Verbal Sketches

Kirsten Nunquam Titillandus

2005-06-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

Yay, God has decided to say yes to my request for a job, at last! After about a month of searching and praying and feeling a bit inadequate due to my lack of employment, a friend of ours from our old church informed us that they needed a secretary for his business, as the current secretary has too much to do already. I'll be covering most of the misc. odd jobs, and I'll be working 40 hours a week. It's strange to imagine so much of my time spent on the job, but I'm praying that things will go well, because I like the organization and the idea of covering the details.

It's such a relief to finally have that settled. I don't start until week after next, because next week my family is going on vacation to Ocean Isle. I'm very stoked about it - the beach isn't exactly "dazzling" anymore; it'll be a bit more like going home rather than being strange and new, and I like that. I'm all the more excited about the fact that my family plans to drive up to Wilmington on Sunday to attend church at Port City! I've missed that church a lot. It'll be strange to see my family going there, but I can't wait to introduce them to it. As for the beach... I'm trying to finish the Chronicles of Narnia as quickly as possible (they're wonderful so it's not hard to do) so that I can enjoy my tradition of Harry Potter on the beach - I'm determined to start and end that series one last time before the 6th book comes out, which happens to be one month from today! On the night of July 15th, you can find me in Barnes and Noble celebrating with all the fellow HP lovers. Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus!

Ah, summer. =)

Loss of points for loss of purpose

2005-06-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Really, what's the point if I'm not going to write in here more than I do with livejournal? Although I need to make a point of reading everyone's ljs - I still enjoy Em, Shlee, and Lili's entries.

I spent this past weekend at Oma en Opa's, which was absolutely wonderful because I haven't been there in almost a year, and as many of you know, that place is next to heaven to me. I loved seeing them again, and the house too. The weather was pretty cold and gloomy, so I think I went on the kneeboard once but other than that there was no sporting. Not skiing was very disappointing, but Opa took me out to just drive the boat around the lake for awhile, where I found some nice coves in which the water was calm despite the wind. What a blessed bit of information for next time! I was glad for Em who got some time on the water, it sounded great for you girl - and since you've got some boat driving under your belt, and Opa says we're free to come with or without the family, I think a trip is in order. I got to experience a pretty remarkable event on Sunday night - it is something I won't forget. If I try to tell the story and all in here, I'll probably end up rambling forever... but I can say that God works in mysterious ways - and his mysterious ways work me, blowing me away.

There was a point to this entry about 5 hours ago, but I can't guarantee that it would have been more interesting even if I hadn't left it to watch Star Wars with my sisters and cousins and then eaten dinner and then watched a couple movies downstairs. Anyway, I'm choosing to leave it at this now, despite the loss of purpose. Words, words, words.

This is the Golden Birthday, this is!

2005-05-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, now that it's nearly over, I can officially say that I had a wonderful birthday today!

It all started at 12:00am, when my sisters, Em, Aaron and I went to see Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Wonderful Movie!! There are too many cliches to count, horrible script lines, but come on, Star Wars just rocks no matter what. And I love my older sister for being so enthusiastic about these things that her addictions become addicting to me. I appreciate so much that she enjoys sharing her loves with me. Thank you, *Mouse*! So for the first four hours of my birthday, I was awake with a theater full of crazed fanatics. Crazy fans make those movies much more fun, I must admit. Unique people, they are! Beginning to speak like Yoda, I am... oh dear.

Needless to say, I was asleep until noon on my birthday, a good 8 hours straight minus awake time for a nice phone call around 9:30 which I don't quite remember, but appreciate regardless! When I did wake up, it was time to watch A New Hope because, well, why not? Em came back over after school, as did Shlee, and I was tickled to have them both here - I love them. We went to Olive Garden with the family and Grandma, and the food was incredible as always. I got called out for my birthday to the restaurant by our waitress who sang to me as well. (Pausing for a moment to gape at the numerous prepositions.) Okay - honestly, I don't like my birthday to be a big deal (prime example being the year I turned two and started sobbing when everyone started singing). I don't know what it is, but I am truly embarrassed when enormous amounts of attention are brought on by my birthday. That's probably why I don't tell anyone about it. (It was wonderful of everyone who called, or sent cards, or text messaged,or IMed, or facebooked, or sang, though. I really did love it.) And, it was funny to have Em and Shlee making the "subtle" hints to the waitress till Em just had to yell it straight out. As bizarre as all the attention may be, I love my friends for being who they are.

Afterward, it was back home for cake and gifts, and a great end to a great day. Even better, I don't have school tomorrow, so I can just relax and enjoy my first day of being 19.

Golden birthdays are pretty awesome. <3

Drugs, sleep, and other oddities.

2005-05-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a strange day.

I woke up at 8am (see? strange already.) and went to the dentist which I haven't done in a year, but luckily, still no cavities! I don't need that dentist. I ran errands and filled out applications for work which I also haven't done in about a year. Then I went to the YMCA with my mom. It was pretty nice, because one always feels more motivated to exercise again when one can get through the workout the first time. At least, this one feels that way. I proceeded to rushed downtown to make my debut on TV... not really, but I might have been on TV last night. We were fighting to keep drug treatment courts going, and I'm starting to hear about all the things the "other side" is doing to keep my dad and others from holding onto the program.

>>inserting a quick rant here:
It's gotten me so peeved, because they're the sort of people you thought would only do things like that on TV, but this is real life and they're seriously as shallow as some of those evil movie characters. While people like my dad are trying to help those who have gone too far with drugs and alcohol, these people want to throw them in jail. They know drug treatment works, is more beneficial to clients, and even saves money, but because they might get a price cut, they'd rather have the program get wiped out altogether or handed to them where they'll just screw the clients over and throw them back in jail. And this is the government to which we're referring - the people who were incapable of keeping drugs out of our country despite the fact that they made them illegal. And then when drug use gets out of hand for an individual, they throw them in jail and then back on the streets again where they will continue to do more harm unless they get help. The right solution is so simple - the kind of connection you'd be able to make in elementary school - but the side against drug treatment has completely blinded the legislative reps. of our state and kept people from the program from being able to speak up.
...rant ended>>

Right, then. It all adds up to my dad possibly losing a program he's been helping lead for 10 years. A program that has done some incredible things for people who seemed completely lost to drugs. People who are now living normal lives again - even working downtown alongside their lawyers to save others.
After we went downtown, we came home and I started reading on my bed. Somehow, I drifted off to sleep around 8p.m. (8p.m., not a.m.!) I woke up for a second around 10:30, but fell back to sleep until 9:45 this morning.

A crazy day ending in - what, around 14 hours? - of sleep. Pretty weird. And to be quite honest, I have nothing more interesting to say for the moment - or maybe I do, and I just don't feel like sharing due to the fact that it's too hot in my house to recognize or really care about profound thoughts. Curse my mother for being so adamantly against turning on the A.C., even in 88 degree weather.

Thoughts on a Starry Night

2005-05-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Last night Haley, Kristen, Kelly, Aubrey, Kev, Alex and I went out on the beach to pray for the upcoming summer along with a great many other things.

It was an awesome experience sitting on the shore under a sky full of stars and sharing our concerns and praises with God. It baffled my mind looking around at our circle. We are all such different people who came from many different lifestyles. If someone had told me that this was where I'd be at 11pm on May 1, 2005, and these were the people I'd be with, and this is how I would feel, I wouldn't have believed it. And yet God knew about this night and all that would lead up to it (along with all that will come after) before I was even born. It's times like these where I realize why God is in control, not me, and why it's a good thing that I don't know all that God has planned for me. If I'd been planning my life myself, I would never have bothered to leave my comfort zone and therefore would never have gone through all that God has allowed me to experience. And if God had revealed His plan for this moment to me last year, I would never have believed that it would be this great. It is only now that I can understand why I went through all I went through this year. Even my struggles and trials from this past year aided in getting me to this point. The most fascinating thing is, all the joys and struggles of this year have ultimately led up to my being closer to God. After all, it was Him to whom I was opening my heart last night.

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." --Matthew 18:20

The desire of all of our hearts was at the beach last night in our midst. Pretty much incredible, you might say.

It's going to be hard leaving in a few days. I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends and my lovely Emilya and Shlee, but as nice as it is to be going home, it'll be so difficult leaving my other home behind for awhile. I know it's not forever, but I think a lot of prayer is needed for everyone these next couple of days.

Trust

2005-04-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Now for a more proper first entry. It was finally time to say a goodbye to dypsidollierats, as I never get on there anymore. My favorite older sister conveniently ranted about blogs and then proceeded to create her own, so it gave me an opportunity to start up a new "journal/blog/thing". It's pretty nice, because it's a fresh start after carrying around four years worth of lj thoughts. Wow, four years. Although looking back, most of it was probably rambling nothingness. A few good ones, though. =)

Anyway, on to other matters, we are coming close to the end of our first year of college, which is incredible because I really hadn't comprehended life after this... getting through freshman year was the farthest I ever got on my "it will actually happen" thoughts. Now... a sophomore? What's that all about? I mean, I actually keep going until I'm released into the world of adults? That might be dangerous. Proceed with caution.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about trusting in God. It's strange, because I feel like I find something about my faith that challenges me, and suddenly that challenge is presented everywhere I go. Or maybe it always was, I just didn't focus on it as much. It makes me feel very thematic when it comes to growing in God - very seasonal. I came to a point the other night where I was so frustrated with trying to trust Him and failing that I was just yelling to Him whatever came to my mind - that is, I was scribbling furiously in my journal. It's funny that I thought I was supposed to hold back that frustration and pretend I was happy, no matter what. It didn't help me at all; that didn't grow my faith or anything like I assumed it should - act happy with God, and you're "doing it right", right? Wrong. I felt restrained till I finally belted out what I was really thinking and began to get honest with God. I felt so relieved just saying what I really felt, even on paper. And the funny thing is, while I was trying to be happy, I felt like I was just drifting aimlessly by myself, but when I finally said all that was on my mind - what I really felt - I felt such an amazing comfort about it. God wants that honesty. That is trusting Him enough to be able to tell Him how I feel. With that faith in Him again, He gives me the strength and joy that puts me at peace much more than a happy face that can hide so much pain. Suddenly what had me out of my mind with discouragement and despair doesn't really seem like an issue. It's in God's hands, and God is the desire of my heart. What else is there?

Very Important! Drug Court

2005-04-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hey all...
Yes, I've created a new "journal thingy", and will go into that more later, but this is very important and deserves placement as my first entry. Below is an explanation of Drug Treatment Court in which my Dad is very involved, and they are losing funding (as is explained below) and so there is a petition being passed along to keep it going. I would greatly appreciate it if you would sign the petition - the link is http://www.petitiononline.com/savedtc/petition.html
so add your name and e-mail to it if you'd like to help out. There is also a link below to get involvement from representatives in our state, but honestly, just signing would be a great help as well, and passing the link and explanation along to any family and friends that you can. This program is so important, because it actually helps people rather than throwing them into jail and then throwing them back on the street until the next time they are arrested. It is absolutely amazing to see what the program has done for people, and it has changed so many lives. For a more intellectual explanation, you can keep reading (I encourage it. My explanations aren't very good.) But please sign and keep the petition going if you can. Thanks, you guys.

~K

DRUG COURT WORKS!

The Drug Treatment Court (DTC) Programs are in jeopardy of losing funding. Your advocacy is needed to ensure continuation of these vital programs. DTCs began in Mecklenburg County 10 years ago (02/09/95). These programs have been so successful that they have now grown to 30 such adult, youth and family treatment courts throughout North Carolina. Please note the following program features:

What are Drug Treatment Courts?

¨ Adult DTC: Works with non-violent repeat offenders facing prison time
¨ Family DTC - Works with parents/guardians who are in danger of permanently losing custody due to abuse or neglect charges.
¨ Juvenile DTC - Works with non-violent juvenile offenders whose drug/alcohol abuse is impacting their lives at home, school, and within the community.
¨ DWI Court works with individuals convicted of Levels 1, 2, and 3 or multiple DWI offenses.
DTC Facts – Recidivism

¨ 80% of criminal offenders in the justice system are drug and/or alcohol involved. Most are addicted.
¨ Over 75% of abuse and neglect cases have parental drug and/or alcohol abuse as a major cause.
¨ An independent evaluation of NC DTCs shows that DTC graduates are rearrested at half the rate of non-graduates. 18% of DTC graduates were rearrested in the 12 months after discharge compared to 44% of the comparison group members.
DTC Facts - Cost Effectiveness

¨ It costs approximately $2,000-$2,500 annually to provide community treatment and supervision as compared to $23,000 annually to house an offender in a NC prison.
¨ A recent St. Louis study showed that for every dollar in added costs to operate DTCs, taxpayers realized a savings of $6.32. This represents the expenses that would have been incurred by the taxpayer over a four year period had the DTC client been placed on regular probation
What Can I Do?

The time has come to institutionalize funding for drug treatment courts. Their value has been well established and the best interests of the community require the requisite level of support be provided. For offenders who can meet the program’s requirements, the DTCs offer a way out of the costly, dehumanizing spiral of substance abuse that ruins lives and costs taxpayers a bundle. To help preserve the Drug Treatment Court Programs in this community your advocacy is needed. Please take a moment to:

1. Visit the following web address and log your support for Drug Treatment Courts.

http://www.petitiononline.com/savedtc/petition.html

2. Send a letter, E-mail or make a phone call to your local elected officials expressing your support for the Drug Treatment Court Programs and ask that they examine the record on DTCs and create a sustainable way to provide permanent, recurring funding for North Carolina’s Drug Treatment Courts. You may find the members of your local delegation by going to: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us and selecting “House” and/or “Senate” and then “Member List.”

Thank you for considering support of this very worthwhile and cost effective program.

Janeanne Tourtellott