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.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
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?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Here's How I See It
As we all know, I LOVE football. And since football season has officially started, thank God! I've decided to blog a bit about some hot topics.
1. Reggie Bush
Oh, I love me some Reggie Bush. He is a great player and great to look at. Unfortunately, my good looking football love has come into some trouble surrounding his senior season at USC. This makes me very sad. It's been all over the sports news for the past two weeks, that he was ineligible his last year at USC because he was "accused of accepting money and other benefits". Mind you this was in 2005, we are now in the year 2010. So 5 YEARS AGO, Reggie Bush supposedly did this. Hmm. That's interesting that it took the NCAA 5 years to figure this one out, I mean we're not living in the 1980's here people, word travels faster than that. According to "The Experts" that aired on Tuesday, one of the men said not to punish Bush, but to punish the NCAA for taking 5 years to figure this out. Look, if he did what they said yes, it was wrong and against the rules but hey, Bush kicked ass that year. Some say that if the Heisman is to be stripped from Bush, they would award it to Vince Young. I mean he did come in a very very distant second, but would you seriously accept an award by default? Especially, surrounding these circumstances? All in all, we know that Reggie did deserve the Heisman whether he was eligible or not. Shame on you NCAA for not keep a closer eye on your athletes.
2. Brett Favre
Will you PLEASE retire already? Now, don't get me wrong. He was a great player, in his prime and yes, they ALMOST made it to the Super Bowl last year. And he did come back to win this year. HA. Really, do you REALLY think you're going to win the Super Bowl this year? None the less even MAKE it there? If tonight's game against the Saints is any indication of how the rest of the season goes you can kiss your Super Bowl dreams good bye. I mean you already won a Super Bowl once and then went back the following year and almost won. Is that not enough for you big guy? I saw the pictures after the NFC Championship game last year, ouch. Are you going to let that happen again this year? I mean, 10 mil a year to stay retired was a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. Anyway, good luck with your Super Bowl hunt, it'll be going on for a long time.
3. Boise State/TCU
I gave a speech last night on why college football should have a play-off system. Two good reasons, Boise State and TCU. Now the reason you've seen these guys in BCS bowls is because they were ranked in the top 12 and their conferences are non-AQ conferences. What is a non-AQ conference you ask? These are conferences that DO NOT automatically qualify for a BCS bowl. Now, the automatic qualifying conferences are: the ACC, SEC, PAC-10, Big Ten, Big Twelve and Big East. BSU and TCU are not in these conferences, so they do not automatically qualify. What makes an automatically qualifying conference, but of course, strength of schedule. We all know the conferences listed above are pretty tough, between SC, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama and those damn t-sippers that's some pretty stacked competition. However, just because the BSU and TCU don't have strong conferences and go undefeated doesn't mean they shouldn't get the chance to play for a national title. Look, if I was Hawaii or LA Tech (sorry meg) I'd want to be playing my best game against these teams. I mean, hello, just last Saturday Texas traveled to Houston to play Rice and (barely) beat them 34-17. Hm...who wanted to win that game more? Just because the teams in their conferences are unranked doesn't mean they should go into the game as an "easy win", ask Ole Miss or Kansas. Ok, the NCAA Men's basketball tournament (yes, I know they want to add more teams, that's completely pointless friends), they place the highest seeded team against the lowest seeded team and then go from there. How many have you seen those high seeded teams lose a heart breaker? Yeah, every March right? I mean I've seen some heartbreaking bowl games too (USC vs TX, Boise vs OK). But I mean what's wrong with a play-off here people? It would show who TRULY deserves to be National Champion. If you're ranked number one all season then I want to see you prove to ANY team whether they're ranked 3 or 64.
4. AJ Green
Ok, so he sold a used jersey for some money and got suspended for 4 games. Ouch, Georgia that's going to hurt. But! He's a college kid and they'll do ANYTHING for money. I mean, look can't he give the NCAA half of what he made and call it even? I know, I know I was just talking about them taking five years to figure out Reggie Bush's situation but come on, lighten up here people. It's not like he sold the jersey and bought drugs with it. I don't really think a 4 games suspension is necessary. Just give him a little slap on the wrist and have him return the money.
1. Reggie Bush
Oh, I love me some Reggie Bush. He is a great player and great to look at. Unfortunately, my good looking football love has come into some trouble surrounding his senior season at USC. This makes me very sad. It's been all over the sports news for the past two weeks, that he was ineligible his last year at USC because he was "accused of accepting money and other benefits". Mind you this was in 2005, we are now in the year 2010. So 5 YEARS AGO, Reggie Bush supposedly did this. Hmm. That's interesting that it took the NCAA 5 years to figure this one out, I mean we're not living in the 1980's here people, word travels faster than that. According to "The Experts" that aired on Tuesday, one of the men said not to punish Bush, but to punish the NCAA for taking 5 years to figure this out. Look, if he did what they said yes, it was wrong and against the rules but hey, Bush kicked ass that year. Some say that if the Heisman is to be stripped from Bush, they would award it to Vince Young. I mean he did come in a very very distant second, but would you seriously accept an award by default? Especially, surrounding these circumstances? All in all, we know that Reggie did deserve the Heisman whether he was eligible or not. Shame on you NCAA for not keep a closer eye on your athletes.
2. Brett Favre
Will you PLEASE retire already? Now, don't get me wrong. He was a great player, in his prime and yes, they ALMOST made it to the Super Bowl last year. And he did come back to win this year. HA. Really, do you REALLY think you're going to win the Super Bowl this year? None the less even MAKE it there? If tonight's game against the Saints is any indication of how the rest of the season goes you can kiss your Super Bowl dreams good bye. I mean you already won a Super Bowl once and then went back the following year and almost won. Is that not enough for you big guy? I saw the pictures after the NFC Championship game last year, ouch. Are you going to let that happen again this year? I mean, 10 mil a year to stay retired was a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. Anyway, good luck with your Super Bowl hunt, it'll be going on for a long time.
3. Boise State/TCU
I gave a speech last night on why college football should have a play-off system. Two good reasons, Boise State and TCU. Now the reason you've seen these guys in BCS bowls is because they were ranked in the top 12 and their conferences are non-AQ conferences. What is a non-AQ conference you ask? These are conferences that DO NOT automatically qualify for a BCS bowl. Now, the automatic qualifying conferences are: the ACC, SEC, PAC-10, Big Ten, Big Twelve and Big East. BSU and TCU are not in these conferences, so they do not automatically qualify. What makes an automatically qualifying conference, but of course, strength of schedule. We all know the conferences listed above are pretty tough, between SC, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama and those damn t-sippers that's some pretty stacked competition. However, just because the BSU and TCU don't have strong conferences and go undefeated doesn't mean they shouldn't get the chance to play for a national title. Look, if I was Hawaii or LA Tech (sorry meg) I'd want to be playing my best game against these teams. I mean, hello, just last Saturday Texas traveled to Houston to play Rice and (barely) beat them 34-17. Hm...who wanted to win that game more? Just because the teams in their conferences are unranked doesn't mean they should go into the game as an "easy win", ask Ole Miss or Kansas. Ok, the NCAA Men's basketball tournament (yes, I know they want to add more teams, that's completely pointless friends), they place the highest seeded team against the lowest seeded team and then go from there. How many have you seen those high seeded teams lose a heart breaker? Yeah, every March right? I mean I've seen some heartbreaking bowl games too (USC vs TX, Boise vs OK). But I mean what's wrong with a play-off here people? It would show who TRULY deserves to be National Champion. If you're ranked number one all season then I want to see you prove to ANY team whether they're ranked 3 or 64.
4. AJ Green
Ok, so he sold a used jersey for some money and got suspended for 4 games. Ouch, Georgia that's going to hurt. But! He's a college kid and they'll do ANYTHING for money. I mean, look can't he give the NCAA half of what he made and call it even? I know, I know I was just talking about them taking five years to figure out Reggie Bush's situation but come on, lighten up here people. It's not like he sold the jersey and bought drugs with it. I don't really think a 4 games suspension is necessary. Just give him a little slap on the wrist and have him return the money.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
November, where are you?
I was born November 15th, 1987. Yes, I am comfortable disclosing my age to you because I’m not old and/or 30. As I grew up, I learned the best people were born in November and/or the Scorpio “time frame”. I also learned two very important things: go to church on Sundays (but leave as soon as possible if the Cowboys had a noon kick-off) and watch Fightin’ Texas Aggie football on Saturdays. Well I can proudly say I’ve been doing both for the past almost 23 years of my life. Yes, Mom you can be proud of me for actually doing something consistently for that long (I know I didn’t really have a choice for the first 15 years of my life). Everyone knows that November is the best month for football, mostly because it’s Thanksgiving. If your family isn’t watching football on Thanksgiving y’all ain’t Southern and y’all sure ain’t American! Thanksgivings were always at my grandparent’s house when I was growing up, we’d watch the Cowboys in the afternoon and the Aggies at night, that’s a true Texas Thanksgiving y’all.
Now here’s the “twist”, I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I’ve lived here my entire life, except for those three …interesting semesters at THE University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. Well if you’re from anywhere you know that the University of Texas is housed in Austin. Ugh, the horrid sea of burnt orange during the fall makes me want to toss my lunch. I mean this isn’t a bashing of Texas here, but come on people. Burnt orange really? I mean everyone knows nothing good comes after the word “burnt”. Burnt eggs, burnt toast, burnt coffee and especially burnt orange. Let’s just say that color is definitely NOT in my color wheel. But you’re probably asking yourself how is this girl buried in the world’s ugliest color an Aggie? This is where I’d like to take time to thank my Uncle Curtis for attending AND graduating from Texas A&M University. Without you, well it doesn’t matter I’d never be a Texas fan anyway. People ask me why I’m still living in Austin if I don’t like Texas, I respond with my uncle went to A&M. Their response, “Ok, so?” ok, so I’m an Aggie. That’s how I was raised. I mean some people don’t have a choice in being a Longhorn, that’s the only football team in Austin. We’ve never had an NFL team here, another thanks to Texas. Heaven forbid someone comes along and take the attention away from y’all. Well my choice (or raising, thanks to Curtis) is to be an Aggie, live in Austin, take the trash talking and continue to support the Maroon and White.
My daddy made me a shirt my first couple of Thanksgivings that said “ATMy house for Thanksgiving dinner we have Bevo burgers.” It was soon passed down to my little brother who wore it for a while, and then was retired to one of the 274 boxes we have in storage. However, a new generation has been born into the family and the Bevo burger shirt is going to make a come back this year. My Aunt Kim is definitely going to appreciate it considering everyone on her side of the family is a Longhorn. Thanksgiving is going to be interesting. Makenzi is going to about 8 months old so we can stretch the shirt out for a couple of years, don’t worry Kim it will be better next year when I make her matching overalls.
Some of my favorite childhood memories consisted of going camping in the fall. We’d get our 7 inch TV out with the bunny ears and try to find the Aggie game wherever we might be camping. If that didn’t work we’d just listen to it on the radio. Yes, kids, the radio. Sometimes we’d even watch the game on mute and listen to the live broadcast on the radio. That was only when Brent Musberger was announcing, ugh! those were the worst! Especially if he was announcing the A&M/Texas game, we’d ALWAYS listen to the radio then. We all know you’re a secret Texas fan, Brent, you’re not fooling me, that’s for sure. And it was a shock to see you announcing the Alabama/Texas game last season. Wow, didn’t see that one coming.
In most ways, being a November baby is pretty rockin’ if you ask me. The only bad thing about Novembers, you have to wait 11 months for another one to come around!
Now here’s the “twist”, I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I’ve lived here my entire life, except for those three …interesting semesters at THE University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. Well if you’re from anywhere you know that the University of Texas is housed in Austin. Ugh, the horrid sea of burnt orange during the fall makes me want to toss my lunch. I mean this isn’t a bashing of Texas here, but come on people. Burnt orange really? I mean everyone knows nothing good comes after the word “burnt”. Burnt eggs, burnt toast, burnt coffee and especially burnt orange. Let’s just say that color is definitely NOT in my color wheel. But you’re probably asking yourself how is this girl buried in the world’s ugliest color an Aggie? This is where I’d like to take time to thank my Uncle Curtis for attending AND graduating from Texas A&M University. Without you, well it doesn’t matter I’d never be a Texas fan anyway. People ask me why I’m still living in Austin if I don’t like Texas, I respond with my uncle went to A&M. Their response, “Ok, so?” ok, so I’m an Aggie. That’s how I was raised. I mean some people don’t have a choice in being a Longhorn, that’s the only football team in Austin. We’ve never had an NFL team here, another thanks to Texas. Heaven forbid someone comes along and take the attention away from y’all. Well my choice (or raising, thanks to Curtis) is to be an Aggie, live in Austin, take the trash talking and continue to support the Maroon and White.
My daddy made me a shirt my first couple of Thanksgivings that said “ATMy house for Thanksgiving dinner we have Bevo burgers.” It was soon passed down to my little brother who wore it for a while, and then was retired to one of the 274 boxes we have in storage. However, a new generation has been born into the family and the Bevo burger shirt is going to make a come back this year. My Aunt Kim is definitely going to appreciate it considering everyone on her side of the family is a Longhorn. Thanksgiving is going to be interesting. Makenzi is going to about 8 months old so we can stretch the shirt out for a couple of years, don’t worry Kim it will be better next year when I make her matching overalls.
Some of my favorite childhood memories consisted of going camping in the fall. We’d get our 7 inch TV out with the bunny ears and try to find the Aggie game wherever we might be camping. If that didn’t work we’d just listen to it on the radio. Yes, kids, the radio. Sometimes we’d even watch the game on mute and listen to the live broadcast on the radio. That was only when Brent Musberger was announcing, ugh! those were the worst! Especially if he was announcing the A&M/Texas game, we’d ALWAYS listen to the radio then. We all know you’re a secret Texas fan, Brent, you’re not fooling me, that’s for sure. And it was a shock to see you announcing the Alabama/Texas game last season. Wow, didn’t see that one coming.
In most ways, being a November baby is pretty rockin’ if you ask me. The only bad thing about Novembers, you have to wait 11 months for another one to come around!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Getting a Divorce
No, no. I've never been married before. And I don't think I will anytime soon after what I've been through the last 3 days.
All through high school, I saw right through people. I knew who my true friends were and I knew who my "fake" friends were. I knew I wasn't going to marry the guys I dated and I knew before we broke up, that we were going to break up. My senior year was full of it's ups and its downs. I had really high ups and really down downs. One of my high ups came when I met this guy online that I had the same interests as me when it came to sports, which was nice because most of my girlfriends didn't "understand" the sport or they just didn't watch it. I mean I knew sports and I loved talking to this person about them.
As the months went on I realized I had some serious feelings for this person. And they got stronger and stronger the more we talked and the more we got to know each other.
Fast forward 4 years to now. All that was wiped off the board this weekend. The last 3 and a half years were like my senior year, its had its really high ups and its really down downs, but what does that matter when you lose the one person you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with? Honestly, I thought I was. Honestly, I knew I wasnt. I wanted things to be perfect so I did everything in my power to. I sacrificed friendships, jobs, school. I did a lot for him and then he has the nerve to make what happened between us MY fault. What's going to happen to us now?
I'm going on a mission trip to Ecuador today. I'm stepping on a plane to find out how poor I really am. The people there are genuine and real. Most of them don't have television or even a phone. No car or possibly any electricity. (Sometimes I wonder how people survived without those things.) What would I do if I didnt have a computer or a cell phone? or even electricity. How would I interact with the rest of the world? Would I have met this person that tore my heart apart like a pinata and let the pieces fall all over the ground?
Next question, who's going to come and pick me up off the ground?
All through high school, I saw right through people. I knew who my true friends were and I knew who my "fake" friends were. I knew I wasn't going to marry the guys I dated and I knew before we broke up, that we were going to break up. My senior year was full of it's ups and its downs. I had really high ups and really down downs. One of my high ups came when I met this guy online that I had the same interests as me when it came to sports, which was nice because most of my girlfriends didn't "understand" the sport or they just didn't watch it. I mean I knew sports and I loved talking to this person about them.
As the months went on I realized I had some serious feelings for this person. And they got stronger and stronger the more we talked and the more we got to know each other.
Fast forward 4 years to now. All that was wiped off the board this weekend. The last 3 and a half years were like my senior year, its had its really high ups and its really down downs, but what does that matter when you lose the one person you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with? Honestly, I thought I was. Honestly, I knew I wasnt. I wanted things to be perfect so I did everything in my power to. I sacrificed friendships, jobs, school. I did a lot for him and then he has the nerve to make what happened between us MY fault. What's going to happen to us now?
I'm going on a mission trip to Ecuador today. I'm stepping on a plane to find out how poor I really am. The people there are genuine and real. Most of them don't have television or even a phone. No car or possibly any electricity. (Sometimes I wonder how people survived without those things.) What would I do if I didnt have a computer or a cell phone? or even electricity. How would I interact with the rest of the world? Would I have met this person that tore my heart apart like a pinata and let the pieces fall all over the ground?
Next question, who's going to come and pick me up off the ground?
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