sense and sensibility

Seniors Schedule

2011-08-23T22:28:00.004-04:00

1st - Study Hall
2nd - Economics/Psychology
3rd - Government
4th - French II
Lunch
5th - AP English
6th - Adv. Composition/Speech
7th - Band

Yea...looks like a pretty good year, and the best part is NO SCIENCE OR MATH!!! haha :)

Sorry for the randomness...

2011-08-05T17:12:00.003-04:00

Well, haven't been on here in a while. Let's just say me and mom took a "break" from blogging...actually i think we just kind of completely forgot about it. Does anyone even blog anymore? I think Facebook took over the blogging community. I have decided that i am going to start blogging again. Some of it might be really random things throughout, and some may not. Oh well.

Things have changes since 2008 (has it really been that long?). I got my license, I got my first job (and then quit 4 months later, which im starting to regret, because the extra money was nice). I am almost a senior in high school...wow...where did high school go? I mean, it seems like yesterday i was going to my first band camp and was so scared, and now im going to my last. And honestly, i dont want high school to be over.

I know, i know, i have so much more to experience in college and with the rest of my life. But i am a person who DOES NOT like change AT ALL! In fact I dread change. Personally, its hard. How do i go from a place where i am so comfortable with everything, to a place where i know absolutely no one, i dont know the campus very well, i dont know the town very well. That's a lot to take in. I know, the first night i will be at college, i will call my mom and tell her to come get me. Or maybe be like the episode in Gilmore Girls, where Rory has Lorelie come spend the night with her. Yea, i could do that. But honestly, i am absoltely scared to death!

Well, we do have senior band camp coming up, which in some aspects, i cant wait for, and in others, i dread the day i have to load that bus with all my clothes and my instrument. And there's only 1 reason why...DRAMA!!! Oh if you only knew half the dramatic things in band that happen, well, it would be enough for you to quit. Why does drama always happen? I mean, we havent even come face to face with each other since school let out in May, and we are already have fights with-in the seniors. I mean come on people...GROW UP ALREADY! (i guess this blog has become more of a source of venting then anything else, but hey, whatever).

Here's where the some of the randomness will start. I was reading through some of the old posts that i put, and man, why did i talk like such a little kid? Just reading some of it made me want to shove my head through a window. Agh! Maybe that's why i decided to be and english education major when i go to college, so i can teach kids the CORRECT way to speak and not sound like an idiot (well we are in Pike County, so that may not go very well...) Eh, its worth a shot.

Well...i guess thats all for now.

AMAZING!!!

2008-12-30T22:23:00.000-05:00

This is so cool. You have to watch this!

Love Story

2008-11-27T17:05:00.000-05:00

I love this song and Taylor Swift does an awesome job!

Potter Puppet Pals:the Mysterious Ticking Noise

2008-10-15T16:16:00.002-04:00

Homecoming

2008-10-05T21:46:00.003-04:00

We had homecoming last night. I had so much fun. I had my hair done at nine in the morning. Brandy Childers did an amazing job with it. The entire day i was packing on hairspray for fear it might deflate. I then had my makeup done at Merle Normans in Chillicothe. The night went by so fast and I was sad when it ended. But, hey, three more homecomings to go :-)

Waverly Marching Tigers

2008-09-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

The Day that Shook America

2008-09-11T16:22:00.002-04:00

I'm sure you all remmember September 11, 2001. it is probably one of the most memorable days in my life (even though I was 7 years old). i remmember everyone setting out milkjugs with candles in them and watching it over and over on the News. It is a day that no one will ever forget.

8th Grade Dance Pictures

2008-09-08T22:18:00.004-04:00

Sorry they are a little late!

Jeff Dunham and Peanut: Arguing with Myself

2008-09-01T14:23:00.001-04:00

I don't know if you have ever seen this guy before, but he's pretty funny. Warning: contains some foul language. Enjoy!!!

Band Camp

2008-08-21T11:31:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone. Well i just got back from BAND CAMP!!! I had soooo much fun. We woke up at 6:45 or 7:00 then at 8:00 we had breakfast, 8:45 marching practice, 11:00 clarinet sectionals, 12:00 lunch, Band practice in the band room, 2:00 to 4:00 free time, 4:00 clarinet sectionals, 5:00 dinner, 5:45 marching practice, 8:00 to 10:00 free time, lights out at 10:30. We had every moment planned. I was so tired every night and didn't want to wake up. An one of my room mates had a cold so she would snore and moan in her sleep. it was really annoying. On Thursday we had our Band Dance from 9:00 to 11:00. It was awesome! But i didn't slow dance with anyone :-(. Other than that i had a really great time. On Friday was parents night. I got to see my mom and dad and my step-mom. we had a big dinner and preformed our pre-game half time and post game shows. it was a lot of fun!

Pre - Band Camp

2008-08-08T21:47:00.002-04:00

So, we had PRE-band camp this week. I had to get up at 7:30 in the Morning to be at the High School at 9:00. Then when we get there we work on music and MARCHING. AHHHHHHHH. I am sooooooooo tired. My legs r sore and my shoulders hurt. If this is just PRE-band camp i wonder what BAND camp is going to be like. But apperetly there is a dance on Thursday so im x-cited about that.On Friday is Parents Night where we show family how good we are. Plus we get to have a big dinner. YUMM!!! Well i have to go. Talk to you all later.

Tornado Party 2... Woo Hoo!

2008-06-03T23:14:00.002-04:00

Of course you know about the tornado warnings that came tonight. Me and my mom had my grandparents come over. My grandma and I sat in the basement for about a half an hour. I was scared out of my mind! To the point that I was crying. My mom called our friend Dave who lives over in Athens to warn him that there was a tornado touchdown in Athens County. He didn't seem phased at all.

I had called my dad who lives in Beaver. He said that he they were just watching TV and getting ready to go to bed. How they stay so calm, I don't have any idea. I was really worried about my brothers. my oldest brother Micheal lives in Dayton were he is going to college at Wright State and my youngest brother is with his father in Bainbridge.

I kept praying to God that everything would be okay. It seems that its okay now. Just thinderstorms coming through now. Well, hope you all kept safe!

SCHOOL'S OUT!

2008-05-31T09:17:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's finaly here, school is out for the summer. I am sooooo x-cited because Friday, June 6th me, my dad, my step-mom Liz, and my lil bro Chase, are going to Florida! I have never been to Florida but have always wanted 2 go. I dont x-actly know where we are going though. Somewhere on the Gulf of mexico. Then when we get back i am going 2 go 2 the pool everyday. It's soooooo much fun.
On Friday May 30th we had our eighth grade graduation. It was really sad afterwords because one of my best friends, Kaylor Montgomery, is moving this summer and i won't see her again. Plus im leaving all of my favorite teaches like Mrs. Gillen (although im gonna see her all the time during the summer) Mrs. Holderness and Ms. Arnett. But i am looking forward 2 High School, im just nervous about marching band. I've been playing the "what if" game in my head. Like "What if I forget how to play a song" or "What if I trip and fall on the field." you can see my problem. Well, all I can do is pray that i don't mess up.

It's Happy Bunny!

2008-05-17T15:05:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone. Just thought I'd share one of my favorite things, Happy Bunny! I love Happy Bunny because he/she (we couldn't figure out if it was a boy or a girl) insults people in a funny way! Click on these sights to see pics -> www.itshappybunnybooks.com www.itshappybunny.com

Welcome Back!!!

2008-04-04T19:51:00.001-04:00

My reading teacher, Mrs.Holderness, just got back to school. She had a baby girl and was on maternity leave. I missed her so much. She is my altime favorite teacher of all time (sorry Jodi)! I am so glad she is back. So, welcome back Mrs.!Holderness

Good Friday

2008-03-21T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone, sorry for not updating as much as we should. Today is Good Friday! I love this time of year because it reminds me of how Jesus died for all of us and of how much he loves us. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!
-Taylor

Basketball: 2nd Place

2008-02-07T20:14:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, it's Taylor. Well, we had our jr. High Basketball tournament. We played Western on Saturday the 2nd an beat them by 1 point in over time. i could feel my heart beating out of my chest, i was so nervous. Then, we had a game tonight, and, well it didn't turn out so good. we lost to Eastern, 33 to 13. Not Good. I cried after the game. I was so mad because we all had worked so hard. But as my coach told everyone, "Who ever wants it more is gonna get it." I guess Eastern wanted it more than us. I think the worst part was that I loss to some of my friends who go to Eastern.We got 2nd place which I guess isn't bad at all.
Well, i better go. Have to do Algerbra homework. See everyone later.

Taylor Evans

GO GIANTS!!!

2008-01-25T18:25:00.001-05:00

Go Giants!!!
I really hope the Giants beat the Patriots at Superbowl XLII

Update (again)

2007-12-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, Taylor again. Well since mom doesn't like to update you guys I thought I would. So, I started basketball for my first year. I really like it because it is such an active sport. I have to play for the 7th grade team because it is my first year. there are other girls on the team who are in 8th grade too, though. we got our first win on saturday the 15th against Chillicothe. we won 18-17. Scored the last point with 7 seconds left (point made by Lauren Strientenburger or however you spell her last name.)My heart was pounding out of my chest. But we won and i was soooooo happy!!! my friend Becky and i have gotten really close since playing basketball. We help each other get pumped up before a game.
Well i better go, i hear a grilled cheese sandwitch calling my name.

Update

2007-09-25T17:50:00.000-04:00

I know we have not blogged since july so i thought i would. I started 8th grade this year and its been great. But sometimes Jodi comes into the classroom and hugs me and kisses me. it's kind of emmbarresing (even though it sounds sweet). we took our 1st Algerbra test last week and I got a 91%. not bad for the first time. But we had a quiz a couple of days ago and didn't do so well (unless you count a 40% good). Well i got to go. if you haven't yet, check out our home answering machine. Later!!!

answering THE question:

2007-07-27T13:51:00.000-04:00

I was speaking with my best friend the other day. We were talking about this path of life and the meaning of it all. She told me that her pastor shared last Sunday morning that we all have a question that God has placed within us that needs to be answered. I told her that sounds like “City Slickers-theology" (at which she balked at said notion)…case in point:

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is? [holds up one finger]
Curly: This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean s***.
Mitch: But, what is the "one thing?"
Curly: [smiles] That's what *you* have to find out.

So as we processed this idea, we both realized we have a dilemma: we are not even sure what the question is (for either of us). How does one provide an answer when the question is unknown? I have a guess as to what the question is, but how do I know if it’s the right one?

Steve stated in his message few weeks ago that spirituality manifests itself from the inside out, not outside in. I assume then, that it’s not the outward stuff God wants me to deal with (ie: changing my looks-if I could, mannerisms, etc) but rather it’s the stuff of the soul. I struggle with forgiving myself for a million different things…probably because I am powerless to change the past…and that ‘falling short’ thing bugs me a lot. And so I realize that my intimacy wall remains in tact (although a few bricks have fallen)…and because of the wall God is shouting his question (but I can only faintly hear it), “Why won’t you let Me love you?”

It’s funny, ironic—the answer is painful, but He would provide such relief, if I let Him.

Authorization at 2:55 am

2007-07-09T08:29:00.000-04:00

My phone rang loudly this morning at 2:55 am. I panicked, thinking that there must be an emergency somewhere. To my horror, it was an ADT alarm systems rep asking to speak with a Julie Evans. I asked, “why in the world are you calling me at 2:30 am (i guessed)?!.” The operator replies, “I am authorized to call you at this time.” I freaked out. “Don’t ever call this number again,” I replied…to which she said, “you’d rather be called between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm?” I was ready to kill…seriously, I was so angry—but I had enough sense about me to say, “add me to your freakin’ ‘do not call’ list right now!” I then hung up. I could not sleep without thinking of notifying “Six on Your Side” (WSYX) and having them investigate. And by the way…the individual spoke perfect English. She was not some lady working ridiculous hours overseas as a telemarketer.

Fuming, I am.

Now a teenager...

2007-06-21T12:14:00.001-04:00

taylor turned 13 this week. i am so proud of the young lady she has become. i remember the scene above, and the 24 hours leading up to it, like it was yesterday. taylor, you weren't quite there yet, so here's how it went:

i get to the hospital with labor pains ~10 minutes apart. of course, after getting settled into a hospital room, things start slowing down. once labor picked back up, i took a shot of nubain, which made contractions worse when i woke from a short nap. i puked up some chinese stir-fry and found the only way i could handle the pain was by wiggling both of my big toes. i eventually opted for an epidural (your father was in shock over the needle size) which didn't take...so the toes kept wiggling. the second epidural worked and knocked me out. when i woke up, both my legs were hiked up beside my head and the doctor was running wires to you (yes, you were still inside). we soon found out your heart rate was too fast and you were running a fever. i had also stopped dilating. the doctor wanted to do a c-section and i quickly said ok. right before the above picture was taken, i asked your father if the doctor had started cutting me, to which he said, "julie, i think your uterus is lying on your stomach." when i heard you cry i felt relief. when i saw your face, i spontaneously cried.

you were beautiful, and you still are.

SCHOOLS OUT!!!

2007-06-08T14:19:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone its me Taylor. So i am soooo excited that school is out. My last day was the best. But I didn't like it when we had to go to the 8th grade premotion. When we got back to our classroom we played card games like Bullcrap, Slap Jack, and War. Everyone had so much fun. after that we watched the movie Cars. I love that movie.
Now that school is out I just hang out at the pool. If I am not doing that then i just sit around the house and just watch the old boob tube. It is fun for the most part. Well i have to go. talk to all of you later.
-Taylor Evans

The Fruitcake Lady (she's a bit edgy!)

2007-05-24T15:41:00.001-04:00

I'll let her speak for herself:)
*Rated PG 13?

Click below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnudM458uz8

Some people have stated that she's obnoxious and opinionated, which she was. Is it okay for the older generation to be that way? We certainly give them some grace in that area, I think. I believe I would have been frightened of her if she were my grandmother...but then again, I don't think she was anyone's grandmother!

-juj

Moving day...

2007-05-17T16:52:00.000-04:00

Most of you know I work for Pike County Children Services. Daily, either myself or my co-workers are taken on rollercoaster rides of emotion. I believe the community at large doesn't understand what/who we deal with. I sometimes don't know how we all cope; denial helps, and so does crying.

I hate moving day...when a foster child is placed in a new home. I had to do that today as a child was moved for no fault of his/her own. Tonight, he/she will place his/her head on a pillow (that may be his/hers) and sleep in a foreign bed, with new noises and nuances. And I have to expect that he/she will adjust just fine...or else a new move will come.

Taylor has had some difficulty lately sleeping in a new room, a new bed...adjusting to different noises and nuances in a house that she feels is not totally hers (at her father's in Beaver). I can't fix it for her...I have to expect that she will adjust just fine...and all this is of no fault of her own.

I have told her that, no one marries thinking they will divorce.
Peace is sometimes difficult to find...for Taylor and myself.
But God is good. really.

Quick Review: Spiderman 3

2007-05-08T14:22:00.000-04:00

Wait for the DVD.
Roeper's review of the movie is actually dead-on.

Taylor and I and my nephew, Ian, braved the crowds and went on opening night. The movie itself was a letdown, but we had fun nonetheless.

Taylor and I haven't seen any really good movies lately. We still highly recommend "The Holiday" (it just makes you feel good!) and "Little Miss Sunshine" (unconditional love is a beautiful thing).

Later,

-juj

Tornado Party...Yee Haw!

2007-04-29T11:41:00.000-04:00

As most of you are aware, a tornado (?) came through the area Thursday night, nearly interrupting Grey's Anatomy (whew!!). When Taylor and I caught word, we started calling loved ones and invited those nearby to join us, if needed, in the basement. I called our friend, Lisa, in Piketon to make her aware and I was amazed by her calm! I mean, she never gets worked up about anything, and that includes, apparently, cyclones as well. When I told Lisa that my parents, neighbors, and friends, Dave, Kendra, Isaiah, were at my home, she replied, "well, you all are just having a little tornado party...!" (how dare she make me laugh in the face of tragedy:)) Taylor, on the other hand, looked at me and said, "mom, I'm gonna vomit." Taylor has been deathly afraid of storms since she was younger...the sirens put her over the edge.

Lisa: no fear. Taylor: fear exemplified.
And I began to wonder about the scripture, I John 4:17-18:

"If we truly love others and live as Christ did in this world, we won't be worried about the day of judgment. A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love."

I still struggle with fear, but not too long ago, I was able to share my shame with a few of my closest friends, and they (appear) to still love me. When I did that, I saw that a lot of my fear had left me; they loved me through my confession with God's perfect love and have not abandoned me.

The laws of physics talk about the simple concept of inpenetrability: no two things can occupy the same space at the same time. FEAR VS. LOVE...hmmm.

What do you fear? I'd like to know your thoughts.

"She Just Wants to Dance" -Keb 'Mo

2007-04-24T12:27:00.000-04:00

"When the music starts to playin'
She slides out on the floor
Dancing without a partner
Swaying on the two & four

There's a rhythm in her footsteps
And a flower in her hair
A smile on her face
'Cause she's in a place
Where she don´t have a care

She ain't looking for no lover
She ain't looking for a romance
She just wants to dance
She just wants to dance
...Get out the way & let the girl dance."

In the past two years, I've asked friends to "re-teach" me things (ie, safety/normalcy in relationships, boundaries, being okay with myself, understanding I'm not at other's 'beck-and-call"---and to those friends, you have saved my life). Taylor taught me something huge the other night at the wedding reception of our friends, Jimmy & Michaela. As I watched my daughter move and dance in the craziest ways, I found myself admiring her ability to live in the moment regardless of pointing, laughter, and stares. I did not tell her to stop for fear of embarrassment; I wasn't embarrassed...I was in awe.

When do we lose that? Or rather, I should be asking why?

Taylor, you are beautiful!
-juj

This, that, and the other...

2007-04-17T15:13:00.000-04:00

Sayings…we all have them…words or phrases we repeat, either out of habit or just to be funny. Around the office, I call it “hen-talk” and, while they are completely insider, I still wanted to share them.

“I’m not very happy ‘bout that.”
“Mornin’ glory!”
“Whad-da-ya gonna do…I don’t know.”
“Your bootifull.”
“Hey babygirl.”
ANYTHING FOLLOWED BY “…he did.”
“woosa”
“you sexy beast”

As for Taylor and I… “float me some fingers!”
-juj

More than a grandfather

2007-04-15T15:40:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. As you may know, my grandfather passed away back in October of 2006. It was very unexpected and took all of us my surprise. Which, falling off of a 3 foot ladder would catch you off guard. I am so proud of my Grandma Sue because she is doing so well. And I will tell you, when I walked in through my grndmas door on Christmas morning I knew somthing was missing. But then I remmembered what my friends had told me "He is still here, you just cannot see him." I completely agree with this statment.
Now when I think of my grandfather, he is not a grandfather to me anymore. Now I realize that he was a best friend that I lost. Somtimes I wish i could go back to the week before he died, just to spend some time with him. I woould give anything to do that. I can now only take comfort in the fact that I will see him again one day in Heaven. Untill than he will just have to keep my seat warm for me.

Holy Examen of Conscience, Batman.

2007-04-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

i have made the leap into 'middle age'. a friend of mine and i talk about having a "10 year rule": we like to think that we (maybe) look and act at least 10 years younger than our age. it's a nice thought.

about a month or so ago, steve (my pastor) asked me to speak about the practice of examen of conscience/consciousness, in light of psalm 139. in a nutshell, you are to simply give thanks to god for his presence (whether noticed or not) in your day, and then, ask god to point out character that is not representative of christ (moving beyond obtuse sins to those that are more secretive/hidden). so i decided to "examen" the 30's decade of my life in such a manner.

details...i'd rather not bore you with, and those that have joined me on the journey are aware of those nonetheless. the path is riddled with relational ups and downs; the word dysfunction took on a new meaning as my sins and choices (and the choices of those around me) yielded consequences that tangibly now affect my daughter. but god is one who does give us beauty for ashes. and while one of my greatest concerns is for the emotional health of taylor, when i "examen" the last decade, i have missed god's protection of her...rather, i have taken it for granted.

i am always amazed at how paths cross and how god interjects conversations, laughter, tears, and truth into our lives using old and new friends. i imagine god as the consummate chess player; i don't often understand the strategy. but "examen" challenges me to at least look for it and embrace it.

a fellow-path-traveler once told me, "i pray god's lenses for you today."
i pray the same for you as well.

Friday Night Update

2007-03-23T17:56:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone. What is up? I am doing fine (and so is mom). We have our 1st softball game in Piketon on Sunday the 24th and I am so nervous. THis is the first time in a LONG time that I will play catcher in an actual game. I love the position but I am afraid we will lose. We don't even have uniforms. So we have to wear a t-shirt that says Waverly Tigers. We got our socks today and they are not the prettiest thing you will ever see in your life. They are plain black. BLACK!!! That is not my favorite color. In fact I hate the color.
We won 2nd place in the Quiz Bowl Tournament on the 20th. Waverly Orange got 1st. I was on Waverly Black. Well, as said in the last blog by my mom..."I really wanted a trophie but than again you can't wear a trophie". Well I got to go. bye for now. :-)

Normal

2007-03-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

I have had more conversations (both in my head and with others) about that word. It’s relative in that there are varying degrees of normal, and while I realize this, I sometimes don’t even see myself sliding anywhere on that scale. What would it be like to wear that label…what if you were known by that: “Good to meet you, I’m Normal.” I remember watching a game show one time and the girl’s name was “Spontaneous”...I digress (I’m not spontaneous either). The dilemma regarding ‘normal’ is its definition. If I go by Webster’s (a: of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development b : free from mental disorder), then I have no problem (but, it feels like there’s a problem somewhere).

Taylor is tremendously normal, and sometimes beautifully more than that. She participated on the school’s “Quiz Bowl” team which won second place Tuesday night. I kissed her goodbye as she was leaving to catch the bus yesterday morning, and noticed she was wearing the ‘gold’ medal that she had won the night before. I confess I was a little uneasy, afraid that other kids would make fun of her for wearing it to school, so I cautiously asked if any of her peers would be wearing the same bling, if you will. She gave me a hesitant, “uh, yeah?” I remember the night before she had stated that “mom, a medal is better than a trophy because you can’t wear a trophy around your neck.” (She’s right…Vogue states that trophy-wearing is out this year, and that it’s all about the medals). So I sent my daughter off in a blaze of glory and watched her strut about 30 yards to the corner.

Is that normal? I don’t really care…that’s my kid, and I love her.
I guess, maybe, that’s what God might think about you and I as well.
Taylor left the house, comfortable in her own skin, content.
Lesson learned.

-juj

our first post...

2007-03-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

we are gilmore-girl wannabe(s)...the quick wit, the fast talking...yeah, we love it. more importantly, i guess i relish the close relationshp between rory and lorelei. if you've never seen the show, you'll get hooked. it's quirky, funny yet smart, and real. i think taylor and i are kind of like that...or at least we're working on it.

Sup my home skillet biscuits? nothin' much goin' on down here in lill old Wav town. This is Tay and u know it. <-Taylor
(dear God, why is she writing this crap? i thought it would be inspirational, or something) <- Julie
No I am kiddding I really don't talk like that. I play softball, volleyball, and in my freetime I play Basketball ( but not for the schools team.). I have a 3 year old cat named Smokey Joe (or as reffered to by my grandpa Roger "Stormy"). Me and my mom spend all of our time together and never miss an opportunity to embarrass on another. We are like best friends. We talk about anything we want to. It is just me and her in the house because my parents were divorced when I was 10 years old. My dad is re-married and lives only 20 minuets away. i think that is pretty good compared to some kids who have to travel a long way to see their parents. I am very lucky also because my parents aren't like some divorced couples who can't stand each other. my parents will talk to each other without getting mad at one another. my step mom is awsome. My brothers are a little differant. My little bro Chase listen to al of this rap music that gets on my nerves all of the time. My older bro Michael doesn't talk at all. He is very quite and stays in his room all day. He is a senior in HS and is graduating this year and going to Wright State ( I think???) Well I will stop typing now. Bye from Taylor and Julie. P.S. Gilmore Girls ROCK!!!