Beautiful the mess we are...

It's a real wonder how God works.  In the midst of tragedy, confusion, and lose, the work of the Lord is found at it's best.  I can't get myself to blog about the recent death of a friend but I will list some characteristics that made him one of a kind, there will only ever be one Kerolos Makhloof:

- Always smiling

- Knowledgeable about the Word

- Active Christ seeker, no matter the circumstance or environment

- Epitome of goofball 

- Acceptor of the differences of those around him

- Humble in his wisdom

- Giver of sound advice

- Embodiment of happy

- Carefree of worldly desires

- Removed from triviality 

- Reconciler

- Role model brother and friend

- Server of his community- church and school

- Defender of his culture

- Discourager of nonsense

- Strengthener of faith

As you can see, the list is endless.  I hope that years from now, I will still remember how amazingly God worked through Kerolos and continue to strive to be a little more like him.  

Fad

Earlier this year there was a new 'fad' of drinking 4 lokos, an alcoholic energy drink that I've heard will make you go crazy/ not allow you to sleep.  Now, there's Smirnoff's ICED campaign where you take a knee and down their beverage.  It's the 'cool' thing to do.  I don't get it.  How can there be fads on alcoholic drinks, more importantly why?  Who even has the time to come up with such silliness, get a real job.  Some things I will never appreciate as a young adult-- I think I'm okay with that.

Netflix Shmexflix

I am by no means trying to bash Netflix here. Actually, I love the concept and Netflix has served me well in the past; first year of college Kelly had a subscription and it fulfilled our Wednesday afternoon escape. Five of us would climb up into one bed (well two pushed together) to watch whatever was delivered to us earlier in the week before our 5 o’clock dinner. But the fact that it has taken out all rental stores out of business is not okay.  Part of the fun was strolling around for an hour without a particular movie in mind, sifting through the aisles and reading the back of the dvds.  I feel like with Netflix you have to know what you're looking for- thus eliminating the possibility of finding a classic, old movie that you have forgotten about.  Anyways, a rental store was going out of business near home so my best friend and I thought it would be a good idea to buy the dvds.  $40 [each] later, we sat in the car trying to justify what we did, something of a norm for us- well that's what happens when Netflix becomes a monopoly.

who puts the STUD in studying?

JESUS of course!! The Center for Christian Study, also known as THE STUD, has been my little haven this semester. The small library consists of two wooden tables, a stretch of windows that outlook the Blue Ridge Mountains, and shelves of books about religion and faith. Not only did this bring me peace in my time of stress and reminded me that "this too shall pass" but the staff there are more than generous. During exam week, they spoil us with 3 free meals a day, God bless them.

Hey Y'all

I've been made fun of my usage of the word ya'll, but I am far from the southern belle or Georgia peach.

BUT...
I've come to realize that there are more country songs that are 'bearable' on my list.  Rather, there are more and more country songs that I actually enjoy.  I thought Wagon Wheel and Fast Cars and Freedom would be the exceptions to the rule. 

Here's my new obsession:

Note: Lady Antebellum does not count, as I've explained to numerous folks before, they realized they weren't country enough for CMT, so they finally hit mainstream

I'm weird

If you don't know me well then you probably don't know:

1. I eat peanut butter out of the jar -- don't judge me
2. My dream car is a white Land Rover, an older model -- it's so rugged!
3. I love the smell of cologne
4. I frequently coin my own phrases
5. Salty > Sweet
6. The sound of Styrofoam gives me the goosebumps
7. My favorite number is 7
8. I love my jeans so much I could sleep in them
9. I hate grand gestures -- they make me feel awkward
10. I am extremely witty in electronic format, and somewhat witty in person

So called happiness

Why is no one happy these days?  What's the root of the problem?  Some say mo' money mo' problems, others say there's a lack of faith and belief in a higher Being.  Perhaps it's a mixture of all of it that leads most Americans to become ruthlessly competitive, feeding on the weak, only to find themselves unfulfilled and running to another outlet to give them momentary happiness. This article, by the genius writers of The Onion, a satirical newspaper, sheds some light on this sad situation.  Over-the-top yet clearly has some truth to it [and quite comical!] Take it as a warning: if you aren't careful, you will find yourself on a slippery slope of a life of misery.  Do us all a favor, during this exam season, do something you enjoy everyday to blow off some steam.  Well I'm off, I have gooey brownies and Gossip Girl that await me!

Technology Scares

Pandora, my favorite online music source, and partially responsible for my love of discovering music, has recently let me down on many levels.  First of all, I have been a loyal listener since February 12, 2005- yes, it's true 2005.  Now why should I have a limit of 40hrs of listening per month?! I discovered you, Pandora! I made you popular!  Rather, I should have some sort of VIP access, perhaps NOT limiting me on how many songs I can skip per day.
And for the more scary let down, whyyy must the whole world (or those that have Facebook anyway) know which artists/ songs I like?  I logged in the other day and below the playlist I read: "so and so" likes this song.  Must everything on the internet be linked? And how do they do that anyways?!  I never told the Pandora team they could access my Facebook account. Privacy violation. 

Oh and most importantly: WHERE IS THE INTERNET?!

I love COLLEGE

You know how on those perfectly chilled summer air nights, you get overwhelmed with joy? It sounds so cliche but that is really how I feel right now. Reflecting back, I've had the typical, "out- of- the- book" college life. You know, the novelty and, to some extent, naivete of it all. Your first frat party (not knowing to say you're 21, the cops showing up and scattering, how tasty I thought the gross punch was), the openness to new friends (and cuddle buddies), and intimidation of a lecture hall, etc. The experiences I've had, and the knowledge I've gained have opened my eyes to so much. When else can you travel halfway across the world for a conference, research with a professor making ground breaking discoveries, or listen to renowned keynote speakers?! And at UVa, these opportunities are practically handed to you, so take advantage of it! These 3 years have made me realize how humanitarian I am. Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, came to speak today... I could probably go on forever, but how cool is it that a little idea has unfolded and flourished to become an organization that makes a world of difference. I hope that the charm I find in my passions never fades. Aahh 1 year left to make the most of it!

The World is at Our Fingertips

Matt, you are my hero. If only I could follow your footsteps, or dance moves. Many people probably think my travels are just a way to spend my parents money or that I do it because I'm leading an unfulfilled life in Roanoke/ Cville. False. I do it because I love seeing the world with new eyes, everything's different when you're sharing a meal with Grecians or driving down the dirt roads of Africa. Puts everything into perspective. The best way to travel is cheap anyways- lodge in a hostel with 8 strangers (one of which sleeps in a speedo)- it makes for great adventures. It's also a great way to meet interesting people- Hiene, thanks for letting me be your #1 pirate aboard your ship! There are so many pretty places that my eyes have yet to see, can't wait until I get the chance to experience them all!

Next up: New Zealand. Followed by: Switzerland

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
-St. Augustine

Remember Me

"One for Remember Me, please"
Just one. Today, for the first time (of many to come I believe), I went to a movie all alone. I wanted to see 'Remember Me' so badly, I figured, why wait for anyone to accompany me? I knew people would probably think, 'aw, poor girl has no one to go with' (I know I do that). But I LOVED it! I went up to that ticket counter and asked for one ticket, and was totally fine with it. I sat down in a row by myself, and was totally fine with it. I cried by myself, and was totally fine with it. People might look and stare, but ya just have to have the confidence and own it. I think it's going to be a new hobby of mine in fact. I don't exactly why, but it was almost liberating to go alone to be enraptured by the movie.

On another note- Remember Me was a fabulous movie. It's not a sappy love story that I thought it'd be, it actually does have depth to it.
Today was the perfect setting... after it was over, I stepped out into the rain, sat in my car and cried for another 5 minutes while the rain pitter-pattered on the windows... and everyone knows that's the best way to cry.

A good reminder from the movie:
"whatever you do in life will be insignificant but it's very important that you do it"

Spring Fever

This is where I want to be:




Instead, I'm hidden in these:

SEVEN UP

Most of you think of the childhood game, you know, everyone puts their head down, and people go around tapping you, the goal being trying to successfully guess who tapped you. It was usually someone that had a crush on you or something cheesy like that. But Kaplan has put a new, witty twist to the name SEVEN UP.

Seminiferous tubules
Epididymis
Van deferens
Ejaculatory duct
(Nothing)
Urethra
Penis

There ya have it... a whole knew meaning to Seven Up. Learn it!

nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels

The title is in tribute to the magazine cover on my refrigerator with Lauren Conrad in a bikini and Kelsey's eloquent handwriting with this title's message in large font. Does it work? YES! Who wants to grab that pint of Ben & Jerry's when you've got a well-worked out body staring condescendingly back? Anyways, this is not the purpose of my over-due post. (I'm sorry, my life has been taken over by what Kaplan calls 'Test Day'... you guessed it, the foreboding MCATs). So I was sent this video and though a comical and light take on Lent, there is a real truth behind it. Check it out:
YouTube - The Skinny On Fasting