commercials.

I have been wanting to blog about my SmashBook(s), but somehow haven't gotten around to that yet. Perhaps tomorrow I will find time.

For now, I will share two commercials that I absolutely love. I appreciate good advertising and creativity. 

1. Travelers Insurance "Cat Burglar"

I saw this commercial for the first time today during the Texas/UCLA game - which we won, by the way. Hook 'Em. Anyway, this is precious.

2. Cheetos "Piano"

This commercial makes me laugh every time. I don't know what else to say except that I LOVE IT.

Happy Saturday, everyone! 

today in quotes.

An email sent over the lhssocial listserv at 9am:

Sorry guys, I'm really slow on things like this. And by that I mean waking up. But......... it's skip school day! Because apparently there's a shooter! So don't go to class until he's a little more dead or in custody and a little less at large around the PCL.

Lovesmeans,
Dean

One of my fifth graders talking to another one:

"Fag."

Another Email:

"We can't have rehearsal today... so we'll meet at 9am Thursday before we leave for Dallas..."

A conversation: 

"It's hard, because I feel like I"m working my butt off and nothing even matters."
"I get you. Can I ask you... how many times have you wanted to quit?"

In the parking lot:

"It's just sad because I'm not as passionate anymore." 

More than once:

"As much as it sucks to hear, a year from now, none of this is going to matter."

And the only one of these quotes that matters at all:

"...For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

- 2 Corinthians 4:7-16

 Breathe. Therefore, we do not lose heart.

Saturday:
- Explore UT.
- Picnic with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
- Early morning rehearsal.
- Playing football in a dance studio.
- Telephone Charades and Gorilla Man Gun.
- Costume shopping.
- The first SnoBeach of 2010.
- Crafts.
- Sonic drinks (x2).
- Sky time.
- Denny and Briar.
- Glee.
- Hot tub.
- Oreos.
- Dancing.
- Making the best promo video for Sky Ranch EVER.

Weekend win.

songs we are singing this semester that I have always wanted to perform:
- one
- seize the day
- possibly a rent specialty
- hide and seek (yes, from fall 07)

I can dig it.
also, learned one of the coolest dances we have ever done tonight. I guess you'll have to come to the show and see it.

precious postsecret:

kickin' it again in 2010 part 2.

Today I came back from break and my contract for camp next summer was waiting for me in my mailbox. Senior counselor, first half. YES PLEASE. I'm so excited, is it May yet? the basics:

things to get before next summer:
- a sweet clipboard (that fits in my backpack, of course.)
- a new watch.
- a fun box to keep paperwork in.
- new sharpies.

things to think about:
- songs to add to my "sky-rated" playlist.
- fun stuff to decorate the cabin with.
- new games to play.
- fun things to do to encourage my co-counselors and brother/sister cabins.
- new ways to be organized and make our cabin AWESOME.

things to pray about:
- campers.
- co-counselors.
- that I would be a good leader/learn how to be a good leader.

more to follow, I'm quite sure.

SO PUMPED.

girl could get lost tonight.

how many things I would do differently if I could start this semester over.

for now, I'll bury myself in my music. because that is what I do.

and I don't feel like singing tonight.
all the same songs.

If I could be honest:
I'd tell you that I'm sorry.
I'd tell you that I've missed you a lot this week.
I'd tell you that I'm confused.
I'd tell you that I'm trying my best.
I'd tell you that it's still really hard.
I still feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.

but I need a break.

here in these deep city lights,
girl could get lost tonight.
I'm finding every reason to be gone,
there's nothing here to hold on to.

calling out, somebody save me. I feel like I'm fading.
am I gone?

coming soon.

new layout, which is always fun.

I wanted to write about the song that Luis and I arranged and will soon be performing in the Longhorn Singers show, but I am far too tired. So, a list of upcoming fun things will suffice for now:

in the near future:
- show week.
- dinner with parents tomorrow.
- good show buddy shopping and making awesome things to give.
- friends coming to town for the show.
- show week festivities.
- sleeping in. maybe.
- spending the weekend with Singers. because that is all I ever do.

(I'm okay with that. But driving home tonight I realized how much my relationships outside of Singers have suffered this semester. As of this very moment, I can only think of one or two people not in Singers that I have spent any significant amount of time with this semester. Not that I don't have friends outside of Singers. I just never hang out with or spend any time with them. I need to work on this and rebuild those relationships. I miss them.)

in the next few months in general:
- movie nights.
- hot chocolate.
- cold weather.
- christmas music.
- thanksgiving break and all that entails.
- ski trip.
- the semester being over and me having time for myself.
- home. for a while.

right now:
sleep.

"does everyone have their bus buddy?"

Reasons Why I Love OU Weekend

- multiple Singers in one house for an extended period of time.

- no sleep.

- almost being killed at the west end on friday night.

- "oh it's michael, michael swan, that sooner's bumper is now gone..."

- laser tag and deflector mode.

- I stink at bowling.

- dance parties.

- being random.

- mix cd's and sonic drinks for long car trips.

- singing dixie chicks and wishing you were there to share my memories of last year.

- "it's _____________ and ou still sucks."

- hat and tie.

- spooning with like 9 other people?!

- singing until I have no voice left to sing with.

- the fair!

- beating the hell out of ou.

- spending 4 days with my favorite people on earth.

- kmf.

- family dinner on friday night.

- "I hear it's someone's birthday!"

- ken capps. enough said.

- being famous on the radio.

- pictures.

- the stress of finding some place to have hat and tie.

- waking up at 5:30 in the morning.

- walking out of my room and saying "good morning" to six other wonderful people.

- meals.

- host families.

- getting to know you.

- cowtown doo doo bus.

- getting stuck in traffic.

- lots of burnt orange.

- listening to random people play the guitar for hours at a time.

- miniswan, aka, minicham and his precious friend. (they will get married.)

- driving home with a car full of sleeping boys and cranking vanessa carlton to stay awake.

- "time's we've almost died during ou weekend..."

- "girl I got it, look: 'I have to throw up!' [rolls down the window] BLEEEEEH!"

- "swan, want to pay to wash my car?"

- not thinking about school for 4 days.

- sleeping a ton afterward.

- bus buddies.

- getting to see my family!

- my real family. and my singers family.

- getting my lhs fix.

- "it's literally crusty..."

- finding out that I can do it.

- seeing precious alumni that I love very much.

- writing (anonymous, or not) notes to each other after scottish rite.

- having friends that write me notes like this:

(check it. there's audio under our picture and video in the "video" section.)

this week.

because I need a place to write everything down. and be able to cross things off and update.

monday

-applied linguistics, 9am. cancelled.

- observing at gullett at 10am. cancelled due to kindergarden field trip.

- move observing to 8:50, meaning I have to wake up even though my class got cancelled.

- get a new phone. mine died. again. (I had to pay $200 because the screen quit working. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I hate Apple with all my heart.)

- spanish lab at 1.

- spanish 2.

- take my car to the shop.

- online quiz for spanish lab.

- write a paper for american lit.

- watch house.

- study for wednesday spanish test.

- work on kines. paper.

- work on spanish online homework. (chapter four is done and done.)

- finish and turn in online homework for spanish lab.

- iron out details with daniel about hat and tie.

- read for american lit.

- type up driving directions for longhorn singers ou weekend packets. email to scott. (scott is an awesome vp. it's already done and done.)

- figure out something to wear as a tie.

- look over solos and be ready to sing for tim tomorrow.

I toepicked today in the FACE. Take that, Monday.

tuesday

- meeting with heather at 9am.

- pick up longhorn singers ou weekend t-shirts.

- longhorn singers jammin' it out on the west mall at 10:50.

- work on kines. paper.

- go to an atm. take out money for this weekend so I don't spend it all between now and then.

- go home and change. it is far too hot for jeans and rainboots.

- print american lit paper.

- american lit at 12:30.

- spanish at 2.

- music building. work on choreo and ou music.

- exec meeting at 3:30

- longhorn singers at 4. get it together before we leave for dallas.

- probably dinner. (if by "dinner," you mean yogurtspot followed by chips and queso from torchy's, then yes.)

- collect car insurance info from drivers driving this weekend.

- go to scotts and help finish forms and anything else needed for the weekend.

- finish kines. paper.

- study for wednesday spanish test.

- work on spanish online homework.

- read for american lit. type up discussion questions.

- do laundry if needed.

- begin to pack for ou weekend.

- complete any unfinished tasks from monday.

- go shopping for anything else I need for this weekend.

Today was ridiculous. Although I didn't get nearly everything done, I consider it a success. Bring it on, Wednesday.

wednesday

- applied linguistics at 9am. cancelled.

- kines. at 10.

- don't skip class. I can't skip class.... (I didn't!)

- american lit. discussion at 12.

- lunch and last minute studying.

- spanish test at 2.

- sections at 4.

- pick up scott. fun wal-mart adventures.

- glee party in far west.

- make awesome posters for the Kidd Kraddick show.

- watch so you think you can dance.

- watch glee.

- make ou weekend cd.

- complete any unfinished tasks from the past two days.

- finish laundry.

- pack for ou weekend.

- make delicious treats for longhorn singers and the lucky ones of us staying at swanners'.

- make sure everything is set and ready for ou weekend.

- clean out car.

- clean.

thursday

- wake up with plenty of time to get ready.

- meet at the co-op on dean keaton.

- go to sonic first, of course.

- leave for dallas, 12pm.

- lunch in waco.

- rock it out with longhorn singers at ou weekend.

don't forget to pack:

- pitch pipe.

- music.

- the flashlight.

- umbrella.

- camera.

- chargers for: camera, phone, computer.

- blanket.

- chapstick.

when are we going to practice?

"We should practice."
"Yes, but not now."

"Hey, when do you want to practice?"
"Later. We'll figure it out."

"Hey, we need to practice."
"I know."

"When are we going to practice?"

What a frustrating week. In general.
Things are piling up, and I am starting to feel like I can't get them done fast enough.
But they will get done.
Classes are becoming more demanding, and show week is too soon.

And I feel like this is the time of the semester when everyone starts to get frustrated with each other too.
And I'm trying so hard not to.
But this week I have done a bad job.

I know everyone is busy and I'm trying to be patient.
With you.
With you guys.
With Singers.
With myself.

But today was the worst.
Traffic was terrible. And the mall was mad crowded.
And we still haven't practiced.
(and I feel annoying.)

And once again, He says,
"You're doing the same thing to me."
You got me.

"Hey love, we need to hang out."
"Totally! But I have plans, when I get back though."

"Hey, when do you want to spend time with me?"
"Can't tonight. I'm too tired. Later. We'll figure it out."

"Hey. I love you. We need to talk soon."
"I know."

"Beloved, when are we going to practice?"

I need to practice.
So many things:
keeping my eyes on the Lord.
not blaming others for things that aren't their fault.
love.
trust.
patience.
time management.
swing dancing.
letting go.

After these tests.
After these papers.
After this show.
After these seniors leave.
After I register for the fall.
After texas revue.
After this summer, or next year, or college.
After all of these things, You will remain.
You are all that matters.
You are all that will never change or let me down.

You will never lose your patience.
Or be annoyed by me or get my order wrong or not call or change your mind.
You will never change. You will never leave. You will never disappoint me.
And you will always have time for me.

PRAISE THE LORD.
Thank you for teaching me things.
And thank you for metaphors because they are STINKIN' COOL.
And thank you for grace, because that is way cooler.

Spring Break, first half.

Break so far has been lovely. I haven't done anything as far as school is concerned, and this is a GOOD THING.

I worked a ton this weekend on senior gifts and officer binders, but there is still a lot to do. I also got rainboots and yet another pair of converse (because I don't have enough already). Oh brother. I have also re-discovered the joys of playing "tennis ball" with my dog.

Yesterday was perfect outside. I woke up and looked out my window and was honestly surprised to see the sun. It has rained in Austin for days and it was about time for some sun. :) It ended up being about 85 degrees outside, so I decided to go to the park and read. It was wonderful. I had acorns and tree bark thrown at me by a squirrel, no lie. Awesome.

And now, lists.
Fun adventures so far:
- Lunch with Herb.
- The training room, heart to hearts, trainer football and the field house.
- Making pizza with Kelci and watching three hours of pointless TV.
- Breakfast with Brynn
- Lunch with Michael.
- Dinner at home.

SIGN FAIL: Today I was at the post office dropping off a package for Mom. There is a sign where the line is supposed to stop and wait. It says, "Please wait for the next available erk."

The joys of Tyler:
1. For the last two years, every time I have been home from school/in town, I have gone up to my high school to hang out with the trainers/coaches/football practice or whatever. Not ONCE has it been a big deal before. I drive on to campus yesterday and stop at the guard shack like always and tell them that I'm there to see the trainers. Here is what happened:
Me: "Hey! I'm here the see the trainers."
Lady: "WHO?"
Me: "The athletic trainers- Coach Jenkins..."
Lady: "Do you have a' appointment?"
Me: "Mmm, no."
Lady: "Are you a student, or an ex-student or what?"
Me: "I'm an ex-student, I used to be a trainer."
Lady: "Why are you here?"
Me: "Oh, I'm just coming to say hi...."
Lady: "OOH HONEY THAT'S NOT ALLOWED! This is a closed campus, you can't just come on to campus. You gonna have to call her and make an appointment then tell her to call us and let us know you're coming."
Me: "Yes ma'am..."
GOOD GRIEF. So naturally, Herb and I go to get milkshakes while we solve this problem. And I'm all, "What do they think I'm gonna do? Do I LOOK like I'm a danger to the campus?" So anyway, I talk to Coach J and tells me to just have them call her. So Herb and I try again. Encounter number two with the guard shack lady:
Me: "Hi! I talked to her and she said it was totally fine. She said you guys can call her if you have questions."
Lady: long pause. Then she gets up from her seat and walks over to the phone, asks me the extension and actually calls it. Spends a good three minutes on the phone with the trainers making sure it's okay that I come on campus.
...if it is a "closed campus," why do I have so much trouble getting on this ONE TIME, but when I was a student I went off campus ILLEGALLY for lunch at least 2-3 times a week during my junior and senior years?
Oh, Tyler Lee, I love you so much.

2. I was going to pick Kelci up from work yesterday and was at the corner of 5th and Broadway. One one corner of 5th there is a CVS. Directly across the street on the other corner of 5th there is a Walgreens. I could have taken a picture that had both stores in it. Sweet.

I love it so much. :)
But tomorrow I leave for Oregon.
Now THAT will be an adventure.

Packing before and after. Please note my anthropology book in my suitcase. Who want's to take bets on whether or not I will ACTUALLY get any reading done? ;)

Tickets? Check.
Scarves and sweatshirts? Check.
Rainboots and um-ber-ella-ella-ella (ay, ay, ay)? Check.
Camera? Check.
Wheat thins? Check.

DONE AND DONE.

There are no alligators on Sesame Street.

NUGI day is my favorite. :)
Singers and good friends and ridiculous fun.
I love them all way more than I can stand.

Tonight at dinner I was talking with my roommate and others about how I am going to try to be a better person this semester. There is always room for improvement, I think.
I decided to make a list:

- I will do my best to always put others first. Not just sometimes, or when it is convenient, but always.
- I will be healthier. More milk, and apple juice and fruits and veggies, less Dr. Pepper and junk food. I also want to run/workout more, although I feel like I say this every semester and it never happens...
- I will be more careful with my words and actions. Less complaining and more encouraging. Also, I will try to gossip less. I will make a constant effort to glorify the Lord in my conversations and behavior.
- I will try to be less loud and obnoxious. I realize I can be really ridiculous sometimes, and I apologize. Sometimes I forget that life is not summer camp.
- I will pray more and spend more time with the Lord. I will do a better job of trusting in His plans for me, rather than the plans I make for myself. I will trust Him fully with my future, my relationships, and my worries. I will praise Him even when things don't work out the way I want them to.
- I will try to love people regardless of everything. I will try to not judge and to not be bitter about things. I will make a conscious effort to see people as their Creator does and to show them His love. Also, I think I get frustrated with people a lot. I will try to work on patience. :)
- I will slow down. I will sleep when I need to and I will be better at time management. I will do my best to not procrastinate on my classes and make better grades this semester.
- I will cherish this semester and the time that I have left with precious people and Seniors that are graduating. I will not take anything for granted.

Those are some that I feel like I need to improve in. Notice I say, "try." Because I will try, but I will mess up sometimes, probably a lot, because I am human and that's how I work. But I will keep trying, and keep seeking, and keep praising.

God is good. And life is good. The end.

My campers make me happy. This is Taylor LeeAnn:

Because it's never as easy as it seems.

What to do and how to see
When every little thing seems to get in my way.

I have a lot to do to get my heart and myself ready for next semester.
I had big plans for this break, and so far they are not happening.
I have all of this junk in my heart that I need to clear out, and it's proving to be a hard thing.
And I'm so bitter. I hate that most of all. That needs to be DONE.

For some reason, I have major problems trusting the Lord with certain things in my life.
Which is stupid. Because He has been so faithful to me. And I have absolutely no reason to believe that He will not continue to be faithful.
So this is what I should work on the most, I think. Trusting Him with this, especially. Because honestly, what good does it do me to sit here and worry about these things? None at all.

Cause you're only taking inches when I'm giving you miles.
Did you think that maybe I wasn't worth your while?

Even when I can't see it, He has a plan, and things will be fine.
I need to remember that.

"Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand."
- Psalm 37:24

Sky Ranch, here I come. :)

please, softly before I scream,

breathe, breathe, breathe.