this is a HUGE accomplishment

i just totally paid off my credit card bill. i am debt free. well, except for my student loans, which actually are quite a bit. but still, for right now, i don't have anything to worry about paying. it's such a freeing feeling. phew.

christians...

... can't live with them. can't throw them to the lions.

thus says the bumper sticker i saw today while driving home.

it's upsetting to me that this is a prevalent enough attitude that it could be (presumably) mass produced and sold as a bumper sticker.

it's even more upsetting to me that my first reaction was to laugh. shocked laughter, yes. but still, why wasn't i mad, sad, or even thinking of thoughtful theological conversations to have with this person who felt the need to have such a sticker? do i too understand and relate to society's dislike and/or distrust of those who claim to be christian? possibly. i learned this summer that sometimes i prefer to be the only christian in a group of people than be with a group of christians. it's distressing that i do actually feel this way. what can we do? i'm curious what responses would be from the christian and non-christian realm.

accomplishment of the day

i sucessfully put together my very own end table.

tomorrow, i shall conquer the desk.

lesson of the day

no matter how long or how much you brush your teeth after eating hummus, your breath will still smell bad.

two songs that give me life

whenever i hear these songs, i just get energy. so, if ever you need to see me dance, just play cat steven's "i can't keep it in" or queen's "i want to break free".

please refrain from playing these songs in public situations that are inappropriate for dancing...

oh God, why am i in new jersey

really. i'm a kansas girl at heart. i've spent my summer in low-key, slow-paced maine. i feel like i'm perpetually surrounded by those customers that we always made fun of and/or just tried to get out of the restaurant. i'm not ready for new jersey again. i got honked at twice in a span of 10 minutes. ugh. i used to be okay at driving here but i lost that abilitiy apparently. it gave me a raging headache this afternoon.

and i couldn't find a desk. so i had to keep searching and driving around while not being able to ever turn left. and i said there was no way i was going to wal-mart (for oh so many reasons). after a million other stores, i finally gave in and it just so happens that i found the perfect desk in approximately 20 seconds at wal-mart.

and, it's hot here. dang. i miss the cool days of acadia. my first day back, i looked outside and it looked a little cloudy. so i said, 'i better take a sweater just in case'. ha. yeah right. pretty sure i looked ridiculous carrying a sweater around!

to top it all off: there are mosquitoes! they bit the heckfire out my feet and legs while i was outside talking on the phone. (side lament: i can't get reception in my apartment so i have to go outside).

but, you know what God? i do remember why i am in new jersey and it's because of You. and for the first time, i think i'm really going to appreciate this year. i'm really stoked about all my classes. i've only been to one so far but i'm totally excited about it. and i actually missed seminary this past summer, believe it or not. i realize how much i've changed because of it and i am so grateful for that. the thing is, when i applied to princeton and chose it, i said i wanted to get out of my comfort zone and be stretched. those goals have definitely been met. so now, for this my third year, i'm actually anticipating enjoyment and fulfillment. thank you for that God.

250th post!!!! *momentous occasion*

yes jenny smith, it is september and i slightly lied in saying i would post once a month. what can i say, maine is distracting.

folks, tonight i am going to the prom. yes, i said it. the prom. but it is not a school prom, it is a makeshift prom type party at the apartment of some really cool kids. it is going to be wonderful.

for anyone who so desires or would care about this information, i will be returning to new jersey on the 16th-17thish of this month. my last work day is the 15th and i have yet not decided if i shall go directly to princeton or take some random adventure on the way. don't worry like last year, i am coming back.

last bit of information: i would like to change the award of the moment but it would take far too long and be much hassle on this slow slow slow dorm computer. so you must read it here.
award of the moment goes to: suzanne for watching me do all sort of inane things while using the computer such as looking at silly cartoons and checking email and even blogging. she did have a cookie to keep her somewhat occupied. and i did sit through her investigation of telluride and horoscopes. nonetheless, the award goes to suzanne marigold (who in fact had two cookies)