Here's something you don't see every day:

My roommate and I ran to Wal-mart today (not literally, mind you. She has a broken foot). Walking up to the store, we smelled something. Call me naive, but while I know it was something illegal, I can't put a name to it. I shrugged my shoulders and thought, well, we're in Jackson (though it can happen anywhere. People don't call Maple Woods "Maple Weeds" for nothing.)
Half a second later, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye: a woman walking out of the store just as we were entering it. Yet this was no ordinary woman. It was a shirtless woman. Yes, my friends, I saw a woman without a shirt on, walking out of Wal-Mart today. No one else seemed to notice, however. I can understand that the drugs, while wrong, may go unnoticed. But a shirtless woman in Wal-Mart... She (quickly) continued on her way while we entered the store, confused and slightly disturbed.

A List

Below is a list of discoveries I've made over the past few days I thought I would share:

1. I don't like James Bond. Shoot me if you will, but after staying up till 3am to watch Casino Royale Friday night, all I could think of was how much I wanted to be watching Bourne Ultimatum instead. Bond's skills were minimal compared to his enemies; that chase in the beginning? I mean, come on! Bond, in my humble opinion, is a self absorbed jerk-face. Where is Jason Bourne when you need him??

2. Don't stay up till 3am to watch a bad movie at the end of a rough week. Relax, drink hot cidar, and go to bed.

3. Our cat will never have a fixed name. First, she was "Birdie." (Thank goodness that didn't last long!) Then she became Sebella. (I called her Bella). Now, she's "Kitty." But there has been talk of changing her name to "Princess Leia." I'm going to keep calling her Bella.

4. Out of shape + soccer = very sore muscles. I mean, very sore.

5. I like listening to Christmas music a little early. Make of that what you will.

Changing Regrets

We all have them, and while it is not good to dwell on them, perhaps they can motivate us to change. I regret not playing soccer with my brothers (and sister) on a regular basis. I missed my chance to work out, have fun, "bond" with the siblings, and develop some skill. My four-year-old brother can kick better than I can. I'll admit, I was embarrassed and ashamed at my lack of skill. So what can I do to change my regrets?
Great change takes time, patience, practice, and hard work. I plan to move forward. My friend and I borrowed a ball for the semester and (as of this morning) have started playing together. Nothing drastic or hard core; I get winded after 5 seconds of fast running. But maybe by Thanksgiving I'll be able to play with the brothers (and sister).
Still playing barefoot.

Starting Out and Fire Ants

Yes, I am copying. But for the simple reason that everyone has this great idea of making a blog. (Though I will still send you e-mails, mom).
The purpose is concealed in the name. Yes, it is elvish, and yes, that is not a real language. But say the name ("Estelwen Narn") and perhaps you'll understand why I chose it. Tolkien was ingenious. Estelwen Narn (in case you do not know) means "story of hope," which for me has two meanings. The most obvious would be its telling you that these stories will hopefully be encouraging. But they are also my stories, and as my middle name is Hope, I thought it was appropiate. Thus begins my journey, and I hope you enjoy reading it.

I lost my car key Thursday night. I was on campus and somehow, in the middle of walking to or from class, the key slipped off its ring. I found some friends and a couple security came over and we searched for two hours. Nothing. The next morning, my toe itched.
Now, I know what you must be thinking. It's October. You were bit? Well, yes, it is October, but yes, I was bit (we have flowers blooming too). Not by just any bug, but by an ant. And, in my belief, a fire ant. I had forgotten the hundreds of little ant homes that decorate our campus lawns. And my foot, in a flip-flop, walking in the grass at 11pm, is a tasty target to a fire ant. Of all places, he got my little toe. Which isn't so little anymore. It's now swollen to almost twice its size, itches, and has what the internet calls a "pustule." Crazy how such a small thing can bother your every day functions.
Oh, and dad, I got my key back.

susannah

p.s. I'm working on my design, so please check back soon!