix it. I guess I'm just hoping it will fix itself. Until then, I have to stick my hand down the back to flush and hold the chain so it won't get sucked down the drain.#5- This one is my favorite :)
FRIENDS!As an only child, I get pretty attached to friends. They're like family. Unfortunately, a lot of times I keep few close friends and lots of acquaintances. I would like to be better at building close friendships. But no matter what kind of relationship it is, I love it! The people in this picture are in no way the only people I'm talking about. This just happened to be the first one I thought about. It's so great to have such a wide variety of friends, in so many places, with so many different strengths and characteristics. And I'm glad to say that the majority of the people I call my friend really are family... in a much more eternal way :) I thank God that He has called you to himself not only because it's good to know there's that support there, but also because I see the way that He is working in everyone's life and the way that people are serving him. It makes my heart happy.
6.10.2008
Kids can be lame.
One of the shows that I used to watch (I'm 90% sure it was Home Improvement) had a producer by the name of Pat Richardson. This also happens to be the name of one of my P.E. teachers at the time. I used to seriously think that this show was filmed in Mobile and that's why my P.E. teacher was able to have both jobs.
I also thought that roads moved underneath cars instead of cars traveling across the roads.
And I thought that outer-outer space was real.
What a loser.
I also thought that roads moved underneath cars instead of cars traveling across the roads.
And I thought that outer-outer space was real.
What a loser.
5.29.2008
Faux Pas Peeves
I think that college students may be the worst dressed people in the world. Really. I include myself in this. I think it just makes sense that if I'm going to just sit in a classroom for several hours, I should be comfortable. But being in Auburn this summer has opened my eyes to a few styles that I would rather not see.. which brings me to faux pas numero 1.
#1. Why is it necessary to wear pajamas to class? I, along with 98% of college students, have woken up late for a class. In these cases, if the class is before 10 it might, might, be acceptable to wear what you woke up in. But after that, it's not acceptable. Because I registered late, my first class doesn't start until 1:15. You might be surprised at the number of people I see walking around in their flannels. 1 PM! Seriously! What have you been doing all day? And in flannel?! It's WAY too hot at 1:00 to be wearing that. Which brings me to point #2.
#2. I DON'T want to see your butt-crack! Trust me, I know it's hot. I know the humidity is suffocating. I understand the desire to cool yourself off. However, I don't understand why you feel the need to dress like a skank. Please, for the sake of our eyes and our stomachs keep your goods contained to the shower. Or at least to the pool. And now to something that doesn't make you cool...
(Actually I couldn't think of a good connection between #2 and #3...)
#3. Guys (and girls for that matter), it's really not cool to bleach your hair. I know it's summer and you want that sun-kissed look, but when you would disappear in front of a white wall you especially don't need bright yellow hair. It kind of reminds me of eggs...sunny side up. Today I saw a young lad who had fallen to the lies of this trend. He actually had a cap in his hand, but opted to carry it in order to strut his stuff with his new 'do. And I knew it was recent because his hair was a little dry and there was a distinct absence of anything natural. I don't think Auburn had seen that much pale + yellow since the real Slim Shady stood up.
Friends, it's really not that difficult. Please remember that you really don't dress just for yourself... which might result in you being mentioned in this blog.
#1. Why is it necessary to wear pajamas to class? I, along with 98% of college students, have woken up late for a class. In these cases, if the class is before 10 it might, might, be acceptable to wear what you woke up in. But after that, it's not acceptable. Because I registered late, my first class doesn't start until 1:15. You might be surprised at the number of people I see walking around in their flannels. 1 PM! Seriously! What have you been doing all day? And in flannel?! It's WAY too hot at 1:00 to be wearing that. Which brings me to point #2.
#2. I DON'T want to see your butt-crack! Trust me, I know it's hot. I know the humidity is suffocating. I understand the desire to cool yourself off. However, I don't understand why you feel the need to dress like a skank. Please, for the sake of our eyes and our stomachs keep your goods contained to the shower. Or at least to the pool. And now to something that doesn't make you cool...
(Actually I couldn't think of a good connection between #2 and #3...)
#3. Guys (and girls for that matter), it's really not cool to bleach your hair. I know it's summer and you want that sun-kissed look, but when you would disappear in front of a white wall you especially don't need bright yellow hair. It kind of reminds me of eggs...sunny side up. Today I saw a young lad who had fallen to the lies of this trend. He actually had a cap in his hand, but opted to carry it in order to strut his stuff with his new 'do. And I knew it was recent because his hair was a little dry and there was a distinct absence of anything natural. I don't think Auburn had seen that much pale + yellow since the real Slim Shady stood up.
Friends, it's really not that difficult. Please remember that you really don't dress just for yourself... which might result in you being mentioned in this blog.
I really like House Hunters.
I really don't have much to share, but I feel like I neglect the blog too much. I'm taking classes in Auburn this summer, and they don't start until 1:15. Needless to say, my mornings are pretty lazy. I should run or something, but today I'm going to do this. I just finished 2 episodes of Jon & Kate plus 8 (LOVE), and now House Hunters is on... hence the title. I really like House Hunters, because I'm nosy and like to analyze people's decisions. But it's not really being nosy if they agree to hunt for a house on national television, is it? It's a bachelor today. He must be 35, and he's just moving out of his parent's house. Friends, there are only two ways for this one to go... really good or really bad.
Lu, Hannah, and I took our first road trip. Our parents (at least Lu's and mine) have always been too paranoid to let us do this before. Maybe our 21st year is the magical year of freedom for us. We drove to DC because 1) it was the cheapest option and 2) I'm ALWAYS trying to find an excuse to go to DC... I wonder why :) We spent our first stop with first time home owners, the Harvells. They graciously let us use a room in their sweet new condo. The next day we made it to DC, and I must say that I HATE driving in heavy traffic. We didn't even get there during really busy time, but I was so nervous. We had to turn off the radio, and I instructed Hannah and Lu not to talk anymore. It was serious. We spent the weekend doing touristy stuff, being goofy, and playing guitar hero. AND I got to use my new camera a lot. Se amo mucho. And, as usual, the highlight was spending Sunday morning at CHBC. I really love going there during my visits.
Joel and I were very lucky this month, because we got to spend Memorial Day weekend together too! We stayed in Orange Beach with my family, and I must say it was an excellent weekend. The overall consensus is that everyone had a perfect weekend. It's true. I asked.
Now I'm going to leave you with a picture from the trip.
P.S. I'm glad that David Cook won American Idol.
Lu, Hannah, and I took our first road trip. Our parents (at least Lu's and mine) have always been too paranoid to let us do this before. Maybe our 21st year is the magical year of freedom for us. We drove to DC because 1) it was the cheapest option and 2) I'm ALWAYS trying to find an excuse to go to DC... I wonder why :) We spent our first stop with first time home owners, the Harvells. They graciously let us use a room in their sweet new condo. The next day we made it to DC, and I must say that I HATE driving in heavy traffic. We didn't even get there during really busy time, but I was so nervous. We had to turn off the radio, and I instructed Hannah and Lu not to talk anymore. It was serious. We spent the weekend doing touristy stuff, being goofy, and playing guitar hero. AND I got to use my new camera a lot. Se amo mucho. And, as usual, the highlight was spending Sunday morning at CHBC. I really love going there during my visits.
Joel and I were very lucky this month, because we got to spend Memorial Day weekend together too! We stayed in Orange Beach with my family, and I must say it was an excellent weekend. The overall consensus is that everyone had a perfect weekend. It's true. I asked.
Now I'm going to leave you with a picture from the trip.
P.S. I'm glad that David Cook won American Idol.
4.25.2008
Hallelujah
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Ever. So, I thought I should share with you Phil Wickham's video on YouTube. I'm a big fan of Jason Castro's dreads, but I'm pretty sure his version that earned him so much praise doesn't stand up to this. However he gets a little excited in the end, and it gets a little iffy for a while...
4.23.2008
Eggstra gross.
I love eggs. I mean, I LOVE them. They may be my favorite food right after cheese, of course. One of my favorite things to eat for lunch is scrambled eggs, and I have it down to a science. It's important to have the perfect egg/milk/salt/pepper/Tony Cachere's ratio. Today as I was raiding the kitchen in hopes of finding something I could make into a meal, I found a brand new carton of eggs. So, I start mixing them up, and quickly pour them in the pan to cook... and then I saw it.
The yolk that was almost a baby chicken.
I'm not really sure if it was almost a baby, but it definitely had kept its formation despite all of my mixing. And, friends, that's just disgusting. It reminded me of the time that I cracked the egg open to find that the insides were all hard. Did you ever do that experiment in elementary school where you soak and egg in vinegar and the shell goes away? Then you have a translucent egg left? That's what it looked like. Not what you want to see when you're making your dinner.
Sadly, Lu wasn't here to do something with the mess while I gagged, so it took twice as long to clean up. Now I get to eat pasta for lunch. Though I love pasta, it's just not as tasty when craving something else... but I doubt I'll be craving eggs again for a while.
The yolk that was almost a baby chicken.
I'm not really sure if it was almost a baby, but it definitely had kept its formation despite all of my mixing. And, friends, that's just disgusting. It reminded me of the time that I cracked the egg open to find that the insides were all hard. Did you ever do that experiment in elementary school where you soak and egg in vinegar and the shell goes away? Then you have a translucent egg left? That's what it looked like. Not what you want to see when you're making your dinner.
Sadly, Lu wasn't here to do something with the mess while I gagged, so it took twice as long to clean up. Now I get to eat pasta for lunch. Though I love pasta, it's just not as tasty when craving something else... but I doubt I'll be craving eggs again for a while.
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