V: Vacations

I've been given the opportunity to travel a lot in my short lifetime.  I've visited several different countries.  One of the most memorable was when I toured Europe as a twelve-year-old without any parents along.  Fun, fun.  My favorite traveling experience ever was when I went to Kenya, Africa, but I wouldn't call that a vacation.  My best relaxation vacation was probably this summer when I went on the cruise, but I already journaled that on this blog.  I considered sharing some pictures and memories from when I went to London, England with my family, but decided against it because I wasn't really the photographer of that trip like I am now.

I thought I'd share a few pictures from when I went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico with my family the summer before I started high school. 

This was the first time in my life I was starting to gain confidence in my appearance.  I had just grown out my bangs and was wearing makeup (a tiny bit of mascara) for the first time in my life.  So in the June, 2007 album on my computer, there are a lot of strange pictures of myself with statues and paintings in Mexico.

Some were kind of neat.

Others were... odd.  Let's just leave it at that.

I also took some strange pictures with my siblings.  We enjoyed the many weird statues placed all over our resort.

When we were exploring the little village near our resort, a lady braided my hair, as you can see in the picture above.  At first, I was so excited.  Once she started braiding, my excitement faded.  It HURT.  She pulled my hair back so tightly that I was squeezing the life out of the armrests of the chair to keep from smacking her hands away.  And my head was sore for days.  I actually had to take Advil that night because it hurt to lay my head on my pillow!  Ugh, I will never do that again. 

But if I could get the chance to have another of those woven things around a lock of my hair, I would do that again.  I kept that thing in for weeks.  The picture below is strange (I used to think it was so cool), but you can get a better glimpse of what was in my hair.

I did some pretty neat things during the trip, one of which I'll share on the sixteenth (X-Treme Day).  I went swimming with dolphins, which was actually quite a brave thing for me to do, considering the fact that I'm terrified of being in the water with any sort of fish.  Yes, dolphins scare me.  Badly.  Sad, I know, but it's true.

The dolphins were very cute and sweet, but they scared me, especially when one pushed me up by my feet and lunged me into the air.  Swimming with dolphins was one experience I got to check off my "dunnit" list, but that I won't be doing again anytime soon.

I went scuba diving... in a pool, but hey, I still did it.  A funny Australian guy taught me and my grandpa how to scuba.  It was fun to swim all around the lazy river in my big goggles and heavy air tank.  I loved sharing that moment with my grandpa.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the beauty of everything around me.  The resort was stunningly beautiful.  I loved the flowers and palm trees and even the architecture.  The staff was very friendly.  In the main pool, there was an underwater bar.  You had to swim through the pool in order to get there and even the bar stools were underwater.  For the non-drinkers and youngsters, there were plenty of virgin drinks to choose from. 

It was a great vacation.  I would most definitely do something like that again.

It's hard to believe that this was more than four years ago.  Wow.  Time goes by so fast. 

We made some great memories on our Mexico vacation.  I loved Xel Ha and the pool and the Cliff of Courage.  I loved taking family pictures on the beach.  I loved eating nice dinners and spending time with my family.  Sometimes it's so nice to be pampered.

What's one of your favorite vacations?

Instead of the blogging challenge, which I'll resume tomorrow, today I'm going to share some important prayer requests.  While you're reading this, I am at Impact camp at Texas A&M.  Impact is a short camp for Christian freshmen who are attending A&M.  I'm writing this ahead of time and I'm very nervous about the camp.  I'm not an outdoorsy person and I'm most definitely not an outgoing person.  I'll be in a strange place surrounded by strangers, sharing a room with at least one person I don't know.  A little out of my element, which can be good for me at times.

Anyways, I could really use your prayers right now.

1.) Please pray that Impact will be everything it needs to be for me.  Pray that I will be able to overcome my shyness and make wonderful Christian friends who will make starting college so much easier and who will hold to the same standards that I do.  Also please pray that my insomnia won't take over and I'll be able to sleep at night.

2.) Travel prayers would be very nice as well.  I will be traveling to and from A&M (which is ten hours away from my house) a few times this month. 

3.) Please pray that my transition to college will go as smoothly as possible.  Pray for my homesickness to be minimal, that I'll be able to overcome my fears, and that I'll be able to make friends.

4.) I'd also appreciate any prayers regarding my classes.  I'm nervous about a few of my classes (College Algebra and Government, to be specific).  I know I have the ability to pass them with A's if I try hard enough, but please pray that God will give me the strength, memory, and perserverence to make good grades this semester.

5.) I really need to find a good church and Bible study group.  I'll be visiting a lot of churches over the next few months and I'd really like to find one that will help me grow in my faith.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers.  They are so important me, especially during this crazy time of my life.  If you have a prayer request (or more than one!), feel free to leave it in the comments.  I will gladly pray for you too. 

T: Take a Typing Test

Typing has been a competition between my dad and me for as long as I can remember.  My dad won state in typing when he was in high school, so there has been a bit of joking pressure on me to make sure I typed at least as fast as he did.  After all, I was the daughter of an "expert."  ;)

My dad gave me a program called "Jump Start Typing" when I was in the third grade.  As part of my home-schooling, I would repeat the typing exercises over and over again, writing and re-writing short words, phrases, and then sentences.  Those exercises and typing out my little stories were what taught me to type rather than finger-peck.  Since I now love to blog, I'm very grateful that my dad always emphasized typing and using the computer.

I went ahead and took a typing test on this site.  It was the second place that popped up on Google.  I did make eight mistakes out of seventy-five, so something should probably be deducted out of the speed.

I may be a fast typer, but I am HORRIBLE at other computer-type things.  I'm not kidding.  I don't know any html or other codes (I don't even know if I'm talking about them in the right way).  I had to get help to even put the two ads on this blog.  My dad had to sit down with me and patiently teach me how to use Finder, iPhoto, and NeoOffice when I switched over to a Mac.  When I get completely lost (which happens quite often), then Google is my best friend.  I seriously Google basic computer questions a few times a week.

When it comes to anything involving a computer, sometimes I feel like I have a mental block.  I just don't get it.  One day, I need to take a class that will teach me some basic computer knowledge.  I mean, fast typing has come in handy.  Surely information about how to work a computer would be helpful as well.

Funny that blogging is one of my favorite things to do and yet I'm not very good at working a computer.

Are you computer-savvy or are you computer-illiterate like I practically am?

S: Smile

Here are five things that make me smile. :)

1.) I smile when my puppy, Jack, does something cute.  Like learn a new trick or spend hours playing the "hide squeaky ball in rolled-up blanket" game.

2.) Writing makes me smile.  I love when inspiration fills my thoughts like water pouring into a cup.  Even when my writing isn't at its best, I still love to write.  It will always make me smile.

3.) Babies make me smile.  It's kind of funny, since I'm not very good with them.  I'm always nervous about holding them the right way or keeping them happy.  I'd much rather watch them from a distance.  But whenever I see a baby, it will always bring a smile to my face.

4.) When one of my favorite songs comes on, I always smile.  Any old Disney or Veggie Tales song, any Elvis song, and then there are other favorites, like "I'm Yours" and "Think Good Thoughts."  Certain songs always bring a smile to my face.  I love music.  I think it will always bring joy to my heart, even if the song is sad.

5.) I smile because of what God has done in my life.  My blog is titled "Emily is Smiling," after all.  It's so important to me to have joy because I've been without joy before.  Without the Lord's presence, I would be nothing.  His footprints all around me are what give me hope and continue to bring a smile to my face.  Some days are definitely better than others, but I can always find a reason for joy, no matter where I look.

Of course, there are so many other things that make me smile, like sunshine and friends and rain.  I merely wrote down the first five things that popped into my head.

What makes you smile?

Yes, a lot of special people in my life have birthdays this week.  It just makes everything more exciting. :)

Today is my lovely friend Rebekah's birthday. 

Rebekah, I just love you so much.  Every time I think about you, a big smile comes to my face.  You're a wonderful friend.  Do you remember the first time we met?  You'd just moved in to the house next door.  You and Rachel knocked on my front door and asked if I wanted to play.  We spent the next couple of hours chatting nervously while swinging on the tiny swingset in my backyard.  After that, our lives were never the same, whether we were playing Hypnotized Kitties or the Pitbull Game, writing "The Best Friend Mysteries," running from tornados/leaf blowers in the park, selling bracelets to bearded motorcyclists, or making shoebox houses for our many Polly Pockets.

I literally cannot imagine what my life would be like without you... and I don't want to!  Whenever I'm feeling lonely or sad, you are always there for me.  I love you so much.  You have encouraged me through everything.  I love making memories with you.  I love playing in the rain, watching "Lost," pranking Mub, talking about boys, and making hilarious videos.  I love getting Ali to sleep talk and secretly capturing her antics on camera.  I love spending time with YOU, Rebekah.  You are amazing.

We've been friends since we were seven.  I know we'll be friends for the rest of our lives.  I cannot wait to see how far the Lord takes you in life because I can already see that He has huge plans for you!  I cannot wait to see how we grow in our friendship as well.  You're so special and so beautiful, both inside and out.

Happy birthday, my love!

Lately I've been cleaning out my room since I'm moving out.  I keep all of my letters in a scrapbook, although some I've found recently in my drawers and window seats and will have to add in later.  In one of my drawers, I found a letter addressed to me.  It said: Do not open until October 14, 2007.  The letter was from someone I haven't talked to in a long time.  Well, it's a bit later than 2007, but I decided to read it anyways. 

The letter said:

Dearest Emily,

I trust you not to open this letter before the written date. ;)

There are lots of things we can talk about now, in the future.  How old are you, fifteen?  By how?  Do you still write books?  Poems?  Do you own a rat?  Does "modeling" ring a bell?

Do you have a boyfriend, a crush?  Do you still go to _______ (my high school)?  These may be strange Q's, but by the time you read this 2 YEARS will have passed.  You'll be in high school!

There are always new adventures around every corner!

The letter made me smile.  It was apparently written in 2005, so I was thirteen years old at the time.  It shook me up a little to go back to that time in my life.  I was so different back then.  Everything was so different back then.  I have regrets, sorrows, triumphs, and a new perspective.  What's sad is the fact that I don't even remember the specific situation surrounding this letter.

Funny how so many things change as time passes.

Funny how everything is about to change.

Today is my little brother's birthday.  Luke is turning twelve, which I can't quite get my head around.  I still see him as a little boy, but he's about to start middle school.  It's crazy.

I have so many funny stories from my little brother's life.  Like the time when he saw a jackrabbit on the side of the road and screamed, "Awww, look!  A baby kangaroo!"  Or the time when we heard him singing "Blessed Be the Name," except he was singing "Recipe the Name" instead.  (And of course there was the time when he legitimately thought "He Calls Me Friend" by Phillips, Craig, and Dean was "He Calls Me Fred," but that's another story.)

In honor of Luke's birthday, I thought I'd share a few cute memories in photograph-form.

I was actually babysitting Luke with a friend at the time.  We were painting my sister's toenails in the bathroom.  Luke was standing on a little stepstool, examining himself in the mirror.  This wasn't out of the ordinary, since he was very, very self-conscious and "metrosexual" at the time.  (He was four years old.)  He was very concerned about the way he styled his hair, the way he dressed, and the way he smelled.  Axe cologne was his thing. 

Meanwhile, Luke had filled the bathroom sink with warm water and was running his wet hands through his hair over and over again, creating little spikes all over his head.  He often did this with gel, so I thought nothing of it at the time.  There happened to be a pair of scissors on the other end of the counter, but they weren't THAT nearby, so I didn't pay attention to those either. 

I was painting one of the last of Amy's toenails hot pink when I heard a gasp.  My friend was staring at Luke, who had just taken the scissors and cut his bangs to the scalp.  He'd thought they were too long and apparently he was too impatient to wait until the next time Mom took him to get his hair cut.  Immediately after he finished, Luke burst into tears and said, "I don't like it!"

The picture you see above is after our parents got home.  Luke's bangs were so short that my friend's mom (our neighbor at the time) had to come over with a razor and almost entirely shave his head.  And even THEN, there was an area towards the front of his head that was shorter than all the rest.  To make it even, he would have had to go bald.  (Mom didn't want people mistaking him for a cancer patient.)  Luke was inconsolable for quite a while, begging her not to shave off his hair, until I convinced him that once he was bald, we could dye his head purple and then he'd look like Buzz Lightyear.  He was okay after that.  No joke.

Another funny memory is from back in the day when it was normal to take a bath with the door wide open.  I often shared a bubble bath with my little sister, and it was common for my mom to walk in and out, checking to see if we were okay.  One day, Luke was incredibly jealous that we got to take a bubble bath and he didn't.  He was still very young, but he was quite determined.  He came in, watching us with wonder as Amy and I played with our bath toys.  And then he used all of his toddler strength to climb over the slippery edge of the tub and plop right down into the water, clothes and all.  So that night, Luke did get a bubble bath after all.

And of course there will be the memories of dressing Luke up as a girl many, many, many times.  If you're a big sister and you've never dressed your little brother up in your mother's dress, then you need to start right now (even if he's an adult).

And then of course there are the times when Mom would let Luke say goodnight to me and Amy, back when we lived in our old house and shared a bedroom.  Mom would carefully place Luke up on the top bunk where I slept.  He'd crawl on me and give me a slobbery baby-kiss while I tried to hide like a normal big sister might.

Occasionally, I would be a good big sister and more willingly kiss Luke goodnight.

Happy birthday, Luke.  I'm so proud of the young man you're becoming.

Today marks a special day in my life. 

Two years ago, I was a counselor at Angel Tree Camp, an annual four-day-long camp for kids who have incarcerated family members.  This was my third year to be a counselor.  Being with the kids always taught me so much.  Many of them had been physically and sexually abused.  They all lived with so many doubts, fears, and insecurities.  The girls would ask me things that left my head spinning, like, "We actually get THREE meals a day here?!"  Eleven girls were in my cabin that year, from my city, and they'd been through so much more than I could ever imagine.

I'd just gotten back from Kenya, Africa the month before, so my heart was nearly bursting with passion for the mission field and ending poverty.  While these girls faced different struggles than the kids in Africa did, their trials and hardships were still very real and very painful. 

Each night we would go to a big meeting where the camp pastor would speak about God's love and forgiveness and faith.  One night we put floating crosses in a lake and had each camper light a candle representing someone who had hurt them in the past.  When they placed the lit candle on one of the crosses, they were expressing their forgiveness for that person.  The exercise was filled with tearful embraces, painful memories, and a lot of prayers. 

On one of the last nights of the camp, after a beautiful prayer walk that lasted much longer than expected, the pastor asked if anyone wanted to be baptized.  This was a spur of the moment decision.  We all sat or stood around the camp's swimming pool, several kids dangling their legs in the still water.  It was about 11:00 at night.  Most of the kids hesitated.  Since nearly all of them lived in the same area of town, they went to the same schools and lived on nearby blocks.  They were all peers.  Everyone was watching.  Peer pressure can be tough on a child who is already insecure. 

I immediately felt a tug on my heart from the Lord.  Be an example.  It's time for you to be baptized.  After such a God-filled summer, baptism seemed like the perfect way to declare my commitment for the Lord.  But... I was a counselor, not a camper.  Despite my mental protests, the tug on my heart wouldn't stop. 

Several of my girls had given their hearts to the Lord throughout the week.  I could see them hesitating just like I was.  It's a frightening moment to step in front of hundreds of your peers and be baptized.  After a few agonizing moments, I decided to obey the Lord.  My voice wobbled as I spoke to one of my best friends' mom, who was the music leader at the camp.  "I need to be baptized."

"You haven't been baptized?" she asked, sounding a bit surprised.

I shook my head no.  "This is something I need to do."

Still dressed in a pair of denim capris and a t-shirt, wearing glow-in-the-dark jewelry, I stepped into the cold water and embraced my pastor.  When I remember that moment, it feels hazy and far away.  I know I felt God all around me.  My heart was pounding a million miles a minute.  Tears were streaming down my cheeks.  I remember torch light bouncing off the water.  My pastor said a few sweet words about me and then he baptized me before the entire camp.

I remember emerging from the water, hearing the cheers of my friends and kids.  I remember being wrapped in a towel and shivering violently in the cool night air.  My girls practically tackle-hugged me when I returned to the edge of the pool where they sat.  Several of my best friends, who were also camp counselors, tearfully embraced me.  It was such a special, special moment. 

Probably thirty campers were baptized that night and a few counselors as well.

I'm so glad I obeyed God's whisper in my heart.  I will never forget that night.

August 2 will always be a special day in my life because it was the day I was baptized.

What's your story?

Today is the beautiful Ali's nineteenth birthday.  Wow, I cannot believe we're getting to be this old.

I wonder, Ali, how long it will take you to notice this little birthday note. ;)

Ali, you are such a special person in my life.  I'm so glad to have been able to spend this year with you.  I never thought it would be possible to grow as close to a friend as we have.  While you will always be my friend, you have also truly become my sister.  No matter how much distance is put between us, you are family to me.  I'm so glad for the memories we've shared, even the ones that were hard.  It's amazing to see how Christ has worked in our lives, isn't it? 

I don't think I've ever stayed up all night without realizing more than I have with you.  We do that at least once a week, haha. ;)   How can we even find things to talk about for nine hours straight? 

You have been such a light to my family.  We all love you so much.  God has blessed me with our relationship.  I don't know where I would be without you, silly moments and all.  No matter where life takes us, I know we will ALWAYS be there for each other.  Not many other relationships have that ability, but ours does.  Thank you for being my sister, Ali. 

I love you, weirdo. :)  Happy birthday.

R: Reading

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read.  I started reading at a very early age.  In fact, my parents would often have me read aloud in front of their friends to "show off."  I'm sure many parents do this... especially with their first child, which I am.  And then there were also the times when Dad taught me the answers to complicated math problems when I was a toddler and then would take me out to dinner with his friends and convince them I was some sort of math genius.  Funny that I turned out to be so untalented at that particular subject.

I started out reading hundreds and hundreds of Looney Tunes comic books when I was about four.  They were my dad's old childhood comics and I devoured them like crazy.  I thought they were so funny.  They were probably what gave me my first love for reading.  I also loved Calvin and Hobbes, even though I didn't always get the jokes as a little girl.  I actually had to get glasses when I was around six or so because the doctor said I read so much! 

By the time I was nine or ten, I would typically read a several hundred page book in an afternoon.  I took books everywhere, reading in restaurants and in the car and in church before the service.  I loved going to the library and checking out more than twenty books at a time.  I remember that at first, they tried to convince me not to get so many for fear I wouldn't be able to finish them all... but after a couple of times, they would just laugh and wave me off.  I'm a naturally fast reader, but these days I tend to force myself to read slowly, repeating a page two or three times so I won't devour the book so quickly, especially if it's something I've been waiting to read for a long time!  I want to savor every word.

While I still love to read, I don't read as much anymore.  I often take my Kindle out with me and manage to squeeze in snippets of classic books here and there, but when I'm at home with time to spare, I usually choose to write instead.  When I do decide to sit down and read, unless the book totally captures my attention (and I'm pretty picky. Not many do.), it'll take me quite a while to finish it because I'll become bored or impatient and do something else instead.

My reading list has been piling up over the last few weeks.  I've ordered several books that I can't wait to begin, but it will take me a while to find the time to read them all.  Here's the pile in my room:

"A Stolen Life" by Jaycee Lee Dugard

"Peter Pan" by J. M. Barrie (I actually have read this multiple times, but it's one of my very favorites, so I ordered this special illustrated version the other night.)

"The Gospel According to Lost" by Chris Seay

"Genesis" by Ted Dekker (never published)

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

All of the "Harry Potter" books by J.K. Rowling

And then of course there is the big list of books I'd like to re-read for the fun of it, but those are further down on the list of my priorities.

A book I recently finished is "Forbidden" by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee.  I received a signed copy of "Forbidden" in early June, much to my delight.  When I first discovered that Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee would co-author a tirlogy, I almost had a heart attack.  My two favorite authors writing three books together.  So exciting.  "Forbidden" will be released on September 13, 2011, so stay tuned.  It is phenomenal.  You can pre-order the book right here and I highly recommend you do.

Later today or tomorrow morning I'll post an actual review of "Forbidden." 

What are some of your favorite books?

Today is part two of the Q&A day on my alphabet blogging challenge.  Because I have the best readers ever who asked lots and lots of questions, I decided to split Q&A day into two days to make the huge blocks of information less overwhelming.  Again, thanks so much for all of your questions.  It means a lot to me that you took the time to ask them.  I answered every question I received before July 29, so if your question wasn't answered here, it should be answered in Q&A Day (Part ONE).

16.) What's the craziest thing you could ever do for God?

- I think once I would have said that the craziest thing I could do for Him would be to die as a martyr, but I don't think so anymore.  Of course that is something I would be willing to do, but it isn't the craziest.  I think the craziest thing I would be willing to do is to give my entire life to Him.  Not just give my life, but give the moments I'm alive as well. 

I want to be willing to make sacrifices that seem insane to everybody else.  I want to be able to abandon everything for Him, spend hours with Him, and become more like Him.  John the Baptist, Moses, Paul, Francis of Assisi... all of those guys seemed a little crazy, right?  I want to be able to be crazy for God like that.  To give everything I have to be who He wants me to be.

17.) I was wondering, how do you get so many people to read your blog? I mean, obviously you don't know everybody who reads your blog (like me) but how do you get them to start reading it?

- I'll admit it's been surprising how many people have read my blog.  I first started out thinking that nobody would care to read what I have to say, but in the last fourteen months, I've gotten more than  420,000 views.  I'm so thankful I have this blog as an outlet to share my heart, my thoughts, and my writing.  I want to blog for the rest of my life now.

I'm not exactly sure how I've gotten so many people to read my blog.  It's really up to whether people like what you have to say, I suppose.  Write about things that you would want to read if you were a visitor to your blog.  Always be honest.  Use proper spelling and grammar whenever possible.  Use paragraphs.  Write frequently (like every day or at least three times a week).  If you want to advertise your blog on Facebook and Twitter, go ahead.  I haven't done much advertising.  I should probably advertise more than I do, in fact.  If you write something that others like, then they'll share your blog with their friends and they'll be sure to come back and read more.

I think one very important thing is whether or not you write for the views.  I don't write for the views.  Although I love it when people read and comment on what I have to say, that isn't why I write.  I think if I started advertising on here all the time and sounding desperate for views and followers, it would start to become annoying and even affect the quality of what I have to say.  I started out with two or three views a day... sometimes no views at all.  At times, I've gotten up to 6,000 views a day.  Lately I've been getting about 300 or so views a day.  But how much do views really matter? 

Just write from your heart.  It might take a while, but people will want to read what you have to say as you continue to mature in your writing and slowly gain some regular readers.

18.) What do you think will be the hardest thing about leaving home for college?

- The hardest thing about leaving home for college will definitely be leaving my family and friends.  I spend a lot of time with my family.  My mom and I go shopping together, eat lunch together, and watch movies (and Lost) together almost every single day, so it's going to be strange not to spend a lot of time with her.  My grandparents and I are also very close, so it's going to be hard only seeing them once every month or two. 

I know teens hang out with friends a lot, but my friend situation is different than most.  Because Ali has been living at my home and the homes of two other friends throughout the year, our three families have kind of turned into one big family.  For holidays and birthdays, our three families usually get together.  It's been so special to grow even closer to my best friends.  We've all become family to each other.  I literally spend time with my friends every single day, whether it's at family functions or just hanging out.

I'm sure every new college student has to face the stress of making a brand new group of friends and living on their own. I expect that it will be very hard for me to have to start over after making such close friends as I have right now.  I don't know anyone who has a better group of friends than I do.  We are so close knit that we literally call each other family.  It's so special.  So that's what will be hardest for me.  Leaving the ones I love.  After all, I'll be moving ten hours away.  Thankfully, one of my best friends will be going to A&M with me, so we'll be able to spend some time with each other throughout the year.  Praise God!

19.) How are you dealing with the drought?  What kinds of rules/laws are put in place because of it, and how are you adapting?

- The drought has been very difficult on my family since our well is going dry.  We're having to use water bottles and jugs of water for everything.  The water that we have left is a sandy-brown color and unusable.  It's also been difficult because of the fire warnings.  Several houses have burned down in my city this summer because of fires.  It's a scary thought to know that one spark could wipe out our entire area.

The biggest law right now is that no fireworks are allowed anywhere near our county.  This was so sad since 4th of July is my favorite holiday.  However, fireworks are a luxury, so while I was disappointed that we didn't get our annual display out at my house, it wasn't that big of a deal.  Our city is considering setting up a water ration.  This would mean that each home would no longer be able to water their lawns and could only use a certain amount of water a day.  This actually would not affect my family whatsoever because my family doesn't use city water.  We have our own pitiful well.

20.) If you could have lunch with any person, dead or alive, who would you eat with?

- This is easy.  Elvis Presley!  I have a bit of a crush on him and I would love to eat a meal with him.  If I was lucky, we'd fall in love and get married the next day. ;)  Actually, I'd love to ask him some questions about his faith and his music.  If not Elvis, my second choice would be Michael Jackson.  After him would be Ted Dekker, my favorite author.

21.) Who inspires you?

- People who outshine their disabilities inspire me so much.  If I ever decide to have kids and make a family, I would seriously consider adopting a child with a physical disability (like an amputee).  I don't know why, but whenever I hear stories about amputees who are so positive and so inspirational and determined, tears come to my eyes.  I believe God puts every one of us here for a reason, disabled or not. 

People who have joy despite terrible circumstances also inspire me.  Seeing the children in Kenya who loved life and who loved Jesus even though they had nothing changed my life forever.  It was amazing to me that joy could be found in such a desolate place.  Pure joy is such a rare and special thing.  I believe I found it many times in the hearts of those living in Africa.

22.) What is your favorite verse?

- I talk about my favorite verse a lot on this blog.  It's Psalm 77:19, which says, "Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen."  It means so much to me because it got me through a particularly difficult time when I felt like I was drowning in a sea of pain.  I couldn't find God's presence anywhere, but His footprints was still there.  He was still working in my life, even when I couldn't find Him.

23.) What has been the best piece of advice you have ever heard?

- I really like this question.  During a tough time in my life, a sweet lady named Tanya Gordon befriended me and mentored me for several months.  She helped me and encouraged me in so many ways.  In fact, I'm not sure where I would be in my faith right now if it wasn't for her friendship.  It was also her idea to put my story of overcoming cutting and depression onto paper to inspire others.  Anyways, one of the best pieces of advice she gave me during this time was that the depth of my valleys indicated the height of the mountains in my life later on.  Perhaps I was struggling because I was being tested for greater things.  I'd never heard that before and it touched me so much.  In fact, I've said that same thing to several others who are struggling because I believe it's true.  So thanks, Tanya.  Your advice meant more to me than you will ever know.

24.) What are you most nervous about with regards to leaving for college?

- I almost blended this with #18 above, but the questions are a bit different, so I decided to answer them separately.  While the hardest thing for me will be leaving my friends and family, I don't know if that is what makes me the most nervous.  I think I'm the most nervous about becoming an adult and living on my own.  I'm not independent yet. 

My car was hit today by someone pulling into a parking spot while I was inside eating lunch.  Even though it wasn't that big of a deal and I couldn't have done anything about it, I felt panicky and unsure of myself until my mom took over and told me what to do.  I may be eighteen, but I still feel like a child in a lot of ways.  Moving ten hours away from my parents and living on my own scares me quite a bit.  However, I know it's time for me to grow up.  This is something that needs to happen.

25.) Is there any way for you to make your website be able to be followed?

- I am not a computer person.  I'm a writer, yes, but I don't know a whole lot about computers and the internet.  I'm pretty sure that if you click the button at the bottom of this page that says, "Subscribe to this blog's feed," you'll get an email every time I post something, but honestly, I've never tried it for myself.  I use an awesome website called www.bloglovin.com to follow my favorite blogs.  Blog Lovin' is my internet addiction.  Simply type in the address of all the blogs you follow and it'll keep their latest posts all on one page.  This is the easiest way I've seen to check if someone has updated their blog.  You just have to look in one place.  Blog Lovin' is amazing. 

26.) How did you overcome self-harm?

- This is a big question to answer in a small space like this.  Overcoming self-harm wasn't easy and sometimes I'm still tempted to start back.  It is a very tough thing to overcome, but it's so worth it.  One of the biggest things that made me stop was wanting to stop.  I could tell myself over and over, "I'm going to stop.  This will be my last time.  No more," but until I was determined to end the addiction and treat my body the right way, I didn't have the will power to stop cutting.  You have to want to stop. 

Finding positive outlets for negative emotions is also vitally important.  You have to decide, "Next time I get upset or have a bad day, instead of self-injury, I'm going to ________."  Your outlet could be writing down all of your anger into a journal and then crumpling up the paper.  It could be playing an instrument.  It could be going on a five mile run.  Whatever it is, it needs to be healthy and a way to vent your pain and frustration. 

Find accountability.  If you're feeling tempted to self-harm, call up a friend.  Don't let yourself be in a room by yourself.  I know it can be a horrible feeling to tell a friend you self-harm, but if you're struggling to overcome that addiction, you need to let somebody know that you haven't cut in ____ days.  Keep track of how long you've been without cutting.  You'll want to be able to reward yourself with each special date that goes by.  The first day, the first week, the first month, the first year.  Every day you go without hurting yourself is reason for celebration.  The longer you go, the easier it will become.  Also, if you keep track of how long you've gone without cutting, you reallllllly won't want to break that by relapsing.

You'll need to learn to love yourself again.  If you're constantly telling yourself, "You're stupid.  You're ugly.  You're worthless.  You deserve to die.  I hate you," then it will be hard to see why you shouldn't self-harm.  Deliberately look in the mirror and point out your attractive features.  Make lists of things you like about yourself.  When you mentally (or audibly) say something negative about yourself, correct it immediately.  Deuteronomy 14:1-2 says, "You are the children of the Lord your God.  Do not cut yourselves... Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession."  You are treasured.  Keep reminding yourself how special you are, even when you don't feel that way.

Most importantly, you need to start to repair your relationship with God.  He will give you the power to overcome any addiction.  All you have to do is ask.  When you're feeling tempted, spend time in prayer.  Read the Bible.  Learn more about God's promises for you.  He will help you overcome self-harm, just like He helped me. 

27.) What is your favorite film?

- "The Truman Show" is probably my favorite movie of all times.  A close second would be "Pirates of the Caribbean" and then "August Rush."

28.) What do you believe about God using people?

- I wish I had more context surrounding this question so I could know more of what you mean.  Do I believe that God uses people?  Definitely.  I think He used Moses to free the Israelites from slavery.  I believe He used Deborah and Esther to save Israel.  I believe He can use anyone for His glory, even someone who doesn't believe in Him.  Think about how the Lord used Pharaoh in the Bible, even though Pharaoh rebelled so strongly against Him.  God can use anyone.  I pray every day that God will use me to further His kingdom.  If I knew more of what you were asking, I think I would be able to answer this question better.

29.) Are you ever going to post more songs on YouTube?

- For those of you who don't know, I have a music channel on YouTube called EmilythePerson.  I haven't posted a song in a few months.  I know it's been a while, and yes, I do want to post more songs on YouTube eventually.  What I've actually been doing lately is recording an album.  It isn't professional quality (I'm using a microphone and some basic software), but it will be a gift for some family members who enjoy listening to my songs and will miss my voice while I'm at college.  After I finish recording that album, I'll definitely start posting more songs on YouTube and hopefully some before then as well. 

In the meantime, I have another YouTube channel that I use more regularly.  It's a vlog called TheLifeofEmily.  I post all sorts of things like adventures with friends, clips of my puppy, and behind the scenes of Ali's and my "Facing Prejudice" social experiment.  On average, I post something new about two to three times a week.

30.) I don't think I would be comfortable enough to just let anyone online know my secrets. Do you think not being that open with others is a bad thing?  (Someone actually commented and asked me this question on Q&A Day part one, but I felt like it was a big enough question to include in this post.  It deals with a somewhat controversial topic about how transparent Christians should be.)

- I feel like one difference between the person asking this question and me is that although I choose to keep some things private for now, I don't feel like they're secrets.  At this point, I don't think certain things in my life need to be shared online and I don't share everything I'm going through, but if I was asked directly about those things or if the Lord asked me to share them, I would do so without hesitation because I don't feel like they're secrets. 

I do believe that we as Christians should attempt to be transparent with our lives.  We are a city on a hill.  People are watching us to see how we live our lives and whether or not we own up to our faults. I believe we need to allow our issues to be used by the Lord, but I don't think this means you have to voluntarily share everything with everyone all at one time. If you are struggling with a private trial, then I don't think you have to step up and share that struggle with the entire world to ensure you are transparent. Share what you feel the Lord is asking you to share, and don't try to cover something up if you're confronted about the issue.  Keeping secrets is a risky business.  You can be open and honest without voluntarily sharing everything in your heart. 

On my blog, I tend to share more of my past trials that I've been able to overcome through Christ than the things I'm struggling with right now (although I'll make an exception if I feel the Lord is asking me to share while I'm in the midst of my trial).  The main reason I share as much about my emotions and trials as I have is because I feel like I've messed up a whole lot, but God is able to use the story of my struggles to encourage others. If that's the case, I'm willing to swallow some of my shame and embarrassment to follow what I believe God is asking me to do.

So I don't think we have to share everything with everyone, but I do believe we need to keep our lives open enough to be willing to share something when God asks us to share it. After all, according to Matthew 10, "...nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops..." Eventually all that is hidden will be revealed, so don't desperately rely on the privacy of your secrets. Always keep your mistakes, struggles, and victories open for the Lord to use. :)

--------------------

Thanks so much for the questions.  :)

Today is Q&A day.  Thanks so much for all of your questions.  It means so much to me that you took the time to write your comments and ask me questions.  In fact, I got so many questions from you guys that this post was becoming way too long.  When I scrolled through the page, even I was overwhelmed by how much information was stuffed into one post.  So I separated Q&A day into two days.  Tomorrow's post will also be part two.  I answered every question I received, so if you asked me something before yesterday, then your answer should be in one of the two Q&A sessions.

1.) What kind of roommate do you hope you get/don't get in college?  Or are you going to have your own dorm?

- Well, I'll have my own room.  I am an insomniac, so I have a lot of sleeping issues.  I've tried to share a room with someone in the last year and it just didn't work out.  However, I WILL be having suitemates, who will share the kitchen/living room area with me.  There will be four of us sharing this area in total, so I will still have to learn to live with other girls. 

I'm hoping that these girls will be Christians, but since I'll be going to a secular university, I don't have any guarantees.  My family and I have been praying for God to place the right girls in my dorm, so I trust that everything will turn out okay.  My biggest issues would be someone who steals (obviously), someone who brings in a boyfriend at inappropriate times (like to sleep over), or a major partier. 

2.) At what age do you want to get married?

- I don't have a specific age.  I don't want to feel like, "Oh no, I'm twenty-three.  I need to get married by the end of this year!"  I want to be older than I am now when I get married.  It'd be nice to graduate college first, but I won't limit myself.  If it's a God-thing, I'll get married before then.  It all depends on when I fall in love. :)

3.) Do you want any kids?

- At this point, I can't see myself being a mom.  I'm not a very nurturing person and I tend to be impatient.  However, it will ultimately depend on what God wants for my life, so I don't want to give an absolute no.  But if I do have kids, I would like it to be later on in life.

4.) What's your favorite movie and why?

- I love The Truman Show.  It seems like a very strange movie to be my favorite, but for some reason, the idea of a man being documented for his entire life and everyone around him being actors fascinates me.  I've probably watched that movie fifteen times.

5.) Do you have any things you are always describing people as? Ex: you're such a beast, but in an endearing way. :)

- Haha, this question made me laugh. :)  I don't think I've ever been asked this before.  Well, I couldn't think of anything at first, but then I remembered.  My best friend Ali and I have this thing where we call each other "nerd" and "weirdo" when we first see each other and when we're saying goodbye.  It's very friendly, like, "Hey, nerd."  "Hey, weirdo."  But that's something we've done for probably two or three years. 

6.) How are you comfortable sharing so much about yourself online?

- Hmm, it depends on what you mean.  I try to avoid sharing too many tangible details about myself, like where I live and pictures of my house and etc.  When it comes to details and information, I try to limit myself to what you might see on an author bio, since I'd love to be an author one day.  It'll often state: "First and Last Name has these family members, lives in this state, and went to this university.  Here are some hobbies."  I probably wouldn't even share the name of my university if it wasn't one of the biggest universities in the United States.  My parents and grandparents also all read my blog.  If they were ever to become uncomfortable with the level of personal information I was sharing about myself online, they'd let me know and I would most definitely take it down.  Oh, another security measure I take: when I go out of town, I almost always share the traveling journal on my blog AFTER I already get back so that I won't let the entire world know that my house is currently empty. :)

If you're talking about how I can bring myself to share personal thoughts and feelings about myself online (which is the version that most people ask), I suppose it's because I used to be such a secretive person.  There were so many doubts and secrets and sins that I was hiding in my life that I finally became sick of it.  I want to be a city on a hill, willing to share my flaws and my struggles and my triumphs through Christ because I believe that we can learn from each other's trials and victories. 

Also, I can vent my emotions much more easily through my writings than I can through vocalizing my words.  That's just how my mind work.  So while it may take my friends and family quite a while to get me to spill what I'm feeling, I might easily be able to sit down and write everything out.  And I'll admit: sharing emotions online isn't as scary as going out and giving a speech to a thousand people because I can't SEE you.  All I see is a screen. 

Occasionally I will struggle with whether or not I want a certain issue to be shared with everyone, but if it's particularly difficult, then I'll pray about it and wait.  There's no need to make impulsive decisions on a blog.  In many ways, I see this blog as a ministry.  I've been able to have many beautiful conversations with some of my readers.  I believe that God has been able to use some of my words to inspire and encourage others.  And I hope He'll continue to do that.

7.) What was LASIK surgery like? I'm thinking about getting laser surgery for my eyes... but a bit hesitant...

- It was TOTALLY worth it.  I'm serious.  It didn't hurt.  I didn't have any problems with the surgery.  I could see almost perfectly after about two days and even the first day, I could see enough to watch TV and DESTROY one of my best friends on the Wii.  And now I never have to mess with contacts or glasses again... or at least not for a very, very long time.  I'm terrified of the eye doctor.  It's one of my worst fears.  But it was all worth it because now I can see. :)  And it honestly wasn't a big deal at all.  Here's my journal from that day, in case you're interested.

8.) What are your views on modesty, and what are the limits?

- This is tough because I have trouble saying, "Such and such is immodest and such and such is modest."  I think certain things are definitely immodest, like showing a lot of cleavage or wearing a skin-tight dress, but other things depend on the person and the siuation, like wearing leggings.  Leggings can either be modest or immodest, depending on how you wear them.

A big deal for me is why you're wearing an outfit.  My dad once told me that a guy could consider nearly anything to be tempting, depending on how a girl wears it.  If your intent is to impress guys and look sexy, then you could be immodest, but if your heart is in the right place, it will show in the way you dress and even in the way you walk.

I don't believe in wearing bikinis around guys.  I equate them as about the same as wearing a bra and underwear.  I don't believe in showing excess skin (like short shorts and skirts, belly shirts, and even most spaghetti strap shirts).  I don't like too tight or see-through clothes either.  But like I said before, I don't have specific guidelines.  It depends on the outfit and on the way you're wearing it.

9.) If you could play any sport, what would it be?

- I'm not a very athletic person.  I never have been.  I do wish I had more of a love for working out than I do.  The sport I'd probably want to play is track or cross country.  I wish I loved to run.  People who run a lot are usually very healthy and fit.  It'd be nice to love doing that.  Biking would be another sport I wish I could enjoy. 

10.) Who are your favorite bands/singers?

- Elvis Presley, Colbie Caillat, Group 1 Crew, B. Reith, Britt Nicole, Lecrae, Tedashii, Shane & Shane...  Those are a few of my favorites.  Check them all out!

11.) What is your preferred method of death?  How would you like to die?

- This... disturbed me a little.  Honestly, back when I was depressed and suicidal, I thought about death all the time.  I remember walking through a room and looking for things that could end my life.  Nowadays, I don't really think about it much at all.  I know of ways that I definitely wouldn't want to die, like by burning to death or through suffocation.  But how I'd like to die... I don't know.  Something hopefully painless.  I wouldn't mind dying for Christ.

12.) What would you name the autobiography of your life?

- What a great question!  I've never thought about that before.  I'm about to start reading "A Stolen Life" by Jaycee Lee Dugard, which should be a very captivating memoir.  I'm not even sure what I'd write about in my own autobiography.  I haven't done anything amazing yet.  I can't answer this question yet.  I might write a blog post about it later, but I truly cannot think of a good title.  Good question though.  Very interesting.

13.) What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

- My greatest weakness would be my fear.  I tend to be a very hesitant and fearful person.  It's why I'm shy, it's why I'm not as adventurous as I probably should be, and it's what holds me back a lot in life.  I don't like to drive, I don't sleep much, and I'm still afraid to talk to people I don't know well. 

My greatest strengths would be my loyalty and my writing.  It takes a lot to lose my friendship.  I stand up for those I love through everything.

14.) What is your favorite childhood injury?

- My FAVORITE childhood injury?  Well... I don't think I have a favorite!  I'm not a big fan of getting hurt.  One of my most memorable childhood injuries was being bitten by a spider.  We think it was a brown recluse.  It was very painful and the bite got pretty bad at one point.  It was on the front of my left leg.  I still have a scar there.  People always ask me how I have a little hole in my leg.

That's probably why I am so scared of spiders.  They terrify me.  The spider can be the size of a flea and if I see one, I usually scream and/or run out of the room.  Spiders scare me to death.

15.) If you were a crayon, what color would you be, and why?

- I think I would like to be cerulean, because that was always my favorite crayon color as a kid.  It's probably my favorite shade of blue, which is one of my favorite colors.  I also like the name.  Cerulean.  Ceruuuuulean.

If not cerulean, I'd like to be the color black.  I know that sounds so strange, but I really do love the color black.  My room colors are black and white, both at home and in my future dorm room.  I think I just love how black and white contrast with each other, how they look next to each other.  It's funny because I don't tend to see things in black and white like most of my friends do.  I most issues in many shades of gray. 

L: Love

I wrote a list of ten things I look for in a guy when I was a freshman in high school.  This was a big step, coming from a girl who never wanted to get married, who didn't believe in true love.  I'm not posting the original list, so if you'd like to see it, let me know and I may post it in a future entry.

Some of my friends have INTENSE lists of things they require in a future husband.  Seriously.  "I want him to have this type of build, this color hair, this texture of hair, this long of eyelashes, this shade of skin, play this and this sport..."  And I truly, truly hope that they get everything they hope for.  I don't have much of a "type."  Sure, I'm attracted to some guys more than I am others, but there isn't a certain color of hair or eyes that really attracts me more. 

What I'm most concerned about while I'm looking for a future husband is his relationship with the Lord.  If he isn't faithful to God, then how will he ever be faithful to me?  If he isn't mature in his walk, then how will he be able to help me grow in mine?  If he puts himself or a material possession over the Lord, won't he do the same for his family?  His relationship with Jesus is so important.

Today I rewrote my list of things I'd like in a guy.  It's pretty similar to my first list, with a few points changed here and there.  But here is what I have:

1.) My future husband must be a follower of the Lord.  This point will never be changed, which is why it is number one on my list.  My FH needs to be a man of God.  I want him to always put his relationship with the Lord ahead of his relationship with me.

2.) My FH needs to be loyal.  Divorce should never be an option.  Even when we struggle and fight, which I'm sure we will, he cannot be willing to give up. 

3.) He needs to be nice to his mom.  This might sound silly, but this is so important to me.  A guy who is disrespectful to his mom will surely treat me that way one day.  He must be respectful and protective of his mother. 

4.) While I would love for my FH to lead me spiritually in some areas, he also must be able to view me as his partner, as his equal.  If we disagree on something I firmly believe in, he cannot try to push what he believes on me, simply because he is the man.  He needs to respect me for who I am.

5.) He must have a passion for ministry.  He doesn't have to be a full time missionary, but he must love to serve others in some way.  It'd be extra special if we could go on mission trips together every year. :)

6.) I want to feel safe around my FH.  I want to be with someone who protects me and makes me feel loved and secure.

7.) He won't cuss.  Not just around me, but he won't cuss around his buddies as well.  He won't get drunk, smoke, or look at pornography.  He'll stand up for what he believes.

8.) I'd like my FH to be a musician of some sort.  I don't care if he plays an instrument, has a nice singing voice, or is a great songwriter.  In fact, if he's the one for me, then I'm okay with him simply having a LOVE for music.  But marrying a musician of some sort would be extra special.

9.) He'll enjoy traveling.  I love exploring new cultures and places.  It would be wonderful if he had the same passion.  We could travel together.

10.) Finally, my FH must be a friend to me.  I want to be attracted to him, to love him romantically, but I also want to be able to share my secrets and day-to-day life with him and love him as a best friend. 

What are you looking for in a spouse?  If you're already married, did your spouse fill every point on your list? 

I'm looking for questions for my Q&A post coming up on July 30.  If you have any questions you'd like me to answer, please ask them in the comments below or at jacksfavoriteowner@yahoo.com.

I'd appreciate any prayers for my family's water supply right now.  Because of the severe drought where we live, our well is running dry.  What's left of our water is a nasty sandy-brown shade.

See for yourself.

Jesus, PLEASE bring rain.

K: Kicking the Bucket (Bucket List)

I have never actually made a bucket list before, so today I went ahead and wrote out twenty things I want to do before I die.  The list is apt to change here and there as I grow older, but these are all things I would love to experience.  This list took me forever to make, so enjoy.

Visit every continent (other than Antarctica). - I've got three down so far.  I still have many places I'd like to go.

Learn Swahili. - I have Rosetta Stone.  Now I just need the time and diligence.

Publish a book. - Not self publish.  PUBLISH.  This may be the most difficult thing on my list to complete.

Move to a foreign country for at least a year.

Reach one million views on my blog. - Almost halfway there!

Share my faith in a country where Christianity is forbidden.

Fall in love. - Getting married would go along with this idea too.

Purchase a month's wardrobe entirely from thriftstores. - This would just be FUN.

Walk where Jesus walked while He carried His cross.

Vlog every day for a year. - I'll have to have a lot of perserverence for this one.  And a more interesting life.

Learn sign language. - Guess what foreign language I'll be taking in college? :)

Give away a hundred Bibles.

Take a picture of myself every day for a year and see how I change. - I've always wanted to do something like this.  Too bad I won't grow. 

Write a poem every day for a year.

Cut my hair and give it to Locks of Love.

Learn how to speed read. - I have ALWAYS wanted to learn this skill. 

Watch every animated Disney film in existence.

Overcome a fear. - This will be another tough one.

Memorize at least five books in the New Testament. - I've got 1 and 2 John down, but I'd really like to work on Romans, James, and a gospel.

Visit everywhere that Elvis lived. - :)

What are some things on YOUR bucket list?  If you write a blog post about this topic, be sure to send me the link in the comments.  That way, everyone who reads this post (and I) can read what you have to say as well!

I need some more questions for my Q&A day, as part of this blogging challenge.  I'll answer anything you have to ask (unless it's dirty or plain mean).  Ask in the comments below or at jacksfavoriteowner@yahoo.com.

J: Jokes

Jokes aren't really my thing.  I'm not good at coming up with hilarious jokes and riddles off the top of my head like some people are.  One of my favorite riddles lately is:

Who was the only person in the Bible who never had ANY parents, other than Adam and Eve?

I'll share the answer to the riddle at the bottom of this entry.

I'm much better at pulling practical jokes.  I love sitting down with Rebekah and planning ways to turn Muber's life upside down.  We've saran-wrapped cars, filled cars with shredded paper, and sneakily placed funny bumper stickers on the backs of cars.  We've toilet-papered, had shaving cream wars, and even put chopped tuna on front porches.

One prank I thought of recently from our end-of-school-year prank war, I don't think I've shared on this blog.  I wasn't a part of it because I was out of town those days, but Rebekah was genius and the prank was a huge success.

Rebekah and Muber were in the same Bible class.  Our Bible teacher was also out of town that day, so Rebekah's hilarious mother was filling in.  Rebekah's mom proceeded to pass out papers with instructions for a difficult assignment, presumably from our Bible teacher.  Muber's paper said something like:

You have fifteen minutes to memorize Ephesians 1.  During the last fifteen minutes of class, everyone will stand up and recite the chapter.  This will count as two test grades.

Everyone else's papers said something like:

This is a prank on Caleb.  Pretend like you are studying Ephesians 1 to have it "memorized" by the end of the class, but don't act upset.  Act like it's no big deal to memorize an entire chapter of the Bible in half an hour.  Don't let Caleb find out!

Of course, Muber was in a panic.  He knew there was no way he could memorize Ephesians 1 in fifteen minutes, but everyone else played their roles perfectly.  They shrugged the assignment off, saying, "It's no big deal.  I think I already have most of it down."

After fifteen minutes, Rebekah's mom called Muber up to recite the chapter first.  He tried to beg her to let him go last.  "Everybody else already has it memorized.  Please don't make me go yet!"  However, she wouldn't back down.  Muber slowly walked towards the front of the classroom, horrified and embarrassed.  He began to stumble through what little he'd memorized of the chapter.  By this time, the entire class was laughing hysterically, but instead of realizing the joke, Muber thought they were laughing at his inability to memorize Ephesians 1 in fifteen minutes. 

A couple of minutes of struggle passed and Rebekah's mom finally let him off the hook, explaining the prank.  A great success!  Everyone had a good laugh.

Oh!  I thought of another silly joke I pulled on a friend named Joel a couple of years ago.  This was back in the days of MSN messenger.  The conversation occurred a little something like this:

Me: Something terrible just happened.  Someone broke into my house and stole EVERYTHING.

Joel: Oh no! I'm so sorry!

Me: And you know what's creepy?  They replaced everything with exact replicas.

Joel: Oh my gosh! That's horrible! :(

Me: I know.  Even the documents on my computer and all of our family photos are EXACTLY the same.

Joel: You know what's scary?  That means they already had to know everything that was in your house!  I'm so sorry, Emily!  That's terrible!

Well, I thought that surely he'd get the joke in a day or two, so I changed the subject and soon forgot about how gullible my friend had been.  His mom encountered my dad later on.  While they were talking, my dad mentioned the prank I'd pulled and how funny it was that Joel had believed what I said.  When Joel's mom mentioned it to him later, it turned out that he STILL thought someone had broken into my house, taken everything, and replaced it all with exact replicas.

I love gullible people.

Oh, and by the way, the picture to your right is from the time when I tried to teach Muber how to spy on people with a hand mirror.  He's got the creepy part down, but not how to spy SECRETLY.

Anyways, I'll go ahead and share the answer to the riddle above.  Have you guessed it yet?

It is...

Joshua, son of Nun

Hahaha...ha...ha.

What are some of your favorite riddles, jokes, and pranks?

If you'd like to start taking the alphabet blogging challenge on YOUR blog, please let me know in the comments so I can read along.

I: Interesting facts about you

Honestly, I've shared SO much about myself on my blog that it was difficult to think of anything interesting about myself to write.  So I thought I'd share five facts.  I hope they're somewhat interesting.

1.) I'm absolutely stoked to be a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie class of 2015.  AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

2.) I'll be taking sign language as my foreign language in college.  I'm very excited.  I've always wanted to learn sign language since I got the chance to minister to a deaf little boy at an inner city ministry where I live.  His mom had never bothered to teach him sign language and his elementary school didn't have the tools to communicate with him.  Despite his struggles to communicate, he was very smart and very sweet.

3.) I have been to twelve countries outside of the United States: England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Canada, Mexico, Kenya, Jamaica, and Haiti.  I've also been to Grand Cayman, but I don't think it's considered to be its own country.

4.)  I'm almost always cold.  At work, I'm constantly wearing a jacket and jeans, even when it's over a hundred degrees outside.  In my room, I'm always curled up in a thick quilt, even if my thermostat says it's 77 degrees in here.  When I take my temperature, my average body temp is about 96 or 97 degrees, which apparently is possible.

5.) On May 5, I had LASIK surgery.  It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.  For the first time in almost fifteen years, I can see without assistance.  I can drive without help.  I can swim without my contacts bothering me.  I don't have to try to remember to take out my contacts each night before bed.  I don't have to worry about contact allergies all the time.  I feel like my eye surgery was a miracle from God.  I can see!

What are five interesting things about you?

(I'm doing a Q&A for one of the days of this challenge.  If you have any questions you'd like me to answer on Q&A day, please ask them below or send me an email at jacksfavoriteowner@yahoo.com. 

H: Hairstyles

I was born towards the end of the feathered bangs area.  All growing up, I had bangs.  Bangs can be cute now, but mine weren't.  Even though I've always been to hairdressers (Mom has always been afraid to cut my hair), they often would make my bangs crooked... and they weren't the long type of bangs either.  Other than my early childhood years, when they rested in an awkward curl on my forehead, they were cropped short at about half an inch above my eyebrows.  Awkward.

So I'll go ahead and take you through a hair tour of my life.  My hair looked absolutely awful until I was almost fifteen.

As a toddler, I actually had blonde ringlets.  My hair was pretty cute back then, minus the nineties-style bows I ALWAYS wore until I became old enough to strongly protest.  I'm not sure how old I was here.  Somewhere in between one and two, I believe.

Here is an example of my feathered bangs stage.

This isn't a style I wore often, but I saw it, laughed hysterically, and had to share.  See, my mom (like myself) does not have a big passion for fixing hair.  She always had trouble putting my hair into the "cute" pigtails and ponytails that all my friends had.  She would try her best, she really would, but these hairdos never seemed to turn out right.  I was about eight here.

And then, of course, there was the period of time where I thought it was SO cool to add tiny braids all over my hair.  Supa cute, right?  I was ten here.

I grew out my hair when I was in sixth grade.  Unfortunately, I was at the point where I still didn't really care what I looked like.  My hair was constantly tangled and NOT looking good.

Mom finally convinced me to get my hair cut a few inches above my shoulders.  This was in eighth grade or so.  Some teens look good with short hair, but this just wasn't my best cut.

Towards the end of eighth grade, I was persuaded to grow out my bangs.  For some reason, I was terrified of this idea.  I don't like change, so the thought of transforming my entire look made me nervous.  I had very low self esteem at the time, so I was positive I would look ugly with long bangs.  Sadly, I didn't know much about hair fashion, so when I decided to go ahead and grow them out, I didn't know how to make them look nice.  No side-parts or swooping to the side.  I just kind of let them... grow.

When it came time for another haircut, my awkwardly-growing bangs reached my chin and the rest of my hair reached my shoulders.  I knew my hair didn't look good, but I didn't understand why at the time so I told the lady who cut my hair to do whatever she wanted.  She layered my hair and showed me how to part my bangs on the side.  For a couple of years after this, I kept my hair very layered and fairly short.  I loved this style. 

As you can probably imagine, I got SO many more compliments on my hair than I ever had in my life.  For the first time in a long time, I actually felt pretty.  I firmly believe that a good haircut is so important for your self esteem.  It can change your look so much.  I got this haircut towards the end of the eighth grade, and I think this was a big reason why I finally started caring how I looked.  I started wearing makeup for the first time the summer before my freshman year of high school, I started TRYING to dress in cute clothes, and I finally started holding myself with confidence. 

My hair has a natural wave to it, so I'll occasionally wear it scrunched, like this. 

And finally, this is pretty much my haircut now.  I don't have very many layers since I need to be able to pull my hair up for work.  My hair is a little longer than it is in this photograph, but it's close.  (I actually need a haircut, but I'm trying to wait until sooner before I leave for college.)  I don't know if it's incredibly stylish, but it works for me.

G: Growing Up

I couldn't think of any specific stories off the top of my head, so I thought I'd just share a few based off of the archive of photos of photos I have on my computer.

This would be my mom when she was newly pregnant with me... trying to show off her "bump."  She does not look twenty-five, does she?  I'm pretty sure this is the first photograph taken when I was in existence.

This picture is of me at four years old.  I was living in Waco, Texas.  We had a swing in our driveway.  At this time, my family lived in a small rental house without much of a yard while my dad was finishing up residency, so the swing and a plastic slide was all I had by way of outside entertainment.  I spent hours on this thing.

It's going to sound totally bizarre, but most of the time I was playing on the swing, I pretended like I was a piglet.  My parents would always try to sit me on my bottom and convince me to swing normally, but I didn't want to do that.  I would get on my stomach with my little arms dangling in the air, and then I would slowly creep back until I was on my very tip toes.  When I let go, I would fly through the air for a few short moments.  During this time, I would proceed to wriggle my arms and legs and make a high-pitched squealing noise, pretending like I was a piggie running from a wolf or a butcher.

Seriously.

I know, I know I was a strange child who played strange games.  Ali was just teasing me a week or two ago after we watched Beauty and the Beast for the millionth time.  She said she always used to pretend she was Belle after seeing the movie.  Well, I used to pretend I was the wolves who attacked Beast and Belle's dad.  As a kid, I always thought they were way cool.

So basically, the reason why I'm on my stomach on this swing is because I was pretending I was a pig running from a killer.  And I was four. 

I cannot BELIEVE I'm about to post this, but I'm covered up in all the right places with bubbles, so I figure it doesn't matter.  This is me at approximately six or seven years old taking a bubble bath in my parents' bathtub.  You might notice the long line of "little people," as my family always called them.  These were my favorite toys.  Most kids act out their dolls and action figures, right?  I never really did that.

I've always been a writer.  Writing is a passion I believe God has always given me.  I would get my little people, put them in lines, and then make up stories about them, not even bothering to act them out.  I just made up stories.  Before I could actually write, I would whisper them or speak them out loud, narrating the stories and everything.  "Flash walked through the forest, crying.  He was the loneliest giraffe ever.  But then Molly came and gave him a huge hug!"  Once I learned to write, around the age I am in this picture, I would line up my toys and then spend hours scribbling out stories about them in thick, college-ruled notebooks.

Here I met my childhood hero, Miss Texas.  I have an autographed poster from her, which I got at first from one of my dad's patients.  After I met her at a charity run, as you can see in this photograph, she sent me a hand-written card with the sweetest note inside.  I still have that card.  It meant so much to me.  Later, she sent me an invitation to a banquet right before she became Miss Texas.  I even made it on the news that night, which excited me to no end.  I still admire Miss Texas for reaching out like she did to a little girl who thought Morgan Matlock was the prettiest and most amazing lady ever.

This would be me at age four.  I was pretending like I was driving a car with my infant sister, who was ten months old.  What makes me laugh about this picture is how all of us managed to fit into this tiny laundry basket.  Who knows how many stuffed animals I squashed in that thing?  I sure loved my dalmatians. 

And finally, this would be me as a homeschooled eight year old.  That night, I informed my parents that one of my many teddy bears and I were going to have a birthday party (because it was his birthday, of COURSE).  I wanted Mom to buy me party hats, but her answer was no.  So I spent the LONGEST time making these hats.  I was very excited about them.  I thought they looked better than any silly hats you could ever find at a store.  So my bear and I had a birthday party that night, right before bedtime. 

What are some of your favorite childhood memories?

If you'd like to start this challenge on your blog, please give me the link in the comments below.  I would LOVE to see your answers for each topic. :)

E: Embarrassing Moment

Okay, I have a lot of these.  Probably more than the average person.  I'm clumsy, shy, and I tend to have a strange sense of humor.  However, I've decided to share one particularly embarrassing moment from about three or four years ago.

I was eating lunch at a deli with some of my friends.  One of these friends was Whitney.  On that day, she happened to be wearing a bright yellow t-shirt.  Yellow is a bright color anyways, but this shirt was NEON.  It was so bright that it was rare.  Surely nobody else in the vicinity would have a shirt the same color.

After going through the line and ordering my food, I started to get my drink out of the fountain.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a neon yellow shirt approach me and begin pouring a drink out of the same fountain.  She stepped pretty close to me AND she was wearing a bright shirt, so it would be natural to think that she was Whitney, right?

Spinning around, I balled up my fists and said in a low, growly voice, "What do you think you're doing, little girl?"  Something I'd typically say as a joke to a friend.

Well, it wasn't Whitney.

A forty-something-year-old woman in a neon yellow t-shirt stared at me with a mixture of horror and confusion on her face.

And then, instead of acting cool, instead of laughing it off, instead of apologizing and explaining how I'd mixed her up with a friend, I backed slowly away before rushing back to my table and burying my head in my arms.  My face was probably red for the next two days.

I was so embarrassed.

What's one of your embarrassing moments?

If you're taking the alphabet blogging challenge on your blog, please let us know in the comments!