Scientifically, there is a “feel good” chemical released in the brain when you complete a task. Reaching a goal, be it to clean the floors or run a marathon, is definitely good, I think we would all agree. But what about not finishing something? Is there any glory in not completing something or seeing something through? Does it matter when your convictions are at stake?
I've walked out of performances because I disagreed with the agenda being promoted. I've put down a book, unfinished, because the content doesn't need to be in my mind. I've turned off movies and tv shows because I didn't want my money going to support their cause, or because I didn't want to have images ingrained in my mind. I think we agree that these are worthy reasons to not finish something.
But what about when there’s nothing wrong with finishing? What if you lose interest or motivation, and seeing this task to its end is a chore? Is the pleasure of finishing a task worth the effort to actually finish?
I’m pondering this because I started a book thinking it was about one thing that I was really passionate about and interested in, and now that I’m into it a bit deeper, I don’t think it’s what I thought it was. Do I push on and see? Do I finish it because of principle? Or do I leave it on my book shelf? Gosh, just writing my options makes me want to go read it and at least see if it turns into what I had hoped. Problem solved, I guess… thanks for listening.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Welcome, 2011!
So a few of the bloggers that I follow have posted some book lists, or quotes and passages from some of the books that they've read, or something they've learned from the books that they've read, and I think that I've represented my reading habits very poorly on this blog. I love reading, and I have a variety of favorites, but I haven’t shared any of them for a while {except my recent passion for Sydney Carton}. Let me give you a peek of my bookshelf right now.
This is a very short list, I know, but remember that college students sometimes have to put their required readings at the top of the priority list… breaks are for reading, that’s all I’m gonna say!
If you have any suggestions, please let me know! I look forward to reading your book lists, too!
- When Character was King by Peggy Noonan {thank you, sis!}
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo {the unabridged version- I’ve been in it since June or July}
- Lincoln at Gettysburg by Garry Wills- all about the speech Lincoln gave at Gettysburg. Remember that President Lincoln wasn't even the main speaker at the dedication!
- just finished A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. Sigh of contentment and utter happiness! I love that book… as my BFF just put it, the book is like an old and dear friend that I had forgotten, for a time, just how much I loved it.
This is a very short list, I know, but remember that college students sometimes have to put their required readings at the top of the priority list… breaks are for reading, that’s all I’m gonna say!
If you have any suggestions, please let me know! I look forward to reading your book lists, too!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Dickens
Since my senior year of high school, it has been my tradition to read Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities over Christmas break. I confess, I start to tear up at the last book every time I read it. The third to last chapter and the very last chapter make me weep. I LOVE SYDNEY CARTON. {Spoiler Warning: read the book, and then read this post.}
Sydney Carton loves Lucie, knows he cannot have her, knows that the other man is better for her, knows that he doesn't deserve her, and knows that nothing will ever change. And he keeps on loving her. He promises her that one day, he hopes to be useful to her or to those she loves. When Darnay is condemned to die, and nothing Doctor Manette does will save him, Carton steps in. He has been close by, watching her, but he leaves her in peace. But when she needs him, before she even knows that he is there, let alone that she needs him, he is already there, taking the initiative to make plans and carry them out.
He could have let Darnay die at the hands of the Revolution, and stepped in to comfort Lucie himself. He could have held her as he longed to do! But he didn't. He gave his life so that she could live in happiness. I don’t think it was ever about saving Darnay’s life; it was about doing anything for Lucie.
I love Carton. He is my favorite character, and although people argue that Darnay is a fine fellow, I can’t stand him. Even the first time I read this tale, without knowing the ending, I loved Carton and abhorred Darnay. There’s nothing wrong with him, but he has no complexities, no depth. Lucie, too, seems a bit flat until the middle. Doctor Manette, so deep and so troubled, but restored because of his daughter. Carton, though, oh! Carton is the character I long to know more about, to read a “prequel” about his life; I want to understand why nothing can be changed, but still I think something did change, or never changed initially. Carton died for Lucie, and that pure love was not tainted by any flaws in Carton’s character.
Dickens, well done. Readers, any thoughts?
Sydney Carton loves Lucie, knows he cannot have her, knows that the other man is better for her, knows that he doesn't deserve her, and knows that nothing will ever change. And he keeps on loving her. He promises her that one day, he hopes to be useful to her or to those she loves. When Darnay is condemned to die, and nothing Doctor Manette does will save him, Carton steps in. He has been close by, watching her, but he leaves her in peace. But when she needs him, before she even knows that he is there, let alone that she needs him, he is already there, taking the initiative to make plans and carry them out.
He could have let Darnay die at the hands of the Revolution, and stepped in to comfort Lucie himself. He could have held her as he longed to do! But he didn't. He gave his life so that she could live in happiness. I don’t think it was ever about saving Darnay’s life; it was about doing anything for Lucie.
I love Carton. He is my favorite character, and although people argue that Darnay is a fine fellow, I can’t stand him. Even the first time I read this tale, without knowing the ending, I loved Carton and abhorred Darnay. There’s nothing wrong with him, but he has no complexities, no depth. Lucie, too, seems a bit flat until the middle. Doctor Manette, so deep and so troubled, but restored because of his daughter. Carton, though, oh! Carton is the character I long to know more about, to read a “prequel” about his life; I want to understand why nothing can be changed, but still I think something did change, or never changed initially. Carton died for Lucie, and that pure love was not tainted by any flaws in Carton’s character.
Dickens, well done. Readers, any thoughts?
Almost the Last Day of 2010
I’M HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve- where did that come from!?!?!??!??! I was totally just deciding where to go to college like last week! What the heck!? This year has FLOWN by, and if you want a refresher on what each month held for me, read my earlier post.
This break has been a bit challenging, but so much fun. I've been challenged in relating to my sisters, but after a few good, long, intense conversations with them and our parents, I think that we can really bond and appreciate each other. It’s also been challenging to get to spend quality time with my many amazing friends. I want to be a part of the group again, and at the same time, I love the intimate conversations that come from one-on-one times. So far I think that I've been able to maintain a good balance, and as soon as one friend returns from visiting her sister, I think that I will have hung out with everyone at least once.
God and I are getting really close… I should rephrase that and say that I am drawing near to God, and He is keeping His promise and drawing near to me, too. I love how faithful He is- no matter how far I stray, or how long it’s been, He always tells me that He loves me. Ahhh!!!!
Speaking of God being awesome, my family is so blessed by Him! I can’t even describe it, but basically we will look back at this year and say, wow, God, thank You! When my parents got married, they received a prophetic word that their life testimony would be “God did it.” This year’s testimony is exactly that!
Eventually I’ll have the time and freedom to write out all the things that God has done, but for now, just rejoice with me and praise the Lord!
Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve- where did that come from!?!?!??!??! I was totally just deciding where to go to college like last week! What the heck!? This year has FLOWN by, and if you want a refresher on what each month held for me, read my earlier post.
This break has been a bit challenging, but so much fun. I've been challenged in relating to my sisters, but after a few good, long, intense conversations with them and our parents, I think that we can really bond and appreciate each other. It’s also been challenging to get to spend quality time with my many amazing friends. I want to be a part of the group again, and at the same time, I love the intimate conversations that come from one-on-one times. So far I think that I've been able to maintain a good balance, and as soon as one friend returns from visiting her sister, I think that I will have hung out with everyone at least once.
God and I are getting really close… I should rephrase that and say that I am drawing near to God, and He is keeping His promise and drawing near to me, too. I love how faithful He is- no matter how far I stray, or how long it’s been, He always tells me that He loves me. Ahhh!!!!
Speaking of God being awesome, my family is so blessed by Him! I can’t even describe it, but basically we will look back at this year and say, wow, God, thank You! When my parents got married, they received a prophetic word that their life testimony would be “God did it.” This year’s testimony is exactly that!
Eventually I’ll have the time and freedom to write out all the things that God has done, but for now, just rejoice with me and praise the Lord!
Labels:
faithful,
family,
friends,
God is good,
home sweet home,
school,
sisters
Saturday, December 11, 2010
My, My, Time Flies!
How on earth is the 12th of December!?!?!??!?!?
It seriously feels like this year has FLOWN by… honestly! When I consider all the big things that have happened this year, and everything that has changed since this time last year, I am stunned. Let’s recap:
In January, I turned 21.
In February, I applied to my first, second, and third choice colleges.
In March, I found out that I got into my first choice college.
In April, I was hit by a car.
In May, I visited my first choice college, and then decided that my parents and I were hearing God and that I was moving 2,000+ miles away.
In June, I worked my last day at my job with kids.
In July, I went to Washington D.C. and Seattle to work 2 Microsoft conferences.
In August, I said goodbye to my family and friends, and started my junior year of college.
In September, I got to see my dad!!!!
In October, I went to my friend’s home for her nephew’s birthday.
In November, I began my countdown to go home, and here we are in December!
I take a final and turn in my final draft of my research paper, and I get on a plane and go home! 4 months went by so fast; this whole year zoomed by!
This time last year, I was praying about applying to colleges. Christmas morning, 2009, I opened up a Matchbox airplane representing the visit my dad and I would take if I got accepted to my first choice school. That trip was in May.
In August, 2009, I was running around Family Camp, teasing my friends about being the Night Watchmen, and realizing that if my friend got his wish, he wouldn't be at Family Camp 2010. The ironic part was that he was at FC 2010, but I wasn't, because I was flying across the country to start school the next week.
4 months ago, I knew almost no one in this new state, in this new school. Now I have so many deep relationships, and I won’t see them for almost another month! I can’t believe how God has blessed me… He’s given me friends, families, and a fridge for my dorm room! God, You are so good, and I am ever grateful.
How has your year been? :)
It seriously feels like this year has FLOWN by… honestly! When I consider all the big things that have happened this year, and everything that has changed since this time last year, I am stunned. Let’s recap:
In January, I turned 21.
In February, I applied to my first, second, and third choice colleges.
In March, I found out that I got into my first choice college.
In April, I was hit by a car.
In May, I visited my first choice college, and then decided that my parents and I were hearing God and that I was moving 2,000+ miles away.
In June, I worked my last day at my job with kids.
In July, I went to Washington D.C. and Seattle to work 2 Microsoft conferences.
In August, I said goodbye to my family and friends, and started my junior year of college.
In September, I got to see my dad!!!!
In October, I went to my friend’s home for her nephew’s birthday.
In November, I began my countdown to go home, and here we are in December!
I take a final and turn in my final draft of my research paper, and I get on a plane and go home! 4 months went by so fast; this whole year zoomed by!
This time last year, I was praying about applying to colleges. Christmas morning, 2009, I opened up a Matchbox airplane representing the visit my dad and I would take if I got accepted to my first choice school. That trip was in May.
In August, 2009, I was running around Family Camp, teasing my friends about being the Night Watchmen, and realizing that if my friend got his wish, he wouldn't be at Family Camp 2010. The ironic part was that he was at FC 2010, but I wasn't, because I was flying across the country to start school the next week.
4 months ago, I knew almost no one in this new state, in this new school. Now I have so many deep relationships, and I won’t see them for almost another month! I can’t believe how God has blessed me… He’s given me friends, families, and a fridge for my dorm room! God, You are so good, and I am ever grateful.
How has your year been? :)
Labels:
family,
friends,
God is good,
home sweet home,
life,
school,
work
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Momentous, I guess…
This is my 100th blog post, but it’s taken me a while to get this many. So in one sense it’s momentous, and in another, not that big of deal.
I get to go home in 17 days!
I spent my first Thanksgiving away from home this year. It was strange… it almost feels like I “skipped” the holiday, yet I know I didn't. My family missed me, and I missed them, but there were so many new experiences and new people and new kinds of food that I almost forgot that it was Thanksgiving and I am more than 2000 miles away. Weird, huh?
I get to go home in 17 days!
My BFF posted a list of things that she has done or not done, and I feel a) somewhat inspired by it, and b) bored and uninspired to do anything else! Haha!
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea 14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child {SOMEDAY!!!!}
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing {indoor}
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business {haha, a lemonade stand!}58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies {Do tee-ball cookies count?}
62. Gone whale watching {it was unintentional… the whale came to me}63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s {eternal} life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant
I go home in 17 days! Can you tell I’m excited???
God has been highlighting recently how blessed I am. My family loves each other, and we don’t have any big problems or issues. We can get together for the holidays and not even think about getting into a huge family fight. We've never had to worry about putting food on the table or turning on the light switch. There have been things that we've not had so that we could have something else, but those have usually been convenience items, not necessary requirements.
I've never realized until recently how blessed and full my life is. The thing that I’m really wrestling with is this: I didn't do anything to deserve this life, and it’s not a matter of God loving me more than other people. If it was a matter of deserving, I would have nothing. If it was a matter of God’s love, there would be no want or worry. So I guess I’m learning to trust God about this, too, that He has the perfect plan for my life, including what I have or don’t have, and He is in control. Not bad for my 100th post, eh?
I get to go home in 17 days!
I spent my first Thanksgiving away from home this year. It was strange… it almost feels like I “skipped” the holiday, yet I know I didn't. My family missed me, and I missed them, but there were so many new experiences and new people and new kinds of food that I almost forgot that it was Thanksgiving and I am more than 2000 miles away. Weird, huh?
I get to go home in 17 days!
My BFF posted a list of things that she has done or not done, and I feel a) somewhat inspired by it, and b) bored and uninspired to do anything else! Haha!
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea 14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child {SOMEDAY!!!!}
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing {indoor}
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business {haha, a lemonade stand!}58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies {Do tee-ball cookies count?}
62. Gone whale watching {it was unintentional… the whale came to me}63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s {eternal} life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant
I go home in 17 days! Can you tell I’m excited???
God has been highlighting recently how blessed I am. My family loves each other, and we don’t have any big problems or issues. We can get together for the holidays and not even think about getting into a huge family fight. We've never had to worry about putting food on the table or turning on the light switch. There have been things that we've not had so that we could have something else, but those have usually been convenience items, not necessary requirements.
I've never realized until recently how blessed and full my life is. The thing that I’m really wrestling with is this: I didn't do anything to deserve this life, and it’s not a matter of God loving me more than other people. If it was a matter of deserving, I would have nothing. If it was a matter of God’s love, there would be no want or worry. So I guess I’m learning to trust God about this, too, that He has the perfect plan for my life, including what I have or don’t have, and He is in control. Not bad for my 100th post, eh?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
What’s New?
God is so good! No, that’s not really new… He’s always been good, but this week it seems that He is showing His goodness to me more than ever. Now, I’m not saying that this was the best week ever, because it wasn’t. Kinda far from it, actually. But I realized that it was God using circumstances to show me His goodness, and helping me choose Him over other things (like stress, sleep, friends, homework, etc.).
This weekend I have not that many assignments, but lots of things to do. I have a test on Monday over 5 HUGE chapters (thank God for the study guide that narrows it down!), and I have a 12-15 page paper about monasteries in the Middle Ages, due Tuesday. Yeah.
I’m so grateful for the ability to exercise and read simultaneously. It really helps me get my nervous energy out while not wasting time by not studying. I love the elliptical machine! Textbook, water bottle, and elliptical- perfect!
Also, well done Pixar on the movie Up!, and specifically to the soundtrack team! It made reading those chapters a bit more fun!
Can I just say that I love popcorn… it’s the best. I know it’s going to kill me one day, but I don’t have it as often as I used to, and is there anything out there that won’t kill me? :)
I’m sooooooo excited for Thanksgiving!!!!! My roomie and I are going to spend it with one of my newly-adopted families, and then she’s going to see a movie and come back to the dorms, and I’ll spend the rest of the weekend with the fam… I’m especially excited because AJ asked me if I wanted to help her decorate the house for Christmas!
Woot! BEST part of the year! My roomie and I have already been listening to Christmas music AND we put up Christmas lights in our room… they are SO cool! Too bad we can’t have candles in the dorms; otherwise, we would totally have Christmas-scented candles in the room to make it smell yummy!
I go home in 24 days. I’m so excited! My dad called me yesterday to tell me that he and my sis put the bunk-beds together so I have a place to sleep when I come home! Woot! My sis even washed the sheets for me! I can hardly wait to sleep on them! And my MC class is having a Christmas party the weekend after I get home, so I get to see almost everyone! I just counted… there will only be 6 people that won’t be there… that means 75% of the class be there! Whoa!
Well, I should go write that paper and enjoy my popcorn… hey, one more post until 100! :D
This weekend I have not that many assignments, but lots of things to do. I have a test on Monday over 5 HUGE chapters (thank God for the study guide that narrows it down!), and I have a 12-15 page paper about monasteries in the Middle Ages, due Tuesday. Yeah.
I’m so grateful for the ability to exercise and read simultaneously. It really helps me get my nervous energy out while not wasting time by not studying. I love the elliptical machine! Textbook, water bottle, and elliptical- perfect!
Also, well done Pixar on the movie Up!, and specifically to the soundtrack team! It made reading those chapters a bit more fun!
Can I just say that I love popcorn… it’s the best. I know it’s going to kill me one day, but I don’t have it as often as I used to, and is there anything out there that won’t kill me? :)
I’m sooooooo excited for Thanksgiving!!!!! My roomie and I are going to spend it with one of my newly-adopted families, and then she’s going to see a movie and come back to the dorms, and I’ll spend the rest of the weekend with the fam… I’m especially excited because AJ asked me if I wanted to help her decorate the house for Christmas!
Woot! BEST part of the year! My roomie and I have already been listening to Christmas music AND we put up Christmas lights in our room… they are SO cool! Too bad we can’t have candles in the dorms; otherwise, we would totally have Christmas-scented candles in the room to make it smell yummy!
I go home in 24 days. I’m so excited! My dad called me yesterday to tell me that he and my sis put the bunk-beds together so I have a place to sleep when I come home! Woot! My sis even washed the sheets for me! I can hardly wait to sleep on them! And my MC class is having a Christmas party the weekend after I get home, so I get to see almost everyone! I just counted… there will only be 6 people that won’t be there… that means 75% of the class be there! Whoa!
Well, I should go write that paper and enjoy my popcorn… hey, one more post until 100! :D
Labels:
Christmas music,
family,
friends,
God is good,
holidays,
home sweet home,
roomie,
school
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