I'm alive

"...For you I'm awake
Because of you I'm alive
For you I'm awake
Swallowing me."

That was from Godsmack. It happened to be the first thing that came to mind when I typed out my title, but that's just random info and you don't care .

Well, I'm back from my Lenten hiatus away from the majority of the Internet. Caught up on some emailing so it's good to know the pals abroad are doing well in body, mind, and spirit. This past week has revealed to me how much I can't stand not eating meat. I find that it's nearly in every meal I eat, small or not, and I've always thought I didn't really care for it. That won't prevent me from possibly going vegetarian in the near future, but we'll see.

What else is new...I hate forgetting what I meant to say. Ah, school. Yay, Rem's talking about skewls again! Actually, the issue is more concerned with college. TAC seems to be the top choice at this moment, mostly because of its location, the positive bits I've been hearing from people, and because the 'rents have given their approval, as insinuated as it has been, for that particular institution. I talked to our parish priest since he's from San Jose, and he's visited the college once, leaving with a good impression and high praise. An airman at work said he had applied to TAC (though he didn't end up going there), but did acknowledge that it was an excellent school. It's nice to talk about such things that interest you greatly with people in person. Also, Mom's wanting to visit the school sometime this year, taking advantage of Space-A's flying out of Kadena and landing at Edwards AFB, an hour or so away from Santa Barbara. It's just a matter of me getting a bit more info, getting more high school work out of the way, and wrapping up my application. I really feel eager to visit soon before I decide to apply. So many eager anticipations fill my mind, that I'm begining to feel the prudent nudges of mental reminders telling me that I should continue to pray and discern before I begin to think things are concrete *sagely nod*.

What is insanely wonderful is that there is nothing exciting to report . The only thing I find interesting at this very moment, minute, second, quasi-mili-second, is that these smilies are just so darn cute and I want to use most of them. Like this one, . Booyah.

Of all days

It is Sunday afternoon in Okinawa, Japan. Skies are slighty cloudy with a good dose sunshine. A slight breeze accompanies this lovely weather as well, with high's in the 70's and lows in the late-50's. Uh, but anyway, my point is, it's the beginning of Holy Week, which means I won't be online for frivolous things (some of which aren't...really...I don't think). The occasional email with a limit of perhaps an hour will do, but other than that, you won't see this blog updated for seven days. Here I am, waiting to see if any particular peoples are online before I head off for a week, and of all days, they aren't on :P Oh well. It's only seven days, so no biggie.

Pax Christi vobiscum.

I stole this from Julie.

x\\ spell your name backwards: Yemer

x\\ have you ever had a song written about you: no. It would be nice, but I've yet to meet a talented poet/songwriter who would care to do such for moi.

x\\ what song makes you cry: None anymore, but when I was a toddler, and whenever I used to listen to "Somewhere Out There," from American Tales, I'd hide somewhere and let the tears flow. Ah...I could've been a child actress...

x\\ what song makes you happy: Songs. Plural. At the moment, it's probably Venus, by The Feelers.

x\\ what's your all time fav. song?: This is a very dumb question. There are so many favs that there isn't just ONE. To have JUST ONE would show that you have a taste that'll stale sooner or later. :P

x\\ what do you listen to before you go to sleep: Soft-sounding tunes. Like Venus.

x\\ height: "5'3?" Whatever, Jules. :P Let's shave an inch off, and you have my height.

x\\ hair color: Chocolate brown.

x\\ piercings: One per ear.

x\\ tattoos: "I had a temporary one once :x" Wow, rebellious. Let's just get some soap and...As for me, I used to have those temporary ones myself. As of currently, I don't have any.

Right Now . . .
x\\ what color pants are you wearing: black, athletic pants. Yes, they constitute as PJ's for me.

x\\ what song are you listening to: "Behind Blue Eyes," by Limp Bizkit.

x\\ what taste is in your mouth?: Ew. Phlegm is not pleasant if you've some post-nasal drip...

x\\ whats the weather like?: Clear, cool, and dry.

x\\ how are you?: Annoyed at redundant questions?

x\\ get motion sickness?: No.

x\\ have a bad habit?: Laziness.

x\\ get along with your parents?: I try :P

x\\ boyfriend/girlfriend: No.

x\\ have a current crush:

x\\ have a big regret: Who doesn't? Let me rephrase that: "Which imperfect person doesn't?"

Favorite . . .
x\\ tv show: I don't watch much, but I remember liking Rough Science.

x\\ conditioner: Can't remember the name of it.

x\\ book: Pride and Prejudice

x\\ non alchohol drink: Water? If not, then perhaps orange Fanta.

x\\ alchohol drink: Don't drink alchohol.

x\\ things to do on the weekend: "well, keep Remey up all night" You Doof. :P Besides taekwondo, cleaning (yuck), Mass on Sunday, eating, sleeping, breathing, stuff, repeat.

Have You Ever . . .
x\\ broken the law: No, I used duct tape...

x\\ ran away from home: Yeah, down the street. I was checking the mail.

x\\ snuck out of the house: Yes, to put out the trash before Mom saw that I didn't earlier.

x\\ made a prank phone call: I've wanted to try an accent while requesting a song from a station. :P

x\\ tipped over a portapotty: And have the gunk permeating the surrounding area, including myself? No thank you.

x\\ use your parents credit card: No.

x\\ skipped school before: "not like I could really." Technically, you could, but hey, homeschoolers are, um, special? :P

x\\ fell asleep in the shower/bath: Actually, yes. Once I was so cold from waking up, I turned on the hot water and suddenly jerked, finding that I had started to snooze while standing up. No, I have no flamingoes as rellies.

x\\ been in a school play: Yes. In my first, I was one of the little farmers who chased the ginger bread man.

x\\ had a boyfriend/girlfriend: Define "boyfriend" and "girlfriend." These questions are always vague *roll*

x\\ had children: No.

x\\ been in love: Define "love." :P

x\\ have a hard time getting over someone: No.

x\\ been hurt?: Heck yes.

x\\ gone out with someone you only knew for 3 days: "that's stupid." Agreed. And no, I haven't gone out with someone because I would have to undergo a heavy course on the, shh, the "other d-word."

Random . . .
x\\ have a job: Not one that earns income.

x\\ your cd player has what in it right now: No cd player. The pc's playing "Pressure Man."

x\\ if you were a crayon, what color would you be?: Lemon-scented, yellow

x\\ what makes you happy?: "my fwends, music I like, stuff..." Ditto, along with having the comforting feeling that you're striving do to God's will in your life and, although things aren't perfect, you are getting by just fine.

x\\ the next CD you're going to buy: I have no idea at this point. I'm broke.

When/What Was the Last . . .
x\\ you got a real letter: From Missy, about two months ago.

x\\ got an email: One that I really cared for, two days ago.

x\\ thing you purchased: On Thursday, I got my contacts.

x\\ Tv program you watched: I haven't watched TV since it broke last year. Yes, it's been ages, and look, I'm living proof that one can survive without the tube. :P

x\\ movie you saw in the theaters: LOTR: ROTK. When? Last March. :P

x\\ kissed: Maybe pecks on the parents' cheek, but the other kind, n'uh.

x\\ hugged: parents

x\\ song heard: Do you like me repeating myself or what? o.O

x\\ place you were [ besides home ]: The dojo for taekwondo.

x\\ phonecall: "I dont call ppl." That's cuz you're a slacker, Jules ;) I did talk to Dad the other day.

x\\ you were depressed: Can't remember, but it wasn't exactly too long ago I don't think.

x\\ you were in the hospital: Not for any serious medical reasons, but merely for my dental check up. No cavities. Can I get the lollypop though?

When/What Comes to Mind When You Hear . . .
x\\ car: silver.

x\\ murder: Murder She Wrote :P

x\\ cell: phone, yes. mobile. handy. Wish I had one for convenience.

x\\ shoe: black

x\\ fun: "hmm goofing off with Rem?" *Feels...special? :P* Chilling with me pals.

x\\ crush: "Take the hammer/smash the glass..."

x\\Music: Guitar

x\\chalk: School

*surpresses urge to nearly utter a slight expletive...but doesn't*

Here I am, calmly listening to tunes, and all of a sudden...

I hear whining. It's dark outside, and late. But, I hear whining, and a huffing sound. Is it some poor animal? No, it's not coming from outside. I'm sitting in the living room with the laptop, with my earphones on (annoying, but necessary, as it's late and sleeping persons would not want to know what I'm listening to :P). Taking the earphones off, I discover that the unusual sound is coming from the kitchen. It is dark there. With a raised eyebrow, I place the laptop aside and head over to the dark room, turn on the light, and listen again. This time, the noise is clearer, but it is not whining...

"*sound of a cock's crow* Wake up. It is now 5: 30 A.M...."

"What the..." Bravely, I ignore any strange thoughts from trying to freak me out. I make my way to the end of the room where Dad's desktop is sitting idle. It is off.

"Wake up..."

If it's not from the pc, where the heck is it coming from? And it is not 5:30...

"*sound of cock's crow again* Wake up..."

With a smirk and a scoff, I find that it's Dad's talking wrist pedometer, those things that keep track of how long you've walked. So..it talks. And crows. Wow.

It interrupted my musical indulgence.

On the mp3...

1. Home Again :: Shihad
2. Pressure Man :: The Feelers
3. Counting the Beat :: The Swingers
4. Venus :: The Feelers
5. Lydia :: Fur Patrol
6. Victoria :: Exponents
7. My Friends :: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
8. Behind Blue Eyes :: Limp Bizkit
9. Don't Dream It's Over :: sung by Six Pence None the Richer
10. Pacifier :: Pacifier (Shihad)
11. Down :: Blink 182
12. I Miss You :: Blink 182
13. Lifeline :: Brooke Fraser
14. Sweet Disorder
15. All the Small Things :: Blink 182
16. Here's Your Letter :: Blink 182
17. Are You Happy Now? :: Michelle Branch
18. Otherside :: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
19. Scar Tissue :: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
20. The Zephyr Song :: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
21. Everywhere :: Michelle Branch

So last Tuesday, I took my Mitchell Award Exam for CAP. For those of you who have no idea was Civil Air Patrol is: Read. What is the Mitchell Award Exam you might ask? It is an exam which CAP cadets take in order to promote from cadet noncommissioned officer to the first grade of officership, Cadet Second Lieutenant. In order to achieve this milestone award, one must pass a cadet phyical fitness test (CPFT), pass the mentioned exam, attend an encampment, and of course, attend meetings quite regularly in order to fulfill other duties. The exam consists of all I've learnt in six aerospace modules and the leadership manual which we recieve from the moment we become cadet airmen basics in CAP. Despite the lack of studying all my AE modules, I still managed to pass the mentioned exam with a nice 90, and on my first try too.

All I need now is my PT, which is next week (and a piece of cake), and an encampment. Encampments are a period of time where cadets go through certain courses of various activities, all which pertain to Civil Air Patrol and its three main aspects: Emergency Services, Aeropspace Education, and the Cadet Program. Unfortunately, it's a bit sketchy as to whether or not we will have another encampment any time soon. I want to pin my C/2d Lt pips before I turn 19. Something always happens where I end up falling behind, regardless if it's my fault or not.

I shouldn't say this, but I can't wait to pin those pips on my epaulets. It beats having a huge 8-striped chevron for Chief on your shrimpy collar :P Besides, I'm nearly 19 and still a Cadet NCO. By now, most would have given up on CAP even after being in for nearly two years. However, I have some plans for a goal that I want to make a reality.

- C/Chief Master Sergeant (current grade)
- C/Second Lieutenant.
- C/First Lieutenant
- C/Captain

(remaining grades - C/Major, C/Lt. Col, and C/Col. - are part of the last phase in the CAP Cadet Programs, which I don't intend to pursue considering my situation)

I am tempted

...to write another boring entry about my life. I don't usually like to join bandwagons, but because I'm bored, I'll make an exception for now. *temporarily forgoes grammar...*

"A day in the life..." - 16 March 2005.

cr. 0800 -- Wake from short slumber; went to bed late again
cr. 0830 -- Grab some vituals in the form of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
cr. 0900 -- Refreshed; changed into acceptable attire
cr 0945 -- Morning prayers with the little brother
cr. 1000 -- Began studies; work on some Religion and Latin whilst getting distracted, as usual; download more Collective Soul tunes, only "Gel" this time
cr. 1100 -- Leave for daily Mass; sleep in the car on the way
1145 -- Mass
1200 -- Back at the house; eat some left-overs for lunch plus a peanut butter sandwich
cr. 1230 -- Work on more Religion; get online and chat for a bit
1335 -- Take a short nap before leaving for work; getting irritated because the short nap is even shorter due to interruption by the little brother; I get annoyed.
1345 -- Leave for work
1400 -- Take over customer service desk, only to find out that I'm going on a photo location shoot. Relieved.
1430 -- Receive work order and head out to various places; first stop Law Enforcement desk
cr. 1500 -- Head over to veterinarian clinic to shoot a bit there
cr. 1535 -- End up being directed to the Marine Camp Lester Hospital for an annual K-9 x-ray examination because the x-ray machine at the vet is out of order.
cr. 1600 -- Shoot a bit; get some tips and advice
cr. 1630 -- Head back to the shop
1700 -- Stayed 30+ minutes after hours to upload images
cr. 1815 -- Got back home; log online again and chatted for a bit
1845 -- Left for taekwondo
2010 -- Get back home; eat dinner; showered
2050 -- Online again to catch up on emailing and whatnot
cr. before 0100 -- Fall asleep at laptop while listening to newly acquired tunes (oops)
0200 -- Wake up to find herself still at the laptop with a single IM window blinking, only to find that she left her MSN Messenger on and left Julie hanging. Again. :P
cr. 0210 -- Finally falls asleep on her own bed.

The end.

*itches*

Oh geez. I'm getting the urge to change my blog template. Again. 1) I.want.uniqueness, 2) the content area is way too narrow, 3) there's way too much space hanging 'round on either side. It's an eye-sore to the designer's eye. Bleh, it's the darn TagBoard hogging up space and no body posts in it save for a few passers-by.

And my esssay down there seems to make it worse.

Earth, Wind, Fire, oh my.

For the past, couple of posts, you've noticed the mentionings of "elements" of nature. Seeing that I'm up at this hour, I thought that I'd finally get to that composition. This isn't a definitive essay of fully, researched information, but one -- inspired by a recent discussion -- of simply throwing a few thoughts together...at late hours. :P So, any contributions of thoughts in the form of comments are quite welcomed.

Firstly, I should mention that earth, wind, fire, and water are not elements by definition. Therefore, I shall refer to them as substances of nature, to be more correct and avoid any chem-freaks from getting on me for saying something like water is an element and for me to check out the periodic table.

So, what are the substances of nature and their properties with which we can relate to? From what I can harvest from both thought and discussion, Earth can be nourishing, nurturing, simple, warm; it can be violent with internal pressures causing volcanoes to steam and erupt with molten chunks, it can have rough sides and soft sides, and it usually harbours or supports other substances. Wind can be flitting, ever on the move, never static, changeable, and sometimes seemingly capricious; a breeze on a lovely, sunny day, or the torment of a tornado when temperatures of life can be extreme with highs and lows. Fire is usually hot, burning, but it doesn't always have to be a scorching terror if contained; it can be held onto the wick of a candle, throwing its soft light on all who surround it, it can provide warmth against the cold, and it of course, its glow provides the enlightenment for those who are blinded by the dark. Water is fluid, consistent, clear and precise; it, like fire, can be contained, but when it is not, it is free-flowing as it spreads everywhere. The description of these substances are not limited to the ones given here, but are accompanied by other examples, depending on how they are related to their respective persons.

Just as such substances affect one another to a certain degree, so do people in similar ways analogically. At this moment, for the sake of time, I will only consider Earth and its interaction with the other substances (and it is fitting for me since I seem to relate to this particular substance more than the others). I've mentioned that Earth supports the other substances. In the same way, Earthy people seem to support others, whether it be spiritually, emotionally, etc. because they seem understanding and because of their soft attitude, which does not appear threatening. Earth can also be eroded by wind and water and melted by fire. So also can E's (for the sake of my fingers, that'll pertain to Earthy people) be beat upon by the harsh sides of the other substances and be mentally or emotionally softened by them. Although the Wind does have the capability to erode the Earth, it can also be stopped or deflected by a strong wall of Earth. Earth harbours some of these substances such as containing water in lakes, though it is not always that water is contained easily. Raging rivers and waterfalls depict this. E's may be able to have some sort of influence on others, perhaps from their nurturing and easy nature, but their influence isn't always effective. Earth is also sympathetic to Fire. Often, it feeds the flames, but at the same time, it can surely dampen them out. However, Fire can burn the Earth viciously. There is even Fire within the Earth itself. For this, these two substances seem more connected than the others. Water can also be found in the Earth itself, but in the core burns the Fire within.

______

Mk, since I'm wanting others' thoughts on this I'll just post for now, and should any more tibits of my own come 'round later, I'll post them then.

What is Your Element?

Your Element Is Earth

You excel at planning and strategizing. You could be a champ at chess or Survivor. Well grounded, you are able to be realistic and rationalize. On the inside, you have a hard core. It's tough to phase you. You are super productive, and you are able to think anything through. Focused and super charged, your instincts are a good guide for your next step.

What's Your Element?

I need to lay off these quizzes. Yeesh.

For later reference...

...I post the following:

What Does Your Name Mean?

REMEY
R is for Refreshing
E is for Earthy
M is for Mesmerizing
E is for Ebullient
Y is for Young

On my spare time, I shall compose an essay about an interesting discussion I had concerning the "elements" of nature (earth, wind, fire, water) and how they analogically pertain to the personality of certain people.

But for the heck of it, here are some others you can indulge your thoughts on:

REMEDIOS
R is for Romantic
E is for Edgy
M is for Modern
E is for Emotional
D is for Distinguished
I is for Industrious
O is for Outrageous
S is for Saucy

"Saucy," eh? Doubt that. :P

PRISCILLA
P is for Philosophical
R is for Rebellious
I is for Impassioned, Innocent
S is for Spiritual
C is for Cultured, Charming
I is for Impassioned, Intelligent
L is for Lovesick, Loving
L is for Logical
A is for Animated

What's funny about these though is that it changes if you re-enter your appellation. A few times have some of the characteristics actually pertained to me, but the rest haven't been as harmonious to my true self. Of "Lovesick," it is the only one that doesn't describe a bit of me, but the rest of the first set did.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Yes. I was bored. Again.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Spatial Intelligence

You've got a good sense of space and how the world around you looks. You can close your eyes and "see" images. You have innate artistic talent. An eye for color and shapes, you're also a natural designer. Since you think in pictures, visual aids and demonstartions help you learn best. You would make a good navigator, sculptor, visual artist, inventor, architect, interior designer, or engineer.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

...or no brained? I kid :P Read on.

You Are 55% Left Brained, 45% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

"I can see," said the mute man.

Well, this girl is no mute man, but she will see! ...without the aid of spectacles.

Just set an appointment for contact lense prescription on the 17th of March. I finally get to see how I actually look like without my glasses. No, photos don't really seem to count because they capture only one perspective. Ah, but I get to go around without spectacles for once. And no more nose bridge indentions either, yeesh.

drat

TagBoard workeths not. Not like anyone posts in it :P But you know, it would be nice...

*bonks TB in vain*
-----
*edits later* Ah, it works now.

*bonks TB for making her look like a fool*

AMU or TAC

Decisions, decisions...

At this point, I am no longer trying to feel for which college is my choice. Both are rather enticing enough for me to want to apply to anyway. Though it rather irks me when somethings in life seem to point to one school, and then later to the other school, and...well, you know how that goes. I'm just going to submit applications to both schools (which I qualify for, thank goodness) and wait to see what happens. I've already written about this internal dilemma, but that just goes to show how much this has been on my mind for some time :P

Reasons for TAC:
-The 'rents may be retiring in Hawaii. It's not definite, and although people have been nodding at the idea, one can't keep up hopes that we will be there in a matter of three years. Anyway, TAC is closer to HI than AMU would be.

-I've family in CA, though they live in San Leandro, Mom likes the idea of me being some safe distance near someone we can trust. Understandable.


-TAC is accredited and from what I hear and read, sounds like an awesome school. Well, so does AMU :P However, AMU still seems to be working on obtain their accreditation and Mom's a little wary about sending me to a school that, although is decent, might not give me the credits I need should I transfer elsewhere.


Reasons for AMU:
-We've close friends (who sort of count as family) that live in FL. However, they do live some distance away, but I'm going to assume that the distance between my aunt in Cali and TAC isn't any different.

-Area of FL seems nice. Again, 'rents have thought about FL being a potential retirement state.


So, lately, the 'rents (or rather, I should just say Mom because she's the one looking for retirement zones) have been considering TAC. Now they're thinking about living in Cali, but Dad has to mention that CA is expensive. So is Hawaii and Florida, especially the area where Naples is located. Anyway, I'm going to entirely leave it up to God's good will for me, whatever that honestly is. I worry about my family having to adjust for my sake, but I don't want them to have such worries.

One of my other problems is that I've gotten to know AMU rather well, however, I also know some TACers who have given me quite a bit of insight on the college.

So which school...AMU or TAC? I haven't posted enough reasons. Perhaps I should flip a coin? :P Nah, getting late, so I'd better hit the sack.

He renders the glare, with an asphixiating stare, of one whom he can't refute.

Reading back in the ol' bloggy...

...I find my poetry. They're almost a year old to the month, but I thought to repost one that I thought was decent enough.

Oui Par Non

Yeah, they say it's fine
Nay, you disagree
But tell me, in due time
Who's word will you accede?
Hard is it not to see
If it's a truth or lie
When your friend has an eyeful of dust
And you've a log in your eye?
Or is it the other way around?
Only One will ever know
For does it really depend on what you think
Or what others see that shows?

I haven't composed anything for ages save for this one bit of an idea (whilst washing dishes) that I'd totally forgotten by now and which as caused me some disappointment in having done so.

TerraServer.com

Interesting. Brother showed me this one site where you could search for a location and it would show a satellite image of the exact spot. So, we typed in a few of our former addresses and voila, found an aerial view of them.


^Taken in 2002. Disregard the thumbtack thing. We didn't live where it points, and this was taken about six years after we had moved. Here, our house is the one exactly in the middle of the image. It's still full of dirt, but I can see that our two trees in the backyard have grown a bit, and they've kept the shed back there. On the left street and on the right side of it, our house is the second from the bottom. We were there when they first began developing the area and in place of the other houses were simply areas of dirt.



^Also taken in 2002. We were no longer there at this time, but our's is the one with a red roof on the cul de sac, near the middle there. Being that the house was a duplex, we lived in the unit on the right side, with my room at the front corner, nearest our neighbour.



^This one was taken in 1992, when we weren't there yet. Had they switched the years with this one and Tucson's, you would've seen the areas when we did live there. They've got the thumbtack on the wrong spot again. Our house is, I think, about five houses down, on the left side of the road.

A little trip back into past looking at these. These were the only places in the US that we've resided at. TerraServer provides such images for the US only. I couldn't find any images as high-res for international locations, otherwise I'd be looking for our current house right now. :P

Makes you wonder about Seton work...

Final Exam

Instructions: Read each question carefully. Answer any five questions you choose.
Time Limit: One hour. Begin immediately.

1. HISTORY- Describe the history of the papacy from its origins to the present day, concentrating expecially, but not exclusively, on its social, political, economic, religious, and philosophical impact on Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. Be brief, concise, and specific.

2. MEDICINE- You have been provided with a razor blade, a piece of gauze, and a bottle of Scotch. Remove your appendix. Do not suture until your work has been inspected. You have 15 minutes.

3. PUBLIC SPEAKING- 2,500 riot-crazed aborigines are storming the classroom. Calm them. You may use any ancient language except Latin or Greek.

4. BIOLOGY- Create life. Estimate the differences in subsequent human culture if this form of life had developed 500 million years earlier, with special attention to its probable effect on the English parliamentary system. Prove your thesis.

5. MUSIC- Write a piano concerto. Orchestrate and perform it with flute and drum. You will find a piano under your seat.

6. PSYCHOLOGY- Based on your knowledge of their words, evaluate the emotional stability, degree of adjustment, and repressed frustrations of each of the following: Alexander of Aphrodisias, Ramses II, Gregory of Nicea, Hammurabi. Support your evaluation with quotations from each man's work, making appropriate
references. It is not necessary to translate.

7. SOCIOLOGY- Estimate the sociological problems which might accompany the end of the world. Construct an experiment to test your theory.

8. ENGINEERING- The disassembled parts of a high-powered rifle have been placed in a box on your desk. You will also find an instruction manual, printed in Swahili. In ten minutes, a hungry Bengal tiger will be admitted to the room. Take whatever action you feel appropriate. Be prepared to justify your decision.

9. EPISTEMOLOGY- Take a position for or against Truth. Prove the validity of your position.

10. PHYSICS- Explain the nature of matter. Include in your answer an evaluation of the impact of the development of mathematics on science.

11. PHILOSOPHY- Sketch the development of human thought, estimate its significance. Compare with the development of any other kind of thought.

EXTRA CREDIT- Define the Universe. Give three examples.

Will Seton ever compare? Respond to that in a well-formed essay. Be brief and state only significant facts.

If Poe Were a Techie

Once upon a midnight dreary,
fingers cramped and vision bleary,
system manuals piled high
and wasted paper on the floor,
longing for the warmth of bed sheets,
still I sat there, doing spreadsheets.

Having reached the bottom line,
I took a floppy from the drawer.
Typing with a steady hand,
I then invoked the "save" command
and waited for the disk to store,
only this and nothing more.

Deep into the monitor peering,
long I sat there wond'ring, fearing
while the disk kept churning,
turning yet to churn some more.
"Save!" I said, "You cursed mother!
Save my data from before!"

One thing did the phosphors answer
only this and nothing more, just,
"Abort, Retry, Ignore?"

With my fingers pale and trembling,
slowly toward the keyboard bending,
longing for a happy ending,
hoping all would be restored,
Praying for some guarantee,
timidly I pressed a key.
But on the screen there still persisted,
words appearing as before.
Ghastly grim they blinked and taunted,
haunted, as my patience wore, saying,
"Abort, Retry, Ignore?"

There I sat, distraught, exhausted;
by my own machine accosted.
Getting up, I turned away,
and paced across the office poor.
And then I saw a dreadful sight:
a lightning bolt cut through the night.

A gasp of horror overtook me,
shook me to my very core.
The lightning zapped my previous data,
lost and gone forevermore. Not even,
"Abort, Retry, Ignore?"

____
-Disclaimer: Not my work. :P

Hm, interesting...

From Nick's Blog

Here are the rules:
1. Grab the nearest book
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just grab what is closest!

Although I had my Latin grammar book as the closest thing to grab, I did not want to post something so dull such as "The possibility is real." Therefore I strolled over to the shelf, closed my eyes, and randomly selected a tome. Okay, so it was cheating, but hey...

Swift's Gulliver's Travels, page 123:

"I my self heard him give directions, that one of this pages should be whipt, whose turn it was to give notice about washing the floor after an execution, but maliciously had omitted it; by which neglect, a young lord, of great hopes, coming to an audience, was unfortunately poisoned, although the king, at that time, had no designs against his life. But this good prince was so gracious, as to forgive the page of his whipping, upon promise that he would do so no more, without special orders.

To return from this disgression; when I had crept within four yards of the throne, I raised my self gently upon my knees, and then striking my forehead seven times against the ground, I pronounced the following words, as they had been taught to me the night before, "Ickpling gloffthrobb squutserumm blhiop mlashnalt zwin tnodbalkguffh slhiophad gurdlubh asht."

Uh huh.

Hm, funny though, that on page 123 of this book, I found a typo. Right on the top, stating the title of the chapter: "A VOYAGG TO LUGGNAGG." It seems that they may've gotten a bit type-happy with those g's. :P

Nostalgia

Everyone gets it now and then. At 1 in the morning, yeah, I get it.

After eating a cone of coffee ice cream, I began to remember the times sitting at a small Italian ice cream shop in Germany, watching people walk by. I remember listening to bits of conversations in German, smelling the different scents of perfume or cologne, and seeing how different (and sophisticated) the styles are in Europe compared to those in the US. I remember the Italian ice cream served in small amounts and being a bit expensive but very, very delectable. I also remember walking through downtown Kaiserslautern, gazing at the old buildings mixed with the new, seeing these unusual, small cars that no one would ever see in the States.

I remember driving down the autobahn, marvelling at the high speeds one could go, higher than what was allowed in the US. I remember seeing rolling hills and the towns they harboured as we crossed over bridges. I remember looking at the license plates.

I remember walking my dog through the woods in the snow. It was a heck of a wicked winter, but the views were beautiful. The woods doused in white fluff seem to drown out all sound save for the crunch of your footsteps. My dog would act crazy as she dove from one tree to another, sniffing off the snow covering the logs and bushes. I nearly slipped as she darted suddenly over a smooth clearing.

I remember visiting the nearby Nanstein castle. It wasn't a really huge one, but it was an actual castle, preserved throughout history. It was fun walking through the underground walkway, even though it was a short one leading to a cave-like room. At the highest point, you could see the town of Landshtul and a bit of Ramstein Air Base, where we were stationed at.

I remember all these things, but what totally ruins the moment is remembering that I forgot about using a camera to capture all these sights. Gah, >.<.

I did take a pic of this really teeny car with a European license plate, but unfortunately, I lost that image on Dad's old harddrive. Gotta hate that. Hm, that reminds me. I need to find that roll of film from visiting our German cousins and remind Mom to develop it before it's too late.

Lesson learnt: Take your camera everywhere you go. You'll never know when you'll come across a view that you'll want to keep as a lasting, temporal memory.

Natural Highs

From a post on BOL

1. Falling in love. Yet to experience

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts. *immensely enjoys those*

3. A hot shower. mmm, yes

4. No lines at the supermarket.

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail. from good friends *loves those*

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road. Germany's hills and picturesque towns

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio. The ones that make you move your head

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake. (or vanilla or strawberry)!

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling. Now and then, it's fun

14. A good conversation. again, with good friends, it feels refreshing

15. The beach. one all to yourself with a few good friends and family is priceless

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter. wish that were often :P

17. Laughing at yourself.

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours. Those would be nice

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful. mhm

23. Laughing at an inside joke. hehe, *has an abundance of those...*

24. Friends. Definitely

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you. encouraging, yes

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

29. Playing with a new puppy.

30. Having someone play with your hair.

31. Sweet dreams.

32. Hot chocolate.

33. Road trips with friends. Heh, yet to experience that, but who knows what college life will bring

34 Swinging on swings. haven't done that in ages

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

36. Making chocolate chip cookies. eating them is better ;)

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

38. Holding hands with someone you care about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing
that some things (good or bad) never change.

40. Watching the expression on someone's face
as they open a much desired present from you.

41. Watching the sunrise.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and
being grateful for another beautiful day.

43. Knowing that somebody misses you. a nice feeling

44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply. Indeed

This makes me remember some of the joys of life that I've forgotten about or reminds me about the joys I have appreciated recently. At many of these, I felt like grinning and nodding my head.

You ask me what's new

I'll tell you what's new.

Nothing much. Uh oh...*fears this might turn into a rambling post about next to nothing* Oh well. I might as well update you folks on something.

Well, let's see. What's constantly on my mind? My future, my education (especially uni), my current activities, my health, and yes, my friends.

Future. So many things about my future constantly fill my mind. I have this feeling of wanting to join the military, but I want to recieve a good and solid Catholic foundation in my education before entirely facing the secular world and the crud it will throw in my way of living. Anyway, I figured that I should get that Catholic liberal arts degree first, then join the air force later, maybe coming in as a photographer. I don't know, we'll see.

Education. Well, after moving to two different countries in the course of one year, it's put a cramp in my progression with my homeschooling. Meaning, the distraction got me behind over a year now. Sadly, it's nagging at the brain and I can't really help it. Anyway, school, mhm. It's like I tell my friends: I feel like I'm in this hole (it's muddy), and I'm digging myself out with a spoon. I'll get to the end of this Road in the journey of life soon. Okay, not soon, but eventually. *attempts to be optimistic*

College. Boy, I've slacked off on the application part, but the problem is that I can't send any in if I lack the credits. Essays will be taken care of though. Anyway, my dilemma is in choosing which college I'll attend. There are two major ones in mind: Ave Maria University and Thomas Aquinas College. I really like both, but now and then I swing between the two as things in life come up to where it makes me want to really go to one or the other. They both seem like really good schools, and what makes it more inticing is knowing people there. However, I should leave it in God's hands and let Him guide me since I can't seem to find my way with a concrete decision. Tell you what. I'll send in applications to both and then wait to see where I'll be accepted. The problem with that is if they both accept, then the decision is definitely up to me. I keep considering the aspects of attending those colleges, but this feeling of uncertainty keeps shadowing me. Oh, which one: AMU or TAC? The University of Dallas is another school I'm putting into consideration, but it hasn't been as inticing as Ave or "That Anonymous College."

Current activities which keep me from falling completely into insanity. I've been mostly preocuppied with Civil Air Patrol. Being 18, and getting old, I'm trying to progress. Yes, I may be the oldest cadet there, but I've been in for a year and I can't give up. My goal is to make at least cadet captain, then cap off my career as a CAP cadet by participating in the International Air Cadet Exchange Programme to NZ. So far, I'm a C/SMSgt (for the military lingo-illiterate, that's cadet Senior Master Sergeant) by the pinned grade on my collar, but by paper, a C/CMSgt (Chief Master Sergeant; highest non-commissioned officer grade). I just finished giving a mandatory speech which gives me leave to take a test to promote to the first officer grade of C/2d Lieutenant. Why do I say I'm getting old? Because many C/Lt's are 16, and by 18, college will take up most of my time that I can use for CAP. Oh well, pushing on...

Trying to consider a job. I need one, in fact. Why? To start saving up some funding for college tuition and expenses. However, the problem with being behind in school needs to be eliminated first, and that's taking some time. Maybe too much time for me.

Other things I'm doing include Toastmasters and Tae kwon do. With both, I need a lot of personal development on. However, I'm too lazy to even ramble about that.

Health. Recently, it seems that I have been diagnosed with pneumonia. I say it "seems" because I'm not even sure what I actually have. It involved a fever, aching body, major coughing, and a sore throat from the coughs but no difficulty in breathing whatsoever. I thought pneumonia would be worse. I don't know. I even got the impression that the doctor didn't seem to know what I had either :P Ended up taking antibiotics and popping the pills 3x day, for 10 days. By now, the coughing's kept up, but the other symptoms have ceased. A good thing, though the cough is terrible and really annoying when I'm trying to talk or laugh. Try going "hahah-coughcoughgagcough." *roll*

Like many of my female counterparts, being concerned with the state of my figure is nagging at the back of my mind constantly. I've been thinking of really taking up jogging or running, but after seeing a marathon here and noticing how slim the good runners are, I figured that perhaps I'm just not made to run :P I'd love to be, but uh...I don't think I'm aerodynamic enough to effectively run a good pace, heh. I should just stick to tennis. I'm doing okay with it though I need a bit more practice to manage those rusty areas. Soccer I want to start up again though. More running, but hey, I enjoy the sport and that matters most. As soon as I'm over with this sickness, I need to kick myself in the behind (heh, imagine that) and get movin'.

Friends. They are those not related to me that I hold dear to my heart. Internal struggles are theraputically yacked away by our conversations, and that I haven't had ever, even in person. It's a refreshing feeling really. Every now and then I feel a longing to go visit them. The ones I hold dear, though, are the ones that I haven't met in person yet and that live miles away. Convenient, eh :P Why can't you guys be closer?! Hm, actually, the question is why can't I stop moving away from you peeps. At least we communicate, and that reminds me, I owe someone an email...Still, the live interaction lacks and leaves a sort of empty feeling longing to be filled.

Hm, so if you ask me what's new, I'd merely tell you, "Oh, nothing much," and that's it. However, since this is my blog and I'm so nice, I decided to give you a much more broader answer by at least summarising what's been going on.

*notices how long her answer is* Eh, maybe too broad. :P

-The Rambling Idiot.

Renaissance of the Mind...and Blogginess

Well, a new year, a new blog, however don't get the idea that this'll happen every year. :P Nein. Rather, I started up a new blog in order to begin anew. I feel like my life is passing by a little too quickly, that I thought I should, of course, make the best of things...which happened to include blogging. Thus I'm starting out with a new bloggy yaddayadda...

I've had about three other blogs elsewhere, to include another bloggy from Blogger only under the guise of a different appellation.

With this one, however, I intend to manage it a bit differently from the formers. The others were complete ramblings (and total ennui) though there is a chance that this one might turn out to be not unlike its predecessors. In any case, I felt the need to refresh my mind and start again on a new page.

Hm, look at the time. Good grief, I'm imposing self-deprivation of much needed rejuvination. Better hit the sack before I seem to lose s'more braincells too.