I got a new cell phone number.  I don't really want to post it on here though.  If you didn't get a call or text from me, email me at CLCarter02@hotmail.com and I'll send you my new number.

It's been said that
I'm in love with love,
but that love
is in love with
someone else.

Don't ask.  It's not as dramatic as it sounds.  I've just found that I really like poetry.

Happy Friday.  My dad was in town yesterday and today.  We ate at Joe's Crab Shack today and then went and saw The Interpreter.  It's such a good movie.

Karissa and I went to Cafe Brazil tonight and then to Wild About Harry's.  It was so fun just hanging out.  Tomorrow I'm gonna be a bum. 

Christen

I only have 4 more class times to go to and 3 finals.  It's crazy!  I can't believe a whole year has passed since I was in Master's.  It's wild.

I finally got registered for summer classes today which is a relief.  I'm taking American Lit I and Fitness Walking over the internet.  This should be hilarious.

My Dad's coming into town tomorrow which I'm really happy about.  I haven't seen him in a few weeks.

Christen

What a wonderful weekend...a weekend of fun and surprises!!

Friday, Scott (Karissa's Scott) surprised Karissa by taking her to Six Flags instead of classes.  It was so great cause he's been planning it for a while.  I went to see The Interpreter with Jeanene, which is SO good!  You should see it.  That evening I babysat for Jon and Kim.  I absolutely love Chandler and Chelsea, so it's not even like work.  I took them to soccer practice and to a birthday party.  Then we went home and watched Tom and Jerry.  :)

Saturday, I went to a brunch with Heidi.  It was really wonderful.  Then I spent the afternoon completely nervous because last night I threw a surprise party for Karissa with just the girls.  I couldn't relax all day because I was so scared Karissa was going to figure it all out.  hehe I'd been lying all week to cover my tracks.  Anyway, at 6:45, she and I were supposed to "hang out" alone but all the girls (Jeanene, Heidi, Shelby, Paige and Esther) came popping in with noise makers and goofy jewelry.  It scared Karissa to death. hehe!  We went to Red Robin, which was wonderful.  She opened presents, and they brought a sundae and everything.  Then we went to Blockbuster to rent Roman Holiday.  It's an old Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn movie.  It was really good.  We had cake and snacks while we watched.

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend. I've been a bum all day since I didn't have homegroups.  Love you all!

Christen

All day long today I've thought it was Friday.  So, I'm highly disappointed that tomorrow's Friday, and I still have to go to classes.

Tonight was amazing.  Tomorrow is Karissa's 21st birthday, so Angela, Karla and I took her out tonight.  We went to Breadwinner's in north Dallas.  It was some of the best food I've ever eaten.  Karissa' mom paid for our dinner (she gave us a limit, we didn't take advantage) so we had dinner and dessert!  Aww, it was so fun!

It's going to be a crazy weekend.

Christen

I'm SO frustrated.  I'll tell you all about it after this weekend.  AHH!!

I got the computer today!  YEA!  It's so fun.  I've been downloading songs all day.  My parents are so incredible to get me such a wonderful gift.

I am a woman with many dreams.
They spill out,
get caught up,
and flow freely.

I know who I want to become.
But life
(sometimes)
gets in the way.

Despite disappointments,
I live life in joy,
in love,
in prosperity.

Christen

What a great weekend!  Class Night was wonderful.  Cuba Libre was incredible!  If any of you want an amazing meal, please call and we'll go.  I had such a good time with Jeanene, Heidi and Devin.

Saturday I went to Melissa (Eller) Hall's wedding.  She was gorgeous, and it was great to see everyone.

Christen

I'm really happy right now.  I'm sitting here drinking horchata (which is a Spanish drink made of milk, rice and water), listening to a great cd and anticipating a wonderful evening.  Tonight's Class Night (it's Southwestern's version of prom--no dancing, but you get to dress up and they'll crown Mr. and Miss SAGU).  I'm going with friends--Jeanene, Heidi and Devin.  It's going to be so fun just hanging out with no pressure (which means I have no date).  Afterwards, we're going to Cuba Libre which is a Cuban restaurant.  I'm so excited!

I found out some more grades for English Lit.  I'm definitely getting a B in the class unless I totally bomb the final.  I made an 85 on my research paper.  I was hoping for an A, but it's really okay.  And the test I took Monday, I MADE AN A!  Then the essay Wednesday I made a B.  So, I have a for sure B.

Christen

Tonight was super!  One of my friends from high school, Amy, called me at 5 today to see if I wanted to go watch the Rangers tonight for free!  I dropped all other plans (for studying) and went.  Her brother Derek was there too.  (The three of us had newspaper together in high school so it was great to see them.)  We sat on the 3rd base line, which was cool.  It was so random because I saw all these people I knew.  Anyway, the whole reason we went was because Jamario Thomas threw the first pitch tonight.  He was on our football team in high school and now is a super star at UNT.  He did awesome.

I need to study for my English Lit test that's tomorrow.  UGH...I hate essays.

I have a super cool group for class night this Friday.  I'll tell you all about it later.

Christen

Yesterday as I sat drinking a Diet Coke, I found an article that proves that the aspartame in it will not kill me.  :)  The FDA approved aspartame and stands behind that decision, and there has been no evidence or proof that it causes cancer, tumors, or brain damage.  So...uh...there.

Mom and I had a blast on Saturday.  We ate at the Macaroni Grill for lunch then shopped all afternoon.  I got 4 cds which rocks!  At some point in my life I've owned 3 of the 4 Switchfoot cds, but I've lost 2 and 1 is incredibly scratched.  So, I found a box set of the first 3: Legend of Chin, New Way to be Human, and Learning to Breathe.  It was 20 bucks!  Now, I've just gotta find my old Beautiful Letdown and life will be complete.  I also got a Superchic[k] cd.  I used to own it but lost it on my mission trip last year.

What's the deal with her losing cds?  Yeah, I don't know.  I was just asking myself the same question.

Christen

Wendy left today which is sad.  :(  We had a really good time and good talks!  I wish I hadn't been so busy all week.

Tonight was the cast party for Southwestern Live.  We ate some good ole' food and laughed and talked.

I watched My Best Friend's Wedding with Heidi tonight.  I forget that movie depresses me and makes me so sad for Julia Roberts.  I shouldn't watch it.  But I had fun talking with Heidi and Jeanene afterwards.

Tomorrow I'm going to Town East to hang out with my mom.  I'm so excited.

Christen

I really love Xanga.  It's so nice to be able to keep up with people's lives.

This has been a great week (post-paper of course).  I'm so glad Wendy's here.  She's been such an encouragement to me.  Tonight, she, Christen F, and I went to Cedar Hill for dinner.  It was so nice to talk about Master's with people that understood.  My roommates will listen to my stories, but it's not the same as discussing them with people who lived through it and were there.

I miss Master's a lot.  I know I'm in the right place, but I miss people who aren't appathetic to the daily dose of "God-stuff."  Chapel and prayer is so routine here that people have become disrespectful and almost rebellious.  Don't get me wrong...I'm not the model student.  I skip chapel and complain sometimes too, but Wendy and Christen have made me realize how much of the joy of Master's I've lost.  No way I would have talked or just sat there during an RMC chapel.  Yet not one day this semester have I taken notes or truly paid 100% attention.  I guess, dear Xanga friends, I got really convicted today.  I've always thought I had a pretty good attitude about it, but obviously not.

Anyway, I register for classes for the fall tomorrow.  I'll officially be a second semester junior in the fall.  CRAZY!  Only 3 semesters left.  I'm gonna have to bust my butt, though.  But it'll all get done.

Christen

The paper is officially done.  I turned all 14 pages in today at 3.  I felt so accomplished, so satisfied.  Yes, I worked over 25 cumulative hours on it.  Yes, it was hard.  But I feel so proud of myself right now.

Tomorrow I have a scripture and ethics' presentation, which should be easy.  Then, the rest of the week will be smooth sailing for the most part.  Thursday is North Texas days here at good ole' SAGU, and Friday is the cast party for Southwestern Live.  It should be a blast.

GUESS WHAT!!  I'm getting a lap top.  I'm so excited!  My computer bit the dust last August, and I've been using my roommate's ever since.  But the wonderful Tom Tanner is selling me his.  Also, Wendy O'Brien is here this week.  It's so great having her here!!

Christen

It's 2:26 in the AM! and I'm officially done with my research paper.  Hallelujah!!!!

Christen

What a weekend!!  Yesterday I woke up at 9:30 am and worked on my research paper til 2 am.  AHH!  I've finished all my research, organized all my notes, and I've written an outline.  Now I've just got to type it.

Christen

I'm glad I'm really secure in myself.  Otherwise, this weekend would suck (and I don't like that word, so you know I'm serious).  It's Friday night at 11 pm, and I'm sitting at home.  My roommate's on a date, and I have a 12 page research paper due on Monday.  And I have a 45 minute group project due on Tuesday.  AHH!  I'm really hating college right now.  I officially have a B in English Lit.

Okay, I need some advice.  I'm considering being an RA next year.  Here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
-My own room
-Impact peoples lives
-Scholarship
Cons:
-RA class every Monday
-One weekend off a month
-Duty every week
-Inservice
-Lots of responsibilites

I don't know how I feel about it.  I think I'd be good at it, but I don't know if I'd enjoy it.  People have been encouraging me both ways.  Any advice would help, and prayer of course.

Christen