Top 10 & Counting...

So, a few weeks ago, a friend and I got into a little 'semi-argument' about cute guys and such, and I said I'd make a list of hot guys, and let our friends decide who had better taste...and what should have been a one-week project turned into nearly a month (Thanks, homework, for distracting me!!!) but it's finally here...

In no particular order...
My Hottie List...

Jim Caviezel
When I first laid eyes on this hunk, he was an awkward boyish Frenchman betrayed by his best friend...and even if the title's fake, who wouldn't fall for the Count he becomes? Then he takes on something as awe-inspiring as The Passion, and just blows my mind. If he can pull that off, he's a winner no matter what.

John Corbett
Many roles, but the one that captures my heart is that of Pastor Dan, in Raising Helen.
"I'm a sexy man of God, and I know it."
Yes, you are, John, yes you are!

Hugh Dancy
No, I don't approve of the way he played Prince Charmont in Ella Enchanted. But mostly because of the writers screwing up a good story...as for Hugh himself...so cute!! And then he's in another favorite book-to-movie, Blood & Chocolate, and same story...but he's awkward, funny, can ride horse and draw--or so Hollywood would have us believe--and I don't know if he's English or American, but he can do both and it fits either way...he is very sigh-worthy...

Johnny Depp
Do I even need a reason? Well, I'll give you one anyway...
There are so many things I could say about this man...
I first fell for him as Captain Jack..."Take what you can, give nothing back!"
But once I started watching his other films, I realized, the man is a genius in EVERY ROLE HE PLAYS!! Sweeney Todd...The Corpse Bride...Benny & Joon...no matter how far the list goes on, it all comes down to one thing: the man is a master!

Zac Efron
No, I didn't fall for him in High School Musical...because I didn't decide to see the trilogy until after I watched 17 Again seven days in a row. But he's just so cute!! I couldn't help myself...

Colin Firth
Now if you like awkward cute guys, here you are...but it was actually one of his 'less nervous' roles that got me hooked. Have you discovered the joy of six hours of Pride & Prejudice? A favorite book, and they actually hit it spot-on behind cameras...if it were a bad remake, would he still be on this list? Yes...because of Love Actually, Nanny McPhee, What A Girl Wants...should I go on?

Harrison Ford
Han Solo, Indiana Jones, the President of the United States...this man can do everything, and has, and I don't care how gray his hair gets; the man has charisma! Remember, not old, but distinguished!

Jonathan Frakes
Some of you may be unfamiliar with this charmer, but once you see him in action, you can't deny he's got it. Commander William Riker of the starship Enterprise...I would definitely join Starfleet for this man, even if I know he'll go for Troi in the end...


Cary Grant
Though I know better, half the time I can't tell whether this man is English or American...and that's part of his charm--which he has loads of, even while being an ass, as he is sometimes. But he still gets the girl? Now that's talent.

Hugh Grant
Another English 'Grant,' this one more awkward, and yet just as lovable. I have to ask myself why...because when I get down to it, he's not the most attractive man in the world. But that sweet persona he has just grabs my heart, and I can't help but fall...

Justin Hawkins of The Darkness
Okay, so yes, he's a bit awkward, gives off a very strange vibe, and have you seen his video for "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"? But regardless...that's like my favorite song. I love his voice. And guess what? He plays a Les Paul!! Application approved...

Sterling Knight
Unbeknownst to myself, the first time I saw this guy was on 17 Again...there are just so many good things in that movie!! But then I saw him again on Sunny with a Chance, and just recently on Starstruck...yes, he is a product of Disney. But I like his style, and he sings, too, so why not?

Hunter Parrish
Don't ask me why I like him. Just sit back. Take him in. And when you're ready, you can move on.

Matthew Perry
I'm not a big fan of Friends, but this guy is just so believable, in every role, and he's got an honest, straight-forward quality about him you can't help fall for. Plus, he turns into Zac Efron in 17 Again and that ain't not bad...

Brad Pitt
What is there to like about this man? Other than that he is Brad Pitt, of course...well, other than his looks, I'd have to say the moment I became a hardcore BP fan was in Mr & Mrs Smith, when he couldn't pull the trigger...love conquers all, doesn't it? Another favorite role is the infamous Joe Black...if the man can make Death look that good, then he definitely deserves a spot on my favorites...

Andrew Lee Potts
I've only seen this cutie in one thing, but his role as Hatter in SyFy's Alice --yes, it's 'Alice in Wonderland' remade-- had such an effect on me I started writing my own remake. He's awkward, clever, shabbily dressed and just plain adorable...I don't think I've ever liked the 'Mad Hatter' more...

Matthew Thiessen of Relient K
Front and center, there he is, with his fellow bandmates...but what about this lead singer captured my heart?
"Sadie Hawkins Dance, in my khaki pants, there's nothing better...oh oh oh!"
Who could resist those high notes? And trust me, he hits those notes just as well live as in the studio.


The following are not quite on my list, but the pictures were so that I couldn't just leave them off without giving them a shout-out...
So here are the 'honorable mentions'...

A young Clint Eastwood...can you say WOW??

Ah, Patrick Dempsey...and in Japan, no less, for one of my favorite movies...

Jude Law & Jack Black...good and bad roles between them, but when you watch The Holiday how can you not fall in love?

Now don't make fun, just because I have a Twilight character here...you'll notice that Mr Lautner did not make the 'official list,' and I didn't even pick one of the many topless pictures I found...(but I still love you, Taylor!!)

I never would have thought James Marsden could do comedy so well...but his princely role is just too funny...and too sweet!

Group shot!!!
Okay, so it's all the 17 Again cast members I mentioned beforehand, but now all together...
Move over, girls and make room for me!!

And that's all for today, folks, but don't worry, there will be more. In fact, next week, I think I'll put up a list of all the female hotties I'm crushing on...

JUST KIDDING!!

Hope you're all having a great week!!

Sisters on Vacation...

So I was going through some family pictures, and I came across this lovely picture...

Aw, Christmas in Florida...
But wait, Jessie just posted THIS picture for this last Christmas...

See any similarities??
Sometimes I think we never really change, we just get taller...
(And finally let Hildi up there with us!)
Funny, don't you think?

Porcelain

...are you wasting away in your skin?
are you missing the love of your kin?
drifting and floating and fading away...

So that's sort of the mood right now...
But it goes up and down, so it's never for long...

So you may know I'm not all that big on pictures, but I felt I had to have illustrations to elaborate this post, so here we go...

"Things I've Found At College"
(what this post SHOULD have been named lol)


I can still clash my colors on a daily basis...

I am too lazy to get any other color out of my box of nail polish, so I'm stuck with this shade of red...

I have far too many papers and books on my floor and it's only the end of week two!



My television is just taking up space...and I cannot survive without my tea...
Closet doors really do work as towel hangers...

I have a calendar with nothing of interest to put on it...

I ate my last piece of chocolate...which had been in my stocking at Christmas.

Apparently you can only get real, healthy soda for a limited time before going back to the delicious unhealthiness that is high fructose corn syrup...


Peanut butter is a must-have food for the lazy, on-the-go college student...


And finally, whether you believe it or not, mirrors do not lie...
I AM the Fairest of them all...
So I guess all the rest doesn't matter, huh?

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend, and that you have a great next week!!

In a world of mixed up times, and messed up people...

...there are some truly caring people that don't even need to know you to help you out.

Many of you may know I went to Haiti this last August. I made several friends there, and I really hope to go back some day, because the experience was just so awesome, and we really got into the Spirit of God, and you just can't come back from that unchanged.
Then, this last Tuesday, there was an earthquake in Haiti, the epicenter of which was right where we were. Thank God that the church is still standing, and the Pastor's house is still there, if the inside is a bit shambles. But there are still friends we don't know about, and death tolls are rising...
And then, on Facebook, I came upon this event for 'Prayers for Haiti' this Friday, worldwide, or wherever you may hail from, and of course I said I would attend, and I wrote a note about how, even if to some it seems so far away, it's very close, and I did mention some friends had not been heard from yet.
And a lady I've never met sends me a letter, which I'm going to insert here...

Hey Emma,

I saw your post on the Prayers for Haiti wall. I am so sorry to hear about the current worries that you and your family are now facing. I will definitely be praying for your friends in Haiti. If it's alright, I'd like to say one right now for you, your family and your friends.

Jesus,
I thank you so much for Emma and her family. I ask, Lord, that you will comfort them in their time of trial right now as they anxiously wait to hear from their friends in Haiti. I ask that your love pour out over the King family right now and that you strengthen them every day that passes. Let them know that you are with them and with all who are down in Haiti right now as the clean up process begins. Please protect Emma’s friends in Haiti and bring them to safety. Jesus, we don’t always understand your ways, and I pray, in accordance to your will, that you will reveal to us the good that you will bring forth from the ashes. Strengthen the faith that might be tested in this trial. Jesus, your Word tells us that through faith we are shielded by God’s power. You tell us that we can greatly rejoice even though we must suffer through times of grief and trials. Our faith is only refined and strengthened through the fire. Thank you, Lord, for you promises of peace, comfort, and eternal life. You satisfy our needs in every situation. Thank you for being a BIG God! We rejoice in your faithfulness and love for your children all over the world.
In Your Holy Name,
Amen.

I will continually pray for your friends and your family. There is a cross that I have that sits on my desk at school with a wonderful multitude of verses on that I would like to share with you. It says:
HOPE
Those who trust in the LORD will find NEW STRENGTH. They will SOAR high on wings like EAGLES. They will RUN and not grow weary. They will WALK and not faint. So BE STRONG and COURAGEOUS, all you who put your HOPE in the LORD. Let us HOLD TIGHTLY without wavering to the HOPE we affirm, for GOD can be trusted to keep HIS PROMISE.

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your night. :-)

Sincerely,
Rebecca

It's people like her that make me think, maybe we'll be alright after all...

One Week Update...

So this is only the second day of classes, but about 8:30 am tomorrow is the last time I saw home, so I'm going from there...

Lots of things have happened and I want to write them all down...
And I did...
So I am going to do a bunch of copy and pasting, okay? =)

From January 7th, morning

I think that's the local time...I can't quite remember if I changed my computer over or not...I know for a fact my alarm-clock is wrong, as that's 1:28 in the morning...clearly I just plugged it in and didn't bother changing it...
Procrastination?
Maybe...
Or maybe I just didn't know what the time was and I kind of like it being off anyway...
Though I should still change it...

So I don't know if I've mentioned this, but anyway, so forever ago, my radiator was busted and the temperature gauge thing was shot...there's another word for it, but it escapes me...anyway, so we got a new temp thing, and I just never got around to installing it...and so it was really cold all the way here—still is, to be specific, just we're now indoors and it's heated and lovely and everything—and my car does not have a working heater.
Ouch.
Which, of course, is because there's no temperature gauge thing to meter the temperature and so it can never warm up, and so we had blankets and jackets and all sorts of fun stuff, first for eight hours, then another five today—we stopped at a hotel overnight, because the roads were kinda scary—and we never quite managed to stay warm, and our feet froze...
And Mom is soooo happy she's taking a flight back home instead of driving.

I'm a little tired, but kind of full of energy anyway, and while Mom is sleeping in the living room of my lovely dorm apartment, I've been setting up my room, and organizing and all such lovely things...
Though it's still a mess...
But as I told my friend Amanda, the room screams Emma, which a room should...if I'm in it, that is.

I think I should probably try to sleep...
And try not to fall off my four-feet-from-the-ground bed...
Oy...

That day I sent out a million notes to friends on Facebook, saying how we survived the long trip...

Made it to Montana in one piece--not just me, the car, too!--and my room is mostly settled into already...wonder-woman, that's me! haha, so how are you?

I LOVE YOU!!!
And it's weird because the next room over is NOT yours...
But I'm not sure whose it is, because they're all still on break...
Love you, give yourself a big hug from me!! :)

Guess who starts school in like...four days??
Wow...
So how's your break been??
I made it out to the lovely western country of Montana...
You should totally have a roadtrip to see me!!
Lol, or not...

so my phone has been out of commission the last almost month now, but I'm getting a prepaid thing set up in the next few days, which will have less minutes but save me money so YAY!!!
btw, I made it to school, and my room is pretty much awesome...
or at least stylish, it's kind of cramped and still messy, but it totally screams Emma, which is what a room should do...that is, if I'm in it

And others...it's amazing how many people forgot I was going to school...or forgot what day it was. My own brother didn't know that!!
But since people have started realizing where I am, I'm getting lots of comments and everyone comments on my updates...

is leavin on a jetplane...don't know when I'll be back again... (actually, I lied, I'm driving, lol)

(The morning we left...I had to go online to check my Cafe on Facebook, like the dork I am, and this song popped into my head before I logged out)

thinks everyone should have a Mom that will lend them an extra pair of socks... :)

(We really were freezing on our trip, and we were so grateful to be able to stop and warm up at a hotel over that first night)

wants everyone to write her a letter or a postcard or something...1511 Poly Dr, Billings, Montana, ummm...don't know the zip code lol, I'll get back to you on that, haha...

(It's 59102, by the way!)

doesn't know if she likes getting up this early...

(I think this was to do admissions stuff and such, but I can't remember...but I still don't like being up early, not until about ten-thirty or so when I realize I've done so much more with my day than if I slept in...)

thinks an hour and a half on laundry a week is a good deal...

(True, I did several loads in such a small time, because the laundry is free, and there are several machines so I do it all at once...yay!!
After this, I sent out congratulations for some dear friends, first Irina, who had a baby girl, only days after I left...why couldn't you have had her early so I could see her?? Then my friend Gaelle and my friend Jeremiah got engaged...to each other. And I was informed that my friend Sara had a baby boy, also...
YAY HAPPY TIMES!!!
And I miss them, being so far away...
oh well)

would give you a hug if you were closer...

(Feeling a bit low here, and decided this was all I could say without getting emotional. How weird is it, that this is the first time I'm far away from family, and I CAN'T GO HOME IF I FREAK OUT?????
But I'm not going to, and I feel great being here, so don't worry about me!)

starts today...but breakfast first!! =]

(So, okay, today, I didn't have breakfast...but the last few days, three meals a day, and I'm sticking to it, and I feel great...but I'm hungry today, so maybe I should get lunch soon...)

loves the theme of the names on our doors...Apples to Apples say I am "FUNKY: Hip, Psychedelic, Groovy"

(How did they get that accurate without having a clue who I am??)

survived day #1...yay!!
subtext: only to kill myself by drinking an egg...blah...lol

(I both did and did not do this thing...that is to say...
A million years ago, I watched this episode of Rachel Ray, and she was talking about college students, and how Ramen is a staple food, and to get more protein, you just crack an egg and voila! Dinner is served...and so I do that every now and then...only usually I drain out all the water first, but I didn't this time, and so...and so...most of the liquid was egg-filled and almost tasty? but not quite, haha)

doesn't want to change into normal clothes...pjs are so comfy, can't I wear them all day??

(I'm told college students can get away with this. However, I'm trying to portray an image of studious, clean and if not stylish, then at least presentable. But I'm sure I'll change back into pjs after my next class =])

loves her psych professor...and art history doesn't seem too bad either =]

(Here I insert a bit of my diary, just so you understand why...)

My psych professor is awesome...
That is to say...
She started talking about cellphones and how we all need them, to stay connected and whatnot, but that she doesn't want you using them in class, and how sometimes, you think you can hold it under the table/desk and text and no one will know...well, from the front of the room, it looks like you're doing something...else...
Oh, she's great.
A sense of humor is much appreciated.

(As to art history, I just discovered it might not be as hard as I imagined it, which is totally YAY!!!)

Things you may be wondering from my very random observations and such...

We DID get the car fixed before Mom went home, and it was a very fair price, and I'm adding it to the tab I owe Mom when I finally get rich.

I have NOT fallen off my bed yet...though it's weird sleeping in a different bed...on a bed, as the last week or so I was sleeping on blankets on the floor...and last night was the first night I slept all the way through.

I have a new phone, prepaid, as I think I mentioned, and if you want the number, you can email me or message me or ask my Mom...but it's limited, and I think I have five, six dollars worth of time left...yikes...

You may also be curious as to how I'm spending my free time...
Let's see...

I am so not satisfied with the ending of Chrono Crusade.
Was it well-written?
Was it believable?
Was it worth watching to get to?
Yes...
But I am so not satisfied...

I've been playing a game of solitaire while I watch...first I ended up with eight cards left...then it went down to six...and I thought, hey, if the pattern keeps up, we'll go four, then two, and then VICTORY!!
But now, it just went back up to about twenty or so...
Blah...
But a good way to pass the time anyway...

Oh, and I've also been crocheting a scarf, taking random pictures, and I found the school library, and I'm not quite pleased with it, but they have several good books on tape/CD so I will say they are okay anyway...

And that's my random update...
Is this a weekly thing?
Or will my updates be as random as this writing?
We'll see...

One Day Left...

'Ee-SHE-ah' means more.
More games...
More friends to see...
More things to pack...
I wish there was more time...

But it's my last full day in the Great State of Minnesota--why is it called that?--and I'm having to say my final goodbyes...
Granted, this one's taking eight hours already, but I think Irina might just be the only reason I'd really come back...
(That, and I'm missing the birth of number three, which could be tonight or this Saturday, if they have to induce, and I'm definitely coming back to see the new girl in town!)
I wish that cleaning my room out was as simple as saying goodbye...or that arranging everything in my car was as easy as getting that same car stuck on ice...how do people move their entire lives from one place to another?? I wish I was eight again and Mom would do it for me...
Which, she maybe kind of is? because she's driving out to Montana with me, and helping me settle in...
THANK YOU MOM!!

'Tee-ha' means quiet.
(Or 'shut up'?)
I can't wait until I'm there and I can finally let my mind be quiet...

At the Risk of being Yelled At...

Jessie, I absolutely love this picture!!!
And it's so pretty I wanted to share it with the rest of the world...
On the off chance that more than you, Grandma, and Beth read my blog, that is.
It just makes me think of candy and ice cream and birthday cakes...
YAY!!!
This is a happy picture, and I would like to thank you for posting it, sister, mine!!

In other news...
I haven't done laundry in ages, and it's just been brought to my attention that we are leaving for Florida in less than...three days?? I can't count right now...
I told Mom why should I bother as I'll just be wearing a swimsuit, right?
That didn't fly...
But a girl can dream, right?

I'm both excited and absolutely dreading Florida...
Why, you may ask??
I don't like planes. I don't like car-rides to and from airports. I don't like the instant heat when I walk outside. And I especially don't like going somewhere far from home when I have nineteen days, give or take, until I'm leaving home permanently...
Ouch time...
But I can do it, it's all right, and if I have to stay up for hours on end, my laundry WILL GET DONE!!
I hope...

We're having a family day tomorrow, to open presents since Dad isn't joining us down south--lucky!!--and we're watching movies all day...
Fun, fun...
I just LOVE being lazy and doing nothing where there are a MILLION things to do...

And yes, that was sarcastic.
I'm okay.
I just need to breathe a little...
And find a few more boxes to pack stuff in...got any on hand?

New favorite song...

'Cagayake GIRLS!'

chatting now
gachi de kashimashi never ending girls' talk
shuugyou chaimu made matenai
chikoku wa shite mo soutai wa non non non!
seiippai study after school

dokidoki ga tomannai furusurottoru na nounai
kibou - yokubou - bonnou ribon kakete housou
neta dossari mochiyori new type version uchikomi
danshi kinsei no purichou koi tsuzutta nikkichou

sukaato take 2 cm tsumetara tobu yo
kinou yori tooku ototoi yori okutaabu takaku

jumping now
gachi de uruwashi never ending girls' life
hibi maji raibu dashi matta nashi
hayaokishite mo hayane wa non non non!
meippai shouting wasshoi
gachi de subarashi never ending girls' song
gogo tiitaimu ni wa motte koi
kataomoi demo gyokusai de here we go!
utaeba shining after school

fuwafuwa ikiteru sei? jiken bakkashi eburidei
bibun sekibun wa tsuishi toubun ren'ai wa chuushi
nijigenme ni wa naku yo yojigen dashi ibukuro
yaba, tsui ni genkaichou ueito kaita maru hichou

maegami 3 mm kittara mieta
touan masshiro demo mirai ga barairo nara yoku ne?

chatting now
gachi de kashimashi never ending girls' talk
shuugyou chaimu made matenai
chikoku wa shite mo soutai wa non non non!
seiippai study enjoi
gachi de subarashi never ending girls' song
gogo tiitaimu ni wa motte koi
katayaburi na koodo demo here we go!
utaeba shining after school

eien ni ruupu suru
saizu down up down up
demo kibun itsudemo
up up up & up
atsumaru dake de waraeru nante
utau dake de shiawase nante
...kanari chikyuu ni yasashii eko jan

jumping now
gachi de uruwashi never ending girls' life
hibi maji raibu dashi matta nashi
hayaokishite mo hayane wa non non non!
meippai shouting wasshoi
gachi de subarashi never ending girls' song
gogo tiitaimu ni wa motte koi
kataomoi demo gyokusai de here we go!
utaeba shining after school

so
shining shiner shinyest
girls be ambitious & shine
shining shiner shinyest
girls be ambitious & shine
shining shiner shinyest
girls be ambitious & shine
shining shiner shinyest
girls be ambitious & shine
shining shiner shinyest
girls be ambitious & shine
shining shiner shinyest
girls be ambitious & shine

Don't ask what it all means, because I'm not quite sure off-hand...
But it's stuck in my head, and I really don't mind, because it's just so bouncy and that's exactly what I need right now...

I made another mix last night with this song...

Why?

The title says it all...

"Because it's just SOOOO much better in Japanese..."

Sometimes, I think it really is...

Out of Touch on Purpose

I've found, over the last few weeks, that I know nothing about life that goes on around me...
One sister has a boyfriend who we've talked about less times than I can count on one hand, in the month and a half she's been dating him. Are they doing well? I assume so, but I don't know.
My older brother moved into his new apartment sometime in the last week, and I didn't really register that fact until today. I haven't probably spoken to him in at least two weeks. Is he doing well? I honestly hope so, but I don't know.
Am I repeating myself? Let's try something different...
There is a girl in my church that I've become a bit of friends with, and we've chatted during Bible study and such, and I just found out that she's not quite eighteen, though I thought she was at least twenty-one. And I discovered she's been home-schooled, and is not in college, as I thought she was. So I wonder, what have we been talking about that I didn't know this before? Well...God, men and chocolate...not bad things, but still. No intimacy, at least not on my part, and I have to wonder, is this lack my fault? Am I really that out of touch that she doesn't see the point in telling me other things about her? Or did she tell and I'm that out of touch that I didn't realize?
Or look at another aspect, members of my family--cousins, aunts, uncles, grand-parents, etc--are going through things, good and bad, that I have no awareness of. I feel ignorant and stupid, because no one tells me, but then, as with my church friend, perhaps they did and I'm just out of touch, off in my own world...
It just seems I'm the last to know about everything, from births to deaths.
And I think it might be because I don't show initial interest. But then I think, also, why should I have to make the first move? Why do I have to call first or email or send a text message or whatever? Why can't people come to me?
I just feel so out of touch...and I know, half the time--more than half--I do it on purpose. If I don't get close, you can't hurt me when you stop talking to me, and heck, I'm moving a million miles across the country anyway, so why should I care in the first place what's going on outside of me if I'm just leaving it behind?
But the double-edged sword cuts right through me when you tell her that you found someone you like before me, or him that you just got accepted to the school of your dreams, and I'm out of the loop, broken and bleeding on the sidewalk just because I was bored with main traffic and can't figure out how to zip back in...talk about your mixed metaphors, haha...
I'm sure Mom would tell me it's just a matter of balance.
(Seems everything is with me)
But I'm awful dizzy lately and am more likely to fall on my face than walk a straight line...
How do I do it?
Any ideas?

Where I'm Going To...

Climate for Billings, Montana

Average Temperature for Billings, Montana
Month Low High
Jan 15.1°F 32.8°F
Feb 20.1°F 39.5°F
Mar 26.4°F 47.6°F
Apr 34.7°F 57.5°F
May 44.0°F 67.4°F
Jun 52.5°F 78.0°F
Jul 58.3°F 85.8°F
Aug 57.3°F 84.5°F
Sept 47.1°F 71.8°F
Oct 37.2°F 58.9°F
Nov 25.6°F 42.7°F
Dec 17.7°F 34.5°F

Billings's coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 15.1°F. In July, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 85.8°F.

Average Rainfall for Billings, Montana
Month Precipitation
Jan 0.81in.
Feb 0.57in.
Mar 1.12in.
Apr 1.74in.
May 2.48in.
Jun 1.89in.
Jul 1.28in.
Aug 0.85in.
Sept 1.34in.
Oct 1.26in.
Nov 0.75in.
Dec 0.67in.

The driest month in Billings is February with 0.57 inches of precipitation, and with 2.48 inches May is the wettest month.

Percentage of Sunshine Hours for Billings, Montana
Month Sunshine Hours
Jan 47%
Feb 53%
Mar 61%
Apr 60%
May 61%
Jun 64%
Jul 76%
Aug 75%
Sept 68%
Oct 61%
Nov 46%
Dec 45%

Sunshine hours refers to the amount sunshine there is during the hours of daylight. A higher percentage means there is more sunshine through the day and a lower percentage will indicate that it is probably cloudier. Sunshine hours are important when you are planning your vacation.

Well, I'm not vacationing...
But at least I've got a feel how cold it'll be...
And I noticed there's a lot of rain in May, no way finals will be happy, haha...
Average-wise, at least...

PLEASE BE AVERAGE!!

"I kind of have a split personality on this, I'm a morning guy.. if night guy doesn't stay up too late... but invariably night guy stays up way too late, which ruins morning guy's day."
from Air1's Sean (of Sean & Mandy), asked what favorite time of day is

God help me stay positive...

I read so many blogs, notes, statuses, that are so full of depression or anger or self-pity, and I'm trying really hard not to do that, because it annoys me so much to read it, so how hypocritical that I make others read it from me?
But at the same time, not all of life is rosy, and sometimes it just plain sucks, and if I'm trying to be honest, wouldn't it be hypocritical, too, to deny that part of life's existence?
But also, I'm trying to find the good in the bad, so perhaps, a little of A, a little of B...
For instance...

I work three to five evenings a week, baby-sitting for my girlfriend Irina, and her two children, David and Anita. David is three, Anita is seventeen months, and at times, they can both be a handful. Also, the pay really isn't that great.
BUT...
I feel my parenting skills are improving, and I really want to be an expert on my kids--dream big! :)
I AM getting paid, so even the little bit I get is still good.
Plus, I'm learning Russian, and even if it's only little things, like telling them to 'Be good' or 'Eat' or asking 'What,' it's still pretty awesome, and I love it.

Someone very close to me told me he hated me last week. Completely out of the blue, and unexpected, and it was like a break-up all over again, except worse, because we're so much closer than a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.
BUT...
The next day, he apologized, reaffirmed that he loves me more than I can imagine, and we bonded over his favorite television show, and I think, because of this little hiccup, we just might be closer than ever.

I visited my friend Marissa at her school in St Cloud, and it seems every time I go there, we have to watch the dumbest movies--'College' and 'Knocked Up' to name a few--and there's no staying in for dinner, so I have to spend my hard-earned cash instead of saving it, because, hey, a girl's gotta eat, right?
BUT...
I always have a lot of fun when I visit, even with the dumb movies.
I'm meeting new people, being sociable, which is hard for me, but I'm learning.
And if I spend a little money, well, the whole fact of being in college makes everyone on the verge of broke, so it's never a fancy restaurant anyway.

Sometimes it's so hard to find the good in the bad, especially while the bad is happening, and I can't always see it, even after...
But I really don't want to be a negative person, and I don't want to become bitter and angry like I see so many of my friends becoming...

God help me stay positive...

Brushing up on my French...

Some of you may or may not know I have a little obsession with foreign languages...
(Mostly cuz they sound so much better than ours!!)
Haha, but seriously, I collect almost anything that's not in English, from candy wrappers to CDs, and everything in between. And one of the things I've been meaning to get is Disney's Beauty and the Beast...or 'La Belle et la Bete.' I saw it in my French class way back during my sophomore year, and while the English version does have a French language track, it's just not quite right without the French titles and credits as well. So I've been looking for it, and I found it...only it's 45,00 euros, which is over sixty American dollars...Christmas present maybe? But I can't afford it for myself, not when I need extra cash for school this spring. So, looking on, I discover that Disney has French versions of quite a few princess movies...one being 'La Belle au Bois Dormant' or, my favorite, Sleeping Beauty. And a heck of a lot cheaper...it'll arrive in about a week, delivered from France as it is, and I just can't wait...it's Christmas early for me! :)

And speaking of Christmas, first, it's snowing!! And sticking, too, it looks like, so YAY!!! I love snow...or at least the picture. Guaranteed I won't go out in it, but it's just not December, not Christmas, without snow...
(How do you handle it Grandma??)
Though on that note, I should say, I'm going to visit my grandparents down in Florida over the holiday, for the first time in years...I think the last time I went was Liberty's first Christmas, but I can't really remember that far back...
But, if there's no snow, at least I will have family with me, and that's what it's all about, right? Fellowship and all that jazz...
Love it!

Another special Christmas occasion, there is a Ladies' Tea tomorrow morning at my church. It's an annual get-together, ladies of all ages, and there's a little shopping from ladies in the church, crafts and such, and there's music and teachings, and it's just a lot of fun--plus the men have to serve us, which is nice! ;) This year, however, Mom forgot to purchase the tickets, and so we figured we'd have to pass this year. Only, we both volunteered to help set up, myself yesterday, Mom today, and the lady in charge told Mom that OF COURSE WE SAVED A SPOT FOR YOU!
We volunteer for everything, see, and we go to everything as well, so they assumed we'd want to be there this year as well, and it just slipped our minds...
I love my church!
(And now I'm wondering how I'll get along without them??)

Reading back over this, I notice how there are reminders--for myself, at least--of things not-so-cheerful in each of these things, but I kind of like keeping things on a positive note...
Especially since one of the Things N-S-C is already taken care of...
You just can't be sad during the Christmas season, really...

Hope all's well for the rest of you, love you all, have a great weekend!!