Tonight as I sat in the school room with my family; cutting out snowflakes and watching a video from The Vision Forum Film Festival 2004 (the film was 'A Journey Home'); My mind was wandering through my troubles and things of the past few days, when suddenly; it hit me. As well as an activity, I was having trouble with music. And then I realized: A lot of people I know don't even do an activity other than music. Why did I? It was frustrating me, giving me lots of trouble. And I couldn't decide what instrument to play. Maybe, just maybe, my parents would let me do two instruments instead of an activity.
I still have to talk to them about this - so please keep praying until something is decided. I would still have to decide which two instruments and if they would both be something other than guitar. (if so, my first choices would be Oboe and Violin or Oboe and Piano)
Thanks for praying!
There will be another post on Thursday at the latest - tomorrow afternoon my mom, Caitlyn and I are going to see Giselle at the Madinat Theatre, with the Rostov State Ballet.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Confused....Again.
The plan: Tell ballet teacher you can't do the next term, but still want to do the recital because you're so far into the dance.
What actually happened: She wants to know why. Okay. I told her: The syllabus is too different. She accepts that, and says she'll see if I can do the recital without signing on for the next term. So far so good, right? Right. Since Caitlyn was observing a class, I sat downstairs and drew until she came out. What happens during that time? Ms. Ginny comes out of her other class and sees me. She sits down, and we start talking. This is the conversation from my memory (parts have been changed because I'm planning to use it in a story sometime:
"Kyleigh, I just wanted to let you know you're doing well. Both Ms. Lisa and I think so." I looked up from my drawing.
"It's not that..." I began.
"Is it the style?"
"Yeah."
"But you're doing so well! We want to see you do another year and pass the exam."
"It's just that the syllabus is so different."
"I know it. But look at it this way: There are so many different styles of ballet. I don't want you to quit just because it is different."
"I kno w- it's just that I've done Vaganova for eight years now."
"And there's no one here to teach that."
"Right."
"Well, give it a think before you quit."
I nodded and left to go upstairs, leaving me with tears welling up in my eyes. What was I to do now? She seemed to understand me so well. But I knew that I could never keep doing the RAD syllabus. It wasn't right for me: Same combinations every week, no technique correction, and no close relationships. Almost the opposite of Milligans. But she was right: I shouldn't quit just because it was different. Caitlyn and mommy came downstairs and we left, though I didn't stop thinking. I didn't feel like God was calling me to do fencing anymore. It would be fun... but I was just starting to sort of like it at the Ballet Center. We got home, and immediately I ran up to my room, threw my dance bag in the closet, and then sat on my bed and cried. It had seemed so clear the week before. And now it was so foggy...
The plan: To do the recital for Guitar and quit. My teacher doesn't understand me. I don't get what he does - he can be hypocritical. And worse yet, I'm like the Boromir of the Denethor. He thinks the best of me, and therefore is always reminding me I have to do something because I'm his best student. The only motivation I ever have to practice my guitar is orchestra. And I view practicing other than that a chore. I wish I didn't have to practice. I would love guitar so much more if I didn't have to practice.
What happened: I love the pieces he gives me. I love playing them. I don't like the One hour long lessons. I thought I wanted to play flute. Now I'm not so sure. Is it flute, oboe, violin, cello, or neither that God wants me to do?
Anyone who is reading this: Stop and think for a minute. What do you think I should do? And more than your opinion, I need your prayers. Nothing is clear right now. I'm just playing it by ear. Thank you...
What actually happened: She wants to know why. Okay. I told her: The syllabus is too different. She accepts that, and says she'll see if I can do the recital without signing on for the next term. So far so good, right? Right. Since Caitlyn was observing a class, I sat downstairs and drew until she came out. What happens during that time? Ms. Ginny comes out of her other class and sees me. She sits down, and we start talking. This is the conversation from my memory (parts have been changed because I'm planning to use it in a story sometime:
"Kyleigh, I just wanted to let you know you're doing well. Both Ms. Lisa and I think so." I looked up from my drawing.
"It's not that..." I began.
"Is it the style?"
"Yeah."
"But you're doing so well! We want to see you do another year and pass the exam."
"It's just that the syllabus is so different."
"I know it. But look at it this way: There are so many different styles of ballet. I don't want you to quit just because it is different."
"I kno w- it's just that I've done Vaganova for eight years now."
"And there's no one here to teach that."
"Right."
"Well, give it a think before you quit."
I nodded and left to go upstairs, leaving me with tears welling up in my eyes. What was I to do now? She seemed to understand me so well. But I knew that I could never keep doing the RAD syllabus. It wasn't right for me: Same combinations every week, no technique correction, and no close relationships. Almost the opposite of Milligans. But she was right: I shouldn't quit just because it was different. Caitlyn and mommy came downstairs and we left, though I didn't stop thinking. I didn't feel like God was calling me to do fencing anymore. It would be fun... but I was just starting to sort of like it at the Ballet Center. We got home, and immediately I ran up to my room, threw my dance bag in the closet, and then sat on my bed and cried. It had seemed so clear the week before. And now it was so foggy...
The plan: To do the recital for Guitar and quit. My teacher doesn't understand me. I don't get what he does - he can be hypocritical. And worse yet, I'm like the Boromir of the Denethor. He thinks the best of me, and therefore is always reminding me I have to do something because I'm his best student. The only motivation I ever have to practice my guitar is orchestra. And I view practicing other than that a chore. I wish I didn't have to practice. I would love guitar so much more if I didn't have to practice.
What happened: I love the pieces he gives me. I love playing them. I don't like the One hour long lessons. I thought I wanted to play flute. Now I'm not so sure. Is it flute, oboe, violin, cello, or neither that God wants me to do?
Anyone who is reading this: Stop and think for a minute. What do you think I should do? And more than your opinion, I need your prayers. Nothing is clear right now. I'm just playing it by ear. Thank you...
Friday, November 24, 2006
Psalm 100 - Puritan Style
Showt to Jehovah, al the earth.
Serv ye Jehovah with gladness;
before him come with singing-merth.
Know, that Jehovah he God is.
Its he that made us, not wee;
his folk, and sheep of his feeding,
O with confession enter yee
his gates, his courtyards with praising:
confess to him, bless ye his name.
Because Jehovah he good is:
his mercy ever is the same;
his mercy ever is the same;
and his faith. unto al ages.
Too Much of A Good Thing.... Even Sweet Potatoes
I just ran up the stairs from dinner. We had leftovers from what we had taken to the H's for Thanksgiving. I'll get to Thanksgiving in a moment, but before that, I will have to remind everyone that there is such a thing as having too much of a good thing. Even delicious sweet potato casserole. Half a plate is too much.
Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, nad among the rest their greatest king, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed upon our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. ~Edward Winslow, Mourt's Relation: D.B. Heath, ed. Applewood Books. Cambridge, 1986. p 82
They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwelling against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs, abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fis, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (bud afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck a meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, INdian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports. ~William Bradford, Of Plimoth Plantation; S.E. Morison, ed. Knopf. N.Y., 1952. p 90
Because we no longer live in the states, we did not get the week off of school, and so had to do our literature and history on Thanksgiving. After I did that, though, my mom and I made Sweet Potato casserole. When I arrived home from my music lesson, we left for the H's. At first we were finishing preparing the food. Then Sarah, Caitlyn and I talked for a while. Philip, Caitlyn, and I started a game of Settlers of Catan (a game I highly recommend!). Later (after 2 lengthy interruptions), we finished the game, and Philip won. The first of the two interruptions was dinner. We all filled our plates with food (and my brother attempted to feed mashed potatoes to the floor - not really, he just dropped them on accident), and sat down various places around the living room and Dining room, and ate! I had a little bit of everything (except gravy and stuffing): Green Bean Casserole, Bread, Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Muffins, Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole... Delicious!!! When we finished eating, we sat around the table talking for about a half an hour before returning to our Settlers game.
The second interruption was dessert! Mrs. H had made two pecan pies and two pumpkin pies. Mommy made a Norwegian apple pie that was delicious. There was also some Apple cobbler that I didn't have any of; as well as After Dinner Mints that we all watched Sarah devour (not! Sarah could take hours just to eat one of those. When she wants to, she mouse-nibbles at whatever she is eating).
After we finished our game, we stood around talking and playing around until we left.
Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Speech:
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.
They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, nad among the rest their greatest king, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed upon our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. ~Edward Winslow, Mourt's Relation: D.B. Heath, ed. Applewood Books. Cambridge, 1986. p 82
They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwelling against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs, abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fis, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (bud afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck a meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, INdian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports. ~William Bradford, Of Plimoth Plantation; S.E. Morison, ed. Knopf. N.Y., 1952. p 90
Because we no longer live in the states, we did not get the week off of school, and so had to do our literature and history on Thanksgiving. After I did that, though, my mom and I made Sweet Potato casserole. When I arrived home from my music lesson, we left for the H's. At first we were finishing preparing the food. Then Sarah, Caitlyn and I talked for a while. Philip, Caitlyn, and I started a game of Settlers of Catan (a game I highly recommend!). Later (after 2 lengthy interruptions), we finished the game, and Philip won. The first of the two interruptions was dinner. We all filled our plates with food (and my brother attempted to feed mashed potatoes to the floor - not really, he just dropped them on accident), and sat down various places around the living room and Dining room, and ate! I had a little bit of everything (except gravy and stuffing): Green Bean Casserole, Bread, Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Muffins, Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole... Delicious!!! When we finished eating, we sat around the table talking for about a half an hour before returning to our Settlers game.
The second interruption was dessert! Mrs. H had made two pecan pies and two pumpkin pies. Mommy made a Norwegian apple pie that was delicious. There was also some Apple cobbler that I didn't have any of; as well as After Dinner Mints that we all watched Sarah devour (not! Sarah could take hours just to eat one of those. When she wants to, she mouse-nibbles at whatever she is eating).
After we finished our game, we stood around talking and playing around until we left.
Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Speech:
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.
They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
A Half a Day in My Life...
*Beep!* The alarm clock goes off at 7:24 a.m. Unless I wake before it and turn it off, which is normal. The first half hour to hour of my day is spent reading my Bible and praying; then I check my email and read until 8:00 a.m. Then I pop in a History Lecture by Dr. George Grant or pull out one of two history books. My dad wrote our History Syllabus, so one day I listen to a lecture, the next I may read a few pages in Western Civilizations or Streams of Civilization, or any other historical book. By nine, my stomach is growling so loudly I scramble down the stairs, even if I'm not done with history all the way. Breakfast is usually on the table and we all sit down and eat. Afterwards, my dad reads a chapter from the Bible (right now we are going through Proverbs) we discuss it, and then review/add more to our memory verse (Exodus 34:6-7 at the moment!). After I brush my teeth I play the piano (or do something) until ten when I start on Bible (written by my dad!), Literature (Smarr Publishers; Ancient Period), Math (Teaching Textbooks, Algebra II), French (Un Bon Depart, My dad, and Les Famille DuPont), and Biology (Apologia). Some days I do some on the composers. When I finish (usually right before lunch), we eat and I do my chores, (sometimes) practice my guitar, and do whatever for the rest of the day, unless I have my weekly Music lesson, Bible Study, Youth Group, or Orchestra. Fridays I have Church and then volleyball in the evening.
So here I am, on a Wednesday afternoon, sitting at the computer, four Internet explorer windows open, Christmas music ringing in my ears, and my mind telling me to get back to that luminous Microsoft Word window labeled 'Nanowrimo'. I am nearing the finish: 12,000 words left with 8 days and 8 hours to go. The problem is, I find the diversion section of the Nanowrimo forum quite fun. They really shouldn't have that there.
Yesterday I talked to Emily on the packet-8 phone. It was a really refreshing time but made me homesick for the wonderful Milligan School of Ballet I left back in Michigan.
I also had the assessment for my Epic of Gilgamesh paper. It went rather well... Mr. Watson likes my style of writing a lot, and says I write above my grade level, which was really encouraging. Once I finish revising and correcting it, I will most likely post it on here.
Tonight starts Orchestra for the Christmas outreach at UCCD. I don't have my music yet, which may cause a real problem, as you can probably tell.Well, I should probably get back to my novel... And then perhaps go practice my guitar, even though I won't have the music for orchestra, it doesn't hurt to warm up three hours early.
Ah, the good ol' email telling you not to worry that your music isn't there, they didn't mean for you to be at Orchestra tonight, your part starts practice next week!
I just got that about 2 minutes ago. Disappointed at first, then realized it's for the better, because it wouldn't go so well if I didn't have music.
The Nanowrimo is calling... I must go.
So here I am, on a Wednesday afternoon, sitting at the computer, four Internet explorer windows open, Christmas music ringing in my ears, and my mind telling me to get back to that luminous Microsoft Word window labeled 'Nanowrimo'. I am nearing the finish: 12,000 words left with 8 days and 8 hours to go. The problem is, I find the diversion section of the Nanowrimo forum quite fun. They really shouldn't have that there.
Yesterday I talked to Emily on the packet-8 phone. It was a really refreshing time but made me homesick for the wonderful Milligan School of Ballet I left back in Michigan.
I also had the assessment for my Epic of Gilgamesh paper. It went rather well... Mr. Watson likes my style of writing a lot, and says I write above my grade level, which was really encouraging. Once I finish revising and correcting it, I will most likely post it on here.
Tonight starts Orchestra for the Christmas outreach at UCCD. I don't have my music yet, which may cause a real problem, as you can probably tell.Well, I should probably get back to my novel... And then perhaps go practice my guitar, even though I won't have the music for orchestra, it doesn't hurt to warm up three hours early.
Ah, the good ol' email telling you not to worry that your music isn't there, they didn't mean for you to be at Orchestra tonight, your part starts practice next week!
I just got that about 2 minutes ago. Disappointed at first, then realized it's for the better, because it wouldn't go so well if I didn't have music.
The Nanowrimo is calling... I must go.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Where in the World have I been?
Wow, it's been a while (almost a month!) since I was last on here. I have been super busy....
First was Orchestra for international Night. We had practices every Wednesday night for three weeks. I carpooled with the H's. We finally had International night, and it was great!
Then (during that and after) was and still is National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). I'm working on a 50,000 word novel. Written in the month of November, and November alone. Extremely time-consuming, but fun. http://www.nanowrimo.org
Newsflash from Dubai: Yesterday it rained! Sweet, cold rain pouring down from heaven and washing away the dirt on the ground. Falling down onto my head and into my mouth.... Ah, it was wonderful!
Friday after Church we skipped volleyball (where 4 weeks ago I sprained my knee); and went out to the desert with the H's, Bl's, T's, and some others. Daddy gave Caitlyn and I a driving lesson *cheers* and we sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows, talking, and telling jokes. Philip's corny LotR ones:How many times does an elf laugh at a joke? Once, when he hears it.
How many times does a hobbit laugh at a joke? Twice: Once when he hears it, and again when it is explained to him.
How many times does a dwarf laugh at a joke? Three times. Once when he hears it, again when it is explained to him, and again when he gets it.
How many times does an ent laugh at a joke? We'll never know. Takes too long to find out.
He had a radioactive something version of the 'Found a Peanut' song... I can't remember it, but it was really funny.
In the News:
McSaftey: Hedgehogs 1, McDonalds, 0. A group of environmentalists won a concession from the world's largest fast-food company when McDonald's announced it would redesign its McFlurry cup. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society complained for years that hedgehogs would come upon litered McFlurry containers, make an attempt to lick up the leftover ice cream, and get their heads stuck in the cup. In the redesign, McDonald's made the opening in the conainer too small for hedgehogs to penetrate, though the spiny mammals may have preferred a container with a mouth wide enough to permit easy access to the leftover ice cream without a danger of getting stuck.
Cheap Grace: A thief in Utah received grage from the least likely person: his victim. When the thief snagged 75 year old Betty Horton's purse, the elderly woman gave chase and eventually caught up to the man. From there, she gave him a piece of her mind, but upon discovering the thief was broke, felt compassion. "I said, 'Why didn't you just ask me for some change? I would have helped you. I would have gladly given it to you.'" Horton said. And she did; giving him $3 and telling him to scoot before the cops arrived.
http://www.therebelution.com
The above link is the link to The Rebelution - A rebellion against rebellion. Great place for Christian teens. Cait and I love it!
Next term I am not going to do ballet here. The dance school has too many differences from Milligans, changes and things I do not want to make. Instead, I shall pick up my saber, foil, or epee and duel evil orcs, nazgul, and cave trolls. En Guarde!
First was Orchestra for international Night. We had practices every Wednesday night for three weeks. I carpooled with the H's. We finally had International night, and it was great!
Then (during that and after) was and still is National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). I'm working on a 50,000 word novel. Written in the month of November, and November alone. Extremely time-consuming, but fun. http://www.nanowrimo.org
Newsflash from Dubai: Yesterday it rained! Sweet, cold rain pouring down from heaven and washing away the dirt on the ground. Falling down onto my head and into my mouth.... Ah, it was wonderful!
Friday after Church we skipped volleyball (where 4 weeks ago I sprained my knee); and went out to the desert with the H's, Bl's, T's, and some others. Daddy gave Caitlyn and I a driving lesson *cheers* and we sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows, talking, and telling jokes. Philip's corny LotR ones:How many times does an elf laugh at a joke? Once, when he hears it.
How many times does a hobbit laugh at a joke? Twice: Once when he hears it, and again when it is explained to him.
How many times does a dwarf laugh at a joke? Three times. Once when he hears it, again when it is explained to him, and again when he gets it.
How many times does an ent laugh at a joke? We'll never know. Takes too long to find out.
He had a radioactive something version of the 'Found a Peanut' song... I can't remember it, but it was really funny.
In the News:
McSaftey: Hedgehogs 1, McDonalds, 0. A group of environmentalists won a concession from the world's largest fast-food company when McDonald's announced it would redesign its McFlurry cup. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society complained for years that hedgehogs would come upon litered McFlurry containers, make an attempt to lick up the leftover ice cream, and get their heads stuck in the cup. In the redesign, McDonald's made the opening in the conainer too small for hedgehogs to penetrate, though the spiny mammals may have preferred a container with a mouth wide enough to permit easy access to the leftover ice cream without a danger of getting stuck.
Cheap Grace: A thief in Utah received grage from the least likely person: his victim. When the thief snagged 75 year old Betty Horton's purse, the elderly woman gave chase and eventually caught up to the man. From there, she gave him a piece of her mind, but upon discovering the thief was broke, felt compassion. "I said, 'Why didn't you just ask me for some change? I would have helped you. I would have gladly given it to you.'" Horton said. And she did; giving him $3 and telling him to scoot before the cops arrived.
http://www.therebelution.com
The above link is the link to The Rebelution - A rebellion against rebellion. Great place for Christian teens. Cait and I love it!
Next term I am not going to do ballet here. The dance school has too many differences from Milligans, changes and things I do not want to make. Instead, I shall pick up my saber, foil, or epee and duel evil orcs, nazgul, and cave trolls. En Guarde!
Gone but not Forgotten - Steve Irwin
'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin Dies at 44Sep 4, 12:41 AM EST
Video: Remembering the "Crocodile Hunter"
The Associated Press
BRISBANE, Australia -- Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.
Irwin was at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called "Ocean's Deadliest" when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous barb on their tails, his friend and colleague John Stainton said.
"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time.
Crew members aboard the boat, Croc One, called emergency services in the nearest city, Cairns, and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later, Stainton said.
Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchword "Crikey!" in his television program "Crocodile Hunter." First broadcast in Australia in 1992, the program was picked up by the Discovery network, catapulting Irwin to international celebrity.
He rode his image into a feature film, 2002's "The Crocodile Hunters: Collision Course" and developed the wildlife park that his parents opened, Australia Zoo, into a major tourist attraction.
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!'"
Prime Minister John Howard, who hand-picked Irwin to attend a gala barbecue to honor President Bush when he visited in 2003, said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death."
"It's a huge loss to Australia," Howard told reporters. "He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people."
Irwin, who made a trademark of hovering dangerously close to untethered crocodiles and leaping on their backs, spoke in rapid-fire bursts with a thick Australian accent and was almost never seen without his uniform of khaki shorts and shirt and heavy boots.
Wild animal expert Jack Hanna, who frequently appears on TV with his subjects, offered praise for Irwin.
"Steve was one of these guys, we thought of him as invincible," Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo and Aquarium, told ABC's "Good Morning America" Monday.
"The guy was incredible. His knowledge was incredible," Hanna said. "Some people that are doing this stuff are actors and that type of thing, but Steve was truly a zoologist, so to speak, a person who knew what he was doing. Yes, he did things a lot of people wouldn't do. I think he knew what he was doing."
Irwin's ebullience was infectious and Australian officials sought him out for photo opportunities and to promote Australia internationally.
His public image was dented, however, in 2004 when he caused an uproar by holding his infant son in one arm while feeding large crocodiles inside a zoo pen. Irwin claimed at the time there was no danger to the child, and authorities declined to charge Irwin with violating safety regulations.
Later that year, he was accused of getting too close to penguins, a seal and humpback whales in Antarctica while making a documentary. Irwin denied any wrongdoing, and an Australian Environment Department investigation recommended no action be taken against him.
Stingrays have a serrated, toxin-loaded barb, or spine, on the top of their tail. The barb, which can be up to 10 inches long, flexes if a ray is frightened. Stings usually occur to people when they step on or swim too close to a ray and can be excruciatingly painful but are rarely fatal, said University of Queensland marine neuroscientist Shaun Collin.
Collin said he suspected Irwin died because the barb pierced under his ribcage and directly into his heart.
"It was extraordinarily bad luck. It's not easy to get spined by a stingray and to be killed by one is very rare," Collin said.
News of Irwin's death spread quickly, and tributes flowed from all quarters of society.
At Australia Zoo at Beerwah, south Queensland, floral tributes were dropped at the entrance, where a huge fake crocodile gapes. Drivers honked their horns as they passed.
"Steve, from all God's creatures, thank you. Rest in peace," was written on a card with a bouquet of native flowers.
"We're all very shocked. I don't know what the zoo will do without him. He's done so much for us, the environment and it's a big loss," said Paula Kelly, a local resident and volunteer at the zoo, after dropping off a wreath at the gate.
Stainton said Irwin's American-born wife Terri, from Eugene, Ore., had been informed of his death, and had told their daughter Bindi Sue, 8, and son Bob, who will turn 3 in December.
I don't know about you, but we loved watching the Crocodile Hunter. I was so sad when I heard he died. He was only 44! Well, any of us could die at any point in time. The question is are you ready? If you died tonight where would you go? There's only one way to heaven. I hope you've found it. Death surprises us all. Surprised Steve Irwin. Surprised my great grandparents, my uncle, my grandparents. Could surprise you.
"Today is a good day to die" ~ Chief Sitting Bull.
You could die today. Be ready.
September 4
Very fun, Last weekend (here it is Friday and Saturday); we went out to the sand dunes with the B's. Mr. B is a great off-road driver. We spent the night at the B's house, since we had youth group with them the night before. Then at 4:30 A.M.; we left for the dunes... fun! We got there by 6; having stopped at a gas station and joined up with more people. We ate breakfast at 6:30; and while the adults were setting up camp, all of us kids climbed Camel rock. Then we went dune bashing! It was great! Finally, we drove back and were back at the B's by 11, for Eleventies. I had 11 pancackes for breakfast. Just ask Mr. B!
Very exciting excursion... they seem to do them a lot, so I shall wait with baited breath for the next one!
Youth group really and truly starts next Thursday, so this week we don't have it... *sniff*
My friend Luce and I have been dancing in the ping-pong room of the Complex Clubhouse for the past 2 evenings... it's the only wooden floor around. It creaks like crazy, but we don't care. Luce knows a lot of steps, but her technique is below mine. I've been giving her a few tips every now and again.
Over 'N' Out
Video: Remembering the "Crocodile Hunter"
The Associated Press
BRISBANE, Australia -- Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.
Irwin was at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called "Ocean's Deadliest" when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous barb on their tails, his friend and colleague John Stainton said.
"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time.
Crew members aboard the boat, Croc One, called emergency services in the nearest city, Cairns, and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later, Stainton said.
Irwin was famous for his enthusiasm for wildlife and his catchword "Crikey!" in his television program "Crocodile Hunter." First broadcast in Australia in 1992, the program was picked up by the Discovery network, catapulting Irwin to international celebrity.
He rode his image into a feature film, 2002's "The Crocodile Hunters: Collision Course" and developed the wildlife park that his parents opened, Australia Zoo, into a major tourist attraction.
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!'"
Prime Minister John Howard, who hand-picked Irwin to attend a gala barbecue to honor President Bush when he visited in 2003, said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death."
"It's a huge loss to Australia," Howard told reporters. "He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people."
Irwin, who made a trademark of hovering dangerously close to untethered crocodiles and leaping on their backs, spoke in rapid-fire bursts with a thick Australian accent and was almost never seen without his uniform of khaki shorts and shirt and heavy boots.
Wild animal expert Jack Hanna, who frequently appears on TV with his subjects, offered praise for Irwin.
"Steve was one of these guys, we thought of him as invincible," Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo and Aquarium, told ABC's "Good Morning America" Monday.
"The guy was incredible. His knowledge was incredible," Hanna said. "Some people that are doing this stuff are actors and that type of thing, but Steve was truly a zoologist, so to speak, a person who knew what he was doing. Yes, he did things a lot of people wouldn't do. I think he knew what he was doing."
Irwin's ebullience was infectious and Australian officials sought him out for photo opportunities and to promote Australia internationally.
His public image was dented, however, in 2004 when he caused an uproar by holding his infant son in one arm while feeding large crocodiles inside a zoo pen. Irwin claimed at the time there was no danger to the child, and authorities declined to charge Irwin with violating safety regulations.
Later that year, he was accused of getting too close to penguins, a seal and humpback whales in Antarctica while making a documentary. Irwin denied any wrongdoing, and an Australian Environment Department investigation recommended no action be taken against him.
Stingrays have a serrated, toxin-loaded barb, or spine, on the top of their tail. The barb, which can be up to 10 inches long, flexes if a ray is frightened. Stings usually occur to people when they step on or swim too close to a ray and can be excruciatingly painful but are rarely fatal, said University of Queensland marine neuroscientist Shaun Collin.
Collin said he suspected Irwin died because the barb pierced under his ribcage and directly into his heart.
"It was extraordinarily bad luck. It's not easy to get spined by a stingray and to be killed by one is very rare," Collin said.
News of Irwin's death spread quickly, and tributes flowed from all quarters of society.
At Australia Zoo at Beerwah, south Queensland, floral tributes were dropped at the entrance, where a huge fake crocodile gapes. Drivers honked their horns as they passed.
"Steve, from all God's creatures, thank you. Rest in peace," was written on a card with a bouquet of native flowers.
"We're all very shocked. I don't know what the zoo will do without him. He's done so much for us, the environment and it's a big loss," said Paula Kelly, a local resident and volunteer at the zoo, after dropping off a wreath at the gate.
Stainton said Irwin's American-born wife Terri, from Eugene, Ore., had been informed of his death, and had told their daughter Bindi Sue, 8, and son Bob, who will turn 3 in December.
I don't know about you, but we loved watching the Crocodile Hunter. I was so sad when I heard he died. He was only 44! Well, any of us could die at any point in time. The question is are you ready? If you died tonight where would you go? There's only one way to heaven. I hope you've found it. Death surprises us all. Surprised Steve Irwin. Surprised my great grandparents, my uncle, my grandparents. Could surprise you.
"Today is a good day to die" ~ Chief Sitting Bull.
You could die today. Be ready.
September 4
Very fun, Last weekend (here it is Friday and Saturday); we went out to the sand dunes with the B's. Mr. B is a great off-road driver. We spent the night at the B's house, since we had youth group with them the night before. Then at 4:30 A.M.; we left for the dunes... fun! We got there by 6; having stopped at a gas station and joined up with more people. We ate breakfast at 6:30; and while the adults were setting up camp, all of us kids climbed Camel rock. Then we went dune bashing! It was great! Finally, we drove back and were back at the B's by 11, for Eleventies. I had 11 pancackes for breakfast. Just ask Mr. B!
Very exciting excursion... they seem to do them a lot, so I shall wait with baited breath for the next one!
Youth group really and truly starts next Thursday, so this week we don't have it... *sniff*
My friend Luce and I have been dancing in the ping-pong room of the Complex Clubhouse for the past 2 evenings... it's the only wooden floor around. It creaks like crazy, but we don't care. Luce knows a lot of steps, but her technique is below mine. I've been giving her a few tips every now and again.
Over 'N' Out
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