My Name is Amy Vergin, and I approve this message

So while I was hanging out with Alyssa last night, she showed me something that I really really loved. Now I am morally obligated to post this and kind of side with him as well. It is something that David Letterman wrote about politics and America's dissatisfaction with Bush. I have never been a person to really care either way. Lesser of two evils, abortion, finance, rules, regulations, laws... that's all these are based on. These are all very important topics, and I know that I should have a say in what happens, but really my say is limited to the efficientness of the president. It's limited to what the president decides to do once in power. It's limited to the fact that they all lie and you can't tell who is telling the truth and who is not. There is too much based on arguments and ads that attack the other opponents. Competition is not bad by all means, but the way that is done is disgraceful. At any rate, I am not a major in political science, economics, theology, or anything that could give good information about the system. I just have my own opinions. But here, David Letterman makes some very valid points and I think you should take five minutes to read it. It's quite interesting:

David Letterman wrote this; it’s the David we don’t often see….

“As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark

‘The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67% of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69% of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3 of the citizenry just ain’t happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ‘What are we so unhappy about?’ ‘

1... Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

2... Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

3... could it be that 95.4% of these unhappy folks have a job?

4... Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

5... Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification as we move through each state?

6... Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we could find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

7... I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

8... Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to a hospital.

9... Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home.

10... You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

11... Or if, while at home watching on of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

12... This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

13... How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has great distain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31% approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the president is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn’t take a look around fro yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it……. Are you upset at the president because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the ‘Media’ told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn’t have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a “general” discharge, and “other than honorable” discharge or, worst case scenario, a “dishonorable” discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? They media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by ‘justifying’ them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn’t kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way……… INSANE!

Turn off the TV, BURN Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day. Or at least be thankful and appreciative. With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country form one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, ARE WE SURE THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE GOD OUT OF THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE?

David Letterman.

Have a good Friday guys,

Amy

~*Be OK*~

I've chosen this title for the "day after" blog for many reasons. One: It's the title of the album by Ingrid Michaelson that I just bought because I have a very big addiction to music. It's okay, I admit it. Deal with. It just means that everyone around me can download my library of music. haha. Two: That's how i'll sum up my life. I'll be okay. I will. Because days like yesterday exist and I can breath easily once again. I love that

Yesterday pretty much went perfectly. I didn't wake up until 11. Then I got to go see my mommy and we ate ice cream and watched "Baby Mama". I personally found it a nice comic relief, but it probably wouldn't of been that good on any other day. But the weather was nice, mom was happy, and everything was right in the world. Then I went and put a flower on Travis' grave. Since he died on April 21st, the 6-month marker is my birthday. I feel like I should honor him and so I try to go out there on my birthday every year. And the day was just soooo nice that I could just sit with him for a while. I took a really sweet picture there too. but anyway, I loved having that moment with him. I know it'll never do and that I'd rather just call him and say hello, but such is life. It was peacful. I chatted, he listened. I told him that I love him and that he is the friend that will never change. Technically he can't at this point, but I don't care. there is just something inside of me that can't let me leave him behind. His life was taken and he should still be along for the ride. At least he can be on my ride. I don't mind ;)

After my moment I drove to the Knapton's field and bought pumpkins!! YAY! Now Jen and I can carve them! How exciting!! I love carving pumpkins, even though I've only done it like three times or maybe even four. It's fun though. Then I tried to go see my second set of "parents" but they weren't home! JOE AND DEBBIE WHERE WERE YOU?!?!?! Lol. It's okay, the sang me happy birthday on a message later that evening, so I'll live. Oh! then I went to Target to kill some time and I found this adorbale and soft monkey and so I HAD to buy it for Anna and John's baby! I couldnt' resist!! And when I rang it up the lady was like "this is the type of thing that kid's hold on to forever" which of course is what I was going for. So YAY! I feel awesome about that. And by buying that present, I actually got to SEE John and Anna!!! I love them oh so very much and it makes me happy to see them, even if it is for only a few minutes.

There were some herdles at this point. Holly had a bad day, and of course it just got worse and I had partial blame for that. I love her and I just wanted to see her and be happy. Hopefully we can have a sister day soon and it won't be so bad. i'll make it up to her. I promise. I just sometimes feel like she thinks I dont' care about her. But I do, I really do. The older we get, the more I love her and it kills me when she's sad like that. Sigh...

Of course there was dinner later, at this super nice restaurant called "Figlios" and it was in Uptown which is fun. But when I got there everyone was either upset, or confused, or frustrated, so I in turn got upset. I mean it didn't last long but a lot of it was unneccesary tension. Just put on your happy faces for me please!!!!! lol. Alyssa and Justin were an hour late, but I forgive them because trying to get to Calhoun Square is a joke. It's so hard to do!!!1 I get lost every single time. Man. Oh well, at least I wasn't driving otherwise I would have never made it. So thank Jen! What made me happy about dinner was the prayer Justin said. It was ridiculous. I can't remember it word for word, but it really meant a lot to me. For him to talk about me and Holly and how we have impacted his life, well, it's things like that that make me happy and forget all the bad things he does to me. That is the side of Justin I really got to know first, and that's why I have such a hard time with him usually. He is genuine and caring, he just never shows it. But I love that he can pull it out on my birthday, because that's when it matters most. At least he knows that. I'd rather have that than for him to buy me something. Gifts are gifts, no matter what it is or how much it costs.

Anyway, everyone came back to the house and gave me presents! PRESENTS! Can you believe it? It was wierd. Like ok, I'm really used to giving all the attention to people and loving them and making sure they feel loved. It is what I do and I love it. Nothing pleases me more than making my friends happy. but It's awkward to have it right back at you. Not that people ignore me, but as Alyssa put it, it was complete "undivided attention" that they were giving me. I felt out of my element. And people got me NICE gifts. I won't go into it, but it really was one of those moments where you say, awwww you shouldn't have. no really... you shouldn't have! It was nuts. But I do fully accept them now and I promise to love and cherish them all. Thank you guys for being wonderful and really making me feel happy and special.

Alright, i've rambled as usual and managed to blow off homework for a long time. I must go now!! love you all, thank you again for everything, love you.

Amy

Last day of being 21- rEfLeCtIoN TiMe

When I was 20, sitting in my dorm and thinking, I'll be 21 tomorrow, I never knew that crazy things would happen. It was a high point and a low point for me, and I couldn't even begin to make sense of it all. I just couldn't. I remember saying that I was going to be a "slut" this year. And although I wasn't that (thank goodness) I did however date. Yes. I said date. Who knew I had it in me? Lol. Of course they were at the same time... and from wells fargo... and I didn't even really like one all that much... and the other one stopped talking to me... but I did date! All it proved was that I shouldn't just date randomly. I mean I think it was a good experience, and it made me happy at the time, but it just wasn't the best for me in the long run. oh well, you live you learn right?

I also had never had so many explosions with friends before. That was a new one. I mean I think most girls know that there will be drama all the time. it's inevitable. For people who say they dont' deal with drama, they are all liars. What I think we have all had a hard time dealing with is this silly little thing called growing up. Nobody wants it, nobody likes it, and nobody can be taught how to deal with it. It is unique to the individual and can only be taught through trial and error. What I mean is that we have been friends forever. Travis died, and this family was formed. We have been through everything together and have even survived the transition period of going to schools that are not 10 minutes apart and we do not live on the same road anymore. I couldn't even could the number of times I was told that all my best friends would coem from college. Not completely true. While I've met wonderful people in these last few years, I know that I still have my family and that I just keep adding to it. I think Travis kept us together, and now while we fight and get mad and just plain ole' ignore, we'll always be there for each other. How could we not? But what I'm getting at is that we have learned the hard way on how to deal with this. Denouncing friendship usually isn't the best way to stay friends with someone. Being mad at the distance that is caused from growing up isn't going to help. Becoming a hermit sure doesn't keep the friends either. And getting married causes drifts with people as well. Politics, religion, different friends, different lifestyles, they all cause "chaos" in our personal lives, leading us to attack each other for this and that. And I don't mean to be picking on any certain person, this is just a generalization of what has happened, and will continue to happen as we learn the long and frustrating passage of adulthood.

We are no longer able to hang out every night, have bonfires constantly, play games at Justin's, or skinny dip at Justin's. We are not able to talk to each other everyday, be in large groups, or have only one best friend. We don't have the time to keep up with everyone around us. I think the hardest part is that we still all want to be in this place. The place of comfort and control. And that's why we started butting heads anyway. By trying to live the lifestyle of five years ago, we actually cause more problems because your focus lasts too long on someone else. While satisfying one friend, we've upset another, and you are torn in two. Someday we'll get it right. Not now. but someday. And we'll all hopefully all still be around when that day comes. I think we will. how could we not?

Another year older also brings on a new era for me. No longer in the "fun ages", we continually refer to this now as the "all down hill" era. I disagree. While I'm not looking forward to the pressures of paying back the loans and finding my real job, I am looking forward to move on in a sense. School has been apart of me for what, 15 years? Something like that. I'm scared to move forward to a life without it, but we live such short lives here on earth and I'm looking forward to see what God has planned for us. Some of us have already started living this life. Anna and John are married and having a baby. Adam is going to be doing missions for two years. Laura still wants to live in Africa, and so forth. We are pushing foward, knowing that God has us firmly in His arms and won't let go of us. We move foward cuz we can trust in Him and live the lives He has planned for us. I'm excited to see what's in store for me! Isn't all just so amazing?

Alright, I'm done reflecting now. I can't wait for the next year in my life and to see what happens! it's like a movie really. Unfortunately you can rewind, fast foward, or pause at the good parts. you can't put it in slow motion (although sometimes it does it naturally) or see the minds of all the players involved. You can only sit back and watch what's in front of you, hearing the inner dialogue of the main character (YOU!). Enjoy the movie, cuz it's not that long.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
On a small tangent, I just wanted to say that Adam's party turned out really well. He had NO idea that we were throwing him one and he was completely shocked when we were all there. I think there was a little over 15 of us there, and he was swept up with emotion for the love we showed him. Thanks to everyone for making it a wonderful day for Adam and letting him know how much we care about him. Continue to give your love to him before he leaves us for two years! Pray for him, talk to him, love him!

Love you guys

Amy

Just for kicks

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Phew... i needed that immensely.

Life is a bitch 95% of the time. Between the stress of friends, school, money, loans, jobs, the economy, homework, and everything else, I'm surprised more people don't off themselves. lol. Okay, so I am kidding, but it gets so hectic and crazy that I feel like I should be on meds just to take it all in! Like yesterday I got denied, for the 7th time, for a loan for J-term. So now I have$995 on my Bethel account that I for sure can't pay cuz I can't get the loan. And who knows how that will affect my spring semester. And then of course friends are very good at tearing you down inside. It's a powerful hold they have on you, and they can either make you feel like you could never have a better friend to you are not even worth my attention. Yikes. To black and white for me. I just don't wanna cry. Boo.

The nice thing on the loan thing is that the financial advisor is struggling with me to find an answer. If I have to pay the money any way, there has got to be a way we can play with the numbers or something. There just has to. i'm going to make this work cuz I'm determined. It seems that God likes to make me work really hard for what I want in life. The battles get tiring, but I guess He knows I can do it. How unfortunate. I wish He thought I had a low limit. I would just breeze through life. lol. But where's the fun in that right?

Okay, I'm hungry and class starts soon AND i haven't done my reading as usual.

Amy

pitterpat

Of course my title refers to many things. One it is the song I'm listening to by Erin McCarley. It's a song that they played on Grey's Anatomy naturally. I can't help it, they have music that is so amazing and that I would never discover otherwise. And it always sets the mood of the scene. Music is powerful like that.

The other reason I chose my title is because I was at my sister Sarah's house this weekend! I got to see Sarah, Buck, Jackson, Olivia, Dusty, Sophie, and Holly! It was one big happy family. Of course I was pretty much just up for Saturday, but honestly I don't think the siblings have all hung out together... ever. I mean yah when we were little, but that never means much. So it was nice. We played with Jack and took pictures with Sophie, and slept in real late and Sarah made this amazing biscuits and gravy... ahh! Sooooo good. I'd be so fat if I ate those all the time, but it was worth it. Mmmm.. Kudos sarah, kudos.

Life, as usual, has thrown me for loops and really expects me to keep up with it. Sometimes I don't feel prepared to do so. Like i'm really excited to go to Hawaii, and I was so on top of everything. But then financial aid failed to tell me that I needed to reapply for the extra loan to go on the trip. Because they waited so long, the lender I used tightened their choices on who gets a loan and who doesn't, so now I don't qualify. The other hard part is because the school told me so late, I still have to pay for a lot of the trip. So basically if I don't get the money, I can't take off the work to go on the trip because I'm going to have to be paying back a partial trip anyway. It's so stupid and not even my fault and I just want to scream and cry, but I know that gets me nowhere. I wish I had a cosigner. I wish I was credit-worthy. I thought I was. I thought I had finally gotten to this place where I didn't have to worry anymore. I could breath. I could just be me and not rely on others since that has never really been an option anyway. So if anyone wants to cosign, I'm here! lol

I love my apartment. I think I say that in every blog I write. But I do. It's big and pretty and getting full of things. It makes me happy. It make me happy to be able to sit at our six person table and type while looking into my spacious living room. It makes me happy to know that everyone loves to come here and that our calendar is jam packed with things to do and people to see. It makes me happy that my bedroom is so cozy and sometimes I just never wanna get out of bed, even though school and work continuously pull me out. And of course I love the roomie. I do find myself struggling sometimes because I feel like we never really see each other. And that is because we don't. So it makes me sad and a little worried that we wont' be good friends anymore because we never see each other. But I think I'm just paranoid and the feeling will leave. But she's not here this morning, so I just miss her.

I saw the movie the Duchess the other day with Jen, and it really made me sad! I mean it was a good movie but there wasn't a happy ending. And I know that is how life is. But I think that I just want a happy ending in my movies since there is no such thing in real life. Aren't movies created to escape the realities of life? Oh well, it was based on a true story about a woman who married into power in the 1770's and he only wanted a son and didn't love her. Every other man loved her because she was smart and pretty and fashionable. Oh yah, and he cheated on her all the time. So when she finally found someone she loved, she tried to be with him. I won't say more in case you want to see the movie. but it's sad. And then I thought, hm... I'm alone too. I wish it didn't bother me that I'm not with someone. But it does. It always will. I'm not good on my own. I like having someone there for you, and in more of a way than a best friend would be. It's so different. I've had it before, this perfect love and relationship where they are your counterpart. But as people keep telling me "Your young still, don't worry, you'll find someone!" Then why is everyone already finding their person??

Both of my jobs are going well. I don't mind them. I mean Buffalo Wild Wings is busy and you really have to be on your game all the time or the servers are mad, or the cooks are mad, or something! And then at Wells Fargo it's the same-old stuff. I'm either showing up late or not doing enough sales. I worry that they'll fire me soon, but I don't know. I guess we'll see what happens. I don't want to lose the job because my benefits come from them and I can't afford to not have insurance! AH!

Alright, I'm on a tight schedule and I've totally screwed it up by writing here. But it was needed. Love you guys. Hope you are all doing well and I'm sorry I'm never around. It's hard. We are growing up and life has to change. If I had the time to see you all without failing school, I would. But there are burdens upon my shoulders, upon all of our shoulders, and so it is impossible. That's why summers are so wonderful. =) Hang in there guys. We can do it.

Sister in Christ,
amy

P.S.- I've been writing in the book! YAY! Someday soon.... ::fingers crossed::