She looks like a flower, but got stung by a bee

Yesterday July 31 was Sunday. I woke up at my dad's house and went to church wearing my new dress and sandals. The gospel reading was the miracle with the five loaves of bread and two fish. Maybe it's because that is one of the first stories we were taught in ccd, or because it's an easy one to remember. Whatever the reason, I have always been fond of that story. Fr. Dennis connected it to the image of young kids placing their parents money in the collection baskets. How they are so happy to be passing it on and they don't have an idea of there being an end or limit to receiving it. He suggested as we get older, we think like we did when we were the young ones hoping to get to place the money and the basket, and know that God's love is unconditional-there is no end or limit. And like the kids, He is happy and joyful and smiles about giving it to us.

I kept the outfit on, touched up my hair and drove to the Lane Place where I met my mom and Julie Abston. My mom's van was loaded with outfits and shoes and jewelery and Julie's camera was full of memory space ready to take my senior pictures. We started out at the Lane Place where I wore the navy dress and tan sandals and my mom's pearls. Julie thanked me for wearing my hair curly. She said that she's always excited to see curly hair and for some reason it just shoots better. At once, I took a quick liking to her. She was sweet and quiet, but still told me what she wanted. I changed in my mom's van and we drove to a downtown alley. Here I wore jeans, my letter jacket, and CHS colored Nikes. I changed again into a white skirt, black shirt, and my TOMs that read "Raise IQs, lower sea levels." She took some of these pictures by the Wabash fine arts building and some on the grass that's in the middle of the circle at Wabash. I changed again. This time into my favorite outfit. I put on black heels, the strapless dress I wore in my mom's wedding, and the necklace I wore to prom. I also put my hair up and held a pink flower from our house. These pictures she took at Wabash sitting on a black iron chair, bench, and a tree. I just felt elegant in the outfit, and even more so when she would say "beautiful or pretty" after clicking her camera. We got back in the car where I changed into my next and final outfit. I wore a dark gray shirt and dark jeans. We had to walk a ways on the trail, but it was worth it when we got to the fallen tree. I walked across it barefoot where I posed many ways. Before heading back to our cars, I took my hair down & put on a hat and she took a few more by some white flowers. She was so excited and thanked me for wearing a hat. She's right, they just add something. Having the outfits organized as well as the exact spots at the location helped to make it go smoothly. I didn't even mind that I had to carry a paper towel to dab the sweat when we took the trail pictures. I loved everything about getting my senior pictures and am so excited to see them. I felt really pretty, and I know that Julie is very creative and artsy.

I went back to my dad's for a bit. Then over to Sarah's. It was hot outside and we went for a swim. The water felt good. But the wasp stinging me as I laid there did not. It got me twice in the leg. Then moved to my hand. I felt it and tried to shoo it away, but it got me twice again. It really hurt. Especially the one on my finger, which was also the one that swelled up the most. I did not enjoy the rest of the time at the pool.

She just got back from Florida and I was so very happy to be with her again. We sat and talked for a while and I told her probably more than she'd ever want to know about the kids I went to OLAB with. Then we were in search of fruit. We stopped in at the cookout at my grandparents, but didn't see anything that was appealing to our fruit crave so we left.

We got money from my dad and went to the grocery store where we purchased strawberries, blueberries, angel food cake, pudding, cool whip, and a frozen pasta dinner. We prepared each ingredient then layered it to make a dessert.

We let it cool in the fridge while eating dinner. I was so happy to be all eating a meal together at my dad's. It seems like a long time since that's happened.

Sarah and I were quite pleased with our dessert. We scooped some out and took it outside to eat.

Then we played cards with Maria. We played BS and Maria lost three rounds in a row. Her friend, also named Sarah, came and joined in the game. This time Maria won. Soon Michael came over and taught us all how to play rummy. We laughed and played for a while, until I started getting a runny nose and yawning. I took Sarah home and went to bed at 12:30.

My day

Today I slept in.

Today I went to the pool & visited my grandparents who were watching a cooking show.

Today I scouted the locations for my senior pictures.

Today I went to Maurices and Walmart. All by myself.

Today I packed and went to my dad's.

Today I painted my fingernails.

Today I napped.
Today I read a lot of pages in Stories I Only Tell My Friends. And loved it and its author.

Today  I was easily frustrated and grouchy and moody. But tomorrow, tomorrow is a new day.

raindrops are falling on my window pane

For aerobics today we did stations. But only 4 of us showed up so we didn't do many of them. Instead we headed outside and ran and walked around the park. Then came inside and did some weights and stretched.

When I got home my mom and I walked around our neighborhood. About a mile. Then we showered and got ready to shop. I feel like that's all my summer has consisted of. Actually, accroding to Maria, I wasn't really invited. But my mom wanted me to drive so I could learn the way-because clearly last time I had some issues.

At Plato's closet I got some money for clothes I gave them, and bought 2 shirts and a pair of jeans to use for my senior jeans. At the mall I bought a dress and pair of sandals from Charolette Rousse and a pretzel for lunch.

I also drove on the way home. Instead of back tracking, I took the route that my dad told me to take last time on my way home. And I did it all on my own. I was proud of myself.

When I got home I napped. In the basement. For a long time.

Then, I hung out until dinner time. We had hamburgers and fries and watermelon. I also jumped on the trampoline and painted my mom's fingernails. My mom, Dan, and I sat on the porch and talked for a while, then they told me to go visit my grandparent's. I really wanted to play soccer, but had no one but Maggie to play with. So I went to my grandparents.

The hour I spent talking with them was lovely. I told them about soccer and aerobics and about our Laffayette trip. My grandma told me her plans for painting the blue leather recliner and my grandpa looked at her like she was crazy. She had remembered a necklace I wore recently and gave me a pink string of beads. Then, my grandpa told me about the pearls he bought her in Asia and the story of getting them restrung that he gave her for their wedding. Soon we decided I should head home so I did.

I spent the rest of the night coming up with outfits to wear for my pictures and modeling them for my mom and Dan. I came up with 5. Now I am blogging and about to read some Rob Lowe and go to sleep. And it seems I get to fall asleep to the sound of rain. So relaxing and calming.

The entire day I have been listening to the cd Sandy gave me. I love it! Getting new music is so exciting. I also kept thinking about how great of a person, and friend she is. My mom told me how much we were alike and I said I know! We always find so much alike about us too.

Spending a sunny day with Sandy

Today for aerobics we started class by running around Milligan park. By the time we were done outside, we only had a few minutes left. Enough time to get mats out, play a tape of Jack Johnson, and do some core work and stretching.

When I got home I did not go right to sleep! Instead, I met my mom at the animal shelter where we parked our cars and walked the section of the trail near by. Maggie also walked with us. Because it has been so hot and dry for so long, most of the grass and flowers are not doing well. But the ones around the trail are some of the better, and will probably be one of the locations of my senior pictures! This find was exciting.

Then I went home to my dad's and fell asleep for a while, before having to wake up to go to the dentist. I have never really been a fan of going there. I don't like all of the feelings in my mouth- not the gritty stuff they put on my teeth, and not the cotton gauze that they hold my tongue with.

Afterwards, I went home to my mom's. Sandy Williams and I were planning to hang out today, but weren't sure what we were going to do yet. While we made our plans, I laid out on the trampoline and read more of Stories I Only Tell my Friends.

Then, began my day with Sandy! We went to Arni's for lunch. I got a cheese pizza and she got a salad. We sat in the booth in the back and talked for a while-catching up on the basics.

Next, we went to my grandparents pool. My mom, Kim, and Wendy were there. But they had their own circle and we had ours. Soon they left, and were replaced by Michael and Trent. Unlike the ladies, they did not seclude themselves. They splashed and talked with us for hours while soaking up the sun. We talked about everything from different religions to college to Trent's incident with the diving board last summer to how to throw a punch. Then the boys left, and Sandy and I stayed in the water. Sandy and I seemed to talk about everything. This time more meaningful, deeper conversations about our lives and the people in them. When we were talking about divorce, she told me she has always admired my ability to deal with everything and to not go crazy from it. This meant a lot, and will be one of those things I remember forever.

Before going back to my mom's, we stopped at Drew's house to let his dog out. His dog, Ollie, was so cute. I just love dogs. Back at my house we sat in my room and looked through my photo pictures and 4H pictures. We decided with our minds put together, we could definitely create some great stuff. We also just sat and talked. I love when I can do this, and know it's the sign of a really good friend. When you don't have to entertain and think of things to do, but you're just content listening and talking with each other. Sandy and I have been able to do so since we first starting hanging out during gymnastics my freshman year. I love talking to her because she does listen and is honest and is 100% trustworthy. Plus its always easier talking to someone that understands and relates to the way I think about things.

We also jumped on the trampoline. We both threw our front and back tucks. She helped me to realize I needed to tuck tighter which really helped me to improved. I also threw a crazy stunt, that neither of us are still sure how I landed. I really thought I was straight in the air and going to land that way. But instead of on my feet, on my head. Sandy and I were amazed and then laughed and laughed. We decided it was a good one to end on and went inside to heat up our dinner.

My mom cooked us pasta and chicken which we ate on the porch. Maggie also hung out with us, begging for any little taste of what we were eating. Soon Sandy left. I was so happy that we finally got together. So very happy.

Since she left, I have been hanging out with Michael. Watching an old SNL hosted by Justin Timberlake and blogging.

summer lovin. lovin summer.

I was so proud this morning that when my mom was coming into my room I was already awake for aerobics so I sat up in bed. And waited for her to be happily surprised to see me awake. I almost fell asleep sitting up. She did not come. After looking at my phone and seeing it was only 3 am, I realized she wasn't coming to wake me up at all. Just going to the bathroom. I don't know how I am such an alert sleeper-but I am very impressed with myself.

Three hours later, I did wake up and went to aerobics. Today we did step aerobics and ran around Milligan Park. When I got home I watched the morning news with my mom for a while until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and fell back asleep.

I continued to watch tv and fall asleep off and on into the afternoon. Then my mom, Maggie, and I went to my grandparents to swim. Maggie, of course did not get anywhere near the water. Even though it was in the 90s and felt much better in the cool water. The sun wasn't out and it wasn't long before we left and drove around in the country for a while.

When we got home I laid outside on the trampoline and continued reading Rob Lowe's autobiography titled Stories I Only Tell my Friends. The times when I do find myself reading, I require it to be very quiet so I can focus on the many words among the pages. I have already read 60 pages of his book and I love it. I love it because it is him, obviously. But I love hearing his story and the events that shaped his life and career. Even if a fictional character's story seems more realistic than the events in a autobiography, I always find myself being more interested in the memoir.

Then, Maria and I packed up and came to my dad's house for the night. I took the nailpolish off my nails and painted it onto Maria's. French tips on her toes and red on her fingers. Although I can't be as fancy as the rainforest scene I had painted on my toes this summer (by a man), I like to think that I do a fine painting job. The three of us went to dinner. To Little Mexico. Of course. Although this time it wasn't my chosing. I also read more in Rob Lowe's book, made Maria and I's beds with just washed sheets, and talked on the phone. My Aunt Michelle called, and I was just so excited. I love talking on the phone and especailly to her. It could be partly because we are related, or partly because she is a committed reader of my blog, but for whatever reason she just seems to understand me and my life so well. I am so thankful I got to spend time with her and Max at the beginning of the summer, and I hope I get to again soon. But I fear that with school just around the corner it may be a while.

Finding Our Way

This morning, again I turned off my alarm without waking up to it. My mom woke me up at 6:15 and I left for aerobics. Today was a little harder, as it went a little longer and I was sore from the previous day.

When it ended, I burrowed on the couch downstairs and fell asleep. It was cool and dark and quiet with the exception of the tv. I woke up around 10:15 and woke Jacqueline up too. We got ready and tried to leave for our expedition. But the GPS wouldn't turn on. Then we were going to use Michael's, but couldn't find his. We debated if we should even go or not and decided we should. We got directions on google maps and headed to Lafayette. Then, our directions did not take us as promised. When our road ended, we were stuck, so I did the most logical thing and called my dad. He talked us through our way there and we made it to the mall. One would think I could make it there on my own by now, but it is hard with so many different ways to reach the destination. And it seems everyone I've ever ridden with drives their own way. Once we got to the parking lot we called my dad again and got the easy directions to Plato's Closet.

Jacqueline had never been to the store before, and was rather pleased by the place. As well, I enjoy the name brand clothing that's still in good condition, but at a much more reasonable price. Plus you don't have to go to all of the different stores, it is all right there in one. That is it's downfall as well. You have to take the time and have the patience to sort through the aisles and aisles of clothing. Jacqueline and I did and both bought stuff. She bought a lot of things that were purple, had jewels on it, or both! I bought two pairs of jeans and two shirts.

Then, after turning around once, we made it back to the mall on our own. We stopped at Panera for lunch. She got her usual, chicken noodle soup, and I got a turkey sandwich. While we ate we had a conversation driven by my blog post about love and colleges. We also talked about OLAB. I believe from now on we will always talk about OLAB. She sat facing the wall, but I sat facing the people. I people watched and saw a man that looked like a mix of Michael and Arnaud from OLAB, a girl wearing very wedged shoes, and an old man with a plaid shirt tucked in to his high waist-ed pants topped off with a hat.

Before leaving the mall, we called my dad and got directions home. It wasn't that we couldn't retrace our path-but we knew there would be a much simpler route. I can even still relay the directions if needed! Although my dad stayed on the phone with me for a lot of the time telling me where to turn, and after I completed it, the next step. I was really thankful that he had the time, and patience to direct me even though he was at work. And it took an especially large amount of each because every time I would make it to the light I was supposed to turn at, it would turn to red. Every time. His car and direction knowledge always benefit me- getting a copy of the key to my car made, putting gas in my car for the first time, changing the oil to my car, vacuuming it out, getting the license registered or something that involved the police coming to my house and filling out a form, changing the alternator, and being there when I got rear ended.

Jacqueline and I ran home and "dashed inside" to exchange our shopping bags for our swimsuits just as Grandma had done the day before when she grabbed the chicken casserole before going to visit Mae. We said hi to our Grandpa, changed into our suits, and were joined by Michael Templeton and Ryan Teeter to swim. Jacqueline hadn't hung out with them since last summer, and sadly I hadn't either. They are both really sweet and really funny. Their bromance is similar to Peter and Bryce's. It is so much fun to listen to them play off of each other in conversation. It also seems that every time I'm with them we cover everything imaginable to talk about. I was sad that we had to leave so soon, but before we did they came inside with us to say goodbye to my grandparents. My grandparents appreciated it, at least I think. Then my grandparents kissed Jacqueline and I goodbye and we all laughed when my grandma said "no kisses for the big boys." And that she couldn't reach them anyways.

We rushed home, changed our clothes and rode with my mom to Brownsburg where we met Dan, Aunt Amy, Maria, and Julia. We ate at Boulder Creek and shared stories of our sister swap. (We traded Maria for Jacqueline). We also laughed about the waiter bringing Jacqueline a plate of lemons when she asked for lemonade and admired the cute waiter at the table beside ours. We said our goodbyes and promised we'd see each other soon.

The rest of my evening was spent watching Jeopardy, playing soccer with Maggie, doing laundry, and blogging.

"Oh Lauzy Day"

Waking up for aerobics came fast. But I didn't respond well to my alarm. I did however respond well to my mom coming into my room and saying it's 6:20. I don't think I even knew what that meant. I just said whatt? And ran out of bed. Luckily, somehow I made it to the rec center at 6:30 and class didn't start right on time so I had a chance to wake up a little bit. Aerobics was fun, besides it being way too early for me to be moving and coordinated. We alternated between cardio and weights every two minutes. It is a good way to ease into conditioning, but I don't think it can replace running.

When I came home, I headed to the basement where I napped for a good 2 1/2 hours. After I woke up so did Jacqueline and we watched Home Alone 2 with Michael until Grandma called and made lunch plans with us.

It turned out that when we had arrived at their house at 12 Grandma had already eaten lunch with Grandpa. Jacqueline decided on Little Mexico and Grandma told us she'd join us for dessert. She got coffee and flan while Jacqueline and I ate real food. Well kind of. At lunch Grandma entertained us with stories of when our moms were young and they went traveling/camping with the trailer for 3 weeks during the summer.

After lunch we walked downtown to Whatever. Jacqueline got a car magnet for her car and Grandma got a card for her friend Alice.

Before going home, we stopped at Mae's house for a visit. She was a little shaken up when we got there, but it was a good thing we showed up when we did. We sat and talked to her for a while, then my grandma told us she would stay and for us to go swim. Jacqueline and I did for a little while, but went back at 3 to get my Grandma. We didn't think it was necessary for her to walk home down the big hill and especially not in this heat. When we picked her up Mae seemed much, much better.

Jacqueline and I went back to the pool where Wendy and Tracy were. They left, but we stayed. We floated on the rafts and told lots of stories of past relationships and those that never were. Then we said goodbye to our grandparents and went back to my house.

We went through some of the piles in my room and she helped me throw stuff away and consolidate the stuff I kept. I also showed off the Rob Lowe magazine cover I have coveted since I found it freshman year in Mrs. Veatch's bio class.

We joined my mom and Dan for a dinner of steaks on the grill, bruschetta, and watermelon! Yum. So many summer time favorites all at once.

After dinner Jacqueline and I hung out the rest of the night. We walked to the playground and swung on the swings while singing Taylor Swift. We laid on the trampoline and chatted. We played Just Dance and she beat me every time. We watched Tosh.O. Then we decided I should get to bed. So a relapse of this morning doesn't happen when I have to get up early for aerobics.

[Also. Tomorrow I plan to add the pictures to this post and yesterdays.]

the 23 & 24

Saturday morning I woke up early. Without my alarm even going off. I was so excited to go to The Lord's Pantry with my dad. We got there earlier than I ever had before. I helped flatten out bags and unload the truck! Both of which I had never done. I also got to use my Spanish, which was very exciting. I translated a flyer about the neighborhood party against crime! I gave my effort to wear my smile, but I know it wasn't very good because I was very sleepy the whole time.

When we got home I felt like I napped a lot of the day away.

Then I went to my moms then met Hannah and Alex at my grandparents house to swim! We hung out in the water and talked a lot. Hannah and I also performed our flips for Alex which was really really funny.

We went to Alex's to shower and grab movies and were joined by Steph before heading to steak n shake for 4 shakes and 2 frisco melts.

Then we went to Hannah's for the night. We talked some more and watched Despicable Me. I didn't stay awake long enough to watch the end of it though. I think we were all sleepy that night.

Sunday morning, today, I woke up early and drove home from Hannah's to get ready for church. The Gospel reading was about the Pearl of Great Price, which just made me miss chapel and Camp Tecumseh dearly.

We hung out at home for a while, then drove to the southport Target where we met up with the Vanderkolks. We swapped Maria for Jacqueline. They left, but we stayed and looked around. I ended up getting a dress, a pair of gold flats, and Rob Lowe's autobiography! I love him. And am so excited to read it. He is my favorite.

Jacqueline, my mom, Dan, and I went to my grandparents house for dinner and viewing of some old VHS tapes. We watched Aunt Amy as a 500 Princess and my Grandpa as Elvis. What a sight.

The rest of the night Jacqueline and I hung out. We drove to Walmart and Family Video, danced, watched Tosh.O and texted. Lovely. Tomorrow I have to go to soccer at 6:30 am. Which is not lovely. So I had to cut this post short and now need to get to bed.

Love is the answer; atleast for most of the questions in my heart. like why are we here? and where do we go? and how come it's so hard?

Today I vacuumed my room and worked at decluttering my closet. Then I ended up shoving the clutter and piles from my room into one corner. The rest of my room looks much more attractive, but that corner makes me look like a hoarder. Really. :( My goal is to eliminate what I can next week and find places for the rest.

I also went with my mom and dropped of Sandy's dress at the dry cleaner and we ordered old county champ soccer patches for my letter jacket. Both should have been done a long time ago, but at least we can check them off now.

I laid out at the pool for an hour and soaked in as much sun as my skin would let me. Yesterday my Grandparents concluded that I have my grandma's olive Italian skin. I like to think so too.

Feeling like I had done nothing of the sort in a while, I attempted to run on the treadmill. I got a mile in. Kind of. I guess the distance was still a mile even though I did have a break or two to sit on the couch and pet Maggie.

Then I got showered and dressed and met Kalina, Olivia, and Hannah at Little Mexico for dinner. It had been a really long time since I had seen any of them, and it was great to be together. Over lots of chips & salsa and cokes & a strawberry daiquiri we sufficiently caught each up with our vacations and mission trips and boys and camps and jobs that have made up our summers thus far.

I came home to my dads for the remainder of the night where I painted my fingernails pink, learned a new hair braid, talked to friends, and ate pop corn with Maria.

I also read as much as google books would let me of two books that I had made note of when I went to Barnes and Noble earlier this summer. I savored the words I read and yearned for more. Then I thought.

1) I thought about college and how there are so many great schools with so much to offer, that seriously there can't just be one that is for me. There have to be multiple that could fit my wishes. That makes the college search less frightful and takes off some of the pressure. Adults are always asking where do you want to go and what do you want to study and all I ever say is I don't really know. And that is okay. I still have a while until I have to decide. Remembering this helps to relieve some of the anxiousness about the whole college search as well.

2) Then I was thinking about what I want to do "when I grow up." And again, there are so many different subjects that interest me and that I believe I have the talents to succeed at with enough training or education. I've always thought I could be a hair dresser/cosmetologist. Or something in the medical field. Or a counselor. Or a photographer. Or a writer. Or after OLAB something to do with advertising. I feel like I could be satisfied as any of these-not that there is one job that I am intended to do and only one that I will fit.

3) I was obviously on the same thought trend. Until I thought about marriage and love. Reading the few pages of Two Kisses For Maddy that I was able to, I could already tell the immense, passionate, fool proof love that Matt shared for Liz. One of a kind. But the same kind that both set of my grandparents have for each other. And the kind that I someday want to share with my own husband. I am a sucker for every love and romance story. Whether it be the plot of a movie, characters in a book, or examples present in my every day life. I often fantasize and think oh I like that characteristic in him or those personality traits in him and someday my husband will be a collective combination of everyone of those all in one. And he will be better than I could ever piece together in my head or dream of.

4) But then. I think about falling for boys of my past and those still to come. How does that tie in? And people that get remarried? Is there only one person for each of us? Or are there more that could fit like my theory about colleges and jobs? No. I like to feel that there is just one. And that if you let it, it will happen. And within right time or patience it will be revealed and obvious who is the one. But what if it's someone that you have been around the whole time? It's possible. It happens. And even though I don't have the choice & am forced to, I can wait to find out. Because even though I really just want to know all of the answers-especially to the question who? part of it is the process of dating the wrongs and ending up with the right. What good love story is without a meet cute as the character of Arthur Abbott puts it in The Holiday:

Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in and both go to the same men's pajama department. The man says to the salesman, "I just need bottoms," and the woman says, "I just need a top." They look at each other and that's the 'meet cute.'

But then. There's always the high divorce rate nowadays and the idea of romantic love not lasting compared to arranged marriages. Where does that play in the equation and in my thoughts? Well. I don't really know. I suppose it's possible to get along with and cope and live with eventually anyone. But even then, I think even if you aren't married to them, there is still your one match.

Maybe I'm just a crazy, dreamer that needs to stay out of the sun and get more sleep.

Its a girl thing

I did some calculations and here are my findings. We have had approximately 52 nights of summer so far and of those 15 I spent sleeping in my bed at my moms house. 8 of those in the span of the last six weeks. (the other seven were all in the first week and a half of summer). So this morning you can only imagine how happy I was to wake up in my own bed.

I got ready as quickly as I could while still waking up then picked up Morgan. Neither of us are much fair goers, but we are definitely artists and decided we could tackle going to the fair together to look at the projects. We were happy with our luck that it wasn't very hot yet, and definitely not very crowded yet. Then when we went to pull on the doors of the small building that contained photography, the door was locked. Apparently, even though the fair goes until Friday, it was over. This year I did not attend the fair or the strawberry festival. Wow.

A few hours after our fair disappointment, I picked up Kara Riley which brightened my day. We went to Little Mexico for lunch where we told each other stories of our summer. We usually fit in yesterdays stories or a weekends worth of stories during seventh period where we are stud asses for Mrs. Lewellen, and today over one lunch we squeezed in a summer's worth! I love Kara and will miss her a lot while I'm still at CHS and she's starting as a freshman at Ball State.

I went to the pool. Of course. It's kind of like my getaway and safe haven. But for everyday purposes. Eventually I was joined by the rest of my family as well.

Then I went back to my dad's house. I propped both of my legs up on the couch and leaned back with my lap top. Then i proceeded to reblog everything that I had written last night which all got erased. It wasn't as awful as I figured it would be.

Finally I picked up Sarah! It had been two weeks since we hung out. We went to dinner at Applebees and did a lot of story telling and sharing. Me of OLAB and Sarah of Colorado. We shared the appetizer sampler which we both were really happy about and the famous triple chocolate meltdown for dessert. Before leaving we walked over and said hi to my mom and Dan and Michael and Lexi who walked in as we were eating. Funny stuff. Even my mom and Dan were clearly excited to see Sarah, and sad to hear that she is leaving for Florida tomorrow.

The rest of the night I spent at my dad's. I continued researching colleges and edited and spell checked every single post I have written thus far and talked to Maria and Michael and plotted with Jacqueline about next week and practiced my Spanish by texting Josue.

Also for the record. I would like to give a shot out to my girl Maggie. She has been set free in the basement this week and controls herself well. She has also been invited in the house more and is behaving. Aunt Wendy and I talk about this a lot-she is a dog person too. And we both agree they just love to be with people. Maggie also recognizes the sound of car keys and knows that when we pick them up we are going somewhere. I realized this because today was the second day she ran to the garage door when she heard them. I felt bad I couldn't take her with to the pool, so instead I took her for a ride around the neighborhood in my car, then dropped her off at home, and continued onwards to the pool.

Sounds of Summer

This morning I woke up after dreaming that I got lost in a very deadly snow storm. A fellow student asked me to take him home, and while I really didn't want to I said yes. I dropped him off, but got lost in the mounds of snow in his neighborhood. Eventually I think someone picked me up, but I felt awful because I lost the family sled. Even though I was previously driving a car. But then I woke up to find just the opposite. I woke up and found myself safe in my bed in the middle of a sweltering hot day. In fact the heat index was said to be at 115.

I wrote my second OLAB thank you letter. I lean towards the quieter, shy side for the most part. But I really like writing letters. Partly because of that part of my personality. I do have a lot to say, and it is easier for me to write it and say it in a letter. And partly because I like my handwriting. And a lot because I find postal mail to have a lot more meaning than email. It is more personal and more traditional.

Then I drove to the high school. Which was weird. I like staying away from there-and being on break. But I went to drop off my sports physical and to pick up a copy of my report card for my dad. It ended up being pretty good, besides the final pre-cal exam that lowered my overall grade. I knew that I should have studied more for it, and taken it more seriously. But I really just didn't have it in me. Not after a three day weekend, then going back on a Tuesday for one more day full of exams. Plus when we had the student teacher second semester I did not learn the material as well. But enough excuses.

I went to my grandparents house to swim, but before I head down to the pool I always walk through the house and say hello to them. They invited me to sit down with them in the family room even though my grandpa had just shampooed the carpet. Then they got me started talking about OLAB. They went to the graduation, but said the speakers moved to quickly and spoke to softly for them to grasp what went on that week. I filled them in on what we did and what I learned. I enjoyed the week, and had a good time telling them about it. It's always nice to talk to someone who is interested and listening. When I said I liked the advertising aspect my grandma concluded that it comes easier to us. We know what appeals to us and what catches our eyes where we like to shop. But my grandpa made fun of her and said she just shops at Big R. But she told us that she used to be a shopper. And she bought a very fancy pair of white satin shoes from a big fancy store in New York-I didn't really catch the name of it though.

After talking with them for a while, I went to the pool and met up with the sun. I floated on the water on the silver raft. But today there was no one else. No chit chat of the ladies to listen to. Just the occasional flutter of my hands in the water.

I came back to my dad's once I said goodbye to my grandparents. I hung out at his house and did some research on colleges. From this questionnaire I took, collegeboard suggested Boston College (in Boston, Mass), Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Mo, & Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. I guess I will look more into them online. It's just so overwhelming all of the choices out there. But honestly, I feel like for the most part they are all good. And that there isn't just one place I belong. I could fit in a lot of places. I just have to figure out which ones, then narrow it down from there I guess.

I packed stuff for the night, went to my mom's, then soon drove back to the high school for soccer practice. When I first showed up, my coach came to my car to talk to me. To tell me not to worry about putting my stuff on, then to talk to me about playing as a forward. He said the other coach and him noticed when I was shooting Monday that I have a pretty good shot and get good power behind it. He also said I am fairly aggressive, but also that I'm good plus experienced at defense. I guess time will tell where he wants me to play. I think I could definitely handle the challenge of playing as a forward this year. And it would be exciting. Then enough girls ended up showing up that I got to put my shin guards and long socks and cleats on and we got to play! There were only about ten of us and we worked on a lot of basic drills. I liked the one that incorporated passing and sending the ball long and shooting. I was so proud when I heard the swish of my ball being caught in the net of the goal. Drip drip drip was the sweat all over my body, but it felt good to be out on the field kicking the ball around. We had lots of drink breaks and our coach is so sweet-he even brought an ice cooler with wet towels so we could wipe away the sweat. Much better than my grandpa's stories of his high school football coach.

Once practice ended I drove to my grandparents and jumped in the pool. It felt so good to jump and splash and be in the water, but it wasn't even that refreshing. Even when I got out on the water and stood in the summer night air, I was not chilled. I said goodbye to my grandparents who thanked me for explaining my week at OLAB earlier that afternoon, then went to my mom's for the night.

I walked in the house just in time to join the family in Jeopardy. My mom and Dan were excited to show me the new guy they found for me. On jeopardy. Ya good one. But when I started watching the show, and getting correct answers I sat down and watched the entire episode with them. Michael was convinced I'd see the show already-but nope I just know things. Always a confidence booster.

I realized all of my bedding was still in my car from OLAB and had to go outside in the dark to get it. All by myself. It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. The heat of the day still hung in the air and the stars filled the sky. The sounds and voices of the chirping critters were easily heard. Their sweet songs took over the still silence of the night.

The rest of the evening I sat in my room in my black leggings and over sized gray sweatshirt that hung off my shoulder. Click clack click clack was the sound my fast fingers made on my laptops keys as I facebooked and texted friends while listening to pandora radio and ate some chocolate covered coffee beans. I also blogged. Well I tried. But when I posted it, the Internet claimed to not be able to find the page and I lost everything I wrote. I became really frustrated and upset-not sure who or what was at fault. So after that I basically climbed in bed. My own bed. Finally. This summer I have slept so many places besides my own bed-it's really crazy. Even though I was frustrated and gave up on blogging for the night I still smiled. I was talking to my friend from OLAB-David. Once he told me his goal was to make people happy or smile and he is really good at it. At OLAB he was always around people and no matter who it was always striking up a conversation. Really outgoing, but more than that David is genuinely friendly. And therefore great at making people smile. Including me last night even after losing everything I wrote. :)

I give up. I blogged only to have it all erase before I published it. Awesome. Thanks internet/computer/who ever is at fault.


Maybe tomrrow I will rewrite everything I just wrote about
-the dream i woke up to
-writing a letter
-going to chs
-visiting my grandparents
-swimming
-soccer
-night swim
-jeopardy
-my happy night. happy until now that is.

just another day

Today I slept in a lot.

Then I went to the pool with Aunt Wendy and MaryGrace and my mom and Wendy and Susie and Kim.

I started to tackle my crazy email. I had some all the way back to 2008. I clearly, deleted a lot.

Maria and I went to visit with and say goodbye to Aunt Wendy and MaryGrace at my grandparents house. We sat outside by the pool and watched the bats fly around it, then went inside and took lots of funny pictures. My grandma was so excited to take a picture with my grandpa-it was really cute.

And I missed all of my labbies. It was so nice always have people and friends around.

Without the details

Sunday July 17
-I woke up and went to church. I really love Fr. Dennis's homilies. They always have a modern tie in or personal story that he relates the readings too and it just really helps me to understand and grasp the idea. He used "the rest of the story" thing and also talked about being the weeds and being the wheat. When he made a joke that his past girlfriends (he didn't become a priest until later in life) would consider him the weeds, I felt like I was back at OLAB sitting in Korb listening to Greg Shaheen.
-I mowed.
-I blogged about OLAB. It was hard to start and I contemplated for a long time organizing it chronologically or by category. But I was so happy to write it once I got going. So much love.
-I watched USA lose to Japan in a really good final game of the women's world cup. :(
-Then I hung out with Morgan and talked about OLAB and life and we walked downtown to Little Mexico and back to her house.

Monday July 18
-I slept in yay!
-I cleaned up my room a little.
-I went to the pool. Lots of people were there. Brother Trent and Michael. Aunt Wendy and MaryGrace! Wendy and Kim and Susie. And my mom. It was very hot, and not that sunny. But I have missed laying out.
-I wrote a letter. On my fanciest card paper. I love the quote by Margaret Shepherd from her book The Art of the Handwritten Note:-I went to soccer! It was still hot and there were lots of gnats. But I loved it. I hadn't been able to go for a while and was so happy to be out on the field again! I wasn't even worried about my white cleats getting dirty this time. That was a big step to take.

"A handwritten note is like dining by candlelight instead of flicking on the lights, like making a gift instead of ordering a product, like taking a walk instead of driving. Handwritten notes will add a lot to your life. You can still use the telephone or the web for the daily chores of staying in touch, but for the words that matter, its courteous, classy, caring, and civilized to pick up a pen."

-Now I am blogging and about to watch a documentary on Netflix about shoes! Called Just for Kicks. Then go to sleep.

OLAB July 10-16

[viewer discretion is advised to those who plan on attending OLAB some day. One of the elements that makes the program so successful is the element of unknown and surprise and this post reveals the entirety of my week at OLAB]

A week ago exactly I went to Wabash College's program called OLAB which stands for Opportunities to Learn About Business. My brother had gone, so had my mom, and a few friends that have already graduated. But I still didn't know that much about it. I am so thankful I took a chance and spent my week in this program! Our days started at 8:30 and ended around 11. So much happened in each one it is overwhelming thinking about having to write about a week that was so jam packed and full of learning and fun! Each day consisted of lectures, games, meals, rec time, and activities. As well as awesome people and it all took place at a lovely place.

There was a total of 53 labbies that ranged from Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Connecticut, Texas, Georgia, California, and France! All of us are going to be seniors and high school next year, but that is about all that we have in common as a group.

Although we did find out through introductory speeches that we did about each other that lots of us have individual connections and similarities. My speech partner was Elizabeth Stratton! She was really friendly and outgoing and even though the day we interviewed each other I was really shy, she branched out to me and made it really easy to talk to her. I found out about her family, her job, and that she is a sailor!! Very cool. I just presented my speech originally, but some of the other labbies did so in song, in a poem, using an acronym, and by marketing off their partner for a relationship.

We had seven counselors- Louie, Kojo, Jacob, Mike, Brittany, Stephanie, and Marissa. We loved Louie and the way he talked and the way he danced and the way he tried to set us all up and when he had a rubber band war with us. At one point he asked Morgan and I, "so have you met any potential boyfriends? husbands? friends with benefits?" He was hilarious and really friendly.

Kojo was the counselor assigned to my group and he was also really cool. He was laid back and chill, but the best one on the dance floor and a useful advisor to my team.

The staff and speakers were incredible! The majority of them were so passionate about what they do and it really showed when they taught and lectured us about it. Jim Amidon was the directs and did such an outstanding job! I'm so glad he took a chance and continued the program. He also talked to us about marketing and advertising and was really interesting and engaging.

Bert Barreto, a prof of economics, taught us about a lot to do with financing and accounting and number crunching. He knew so much and was a little intimidating the way he presented it. What I understood of his lectures, I learned a lot. But there was a lot more still that I could have learned but just didn't grasp.

Todd McDorman, a prof of rhetoric at Wabash, taught us about public speaking and group dynamics. Davey Neal taught us about stocks.

Chris Cottterill, the chief of staff for Indy's mayor, gave a presentation about ethics. Greg Shaheen is known as the game master at OLAB, but he also has the title of the senior executive vice president of the NCAA. He made it a lot of fun and interesting as well.

JoAn Scott an executive at Nike headquarters in Oregon flew here all the way to Cville to talk to us at OLAB. Having the most impact, and real life examples her speech was one of my very favorite. She talked to us about the importance of building a relationship with their endorsers and customers and Nike's way of creating those bonds. It touch and expanded on the same points Jim gave in his marketing and advertising lectures. Not only is it really awesome what she does, but who she is and her personality had a lot to do with it.

OLAB is made up of games. There are two mini games about production and marketing that are combined to make the big business simulation game. My team was Lucky Seven Inc and we created The Clef which is a phone for aspiring musicians. Scott and Seth worked on balancing the financial books. Seth definitely undertook "the doer" while Scott was more of "the questioner." Faby and I worked on the advertising and marketing. Faby was really sweet and full of ideas. Our CEO was Pete. He mainly helped Faby and I, but he oversaw everything. I'd also consider him "the relief." He kept things light and settled disputes that came up, but kept us on pace. We did end up winning one of the mini games and got Wabash blankets which Pete was extremely excited about.

Rec was our own time. We had about an hour and a half a day to spend as we wished. During the week I used this to swim, run to my house, nap, chill and debrief, work on stuff for the game, and tie dye (which was a group activity. we just did it during rec).

Activities were led by the counselors, and with the exception of the tie dye, were done at night. They included an egg drop challenge, a scavenger hunt, 2 dances, going to see Horrible Bosses at the movie theater, watching No Strings Attached in Martindale's basement, and a talent show. They were all super fun, but the dances and talent show were definitely my favorite. At the dances I thought the guys were definitely the first to take advantage of the opportunity. Kojo and David and Alexander and Hamilton were just a few that were fun to be next to on the dance floor. They were so full of energy and moves and it was fun to join in with them. Most of the music was fast and the dancing consisted of circles and jumping/moshing and fist pumping and trains as well as singing and chanting along with the words. There were also a few slow songs. At the first dance during these songs I danced with Alexander, Jacob, and Dom! The second dance I danced with Louie, Seth, and David! There's just something so attractive about guys that can dance.

The talent show was also really fun. We all had to participate so some of the acts had true talented performances and others were just doing something because it was mandatory. The acts ranged from musical performances, to dancing, to juggling, applying make-up, human pyramid, and braiding.

 

 

Morgan, Jacqueline, Lucy, Jessie, and I were in a group. We weren't sure what to do and changed it from the Potter puppet pals reenactment to an Ode to OLAB the day of the show. Morgan and I wrote it during rec that day and we all took turns reading lines. We incorporated as many individuals as we could and were both really proud of it:

Ode to OLAB

Just one more speech and it won't be long
Unlike Dominick, we can't perform it in a song

We got here on Sunday- Michael shook everyone's hands
That water jug is something I do not understand

The name tags tell us who we are
But if we here "sup" we know Kevin isn't far

Intro speeches weren't actually that scary we must confess
I learned Pete wants to attend "Waybish"... college I guess?

Betty marketed Seth better than match.com
But with any OLAB boy you can't go wrong!

Louie initiated relationships at the dance
Come on Merriman- now's your chance

Back to the dance- the counselors showed their moves
Mike djed, Kojo rocked, and Marissa grooved.

Jacob came late-but won't be forgotten
I'll think of him as I wear my tie dye often

Meals at the first table are sure to be loud
If I had Mary Ellen's laugh boy would I be proud

Luckily she hasn't yet peed her pants
Though according to Jim we need bladder transplants

We don't have a segue here-sorry Bert
All the intense number crunching made our heads hurt

We learned from Greg knowledge to make our companies grow
Also about a junior high dance & obnoxious hoe

Witney's accounting aunt could be the solution
Greg would like to see her beautiful face in high resolution

I've notice the love here is not spread thin
Clearly Pete & Bryce's bromance is a win

During rec girls lay outside to get a tan
While boys climb the rope to look like a man

Aren goes intense during racquetball
As do counselors at night patrolling the hall

"Lights out ladies, lights out ladies"
TURN OUT YOUR LIGHTS
thanks. sweet dreams. and have a goodnight

The jet lag caused some to sleep during the days
that were filled with decisions, marketing, & the game-Hooray!

I'm anxious to see who comes out on top
When announced their jaws are sure to drop

Alexander's chuckle is sure to be heard
When tomorrow, Hamilton's speech gives the last word

Our speech & OLAB too, must come to an end
Our advice: use what we learned & all remain friends

As our ode says, OLAB had to end. This happened Saturday. Our families and friends joined us for commencement in Salter Hall. Jim, Hamilton, the counselors, and Greg spoke. All of the generous sponsors and people involved that made it possible were thanked. We also watched the tv commercials each group produced. Hamilton was voted by us to give the commencement speech. He used humor and honesty and summarized the week and his personal experience well.

Awards were also presented. The overall winner of the game, the best managed firm went to Nuance technologies which produced a phone similar to ours.

The Nightengale by Pie Inc. won the Tobey advertising awards, the best marketing-bingo award was won by Whitney and Branon, Seth stole the Bull Thrower award given for the best stockholder's speech, Whitney also won the best introductory speech, and Mr. & Mrs. Labbie deservingly went to David and Elizabeth.

Then we all went back to Martindale. But this time, it wasn't to head to our dorms or to a surprise dance. It was time to leave. Everyone waved as their cars drove in many different directions to their homes and next destinations. Our hearts were full of friendships and everlasting memories and our heads piled with numbers and inspiring ideas. I know that every single labbie has so much potential as the counselor Jacob said, and I'm excited to keep in touch with them and hear where they end up!