Haha!

The Camera Adds Ten Pounds
I find chewing through the lenses to be the toughest part.
-Ryan Manning

Z, the last letter in the alphabet, indicates sleep when there are many. Zzzzz. A, the first letter, indicates being very awake. Aaaaaaa!!!
-Shawn Pearlman


How To Lower Gas Prices
Cancel NASCAR.
-Zach Henderson


Something tells me that if you think it's a good idea to click on an online "IQ Test" banner, you're not going to be happy with your score.
-Conor McKeon

Never put an exclamation mark at the end of "iPhone." It just looks like you're yelling the word "Phone" in Spanish.
-Shawn Pearlman


If somebody offers you a lifetime supply of candy and there is just one piece, don't eat it: It's probably poison.
-Timmy Dale

This is the Sound of Settling

I finally feel like I am getting used to living here. The dorm food is still exciting and tasty, so I know I'm not really "settled" yet, and the moments are magical, but I'm started to become more oriented and feel like a real UNT eagle.

I had my first real drawing class today. We sketched "gesture drawings." We had 10 seconds to capture the general idea and mass of a still life. At first I was failing miserably and my drawings looked awful, but I asked my teacher for helpful advice and she told me how to give my items weight with loose shading and junk, and suddenly, bam, it looked SO much better! It was amazing. She was pleased that I improved! Also that I had been willing to ask for help.

I went to the thrift store to buy a still life. (Our assignment was to bring one on thursday) I was thinking some cheap toy. They had a basket of fake fruit!!! =)

I also found a weird looking fake flower in the 99 cent store. It is very ornate and even if I don't use it now, I can use it later this year.

I had to walk quite a bit today.. So I am very tired. And hungry. And I had two lunches. I feel very voracious. I don't understand it. I don't think I'm getting fatter either.
I sing a lot. I don't even care if people are around anymore. I've accepted that I need to let off steam. It's a healthy way of my relieving stress.

I decided that I'm not going to audition for the UNT Glee Club. It's not that I don't want to. I'd love to. But right now I need to focus on Communication Design, and getting my portfolio in.
It's a sad thing that I have to give up something that used to make me really happy. But it's a sacrifice that I know I have to make, because I want my portfolio to be my #2 priority. #1? Well bringing glory to the Father of course =)

I'm going to get working on my thumbnail sketch homework! Bye!

Hello there Mister Blue Sky!

"Mister blue sky, please tell us why, you had to hide away for so long.."
--Electric Light Orchestra, "Mr Blue Sky"

Sometimes all it takes is a little jump back into the game! You can't stay down for long when something nice happens, like an unexpected rainstorm!
It was actually oh-so-refreshing! And then the sun came out and it was a lovely day.

I'm looking forward to this week even though my classes intimidate me. I'm going to hit them back just as hard >:)

If you don't like the Electric Light Orchestra's original version, then check out Lily Allen's cover of it. It's more pop sounding. And oh-so-cheery.

I keep meeting friendly upperclassmen who are willing to share advice about the upcoming years. It's real handy =)
But I'm worried about the portfolio review coming up in December! I want to be prepared!!! It's so competitive! I'm fretting. Pray for me.

But you know what? I have decided not to leave my dorm room without my keys, ID, school supplies, and here's the new part, a smile. You have to decide at the start of the day that it's going to be a fabulous one.

Christ Community Church (C3)

Today is Sunday! =) Finding a new church in a new place was something I was looking foward to. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut, but when God takes you out of your comfort zone and into a new environment, you discover more about yourself!

So we were going to church and Maggie (coolest person ever) mentioned we might try picking up people who weren't busy and offering to take them to church. We picked up a girl named Laon - such a sweetheart! She was from China and said she didn't know much about Jesus! So it was a joy to share with her.

The minute I walked into the office building where this church met, I was overwhelmed with the presence of the spirit. It was very small, but you could tell that everyone cared about each other, and multiple people greeted me with hugs.
Worship was very passionate, not a lot of drums or synth or fancy effects, just enough to lead us.
The sermon was absolutely incredible. The entire time I could just feel the Spirit working and changing me, and I knew it must be doing the same for others. The whole church just felt ALIVE. You could just sense a hunger in this church for the Gospel, and to spread it.

I was so overwhelmed by how active and alive this church was.

But you know what? I can't really tell you all the things that have been happening because they're personal and crazy, but God is working in my life more than ever. God's MOVING in amazing ways that I only wished I could see happen. It's so beautiful!

The coolest thing is, God is giving me this desire to pursue Him and grow!
Maggie and Elise asked me this but I want to tell you guys my goal for this year, besides the obvious, good GPA, make friends, get involved, yayaya.

I really want to pursue God this year and let Him guide me into more than just being nurtured, but helping spread His kingdom, and being active in my faith!
That's why I am looking for a church that fosters that spirit in me, that doesn't baby me but challenges me.

So far He has blessed me with wonderful older Christian sisters that I want to model myself after, I can't wait to see what He does next in my life.

Well, I'm going to start studying hardcore, pray for me!

Love <3

The boring stuff

Currently I am doing laundry =) boy do I feel grown-up saying that!

I've been having quite a bit of misfortune when it comes to meals. Last night I was unaware that the only cafeteria serving on the weekends is Kerr, so I went to Maple. And found it deserted! So I trekked all the way to Kerr, and what do you know, it closes after 7! I was going to go find the cheapest meal I could find when I bumped into some friends from square-dancing. We ate at Subway! It was nice. Although I was bummed about not eating on the meal plan... (I tried!! I'm sorry!!)

The next morning I rose bright and early hungry for breakfast. What do you know!! I came at 7 and it was closed until 9!
So I went back to my dorm, and found that I couldn't get back in becauuuse
Tyler switched our ID cards!! Oops! Haha. It was a big stream of misfortunes.
Luckily I wasn't an idiot and when 9 came around I went to Kerr and told the guy my ID number and had photo id, so I GOT TO EAT BREAKFAST! Hurray! =)
(Me and Tyler are switching back tonight haha no worries)

I met my friend Peter at breakfast. It was nice to see him again. I didn't think I'd see him after orientation.

The next post will be worth reading. I just grouped all the boring stuff into a post.

The Weekend!

Thanks to awesome people who really know how to have a good time, I spent my first Saturday in Denton NOT alone in my dorm, but out and about having fun! Happy day!

First we ate pancakes and put all kinds of crazy toppings on them! Delicious! =)
Then we went to the pool and played a mashup of Sardines and Marco Polo. With the hot weather, it was a wonderful day to go swimming. I think I got a bit tanner!

We drove to a lot of places. It kind of makes me wish I had a car to drive again! Walking gets a bit tiresome.

I discovered that most of the cafeterias are closed on the weekends except Kerr. So it looks like I'll be trekking for dinner tonight!

Oh, and we played "Fishbowl"! I've never played before. It was the most fun thing we did. Tyler Burns came up with the most bizarre phrases.... But it was really entertaining!

UNT continues to suprise and amaze me with every turn of events! It's like everything I was hoping for and more! <3

I'm starting to become ravenous! Hugs.

Squaredancing?!

There are a talented few in this wide world who can actually dance well. I am among the few who not only can't dance well, but can't dance AT ALL.

Yes. show choir was a humbling experience. I struggled.

Tonight the BSM had a church dinner tour. I really enjoyed it. Especially the Kingdom of Dessert. very nice... homecooked brownies are a luxury now. Finally I appreciate them.

Squaredancing was FUNNNN
but EMBARASSING.

I LOVED IT

Oh, sorry about the lack of posts. I was quite busy today. I bought some paper for my printer, only to find that it was out of ink or something.
Unfortunately the computer lab doesn't have a printer. Hahaha! Oops.

And I also picked up some thumbtacks. I own green ones, but my art teacher made it VERY CLEAR that she would only accept posted work with VERY CLEAR thumbtacks. No colors. Oh no!

I meant to get some books for my required reading. But we won't be reading them for a while, and when I went to the cheap-bookstore, it was overcrowded.
Darn! That was actually the first thing I did today...

So, dismayed, I set off to go to the Union. Unfortunately mid-way I got lost and had to look at the map. A car pulled up to me. The driver yelled "Get in" and I was kidnapped! I didn't have a choice.

Haha, it was my friends Meagan and Brittany from the BSM! They took me to lunch at a mexican restaurant. (You know that I like you when I agree to eat at a mexican restaturant with you) =)
I didn't actually get any food. But we had a lovely chat.

Then they dropped me off at the union.

Then I read my design book.

THEN I WENT TO THE BSM OMW! =D And what do you know? My driver was a friend from my old church. So it was nice.

I had quite a fun day. I hope I get to see the famous "Square" tomorrow!

Art junk and Bon jovi

It turns out my first class was about the farthest you could get from Honors hall. Happy day! Relaxing and gentle excercise!

It was my art drawing 1 class. I was intimidated by all the other artists in the room. I guess I don't feel "legit." My teacher seemed nice. Sympathetic.

I like to think of myself as an empty cup. I'm not walking in with much of anything, but I want to learn. And I'm impressionable. I know that about myself. When I find people I want to be like and learn from, I try and keep them close.

Oh-my-goodness. My Classical Argument professor is a crazy one. She's from new york and totally over-the-top.
She described the class as "classical bull$#!#" in her opening to get our attention. I don't know about you, but hearing that from an educator, coming from high school, is different.

I saw the dark side of being far away from Honors after I got all my art supplies and had to lug the massive portfolio filled with art junk all the way back to honors. On an empty stomach. Way past my lunchtime. In the midday sun.

I haven't been exposed to a lot of physical strain in my life, and I think it made me fearless. On the less crowded streets, I sang Bon Jovi to keep my spirits up.
My hands are still sore.

I wonder how many calories I burned! =DDD probably a gazillion! I think I deserve a black forest cake from Maple! <3

For my freshmen friends

I know I'm not the only one who is wondering if I picked the right major, or is feeling confused about the future. But I found this verse, and it gave me a feeling of peace.

Psalm 1:3 says "This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him."

God has a plan for our lives, even if we don't.

"The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord shows him what to do." -- Proverbs 16:9

Keep seeking God!
PS: I hope you guys are having a BLAST in college and getting plugged in, making new friends and all that jazz. =) Love you guys bunches. <3

Magic, Mirrors and Music

I don't know if you will understand what I'm talking about, so let me lay it down for you.

The Mirror of Erised from Harry Potter? Your reflection is the desire of your heart. Dumbledore said that the happiest man on earth would look into it and see himself exactly as he was.

I guess you know what I'm about to say, then.

Today we had convocation, and the dean/principal guy gave a really touching speech about success and growth in college. He encouraged us and I admit that I had tears of joy in my eyes, I was so moved. I'm happy to be here.

Also tonight was the bsm's open mic night. Me and a friend from church did a song, and even though the keyboard got cold feet, we didn't >:D
It was really nice. I've always wanted to do that Falling Slowly song with a guitarist. It sounds so much cooler than playing it by myself. Marketa Irglova without Glen Hansard? not the same...

The acts were all so good. There was so much talent.

CLASSES START TOMORROW MORNING.
Wish me luck!

Good Times under Gray skies

It's like the weather is apologizing for being so rude to us the first two days. The temperature dropped from 105 to a chill 70. And no rain!

So far I haven't really done much but read my textbooks and go out to eat. But I started rereading that "Coffeeshop Gospel" book because I know I won't have time to in the future. I'll be all over my textbooks!
I also found out that my Bible app has a free Bible reading plan! So I can read the whole Bible in 90 days! Days that I don't have homework, that is.

I can't wait for the fun things tonight, the Mean Green Fling and Convocation and Bsm! The mornings are so relaxing, and then everything happens at once! Haha.

Normal meals don't fill me up anymore! I have to eat more protein than ever.

Love Rachel

Fun, fun , and also, more fun.

I can't say enough how nice the people of UNT are. I just love it here. And after the rain, when the sky was grey, it really helped me appreciate how beautiful it is. There is this one spot by the eagle statue that just took my breath away. It's gorgeous.

I can't wait to see the rest of Denton. I'm sure it's just magical! =)

Tonight I played dodgeball with the BSM. My drivers were really sweet and helpful.
There was one incident that wasn't as fun. I have never been hit in the face with a dodgeball before. Me and this other girl were joking about how bad we were and she was saying "I'm probably going to get hit in the face with a dodgeball"
I think it was less than a minute later when I got hit. Jinxed!

Of course even that wasn't so bad. I had a lot of fun =)

Can't wait for tomorrow. Hugs.

From under the Umbrella

I am currently waiting at Wooten. It is quite rainy today. Luckily I was able to find my umbrella. I have never spun my umbrella in real life, only on Animal Crossing. I went with Maria bc she didn't have an umbrella and I didn't want her to get wet. But once we got there I remembered that I had a class in Wooten! So I found it. =)

I bought a bagel. Sometimes late at night I get hungry. Not tonight!
Also, it will be a nice break from the applesauce.

We met a kind senior girl in maple. She gave us lots of tips.

I used the practice room with the piano. It is slightly out of tune, but it is very grand.
Unfortunately, it is not as soundproof as I had hoped. But that is alright.

Sleeping in

I overslept by about 3 hours! (till 9) But it was a much-needed respite. With all the trekking and exploring I've been doing, I think it was a good thing!

Today I plan to try and find all my classes!

Perspective

How you see the world is who you are

End of Day 2

My sense of direction improves with every adventure. =)

I am also eating more applesauce than I expected. Normally... applesauce isn't so great, but I'm hungrier than ever now that I'm doing excercises AND the extreme walking!!! But poor Maple is charged with feeding me! I'll just have to eat more protein!

I keep meeting new people, but I realize that they'll be lost to me forever unless I add them on facebook. I'm bad with the names. Especially in masses.

Hunger is the main thing on my mind. I want a late night applesauce cup =P

I've started skimming through my drawing book. I wish I were good at drawing - I like it alright, but my sketches come out warped! I guess by the end of the semester I'll be a phenom! ;D ... fingers crossed
It did make me realize that I don't want to do the drawing part. I am mainly interested in the conceptual and designing aspects of Communication design.

Um - not that I don't want to draw!!! I just feel embarassed!!

I'm so worried about my major. I worked so hard for these classes to get into Comm Des, but what if it's not what I thought?? What if it's over my head??

... HOLD ON! God knows what He's doing. I'll work hard, and He'll work through me. And He'll show me what I need to do.

love love love

Day 2

Well, scary things are happening!

1. I was able to use the map to find my way somewhere.

and, brace yourself

2. I made it home from someplace without using the map!

Madness!!!

On another note, I'm glad that I have been building up my muscles, because running all over campus is quite demanding. And the humidity isn't on my side.

I kind of want to try a bunch of new things, but it seems like suddenly, there's not enough time for anything. From lazy summer to crazy fall.

I'm blogging because I'm exhausted. Not because I have time.

First day =)

Ohhh goodness goodness!!! I met so many wonderful kind people at unt today!

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am that I came here!!! God put this school on my heart and I'm so positive that God will show me many things! He showed me so much today! I hope I can continue to grow in Christ and share love with my fellow students.

Lindsey Marette, part of the bsm, was so helpful and sweet to me!!! She gave me so much advice on what to do the first year. She likes Switchfoot (YES) and has the nicest smile.

I'm looking forward to everything. Especially the fun events people have planned. Meeting people is so much fun! =) But I'll be ready to buckle down and work hard starting Thursday! >:)

MOVED IN.

TATAMI MATS OMW!!!!!!<3

Well, I'm finally moved in. I can't believe I'm finally here. My dream come true. Dream school, honors dorm, got all my classes that I need, and everything feels right. I can't wait to start soaking up all the awesomeness that UNT has to offer!

I already met some cool new people in the honors dorm! And my roomate is really sweet.

But what this entry is really about is to thank all of you who have supported and encouraged me, because you made today really great for me. Mom and Dad, thanks for helping me set all my junk up. And all the well-wishes helped make today easier, knowing that all the folks back home will be supporting me. That really warms my heart.

I already miss the cool kids back home! Love to you!