The New York Giants won in overtime, with a 47-yard field goal! I still can't believe it! Lawrence Tynes misses a 37-yarder with the game on the line, then comes back and wins in OT. I thought he would miss it. I really did. Not just because of his earlier misses, but because of the pressure, and the reception that he got when he missed for the second time that night (From coach Tom Coughlin, who yelled at Tynes as he was walking off the field.)
People are saying that if the Giants could play as well as they did on Sunday, that they could win the Superbowl. Of course, Eli Manning has alot of pressure on him, because Peyton won the SB last year. Also, playing the Patriots might add a little to the pressure factor.
Anyway, I'm really hoping that Eli can give it to Brady & the Patriots. For once in forever, they might lose a Superbowl.
Congratulations to Brett Favre. I was really happy to see him go out after the game and greet Eli. Those two shared a moment amidst all of the chaos, and I'm Favre had some words for Eli about the upcoming game (which did I mention, is the biggest game of that guy's life?) I would have been happy to see either team win, but the Giants winning in OT, with a FG, and a shaken-up kicker? How sweet is that?
I am totally looking forward to Superbowl Sunday, and hoping that a Manning wins it for the second year in a row. Go Eli!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
2nd Biggest Weekend In Football
Well, the end of football season is almost here. 3 more games. This weekend is huge. We've got the undefeated Patriots going against LT and the Chargers. Now, I hate the Chargers for what they did last weekend (winning), but I'm sure not cheering for the Pats. So, GO SAN DIEGO!
The other game is the NY Giants and Green Bay. If Eli plays as well as he has been, AND HE ACTUALLY GETS SOME PASS PROTECTION, he has an outside shot to win.
However, no matter what the matchup is, we know who is going to win the Superbowl. I've just had to get used to that fact, no matter how much I want NOT to believe it.
So, I think it is going to be Green Bay vs. New England. I suppose, for the remainder of this season, that I am a Packers fan.
The other game is the NY Giants and Green Bay. If Eli plays as well as he has been, AND HE ACTUALLY GETS SOME PASS PROTECTION, he has an outside shot to win.
However, no matter what the matchup is, we know who is going to win the Superbowl. I've just had to get used to that fact, no matter how much I want NOT to believe it.
So, I think it is going to be Green Bay vs. New England. I suppose, for the remainder of this season, that I am a Packers fan.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Attention Watermelon.
Don't you love that I used your nickname, where people around the world can see it... I'm good...
OK, being nice now. You asked me to give you a list of songs that I wanted. I'm not sure what CD's they're on. I've given you as much info as I can.
(Song- Artist- Album)
1. Jesus Freak- DCTalk- Jesus Freak
2. Newsboys (Album: Thrive)
That's all. Thanks so much. C U Monday.
~Amanda
OK, being nice now. You asked me to give you a list of songs that I wanted. I'm not sure what CD's they're on. I've given you as much info as I can.
(Song- Artist- Album)
1. Jesus Freak- DCTalk- Jesus Freak
2. Newsboys (Album: Thrive)
That's all. Thanks so much. C U Monday.
~Amanda
Thursday, January 17, 2008
New Blog
I've created a new blog, now that I've figured out how to add videos to a blog. Give it a check, and let me know what you think. It's all about music videos. I'll post the funny, the great, and the classic. Drop me a request, and I'll see if I can find it.
~1designeracc
Blogs:
http://amanadswebpage1.blogspot.com
http://amandasvids-1designeracc.blogspot.com
~1designeracc
Blogs:
http://amanadswebpage1.blogspot.com
http://amandasvids-1designeracc.blogspot.com
SNOW
SNOW
Snow: (as defined by http://www.dictionary.com/)
–noun
1.
Meteorology. a precipitation in the form of ice crystals, mainly of intricately branched, hexagonal form and often agglomerated into snowflakes, formed directly from the freezing of the water vapor in the air.
MY definition of snow: White stuff. Frozen white stuff. In fact, frozen white stuff that you never see in SC.
Why all the buzz about snow? WE GOT SNOW. Approx. 4 inches worth, might I add. The last time that I actually played in more that 1/8" of snow was when I visited Pennsylvania. We got snowed in at my great-grandparents with 24 inches. That was fun. Back then, my sister was too small to play in it, but she liked walking around. Guess who had to compact the snow? Me. Who had to stand out there and watch them (Them being my sister and my GG's neighbor from across the street, she was 4 or 5.) Me. And who wanted to go play with my GG's (Great-grandparents) neighbor? Me. Instead, I spent the whole day babysitting. Ok, not really the whole day. But it was still pretty boring. However, I got to play in the snow later, like 8:00 pm. It was so much fun. Making snow angels in the snowbanks, and then getting yelled at by people for messing up their snowbanks. Good times...
Anyway, we got 4 inches today. Rachel and I played outside in it for 3 hours. She didn't sleep last night, she was so excited. And I was awakened to a very excited 10-year-old bouncing on my bed, saying "Sis. It's snowing. Sis. Wake up. Sis. Get out of bed, it's snowing." After repeating that about 77 times, I got out of bed. And of all things to say to me, she goes "What's your problem?" Needless to say, I less than thrilled with being rudely awakened, when I could have gotten up to the sound of "Stars," or "Politicians" or "Lonely Nation" or whatever Switchfoot song that I had it set to wake me up to.
Anyway, after 3 hours of playing in snow/slush/sleet, we came in. Rachel is back outside with our neighbor, Caroline. They're having a snowball fight. And I write messages on our glass front door, with dry-erase markers. I just write backwards. It's fun...
Snow: (as defined by http://www.dictionary.com/)
–noun
1.
Meteorology. a precipitation in the form of ice crystals, mainly of intricately branched, hexagonal form and often agglomerated into snowflakes, formed directly from the freezing of the water vapor in the air.
MY definition of snow: White stuff. Frozen white stuff. In fact, frozen white stuff that you never see in SC.
Why all the buzz about snow? WE GOT SNOW. Approx. 4 inches worth, might I add. The last time that I actually played in more that 1/8" of snow was when I visited Pennsylvania. We got snowed in at my great-grandparents with 24 inches. That was fun. Back then, my sister was too small to play in it, but she liked walking around. Guess who had to compact the snow? Me. Who had to stand out there and watch them (Them being my sister and my GG's neighbor from across the street, she was 4 or 5.) Me. And who wanted to go play with my GG's (Great-grandparents) neighbor? Me. Instead, I spent the whole day babysitting. Ok, not really the whole day. But it was still pretty boring. However, I got to play in the snow later, like 8:00 pm. It was so much fun. Making snow angels in the snowbanks, and then getting yelled at by people for messing up their snowbanks. Good times...
Anyway, we got 4 inches today. Rachel and I played outside in it for 3 hours. She didn't sleep last night, she was so excited. And I was awakened to a very excited 10-year-old bouncing on my bed, saying "Sis. It's snowing. Sis. Wake up. Sis. Get out of bed, it's snowing." After repeating that about 77 times, I got out of bed. And of all things to say to me, she goes "What's your problem?" Needless to say, I less than thrilled with being rudely awakened, when I could have gotten up to the sound of "Stars," or "Politicians" or "Lonely Nation" or whatever Switchfoot song that I had it set to wake me up to.
Anyway, after 3 hours of playing in snow/slush/sleet, we came in. Rachel is back outside with our neighbor, Caroline. They're having a snowball fight. And I write messages on our glass front door, with dry-erase markers. I just write backwards. It's fun...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
2008 Braves Season
Well, the 2008 Baseball season is coming closer and closer, so I decided to undate you on happenings from both last year and this year.
Centerfielder Andruw Jones did not renew his contract at the end of the year, which resulted in him being acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hate that. On the plus side, the CF position has been filled, at least temporarily, by Matt Kotsay. He had to pass a physical on Monday, which he did. We now have a CF. (Like anyone could ever replace 'Druw. Never gonna happen.)
Our infield looks great. At first base, we have Gold-Glover Mark Teixeira, who adds much-needed depth to our batting order. I'm expecting great this from him this year, considering the massive home-run pop he brought to the Braves last year.
At second base is Kelly Johnson. He had a solid year last year, which was especially great, because he used to be an outfielder. If he can work on the backhand pickup/throw motion, he'll be at 2nd for a long time.
Our shortstop is my fave player, Yunel Escobar. With the loss of All-Star SS Edgar Renteria, we also lost some early-order consistency. Esco can fill the gap with ease. He looks like a pro at short, and he can also play 3rd, 2nd, and in emergencies, catcher. Versatility is key, so it makes him all the more valuable.
And at third base is Chipper Jones. The biggest thing with him is STAYING HEALTHY. That does NOT mean that we play the first 2 months, then get hurt in the process of hurling our bodies over a 3rd baseman, just to avoid a tag! Then we DO NOT sit on the bench for the next month or so, because we have bruised palms and can't hit, field, or catch. We need him for the whole season. He's much needed in the 3rd BO (Batting Order, not Body Odor) spot, and on the field at 3rd. Hear that, Chipper? Don't be stupid.
Our outfield is made up of several talented players. In left field, we have 2 guys who add some serious depth to the BO. Matt Diaz played there most of last year, and he's a great LF. He's also very versatile in where he can bat. It's a deadly combination. Great swing, good average, and his playing ability. Fabulous...
We also had Willie Harris, who can not only play left, but center as well. Personally, I think that he would have made a great CF. However, he's 5- 9". CFs are normally at least 6 feet. Andruw was 6- 3". Anyway, Willie gave us a basestealer, something that we haven't had, and desperately needed. He's the smallest person on the team, but he's also the fastest. He can also play 3rd, 2nd, SS, and catcher if he needed to. Last year, before Esco was acquired, Willie filled in for Chipper at 3rd. We definately need to keep him around.
In CF is Matt Kotsay, whom I mentioned before. I think that he could be a promising CF, if he shows consistency and discipline at the plate. That's something that Druw didn't do last year. He swung at everything; up high, in the dirt, or out of the zone. Hopefully Kotsay won't.
And in Right Field, is the invaluable Jeff Francouer. He's been our RF since about 2003, when he was drafted, along with buddy Brian McCann. With one of the best arms in the majors (last year, he threw a ball from the right field corner to the catcher, in the air, and got a runner coming from 3rd to home), he's a great RF. Also, he's versatile in the BO.
As our catcher, we have Brian McCann. The only things that he needs to work on are: losing a few pounds, which will help his running; and throwing out basestealers going from 1st to 2nd. He's a solid middle-batting order guy, who's a power hitter, not an RBI hitter.
Our pitching rotation looks good. Our starting rotation will look like this John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Chuck James (If Mike Hampton is healthy by the start of the season, because he hurt himself AGAIN, rehabilitating in Mexico winter ball.) Our bullpen is solid, as always. We have Tyler Yates, JoJo Reyes, Peter Moylan, possibly Mike Gonzalez (depending on how he's feeling after his Tommy John surgery), and Rafael Soriano as our closer. We got Gorkys Hernandez in a trade for SS Renteria, so that's another great addition.
The biggest thing for our pitchers is being able to go 6-7+ innings, and not overwork our bullpen. We can't be taking starters out in the 5th inning. That killed us last year, because arms get tired after working every night. Losing Mike Gonzalez to Tommy John surgery last year HURT. He's a guy who can go multiple innings. We just can't have him throw out his arm, which is amazing, by the way.
Well, that's my run-down on the 2008 Braves. Hopefully we can work on that Division Title dynasty that has eluded us for the past 2 years. I'm not the only Braves fan who wants to see more pennants hung underneath the Turner Field Press Box.
P.S.- Note to Bobby Cox. Congrats on breaking the all-time ejection record last year. That was SWEEETT!
Centerfielder Andruw Jones did not renew his contract at the end of the year, which resulted in him being acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hate that. On the plus side, the CF position has been filled, at least temporarily, by Matt Kotsay. He had to pass a physical on Monday, which he did. We now have a CF. (Like anyone could ever replace 'Druw. Never gonna happen.)
Our infield looks great. At first base, we have Gold-Glover Mark Teixeira, who adds much-needed depth to our batting order. I'm expecting great this from him this year, considering the massive home-run pop he brought to the Braves last year.
At second base is Kelly Johnson. He had a solid year last year, which was especially great, because he used to be an outfielder. If he can work on the backhand pickup/throw motion, he'll be at 2nd for a long time.
Our shortstop is my fave player, Yunel Escobar. With the loss of All-Star SS Edgar Renteria, we also lost some early-order consistency. Esco can fill the gap with ease. He looks like a pro at short, and he can also play 3rd, 2nd, and in emergencies, catcher. Versatility is key, so it makes him all the more valuable.
And at third base is Chipper Jones. The biggest thing with him is STAYING HEALTHY. That does NOT mean that we play the first 2 months, then get hurt in the process of hurling our bodies over a 3rd baseman, just to avoid a tag! Then we DO NOT sit on the bench for the next month or so, because we have bruised palms and can't hit, field, or catch. We need him for the whole season. He's much needed in the 3rd BO (Batting Order, not Body Odor) spot, and on the field at 3rd. Hear that, Chipper? Don't be stupid.
Our outfield is made up of several talented players. In left field, we have 2 guys who add some serious depth to the BO. Matt Diaz played there most of last year, and he's a great LF. He's also very versatile in where he can bat. It's a deadly combination. Great swing, good average, and his playing ability. Fabulous...
We also had Willie Harris, who can not only play left, but center as well. Personally, I think that he would have made a great CF. However, he's 5- 9". CFs are normally at least 6 feet. Andruw was 6- 3". Anyway, Willie gave us a basestealer, something that we haven't had, and desperately needed. He's the smallest person on the team, but he's also the fastest. He can also play 3rd, 2nd, SS, and catcher if he needed to. Last year, before Esco was acquired, Willie filled in for Chipper at 3rd. We definately need to keep him around.
In CF is Matt Kotsay, whom I mentioned before. I think that he could be a promising CF, if he shows consistency and discipline at the plate. That's something that Druw didn't do last year. He swung at everything; up high, in the dirt, or out of the zone. Hopefully Kotsay won't.
And in Right Field, is the invaluable Jeff Francouer. He's been our RF since about 2003, when he was drafted, along with buddy Brian McCann. With one of the best arms in the majors (last year, he threw a ball from the right field corner to the catcher, in the air, and got a runner coming from 3rd to home), he's a great RF. Also, he's versatile in the BO.
As our catcher, we have Brian McCann. The only things that he needs to work on are: losing a few pounds, which will help his running; and throwing out basestealers going from 1st to 2nd. He's a solid middle-batting order guy, who's a power hitter, not an RBI hitter.
Our pitching rotation looks good. Our starting rotation will look like this John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Chuck James (If Mike Hampton is healthy by the start of the season, because he hurt himself AGAIN, rehabilitating in Mexico winter ball.) Our bullpen is solid, as always. We have Tyler Yates, JoJo Reyes, Peter Moylan, possibly Mike Gonzalez (depending on how he's feeling after his Tommy John surgery), and Rafael Soriano as our closer. We got Gorkys Hernandez in a trade for SS Renteria, so that's another great addition.
The biggest thing for our pitchers is being able to go 6-7+ innings, and not overwork our bullpen. We can't be taking starters out in the 5th inning. That killed us last year, because arms get tired after working every night. Losing Mike Gonzalez to Tommy John surgery last year HURT. He's a guy who can go multiple innings. We just can't have him throw out his arm, which is amazing, by the way.
Well, that's my run-down on the 2008 Braves. Hopefully we can work on that Division Title dynasty that has eluded us for the past 2 years. I'm not the only Braves fan who wants to see more pennants hung underneath the Turner Field Press Box.
P.S.- Note to Bobby Cox. Congrats on breaking the all-time ejection record last year. That was SWEEETT!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Well...
Oh my GOSH! I can't believe that I have another whole day of exams tomorrow! I wonder why we even have to take them... seems like a waste of time to me, expecially since we already take chapter tests.
I have come up with a theory explaining why we must take exams, and tests in general:
After years of teaching, the instructors got tired of working every day. So, they went to the head of the school and complained. As a result, the principal created tests. This was to keep the student busy, while giving the teachers a little bit of relaxation time. Therefore, our pain was created to keep our teachers "refreshed".
Ok, so I know that it sounds really unreasonable, but I had to get that out of my system. I have a Computer Applications exam, a Spanish written exam, and an Algebra II Exam. All of them are TOMORROW! It's going to be a really long day. UGH!
Whoever invented school needed to get one or more of the following: a life, a girlfriend, or a large group of friends.
I have come up with a theory explaining why we must take exams, and tests in general:
After years of teaching, the instructors got tired of working every day. So, they went to the head of the school and complained. As a result, the principal created tests. This was to keep the student busy, while giving the teachers a little bit of relaxation time. Therefore, our pain was created to keep our teachers "refreshed".
Ok, so I know that it sounds really unreasonable, but I had to get that out of my system. I have a Computer Applications exam, a Spanish written exam, and an Algebra II Exam. All of them are TOMORROW! It's going to be a really long day. UGH!
Whoever invented school needed to get one or more of the following: a life, a girlfriend, or a large group of friends.
Monday, January 14, 2008
LWCC Youth Announcements
LWCC Youth Announcements
1. Youth Small Group: We meet the FIRST and THIRD Sunday nights of each month from 7-8:15pm. Unless another location is given, come to LWCC. Bring snacks!
Next meeting is Sunday, January 20.
2. Fundraiser Chili Supper & Desert Auction- Wednesday, January 30 at 6pm
You need to be here as close to 5pm as possible to help set up. Everyone who helps will earn money toward our events/retreats.We'll do a supper every 3 weeks through May at least, so you have at least 6 chances to earn money.
3. Winter Retreat- The original dates for this happen to be Easter weekend, so new plans are being made as quickly as possible.Cost should be $40 or less.
4. Youth Bible Study- Meets on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
1. Youth Small Group: We meet the FIRST and THIRD Sunday nights of each month from 7-8:15pm. Unless another location is given, come to LWCC. Bring snacks!
Next meeting is Sunday, January 20.
2. Fundraiser Chili Supper & Desert Auction- Wednesday, January 30 at 6pm
You need to be here as close to 5pm as possible to help set up. Everyone who helps will earn money toward our events/retreats.We'll do a supper every 3 weeks through May at least, so you have at least 6 chances to earn money.
3. Winter Retreat- The original dates for this happen to be Easter weekend, so new plans are being made as quickly as possible.Cost should be $40 or less.
4. Youth Bible Study- Meets on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Note from Me
Just to let ya'll know, my Mom is out of the hospital. I'll be posting regularly now, after my midterms are over.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Something...
Hey Ya'll!
For any of you who read this blog on a regular basis, I won't be posting for a while. My Mom is having some major surgery done, so I'll be pretty busy with meals, my sister, and school. If anything awesome happens with NFL, or any of you happen to see any MLB Exhibition or Spring Training games, PLEASE let me know!!
OMIGOSH, I'll go nuts.
For any of you who read this blog on a regular basis, I won't be posting for a while. My Mom is having some major surgery done, so I'll be pretty busy with meals, my sister, and school. If anything awesome happens with NFL, or any of you happen to see any MLB Exhibition or Spring Training games, PLEASE let me know!!
OMIGOSH, I'll go nuts.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
I'm Back!
Warning: Really... long... post...
Well, I'm back. After 4 days, 3 nights (none of which did we get into bed before 12:30 am, and woke up at 7-8) we are spiritually, physically, and mentally stronger, as well as TIRED in all of those areas!
The ride up was pretty fun. I had our Children's Minister and his wife driving, and they're awesome. A girl from my youth group was in the seat next to me. The band who was playing for the 3 services (they don't have a name) were in the back seat. Now, the back-up singer/guitar player is not the smallest guy around (his name is Brandon, btw). He sat in the middle. Then the main vocalist (David) and the drummer (Brett) sat beside him. All three of them were put in the backseat of a normal-sized minivan. When we got out to stop for breakfast and to use the bathroom, we asked them if they wanted to somehow make it so that all 3 of them wouldn't be in the backseat together. Their response? "No, we're good. We're having this whole bonding thing. It's cool."
However, on the last hour, we heard nothing but "Are we there yet?", "How much longer?", "Are we ever going to get there?", and my personal favorite, "Dude, I have absolutely NO footroom. You're hogging it all. MOVE!!" It was great. However, they were really nice, and everybody enjoyed their music.
So the trip up was fairly uneventful. Once we got there, we got settled into our rooms, and went to get something to eat. Then we came back and watched TV until we went to the service. The message was about Samson. How God had a plan for his life, but Samson didn't end up following it. (As the pastor put it, his elevator didn't quite make it to the top.) We learned that you can follow God's plan for your life by being yourself. If you aren't happy with yourself, and you try to be like somebody else, you will set yourself up for failure. Why? Because God has a plan for that person't life, and if you are trying to be like them, you are following God's plan for their life, not yours. Interesting, right?
Finally, Monday arrived. We woke up at 7:00 to get showers, eat breakfast, and get our ski stuff together. We left the lodge at 8:30 and drove the 1/2 hour to the ski resort. We had gotten our boots and skis the previous night, so we just had to go out on the slopes. Kevin (our youth pastor) helped me get my skis and boots on, and gave me some basic pointers for skiing. From there, we were on our own.
After doing the bunny slope 10 times, my friend Tori and I decided to try a larger slope. We rode halfway up the main slope, and got off there. We made it down alive, and then I was determined to master that. I did the 1/2 slope two more times, and the third time made it down without falling at all.
My fourth time was the worst. I ran into somebody. I was going too fast, and I couldn't get myself stopped, so I basically had to make it down the mountain going at insane speed. I yelled at a guy in front of me "On your left", but he swerved left. So, I ran into him. He managed to stay on his feet, but I fell into the ditch on the side of the slope. He just stood there, and told me "You might want to take your skis off." Finally, I get them off, and he says "Young lady, if you would just yell, we'd all live a lot longer." There went my day. After that, I was afraid to do anything but the bunny slope. It was awful.
We went back to the lodge and later on watched the Clemson-Auburn game. Then we went to service. We learned about not quenching the Spirit. If you do something that displeases God, your walk with Him is affected. In otherwords, you are quenching the Holy Spirit. It can't reach you. This is how many Christians have fallen from God's plan for their life.
Once the service was over, we all waited to ring in the New Year. We watched football, played ping-pong, and finally, watched the ball drop in Times Square. We didn't get into bed until 1:30 that night. However, we didn't have to leave to ski until 10:00, so we didn't have to wake up as early. Good for us.
When we woke up, we did pretty much the same thing. Eat breakfast, get changed, and leave. However, it had snowed 4 inches that night, and was continuing to snow. Ski conditions were miserable. The resort was so far behind on their base, so they blew snow all night, and were not going to stop at all that day. In addition to the blowers and the real snow, it was windy. You couldn't see going down the slopes at all. Needless to say, we didn't stay for very long. We headed back to the lodge. We then went for supper, and came back for our communion, which is how we ended the retreat.
In the morning, we loaded up the vans and set forth. It took us 2 hours to go 50 miles, due to the driving conditions. It was just me, the band, and Ben and Libby. Sweet! We talked a lot about college, and one of our local universities, North Greenville. Oh, and we played the best prank ever.
We hauled our stuff (suitcases and the band's equipment) in a small U-haul type trailor. It is owned by a guy named Billy Morrow, who goes to our church. We found out that the singer, David, could imitate Billy really well. Most of you don't know who Billy is, but he's this southern guy who has the best grammer I've ever heard.
So anyway, we're going down the road, and Billy is driving his truck, Ben is driving our minivan, and Kevin is driving the 15-passenger van. All of us have walkie-talkies. So David gets on the walkie-talkie and begins to talk to Kevin, while pretending to be Billy. Billy was actually behind us, because they had to stop and get their windshield wipers fixed. Kevin thought that they were far behind us.
David's like, "Hey Kevin, we're just a couple miles ahead of ya'll." And Kevin knows right away that it's not Billy. He plays along anyway. So he starts asking questions that Billy would know. Ben calls Billy to ask him, then calls Kevin's dad, who also happens to be the pastor of our church! Hilarious, right? So then Kevin's wife (Kelly) asks to talk to Billy's wife, Denise. And so came my favorite line of all, "Ah, she just drank a can o' Mountin Dew. She's passed out from a suga rush en the back seat." It was SO funny.
Well, after 12 hours of road time (this was w/o stopping for supper, as originally planned), we finally arrived home. We unloaded the vans (in the frigid wind.) I swear, it is 10 degrees cooler here in SC than it was in WV! Anyway, it's so good to be home. I learned a lot about myself, and my friends, and I am hoping to go back next year and rock the slopes.
P.S.- I will definately live to see the Superbowl.
Well, I'm back. After 4 days, 3 nights (none of which did we get into bed before 12:30 am, and woke up at 7-8) we are spiritually, physically, and mentally stronger, as well as TIRED in all of those areas!
The ride up was pretty fun. I had our Children's Minister and his wife driving, and they're awesome. A girl from my youth group was in the seat next to me. The band who was playing for the 3 services (they don't have a name) were in the back seat. Now, the back-up singer/guitar player is not the smallest guy around (his name is Brandon, btw). He sat in the middle. Then the main vocalist (David) and the drummer (Brett) sat beside him. All three of them were put in the backseat of a normal-sized minivan. When we got out to stop for breakfast and to use the bathroom, we asked them if they wanted to somehow make it so that all 3 of them wouldn't be in the backseat together. Their response? "No, we're good. We're having this whole bonding thing. It's cool."
However, on the last hour, we heard nothing but "Are we there yet?", "How much longer?", "Are we ever going to get there?", and my personal favorite, "Dude, I have absolutely NO footroom. You're hogging it all. MOVE!!" It was great. However, they were really nice, and everybody enjoyed their music.
So the trip up was fairly uneventful. Once we got there, we got settled into our rooms, and went to get something to eat. Then we came back and watched TV until we went to the service. The message was about Samson. How God had a plan for his life, but Samson didn't end up following it. (As the pastor put it, his elevator didn't quite make it to the top.) We learned that you can follow God's plan for your life by being yourself. If you aren't happy with yourself, and you try to be like somebody else, you will set yourself up for failure. Why? Because God has a plan for that person't life, and if you are trying to be like them, you are following God's plan for their life, not yours. Interesting, right?
Finally, Monday arrived. We woke up at 7:00 to get showers, eat breakfast, and get our ski stuff together. We left the lodge at 8:30 and drove the 1/2 hour to the ski resort. We had gotten our boots and skis the previous night, so we just had to go out on the slopes. Kevin (our youth pastor) helped me get my skis and boots on, and gave me some basic pointers for skiing. From there, we were on our own.
After doing the bunny slope 10 times, my friend Tori and I decided to try a larger slope. We rode halfway up the main slope, and got off there. We made it down alive, and then I was determined to master that. I did the 1/2 slope two more times, and the third time made it down without falling at all.
My fourth time was the worst. I ran into somebody. I was going too fast, and I couldn't get myself stopped, so I basically had to make it down the mountain going at insane speed. I yelled at a guy in front of me "On your left", but he swerved left. So, I ran into him. He managed to stay on his feet, but I fell into the ditch on the side of the slope. He just stood there, and told me "You might want to take your skis off." Finally, I get them off, and he says "Young lady, if you would just yell, we'd all live a lot longer." There went my day. After that, I was afraid to do anything but the bunny slope. It was awful.
We went back to the lodge and later on watched the Clemson-Auburn game. Then we went to service. We learned about not quenching the Spirit. If you do something that displeases God, your walk with Him is affected. In otherwords, you are quenching the Holy Spirit. It can't reach you. This is how many Christians have fallen from God's plan for their life.
Once the service was over, we all waited to ring in the New Year. We watched football, played ping-pong, and finally, watched the ball drop in Times Square. We didn't get into bed until 1:30 that night. However, we didn't have to leave to ski until 10:00, so we didn't have to wake up as early. Good for us.
When we woke up, we did pretty much the same thing. Eat breakfast, get changed, and leave. However, it had snowed 4 inches that night, and was continuing to snow. Ski conditions were miserable. The resort was so far behind on their base, so they blew snow all night, and were not going to stop at all that day. In addition to the blowers and the real snow, it was windy. You couldn't see going down the slopes at all. Needless to say, we didn't stay for very long. We headed back to the lodge. We then went for supper, and came back for our communion, which is how we ended the retreat.
In the morning, we loaded up the vans and set forth. It took us 2 hours to go 50 miles, due to the driving conditions. It was just me, the band, and Ben and Libby. Sweet! We talked a lot about college, and one of our local universities, North Greenville. Oh, and we played the best prank ever.
We hauled our stuff (suitcases and the band's equipment) in a small U-haul type trailor. It is owned by a guy named Billy Morrow, who goes to our church. We found out that the singer, David, could imitate Billy really well. Most of you don't know who Billy is, but he's this southern guy who has the best grammer I've ever heard.
So anyway, we're going down the road, and Billy is driving his truck, Ben is driving our minivan, and Kevin is driving the 15-passenger van. All of us have walkie-talkies. So David gets on the walkie-talkie and begins to talk to Kevin, while pretending to be Billy. Billy was actually behind us, because they had to stop and get their windshield wipers fixed. Kevin thought that they were far behind us.
David's like, "Hey Kevin, we're just a couple miles ahead of ya'll." And Kevin knows right away that it's not Billy. He plays along anyway. So he starts asking questions that Billy would know. Ben calls Billy to ask him, then calls Kevin's dad, who also happens to be the pastor of our church! Hilarious, right? So then Kevin's wife (Kelly) asks to talk to Billy's wife, Denise. And so came my favorite line of all, "Ah, she just drank a can o' Mountin Dew. She's passed out from a suga rush en the back seat." It was SO funny.
Well, after 12 hours of road time (this was w/o stopping for supper, as originally planned), we finally arrived home. We unloaded the vans (in the frigid wind.) I swear, it is 10 degrees cooler here in SC than it was in WV! Anyway, it's so good to be home. I learned a lot about myself, and my friends, and I am hoping to go back next year and rock the slopes.
P.S.- I will definately live to see the Superbowl.
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