21 DECEMBER 2002
Don't wear boots that might have metal in them when you are flying.

Don't put your laptop in an unaccessible place in your bag when you are flying.

If you want your suitcase to take the same airplane to Atlanta as you do, don't check in five hours early at the airport.

Mark your plain, black, nondescript bag with a bright, pink ribbon when you are flying.

Don't let your dog start barking at anything and everything in the airport, because the airline officials will take him away.

Don't plan to fly out of town the very next day after your finals are over or you will not have enough time to get everything done and will be extremely frustrated.

Don't worry about fire alarms that go off at 6:30 in the morning. Someone is just burning their toast.

Wool coats attract all lint.

I love cold weather!

15 OCTOBER 2002
You don't always have to care. Especially if you don't want to.

You only have to change who you are if you don't like who you are. You do not have to change because somebody else wants you to or thinks you should. The best person you can be is yourself.

Don't be afraid to say what you are thinking, even if it isn't what everybody expects (or wants) to hear. If you don't, you may have lost your only chance to be heard.

Don't run your windshield wipers to get a grasshopper off your front windshield. It's really messy.

19 JULY 2002
Hmm...

What I have learned is that you can't always tell people what you have learned.

Also, you can't just will people to act like they like you (even if they do like you). You just have to let them act however they want.

People who seem unremorsefully mean make me want to stay away from them forever. Yes, Jim, that's you.

People who work at the radio station I listen to here in Philly must not listen to a lot of music. I like what they pick, but then they play it over and over and over and over and... Seriously, I hadn't heard the song with "I don't wanna work; I just wanna bang on your drums all day" in forever, but this summer, I have heard it at least five times. And the (brand new) "It's Not Easy (Superman)" song that I loved? Yeah, I am sick of it now. Go figure.

11 JUNE 2002
It isn't nice to call yourself (or anybody else) white, even if you are. The nice way to say it is "light-skinned". Some kids informed me of that at school yesterday when I referred to myself as a white person. Interesting...

I also learned that if you make a good first impression, people will be glad to have you back. And it's nice to be wanted.

Oh, yeah, and don't ever assume that you are done working until you are told that you are done. That's a freebie.

23 MAY 2002
TV dramas are rightly titled so. I know this because if you NEVER EVER watch a certain show (Ally McBeal), but then you watch the season finale and find yourself crying, it is most definitely a drama.

I have also learned that it's not fun to not have YOUR OWN agenda to attend to for over a week.

I have learned that I was spoiled by the network connection to the internet that I had in my dorm room, and I resent not having it anymore. Having to wait more than two seconds for a web page to load is just unbearable!!! :)

Finally, I have learned that a notebook computer is a lot of fun, especially when it comes with fun games! BIG time-waster....

25 APRIL 2002
You can't expect things to work just because they always have.

You can't expect things to work out at UA because, invariably, something will always mess up and make you really mad.

You can't expect someone to act like your friend just because they have been your friend for so long that you thought it was for life.

You can expect God to be faithful. Always. He doesn't change, thank goodness!

17 APRIL 2002
Perhaps this heat now is God preparing me for an extra-hot summer in Philadelphia. I hope not. I hope it is just so I have to be hot now because I won't be hot later.

If you want someone to leave you alone because you are hot and irritable and you don't want to snap at them, just telling them so apparently doesn't work. Giving them an excuse to leave work early, however, does.

I have multiple personalities. If you know me (any of me), you know this. I am still not sure which one I want to prevail. Maybe they all have their shining moments. We will see...

10 APRIL 2002
When purchasing groceries, do not wear a skirt, top, and hose. This makes for much discomfort.

When getting dressed in the morning, stop to consider where you will be during the day and what the TEMPERATURE will be in those places.

When offering a thirsty four-year-old a drink of your soda, make sure you are done and want no more-- that's what you will get.

When you leave your car windows rolled all the way down, you don't really need to lock the door. :)

31 MARCH 2002
It is SO much more fun to go for a walk in NYC than it is in Alabama.

I would definitely fit in if I were driving around New York.

I would definitely NOT fit in if I stuck with all of the clothes I have now to wear in NYC (not enough black).

Maury Povich is an @$ (at least, when he's NOT on camera)!

Flying on airplanes is fun; sleeping on airplanes when people are getting irate with the flight attendants is even better.

There's no place like home.

01 MARCH 2002
No matter what anyone may think, Casey is (and will always be) one of the greatest people I know. And, as an added bonus, I get to call her my friend. I thank God for that privilege.

What is the meaning of "added bonus"? Shouldn't we just say "bonus"? I think that "added bonus" is just another silly cliche that people don't realize is redundant and repetitious. :) But, whatever.

I have learned that sometimes, when your computer sends you error messages, you can just move the box it's in over and continue with what you were doing, and it doesn't mess anything up. That's nice when you just finished a big update and don't want to lose it.

15 FEBRUARY 2002
If something bothers you, just get it on out there in the open. That way, you don't get bashed for mentioning it ever again.

If you don't know the words or melody to a song on the radio, and you are riding with me, please don't make up words and/or harmony. That just really bothers me, especially if the harmony you are inventing isn't in the song at all. If it's already there, feel free; if not, please don't. That's my request.

I love Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies. And, I love Keebler for making Grasshoppers that taste exactly like Thin Mints so I can eat them year-round! And, I love Casey for telling me about them! Woo hoo!!!

7 FEBRUARY 2002
A's on tests are fun.

Never trust that someone got your message just because you left one.

Boys like to win.

Girls like when boys are happy; that means they aren't pouting, whining, complaining, or throwing fits... usually.

31 JANUARY 2002
There is such a thing as thinking too much.

And I am definitely an example of that. Or the epitome of it. Probably the latter.

Casey informed me that I participate in meta-thinking (a fancy way of saying "thinking about thinking"). I know I do. It's a curse, I suppose. I am a very introspective person. I tend to analyze anything and everything I (and the people around me) do.

So, if I ever do or say something that seems out of the ordinary (or perhaps right on the money) for me, then get sullenly quiet for some period of time, this is an indication that I am thinking and meta-thinking. During these times, if you could be so kind as to slap me out of my reverie and demand that I rejoin the conversation, that would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I might have to go home and write a ten-page discourse on whatever it is that I was thinking of. And since these are never seen or read by anyone but me, it's just a waste of my time.

Thanks in advance.

27 JANUARY 2002
There are days when something wonderful happens, and you walk around as if on a cloud, elevated above everyone else, light and airy, completely happy.

Today is one of those days.

Don't you just love that feeling?

I know I do.

20 JANUARY 2002
Sometimes, you just can't stop thinking about something. When that happens, you should call Casey and tell her. It doesn't get your mind off of the subject, but it helps you to look at it in a different light. Plus, Casey's just fun to talk to.

Also, it would be nice to have somebody who would do things with you just because they love you and want to do things with you. Like my mom: she couldn't care less about football, but she still went to see lots of it to support Dad. And Dad: not so much interested in Christmas on Ivory or other things like that, but still, went with Mom just to make her happy. You gotta be thankful for that if you have it, and if you don't, well, call me up. I might go with you if it means that much to you.

By the way, if you are looking for a good book to read, I have two to suggest: John Adams, by David McCullough, or Though None Go With Me by Jerry Jenkins. The first is historical, the second Biblical. If you don't want to cry, read the historical. Bye.

14 JANUARY 2002
It's not always okay to be yourself.

And I am not all right with that.

11 JANUARY 2002
When you are pretty sure that you will need at least ten minutes to walk somewhere, don't be late so you have to push yourself to make it in seven.

And when you know that you are going to have free time between classes without any real time to go back to your room or to run an errand, take a book with you: it's a much more efficient use of your time than playing on the internet in the computer lab.

And if you are a Senior about to graduate with only one required course left to take, sign up for it the first day you can call ALBERT; don't wait until the first day of class hoping that the teacher will be nice and let you in when the class is already full.

And NEVER underestimate the power of a beautiful Italian How you doin'?

8 JANUARY 2002
If you are going to claim something, and you are arguing with a power-hungry jerk, you should always have proof. Otherwise, they can say what they want, and you just have to take it because you are a subordinate. Hate that.

I also learned that sometimes it's just nice to go back to your apartment and chill in your comfy recliner and just watch TV. Even when you really did want to watch a movie with friends or something. I suppose rest is a valuable commodity to college students, and I will cherish as much of it as I possibly can.

Also learned that Ginny's Laughing Cow Cheese makes me laugh. But it also tastes pretty good.

2 JANUARY 2002
I learned that Tuscaloosa is only a fun place to be when your friends are there. Also, there are very few choices of places to go or things to do in Tuscaloosa. But you can have fun anyway!

25 DECEMBER 2001
To quote Scrooge, (singing):

"I don't know anything; I never did know anything. But now I know that I don't know, all on a Christmas morning!"

16 DECEMBER 2001
Surgery takes a lot out of you.

...and there are a few people who are much better friends than you ever gave them credit for.

...and I am thankful for those.

...and my pain medication, Oxycodone, is highly addictive and is very marketable.

...and I am thankful for that.

05 DECEMBER 2001
What? Huh? I don't know what you are talking about.

Just kidding. I learned to play Ginny's mind games. In fact, all of us (Stacy, Bill, and I) learned to play Ginny's mind games. They are fun.

Oh, yeah. I also learned that if I don't figure out how to stay awake in a movie, I will never know what happened with that whole Cuban Missile Crisis. Did we go to war with the Soviet Union? I guess I will never know...

27 NOVEMBER 2001
Some things never change. No matter how much you want them to, they just don't. So, there are only two choices: you can deal with it, and move on; or, you can do something about it.

If I was more passionate about certain issues, I would do something about them, but, as it is, I think I am too apathetic to make a difference. However, pertaining to the things I do care about, I think I am ready to accept the challenge.

So, if you are one of the many who are passionate about something, yet continue to do nothing and let things continue the way they are, then I pity you, because "anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." James 4:17 says so. It's a tall order, but it reaps a great reward. If you want to attempt something, I will support and encourage you; will you do the same for me?

21 NOVEMBER 2001
In the past few days to a week, I have spent a lot of time with Ginny and Bill. And Bill and Ginny. And Ginny and Bill. And

Well, you get the picture. So, in that time well-spent, what have I learned?

(1) Horne's BBQ is only okay. It doesn't compare to my grandparent's BBQ restaurant.
(2) Circuit City is a fun place to shop while you wait on Bill.
(3) Shallow Hal is a really funny movie. And all of your predictions about it might not come true...
(4) ROLL TIDE
(5) Ginny can cook. Good.
(6) "Son of my mother!" is funny when used appropriately.
(7) I can't think of anything else that's funny, so I guess I will go now.

Happy Thanksgiving, and learn something fun that I can share with everyone!

15 NOVEMBER 2001
Casey is a great friend. Suffice it to say that no matter what mood I am in beforehand, after I have talked to her, I am always extremely happy. She just has that effect on me. And I am thankful for that.

Also, I learned that Thursday mornings at work are my favorite time of all; very few people come in and the ones who do don't need much help. For those of you who like it when I update, you can thank the MTLC students who don't come in on Thursday mornings. I know I do.

So, yeah, that's about it. I hope that you are all having a wonderful week. And, if you took the time to read this far down, please go sign my guestbook. It won't take long, I promise!

13 NOVEMBER 2001
Rest time is good, but sometimes you just gotta "get down"!

Friday night, I ended up going to the joint BCM/Calvary Hoe-Down. It was in the middle of nowhere and was a little bit chilly at first, but once we started square-, line-, and circle- dancing, I warmed right up. Too bad that I didn't wear boots like I needed to. But thanks to Wes, the one guy in our square (the first go-around) who was really peppy and a fun partner. And no thanks to Ginny for dissing me as her partner in the circle dance for Spires. I had a much better time with Leann anyway!    ;)

So, that about wraps up what I learned this weekend. No, wait! I also learned a little Japanese. But I don't know how to spell it, so you'll just have to take my word for it! Thanks, Ginny, for teaching it to me!!! And thanks to Stacy for not "going Cuban" on us. We all really do appreciate that.

Love you guys!! Have a great week!

08 NOVEMBER 2001
If I have learned anything profound this week, I don't know what it is, so I guess I didn't really learn anything.

Something I don't quite understand is this: if you have a class with no tests that only meets once a week and your grade comes solely from homework assignments, why in the world would you stick around and listen to the teacher when he had already told you there was no assignment for the next week? Kinda seems silly to me. There must be some other wonderful use for Euclidean Algebra...

Anyway, I did learn that there are too many stereotypes associated with Southern Baptists. And they're mostly our fault. We should really do something about that. It's not good to ignorantly believe everything we hear about other denominations or religions. And it's not good that when some of us do, the other denominations and religions know it and are offended by it. It's about love- God's love- and not alienation. Jesus is the answer and will get you an A+ on the test; following the rules is just bonus points that you will get anyway if you are right with God.

The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:14

05 NOVEMBER 2001
I am still working on learning something for this installment.

No, seriously, though. Last week was Regisration for Spring Semester for me. It felt weird to be registering for my last semester as an undergraduate, but at the same time, it felt nice. So nice that I don't really want to stay in school. But I do. So, there's a dilemma.

Another dilemma comes from my choices for what to do next summer. I have many options open at this point. If you want to help, click the "Take Survey" button on the left and take my survey. Otherwise, check back later for more updates.

30 OCTOBER 2001
I have learned that you can't make somebody learn something that they don't care about learning. And you can't make somebody understand anything if they don't try- no matter how hard you try. It's just that simple- yet incredibly difficult.

Beyond that, I have learned that it's nice to just relax and have nothing to do and nowhere to go. But, it's also nice to have things to do that are important to you. Trade-offs. Or, to an economist, opportunity costs. What will be more valuable on my scale of values? You have to make decisions and decide what will be most beneficial to you. Once you figure that out, in any situation, that's what you should do.

My values are changing. So, my decisions are changing. Things that used to be at the top of my priority list are now sliding down while some from the middle and bottom are rising. I don't want to grow up (I'm a Toys 'R Us kid), because being more responsible with my time is something I really dislike doing. Oh, well. Everything changes; I might as well change, too.

16 OCTOBER 2001
Wow. I was just (for some reason or another) reading some old "What I've Learned"s, and I realized that I have changed so much since last year.

This isn't a surprise or anything; I just hadn't thought about it that much.

So, if you want to know what I am about to talk about, go read the April 5th update here.

Change #1: I work on and complete projects at least a day before they are due. The sole exception to that was a paper I "stayed up" all night working on. Really, though, I fell asleep at midnight and finished it the next day. I got a B, so it's all good (plus, we get to do a rewrite and keep the better grade). So, yeah, that's the first thing.

Change #2: I go to bed on time. I have learned and accepted the fact that I cannot function well without at least 6.5 to 7 hours of sleep a night. So, I go to bed. At 10:30 or 11. Every night. I never did that last year, unless I stayed up the entire night before.

Change #3 (and the biggest one of all): I never hang out with my friends anymore, unless it's the weekend, and even then, it's a rare exception. This is because of #1 and #2. I just don't have the time anymore, with an 18 hour work-week and a 16 hour course load. I just stay busy. Oh, well.

So, anyway, I will hopefully be a lot less harried next semester (my last one as an undergrad). Then, maybe I can take the time to be me again. But, until then, what you see is what you get. But you can still invite me places. You never know; I just might come.

01 OCTOBER 2001
Well, nothing much...

I have learned a little about time management, learning styles and secondary education, real analysis, logic, philosophy, microcomputers, and "the joy of the Lord" being my strength.

But, other than that, I haven't learned anything that would be of too much interest to you. So, just thank me that I didn't waste too much of your time on this section today.

And realize that in writing that last bit, I have learned to be considerate of my readers!

Have a fantastic day!!!

11 SEPTEMBER 2001
You can't take anything for granted. So don't.

Something you thought was invincible isn't quite so invincible anymore laying in a heap where it once was 110 stories high. Things aren't always what they seem to be.

I bet whoever was responsible for checking bags and doing security for those four flights is feeling pretty bad about themselves. I hope they have people that love them that will help them through this.

We are going to "track down the folks who did this" and zap them all off the face of the earth! Nobody does this to the US and gets away with it for too long!

Well, at least just rewards come at the Judgment Day... but there is something to be said about retaliation...

05 SEPTEMBER 2001
Sometimes people are going to talk.

And it won't always be to your face, so that means that some of it is behind your back, and, yeah, that's just not fun to find out about.

But who am I to get too upset about it, considering that I have punked out many times when I wanted to ask somebody about something... or tell them something... and I just didn't. Instead, I speculated and talked to others myself. I am just as guilty as the people I am accusing.

So, if you were one of the ones who was *talking*, don't worry about it. We all do it sometime. Just know that you can ask me. And, then, you'll know. For sure. With no doubts. Because I won't lie to you.

Now, I may tell you that I don't want to answer your question, but I won't lie to you. And that's the truth.

Have a wonderful day!

19 AUGUST 2001
Just one thing.

I have learned that losing touch with friends, even if it's just over the summer, is not good.

Especially if they change their phone number while you are gone.

And it's even worse when you don't know if you will ever see or talk to them again.

And it's not something I am allowing myself to deal with right now. There's too much fun to be had to be sad about it, but I know the time will come...

01 AUGUST 2001
WAY TOO MUCH FOR ONE SUMMER.

I can't decide whether to list it or explain it in paragraph form. I think a list. Yeah, a list.

1) I can understand now why my mother keeps on teaching where she does. It's all about the love...

2) I know why faith like a child is so much harder for adults to grasp.

3) I like the fact that you can tell Bible stories different ways to garner different reactions from listeners (way to go, Kev).

4) I LOVE THESE KIDS!!!! Even when they are at their worst, and all I want to do is cry, I love these kids. And they may never understand that, but I do. I can't help but love them; they need it more than anybody. I mean, God loves them, too. Should their behavior be a hindrance to them knowing that? I don't think so.

5) It's all about the love.

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Every color, every race, they are covered by His grace. Jesus loves the little children of the world.

19 JULY 2001
I am not sure that I can fit it all on this page. Or into words, for that matter. But rest assured that God has been working on me a lot this summer. And teaching me a lot. And helping me realize a lot about myself. And others.

I know now more than I knew before, and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to be here. God is moving here, and this summer, I have been able to jump on His Philadelphia bandwagon.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation. Oh, my soul praise Him for He is thy health and salvation. All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near. Praise Him in glad adoration.

7 JULY 2001
I have learned a lot this summer about friendships. I have also thought a lot this week about friendships. And I haven't come to many conclusions.

I did learn that I am extremely grateful for Ginny's friendship. She has been the best about sending me little packages and notes of encouragement, and they always seem to come right when I need them. I got to talk to her the other day, and it was great to just be able to chat, almost as if we were in Tuscaloosa together, and I just called her up to see what she was doing. I love my Ginny.

I also have been thinking about those typical college friendships. You know, the ones where you meet someone and get to know them, become what you think of as friends, and then, when you get separated for whatever reason, you really aren't friends anymore? I don't like those that much. I tend to get attached to people I consider friends, and it's really hard for me to accept that they have moved on.

I know that God is always there, but, as most people will agree, sometimes you just need someone with skin on. God has been my greatest confidante this summer, and I love that. I have grown so much closer to Him this summer! He knows what I am going through and is there to help me through it. Never underestimate that fact. It's just that I am at a point where many friendships are changing or have changed already, and it's weird.

Oh, well, at least there's always Someone to turn to. And I find great solace in that fact. And the fact that He will also provide people (if that's what I need) that I can talk to and confide in. And that just makes me happy.

20 JUNE 2001
I have learned that Christianity doesn't fit neatly in a box that you can put on any shelf.

Everywhere you go, everyone you meet is going to have something different about them. If we, as Christians, choose to overlook someone or write them off as "lost" just because of their cultural differences, we may have lost an opportunity to gain a wonderful friend in the Lord. I have made many great Christian friends here in Philly that many would not consider Christ-like-- all because of their differences. God doesn't look at outward appearances, so why should we? It's the heart- the person inside- that matters. Just because things are and have been the same for you all of your life, that does not mean that God isn't using methods totally different with other people. When Jesus came to earth, he didn't follow all of the rigid laws of the church. Instead, he reached out to the unlovable with love and compassion. Shouldn't we, who claim to be His children, do the same? Even though it was considered unclean for any Godly person to converse with sinners, tax-collecters, prostitutes, etc., Jesus, the purest and most Godly person of all, did just that. Where does that leave you? I am still learning where it leaves me. It is my goal to do the things that Christ would do if He were here in Philly today. I just have to figure out what that is...

10 JUNE 2001
 
ALWAYS look determined when you are walking down the street.

NEVER smile at strangers on the street- even if they look nice.

ALWAYS make sure you know where you are going before you go outside. People notice you if you are standing there looking bewildered and lost.

NEVER underestimate God's sovereignty. He is all mighty, all powerful, all loving, all giving, all wonderful, and all encompassing. He is all you need.

24 MAY 2001
 
ALWAYS have something planned to do.

NEVER expect an old friend to call (even if they say they will) if they haven't called you in three years.

ALWAYS wear your seatbelt. You've seen the new police campaign: Click it or ticket.

NEVER leave your boyfriend alone with his best (girl) friend; things will go bad. (Okay, so I didn't really learn this from personal experience, but I am close to someone who fits the best girl friend category).

18 MAY 2001
Don't stay at home too much; you will only get really, really bored.

Don't be away from friends to hang out with; you will only get really, really bored.

Don't have absolutely nothing to do while the rest of your family/ roommates are gone; you will only get really, really bored.

Don't listen to Kam; he updates his page enough for the both of us.

09 MAY 2001
I learned that not getting sleep is not good for you. Two hours Sunday night... none all day plus two finals. Three hours sleep Monday night... none all day plus one final plus packing up and loading my dad's truck. I started falling asleep while looking for a place to play when it was my turn in Scrabble last night. Talk about tired!

I would have gone to bed, but I couldn't fathom going to bed at 8 pm, so I hung out with everybody, went to TCBY, watched Miss Congeniality, and finally went home and to bed at 1 am. Boy, was I tired. Then, I slept in until almost 10:30. It was fantastic!

Anyway, I learned that getting sleep when you haven't in a while is wonderful, and sleep is a precious commodity!

30 APRIL 2001
Nothing.

Or, maybe I learned that some things never change, even when you want them to.

And, I might have learned that God knows what's best for you. Even when you think that the things that happen are bad, God has your greater good in store, and you have to be let down a little in preparation for it. But it gets better eventually. Cool, huh?

Also, I learned that I love musical theatre! 525,600 minutes...

24 APRIL 2001
Just a little something I thought I would share...

Life Lesson #1:

When someone hurts your feelings, you confront them about it, and they don't care, don't worry about it. If they want to continue to hurt your feelings, then you just know that they didn't really care about you in the first place. Go on with your life, and try not to think about them any more.