Hey all hows it been going? For today I thought I would share a story with you. I'm fairly certain I've told you all before that I love to write stories and things like that. Well I wrote a memoir for my English class about a year or so ago and I thought I would share it with you. It's about one fun night in Vegas on my 21st Birthday. Be sure to let me know what you think of the story and my writing.
TNT
Words by Ali
Nine Fine Irishmen
A birthday is something you should always remember. Not forget it three or four years down the road. My last birthday was certainly one I’ll never forget. Not just because it was my twenty-first and I spent it in Las Vegas, or because we saw the most amazing performance of Phantom at the Opera at the Venetian hotel.
Although, those moments were pretty unforgettable on their own. It was the Friday night at our hotel, New York New York, that I’ll remember most of all. Earlier that day as we went through the casino I had seen an Irish pub, Nine Fine Irishmen.
When we got back to the hotel after dinner my mom and I decided to check out the pub. There was a short line to get in at the door, so we waited. When we finally got up to the door the guy looked at me and asked, “Can I see your I.D.?”
I already had it out so I just handed it over to him. He looked at my licenses then at me. He looked at it again then giving it back he said as he stamped my hand, “Well happy birthday.”
“Thanks,” I replied as I put my licenses back in my wallet and moved into the pub.
The place was packed, almost from wall to wall people. After it seemed like I’d just gone through a maze we made it to the bar. Of course I had no idea what to order. My mom suggested that I get a Tequila Sunrise, so I did.
My mom ordered her drink as well as mine. As the lady behind the bar was pouring her white wine she kept looking over at me. She slid the wine to my mom and as she was getting the things to make my drink she turned to my mom. Tilting her head towards me she asked, “She already got her I.D. checked right?”
My mom laughed, “Yeah, she’s twenty-one today.”
The bartender poured the tequila into the shot glass, dumped it into the glass and she just kept on pouring the tequila. At least ¾ of the glass was filled already. There ended up being hardly any orange juice in it at all.
As my mom was paying for the drinks I noticed a band getting ready to play on a stage at the back of the bar. Don’t ask me what the name of the band was, because I already forget. There were four of them and they were Irish. I could tell they were for two reasons: 1.) the name of the band. I don’t remember what it was but I do remember that it was something Irish. 2.) They had Irish accents. Those are kind of hard to miss.
I took a sip of my drink and the second I did it was like I took a bite out of a lemon. Only ten times worse. My mom laughed at me, but I could tell she felt bad. She took the glass from me and drank some of it so she could get more orange juice put in it.
“Oh, wow, that’s strong,” she said as she drank some of it down.
As the band started playing the two of us made our way up to the stage. When we got there everyone was having a great time dancing and drinking. Six guys in particular. They were partying harder then everyone else there. Later my mom would find out that they were Marines and were shipping out the very next day.
The band began playing their next song and that’s when I first noticed her, a little Asian lady. She was about four feet tall, maybe a bit taller, and looked like she was in her 50’s. She was wearing a short teal skirt and the exact same colored jacket. She was also wearing black fishnet stockings and black knee high boots that laced up the sides. To top it off she had green glitter all around her eyes. She was dressed for Saint Patrick’s Day and it was December.
The outfit wasn’t the only thing that caught everyone’s attention. During every song she was dancing, but not just dancing. The whole time she was dancing an Irish jig. She was certainly a highlight to what was already turning out to be an unforgettable birthday, and it was only the first night.
The band kept on playing and after every song it seemed as if one of the Marines was buying the band a round of drinks. The band seemed fine with the drinks at first. That is until they got to the fourth or fifth round. All the boys in the band were starting to look a little nervous.
They finished the song and the lead singer looked wide eyed down at the drinks. He sighed and said to the crowd, “Well I think you need to slow down on these drinks. We’ve only just started our first set. We’ll already be drunk by the time we start our second.”
That didn’t slow anyone down though. They still bought them down though. They still bought them drinks, and every time the lead singer saw the drinks set in front of them on the stage he’d roll his eyes.
I continued to enjoy the authentic Irish rock band as my mom went to get herself another drink. More then five minutes went by and she wasn’t back yet. It turned out that she was talking to the wife of the Marine who was in charge of the group. That’s how we found out that they were Marines. It’s also how thy found out that it was my twenty first birthday.
First one of them decided he wanted to dance with me. Another one decided he needed to buy me a drink. After the drink I still hadn’t finished though nothing sounded that appealing.
When we left the bar the night was far from over. Although, I think the story of playing blackjack with four men who’d been playing, and drinking, since ten in the morning is a story for another day.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Why Am I Always Mr. Fix it? Or is it Miss Fix it?
I've always been good with my hands. Does that sound dirty? What I mean is I've always been good at fixing things or putting things together. Around 90% of the time we buy furniture that needs to be assembled I get to do it.
I've built three of the four desks in our house. Countless nightstands, or end table. As well as too many chairs to even count. Not too long ago I went downstairs and there was an end table, lying upside down, with a leg missing. The first thing out of my mothers mouth was, "Can you fix that?"
That's not the only thing. As of recently my mother has gone on a cleaning trip and just bought herself a new vacuum cleaner. The instructions to this thing were so simple a four year old could have put it together. But my mom wouldn't just build it. She came to me and said, "Could you put together this vacuum?"
As I'm doing it I look over at her and say, "You do know you could have done this yourself?"
Do you know what she said back? THIS, "I know, but you do it so much better."
Really! Why am I just expected to fix, and assemble, things because I'm good at it? I don't have a problem doing it. I'm not just complaining to complain. I just wish it was more of a choice then an expectation.
What is it you're expected to do?
TNT,
Words by Ali
I've built three of the four desks in our house. Countless nightstands, or end table. As well as too many chairs to even count. Not too long ago I went downstairs and there was an end table, lying upside down, with a leg missing. The first thing out of my mothers mouth was, "Can you fix that?"
That's not the only thing. As of recently my mother has gone on a cleaning trip and just bought herself a new vacuum cleaner. The instructions to this thing were so simple a four year old could have put it together. But my mom wouldn't just build it. She came to me and said, "Could you put together this vacuum?"
As I'm doing it I look over at her and say, "You do know you could have done this yourself?"
Do you know what she said back? THIS, "I know, but you do it so much better."
Really! Why am I just expected to fix, and assemble, things because I'm good at it? I don't have a problem doing it. I'm not just complaining to complain. I just wish it was more of a choice then an expectation.
What is it you're expected to do?
TNT,
Words by Ali
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
New and Unique Names
Here's something you might not know about me. I'm a writer. I don't mean that I am a writer just because I have a blog, but because I write fictional stories. I'm not anyone you've ever heard of, obviously. I'm still trying to finish and get my novel published. To be a published author is what I want to do with my life.
What I would like from you out there in the blog verse, is help with character names. It always seems hard to think of new names that I haven't already used before. If you know any names that are different, unique, maybe even a little weird, or you just plain like it. Leave me a comment with the name. It can be a first name or last name, either works.
If you give me a name that I like and use in one of my books, and it gets published, I will put your name in the acknowledgments. Of course it has to be new to me, if I already have it on my list of names then it doesn't count. So, leave the name, as well as what you want to be remembered by. Good luck to all of you.
TNT,
Words by Ali
What I would like from you out there in the blog verse, is help with character names. It always seems hard to think of new names that I haven't already used before. If you know any names that are different, unique, maybe even a little weird, or you just plain like it. Leave me a comment with the name. It can be a first name or last name, either works.
If you give me a name that I like and use in one of my books, and it gets published, I will put your name in the acknowledgments. Of course it has to be new to me, if I already have it on my list of names then it doesn't count. So, leave the name, as well as what you want to be remembered by. Good luck to all of you.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A Review: I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
I know I've been gone awhile, but now I'm back. I've just been busy with school and not being able to think of anything to say. Or just because I keep forgetting, me the ever forgetful. Now that I'm back I hope it doesn't take me another month to post again.
When I found out that I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell was going to be playing in Utah, even if it was just in one theater, I knew I had to go see it. I figured I would see it then write something about the movie on here. I saw the movie on Friday, and before I had the chance to do anything else I found out that Tucker Max, the genius behind the book and movie, was coming to Salt Lake City.
Now I had a different plan. I would go see the screening of the movie, and go meet Tucker Max and then I would write about. Of course I didn't particularly want to go by myself, but I would have if I had to. So, I told my brother about it, and then he told one of his friends, who really wanted to go as well. Luckily, my brothers friend Jason went early to get the tickets. He got our tickets by 1:30 and the show sold out around 2:00.
When we got into the theater there was free movie stuff on the back of the seats. This included; a small bag with the movie title, a beer class title on it, a pen and beer opener key chain, a bumper sticker, and a strong band with WWTD? on it. That of course stood for What Would Tucker Do?
Now, I wasn't expecting free stuff so that just made it a whole lot better. Since I had already seen the movie, I was really looking forward to the Q & A with Tucker after the movie. How about my opinion of the movie before we move on? First, I have to admit that the book was much funnier than the movie, but I'm a book snob and I'll be hard pressed to find a movie better than a book.
If you think of the movie as completely separate from the book, it is hilarious. Honestly, I think one of the reasons it's so funny is that it's based on Tucker's life. The book is basically a bunch of different stories about when Tucker was getting drunk, acting like a complete asshole, and trying to score with women. The movie takes some of the funnier stores, and puts them together to a plot.
The movie, just like the book, is; disgusting, degrading, offensive, amoral, and is completely wrong on so many levels. None the less it is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life. Of course this movie isn't for everyone. If you get easily disgusted or offended, or think someone who appears to be nothing more than a sexist asshole then you probably wouldn't enjoy this movie. But for everyone else who can tell when a joke is only meant as a joke, and like this type of humor, will love this movie. Knowing me I'll probably see it again.
After the movie was over Tucker came back into the theater, for as I said the Q & A. It gave the people in the audience a chance to ask questions about the movie, or just questions for Tucker. Now I won't repeat some of the things that people said or certainly not what Tucker said, because I try not to use vulgar language on my blog. Yet, some people would say things and you can't help but wonder if they really expected for Tucker not to make fun of them. Some of the funniest things I heard that night were not from the movie, but from Tucker Max's own mouth. I swear the crowd was laughing hard after the movie, then during.
For anyone who knows anything about Tucker Max you would know that if you give him a reason he will make fun of you. There was one guy who before his question decided to announce that he was LDS, and went to BYU, I think he may have just said it to get made fun of because that's the only logical reason. Some people think that you don't have to actually do anything for this guy to be a jerk to you, but as of last night I can tell you that's not true. I think he's a hell of a lot nicer then people imagine he is. If you asked a logical, reasonable question, that he hasn't already answered, then he doesn't make fun of you.
My brother, Ricci, was one of those people. Now his friend, Jason, got made fun of. I can't honestly say I remember what his question was, but it was enough for him to get verbally abused. I wanted to see Jason get taken down, and I did, it made my night. Don't look at me like that, I am not being mean. Before the movie Jason was talking about how he wanted to come up with some crazy question to see what Tucker would say. So, literally he was asking for it, and he even thought it was funny. There was one thing that Tucker said that I couldn't help but completely agree with. One person asked him what he thought about Utah. Tucker responded, "There's too many Mormons." At this I couldn't help but think yes there is, and personally it drives me crazy.
Afterward he hung out a bit to sign some autographs, and take pictures. Of course we had to stay. This was one of the main reasons we even went. I got him to sign my copy of his book, and my brother had him sign his beer glass. At the bottom I'll post the pictures that we had taken, so enjoy.
TNT,
Words by Ali
When I found out that I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell was going to be playing in Utah, even if it was just in one theater, I knew I had to go see it. I figured I would see it then write something about the movie on here. I saw the movie on Friday, and before I had the chance to do anything else I found out that Tucker Max, the genius behind the book and movie, was coming to Salt Lake City.
Now I had a different plan. I would go see the screening of the movie, and go meet Tucker Max and then I would write about. Of course I didn't particularly want to go by myself, but I would have if I had to. So, I told my brother about it, and then he told one of his friends, who really wanted to go as well. Luckily, my brothers friend Jason went early to get the tickets. He got our tickets by 1:30 and the show sold out around 2:00.
When we got into the theater there was free movie stuff on the back of the seats. This included; a small bag with the movie title, a beer class title on it, a pen and beer opener key chain, a bumper sticker, and a strong band with WWTD? on it. That of course stood for What Would Tucker Do?
Now, I wasn't expecting free stuff so that just made it a whole lot better. Since I had already seen the movie, I was really looking forward to the Q & A with Tucker after the movie. How about my opinion of the movie before we move on? First, I have to admit that the book was much funnier than the movie, but I'm a book snob and I'll be hard pressed to find a movie better than a book.
If you think of the movie as completely separate from the book, it is hilarious. Honestly, I think one of the reasons it's so funny is that it's based on Tucker's life. The book is basically a bunch of different stories about when Tucker was getting drunk, acting like a complete asshole, and trying to score with women. The movie takes some of the funnier stores, and puts them together to a plot.
The movie, just like the book, is; disgusting, degrading, offensive, amoral, and is completely wrong on so many levels. None the less it is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life. Of course this movie isn't for everyone. If you get easily disgusted or offended, or think someone who appears to be nothing more than a sexist asshole then you probably wouldn't enjoy this movie. But for everyone else who can tell when a joke is only meant as a joke, and like this type of humor, will love this movie. Knowing me I'll probably see it again.
After the movie was over Tucker came back into the theater, for as I said the Q & A. It gave the people in the audience a chance to ask questions about the movie, or just questions for Tucker. Now I won't repeat some of the things that people said or certainly not what Tucker said, because I try not to use vulgar language on my blog. Yet, some people would say things and you can't help but wonder if they really expected for Tucker not to make fun of them. Some of the funniest things I heard that night were not from the movie, but from Tucker Max's own mouth. I swear the crowd was laughing hard after the movie, then during.
For anyone who knows anything about Tucker Max you would know that if you give him a reason he will make fun of you. There was one guy who before his question decided to announce that he was LDS, and went to BYU, I think he may have just said it to get made fun of because that's the only logical reason. Some people think that you don't have to actually do anything for this guy to be a jerk to you, but as of last night I can tell you that's not true. I think he's a hell of a lot nicer then people imagine he is. If you asked a logical, reasonable question, that he hasn't already answered, then he doesn't make fun of you.
My brother, Ricci, was one of those people. Now his friend, Jason, got made fun of. I can't honestly say I remember what his question was, but it was enough for him to get verbally abused. I wanted to see Jason get taken down, and I did, it made my night. Don't look at me like that, I am not being mean. Before the movie Jason was talking about how he wanted to come up with some crazy question to see what Tucker would say. So, literally he was asking for it, and he even thought it was funny. There was one thing that Tucker said that I couldn't help but completely agree with. One person asked him what he thought about Utah. Tucker responded, "There's too many Mormons." At this I couldn't help but think yes there is, and personally it drives me crazy.
Afterward he hung out a bit to sign some autographs, and take pictures. Of course we had to stay. This was one of the main reasons we even went. I got him to sign my copy of his book, and my brother had him sign his beer glass. At the bottom I'll post the pictures that we had taken, so enjoy.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, September 14, 2009
Am I Still Into the 'Teen' Scene?
Now when I say 'teen scene' I mean like the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon shows. Not those shows on networks like the CW that are supposedly 'teen' shows, but are really for a more mature crowd. For example Supernatural or Gossip Girl, which of course I love both. More so with Gossip Girl, the show centers around teenagers and is for teen, just older teens.
What I mean is the younger teen shows. Such as Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, ICarly, or some of the other ones they still show in re-runs. I can honestly say that I'm a fan of Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and yes I'll even admit that I like the Jonas Brothers.
Does this mean that at 22, almost 23, I'm still stuck in my adolescents? Or does it mean I'm slightly crazy? But if you really think about it we're all somewhat crazy, in our own eccentric ways. Whether I'm crazy or not doesn't change that I enjoy watching these shows.
Although, there aren't as many good ones these days, as there used to be. The teen shows on the Disney Channel and Teen Nick have gone down hill. Ever since Drake and Josh, Unfabulous, or even Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, the ideas for new shows are either the same, over done, or just not good.
Despite all of this there still are some good ones left, and I certainly watch them. If you're like me and still watch these types of shows, the ones I've mentioned are worth watching. As well as Sonny With a Chance starring Demi Lovato and the new Jonas Brothers show Jonas.
What I mean is the younger teen shows. Such as Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, ICarly, or some of the other ones they still show in re-runs. I can honestly say that I'm a fan of Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and yes I'll even admit that I like the Jonas Brothers.
Does this mean that at 22, almost 23, I'm still stuck in my adolescents? Or does it mean I'm slightly crazy? But if you really think about it we're all somewhat crazy, in our own eccentric ways. Whether I'm crazy or not doesn't change that I enjoy watching these shows.
Although, there aren't as many good ones these days, as there used to be. The teen shows on the Disney Channel and Teen Nick have gone down hill. Ever since Drake and Josh, Unfabulous, or even Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, the ideas for new shows are either the same, over done, or just not good.
Despite all of this there still are some good ones left, and I certainly watch them. If you're like me and still watch these types of shows, the ones I've mentioned are worth watching. As well as Sonny With a Chance starring Demi Lovato and the new Jonas Brothers show Jonas.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The One Thing I Hate About Book Stores
I love books. The one thing I enjoy doing the most is reading. Honestly I probably have a couple thousand books lining the walls in my room. Loving to read that much and you can imagine how I enjoy looking for books, at the book store.
Now what you're probably thinking is, what then could she possibly hate about the book stores? Well, that's simple. The thing that I hate is when they decided they need to rearrange the entire store.
It seems just when you know exactly where every section is they move it. Then you have to re-learn where each section you read is at. Not only that, but it also only seems to be the sections you look in. If you read Science Fiction it'll have been moved. Mystery, of course that one too. But if you don't read about computers that will have remained where it always was.
Personally, I think that if they have a system working for them why move it. All it does is cause heartache and strife for those who know the store even better then they do. I know I'm being overly dramatic, but where's the fun in it if I can't.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Now what you're probably thinking is, what then could she possibly hate about the book stores? Well, that's simple. The thing that I hate is when they decided they need to rearrange the entire store.
It seems just when you know exactly where every section is they move it. Then you have to re-learn where each section you read is at. Not only that, but it also only seems to be the sections you look in. If you read Science Fiction it'll have been moved. Mystery, of course that one too. But if you don't read about computers that will have remained where it always was.
Personally, I think that if they have a system working for them why move it. All it does is cause heartache and strife for those who know the store even better then they do. I know I'm being overly dramatic, but where's the fun in it if I can't.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thoughts on the Seattle Mission Trip
The first thing I have to say is that this trip was the best thing I could have done for me. I have grown so much in just the last five days that it's hard for even me to believe that I did. I've done things on this trip that I never thought I would feel comfortable doing. I've gotten to know people that I really didn't talk to all that much, and I can even say I've made a few new friends.
Even the 16 hour drive up to Seattle was more fun then I would have thought possible. That mostly had to do with the people I was sharing a van with. Ask yourself this question: How much fun do you think you can have painting a house and doing yard work? I had a blast. There were about 26 of us all working at this one house and working with these people was more exciting then you could imagine. It didn't even feel like we were working. We were laughing, playing around, and joking with each other about everything that we were doing.
That was on Friday. On Saturday we did something that I have honestly been dreading since I first found out that we were going to be doing it. It's a little something we called Prayer on the Porch. We paired up in groups of two or three and walked around the neighborhoods. Knocking on doors and asking people if there was anything we could pray for them for.
I went out on this excursion with two guys, Matt and Steele. We would switch off on who would knock on the door and talk. Me, I put off knocking until the last possible second. I was thankful that the first door I knocked on no one was home, except for the non-stop barking of the dog. I think I was so nervous that first time that I don't think I would have even been able to speak. By the time the second house came around to me, I wasn't as nervous and was able to get some words out.
This time I spent knocking on doors and talking to complete strangers was really stretching for me, and you don't realize how amazing it was. Not only did I step out of my comfort zone and do it, but I was certainly enjoying myself by the end of the day. The only down side about the area we were in was all the spiders. They were everywhere, no joke. There were spider webs at every door step, and there was even one large spider right above the doorbell to the door I was supposed to be knocking on.
One little story before I move on. It was the second house that I was to knock at, and there was this long walkway up to the door. It was probably about 15 feet. I get to the door, get ready to knock and turn to see the both of them way at the end of the walkway. Now since the first house was a no show I could see this as my first house, and I was so super nervous. So, when I saw them standing way back there, I didn't even really think about it I just said, "Seriously, you're going to stand way back there." Of course they then moved a little closer, but they thought this was the funniest thing I could have said. Then, after heading back for lunch, proceeded to tell everyone about what I had said, making everyone else laugh in the process. It was an amazing day. Despite how scared I was at the thought of doing it, I'm glad I did.
I have to say the best part of the trip for me, or I should say enlightening, was the very last night we were there. After the church service a large group of us took a ferry ride from Edmonds to Kingston and back. I sat outside and the top of the stairs, looking down at the front of the boat and the deep black of the water at night. As I sat there watching the people I had come with play around, having fun in the chilling wind, I realized that for me this was what it was about. Not the goofing off, but the relationships that had been formed.
You see these are relationships that without this mission trip I don't think I ever would have made. I honestly think that I would have seen them week after week, but they would have been nothing more then acquaintances. I spent time making friends with people that before this trip I probably hadn't said more then a sentence or two to them at one given time. It's different now. God had me go on this trip so that I could build friendships with other believers, I guess this was the only way for me to do it. That wasn't the only reason of course. We were also there to help and encourage the congregation of the Expedition Church, and I feel we did that.
Yet as I sat by myself watching everyone below me, I knew that this only happened because of God. Right there I prayed, as I looked out into the beautiful night. I thanked God for everything I had, everything He had done, everything He was going to do, and that He would help to me to see what He wants of me next. It was the perfect ending to the trip, and I still thank God that I was able to go and be a part of it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Even the 16 hour drive up to Seattle was more fun then I would have thought possible. That mostly had to do with the people I was sharing a van with. Ask yourself this question: How much fun do you think you can have painting a house and doing yard work? I had a blast. There were about 26 of us all working at this one house and working with these people was more exciting then you could imagine. It didn't even feel like we were working. We were laughing, playing around, and joking with each other about everything that we were doing.
That was on Friday. On Saturday we did something that I have honestly been dreading since I first found out that we were going to be doing it. It's a little something we called Prayer on the Porch. We paired up in groups of two or three and walked around the neighborhoods. Knocking on doors and asking people if there was anything we could pray for them for.
I went out on this excursion with two guys, Matt and Steele. We would switch off on who would knock on the door and talk. Me, I put off knocking until the last possible second. I was thankful that the first door I knocked on no one was home, except for the non-stop barking of the dog. I think I was so nervous that first time that I don't think I would have even been able to speak. By the time the second house came around to me, I wasn't as nervous and was able to get some words out.
This time I spent knocking on doors and talking to complete strangers was really stretching for me, and you don't realize how amazing it was. Not only did I step out of my comfort zone and do it, but I was certainly enjoying myself by the end of the day. The only down side about the area we were in was all the spiders. They were everywhere, no joke. There were spider webs at every door step, and there was even one large spider right above the doorbell to the door I was supposed to be knocking on.
One little story before I move on. It was the second house that I was to knock at, and there was this long walkway up to the door. It was probably about 15 feet. I get to the door, get ready to knock and turn to see the both of them way at the end of the walkway. Now since the first house was a no show I could see this as my first house, and I was so super nervous. So, when I saw them standing way back there, I didn't even really think about it I just said, "Seriously, you're going to stand way back there." Of course they then moved a little closer, but they thought this was the funniest thing I could have said. Then, after heading back for lunch, proceeded to tell everyone about what I had said, making everyone else laugh in the process. It was an amazing day. Despite how scared I was at the thought of doing it, I'm glad I did.
I have to say the best part of the trip for me, or I should say enlightening, was the very last night we were there. After the church service a large group of us took a ferry ride from Edmonds to Kingston and back. I sat outside and the top of the stairs, looking down at the front of the boat and the deep black of the water at night. As I sat there watching the people I had come with play around, having fun in the chilling wind, I realized that for me this was what it was about. Not the goofing off, but the relationships that had been formed.
You see these are relationships that without this mission trip I don't think I ever would have made. I honestly think that I would have seen them week after week, but they would have been nothing more then acquaintances. I spent time making friends with people that before this trip I probably hadn't said more then a sentence or two to them at one given time. It's different now. God had me go on this trip so that I could build friendships with other believers, I guess this was the only way for me to do it. That wasn't the only reason of course. We were also there to help and encourage the congregation of the Expedition Church, and I feel we did that.
Yet as I sat by myself watching everyone below me, I knew that this only happened because of God. Right there I prayed, as I looked out into the beautiful night. I thanked God for everything I had, everything He had done, everything He was going to do, and that He would help to me to see what He wants of me next. It was the perfect ending to the trip, and I still thank God that I was able to go and be a part of it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Kind of Bordom Only the Start of School Can Kill
Yes, I'm not ashamed to say that I am one of those people who absolutely love school. I couldn't stand it back in high school, but now that I'm in college it's a hundred times better.
I'm not sure exactly what it is but I'm a lot more focused in class. I'm also more likely to do homework, too. One of those reasons might be because I choose to keep going to school, and I'm not forced to go.
I get to take whatever classes I want to. The class I'm looking forward to the most is my Russian class. I don't know why it is, but I've always wanted to learn Russian. I think that now that I'm in college I'll have more disciple to learn a language.
Now the last couple of weeks of school and I'm ready for it to end. Not even a month into summer and I want to go back. I seem to have way too much free time when I'm out of school, and I get bored out of my mind. I get so bored that I wander from room to room in the house trying to find something to do, but with no luck.
By the time August rolled around I was so bored I wanted to beat my head against the wall. I literally count the days, hours, minutes til school starts up again. End of August, I can't wait.
TNT,
Words by Ali
I'm not sure exactly what it is but I'm a lot more focused in class. I'm also more likely to do homework, too. One of those reasons might be because I choose to keep going to school, and I'm not forced to go.
I get to take whatever classes I want to. The class I'm looking forward to the most is my Russian class. I don't know why it is, but I've always wanted to learn Russian. I think that now that I'm in college I'll have more disciple to learn a language.
Now the last couple of weeks of school and I'm ready for it to end. Not even a month into summer and I want to go back. I seem to have way too much free time when I'm out of school, and I get bored out of my mind. I get so bored that I wander from room to room in the house trying to find something to do, but with no luck.
By the time August rolled around I was so bored I wanted to beat my head against the wall. I literally count the days, hours, minutes til school starts up again. End of August, I can't wait.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A Trip From God or For God?
Next week I am going to Seattle, Washington with a large group of my friends from my church. Now we're not just going to go, we have a specific reason. We are going to help serve a small church about an hour outside of Seattle.
We're going to help some of the people in the congregation fix up their homes. Whatever that may mean. Cleaning, painting, yard work, or whatever else God has planned for us to do to help them while we are there.
We also plan to go door to door. Not to preach and beat them about our religion, because that's not what a loving Christian would do. We will be inviting them to a BBQ, that the church is hosting. We also will be asking if they have anything we could pray for them about. This isn't to shove our religion at them, but to show loving, and caring, kindness.
Now this particular part is going to be a bit hard and uncomfortable for me. As I've mentioned in an earlier post I'm very shy. I get nervous and a little sick to my stomach just thinking about it. Although, I know this is what God wants for me, so I can grow as a person. To break out of my shell, leave my comfort zone, and be who I'm meant to be. As long as I have God's strength and love, as well as my friends support, I know I can do this.
I'm so excited, I can't wait for this trip. Even though were leaving at like 5 in the morning for like an 18 hour drive. It's going to be amazing. I'll let you know how it goes when I get back.
TNT,
Words by Ali
We're going to help some of the people in the congregation fix up their homes. Whatever that may mean. Cleaning, painting, yard work, or whatever else God has planned for us to do to help them while we are there.
We also plan to go door to door. Not to preach and beat them about our religion, because that's not what a loving Christian would do. We will be inviting them to a BBQ, that the church is hosting. We also will be asking if they have anything we could pray for them about. This isn't to shove our religion at them, but to show loving, and caring, kindness.
Now this particular part is going to be a bit hard and uncomfortable for me. As I've mentioned in an earlier post I'm very shy. I get nervous and a little sick to my stomach just thinking about it. Although, I know this is what God wants for me, so I can grow as a person. To break out of my shell, leave my comfort zone, and be who I'm meant to be. As long as I have God's strength and love, as well as my friends support, I know I can do this.
I'm so excited, I can't wait for this trip. Even though were leaving at like 5 in the morning for like an 18 hour drive. It's going to be amazing. I'll let you know how it goes when I get back.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Chiller the Horror Channel
I'm sure you know that there are TV stations that are specifically for one type of show, or movie. Like for example sci-fi or mystery. A couple of weeks ago I discovered a new channel. Well, it's not really new. Just new to me.
This station is all about horror and the supernatural. It's called Chiller. The first time I noticed it there was this horribly made zombie movie on. Even though the acting was terrible, and I couldn't keep watching after 10-15 minutes, I had found my new favorite station. Since I am one of the biggest horror fans, ever.
There are two great things about Chiller. The first is the movies. The majority of them are B movies, or just straight to TV. There are some that never should have ever been made in the first place. The majority of them though are pretty wicked. A lot of them are even from other countries. There seems to be quite a few from the U.K., but that doesn't make them less fun to watch.
The other reason is the TV shows. They have well run shows like Poltergeist: The Legacy. It was on for three or four season, and it's a great show. It was started with a basis on the Poltergeist movies, and was all about ghosts, demons, and all the things that go bump in the night. They show episodes every day at 4pm.
Then there's the short lived British show called Strange. There was only about seven episodes, but even after it was canceled it grew a cult following. After watching some of the show I fell in love with it, and am sad that it was canceled so quickly. It was about a former priest, John Strange, whose life was turned upside down when his fiancee was murdered by a demon. He now deals with the strange and unusual. I'm still hoping to find this show on DVD, but so far no luck.
All I can say is horror rocks.
TNT,
Words by Ali
This station is all about horror and the supernatural. It's called Chiller. The first time I noticed it there was this horribly made zombie movie on. Even though the acting was terrible, and I couldn't keep watching after 10-15 minutes, I had found my new favorite station. Since I am one of the biggest horror fans, ever.
There are two great things about Chiller. The first is the movies. The majority of them are B movies, or just straight to TV. There are some that never should have ever been made in the first place. The majority of them though are pretty wicked. A lot of them are even from other countries. There seems to be quite a few from the U.K., but that doesn't make them less fun to watch.
The other reason is the TV shows. They have well run shows like Poltergeist: The Legacy. It was on for three or four season, and it's a great show. It was started with a basis on the Poltergeist movies, and was all about ghosts, demons, and all the things that go bump in the night. They show episodes every day at 4pm.
Then there's the short lived British show called Strange. There was only about seven episodes, but even after it was canceled it grew a cult following. After watching some of the show I fell in love with it, and am sad that it was canceled so quickly. It was about a former priest, John Strange, whose life was turned upside down when his fiancee was murdered by a demon. He now deals with the strange and unusual. I'm still hoping to find this show on DVD, but so far no luck.
All I can say is horror rocks.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Line Between Fan and Obsession
The question here is when does being a fan of something cross the line into obsession. Is borderline obsession, really an obsession? I don't know. This could be with actors, musicians, t.v. shows, or for me it's authors and their books.
When I pick up a book I've already read before, because I absolutely love it, I sometimes wonder how many times do I have to read it before I become obsessed. Four or five times. There is one series that I have been reading since I was in High School. Now every time a new book would come out in the series I would re-read the previous books. There are five books in the series, so I've read the first book five times.
This is The Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty. They are some of the best books I have ever read in my life. She's an amazing author, and a really nice person. I had the privilege of meeting her back in March at the Tuscon Festival of Books, while I was in Arizona for spring break. I would probably read the series over again if I ever get in the mood to. Besides Marcus Flutie is my hero. If you want to understand why you'll have to read the books, and all five to truly understand. The first one is called Sloppy Firsts.
It's not just re-reading books that might make it an obsession. Cause the first three or four Anita Blake Vampire Hunter books I've read most likely four times. It's also that if I love a certain series enough and they re-print the books in a different cover, as long as the new cover is cool looking, I will re-buy the book. I like to collect the multiple covers.
I have done this for The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Sweep by Cate Tiernan. I'm also debating whether or not I want to buy the new cover of Guilty Pleasures, which is the first Anita Blake books.
Then there is one last observation to my obsession. That is the stickers in my car windows and the clothing that I have made. All but I think one of the stickers in my car's windows is from one of my book series. Anita Blake, Dresden Files, Jessica Darling, and more. Now the shirts are mostly just Anita Blake and Jessica Darling. They will have something to do with certain of my favorite characters, or a line or saying from the book. It's like this, if you see me with a shirt on and you don't know what it means it's probably from a book.
I'll leave you to decide whether it's become an obsession or not. I don't think it really is. I'm sure there's people out there who get carried away far worse then I do. Besides I'm sure some of you have border line obsessions just like me. You just might not be willing to admit it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
When I pick up a book I've already read before, because I absolutely love it, I sometimes wonder how many times do I have to read it before I become obsessed. Four or five times. There is one series that I have been reading since I was in High School. Now every time a new book would come out in the series I would re-read the previous books. There are five books in the series, so I've read the first book five times.
This is The Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty. They are some of the best books I have ever read in my life. She's an amazing author, and a really nice person. I had the privilege of meeting her back in March at the Tuscon Festival of Books, while I was in Arizona for spring break. I would probably read the series over again if I ever get in the mood to. Besides Marcus Flutie is my hero. If you want to understand why you'll have to read the books, and all five to truly understand. The first one is called Sloppy Firsts.
It's not just re-reading books that might make it an obsession. Cause the first three or four Anita Blake Vampire Hunter books I've read most likely four times. It's also that if I love a certain series enough and they re-print the books in a different cover, as long as the new cover is cool looking, I will re-buy the book. I like to collect the multiple covers.
I have done this for The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Sweep by Cate Tiernan. I'm also debating whether or not I want to buy the new cover of Guilty Pleasures, which is the first Anita Blake books.
Then there is one last observation to my obsession. That is the stickers in my car windows and the clothing that I have made. All but I think one of the stickers in my car's windows is from one of my book series. Anita Blake, Dresden Files, Jessica Darling, and more. Now the shirts are mostly just Anita Blake and Jessica Darling. They will have something to do with certain of my favorite characters, or a line or saying from the book. It's like this, if you see me with a shirt on and you don't know what it means it's probably from a book.
I'll leave you to decide whether it's become an obsession or not. I don't think it really is. I'm sure there's people out there who get carried away far worse then I do. Besides I'm sure some of you have border line obsessions just like me. You just might not be willing to admit it.
TNT,
Words by Ali
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thoughts On What God Has Been Teaching Me
God has certainly been teaching me a whole lot of things in my life. Or at least He's been trying. Whether or not I have been listening is a completely different story. I want to tell about two specific things that I'm doing my damnedest to understand and be obedient to.
Well, let me just say that I am one of the shyest people you would ever meet. At least if I don't know you. It's hard for me to meet new people. When I do I get nervous, forget everything I was going to say, and can't for the life of me think of what to say in response to something someone said. In short in social situations, with people I don't know, I don't do well at all.
God has certainly been doing everything possible to get me to get over this fear. For lack of a better word, fear of people. Tonight at church, yes I go to church Saturday nights, I went fishing. Now you might be confused, because this isn't the type of fishing you're used to.
Mark 1:17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Basically, what I did tonight was went to church early, so that I could meet new people to our church. To greet and introduce myself to visitors, so that they might feel welcome and appreciated. I didn't have the opportunity to meet too many. But I did step out of my comfort zone and met three new people, and had what I would call a conversation. It's going to take some getting used to but with God I know I can do it.
There's one more thing that God has definitely been putting on my heart. It really seems so simple to me when thinking about it, but it's difficult for me to just sit down and do it. That is having a daily quiet time with God. Just being able to read my bible, to listen and pray.
There are a few things that make this hard for me. One is that I am also one of the most forgetful people you might ever meet. I'm not saying that it's physically a problem, just that I'm always remember things at the wrong moments. For example, I'll get up in the morning thinking I'll do just after I get something done on my computer. Then I'll remember I was going to say while I'm work, and think to myself I'll certainly do it after when I get home. But of course I get on my computer or watch t.v. and the next thing I know I'm going to bed and remember I'd still forgotten.
I know that's not what He wants from me. He doesn't want a forgetful young lady with the best intentions, that get her nowhere. I need to not only work on remembering, but finding ways to remind myself when I forget. If you have suggestions you're more than welcome to leave a comment and let me know what they are. What God really wants from me is to depend on Him. To give Him my whole heart, and not just when it's convenient.
These are two areas of my life that I need the most help with. But I know without a doubt that as long as I go to God for help I can do everything I set out to do.
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
Till Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
Well, let me just say that I am one of the shyest people you would ever meet. At least if I don't know you. It's hard for me to meet new people. When I do I get nervous, forget everything I was going to say, and can't for the life of me think of what to say in response to something someone said. In short in social situations, with people I don't know, I don't do well at all.
God has certainly been doing everything possible to get me to get over this fear. For lack of a better word, fear of people. Tonight at church, yes I go to church Saturday nights, I went fishing. Now you might be confused, because this isn't the type of fishing you're used to.
Mark 1:17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Basically, what I did tonight was went to church early, so that I could meet new people to our church. To greet and introduce myself to visitors, so that they might feel welcome and appreciated. I didn't have the opportunity to meet too many. But I did step out of my comfort zone and met three new people, and had what I would call a conversation. It's going to take some getting used to but with God I know I can do it.
There's one more thing that God has definitely been putting on my heart. It really seems so simple to me when thinking about it, but it's difficult for me to just sit down and do it. That is having a daily quiet time with God. Just being able to read my bible, to listen and pray.
There are a few things that make this hard for me. One is that I am also one of the most forgetful people you might ever meet. I'm not saying that it's physically a problem, just that I'm always remember things at the wrong moments. For example, I'll get up in the morning thinking I'll do just after I get something done on my computer. Then I'll remember I was going to say while I'm work, and think to myself I'll certainly do it after when I get home. But of course I get on my computer or watch t.v. and the next thing I know I'm going to bed and remember I'd still forgotten.
I know that's not what He wants from me. He doesn't want a forgetful young lady with the best intentions, that get her nowhere. I need to not only work on remembering, but finding ways to remind myself when I forget. If you have suggestions you're more than welcome to leave a comment and let me know what they are. What God really wants from me is to depend on Him. To give Him my whole heart, and not just when it's convenient.
These are two areas of my life that I need the most help with. But I know without a doubt that as long as I go to God for help I can do everything I set out to do.
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
Till Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
Thursday, July 23, 2009
My Job: A Source of Income or An Evil Plan to Drive Me Crazy?
Thankfully I didn't have to work today. It was my much needed day off. Since I'm a full time college student I only work part time. Even though I'm not taking any summer classes I'm still only working part time. This of course is of no fault of mine. There just don't seem to be any more hours available at the dry cleaners where I work.
Now the real enigma to my whole working problem is that I could really use the hours so I could make more money. Although, when I'm there I want nothing more than to leave. It is one of the most monotonous jobs I have ever had the displeasure of working at.
It's not so much that it's a bad job but there's only so much of going through peoples dirty cloths that a person can take in one day. All I want to do is to get down detailing the cloths into our system so I can do something else, but as soon as I get to the last bag or two the bell rings. Signifying that someone is either at the door, or drove up through the drive thru.
About 90% of the time those people are dropping cloths off, which mean more detailing for me. What makes it even worse is the fact that even though there is always someone else there with me I seem to be the only one helping the customers, and putting their cloths into the computer. It's more than a little frustrating. I know that they're working, just at something else. Yet, if I can drop what I'm doing to help the guests, so can someone else.
Sorry if this sounds a little whinny, or even bitchy. I've just been working so hard this past week. I've had to do basically everything in the store. Since our presser decided to up and quite without a word, my manager has to press all the cloths for the day. Which leaves me with just about everything else. I just needed somewhere to vent about it. Thanx for listening.
Till Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
Now the real enigma to my whole working problem is that I could really use the hours so I could make more money. Although, when I'm there I want nothing more than to leave. It is one of the most monotonous jobs I have ever had the displeasure of working at.
It's not so much that it's a bad job but there's only so much of going through peoples dirty cloths that a person can take in one day. All I want to do is to get down detailing the cloths into our system so I can do something else, but as soon as I get to the last bag or two the bell rings. Signifying that someone is either at the door, or drove up through the drive thru.
About 90% of the time those people are dropping cloths off, which mean more detailing for me. What makes it even worse is the fact that even though there is always someone else there with me I seem to be the only one helping the customers, and putting their cloths into the computer. It's more than a little frustrating. I know that they're working, just at something else. Yet, if I can drop what I'm doing to help the guests, so can someone else.
Sorry if this sounds a little whinny, or even bitchy. I've just been working so hard this past week. I've had to do basically everything in the store. Since our presser decided to up and quite without a word, my manager has to press all the cloths for the day. Which leaves me with just about everything else. I just needed somewhere to vent about it. Thanx for listening.
Till Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
An Observation on Angry Drivers
Why is it people feel the need to flip you off even though they are clearly the ones in the wrong?
Yesterday I went and got myself Wendy's of dinner. Even though I have been eating out for the past 4 days. But no one else was home and of course I was too lazy to go make myself something. Anyway, let's move on to the drive back to my house.
I'm pulling out of the parking lot and need to go straight through the light ahead of me. The lady across from me, on the other side of the street, is turning left. She decides she needs to turn before I can go, even though I have the right away since she's turning left. She glares over at me as she turns and then proceeds to give me the finger.
Honestly, I'm not mad about it at all. I think it's the funniest thing. I was laughing to myself about it the whole way home, and even later that night. I'm mean obviously I didn't do anything. I'll be the first to admit if I actually did something wrong. But all I did was go straight at a green light. What I find amusing about the situation is that this lady had to of known that she was the one who was wrong, but she had to make herself feel better about it by blaming me, by giving me the finger.
Now I realize that you only look like an idiot if you get angry over something that you are at fault for.
Til Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
Yesterday I went and got myself Wendy's of dinner. Even though I have been eating out for the past 4 days. But no one else was home and of course I was too lazy to go make myself something. Anyway, let's move on to the drive back to my house.
I'm pulling out of the parking lot and need to go straight through the light ahead of me. The lady across from me, on the other side of the street, is turning left. She decides she needs to turn before I can go, even though I have the right away since she's turning left. She glares over at me as she turns and then proceeds to give me the finger.
Honestly, I'm not mad about it at all. I think it's the funniest thing. I was laughing to myself about it the whole way home, and even later that night. I'm mean obviously I didn't do anything. I'll be the first to admit if I actually did something wrong. But all I did was go straight at a green light. What I find amusing about the situation is that this lady had to of known that she was the one who was wrong, but she had to make herself feel better about it by blaming me, by giving me the finger.
Now I realize that you only look like an idiot if you get angry over something that you are at fault for.
Til Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Hello To the Universe
I just wanted to stop in and welcome you to my blog. Thoughts From the Written Universe is about anything I want it to be. If something happens during my day that is confusing, interesting, exciting, funny, or just plain weird I'll come by and tell you all about it. It might just be a crazy thought I had, or something that won't seem to get off my mind.
This blog is going to be a way for me to think out loud. To be able to hear what someone besides myself thinks about something. The nice thing about a blog is the anonymity. Most people checking it out won't know who I am, and they'll be sure to say what they really mean. Even if it's only to say they think I'm being a complete idiot. Yes I do want to hear it.
I hope those of who will be reading my blog enjoy it. And if there's anything I can do to make it better, and more entertaining let me know. I'm all about criticism, as long as it's constructive, and not just all out mean. Well I'm not sure how entertaining my life really is, but I guess we'll see if I can get you coming back. Hell, maybe you'll find my world even more exciting that I do. There's only one way to find out.
I"ll see you all when I come back. You should join me!
Till Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
This blog is going to be a way for me to think out loud. To be able to hear what someone besides myself thinks about something. The nice thing about a blog is the anonymity. Most people checking it out won't know who I am, and they'll be sure to say what they really mean. Even if it's only to say they think I'm being a complete idiot. Yes I do want to hear it.
I hope those of who will be reading my blog enjoy it. And if there's anything I can do to make it better, and more entertaining let me know. I'm all about criticism, as long as it's constructive, and not just all out mean. Well I'm not sure how entertaining my life really is, but I guess we'll see if I can get you coming back. Hell, maybe you'll find my world even more exciting that I do. There's only one way to find out.
I"ll see you all when I come back. You should join me!
Till Next Time (TNT)
Words by Ali
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