BabyGirl

[color=deeppink]There is nothing I hate more than having to get up for 8:30 class and leave my Erik in bed. It's incredible to feel how dependant I have become to having Erik next to me in bed every night. It has honestly become a sleeping habit, like sleeping with a stuffed animal, that without it becomes impossible to fall asleep. I love sleeping in in the mornings because that means semi-conscious cuddling time with Erik. It's so warm and comfortable in the bed with him ^____^. He used to jump on me and try to bug me, but after millions of grouchy responses I think he realized I'm not a morning person and stopped poking me around. Aww, sleeping is totally my favorite time of the day :love2:[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Adahn [/i] [B]I can throw around whatever fancy words I wish, and intrigue any teacher enough to get an "A". [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]Funny how that always does the trick :) I just recently received an A+ on an assignment turned in three days late. And it wasn't even good. It really boggles me as to how some of the sh** that I turn has a turnaround grade of an A. No English teacher ever gave me below an A as a final grade, and that was all the way through high school. I know that I'm a better writer than a majority of people, but I know what you're saying, Adahn, about how you don't feel challenged at all. I know that I can write stuff last minute and it can be utter bull**** and I'll still earn high marks. Doesn't exactly make me try too hard :p[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Heaven's Cloud [/i] [B][color=indigo]There are levels of maturity when it comes to raising children, dealing with relationships, dealing with money...[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]...being involved in a serious relationship. I've totally grown up over the past year with my boyfriend because I've noticed stupid, immature things that I do around him [like overreacting and whining] that he really hates. And it's been good for me, I've come to notice a lot of things I did before really DO affect people that I love. Erik just had the balls to point all of those flaws out to me, and I love it ^_^ [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Drix D'Zanth [/i] [B]No one enjoys the true value of some spectacular wines? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]How about some less than spectacular, $5 bottles of wine? Then again, I'm underage and to go on about MY favorite drink would be an open invitation to criticism and lectures, heh :p Oh, and one think I don't agree with at all is driving under the influence of more than one or two beers, and perferably waiting until you're completely sober would be even better. I know that [i]I[/i] couldn't drive with two beers in my system, so I don't know why other people think that they're an exception.[/color]

[color=deeppink]Leh, I hope you don't mind that I'm going to strip this down a bit and edit it. I was copy editor for my school year book, and I have a lot of experience in editing, so yes. But keep in mind that the corrections are only good suggestions, and you definitely don't [i]have[/i] to use them :) [b]Edit: Buh, apparently the [strikeout] option doesn't work, so just assume that it is crossing out the words between [strikeout] and [/strikeout][/b][/color] [b][size=1][color=darkblue]I fixed your tags. -Shy. :whoops:[/color][/size][/b] [size=1][b] The Apple Festival #3 It?s that time of year again, and everyone knows what that means[color=red];[/color] fun and happiness at the Jackson County Apple Festival. Rides, parades, games and more lie within the gates of this festival, awaiting [color=red][strike]for[/color][/strike] families to [color=red][strike]have fun with them[/strike] come and experience the fun they have to offer[/color]. From the past to the present, the Apple Festival is a way of life for [color=red][strike]Jackson residents[/strike] the residents of Jackson County. [If you use only 'Jackson' as in a city, it can become confusing since you mentioned the County in the title of the Festival.[/color]. [color=red][strike]It all[/strike]The tradition of the Festival [strike]started[/strike] began[/color] in the spring of 1937, when a group of members [strike][color=red]of[/strike] from[/color] the Jackson Chamber of Commerce had the idea to develop [color=red][strike]new ideas that could really mean something to the people of Jackson, Ohio and its surrounding neighbors[/strike] an anual event that would have meaning to citizens living in and around Jackson, Ohio.[/color] [color=red][strike]In this[/strike] At that point in time [strike],[/strike][/color] there were more than 40 farmers from Jackson producing apples all over the country. This group [color=red][strike]too[/strike] also felt [color=red]that[/color] something should be brought to Jackson [color=red]in order[/color] to bring [color=red]both[/color] small town and big town people together. [color=red][strike]Bearing[/strike] Keeping[/color] this in mind, the Apple Festival, which was hoped to advertise all the industries, especially apples, was created. It also [color=red][strike]allowed former residents to come back and visit their friends and family[/strike]gave former residents a reason to come back and visit with friends and family.[/color] The first festival brought great challenges. On the second day, a tremendous storm blew the roofs off of many booths. Yet, to [color=red][strike]many festival-goers surprise[/strike] the surprise of many who ran the booths [? I'm not sure if you meant booth-owners were surprised or if the crowds were surprised. But if the crowds showed up, then they wouldn't be surprised that they were there, since they chose to go in the first place...heh][/color], the crowds still came with interest. Although it was an interest to the people of Jackson, the first festival was [color=red]also[/color] a financial disaster. Ten of the initial promoters signed a note at the bank so all the debts they [color=red][strike]had[/strike] accumulated as a result of the Festival[/color] would be paid. [color=red]However,[/color] these men were not discouraged and began to plan a bigger, better festival for the next year. In time, the note was paid off and all succeeding festivals have paid their own way. With the tradition of the Apple Festival comes [color=red][strike]with[/color][/strike] the election of the Apple Festival Queen and Court. Courtney Wills has been elected as the Queen this year, and Sarah Beth Roseberry and Leah Evans her court. Past queens have included Jenny Bragg (2001), Barbie Britton (1984), and Helen Woodruff (1941). [color=red][Just out of curiousity, why did you include past queens from waaay back when?[/color] As with Apple Queen, comes the choosing of the Grand Marshall. Each year[color=red][strike],[/color][/strike] a new one is chosen and this year, Ms. Alice Smith, the owner of The Fashion [color=red]on[/color] (Main Street)[color=red][strike],[/color][/strike] and former Spanish teacher at Jackson High School [color=red][strike]was[/strike] has been [watch your tense.][/color] chosen. [color=red][strike]This year?s theme is ?Apples and Me Under the Sea?, and we all hope this year will be as great as years before.[/strike] Parades, rides, games and entertainment are all waiting for the residents of Jackson to arrive. [color=red]With the [catchy?] theme of "Apples and Me Under the Sea", we all hope that this year's Festival will be as [strike]great[/strike] successful as years before.[/color] [/size] [/b] [color=deeppink]Your storytelling is great, and the order in which you sequenced the information is solid. I just knit-picked your phrasing, wording, etc. I realize that a lot of what I corrected is probably just your style of writing, but I'm just correcting it all from an editor's point of view. One thing you may want to include in the article is the dates of this year's Festival, just in case people who read it were wondering. Other than that, it looks great! Good luck on the journalist audition! -Jenna[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sara [/i] [B][size=1]Really? I thought German was very easy. A lot of it is very similar to English...[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]When I was in Bern, Switzerland, which is a German-speaking city, I was trying on a dress and actually had to listen closely people talking in the dressing room. At first I thought that they were Americans speaking English, but time and again I was fooled by people speaking German...it just sounded so much like English. Maybe that's because I was in Switzerland and they have different accents than people who live in Germany? The people of Bern are very stylish, too. Just thought I'd add that. I took French for four years. I really enjoyed it, but I dont' really remember anything because my teacher seemed to think that she was teaching elementary kids how to speak it as opposed to high school students. I'm good with language so I could have benefitted from having a better teacher, but I suppose it's ok because she loved me. I've never been a teacher's favorite student...but I was definitely one of her's![/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dagger IX1 [/i] [B]I tend to romanticize situations in which I should try to be objective, and I'm so eager to be in love that at times I subconsciously try to convince myself that I am. *shrugs* I suppose I'll grow out of it, neh? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]Nah, you'll never grow out of it but you don't need to, either. When you actually do find someone that you love and fall in love with, it'll just be that much better :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sweet Setsuna [/i] [B]so there's no chance I'll be drinking any of it in the near future. Or ever. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]Tastes change, honey. Beer used to repluse me, now it tastes just fine. I used to hate Italian food, now it's my favorite. Never say never, because it's most likely not something you'll stick to if you're young ^_~[/color]

[color=purple][I]After a few baffled seconds, Dria stuffed both the envelope and photo into her shoulder tote, reminding herself to mention the picture to Apocalypse later. She dug out her cell phone and decided that after her shopping she?d have to pay a visit to an old friend. A rash and irritated voice picked up on the other side of the line,[/I] ?**** off. I?m busy. Call later.? [I]Before he could hang up, Dria laughed,[/I] ?Franco darling, it?s me.? [I]There was a pause followed by an triumphant[/I], ?Ahh, Dria! [I]Mi amore![/I] You finally remembered your old friend Franco, [I]si[/I]?? [I]Dria grinned, ?Si, mio amore.[/I]? [i]Franco Viladi was flamboyant and blatantly homosexual, but he was one of her oldest friends.[/i] ?Mm, your Italian still sounds [I]perfetto[/I].? ?[I]Grazie[/I], darling. I only grew up speaking the language in my home?? [I]Dria joked.[/I] ?So what can Franco do for you today, [I]tesoro[/I]?? ?I recently came upon some money that I need invested, and seeing as though that?s your area of expertise? I?m going to be on your side of town today, I have a bit of shopping to do.? [I]Dria cradled the phone between ear and shoulder and she shifted into first and made her way into traffic.[/I]. ?Stop by and see me! I demand it. We?ll do lunch.? [I]Dria imagined him pacing excitedly around his Manhattan office,[/I] ?Treat yourself to a pair of Manolo Blaniks and I?ll treat you to some [I]Italiano[/I].? ?Sounds like an [I]perfetto[/I] deal to me, Franco honey.? [I]Dria overemphasized [b]perfetto[/b] and gained a great laugh from Franco.[/I] ?I?ll call you when I?m done shopping, and then we can gossip over [I]pollo parmisiano[/I]. I want to hear about everything you?ve been doing. Yes, yes, sounds great, Fanco. [I]Ciao[/I].? [I]And so began the drive to Manhattan.[/I][/color]

[color=deeppink]Hm, I honestly don't think that ALL drinking is bad. COMPLETELY DRUNK drinking is bad, and that's why I don't drink myself into oblivion. Even though I enjoy drinking a glass of wine at night, that doesn't mean that what I'm doing is horrible. And, unlike so many people that I go to school with, I could easily put alcohol aside for long periods of time, if not forever. Being drunk doesn't appeal to me, that's why when I drink it's only something I think tastes good. Why suffer through something that tastes horrible just to get a buzz? I don't know....I consider myself pretty responsible about drinking, even though it's illegal for me... That's obviously an argument right there, but blah, spare me the lecture :p[/color]

[color=deeppink]Hm...this should be an interesting topic. I had my first night of alcohol when I was 14, also. I was in Europe at the time so it was socially acceptable, but that was the start of MY underage drinking career. I'll be 19 in about two weeks and I do enjoy drinking. But the thing is, there's a difference between enjoying a beer or some wine and getting totally smashed. I'm pretty tolerant of my alcohol and I enjoy a nice buzz when I'm in the mood for it, but the only time that I was [i]completely[/i] gone was this past New Years Eve. I didn't feel guilty or worried about it because I was with my close friends and I didn't have anything [or anyone] to be wary of. It was just a rare occasion for all of us to let loose and have fun. But even though I enjoy drinking when the mood strikes, I think that people who get drunk every night are just disgusting. It's like they need the alcohol to "have fun" [gotta love cliché sayings]. If your friends are only 14 then it may be an experimental stage they're in right now. As long as it doesn't become a habit or lead to an alcohol addiction problem, let them find [i]out[/i] what it's like to be wasted. Who knows, maybe they won't like it and will stop drinking entirely...it's possible that that could happen :)[/color]

[color=deeppink]When it comes to me, I think it all depends on what day you judge my maturity on :p First off, I was a spoiled kid growing up. I always knew how to get my way, and if I didn't I'd whine until everything happened my way. I'm still a pro at it ^_~ However, I know that by doing that I was being stupid and immature, but somehow its engrained in my personality now...sad but true. Secondly, however, I grew up with a younger brother [he was born when I was 6] that was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. With his birth, challenges, and demands, I lost a lot of my later childhood and was forced to grow up quickly. I didn't get attention, [i]he[/i] did. It wouldn't matter so much now, but I was only 6 and still in my spoiled little kid stage, hah. So I grew up having to deal with something that most people don't, and I think this contributed greatly to my maturity. It wasn't until he suddenly passed away in February that I REALLY got a wake up call and FINALLY 'grew up' and 'matured'. I realized that nobody is going to be around forever, so I should treat them and love them as if they're leaving tomorrow. It has given me an entirely new perspective on the world, and it's amazing how much I've changed. Too bad it took me so long to grow up, even if I did have maturity, I was still that spoiled little kid whose world got interrupted by the birth of a special brother. Now I know it was all for the better, even if it has made life hard. ...hehe, why don't I just tell my whole life story while I'm at it?[/color]

[color=deeppink]See, that is why I deeply respect and LOVE you! Do you think that Christianity is a sense of mind or a sense of being?[/color]

[color=purple][i]Frank Jack was a goddamn great policeman. And a goddamn great policeman like him shouldn't be sitting inside a cubicle, scowling at the rain. Papers were scattered haphazardly across his desk, the spilled contents of a manila folder tattered with age. Jack leaned back and lit his last cigarette, watching the smoke curl and dance toward the ceiling. He took a drag, felt the pleasantly filthy sensation of smoke entering his lungs and exhaled. It was his second smoke of the past ten minutes and his brain began to buzz. God only knew he needed something to keep him calm...if one could call it that.[/i] "Jack!" [i]The rookie officer who occupied the cubicle across from him pounded on the wall,[/i] "You know I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. Didn't the chief tell you to not smoke in here?" [i]Jack sneered through the cubicle wall,[/i] "Didn't I tell you to not talk to me like that, rook?" [i]That shut him up. Jack took a final drag and nearly let the burning cherry touch his fingertips before he crushed it out in an overflowing ashtray. Dria's picture stared up at him from his desk, that stupid *****. Jack ground his teeth whenever something irritated him, and lately that girl had been causing him to abuse the very habit. He was sure he'd change that soon. Jack picked up a report from two years ago, when Dria 'Star' Reynolds had been 19. [b]August 19, 2001: Criminal charges of breaking and entering. Criminal charges of grand larceny. Estimated loss of property: $750,000. Claim by Lawson & Smith Associates, owner.[/b] Oh, and she thought she was so sneaky, too. She was never caught for that one, only suspected. Lawson & Smith dropped the charges once someone 'returned their goods', or as Jack so wisely thought, 'presented a large amount of information to use as blackmail'. This girl really did have people on her side. And as much as he hated to admit it, Jack knew that it was going to be a damn big problem.[/i][/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Justin [/i] [B]First of all, Jenna, you [know] that I love you.[/quote][/b] [color=deeppink]Of course ^_^[/color] [quote][b]Christianity isn't about death, though many people only concern themselves with God when it comes to death and salvation. It's about life. Both here, and later on. God speaks to me much more..much, much more about things I'm going to do here, than He does about anything to do with Heaven, Hell, or death. Christianity is about a relationship with God, and sharing that with others.[/quote][/b] [color=deeppink]Yes, this I do know. There was that period in my life where I could have been considered a great Christian because of my beliefs, and I did a bit of studying then. However, I suppose I have more 'faith' than I did belief in salvation and God and stuff like that. I'm simply not cut out for that lifestyle I suppose ;) So, in response to that, I was responding to Adahn's comments about expecting a life after death and so forth. I certainly don't think that every Christian focuses on death alone, I just wanted to make a point that I don't think it's healthy if someone does!!! heh. [/color] [quote][b]I hope it's not me you're concerned about offending, lol. You'll find it's pretty difficult to do. I encourage you to directly question my faith, even if it isn't here, I'd like to hear your opinion, because I honestly don't know it beyond the fact that you just disagree.[/b][/quote] [color=deeppink]Nah, you're one of the few strong Christians that I deeply respect. You preach your opinion but you don't shove it down anyone's throat, you simply throw out a few words of advice and leave it at that. You've never argued your point by actually being argumentative, and that's where you differ. You also don't see me as being a 'bad' person 'going to hell' [at least not that you've said ^_~] simply because of my beliefs [or lack thereof]. Those are the reasons I never feel suffocated by your opinions, they're always well stated and intelligent. ::stops being formal and hugs you:: Anyway, my opinion on the whole thing? I honestly don't have one ^_^; I just don't want to follow the Bible and its teachings, because I severely disagree with what the church taught me and it's a strict lifestyle that I could never follow. I indulge in all sorts of sins, and I actually enjoy them! :D Most of all it's the organized religion idea that really bothers me, much more so than the thought of someone believing in and worshipping [I honestly can't spell] a higher power. I just dno't like people pushing their belief on me and telling me that I'm a horrible sinful person for not thinking like a drone as they are. How much do most of them know, other than what they've heard in church? I think most of the time it's truely regurgitated facts and Bible verses that carry their religion and their opinions, rather than their own research into the topic. I'm generalizing, I'm sure, but the stereotypes are indeed stereotypes for a reason. Blah blah blah, I don't even know what I wrote anymore. Time to stop :)[/color]

[color=deeppink]Actually I'm talking about the [b]Juno Reactor[/b] CD, but I didn't purchase it until after I saw The Animatrix, not knowing that the particular opening song was by them. I didn't know there was an Animatrix soundtrack, though! I bet it's awesome. I'm sure you've heard the song I'm talking about it you own it...[/color]

[color=deeppink]There is a certain song by [b]Juno Reactor[/b] that always sounds sexy to me. I think that's because it was also used as the musical score for [i]Final Flight of the Osiris[/i] in [i]The Animatrix[/i]. That opening scene is SOOOO sexy! And so is that song...I don't remember the title offhand, but the whole CD is amazing, and it definitely has a seductive feeling to its rhythms. Very, very sexah ^_~[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Adahn [/i] [B]If he believes he will live on in the minds of others, then he has that religion, or prospect of some form of life after death. For those who can live with such pain as atheism, I would like to hear your thoughts, and how you cope with internal moral issues. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]To me there's a distinct difference between being an atheist and being agnostic. Choosing to be an atheist is a consious decision to believe that there is no God, no afterlife, and no one holy presense watching over us all. To be agnostic, however, is more a state of mind where you're not convinced that God is real, but you don't have reason to deny it either. These two things shouldn't be mixed up. Anyway, we all know that we're going to die someday, and none of us actually KNOW what it is like after death. That's cool if you have your belief that God will provide for you and you'll be forever living in the clouds of heaven, and I respect that, but how certain [i]are[/i] you that the Bible's predictions are true? There's no proof...but maybe that's why so many people hold onto the hope of an afterlife and of one omnipresent God...because it's something to look forward to? But why concentrate on what's going to happen AFTER you die when you can be doing great things while you're living, even if you don't believe in God? Why should you ever think about dying when there is so much life to live in the first place? In this world, death is final. When my time comes to pass on, then I want it to be my finale. I'm not going to spend time contemplating the wonders of what happens after I die, or even preparing for it, because I love living life, and I love that I LIVE to love. Just because someone doesn't ask Jesus into their hearts...eh...I'm going to go out onto a limb, so I find it's better to stop myself here. I don't want to criticize anyone's belief, I just want to make it clear that I don't agree. I definitely don't disrespect your decision to believe in God, I just don't see eye to eye with that ^_~ ::stops rambling::[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Transtic Nerve [/i] [B]...despite the fact I kinda am but aren't...[/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]Er...::tries to decipher this confusing wording::...silly TN, has me all confuzzled :D I've often thought about the fact that I love being a girl. I think that it gives me certain advantages not only in life, but also in photojournalism. The one down side to being female is getting cat called constantly -__-;. Like I NEED that extra attention to tell me I'm good looking, [i]psh[/i]. Hehe, I'm kidding about that, but it just gets annoying. Some people may think it's flattering, but sometimes I just want to blend in and become a part of the crowd. It's hard to take pictures unnoticed when there are men staring at you!!! As if the camera doesn't already make me the odd person out...[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by ~(Neo-Bebop)~ [/i] [B]One thing: why should we submit to our parents? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=deeppink]Maybe because they ARE our parents and they've had 2x the amount of life to learn lessons from? Sure you [i]can[/i] be defiant, but it's not some written law in a teenager rule book, heh. Give your parents a break; a little disipline is good for you while you're growing up ^_~ ...And, by the way, don't criticize Justin when you don't even know him. He's nothing like you assume he is :rolleyes:[/color]

[color=deeppink]If you guys want to see an extremely interesting, extremely [i]intellectual[/i] film that deals with dreams, watch [b]Waking Life[/b]. Be prepared for its intelligence, though, otherwise you'll end up tuning it out. I think it's a great movie that really challenges the concept of the dream world...definitely worth seeing once.[/color]

[color=deeppink]My brother LOVED that show, so one day I sat and watched it with him and thought it was way too weird and gross. I felt the same way after I watched it several more times. However, a few months down the road I started to [i]like[/i] it somehow. And now I love it, too, it's hilarious! It's such stupid humor and I wouldn't stop to watch it if I were by myself and just channel surfing, but it's fun to watch with someone else. Makes for good party discussions ^_~[/color]

[color=deeppink]My parents chewed me out one night for being online talking to James on AIM. They're so paranoid :p However, now that I'm away from them, they obviously have to trust that I'm not going to run and meet someone I've 'known' for a day and 'talked' to once. Duh. I only recently gave out my phone number to one person because based on two years and numerous photos, I trust him. There are probably only about three other people I'd ever give my number to, but that's the extent of the info I'd hand out. My address is definitely classifed information![/color]

[color=deeppink]I always cry when I think Erik is mad at me! I'm so paranoid :p I remember one place that people would always cry would be cheer practice. It was especially bad if you were having a horrible day, because then three hours of an intense workout with girls who could be snide and bitchy was the worst. I remember crying on several occasions when things just kept going wrong, or when I'd get seriously injured [like if someone was dropped on me!] I also almost always [how's THAT for alliteration!] cry when I think about my brother, or when I see photo stories in class about funerals/dying people. Those suck...I get all choked up and then I try not to cry and I feel so silly V_V But yeah, I cry easily because I'm hurt easily. I don't see anything wrong with that...it's just the way I am :D[/color]

[color=deeppink]I have a Midwest 'accent'; Meaning: the most neutral accent in all of the United States. People in Florida and California and elsewhere always can point out that I talk differently than them and say that [i]I[/i] have the accent. Psh, it's THEM who talk different :p West Coast: "So, Bin, do you want some of this spaghitti? Jinna is coming over so maybe we should save some for her." It's like they skip over the "e" in words, and, consequently, it sounds like they pronounce their 'e's as 'i's. It sounds really, really bad :shifty:...[/color]