A funny postsecret on college!

Today I have been feeling reminiscent and I have been reflecting on my first year at college. College to say the least is a constant up and down battle filled with moments of stress, moments of freedom. In  short some of the greatest yet most challenging moments of your life. To all future Freshman good luck to all my friends thank you for making this a year to remember!

8.15.09

First day of college and dorm stuff. I had a mini panic attack as soon as my family left. I am way to shy and hate meeting new people so I got the number of a girl I went to Creek with and we hung out together. We even went salsa dancing with her older cusion. It was suprisingly fun! My roomate seems cool but I havent seen her yet. Please let me fit in here! Please! I really want to wait need to like it here! No song that describes my experience thus far! -Peace

This is straight from my hand journal and is exactlly how I remember feeling at the time. As for the girl from Creek our close friendship didnt last super long but I still think she is a great person and I do appriciate the friendship we had at the time. I think it saved me. In the end we were different people and we drifted apart and made different friends. It happens. Im just happy that we both found our own place here at Mesa. It's easy to go to college and get lost!

8.17.09

I followed a strangers advice. I sat down in my first class turned to the person next to me said "Hi im Andrea and Im a Freshman! How about you?" And thus I met someone cool in my theatre class (Shana). We had dinner together and watched almost famous in her hall! Sweet!

I am happy to say Shana is still one of my really good friends even though we don't see eachother or hang out as much! She has really been there for me and is officially my friend since I got her into Freaks and Geeks! This proves that confidence, openess and friendliness will help you to spread your wings in college!

8.25.09

My new friend Josh remindes me of my friend Ian from high school. He is religious and keeps inviting me to a Christian group on campus. I am so un sure what I believe these days! College is amazing so far! I seem to talk about Ethiopia alot because I miss it there so much. I feel like college is already changing me but in a good way. I need to find a cherity organization to join on campus!

My friend Josh is actually someone I met through Kat my Creek friend and I am glad I did. He has turned out to be one of my truest friends and I am sad that he is leaving next year. Who will take me on epic Walmart adventures at 1am? Or laugh with me for 20 minutes straight? He has also encouraged me to join TNL a Christian group on campus that has helped change my life! I grew so much in my faith during my first year at college. I also did find cheritys to help with The Humanitarian Club and cooking food at the Homeward Bound Homeless Shelter!

8.26.09

I decided to join RHC. Tonight me and Josh played ping pong with some random people from my hall. Classes are going pretty good. Math SUCKS! I need to get a tutor like now! My nose still hurts :( but thats ok everyone keeps laughing at me... Peace!

This post just shows how ADD I am. First off joining RHC was the best thing I have done. I have made some awsome friends and had some awsome experiences. I orig. joined RHC because Coop told me I could win a free fish. I didn't win! To sound sappy ill just say I won much more than a free fish! lol. Second, Math did/ still does suck! I never got a tutor and some how passed that class. Still not sure how! Now to explain why my noes hurt its because I broke it. I was hanging out with Josh in his deadly room in Pinon. He told me to "run outside and look at something." To this day I sware I could feel a breeze from outside. It quickly turned into one of those Windex commercials and I was the bird. I ran at full speed only to crash head first into a closed glass door. I then bounced onto and off of his mini fridge causing the stuff on top to fly across the room. Next some kid down the hall said, "what was that?" And then came the laughing for a good 20 minutes. Lastly came the doctor!

10.19.09

Last writing feels so loooong ago! Oh how things have changed! I love being in my friend Stephanies room with her roomates and all the random people who crash there! Epic uno games are kinda my thing!

This post says so much in such little words! Stephanie another GREAT friend who I am going to miss next year. Who will I "walk it out at Walmart" with? Go to the gym with? and laugh with? So the roomates and random people I reference above are now my best friends at Mesa and some of my future roomates! I think these people know who they are! I don't feel like listing...

10.30.09

Feel the rhythm

feel the rhym

come on Tolman

its bob sleighed time

This is referencing Tolman RHC's Homecomming Jamaica themed hall of epic awsomeness! umm yea!

11.7.09

Yesterday was a wierd day death seemed to be in the air. I woke up and for some reason had the urge to work on my bucket list. I have 43 items on the list and it keeps growing! Then in my Phsyc. class we learned about this girl who died of Alchohol posioning in California. It was really sad and for some reason really effected me. The crazy part was that 3 months before she died she said she had a preminition that she was going to die soon. So she wrote this goodbye letter to all her friends and family. You can read it online its really very sad.The parents found it in her room not long after she died. I can't decide weather a letter would make the situation better or worse. It's wierd to me that it wasnt a suicide.

I remember this as being a wierd day. That is all.

11.21.09

Wow a year ago to day I was in Ethiopia- thats crazy!

11.25.09

I miss Ethiopia so much! I miss Project Mercy, Mother Teresas, Dinner at Rick Hodes house and my friend Lem Lem. It has been one year and I have changed so much! As thanks giving rolls around I am more thankfull than ever!

3.31.10

My grandpa passed away Monday morning. :'(

This was probably the hardest thing I had to deal with during my Freshman year. It was even  harder being 5 hours away from my family when this happened and 8 hours away from my Grandma! I remember sitting in my dorm room crying my eyes out that day. I still cry when I think about my Grandpa. Everyones Freshman experience is different but I don't doubt that everone will hit some hard times!

4.8.10

This week I was honored with the job as RHA Executive Board President!!!!! I am super exited but also nervous as hell! IT WILL BE GREAT! I WILL BE GREAT!

As I mentioned before joining RHC was HUGE during my first year of college RHA is what oversee's RHC. I applied had an interview and eventually got elected president for next year. This means a scholarship but mostly I am truly exited for the job and am exited for the people I will be working with! Sierra and Autumn! Were gonna rock it! (But it wont be easy!)

4.11.10

As I recently learned "don't worry about tommarrows problems today!" I think this is something I can take away and apply to real life. I need to especially next year when I will add a time consuming job to my crazy shedule. I am rooming with Brittany next year and i am exited! My suitemates are Sarah and Kristen! Should be great! Gandhi said, "anything you do in life will be insignificant but its very important that you do it!" More and more I am starting to believe this is true. I want to always remmbder the every day moments for these will define you! These are the important things the little things! I hope and pray I never forget this and never lose my spirit for life. I want to remember the time I laughed with my best friend, cried over a boy who wasnt worth my time, sat in class bored to tears and did a happy dance or a "go team!" I want to remember this and that is why I write! I am here REMEMBER ME!

Nuff said...

These are just some random highlights from my Freshman year. I left out alot of my more personal writings including those on crushes and boys, some self image issues I have had this year and other ones that are best left a secret only to be read upon my death. I also didnt post any of my poems because I am very self concious of my writings!

Love, Dandy Andy

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."- Ferris Buller

*Not all Journal post are on this post I kinda skipped around!

My only friend

In 7th grade your words hung around me like a noose strangling my individuality

I came to beLIEve every lie all the propaganda that came in one ear and never out the other.

And you were my only friend.

The night I sat there crying as the red and blue lights flashed shadows on the stairs above me.
Listening as the cops lectured you.
The look of failure in my mother’s eyes.
And you were my only friend.
The day you left beginning the rest of your life without me as your mini side kick.
This classic rite of passage left a hole burning in my heart.
Your phone calls every few weeks and trips home did not satisfy this emptiness.
And you were my only friend.
I remember the first time we kissed beneath the stars like diamonds in the sky like the dimond I pictured you someday bowing on one knee and placing on my finger
and a few months later when you almost died.
The scar you left across my heart will never fade away like you did when you chose drugs over me.
 And you were my only friend.
Then sophomore year when the only guy to ever call me beautiful ran away never to be seen again.
Looking in the mirrors I did not feel beautiful, I felt damaged and alone.
And you were my only friend.
The last day of high school, first day of college. I sat alone in "my" new room too nervous to talk to anyone I cried because I was terrified because I was all alone.
And you were my only friend.
When my Grandfather passed away tears streaming down my face.
Recollections of him laughing only a few months earlier.
The plans we had made to go to Mexico for a family reunion that he wouldn't be able to attend.
And you were my only friend.
Your lyrics wrap around me on cold, dark days and encourage me to keep going.
They pump me up for my soccer games when its nice out.
You are the only one who has been there through it all.

Music my best friend.

I will write about my awsome weekend later w/ pictures to follow but now I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

SO LISTEN UP...

Today I was sitting on top of the stairs leading to one of the girls rooms at the Cascade Lodge. It was quite time and I was reading my old enteries in my hand journal. I was reading one perticular entery from my Senior year.

11/18

Today was an emotionally intense day! I saw this guest speaker two periods in a row. He talked about the shooting at Columbine. His sister was the first one shot on that day. He talked about the legacy she left behind and the impact she had on his life. He related her compassion to others to Ann Frank. Then he talked about "The Challange" that is to basically be a good person and give back to others. He also talked about what happened to him during the shootings. He was in the library with his two best friends when the shooters came in. To his one friend they yelled racial slurs and shot him dead and the last thing he said was "I want my Mom." His other friend was also shot right before his eyes. It was a miricle he was saved! The speaker emphisized telling everyone that you love them. This kid named "Bob" is a little socially akward and he tends to get made fun of. Anyway, he came up to me after the speech and told me, "I want you to know you have been my really good friend." I started crying in front of my teachers because I felt so guilty. This kid was telling me how niced I had been to him when in actuality I often tried to ignore him. I felt like a horrible person, I was a horrible person. I vow to never treat a great person like that again. Tomarrow I leave for Ethiopia I hope I don't cry when I am there...

I am sorry to myself and to others. I have not lived up to be the person I wanted to be. I am judgemental (of myself and others). I don't reach out to those I don't understand. I guess this makes me human but I want more. I want to be better. I know I am better than this. In order to stop juding others I need to first stop judging myself. I need to love myself and im not there yet... Working on it with God though and that's all I can ask.

<3

Favorite movie scenes NOTE: lots of these will ruin the ending if you have not seen the movie!

just to show a few...

Our finger prints don't fade from the lives we touch R.I.P

So as many of you know my amazing Grandpa Everett Leroy Small passed away last Sunday. My Grandpa was a Christian for as long as I knew him. A few weeks before he died they asked everyone at Sunday school to write down how they knew they were a Christian here is what he wrote:

I am a friend to our Savior-

Content, full trust with no hesitation

Glad to have the gift of the Holy Spirit

To guide me for the purposes He has for me

Waiting for Him to take the wedding party

To the Fathers house where He has a room for me

I have been trying and struggeling to wrote a poem about my Grandpa. Here is what I have so far come up with.

Our finger prints don't fade from the lives we touch

But i'll miss you so much

Your smell, your laugh, your touch

I'll do my best to keep my head heald high

For this is not goodbye

I'll see you in Heaven

This I know is true

For Jesus drew a plan for both me and for you

When I look up in the sky

I'll see the brightest star

And know that you are with me

Even  from afar

As the song begins to play

With each passing day

the lyrics start to fade

Now the lyrics are self made

Like the ones you used to sing

All the smiles that they'd bring

Like you always used to say

Wouldn't want it to go to waste

But don't worry these memories won't be erased

I pray

When I enter the gates one day

That you will be there to greet me

Because only you can complete me

I will always remember

Our finger prints don't fade from the lives we touch

"I can only imagine" Goblin Valley, UT

What it will be like when I walk by your side..

Another great couple of days I am truly blessed. Starting with Friday my birthday! My friends "suprised" me haha I knew it was comming and took me to Chipotle, to see the movie Remember me and ice skating. Thanks to everyone who came to all the shanagans or part of them. I had fun, and reluctently ice skating was not as bad as I thought. Thanks Chris for litterally putting skates on my feet. My birthday was the best! I have amazing friends!

I can only imagine What my eyes will see When your face Is before me I can only imagine...

Then on Saturday I left Grand Junction and went camping in Goblin Vally, Utah. We got there after a 3(ish) hour car ride which was a-lot of fun just listening to music, reflecting and looking out the window. We set up camp (the girls kinda lost the tent race but we redeamed ourselves when we took it down quickly!)

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus or in honour of you be still?

Then we went on a beautiful hike that was tons of fun! The hike was phsyically, mentally, socially and spiriitually beautiful. I especially enjoyed the hike back because I learned alot about two friends who I hadent really connected with yet. We told eachother our life stories and where we were at in our walk with God. I learned alot about these people a grew to respect them on a deeper level. I am really glad I got this opportunity with them.
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?

Then we went back to camp. I helped start a fire! The girls sat around the camp fire talking and getting to know each other with a Q and A game. It was fun! Meanwhile the boys were exploring the surrounding moutains and making it up and down in what must be reccord setting times.We eventually ate dinner and made the classic smore's. Yum! We ended the night with lots of really beautiful wworship songs  That tugged on my heart.

I can only imagine   I can only imagine   I can only imagine

Sleep that night was few and far between. I was so colddddd it became hard to sleep. Note: Cheep $10 Walmart sleeping bags are not the best! Oh well I surrvived and woke up in time for oatmeal and muffins. Then we packed up and went hiking in Goblin Valley.

When that day comes. When I find myself. Standing in the Son...

We hiked around find nooks and crannies to crawl up and stood on top the tall rocks seen to your right. The scenery, views and fellowship was amazing!



I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever.
Forever worship You.
I can only imagine
I can only imagine.

"All that I'm after is a life full of laughter."-Daughtry Life after you

Wow! So many wonderful things have happened in my life in the past week! We will start with last Friday when I went go karting with friends and caused a huge accidentt! Opps! :p Last Sunday I climbed Mt. Garfield a pretty notorious hike in Junction. My Speech teacher said that if you can do that hike you can do pretty much any hike! :) and I made it to the top in time to see the sunrise! It was 2,000 vertical ft. thought I was going  to die but I made it! The pain was so worth it!

Then Sunday at 4 I left to go to Homeward Bound Homless shelter where I cooked food for 150 people. I made lots of delicious bread and even made some new friends! Working at the shelter really gave me a since of peace. For the first time in forever I felt like God had placed me right where I was needed! I cant wait untiil I recieve the chance to go back. I hope its soon!

Then yesterday...

On my campus at school there are people who hold stay positive signs by the busy road. Anyway today they had a boot where you could make your own signs. I saw a guy holding a sign that said You are beautiful! I gave the guy a look that said me? and he looked at me and smiled! It was the best moment of my day!

If your out there thank you random stranger! Whoever your with now weather you know them or not tell them there beautiful. It might just make there day or even there week!

Then today I played tennis with my friends! Something I had not done in years. I am still as bad as I was then but it was a blast! Next time I am making my friends play soccer with me! I loved playing indoor soccer on Thursdays and am sad the season is over! After tennis I attempted to workout in the gym but was too ADD to stay focused on one piece of equiptment so I decided to drag my friend Josh along and go rock climbing. This was something I hadn't done since my Freshman year of HS Kick Ass Adventure Class! It was a sweet class where we rock climbed and jumped off tall things frequently. I am going again tomarrow!

Tomarrow is also my birthday I turn 19 which is pretty cool I guess. We will see what is in store for me...Then on Saturday I leave to go on the Utah camp trip! soooo exited!

-D

Life list

1. Learn to long board
2. Tell my secret to a stranger  
3. Buy a strangers grocerys
4. Do something nice for my mom
5. Learn to ride a bike
6. Write a song that gets performed
7. Spend Christmas at a homeless shelter
8. Go to The Burning Man
9. Visit Salvation Moutain
10. Raft the Nile
11. Visit the bus where Christopher McCandeless lived
12. See a meteor shower
13. Climb a 14er
14. Stand in two places at once
15. Make a documentary/learn video editing 
16. Visit the first Starbucks
17. Perform one of my poems
18. Read the entire Bible
19. Listen to every itunes song I own in one sitting
20. Meet one of my hero's/idols
21. Own my own pet
22. Make an extreme cake
23. Collect over 500 vinyle reccords
24. Paint a picture
25. Give someone a hair cut
26. Learn to play the drums
27. Take a photography class
28. Learn to snowboard
29. Watch the sunrise and sun set  
30. Watch all of the 100 greatest movies of all time
31. Volunteer abrod for atleast a year
32. Visit Europe
33. Break a reccord
34. See all 7 wonders of the world
35. Learn sign language'
36. Get a tattoo
37. Get my teaching license  
38. Be on Tv
39. Over come a fear
40. See Alaska
41. Go on a road trip
42. Hich hike
43. Go kayaking
44. Go rafting
45. Go paintballing
46. Go sky diving 
47. Visit Mother Teresas orphanage
48. Tell my story to a lifes stranger
49. Speak in front of a crowd
50. Learn how to screen print
51. Learn a new skill
52. Make a new friend
53. Make a positive difference  
54. Stand up for something I believe in
55. Adopt kids  
56. Fall in love
57. See a World Cup soccer game LIVE
58. Visit the Rock and Roll hall of fame
59. See Mount Kilamanjaro
60. Visit Greece
61. Learn to appriciate chess

What I want in life.

I want to fly, I want to soar high above the clouds and feel there mist, I want to climb atop one of the highest moutains and screem untill I lose my breath, I want to see a flower bloom, watch a mother give birth, I want to dance in the rain, fall in love, I want to sing to the music playing in my soul, I want to save a life maybe 5, I want to create a master piece, stand in awe of a merical, Laugh untill my abs are to sore to move, I want to teach someone to live, Smile everyday, I want to befriend a stranger, Feel the pain of a first love, I want to cry because I am happy, I want LIFE and all of it the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY.

Hakuna matata

So in the past few weeks I have been more stressed than my usual "stress free" lifestyle so for me stress is a little overwhelming... Not sure I really know how to handle it. Its sad my blog or journal or whatever this is is suppossed to be the one place where I can share the truth but I can't because saying it out loud will make it real. I confided in one of my best friends from Denver- told them what was going on because I said I had alot to talk about and they asked what it was. I told them over text (lame I know) and they didn't respond...they didn't say a fucking thing. I told them because I wanted to some to talk to and they let me down.

I just want everyone to know that I am ok. I am just dealing with some uhh stuff (not to worry) but I am still really loving school in Junction and most days are pretty good and normal. I am proud my soccer team scored six points at our last game and the tourni is comming up! I am applying for RHA board positions that I really hope I get! It would be a huge honor! Today was great spent 10(ish) hours in a movie theatre with my two brothers! I am currently in Denver for break and will be hanging out w. some besties before heading to New Mexico to see my Grands for a few days then back to GJ!

Hiking next mod! yeyeyeye!

Oh and I wrote and performed a rap about Bluebeard who kills all his wives! Thats whats up!

-D
"Its a worrie free philosophy.."-Lion King!

"The stars lean down to kiss you, And I lie awake I miss you,

Pour me a heavy dose of atmosphere.
Cause I'll doze off safe and soundly,
But I'll miss your arms around me

I'll send a postcard to you dear,
Cause I wish you were here.
I watch the night turn light blue, But it's not the same without you,
Because it takes two to whisper quietly,
The silence isn't so bad,
Till I look at my hands and feel sad,
Cause the spaces between my fingers
Are right where yours fit perfectly."

-Owl City, vanilla twilight

Home is where you find it...

I have found a home in a warm bed on a cold day curled up with my favorite literary character. I have found a home in the embrace of a baby who is dying of AIDS. I have found a home in the taste of my tea as I watch the contortionist work his magic on the Pearl Street Mall. I have found a home in the comfort of family and friends. I have found a home in the mosh pit of my favorite band there lyrics wrapping around me. I have found a home in soles of my Converse treching through the day with me. I have found a home everytime the needle hits the reccord on my phonograph and the music plays. I have found a home when I become devoured by my favorite movie. I found a home in my Grandma Abbotts Macceronie. I am home.

Prose for a purpose!

This is an essay I wrote for my English 112 class this semester!

Prose for a purpose


I sit surrounded by the swarm of mostly teens and twenty something’s, the boys with dreads in their hair, the girls in bright colored clothes as individuality seems to ooze from there very being. They clap, snap and howl! A man on stage commands the microphone, articulating words rapidly then leisurely, piercing then soft. The room is devoured by the aroma of cigarettes and coffee. Judges scores range all the way from the low score of four to a perfect ten. Soon the night is over and the youth of Denver, Colorado disperse back to their suburban homes, college campuses, and high rise lofts in heart of the city. This night has ended but I will be back next Sunday and so will the other “slamaster’s” and their friends. This is a typical night at The Mercury Café’s weekly slam poetry competitions.


Slam poetry is a competition where poets read or recite original work (or, more rarely, that of others). These performances are then judged on a numeric scale of 1-10 by randomly selected members of the audience. On the scale 10 is the absolute best. There are no real criteria for how to judge performers but there is one rule that the performers must abide by. Each Slam poem can only last 3 minutes. Other than that freedom of expression is encouraged. Poems are often political satires and often controversial.

Slam poetry was started by a construction worker named Marc Smith at a lounge in Chicago in 1984. He wanted to encourage audience participation and freedom of expression. His weekly poetry show was an instantaneous success. Soon the grass roots movement became known as slam poetry and competitions spread nationwide. In every city and every urban coffee shop poets were born. Then in 1990 the first ever national slam competition was held in San Francisco. The first competition hosted only four teams but the 2009 slam poetry competition hosted more than 30 teams and numerous individuals from all over the country.

David Meinert one of the founders of slam poetry in Seattle said he loved the emerging movement because, “drunks could read poetry, poets could get drunk, and the crowd could give them all hell." Slam poetry was becoming big amongst the youth of America yet; many educators had their doubts. In the world of education poems were meant to be read, analyzed and discussed in an academic setting. Many teachers feared what would happen if students were allowed complete freedom of expression as many of the poems were not censored. Another group, a non academic group, started the “anti-slam” in response to the emerging sub culture. In the anti-slam all participants get 6 minutes instead of 3 and each performer gets as perfect 10 by all the judges. Harold Bloom- a literary critic- called slam poetry “The death of art.” Bloom’s very bold statement caused even more controversy. Although slam has received much criticism it has also received acclaim and was even featured on an MTV Unplugged special. There have been several documentaries made, and dozens of book written about slam poetry,

Through the debate that surrounds it I believe slam will be ever popular among today’s youth! As you can see, its popularity is rising everyday and with that more skeptics of the sport will surly follow.

videos of some of my favorite slam poetry performances
What teachers make -Taylor Mali
The Impotence of proof reading-Taylor Mali
Like Lilly Like wilson-Taylor Mali
How to write a political poem-Taylor Mali
Toney Steinburg-Taylor Mali
This is for you- Chico speaks out team
PCPentutbutter Jelly-Chesko
podslam.org has a bunch more look under more content
Yellowbird-Andrea Gibson
For Eli-Andrea Gibson
Say yes-Andrea Gibson
Prop 8 I do-Andrea Gibson

I need advice/ a look alike robot to fill in for me for awhile.... either will do.

I need advice/ a look alike robot to fill in for me for awhile.... either will do.



Dear Abby (or whoever may be reading this and wanting to help),

What if you have a friend (no I am talking about a real friend not friend as in secretly refering to myself) who has been super self centered for awhile now and is constantly pushing my buttons. Do I tell this person how I feel? Or does that make me a bitch? I honestly want to tell this person in order to help them see the way they treat there best friends and to help them change into a better human being...unsure!

Sincerly, eh

"I want to free fall out into nothing want to leave this whole world behind"

I updated my blog and made it all spiffy! Ok, so first off cleansing diet= Unltimate FAIL! But Im ok with that..

2nd. If you do read this please comment. I would personally really love it!

3rd. Last year as a gift to my friends little brother I made a documentary and maybe this is a little bias but I think its pretty darn great! It was called "The bare facts" a reference you would understand if you went to my high school but basically it was tips on how to survive high school! You can check (most) all the videos on youtube (Some arnt up yet). Anyway now I really want to make one on Freshman year of college because honestly I have already learned so much! All I need is a cam! Who would of guessed that videos are one of my hobbies!

This is an essay I wrote for my English 111 class last semester....Feed back?

“Never again, ever again”


15 years ago In Rwanda -during the 1990’s- about one million people were killed and the world ignored it. It was later declared “genocide”. Bill Clinton, our president at the time, cites ignoring this genocide as the biggest mistake of his career saying that he probably could have saved over half a million lives. Currently in the Congo and in Uganda genocide, like the one in Rwanda has surfaced. Joseph Koney and the LRA have displaced over 1.4 million people in Congo just within the last year. The most disturbing part of all this is the fact that there is no media attention on the issue. The only light cast on this issue has been by self proclaimed filmmakers turned 301c non –profit- Invisible Children founders –Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole. (Invisiblechildren.com)

Invisible children was founded in 2003 after the three college students Russell, Bailey and Poole traveled to Africa in an attempt to film the war in Darfur. What they found instead was a hidden holocaust in neighboring Uganda where the children were being used as weapons. After returning to America the three boys knew they had to make a film out of there footage and show it to anyone willing to listen. They titled the film Invisible Children and traveled around showing it at schools and churches. Reviews of the documentary say “it disgusted and inspired”. The movement quickly grew amongst my generation. They have since held three major events in cities around the globe to bring attention to the issue. (Invisible Children) I have attended all three Invisible Children events, have helped to raise money and I have supported them countless times. I first saw the documentary when they visited my high school. The day I saw the documentary my life changed forever and soon there after I won a film contest with another philanthropic group and traveled to Ethiopia, Africa.

In 2009 Invisible Children worked on getting a bill that would mandate President Obama to apprehend top LRA leaders, demobilize child soldiers, and protect civilians from further rebel attacks passed in the house and the senate. The bill would also work on investing in sustainable peace to heal the war affected areas and help prevent future conflicts. The bill has not yet been passed, and about half of the senators have signed on and half have not. Without United States intervention I see no end in sight for Africa’s longest running war and this is why I believe it is important for the “LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act (S.1067, H.R. 2478)” to be passed. (resoloveuganda.org)

The war in northern Uganda has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today. For the past 23 years, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) have been at war with each other as it has left nearly two million civilians in the middle. The GoU's attempt to protect its citizens from the LRA has largely failed, resulting in an entire generation of youth that has never known peace. (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/uganda.htm)

The LRA can be traced back to a woman named Alice Lakwena. In the 1980s, Lakwena believed the Holy Spirit spoke to her and ordered her to overthrow the Ugandan government for being unjust to the Acholi. Lakwena and her followers, known as the Holy Spirit Movement, gained momentum as hatred toward the government increased. When Lakwena was exiled and no clear leader of the movement was left, Joseph Kony, who claimed to be Lakwena’s cousin, took control and made Lakwena’s rebel army into the modern day LRA. Kony and the LRA did not receive the same support as the Holy Spirit Movement. With dwindling approval for their cause, the rebels resorted to abducting children and indoctrinating them into their ranks. It is estimated that more than 90% of the LRA’s troops were abducted as children. Ironically, the LRA claims they are helping the Acholi people fight for their rights yet; they are not helping the Acholi they are killing and abducting them at astonishing rates. (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/uganda.htm)

In 1996, as a response to the LRA attacks in the villages, the Ugandan government forcibly evicted thousands from their homes, relocating them into overcrowded displacement camps in hopes of providing protection. But over a decade later, roughly one million individuals still live in these camps and struggle to survive among the effects of poverty, disease, and near-certain starvation. It is obvious that the GoU doesn’t understand and doesn’t have the resources to fix the situation in Uganda. They need our help. (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/uganda.htm)

In 2005, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Joseph Kony and four of his top commanders. Since then the Government of Uganda and the LRA have met several times, though they have yet to find a peaceful resolution. The most recent talks were in Juba, Sudan in July 2006, and a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was signed the following month. At this point in time, the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement has expired and Joseph Kony has failed to sign the Final Peace Agreement for a fourth time, ultimately disabling the peace talks. Uncertainty lingers, not only for the thousands displaced in northern Uganda but across the entire northeastern border region of Congo, South Sudan, and Central African Republic where the war has since spread to. It is obvious that the LRA has no intentions of coming to an agreement with the GoU. The only way to ratify the situation in Uganda is with US intervention. (invisiblechildren.com)

There are many people out there who do not think this bill should be passed. They say that America does not need to be the world police and put ourselves in potential danger just to help someone else. Others who agree with them say that Uganda has nothing to offer us in terms of oil, security, or money so there is no reason for the US to intervene, unless it directly affects us. I however, believe this a human dignity and a moral issue. As Rep. Ed Royce -former Chair of the US House Committee on Africa- says,

"This bill rightly targets LRA leader Joseph Kony. Kony's removal is essential to peace in the region. It is fashionable to blame conflict in Africa on poverty and other environmental factors, but sometimes just getting rid of one person does make a big difference. History is full of captivating leaders with bad ideas who do great damage. It’s a lesson I learned from West Africa, where Liberian president Charles Taylor, ran a gangster regime that brought havoc to neighboring Sierra Leone. After his hard-fought removal, the region is peaceful. Kony’s removal won’t guarantee peace — but it will make it possible." (19 May 2009)

Royce points out that many people are blaming the causes of this war on poverty and other such health issues. Although these do have major effects on this war and the people involved, in reality the war is only continuing because of Joseph Kony. Royce also points out that removing Joseph Kony won’t necessarily, “guarantee peace,” which is why the bill also says we would need to help restore the war affected areas and work on bringing sustainable peace to the region.

This issue not only affects the citizens of Uganda, Congo, and Sudan it affects everyone. If we allow this war to continue we are directly responsible for the lives of those who are dying at the hands of this war each day. If we don’t stand up now we are doomed to let history repeat itself and next time you might be the one caught in the middle of genocide. After World War two the world came together and proclaimed that “never again” would they allow genocide to occur. When will the world finally come together, take a stand, and proclaim “never again, ever again”?



Citations

• Invisiblchildren.com

• Resolveuganda.org
• Globalsecurity.org/

Strawberry's and soccer!

Since I have been back at Mesa this semester I have worked out at the gym every day but three days! I am honestly really proud of my self!!! My goal is to feel more mentally and phsyically fit and hey losing a little weight couldnt hurt right? I have always suffered from deep phsyical apperance issues. I always told people I never cared when they made comments about my apperances but thats not true. I don't think theres a single person out there who doesnt care! And if you say you do your lying... I have always wanted to be more fit but never took that next step towards accomplishing my goal. I am finally taking that next step.

This week me and some friends who have been working towards there own fitness goals are doing a cleansing/detox diet. We will only be eating fruits and veggies for a week! Haha wish me luck w/ this! I'll update you! I am also playing my first indoor soccer match! I am really exited but SUPPPPPPERRR nervous! I haven't played in 3 years but before that I played for 12 years so... wish me more luck! I need it! hard core!

Love and rockets,
Drea

Ps. This is the first and possibly only time I have admitted my self image issues!

Videos of the week: The two cutest boys singing the two cutest songs!

Taking The Stage (Season 2) - MTV Shows

Two new songs/ poems I wrote

Story behind the song/poem: In High School Sophomore year I was really close with this kid name Dylan. I met him after he just returned from rehab. He was a very different character from anyone I'd met before. He had blond hair and wore yummy colone. He would put his arm around me and walk through the halls. We wern't dating in fact he had a g.f later on during our friendship. At one point I believed I loved him because he was the only guy to ever call me beautiful...I was sadly mistaken. Anyway he had a pretty bad home life he'd tell me about it sometimes. Eventually he ran away, dropped off the face of this Earth and I never saw or heard from him again. I sometimes wonder if hes dead but then I imagine meeting him on the streets 30 years from now and I smile a little...


If I could paint the world I'd paint it blue
just like the sky expanding ever so high
just like the ocean stretches out before me
but mostly like the color of your eyes
when you told me the first of many lies
1. I'll never do drugs again
2. I'll always be with you
you swore this was true
as I searched your eyes lost in the deep blue
If I could paint the world I'd paint it green
just like the grass on the other side
just like the palm tree above the tide
but mostly like the color of your shirt
that day you told me another lie
3. I'm running away from home it's only temporary
4. I'll be back soon
you swore this was true
as your green shirt wrapped it's arms around me
If I could paint the world I'd paint it pink
just like the flamingos
just like bubble gum
but mostly nothing like you
it hurts to much to paint the world all the colors of you
___________________________________________________
There's better days ahead
when your lying in your bed
the world slows to a crawl
you want to stop it all
but think before you fall
if I knew that you were hurting inside
why wont you confide in me?
I pray that you can make it
through the rain to see the rainbow
I pray for all those struggeling
you are not alone
theres better days ahead
why wont the world slow down
shine light on the lost and make them found
one million every year
a cause that I hold dear
you are not alone
there's better days ahead
when your lying in your bed
the world slows to a crawl
you want to stop it all
but think before you fall

Sweet disposition

Second week of the new semester. It's going pretty good so far! I have mostly English classes. I really enjoy my children's literature class!I however hate my English 112 class that I thought I would love but the teacher is so boring. Were learning stuff I already know and instead of writing an essay once a week like im used to we only write an essay every 3 weeks! ew! It should be an easy A which is good I guess! Its snowing pretty hard core out here in Juction! Lame! XP. Its kind of wierd here ALOT of people I know are transfering from Mesa next year, at this moment I don't plan on transfering but it will def. be like starting over again next year when all my new friends are gone. :(


.....

...

Back to school and new classes! will write more later!

Scum of the Earth Church

So tonight (well tech. yesterday now...) before I head back to college I convinced my mom to visit a church called Scum of the Earth with me. It is located in the Denver art district in a beautiful and very artsy building! It was an awesome experience!!! Now I know what you readers (if there are any) may be thinking "a Church called Scum?" Well yea that's why I wanted to attend one of there services. There goal is to open Church up to the ones who are usually rejected by most conventional churches. I actually went to High School with the Pastors son so I heard about it somewhere along the grapevine.

Heres what there site says about them:
"WHY SCUM?

It doesn’t sound like a church name … on purpose. We really want to connect with people who have no interest in “church” by society’s definition. There are plenty of churches for “normal people” and we think we have a unique calling to reach out to our otherwise unreached friends. Our name is integral to that process. Whether outcast by society (e.g., punks, skaters, ravers, homeless people…) or by the church itself, many who come can identify with the name “Scum of the Earth” since they have been previously treated as such.

More important to us, however, the name implies that being people of faith does not mean we are better than anyone else. We know many non-Christians who think Christians are out to cast judgment on them. Our name makes it clear that we aren’t about that. We are just aware of our need for God, as Scum of the Earth. Fortunately, God never sees us like that! But the name is humble and we like that."


The service started with a few , a prayer and then they served dinner to everyone! I thought this was great! Dinner seems much more personal than just giving a speech and singing a few songs. After dinner they announced all the happenings a scum and introduced Pastor Sares. The Pastor spoke about something that I personally really connected with! He said, "God calls you to him and then he sends you out."He talked about how God wants you to be with him and once he has that he sends you out to work for him. He uses your talent to help make the world a better place. He talked about the horrible atrocities in Haiti and said what are you going to do to help them? He spoke about how God gives everyone a calling and a purpose. He said his was Scum. Then he asked us all to write ours down and we put them in a big bucket! I wrote a very ambitous statement...End world hunger! I have always felt that I have a purpose and a calling and I have often preched these same teachings to friends and family. I always felt it was connected to a higher power I am just now beleving this is true!

Scum Site:http://www.scumoftheearth.net/

-D
“To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.” (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)

Alyssa Lies....

please comment on here and tell me what you think...

-D

This is an assignment I had for my English 111 college course. The assignment was to write a "This I believe" essay and submit it to NPR. A This I believe essay was started by NPR in the 60's they had famous people submit statements of belief and they eventually opened it to the public. You are supposed to write about a statement of belief you posses and ground it in a story. If yours gets picked they will record you playing it and play live on NPR. I submitted mine a mo. ago and have yet to hear back about it. Fingers crossed!It would mean a lot to me if it was on NPR. Here's the essay...


I believe in eating everything you put on your pate. I remember growing up my family ate dinner around a table together every night. I remember the smell of my mom’s famous chicken noodle soup and her lectures afterwards telling my family, “Somewhere there’s someone less fortunate.” Her words finally hit home last Thanksgiving when I traveled to Africa. In Africa I met people who were emotionally and spiritually thriving but physically starving.

At home I would often get reprimanded by my mother for throwing away left over’s or scraps from my last meal. In Ethiopia I was told not eating all the food you put on your plate was a sign of disrespect. During meals there I made sure to only take what I could handle. I have applied this same theory to other aspects of my life making sure not to over indulge in anything. I was very food conscious during the days I spent in Ethiopia.

One day I was asked by the leader of our group to help serve breakfast to the students at Project Mercy where we were staying. All the kids received was a cup of soup. As I stood there ladling soup into the cups, the line of hungry kids seemed ever expanding. I looked down the pot that was once full was empty. I un-assumingly turned to the chef and stated, “I need more soup I am out.” She shook her head disappointed and explained to me that with school attendance increasing fewer kids were able to eat then before.

Suddenly all those times I had thrown away food without thinking flashed before my eyes. Several of the kids that day would go hungry and most students wouldn’t be privileged enough to have dinner that night. My sadness was soon replaced with anger. I wondered how one country could live in excess and at the same time another could starve. The anger and sadness that I felt eventually became my motivation to ensure that no child would go hungry or suffer from Mal nutrition.

Upon returning to America the values I learned in Ethiopia such as, eating all the food you put on your plate stuck with me. I hate to admit it but, yes mom you were right again, “somewhere there’s someone less fortunate.” It is because of this, that I believe it is humanities responsibility to care for one another. There are some 29 million people who faithfully listen to NPR. My challenge starts with you the NPR listener. I challenge you to think before you throw away food and to look into your heart and give. For the price of one missile, a school full of hungry children could eat lunch every day for 5 years. I believe every dollar helps and every person regardless of age, race or gender has a duty to end starvation. It all begins with one person, one dollar and one caring heart. Visit Cunninghamfoundation.org for more information on how to help.

"Theres things you need to hear so please turn off your tears and listen..."

So I recently found out that a 7Th grader at the middle school I attended back in the day committed suicide. I really didn't know how to respond to this very sad and unfortunate news. My first thought was a 7Th grader? That seems so young! I couldn't believe that had happened at such a young age but, once I thought about it more I began to reflect on my middle school experience. Lets just say it was the worst 3 years of my life. That doesn't mean that I ever considered suicide as an option but it made me think about the way we treat others. I mean if a 7Th grader thinks there world is so bad that suicide is the best option how telling of our world is that?

For me this is an issue that personally hits home. One of the closest people in my life since birth has struggled with depression and suicidal tendencies. I just want everybody to know that no matter how bad life gets or what happens to you there are always better days ahead. I think the world needs to slow down and look at the way we treat those around us because you never know if someone you come in contact with is having a bad day or even considering suicide.

I decided to look up so facts on suicide and shockingly here's what I found: Over one million people commit suicide every year, making it the tenth-leading cause of death worldwide. It is a leading cause of death among teenagers and adults under 35. There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year worldwide.

I really couldn't believe that these numbers were correct. Really a million people every year commit suicide? I realized that I have known or been connected to at least 10 people who have committed suicide, some good friends actually. *Note: I am only 18! and I have known dozens more who have struggled with depression or attempted suicide in there life time.

I pray that every can make it through the rain to see the rainbow. I pray for all those who are struggling. You are not alone it's actually likely that someone you know has the same feeling. I promise there are better days ahead! I pray that everyone in the world will stop racing through life and will help to care for those around us. Please treat others with respect! If you need help or know someone who needs help there are tons of resources out there!

Just to name a few I really support:
-To write love on her arms: http://www.twloha.com/
-Suicide hot line: 1800-suicide or http://suicidehotlines.com/
or get in contact with an adult you trust!
-Save More Facts: http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=705d5df4-055b-f1ec-3f66462866fcb4e6
As you go about your days I am urging you to look at the way you treat others and try to treat everyone with respect!

Thanks all! Love you-D

Wake up beside you get bed head beside you sleep in if you'd like to"- S.F

Ok, so after the band Queen Single File is my favorite band.

They are local band from Denver. I have seen them in concert 12 times, won tickets to there concerts 4 times, got a signed skate board from Vans by them 1 time and have met them 12 times and have 4 photos to prove it! Haha! A little obsessed is right!Any way I'm going to tell you that Joe is my favorite member! At my 3rd concert of theres after meeting Joe on my 16Th birthday I yelled "Ow! I just met Joe from f*&^$#@ Single File B!@#%&^"!!!!!

Anyway, you should check out there music.... Recommended Songs: Sky Line, Bed Head, Miss Cherry Lip Gloss and of course Zombies Ate My Neighbors! Oh and check out Joes Breakfast Blog http://breakfastnothearts.posterous.com/day-125-silent-breakfast

Home "sweet" home.

So I have been home from college for quite awhile now and will be thankfully and happily returning on Monday!! As much as I love my family and enjoyed seeing old friends I am ready to get back to my life and start a new semester of classes!

Goal for this Semester: All A's?

Taylor Swift and Things

Even with much teasing from my brothers I have been getting really into Taylor Swift music! I know your juding me....

"I look around, turn the radio down He says, Baby is something wrong?? I say, Nothing I was just thinking How we don't have a song? and he says Our song is the slamming screen door Sneakin' out late, tapping on your window When we're on the phone and you talk real slow 'Cause it's late and your mama don't know?"

As a song writer myself I really enjoy Taylors lyrics. I like how she uses real peoples names, draws from life experiences and relates to the things she loves the most. In this perticular lyric she is realating music to life essentially making them the same. For the reccord if I boy ever said this to me i'd probably faint.

Tomarrow is Christmas Eve. My family had our "Selfish Christmas" present fiesta tonight and we will be driving to New Mexico tomarrow. I am really exited I usually see each set of Grands at least once a year but I have not seen the ones on my Dad's side in almost 2 years bgecause my family saw them when I was in Africa! My Grands are getting older and time with them I have realized is precious.

I am currently: watching freaks and geeks (for the millionth and one time). I am over analyzing it and comparing it to my life! If you have not seen or heard of this show I am not suprised but you should check it out ASAP!


Much love! Happy holidays!
-D

"Dream as if you'll live for ever live as if you'll die tomarrow!"

Sleepless but not in Seattle

I am sleepless but not in Seattle and sadly there is no perfect boy waiting for me atop a high building to declare his undenying love
ha! as if that could be my reality.
__________________________________________________________________
Tonight like most college nights is one of restlessness and rememberance
I am thinking how proud I am of you.
You over came adiction, depression and self hate.
You however did not overcome Bioplar disorder
as that will be with you the rest of your life.
You must learn to live and love youself.
You won't have it easy,
You must fight every day.
I want you to know above all else that
I love you and you should love you too!
_____________________________________________________________

I am remembering and reliving the pain of adolecense. The pain of first loves. The pain of trying to fit in to a world where you don't belong. The pain of fnding out who you are. The pain of parents. The pain of fake friendships and the times when music is the only source you can trust. People say all the pain, heartache and struggle is worth it in the end. Why can't it be worth something now? I believe it can! You struggle so that you can conquor and over come. You hurt so that you know true love when you find it. You lose so you know to be thankful for what you have. You win and you learn to smile. You fall and you get back up. You let go so you can learn to live. You dance and the whole world is watching. You sing loud enough that the whole world can hear. You make mistakes so you can learn to sing and dance and you help others learn along the way. I believe each stuggle, each pain is worth something NOW! Live for this moment now! Carpe diem!

-Drea
I know this is really just a rant/ramble but I really needed this now off into a deep slumber!

live and breath with the wind

I don't think that anybody even reads this. Do my thoughts really even matter? Is this pointless? Maybe, but I enjoy it.

Life is crazy as usual! Finals are next week and I can't believe that my first semester of college is pretty much over. Last week was Thanksgiving break. I went back to Denver and then to Nebraska. In Denver it was great seeing my friends from high school. We picked up right where we left off as if not a single day had passed. We laughed about old times and told stories of new experiences about our seprate lives in different corners of the world. I saw a few of my best friends but sadly did not get the opportunity to visit all of them as part of my break was spent in Nebraska visiting family. My mom is from a small town-North platte, Nebraska. It just so happens to be the largest train hub in the world. I honestly loved seeing my family but I missed my Great Grandma Abbott who died in April of 2008. Shes my insperation for everything I do in life.

I am now back at Mesa but I go back home to Denver Next Thursday for a month and a half (ish). I have a feeling this will be wierd!! The Sunday after I get back I am going to see Spring Awakening with my mom at the DCPA (Denver center of performing arts). I am SUPER exited for that and it should be some good mother daughter time!

Currently I am...
Stressing, destressing, forgiving an old friend, overcomming my flaws, planning a trip with my brother and Lisa to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, writing a blog when I should be sleeping, procrastinating, wishing for the cute boy at 11:11, cleaning and learning to live and breath with the wind!

"Once in awhile you get shown in the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" Grateful Dead
-Drea

James 1:27

Its def. been a long time since I have posted on here. College seems to be flying by. Each day I am learning more about God and myself. I am having new experiences and meeting new people. I am living each day as it comes and truly enjoying life.

Yesterday I woke up really early and went to the homeless shelter with some friends. I helped make pancakes and serve food. Although it was early it was def. worth it. It was a very rewarding experience. The people at the shelter were so polite and thankful. It reminded me how much I love community service. Yesterday was also veterns day so for dinner we went out to celebrate with one of my friends who is an Iraq vetern. I could tell as he prayed for all the other soliders how special and important that day was to him. I was given a much needed dose of humility yesterday and I am very thankful for that!

“Everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you’ll eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
-Drea <3

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

College is Crazy with a capital "C"

I know its been too long since I posted on here but I have been crazy busy with school, class, friends and just hanging out. I am still enjoying college alot. This comming weekend I will be heading back home to Denver for a few days during my fall break! I am really exited to see my family and hang out with my brothers and some friends back home. Some of the fun activities I have done up here include: Hiking, Tye dye, football games, bon fire, RHC stuff and paint ball. Some of these activities have been through my friends Christian group on campus. In my heart I feel a strong pulling towards Christ. It seems around every corner God is calling to me. I really don't know what I believe. I wish I could just believe in Christianity but my mind tells me to think otherwise. This speaker was talking about how eventually we will all stand before God on judgement day and he will ask us one question: "why should you get into Heaven?" The speaker emphisized that the only acceptable answer is to say that you have lived through Christ and lived with God in your heart. I don't undersrand why we have to accept Christ in order to live in eternity if it exists. I dont understand that basically if your a good person all your life that doesnt matter unless you have Christ in your heart. I have to wonder if most people in my age group think about these things like I do. I have heard powerful testamonies about how accepting Jesus has changed peoples lives and I have to wonder if that change will ever happen to me or will I resist it? They tell you to just do it to let God into your life but I am scared of what might happen. Among other things I have on my mind I feel guilty so far up here I have done zero community service and I thrive on that stuff but next week we are going to a homeless shelter to help out. I am really exited and hopefully we will be able to continue going back to help out! :) Alright more later....

-D