Friday, December 2, 2011
KEEP CALM
As this football season is coming to a slow end (something I am not looking forward to) I've been very active with all my college football and pro football talks and whatnot. Even though my poor Ags have had a very disappointing season my Green Bay Packers have not. At 11-0, they're the only undefeated team left in the NFL and the 2nd team in NFL history to start 11-0 as defending Super Bowl champions. With that being said, I have created this:
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Slowly But Surely
I've been saying that for a longgg time now. It's been slowly and it's been surely and now it's time to be completely done. We don't need to talk about the horrendous year I just endured because it's dead to me now. Instead, I'd like to give hope to my new 2011. The next year will be a lot different for me, I don't have anyone I need to constantly impress anymore. Which is nice, that takes a huge weight off of my shoulders. For the last however many years I've been making "resolutions" to my "weight problem". I tell myself every New Years, I'm going to do this and I'm going to do that, but by the time Valentine's Day comes (damn you chocolate) all of that is down the drain. In years past, I wasn't really serious about losing weight and I know it's so cliche to say that is my resolution. But, here I am. Single. Free. and a strong-willed WOMAN. It's about time that I act like one and take responsibility.
I'm not sure how I'm going to go about this losing weight. Especially in the food department. I'm not a very good or healthy eater. I'm not picky, I just know what I like. Then there's the portion control, now listen. I'm a southern girl from Texas and trust me friends, I can throw back some food. Especially, bar-b-que. However, this year that will also come to stop and well as my horrible fast food addiction. I'm always on the run, living out of my car and fast food is just easy. Yes, I know there is always Subway (sometimes I wish they had a drive-thru) <-I know.
Next, is the worst of them all. Exercise. As much as I enjoy the after feel of exercise, the beginning and the middle are the worst. A couple of months ago I picked up running, bet you'd never hear those words come out of my mouth huh? It's true though. I remember playing soccer as a kid and doing lots and lots and lots of running. I was a goalie, why did I have to run too? Well even in those days, I hated running. I've semi-enjoyed the runs I've taken around our neighborhood, hoping not to "run into" anyone I know. That's what happens when you live in the same town all your life and hate half the people that live there. Anyway, running. It seems to be a good way to exercise but I need something else. Two years ago my mom and I joined Curves. That's what I'm thinking about picking back up. I remember how good I felt and the subtle compliments I got from people noticing my changes. However, Mom and I got a little sidetracked because we were moving and the closest Curves was 15 minutes the opposite direction of everything. Something to think about. I like routine and I like that I can go there and not feel insecure about myself like I did when we were members at Gold's Gym.
All in all, I've decided that 2011 WILL BE my year and I WILL NOT let anyone rain on my parade.
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3
I'm not sure how I'm going to go about this losing weight. Especially in the food department. I'm not a very good or healthy eater. I'm not picky, I just know what I like. Then there's the portion control, now listen. I'm a southern girl from Texas and trust me friends, I can throw back some food. Especially, bar-b-que. However, this year that will also come to stop and well as my horrible fast food addiction. I'm always on the run, living out of my car and fast food is just easy. Yes, I know there is always Subway (sometimes I wish they had a drive-thru) <-I know.
Next, is the worst of them all. Exercise. As much as I enjoy the after feel of exercise, the beginning and the middle are the worst. A couple of months ago I picked up running, bet you'd never hear those words come out of my mouth huh? It's true though. I remember playing soccer as a kid and doing lots and lots and lots of running. I was a goalie, why did I have to run too? Well even in those days, I hated running. I've semi-enjoyed the runs I've taken around our neighborhood, hoping not to "run into" anyone I know. That's what happens when you live in the same town all your life and hate half the people that live there. Anyway, running. It seems to be a good way to exercise but I need something else. Two years ago my mom and I joined Curves. That's what I'm thinking about picking back up. I remember how good I felt and the subtle compliments I got from people noticing my changes. However, Mom and I got a little sidetracked because we were moving and the closest Curves was 15 minutes the opposite direction of everything. Something to think about. I like routine and I like that I can go there and not feel insecure about myself like I did when we were members at Gold's Gym.
All in all, I've decided that 2011 WILL BE my year and I WILL NOT let anyone rain on my parade.
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3
Thursday, October 28, 2010
First AI Essay-Cause and Effect of Teen Pregnancies
Dear English professor,
As you were not in class last week, I was forced to write this without knowing what you are looking for. I hope this suits you well.
-Samantha
I grew up going to church camp every summer from 2nd grade to 12th grade. I (or my mom) would make the drive to good ‘ole Gonzales, Texas where I’d spend anywhere from 3 days to a week in what my camp friends and I called “home.” The summer before my freshman year of high school I got the opportunity to attend Eighter’s Camp; this was a special camp just for students going into the 9th grade and supposedly the best camp I would ever attend in my lifetime. What is Eighter’s Camp and why is it the best camp? Well, we came to find that the “also known as” name was Sex Camp. I know what you’re thinking, “A church camp also known as sex camp, really?” While attending this camp we not only learned the educational side of sex but the religious side as well. I remember my 8th grade year when we had sex ed. in our science class, it was to say the least, interesting. Being fresh out of 8th grade, I had a lot of comparing to do while I was at Eighter’s. However, I learned a lot more about sex during this camp than I did in school. I know there are rules and stipulations public school educators must follow because this is such a “racy” topic but come on people, middle school and high school students should be educated on this topic not just taught abstinence.
So, what causes teenage pregnancy? We could sit here all day and come up with a plethora of reasons. We all know that you have to have sex to get pregnant, duh, but what leads two teenagers to having sex with each other? Is it all of the television shows like “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” on MTV? What about movies like “Pregnancy Pact” and “Too Young to be a Mom” on Lifetime? Do you think that teenage girls see those shows and movies and think, “Oh, that won’t happen to me” or “I’m on birth control, I can’t get pregnant?” I have a strong belief that teens are tempted by the teaching of abstinence to have sex. When you were a kid or teenager and an adult told you not to do something, what did you do? You did it, right? That’s what happens when these educators teach these children “not to have sex”, that’s what abstinence is, not having sex. Now, I’m not sitting here saying that ALL teenagers are going to do something they’re told not to do but when I was in middle school and high school I knew a lot of people who tested their parents. The law according to the Texas Education code states: “present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age.” ‘As the preferred choice of behavior’ I can agree with that, as it should be considering sex IS a special gift from God, but telling them not to do something is only going to make them want to do it more. As I went through high school I could count girls who I knew using more than one hand, that were my age, that were pregnant and/or had had an abortion (that’s another argument on its own). I remember the things I learned at Eighter’s camp, one; sex is a gift from God. Two; my body isn’t even fully developed yet and three; you don’t know who that person has been with or if they have any type of diseases. There is also the “peer pressure” point as well, and honestly if your friends pressure you into doing something you probably shouldn’t be friends with them anyway. Educating teenagers on the EFFECTS of pregnancy is what should be taught in schools.
Now, I don’t know much about having kids but I was a preschool teacher for almost 5 years and I know kids. To be honest, there is NO WAY I would want to be 15 or 16 and have an infant. Like the causes of teen pregnancy, we could sit here all day and make a list of effects. The obvious effect is having a child. Look, I didn’t even start my period until I was 14 and honestly, I had NO idea what was happening to me. But now there are girls who are having sex AND getting pregnant at this age. Yes, it was probably happening when I was that age but it’s not a “big deal” like it is today. These girls are children and they are having children. Like I mentioned earlier, some of these girl’s bodies aren’t even fully developed yet. The bones in the body are immature and they run the risk of having spinal and pelvic injuries. There is also health risks involved when a teenage girl gets pregnant, the prenatal stage is the most important part of birth. If a mother, whether she is 15 or 32, does not take proper prenatal care the child can be born with birth defects. It is important for any child-bearing person to have a healthy diet, exercise regularly and rest. Most babies born to young moms are either premature or have a low birth weight, they can also have mental and physical problems later in their life. Some babies even die during this process, people that will never get the chance to live life like we are right now. According to Students Against Deconstructive Decisions say 31% of girls will become pregnant at least once before they are 20. That’s one in every three girls. There are also the effects of STD’s that can be overlooked and shaken off by teens because they have that “I’m invincible” attitude. Also on the SADD website it says that nationwide 14.3% of high school students have had sex with 4 or more people. 4 or more before you turn 18? Really? Think of 1 person times the 4 people they’ve slept with and multiply that by 4 and so on and so on, that’s a lot of bodies and a lot of things you wouldn’t want in your body. STD’s are also on the rise among teenagers, 50% of sexually active teens will contract one by the age of 25. After hearing that and being educated on what STD’s can do, it makes me not want to have sex either, it actually grosses me out.
Middle school and high school teenagers need to be educated on sex, not just taught abstinence. The causes and effects of teenage pregnancy and sexual activity is a major deal and shouldn’t be tossed around like it’s nothing. We’re talking about someone’s life here. I mentioned before that I knew people in high school that had kids, and now some of those kids are starting kindergarten and first grade with mom’s who are 21 and 22, imagine having a 6 year old right now, would you be here going to school at AI? I’ve seen first hand the struggles of single mom’s my age and for having such a big passion for children, it’s hard for me to see them one; being raised without a dad and two; being raised in a broken family. In most cases, the single mom’s were also raised by a single mom or came from a broken family.
Now, I’m not saying that all teenage girls are going to stop having sex but learning about what sex can do to you and the effects of having a child at a young age could change their minds if they are educated properly.
As you were not in class last week, I was forced to write this without knowing what you are looking for. I hope this suits you well.
-Samantha
I grew up going to church camp every summer from 2nd grade to 12th grade. I (or my mom) would make the drive to good ‘ole Gonzales, Texas where I’d spend anywhere from 3 days to a week in what my camp friends and I called “home.” The summer before my freshman year of high school I got the opportunity to attend Eighter’s Camp; this was a special camp just for students going into the 9th grade and supposedly the best camp I would ever attend in my lifetime. What is Eighter’s Camp and why is it the best camp? Well, we came to find that the “also known as” name was Sex Camp. I know what you’re thinking, “A church camp also known as sex camp, really?” While attending this camp we not only learned the educational side of sex but the religious side as well. I remember my 8th grade year when we had sex ed. in our science class, it was to say the least, interesting. Being fresh out of 8th grade, I had a lot of comparing to do while I was at Eighter’s. However, I learned a lot more about sex during this camp than I did in school. I know there are rules and stipulations public school educators must follow because this is such a “racy” topic but come on people, middle school and high school students should be educated on this topic not just taught abstinence.
So, what causes teenage pregnancy? We could sit here all day and come up with a plethora of reasons. We all know that you have to have sex to get pregnant, duh, but what leads two teenagers to having sex with each other? Is it all of the television shows like “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” on MTV? What about movies like “Pregnancy Pact” and “Too Young to be a Mom” on Lifetime? Do you think that teenage girls see those shows and movies and think, “Oh, that won’t happen to me” or “I’m on birth control, I can’t get pregnant?” I have a strong belief that teens are tempted by the teaching of abstinence to have sex. When you were a kid or teenager and an adult told you not to do something, what did you do? You did it, right? That’s what happens when these educators teach these children “not to have sex”, that’s what abstinence is, not having sex. Now, I’m not sitting here saying that ALL teenagers are going to do something they’re told not to do but when I was in middle school and high school I knew a lot of people who tested their parents. The law according to the Texas Education code states: “present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age.” ‘As the preferred choice of behavior’ I can agree with that, as it should be considering sex IS a special gift from God, but telling them not to do something is only going to make them want to do it more. As I went through high school I could count girls who I knew using more than one hand, that were my age, that were pregnant and/or had had an abortion (that’s another argument on its own). I remember the things I learned at Eighter’s camp, one; sex is a gift from God. Two; my body isn’t even fully developed yet and three; you don’t know who that person has been with or if they have any type of diseases. There is also the “peer pressure” point as well, and honestly if your friends pressure you into doing something you probably shouldn’t be friends with them anyway. Educating teenagers on the EFFECTS of pregnancy is what should be taught in schools.
Now, I don’t know much about having kids but I was a preschool teacher for almost 5 years and I know kids. To be honest, there is NO WAY I would want to be 15 or 16 and have an infant. Like the causes of teen pregnancy, we could sit here all day and make a list of effects. The obvious effect is having a child. Look, I didn’t even start my period until I was 14 and honestly, I had NO idea what was happening to me. But now there are girls who are having sex AND getting pregnant at this age. Yes, it was probably happening when I was that age but it’s not a “big deal” like it is today. These girls are children and they are having children. Like I mentioned earlier, some of these girl’s bodies aren’t even fully developed yet. The bones in the body are immature and they run the risk of having spinal and pelvic injuries. There is also health risks involved when a teenage girl gets pregnant, the prenatal stage is the most important part of birth. If a mother, whether she is 15 or 32, does not take proper prenatal care the child can be born with birth defects. It is important for any child-bearing person to have a healthy diet, exercise regularly and rest. Most babies born to young moms are either premature or have a low birth weight, they can also have mental and physical problems later in their life. Some babies even die during this process, people that will never get the chance to live life like we are right now. According to Students Against Deconstructive Decisions say 31% of girls will become pregnant at least once before they are 20. That’s one in every three girls. There are also the effects of STD’s that can be overlooked and shaken off by teens because they have that “I’m invincible” attitude. Also on the SADD website it says that nationwide 14.3% of high school students have had sex with 4 or more people. 4 or more before you turn 18? Really? Think of 1 person times the 4 people they’ve slept with and multiply that by 4 and so on and so on, that’s a lot of bodies and a lot of things you wouldn’t want in your body. STD’s are also on the rise among teenagers, 50% of sexually active teens will contract one by the age of 25. After hearing that and being educated on what STD’s can do, it makes me not want to have sex either, it actually grosses me out.
Middle school and high school teenagers need to be educated on sex, not just taught abstinence. The causes and effects of teenage pregnancy and sexual activity is a major deal and shouldn’t be tossed around like it’s nothing. We’re talking about someone’s life here. I mentioned before that I knew people in high school that had kids, and now some of those kids are starting kindergarten and first grade with mom’s who are 21 and 22, imagine having a 6 year old right now, would you be here going to school at AI? I’ve seen first hand the struggles of single mom’s my age and for having such a big passion for children, it’s hard for me to see them one; being raised without a dad and two; being raised in a broken family. In most cases, the single mom’s were also raised by a single mom or came from a broken family.
Now, I’m not saying that all teenage girls are going to stop having sex but learning about what sex can do to you and the effects of having a child at a young age could change their minds if they are educated properly.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The SEC= The SUPER EXCITING CONFERENCE
As most of you know, I LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL. Yes, I said it in all caps. My Saturdays like to consist of football ALL day. I like to wake up and watch College Gameday then on to Ohio State which has been playing at 11am foooor a while (ok, maybe like 2 weeks). And then whoever comes on next at 230. Last week it was A&M vs Arkansas, though my beloved Ags lost, they didn't look THAT bad and they gave Ryan Mallet a run for his money.
Lately, my new obsession has been the SEC. Yeah, I like Alabama and Florida. But it seems like LSU has slowly been creeping into my teams to root for. After their ridiculous win against Tennessee last week in Baton Rouge, I could only hope for something as exciting against Florida. Now, I was really upset to hear about Bama, I mean a lot of us saw it coming we just wanted to see Alabama show the nation who was boss, but instead SC showed Alabama who was boss. Despite this terrible loss the Tide endured, I was still looking forward to the LSU/Florida game. My poor Big 12...I feel like I am cheating on you. It's like the battle for last place now. I mean watching Texas lose 2 games in a row is always exciting for me but now...ugh, it's just pitiful. It looks like Baylor and Oklahoma are the ones who are going to battle it out for the South and geez...Nebraska they haven't been this good since Eric Crouch and Jack Frost were there (yes, I know his real name is Scott, thanks). It's ridiculous...
So I've almost moved on to the SEC. I was watching the game as well as putting together a shard art table with my parents. My mom's new hobby that I've budded my head into...I mean look anyone in my fam can be better at me in cooking but not in art! So I was watching the game...it was ok, not as exciting as I thought. Then, it came. the last 30 seconds...I was having deja vu from last weekend...but oh, Les Miles...a fake field goal for a first down...who needs Boise State when you have every other team doing trick plays? (JK, I love Boise State). But this...oh, my. After a fade pass to the corner didn't work there were 11 seconds left...what to do, what to do. OH! the exact SAME play...who would have thought. Dear LSU, I did not like you after playing OSU in the National Championship game but...I have to admit after the last two weeks I'm starting to like you more and more. After the second attempt for the successful touchdown, the cameraman panned the Florida fans in "shock" of the :06 left on the clock. I was pretty sure Florida wasn't going to come back in this game. What a heartbreak at home.
All in all, the SEC have slowly been finding their way into my heart. I hope that they can stay nested in second place or it shall be, A&M and the SEC for the rest of the season on my TV. Call me what you want but being a fan of college football doesn't make me a bandwagon fan or a bad Texan.
Lately, my new obsession has been the SEC. Yeah, I like Alabama and Florida. But it seems like LSU has slowly been creeping into my teams to root for. After their ridiculous win against Tennessee last week in Baton Rouge, I could only hope for something as exciting against Florida. Now, I was really upset to hear about Bama, I mean a lot of us saw it coming we just wanted to see Alabama show the nation who was boss, but instead SC showed Alabama who was boss. Despite this terrible loss the Tide endured, I was still looking forward to the LSU/Florida game. My poor Big 12...I feel like I am cheating on you. It's like the battle for last place now. I mean watching Texas lose 2 games in a row is always exciting for me but now...ugh, it's just pitiful. It looks like Baylor and Oklahoma are the ones who are going to battle it out for the South and geez...Nebraska they haven't been this good since Eric Crouch and Jack Frost were there (yes, I know his real name is Scott, thanks). It's ridiculous...
So I've almost moved on to the SEC. I was watching the game as well as putting together a shard art table with my parents. My mom's new hobby that I've budded my head into...I mean look anyone in my fam can be better at me in cooking but not in art! So I was watching the game...it was ok, not as exciting as I thought. Then, it came. the last 30 seconds...I was having deja vu from last weekend...but oh, Les Miles...a fake field goal for a first down...who needs Boise State when you have every other team doing trick plays? (JK, I love Boise State). But this...oh, my. After a fade pass to the corner didn't work there were 11 seconds left...what to do, what to do. OH! the exact SAME play...who would have thought. Dear LSU, I did not like you after playing OSU in the National Championship game but...I have to admit after the last two weeks I'm starting to like you more and more. After the second attempt for the successful touchdown, the cameraman panned the Florida fans in "shock" of the :06 left on the clock. I was pretty sure Florida wasn't going to come back in this game. What a heartbreak at home.
All in all, the SEC have slowly been finding their way into my heart. I hope that they can stay nested in second place or it shall be, A&M and the SEC for the rest of the season on my TV. Call me what you want but being a fan of college football doesn't make me a bandwagon fan or a bad Texan.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
You Obivously Don't Know Who I Am!
The following post is a previous note from facebook. I was looking though my old notes and remembered typing this one up. It's funny, I haven't changed much in three years. I think I'm still like I was then. Some things have been altered but the message is stil the same.
people who are hypocrites.
people who are fake.
people who are judgemental.
if i was meeting you for the first time, and i stuck my hand out to shake yours and said "hi, im samantha elisabeth laurence, im a hyprocrite, fake and very judgemental, not to mention im the most amazing person youll ever meet." how would you respond? what would you say back? how would you introduce yourself to me? the same way? in some ways dont we all of have some these "qualities"? but youre too scared to admit them to people?
i am a christian. and as a christian, im not very proud to say that i am a hypocrite, fake and very judgemental. would you agree? do you think i am these things? or have you been sucked into my act of thinking im not like this? would you be able to stand in front of a large group of people and admit those things to them? could you write in your blog or your notes for hundreds of people to read and tell them the real you? i didnt think i could either. this is until i went to high school. soon after, i realized that there are FAR worse people than myself. which makes me feel a little better, but not MUCH MUCH better.
i am fake. i dont come off as someone who would cheat on a test, or stab someone in the back or even cheat on boyfriends. but ive done all of those things. and some other things that dont need to be mentioned. but does that make me a bad person?
i am conceited. YEP. i said it. i am conceited. i think very very highly of myself. i think i am very beautiful despite minor flaws that make me who i am. i may cover this up by saying "im not conceited, i just have very high self-confidence." but when i introduce myself as "samantha elisabeth laurence, im the most amazing person you will ever meet" i think that goes a little beyond self-confidence. but why should those people's opinion matter to me? isnt God, the only person i should be worrying about? isnt it HIS opinion that TRULY matters in the end? so why do people make such a big deal about what others think about them? so what im a fat kid. i shop at plus size stores. im not a size 4, with blonde hair and blue eyes. that doesnt mean i have to put myself down to make other people happy. there are days where i walk around and think i am queen of the world and NO ONE can rain on my parade. and 9.99 times out of 10 that doesnt happen.
so why do people care what others think? why should the girl who is a fat kid be so popular and have all the friends? i think i know who to ask. its because i have the personality. oh, there i go again thinking highly of myself. i have a personality a lot of girls would die for. i am very easy to get a lot with. i make friends faster than i make money. i have friends who are HOT (alex leatherman) and friends who are not hot. ( no names will be mentioned here). but that doesnt mean i should hate them because they arent hot or pretty. but then if youre walking with those unpretty people, the people around are saying, 'why she is walking with her,' 'she isnt pretty,' 'i wouldnt be caught dead with her.' in todays society, looks are everything. but not to samantha elisabeth laurence.
dont put yourself dont because you arent the most beautiful girl or hottest guy in the world or on campus. youre the one that makes yourself beautiful. and to think i know people who are drop dead gorgeous and they have the ugliest personalities. like i said, i may not be the prettiest girl on campus or the hottest girl in the world, but i can sure bet i have a more awesome personality than them.
people who are hypocrites.
people who are fake.
people who are judgemental.
if i was meeting you for the first time, and i stuck my hand out to shake yours and said "hi, im samantha elisabeth laurence, im a hyprocrite, fake and very judgemental, not to mention im the most amazing person youll ever meet." how would you respond? what would you say back? how would you introduce yourself to me? the same way? in some ways dont we all of have some these "qualities"? but youre too scared to admit them to people?
i am a christian. and as a christian, im not very proud to say that i am a hypocrite, fake and very judgemental. would you agree? do you think i am these things? or have you been sucked into my act of thinking im not like this? would you be able to stand in front of a large group of people and admit those things to them? could you write in your blog or your notes for hundreds of people to read and tell them the real you? i didnt think i could either. this is until i went to high school. soon after, i realized that there are FAR worse people than myself. which makes me feel a little better, but not MUCH MUCH better.
i am fake. i dont come off as someone who would cheat on a test, or stab someone in the back or even cheat on boyfriends. but ive done all of those things. and some other things that dont need to be mentioned. but does that make me a bad person?
i am conceited. YEP. i said it. i am conceited. i think very very highly of myself. i think i am very beautiful despite minor flaws that make me who i am. i may cover this up by saying "im not conceited, i just have very high self-confidence." but when i introduce myself as "samantha elisabeth laurence, im the most amazing person you will ever meet" i think that goes a little beyond self-confidence. but why should those people's opinion matter to me? isnt God, the only person i should be worrying about? isnt it HIS opinion that TRULY matters in the end? so why do people make such a big deal about what others think about them? so what im a fat kid. i shop at plus size stores. im not a size 4, with blonde hair and blue eyes. that doesnt mean i have to put myself down to make other people happy. there are days where i walk around and think i am queen of the world and NO ONE can rain on my parade. and 9.99 times out of 10 that doesnt happen.
so why do people care what others think? why should the girl who is a fat kid be so popular and have all the friends? i think i know who to ask. its because i have the personality. oh, there i go again thinking highly of myself. i have a personality a lot of girls would die for. i am very easy to get a lot with. i make friends faster than i make money. i have friends who are HOT (alex leatherman) and friends who are not hot. ( no names will be mentioned here). but that doesnt mean i should hate them because they arent hot or pretty. but then if youre walking with those unpretty people, the people around are saying, 'why she is walking with her,' 'she isnt pretty,' 'i wouldnt be caught dead with her.' in todays society, looks are everything. but not to samantha elisabeth laurence.
dont put yourself dont because you arent the most beautiful girl or hottest guy in the world or on campus. youre the one that makes yourself beautiful. and to think i know people who are drop dead gorgeous and they have the ugliest personalities. like i said, i may not be the prettiest girl on campus or the hottest girl in the world, but i can sure bet i have a more awesome personality than them.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Home Sweet Ecuador
One of my favorite movies growing up was the Wizard of Oz. I remember watching it on VHS when I'd spend summer days at my grandparents. That and Milo and Otis, along with Rainbow Brite. Oh, I loved me some Rainbow Brite (see the shining light, yes I'm gonna take ya to Rainbow Brite) Sorry. Anyway, back to the Wizard of Oz, we all know the magic ruby red slippers, three taps and say "There's no place like home." And ta-da, she's back in Kansas again. Well, there have been many times in the last 2 and a half months where I've wanted to tap my heels together and go somewhere else. Where you ask? Ecuador.
Now, most of you know that our friends, Glenn and Marilyn, are doing mission work in Ecuador. They've been living a town in northern Ecuador called Otavalo since February. Marilyn is teaching English in two of the villages near by and Glenn keeps her in line. :] In July we went on a mission trip to Ecuador, though I haven't blogged about our trip there and our experiences (that's what this blog is about) I've been thinking about it a lot. I'm flat out jealous of Glenn and Marilyn because they are in Ecuador. Ok, ok, let me take you back 2 years. This time two years ago, Daddy and I were getting ready to make our first trip to Ecuador. I didn't know what to expect seeing as I had never been out of the country before (I don't really count the 3 hours spent in Pregresso, Mexico an "out of country" experience). We packed our bags, lightly, since we knew we going to have to bring back a lot of gifts. It was an exciting time. When we arrived in Quito (the capital) it was around midnight and we weren't sure about anything. It was dark and the only thing we saw from the plane looked like the bottom of a well with shiny pennies in it. (It was gorgeous, don't get me wrong). Once we got through customs, there was a man standing there greeting us, he introduced himself as Victor. I didn't know who he was but he shuffled us through the airport and to a bus. We put our things in the storage space and climbed in. We then met Blanca, she was the Executive Director of FEDICE, the non-profit we were working with. We drove the 2 hours to Otavalo (only about 60 miles or so away) and arrived at our hotel. The rest of the week was filled with shopping and painting and smiling and loving. I became attached to a little girl named Nellie, she was about 4 or so but she looked like she was 2. She followed me around the daycare center everywhere I went. On the last day in Caluqui, the village had a dedication service for the daycare, there were lots of villagers there and I felt comforted in the fact that I had helped this small village that I may never even see again. I said good bye to Nellie and wondered if I would ever see her again. I cried. To see how these people lived and the smile on their faces because I helped build a place for their small children to go was one of the best feelings I had ever had and I was happy. Genuinely happy. And I was in love.
Near the end of 2009, the adults had a meeting and exchanged some emails on where to go this year. I voted Ecuador first. I couldn't wait to get back there. Well of course, Ecuador won. So on June 30th we were to set off again on an 8 day Ecuadorean trip. This time I made Mom go. She didn't have a choice. So the three of us anticipated this trip for months. However, right before we left, I got caught up in some issues (See Getting a Divorce). It was the perfect time (and worst) to get out of the country, to run away from these issues and my life in the States. I needed a break. We got to the airport early, where Mom and I decided to have Maudie's (YUM) and a margarita before our plane ride to Houston (the alcohol came in handy when we missed our connecting flight in Houston). After flying from Austin to Houston to Caracus, Venzuela to Bogata, Columbia and FINALLY into Quito, I felt like a little piece of me was home. I remember going out into the main part of the airport and seeing Blanca there waiting. I was happy again. That week was one of the best weeks of my life. I almost didn't come back. We worked in another village near Otavalo and the people there were all the same. They didn't know us but they loved us. We visited Caluqui one afternoon as we pulled up there she was, my sweet Nellie I hadn't gone a day without thinking about. Just like it was two years ago, she followed me around the daycare center. She showed me her little brother. When it was time to go, she walked up the hill with me, I asked where her house was and she pointed towards our bus. Once we got to the top of the hill, I asked again. She once again pointed to the bus, I told her that I was going on the bus. After a long hug, she walked around to the other side of the bus and started up the hill. How I wanted to stay longer. She would walk a little ways and then turn around, I waved and she waved back. She did this two more times before our bus left the village, the last time I blew a kiss and waved. I was started to cry again. I think about her everyday. How amazing it was to be in Ecuador again. I couldn't get enough of it. I banned myself from the internet that week (good idea, I didn't want my US life interferring). I didn't need the internet that week anyway, I was focused on helping the people of Cachimuel. But I was there, home again in Ecuador.
Since then, I've come close to selling everything I have and moving down there. I might have to wait until January though considering most of my things are in storage. Anyway, I look forward to the day I will return to the beloved country of Ecuador. For then, I will be truly happy.
Anyone have a pair of size 9.5 ruby red slippers?
Now, most of you know that our friends, Glenn and Marilyn, are doing mission work in Ecuador. They've been living a town in northern Ecuador called Otavalo since February. Marilyn is teaching English in two of the villages near by and Glenn keeps her in line. :] In July we went on a mission trip to Ecuador, though I haven't blogged about our trip there and our experiences (that's what this blog is about) I've been thinking about it a lot. I'm flat out jealous of Glenn and Marilyn because they are in Ecuador. Ok, ok, let me take you back 2 years. This time two years ago, Daddy and I were getting ready to make our first trip to Ecuador. I didn't know what to expect seeing as I had never been out of the country before (I don't really count the 3 hours spent in Pregresso, Mexico an "out of country" experience). We packed our bags, lightly, since we knew we going to have to bring back a lot of gifts. It was an exciting time. When we arrived in Quito (the capital) it was around midnight and we weren't sure about anything. It was dark and the only thing we saw from the plane looked like the bottom of a well with shiny pennies in it. (It was gorgeous, don't get me wrong). Once we got through customs, there was a man standing there greeting us, he introduced himself as Victor. I didn't know who he was but he shuffled us through the airport and to a bus. We put our things in the storage space and climbed in. We then met Blanca, she was the Executive Director of FEDICE, the non-profit we were working with. We drove the 2 hours to Otavalo (only about 60 miles or so away) and arrived at our hotel. The rest of the week was filled with shopping and painting and smiling and loving. I became attached to a little girl named Nellie, she was about 4 or so but she looked like she was 2. She followed me around the daycare center everywhere I went. On the last day in Caluqui, the village had a dedication service for the daycare, there were lots of villagers there and I felt comforted in the fact that I had helped this small village that I may never even see again. I said good bye to Nellie and wondered if I would ever see her again. I cried. To see how these people lived and the smile on their faces because I helped build a place for their small children to go was one of the best feelings I had ever had and I was happy. Genuinely happy. And I was in love.
Near the end of 2009, the adults had a meeting and exchanged some emails on where to go this year. I voted Ecuador first. I couldn't wait to get back there. Well of course, Ecuador won. So on June 30th we were to set off again on an 8 day Ecuadorean trip. This time I made Mom go. She didn't have a choice. So the three of us anticipated this trip for months. However, right before we left, I got caught up in some issues (See Getting a Divorce). It was the perfect time (and worst) to get out of the country, to run away from these issues and my life in the States. I needed a break. We got to the airport early, where Mom and I decided to have Maudie's (YUM) and a margarita before our plane ride to Houston (the alcohol came in handy when we missed our connecting flight in Houston). After flying from Austin to Houston to Caracus, Venzuela to Bogata, Columbia and FINALLY into Quito, I felt like a little piece of me was home. I remember going out into the main part of the airport and seeing Blanca there waiting. I was happy again. That week was one of the best weeks of my life. I almost didn't come back. We worked in another village near Otavalo and the people there were all the same. They didn't know us but they loved us. We visited Caluqui one afternoon as we pulled up there she was, my sweet Nellie I hadn't gone a day without thinking about. Just like it was two years ago, she followed me around the daycare center. She showed me her little brother. When it was time to go, she walked up the hill with me, I asked where her house was and she pointed towards our bus. Once we got to the top of the hill, I asked again. She once again pointed to the bus, I told her that I was going on the bus. After a long hug, she walked around to the other side of the bus and started up the hill. How I wanted to stay longer. She would walk a little ways and then turn around, I waved and she waved back. She did this two more times before our bus left the village, the last time I blew a kiss and waved. I was started to cry again. I think about her everyday. How amazing it was to be in Ecuador again. I couldn't get enough of it. I banned myself from the internet that week (good idea, I didn't want my US life interferring). I didn't need the internet that week anyway, I was focused on helping the people of Cachimuel. But I was there, home again in Ecuador.
Since then, I've come close to selling everything I have and moving down there. I might have to wait until January though considering most of my things are in storage. Anyway, I look forward to the day I will return to the beloved country of Ecuador. For then, I will be truly happy.
Anyone have a pair of size 9.5 ruby red slippers?
Nellie and I. July 2010.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Modern Day Jesus
My blog is called Confessions of a Fat Kid, it seems like I should be talking about "losing weight" or "stuffing my face with every sweet thing I see in sight when I'm upset" or my "secret food obsessions". Take it or leave it, I've only had this blog for 2 and a half months so those things haven't really made it in here yet. I've always been a fat kid (it's cool, I'm ok with it). Since I was a kid, I was always bigger and taller than the other girls in my class and most of the boys. And anyone that didn't like me or that got into an argument with me would pull out the fat card. Real cool guys and real original. It's so easy to make fun of someones outward appearance when you're mad at them. Truth is...it doesn't/didn't hurt me. I've heard it since I was 6. My mom raised me to love myself the way I am. The way God created me. If God wanted me to be a size 2 then he would have made me a size 2 (sorry AJ). Sure you can argue with me that it's ME that controls my body, which you would be right partly. But this is how God wanted me to be. I never really struggled with people not accepting me because I was "fat", thanks to my AMAZING personality. (Watch the movie Fat Like Me, staring Kaley Cuoco). I was somewhat popular in school I guess, I know you're thinking a popular fat kid how can this be? I had a lot of friends in a lot of different "cliques" (if you will), I didn't care if they were band nerds (because I was, hahaha), athletes, goth or just a nerd in general, I liked everyone. That's how I was raised, to accept everyone as they are. It was ok with me if someone didn't want to be my friend because I was a fat kid, it was their loss. I'm pretty amazing, if you ask me (and almost everyone else). But like I said, I never not liked someone for their outward appearance.
Today at church our fine preacher, Tim Tutt, told a story about a woman he knew who grew up in Georgia (he told the story better than I'm about to). She died recently at 91. I hope I live to be that old, however I wish it would have been born at the beginning of the 20th century. Yes, I am envious of people like Dorothy Cook (the friend Tim spoke about), PE and Dotty Casey and everyone else born before 1920. He said that Dorothy worked at the pharmacy the town she lived in and she would address envelopes to the townspeople to remind them of their tab there (tab; like a bar tab, I assume). She would address the envelopes "Mrs." or "Mr. So and So". One day while she was addressing the envelopes, the owner of the pharmacy noticed she was addressing all the envelopes "Mrs." or "Mr. So and So"; he said that she was not supposed to address the black townspeople with titles, they were just "S0 and so". Well Dorothy Cook, waited for a minute and then basically told the owner that she was going to address everyone "Mrs." or "Mr. So and So" whether he liked it or not. Dorothy Cook didn't care whether someone was black or white. There's someone else we know who didn't care either. Jesus.
Jesus was a man who let anyone be his friend, he let everyone come to him. Children. Lepers. Even sinners. Now, as Tim talked about Dorothy cook he also mentioned the preacher in Florida who was planning a Quran burning. While listening Tim's sermon this morning I thought WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE THESE DAYS?! I mean, seriously. Between banning gay marriages, making fun of fat people and Quran burnings, people are ridiculous. This preacher in Florida is ridiculous, yes there are "bad" Muslims in this world, but not all Muslims are bad. I mean...really, I'm just flabbergasted at the fact that a Christian preacher would say this, let alone schedule for a burning of another religions holy book. It's people like him that make Americans and Christians "look bad". Just like I said about Muslims, not all Christians are bad. This preacher has obviously lost his mind, who does he think he is? Who do a lot of people think they are? There are things that Bible says we should and shouldn't do. Like we should love our neighbor as ourself or that we should not eat pork (hmmm, I definitely had a sausage biscit this morning AND sausage for dinner :/). Love your neighbor as yourself. Huh. Why is this so hard for people to understand let alone for them to do? This goes back to what I said about people making fun of me for being a fat kid, that's not love. Banning gay marriage, that's not love. Burning another religions holy book, that's DEFINITELY not love.
So, where is the love here people?
Today at church our fine preacher, Tim Tutt, told a story about a woman he knew who grew up in Georgia (he told the story better than I'm about to). She died recently at 91. I hope I live to be that old, however I wish it would have been born at the beginning of the 20th century. Yes, I am envious of people like Dorothy Cook (the friend Tim spoke about), PE and Dotty Casey and everyone else born before 1920. He said that Dorothy worked at the pharmacy the town she lived in and she would address envelopes to the townspeople to remind them of their tab there (tab; like a bar tab, I assume). She would address the envelopes "Mrs." or "Mr. So and So". One day while she was addressing the envelopes, the owner of the pharmacy noticed she was addressing all the envelopes "Mrs." or "Mr. So and So"; he said that she was not supposed to address the black townspeople with titles, they were just "S0 and so". Well Dorothy Cook, waited for a minute and then basically told the owner that she was going to address everyone "Mrs." or "Mr. So and So" whether he liked it or not. Dorothy Cook didn't care whether someone was black or white. There's someone else we know who didn't care either. Jesus.
Jesus was a man who let anyone be his friend, he let everyone come to him. Children. Lepers. Even sinners. Now, as Tim talked about Dorothy cook he also mentioned the preacher in Florida who was planning a Quran burning. While listening Tim's sermon this morning I thought WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE THESE DAYS?! I mean, seriously. Between banning gay marriages, making fun of fat people and Quran burnings, people are ridiculous. This preacher in Florida is ridiculous, yes there are "bad" Muslims in this world, but not all Muslims are bad. I mean...really, I'm just flabbergasted at the fact that a Christian preacher would say this, let alone schedule for a burning of another religions holy book. It's people like him that make Americans and Christians "look bad". Just like I said about Muslims, not all Christians are bad. This preacher has obviously lost his mind, who does he think he is? Who do a lot of people think they are? There are things that Bible says we should and shouldn't do. Like we should love our neighbor as ourself or that we should not eat pork (hmmm, I definitely had a sausage biscit this morning AND sausage for dinner :/). Love your neighbor as yourself. Huh. Why is this so hard for people to understand let alone for them to do? This goes back to what I said about people making fun of me for being a fat kid, that's not love. Banning gay marriage, that's not love. Burning another religions holy book, that's DEFINITELY not love.
So, where is the love here people?
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