...I was surprised that Alaina was voted off. I thought she had a very strong voice for such a young girl. She chose an awful song; that's what did her in. I honestly doon't think many of the girls chose very good songs. Although Brooke did great with Carly Simon's "Your So Vain." But I really wish we would vote off Amanda. I don't like herr voice and I hate her hair. I think she is really nice; what they've shown of her personality seems genuinely nice and authentic, but I don't like her as a singer. But she'll probably stick around for a while because she's the resident rocker. **EDIT** I just watched the clip of Alaina's elimination and Kady was as shocked as everyone else that SHE wasn't going home. And poor Alaina. She's so young and has so far to go; I hope that she doesn't give up. **END EDIT**
As for the boys, Chikezie, who I thought was awful last week and was sure to go home, did really well this week; he surprised me. I big puffy heart David Cook; I think he's more of a rocker than Robbie is (was). And David Archuleta blew my mind with his take on "Imagine." That was a performance that has stirred up a lot of opposing opinions; Lennon truists think he ruined it. But I LOVED it. I loved it so much i thought I would share the video:
I knew Jason Y. was off, though. He was boring and too showy. Simon hit the nail on the head last week (when he sang "Moon River") when he said it was like a cruise ship performance. Glad he's gone...
I'm excited for next week, though... Anyone know the theme?
Feb 29, 2008
Feb 26, 2008
So, You Wanna Know About My Trip????
This trip was amazing. I wrote last Monday night how nice of a guy Nick was and the rest of our week was amazing, too. We worked on Nick's house in Lake Charles for Monday and Tuesday, working on getting it livable for him and his family. Lots of painting and caulking for us gals while the boys did a lot with plumbing, doors, and other things in the kitchen. Half of us worked there on Thursday. I learned how to use a Miter Saw and actually cut a corner!! Here is my corner that I'm very proud of. Ain't it perty??
On Wednesday we went to Cameron Parish, literally 300 yards from the Gulf, to work on a trailer. This family came home after Rita to find their mobile home in a U shape. They got $7000 from FEMA and bought what they could -- another trailer which had weathered the storm. We tore up her bathroom tile to lay new flooring, both her toilets to replace them, put in new a new counter and cabinets, and I learned how to use a Jigsaw to cut beaded paneling that we hung in the kitchen. I want to note our drive to Cameron. We drove past so many foundations with nothing on top of them, stairs that led to nowhere. Warehouses where the walls had caved in but the framings till remained. Boats on land with no water in sight. It doesn't hit you, really, that people lost everything until you see that. It doesn't matter what you see on the news. TO see that IN PERSON is... humbling.
Anyway, for pictures, here is the link to my Facebook album. You should be able to view it, but if not please leave a comment and I will fix it. Check out my pictures here. I had so many I needed another album.
On Wednesday we went to Cameron Parish, literally 300 yards from the Gulf, to work on a trailer. This family came home after Rita to find their mobile home in a U shape. They got $7000 from FEMA and bought what they could -- another trailer which had weathered the storm. We tore up her bathroom tile to lay new flooring, both her toilets to replace them, put in new a new counter and cabinets, and I learned how to use a Jigsaw to cut beaded paneling that we hung in the kitchen. I want to note our drive to Cameron. We drove past so many foundations with nothing on top of them, stairs that led to nowhere. Warehouses where the walls had caved in but the framings till remained. Boats on land with no water in sight. It doesn't hit you, really, that people lost everything until you see that. It doesn't matter what you see on the news. TO see that IN PERSON is... humbling.
Anyway, for pictures, here is the link to my Facebook album. You should be able to view it, but if not please leave a comment and I will fix it. Check out my pictures here. I had so many I needed another album.
Feb 18, 2008
Touching Lives
I hate to say it, but last time I was in Louisiana, while I had a great time, I didn't feel like we really touched someone's life. I mean, we helped out Miss Mary by buying her a Walmart gift card, but nothing like I experienced today.
We aren't working on a Habitat house. Instead, we're helping out a man who is an employee of the United Way whose house was almost destroyed in the hurricane. He and his wife and 2 daughters are of middle income and probably wouldn't qualify for a Habitat house even if they wanted to. After the storm, only one room in their house was still liveable; their roof was falling apart from mold, their floor was molded... It took a long time for them to fix it back up; meanwhile they are living in a house just next door with a $1000/month rent. They received federal grant money to fix their house, but Nick, the father, is a construction coordinator, so while he was taking care of other people's houses, his own kept falling deeper and deeper into disrepair.
Enter Christ's Church. A lot of the work has been done already: he has a new roof, a new floor; most of the tiles int he kitchen has been laid, most trim and doorframes are up. We arrived this morning and immediately got to work doing electric work, plumbing, painting, caulking,etc. Nick popped in occasionally to chekc on our progress and was amazed each time. Here's what I learned about Nick this evening during devotions:
Nick had spent many many nights tryingto fix the house and fell into a deep time. He was drinking a lot and hadn't been to church in weeks; he had lost hope. How could God still care about him? Then he lucked out and Habitat allowed our group of 15 to work on his house (he has to be out by this Saturday or pay another month's rent). After dropping us offand showing us around, telling us what needs to be done, he left to go back to the office. He didn't return again until lunch, by which time we had put up 3 more door ways, primed most of the surfaces, installed a bathtub and sink, laid the rest of the tile int he kitchen, changed outlets... He said he cried going back to the office. We showed him that God still cared about him, despite his time in the "pit" that he had been feeling.
you never really know if what you're doing makes an impact. Our simple gesture to come down here and devote our time to his house made a monumental impact. I'm thankful that GOd allowed me to be a part of it.
We aren't working on a Habitat house. Instead, we're helping out a man who is an employee of the United Way whose house was almost destroyed in the hurricane. He and his wife and 2 daughters are of middle income and probably wouldn't qualify for a Habitat house even if they wanted to. After the storm, only one room in their house was still liveable; their roof was falling apart from mold, their floor was molded... It took a long time for them to fix it back up; meanwhile they are living in a house just next door with a $1000/month rent. They received federal grant money to fix their house, but Nick, the father, is a construction coordinator, so while he was taking care of other people's houses, his own kept falling deeper and deeper into disrepair.
Enter Christ's Church. A lot of the work has been done already: he has a new roof, a new floor; most of the tiles int he kitchen has been laid, most trim and doorframes are up. We arrived this morning and immediately got to work doing electric work, plumbing, painting, caulking,etc. Nick popped in occasionally to chekc on our progress and was amazed each time. Here's what I learned about Nick this evening during devotions:
Nick had spent many many nights tryingto fix the house and fell into a deep time. He was drinking a lot and hadn't been to church in weeks; he had lost hope. How could God still care about him? Then he lucked out and Habitat allowed our group of 15 to work on his house (he has to be out by this Saturday or pay another month's rent). After dropping us offand showing us around, telling us what needs to be done, he left to go back to the office. He didn't return again until lunch, by which time we had put up 3 more door ways, primed most of the surfaces, installed a bathtub and sink, laid the rest of the tile int he kitchen, changed outlets... He said he cried going back to the office. We showed him that God still cared about him, despite his time in the "pit" that he had been feeling.
you never really know if what you're doing makes an impact. Our simple gesture to come down here and devote our time to his house made a monumental impact. I'm thankful that GOd allowed me to be a part of it.
Feb 15, 2008
Oh so cute!!!
I couldn't help but share this story that was on channel 5 last night. Married 79 years?! Holy Moly! They are soooo cute; they must have the greatest stories. I would imbed it here, but KSDK doesn't give us the capability to do that...
So Watch it Here.
So Watch it Here.
Feb 13, 2008
The Writers Strike is OVER!!!
The WGA approved a new contract on Tuesday which means shows will be coming back. Sweet. I was missing my Desperate Housewives night with Tasha. Of my favorite shows, all will be coming back in April for at least 4 episodes: Housewives for 7 (hopefully), and Grey's for 4 or 5. Hmm... I remember when Gilmore Girls was on that list. :-( How I miss my Girls.
In other news, I head to Louisiana again on Saturday. There are 15 of us going this time, including Jerome. It's going to be pretty much amazing. I will blog throughout the trip, and maybe even post some pictures if the computers at the housing center will detect my card reader...
In other news, I head to Louisiana again on Saturday. There are 15 of us going this time, including Jerome. It's going to be pretty much amazing. I will blog throughout the trip, and maybe even post some pictures if the computers at the housing center will detect my card reader...
Feb 3, 2008
One Year Older, One Sick Fiance.
For those of you who don't know, my birthday was Friday. I am now 22 years old. 22 is boring; nothing special happens. Except that your mom buys you "grown up clothes" (thanks Mom!!) because you don't have that many. She took me to Fashion Bug and got me some really cute tops and a pair of black dress pants.
Unfortunately, while I was out shopping Jerome was coming down with that bug going around. He's running a small fever and is coughy. I bought some meds and a thermometer and came over. I'm sitting on his couch as I type this, my phone by my side in case he needs anything (his roommate works nights, so he would be alone otherwise).
Let's see, what else is new? Not too much. School is going rather well; I'm keeping up with my readings and I'm halfway finished with a short essay due on Tuesday. It should be a good semester.
And, of course I'm super excited about Louisiana. We leave on Feb. 16. J and I and 2 other people might be leaving waaaaaaaay too early on Saturday to make the drive on Saturday because we need to check in on Saturday; otherwise we'll leave on Saturday morning, stay the night somewhere in Louisiana and then heading to Lake Charles on Sunday afternoon, stopping at the Tabasco factory on the way there. I can't wait.
Wendy, my suitemate froom Louisiana, experienced her first snow this weekend. And waht a snow, right?? SHe went sledding with friends and built a snowman with her roommate. She also fell four times. She just needs to learn how to walk on the ice. But she loves the snow. :-)
All for now. Have to finish that essay.
Unfortunately, while I was out shopping Jerome was coming down with that bug going around. He's running a small fever and is coughy. I bought some meds and a thermometer and came over. I'm sitting on his couch as I type this, my phone by my side in case he needs anything (his roommate works nights, so he would be alone otherwise).
Let's see, what else is new? Not too much. School is going rather well; I'm keeping up with my readings and I'm halfway finished with a short essay due on Tuesday. It should be a good semester.
And, of course I'm super excited about Louisiana. We leave on Feb. 16. J and I and 2 other people might be leaving waaaaaaaay too early on Saturday to make the drive on Saturday because we need to check in on Saturday; otherwise we'll leave on Saturday morning, stay the night somewhere in Louisiana and then heading to Lake Charles on Sunday afternoon, stopping at the Tabasco factory on the way there. I can't wait.
Wendy, my suitemate froom Louisiana, experienced her first snow this weekend. And waht a snow, right?? SHe went sledding with friends and built a snowman with her roommate. She also fell four times. She just needs to learn how to walk on the ice. But she loves the snow. :-)
All for now. Have to finish that essay.
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