1 year 12 months 52 weeks 365 days… Infinite moments

“I’ve had my moments, days in the sun

moments, I was second to none

moments, when I knew I did what I thought I couldn’t do”

-Emerson Drive

Cover Page

4 birthday presents, one graduation present, and one mini scrapbook later… I finally begin my much-anticipated calendar.  I made this for my dorm room – something to remember all the fun times with family and friends throughout high school, and just cause it was fun to make.

January

These are pictures from our Hawaii trip, thanks to my grandma.  I wanted something nice and warm during January…. Though now that I’m in Boston maybe it won’t be so freakin’ cold all the time… Still it’ll be nice to remember the warm, lazy days at the beach when the wind is howling and swirling snow all around just outside my window. 

I’d like to point out my quote for this page: “Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts.”  I feel that’s fitting for just about any family, including mine.  It reminds me of a sermon I once heard back when I was in middle school (yes, I did pay attention even back then).  Adam and Eve had the first dysfunctional family.  Cain was a rebel to put it in today’s terms (I’m not so fluent in Hebrew).  It’s a reminder that even the dysfunctions in my own family are not anything out of the ordinary, not matter how fast I may think the world’s caving in.  It’s normal to be abnormal.  Whenever I feel like “gosh this sucks” I know that I’m not alone, and whatever trials and tribulations I may have, God is there, and so are thousands of others like me.   My troubles are nowhere near as bad as those of Abel’s.

February

Miss Congeniality.  NHS Inductions.  Senior Trip.  Football Game. Crazy Hair Day.

1) Such a fun night.  Evangelo’s pizza “I think it would be intelligent if…” 7 people crammed into a booth, then back for pictures and some movies.  And fireworks too I believe, mine was the best.  Not really…. I don’t really remember them, but it was fun to say.

2) Like 3 of those 4 gave speeches right?  I had a perfect sticker to go with this picture.  “Circle of Friends.”  But I couldn’t find it…. Disappointing I know.  Thank you guys for being so awesome.

3) After months of planning it sure came together in a whirlwind.   I really hope everyone had a good time, though if you stayed inside the whole time you probably didn’t… My advise, live a little.  It’s like a repeat of our 5^th grade Homer trip.  I still remember standing by the railing being sprayed repeatedly by waves.  Thankfully this trip was a little dryer… though I do have one picture from it where all 5 of us are wearing two hats.  Only in Alaska.  Though this trip remains bitter sweet in my mind, I do still believe that it was a great way to start off the senior year, and I’m thankful for these memories.

4) This is my favorite picture from high school, aside from the one on the Butt.  Think about it.  What were the chances of capturing that precise instant, where everyone’s face is telling a completely different story?  Remarkable really.  And I love it, for more reasons than I can express.

5) Spirit Week.  These times were among the best, especially Junior Year.  Looking at that picture, I sometimes wish I could jump back there and recreate what was going on.  Everyone is so happy.  Good times.

March

This was the last page that I actually made, and posed some problems, but overall I like how it turned out.  This is my family.  Who I am.  Where I come from.

April

Growing up in Alaska… I thought it fitting to have a hiking page.  From that perfect day on the Butte, to that crazy day where, umm, what the heck are we doing anyway??  Yeah there sure have been some good times here.  From left to right and top to bottom.

1) This was the First Annual Hike Up The Butt.  My mom had to come with us, and in hindsight, it was a good thing that she did.  We didn’t have too much trouble going up, and once at the top we of course took part in the only real thing to do on top of the Butte – dirt fight, followed by Sardines.  Coming down is where the adventure began.  The first thing you need to know is that there are two trails up the Butte, the old one, and the new one (aptly named by us – cause we don’t know the real names).  It’s a tiny little mountain; 40 minutes up 10 minutes down, but trail A and trail B come out 6 or 7 miles from each other.  We had gone up the old route and everyone but Baruch went down the same one.  Now Baruch, I love him dearly don’t get me wrong, is an odd one.  Instead of turning around or just coming back up when he found himself in the wrong place, proceeded to try to walk around with no way of communicating with us.  Long story short… he borrowed some random hiker’s phone and called Todd, who called Rachel (weirdest phone tree ever if you ask me, considering the circumstances and relationships between the members of our group) but didn’t leave any number to reach him at, or any information that would help us locate him.  We finally just drove around and found him walking in the wrong direction down the road.  What a day…

2) Rachel and I at the half way point up Lazy over Christmas Break.  Beautiful day, we made it (I can hardly believe it) all the way up and down before dark, though barely.  It to this day remains my favorite hike ever –mostly because we slid the entire way down the trail that could pass for a luge track.  It was extreme sledding only better – we actually accomplished something.

3) The halfway point on the way down, looking over towards pioneer peak.  Alaska Is truly magnificent.

4) This picture may appear a bit strange if don’t know any of us.  We hiked all the way up Gold Cord in Hatcher’s Pass with a flimsy hardhat, chemistry goggles, an avalanche shovel, a pirate eye patch, and a Frisbee… and no first aid kit.  In this photo we are re-creating Frankenstein, with our own little twist.  At the top a rock fell on my brother’s head leaving a 3-inch gash that required 5 staples to close up.  Then we had a real version of Frankenstein.

5) Freshmen year, September 11^th, I turned 15 and we celebrated with a hike up Lazy.  My first Lazy experience – and the realization that whoever named that mountain Lazy was mentally ill.

May

Graduation.  The finale.  The final step on this 4-year journey.  And a new beginning that I am finally about to start after so much anticipation.  I am ready. I am here – to live out loud.

June

The Gulkana and Full Circle Tour.

1) The Gulkana was my first real youth group trip (the pictures on the right). I made so many great friendships over that week, and this is where I first realized how much I needed God in my life.  The songs that I fumbled with then, trying to follow along to a tune I’d never heard, I now have written on my heart forever.

2) Full Circle Tour was a completely different experience.  We began in Kenny Lake, then went to a village near by and painted their community center.  From there we drove up to Fairbanks to camp Li-Wa where we cut and moved what seemed like a thousand trees.  Our last stop was Denali to camp for a few days. 

Highlights of the trip are captured by these three pictures here. 

The first (top left) was taken at about 6 am, after a long night of sticks in the campfire.  The four of us were the only ones brave enough to get up early for the one chance for swimming we had on that trip, and we weren’t about to miss it.  The water was fringed, as any water in Alaska is, but that was definitely one of the most memorable swims of my life. 

The second (middle left) was taken at the park by the lake.  Our new youth group leader thought we were cousins at the time (he mixed up the Emilys).  Not cousins, just best friends… 

The third picture (bottom left) depicts what became known as the “epitome of our youth group class.”  Yup that’s right, cards.  We played cards left and right, constantly almost, well any chance we could get that is.  Castle (my favorite), Nerts (my other favorite), Rummy (my other other favorite)… Are you allowed that many favorites?  It didn’t matter what we were playing, it was fun, and I loved it.  I haven’t played cards all that much since the Junior year trip… And that is something that I definitely miss.

July

This is a page for the trip my family took the summer before my freshmen year.  We drove down the Alcan with plans to make it as far as the Grand Canyon before heading back up to Washington for my uncle’s wedding.  We didn’t make it that far. 

The start of out trip was delayed on the account of me coming down with bronchitis the night before we were supposed to leave.  When we finally did get going, we just had problem after problem after problem.  I couldn’t even tell you all the things that went wrong with that RV.  The brakes a few times, the transmission once, and who knows what else.  At each set-back we’d find something fun to do.  For instance at some place in Canada when we were stuck once, we white water rafted the Nahatlatch (not sure how you spell it, but that’s what it sounds like!) river.  At another place we spent the weekend at Whiskytown Lake in northern California (this was as far south as we made it) before we had to rent a car to make it back up to Washington in time for the wedding. 

1) Anywho, this page.  The top left is a picture from Atlin, British Columbia.  There was a whole bunch of random facts about this place, like something about the highest/largest freshwater lake or something, but I don’t really remember.  We decided to stop here however because of a music festival that happened to be going on the same weekend we were there.  You can’t tell, but I am pissed in that picture, and Noah was being a look-at-me-I’m-so-sweet-I-love-my-sister little brother (I love him too, really, I just didn’t particularly like him in that instant... but we’re over it).  

2) The picture to the right is from Lake Watson I think.  They didn’t plan that outfit. 

3 & 4) The two pictures below are from the dunes in Oregon.  My favorite part of the trip was Oregon.  The beautiful rocky coast, and right next door sand dunes stretching for miles.  I could see myself living there one day, it’s what I’ve always pictured Maine to look like, and I’ve always wanted to live there. 

5) I love the picture in the bottom right corner.  It was taken as my brother and two cousins wrestled around in the grass at my uncle’s wedding.  They are so happy, this moment so special, with over 4000 miles typically between us. 

6) The picture above is just my brother, Noah, at Lassen Volcanic National Park.  And it totally fits his pre-teen personality as well.  Now he’s older, and acts it too.  I’m really quite proud of the person he’s becoming, and even though it may not seem like it, I really will miss him in these coming months. 

7) The picture in the top right isn’t actually from this trip, but it’s from another family camping outing when my aunt, uncle, and cousins came up for the summer.  They didn’t plan on the water being so cold… but then again what were they expecting? It’s Alaska!

August

This page is my absolute favorite.  It turned out completely perfect, as I suppose that trip to Seward was.  The best possible post-graduation/pre-everyone-getting-ready-to-leave trip one could ask for.  I pretty much became pro at the self-timer feature on my camera, we all wanted to be in every picture.  The only thing missing from that trip was Rachel (and believe me that was huge) but she was off kicking butt in soccer, so I suppose it’s all good.  I can’t even begin to describe how amazing you four are.  You are my best friends, and I don’t know what I would have done without you by my side throughout high school.  We all had our ups and downs, just like any sane human, and I will always be thankful that you stuck by my side no matter what.

September

Beyond Malibu and Halibut Cove.

1) I went on the Beyond Malibu trip with my youth group after my junior year (pictures on the right).  We flew down to Seattle and then drove up to Vancouver, BC to go on a 7-day sea kayaking adventure.  That trip was wonderful in so many respects.  I got to know my friends so much better through life stories, became infinitely closer to God through solo time, and had more fun in a week than previously thought possible.  True, it was difficult in some respects.  We kayaked over 100 miles during that week and ate every meal from a plastic mug.  Contact, Psychiatrist, I’m Goin’ On A Trip, Signs… We played it all.  Not to mention came up with the best bedtime stories every told featuring Delilah the Pirate Duck, Jacob the Otter Bandit, and Ebenezer the Ninja Bunny.  Sleeping beneath the stars night after night, practically living in your swimsuit, and just plain old having fun, this trip couldn’t have been better.

2) The Halibut Cove trip came almost immediately after graduation.  We took a bus down to Homer, then a boat across the water to Halibut Cove where we stayed in a cabin for a few days.  This trip marked the end of our time together as high school students, but the beginning of the rest of our lives still connected as brothers and sisters in Christ.  This trip helped to refocus my heart and mind on what truly matters, and prepared me to face the unknown ahead with a confidence and (hopefully) grace that is only possible through God.

The photo on top was taken before we left Homer, waiting for the boat to come back and pick some more of us up.  Though the wind was blowing like 40 mph, we played Frisbee (or attempted too…) told jokes (lots and lots an lots of them) and just tried to stay warm.

You may ask why I look like that in the middle photo… And I will tell you.  Have you ever heard of Glacier Lake?  It’s exactly what it sounds like, a lake, with a glacier at one end.  Now, if you’ve ever been in any glacial fed water, (which, FYI, is just about any body of water in Alaska) then you know just how cold it is.  This water however, may as well still have been a part of the glacier (there were plenty of ice bergs floating around).  Dylan decided it would be cool to swim out to one and stand on it (no pun intended), which it was.  Only in coming back did the problems arise when he made it back to shore down one piece of equipment than when he headed out, that being, his glasses.  So Dusty and I took turns wading out into the 33 degrees water, feeling around with our toes along the bottom to try to find them (you couldn’t see the bottom about 2 inches off the shore because of all the glacial silt).  It was undeniably the coldest I have ever been.  Within a minute I was beyond numb, and instead every muscle in my body screamed in pain.  Upon coming out, 10,000 needles jammed into my legs.  Unfortunately we never were able to resurrect the glasses from their watery grave.

The final picture in this series is my favorite.  I’m the one with my hands up.  Thank you Sarah for being such a wonderful photographer.

October

This page is also one of my favorites, and is a tribute to all the silliness and craziness and awesomeness that took place during these last four years.

1) Song Day.  We have: Paparazzi, the ABCs (me!), I’ma Tell You One Time, Sexy Back (my favorite), Lil’ Wayne, Short Skirt Long Jacket, and I’m On A Boat.  There’s not really a whole lot more that can be said for this pic…

2) Katherine’s 17^th surprise birthday party.  Believe it or not this photo was actually taken between Salad Bowl rounds, and is not in itself a product of some crazy acting skillz that produced a number of great shots.

3) NHS Inductions, sophomore year.  Yes ladies and gentlemen you heard right.  These are among the newest additions to the National Honors Society at Wasilla High School.  Ironic?  Truly we must have more to offer than that.  You are actually looking at the future Event Coordination, Secretary, and Volunteer Coordinator for the Chapter, unbelievable given only this I know.

4) Halloween, senior year.  What are we exactly?  Not quite sure… Some cross between Superman and Glamour Girls is my best guess.  I think we each have like four pairs of tights on, and if I do recall correctly it was pretty darn stinkin’ cold that night.  I’m not really sure what we were expecting.  After a few hours of good ol’ Trick or Treat (which is really just Treat), we returned with our loot to Pushing Daises and hot cider.

5) Finally, Senior Trip.  Yes, we are all wearing two hats, there is a glacier behind us, and it is September.  There’s not really more to be said about this other than “I love you guys.”  And I’m soooo glad that I found a group I fit perfectly into.

November

This began as a sports themed page, and kind of strayed from that.  We do however have Frisbee, XC, and sledding, powder-puff and snow machining, so it kinda fits. 

1) Ultimate.  Enough said.

2) XC.  We have Noah looking all cool before he goes and kicks butt in his race.  He really has exploded this year.  Sub 17 in the first race, prospective region champ, yeah I’m related.   Then we have me at State junior year, not nearly so cool, just cold.  It snowed the day before the race.  And finally, the sisters of Varsity runners walking together along the trail to go cheer on our baby siblings who are now all grown up!

3) Sledding.  Well, in the car on the way up.  Sledding action shots are difficult to catch when flying down the mountain at speeds approaching the sound barrier WHILE dodging trees and super slow snow-boarders.

4) Powder-puff.  My face reads: “INTENSE.”  If only, if only… Thank you Rachel for not leaving us completely scoreless.

5) Snow machining.  Christmas break.  Who convinced my to jump on that snow machine with Baruch…? I have no idea.

December

If you’re still with me… I’ll try to keep this one brief.  Most of these photos are from that same trip as July (with the exception of the first, which was at the ice park or whatever in anchorage), so I’ll skip the intro.

1) Kayak!

2) My brother being goofy.

3) Sitting in the sun, my eyes are closed, AGAIN.

4) Our family musician “Making Memories” (this was the song he was singing, practicing for my Uncle’s wedding)

5) Kayak!

And there you have it.  My life in a year.  This shall be my mechanism for keeping track of the days at present, the events in the future, and the memories of the past, as I head out, into what is simply “the next great adventure.”

~Emily

Friends, Fish, and Fun

The events of the past couple days have just been too fantastic to go with out writing about, so here I indulge.

Wednesday Morning.  Which may as well begin with Tuesday night.  I go to bed early (about 11) with the intent of getting some sleep before I have to wake up in the morning.   For some reason I don’t sleep well on Sunday nights, never have, something about the anticipation of the coming week combined with the extra sleep from the weekend is my guess.  Well my brain, clearly confused, was in Sunday night mode.  I’d say I finally drifted off around 1:30… A mere two hours later I awoke to the beeping of my alarm and the thought of “Oh my gosh this can’t really be it.” (Similar to my initial reaction the last time I got up to go fishing* “Why the heck did I agree to do this!?”)

Well, that was it.  And so I headed over to meet the group, ate some breakfast, and hit the road.

We were in the water by about 5, casting over and over in the hopes of a bite.  Linnea was the first to catch a fish (she was the one who prayed that morning…. We’ve been seeing a pattern here).  And now Kelsey has a fish tail (quite literally).  After about 2 hours we decided to try a new spot, and soon were back in the water. 

Now, as some of you know, or have guessed by now, I can be quite sarcastic.  It’s quite unintentional, and if you’ve ever been insulted by me I can almost 100% guarantee you that it was done in a joking manner.  Now I was on a roll this morning out on the river.  And Linnea, Sabrina, and Kelsey, I thank you for putting up with my constant commentary on just about EVERYTHING that was said or done.  I must say though, I do truly believe we all had a great time (us, and anyone near us…)

After about another hour of the continuous cast and reel cast and reel I had completely given up on the hope of ever catching a fish and focused all of my abilities on the fun I was having and sharing with my fellow fisherman comrades.  I experimented with the multiple ways of casting a rod (noticing that my most common cast included a jump, which, when you think about it, is kind of counter-productive), and reeled it in simply so I could cast again, not at all trying to catch anything anymore.  Which is why when my rod jerked forward and line started spinning out I shrieked “I GOT A FISH!!!”  Like a little three-year old on her first fishing trip.  My exuberance however was short lived, due to the fact that within seconds of my realization of “fish on”, my line snapped and flew back towards me, arching in the air, and coming to rest on my shoulders (I am quite amazed actually, I became all tangled up in that line and needed assistance in becoming free again, though this could also be because I had moved instantly from my state of estaticness** to one of shock, that my one glimpse of success had just eluded me yet again).

That one bite is a wondrous energizer.  Suddenly, my toes have gained some feeling again, my legs are not so tired from standing, and my fingers are a little less numb, I could go for hours again (ok, well maybe not HOURS…. But about 20 minutes).  I head back in (with a new rod) and renewed hope. 

Standing in a line along the shore, there really isn’t all that much casting room… And for someone like me, whose accuracy with a rod and reel somewhat parallels a 9 month old with a spoon… lets just say we had a few struggles.  Before long I manage to mess something up again, and my line becomes all knotted up around me, the rod, the reel… pretty much anything in the vicinity.  Mr. Holbrook, the benefactor of this entire trip, heads over my way to trade me rods (after I knocked his fish off just minutes earlier).  Having already caused enough trouble, I protested to taking his rod, I could work out my own mess I figured, but he insisted, and I found myself not only with a new rod, but one with a fish on the end!  Kind Mr. Holbrook had allowed me to reel in a fish.  A few minutes later I had myself a beautiful (well as beautiful as a fish can be) red salmon on the beach.  My work here was now complete (even if I didn’t really catch it).

Luckily though, I did have one last stoke of luck before the morning fishing was deemed finished.  A snagged a nice silver a little while later on, unfortunately though, being snagged, I had to let it go, but still the excitement was enough, and all I really wanted.

The trip home happened to be almost as exciting as the fishing itself, pulling a van that had stalled in a puddle all the way back out to the main road, if you want details there, I’ll have to tell you in person.

Anywho, I got home at about noon, 8 hours after we set out.  After unloading the gear and eating third breakfast (I was a hobbit in another life) I sat down on the floor of my room and fell asleep.  4 hours later I regained consciousness and became part of the living world once again.

Wednesday Evening***.  The much anticipated, loved, and adored Jug Band.  My whole family accompanied me to this.  For half of my family not really wanting to go, we sure had a great time.  Battle Hymn of the Republic. Yeah for the fife!  My brother put up the biggest fuss, yet when I turned to look at him he had 4 instruments and looked as if he was thoroughly enjoying himself.  All in all I would say a good night.

Thursday.  I enjoy scrapbooking. A lot.  And because it makes way too much sense to only do one project at a time, I of course must have at least 6 or so going on at once.  So I moseyed on down to Wal-Mart and printed off 184 pictures to be used in a variety of projects.  One calendar (this I am most excited about, I’m finally making something for me! And the days of the month are stickers that you can take off and change, so it’ll always be current!!) 3 birthday presents (I’d say what they are… But if one of the three they are intended for reads this then the surprise will be wasted, and that’s the best part – for me at least) 1 graduation gift (I know, I know, it’s AUGUST… but hey, better late than never!) 1 mini scrapbook of WHS memories (like everyone’s grad presents… but my copy) and 1 scrapbook that I began after Freshmen year to document my time in high school, and need the Junior and Senior year additions.  Then, all the leftover pictures will be used to create a collage of images in a poster frame to hang in my room.  So that’s 8! I think that’s a new record…  I’m gonna be plenty busy for the next few days!

Today ended with some friends and Invictus, a very good movie that I highly recommend (I recommend the friends too, even more than the movie) and a delicious bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream (it’s the simple things remember!)

As I discovered this past year, I tend to write best (and have the most fun writing) very late at night, warranting this post actually to Friday morning.  But what does it matter really!  God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.  Good night everyone.

*The first time is a story in itself, which I think you will enjoy.  After waking at 2:30, sneaking around the house gathering my gear, (and breakfast), and eating it in the car, I drove over to a friends house where we were supposed to meet before heading off to Jim Creek.  When I arrived, all was quite and I could see a light on in the kitchen.  I texted my friend to tell her I had arrived (I didn’t want to wake up her family by knocking) and when I didn’t receive a response I tried the door, which was locked.  So I took a seat on the lawn chair on the front porch and took a little nap till startled awake by the porch light coming on 45 minutes later.  Within minutes after that we were all in the car and headed off.

**I know this isn’t a word, but it’s the only way to describe my feelings at the moment.

***Began as a lovely family dinner, which then proceeded to “Oh my goodness! The grill is on fire!” Literally.  With the thermometer all the way stuck at 700 degrees, and the knobs melted off, I was getting outathere.  As my dad expertly maneuvered the fire (we finally got it out with baking soda), a UPS truck pulled up and handed me a package of steaks and pork chops and chicken… coincidence??

Life is a Paradox

“What you will become is a matter of conjecture – the great lathe of circumstance is waiting to carve your career… Take time – consider.  You are the designer, you must select the pattern for your future.” – Herbert Kaufman

Yesterday I was called cliché…. So I may as well live up to the name and document what has been on my mind for the last few days. 

Senior year was a struggle for me, not gonna lie.  On top of the stress of a full course load, there were college and scholarship applications, activities and functions I was in charge of, and friendships that needed attention.  The entire year was focused on what is coming to the forefront now.  The pinnacle of my preparations is approaching, and I’m not the one leaving first. 

As I said earlier, this is cliché, so no one rag on me for this.  As thousand of others have done before me, as thousands will do after, as thousands are doing now… I am leaving the life I have known for 18 years and 11 months, and beginning anew, in a new place, with new people, in a new time.  I guess I’m a little nervous….

It’s strange really.  I have been looking forward to this for so long, telling myself that I am ready to leave, to live in a new place, and last night my first friend flew away*, and suddenly I’m not so certain anymore.  The realization of what this all means has finally smacked me in the face.

“It’s not the days we remember, it’s the moments.”  And the moments that stick are the ones that occurred with others around, shared with friends.  Reminiscing on high school, it pains me to realize that I missed out on an entire year with my best friend.  And now that you’re gone, it seems like it’s too late.  It all happened to quickly.  I haven’t had the courage to repair the broken friendship in a way that is truly mended, with nothing but distance between us, not hidden behind the façade of a text**.  I have no excuse, and I’m sorry.

To all of my friends, who have been so supportive and loving in the years I have known you… I will truly and whole-heartedly miss you.  This is a transition time for all of us, as we grow into the person God wants us to be.  It’s uncertain, trying, frightening, challenging, to find the True way amid a world of paths that all too easily will lead us astray.

As I said earlier, it’s the moments… standing next to a friend at 4 in the morning in knee deep water, casting yet again in the faith that there really ARE fish out there… sprinting into the end zone, snagging the Frisbee from the air right beneath the outstretched arm of your opponent….  walking the dog and feeling the crisp air blow through your hair while tasting the first signs of fall*** (yes, though it’s only August 11)… sharing thoughts with friends in the middle of the movie theater parking lot… The simple pleasures of life bring the most joy.

In the words of a dear friend (my shout out to Rachel)****, “Smile when you want to, cry when you need to, laugh whenever possible.”  And my own two cents…. Share that laughter with others, every chance that you get.

~Emily

*Not counting Rachel, who left in June.

**What has become of this society that a phone call is now archaic?  The joy in answering a phone and realizing, it’s for you! Has now all but almost disappeared. 

***I am very happy about this.

****Who honestly I think found this on the back of a Dove chocolate wrapper…

Point Pursuit

So, now that I have a blog, I find myself randomly thinking of what to put in it.... I mean, think of all the possibilities!   It's like a scholarly version of facebook! Only better!

Once again, a reason for never creating a blog in the first place, I find (let me clarify.... FOUND) them boring/dull/a waste of time.  Why would I want to sit and read the thoughts/opinions/whatnot of other people.... Where is the fun in this??  However NOW.... after creating my own blog, I have changed my mind.  I don't really care if anyone reads this or not, I'm just having fun writing/thinking about it!  My only previous knowledge of blogging comes from the movie Julie & Julia.   Or whatever it was called (if you've seen it you know what I'm talking about).  And while in that scenario there was a point, a plot, a goal..... Here there is not, other than to fill the needs of my incessant rambling mind and cure the case of rainy day blues (which there has been a lot of around here....)  So Valerie, i thank ye.

Anyway....I have decided that I must find an angle.  Because simply Emily commentating on the life of Valerie doesn't really count as having your own blog.  That would necessitate the title of this blog to be "ECOTLOV"  similar to  "AFTLOV" (which some of you may of heard of... namely, the only two people who are probably reading this) but with a spin of me involved.  Instead this blog is titled "To infinity.... and beyond"  for a number of reasons.
1) It's a quote, and quotes are good.
2) It's a Buzz Lightyear quote, which makes it even better (who doesn't love Toystory!?)
3) My dad's a math teacher.... so it seemed fitting.
4) Beyond infinity implies that there is something after infinity. (Which (as point 3 would tell you) is false (Infinity plus 1? Infinity.  Infinity plus infinity?  Infinity.  Infinity times Infinity? Infinity.  Inifinity divided by infinity?  Uhh... oh boy we have a problem.  Jesse!?  Help!)) Therefore anything is possible.  Which a) leaves this blog open to what ever I feel like and b) relieves me of the responsibility of naming this blog with a purpose.  So everyone (that being both sides of Emily) is happy.
5) Umm... It's cool!

Another point I have noticed.  Footnotes are sweet.  Valerie, you already have discovered this I know, but poor Emily is lagging a little behind.  In re-reading what I have written, footnotes would have been a way better solution to my random thought interjections than the parentheses I chose to employ. (they just get too confusing when you have as many comments on your own thoughts as I do (See reason 4 (or now)))

So I suppose that's all for now, as the world keeps on turning I'll pursue my attempt at finding a point (that is assuming it comes before 2012*) bon soir!

*not actually, I don't really believe all that, but I thought it was a good comment**

**first footnote success!***

***i like footnotes :)

The Art of Blogging

I have never in my entire 18 (almost 19!!) years of life even thought about the possibility of creating and maintaining a blog.... my reasons for this you ask??  Simple enough.

I never have considered myself a writer. Though at times I have enjoyed putting my thoughts to paper (or a computer screen....), I most frequently associated the task of writing with work.  An assignment.  Something I must do.  NOT a voluntary creation of what ever I feel like.  And certainly not a blog. 

So why then is this here today?

Valerie.

That's it.  I owe this all to her. (we'll see if this lasts.... in which case Valerie you can genuinely be proud, if not, then you may laugh at my meager attempts when we are both 80 and sitting in rocking chairs on the porch) 

Anyhow, if successful, this will document my life.  The life of Emily Grace Ripley.  A way for all of you whom I care about but are thousands of miles away to stay connected to my life and the ins and outs of whatever I experience and care to write about.  (Very vague I know, but as I said earlier this has been created with no apparent reason in mind (other than so i can comment on Valerie's Blog), so it will just have to evolve into some purpose other than having a point from the get-go).

So that's it for now i suppose.... enjoy!