Christmas 1 of 4

i have a few wants and needs this Christmas season... but they'll all pale in comparison to my favorite gift...




nope, not Notre Dame womens basketball tickets




nope, not sleeping beauty










"Aunt Sarah and Little Buddy" photo book! The PERFECT gift! :)))) a treasure forever

Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Old ornaments, new ornaments, hand
made ornaments, and candy canes

treasuring thursdays...

Thursdays are my special days. Little buddy comes to my apartment while Amanda and Tim are at small group. After a string of weekly commitments in the evenings, come Thursdays I'm definitely ready for a dose of little buddy. We eat dinner, color, play, giggle, jump, run, etc etc. I cherish these few hours a week. Not only because he's my only nephew (and pretty amazing if I do say so myself), but because there's something innately special about children. They're still (mostly) untainted by the world, still very curious, and growing and learning an exceptional rates. The innocence of a child is precious. And Nathan is such a loving little boy. Just thinking about him warms my heart, which often overflows in the form of tears. I really can't put into words the blessing that he is to me.

I love you little buddy!

which will cause revival?

in one of my original posts i said i had never voted before. as of the primary elections in the spring, that is no longer true. a number of reasons support my decision to be proactive this election year. i'm wondering what is yours? i've been involved in a number of political discussions and these are the factors i've heard so far... change, social justice, the war in iraq, abortion, and just plain following political lines. i have to admit neither canidate is particularly appealing to me. so what should be the issue i draw the line at? how do i make the "right" Christ-like decision? the executive director of LAM recently quoted a prominant Christian speaker (can't remember which one) that he would be prayfully considering the canidate that would cause revival in our nation. in the time of the past great awakenings, our nation was in a financial crisis. i'd like to think the canidate from my registered party is offering solutions to turn around the economic fall (this is not meant to be an open forum for our current economic condition... i am honestly not all that concerned... please refrain from excessive comments to that end :D) . but in light that LAM chapel comment, i've been trying to wrap my brain around the opposing political party taking office (for both economic and other policy reforms). i'm slightly concerned about his religious beliefs as well.
all these miscellaneous thoughts are running through my head without any decisive answers. please share any beliefs, comments, points of view, etc. you may have.

i do want to say that i know my God is bigger than any political candidate, office, or law. and in that i have comfort. however, i've been blessed to live a fairly "cushy" life thus far and know i not able to fatham true hardship (economic or otherwise). encouragement, scripture references, and prayer (for me, you, and the nation) are also welcome.

blessings friends!

i can taste it...

everyone keeps saying fall is just around the corner. the leaves will begin to change colors, the weather gets cooler, and we break out our jeans and sweaters. everyone seems to be looking forward to the upcoming season.
let me tell you, i am one of them! but for a completely different reason. i've been tasting november since the beginning of summer. what's so special about november? let me tell you... college basketball season. my obsession with womens college basketball has escalated to a year long activity. i'm always on espn's hoopgurlz checking out who is interested in what school, who's injured, which athletes are being recruited by maryland (GO TERPS), etc. etc. i'm anxious to see who the powerhouses will be this year with key loses to Tennesee, Rutgers, LSU, and UNC. UConn still has it's heavy hitters and isn't losing any sleep over the loss of thier senior class. Even without Delaware standout Elena Delle Donne, the huskies are jammed packed with talent.
In the pre pre pre season poll from this past spring, one expert picked maryland in the 2 spot. i couldn't be more thrilled (though it's arguably a little high after losing an all american and the 2006 final four player of the year). though i'd like to argue coach freese did an excellent job of resigning joco player of the year liles and the number one post player in the 2008 class kizer. those two should quickly and easily transition into the gaps langhorne and harper left behind. this season is going to be amazing! i can't wait for the 5-6 televised games this year (definitely missing maryland's local sports channel out here in the bend).
to add another layer to my obsession, i'm already scoping out my dream team in the rising senior high school class. i know who's getting hotter and who's well... not! i'm not looking forward to Baylor's attempt (which shouldn't be too strenous) to regain national recognition via a national title. coach mulkey has loaded up on talent in the 2009 class, including 6'9" griner (and to be honest i'm already sick of her name!). i would not want her as my defensive assignment!

this is my hobby, interest, obsession. don't be alarmed when i start planning my november-april social calender around basketball. :D

you gotta watch this....

this video is freaking hilarious. i first heard timmy morgan hilarium at the freshman talent exhibition in 2000. he's now living L.A. pursueing a comedy/acting career. check out his other YouTube videos!!!! :D

take two....

also freaking hilarious

the most handsome of all little buddies

Yes, my nephew is the cutest of all little buddies! If you know me (and you probably do if you're reading my blog!) you know that little buddy has a special place in my heart.


Last Friday, Mom, seester, little buddy, and I hit up the Michigan City outlets. I'm not a shopper by nature, but when I'm on the hunt for little buddy clothes - beware! When I see something that will enhance little buddy's already cute features I have a hard time passing it up! What little kid doesn't need OshKosh B'Gosh overalls? And yes, the pajamas do have elephants, tigers, monkeys, and alligators on them!

Little buddy will forever be most handsome! :D

political idiosyncrasies

tim and i were listening to the radio on the way home from work today. a caller asked the question (i'm really paraphrasing here):
what's up with people who want to the government to have no say in anything and then complain the government isn't helping them out!?

i had to laugh!

a summer treat

my favorite summer pastime (and present to be honest) has to be popsicles. well, maybe not. but i do love them. i have been known to down 12 or so in a day. they are sooo tasty. :) so this evening i decided to share my love of pops w/ little buddy.

yummy :D

and then....mom.....??oh well!mommy's solution to the messiness

i love being an aunt... fun ideas with no cleanup :)

my favorite frosh is leaving...

as most of you know, i'm a hardcore maryland athletics fan. in the fall i root for the field hockey team, in the winter it's all basketball, and in the spring i read lacrosse articles. the womens basketball team freshman class was stacked this year. i decided to root for kat lyons; she was the lowest ranked player by hoopgurlz (now run by espn...boo, i'm not a fan as of yet) but verbally committed as a sophomore in high school because Maryland was her dream school. how could you not love the die hard fan/underdog player??? she had a good first year showing, but i wondered why she didn't play as much at the end of the season. well, i believe that question was answered when i read she was released from the team. to be honest, i was a little disappointed. i was looking forward to seeing her progress over the next three years in this program. from what i've read, she wanted to play more of a slashing small forward than the shooting two guard. to be honest, that ideal was a little far fetched until marissa graduated. you can't expect to come in and play the position of a preseason all american! i'll still be a fan of kat, but i'll have to cheer for her as a red fox. she won't get to officially play with rising senior j viani, but Marist could be dangerous when kat hits the floor with reigning maac player of the year r fitz. good luck, kat!

no news is good news

yikes! i haven't posted in over a month. so what's been going on in my life? nothing drastically different than a month ago. i go to work (which i love), play with little buddy (which i love), go to small groups (which i love), play softball (which i love), and help out with a few other activities (which i love). hmm... there is a trend here. :) i must admit, i don't have anything to complain about. life is good (insert smiley face w/ shades).
i have a few post ideas rolling around in my brain. but it's way late at night. as has been the trend lately - late to bed, early to rise. yikes! keep checking in my small, tiny audience. i'll post again soon!

auntie anne's

these are the most wonderful pretzels EVER! i remember my first auntie anne's pretzel. i was wee sprout, about 6 or 7. i first encountered this marvelous treat at market in york, pa. i could barely see over the counter. my first pretzel was $.75! oh, inflation, so sad! my pretzel today was $2.39, but still so tasty. oh how i love the delectable auntie anne's pretzel!


yummy pretzel

name THAT movie

i'm constantly quoting my favorite movies. i started this wonderful little obsession in high school. some may say this is truly why i moved to indiana, because amanda is the only one who gets my one-liners. amanda told me bethany recently posted a movie quote meme. let me just say that i sucked at her quiz! some of these quotes i know by heart and others i used imdb to perfect the quotes and find some old faithfuls from classic favorites.

"good night and good luck" *this is your appetizer, it does not count **oh, amanda and tim, you must wait to answer until everyone has had a fair chance since i overuse some of these.

1. "there will be no living with her now."

2. "hey cow girls, see the grass. don't eat it."

3. "huh? what? i didn't do anything. i didn't... somebody's throwin' stuff. you gonna build a fire or what?"

4. "what's with today today?"

5. "are you .. fuzzy?"
"you shut your filthy mouth"

6. "wait a minute! wait. wait. i'm having a thought. oh yes. oh yes. i'm going to have a thought. it's coming. it's coming... it's gone. "

7. "oh jeez. you know what? i got gum on my seat, GUM! "

8. "dana is no here"
"yeah, we know that"
"then why are you came?"
-OR-
"you mean you never even had a slinky?"
"we had part of a slinky. but i straightened it"
*same movie, both extremely obscure, but very hilarious!*

9. "this is where they fought the battle of Gettysburg. fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fighting the same fight that we are still fighting among ourselves today. this green field right here, painted red, bubblin' with the blood of young boys. smoke and hot lead pouring right through their bodies. listen to their souls, men. i killed my brother with malice in my heart. hatred destroyed my family. you listen, and you take a lesson from the dead. if we don't come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were. i don't care if you like each other of not, but you will respect each other. and maybe... i don't know, maybe we'll learn to play this game like men."

10. "in case i forget to tell you later, i had a really good time tonight."

puppy!!!!

my sister and brother-in-law got a new puppy today. the siberian husky's name is Yuki. isn't she so precious!

sportsmanship at it's finest

i heard this story on espn radio tonight. tears welled in my eyes in the car and when i read the article at home. i hope i would exemplify an extreme act of sportsmanship, not just as a enthusiast of the game but as a Christian. this story is especially near to my heart as i am currently playing in a softball league and have torn my acl. for the sports fans/players out there, take heart!

um, do i throw like a girl?

i've been told that i do, in 8th grade. it's one of my few memories from little league. my girly arm will be tested tonight as i practice with my team. yes, i've agreed to play for my church's softball team. i haven't thrown a ball, picked up a bat, fielded a ground ball, or shagged a pop fly in over a year (maybe closer to a year and a half). for you dedicated readers, you already know my obsession with sports. but i'm not a star at any. i can explain, commentate, give a history of my favorite players, but can i play any of these sports? i play hard (if i'm comfortable in the environment) and can make a few plays (if i've practiced enough to know i can perform the task at hand), but that may be all i will offer.
so i suppose time will tell if i let my awkward, clumsy demeanor take over or if the sportsaholic will prevail. and will i be able to say, "my name is sarah and i throw like a girl! what's it to ya??"

credit card blunder

i hate to admit making mistakes, especially mistakes involving money. this month, i completely forgot to make a payment on my credit card. i realized my error on the due date, but had no time to run to the bank. i called the company to let them know i would be making a payment the next day and to find out how likely my chances were of getting the late fee reversed. the ever so courteous (extreme sarcasm) customer service rep told me the company does not reverse fees. i was so infuriated i hung up the phone while the guy was still talking. i drove around a bit and tried to calm my emotions enough to put on a happy face at small group. i think it worked, but inside i was still mad. i hate making mistakes!!!! over the course of the evening and into the next day, my heart was softened and i prayed the devil wouldn't attack my heart with anxiety and frustration.
i went to the bank the next day all prepared to tell the window teller that i had a brain fart and was not trying to shaft the company. i think the only thing the teller said to me was "hello" and "have a good day". i would just call the company later. despite my own short-comings with my emotions, God had relaxed my heart and i haven't been stressed out about the late payment. i just checked my account online to see if my payment and the late fee hit my account so i can attempt to grovel to another customer service rep tomorrow. low and behold, i have a late fee reversal posted to my account.
honestly, my first thought was how great is my God! despite my anger and frustration, he showed me again how merciful and mighty He is! i'm so thankful He reminded me of His love in the small, seemingly insignificant, way that i might remember nothing is too big for my God. no matter how frustrated i get He will not leave me or forsake me. to God be ALL the glory for the things He has, is, and will do!

i'm baffled

i have very little tolerance for stereotyping. the few exceptions are for, well, now that i am here thinking i realize i don't want this post to be about those few exceptions. the point is, i don't like generalizations about a specific group of people, specifically racial stereotyping. it disgusts me to be honest. it's completely unattractive. i've never understood why these types of comments are funny. i have nothing else to say other than i'm baffled by it's use in the Christian community!

march madness stress

i think i'm getting myself all worked up over a game! don't get me wrong, i love sports, but are competitive tournies overrated? my brackets are better this year than they have been in the past few years, maybe ever. i picked 7 of 8 sweet sixteen wins and 3 of 4 elite eight games. so what's with the stress? the answer is simple, my competitive nature is starting to consume me. i'm in two pools, dominated by a male population, and i want to prove myself worthy! i like knowing i can outlast the guys, not from guessing, but because i know and love the game. the energy of march madness is amazing, but can become dangerously consuming.
second, there's the added stress of following the womens' bracket as well. my lady terps are in the elite eight again (last time they won the whole dang thing). they are a turnover laden team that relies are being a faster paced than the opponent, with a plan to wear the other team out. at this point in the tournie, i just don't know if maryland can out run any of the teams. but they pulled out a surprising defensive presence game plan win over vandy (fooling the experts and myself).
but is all this tv watching, standing calculation, strategy picking worth it? it's ruling my life right now and that has to stop. i've let this exciting time of the year cross from hobby to obsession. and that is dangerous. the stress, bragging rights, smack talk isn't worth it. i have to remember to keep my eye on the prize, not for a game, but for life.... my life. everything else is just detail.

the airline shuffle

i booked my flight to baltimore through continental airlines. my itinerary said northwest (i think one airline owns the other or they have the same parent company). due to delay/layover issues, i flew out of south bend with united airlines. and again this morning, delay/cancellation problems had me flying with a 4th airline - delta. :)

flight delays, God's timing

i woke up late this morning (not that this is any different from any other day, but that is for another post). my flight was scheduled for 8:00 and i had every intention of waking up a little after 6:00 to shower and finishing packing. unfortunately, i set my alarm for 7:00 am. i woke up in a panic when tim knocked on my door. i ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and snapped at amanda when she was trying to help me. this is not how the morning was suppose to go. tim and i left around 7:15/7:20. i didn't get to the airport in the required 30 minutes before take off. luckily (because of God alone) the flight was delayed. i was still able to check in. only to find out i would miss my connecting flight in detriot and that flight was the only one going to baltimore today. ugh! the airport service person was able to find me another flight on a different airline (again thanks to God's provisions). i'm now leaving at noon and will arrive in harrisburg (only 90 minutes from my dad's) at 4:30 this afternoon.
despite my sour mood and my blatant defiance of trust, God provided. not only did He provide an alternate flight to an airport close to my original destination, but He also gave me the following: a meal voucher on one of the flights, a $25 discount off my next flight, and extra time to go back home to fully wake up, shower, and pack the stuff i forgot. i instantly felt humbled when everything worked out. how awesome is our God!

picture source

it's going to rain today

every year (except for 2002) for the past 28 years, it has rained. my poor sister! today is her birthday. the trend started a rainy friday morning in 1980. the only fluke (other than 2002) was the year it snowed. i wonder what the weather will be today; my guess is rain!

seester i love you! happy birthday. you are marvelous; what would i do without you?

litttle group family

i love my little group! we have such a good time together. like most families, there is the occasional conflict. but unlike most families, our small group talks it out. apologies are requested, forgiveness granted, and confessions made. i may be learning more from the interaction then the actual Bible lessons. i am so blessed to be a part of this particular dynamic. thank you to my little group members for your honesty, openness, love and most importantly for showing me how much God is alive in each and every one of you! i love you!!!!!

it's that time of year

i start anticipating this time of year around september/october the previous fall. that's right, march madness is approaching. aren't you excited? i know i am. i must admit i have followed the womens field more diligently than the mens this season. i know the ins and outs, the controversial technical issues, milestones, season ending injuries, etc. etc. maryland's athletic website is one my "favorites" on my web browser. i frequent the site many times a day, reading the same articles again and again (this includes womens and mens articles, womens lacrosse, and the occasional other winter/spring sports announcements). it's an addiction. one more game this season for my lady terps before the much anticipated acc tournament. if maryland can overcome hatchell and her pesky tarheels, they should be guaranteed a number one seed in the big dance. i haven't decided if i'm for or against that. the number one seeds have HUGE targets on their backs and everyone is gunning for them, from the number 16 seeds to the number 2s. and i can not forget the run to the championship two seasons ago was done out of a number 2 slot. i might prefer giving up a number one seed to the tarheels, lady vols, huskies, and scarlet knights. however, there's something be said for momentum brought on only by winning your conference tournie right before going into the big dance. are you excited now? well, you should be! this excitement of mine is to the point of considering getting cable to watch any and all games. (i'm trying to ignore the nagging feeling of stewardship!)
if i have convinced any of you to partake in this glorious culture, feel free to tune into maryland's first and second round games... i will be there LIVE!!!! (thanks dad)


image provided by

transitions

my landlords are finally home. to my surprise, they came home a day earlier. i had been anticipating their arrival for days, but i didn't realize how much i missed them until i saw them. welcome home amanda, tim, and and nathan. :)
saturday was my last day at the store. i must admit, my last day was bitter sweet. for the most part, i had a good experience working at bru. and i definitely can not complain about the discount, to which i abused (borderline obscene) the past two weeks! there's something about leaving any kind of organization or group that leaves a hole or emptiness inside you. but now it's on to better things....
tomorrow is my first full week at Life Action. the usual feeling of anxiety before starting a new job/career are not present. which further confirms my belief that no person played made this transition happen.

** just as a side note... i started this post before i went for dinner tonight for my "going away dinner" w/ people from the store. 5 associates and 2 husband/boyfriends showed up. i know it's not a lot, but i was touched. the little things in life can be the biggest blessings.

home alone

one week down, one to go. this time around i'm feeling more lonely. the house just seems so empty. no pitter patter of nate the great's feet. my little alarm clock is not home! God bless that little boy, he's a morning person. definitely got that trait from his mom!
i wonder how i ever managed to live alone. thinking back, i'm baffled that i wasn't more paranoid living just outside the city of harrisburg. especially after a co-worker of mine told me my complex housed recently released in-mates (my friend's sister and brother-in law worked at the local jail). something deep down inside me told me i was safe. or gave me the allusion bad things around me weren't happening (i'm a firm believer in being given what you can handle).
any way, the point is i miss my sister and i can't wait for her, tim, and nathan to be home. how did i ever manage living some 800 miles from you for all those years. hurry home seester!!!!

seven random things about me

I too have been tagged by Brian for the seven-times-seventy meme!

hmm... let's see if i can raise some eyebrows.... (except for you amanda, you know all!)

1. i only took 2nd grade math for a month or two. no, i didn't get held back! i took a placement test which allowed me to take 3rd grade math as a 2nd grader. this only lasted two years. the powers that be said no more once i hit 4th grade because i wouldn't be able to go to the middle school for math as a 5th grader (md elementary school was k-5, middle school 6-8).

2. i ran track in high school. my 4x800m relay team was a shoo-in to place at the regional track meet, granting us a bid in the state meet. i had no idea what was going on when an official at the start line disqualified my relay team. i had forgotten to take my cross necklace off (no jewelry allowed in hs sports!) i fell to the ground in a heap of tears. not only did i lose my only chance to qualify for states, but also my three teammates.

4. when i was a kiddo i discharged a unflavored piece of gum in a neighbors yard. a day or two later that same neighbor mowed his grass. i looked out the window and noticed he stopped and looked down at the grass line along the road. i wonder what he was looking at!

5. i tore my acl and both meniscuses in september of 2002. the er doc advised me i merely sprained my knee. i continued to play various sports until a friend told me to see a sports doc in january of 2003. i eventually got surgery 5 months after the original injury. that's what happens when you take the advice of doc that asks you "what time of the day is it?"

6. i've met the following "famous" people in person: newsboys, the w's (i have a pic somewhere with bret... he gave me a piece of cheese), smalltown poets, supertones (was completely star struck when i met jason carson), and bradi chastain and michelle akers from the womens us national soccer team.

7. instead of diligently studying in college, i learned how to play spades, euchre, pinochle, up and down the river, and countless other card games.

life action

i have officially joined the life action bubble! well, officially will begin on february 25th. i will be working in the accounting department and i couldn't be more thrilled. i will finally be doing what i love and will be using the talents i've been blessed with. of course i must thank del for mentioning my name when the position became available.
i'm also reminded and very humbled by the grace of God. i'm been less than satisfied with my job experience for quite some time. which further continued when i took a retail position. if there is any testament at all to the work and timing of our merciful God, this is it. the very day i was made aware of the opening at life action, i was feeling most discouraged about my job and had made a self commitment to get my resume out to as many places as possible. when amanda and tim told me about the good news later that night, i had no doubt this was God's work.
what an awesome Lord I have. i feel truly blessed. i will be anxiously awaiting february 25th!

writers' strike

i would have thought the writers guild of america could write more clever picket signs!



photo credit

request for prayer

the manger at my store was in a serious car accident early saturday morning. after attempting to change a flat tire, he realized his jack was too small. he called his dad for assistance. a cop had pulled over at some poin, but andrew told the officer his dad was on the way. while andrew and his dad were working on the car, an 18 wheeler sideswiped them killing andew's dad. the driver didn't stop and authorities are investigating the hit and run. andrew is at porter hospital undergoing spinal surgery today.
i don't know if his family members are belivievers or not. regardless, please keep the sajda family in your prayers during this devastating time. i will post updates as they are passed along to me.

why is it always white?

okay, so i was forewarned. it's cold in indiana. there's lake effect snow. but honestly, is it always white? is there now sight of grass until may? i don't think i could have ever imagined the cold and storm spells that have been ripping through this winter. never have i seen such a massive, consistent snow accumulation in my life. as a native middle of the east coast girl, fear definitely gets the better of me on windy, snowy, icy drives. it's quite frightening. the only conciliation is y'all (yes, i said y'all) actually know how to drive in these conditions. i think maryland/south central pennslyvania would push for a state of emergency if slammed with similar weather. harrisburg would be bankrupt (last winter the budget was so bad, news reports were stating if it snowed more than 8 inches the city would be bankrupt)! despite the hilarity of a "hurry let's run to the grocery store before we get the 3 inches of snow predicted" persona, i miss it terribly. i miss not having to scrape my car every morning; i miss cold being 30 degrees; i miss having an excuse not to leave the house because your road wasn't plowed.
why is this phenomenon called the midwest?

lite brite art

isn't this picture great!!! jeremy sent this to me after he spent some "spare time" working on the lite brite his folks found in their shed. i was quite fond of lite brite at wee care day care back in the day! fun times had by all.

GO PATS!!!!!

i've never voted....

yes, it's true. though i turned 18 in the midst of the 2000 election process, i have never voted. not even for a piddley local election. i did register in Maryland when i turned 21 when i got my "you're legally allowed to drink" license. some time after that someone came to my dad's door hoping to speak to me about whatever candidate they worked for (or whatever the technical term is!) the guy was, to say it politely, obnoxious. after ten or so minutes of coaxing from my dad, the guy left. when i "officially" moved to Pennsylvania, it opted out of the registering process. i didn't follow politics, so i on settled the excuse "i don't want to vote for the sake of voting, so i'm not casting one at all."
in the past week or so, i'm finally beginning to realize how lame of an excuse that really is. i used to think my one measly little vote wouldn't make a difference. though the odds of my vote altering the scale one way or another are quite slim, the principal of my vote can be heard loudly. as a christian i try hold myself to different standards than the "world". voting is one of my opportunities to have my views heard. let me rewind... the premise of this post came about during a sermon given by pastor brian at the anniversary of roe v. wade. i feel very strongly about taking the life of an unborn child. if i care about no other issues other than abortion {let's face it, the checks and balance system of our government doesn't allow most presidents to keep the lofty promises a candidate spouts during their campaign. ok, so i know everything isn't that cut and dry. i'm making an effort to break down my barriers of ignorance... cut me a little slack :) }, then i should seriously evaluate which candidate has which stance. hopefully i will learn a thing or two more before the november election. but for now, i'm content on making a stance on this one particular issue!


*i am a new blogger and new to the world of politics. i am not purposely offending any one person or political party. my "{}" comment is merely made in jest from an otherwise uninformed 20-something.

i love tax season

i doubt many people get excited about tax season. i rather enjoy it. since a young age, numbers and numerical puzzles have intrigued me. i don't know why. all i can say is i am one of the blessed few. and for that, i am thankful. when i "grow up", i plan to have my own tax/personal finance practice. naturally, i hope the remainder of the population continues to loathe the wonderful art of tax preparation.
so here's to you, brain cramping, form frustrating, april 15th resenting individuals... without you i wouldn't have job security!

introduction

hello blogger world! after much convincing by my sister, i now have a blog! we'll see how this goes. i'm not a very good writer, but i do like a good rant.