Posts made in September, 2009

Decaf Coffee Can Keep You Awake

Posted by Caroline on Sep 28, 2009 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Last week my roommate had a big night of studying before two tests.  I decided to supercharge her studying and brew some coffee.  Sure enough, the coffee focused her brain, kept her perky until the wee hours, and added a pinch of motivation in the way only coffee can claim to do.

What I didn’t tell her was that it was decaffeinated!  And my thesis was proven true:  the idea of coffee motivates!  Such a lovely blessing.

But I must explain why I bought Decaf Coffee two weeks ago:

1.  My fear has come true: I realized I have a slight and rapidly growing dependence upon coffee.  The timer on my coffee maker is too convenient not to use it every morning.  And here’s the kicker:  If my cup isn’t in my hand and if the last few sips aren’t spilling in my backpack (it happened again), I have a headache.

2.  The worst let-down is when you finally get to tuck yourself in bed after a long night of studying.  You’re anxious for your longed-for sleep but immediately realize the coffee supercharged more than your studying.  It supercharged your ability to think of the most farfetched inventions, recall conversations from 3 years ago, and conjure up worries that no normal human being would even consider during normal hours.

Tonight needed to be prolonged a few hours so I tried to get the best of both worlds of coffee—Stay awake and then fall asleep on command.

Thus, I tried to trick myself.  I made a cup of decaf coffee and tried my hardest to think of it as regular.  However, since I poured the coffee beans and know they came from the decaf bag, I cannot get myself to fall for my own trick.

It’s not even midnight and my comfy bed is calling my name.  This is the only time I wish I were more gullible.

Monday.

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Seeing God in Beauty

Posted by Caroline on Sep 24, 2009 in Amazing Grace, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Chapter 5

Here’s the game:  Name everything you see.  I remember thinking I would dominate such game.  Afterall, I am quite the fan of words.

As I began to play, I immediately learned that there were countless “things” that sent my mind racing but didn’t lend to a word.  Like, what do you call the yellow or red concrete slab that sits at the end of a parking spot?

I dare you to play.  You’ll be embarrassed like I still am.

Today has been mucky all day, so when my dreary living room filled with light all on its own, my investigation led me to my window.  Intrigued, I soon found myself standing on my porch staring at the sky.

For 20 minutes my mind raced to find words to describe it.  I tried to say it was as if the contrast button on my photo editor had been moved to the right while the temperatures had been cooled and then warmed again.   I tried envisioning wearing yellow glasses but then couldn’t justify how the trees could be bright green and the pool still so blue. So then I tried stepping into a painting and that seemed closer but still not there.

When none of my descriptions could suffice, I gave up.  It was majestic, beautiful, and heavenly.

Such defeat was coupled with victory when it led to deep wonder of The Heavenly Artist. He created with precision, creativity, and perfection and left even my wordy-self without words to script a sentence that would give the art one ounce of justice.

My thoughts and words are limited in comparison to the Almighty.  I like words, but I like not knowing enough words all the more.

Thursday.

oh, and I just researched those concrete slabs.  They’re called Parking Lot Bumpers.  However, nothing came up when I googled my description of the sky.

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When Studying Fails

Posted by Caroline on Sep 23, 2009 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Chapter 4

Right now is probably the most inopportune time to write a blog entry.  There’s no pressing need to write and there’s certainly no grade attached to it— contrary to my homework due tomorrow.  Plus, it’s 12:43 a.m.

2 hours ago Hanna sat across the kitchen table from me so that my good study skills could motivate her to pursue her studies with excellence and vigor.  Such a statement is equivalent to saying coffee will make you fall asleep faster.  Waving a treat in front of dog’s face, distractions hit.

However, I’ve decided a sign of maturity is learning how to laugh at what is immature.

In that regard I can firmly say we became very mature tonight.  ::Silent videos, photobooth pictures, brownies, and an ab workout from laughing::  Our friend Josh had to leave the room so he could study.  Is that a sign of immaturity? 

Maybe I should leave the room.  But that would be the smart thing to do.

Wednesday (or Thursday?)

I guess the day is however you want to look at it.  I choose Wednesday because then there’s still hope of making this evening productive.  Besides, Wednesday was kind of fun.  Not ready to leave it.

Note:  The chalkboard to the right can be found in our bathroom.  Another example of a wacky moment.  Embrace them.

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Summer’s Prank

Posted by Caroline on Sep 21, 2009 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Chapter 3.

All of the evidence was in line so I figured it to be true.  Like the rest of us, I fell for the joke;  I thought Fall had arrived in all its glory.  Oh Mr. Summer—what a prankster.  It is currently very UnFall; it might as well be July.  It’s actually so Summer right now that I took a detour from class just to ride my bike at that peaceful pace— just fast enough to feel the breeze but just slow enough that my heart rate doesn’t quicken.

By the time I made it home, summer was the only thing on my mind.  It was a must: I jumped into the pool.  I tried to talk my roommate into joining me, but she had this thing she had to go to called class.

Today in the ministry staff meeting we had to fill out a questionnaire about ourselves for the website, and it was like one of those tests where your mind races but to no avail.  I genuinely didn’t have answers to questions like—what’s your favorite TV show?  I dare not say John and Kate Plus 8 because everyone’s eyes get big with disbelief and slight sympathy as they ask me if I have heard the news.  I’m oblivious to a lot, but yes, of course I have heard.  I could say the Office but how often is it funny these days?  Should I admit to still loving the Cosby’s?

And my hobbies?  I have a list of hobbies I wish I did like running and learning another language or even being artistic.  And then there are my unspoken hobbies that I don’t exactly want to broadcast like painting little birdhouses from Hobby Lobby and reading blogs about organization.

On the spot, I decided one of my hobbies was going to be pranks, and I wrote it down with confidence.  My freshman year pranks were ongoing and I remember holding my breath to keep my laughs from slipping out and running out of the room giggling.  Furniture was rearranged; cups with fish were placed around rooms; sheets were stolen.  Anyone heard of Askpeter.com?  If you haven’t, I shouldn’t have told you.  There went one of my pranks.

Yesterday I found a cup of worms on my bed and screamed louder than I ever have. And then I laughed.

Pranks bring smiles to any day.  Even if you’re the one screaming or having a guy on stilts think you want your picture taken or wondering why the same number always calls you at midnight.

The only prank not funny is that it’s 95 degrees outside.  At least I got to go swimming though.

Okay fine, I’ll laugh.  Summer, you got me.

Monday.

P.S.  Hey summer, I kind of miss the real you (the one without classes).

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Using Saturday as Rest

Posted by Caroline on Sep 19, 2009 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Chapter 2.

I have a book report due next week and I have yet to reach chapter two.  Thankfully life still continues—ever so steadily and oftentimes much too quickly.  I want a pause button.

When I first sat down, Clayton asked how it felt to be a junior.  In simplicity, I blurted out “it’s sad.”  It’s just like how you start taking tiny sips when you realize half your frappacino is gone or how my sister refuses to eat the last couple of pieces from her wedding cake from 2 years ago.  I want a pause button.

I’m still at Panera, and the $2 tea I bought 5 hours ago has worked its way down to being about 20 cents a cup.  I’ve also gotten a workout running to the restroom.

I have homework lined up and a to-do list to work down but I have moments to appreciate to my left and to my right.

This morning I slept in a bit.  9 a.m. was too early and when I woke up at 11:11, it seemed too perfect to sleep anymore.  This afternoon has been slow, as close as I can get to a pause.  As I read Jane Austen, I’ve taken time to laugh a little, reread my favorite parts, and let my mind wander to last week when I encountered my own Mrs. Jennings.  When I couldn’t read anymore about the Baptists Distinctives, I pulled out some Beth Moore.  Sure, it wasn’t on my list today, but it added to my list of blessings.

It’s okay to be slow, though I’m almost embarrassed I didn’t go to the Baylor football game.  I am texting my brother the scores, but I won’t tell him I’m looking them up on ESPN.  I’ll go next week.

Saturday is a red light.  Slow down, my dear friend.

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