Some people just don't get Napolean Dynomite.  I am not one of those people.  I love it!  I know that it's starting to get old and over quoted, but it's a phenomenon.  People who don't even like it quote it.  Well, the point to this incredible insight is...I'm about to go watch it.

So, I probably shouldn't have complained about the weather.  The weather stuck it to me yesterday.  I complained that it was too warm, and yesterday the sky broke loose and rained ALL day long. Plus it dropped to the high 30s.  I'm so sorry for complaining!  Today was pleasantly chilly though.  I could comfortably wear my big coat and wasn't hot or cold.  And...that's the weather update for the day.

Happy Weekend,
Christen

Not much to say today.

The sun was so hot today.  I had on a light jacket that I thought would be comfortable, but I burned up!  I wish I could bring a happy medium to Texas's weather.

I finished another book today.  I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a book.  I love to read, and it's really nice having access to great books.

Christen

I had a great weekend. The highlights:

-JRBBP
-Coach Carter
-Celebrated Mom's birthday at Nannie's
-Saw my Grandmother
-Donny's birthday outing
-Finding Neverland (!)
-Third place in poker against a bunch of guys (and calling one guy's bluff)
-Taco Bueno and friends

Okay, Finding Neverland is a magical movie!  I didn't cry until the last 5 minutes, but then I cried for like 15 minutes after it!  It's not that it's that sad, but it's so inspirational and moving.  I absolutely loved it.  It's only 11 pm, and I'm ready to climb into bed!

Christen

I am so blessed.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me such wonderful friends and such a wonderful college experience.  Tonight, I got to hang out with 4 of my favorite people: Karissa and Angela (my roommates) and Andy and Russell.  We made dinner (Bagel Bites, salad, chips and cream soda).  Then we went and saw Coach Carter.  It's a great movie!  I really recommend it.  It's like "Remember the Titans" meets "Save the Last Dance."  Hehe!  We all had so much fun just laughing and talking.  It was great! I love you all!

Christen

As you can tell, my posts are getting shorter and less interesting now that semester has started.  But no fear, I will continue to post as often as possible.  Tonight was interesting.  I have never considered myself funny nor have I been one to try out for plays/dramas/skits that often.  However, I tried out for Southwestern Live tonight which is a spin off of SNL that we do for campus days (college days).  It's all made up material so it's hilarious.  I have no idea how I did or if I'll make lead cast, but here's hoping.  The list is supposed to be posted tomorrow.  I'll let you know.  Bye!

Christen

Can I tell you how excited I am right now!?!  The list just got posted, and I made lead cast.  I really, really can't believe it!  YEA!

Christen

Classes went well today.  Another semester in full swing.  Guess that's life.  How is everyone?  Please tell me about your lives.  Love you!

Christen

So, the decision has been made.  I'm changing majors to English.  It's not a huge jump since I was an education major with a specialization in English, but it's different.  I can be an editor, a writer, or get my masters and teach in college.  The possibilities are huge.  So, I'm super excited and think I'm making a great decision.  When I told my parents, they were very positive and supportive.  They both said they thought it was a great decision.  Yea!  Thanks for all the great advise (silly boys).  Love you all!

Christen

Dear Xanga,

I have become quite the xanga junkie since being home for break.  It's been wonderful catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.  Tomorrow, I head back to school.  I'm excited for the fact that I'll get to see my friends and roommates, and I'm even excited to get back to classes because that means I'm one day closer to graduation (Spring '07).  But sometimes I wonder why.  I'm not completely sure I want to be a teacher.  However, I'd sure hate to change my major this late in the game.  I don't really know what I want to do.  I figure I might as well finish, right?  If I change, I would have to move schools.  And what would I do?  Medicine interests me, but I'm terrible at chemistry.  Crime investigation sees cools but back to that chemistry thing.  When I was little, I wanted to be an archeologist, but then I realized that they don't discover mummies everyday, just about once every decade; therefore, it'd be a little boring.  Tell me your thoughts...what about just changing from education to English?  I could be an editor or a writer.  I would be able to go into journalism, which was so fun and exciting for me in high school.  It wouldn't be far from the same course plan I'm on right now.  I need some feedback, I guess.  It's just...the more I think about teaching...the more unsure I am that I want to do that.  Want an insight into my brain?  I want to make a difference.  I want someone to reflect on my life one day and say, "Wow, where would we be without her?"  I know that I could make that difference teaching, but I don't know if my heart's in it.  I know I'm rambling, but I'm trying to make sense of the thoughts in my head.  Any advice?

Christen

(In honor of the Golden Globes) And the winner is:

Josh Campbell.  Josh answered 7 out of 10 questions correctly and wins the prize (suggestions on a prize would be appreciated). 

The Correct Answers:
1.  What is my favorite beverage?  Diet Coke
2.  I tend to exaggerate.  When do I most often:
      a. with numbers  <--------
      b. with time
      c. with names
3.  What is my dog's name and what is his prominent feature?  Chance and his prominent feature is his underbite
4.  What town is my college in?  Waxahachie
5.  What am I allergic to? 
      a. seafood
      b. bees  <--------
      c. penicillin
6.  I share my birthday with someone important in my life.  Who is it?  My best friend, Alesha
7.  If I decided not to be a teacher, which of the following would I NOT want to be:
      a. CSI agent
      b. veterinarian  <----- I'm not a big fan of animals, but how cool are the other three!!
      c. mom
      d. archeologist
8.  What is my middle name (the L should be a clue)?  Laura
9.  My older brother Mark is married.  What nationality is his wife?  Filipino (from the Philippines)
10.  Who is my favorite late night personality?
      a. Jay Leno
      b. Conan O'Brien  <------ He's freakin hilarious!
      c. Carson Daly

Well, thanks for playing my game.  I hope you learned something about me!  Love you all!  I go back to college tomorrow.  Another semester closer to graduation!

Christen

New, fun game:

You always see those dumb surveys where people tell you all about themselves.  Well, now it's your chance to see how much you know about me already.  Some are multiple choice to help.  The winner gets a prize (I haven't decided what yet).

1.  What is my favorite beverage?
2.  I tend to exaggerate.  When do I most often:
      a. with numbers
      b. with time
      c. with names
3.  What is my dog's name and what is his prominent feature?
4.  What town is my college in?
5.  What am I allergic to?
      a. seafood
      b. bees
      c. penicillin
6.  I share my birthday with someone important in my life.  Who is it?
7.  If I decided not to be a teacher, which of the following would I NOT want to be:
      a. CSI agent
      b. veterinarian
      c. mom
      d. archeologist
8.  What is my middle name (the L should be a clue)?
9.  My older brother Mark is married.  What nationality is his wife?
10.  Who is my favorite late night personality?
      a. Jay Leno
      b. Conan O'Brien
      c. Carson Daly

Okay, submit your answers and be watching for the correct answers soon.

Christen

I am SO frustrated right now!  The inevitable finally happened...I got a ticket.  I was driving home from dinner with my parents and grandparents (my parents and Scott were in the truck).  If you're from Longview, you'll understand.  I was on 4th Street right in front of Wal Mart.  I have driven down that street 1000 times coming home from Chick Fil A (back in the day) and church.  After I got stopped, neither of my parents even knew what the speed limit was.  I have never once paid attention to the limit right there.  Well, I was going 44 in a 30.  I'm so mad cause everyone goes that fast through there.  Anyway, it's my first ticket, and what an opportune time...no job and absolutely no money.

Christen

This is for all you girls out there...

You know how you have yet to find "the one," but you proceed to dream about your wedding, dress, ring, etc? (For all the guys, it's true.  We just love weddings!)  Well, tonight is one of the happiest nights of my life.  Two years ago when I was dating Robbie, I picked out a ring that I LOVED!  It's still at the store (I go visit it when I'm at The Parks), but I've never seen or had a picture of it.  Well, tonight, on a whim, I decided to look one more time...and it was there!!!  So, now I have a picture of the ring that I love.

Okay, feel free to make fun of me...but it's a big deal!

Christen

I am SO frustrated with myself.  We got a new VCR/DVD player for Christmas.  Tonight the 4th season of "24" started, and I (being the self-proclaimed techie) didn't read the directions on how to set the VCR.  I just guessed...I thought.  Well, I get home, and I had done it WRONG!  I only taped the last half hour.  So, I have no idea how the season began.  UGH! If I'd just read the directions. 

Does anyone know what happened?

Christen

I was a little hesitant to even tell you what I'm about to say, but it's on my mind.  About a week before Christmas, my grandmother (my dad's mom) was having routine blood tests done when they noticed a high count of something in the blood that many times indicates cancer.  Well, the week following Christmas, she was diagnosed with cancer...again.  This is her third time to have it.  When I was pretty little, she had breast cancer.  Then, about three years ago, she got stomach cancer, and the doctors had to remove her stomach.  For the last three years, thanks to the Lord, she has been cancer free.  However, they just found cancer in the lining of her abdomen.  The worst part is it is inoperable.  The only possibility is chemotherapy, which for anyone who has ever known anyone to have chemo, it's a horrible process.  My family is so desperate.  Three times!  Who gets cancer three times?  So, I guess I'm a little bit in denial because it just seems so unreal.  Please pray for her.  I think it's our only hope.

Christen

It's really sad when I walked outside today (January the 3rd), and the man across the street was mowing his yard.  We are on like day 14 of days in the 60s or 70s.  Everywhere you look you still see people with long sleeves and sweaters since it IS winter.  We're in denial.  hehe

Christen

This weekend has been a lot of fun.  Yesterday, my family went and met my brother and Sheila in Lufkin for dinner to pick up Scott.  We ate at Ralph & Kacoo's which was great!  Then, last night when I got back, my friend Amy called, and I went and played Texas Hold Em with her and her brother and sisters.  It was so much fun to see them again (and to win...not to brag).  Today, after church, I went to a wedding shower for Kelli, a friend from high school.  I got to see several people I went to school with, which was good.  After the shower, I played some more Hold Em.  It's been a really great weekend.  Tomorrow, though, I have to take down Christmas decorations.  Love you all!!

Christen