Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Odd.

TEN ODD THINGS ABOUT YOU

1.     Odd numbers are important to me, especially eleven. I'm constantly tweaking things so that they can add up to eleven.

2.     I have a thing about touching door handles with the tips of my fingers.

3.     I'm absolutely terrified of sharks. I can't even look at pictures of those things without shivering.

4.     Ever since I started taking ASL, I make elaborate hand gestures whenever I speak. This was already a little habit I had, but learning sign language increased this habit.

5.     I always tell people I'm shy, but I don't think I am anymore.

6.     I'm an insomniac. I'm often up half the night, not because I want to be, but because I cannot sleep. Sometimes it's wonderful. Sometimes it's difficult.

7.    The idea of being a mom someday seems too far away to be imagined.

8.     I don't like chocolate-flavored anything. But I do like chocolate bars.

9.     I'm an unusually fast typer: 140 words per minute. Not flooringly fast, but enough that I would consider this to be a little odd.

10.   I don't notice landmarks. Ever. I got lost on the Texas A&M campus nearly every day for the first three months of school. I still get lost there to this day, although not as frequently. Since returning home for the summer, I have yet to drive somewhere without getting turned around. It's like I have a blindspot when it comes to being fully aware my surroundings. I've even gotten lost in restaurants while trying to get back from the restroom. It's kind of sad, but it also makes for a lot of good laughs.


What are ten odd things about you?

Monday, May 28, 2012

One down, nine to go.

TEN THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE
1.     Publish a book.
2.     Receive a million views on my blog.
3.     Fall in love and get married.
4.     Visit every continent other than Antarctica.
5.     Visit at least seventy countries.
6.     Own a blue FJ Cruiser.
7.     Decorate the interior of my own home.
8.     Live in Africa for a year.
9.     Learn another language.
10.   Get a job with a humanitarian organization.


I crossed out the last one because I've actually done this! I am currently interning at Christian Relief Fund. However, I meant more career-wise, so we'll see what my future holds.


I'm nearly able to cross out number nine. By the end of next year, perhaps I will be able to more comfortably mark that off my bucket list. I've been learning American Sign Language. Although I'm able to easily carry on a conversation, I don't feel as if I am fluent yet. We'll see what happens after two more semesters.


What are ten things on your bucket list?

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ten Books

TEN BOOKS YOU ENJOY                                                
1.     "Captivating" by Josh and Stasi Eldredge
2.     "Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle
3.     "Peter Pan" by James Barrie
4.     "Thr3e" by Ted Dekker
5.     "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman
6.     "Havah" by Tosca Lee
7.     "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan
8.     "Blessed Child" by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright
9.     "Never Let Me Go" by Ishiguro
10.  "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis

What are ten books you enjoy? Feel free to share! I am looking for some new books for my reading list. 

Saturday, May 26, 2012

I'm a multi-tasker.

I'm actually currently in New York, so I actually wrote this list a few days ahead of time so I wouldn't have to worry about blogging while I was gone. I'll share photos and stories from my NYC experiences after I come home.

Meanwhile...
TEN THINGS YOU’RE DOING RIGHT NOW.

1.     Typing this list, obviously.

2.     Packing the last things into my suitcase for the big trip. I'm so excited, but it's after two in the morning and I have to get up at six. Yikes. I'll be able to sleep on the airplane though.

3.     I guess I'm not doing this right at this moment, but I just had to force Ali to go downstairs to bed because she fell asleep in my room again. She wouldn't wake up, so she started talking in her sleep saying, "Brush. Brush. Jump. Jump." over and over and over. It was funny. I took a video of Ali on my phone. Then I finally pulled her to her feet, but she was still asleep and wouldn't wake up. Ali ended up scooting on her heiney all the way downstairs while mumbling nonsensical words and occasionally saying, "I'm awake." I laughed.

4.     Setting out my clothes for tomorrow and hoping I'll remember to pack my toiletries I need for tomorrow morning. Do you pick out your clothes the night before? I do. My shoes, socks, jewelry, and everything.


5.     Putting on Carmex. This was much-needed.


6.     I'm listening to "Boston" by Augustana. I like this song.


7.     Praying about some problems in my life right now. Like my grandma breaking her hip. And some Impact problems that have come up. And school next semester. And life.


8.     Checking Facebook. Oh, look. Someone posted a picture of their baby. And you know what else? I miss my college friends, so I "stalk" them on Facebook. I look at their profile pictures to try to quell my homesickness for college. I'm ready to see my friends.


9.     Checking my nightly blogs. The president of Christian Relief Fund, Milton Jones, is currently in Haiti. I love his blog. It's so inspiring. Check it out here.


10.   I'm about to unplug my computer and stick it in its case. It has a long journey tomorrow. New York, here I come! 

Friday, May 25, 2012

The Little Things

TEN LITTLE THINGS YOU LOVE

1.     Going on walks late at night.
2.     Obscure coffee shops.
3.     Playing my ukulele.
4.     Listerene strips. I don't like gum, so I use these instead and they're wonderful.
5.     Cherry Coke. My favorite.
6.     Shoes. I have way too many shoes, but I love them.
7.     Being an Aggie.
8.     Pearls. Pearl jewelery is my absolute favorite.
9.     Disney movies. The animated ones. I didn't see a whole lot as a kid, so I've been catching up lately and I LOVE THEM.
10.   The color blue. Light blue. It's just the best.


What are ten little things you love?

Thursday, May 24, 2012

In this way, I am always the same.

I have a pretty steady routine. I'm a little OCD about things like getting ready in the morning and getting ready for bed at night. Most nights I get to bed pretty late because I'm out with friends until the wee morning hours. However, my nightly routine stays pretty much the same.

TEN THINGS YOU DO BEFORE YOU GO TO BED.
1.     Check my list of favorite websites. I use BlogLovin' to keep up with my favorite blogs and I check them all before I go to bed. I also check "I Waste So Much Time," Facebook, my email, and my blog. Sometimes I'll blog at this time of night. Sometimes I'm too tired.

2.     Take a shower. I must shower every night or I won't sleep.

3.     Brush my teeth and hair, get dressed, get a drink of water, put on Carmex and lotion, etc. The basic routine. (Only mine is in a certain order.)

4.     I read a few chapters of the Bible, usually following my One Year Bible plan on my Kindle Fire that I've been doing for 2012. If I have time, I'll open my favorite little camo Bible and read a book of the New Testament as well.

5.     Talk to Ali. Since we're best friends as well as sisters, we spend much of the day together. However, Ali usually comes up to my room around bedtime and sits on my bed while I clean or play an instrument. We'll talk... and talk... and talk. We never seem to run out of things to say. The other night we stayed up talking until six in the morning. Can you believe that?!

6.     Kiss my dogs goodnight. If it isn't too late, Jack and I will watch a TV show together.

7.     Make sure every light in my bedroom is turned off or covered, including any of my chargers and the clock in my room. In college, I would close my curtains, but I don't have curtains in my bedroom back home.

8.     In the same fashion, I make sure my room is at the right temperature. During the summer, I keep my room at 69 degrees (I sleep with a lot of blankets) and if it's winter, I like to keep things at about 73 degrees.

9.     Check Instagram, Words With Friends, the next day's weather, my blog, my latest texts, and my email on my phone.

10.   Turn off the sound on my phone. If I have to wake up early the next morning, I'll set an alarm. Then I plug it in so it can charge overnight.

What is your nightly routine like?

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I like these songs.

TEN SONGS YOU LIKE RIGHT NOW
1. "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson
2. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye and Kimbra
3. "We Are Young" by fun.
4. "Many the Miles" by Sara Bareilles
5. "Tyrant Kings" by NeedtoBreathe
6. "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman
7. "So Close" by Jon McLaughlin
8. "A Place Only You Can Go" by NeedtoBreathe
9. "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train
10. "One Thing Remains" by Kristian Stanfill


And an eleventh because I wanted to add another NeedtoBreathe song... "Drive All Night."


What are ten songs you like right now? (For real, share them below. I am looking for some new music!)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Ways you can win my heart.

Not all of these are serious or even requirements, but these are all little things that make me smile. :)


TEN WAYS TO WIN YOUR HEART 
1.     Love Jesus more than anything else.
2.     Play an instrument.
3.     Be respectful to your mom.
4.     Have a sense of innocence about you.
5.     Make me feel safe.
6.     Have a good taste in music.
7.     Have nice hair.
8.     Be capable of serious conversation.
9.     Like watching movies. Even Disney movies sometimes.
10.   Spend time with me.

Whether you're a guy or a girl, what are ten ways to win your heart?

Monday, May 21, 2012

I can't frat snap.

TEN THINGS YOU HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT TODAY

1.     I desperately want to return to Kenya, Africa sometime soon.

2.     Man, I really need to pack my suitcase for New York.

3.     I miss my college friends. Three months and I will see them again. (Hopefully I will see some of them in the middle of the summer.)

4.     I sure love spending the day with Ali and Rebecca. I love those girls.

5.     Why can't I frat snap?!

6.     Hey, "Captivating" just came in the mail. Should I read that or "Sherlock Holmes" over my New York trip? I can't decide.

7.     I need to go clothes shopping before I head to New York. All I own is t-shirts, jeans, and cargo shorts.

8.     My room is so messy from my boxes of stuff I haven't unpacked yet that it's embarrassing, even if no one is around to see it.
9.     I wish I had more time to blog these days. I miss it.

10.  Where is my umbrella? I heard it rains up north. (It doesn't rain much in the Texas Panhandle these days.) I should probably find that...

What has been on your mind?

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Quirky People

For the next ten days, I will share ten lists like the one below. I'll admit that I won't have worked for hours on them, but they're something... and after that, I will share a travel journal about my time in New York City. I'm excited about that one. It'll be the first thing I can cross off of my summer bucket list.

TEN THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF

1.     I am the loudest and proudest member of the fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2015. A-A-A-A-AAAAA!
2.     I am currently an intern at Christian Relief Fund.
3.     I have been to fourteen different countries and my future career will hopefully require me to visit many more.
4.     I like befriending quirky people. Probably because I'm a quirky person.
5.     Within the last year, I have changed from an introvert into an extrovert. That's what college does to people, I suppose.
6.     I'm absolutely terrified of dead bugs and sharks.
7.     Recently, I learned how to play the ukulele. It is my favorite instrument as of right now.
8.     I like to keep busy. Sometimes I leave early in the morning and don't get home until after midnight, but I like it that way.
9.     My #1 love language is quality time. #2 is words of affirmation. My last one is physical touch (and that also happens to be Ali's first).
10.   I am an insomniac.

What are ten facts about you?

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

My Summer Bucket List

UPDATED ON MAY 17

This is my summer bucket list.

Hopefully, by the end of this summer, I will have accomplished every single one of these things.  As I complete each item on my list, I'd like to make a blog post about it, sharing what I've learned and experienced.  I may change the list up a bit and add a few things as time goes by, but here's what I've got for now.

Emily's 2012 Summer Bucket List
  1. Read all books in summer reading list
  2. Go to New York
  3. Go on a road trip
  4. Cook one meal a week (for at least one month)
  5. Work out at least three days a week
  6. Learn how to ride a bike
  7. Take a blogging hiatus for a month
  8. Cut someone's hair
  9. Record at least three songs for my YouTube channel
  10. Read textbooks for next semester's classes
  11. Make crafts for my future house
  12. Write a song
  13. Make homemade ice cream
  14. Have a paint or shaving cream fight
  15. See at least three movies in theaters
  16. Learn to play five songs on the ukulele
  17. Attend Impact Retreat
  18. Wash my hair in olive oil and honey mixture
  19. Get a mani/pedi
  20. Play a prank
  21. Learn to tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue
  22. Learn to frat snap
  23. Go camping
  24. Pray over a stranger
  25. Write a letter every day for a month (still considering this one)
  26. Make "fairies in a jar"
  27. Purchase polaroid camera 
  28. Wear every shirt in my closet at least once or get rid of it 
  29. Make a new friend
  30. Paint a dish for my house next semester
  31. Have a blog giveaway
  32. Become a decent ping pong player
  33. Have a photoshoot

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Explanation

I know it's been a long time since I've last blogged anything.  Several people have pointed it out, including my family.  I'm sorry it's been so long.  The only excuse I can give is: I'm just so busy.  With college, moving ten hours away, starting work as an intern at Christian Relief Fund, and dealing with some trials in my family and hometown over the last couple of weeks, there has barely been time to breathe.

And now that I'm back home, I'll hopefully have a little more time to write.  I actually have several things in mind.  Writer's block isn't the issue.  The issue is managing to be at my computer for more than ten minutes straight in a single day.

Tomorrow I will post something I've been meticulously working on for the last few weeks.  It's my summer bucket list.  This will be a huge inspiration for blog posts because I'd like to blog about each accomplishment as I check it off my list.  I'll share more about it then.

For now, have a good day.  My summer bucket list will be posted tomorrow at midnight, so keep an eye out. 

And if you wouldn't mind praying for me over the next week or so, that would be great.  Life hasn't been easy lately.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Tatters

Something I wrote tonight when my mind was too tired to study any longer.


Tatters

I lay my heart at Your feet.
There isn't much to share.
What I have is fragile, marred,
My every secret bared.
You cradle my crumpled heart
Without a taste of scorn.
You wipe my slate like new again.
I quiet in Your warmth.
Like a lamb, I totter near,
Then leap into Your arms.
You're gentle, tender, peaceful,
A shelter from the storms.
I cannot help but stand in awe
Of the love within Your gaze.
I placed my tatters at Your feet.
You renewed me with Your grace.

5-6-12

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Just tired.

Hi friends,

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written.  Please be patient with me.  I'm exhausted. 

It's finals week.  I've had five finals.  Three down, two to go.  Other than bedtime, I haven't been home for more than fifteen minutes at a time... for the last three or four days. 

I'd appreciate your prayers for my final on Monday.  It's for my hardest class, math, and I desperately need to make a good grade on the test.  I've studied and studied and studied until early morning hours every single day for the last several days.

Hopefully this studying will come in handy.

I'll write something more soon. 

I've been working on my summer bucket list as well.  It's basically a list of goals I have to accomplish over the summer, like some DIY things for my future house next semester, writing projects, new skills to learn, and etc.  As I accomplish these things, I will share them with you as well.

Do you have a summer bucket list?

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

College Q&A Day (Part 2)

What if I have a hard time fitting in and making friends?

It's normal to wonder if you'll fit in and make friends, but remember: if you smile and you're kind to those around you, you'll find friends!  There are lots and lots of students attending your university.   Whether it's smaller or huge like mine, out of everyone who attends your school, you'll relate to someone. 

I was terrified I wouldn't find a Christian group of friends at a big public school like Texas A&M.  I'm naturally a little shy, so it can be difficult sometimes for me to immerse myself into a new group of friends.  If you're the same way, the best advice I can give you is to prepare yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.  Be bold, even when it scares you.  The best way to make friends is to talk to people.  Be friendly.  Smile at everyone.  Sit with new people at lunch.  Invite acquaintances to hang out.  Initiate friendships and they'll come naturally.

At the beginning of your freshman year, everyone else is just as eager to make friends as you are.  I know it's hard not to worry about making friends in college, but just trust me.  They're there.  You'll make friends.  People will like you.

Start to pray for your future friend group right now, before college even begins.  Ask that the Lord will bring great Christian accountability and encouragement into your life.  

How did it go with applying to your university?

I applied to Hardin-Simmons University, Texas A&M University, Houston Baptist University, and Baylor University.  The application process varies for each school.  Usually you have to send in your official transcript, write a few essays, and answer some questions.

I recommend that you apply for more than only your dream school, just in case you aren't accepted.  And even if you do have the blessing of being admitted into everything you applied for, like I did, it's nice to have several different schools to choose from.  You don't want to be stuck going to one place until you're eligible for transfer. 

Was the admission process overwhelming?

It is a little overwhelming at times.  The long waits are the most difficult.  After you finish submitting your application, all you can do is wait... sometimes for a few silent, agonizing months where you don't hear anything from the school you want to attend.  That was probably the most stressful part for me.  I tend to be impatient, so I hated that long wait.

And occasionally there will be mistakes in the admission process.  There were in mine with Texas A&M that took a while to fix.  These were pretty overwhelming at times, but it worked out.

Although the admission process can be frustrating at times, remember that it will all turn out okay.  God's in control.  Don't spend too much time worrying about what's going to happen. 

Was it scary being away from friends and family?

At first, it definitely was!  A few days ago, my friends and I were talking about our freshman experience.  Someone mentioned "that moment" when you finally say goodbye to your parents and they leave you alone and it hits you that you're by yourself in an unfamiliar place with no one you know nearby.  And it's hard.  It's frightening.

After the shock of being left at college wore off, my fears faded quickly.  It took a few weeks before my homesickness waned, but it only took a matter of days before I wasn't scared anymore.  I made my first few friends within the first two days of moving into my dorm.  Having someone you know makes college life a lot less daunting. 

Ultimately, living independently isn't scary.  It's liberating.  While I am living away from my family and some of my friends, I don't live away from my friends anymore.  I've made great friends here, all around me.  I'm not alone.  College life isn't nearly as scary when you don't feel alone, so as soon as you begin to make close friends, you'll begin to feel much more comfortable.

And while you're in that rough transition period when you're feeling a little lost and lonely, take the step to place your trust entirely in the Lord.  This was one of the biggest growth moments in my relationship with Him this last year.  When you're feeling absolutely alone and friendless in a strange place, He is still there.  He won't leave you alone.  He is enough.  Rely on Him.  I love Psalm 68:19-20, which says, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.  Our God is a God who saves."

Is it hard to find your way into college life?

This depends on you.  Make the step to get involved right away, even if you're feeling homesick and you don't want to get out and have fun.  Climb out of your comfort zone.  Try to get involved in the college life within the first week or two of college.

Sometimes you'll need to sacrifice things like a little alone time (you'll only focus on your homesickness during that time anyways) and a good night's sleep in order to fully immerse yourself into the college life.  Most organizations, including Bible studies, tend to meet at night.  A lot of great talks and intentional bonding time happens at late-night coffee stops and trips to Whataburger.  Be ready to put an effort into your friendships and you'll make close friends quickly.  (Although remember not to compromise your standards and your values out of a desperation to make friends.  Seek out friends who strive to glorify Christ with their actions and words.  They won't pressure you to make reckless decisions.)  

It took a full semester for me to get involved in great organizations in college, but that was largely because I picked them apart first semester.  Nothing was good enough for me.  I wanted the perfect organization.  I wanted best friends right away.  That's not going to happen, no matter what school you attend.  Search for a great group of Christian students who are loving and kind and spend time with them.  It may take a little while for you to become "best friends."  If you know any upperclassmen who are involved in the Christian community at your university, ask them for recommendations about organizations for you to consider joining.

Incoming freshmen to Texas A&M, email me and I'll be happy to give you some recommendations of Christian organizations you can attend. 

-----------

Thanks for your questions!  I will be having at least one more College Q&A Day over the next week or two to finish answering your questions.  If there is a question you have about college life, the admission process, how to get involved in the Christian community at your college, or etc., please don't hesitate to ask in the comments below.  Others are probably wondering the same thing. 

Have a great day!