True Love - Angels & Airwaves

The Veil - David Crowder Band

This is a love

Deep in the soul
O when you love
O when you love
The veil is torn
Mystery pours
Down from above
Down from above

And yet we are under benediction

So there is grace

Hallelujah we rejoice
What a savior
What a king
Hallelujah lift your voice
To our savior
To our king

O please do stay
Where you remain
Do not fall
Do not fall
Something greater
Is on the way
Just hang on
Try to hang on
Try to hang on

The love of angels
Becomes a love anew
O heavenly light
Takes on a fair skin

What a savior
What a king

Love Like Rockets - Angels & A...

Well, I figured it's about time to do a picture post. Because I haven't really posted lately, I'll sum up what's been happening in my life by way via pictures. So, lets get started.

What's a geek's blog post without a Rubix cube? Or a giant Rubix cube?

As shown here. Friends are fun... But somewhere along the way, their creepiness is shown sooner or later.

Christmas really is the best time of the year.

This was my little sister's addition to the Christmas Tree this year

One sadnesses of this year is that our beloved dog Isaiah passed away about a month ago (from this post).

At a recent dance class, me and my friend Michael were goofing off taking random pictures. It was only until afterwards did we realize that he had the same face in both of these pictures. How it happened? We still have yet to figure that out.

Meet my friend Bailey, the grey rock.

Now on a recent visit from her college, my older sister put her Macbook Pro on my computer desk. Only was it then did I realize just the extent of electronics I own.

And finally, one more picture to end up this post. Three guys...Three plastic toy (yellow) hats, one sharpie marker, one Georgia Tech vs. University of Georgia. Yes, we are fans. Geeky fans, but still, fans.

So I am in the end of my Midterm Week. It has been...Stressful. With a lot of big tests, a big portion of my grade relies on the outcome of the grades I get this week. On a positive note, my math midterm I got back today was a 100% correct...Which made my day. But needless to say, college is...Hard. It's not too challenging (yet) of just general work, but it's challenging balancing it and life together.
  
 I have never really been a person to wake up early and doing it 4 days a week becomes a challenge. Either I am going to college, or going to work on the weekends. There is not a single day I don't have a commitment to something. After a while, it wears on the soul. The thing though is, this is also Fall Break for a lot of my friends and they are out, relaxing, and getting some R&R that they really need...I am jealous of them at this current moment. Life becomes stressful. And hard sometimes. Needless to say what's happened this past year for me so far has been a roller-coaster of school, emotions, stress, homework (lol), etc. Going from senior year to graduating to college has been an experience in itself.

Adjusting to the college lifestyle has been kinda hard in itself. My college (Georgia Highlands) doesn't have a lot of social things at my campus, so basically my friend count here is zilch. It's hard because I am so used to being around a big group of friends, at a local school, doing things constantly. Having such a dramatic change of social life effects one. I almost relate it to living on a deserted island...Although it's not "that" bad. I sometimes wish my personality was one that was a little more outgoing. I know I can't just be quiet anymore (it's starting to become an issue...Or at least I see it as such), and need to start branching out. But for me, that's an entirely new concept I don't want to accept...I guess I am so used to doing things the way I've always done them. They say college changes a person, but one thing I am trying to decide about my college career (so far) is for the better or worse? I guess only time will tell. But for now, staying strong and firm in my beliefs and will is my main priority. And then, just let God guide me from there...

What defines a good person? Is it someone who thinks that his/her choices are good? What if that the choices he or she views is just a distorted reality of good in their own sense? We can never really define what is fully good. One person's view of something always differs from another.

I guess this all truly goes down to what God says is good. Truth and the choices of good and bad falls into what the Bible tells us. It always comes down to that. But how do we approach the people who view's of good and bad are skewed? How do we show them that the world has swayed them? For instance, a atheist might see good and bad a completely different from a Christian. Or on the other hand, how about a non-Christian "good" person like a mother of a family? If true goodness is defined by the Bible in God's words, how do you show it to the people who don't understand that?

I guess true goodness is only shown by actions, and the deeds done by the believers. We need to stand up to show the world what good and bad is, and by our actions and our lives, we can show the goodness of our God and Savior. Only then can we truly understand true goodness.

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more
fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more,
we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will
wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery
this is why this is why I sing

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more
fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more,
we'll see Jesus face to face

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more
fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more,
we'll see Jesus face to face

There will be a day, he will wipe away the tears,
He will wipe away the tears,
He will wipe away the tears,
There will be a day.

So, here are some of the songs I have been listening to today... Today I have been in a "calmer" mood, so actually, I have been listening to more vocal/songwriter, world, and supprisingly classical (doesn't sound like me...I recognise this).

Well, first off, Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire sorta started off my day (the ride to college). Sorta a soundtrack/techno song... Really catchy actually

Album Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=296876907&id=296876695&s=143441

Well, after classes, I DID listen to some more rock with the Used song in the "Songs Inspired From and From Transformers 2, Revenge of the Fallen". More techno-ey rock, it is one of those "get your mind off of school" types of songs

Album Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=318876005&id=318875889&s=143441

Well, I got home and was goofing off.. And wanted to listen to more ambient... I get in those moods randomly... So, I listened to some from Loreena McKennitt. Well, some as in the song "The Highwayman" (the live version). It's the classic poem The Highwayman just...Sung? It sounds weird...But it's actually rather cool (although I think I like the album version over the live). It is very...World sounding.. But it's a very good song.

Album Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=72380356&id=72380676&s=143441

Well, later in the afternoon I was just browsing iTunes and saw the Chester from Linkin Park had featured in the Dead By Sunrise's new single: Crawl Back In. So of course, being a Linkin Park fan, I had to get it. Different from Linkin Park, more as in mainstream rock sounding, it's a one of those songs you hear once, but like better the second time

Album Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=326631557&id=326631555&s=143441

Finally this evening I was in the mood for something different. So I looked into classical for a change. I found a nice mix of a bunch of classical songs in movies (as weird as it sounds, it's actually a good mix), and listened to that for a while. Needless to say for only $5 you get...Like 45 songs... So, not too bad a purchase. But there is literally a LOT of selection in this. But it is classical, so, I might sound weird, but that's what suited my taste... Although it's weird for me because I usually listen to more rock...

Album Link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=302168416&s=143441

So, yeah, that's a little bit of sharing of what I have been listening to today. Hopefully I have helped to inspire some music exploring in whoever is reading this.

I'm here again
A thousand miles away from you
A broken mess, just scattered pieces of who I am
I tried so hard
Thought I could do this on my own
I've lost so much along the way

Then I'll see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make me whole

I've come undone
But you make sense of who I am
Like puzzle pieces in your eye

Then I'll see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make me whole!

I tried so hard! So hard!
I tried so hard!

Then I'll see your face
I know I'm finally yours
I find everything I thought I lost before
You call my name
I come to you in pieces
So you can make me whole
So you can make me whole

The future...

That's a word that has been rattling around in my head a lot lately. The future... It's so exciting, yet intimidating. It's the great journey that my mighty God has layed out for me, but it's also the darkest of roads. As I get ready to start an entire new section of my life filled with life, love, school, and the "future" I have been planning for all my life, it's...A weird sensation. It's like skydiving for your first time... It's a rush, and exciting... But before you have done it, your scared out of your wits about it. In all of this, I am trying to rely on God to help me get through my progression into adulthood with ease...But I know it won't be simple. As all of my friends are starting to go away to the schools of their choice, I can only wonder how my friendship with them will continue. I hope all the bonds I have grown to have will stay. I know there will be some friends who will stick through it all, as they are the people I fully trust and rely on for support, but I just hope the strength of our frienships will stick through... No matter where life brings us. As for love, I hope that whoever God puts me with, will be a firm guidence in this journey.

As I look upon this journey, all I can think now is of the character Christian in the book Pilgrims Progress. As he faced turmoil and turmoil, the thought of the end helped him get through. And because of it, when he got to the Celestial City, he was accepted with much rejoicing. In my journey that I am hoping to be like Christian. Knowing that no matter the struggles that I go through will be fully worth it in my end when I get to see my heavenly Father. But still, as I am beginning the last major journey of my life, it scares me... It's so...Untravelled and different. In Ecclesiastes 8:7 it says: Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? What I pray is that even if I don't know the future, I will still have the strength to fully rely on God to get me through whatever I do... This is a prayer that I have for me and all of my friends. I guess my final words are to just be faithful, and true to God, and the future will be whatever His will is for you. As I think about this future, I can only hope my prayer will be the same as this: Psalms 25:2, In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

...Mm hmm

I can see it in your eyes
And feel it in your touch
I know that you're scared
But you've never been this loved (mm hmm)

It's a long shot, baby,
I know it's true.
But if anyone can make it,
I'm bettin' on me and you. (mm hmm)

Just keep on moving into me,
I know you're gonna see
The best is yet to come

And don't fear it now,
We're going all the way.
That sun is shining on a brand new day.
It's a long way down
And it's a leap of faith
But we're never giving up
Cuz i know we've got a once in a lifetime love

Everybody's looking
For what we've found
Some wait their whole life
And it never comes around. (uu huhh)

So don't hold back now.
Just let go of all you've ever known
You can put your hand in mine.

And don't fear it now,
We're going all the way.
That sun is shining on a brand new day.
It's a long way down
And it's a leap of faith
But we're never giving up
Cuz i know we've got a once in a lifetime love

I close my eyes and i see you standing right there
Sayin 'i do' and they're throwing the rice in our hair.
Well the first one's born
And a brother comes along,
And he's got your smile.
I've been looking back on the life we had
I'm still by your side.

So don't fear it now,
We're going all the way.
That sun is shining on a brand new day.
It's a long way down
And it's a leap of faith
But I'm never givin up
Cuz i know we've got a once in a lifetime love.

Search my heart, search my mind, search my soul
Make me clean, make me new make me whole

All of my plans, all of my dreams, I lay them down before Your feet
All of my time, all that was mine, I now submit to Your design
'Cause You are the one who can make my life complete
You are the one who can give light to my feet
You are the one and only one who dared to give it all away for me

You are my strength, You are my God, you are my King
You make me laugh, You make me dance, You make me sing

Everything inside, everything outside, I give it all away
You never change, but You rearrange my heart more everyday

Till Kingdom Come by Coldplay

Still my heart and hold my tongue
I feel my time
My time has come
Let me in
Unlock the door
I never felt this way before

And the wheels just keep on turning
The drummer begins to drum
I don’t know which way I’m going
I don’t know which way I’ve come

Hold my head inside your hands
I need someone who understands
I need someone, someone who hears
For you I’ve waited all these years

For you I’d wait 'til kingdom come
Until my day, my day is done
And say you'll come and set me free
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me

In your tears and in your blood
In your fire and in your flood
I hear you laugh, I heard you sing
I wouldn’t change a single thing
And the wheels just keep on turning
The drummers begin to drum
I don’t know which way I’m going
I don’t know what I’ve become

For you I’d wait 'til kingdom come
Until my days, my days are done
And say you'll come and set me free
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me

So if you have an iPod Touch and/or iPhone and like strategy games, get the app UniWar. It's a VERY fun strategy game to play if you are bored and want to goof off for a minute. Plus it has a lot of online gaming capabilities. Well yeah, that's my sales speech of the day.

-- Post From My iPod Touch

So I have found out this weekend that a nice camera=LOTS of space used on a hard-drive. I have so far used about 20g just on this single trip in just camera pictures. Honestly it's getting rediculous. I really need to invest in a 1tb brick for this camera because without it my hard-drive will be completely full in a couple weeks. Maybe I should just cut back on taking pictures?... Nnnaaaahhh...

So true...

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You’re beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You’re beautiful, you're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity’s shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we’ll sing
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face, I see Your face
I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful

Ok, well at work yesterday I noticed something. It was the behaiviour of people. At my job (and Arbies employee), I am required to "close down" the lobby. That basically means, sweep/mop the tiled floors and vacuum the carpeted floors. Here is a diagram of the floors I have to clean and what is broken into what:

So, that's the general diagram of what I had to do. So I got an early start on cleaning and a couple hours later I was fully finished... Except for 1/6th of the room. A little bit left to vacuum. Now, I had to go back up to switch out towels and a person came by. We aren't supposed to vacuum with customers, and even if we do vaccum, it needs to be on the opposite side of the room. Here is the 1/6th I still had left to vacuum:

Ok. So here I am, ringing up Guy 1's order. Now, I had ALL the cleaning supplies in the middle of the floor of where I was cleaning at, so it showed what my intentions were. Now, Guy 1 goes and sits down at THE EXACT spot where I was just about to clean. So, I have to wait for Guy 1 to finish eating, and then I get ready to

go finish the cleaning (it was about 15 minutes for him to finish). So, I am about to go when Lady 1 comes in and orders. Well, just like Guy 1, she goes to the SAME SPOT Guy 1 ate at. And like I said, cleaning supplies are right there... In the middle of the hallway. Lady 1 finishes (about 15 minutes) and heads off. Then, Guy 2 comes in. He orders and goes to the other side. Feeling relived that I can now finish this off, I go to clean, but realize I need to go switch out my towel. Now, as I go back, Guy 2 walks across the room to the spot behind where Guy 1 and Lady 1 ate! It is also in the section I have to clean. Irritated at this point that it's about 45 minutes (guy 2 took about 15 minutes to eat as well), to clean this one, simple little spot Lady 1 gets up to leave. Finally Guy(s) 3&4 come in. They go to the same area, but to my luck, one table above where I need to clean. Here is a diagram of the people and where they went:

As I am observing all of this (needless to say I am slightly frustrated since it IS the last cleaning duty I have to do before I can leave), I wondered, "how do people think?". Now, if I had gone to a restaurant and seen a bunch of cleaning supplies on one side, personally I would have went to a different area. But clearly there is something that attracted the people to this spot. If it was a subconsious "let's see if this will annoy someone" or not, I found it interesting. Because not was it only 1, but 5 people, one after another, that did the same thing. I just found it slightly interstesting to think about. Maybe something DOES click in our brains that we don't realize... Hmmm... Probably won't ever know.

A slide-show put together of my 2009 prom

Well, my 18th birthday is today... And because of it, I decided to capture a video about me telling how I feel about it... Enjoy

Here are some panoramas I took while at Destin. Click the pictures for full size.

Day two of our Destin trip. This morning I woke up to the annual beeping of the smoke alarm. To the designers of these condo rooms: why the heck did you put a smoke detector over the oven in the kitchen? Do you not understand whenever you open the oven it goes off? Stupid... It's yet again a rainy day so I am using the time to finish the book "Dragonfire" and then start Something else that us yet to be decided. Currently I am listening to Amber Pacific. I actually the album "Truth in Sincerity" last year at Destin. I listened to it all the way back from Destin. Good album that I highly recommend. Well it's clearing up now so I am going to go hit the beach.



-- Post From My iPod Touch

The story still continues. I offially think this is the most amount of blog posts I have done in one day. Oh well. We are officially put of the rain, but the dreary rainy weather had changed to the exciting rows and rows of trees! So awesome the change of scenery. My grandfather has been showing us some fun tricks. Have you ever entertwined your hands together and tried to spin your thumbs in opposite directions? Trust me when I say it's hard. Earlier I was I'm a place for about thirty minutes of no cell coverage, so Verison? You should fix that! But currently I am listening to a very good playlist I made a while back. It's one that is making me think a lot of least, because of the content. Playlists ate pretty much awesome... Just saying. Well now I am sitting around. Wishing to talk to someone via im or something. Stupid no data plan+no smartphone! Does it hurt to wish sometimes? :-)
-- Post From My iPod Touch

The trip still continues. We just had lunch at a nice little family run buffet restaurant. It was really good. But I found out no-matter where you are, technology prevails. Inside the restaurant, a guy was doing business stuff on a Lenovo Thinkpad. But the food was very good. While we were eating I finally noticed my little sister had dyed some of her hair. Shows how much I pay attention to things. Also, another thing that happened, was a bolt of lighting shut off the power. So. nice five minutes of the meal was spent in the dark.
Well, we are now about an hour away from the beach. My phone switched over to the time zone a while back, messing me up actually on some things, but I better get used to being an hour behind. Meh, oh well. One final thought: when playing music on shuffle on a device, it's usually a hit or miss situation. You can have some awesome songs back to back or a bunch of lesser.

-- Post From My iPod Touch

So we are nearing the Florida Border right now. I have found out that the best way to deal with long rides like that is stay up really late the night before and sleep most of it off. It has worked well for me today, but I had some rather odd dreams. But now it's raining outside so the "scenery" is really dull. Right now the entertaining topic with the adults is which tires are good for throwing off water and which towns look boring or "cute". Listening to them talk about all of this is as entertaining as going to the movies! *sarcasm*. Well luckally I have my trusty iPod Touch, Zune, and a computer to keep me entertained.

-- Post From My iPod Touch

Off to Destin my family goes again. After doing the traditional "we are going to be leaving at X time...Only to leave am hour later then planned" we have finally crammed the last little bit in the car. Now it looks like am over-burdened ox. Couldn't find a power converter for the car as well. So my laptop's battery is limited. We also have picked up mu grandparents, so talk of the government and relatives I don't remember is most likely soon to follow. Oh well, at least we are on the way. That is at least the most important part right now.

-- Post From My iPhone

Well, I am now waiting on going to my college Compass test. I will have to post this update later due to the fact I don't have my student ID, and you have to I've that to connect to the wifi here. Slightly nervous right now due to the fact I really want to do well and NOT have to take summer classes. I guess I will just have to take it slow and be careful... Well, as of today, no matter what happens, my life will start an entirely new story from the one I have been living in.


-- Post From My iPhone

Well today was Audience of One. My improv group got to perform, and we did quite well. But now, only one more week of school left. I am both happy and sad. I like school because of my friends and will greatly miss it. Oh well, I guess we will just have to stay close over the summer :)

Well that's about it for now. Night guys

Also... For all those who have iPod touches, you should download SpawnLite. It's a VERY entertaining little app. Pictures shown below...

-- Post From My iPhone

Well today I have offcially finished math for the rest of my school
career (until college at least). After two years, a thing that has
plauged me so is finished. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. I
really enjoy math actually, but with all that happened last year about
me slacking on a couple classes, it felt like a burden. Luckally SO
showed me how cool schooling and just learning is. I appreciate SO
greatly. It really has shown me a lot. But now I am finished with that
hurdle and I face whatever comes next with a smile and courage to
endure on.

Well, prom was last Saturday. It was my senior prom so, that made me feel…Sad to an extent. But luckily it was a very good prom this year. It was funny to an extent though. I went with Aubrey, but Michael went with Bizzie, and of course, Blake went with Chelsea. I just find it funny how close the SO group is. This is a good example of it. But it was an amazing evening. Me and Aubrey won 1st in waltz, and I did pretty well in the swing competition.

But in general, it was probably one of the best proms ever…

Here are some pictures from the night:

So, I was sitting in my bed thinking about this tonight. Why do we as a whole miss out on the simple things now adays? In today’s society, we waste SO much time in doing pointless tasks. For instance, goofing off on the computer is an example. Yes, I, computer-aholoic have no right to say anything against this due to the fact that I am ALWAYS on the computer, or some electronic device. But seriously, what has happened to us? When I was young, and even today, some of the best memories I have is doing entertaining things that is not just worthlessly sitting in one spot.

Back in my old homeschool group, I LOVED playing baseball with everyone. As it’s a very simple game in only requiring a few objects, it was the time of our lives trying to even hit the ball (I was quite young). These objects provided countless of hours of enjoyment to me, and my friends. Another thing my family used to do was to read a chapter from a book every night. Now, this was entertaining because you ALWAYS wanted to read the next chapter. This was before TV and computers “stole” the imagination. A good night was when we were able to convince our mom to go ahead and read the next chapter of the book. But as I have grown older, these things started to fade as the way of entertainment. The simple had to be more, and more complex. Instead of playing at the parks, it was video games with friends. Then it was movies. Now it’s computers, and any other virtual entertainment. I have gotten to points that me and my friends literally sit around, without TV or computer access wondering “what are we going to do.” Parties we have now-adays rely on what movies are out. The simple has been messed up in our minds.

A few weeks ago, we had a play. During this time it was basically: wake up, get around, go to play, practice, go to bed, wake up, have play #1, hang out, go home and to bed, wake up, have play #2 hang out. Now, this is a simple design for a weekend, BUT it was one of the most fun weekends I have had in a long time. At the playhouse, we did not have wifi, so our computers and touches were basically worthless. Also, after the first play, a group of us went to the park and just goofed off. We didn’t do anything big, but we jumped over fences, chased each other around, and after I left, they had fun whistling with grass. Some of the most basic things that we had at our disposal were some of the most fun.

A good example of what we have become compared to what we were comparing a PB and J to a Arby’s Roastburger. A PB and J is a very simple sandwich comprised of only three ingredients: bread, peanut butter, and bread. Now, of course I work at Arbys, so I had to use something from them as an example, but the roastburger is basically “how can we add more?” It’s a good sandwich BUT it also is made out of a lot of ingredients and sauces. While technology is very fun and entertaining, it is made up of a lot of “build-up” that takes a lot of time out of our lives. Instead of the fun of the very simple stuff, we have replaced it with dark rooms with computers.

Now like I said, I, out of anyone, haven’t really the right to say all of this because I AM such a technology geek. I love everything about it. But in loving it, I do miss the simple stuff. So, this is what I challenge you. Try to be simpler. Instead of hanging around wondering what website to go to next, try getting outdoors. Take a walk, jog, ride a bike, call some friends and play some games, whatever. God made this amazing world for our use. Don’t waste it by just sitting around. I am going to college in the fall, and I look back and realize how much time I have wasted of my life playing computer games and such. That time I could have been doing productive things, playing with friends, not being a “hobo” in a sense.

What I challenge for me and you is this. Next time you are wondering what’s on TV to watch with you and the family, try offering to play a game. If you are a mom that has kids, try pricking their imaginations by starting to read a book to them, even if it’s a chapter a night. A chapter really is not all that long. Next time you are with friends wondering what to do, try offering to get a ball, go play some volleyball, board games, or just getting outside. If you are by yourself, pick up a book, try doing a craft, do something to arouse the imagination. And remember, if you are playing a game, winning, or losing doesn’t matter. What mainly matters is the enjoyment of playing with family or friends. On my senior camping trip, we had a “Great Race” and in it, we all tried our best to beat the other teams. The thing though is, it didn’t matter who won or lost. There was no prize at the end, but just the enjoyment of completing a challenge together. It was a really fun race that didn’t require any technology, and I greatly enjoyed it.

One final thought. Those quick “I need to quickly check something” adds up VERY quickly. It’s estimated that people are on some-sort of electronic for 8 hours of every-day. Think about all that time! God put you on the earth to not waste the time given. So, enjoy it to the best of your ability. So go ahead and smell the flowers! I know I am going to try to more often.

I had a really good night last night. I was able to hang out with most of my friends, which is something that I don't do very often (in a party situation). A lot of funny things came from last night including, "CARL!", "Just Dance!", and many many more things. It was also nice getting to stay up till 5:30 am talking to some people. EVEN if today I am exausted. But in general, getting to socialize is something that I think we ALL need every once in a while...Just as a stress releif more than anything. Well, now it's 1 am and I am still pretty bushed (even if I did get a nap in today). Got to stay awake for church tomorrow! Haha.

So, last Friday was Valentines Day. And needless to say, it was pretty lonely. Not only did I feel horrible, but work was bad as well...Combine the loneliness and you have a pretty crappy day. At work that day, it didn't help that I was super tired, and I accidentally dumped 2 gallons of water on me. So, as you can see, the day ended up being a bad day for me. It didn't help I heard what everyone else was doing with their Valentines. Ah...Oh well... Patience is something I need to learn. Patience in trusting God to show me the right way I need to go in any relationship, and patience for waiting on the right person...

Patience is hard sometimes...

Lack of sleep is not recommended on a daily schedual. Trust me...

Well, this has been one heck of a hard week. I am so glad the worst is over. We did really well in the district SO event, we came in fourth!. But I'll post on that later due to me being completely tired at this moment...

Yay for the weekend coming up!

Ok, this is the time. The time that we leave our childhood behind to embrace a new and mysterious journey called adulthood. As the LAST year of my high-school... Or schooling in general under my parents starts to finally come to a close, it leaves me bitter-sweet on the inside.

The experiences, friends, and just childhood in general has been AMAZING. All the many millions of experiences that I had, friends I hung out with and discussed how annoying school is sometimes, plays I participated, school events gone to, etc. The list is HUGE. It is sad to think that all the fun of childhood will be gone soon. Yes, graduating doesn't change you instantly, BUT it is the acceptance of completion of the challenge of school, and being accepted into adulthood. From here, we will be going to college, finding spouses, starting families, and going on to our adult lives. The kid in us will be "taken away" through the challenges that will soon face us which is college and jobs. Yes, you can always keep your attitude you have always had, but there is a maturity you have to embrace as well. God has guided my many years of schooling and life and I have seen the many glorious things he has done in me and my friends. One of the most amazing things about my childhood was to accept him as my father for eternity. These memories can NEVER be taken away.

As I, and all of the seniors this year, start this long walk of the rest of our lives, I urge you not to forget the past. The past will help us succeed in the future. And NEVER forget God's guidance in it all. We have succeeded and have passed the bar that was put in front of us since birth. Congratulations to everyone and I pray the journey for me, and you will be full of many more great memories and experiences to come.

The question is no longer "are you ready?" but is now "the future awaits".


~Class of '09~



~Ryan Mueller

Ok, so I want to thank a lot of people about being such a good friend/influence/pier/etc. There are SO many people that contributed to SUCH an amazing year as last year, so if you don't get mentioned, then you are an important part as well (and I probably was really tired and didn't feel like typing anymore...Revisions are possible :P). These are just some that stood out. Some of these things are personal to each person. But what I say is true. Also note that the order isn't from best to least. You guys are all amazing. I just put it in which people I first thought of.

Andrew: You are probably one of my best friends right now. You have been such a great friend this year. This last year we have both been through a LOT but you have been a good person. You are awesome to hang out with, talk to about girls ;), and just everything we do. You have also been a GREAT help with my spiritual walk as well. I thank you so much for helping me with seeing just how amazing our God is. Good luck with everything you do this year bro. Especially if you end up deciding to risk your life for our nation. Always trust in God and let him guide you.

Wade: MR. WADE! Haha. You have also been another one of my really close friends this year. There is so much we did and so much randomness that has happened with us hanging out. I am really glad that God sent you to us (what is it, two years now?). If he hadn't then we would be really bored these days ;). You also have had a great impact in my spiritual life as well. You me and Andrew have had some really deep talks about God and a bunch of things. Thanks for being a good friend that I know I can always talk to about things. Hope to see how this years turns out with all of us! Class of 09! Haha. Thanks though for being such a good bud in general.

Cassidy: Well, last year has been interesting. One of the best things though about it is getting to know you a lot better. You are a really fun friend to hang out with, and just to talk to. It's really fun getting to hang out with (especially through B2B), and getting to just be able to be random. Being random with girls is something that I rarely get to do. I always see God in you no matter what you are going through. Showing that type of faith is amazing to see. Thank's for being a good friend Elmira ;).

BJ: Dude, you are the BEST! I think out of anyone I could have for a cousin, you win every time (AND GUESS WHAT?! YOU ARE MY COUSIN! Haha...). Thank's for always being there for me. No matter how I am feeling, how upset I am, or whatever. You are always one I KNOW I can go to. I miss not getting to see you as much due to your job, but I enjoy any time we get to hang out and talk about just everything. I love ya man! (And I WILL get revenge for locking out in the cold in Russia! Haha)

Mallory: I guess if I was ever to describe you, it would be the person who makes everyone be happy and is the fun of the party. Haha. You are one of those friends that if you are ever feeling down, just a few words to you, and you'll feel much better. You are a very good friend to hang out with and just goof off with.

Will: I am really glad I got you away from Big Canoe this year. You are awesome dude. It's always fun getting to hang out with you and make you just laugh at my stupidness (in which you usually shake your head and say something sarcastic). It though is really cool that I was able to get to re-connect with you this year from all the way back from our homeschool group. It's cool to say I have yet another very good friend from this year. You have also show such an amazing devotion to our Lord. And because of your dedication and pursuit, it has really helped open a LOT in my life. Thanks for being such a great witness to me this last year. Can't wait to see what this year holds!

Audrey: I am really glad God introduced me to you this last year. And even what has happened between us, our friendship still holds true (even if it's not the way I thought it would ever be. God has shown me a lot). I am glad that I was able to get to know you so well last year, and you will always be a really good friend no matter what happens. Thanks for being a friend that I know I can always talk to about stuff. It's nice having someone like that to talk to. And I pray that whatever you do this year, it will be for God's will.

Chris: If I was ever to have a brother, it would be you. I doubt you will ever read this, but I still wanted to mention you. You are the friend that no matter how random, how crazy, you will be random and crazy as well. You have been accepted into the Mueller household hands down. I am really glad to have you as a friend.

Blake: If I was ever to have someone as a friend who would be the most random, yet funny guy in the planet, it would be you. You are awesome to hang out with and just be however you want to be. You are a genius and I hope that next year at Tech will be a blessed one. I pray that your transition from the life you have now, to college dorms will be smooth and above all, you will always keep God as your guide.

Michael: EGGONAUGHT! Haha. You are another one of those "can be random around" friends, you are going to be him. It's been really cool getting to know you a lot more this year through SO and just all the various activities. Thanks for being a such a fun friend to be around

Kristin: Dear sister, I miss you so. I wish this horror called college didn't take you away from me, yet it does. I pray you stay safe, and always trust in God. I love you so much sis! Glad to have had so many awesome memories with you this last year through all that we did. And I hope you get to meet the guy from the ski-trip again ;). Haha. I pray this year, you will get to see us a bit more, and college will be durable. Love ya sis!

Megan: Describe Megan: "Texting queen", "gymnistaholic", etc... Haha j/k! I love you too little sister, and I am glad I got to do so much with you this last year as well. Between the ski trips, Florida, and everything else, there are a lot of really cool memories I have with you sis. I have to say this again (because it is true!) I love you lil sis!

Macy: Founder! Even though me and Wade might tease you about thing *cough*facebookstatusesandwallposts*cough*, you are still an awesome friend to hang out with. It's always fun to tease you about little stuff and whatnot. We all have missed you at HEDGE this year, but it is cool when we do get the chance TO hang out with you. Hope this year goes well with you!

Zach: Zacha the stinky tribesman! Icy-Hot is summoning you to make an appearance in Georgia again. These orders MUST BE FOLLOWED OR ELSE! Haha, you have always been my best friend and will always be. It's lonely these last (how many years is it now?) with yo not here :(. No one I can TRULY be random with like how we were haha. Remember going to camp? Ahhh... Good times...Good times... Stupid Buddy! We really should have used the waterfall method... But in all seriousness, you DO need to come and visit. Can't wait to see my good bud soon! ;)

Alex: One of the weirdest things about this year is finding out that I am distantly related to you. Needless to say that was pretty weird. But you are a very good friend who is always fun to hang out and talk to about anything country related (guns, animals, off-roading trucks, etc...lol). Thank's for being a good friend!

There are so many more people that I have not mentioned, but you do have a great and HUGE impact on my life this last year. I also need to really thank all of the parents that has helped guide me this last year in all I did. There are just so many parents I could thank (I might write up something about you guys later), but I do greatly thank you. And most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior for allowing me to live such a great year as last year was.