I'm going back to school in what feels like a lifetime of being away from it. I took an online class a few months ago, but that really felt more like a bible study than anything else. So it feels strange to be looking through class schedules and trying to figure out the best time to take classes, hoping I can get the classes I need. And thinking about going to class and realizing that the rest of the class will probably be 15 years, give or take, younger than I currently am. (at least I don't really look 33) It's a little overwhelming. But really exciting too. I'm starting a new chapter for myself, and very grateful that I can do so. Even though I was always very mature for my age, in a lot of ways I have always considered myself a late bloomer, so I suppose this is fitting in that regard. But I'm excited and a bit scared about this new direction my life is going in. It's going to be hard, and though I'm looking forward to the challenge I can't help but think about how much I hate math. And how lame it is that I have to go take a placment test for Math today. I hope I don't feel too stupid during or after. So  even though I've decided to try and have a good attitude about it and take things as they come, I'd really appreciate your prayers. Even if I have to take more classes than I originally thought, (i.e. 2 or 3 math classes) I will take it as part of my journey in this crazy new world I'm about to jump into. And will continue to be grateful for the opportunity. And also grateful to know that I'm not walking alone.

In other news. Had a crazy busy weekend. It started with going to the movies to see Get Smart. Great movie. Was followed by shopping at Target and spending way too much money on new clothes for Xander. Then by swimming to try and cool off after a very hot day. Wonderful! Then Saturday morning off to a free movie preview. (thanks Heidi!) We got to see Madagascar-Escape 2 Africa, which I really enjoyed, but still don't understand the title. But whatever. Yay for free movies. Then off to San Diego to sing with Midway. Heidi and I got down there a little early and did some more shopping. (again spending too much money) We did get a wonderful pedicure though. Then we went to rehearsal and home to Chris and Melody's. Played some games and went to bed. Then back to Midway for the Sunday morning performances of 3:16. Here's what I took away from this experience. I was happy to be asked to come sing with Midway. I might even say honored. I love choir, and I love singing with my friends, so I'm always happy to do it whenever I can. I am also someone who, when singing with a group or by myself, likes to know every single note of a given piece of music. So much so that I can watch it go by in my head while I'm singing. And this music was no exception. I worked really hard on it so I would know it well and I'm glad I did. So while I found this musical experience sometimes difficult and frustrating I was still able to worship. And really that's the reason for doing something like this anyway. Or at least it should be. I think the congregatoin was very moved by it. Or at least that's the immpression I got watching them. I tried very hard to experience it through them. I was particularly touched by a man sitting in the second row during first service. I LOVE having the opportuity and privelege of watching people worship. There is nothing like being part of that experience, and it is one I am always thankful for. Before the concert Christy asked everyone to pick a section of chairs to pray for, and also to pray for the people in those chairs during the concert. While I couldn't see the peoples' faces for the chairs I chose b/c of the lighting, I did pray for them. And that time for me was probably the best time of the entire concert. I have a lot of respect for Daniel and Christy and the ministry they have with the people in their church. I have always respected their approach to ministry through music. It is very different from what most people would do. But I have always enjoyed watching them work with people and seeing them put people first, but still strive for excellence. It has been a great reminder for me in my own experience. Those people are lucky and blessed to have them there. Especially since they drive from Burbank to San Diego every weekend!

So, I'm off to be a student. Or at least to find out what kind of Math student I'm going to be, and hoping for the best. :) 

So it's been like 20 years since I last blogged, and mostly it's because I haven't had anything nice to say. And most of you that would read this blog already know what has been going on so there was really no need. However, a certain someone who shall remain nameless, has been bugging me to blog, so I shall capitalize on a generic blog and tell 100 things about myself.

1) I enjoy driving. (and not just because my car is AWESOME!)

2) I have had to wear two casts in my life, and only one was because of broken bones.

3) I was swimming on a competition team when I was 5.

4) I have an excellent memory for conversations.

5) I will probably always live in Southern California.

6) I was born in Florida.

7) I  hate the taste and smell of black licorice.

8) My biggest pet peeve is when people say they will do something and then they don't do it. With no explanation. Flaky people are lame!

9) My favorite place to eat is the Old Spaghetti Factory.

10) I like alone time.

11) I like to keep in touch with people. Even if I may never see them again.

12) I used to be afraid of giving my testimony because I felt like I had nothing notable to share, until I realised how awesome it is that I never had to go through any major trial to know how important my faith was to me. And just how unique I was for having been a believer from a young age.

13) I go to Disneyland more than anyone else I know. And yes, I still love it.

14) I will listen to anything you want to tell me. Anytime.

15) I can be a vault with information when it's called for.

16) I refused to wear any kind of lipstick other than chapstick until I had to for Bel Canto concerts my freshman year of college.

17) I remember having a conversation with fellow APU choir people in between our freshman and sophmore year about how instead of being Bonnerites we would be Clifft notes. (terribly lame and cheesy)

18) Most of my voice lessons in college consisted of conversations, and not so much of actual singing.

19) When I worked at Forest Home as a lifeguard in indian village I had to have an indian name. It was Shadow, which has nothing whatsoever to do with water or indians. Bad choice.

20) I have never been in love.

21) I love being tall.

22) My sister was a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and always wanted to have a son and name him Xander.

23) I always felt deprived growing up because we never had cable.

24) My sister and I used to go to sleep while listening to the Robin Hood soundtrack.

25) A friend of mine dubbed another friend and myself "techno whores" because of the amount of electronic equiptment we own. Any guy would be proud and generally jealous of my entertainment set-up.

26) I hate cats.

27) I pride myself on being a very loyal friend.

28) I have been to England, Scotland, and Paris. But only because I either knew someone living there, or was going with people who had lived there.

29) I have been on 3 cruises.

30) I greatly enjoy karaoke and won the title of "Princess Pop Star" on the last cruise I was on.

31) I like giving people nicknames.

32) I have been in at least 1 wedding every year since I was 21.

33) I have been the Maid of Honor in 4 of those weddings.

34) I like all kinds of music. Yes really. All kinds.

35) I have 2 friends that I still talk to on a regular basis that I've known since 1st grade.

36) My family was not a game playing family. I always wished we were.

37) I enjoy cooking, but I almost never cook when it's only for myself.

38) I have been bungee jumping twice.

39) I have always wanted to sky dive.

40) I love shoes. Seriously, I have way too many.

41) I have been to Las Vegas at least once, every year of my life.

42) My grandfather started a business the year I was born and every person in my family has worked in it at one time or another.

43) Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher, or a singer on a Disney movie.

44) I am very comfortable with guns and know how to use most kinds and am usually a good shot.

45) I have extrememly supportive parents.

46) I went undefeated my senior year of high school in tennis.

47) For some reason people have a great difficulty spelling my name correctly.

48) Every church I have been involved in post college has had someone from the Mann family there also.

49) I like having a plan and being organized.

50) My grandfather used to take my sister and I to the bar with him to hang out on multiple occasions. I could not have been older than 7, because he died just before I turned 8.

51) I started typing faster because of IMing with Mike when he lived in WA.

52) I will not watch any reality TV. Unless someone I know is on a show.

53) I love the Muppet Show. Particurlarly anything with the Sweddish Chef. Jim Henson was a genius!

54) My favorite food is generally breakfast food, but usually at dinner time.

55) I used to always win the "I've Never...." game because I could always use "I've never kissed anyone". It got everyone. Every time.

56) I think people assume I'm smarter than I actually think I am for two reasons. One, because I'm generally very lucky. And two, because I am smart enough to choose key moments to speak and say things that I am absolutely certain of.

57) I like playing video games, but I almost never do.

58) I have never been a big fan of parades. The only parade I've ever really enjoyed is the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland. (now at California Adventure)

59) I love egg and cheese burritos from Del Taco. (Christy loves their French Fries)

60) McDonald's has the best fountain coke.

61) I am a loyal fan of Jerry O'Connel from his 'My Secret Identity' days. Christy and I once semi-stalked him in an airport.

62) I started watching CSI:NY just because my sister was a fan of Gary Sinise.

63) I rarely cried when I was younger, and almost never through high school and college. My sister on the otherhand cried all the time. So much so that I called her "Waterworks". Now I cry more than I'd like and I attribute to her giving me her tears when she died.

64) I hate spiders. When I was little I would scan my ceiling and walls for spiders before I went to sleep and if I found one I would go sleep in the hall or the bathroom if my dad wouldn't come upstairs and kill it.

65) I'm good in crisis situations.

66) My life was very drama free pre-college. Now, someone could easily write a soap opera straight out of events affecting my life.

67) I know more than I ever wanted to about irrigation.

68) If nursing school doesn't work out for me I think I'll go back and get my credential to be a PE teacher.

69) I love playing the piano. It helps me relieve stress. That doesn't mean I'm good at it.

70) There was a girl at my high school that could have been my twin. She was a cheerleader. Being an athlete, I had no affection for cheerleaders, and certainly never aspired to be one. Girls who couldn't be athletes were cheerleaders. So you can understand why I would be offended when people asked me if I was a cheerleader, thinking I was her. (People asked her if she played tennis.)  It happened a lot. A LOT. I was actually quite bitter about it til I got to know this girl, and became good friends with her. I even ended up being in her wedding.

71) My last name is German and means House by the sea.

72) My grandmother was very good and keeping in touch with the family and keeping track of everyone. Now that she's not around anymore, I fear our family history is gone with her.

73) I would not even consider dating someone who was shorter than me. Not even if I thought he was the greatest guy I've ever met. It's totally my issue, but in my experience guys don't handle it well when women are taller than them.

74) I hate seeing really tall men with really short women. It's just not right.

75) I love being at the beach at night.

76) I generally enjoy and welcome change.

77) I recently upgraded to a HD DVR and I love it! HD rocks. And is sometimes a little scary because closeups can sometimes be a little too close.

78) I try to learn through other people mistakes so I don't have to make them myself.

79) I've been told I have great hair.

80) I love playing tennis, but can't find anyone to play with. The boys I know that play tennis won't play with me because they don't like getting beat by a girl.

81) I am not easily offended.

82) I am very picky about what I will eat.

83) I generally try to figure out a reason or explanation for everything. I like knowing. However, I can very easily accept things that have no reason or explanation simply because the Lord has asked me to have faith.

84) I believe that actions always speak louder than words.

85) When I was lifeguarding at Forest Home I always had to work during free time and snack time. But one of the boys always brought me snacks on the rice crispy treat days because he knew they were my favorite.

86) The Lord has saved me from doing stupid things more times than I can count.

87) Jesus loves me and always helps me get great parking.

88) Even though I've had a queen size bed most of my life I still only sleep like I'm on a twin bed.

89) I will never sleep naked. Clothes are my friends. And I get cold way too easily. Flannel is also my friend.

90) I would consider moving to Hawaii if I could be one of the dolphin trainers at Sea Life Park.

91) I hate riding on tour buses and will never do it again if I can help it.

92) I have always loved going out and walking in the rain. I also liked swimming in the rain.

93) If all I ever had to do was spend time with my nephew I would be very, very happy.

94) I don't get nervous when I sing. Except for the time Kevin Costner was in the audience a few feet away from me. That was a little unnerving.

95) I've been told I give good relationship advice. Something I find ironic seeing as I have never been in a serious relationship.

96) Observation is something no one should ever take for granted. You can learn a lot from being still and observing mant different things.

97) My friends are my family. I feel so very blessed to have been given so many great ones!

98) I have an excellent sense of direction. A friend once told me that you could drop me anywhere in the states and I would know where I was and how to get where I needed to be.

99) Music is one of my gifts as well as a passion. But if someone one asked I would probably tell them that I was a better athlete than musician.

100) I am thankful that I have had so many great examples of what it means to be a Godly woman, and a woman of faith and integrity. I hope that I will be able to aspire to live up to those examples.

That's all I've got. But hopefully I will be able to blog more now that the drama has calmed down some. I could seriously write volumes on how much I hate skinny jeans, and how even tiny little jr. highers shouldn't wear them. Word.