Thanksgiving: A Time to Reflect

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This time last year I was celebrating my fourteenth birthday (didn't land on Thanksgiving this year) and scanning my Facebook profile for notifications. Today, I am relaxing, having a Hey Arnold! marathon and working on creating a business plan. I can say I've changed a lot.

The past few Thanksgivings have been fairly busy for me, but this year, I really have a time to reflect on what I'm really thankful for. 

1. I'm thankful for my family

This one is probably a no-brainer. Anyone in their right mind would write that, right? A lot of people are thankful for their families without even knowing what to be thankful for specifically. I'm almost always complaining about sharing a room with my sister, sharing a bathroom with two sisters, and my clothes getting stolen. I think it's safe to say that 95% of the time I don't enjoy the company of the people that happen to live in my house. However, when I think about what my situation could be, I'm glad I have these folks for a family. My parents have been married for nearly twice my lifetime, none of which are deceased. Their love is still vibrant and well, kind of adorable. I look at their wedding photos just about every day (fun fact-- my mom made her own wedding dress, AND all like, eight of her bridesmaids dresses, AND the flower girl's dress. In case anyone wanted to know where I got my sewing skills from...). I have a good relationship with both of my parents-- my dad and I bond over music while my mother and I bond over dainty things. I also have good relationships with my sisters. Yeah, the steal my clothes and my food and my beauty products, but at the end of the day, I never had to change any of their diapers.

2. I'm thankful for my health

Very few people know how unhealthy I was as a baby. My mother was very ill during the pregnancy and I wasn't expected to make it. But, here I am! I was born with RSV (don't ask me what that stands for) and liver issues, and stayed in the hospital for most of the first year of my life, but now I am completely healthy. I don't even remember the last time I stayed overnight in a hospital, so... I would consider that a blessing!

3. I am thankful for animation

Last year, I would have never said this. But, really, without cartoons and Disney movies, I wouldn't know anything about what I want to do with my life. And you have no idea how much I can't stand not knowing what I want to do with my life. So, I'm thankful that people like Butch Hartman (creator of Danny Phantom), Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Koneitzo (creators of Avatar), and Glen Murakami (creator of animated Teen Titans) exist. I am also thankful for the voice-over artists that inspire me every day. I am thankful for the channels willing to pick up my favorite cartoons, from Nickelodeon to Cartoon Network. I am thankful for production companies like Disney and DreamWorks. Even more, I am thankful for the ways they've shaped me as a person, from The Lion King to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Animation has brought so much joy to my life; I don't know what I'd do without it. I'm thankful for every single person who has had anything to do with any animated project, because they've helped make me who I am.

4. I am thankful for friends

Not many people know this about me, but there was a time in my life--most of my life, really--I was really anxious, lonely, and depressed. Whenever I was in public, I would try to avoid people as much as possible. I could not handle social situations I hadn't been in before... it was debilitating. I didn't want to talk to anyone, but I was tired of being alone. I always had this feeling that everyone hated me, and honestly, sometimes I still feel that way (but much less often, and I know it isn't true). I only had... maybe two or three friends (not including the ones that moved away) up until fourth grade. In fourth grade, one Wednesday, I showed up to a Wednesday night service and only one other girl showed up in my class. I knew her well enough-- she had just moved back from Georgia and I had lived in Ohio for maybe three years now. But we weren't really friends, up until tonight when she'd been super hyper and didn't really leave me with the choice to be alone. I joined in on the fun. I highly doubt she remembers that January night, but I remember clearly. That was the night I realized I didn't have to be alone. I didn't have to spend my days on my bed, reading novels. There were people I could lean on. Now, she and I aren't close anymore, but I am thankful for the friendship that was.

5. I am thankful for different races

This might be weird, but I am so proud to be black, you don't even know. I am so glad we have different colors, different languages, and different cultures. I can speak Chinese, which I love because it's the only advanced class I'm in. I love watching anime (especially Free!)-- can you imagine life without anime? I didn't think so.

6. I am thankful for religious freedom

I'm so grateful that I don't have to risk my life for my faith (not saying I wouldn't, but...) and can live in peace. Really, I'm glad that I have the freedom to believe what I want, even if it isn't always the popular opinion. I don't have to hide being a Christian, being pro-life, being (slightly) Afro-centric, or being a feminist. I am what I am and people just learn to accept it.

No matter what you have or don't have, there's always something to be thankful for (even if it's something you'd rather not have... like having to go to school even though that gives me an education). So, this holiday season, take time to reflect.

Oh,The Memories...

Today is a day to remember all the things you've been through, all your loved ones, and all the memories from them. Even though this day is mainly focused on those who have passed away, it is a happy day, too! Remember all the good times. Remember all the ROFL times. Remember the times you were acting so stupid, it's a shame that it was even you! Just remember...

Whenever you remember...

When it rains:*(

How to save a life...

Save a place for me...

NOW LET'S END THIS ON A HAPPY NOTE!!!

Today is the day!!!!

RandomNess Friday~I'm Even MORE Famous!

Okay, y'all, I'm on the brink of fame now. Yes, I mean famous kind of fame. Just keep reading with me, you'll smile. Unless you don't care about movie producers commenting on a twelve-year-old's blog.

Now, before I talk about "When I Grow Up", I wanna talk about how my dream is slowly coming true. But before that, I must list one of the sins of a blogger.

Okay, it's not an official sin.

I don't think God really cares about this one.

Now I've got a confession...
I did not check my comments from Gymnastics IS Life! since last year. I thought, you know, who cares about a blog that's all about gymnastics and the Olympics? Well, quite a few people care.

I got my attention...
I received four new followers. Little did I know, that was last month. I posted a long post on the blog a few days ago to thank them for following.

Then, yesterday, I was just reading the blog and happened to read my post, Rip-Off and Win. I saw that I had three comments. That's great for a blog that no one reads.

One girl said that she's a homeschooled gymnast, too. Cool.

Another girl said she liked my blog.

Then, the most surprising comment came.

A movie producer????!!!!
No way! The last comment was from Anna. I expected another teenage girl looking at my blog because they just happened to get there. But nooo....

There is an indie film coming out soon, called Cold Warrior. Cold Warrior is a short film (I'd say it's only about an hour or 90 min. long?) that they are trying to raise money for. I'd love to donate... but, you know, kids only have so much money when they've pledged $100 to Speed The Light and have birthday parties to go to and things they want.

Anyway... Anna is on the team that will be creating the movie, and she posted a comment on my blog. ( I also think she follows me now.) She told me the URL and stuff. I will do whatever I can for this movie.

What's the movie about? Visit the link and you'll see. It seems like it'll be a little PG-13 because it's target of abortion, but I think it'll be great!
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Well, for those of you who didn't know, or didn't wear the right color, yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. Who was he?

I'll tell you that soon...
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Well, When I grow up I wanna be famous. To make a long story short, I'm gonna be a local news reporter. Then, I'm gonna move my way up to a magazine editor, and while still doing that, I'm gonna take Lester Holt's position on Nightly News. (Look him up.)

Then, I'll be the woman that takes Brian Williams' spot.

Yeah... I'm comin' for ya, Brian.
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Smiles from YOUR BLOG!

*~~~CuteyPatootey~~~*
Hope

2011, Here I Am!

I was gonna contact you this morning (12 to 3 a.m.) but my youth group had a really fun almost-all-nighter

OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! EWWWWWWW!!! *SCREAMS* THERE'S A SPIDER!!!!!

Okay, my dog killed it. Thanks, Lexi.

ANYWAY.... there was an all-nighter, almost, and it was SO much fun! It wasn't all night typically, but it lasted until 12:30 a.m., which is the morning, so that's all night for ya!

Happy new year! I'll be back tomorrow, or on Monday at the very least!

It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas.

I tried to get really excited for the holidays by adding fun Christmas music to my blog, including the 2010 Coca-Cola song, "Shake Up Christmas" by Train. It actually worked!

But Christmas Eve and Day just felt like any other day. Christmas Night was normal. I had no problems sleeping, and I went to bed on Christmas Day. (12:06 to be exact.) in the morning, Charity was in the spirit, but I was like, "Five more minutes..." and usually I like getting up at 6 a.m. for presents, but this year I was like, 'whatever, let's get up'.

I guess it's because I'm getting older and I didn't ask for much... Well, in my eyes I didn't. So I didn't expect much.

This brings me to think: what was the best Christmas that I actually enjoyed??? Christmas 2006. I'd been given a pink acoustic guitar. I'll never forget it. Left-handed version, making it more expensive. LOVED it, because I always wanted to play guitar, most likely because my dad can play all varieties of guitar. Bass, electric, acoustic... You name it.

Last Christmas I didn't exactly get what I want, but Jesus was what made it a happy Christmas. This year, I got the book I wanted, ("Unlocked"... Yay!) a foot spa so I don't have to heat up my own pedi water anymore, sanitizer, nail polish for zebra stripes, some journals, jewlery, and tonight I should be getting some more jewelry... If not that, it's:

"Money money money money, MoNeY!!!$$$$$$$$$$!!$$!!$$!!$$!!$$!!$$"

"Good things, bad things with it..." remember to vote on my quiz so that your pick will win. Are you a music lover? Movie watcher? Fashionista? Well then I need you!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

...And a white Christmas it will barely be! Merry Christmas from your blogging BFF, have a very fun and safe holiday! May God bless you as you travel, and may you get the presents you want. And to God I pray, help me to be a gracious receiver as well as a giver. Remember what Christmas really is, a baby born to die.

Again, have a very merry Christmas!

Shake up Christmas!
Regards,
Hope (Ho, Ho, HOPE!)

Christmastime Is Here Part 2

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

*Pause the sidebar music before pressing "Play". Please, listen to this music. It will help get you in the mood of this post. To pause the other music is to go to the top right corner of the playlist, and your controls are right there. Remember, you can click on any song you want and it will play right then.*

Okay... Well... here's the fun part of Christmas!

We've all seen at least one Charlie Brown classic, I hope. Charlie is so cute! He's been my favorite cartoon since... ever! I love him! I remember just one line from Charlie Brown that I've known since I was five.

It's the part where Linus sticks out his tongue when they're in the snow and he says, "It tastes like sugar"! For some odd reason, I've always remembered that line. Weird, huh?
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What does Christmas really mean? Ask Linus anytime.

Charlie Brown has been through it all. These couple days, so have I. So what does he do? He goes to the Psychologist, Lucy. "What's wrong, Charlie Brown?" She asks. (Something like that, at least.) "Well, I feel depressed." He says. Lucy is not the doctor you wanna go to. "Is it ...phobia? That's the fear of *blahblah*." She goes through a huge list of diseases that Charlie doesn't exactly have.

"Well then... what are you afraid of, Charlie Brown?"
"Everything!" He yells.

So what's up with Charlie? He doesn't know the true meaning of Christmas.

He puts on a play, and the kids know they're doomed. They ask Charlie to get a tree for them. So he does as asked. Almost. Him and Linus go get a tree. "But, it's not as festive as the other trees," Linus says about the tiny tree. "Don't worry, we'll decorate it and it will look so pretty," Charlie says.

He takes what is now called the Charlie Brown Tree to the theater, and Lucy absolutely hates it. All of the kids laugh at his tree and leave him alone. The tree with one ornament on it. It's just him and Linus, now.

Charlie is completely defeated. Already not in the Christmas spirit, he gives up, still not knowing what Christmas really means. So Linus takes the floor and explains it to him. The REAL story of Christmas. The story of Jesus.

Charlie all of a sudden becomes happy, with Linus' voice recording again in his head. "Now is born a Saviour."

Charlie takes his tree, places it in front of his house, (even though Snoopy's house is number 1) and gladly smiles as he walks to his house.
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What is this telling you? The maker of PEANUTS was most likely a Christian. Another thing? It's one of the few Christmas programs that don't say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry X-Mas". They say that Jesus is the shining star.

"Noel... Noel... Noel... Noel..."

Born is the king of Israel.

Prayer Camp Days 40-46

Angel of Mercy, how did you find me? How did you pick me up again???
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The small city of Huber always sleeps. There is no evening traffic. There are no malls or outlets in this town, you'd have to drive thirty minutes out of your way to find a mall in Fairborn. There is one place to take gymnastics. There are no Dillard's stores. Finding a prom dress is rare; you must go to Kohl's; there is only one newly-opened boutique. There is no K-Mart, it closed about a year ago. Nothing is very popular in this tiny suburb, we don't have many AVON women or news reporters.

But we have a football team. We are known nationwide. Our games are always featured on ESPN. Our quarterback was in Sports Illustrated. We have won many games. Colleges are fighting over our magazine-worthy Braxton Miller. We are a very civilized community. We have a great library. Our athletes are outstanding. We are friends.

We are: WAYNE.

We are going to the State Championships. Millions of people will watch us play. Michigan fears us. (Braxton is going to Ohio State.) We can only say that we have been transformed!

We used to lose basically every game. We used to be a school in the shadows. But the LORD of mercy has picked us up again! We are now staggering at the top! No school can ever steal OUR swagger ever again!
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Another story of being picked up that doesn't have to do with football? I went skating yesterday and was going down a steep step, while wearing my skates and fell flat down onto my back. It really hurts right now. But, in the midst of what could have been, I am very happy. Could've paralyzed myself. But I'm free!
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Here's another good story based on the true fact that the shoe doesn't fit unless God picks it out for you!

It's always fun to talk about a good deal, isn't it? Well then, shhhhh, because this deal is secret. I haven't told ANYONE about it.

Yesterday I went shopping at Goodwill, and I desperately need a dress for Cappucino Christmas. I went to the Ladies' Dresses section, and I found a wedding dress! With a train and everything! For only five bucks! I was like, WOW.... that's amazing! You can get that for $5,000 yet here you'll get it for $5.

So, here's what is REALLY important: I was looking through the dresses, (AFTER the whole wedding situation) and was trying to find a Christmas dress.

"Ugly, ugly, EWW! How'd that end up in ANY kind of store??? Ugly, ugly.... too pink, too blue, too green, too short, too prommy, weird-looking, ugly, ugly...."

(Plop.)

"Hey! A dress fell! Okay, if this dress fell," I said, not even knowing what color it was yet, "There must be a reason. I just know that God wanted it to be there." I took a deep breath and bent down.

"OH MY GOSH, MOM!!!!! CHECK OUT THIS DRESS!!!!!"

I can't wait to wear it! I can't give you details, because I've already told you too much. You'll see it on Wednesday, December 15!!! I'll take pictures afterwards for those of you who won't see me soon, (especially my volleyball peeps:*( Miss ya!) but otherwise make sure you go to ThExperience on the 15th! Most importantly, go on the 8th! $3.00 in advance, $5.00 at the door!

"I know something the prince never knew... All too soon, the clock will strike midnight, and she'll, Be, Gone."
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What's Cappucino Christmas???

E-mail this blog today, and I will let you know the church address,
what to wear,
what to bring,
 what to pay,
 and who's the mastermind behind this spectacular event! (Idk who the mastermind is, but if you ask, I'll just say Pastor Corey.)

Prayer Camp Days 33-39

HeyyyyyOhhhh!!!!!!! Wellp, as I call it, this year is coming to a close. It sure was fun. 2010 was a year that... basically... NO ONE will forget.

And, with that, we have less than A MONTH until Christmas! Are you going to be a Super Santa this year???? (Speaking of which... never mind I'll bring it up later.) If so, WHO, WHO, WHO'S on your list??? Your mom? Your dad? Your grandma? Grandpa? Some friends? Maybe even me?

Wellp, if I really am on that big list of yours, you need to know that there are many items that I really like this year! (Don't expect them to be the cheapest.)

• "Play" for Her by Givenchy
• "Dark Kiss" lipgloss---- I got the fragrance, lotion, and shower gel already for my B-Day
• "Unlocked" (it's a book) by Karen Kingsbury

There's more.... AND, I also really like the WOW Hits CDs, and I absolutely love, love, LOVE any sort of amazing gift card from iTunes, Bath&Body Works, (And if you buy a WOW Cd, PLEASE do not buy the 2010 version--- I don't know ANY of the songs off of it. Buy the 2011 version if anything.) and Books and Company. That's my list.

Who's on MY list?? Well, not too many people to be honest, but only the friends that have either bought me something that I never did in return, or always deserved it as a simple thanks for being my friend. So you just might know who's on MY list... maybe you've found out that it's you!
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So... how was your turkey day? Mine was great! It's hot in Cleveland! Okay, so, it was actually kinda cold in Cleveland, cuz you know.... it's right by Lake Erie, which is right by both Michigan AND Canada.... you get it.

This was my fourth time back in Cleveland since Missions Extreme '10... MeMoRiEs.... it was great. I went to Aunt Niecy's house and it was very fun!!! Nobody argued, everyone was happy. My Uncle Dale's chair broke and like, he fell back out of the blue and like, his legs were dangling.... it was hilarious, even though I was worried that he got hurt.

Aunt Niecy (Real name; Denise) has an African staue person in her living room, named Malarke. (Pronounced Ma-*as in Magician*-Lark-*Lark like Bark*-E.*E like Money*.) I was standing in front of it, probably laughing, and made Malarke fall on his nose, straight to the floor. "You made Malarke fall!" She said. And, I scratched her floor when Malarke injured his nose. If you wanna know more about Malarke, you just have to talk to me in person, because I gotta start talking about the prayer stuff!
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These last days I have been practicing thinking before I speak. It's working, and God has told me that I can prevent arguements from happening if I'm careful what I say and do!

What's worse than waking up with a cold? Waking up with a cold on THANKSGIVING. I mean, hello, I just got my flu shot.... why now???? And what's worse than that? I got my flu shot on my birthday. But on the bright side, I don't have to catch the swine on my twelfth year!

How do I feel about being twelve now? Honestly, I feel the same, I look the same. But I smell different and my nails will look ten times more sassy and appealing. I got like, everything that smells like "Dark Kiss", and I got sparkly nail polish, gold nail polish, pink nail polish, and black nail polish. And, here's my favorite: AVON cake decorating kit!

My birthday's over. But God will make 2011 the best year for me to turn thirteen, I just know it!

Happy Thanksgiving: Prayer Edition

Have a merry Thanksgiving and a happy Christmas! Can you believe that we only have one month until Christmas??? 2010 was a VERY fast year! Now is the time to worship God for all He has done! I am thankful that I have you reading my blog!!! You are a gift from God, because you have greatly blessed me by reading my posts! Jesus loves you!

The prayer way to celebrate this Thanksgiving is to cut back a little on the turkey and tofu. God will appreciate your self-control, you'll appreciate it, your friends will appreciate it, your family will appreciate it, and the scale will appreciate it. Your number? If you leave the house ten pounds heavier, you did a bad job. If you leave normal sized, you and your pants alike will be happy. Tell God what you are thankful for, and pray... 70 times 7!

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

Yay! It's Christmas! In three days! What do you want??? What? What? Did you read my newest blog, GYMNASTICS IS LIFE? Please say you did!!!!!!