check it out

Covers on a ukulele? Is there anything else more fun?

Here's Julia Nunes, an average college student who made it big (she performed with Ben Folds!) on YouTube. Hey, dreams come true everyday.

two covers




and an original for smiles

gone

Today was the first day of Centro Latino, an after school program where I voluntarily tutor grade school kids. I tutored two incredible 4th graders, Paulina and Lizbeth, who were so smart, funny, and mischievous! They were always competing for the fastest time solving multiplication problems, had a special "feet"shake for real promises, and were the most loving and enjoyable kids. I was expecting to write a positive entry after I got home, but I showed up today expecting to see them causing some kind of mayhem, and they were no where to be found. Paulina and her family, along with her amazing brothers who also attended Centro Latino, moved back to Mexico. They didn't leave an address. Lizbeth didn't come and doesn't think she will be back. I was so upset and completely shocked. When it was time to go, I got into my car and as I pulled away I started to cry. My favorite girls were gone. It's so difficult for me to understand why they would leave a better life to go back to struggling, but it's out of my hands. Her parents had reasons for returning. It makes me so upset because I put so much effort into trying to volunteer this year. I didn't want to let them down and when Craig said he wouldn't be doing CL anymore, I asked everyone if they could give me a ride. When schedules interfered, I begged my parents to let me take a car down to Columbia because it was so important to me. I knew they made a sacrifice allowing me to take it because of the cost of full time insurance, but I had to be there for Paulina and Lizbeth. In a way I felt like all my effort was wasted. It was so disheartening. I realize that although they can't see me now, I showed them how much I cared, and how invested I was helping them to succeed. They knew how much I loved them. It's going to be really difficult to go back on Thursday, but I have to remember there is a reason why I started in the first place. I wanted to be an anchor of support, trust, and love for these underpriveledged kids. There are plenty of kids who still need my help and I will start to care for them just as much as Paulina and Lizbeth.

counting sheep

I should be asleep, but I'm not. You'd think with 8am classes every day, the z's would ensue earlier, but they don't. I'd like to replace the space you pocket running through the currents in my head with well deserved dreams. Though erratic, they are more real to me than you have ever been.

fools rush in

When you're talking to an attractive person (maybe even platonically attractive) do you ever feel that sudden, uncontrollable, "let me grab your face and kiss you" kind of urge? Just to see their reaction? Or maybe just to feel their lips press back?


Good to know I'm not alone.

this year's love

This past Friday I woke up to Kaitlin calling me into the kitchen. Half-coherent and half-dressed, I stumbled out of my room to find my roommates made me breakfast on my birthday. Pancakes and eggs, chocolate soymilk, coffee, and a 6 pack of O'Doul's (courtesy of Keith as a 20th joke) filled our little table with a very sleepy Jackie. It's a rarity for all 4 of us to be in a room at the same time, but at 7:30 in the morning we ate our first meal together on that little table. So we filled our stomachs (let me tell you, soymilk and O'Doul's is NOT a tasty combination! haha), we laughed at how much Jackie looked more Asian in the morning :) and shared current life things. Definitely a perfect start to the day.

Later that night we dressed up and went to Osaka for sushi and hibachi. It was a long process to get from our house to Osaka but after rolling Kaitlin's dead car down University in heels with Josh and Lis, it started up and we arrived! Late, but what can you do? When I walked into the door I was amazed at how many smiling faces greeted me. We couldn't even fit all of us around a 16 person hibachi grill. Some people always say it's either quality or quantity, but I am confident that I have the best of both worlds. It is such a blessing to have so many wonderful people in your life. I am so lucky to have such caring, considerate, dependable, fun-loving, and hilarious friends who make everyday more enjoyable than the last. I used to think that birthdays were such a big deal, but I realize it's the people who celebrate with you that make them special. I love where life has taken me, and although I have calculus and organic exams next week, a killer cold, and little food in the fridge, I have absolutely nothing to worry about. There's so much to appreciate and to love about life.

quotables -- libertines

While trying to attempt anti-derivatives, I overhear two guys waiting for drinks at Starbucks...

"Like one commandment says 'Thou shall not cheat on your wife'. How are you supposed to follow that? That's like... impossible!"

I guess fidelity died along with chivalry.

I have a lot to share with you about this weekend, but I also have a lot of homework and reading that needs attention. On top of that, this little lady has come down with a cold. I guess that's my punishment for sharing drinks.

Maybe an update later tonight. Sit tight until then.

I stand behind my earlier statement...

After McCain's speech, I still have yet to hear any details on how he is going to bring about the "change" and reform for "Warshington" after 8 years of Republican dominance. (By the way, did anyone notice some Bush bashing? Nice attempt, McCain, to remove yourself from Bush's image, but confessing corruption by pointing fingers among your own party and among the Bush administration may be a bad move considering your own voting record, or maybe the mere fact that Dubya himself just spoke at the RNC two days ago representing you?) I don't understand the strategy. Can anyone give me an inkling of a plan? Courageously romantic war story, but we've already heard that crutch over and over again like a broken record. Please, some substance would be great... Bring on the debates!!

Sincerely,
A Whiner for Obama

bust a move

New music is up for you to try! Paul and I were listening to the Fratellis in his car and when we got to the subject of bands he suggested Arctic Monkeys. I've had their cd for a while but never listened to it until now... Their music is so funky and upbeat! Definitely good jamming in the car kind of music. Along with some clever lyrics, nothing tops a British accent! Am I right or what? Enjoy! :)

I'm Kimberly, and I approve this message.

Can someone please tell me what John McCain has to offer America other than a POW past, voting 90% with Bush, and personal attacks on Obama?


...because I can't think of anything. That or Palin did a terrible representation, which is highly plausible. Yeah, courage is great, McCain was brave 30 years ago, but bravery doesn't make you qualified to lead the American people out of economic depression, our #1 issue. Yes, the American people, meaning the entire population not the 2% wealthiest. Let's remember that Commander in Chief is only ONE aspect of Presidency...not that I'm downplaying it's importance against the others.
Hopefully tomorrow McCain's acceptance speech will be a little more descriptive of his actual plan, because these messages from Palin are uninspiring, vague, and pretty irrelevant.

in the moment we will sing as the forest sings

Wow, last time I left a mark on this blog it was pretty deep, pretty serious unintentionally. I'll assure you I am certainly no damsel in distress, nor am I looking for a knight in shining armor. I like to keep things simple since I'm pretty complex myself. That last little blurb was more of a back of the mind bit of caution that inspired me to write creatively on the topic. I'm still silly, random, thoughtful me and I'm definitely enjoying whatever comes my way...maybe enjoying it a little too much. :)

The much needed arrival of my calc and organic books in the mail today have finally allowed me to get some work done so I'm off to Memorial right now. I'll leave you with some pretty pictures for eye candy. I took these babies on my way to the boys house to watch the Arch Rivalry game... which we won by the way! I won't lie, the route I take through campus from my apartment is quite possibly the most beautifully scenic.

self realization for september

I am the work in progress: constantly re-evaluating, changing, questioning, critiquing my motives, my thoughts, my actions, my feelings. I am molded and fashioned into various different forms that evolve. It cannot be detected daily but through months and years of development. This piece of clay has been shaped through fingers of loved ones, artists who have inspired and challenged me, cold hands that have made my skin thicker, and those select few who have cracked the center so that others could repair it. I am not a masterpiece yet, but I am on my way. I still have so many details to define.
I have always realized that trust and commitment are the two things that I am constantly struggling with. I am so willing to give anything, without question, to my friends, to acquaintances, to complete strangers. Yet I am so afraid of giving all of my faith and placing that in one person. I am afraid of complete exposure to the one I desire most. The closer I get, the farther I stray. I am terrified of someone who knows all my mistakes, my secrets, my desires, every inch of my skin, the exact color of my eyes. This fear has caused me to analyze, to challenge, to hide from true words, concrete feelings, and real happiness. How does anyone know real happiness? I was not created this way. I will not deny that with every walkaway I am building up more protection, more defense against the next passerby. But am I sheltering myself or shutting out those worthwhile? Is this the never ending cycle that continues to build up layer by layer? Will no one be able to break through the exterior? I can only imagine, or hope for that matter, that by some little chance of luck someday someone will come along who will slowly melt away the ice to warm the center. For now, this detail is left unfinished, untouched.