Captain America Saves the Day!!

"Do you fondue?" quote from this year's summer hit: Captain America.

Recently, I had the opportunity to see the summer blockbuster hit: Captain America. I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it and it held my interest through the duration of about two hours and ten minutes. It’s a fine example of the summer blockbuster type of movie, and you can certainly go see it and take away nothing more than the simple enjoyment of this kind of movie. Its grounded in real action, real performances, mostly practical effects and not overly CGI. To me, its fun, funny, accessible and entertaining - something that's nice to see for a blockbuster summer hit.

So, are you wanting to watch a movie that is worth your time and money? Go see Captain America! Its nice to say that “Captain American” is totally its own movie, that stands apart from most of the other big budget action movies these days that seem to borrow from their predecessors. The action is the perfect amount and very well done – comic book-esque, but not over-the-top. I enjoyed the third installment of Transformers, but I thought there was just way to much over-the-top/jam-packed action, that never was going to end.

The effects that made Steve (the kid that turns into the massive Captain America) scrawny were quite impressive in the beginning of the movie. Acting was also pretty decent. One can not but admire the famous "Tommy Lee Jones." I also liked their selection of cast members, the comic relief and the characters. Overall, the movie was pretty awesome and I would say its one of my favorite Superhero movies next to "Spiderman."

Heat, Swimming and Work

These past summer days have been very hot and humid with the heat index up to around 115 degrees, which means I have not been outside very much. Its resulted by not getting that nice summer tan that I had last year and the year before. :( I really do miss swimming and laying outside to get that nice vitamin D beaming upon my skin. Its discouraging not being able to go a local lake or swimming pool and to allow the nice warm sun rays to shine upon my face. When I was down at AC, I remember trying, during the summer months, to go for a nice, cool/refreshing swim. Oh how I miss that pool... lol. The dark aqua marine pool was so inviting - it was nice a refresher after a long hot 8 hour shift. But, I have been trying to stay positive about this heat. Its bearable and it could be worse too. Oh well..
My week has also been busier work wise than usual. They have me working a full 40 hours this week and over at the O'fallon, IL store. They are remodeling parts of the store and been acquiring assistance with associates from other stores to come and enjoy the fun of putting up shelves, modular setting, pricing, signing and doing all kinds of whirlwind rearranging. Its a process but it keeps myself busy and occupied. So, I don't mind it. Plus, I also get paid for gas mileage, so I am not complaining at all. It will definitely help me in regards to earning more money and to try and save some, especially for the upcoming feast of tabernacles in England! I am so excited about it! I can hardly wait.

Anyway, I am going to keep this kind a short tonight. I am tired and need to get some sleep soon. I will write more later. Just wanted to keep you a little posted to whats been happening. Goodnight!

Traveling Back in Time

So, I happen to get on Peacefulstorms this week to keep updated with all the fun and excitement going on with this year's PYC and I can't help but reminiscence back to my very first camp! I look at those pictures on that website, and realize, when I was a camper, most of the those kids were babies, toddlers or some of them may not have been born yet! Wow, time does really fly!!

My first camp was back in 1998 --13 years ago! And it was not on God's property but over in Guthier, Oklahoma... in very rustic looking dorm, with written confetti all over the walls. I was 14 years old. Looking at those peacefulstorm pictures made me think off all the events that happened in those packed filled 2 weeks. All the new friends I have made, kept in touch with, but also the ones that left the church. It saddens me that a lot of them are not here today and obeying God. But, its neat to cogitate on the ones that stayed with it and now are being blessed tremendously to this very day. Camp in 1998 was a blast because our dorm became so close. We all started out very quiet and shy towards one another. But once a few days broke out, our dorm transformed within two weeks and we won "Girl's dorm of the Session." The experience was just so edifying. My counselor at the time was Erin Macdonald (was Leap) an Assistant Kristine Orleans (was Klotz). Both very down to earth and enthusiastic about teaching us to live according to God's way of life. They helped me to come more out of my shell too. I was super shy back then. It was such a wonderful time meeting people and getting to know the campers.

The activities at PYC 98 were pretty much the same as they are today. But, we also had water skiing as one of our sports -- and I actually enjoyed it! Cycling, on the other hand, was a bit of challenge for me that year and ended up falling off my bike and rolled off the winding dirt trail. Thankful, that I did not get seriously injured or hurt. I will never forget how terrified I was. The trail comprised of steep hills, tall trees, massive rocks and Oklahoma red clay cliffs. But, it was still an fun filled experience that I will not forget. Softball, I would say was my favorite sport. I still enjoy it to this very day. I have been looking through my old journal notebook, written around the time of camp, and this is what I said, " Camp teaches you about family. When Christ returns we will all be together in unity. Camp was so much fun but it went by so fast. But, I am excited I had this chance to go and hope there will be many more in the future."

Yeah, it was definitely something I will not forget and pray for those teenagers out at headquarters to really make camp their all. To not give up when obstacles come along the way and to put God first and foremost in their life!.. Because things are a lot harder than they were 13 years ago! So, keep up the fiery vision.

Also, while going through some of my old camp photos and written journals, I can't help but find some childhood family photos that I decide to happily share. I like to occasionally look at old photos as a way of reflecting back into time and discerning all the past memorable experiences we have been through in all good times! Enjoy!

The night owl in me, a thought and appreciation

I feel like I am turning into a night owl. And, I don't think its always a good thing either. I have a tendency to stay up and just try to catch up on things: Homework, reading, texting, keeping in touch with people, or just to think. I also feel like I stay up sometimes because I feel I may be missing out on something. Yes, sometimes I will get bombarded with Homework and that will give me an excuse to stay up even more. But, the nights I don't have Homework, I still feel like staying up. Why? maybe because there is a lot to think about...

I notice when you work evening shifts from 2-10 pm or 11pm, it does make it harder to unwind from work once you get home. Yeah, my body might be tired but my mind wants to stay awake. It also harder when you have a ton things swimming in mind. Yes, I admit, I have tendency to worry about things and over the littlest things too. Its a problem I've always had growing up. I like to have a plan and know its precise detail and destination. If there is a situation that pops up I always need to know the who? what? where? and why? Maybe because I feel more secured in that way, knowing. I like to head into something that I know inside and out because it gives me more confidence. But then, how do you grow, overcome and learn from that? Yeah, facing challenges I don't mind,but I need more of them. Maybe, it will help me to face reality even more? Everyday its a battle fighting against this world. I will admit that. There are obstacles that I constantly face but I realize I can't face it alone. I hide them sometimes and that is not always a good thing either. God has been there for me through a lot of things and I thank Him for blessing me in that way. I need to continue to go to Him through everything and keep praying for those out there struggling as well. We are all family and we need to be closer! I sometimes feel people saying they are to 'busy' to talk or write to someone is just a improper excuse. And, we have all used that excuse before. I realize I need to appreciate the friends that I have and cherish them even more -- to be there, to encourage, when they are down and to uplift. Its just to precious of a gift to give up on.

So, yeah, as I am sitting here in the middle of the night, I can't help but think and to ponder on these things. I thought I might share some of my thoughts with you. And tell you how much I appreciate knowing you all! So, have a wonderful week! :)

Reminiscing past poems and quotes

Tonight, I have been going through some old poem documents I have either written myself and also written by others, that I saved through the past several years. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of them with you. Enjoy!

For the love of summer:

Nov 27, 2001

A special sweet scent over flows the air

A scent of Summer's delight:

where the air is warm and the sea is calm.

It gives a perfect setting - beauty!

A bird gives its lovely tune on each a summer day,

giving it's beautiful harmony voice.

Every morning when I awake, I see kids

playing in the mist of summer air.

High o'ver vales, beneath the green trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the noon breeze.

Children play among those summer hills;

Smiling giddly, as they play.

From leaf to leaf; tis sweet on high.

Lovely aroma smells of roses rule the air.

With a spray of some mist.....

views a perfect setting of a sweet Summer's Mist

The person I long to be….

September 14, 2007

The day light breaks again
Another day has begun.

But still no sleep has come.
My body is weary

My mind overworked.
I lie awake thinking

But what I am unsure.
I need to break free from the cycle I endure.

Everyday is the same and the nights are undistinguished.
I feel as though I am being pushed along with the tide

Unable to break free from the everyday flow.
This is not me I need to change, before time takes over

And I am unable to change.
I need to be freed from the grasp of ordinary

And become that person I have always longed for.
Express myself in every way, and conquer the dreams as I lie awake.

Then I may fall asleep and put my mind to rest.
Make changes in my life and help those in need.

I would like to touch everyone's life in a positive way
And leave my mark on society before I fade away.

Lose/Win

I have known the pain of
failure
frustration
disappointment
defeat

Because I have taken a chance on
winning
succeeding
achieving

It takes a lot of the first to get some of the second.

- Natasha Josefowitz

The world and your patience

With the hot summer months brewing among us now - it is hard not to get excited for the upcoming summer events people take advantage of: picnics, camping, fishing, eating, reunions, family gatherings, 4th of July, graduations, and the most popular seasonal event-- swimming. As an associate at Walmart, it is our job to deal with these seasonal festivities and make sure we have the merchandise appliances for customers to enjoy at those special occasions. Some people don't realize all the time and effort it does take to display modulars and features so customers can "grab and buy" those certain products.

Yes, the summer months have been busy at Walmart. Which means.... schools out for the summer! Which means... you start to see more and more little kids out and about. Seriously, if I was a mom, out in this world, I would go nuts. lol. To be honest, I have seen the most selfish, brattiest kids within these past couple weeks. I have had kids screaming, yelling, running around in the store like its a playground. And some of them would even hide and crawl around the clothes racks! Its irritating... but, yet, I know my patience is being tested. I can't help but feel sorry for the kids, because they just have no idea, and the poor things have been raised to do whatever they please. You are also seeing more kids having kids and it is discouraging.

There were some nights I have to close up the fitting room and last night was one of them. Well... it was about 15 minutes til 10, and we close at 10, this was the time that several of these teenage girls decide to try on clothes. Trying not to show my impatience, I let them in and finish up tidying everything. As I came back to check on them, after they left, I look inside the rooms and there were the clothes scattered on the floors and also among the seat benches! I was infuriated, but I realized my patience was being tested again. Everyday its been a struggle and I am learning how to deal with things and people. I realize, while just working, you are constantly growing in character. You can be doing a very simple task but your attitude, actions and demeanor is definitely presented in the world and are constantly being tested. I also answer phones too. And how you answer says a lot about yourself as well. We are to make our light shine. It can be a struggle but someone's got to do it! So, have that customer service attitude and the fruits will start to show more!