down the rabbit hole

once again.
it happened.
once again i fell down the rabbit hole
the light enveloped me so kind
and i remember when we were so fine.
then we went down, down, down
my heart fluttered away and my mind went after
your smile faded with my heart so jaded
oh when we were so fine
your button downs and black trousers
my twenties curls and cardigans
we fit so fine.
i remember that time. that time we were in line.
your eyes scanned mine
and my heart fluttered away and my mind went after.
then i tripped and fell into the rabbit hole
and you, you stayed up in the rafters
oh why. when we were so fine
then your smile faded with my heart so jaded
and i went down, down and down
i remember that time and we're not so fine.

honored

Dr. Cook's Biola memorial service was held this past Monday. Sunday afternoon, I was asked if I would lead the procession with another student and carry the American flag. I, of course, said yes and was extremely honored that I was asked to be part of a man's memorial service who I truly admired.

Walking to the orchestra with slow, heavy steps and placing the flag in it's stand was a high honor, but once again distracted me from the reason why we were there. It may have been a good thing I was focused on how I was walking and the height of the flag considering it is in my nature to trip and/or knock things over. However, I have been so busy discussing, covering and "researching" Dr. Cook and his death that I was not able to focus the meaning it took yet.

Then I sat. I was able to sit in the front row next to faculty, a few students and among the family. And it hit me. I was still somewhat numb, but tears gently floated to my eyes as I heard the tributes, speeches and watched pictures of Annabelle and Clyde cross the screen. I was sad. Until that moment I hadn't been allowed to be sad. I hadn't been able to let tears flow or talk about him in a non-professional manner. I was finally able to feel.

And as I sat there, I selfishly asked the Lord to give me a husband one day that will love me like Clyde loved Annabelle. But it's not selfish at all because Clyde loved the Lord first, directed all conversation, hopes and dreams to Christ. And by asking for the Lord to someday give me a man that loves the Lord like that, I am also asking for my whole self to love the Lord like that.

I can only hope I will dedicate my life and continue to dedicate each and every day of my life like they did together to the Lord Jesus Christ. Goodbye Dr. Cook. Enjoy the party!

For more info., read here.

kylie capri

I called my best friend Cristina last Friday to chat and catch up. Her husband Brian answered the phone.
"Hi Brian. What are you up to?"
"Cristina's in labor."
"Wait. What?"
Then he laughs.
"Brian, that's not something to joke about."
"I'm not kidding."
"Wait. Really?"
Cristina went into labor last Friday three weeks early. Kylie Capri Wood was born around 3:45 p.m. at 5 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 in. I was ecstatic for the happy family and this is as close as I will come to being an aunt - until I'm married. I haven't seen her in person yet, but she sure is adorable in photos.

Welcome to the world Kylie and congratulations Brian and Cristina! :) I love you all!

I definitely stole the photo from Janet, Brian's sister, who is an awesome photographer. So thanks Janet!

Saying Goodbye

It's taken me a while to sit down and write this. I've created a few new posts the past week and not posted them. Dr. Clyde Cook, president emeritus of Biola, passed away last Friday night from a heart attack. I got the text message at 10:30 p.m. I was with a few members of The Chimes staff so we immediately confirmed his death with an official source, went to the office, wrote up the story for The Chimes Online and created a blog for people to post their memories.

The next few days were crazy. We pulled together a tabloid issue dedicated to Dr. Cook detailing his athletic career, his memorial services and his time at Biola. The title was Saying Goodbye.

I spent 25 hours this past week learning more about Dr. Cook and outlining his life. I spent more time with him this past week than I did when he was alive. But I'm not sure if I have said goodbye yet. I wasn't even sad when I got that text message. I was shocked, but then my journalistic mind went into work mode and that was that.

Now it's been a week and I'm ready to say goodbye, but I still feel numb. I don't think I ever thought a man with his grandeur could die. At least not this soon. I have to thank him for the many times he smiled at me and was gracious with me. I remember how intimidated I was the first time I interviewed him for The Chimes, but he sat me down in his office and made me laugh.

Clyde, thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for giving your life to the Biola community for so many years. You made it a better place. It and I will miss you.

journalism unveiled

Biola's journalism department recently departed from the communications and film department and formed it's own department. This is extremely exciting for the department because it means more growth! It has been great to be here the past four years and see the department really develop. When I entered Biola, there were probably 15 journalism majors. Now there are different emphases in visual, print, broadcast and public relations and now there are over 100 students in the major. We also went from one professor to four!

To celebrate the separation, the public relations students put on an event called Journalism Unveiled. It was a 1920s themed murder mystery dinner with characters from the journalism department and a script written by my good friend Kyle. The speaker was Michelle Burford, a Biola grad. who was one of the launching editors for O, Oprah's magazine. She was extremely inspiring. Here are a few photos from the night, courtesy of Ronalynn.

This is probably my favorite pic of the night. I love these girls! They have been such a blessing to know and work with at The Chimes.

The wonderful gift we were given: a reporter's notebook. How appropriate.

The table after the night was over.

The girls with Kyle, a lucky man.

Notice James' hat and Gail's gloves. Quite lovely.

Final pic of my favorite journalism girls (minus Michelle and Melissa). Ronalynn made it into this one.

loved, blessed, whatever you want to call it..it was good.

The view from the backyard of our resort house.

I turned the big two two on March 26 which was beautifully over spring break. I rang in officially being in my twenties with two of my best friends and it was absolutely delightful.

My good friends Courtney and Megan and I were in Palm Desert and they did everything they could have to make my birthday special. They made me breakfast in the morning (I was not allowed in the kitchen), and let me decide our plans for the day. They also took me out to dinner that night for dinner at Las Casuelas - a fabulous mexican restaurant in Palm Springs. And there was a live band to add to the fun. I am so blessed and thankful for them - not simply because they gave me the wonderful birthday gift of making me feel loved - but because they are wonderful amazing grace giving friends. Thanks girls for a fabulous day (and weekend in Palm Desert)!

my greatest friend at the moment

I have been completely unmotivated since Spring Break. I told myself I needed two weeks not one and God forgive me, but my body took two. I was productive this past week. Yes, I worked. Yes, I cleaned my room. However, I was not as productive as I should have been in the academic department and now I sit in my room tired (from nothing) surrounded by books and am kicking myself for not doing more. However, at least my hazelnut mocha is keeping me company...and keeping my alive.