While talking with friends lately, for some reason the conversation of events and experiences all leading up to the point where you are in life now keeps coming up as the topic. I think that it is quite interesting to reflect on the past and see how that has led a person to where they are today.
Let me give a small example, because I worked at McDonald's as a young student, while attending Nerinx Hall HS, I met Jim. My senior year I was looking at colleges in Missouri, and I knew he was at Truman State, then Northeast. I knew it was a good school and visited a couple times before making it my first choice. Somewhere along the lines we were comminicating via email (back in the Eudora days) and we realized that our friendship might be blossoming into something more. After careful consideration we made the difficult switch from friends to girlfriend and boyfriend (Yes, it is 'strange' after you are platonic friends with someone and then gradually realize you are in love with them, to then 'switch over.') I then was accepted, along with my friend and soon to be roomie Jen, to TSU. Because I was dating Jim (and even if we remained just friends) I met Joe, his best friend. I had a very good hunch that Jen and Joe would be good together. I also had a strong feeling they would get married before they were even at the dating stage. So after the four of us hung out together over the months, Jen and Joe became closer and began dating. 3-4 years later they are getting married and nine months later they are having their first child. Today they have 2 children and are doing well in their home in Richmond Heights.
So what if I didn't work at McDonald's and make friends with Jim, would Jen have met Joe? What if I went to UMKC and she went to Truman, would she still have met him? Does the fact that Jen and I went to high school together make any difference?
This is just one small example ( I could go on forever on this) of how events in the past lead up to where a person is today. It is just extreamly interesting to look back and say something like, wow, had I never gotten into the CB radio with my cousin and met Dennis AND also went to high school with Katie, would they still have met and be married today? It's one of those wierd things that fascinates me. It makes you wonder how what most of us consider little or even big decisions can really affect your life over the long run.
So tell me your thoughts. How have some of the smaller things in life affected your life or a close friend's life? What about the big things? Would you change anything so that your life would be different today?
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
HUGE MK Sample and Product Sale
This is YOUR last chance to take advantage of the super awesome deals I'm offering to all my MK customers.
Almost everything I have MK is now on EBAY. They are ALL more than 50% off! Here are the listings if you are interested. Obviously if you are a friend of mine, shipping can be eliminated :)
Velocity Set
Color Card Sample Set
517 Samples Set
Lips Set
Brushes Set
Powders Set
Totes Set
Satin Hands and Body Set
Coastal Cool Set
Natural Wonder Set
Sunkissed Set
Spa Collection Sample Set
Spa and Satin Collection Sample Set
Skin Care Set
Eyes/ Cheek Colors Set
That's all folks. After this, everything is by order only :)
Almost everything I have MK is now on EBAY. They are ALL more than 50% off! Here are the listings if you are interested. Obviously if you are a friend of mine, shipping can be eliminated :)
Velocity Set
Color Card Sample Set
517 Samples Set
Lips Set
Brushes Set
Powders Set
Totes Set
Satin Hands and Body Set
Coastal Cool Set
Natural Wonder Set
Sunkissed Set
Spa Collection Sample Set
Spa and Satin Collection Sample Set
Skin Care Set
Eyes/ Cheek Colors Set
That's all folks. After this, everything is by order only :)
Monday, December 27, 2004
Funny Bone
For the past two Monday's now I have visited the Funny Bone for FREE in St. Louis. With all the stress dealing with my car and the pain (literally) from the accident the Funny Bone was exactly what I have needed these past two weeks. Every time you go you get FREE tickets to attend again. I have had such a blast! Thanks Claudine for coming with me this week! I have really missed you! We have/ had so much to catch up on it can't possibly be done in one night. Next week I have a ticket to go (for two), who's with me? :) :)
Sunday, December 26, 2004
The Theory of Everything
A week ago I watched a show on Channel 9 talking about String Theory. While I took Physics Honors in HS and magically tested out of it in college with the CLEP test, I wouldn't call myself a physics guru; however this show was very interesting. I found it so interesting that I took notes on it and am presenting it in extreamly SHORT form here, just because I like having something different to write about that interests me and goes beyond my normal scope of everyday writing. Keep in mind that this is absolutely no way is meant to be a 'paper' with supporting notes etc, just something I thought interesting enough to share, hopefully it will be remotely accurate.
The show starts with the Big Bang theory as being the beginning of time and space as we know it. Then Newton develops the theory of Gravitation which explains more or less the theory of how large things work. Einstein follows with his theory of Relativity which mostly explains how small things work. Following his discoveries, is the Theory of Quantum Mechanics which explains how even smaller particles work including the Strong nuclear force, the Weak nuclear force (responsible for radiation), and Electomagnavitity. While each theory is accurate in its own domain, the program suggests that they are disasterous when trying to combine these theories. Thus evovled String Theory, which suggests that there are even smaller parts to the smallest parts of an atom (W,S, EM) known as vibrating strands of energy called strings.
Gariel Veneziano discovered the Gamma Function which explained mathmatically the strong force which then became the birth of String Theory (no don't ask me how it works in math because somewhere I was lost in the math shuffle). Leonard Susskind added that the exchange of messenger particles creates what we feel as force impling the combination of both theories. The program then goes back to the Standard Model which is EW, S but then is missing Gravity. Hence the conundrum of having two seperate theories that work by themselves, but not together. String Theory then is the attempt to explain everything. This is why it is sometimes known as "The Theory of Everything."
In the beginning stages of String Theory there were some problems. One of which was the 'creation' of the tachion (now here my notes are slighting so I'm sure I might be messing this up) and then 10 different dimensions. The 10 different dimensions stemmed from the mathematical anomilies that were calculated while divising the String Theory. John Scwartz and Michael Green came up with the graviton (I think, again my notes here are too short and I can't remember what I meant) and worked on the mathematical depth to encompass all the forces. They worked for years on the mathematical equations of String Theory to eliminate the mathematical dilemas. When the numbers finally worked, they ended up with 6 dimensions to the universe. They proposed that quarks are the smallest 'particle' of the universe and these vibrating strands called strings are what make up each unique atom of the universe. These unique strands then, with their 6 dimensions, cause the strings to vibrate precisely at the known values or constants of our universe. Hence String Theory is then able to combine the major accepted theories in physics and combine them as a "Grand Cosmic Symphony" of vibrating strings. The math proves the theory valid, however skeptics state that no experiment or observation can prove it wrong. So is it physics or philosophy?
While I am NOT even close to being any kind of physics buff, especially in the complicated math department, the program convinced me well-enough that String Theorists might be on to something. It would be cool to have one theory which explains everything, rather than two conflicting theories which are right, but don't meet in the middle. I also really liked the program because they used musical instruments as their examples to explain things for lay people like me. Obviously since I'm a music teacher, that metaphor really hit home. Vibrating strands as the smallest tiny spec of matter in the universe make a lot of sense to me, being that the theory also correlates to the physics of music. :)
The show starts with the Big Bang theory as being the beginning of time and space as we know it. Then Newton develops the theory of Gravitation which explains more or less the theory of how large things work. Einstein follows with his theory of Relativity which mostly explains how small things work. Following his discoveries, is the Theory of Quantum Mechanics which explains how even smaller particles work including the Strong nuclear force, the Weak nuclear force (responsible for radiation), and Electomagnavitity. While each theory is accurate in its own domain, the program suggests that they are disasterous when trying to combine these theories. Thus evovled String Theory, which suggests that there are even smaller parts to the smallest parts of an atom (W,S, EM) known as vibrating strands of energy called strings.
Gariel Veneziano discovered the Gamma Function which explained mathmatically the strong force which then became the birth of String Theory (no don't ask me how it works in math because somewhere I was lost in the math shuffle). Leonard Susskind added that the exchange of messenger particles creates what we feel as force impling the combination of both theories. The program then goes back to the Standard Model which is EW, S but then is missing Gravity. Hence the conundrum of having two seperate theories that work by themselves, but not together. String Theory then is the attempt to explain everything. This is why it is sometimes known as "The Theory of Everything."
In the beginning stages of String Theory there were some problems. One of which was the 'creation' of the tachion (now here my notes are slighting so I'm sure I might be messing this up) and then 10 different dimensions. The 10 different dimensions stemmed from the mathematical anomilies that were calculated while divising the String Theory. John Scwartz and Michael Green came up with the graviton (I think, again my notes here are too short and I can't remember what I meant) and worked on the mathematical depth to encompass all the forces. They worked for years on the mathematical equations of String Theory to eliminate the mathematical dilemas. When the numbers finally worked, they ended up with 6 dimensions to the universe. They proposed that quarks are the smallest 'particle' of the universe and these vibrating strands called strings are what make up each unique atom of the universe. These unique strands then, with their 6 dimensions, cause the strings to vibrate precisely at the known values or constants of our universe. Hence String Theory is then able to combine the major accepted theories in physics and combine them as a "Grand Cosmic Symphony" of vibrating strings. The math proves the theory valid, however skeptics state that no experiment or observation can prove it wrong. So is it physics or philosophy?
While I am NOT even close to being any kind of physics buff, especially in the complicated math department, the program convinced me well-enough that String Theorists might be on to something. It would be cool to have one theory which explains everything, rather than two conflicting theories which are right, but don't meet in the middle. I also really liked the program because they used musical instruments as their examples to explain things for lay people like me. Obviously since I'm a music teacher, that metaphor really hit home. Vibrating strands as the smallest tiny spec of matter in the universe make a lot of sense to me, being that the theory also correlates to the physics of music. :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Car Update
I'm sure you all are on the edge of your seats wanting to know what is going on with my latest accident information! :-) Yesterday, after going to the chiropractor who by the way has been my 'savior' as of late, I received a call from the insurance adjuster. The estimate on my car was something in the neighborhood of $5,000+ and 48.50 hours of labor to repair. They are going to go ahead and fix it, and today I plan to call to see how long it will be (since I have a limit with my car rental). My ankle is getting better, however, I've couldn't help but do at least one dance with the students since it's from a holiday story, "The Nutcracker," and my ankle is mad at me for trying it today.
On another note Brad's dad was in the hospital for back pain, so keep him in your prayers. Dennis I think is also doing better with his ankle.
Coming soon is a 'mini-report' of a really interesting program I watched on Channel 9 about String Theory. I'm not a physicist, but it was just really interesting to watch, that and reality tv is just getting old (especially without satellite tv that has channels to watch something worth my time.)
On another note Brad's dad was in the hospital for back pain, so keep him in your prayers. Dennis I think is also doing better with his ankle.
Coming soon is a 'mini-report' of a really interesting program I watched on Channel 9 about String Theory. I'm not a physicist, but it was just really interesting to watch, that and reality tv is just getting old (especially without satellite tv that has channels to watch something worth my time.)
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Accident Update
I visited the chiropractor the day after the accident and she saw evidence of a possible hairline fracture at vertebrae C3. Today I took it easy to be on the safe side and again visited her to get an adjustment and an update. The radiologist said that it's extreamly unlikely to be a fracture considering the speed of the car at impact, and it was more likely a shadow of an artery. I'm feeling much better after resting all day today and am slowly starting to put pressure on my foot. I still need the medicine but I'm plan to return to my job using the crutches for walking longer distances. I'm glad to 'getting back to normal,' yet I'm still waiting to hear about the damage to my car. I also pray the individual in front of me is also feeling well. Going back to work will be hectic, but hopefully all will be well there too :) Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Crash, boom, bang!
Tonight I was driving on 170 S in traffic. I noticed that traffic was bunching up, so I slowed down. I looked in my rearview for a split second to see if I was clear behind me, and as I braked to slow down yet some more....CRASH, BOOM, BAM! My car is probably totalled. I spend 4 hours in the ER. I have a badly sprained ankle (at least that's all I feel now). I'm too wound up to sleep yet, although I'm on my way to sleep land. Cruches are horrible and whoever invented these things needs to come up with super shoulder pads because I think I'm barely tall enough for the ones they gave me. The radiologist will get back to me tommorow and I'm on what I consider serious pain meds to get through the week. UGH! Keep me in your prayers.
Also I found out my friend Dennis had a work related accident with his ankle and is a similar situation as I am with the ankle bit. At least they gave him an air cast! I have a splint, but incidently it's not too hard to 'recast.' So keep him in your prayers too :)
Also I found out my friend Dennis had a work related accident with his ankle and is a similar situation as I am with the ankle bit. At least they gave him an air cast! I have a splint, but incidently it's not too hard to 'recast.' So keep him in your prayers too :)
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Sissel
Since my previous roomie and friend, Lori Princess, moved out and I seemed to supposedly have an 'alignment' issue, I canceled my satellite tv. Not only does it save me $50 a month, but I also am stuck watching local channels. I must admit not seeing my favorite shows bites, but I found other things to flip through instead (not to mention I'm watching a lot more of my DVDs). Tonight I was watching Channel 9 and they were showing a concert of Sissel. I had never heard of her before, but as she was singing one particular number I recognized a bit of music from the Titanic. I kept watching because I wanted to see what other music she performed. I found it quite good. I also found out that she has been to St. Louis twice before and both times it sold out.
One of her songs that she sang reminded me of someone, but I could not find the lyrics. Instead I found these lyrics, among others, to be quite inspiring. While I am not 'alone,' I guess I am in the sense that I am without roommate and one who was a good friend, we were like peas in a pod. Anyway, this song has nothing to do with losing a roomate, it has more to do with losing a love but then moving on and following your dreams. I just found the lyrics to be beautiful (and some of the others I found on the Net are as well). Perhaps I will be trying to find my way to see the concert she is having next summer. :)
One Day
(Sissel/Mikkel S.E./Hallgeir Rustan/Tor Erik Hermansen)
Here I am, on my own again
All alone but not afraid
Here I stand, nowhere near the end
Time to go a different way
Cause another day will come to those who dare
Believe in something new
When you follow your shining star
Leave all your fears behind
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say – one day
When you’re down, and you haven’t found
Where you think you want to go
Do you search for higher ground
Deep inside you really know
Cause another day will come to those who dare
Believe in something new
When you follow your shining star
Leave all your fears behind
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say – one day
I know it’s hard to leave
The future seems so far away and,
Believe that all you need will come to you – one day
Follow your shining star
Leave all your fears behind
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say – one day
One of her songs that she sang reminded me of someone, but I could not find the lyrics. Instead I found these lyrics, among others, to be quite inspiring. While I am not 'alone,' I guess I am in the sense that I am without roommate and one who was a good friend, we were like peas in a pod. Anyway, this song has nothing to do with losing a roomate, it has more to do with losing a love but then moving on and following your dreams. I just found the lyrics to be beautiful (and some of the others I found on the Net are as well). Perhaps I will be trying to find my way to see the concert she is having next summer. :)
One Day
(Sissel/Mikkel S.E./Hallgeir Rustan/Tor Erik Hermansen)
Here I am, on my own again
All alone but not afraid
Here I stand, nowhere near the end
Time to go a different way
Cause another day will come to those who dare
Believe in something new
When you follow your shining star
Leave all your fears behind
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say – one day
When you’re down, and you haven’t found
Where you think you want to go
Do you search for higher ground
Deep inside you really know
Cause another day will come to those who dare
Believe in something new
When you follow your shining star
Leave all your fears behind
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say – one day
I know it’s hard to leave
The future seems so far away and,
Believe that all you need will come to you – one day
Follow your shining star
Leave all your fears behind
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say
You will find love no matter where you are
And all your heart will say – one day
Monday, November 29, 2004
Thanksgiving Events
This week/ weekend was totally jam packed. While it was great to get a mini-vacation from work, I feel like I need a vacation from the vacation! Wednesday was Brad's birthday so we went to Spiro's for dinner. I personally think I like Olympia better. Afterwards we hung out with Sandy and Dipaulia at Growler's Pub which has just about any beer you could ever want. Thursday Brad and I went to my family's feast followed by his family's feast at Ameristar.
Friday I went to Kara and Brian's rehearsal and dinner. The dinner was held at Jimmy's on the Park off Clayton and Demun. It was extreamly delicious, and the live Jazz seeping through the walls from the bar was a nice touch. Saturday I watched Brad be a groomsman in their wedding followed by a nice reception at the Franklin room. Sunday I slept in (by accident), ran a few errands, and then went to Casa for dinner. I must say El Maguey is still my favorite in terms of price and taste. If you want the full affect, the one on Olive has a Mariachi band on Fridays and possibly Saturdays from what I understand.
All in all it was a very busy, but fun 4 day weekend. I could always use one more day to play 'catch' up for lack of sleep during 'vacations,' but what can ya do? I can't wait for Christmas, my favorite holiday. Brad and I already put up the tree, next up is the lights ... yeah!
Friday I went to Kara and Brian's rehearsal and dinner. The dinner was held at Jimmy's on the Park off Clayton and Demun. It was extreamly delicious, and the live Jazz seeping through the walls from the bar was a nice touch. Saturday I watched Brad be a groomsman in their wedding followed by a nice reception at the Franklin room. Sunday I slept in (by accident), ran a few errands, and then went to Casa for dinner. I must say El Maguey is still my favorite in terms of price and taste. If you want the full affect, the one on Olive has a Mariachi band on Fridays and possibly Saturdays from what I understand.
All in all it was a very busy, but fun 4 day weekend. I could always use one more day to play 'catch' up for lack of sleep during 'vacations,' but what can ya do? I can't wait for Christmas, my favorite holiday. Brad and I already put up the tree, next up is the lights ... yeah!
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Happy Thanksgiving!
I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!!! I think it's pretty fantastic that I've survived almost half the school year with my new position. I am extreamly thankful for my job, my friends, my family and all those dear to me. I am also thankful I was able to refinance my house which helped me to gain more equity in my home and lower my monthly payments among other things. God is always looking out for me even when I think I'm "SOL." Hopefully I can snag a part time job to help suppliment the loss of a roomie. Thanks everyone for being in my life, I wish you the best. Happy eating !! :-)
Monday, November 15, 2004
Congratulations Sarah and Jeff!
This weekend was an extreamly eventful and busy one. Friday I was out with Brad finding wedding presents for the respective weddings we are planning to attend. On Saturday my good friend Sarah and Jeff tied the knot at the Old Cathedral. I was very happy with how my first full-wedding singing experience went, and the ceremony was gorgeous. It was very cool to sing with an organ in one of the oldest Catholic churches in the midwest. Apparently I did so well I received more compliments than I can count, for that I owe it all to God. Sunday, I went to my first Ram's game ever. We won 20-12 (?) and apparently played a fairly decent game. As soon as we returned, Brad and I spent the next 3 hours raking leaves, mowing the lawn, and cleaning house as I have been sooo busy my living areas were looking like a whirlwind exploded in the house and among the trees. Unfortunately I think I killed my lawn mower as I accidently ran over a wooden block in the middle of the yard OOPS! It's about as old as I am, and I was just glad that I was about done mowing at that point :)
Afterwards Brad decided that out of nowhere, I needed to meet his parents. So we headed over there for desert and talked about everything and anything parents ask and want to know. I cannot express how wonderful Brad has been to me. It seems like I have known him for years, but we were away on sebatacle for 27/28 years. I am amazed at how seriously committed and the depth that our relationship has reached in such a short period. I can't wait for him to meet my parents now :)
Friday, November 12, 2004
Politcs
I wouldn't consider myself someone who enjoys discussing politics. Everyone has their own opinions which I generally enjoy hearing, but sometimes these dicussions can become quite heated. While I believe it fair to share opinions for the purpose of 'getting to the meat' of life and how we can make it better, I am almost scared to ever comment on anything of a political nature. An old friend of mine has a blog which is somewhat going in the political direction as of late, and after taking the time to read and digest most of the information presented, I commented my personal view points or summaries of the issues mentioned. If anyone is interested they may proceed to "http://www.pubcrawler.org" and check out the spefic blog in mention which is at 32 comments and counting.
For a basic recap of my comment, which I recenlty posted, the issues in question were Social Security and its future, the institution of marriage, and current economics (no I did not take this course in college so I'm probably way off, but oh well). Other issues mentioned were conservatism vs. libralism or republican vs. democrat parties (and I'm sure there are others I missed in there as well). It is a very interesting post to read. I would love to say that I'm the uber intellectual type which thrives on dicussions of the political nature, but I really am not. I will say that I have a general concern for the direction that this country is taking in many of the aforementioned issues. It is my hope that these 'heated' discussions which I tend to 'stay out of' will bring about change for the better and will help lead the American people to some sort of compromise on fundamental issues which affect our daily lives, the lives of American citizens, and our relationships with other countries.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Weekend Update
This Friday I went to the City Museum and had a great time playing in Monstro City and other fun areas. I recommend it to anyone looking for something different to do on the weekends, and they are open until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Saturday my roomie and friend Lori, Princess, moved out that morning. It was very depressing for me after she was gone. But I made myself cheer up to celebrated Sarah's bachelorette party. We had some fesitivites at Kate's house and then went to the Melting Pot in the loop for dinner. It was a very cool, yummy experience. I would recommend it to anyone who likes good food and has lots of time to talk and just enjoy the company they are with. I was too tired to go out dancing, so I went home and fell asleep.
Today I went to church and listened to a sermon about "I have a friend who thinks all religions are the same." It was very interesting. I ran into someone from my last small group. She said I lost weight, but I don't notice it. My clothes still fit the same anyway. Tonight I've been invited to dinner so I'll be doing that. I know this weekends seems really eventful and cool, but I'm just really bummed about the loss of my roomie. I liked having her around, and she is a good friend. I hope she can eventually find a job in St. L and then move back. Lori, you will be missed!
Saturday my roomie and friend Lori, Princess, moved out that morning. It was very depressing for me after she was gone. But I made myself cheer up to celebrated Sarah's bachelorette party. We had some fesitivites at Kate's house and then went to the Melting Pot in the loop for dinner. It was a very cool, yummy experience. I would recommend it to anyone who likes good food and has lots of time to talk and just enjoy the company they are with. I was too tired to go out dancing, so I went home and fell asleep.
Today I went to church and listened to a sermon about "I have a friend who thinks all religions are the same." It was very interesting. I ran into someone from my last small group. She said I lost weight, but I don't notice it. My clothes still fit the same anyway. Tonight I've been invited to dinner so I'll be doing that. I know this weekends seems really eventful and cool, but I'm just really bummed about the loss of my roomie. I liked having her around, and she is a good friend. I hope she can eventually find a job in St. L and then move back. Lori, you will be missed!
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Welcome to my New Blog
Hi, all. I am starting a new blog on a new site. Why you ask? Well past and present events have led me to desire a blog to call my own. I also think that Blogger is easier to use considering I am not a computer programmer/ html guru. Look forward to more postings and musings on this site which may or may not be interesting, but will at least be as good or better than my old blog.
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