| mid-summer update |
[Jul. 1st, 2005|01:51 pm] |
Well, I think that the summer is about half over. That means that fall is growing ever-nearer. I'm very excited about MIlligan. Very excited. I think that Jack-star and I will have tons of fun and I will meet lots of cool people and start a very cool 3-year period of learning, growth and youth. Because I've been moving around so much throughout the last few years, I really need this to be the case. ALso, because I want it so badly to go so well, I have this haunting fear that it wont. You know when you want something so badly that you can't help but fear the opposide will happen. THis is what has been happening to me lately. I've been afraid that I will get there and Jackie and I will end up hating eachother and I won't meet any soulmates and I will be filled with regret. THat is mostly what I am afraid of - regret. Aren't we all? THen my mind drifts back to FGCU and how much fun I had and how I already met wicked cool people and built relationships. THen I begin to wonder if I made the right choice.
Now, I know what you're thinking, or at least what you should be thinking - "Where is GOd in all of this." THe truth is, during this whole previously described thought process, He's nowhere. It's not until after I've worked myself up into a frenzy and I can't sleep that I begin to remember that He has plans to prosper me, and that all I can do is what I can do. I have nothing to fear because when I am honest with myself, I admit that He is on my side. I know He is on my side.
That being said, I ask for prayer. I ask that you would pray for my mental welbeing, that I would stay strong and maintain the Joy of the Lord. Also, that my MIlligan experience would be unbelieveable- that I would find a whole bunch of kindered spirits and become an amazing musician and find my very own strapping young christian musician.
Workcamp is coming up and I cannot be more excited. I really can't. I love to serve people, I think it is when I ma the most happy and liberated. I think that's why I like my job so much. ok people, I think that is all. Thanks for reading and hopefully something interesting will happen to me so that you will have something better to read. :) |
|
|
| much has changed |
[Jun. 20th, 2005|05:48 pm] |
As the title of this entry suggests, much has changed. I am now living by myself in one of my parents apartments. I do'nt really mind living alone because people are over a lot and I work most of the time. Oh yeah, that too - I have a job. I have been employed at the FAirfield Inn in Salem NH for a little over a month now. It is tons of fun. I am a concierge (front desk person). It is the perfect position for a people pleaser such as myself, mostly because that is my job - to please people. I have tons of fun and so I try to work as much as possible, that and I need the money. I have been officially accpted to Milligan COllege. THe need-based financial aid package was pretty much non-existant and the merit based one, though as generous as the school typically offers, still leaves me with $6 thousand to russle up. Consequently, I am still driving Andy's car (thank you if you're reading this) and trying to save $200 every week towards this $6,000 discrepancy. This leaves my entertainment funds a bit in want. Oh well, it's good to be back in NH and I'm having fun at work. THese things I am grateful for, among others.
I miss FLorida, there it is, I've said it. Well, it's actually the people that I miss more than the state. All you cool kids from FGCU were crazy fun and I wish that Milligan were closer to you. IN any case, I will make sure to visit.
Well, I suppose that is all, job, apartment, Milligan. Oh yeah, my laptop was stolen from CIrcuit City while being "fixed". Now I have a $1300 giftcard to buy a new one. It's cool that I get a new one, the old one was often insubordinate, but it really is not cool that I lost everything on the old one - pictures, music, word documents and whatnot. Oh well, I'll get over it. Thanks for reading this, and feel free to comment on something I said (not likely) or just to say "hi" and "you're the coolest" (very likely, heh). |
|
|
| home sweet home |
[May. 10th, 2005|11:51 am] |
| [ | music |
| | wierd panera music | ] |
Well, I'm back. I am currently residing at the Page residence in Manchster, New Hampshire and Tara and I are tirelessly seeking employment. Actually, we both have interviews at the Lazy Lion Cafe in Deerfield this afternoon. If all goes well, we will both be working there full-time. Also, most likely as we speak, my application for admission is being reviewed at Milligan College and sometime this week I will find out for sure if that is where I will be attending in the fall. Definately keep that in your prayers, and my employment.
Other than that, I'm just enjoying being back in New Hampshire. Andy has graciously lent me his Mustang, and I am very grateful for the transportation. Hopefully, once I get my financial aid report from Milligan, I may be able to purchase transportation of my own.
To all of you floridians, I hope that your summer is starting out fantastically, and hopefully some of you will come and visit me in the coming months. I would love to show you around my fabulous "neck of the woods". |
|
|
| It's official! |
[Apr. 27th, 2005|12:46 pm] |
Well, ladies and gentlemen of the greater Manchester area, it's official. I shall be returning to that wonderful place next Tuesday. My flight comes in at 11something pm and if you would like, you can greet me there with flowers and sparkling grape juice.
I'm pretty excited, although the job search is still going on. Hopefully I will have something somewhat solid by the time I arrive. For those of you who were looking foreward to shoe store discounts, I regret to inform you that they have already filled the position. Oh well, I'm sure I will find something. Once again, if anyone comes accross anything that I might be intersted, please feel free to let me know.
And I still don't know about Milligan, I know it's killing you all. Believe me, it's killing me more.
I have my last final tomorrow at 10:30am and hopefully I will be done with my online work by friday. Here's a big shout-out to my good friend and roommate, becky chase, for helping me oh so much with that whole operation.
Well, I guess that is all, I just wanted to let everyone know when I was leaving/coming, depending on your own location, and remind you to keep your eyes open for employment opportunities for myself. Thanks. |
|
|
| My classes are dropping like flies : ) |
[Apr. 25th, 2005|02:28 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | I'm procrastinating | ] |
| [ | music |
| | LIBRARY!! | ] |
Well, at the end of today, I should be completely done with 4 of my five classes. Then, all that remains is college algebra and packing. I'm a bit worried about college algebra. I went to the final review yesterday, and I was completely lost. Hopefully this week will prepared me for the test.
Anyway, on to more exciting topics . . . I don't actually have any. I'm still looking for work, so if anyone has any leads, let me know. Ummm, other than that, I think that I have nothing to say. You see, this is what happens when I write often, I have nothing to say. |
|
|
| again at the library |
[Apr. 23rd, 2005|01:29 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  and I slept in til 11 today! | ] |
| [ | music |
| | library, eh | ] |
Well, I am officially done with classes here at FGCU, actually I was done as of 2:30 on Thursday. Now, all that stands between me and temporary academic freedom is 3 finals, 1 paper, 1 computer lab and 37% of my online college algebra course. That is my "to do" list for the upcoming week.
I am sad to leave here but I am excited to go to back to NH. I am currently searching for a job, preferably a 9-5 mon-fri sort of gig, doing something I don't hate. I am persuing work at the Farfield Inn in Salem, although if something more local were to show itself, I would mast likely persue that (considering gas prices).
Anyway, the date and time of my migration to NH is still undecided because, until I get my financial aid information from Milligan, I don't know whether I will be driving or flying. As I think I've written before, I can't get that information until my application is complete and it is still missing a recommendation. I guess it's not all bad, cause now Marco gets more time to work on his basement.
So, I've had this weird longing to be rich and famous lately. Well, I guess not rich and famous really, but talented and famous and rediculously good-looking. I think that would be super fun. I would love to be so good at music that I could perform for a living. I don't know, I thought that was weird. I think I've been watching the E channel too much, it's making me all crazy. I am excited about music this summer. I have bene inspired by Marco and all his music, and Tara and I have been talking about playing a lot. It is so much fun for me. Who knows, maybe I could write and record some super cool music. I am next in line, afterall.
I guess all there is left to say is that I've been having a whole lot of fun here lately. I wish I would have lived like this all year. Now that I've finally gotten to know everyone and the all know how cool I am (hahah), I have to leave. Oh well, ce la vie. I'm glad now that I have some cool friends to visit in FL whenever I am brought here by family business.
Thank you to those who read this, and feel free to comment. :) |
|
|
| time is running out |
[Apr. 15th, 2005|02:28 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | what else is new, right? | ] |
| [ | music |
| | none, once again , I am in the library | ] |
I must say that I am very pleased with the responses I got to my last entry, thanks guys. Well, time is running out and things will be decided very soon. Pretty much, I am waiting for a letter from Milligan that contains very important information-my financial aid award. Granted, I haven't been accepted yet due to some delayed references (cough cough Andy), but I am much more concerned with my financial aid. Much hinges on this little letter. If it is a big amount then I will be able to buy a car and perhaps road trip it home to NH, if it is very small I may have to look into student loans. If it is rediculously small, I may have to rethink this whole thing altogether. I have been stressing about it as of late, but I decided to give it up. I just said "Let Your will be done," and now I know that whatever that letter says is of God and that is what I want, even if it means student loans of sticking around here or anything else He may have planned.
Other than that, I am doing pretty well. I have much school work to do, namely college algebra and a pesky little state and local government final. I should be able to finish strong if I remain focused.
On Wednesday night, I had my first evening of work at Alico Arena and then I proceeded with my community group to the "Meet Kip and Pedro" event. It is true, I saw Kip and Pedro from Napoleon Dynomite in person. Pedro was funny, but Kip was pretty serious and artsy. It was a lot of fun. And last night, I babysat for people I had only met once before, something I have only done a handful of times and plan not to do much more of :/
My mom mentioned the other day that if I find a good job that wont give me time off for workcamp I need to take the job and suck it up (in so many words). This I find quite upsetting, as I have been looking foreward to workcamp since the day the last one ended. I pray that it will not come to that. I am taking steps toward getting a job at a Farifield Inn, part of the Marriot chain, and possibly the one in Salem.
I think that is all that I have worth mentioning. Oh yes, one more thing- my dad called me today and told me that he bought two guitars and that I could chose between the two. One is an acoustic Taylor, and the other one is a knock-off Martin acoustic-electric. He said that they were both in excellent shaped. If anyone has anything informed to say about that, please let me know.
Now, I think that is it for real. Once again, if you feel led, here are some prayer requests-
- finish strong here academically
- financial aid letter - that it will be bigger than I ever dreamed *whuahahahaha*
- car - summer and otherwise
- job - summer
- SYCM (heh heh, if you are privy to that definition) |
|
|
| my life |
[Apr. 12th, 2005|11:07 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  peaceful | ] |
| [ | music |
| | none, i'm in the library : / | ] |
Well, it has been a while since I wrote here and I have gotten a few complaints. Therefore, I decided to tell everyone what is going on in my life.
I have decided that God is good and has been very good to me this year. I complained early in the year that I missed my friends and it could never be the same, but I really have had a lot of fun this year. Had I decided to leave because this school wasn't "Christian" enough for me, I would be having a lot of doubts right now because I have met some amazing Christian people. The fact is, my decision to leave has little to do with the social aspect of college and more to do with academic opportunity. I want to explore ministry and music and humanities in college and persue a Christian liberal arts education. This is why I must go to a Christian liberal arts college.
God has shown me a lot here. I have learned a lot about being a Christian, that it is more about being wise and being Godly rather than just not doing the things that everyone else is doing. I went to this Intervarsity meeting once, and the speaker talked about decision making and how it is important that we not ask ourselves "Is this right?" but rather "Is this wise, considering my goals?" I have often thought of this. For instance, when someone wants me to do something to help them out that I really have no desire to do, and have many other things to do, and it wouldn't necessarily be "wrong" to say no, I ask myself "Would it be wise to say no, considering that my goal is to exhibit Christ-like love?" Just this simple thought has helped me to be more loving. Granted, I am no where near where I wish I was, I have still learned much.
I am excited about Milligan. I am excited about meeting many new people and learning a lot about the Bible and growing in music. Sometimes I fear taht I will regret going there, but hopefully I will keep in mind that life really is what you make it, and this could be the best decision of my life, if I allow God to make it incredible.
So, taht's pretty much what I'm thinking: I like FGCU, I'm glad I came here, I met cool people and learned a lot, but I'm also excited about Milligan. I'm also wicked excited about going back to NH. I think it will be crazy fun to be reunited with the people up there and to see waht full time work is like.
In closing, if you feel led, here are some prayer requests taht I have:
- Please pray that I will learn all that there is for me to learn in my last weeks here at FGCU and spend lots of time with my cool new friends.
- Milligan College is about three times as much as FGCU, so please pray that adequate funds may be provided-scholarships and whatnot.
- I am trying to find good full time employment for the summer, please pray that I could find a job that I like at least a little bit and that pays pretty well.
- I will be rooming with my dear Jacquelyn, please pray that Milligan is big enough for the both of us :)
- Please pray that I will always live in light of eternity
Thank you very much, and I will try to write more. God bless you all. |
|
|
| toothpaste |
[Feb. 8th, 2005|04:23 pm] |
|
Last night I finished my first tube of toothpaste. I bought it new and used it all up all by myself. I was so sentimental about it that I rinsed it out and kept it. RIP Aquafresh Extreme Clean. . . |
|
|
| rockwell |
[Feb. 7th, 2005|10:37 pm] |
Well ladies and gentlmen it has finally happened. Tonight I played "Two Coins" by Dispatch on my cool red guitar and sang my little heart out at an open mic night here at FGCU. I only sang one song, but it was definatly one of the coolest events of my life. It has been a dream of mine to perform solo and now that I have done it I couldn't be happier. I would like to thank my dad for his music genes and Christine and Becky who helped me overcome my dumb insecurity. I would also like to thank Blake for the sign that he made.
I'm sorry, but I must go now . . . homework/bed awaits. |
|
|
| cool things today |
[Jan. 31st, 2005|08:33 pm] |
Hey dudes! Well, today was pretty eventful actually. First of all, I discovered that I could talk to people through my headset over instant messenger. That was exciting. Except, I'm the only one who has a microphone apparently, so everyone types to me and they can hear me talking. It was really cool though, cause I was talking to Jackie and Anna and playing my guitar and singing for them. It was a grand old time > I can still jam with my friends even when they are hours and hours away.
The second cool thing that happened is that I ordered my digital camera that my parents are getting me for my birthday. Wicked awesome eh? I'm so very very excited. It should be here in a bit and then I will be a picture taking animal.
I also went to the gym today with Claire which was pretty cool and my cool friend Meghan made me dinner and it was excellent. I didn't do much in terms of school work, but it was still a good day because I got to chill with some cool people.
Well, here's an interesting topic . . . Claire and I (and actually Meghan and I also) we talking about the upcoming series at Ignite entitled "Boy Meets Girl." I believe that it is based off of that book by Joshua Harris. I've never read it, but I've heard wonderful things about it. Here's the thing though > I think I'm burned out on Christian dating workshops. I grew up in youthgroup and so I've been hearing about Christian dating since forever. I even went on a retreat called "dateable" which was all about that kind of stuff. Anyway, I feel like the only way that I can learn more about having a Christian relationship is to actually have one. Therefore, now when I go to this stuff, it's like hearing an analysis on a movie you've never seen. I can appreciate some stuff, but i grow weary. I will go anyway though, because I guess there's no such thing as too much understanding and too much preparation.
In any case, I am tired and must retire. Oh yeah, I very well may be getting a job at alico arena. Please pray that that comes through cause I really need a job. I love you all :) |
|
|
| something different |
[Jan. 21st, 2005|12:28 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  as we should all be :) | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Nichole Nordeman - I Am | ] |
Wow, I just read some of Erin's Xanga entries and I must say that I am very moved. I suggest that anyone that is reading this read hers because they are very enlightening.
I was inspired by her to write about something real . . . write about something real that is going on in my life. I suppose I can get pretty personal because not many people read this.
Well, as of late, I have been asking for peace about staying here in FL next year. When I went home for break I was so convinced that I was going to transfer next year. I've decided to go into ministry and so I thought that that was a clear message from God to transfer. "I can't stay at a secular college if I want to do that." However, things changed. It became apparent that even though my parents said they would love to see me in a Christian school that they really wanted me to stay here for next year. Why? I'm not that sure. Most likely because it is really cheap and it's close to them. It's only my sophomore year anyway. I have felt much more peace about it than I thought I would. I thought that staying here would devastate me, just because I want to to go to a Christian school so bad, which I still do, but I realize now that it's not really about what I want.
God has taught me so much since I have been here. The number one thing has been that I have so much more to learn. I am humbled often. I know that I judge people and am very selfish often. I also have learned that I am only really happy when I don't think about myself. That is one of the biggest reasons I have decided to go into ministry. Actually, Workcamp 04 taught me that. I was so happy that week even though none of my close friends really went. Even when I was alone I felt the joy of God because I knew I was helping to spread His love. What else could I do with my life? I've had this little daydream in my head that I could marry a musician that has a heart for the youth and so maybe both of us could work in the music ministry and the youth ministry at some little church somewhere. I plan on getting much better at the guitar and it is already one of my favorite things to do.
I met this guy a couple weeks ago and we talked for a while. He was an intellectual type, but not a Christian so it was very interesting to hear what he had to say. I asked him what his goal in life was, and he answered and then asked me the same question. I told him that when I die I just want people to be able to say that they saw God through me and I showed them love. I think that so many people today feel misunderstood and unloved and if Christians could just make an effort to understand the misunderstood and love the unloved than we would be doing our job. It almost brings me to tears to think about people out there who have been given a warped definition of Christianity by someone who called themself a Christian. It brings me to tears to think that that person may have been me. I don't know, all I want to do is love people. To give and die, but this body and this mind seem to be fighting me every step of the way. I know my intentions, but when I look at my life I don't see it. I want to be happy not because something happened to me or was done for me, but I want to have joy because I am furthering the kingdom of God. That kind of joy that is involuntary, you don't even know that you're happy because you are so busy doing God's work. That's what I want. Part of me says "then what are you doing in school? Go to Africa or something." But I know better. I know that I can do that right here at FGCU. It is difficult because I have other things to do . . . classes to go to and papers to write. How to I combine the two? How can I be selfless when I am here to take care of myself. I have been wondering this since Workcamp. It is no easy task. Well, I will proceed. I will go to sleep, wake up and take up my cross, I will try to remember my intentions. Pray for me, pray that God will remind me every second of every day what my purpose is on this earth. Pray that he will humble me all of the time. As I am beginning to see it, often happiness is pride. I know it sounds outlandish, but I want joy. Pray that I will stay empty for Him. Pray that we Christians can define Christianity in a way that will effect people and leave an impression of genuine love and compassion. Let us not judge because we are not being judged. How dare I mentally condemn people here for things that they do when I, just in doing so am committing a worser crime in my own eyes. I know better.
If you have read all of this I thank you. Please pray for me. |
|
|
| My first college speech . . . |
[Jan. 20th, 2005|03:41 pm] |
What word describes you best? To be honest I had a difficult time beginning this assignment, for some reason I could not come up with good word to describe myself. A few things came to me initially . . . New Englander because I’m from New England and am very proud of that, but I doubted that anyone wanted to listen to speech about maple syrup and foliage. I also considered the word “musician” because I love to play the guitar, but, as I am an aspiring musician and not a rock star, I decided against that idea too. Many different words ran through my head, but none of them really struck me as anything unique or interesting . . . I didn’t want to bore anyone. Then, it came to me . . . I, Katie DeConto am a believer. “A believer in what?” you might ask. Well, I am about to tell you.
I am a believer in the Red Sox. Win or lose, Pedro or no Pedro, I will always claim proud membership of the Red Sox Nation. Last year, this meant lots of anticipation leading up to one big disappointment, but this year, it meant that I could finally wear a “World Series Champion” T-shirt and mock those unfortunate Yankee fans for the first time in my life. I am definitely a believer in the Red Sox and if I were in Boston this fall, I would have been rioting in the streets with the best of them.
Another belief I hold that often leaves me disappointed is my belief in people. I am a believer in people, or at least I try to be. It seems that today, there is not much of that left, faith in people. We all have those friends that are always in trouble and always letting us down. No one needs that kind of frustration and so our first inclination is to cut off all ties, but for some reasons I always believe that they can change. I like to believe that all people can change if they have help. Perhaps it is because I have seen this happen. In any case, I am inclined to stick with these troublesome people, regardless of what they do. I guess I figure that if I were in their situation, I wouldn’t want to be abandoned and so I should do what I can to help, even if it means making some sort of sacrifice. I know that the only reason I have the strength to maintain this belief in people is because of a different faith.
I am a believer in God. I know that there is a God that made the universe and that made me, and that He is very much involved in my every day life. This gives my life meaning . . . something to live for. This belief changes everything. I can love people when I think they don’t deserve it because I know that He loves me when I don’t deserve it. Whether the sox win or lose, or whether or not that troubled friend remains troubled, I have a God who loves me and nothing can change that.
As a believer in these things, I have faced much adversity. I have been mocked by the occasional Yankee fan and been thought naive by many, but as I see it, it is better to believe in something than not and it is better to be faithful than faithless. Sometimes I get discouraged, but every once in a while I am reminded why I am a believer. Every once in a while the Red Sox win the World Series. |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Dec. 3rd, 2004|09:27 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  contemplative | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Dashboard Confessional | ] |
Hey strangers! It's been a while. Well, I have gone and returned from my Thanksgiving break in New Hampshire. I had a blast and I love my girls so very much. It was kind of sad though. I realized thatwe have all parted ways and highschool will never return. T will go off and cook somewhere and Jax will get married and live in the south somewhere and who knows where my other sisters will end up. It's sad, we had so much fun the past few years and things will never be that way again. We will never all live within 5 minutes of eachother of have an parentless apartment to chill in that we don't have to pay for. So sad.
I'm also having conflicting feelings about college. I am having fun, and I know why God has me here. I have learned a lot and have met some cool people, but I also feel a little restless. That's it, I"m restless. I couldn't really put my finger on it before, but I guess that's it. I don't know if that is a God thing letting me know that I will be moving on, or just me. Who knows where I'll be even next year. Goodness knows I don't.
Jax helped me make a "husband list" today. You know, those lists girls make of all the qualities they know their husband will have. (not all, but the important ones :)) If you'd like a copy, let me know. I do'nt remember doing that formally, it was fun and she and I realized that we are looking for pretty much the same man, which could actually complicate things sometime in the future. Haha. Mine's not here, I'm pretty sure. Don't get me wrong, there are some great guys, just none who are completely my type.
One more thing...I was areading in Acts the other night, and Paul was saying goodbye to the church in Ephesus (I believe) and he said something to the effect of that he did not ever hesitate to share the gospel and so he was not guilty of anyone's blood. That really struck me. It makes me sad to think that some poeple I come in contact with on a regular basis may never know Him, and I guess if I did ever hesitate to share the gospel with them that would make me guilty of their blood. Powerful eh? I just thought I'd share that as a way to help our faith permeate our lives.
I love you all and maybe I'll write more later, but I have to go now. God bless and may the desires you you heart come true . . . . . |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Nov. 9th, 2004|07:33 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | calm | ] |
| [ | music |
| | switchfoot | ] |
Just so you all can stop freaking out, I wanted to let you know that my comp teaching finally got the memo and I got an "A" on my second paper. You can all relax now...all is right again with the world. Anyway, I'm good...excited about going home in exactly two weeks. It's nuts, I can't wait. It feels like I haven't been home in forever. What's ever weirder is that I don't even have a house there. I registered for classes today. This made me think about the possibility of me transfering and how annoying it will be when all of my credits don't transfer. arg. Oh well, who knows where I'll be. I guess that's it. Oh, I saw this on Chimene's livejournal and I thought it was cool: make a comment about the most vivid memory you have of me...this should be interesting. (Please do it so I don't feel like a dolt.) |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Nov. 7th, 2004|01:27 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  confused | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Shane and Shane | ] |
I feel like I have spent much of my life trying to break into a new social circle. Not that I mind (if you are reading this mom, I don't hold it against you). It's exhausting, but at the same time, it always helps me grow. Challenging situations often do that. What I am thankful for is the friends that I have had a for a long time. It's hard, because every time I go somewhere else, they don't know me like you, they weren't there for all of that, but they will get to know me, and we will make our own memories. I am currently trying to join the Christian circle here at FGCU. I forget that building relationships takes work, although I'm having lots of fun, I sometimes feel like I'm making a fool of myself . Like now, I feel like I"m not making any sense at all. *Sigh* I was having these profound feelings and I wanted to express them here, but I am not doing them justice. I guess all I'm trying to say is that relationships are worth everything that you put into them, but they do not grow on trees. Everyone doesn't know that I"m witty and adorable, and some people need more convincing than others :) I'm sorry for m failed attempt at capturing a candid thought, but I"m tired and I miss home a little and so you must forgive me. |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Nov. 2nd, 2004|03:27 pm] |
Hey ya'll (heh), this is my comp mid-term (in class essay, on which I got an "A") I thought it would be an appropriate entry for today. Read it if you would like, I'm just proud of my A. :)
I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be voting for President George W. Bush in November. I knew this before watching the debate, and now I am even more confident in my decision. His views on health care, abortion and the sanctity of marriage are ideas that I believe are essential to the welfare of this country. Senator Kerry's inconsistent and liberal ideologies will only hasten the downward spiral American culture is now experiencing.
I am ashamed to say that I decided to vote for Bush before I even really knew why. All I did know, before watching the third presidential debate, was that Bush was fighting abortion and gay marriage, ideas I strongly disagree with, and that Kerry, according to what I had been told, was inconsistent and liberal. I did not realize how true theses statements were until I observed the candidates myself during the third debate.
When the topic of abortion arose, Kerry stated that, though he is a strong Catholic, he believed that a pregnant woman should have the right to choose abortion. I must admit that if Senator Kerry did not pronounce his Catholicism, I would have much more respect for him. As a man of faith, I would him to have some respect for God and His creations. Were Kerry an avid atheist, I would understand his Pro-Choice views much more. I consider this to be one of Kerry's many inconsistencies. Bush's response to the question concerning abortion included many ideas about how to provide good alternatives to infant homicide. He suggested abstinence programs and adoption law reform. He also suggester providing group homes for pregnant women so that they can be cared for if their circumstances are less than ideal. Theses are all constructive ideas that could save thousands of lives.
Another issue that interested me very much during the debate was Bush's proposed settlement caps on medical lawsuits. When asked about the rising costs of health care, Bush attributed much of the expense to the billions of dollars being paid by hospitals and their insurance companies to private citizens. He also stated that Kerry's government health care plan would be outrageously expensive and relatively ineffective. I agree with both of these points. It is not fair that the entire country is paying high insurance rates because a insignificant percentage of the population is suing hospitals for billions of dollars because of mistakes made during risky procedures. I also believe that a government health care plan would only cause more chaos and dissatisfaction.
THe third and final issue that supports my decision is the concept of gay marriage. When asked if he believed that homosexuality is a choice, Bush responded "I don't know." I respect this statement. He also made many statements confirming his belief that all men and women should be treated with dignity and respect and that we are all Americans, regardless of our sexual orientation. I agree with these statements. However, Bush also said that tolerance should not force us to change what we hold sacred. I hold the institution of marriage, and what is has always been, sacred. However, in order to maintain civil peace and show the aforementioned respect, I support Bush's proposed concept of the "civil union." Allow homosexuals to enjoy the political and economic benefits of marriage, but please, distinguish between the two.
I am very happy that I was forced to watch the third presidential debate. I no more feel guilty for my lack of knowledge concerning the candidates and their platforms. I now know that I agree with Bush much more than I do with Kerry. It is because of all of this new-found knowledge that I will be able to go to the polls on November 2nd and confidently vote for President George W. Bush. |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Nov. 1st, 2004|01:26 pm] |
In case you didn't guess, that last entry was an essay I wrote for my comp class. THe assignment was to write a "remembering essay" about a significant event in my life. I thought that was fitting. I don't know what my grade is yet, I shall find out tomorrow maybe. Anyway, yesterday Becky, Leo and I made pizza and watched not 1, not 2, but all 3 lord of the rings movies. It took about 12 hours. Yeah, it was interesting. That's pretty much all I did yesterday, save church. I would like to ask for prayer...I need focus. I have always really needed focus, on school, on God, on relationships. Pray that I can keep my priorities in check and act accordingly with my time and resources. Also, pray that I can be faithful to my attempt to abstain from refined sugar until thanksgiving :) Thanks |
|
|
| good times with gavin |
[Oct. 30th, 2004|01:41 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | nostalgic | ] |
When I think on my most precious memories, my mind is often drawn back to the night before I left for college. The long awaited departure seemed to have come too soon, as it was the last night I would spend with those who had meant so much to me for so long. Of course, most people are faced with this situation at least once in their life, but each and every time, the impact is undeniable. Something huge was ending and we all knew it. Our lives would change within a few hours and we couldn’t stop it. All that was left was to enjoy the night…and we did.
We decided to spend our last night at a concert, an activity we had come to love since we had all turned eighteen. There was something liberating about driving a long distance, listening to great live music and then returning home sometime in the early morning. This time, the destination was Portland, Maine; the artist, Gavin DeGraw; and we couldn’t be more excited.
We all packed up in the car. We were prepared for the journey, but not entirely prepared for what it would mean. There was an air of uncertainty about all of us. It was almost like we were teetering between the joy and excitement of the night and the utter despair the inevitable separation would bring. Regardless, there was an unspoken promise that no matter what was going to happen the next day, that night would be amazing.
The car ride was very typical. “Mapquest.com” was wrong and the trip lasted almost twice as long as we had anticipated, not to mention the obnoxious traffic we encountered along the way. Despite these misfortunes, we were already having a great time. Thanks to previous encounters with “Mapquest.com,” long car rides had also become one of our favorite pastimes. We proceeded to enrich our travels with the musical stylings of the man we were about to see, a very effective way of heightening the excitement and anticipation of the show.
Once we got there, the only parking available bore a sign reading “car will be towed at owners’ expense.” That was a risk we were willing to take. The fact that things weren’t going perfectly even before the show began just added to the fact that this night was a culmination of our previous years together. None of our other excursions had been entirely successful and why should this one be any different? The trip would not have been complete without a characteristic set of wrong directions or risky parking spot.
Once inside, we quickly surveyed the scene and to our delight, found a great place to stand with an amazing view of the stage. This was an unusual occurrence, especially since we had not arrived as early as we had planned. Once the music started, there was no doubt that this was going to be one of the “top three” shows we had attended that year. The opening bands were great and Gavin was even better. Our common love of music and performance was one of the reasons we all had so much fun together. This was definitely an event worthy of our last night together.
Our ears were ringing from the loud music and our feet were half numb from standing all night, but it was the last half hour of our experience in Portland that completed the night. The concert was over. And we were waiting in line to meet Gavin DeGraw. Just the thought had us all a bit giddy. It was at this point that I realized that my disposable camera was finished and I had left the other one in the car. This discovery became even more ghastly once we were informed that once a person left the building, they would not be allowed to re-enter.
This was absolute irony. We were all about to meet one of our favorite artists and the only thing standing between us and an amazing photo opportunity was some lousy door person. What happened next is something I will never forget. Jackie, the most daring of the four of us and the owner of the car we had left outside, handed me her ticket, looked me in the eye, and said “If I don’t come back, have him sign this for me.” It was like a movie. She intended to sacrifice her own meeting with Gavin so that we all might have pictures with him. It was at this moment, as I saw her disappear into the crowd, that I realized what amazing friends I really had. A few moments later, and to our utter elation, Jackie returned with the camera. And because of her heroism, the evening could not have been more perfect. We all met Gavin DeGraw and I have the pictures to prove it.
The car ride home left much time for reflection. I looked around at my dear friends. These three incredible people had had such an impact on the person that I had become. They were like sisters to me, and within a matter of hours we would be separated indefinitely. I began to understand that good times will always end. The only way to do them justice is to appreciate them and be grateful rather than dwelling on their absence. I had learned many things from these people, and though it was sad, I was preparing myself to take these things into adulthood, even if I couldn’t take my friends. No good can be done by mourning the loss of my pre-college years. However, I will always have those countless memories, and they will never cease to bring me joy. |
|
|
| (no subject) |
[Oct. 28th, 2004|11:25 am] |
Hmmm, last night was pretty interesting. Forst of all... THE RED SOX WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!! Oh man, I've been waiting my whole life for this, and it's finally come true. It's amazing...2004, the year of my graduation, the pats won the superbowl and the sox won the series. Could life be better? Anyway, last night I went to the FGCU "Fright Night" at "Junkenoos." The college rented out the place to have a "costume party" As it turns out, it was just a club decorated for halloween. So...I have now been to a club. It was pretty interesting. I have never seen so many girls with so little clothing on. IT was supposed to be a costume type event, but I guess lots of girls decided to go as strippers and victorias secret models, cause they were all half necked. My roommate Becky and I felt a little out of place...we went as nutty red sox fans. The whole fully clothed thing was a bit uncommon, but at least we knew we wouldn't get attacked or anything. Anyway, lots and lots of drunk people. I don't think I'll be doing that again, although it was fun though, cause I went with a bunch of people from "Ignite" and so they weren't drunk or having sex on the dance floor or anything. Anyway, my first club experience, I never thought I'd see the day, but I guess there's a first time for everything. I saw the sox game there, and when they won, I ran around screaming, which no one seemed to mind, cause they were all drunk. I tried to flip a van when we got home, but I was a little inneffective by myself. I guess that's it. I do'nt even know if people read this, but I'm going to keep writing, in case anyone is interested in what is going on in my life. |
|
|
| navigation |
| [ |
viewing |
| |
most recent entries |
] |
| [ |
go |
| |
earlier |
] |
| |
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
kdeconto's journal