Name Your Car Day

It's raining and gross outside today.



Plus I have two tests today. I already took one. It went ok, but I would have liked less True and False. Those are annoying because there might be just ONE tiny discrepancy and if you miss it you're done.



Anyways, I'm feeling really preppy today because I have my favorite green Ralph Lauren sweater on with my tall brown boots and jeans. I should be riding a horse around campus. Except it would get wet. A horse with a built-in umbrella.



Today is Name Your Car Day. But mine is already named BNJNDA or Benjanda for those of you who can't fill in vowels/don't know us well.



I always thought it would be fun to name a car after a stodgy old man. Something like Herman or Albert or Norman. Those just seem like car names to me.



We're having chili tonight, and I'm going to VEG because I have to go take another test now. Also it's raining and why wouldn't you veg when it's raining and icky outside.



Love,

A

It's October OOOH LA OOOH LA

I don't really know what that even means, but I felt like typing it.



I'm wearing ORANGE to celebrate October!!!



I'm wearing an orange dress, and I also have on cute boots that used to belong to my mom. I got complimented on them too!



Listen up guys. I'm getting serious. I NEED to keep posting stuff on here. For posterity and also because it's kind of not fair for me to email Ben every day and stream-of-consciousness my morning life. Why not do it here and let the world laugh along with the two of us?!



Also, I wish that I took more pictures but guys, those take SO DANG LONG to upload and reposition and put in and by then I'm tired and want a snack.



The Steelers did NOT play this week, but do you know who did?!!??!



THE REFEREES DID!!! Heck yesssssss they are back in action. With all the worldly troubles out there, I am actually mildly amused by how much news the ref lockout generated these past few weeks. Apparently in America we don't mind if schools fail, but dang it if we are going to let our football league have inadequate refs.



Finally, I want to share with everyone how heinous having a canker sore is. I almost posted an online picture of one, but it's (slightly) before 12, so I won't. Friends, those things are terrible and horrible and how can something so small cause so much discomfort?!



It's almost time for my last class of the day, so I'm going to go. And then I'll go home, snuggle with my kitty, study for my two (!!!!!) tests tomorrow, and probably end up watching a little Downton season 2. Hey, I'm keeping it classy.



Love and pumpkin seeds,

Amanda

Joy comes in the morning

Today's September 11.



If I told you that 12 years ago, you'd probably look at me and say something along the lines of, "yeah silly, and yesterday was the 10th."



But in our country, today has become especially significant, and I don't think we'll ever look at today as just another day again.



Today I have seen so many statuses of people remembering where they were, and tweets stating things like "never forget" and it makes me really think about how diverse our country really is. Our country's citizens were forever changed by the tragedy of 11 years ago. They knew someone in the towers personally, or a friend who was working in the Pentagon. Others were residually affected through the media coverage and reactions of those around them.



For some, me included, I think this event caused them to stand back and see what our country's really made of. In that time of crisis our country put aside party lines and political agendas and came together as one nation to support the grieving and the sorrow fellow countrymen endured.



The reactions that are present in a time of uncertainty define us.



As a country we stood up to the injustice of terrorism with our military, yes, but we also stood up to it with our resilience. We didn't look at the rubble and wreckage and say "well we had a good run, but now we're finished." We consoled ourselves, picked each other back up, and began to rebuild.



So as I'm thinking about all this, I saw a good friend's status with this verse:



2 Corinthians 4:8,9 - We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.



Which in turn reminded me of this song we used to sing in youth group called "Trading My Sorrows." It's a great song, and one line stuck out to me. 



Though sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning



Regardless of religious belief, I think that is pretty meaningful in how our country reacted to what happened on September 11. We were hit hard, sucker-punched by others who were seeking power and attempted to find it through the terrorization of others. But like the verse states, I think our country's reaction and the continued remembrance today shows that we won't let power win. Our country's belief in democracy and freedom lives on because its citizens refused to be shut down by terror. 



September 11 may have been one of the darkest days in our country's history, but the mornings that came after brought joy. Joy that we could remain united. Joy that we could, albeit painfully, rebuild. Joy that democracy was not struck down. Joy that September 11 did not end us. Joy that we persevered until the morning.



Here's to September 12. 



USA! USA! USA!

~A

Ed Hochuli - NOT!

It's a sad day in sports. Actually, it WILL be a sad day when the first week of the NFL season is conducted using replacement refs. I don't know if you watch football, but you're missing some truly incredible things if you don't watch this guy, Ed Hochuli. AND HE WILL NOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR A FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT WEEKEND :(

Actually, maybe he will. I don't know. Maybe he will decide to take in a game somewhere. But then he'll see the terrible job the replacements are doing and this might happen to the innocent fan next to him:

Who knows?

In other news, let me tell you, I have been running around feeling like a chicken with its head cut off, but much more sweaty. There are SO MANY forms and appeals and files and clearances to this going-back-to-school-and-now-using-financial-aid thing. So I did what any person would do when a small victory in the form of a helpful state senator's office came my way. I rewarded myself with a taco from Taco Bell :)

No, it was not a Doritos Loco taco. I contemplated it, but those are weird after the first bite. 

Then I went home and ran. A lot. But surprisingly felt good about myself after. 

Moral: Taco Bell helps you run better?

This is an example of "causal inference." Ask Ben. He's taking a class on it this semester :)

Lastly, they played a whole series of songs that should be "comeback" songs on the radio this morning and number one was so so awesome that I sang right along in my loudest voice. 

MMBOP, ba du ba dop ba duuu bop, ba du ba dop ba duuu bop, ba du ba dop ba duuUUUU 

Yeaaaaah YEAHHHH

~A

Ok but for real this time...

I'M NOT GIVING UP ON THIS BLOG!!!



However, having said that, I am gearing up for an intense fall semester. I'm going back to school at Lock Haven for Special Ed., and Ben's going into his third year (yikes!) out of five. He's got late classes (like...until 9:30 at night) and I've got a 45 minute commute to get to 9ams, but we're trying to make it all work.



ALSO IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR FANTASY FOOTBALL!!!



I'm pumped. I'm all set to win for the second year in a row. Everyone's jealous of my team's name: Ariel's Avengers. This is our mascot.

See? Intimidation. 

Ok I promise promise promise I will (maybe) get a Disney World post up here this week. Or I'll make Ben do it. 

~A

P.S. Are you excited for fall or is it just me? PSLs, crisp air, chili, sweatshirts, changing leaves, blankets, and FOOTBALLLLLLLLLLLL. 

P.P.S. If you didn't know, PSL = Pumpkin Spice Latte. Otherwise known as the official mascot of delicious fall drinks. 

Philippi 2012 or Why Summer Classes Broke my Heart

In the misty mountains of rural West Virginia, there is a small town named Philippi. It is located in Barbour County. It was the site of the First Land Battle of the Civil War. It has a covered bridge and a 4-H Camp. (All that comes from my knowledge, not Wikipadia, haha!)

It's one of my top five favorite places in the entire world.

When I was 15 years old I amazingly decided to give up a week of my life in late July/early August and go on a missions trip with my church. This missions trip had been going on for almost 30 years, and was almost completely made up of youths (or youthhhhhs, as they say in New Girl). Each year my church ventured into this town and helped fix and rebuild houses for the community.

How crazy is that? In a world where I could have spent my entire summer working on my tan (because, let's face it, I would need to work all summer in order to get even a hint of one), I chose to PAY to go and fix houses.

It was without a doubt the best week of my summer.

And (with a few exceptions) has continued to be the best week of my summer each year I've gone. This year would have been 10 years ("Whoa, she's old!"), but I am taking summer classes and they happen to be ending the week Philippi happens.

:(

So, in lieu of me attending, because it's actually not at all about me in any way, I thought I'd share some lessons I learned, advice I got, and tips to enjoy, in case you decide to go. Because I really recommend it. BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST.

Philippi circa 2006. Hahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa.

PHILIPPI LESSONS/ADVICE/TIPS

1. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. This can get turned into a way fun song that you sing at the top of your lungs with the pastor of People's Chapel. He gets really into it, which in turn makes you get into it as well.

2. Sometimes paint fights are fun. Until you learn the paint isn't waterproof.

3. There will always be an "It" boy at Philippi. Sometimes he'll be called Hot Blessings. Or Jessica.

4. You'll discover that somehow the PB&J sandwiches are THE BEST PB&J sandwiches you've ever eaten.

5. In Philippi there are beautiful houses that line the downtown streets. You and your friends will each pick out which ones you'll own one day when you all live in Philippi.

6. Each night you'll get a chance to share how you were the hands and feet of God at the work site. Make sure you talk to those who live there. They have the best stories, and you can get into the most wonderful conversations if you try.

7. If your brother and his friends decide to jump off a roof, it's not always a good idea to follow. You'll probably sprain your ankle.

8. Snacks like Peachy-Os and Sour Patch Kids will spark wonderful songs. That you write at 12 at night with your friends.

9. You might learn to French braid hair. Then you might be designated as the "girl who French braids hair" for the next 9 years. As a result you might eventually teach all the younger girls to braid their own hair.

10. Playing football is essential. So is Ultimate Frisbee. Injuries from playing these sports is also almost a guaranteed thing.

11. You might be able to tell how stressed the youth pastor is by how many sweet teas he drinks.

12. Sheetz is suddenly the coolest place there is, and you'll want to save all your money to buy candy.

13. Dairy King is delicious.

14. Somehow you will learn how to hammer a nail, how to use other power tools like saws and drills, and how to shingle a roof (every year!) in a week.

15. There will (probably) be drama. Stay away from it and go play cards instead.

16. Riding in a van to Philippi with the ladies that work in the kitchen might result in motion sickness. They have been driving those hills for over 30 years, and are capable of incredible speeds on those winding mountain roads.

17. Always ride in a raft. That way you can make up chants, target other rafts, and generally terrorize your raft guide when your whole raft breaks out in spontaneous Disney sing-alongs.

18. You will have the best food of the year. And then you will get to the Wednesday Night Potluck and understand what kind of food they must serve in Heaven.

19. Have fun in your small groups, even if you have to wash dishes on the morning they serve pancakes.

20. "T-grip!" You'll learn.

21. If you decide to get up early and go running (which is a great idea), make sure you memorize an epic speech. Or bring your phone so you can queue up Denzel Washington's graveyard speech from Remember the Titans when you and your friends run past a cemetery with mist and the mountains in the background.

22. Covering up chips in the grass can be hilarious.

23. Seeing the kids that live in the house you're working on come out and help alongside you is really fun. And seeing your dad teach them how to nail boards together might make you get teary.

24. Actually a lot of moments will probably make you teary. (Hint...those are probably planned by God. He's trying to get your attention.)

25. Stray animals are common at the work site, and really fun to play with.

26. The Family Dollar has the most random stuff. You'll love all of it and end up buying entire outfits consisting of boy's plaid shorts, camo hats, and tank tops that you plan on unsuccessfully the-dyeing later.

27. If you get asked to present a lesson and then find out it's in front of the entire youth group AND the church you attend on Wednesday AND your pastor from home who has come up to visit, don't freak out too much. You'll end up crying anyhow, and that's probably supposed to happen.

28. If the ride to the work site in the morning is longer than 10 minutes, you'll fall asleep.

29. You can learn SO MUCH from the adults on the trip. Eventually you might even get the handwritten recipe for the best peach cobbler there is. You might also eventually get an encouragement note from Dr. Patch that makes you cry.

30. WRITE ENCOURAGEMENT NOTES ALL THE TIME.

31. Your youth director may have hands that look as big as Shrek. You can paint them green and use them when you're decorating a boy's room in a Shrek theme.

32. Hammer decorating can be a huge event before you go. Yours may even have a tutu and sparkles.

33. Boy bands might form and sing classics like Backstreet Boys and All For One.

34. If you're a girl, your living situation will probably be pretty good, since you'll have AC and hot water. If you're a boy, I'm sorry.

35. Through the years you will see kids grow up and become amazing people, and each year, after VBS is done, and before band camp starts, you'll get anxious and excited because it's time for Philippi. Time to experience God and his love in a more real way than many get each Sunday in church. Time to learn something completely new and remember memories from years past. Time to be Jesus to someone else. They won't ever forget you. And you will be part of something bigger than you.

Basically, in a nutshell, not going to Philippi is breaking my heart. But I know it's meant to be, and it's time for me to pass the torch along to the next group to go. I only hope they love it as much as I did.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me." Isaiah 6:8

PKs for Life!

~A

P.S. Philippi circa 2007. Hahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa.

My Husband the He-Man

Today I decided to have a banana at lunch. I'm one of those weird people that likes their banana a little green, but it makes them harder to open that way.



"Ben" I said (I'm in the kitchen working on classwork)



"What dear?" he called from his desk in the other room



I added the "dear" part because I like to imagine he calls me that all the time



"Can you come and open this?"



I'm holding the banana out, and he comes marching into the kitchen, chest puffed out, arms swinging. He's chanting some kind of manly war cry, with lots of "HUH HUH" kinds of noises. At this point, his face is incredibly proud. He's coming to fulfill his manly job of being strong and opening something large and difficult, like a 10 lb bag of flour or a 30 oz can of baked beans.

He's an all-American cowboy, coming to rescue me from my peril.

"What's that?"



And then he deflates as he sees this tiny green banana that needs to be opened.

It was a delicious banana.

~A