I just have to say that the power of prayer and support are absolutely amazing. I had a pretty rough night…without going into the messy details let’s just say my eyes are sore from crying, I completely missed softball, lots of stupid arguments turned into a big blow out, and my car is dead, sitting in front of a house in Royal Oak. I mean like…it’s completely dead. I just got a new battery a few months ago and got a new transmission a few years ago, so our friends seem to think there is a wire problem. I don’t know what it is, but I do know it added stress to everything else already going on. I am just hoping and praying that it is not too expensive, because we were hoping for me to be able to bring it down to Detroit when I move in and for it to just last one more year. Anyways, I came home tonight from all the drama shaking and crying, I asked for prayers and hopped in the shower. God came through for me. Your prayers really helped, I was given the strength to apologize, forgive, and let go. Thank you everyone, now I can rest a little easier tonight.
Moving on…I was actually in the middle of typing this up earlier, before everything went down. So I’ll continue where I was. I am pretty much finished packing for orientation, plus I’ve got everything I need once I move into my new home all set for my parents to bring. I will be bringing a laptop with me to orientation and will have it when in my new house, but I probably won’t have much access to internet during orientation. Please text me if you need me :-)
Last night I had a hard time falling asleep- I am worried about Laurence, and then I suddenly panicked about the next few weeks. I do not like the feeling of not knowing what to expect, and that is how I feel right now. Also for someone who hated college, the idea of living with strangers makes me nervous. I keep telling myself that all of us are here for the same reason, so we shouldn’t have too many problems. The good news is that I am placed in Detroit, so if anything should go wrong, I know I have my supportive parents a ½ hour away! I think I will feel better after this week and I know more and get comfortable with everything- the one thing I keep forgetting is that this is for a YEAR, not just a week doing Habitat for Humanity.
Speaking of, for those of you who don’t know much about simple living or community living, I wanted to try and explain it. Basically, the point of this experience is not only to serve others and to gain experience in the field, but to give up a life of material possessions and worrying about things of that nature and to devote it to building relationships within the community and spiritually. I am not going to be able to travel (and if I am, it will be rare), not making much money, and will have to learn to share many belongings. I’ve heard from past volunteers that it is a little tougher than can be imagined.
Oh, so for orientation we have to bring a special item that will “symbolize you to the community – something that represents who you are, what you value, or a significant experience in your life. It will be used as part of a ritual at the beginning of the week”. I think I am going to bring my KAIROS cross, because it represents Mercy, leadership, my relationship with God, and important people in my life. If anyone else has a suggestion, though, feel free to let me know.
I don’t think I’ll have time to write again between now and my flight on Saturday morning, so I hope everyone has a fabulous week. I will be excited to update you all on everything I learn, if I can write during the week I will! If not, I’ll be back August 9th and will write once I am settled in. I love you all so very much!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Last Five Songs!
Last 5 songs! Aren't you excited? These all have a bit more of an emotional connection, which is why I saved them for last. Three very special announcements first, though!
1) Today would have been my grandmas 92nd birthday. She meant the world to me and was a beautiful, amazing woman. RIP Grandma, I miss you every day.
2) Please say some prayers for Laurence. This is the update I got from his daddy:
Tumor grew from last MRI (not a large amount, but it did grow (it is not just swelling).Decision he is making is to either up the dosage of the current chemo; do nothing; or do an Experimental Level 1 (earliest experimental) Treatment (possibly out of NYU in New York). He has not been nauseated by this Chemo that he is on, and does not want to go back to feeling sick all the time. If he changes Chemo he only wants to do a Level 1 in the hopes that it can help other people some day.
I talked to Laurence last night on FB chat, he said basically the same thing. He is in pretty good spirits and is open and willing to talk about it, but please say some prayers for him.
3) Chikezie gave me the best birthday present ever. If you have been following my blog for the past few weeks you may have seen that I posted I would LOVE for him to sing a cover of Justin Timberlake's song "Another Song (All Over Again)". This morning I opened up my e-mail and there was an mp3 of Chikezie doing the song, directly from him. More about that later, since this song is on the list today!
68) Melinda Doolittle- It's Your Love
It's hard to put into words the meaning of this song for me, but I'll try my best. This was Melinda's first single, and for her dedicated fans such an exciting thing to say. We had been waiting ever so patiently for her to release an album, so it was pretty much a promise that we would love any song she released. I think this one is special because Melinda is so good about making sure she thanks her supporters and shares her love for them. Whenever she sings this song live she makes a point to say she wouldn't be here without the love and support of God, her mommy, and her fans, so this song was a dedication to them. The words are very close to the message she portrays, so it's more than a soulful love song, it's a thank you. I'm posting the live version from her appearance on Ellen because that was also a very exciting time for all of us. Don't forget to download the EP of Remixes available on Itunes and Amazon now!
79) Rent-Seasons of Love
Oh, Rent. It holds such a special place in my heart. This musical brought together my group of friends in high school. Rent defined us. I can't tell you how much this musical means to me, I'm head over heels in love with the message it potrays and the story which it tells. This song is a gentle reminder that each of us need every single day.
I am posting the version which was performed at the FINAL Rent performance. Please ignore all the screaming and clapping in the beginning.
and my 2nd favorite Idol season
83) Sara Bareilles- Gravity
I had only heard "Lovesong" and "Bottle it up" before I heard this song, and then I downloaded her whole album. I absolutley love her music, she's very talented. I could listen to this song all day, it has an amazing emotional connection. Gina Glocksen performed it and said that for her this song was about her dad, which I found so raw and real of her to announce, just like the song, which is beautiful and creative. Love it!
Ginaaaa.
90) Justin Timberlake- Another Song (All Over Again)
Oh here we go. Before we get into the Chikezie story...I have to tell you how this song came into my life. I am NOT a Justin fan, I think he is talented and creative but never been a fan of his. I own any of his albums, never had the interest in seeing him live, AND have never found him cute (sorry). My roomate and one of my best friends, Lauren, is quite the opposite. She LOVES him. She told me to listen to this song, and within a few words I ran into my room to download it. Since then, I listen to it ALL THE TIME. I find it so beautiful, so touching. I have ALWAYS wanted Chikezie to cover it, because I know he's so good at taking pop songs and making them soulful.
So first, here is Justin's version. Learn it, love it.
SO. Yesterday, Sam texted me to tell me not to check twitter because she had to answer Chikezie. Later she told me that he had sent her a direct message, but she couldn't send him one back. This morning, I checked my e-mail, and there was this message:
I've spent the day trying to convert the video to a format small enough to send via email. Couldn't get it smaller that 35MB (the limit being 25MB). @ 3:40 AM I've given up (as I've run out of energy) and simply stripped the audio...
I'm sorry I couldn't get it to you sooner but... Happy Birthday."
Attached was the MP3 of "Another Song (All Over Again", Chikezie style. IT IS AMAZING. I am waiting to hear from him to see if I have his permission to upload it to youtube, and if I get that I will post it. For now you'll just have to trust me that it is amazing and that I cried. HOW SWEET IS HE? I MEAN SERIOUSLY. WHO WOULD DO THIS FOR A FAN? ONLY CHIKEZIE.
okay. moving on.
92) The Spill Canvas- Self Conclusion
My favorite band!! This song is from their second album, it is a true story and the song explains everything so I'll stop talking now and let you listen.
I hope you enjoyed going on this little musical journey with me :)
1) Today would have been my grandmas 92nd birthday. She meant the world to me and was a beautiful, amazing woman. RIP Grandma, I miss you every day.
2) Please say some prayers for Laurence. This is the update I got from his daddy:
Tumor grew from last MRI (not a large amount, but it did grow (it is not just swelling).Decision he is making is to either up the dosage of the current chemo; do nothing; or do an Experimental Level 1 (earliest experimental) Treatment (possibly out of NYU in New York). He has not been nauseated by this Chemo that he is on, and does not want to go back to feeling sick all the time. If he changes Chemo he only wants to do a Level 1 in the hopes that it can help other people some day.
I talked to Laurence last night on FB chat, he said basically the same thing. He is in pretty good spirits and is open and willing to talk about it, but please say some prayers for him.
3) Chikezie gave me the best birthday present ever. If you have been following my blog for the past few weeks you may have seen that I posted I would LOVE for him to sing a cover of Justin Timberlake's song "Another Song (All Over Again)". This morning I opened up my e-mail and there was an mp3 of Chikezie doing the song, directly from him. More about that later, since this song is on the list today!
68) Melinda Doolittle- It's Your Love
It's hard to put into words the meaning of this song for me, but I'll try my best. This was Melinda's first single, and for her dedicated fans such an exciting thing to say. We had been waiting ever so patiently for her to release an album, so it was pretty much a promise that we would love any song she released. I think this one is special because Melinda is so good about making sure she thanks her supporters and shares her love for them. Whenever she sings this song live she makes a point to say she wouldn't be here without the love and support of God, her mommy, and her fans, so this song was a dedication to them. The words are very close to the message she portrays, so it's more than a soulful love song, it's a thank you. I'm posting the live version from her appearance on Ellen because that was also a very exciting time for all of us. Don't forget to download the EP of Remixes available on Itunes and Amazon now!
79) Rent-Seasons of Love
Oh, Rent. It holds such a special place in my heart. This musical brought together my group of friends in high school. Rent defined us. I can't tell you how much this musical means to me, I'm head over heels in love with the message it potrays and the story which it tells. This song is a gentle reminder that each of us need every single day.
I am posting the version which was performed at the FINAL Rent performance. Please ignore all the screaming and clapping in the beginning.
and my 2nd favorite Idol season
83) Sara Bareilles- Gravity
I had only heard "Lovesong" and "Bottle it up" before I heard this song, and then I downloaded her whole album. I absolutley love her music, she's very talented. I could listen to this song all day, it has an amazing emotional connection. Gina Glocksen performed it and said that for her this song was about her dad, which I found so raw and real of her to announce, just like the song, which is beautiful and creative. Love it!
Ginaaaa.
90) Justin Timberlake- Another Song (All Over Again)
Oh here we go. Before we get into the Chikezie story...I have to tell you how this song came into my life. I am NOT a Justin fan, I think he is talented and creative but never been a fan of his. I own any of his albums, never had the interest in seeing him live, AND have never found him cute (sorry). My roomate and one of my best friends, Lauren, is quite the opposite. She LOVES him. She told me to listen to this song, and within a few words I ran into my room to download it. Since then, I listen to it ALL THE TIME. I find it so beautiful, so touching. I have ALWAYS wanted Chikezie to cover it, because I know he's so good at taking pop songs and making them soulful.
So first, here is Justin's version. Learn it, love it.
SO. Yesterday, Sam texted me to tell me not to check twitter because she had to answer Chikezie. Later she told me that he had sent her a direct message, but she couldn't send him one back. This morning, I checked my e-mail, and there was this message:
I've spent the day trying to convert the video to a format small enough to send via email. Couldn't get it smaller that 35MB (the limit being 25MB). @ 3:40 AM I've given up (as I've run out of energy) and simply stripped the audio...
I'm sorry I couldn't get it to you sooner but... Happy Birthday."
Attached was the MP3 of "Another Song (All Over Again", Chikezie style. IT IS AMAZING. I am waiting to hear from him to see if I have his permission to upload it to youtube, and if I get that I will post it. For now you'll just have to trust me that it is amazing and that I cried. HOW SWEET IS HE? I MEAN SERIOUSLY. WHO WOULD DO THIS FOR A FAN? ONLY CHIKEZIE.
okay. moving on.
92) The Spill Canvas- Self Conclusion
My favorite band!! This song is from their second album, it is a true story and the song explains everything so I'll stop talking now and let you listen.
I hope you enjoyed going on this little musical journey with me :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Free Fallin
65) John Newton- Amazing Grace
The original Christian hymn that has become so familiar to many people was originally done by John Newton. I think it's save to say everyone knows this song and that it holds a special meaning for them. I'm just gonna go ahead and post Melinda's version because it is my favorite and absolutley beautiful.
71) My Chemical Romance- Welcome to the Black Parade
One of the best modern rock bands, this song is outstanding.
81) Ryan Shupe- Dream Big
My friend Lindsay played this song for me when I was getting ready to graduate high school. It reminds me so much of Melinda now because that's her mantra, but it's a great song to listen to when you need a reminder to chase your dreams with your head held high!
85) Straylight Run- Extensialism on Prom Night
Okay I could have SWORN I have done this before but apparently not.
The very first time I heard this song I listened to it about 3940329 times in a row, I was so obsessed. This genre of music has become my favorite, love it.
94) Tom Petty- Free Falling
I remember having a discussion with my roomates my junior year of college about how amazing this song was and then we all sang it at the top of our lungs. If you disagree I don't know if we can be friends, hehe.
The original Christian hymn that has become so familiar to many people was originally done by John Newton. I think it's save to say everyone knows this song and that it holds a special meaning for them. I'm just gonna go ahead and post Melinda's version because it is my favorite and absolutley beautiful.
71) My Chemical Romance- Welcome to the Black Parade
One of the best modern rock bands, this song is outstanding.
81) Ryan Shupe- Dream Big
My friend Lindsay played this song for me when I was getting ready to graduate high school. It reminds me so much of Melinda now because that's her mantra, but it's a great song to listen to when you need a reminder to chase your dreams with your head held high!
85) Straylight Run- Extensialism on Prom Night
Okay I could have SWORN I have done this before but apparently not.
The very first time I heard this song I listened to it about 3940329 times in a row, I was so obsessed. This genre of music has become my favorite, love it.
94) Tom Petty- Free Falling
I remember having a discussion with my roomates my junior year of college about how amazing this song was and then we all sang it at the top of our lungs. If you disagree I don't know if we can be friends, hehe.
Happy Birthday to Me!
I turned 22 today! I am so very grateful for all the gifts that God has blessed me with this year and for giving me the gift of life. I’ve had many amazing experiences and people come into my life, I cannot believe how blessed I am sometimes.
I also want to thank all of those who donated to Malaria No More. There were a few people who donated to the Malaria No More website in my name, so I did raise my 200 dollars and may end up going over. We saved lives today, folks! Thank you for understanding my desire to donate and for respecting my birthday wishes!
One thing I learned today is how many different names I have. By noon on my facebook wall and twitter there was already quite a variety: Megan, Baby Girl, Megs, Meggy/Meggie, MC, Megaroo, Meggers, Carolin, best friend (ha, that was Sam). I find it so amusing, because each of these has a different meaning.
I’m enjoying a pretty quiet birthday today. I love birthdays, I think they are a wonderful day to celebrate a person and the people around them. I hope I never lose that passion, because I think so often people lose the importance of birthdays. For me, it’s not so much about “it’s MY day”, more about “I love all the people who are in my life”.
I will admit, and this may be selfish, that I love being the baby. Let me tell you, though, that no child in the Carolin family is spoiled, so it’s not that. I just love having people look out for me and care about me, having people that I can look up to. I’m the baby in my family, one of the youngest for my class, one of the youngest backups, and, throughout most of college, had a group of friends who were all older than me. Now that I’m 22 I’m not so sure I can be the baby anymore. I know that this next year I will be the mentor and role model for young people at Detroit Cristo Rey, taking care and looking out for others the way I have been looked after. I know that by looking at the examples I’ve been given in my life I will be perfect for this job, but I also know some days I’m just going to want to be the baby. Selfish? Maybe. Honest? Yes.
Someone asked me what the best birthday I ever had was. I’ve had some awesome birthday parties, including Chuck E Cheese, a hotel party, a kick butt water fight on my sweet sixteen, and many more. I’ve seen videos and pictures of birthdays from when I was little, but I think my absolute best birthday was my 19th birthday. I went out to dinner with some of the greatest friends that I will ever have in my life. They were all high school friends, some from my class and some from the year younger than me, but I was extremely close to a group of those girls. Plus, my best friends Alicia and Alex were there as well. I just remember laughing so much and sharing stories. Also, Alicia gave me the sweetest present that year- I opened up a HUGE package with a note on it that said “It’s not even my birthday and you’ve given ME the best present ever”- and then I opened it and there was this decorated mirror. There was a post-it note that said “YOU!” I mean really, how cute? I really miss those friends; I need to contact some of them. Anyways, the next day, I went up north with Jamie, Lindsay, and Sarah, as we did every year. It was an extended trip and we had a blast. My actual birthday fell during this week; I woke up to a decorated cabin and lots of cute birthday surprises.
Sending out lots of love and thanks to all those who wished me a Happy Birthday today- you made me smile! From texts, phone calls, facebook, twitter, to www.melindasbackups.com, you made it a wonderful day. Oh and to Melinda and Phil, I love you two, thank you for taking the time to wish me a happy birthday.
I think Sam and Chikezie have something up their sleeve, but I promised Sam I wouldn't read her tweet to Chikezie so I'm resisting the urge to peek. I'm also not getting my hopes up. :-)
I also want to thank all of those who donated to Malaria No More. There were a few people who donated to the Malaria No More website in my name, so I did raise my 200 dollars and may end up going over. We saved lives today, folks! Thank you for understanding my desire to donate and for respecting my birthday wishes!
One thing I learned today is how many different names I have. By noon on my facebook wall and twitter there was already quite a variety: Megan, Baby Girl, Megs, Meggy/Meggie, MC, Megaroo, Meggers, Carolin, best friend (ha, that was Sam). I find it so amusing, because each of these has a different meaning.
I’m enjoying a pretty quiet birthday today. I love birthdays, I think they are a wonderful day to celebrate a person and the people around them. I hope I never lose that passion, because I think so often people lose the importance of birthdays. For me, it’s not so much about “it’s MY day”, more about “I love all the people who are in my life”.
I will admit, and this may be selfish, that I love being the baby. Let me tell you, though, that no child in the Carolin family is spoiled, so it’s not that. I just love having people look out for me and care about me, having people that I can look up to. I’m the baby in my family, one of the youngest for my class, one of the youngest backups, and, throughout most of college, had a group of friends who were all older than me. Now that I’m 22 I’m not so sure I can be the baby anymore. I know that this next year I will be the mentor and role model for young people at Detroit Cristo Rey, taking care and looking out for others the way I have been looked after. I know that by looking at the examples I’ve been given in my life I will be perfect for this job, but I also know some days I’m just going to want to be the baby. Selfish? Maybe. Honest? Yes.
Someone asked me what the best birthday I ever had was. I’ve had some awesome birthday parties, including Chuck E Cheese, a hotel party, a kick butt water fight on my sweet sixteen, and many more. I’ve seen videos and pictures of birthdays from when I was little, but I think my absolute best birthday was my 19th birthday. I went out to dinner with some of the greatest friends that I will ever have in my life. They were all high school friends, some from my class and some from the year younger than me, but I was extremely close to a group of those girls. Plus, my best friends Alicia and Alex were there as well. I just remember laughing so much and sharing stories. Also, Alicia gave me the sweetest present that year- I opened up a HUGE package with a note on it that said “It’s not even my birthday and you’ve given ME the best present ever”- and then I opened it and there was this decorated mirror. There was a post-it note that said “YOU!” I mean really, how cute? I really miss those friends; I need to contact some of them. Anyways, the next day, I went up north with Jamie, Lindsay, and Sarah, as we did every year. It was an extended trip and we had a blast. My actual birthday fell during this week; I woke up to a decorated cabin and lots of cute birthday surprises.
Sending out lots of love and thanks to all those who wished me a Happy Birthday today- you made me smile! From texts, phone calls, facebook, twitter, to www.melindasbackups.com, you made it a wonderful day. Oh and to Melinda and Phil, I love you two, thank you for taking the time to wish me a happy birthday.
I think Sam and Chikezie have something up their sleeve, but I promised Sam I wouldn't read her tweet to Chikezie so I'm resisting the urge to peek. I'm also not getting my hopes up. :-)
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