Mmmm... it smells like robbery

Well, last night we had guests and so we decided to go out to eat. Now we had hundreds of places we could have gone and dozens of debates which we could have engaged in to fight for just the right restaurant. However, it was not necessary as well all happily agreed on Cracker Barrel. Nothing like some good ol' American cooking. One of the best things about the place is the store and how it has all these unique items/toys/and decorations. So of course I tottled (what a great new word) about and looked at this, and looked at that. But then low and behold I saw it with its brightly colored wrapper, the zebra gum!!! Oh, the memories behind this gum! Let me take you back about 14 years to when I was 4 and at a grocery store with my mother...........

There we were standing in line at one of the main check-out registers, when I noticed all the different kinds of gums and candies. I carefully choose which one I wanted and presented it to my mom with my strategic argument as to why it was so important to buy it. "Mom" "Yes Larissa" "Can I please have this pack of gum, I will be really good. And this gum is special cause it has tattoos on the wrapper and it is my faaaaaavorite Pleaaassssseee?" "No Larissa. You don't need the sugar and besides I don't like tattoos." Ohh my hope was dashed as Mom coldly turned away from the poor, adorable child. I looked at the pack in my hand. Looked at Mom's back. Then again at the pack and quickly slipped it into my coat pocket. She'll never know I thought as long as I am smart and hide it well
For the next few days as Mom would be cooking in the kitchen I would sneak out to the dark hallway and have a piece or two of my oh so delicious fruity stripe gum. Then one night (which I specifically remember) while Mom was talking to my grandma in the other room, I creped out longing for my adolescent fix...I was so enraptured with the amazing flavor and fruit burst that I didn't hear Mom walking toward me. Then All of the sudden her massive shadow illuminated out of the darkness and with a loud voice she announced her suspicions "Larissa, What are you doing!?!" The next few days were a blur for me, getting lecture after lecture from grandparents and mother alike. Suddenly my memory jumps to standing back in the grocery store, in front of a large man wearing a red vest. I admitted to him that I stole the gum but that I was returning it....Slowly I held out my little chubby hand and there in the palm was a half eaten pack of the fruity delicious gum.......Once again I was given a stern lecture, however this one was meaner then all the others and soon I was crying out of shame and watched him take back the pack of half-eaten fruity delight.


Fourteen years later I stare at the same gum which caused me so much trauma and drama in my childhood. I couldn't resist, I needed the same fruity fix which had been illegally given to me years before hand. So I did the mature thing. I purchased it and once again experienced the same, memorable fruity fix with the beloved gum.

Say no to the A-frame hug!

Well, I'm back from one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I was hoping to have a good time, but God went way above and beyond my expectations. There were 14 of us MKs and all of us bonded so well. Each of us could really understand one another and support each other. This camp was so good! Not only did we learn about some ways to handle grief, and such, but also lots of practical cultural tips about Americans. Such as: the a-frame hug. This is when you hug the person with your arms, bending at the waste so that you have plenty of space between persons. The counselors (who were MKs themselves) said that this is the way you hug in America and it is never body to body hug. Also, growing up in Europe I have learned how touchy I am. In the US that is very strange. To move somebody out of the way in the supermarket you NEVER lay your hand on their shoulder and gently push them out of the way. (Touching them would therefore break their “physical bubble” heaven forbid!)

I also came back with killer arms! I am very proud of my newly found muscles and would be happy to flex for you all. At the camp we had all sorts of fun activities such as: rock climbing, archery, the zipline, paint-balling, lazy river, lake, the blob, and high dive. Therefore after such wonderfully fun activities it should only be normal for me to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, being so active did take its toll. I had the most amazing collection of bruises. At one point on my legs I had over 30. Yes, 30! They were so bad that before I went to church (in a skirt) I had to put cover-up on my legs because Kelly said I look like I had been abused.

On a more serious note, I have finally started to grieve, which is really healthy. I was holding back and holding back, which actually caused me to start to get physically sick. But because of the support I got and the advice I got at the camp I have started that process. And because I went to this camp and bonded so well with the MKs and the counselors I know I have a strong support now here in America (as we all are going through the same thing) and back home in Bosnia (with all of you praying for me). Thanks for all of your support guys! I wouldn’t be able to make it without you guys!

One more thing before I close, our shipment got here!!! I am very happy to say that all my pictures are safely on land and not floating on the Atlantic thousands of miles away from me. Oh! I got a job! I will be working here at the Pioneers office as a receptionist/office assistant/housekeeping. I can’t believe the opportunity there is here in America! I can get a job in the blink of an eye while my dearly beloved friends back in Bosnia can’t find any jobs. How truly blessed I am! I think about you all a ton. I’m sorry about the length and no pictures but sometimes a post has to just be an update.

Love you all! And remember, JUST SAY NO TO THE A-FRAME HUG!

What hill?

It is amazing how someone’s life could change so much in a short amount of time. Two months ago I was enjoying the green mountains, walking street and deep friendships. Yet, today as I write this I am in a place very unfamiliar to me, surrounded by people I know only on a “small talk basis” (with of course the exception of the Eslers). However, none of this has really sunk in yet. I still think that I’m just visiting Florida and then will head back home to Bosnia. Although this is not true and I am just prolonging the shock of realization, we will all take benefit of my disbelief, as I will tell you what has gone on over the past month.

As you know from my previous entry (from which I got an amazing amount of uplifting and encouraging comments, which I thank all of you for) we, as a family, went on a dream trip through the amazing continent of Europe. We went to so many places that I can’t even remember all the places we went in order. Literally we went in a huge circle starting the journey in Vienna and ending it in Vienna. I have drawn you all a little map to give you a ‘visual’.


You can see the huge circle we made as we went through eight different counties. However, my favorite city was Paris! I loved it! All the cafes with one row of two-seater tables lined the sidewalks, the beautiful buildings, the food and, of course, the looong row of amazingly cute guys. How much better could it get? I wished though that I had someone around my age to go around the city with, someone who would like to look in the shops, etc. Oh well, I still had an amazing time and I will definitely be going back hopefully next time with some girlfriends (start saving up, it will be worth it!). I also LOVED Holland. (It probably helps that Rod, Jo, and Lisa were there to make it all even better and definitely funnier.) All the houses were so quaint, and clean. The open market was great too! Yes, I did love Italy too, Venice being my favorite city in Italia. We were in Florence, Rome, Venice, and took a day trip out to Pompeii. After four weeks of traveling we returned to Vienna, (stopping and seeing my grandparents first) and went site seeing with Aunt Jaki and Uncle Jim. But all good things must come to an end, teary eyed I took my last breath of European air and stepped into the first of many airports.

After arriving late (midnight) Saturday night we were picked up by Uncle Rob and Mr. Esler who took us to our 700sq. ft. mobile home. We didn’t waste any time and began to register for school, look for a car, find our way around the very spread out city, and shop for essentials such as food and shampoo.

Here I sit, a week and four days after we landed. I am completely register for my college classes (I am taking US government, math, Speech, French, and English), I also have a interview tomorrow for a job here at the Pioneers office, I have attended church, college group, and youth group, and have meet far to many people to remember their names. Oh and I also attended a 5-day long Connection ‘conference’ with a whole bunch of other MKs that just got off the field. (Which the picture below is from)



In all I have been extremely busy. But I think the busyness is a good way for me to get my mind off of what is happening. As much as I hate to say it, it really hasn’t been that bad here. The people have been amazing! So friendly, so encouraging, so inviting. And I can’t really complain about the heat either, I mean the only time we really feel it is when we step outside to walk to another building. Also, I haven’t gotten bit by an alligator yet, another positive. However, I think one of the BEST things that has happened to me is getting a cell phone. I have been on the phone with Kelly and Shannon constantly! It is great! Just today I think I have called them 6 times (with different questions and such). But there as been a couple times when I’ve been in a store (Walmart) and just walked around talking to them for like an hour. Kelly and Shannon, you guys are awesome!

If you want my cell phone number just email me and I would be happy to look it up and hand it out (no, I don’t have it memorized yet). Also, another thing we don’t have email in our mali mobile home so I have to check it at the office, not really a big deal, but it does mean that I can’t check my email as much as I would like to.

Another exciting event coming up is the MK re-entry camp. I was originally going to fly to Columbia, SC which is right by the camp, however tickets were 400 bucks! Therefore I am going to be flying up to Washington DC where the Pedronis will pick me up. Then we well all drive down (with Kait too!) to the camp, seven hours away. We are going to talk and talk and talk. I’m very excited. The camp itself is 9 days, 8 nights (yes it is long) but I am really looking forward to it and hope that it will be really good for me and that God would work in my heart (you can pray for that for me).

I have to go, I have been online for three hours figuring out my course schedule and writing this very, very long update. I hope you enjoyed it, thank you for being my faithful readers. I don’t even need to ask for your prayers because I know that you already pray faithfully for me. I am so blessed to have friends like you.

Love you all lots,
look forward for some more updates from me, your square peg living in this very round world.

The Land of Wooden Shoes

Most of you may know what is going on right now but some of you, my faithful readers do not and may be wondering where Larissa has gone. Well, Larissa has gone, and is on vacation with her family. I am now in Holland (hence the title). I have officially left Bosnia. I never knew that it was possible for a person to cry so much, but yes, physically the human body is capable of crying heavly for hours and hours and hours and still the tears keep coming.

I really did not want to make this post all about crying... that is for the next post ;-) I wanted to tell you what we are doing. We first went through Germany, now we are in Holland, tomorrow it is D-day beach and then for the next two days Paris. Then we go to Italy for lik 8 days or somehting like that, then Vienna were we fly out for FL on the 21st or 22nd.

I would appriciate it if you would still keep me in your prayers as this is extremely difficult for me who is more Bosanka then Amerikanka. Love you all, make sure and comment to let me know that you are reading. "Ik ben farkun" (that is all I can say in Dutch and it means taht I am a pig. Haha)

Bye

Overdue

Many of you know what I have been doing lately, and therefore you have granted me extra measures of grace for not blogging in almost a month. However, for those of you who do not know, let me tell you. I am moving. I’m sure you knew it was coming, but we are right in the middle of it. I have been trying to juggle school, moving, yearbook (even though Scott is the man in this area), blogging, and spending time with Bosnians, unfortunately I have not been able to keep all those balls in the air. I have dropped blogging, and have dramatically fumbled the yearbook-ball.

So here is what is going on. Today is May 31st (oh my goodness I forgot the deadline for the MK-transition camp is today!!!) This means that I have exactly 26 days to wrap up my life in Bosnia. How can eight years be wrapped up in twenty-six days? How can I possibly say all the things I should have said? How can I do all those things that I said, “I’ll do later”? On top of trying to wrap up my life I have to pack and do school. Overall, I hope you can see why I have not blogged in a long time. I’m sorry about that.

Okay, since you have not heard from me let me tell you a little bit what has happened for a month.

We (the co-op) had the banquet. It went perfectly! All the girls looked beautiful, the boys looked handsome. The food was delicious. The dancing…crazy. It was incredible! Since I was in charge of the whole thing I was a little bit worried, but all went smoothly and we had an unforgettable night.

We also had a graduation ceremony for me, Kelly, and special recognition for Shannon. It was amazing. I was not expecting to cry, but I did. It was kind of hard not to when your own father gets up on stage and can’t get a hold of himself. Needless to say, I was bawling. But it was so sweet when a lot of my closest Bosnian friends came, despite the fact that they could not understand anything. It was a day I will never forget.

My family then had our annual Cinco de Mayo party, however it was different from all others. It was really our e-may sale (get it, e-bay…e-may…)We had practically our whole house up for sale. The bigger items were up for the silent auction. It was rather funny because when it got down to the last minutes, the missionaries were pushing past each other, running up and down our stairs trying to get to the item they wanted to buy, making sure no one had written down a bigger bid. Women and children were squished in the mob. Life-threats were placed on the biggest bidders. Guns and knifes were used in order to insure an item to a buyer. …Okay it might not have been that bad, but it was true that they were pushing past each other, and running up and down our stairs. It was quite funny to see grown adults panic when I yelled the 30-second countdown. If you were not there, you missed out.

This week is my last week of classes on Potter School. (Although I do have my last assignments due next week) I can then concentrate on more important things then school. However, I still have far too much to do, in way too much time. Please be praying for me and my family.

Make sure and check my blog tomorrow as I will post pictures from the banquet and graduation. Don’t forget to keep on checking for updates, my dear readers.

I leave you with rather funny pictures that Tiffany sent me. This would be true if “Women Ruled the World.” I laughed pretty hard. And as one of the biggest goals of my blog, I hope I made you laugh, at least once.

Until next time…

Oh! Don't be so fickle!

I swear parents have some of the oddest habits. I grew up under the strictest rules for my movies. I wasn’t allowed to watch Aladdin until I was 13! (I'm not even gonna mention that fact that my brother was 8 when he watched it!!!!!!) Now days, I pretty much pick the movies I want to watch. However, there still are "family rules" that we go by whenever we watch a movie as a family. Well, these so called rules are actually more like guidelines. Here is an example of how weird and fickle my parents are. About six months ago my mom and brother rented Peter Pan, the newest, real-life version of it. But they turned it off because of, well; now that I think of it I forgot why they turned it off. I think it had to do with it being too evil or something. Yet, today as I sit in bed (yes, I am still sick) I can hear in the other room my parents and Lucas finishing up the second disk of season 1 of Pimp My Ride. Is there something wrong with that!?!? However, you don’t hear my complaining. Could you ever hear me saying “Mom, Dad, your movie ‘rules’ are pathetic and fickle. You need to be more strict.” I DON’T THINK SO! Anyway, so as I enjoy the perks of having ‘guidelines’ on the movies we watch, I have to wonder… are all parents as fickle as mine?

Presents, cevapi, and sickness...

Well, Mom and Dad have come home! With them they brought a ton, and I mean a TON, of presents! Most of them are for my room in FL. I had already picked out my colors (deep orange, red, some browns, and yellow-gold) therefore when mom went to Thailand she bought me a whole bunch of silk pillowcases and decorations for my room! In all it has been nice to have mom and dad back, although I had an awesome time with Tiff!

Speaking of have an awesome time I had a lovely 1 May. Lucas, Tiff, and I all went up to Visoko for some yummy cevapi and drustvo. It was the Jocques, Andy, Mario, Slado, Lina, Amanda, and Elizabeth Ann, and Scott. Unfortunately it was raining. But of course Donovan built a marvelous shelter for us involving a tarp, a sun umbrella, a broomstick, two vehicles and duct tape. For the meals we all sat in side the van while Mario and Donovan cooked the cevapi under the protection of the van’s trunk door. Needless to say it was very smoky inside the van, but the pasta salad (compliments to Joce) and the cevapi were really yummy. Then when it was only drizzling a bunch of us went out and play Frisbee in the mud. About an hour before we had to head back home it stopped raining completely we sat around in a circle while I took weird pictures of Brugger’s beautiful eyes. J Then we headed home from a joyful reunion with my parents.

However, on a more negative note- my sickness has relapsed. I didn’t do anything yesterday or today. I will be very upset if I am sick tomorrow, for I have a very important date I must attend. The date is with the hottest hottie ever…Tiffany Winters! We have a date to watch the new Pink Panther, which will be in theaters tomorrow night. Oh, I hope I will be better.

Wow, two post in a row!

Here are the pictures I told you I would post. Click on them to see them full size.

This is Me, Joce, Sarah (Joce's sister, one in black, she made me laugh all week), Katie (the red head who I am huggin, loved her to death!) and Lauren (Joce's cousin, and the Visokin celebrity amoung the boys)



At the retreat I got my first chili-dog. They are quite good.



Lastly here is a picture of all of us. I had such a great time!

Oh, other news. That weird thing in my mouth is gone. It came and went. Very strange.

Bad first, then Good

Whenever someone asks, “which do you want to hear, the good news or bad news first?” I always want the bad news first. Might as well get it over then listen to the good news. So I will begin with the bad.

BAD- I am not feeling good. I have been slightly sick for the past two days

GOOD- I have had a WONDERFUL time with the team from Michigan. First I was in Visoko for a couple days. There I taught ESL, and visited with my old friends there. I also got to hike the pyramid. It was an amazing view!! Then half way through the week we all went up to Jahorina and had a spiritual retreat with the other MKs. It was amazing! I really felt like I was drawn closer to God, especially with Paul’s devotions. We made movies like last year (the girls TOTALLY won this time!! Our movie rocked!!) The Girl’s was titled “Pimp My Whale”. I have so many fond memories making that movie! Then we played steal the bacon (only we were stealing a plastic tug-boat) in the snow. It was great to play this in the snow so you could tackle each other to the ground. Overall, I had one of the most memorable weeks. I felt like I was able to really get close to all of the girls on the team. Normally I don’t let myself get to close to team members because I know that they have to leave. But this time I could not help it. I felt like I got so close to them in just a week.

BAD- The team had to leave. *Sniff Sniff* For the next few days all I could do is talk about how much I miss them… hey… I am still talking about how much I miss them! COME BACK!

GOOD- After the retreat I spent the night at Janelle’s house. There we had a committee meeting about the banquet which is coming up on May 12th. Ohh.. it is going to be amazing! I am really working with a awesome committee (which includes Lauren, Janelle, and John)

BAD, REALLY BAD- My wonderful, adorable cat Chili is missing and has been for about a week now. We all think something bad has happened to him. He would never just leave. He is not like that. He is very, very faithful to our family. We have even stuck up reward/lost signs. Still he has not come home. I know it is just a cat, but he still is so important to me and my family. Could you guys pray that he would come home?

GOOD- Today is my half birthday!!!! Happy half birthday to me!!!! I am officially 17 ½ How exciting!

BAD- My parents are in Thailand without me and Lucas. There was not enough $$ this time for us to go. But I guess next time…maybe.

GOOD- Although my parents are gone I have Tiffany to ‘baby-sit’ me and Lucas. It has been lots of fun! She is so awesome! I love her to death!

BAD- I have this really, really weird thing in my mouth. At first I thought it was a canker-sour, but then I actually looked at it the mirror. It is a see-through lump/ball thing. It is also really hard. I tried to pop it open and see what would happen, but it is too hard to even get open. All I can say is that this has never happened to me before. I think it might be an allergic reaction to this mouthwash that I have been using for the past two nights. Anyone care to do research on this one?

GOOD- I am finally watching the 5-hour version of Pride and Prejudice. So far I have finished two hours… slow but surely…

BAD- I have not posted in a very, VERY long time, I am assuming I have lost half of my audience.

GOOD- I have posted again! Tomorrow expect some pictures from last week with the team.

TOP SECRET!

Do you ever want to know what people are thinking? Well, I have a secret to share with you. Warning!!! This has NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!!!!!!!

WARNING! CONFIDENTIAL!!!!!

Come on now...

Do you ever have one of these conversations with your parents... and in the end you are in the exactly the same spot you started? (Click on comic to enlarge)



Well... I do.

It is finished

Finally. Done! Do you every have something you have to do and you dread it day and night? For some of you it might be cleaning your room, or Chemistry homework. But for me it was my book review. It all started when I was back in the States. I knew that I had to read a book by an author that we had already read another book on. Since I liked The Scarlet Letter so much I decided to pick Hawthorne. I gave strict instructions to my mom to pick out the shortest Hawthorne book at the store. She then came back with The House of the Seven Gables which was not that short, by the way. So anyway I was somewhat excited to read another Hawthorne book, after all The Scarlet Letter is now on my favorite list. So I started reading. After the first chapter i was saying to myself, "Okay, Larissa it is going to get better." The second chapter, "you are just not into the good part yet." I said the same things up until the last chapter of the book. I read page after page, after page of prolonged, agonizing detail.

What is worse is that I had to write a book review on it. How could I write neutrally on a book that was so utterly boring? It is not just an old book report that I have to write either. My teacher (from Potter's School) has very strict rules about how I have to write, what I have to write about...etc... Anyway, less then an hour ago this huge burden that has been hanging over my head for the passed three weeks has been lifted. I am done. I just love the feeling of freedom. *deep breath in, and out*

I'm a geek

Look what I did yesterday in my spare time.(which was like 10 min) I just learned it yesterday in my Trig/Calculus class. It is a great short cut! If you don't understand it I would be more then pleased to explain it to you in real life.
CLICK ON IT TO MAKE LARGER AND THEREFORE TO COMPREHEND IT BETTER


(Notice it is all color coated to make it easier to read. I tell you it was not easy transferring all the math symbols to the computer. But you, my public are worth it. My hope is that at least one of you can appriciate how awesome of a short cut this really is)

Speaking of Dreams

Sorry haven’t updated. I’ve been gone. I’m sure it was such a disappointing couple of days. How many times you must have checked in hope that I had updated, and gone away in utter despair.

Yesterday I watched the movie Field of Dreams. Joce referenced that movie a week ago with the whisper that the main character hears while standing alone in his corn field- “If you build it, he will come.” Overall it was kind of a weird and far-out movie. However, I am glad I watched it so that the next adult that references that movie I will actually be able to laugh and know what I am laughing about.

Well… I had a dream last night. Haha. It is one that I just have to share with you guys. It all started out with the Oscars. A lot of the stars were there including Angelina Jolie. Then as soon as they had all done the red carpet thing all of us (including the stars) went back to Scott’s house for a meal. Then as Angelina Jolie was leaving I was talking to the coat-check-person about the differences between Asians and Americans. She got really mad at me for calling them Asians! (It was because her son adopted son, Madox, is Asian, in real life) She told me not to call them Asians! I was like “why not? They are Asians.” Anyway I didn’t argue that much because she is Angelina Jolie. Then she took my coat and said she wanted to wear it to the party tomorrow and I was to bring it for her to wear. I agreed. Then I went back into Scott’s apartment to see all the other celebrities had left. So there was Tiffany and Scott sitting there and talking. Then they turn to me and say, “we are getting married.” “WHAT!” I utter in disbelief. “You guys can’t get married! You haven’t been dating, and honestly your personalities don’t go together.” Tiff answered, “Oh we know that. We are just getting married for convince. We don’t love each other, not even like each other romantically, it would just be convenient for us to get married.” I was in disbelief. I couldn’t believe it! I knew that they were going to regret it one day, but both were set on getting married.

Anyway, that was my dream. Weird huh? Well, hope I made your day by posting.

I would have died

Did you all know my brother was taking Karate? Well, not but less then a week ago he got his suit and the white belt that comes with it. Well, Monday night at his class he got his yellow belt. He passed the test by the grace of the head trainer (with whom we have good veza with). Poor guy. I was SO embarrassed for him! To pass your test he had to go out in front of the whole karate classes combined (all the belts were lined up on one side of the gym, there were probably 60-70 of them watching him) then he had to do a series of moves to pass his test. Before he did anything though the head trainer went out in front of all the kids and said “This is Lucas, he is an American, he didn’t understand that he was supposed to come last Sunday to get his belt. He is with an organization. He does not understand Bosnian okay?” I was so nervous for him! Poor guy he is only ten and then 120 eyes all on him! My mom was making agony noises the whole time. Then she said “oh, this is just torture for me, I can’t watch anymore.” So she closed her eyes for a little bit. I was on the edge of my seat praying, “Please do well, please do well, and please don’t make any mistakes.”

In the end he did make a couple mistakes but they gave him the belt. Oh, to be nine again and be able to bounce back from such an embarrassment. He was SO happy that he got his belt he didn’t even care that they made him do that. I need to scan the pictures I have of him before all those kids and doing his moves. Ohh, Lucas. I love you!

Cimburiada-first day of spring

I have had such fond memories of Cimburiada. (Zenica’s own holiday were everyone goes down to the park in the middle of the city and has a rostil, or walks around) A picture taken three years ago showed me in a tank-top with sunglasses on. Well… this year wasn’t quite that warm, it rained a little bit, but then was just a little gray. I shouldn’t complain. It could have been snowing as it did last Sunday. But it would have been ideal to see the sun and blue skies. However, even if the weather were nice it still wouldn’t have been the best Cimburiada. There was no sit down time with the Bosnians around the grill smelling the cevapi as it cooks. Instead my family decided to only go to half the holiday, and just walk around. Joce found me shortly after we got there (thankfully!) so I didn’t die of boredom. (Question for all you married people out there… don’t you get sick of your husband or wife? I mean don’t you just want to go and hang with other people all the time? It is a mystery of marriage that I have never found the answer to) Don’t get me wrong, I love my family a lot… but its just not the same when you see them everyday. Aside from all of that… I only got to see one person that I knew. (Besides two of Walter’s old boys from a distance) Such a disappointment! Ohh well. At least it is the first day of spring! That’s good! So happy first day of spring everybody, hopefully your days will be full of sunshine and warmth.

Drama, drama, drama

Well, long time no post everybody. Sorry about that. I have been really, REALLY busy with the drama practices and trying to get in all my school. My mom counted up all the hours I have worked on the drama. 40 hours!!! I have a bitter sweet feeling now that it is over. In a way relived that it is over, however, I'm kind of disapointed. It took us Co-op kids 40 hours of work for a one hour performance and after we worked so hard I just wish we could have performed it a couple more times. But as I promised I would post some pictures of the play.

This is me playing the Jackal, John playing the Brahman, and Janelle playing the Tiger at the end of the first of the four stories.

Here is me playing the Russian mouse and Will playing the Lion without a tail. I am a salesmouse that sells the (stupid) lion an invisible tail. (Like the Emperor's New Clothing Story)

This is Will as the lion and Lucy as his wife. (I as the Russian mouse gave him a wife 'free' with his new tail). Obviously he, as the lion, doesn't want a wife.

This is in the closing scene when all the characters come back.

Quicky

I have a blog post half written about last Monday, but I haven't had time to finish the story. Just look forward to it. Until then I will be in Sarajevo for the drama we, as a Co-op, are putting on. I'm really looking forward to it, but nervous too. I'll post some pictures of the drama next post.

Sorry this is not a very exciting post. There is nothing more disapointing then a bland post.

Mmmmmm.... what's that smell?

You know those short little stories that make you laugh, which are at the end of the long articles in Reader’s Digest? Well, I heard one a while ago that I remember… let me tell it to you (don’t worry I tie it all in together and relate the story back to me)… There once was a lady who worked somewhere that gave her tons of perfume samples all the time. She had so many of these samples she started using them as bathroom freshener. Until one evening when she went out with her husband to a fancy dinner… later in the evening her husband leaned over to kiss her when he sat back up and asked her “honey why are you wearing the bathroom freshener?”

Back to me. How does this relate? Well, normally I hate bathroom freshener. Hate it! Because my family usually only owns or buys the potpourri smelling ones. Which makes me want to gag. However, recently I have made a discovery. We have a new bottle with the scent ‘Ocean Blue’ and I have discovered that I like the smell. I really like the smell. I like the smell so much I am actually considering wearing it as perfume. I never knew I was capable of actually debating whether I should wear bathroom freshener as a perfume. But people change, and new scents are invented… such as “Ocean Blue.”

I WANT an APPLE!

Okay. Up until now I have wanted a Mac, but never thought of actually doing this to my Toshiba computer...... until now! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR the stupid thing won't work properly! I have to do my Potter School through AOL-internet. Which is VERY slow and whenever I get kicked off my Bosnian connection it makes AOL freeze, which only results me in re-booting my entire computer! Last week I had to do this 3 times during one class!! THREE TIMES I HAD TO RESTART MY COMPUTER!! Now I'm not 100% sure that this would not happen on a Mac. HOWEVER, I am a glass half-full kind of girl. Oh, and I forgot to tell you my CD burner doesn't work anymore! It only burns CDs that sound like they have been really, really scratched up. So now I can't take music I've bought on iTunes and listen to it on my discman...therefore it looks like I'm going to be 'needing' an ipod as well. I'm sure an Apple and ipod would be better for my mental stability! Donovan... i'd LOVE your imput on this... I will be waiting for you comments...

P.S. This is the computer I really want- the iMac but it would be incomplete without my ipod video along side it!! :-D

My geekyness and Dick Cheney

Come on... you knew the shirts were going to come out sooner or later!

The Zits comic strip reminds me of me. In 8th grade Mom made me use one of those wheeled backpacks. However, there were no cool ones back then. In fact I had to get a HUGE, ugly, boy one. I was quite embarressed. It was really cheap too, so the handle was really short... I ended up kinda bending over to roll it (please tell me how that is good for your back). *sigh* I was a geek. However, the kids in my class didn't write things all over me shirt... thankfully...

Me

I want my face on a postage stamp!

February

February 1 is . . . . . Serpent Day
February 2 is . . . . . Purification Day
February 3 is . . . . . Cordova Ice Worm Day
February 4 is . . . . . Create A Vacuum Day
February 5 is . . . . . Disaster Day
February 6 is . . . . . Lame Duck Day
February 7 is . . . . . Charles Dickens Day
February 8 is . . . . . Kite Flying Day
February 9 is . . . . . Toothache Day
February 10 is . . . . Umbrella Day
February 11 is . . . . White Tee-Shirt Day and Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
February 12 is . . . . National Plum Pudding Day
February 13 is . . . . Get A Different Name Day and Dream Your Sweet Day
February 14 is . . . . Ferris Wheel Day and National Heart to Heart Day
February 15 is . . . . National Gum Drop Day
February 16 is . . . . Do A Grouch A Favor Day
February 17 is . . . . Champion Crab Races Day
February 18 is . . . . National Battery Day
February 19 is . . . . National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20 is . . . . Hoodie Hoo Day***
February 21 is . . . . Card Reading Day
February 22 is . . . . Be Humble Day
February 23 is . . . . International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 24 is . . . . National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25 is . . . . Pistol Patent Day (Samuel Colt)
February 26 is . . . . National Pistachio Day
February 27 is . . . . International Polar Bear Day
February 28 is . . . . Public Sleeping Day
February 29 is . . . . National Surf and Turf Day
***Hoodie Hoo Day-This holiday is celebrated in an interesting way. At high noon everyone yells "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase away winter and make way for spring.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY EVERYBODY! I must say I am looking forward to tomarrow, the 29th!

NOOOO!!!

(This was written on Thursday night, the night of the women's figure skating final... however I was not able to post it that night or the next day... then we went to Montenegro so I was not able to post it until now)


Well, I must say I thought tonight was going to end well. I was all excited for the women’s figure skating long program. I was rooting for Irina Slutskia all the way. She really was the best and most consistent skater at the Olympics. But oh, such a shame! Under all that pressure she was not able to attain the gold, what she truly deserved… but bronze. She not only had pressure from herself but also from the Russian team. They really wanted a clean sweep. So far in the Men’s, Couple’s and Couple’s Dance all who received gold were Russian. Irina was the last one. I feel so bad for her. She is 29 so there won’t be another Olympics for her. I feel the same about her as I do about Kwan. Both are phenomenal skaters. Both deserved a gold Olympic metal. Neither got it. Oh how I desperately want to throw a huge box of tomatoes at the judges and yell “YOU IDIOTS!! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS!?!” But sadly… tomatoes are not in season.

Oh this has ended a sad night.

Owww… I’m sour. You know that feeling when you are super sore… all over… and all you want to do is crawl into a hot tub or take a bath in Icy Hot? Ouuuwww ouch.

In memory of

In honor of three people I miss miserably

I love you!

The Fico

Well, as you know, I go to Tae Boe every Tuesday and Thursday. Tonight being Tuesday I went. But Mom was sick, therefore I hitched a ride with Betsy. We took…the Fico. I had never been inside that car, and boy it is an experience. My knees may have been against the dashboard, and the windshield only 7inches away from my face, but I loved it. There is no lock on the Fico door so we just left the car and went inside the gym. After an hour of sweating like a pig we get back into the little red car and head home. Betsy and I talk and laugh until we got to the bottom of my hill. “Just drop me off at the bottom of the hill, you don’t have to go up” I told Betsy. “Are you sure?” “Yep” As we pulled up to the bridge she slowed to a stop. A second earlier I noticed a man, drunk I might add, who was sitting on the sidewalk and waved to us. And as soon as we stopped he came over to my side and started to try to open the door. I automatically thought ‘lock it!’ but there was no lock to lock, nor was there a door handle to hold onto to keep him from opening the door. All I could do was say, “go, Go, GO!” *Clunk, RRR, Pop* went the clutch and stick. So up the hill we went. Leaving the man standing in the street. The Fico made it great, but I was still laughing hysterically from what the man did, and me yelling “go, go go!” I try to get out once we arrive at my house but my feet don’t fit between the seat and the front dash board, so they got stuck for a little while. (I’m sure it didn’t help that I was still laughing) After managing to finally get out, say goodbye, close the mini-car’s door, and turn around to see the Fico heading down the hill. But apearently I didn’t close it well enough because it was open about 3/4inch. Tears of laughter streamed down my face as I imagined Betsy making a turn and the door flying open Oh, I love that car.

The picture is quite obviously not the Summay’s Fico. But I made this picture for those of you who have not seen a Fico, nor can imagine how small it is. Notice how big I am in comparison .

Whatever!

Well I put in my birthday into one of those 'what does your birthday tell you about yourself' type of things... and this is what I got. Tell me if you agree or disagree.

Your Birthdate: October 28

You have a Type A personality so big it makes other Type A's shrink away in shame. You never shy away from adversity - and you love to tackle impossible problems. Failure is not an option for you, and more than a few people are put off by your ego. You tend to be controlling, and you hate leaving anything up to chance. Your strength: Your bold approach to life Your weakness: You don't accept help Your power color: Bronze Your power symbol: Pyramid Your power month: October

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

V-day Joys

I normally have a 'no-blogging' policy on weekends. The reason is because after spending my whole school week on the computer I really don't even want to look at my lovely Toshiba. However, since I hadn't updated in a while, I thought I would break my policy.

I want address something. It is about Valentine's Day. I LOVE this holiday! I love the fact that I can make pink heart-shaped pancakes and pink eggs. I love the fact that I can wear pink everything and only be considered festive. I love eating pink cupcakes with little frosting hearts on them. I love the fact that my brother and dad get me and mom flowers. (And this time jewelry) I even Love the fact that I don't have a Valentine,I mean come on, guys are so hard to buy for! Overall, I really like Valentines Day.

Speaking of Valentines Day I have to show you something that I put in my Dad's V-day card. This was the outside:

When Most Girls look at their Dads
This is what they see-

(Then I had miscellaneous pictures such as a money tree and TV)

BUT This is what I see

(Then He would open it up to see-)



Happy be-lated Valentine's Day everybody!

death comest to us by night

I have been meaning to blog about this for quite awile now, but i have just not had the time. It was last Tuesday night... Mom and I had just had our excersise class. She was a little sore. But I just took a shower, turned on my little heater, and went to bed. When all the sudden (at about 5am) I sat up in bed. What had awoken me? Then I smelt it. It was something I've never smelt. It was not plasticy, but not a wood or coal smell either. Then I looke at my heater. "Ah, that must be it" So i got up, turned it off, and went back to bed. Next thing I know it is about 8:30am and mom wakes me up. She had just got done walking with Aunt Jacque. She sat on the bed adjacent from mine.
"Larissa, I can't believe what I almost did!"
"What? Whats wrong? What happend?"
"I left the stove on all night, I was heating our physical thearpy heating-pad and I forgot about it and when to bed. For 9 hours the stove's gas burned, full blast."

When I saw the pot I was amazed. The outside had started to melt because of the extreme heat. On the inside (we opened it only when it was cooled down) our physical-theapy-pad had been literally cooked into coal. The certain chemicals that filled the pad had been heated so much that they melted and vaporize. And when the pot cooled they stuck to the lid and sides almost as a hard candied-glass.



I realized it was the smell of the heating-pad burning that woke me up!! (Lesson- if you smell something weird get up and check out EXACTLY where the smell is coming from!) The whole house could have burned down!! Praise the Lord that He protected us! Our gas stove was burning full-flame for nine hours!!!

And thus: death almost came to us by night!

Life

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I just want to let you guys know that I am alive. I don't know when I will be able to post again... just don't count on one for atleast 2-3 days. My plate is so full and I am extremely overwhelmed. I have a lot of junk in my life that I need to sort out, so prayer would be greatly appriciated.

I love you all very much!

Ode to the Comics

In honor of Sunday Comics... even though it is Monday...

Big brother

I thought this was cool. These are of Africa. (I love Google-Earth) One is of hippos crowding in a mudhole. Can you believe how many there are?! Look at the second picture... it is of a African village. Very cool. Click to enlarge.

Here are some random things:

I went to Bosnian Tae Boe last night. It is great excercise! My favorite exercise is when you have to link arms with someone, back to back, and then squat all the way down and try to get up. Do you know how hard that is to do!? I feel every single time. But I didn’t feel that bad… everyone else (with the exception of 2 couples) couldn’t do it either. I also loved doing stretches to warm up my knees.

Well Tiffany is officially in the country! I’m very happy.

I took one of those stupid quizzes on the Internet and they said I was high maintenance…I am very offended

Fun things to do with a vacuum hose-

1. Give you brother hickies all over his face.
2. Suck up your cat’s tail all the way, until the hose’s suction is holding the cat’s behind… it won’t let your cat walk, it just holds them in place...this is quite fun!

p.s. I am totally thrilled that you guys read my blog! I'm sorry that I can't update it more frequntly, but its the parent's rules, 'only in my free time' which is like never, cause me and Joce both have both aggreed that I do school 24hours a day.

Love you all!

Blogger Blues

I officially have the blogger blues. It has to completely do with the fact that NO ONE IS COMMENTING ON MY BLOG! Do you know how depressing that is!?! Maybe it is because I have not said anything interesting... maybe it is because I don't have anymore friends... maybe it's just me :'-(

Moving on, without the drama...

I am really excited that Tiffany is coming back! 14 more hours til she lands! Then hopefully (if she is feeling up to it) she, Joce, and Scott with come over for dinner.

Oh, I just learned something new today. They have Ta-Boe in Zenica. Donata (my language teacher) told me about it. Me and mom are talking about going... its pretty bad when you are so bored that you watch Trading Spaces re-runs for the third time.

One last thing before I go, I want to say "Happy Birthday" to Kait!!! *taps on mic* "This ones for you babe.... *sings*...."Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes"

Please comment! I'll give two smarties to the first and second person who posts a comment... man, that's lame that I have to bribe you to comment....

Quick update and another joke

Well, overall I've had a pretty good week. Nothing really important happened... But at least nothing bad happened. I have to say I had a BLAST at Lauren's party last weekend! I love her dearly.

Oh, about the picture... this was at my first real high-school football game! It was very exciting for me. Those are my American friends, (from left to right)... Megan, Lauren Tolson, Kaite, Amanda, then some other babe ;-)

And lastly... what you all have been waiting for... the joke

A dumb Blonde died and went to Heaven. When she got to the Pearly Gates, she met Saint Peter who said, "Before you get to come into Heaven, you have to pass a test."
"Oh, No!" she said but Saint Peter said not to worry he'd make it easy.
"Who was God's son?" said Saint Peter.
The dumb Blonde thought for a few minutes and said "Andy!"
"That's interesting... What made you say that?" said Saint Peter
Then She started to sing "Andy walks with me! Andy talks with me! Andy tells me..."

Hehe love you all

Yet another Joke

This joke was given to me by my HTML teacher from Potter School. Both Mom and I thought it quite funny.

This blonde was really tired of all the blonde jokes, so she dyed her
hair black. The next Sunday afternoon she was taking a leisurely drive
through the country and was traveling down an old dirt road. She came
upon a farmer who was herding his sheep across the road. She stopped the
car, and smiled as she watched the sheep playfully run across the path.

"Mr. Farmer," she said. "If I can guess how many sheep you have, may I
have one?"

The farmer said, "All right. But you only have five seconds to guess."
He certainly didn't want her to count the sheep.

The blonde looked to the left and right. "You have 352."

The farmer was shocked. "I don't believe it. That's exactly how many
sheep I have. Well, I'm a man of my word. Help yourself to one."

The blonde got out and spent a few minutes deciding. She got into her
car with her choice and was about to start the engine when the farmer
asked, "Say, if I can guess your true hair color may I have my dog
back?"

What a great joke!

Here's a joke that I found rather funny-

One time there were two men, Joe and Bart, walking in the woods. When they came upon a HUGE hole. They were amazed at how deep it was. So they decided they were going to try to measure the depth of this hole. So Joe picked up a stone and dropped it in the hole. They waited.... still they never heared the stone hit the bottom. So then Bart picked up a really big rock and dropped it.... but still they couldn't hear it hit the bottom. Finnally, disguisted Joe picked up a railroad tie that was lying near the hole and hoisted it into the hole with great effort. When all the sudden a crazy goat appeared out of no where and was running towards them with lightning speed, Joe and Bart ducked out of the way just a second before the goat jumped into the hole. Joe and Bart looked at eachother in amazment!
Not but two minutes later a farmer came by and asked them "Have you men seen my goat?" Joe replied "Maybe... a goat, running faster then I'd ever seen an animal run, ran straight for this hole and jumped in!" "Aw," the Farmer said, "couldn't have been my goat, he was chained to a railroad tie"

Dome slaka dome

Its official! I'm back! After spending 1/6 of a year in the land of the free, I have returned. Let me give you a list of some things thats going on in my life right now. (Why a list you ask? Well... I just like to make lists)

I am getting old. I have to use reading glasses now, it seems that my eyes are straining to see words both on a book and on a computer screen. Thankfully no broken hips yet cause you know my motto 'Once you break a hip, it all goes down hill from there'

I have officially enjoyed a Shakespeare book. (I've read 6 others and didn't like them) Taming of the Shrew is the one I did actually like. And am considering putting it on my 'favorite books' list. (You see, I really do like lists)

I have officially counted all of my black shirts. Total: 15 black shirts (not including the two I don't like), 1 black sweater, and 3 sweater-jackets... What can I say... I think I like black clothes just as much as lists...

Today I have just developed this weird, small, white, bump on my hand... and I have no clue what it is.

I am reading the entire Bible this year. My mom got a 365 day, chronological Bible, well I am stealing it for a year, and have just finished Job. I love this passage in chapter 38 when God rebukes Job.
4"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
I think about how many times I question God about His will. But just read this small section. After you do, you wonder 'Who Am I to question the Living God?'

I am alive

Just wanted to let you know, (if I haven't lost all my readers already) that I am alive. And do plan on updating my blog regularly once I get back home. There was no way for me to be able to update while i have been here. But I will reture in 4 days... See you then!!!!!!