Thursday, August 30, 2007

Breakfast Of Champions

I love living in my house.

Even more, I love eating whatever I'd like to, in my house.

This morning, I made waffles. (And by made, I mean toasted Eggo waffles)

I also made some delicious turkey bacon in the microwave (note: I had to find the only pieces in the package to not be growing mold...sick)

I topped it off with a Dr. Pepper...because chocolate milk sounded tasty, but I was too lazy to mix it.

Oh, and for future reference: don't eat cottage cheese right after brushing your teeth...it does not taste good.

Day 100: Update #1

As my 500th post, I made a list of goals that I would like to reach by 500 days from that day. Here's the link...day 500 happens to be October 2, 2008.

Here's a brief update on these goals:

* Read at least 23 books.

So far, I have read 3
* Write something (a short story, some poetry, a song, a YM resource).
I helped Griff with a side-project, but I don't think that counts
* Weigh 135.
Nope, not yet
* Speak near-fluent Swahili.
Nope, not this one either
* Travel to at least 10 countries I have not been to before.
3 down, as of yesterday: Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic
* Be financially independent.
I am very close to this one...by Day 200 I'll be there!
* Have serious Kenya-living plans.
I'm serious about Kenya, but no plans as of now
* Be en route to a Master's degree.
I'm thinking about it a lot...
* Record...
Nope. Nothing.
* Laugh a lot. Loudly and a lot.
Done and done. One of the old women on the tour bus this week said "That child has got some laugh on her!"

So...I'm not doing great, but I've made a dent at least...Day 200 will be December 7, 2007...I'll keep working

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Buster and Lucille

This mom and son were on the trip with us...they have traveled all over the world together.

My mom and I took to calling them Buster and Lucille.

Judging by this picture, doesn't that seem fitting?

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Traveling Thoughts

In all of the bus-riding, city-walking, plane-flying (I didn't fly the plane, but I couldn't use the same verb twice) I had a few inner-debates going.

Not inner-debates as in multi-voices...more so circular thoughts that would spark questions and more questions. I finally wrote most of it down during (what seemed to be) the longest flight of my life.

Here are a few pieces...I'd love to get some opinions on these things:

1) What makes a student so excited about something that they can't wait to tell their friends?

2) Is this something that is easily (or at all possibly) reproduce-able in the church?

3) I had been thinking about the stories of our students...what kind of stories do they have? Would they be willing to share them? Do they think they are worth sharing? Griff's post about his seminary class felt similar to what I was thinking...again, can we duplicate an atmosphere of sharing so we (as a whole) can benefit from these stories?

4) We need a weekend revolution...what does that look like? Where do we even begin? In order for it to happen, does it need fresh eyes and fresh ideas or can this change take place in the eyes and hearts of those who already 100% bleed Wildside?

5) The main ingredient missing from our weekend program is connection. Our students are not known or connected to each other or leaders through our weekend...is this even a possibility? I know it's not the "purpose" of the weekends, but it is a definite value...how do we get enough leaders on board to even make this a reality? How do we take steps toward this with the small, but totally committed, number of leaders we have now?

So, there you go...Ideas? Suggestions? Does you ministry rule at any of these things and really just need a visitor to check it all out? I was overwhelmed this summer as I began to recognize these needs, but I am getting to a place of excitement thinking about what it could be and how it could get there...

I've Been Traveling Since 8:30 Last Night

When we woke up this morning, in Prague, it was 8:30pm in CA.

Now, I'm sitting on my couch(!!) and thinking that I've been on a plane (the tiniest planes I've ever been on) for an entire day...crazy.

I'm really glad to be home...but I have really fun memories from the last month of travels.

See my mom's blog for specific details and photos...see me in real life for more animated versions.

No Better Way to Spend Your Time

Well, one of three flights down...we're on our way home today...
I'm ready to be home for a while and have some sense of normalcy...but a European vacation sure is nice!

On the one hour flight to Frankfurt, I did one of my very favorite things ever: People Magazine Crossword puzzles. Since I finished Harry Potter, I am book-less for the flight home. I bought the newest John Grisham book, but can't really seem to get in to it.



Thanks to Alanna, I don't have to! I LOVE this book...I have already finished at least 6 puzzles, including three JUMBO puzzles (one was dedicated entirely to Seinfeld...easy!)

See you soon! I can't wait!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Bus Funtivities

Reading: HP7
Listening: "Umbrella" by Rihanna, "Umbrellas" by Sleeping at Last, Summer Wilshire, Leeland, Mute Math, "For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti" by Sufjan Stevens (twice), Muse
Writing: Lists...to dos when I return to put my house in order (finally), people I will try desperately to connect with when I return in effort to prove that I can be an unselfish and engaging person, ideas for the Wildside weekends, ideas for Choctober...

Side Note: It is really interesting (to me) that the mood of a long journey can be manipulated by the soundtrack; the speed at which life on the opposite side of the glass is moving, the weight of the air in the vehicle...I believe I made excellent selections.
This afternoon, as we drove from Austria to the Czech Republic, I did a little reading. Then, as we lunched in a small town, two hours outside of Prague, I sat on a bench and read some more. Alone, on a park bench, in the middle of this small town square, I laughed aloud and then began to cry...but it still was not over.

I read on the bus ride to our hotel (an accomplishment in and of itself, since I have always been prone to car sickness).

I laid in the twin bed, tears streaming, nose running...I couldn't stop reading, out of desire to see the finish...all the while torn since I wasn't ready for it to end.

I finished this afternoon. I loved it. I am so glad that I did not try to read it over the last month of camps...I know I enjoyed it so much more this way.

We can talk about it now, if you'd like...email me...we'll chat.
I can't wait to re-read the whole heptalogy...I imagine I will love it even more the second time through. (And I can't wait for the seventh movie!)

Saturday, August 25, 2007

No Wonder I Love JH Students...

Must be because my mom is just like a 12-year-old boy.

She spent all day yesterday searching for signs that said "Wiener" and then giggled when the one said "fart".

Take a look for yourself.

What a Life

Two days ago I had breakfast in Budapest.

Yesterday I had lunch in Vienna.

Tonight I will have dinner in Prague.

Crazy...

Friday, August 24, 2007

Postal Service

Walking through the city streets of London...on my way to school
"I was waiting for a cross-town train on the London Underground, when it struck me..."

Traveling by van through the Great Rift Valley...on three different trips
"Tell me am I right to think that there could be nothing better..."

On a bus through Hungary, in to Austria...trying to drown out the voices of cackling elderly tourists
"I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and when we kiss they're perfectly aligned..."

I know it's an old album. I know I may be out-of-date to love it so. But, from the moment it begins, memories come flooding back to me: Kyle Rutenbar (pre-love for Courtney) sharing a pair of headphones as we drove to the safari park...walking from Metrogate to the tube station, stopping at Starbucks on my way...driving through Kenya this year, playing pocket Yahtzee and hearing traces of Abby laughing at Ron...today, hearing awful jokes (not even "boo"-worthy) faintly in the background, feeling my mom elbow me with each punchline...

I know the album is called "Give Up", but I will not...I will keep this album, at the top of my playlist with each international travel.

Also on today's playlist: Shane and Shane, John Mayer, Panic! at the Disco, Leeland, David Crowder Band

Current page of HP7: 388

Robot Love

I'm sure most of you have seen this on Griff's blog, by now...but it is so sweet, I had to re-post it.

This is brilliance at its finest...well done, friends.



**My favorite line is "Family Ties"**

Thursday, August 23, 2007

In Effort to be Posh

I tried these sunglasses on yesterday because I really wanted to look like Victoria Beckham...

I mean, this could be me, right?




Current page of HP7: 268

Pain Au Chocolat



I just had two delicious Pain Au Chocolat for breakfast...

If you ever want to bake me a present (or buy me something tasty at Starbucks) this would be it...

If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

My Mom's Blog

I mentioned before that I don't want to post on the same thing that my mom posts on...

So, check out her blog...she's blogging it up...

I'm Almost 25

Today is the 24th.

I'm going to be 25 in two months.

Wow...

The main thing I'm excited about is my birthday party...which is being planned all the way through Europe...so be ready.

Learn Something New Everyday



The Rubik's cube was invented by a Hungarian sculptor...it was originally released in Budapest toy shops...

We saw them all over today...that's why.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Dave Eggers, I Love You, You're My Boyfriend



Dave,
I have loved you for a few years now. You have written what I consider to be one of the best books ever. I have single-handedly paid your rent more than a few times with the numbers of copies I have purchased for friends.
Now, you have decided to once-again bless my life with a new book.
Thank you for this. I will pre-order a copy for myself in hopes that it will be amazing...
Again, thank you. I will be sure to let you know my feelings post-read.
Your loyal fan, even if I didn't love "You Shall Know Our Velocity",
Allison

5 o'clock thoughts

I was wide-awake at 5am...I'm thinking it has something to do with the fact that I slept all day yesterday. Either way, here are a few of the things I was thinking about while laying in a dark room waiting for the wake-up call:

* If I tried to ride my skateboard to MO1, would I fall? What if my skateboard shot out in to the middle of on-coming traffic at the stoplight?

* Should I chop my hair off? Short black hair is cute, right? Or should I wait until I go back to blond and then have short, blond hair all at once?

* What if I cancel the cable at my house? Can I really be that "I don't have TV" person? I know enough people who have TV, I could really just rotate houses to watch the shows I want to watch.

* How sad is it that I would be completely content to lay in bed in this Hungarian hotel all day and read Harry Potter? I'd be more than fine to not explore the city, but instead, see what happens during Bill and Fleur's wedding.

* Back to the skateboarding thought...what if I tried to skateboard in my heels? Wow, that would be so sweet if I could...but I'd probably hurt myself--or worse, break a heel.

* I would really like to re-paint my craft table. What colors would look right?

* How much would it cost to buy all of the frames that I need for the pictures I want to hang in my house? Where do they all belong? Who do I trust enough to tell me what looks right where?

Angels vs. Yankees

Since I was leaving for Europe at 4am, I didn't have a chance to blog about the baseball game on Monday night.

The night itself was very fun...Jason, Brian, Allison and I sat behind home plate in my dad's great seats...we chatted a bit and laughed with each other. Then, as Jason put it, the night got 19% more entertaining.

About four seats down from us were two Yankee fans, jerseys and all. During the 4th inning, two Angel fans came and sat in-between. Two completely drunk Angel fans...each weighing about 250lbs and with a total lack of regard for the personal space of others.

These guys were very nice--not at all the crazy, rude, harassing fans you would imagine--but they were very loud, and showed me quite a bit of butt crack.

Then, bottom of the ninth, two Yankee fans were kicked out...the security guards had to call the Police to have the escorted out. The man went quietly, but the woman kicked the officer and was pinned to the ground and hand-cuffed...

It was a great game...good company...and a great DJ for the car ride there and back.

Oh, and there was this guy...who was just awesome all on his own:


Dear Alyssa Blakeney,

You are the only child I know who, when drawing with chalk on your driveway, would choose to sketch George W. Bush. Typically, the walk would be filled with flowers, or hearts, maybe a smiley face or two...but yours? Oh no, a simple President Bush.

You truly are your mother's daughter.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

To Whom It May Concern...

We've arrived safely from Chicago to Germany. We are now waiting to board our final leg of the trek...a Lufthansa flight to Budapest (which my mom constantly pronounces with the "scht").

Current cost of internet: 8 Euro for 1 hour

Current page of HP7: 80 (I will be finished by this trip's end...I can't stand the look of appalled disappointment on the faces of friends who hear I have not read it yet)

I'm sure you'll hear more from us when we arrive in Budapescht. (Here's how I know: my mom actually said "Come on people! Don't you know we have to blog!" when the line was taking too long at the check-in counter)

Brian Hurst, an amazingly Hungarian gift is coming your way.

O--Hare There!

My mom and I left at 4 o'clock this morning for our European excursion...Hungary, Austria and Prague...all in a span of 8 days.

We are currently sitting in the O'Hare Airport waiting to fly to Germany...

One thing I'll say for my mother: the woman knows the value of wireless internet. We sat down, an hour remaining before our next flight, and she pulls out her laptop and credit card. "Only $7!" she says, "Totally worth it. We'll just do a quick blog."

So, I will be out of the country for a few days, but while traveling with my mom, I will definitely be blogging.

I try not to post the same stories as she, so my blog may be filled with my own obscure thoughts and links to her stories and photos of the days...but there will be something, of that I'm sure.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Honesty

Is really refreshing...

I love to be honest and I love when someone is honest in return.

I think the true depth of a friendship can be measured by the depth of exchanged honesty.

Alyssa, Allison, Alyssa, Allison



Also titled: green, blue, green, blue OR 4 Al's

Prayer Warrior?

I love this concept, but I hate this term.

I love to pray...since I'm always in my own head, I love to remember events, people, stories, happenings and pray while I drive my car, or lay in bed, or even while I shower.

I was thinking about this last night as I was telling my friend that I had been praying specifically for these two girls that I have never met. I had heard stories about their lives and they have just been on my heart, so I've been praying for them...by name, and pretty much daily.

As I said it aloud last night, I realized how creepy that is to say "I don't know them, but I've been praying for them..." Now, this won't stop me from continuing to pray for them, but maybe it will stop me from telling others about my strangers prayers.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Summer Camp Month Is Officially Over

I have not slept in my house for more than two consecutive nights since July.

I am really excited to break that record!

Starting right now...

Friday, August 17, 2007

Beach Camp 07

As I played in the waves today, laughing and half-choking on salt water, an old post of mine was in my head...maybe it's self-promotion, but I really like it and thought it was worth re-posting...

I love being a kid...I really don't want to be a complete grown-up...ever.

My favorite line of the day...a little girl stopped me in the bathroom and said "You're 24?! You totally seem younger...you're so fun and totally teenager-like and remember what it's like to be a teenager. You're not like an old grown-up." Thank you, kind girl...I hope to always be that way, though I'm sure those days are numbered.

Dear Ben Affleck,



Happy Belated Birthday.

I'm sorry that I was away at camp and unable to post a timely birthday wish.

Had we been married, as I had long hoped we would, this would not have been the case...you would have been on this trip with me and I would have sang a lovely birthday to your face...

I do still love you...35 or not...married, with child, whatever...

Your once-betrothed,
Allison

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I Don't Love Blue Toilet Water

On Monday, I cleaned a toilet for the first time in my life.

I went to the store specifically to purchase toilet cleaner and shower cleaner...

I bought these tiny brushes that are one-time use and have a handle so that your hand doesn't touch the toilet water...turns out, I bought the "extra pack", so I had just the sponges and was forced to touch the water...no big deal, I made it happen.

I also bought some of the bleach cubes, to constantly clean the toilet...I really wanted to buy a white cube so the toilet water wouldn't change color, but then I wasn't sure how I would know when it needed to be replaced. I settled for blue. I don't love blue toilet water, I think it's slightly hospital-esque...but at least I know my toilet is clean, and so do you.

It's early to be telling toilet-cleaning tales, but I have been feeling a little detached from the world and needed to jump back in while I had a subject handy...

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

In my head...

Every now and again, I find myself singing this song...
I used to sing it in Crave, but have not actually done so in about five years...
For some reason, it always surfaces on lone car rides:


God of mine, enter in
fill my heart with Your spirit
God of mine, in Your faithful way
You hold my head above the water

grace and mercy, in You, i've found
for only You have saved my soul

i need Your touch
i need Your love
i need Your holiness to rest upon me

Three-Peat

I've just finished packing for my third camp in three weeks.
This one is at the beach, so it will be a nice change from the mountain activities (that I heard rumor of, but did not participate in at the other camps).

I may be blogging, but probably not...

I can't believe what a slacker I've become this summer...I promise to get back in full-swing soon.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Tarantula

I got to hold a 7-legged tarantula at High School camp.

Clarification

I guess I should have better explained myself.

I was given a bow and arrow set in Kenya...it now resides in my living room (next to the fireplace).

Yesterday, as I was building my wall hanging, I needed to open the box. I knew the scissors were in the kitchen, but I was in the living room...

So, I reached up and grabbed the arrow...and opened the box.

I was so proud of myself; for both owning the arrow and using it in such a way.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

I'm a Survivor

This afternoon, I built something from Ikea.

I used an arrow to open the box. As in bow and arrow.

I thought I was pretty impressive.

Camp By Numbers

2 weeks of camp (so far)
3 cabins
13 7th Grade Girls
8 Freshman Girls
9 Junior and Senior Girls
6 bug bites
1 http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
1 Piece of Mail (Thanks Kayla!)
2 Letters that were sent but never arrived
15 chapel services
36+ songs sung
12 recreation games played
1 broken leg (sorry Katie!)
1 skate ramp conquered (again, sorry Katie!)
50+ games of Carpetball played
8 Oreo shakes
13 nights not spent in my own bed
4 new friends made
30 students I love more
2 conversations about end times
3 conversations about intercessory prayer
1 conversation about angels and heaven

It's been an exciting, yet exhausting few weeks...I have a few posts in my head, they just need to be written out...I'll get there, I promise!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Here and Back Again

I'm home from camp...but I'm leaving again tomorrow.

Katie Edwards broke her ankle at the JH camp skate park, so I am taking her place at Ojai (HSM camp)...

I don't know if I'll have internet...but I will blog if I do...

See you Friday...

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

In my cabin...

I am sleeping in a room in between two other rooms.
Apparently my feet smell so bad, that it is not only stinking up my room, but also the room to the right. I don't really care...I'll take a shower in the morning...that's what happens when I play 11 innings of duct ball.

Also, I just informed my cabin that tomorrow we will have "Mega Mega Day" recreation. Sophie's response: Loud laughter...followed by "Oh, mega mega day, that sounds horrible! I don't even like regular rec!"

I've Noticed I Hate These Things:

* Air Quotes

* The use of the word "devo" as an abbrev to "devotion"

* Camp Recreation (not in its entirety...mostly the incessant spirit cheering)