Reflections of an Unsuspecting Saturday.

As I sit here in my gentleman's countryside cap and nonchalantly puff this unlit Black&Mild, I realize that I was meant to be great. However, I am content with the assumption of greatness hovering above me, regardless of the fact that it is unlikely my name will one day be anything more than a narcissistic screen name for various internet profiles. Much in the same way I would rather not light this cigar; it was destined for accomplished smolders, but it shall remain on the brink of potentiality. I am happy to hear the crackles of my phonograph on this Peter, Paul and Mary record. I cannot help but think of the journeys of things around me. Where has this record been? Whose hands have held it and contemplated the world, much as I have done of late. What ears have heard the sorrows of injustice and the happy melodies of memories? The underlying breaks in the notes bring these questions to the forefront of my mind. I am comforted that I may pick up my guitar and strum the most elementary of chords. My fingers form the shape, and I hear the low voice of Em and find understanding in its timbre. It is basal want of discovery in which I am inclined to believe. I suppose in this searching and insatiable way I have been able to share my most indelible silent discoveries with only myself and the atmosphere that will eventually lead to every creature and abiotic force derived or imagined. I am glad to be wearing this cap from Dublin, though I am not a gentleman. I have recently rediscovered the magic of a well worn dictionary, and at this moment I have no less than five about me. Each holding within them the keys to communication of ideas, emotions. This morning I saw deer in our yard. I felt terribly unsettled to be at the same moment so unconnected and inextricably bound to this creature, and my eyes wandered the trees and stream. The birds, the squirrels, the lives I couldn't see beneath me. I contemplated these things, yet thought nothing of consequence at all. Who am I to think that my assumptions and considerations are worth the air upon which they float?

I am happy to write to invisible readers, and draw for imagined viewers. I revel in my tastes, knowing that I will never be able to relate everything I've ever felt to anyone because I cannot myself comprehend its consequence upon anything. I am happy to be speechless when words are needed, to be absentminded when I must focus on today. I am happy to be here, or there, without a care and a million sorrows, because I am overjoyed to simply be.

Today's PostSecret.

I am so glad to see that someone else can say this. I have a thing for band directors. Haha. To Teeple, or not to Teeple? Caw Caw-Caw Caw. Special times.

It's just something about a man that knows music--haha. This knowledge provides so much insight into his personal, emotional, social and intellectual habits. I like it :)

D-Day: Operation Duggarization!

So, let me just say that this trip definitely ranks up there on the "most enjoyable/difficult to describe/this is really weird but would do it again" list :) Hayley and I went to none other than Springdale, Arkansas, to stalk out our favourite family: The Duggars. The preparation for this journey is equally as important as the trip itself. Hayley and I "immersed ourself immensely in the Duggar culture"---that is to say, we got religion. Haha. Certain literature is essential to such an adventure, namely Intended for Pleasure: Sex Technique and Sexual Fulfillment in Christian Marriage as well as the Duggar book. Preliminary efforts also include fully equipped outfits of: denim jumpers, gardening hats, an (what we will say) aluminum alloy promise ring, faithfully enscribed with "True Love Waits" and roses, gaudy cross pins, ribbed socks that fold down (no other way!) and some canvas keds. Each piece of the ensemble really comes together to provide the wholesome Christian girl outfit. To me, the Keds really say, "Gee, I think I'll just not think about things anymore, get married, and have kids. It is, after all, my duty." Thankfully, I took those right off once we returned home. (That's right, we wore those babies home.) Here's a shot pre-adventure, you know, Hayley assimilating herself with the culture:

On the way there, many idiosyncratic and inexplainable joys were shared; I will do my best to convey such things. Without question we listened to ample amounts of Coldplay and quirky independent rock things that we have come to share :) Another treat, moreso universally understood than Of Montreal's "Tim I Wish You Were Born a Girl", was also eventually located within the blasted and immediately annoying town of Conway:

A Dairy Queen. Thank you, Jesus Lord.

See how annoying Conway is:

Only after dipped cones were in hand could we continue with our mission.

Now, on the way, we were, unsurprisingly, trafficking drugs. This simple and easily expected fact shouldn't shock any of you. I mean, the Springdale police were very convinced. After being pulled over for the mortal sin of following too closely (we transgressed because unfortunately at this time we weren't wearing the magic dress of obedience), it is only natural for the extremely eager police of Springdale to assume that we were, in fact, hiding a kilo in our Girl Scout tents. The police were very thourough, with a search lasting quite some time. We were extrememly suspicious travellers, with an apparently overcomplicated story and "no specific destination." Now, who really wants to take the time to explain this story to a policeman: "Oh, hello, officer. You see, I'm from Tennessee, she from Texas. How do we know each other? Well, we work at a summer camp in Missouri. Where are we coming from? Memphis. No, neither of us live there, but we were visiting Grandma. No, no, we aren't planning to go to any clubs. What is in Springdale? Ummm....welll...... (At this point the officer stuck his head in to look around and inevitably saw the wonderful literature,

so I was pressed to tell him that we did, in fact, LOVE the Duggars, and just wanted to have a look around. Whew. Complicated. The officer even told me what road they lived on; I thought that odd. Apparently our story with Grandma wasn't enough because they kept trying to see if we had "been in some clubs" or why we weren't in Ft. Lauderdale. ?. Haha. It was extremely entertaining, but we did have to keep our distance, and properly measure the lengths betwixt each car depending on our speed. Hayley never forgot.

Lodging: an integral part of any journey. We were blessed enough (God was really watching out for us!) to stay at perhaps the shadiest establishment in Springdale, the Springdale Inn, with Restauran attached! Room 141, how I love you. Before we could snuggle in, we went to an authentic mexican eatery. To be honest, I think the whole damn town could pass for authentic mexican (NOT Hispanic, as we later debated)....why? Why were there so many Mexicans in ....Arkansas? Befuddling. Why would there be a legitimate drug problem in...Springdale? I just don't understand. Eventually we were able to overcome many things: a fear of car burglary, staring beady eyes, and our ignorance of the Spanish language, and ordered some tasty chicken taquito thing.

After a wonderful night of spooning and life discussions in room 141, Hayley and I modelled our garb rather wonderfully.

We found the birthing place of many Duggars:

....And returned to Champion Motorcars, Josh's (eldest Duggar son) car lot.

In case you didn't know, running a used car lot is deeply flowing through Duggar veins. I would like to take this opportunity to define what we are really talking about here, to help you grasp the ponderosity of what I'm describing.

DICTIONARY LOOKUP
Champion (ch ampēən): "A person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition."

Motorcar (mōtərˌkär): "A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor and able to carry a limited number of people.

....clarity provided by Champion Motorcars, http://www.championnwa.com/aboutus.html....

Moving on.....

The Duggars actually live in Tontitown, so, with heavy hearts and saddened, glassy eyes, we turned away from glorious Springdale. I miss you to this day.

In Tontitown.......

On Arbor Acres Avenue....

Next to a strange and indistinct factory of some kind....

You will find THE DUGGARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glorious, exuberant, overjoyed were we. Some photographic proof:

Personally, I was extremely surprised at how close they live to the road, or any other people, for that matter. Also, extremely thankful :D

As the Lord hath taught us, what with the apple eating and all, all good things must come to an end, and thus we left the home. I did think I saw Josh and Anna driving, but upon closer following, they turned the wrong way. Damn.

Hayley and I did the righteous and more entertaining thing, as we are wont to do, and remained in our garb until arrival to Memphis. This turned out to be an especially rewarding decision, thanks to the old man at Chic-fil-A, who commented, "Well, Ladies, those are some nice summer dresses." Yeah, it was totally worth getting those stray crumbs falling through the button-up front to keep that jumper on.

Hayley is the queen of driving at strange hours to do awkward things and I love her.

These, my friends, are the faces of happy people, expressions that may be worn only be two stalker-ish, slightly neurotic and amazing adventurers. :)

And thus you have read the most complete documentation of the journey that I may tell.

I bought this chicken...

And I want to be a star! I bought the toy chicken (as seen in the video) a few days ago. I have grand adventures planned for us. This video is not very good and I am in no way satisfied, but it serves as a premise to greatness, like all tacky things tend to lend themselves. Other than this, not much is new, really. I continue to fill out gobs of paperwork relating to my future at the glorious Earlham College (yes, I will be a Quaker...). I am also in the heat of passion planning for a most splendid adventure down to Springdale, AR. Now, if you have a habit of "checking in" on particular famous people (as I do) you will note this to be the home of a certain Dugger family. Hayley and I are VERY excited. Many great things have been tossed around: purity rings, denim jumpers, ridiculous bangs, and test driving cars from Champion Motorcars :) Fantastic times. I am also responsible for the literature we will need to engross ourselves in this sub-culture known as people who adamently (and creepily) love Jesus to an undefinable extent. Examples? Well, a proper Bible, of course, as well as Intended for Pleasure, a guide for couples on their wedding night. It should be a most....educational journey. Anywho, watch the video:

....Superman!

Wow! Today was quite an adventure! Cheyenne and I went to Paducah to look for me a prom dress...found one, love it! When we were leaving I may have turned the wrong way on I-24, thus we found ourselves in Illinois, the Land of Lincoln. Before we had a chance to turn around we went across that blasted Ohio River bridge...it was then that I saw the sign for Metropolis. Now, being as learned as I am on the ever-pertinent subject as overly sized novelty pieces, I immediately began a fit of excitement and hysteria caused by our increasing proximity to the Giant Superman Statue! Hooray! Yes, we went the six miles to the bustling village of Metropolis and found the man himself and a kitschy little "museum" and novelty shop. It was very reminiscent of Nostalgiaville, also conveniently located off a well travelled interstate around this area :) We had lots and lots of fun getting lost and taking pictures with Superman. I even bought some Kryptonite! So cool!

Current Obsession II.

Ok, I'm completely hooked. I've known this song for a while, but just recently "rediscovered" it, you could say. I looked up the chords a few days ago and have been playing along compulsively. Haha. Good stuff.

Oh, Jim Bob :)

Hello! My friends. Ahh...well, unsurprisingly, I am transfixed by the Duggar family and their latest happenings. I just watched Anna and Josh's wedding, and now 17 Kids & Counting is on. It's going to be a good evening. Haha. As with any impulsive obsession such as this, I accordingly found the most appropriate group on Facebook and promptly joined. You are now reading the words of a proud "The Duggar Family Frightens Me But I Can't Look Away" member :)

Sooo.....I'm 18 now. Yippeee. Of course I feel no different than the oh so glorious age of 17...My family and I are nicely settled in our new, wonderful home :) It's a pretty awesome layout. 

Wow, even the Duggars have a MacBook. I am lame. Oh well. I'd like to thank everyone for my splendid gifts, the academy, and you special people for making it a great day. 

Alright, I'm off to random article links on Wikipedia and Exploring on Flickr. Farewell! 

the modern prometheus...

What a beast! As you can gather from the picture, I'm currently reading Frankenstein for Kelly's class. It is such a splendid novel! Thankfully I completed my outline, so at least I'm relieved of that hassle. In between reading, listening to some Guster and texting Jamie, I thought it would be nice to drop a relatively unobtrusive, inconspicuous blog post. :)

This weekend was entertaining enough. Friday night we celebrated Laura's 17th birthday and amply enjoyed ourselves. Saturday was mostly (to no surprise) dedicated to band activities, with the pep band rehearsing and playing for the basketball games. Later that evening I went to Patriot Idol, a really talented bunch we got there... Saturday night I unwittingly locked myself out, so I stayed at Jon's grandparents' with him...what an interesting time. Haha.

When I finally made it into my own house today, I promptly had some very yummy chocolate chip waffles and made my way to the garage to commence the daunting task of......(duhn, duhn, duhnnnnnnnnn.......) going through my outrageous collection of, oh I don't know, about 10 Bibles, at least 4 of which are Precious Moments originals, each with my name engraved on the cover; pretty much every piece of schoolwork since the Kindergarten, and even my Pre-school graduation napkins from "The UMC class of '96"; and brochures from every touristy spot I've ever been and rocks from Iceland. I have a problem. I don't get rid of anything. I am more or less confident that I have overcome my separation anxiety and managed to rid myself of all my birthday cards from my whole life, and those vocab worksheets from the 3rd grade. To emphasize how serious this is, I tell you: I even got rid of books. Books. I haven't read them, but they sure look lovely on my shelf and make me feel accomplished and cultured. 

Well, I suppose I shall return to my reading. I bid you ado.

Keep On Keepin' On...

 

That's pretty much what I'm doing. Oh, and procrastinating. At this very moment, such impending dooms await me: extended reading in Frankenstein (btw, I am absolutely in love with Shelley's writing style! Her words just flow so well and nicely.), studying for a rather gruesome Biology test, contemplating my future, and reading for an annoying History test. What am I doing? Watching Scrubs, duh!

Not much new has happened recently, I find myself in the usual dross of school, band, etc. We're moving this weekend, and I'm rather ready to have some fun in a new environment. The set up looks to be wonderful, with my room a bit secluded and exiting to the patio :D

Well, my friends, I'm off to diving into the Jansport, rummaging around til I find some work to do. It shouldn't be hard. Cheers!

P.S. This looks way better on FLICKR, so go see it! 

FOXXY! OBAMA.

Pretty Great.

Hey, friends. I'm just chatting away on the phone, so just a quick fun picture for your viewing pleasure. :) I love it.

It's Raining...

It's pouring here in Florida! Although while we were out it was comfortable and sunny. I'm typing this in the midst of a rather aggressive Wii tournament. A special note: I absolutely stink at everything! I did manage to win a baseball game a while ago. My cousin is in love with technology, if for no other reason than that they're shiny. My brother and I are very good at hiding out in the guest bedroom. Despite earlier setbacks (causing an outlet to spark and smoke), we have created for ourselves a..."connected" environment. If you were to peer in at any time of the night, you would find a couple of zombies making glances between laptops, television and cell phones. 

Oh, yay! Robot Chicken is on. Speaking of hilarious randomness, I found this whilst Stumbling:

Forgive me, but it does warrant some strategically placed, embarrassingly cliché text lingo: LMAO.

New Year!

OMG, my friends, it's 2009! Hope everyone had a nice holiday and started the year off properly. I'm currently hanging out with aunt, uncle and cousin in Florida and having too much fun. We went to the beach (above) today and cycled down towards Fort Pickens. I dare say the most entertaining attraction was the population of seagulls. We had lots of fun throwing off-brand Cheez-Its at them, but they don't like those quite as much as sour cream and onion potato chips. A few members of the flock:

Such fun. Happy New Year.