Date: 2005-04-23 18:14 Subject: I did not write this but i wish i did Security: Public

I found this article on the Young Life Myspace group. I think it is hilarious and makes you think about our (Christians) current stance on Christianity. I am not posting it to try and convert anyone's beliefs about homosexuality. I am posting it because I thought it was really funny and it makes a lot of sense:

Dear President Bush,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I
have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with
as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual
lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22
clearly states it to be an abomination...end of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements
of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend
of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her
period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev.15: 19-24). The problem is how do
I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev.1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They
claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2
clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill
him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality.
I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev.21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a
defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my
vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me
unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different
crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of
two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the
trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev.
24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family
affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev.
20:14)?

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.

Date: 2005-03-31 21:28 Subject: Keep those acceptences rolling! Security: Public

Guess who got into Rice University today? ME!!! Isn't that amazing?! Well I guess it isn't that amazing to anyone else because they don't really know how hard Rice is to get into, because no one has ever heard of Rice over here. That is alright though. I am not planning on going to one of these schools to impress other people. So I got in today and my financial aid information was inside, except that it was for the wrong person! I do know that this Danielle chick isn't getting any financial aid from Rice, but I want to know about my financial aid! Tomorrow I find out from University of Virginia. I hope that is a "yes" also.

MAN! I should be on VH1's Best Week Ever for the person who is having the best week of their lives! Also, my b-day is next week (7th).

Date: 2005-03-30 20:21 Subject: College admission decision Security: Public Music: American Idol

I am like a rhyming master! Admission, decision, precision, inhibition... I could go on for days!... But I won't. Anyway, I just wanted to inform the two people who have me on their friends list that I got into University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill! I am so excited. I know that most people here don't really know anything about UNC, besides their basketball team. But it is supposed to be an amazing school. It is ranked 5 in the nation for public universities and like 20 something for all universities in that nation (public and private). So it is a really good school. I am not sure if I am gonna go to UNC, I am waiting to hear from University of Virginia and Rice University.

Date: 2005-02-16 20:04 Subject: MR MOUNTAIN VIEW Security: Public

MR. MOUNTAIN VIEW IS TOMMORROW AT SEVEN! COME WATCH ME MAKE A FOOL OUT OF MYSELF! IT IS ONLY FIVE BUCKS AND HALF OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO BENEFIT CYSTIC FIBROSIS RESEARCH. PLUS THERE ARE SOME AWESOME DOOR PRIZES.

Date: 2005-01-06 20:36 Subject: Ashlee Simpson Security: Public

Found a link (The one you sent me jenna didn't work on my computer for some reason) http://www.lipsync.us

Date: 2005-01-05 21:22 Subject: Ashlee Simpson Security: Public

IF ANYONE HAS A LINK TO THE ORANGE BOWL ASHLEE SIMPSON HALFTIME SHOW VIDEO, PLEASE POST IT. I WANT TO SEE IT SO BADLY.

Date: 2004-12-18 15:03 Subject: Coca-Cola Scholar Security: Public Mood: I am gonna win some money! Music: Keliah crying in the background

You know that when I do actually update my journal it is for something important, don't you? Well this is pretty cool. Yesterday, I got an letter in the mail from the Coca-Cola Scholars foundation. So I opened it thinking that they are going to say "Thank you for trying.... blah blah.... but we regret to inform you... blah blah." But instead it says "Congratulaions! You have been selected as one of 2,000 semifinalists." I was so happy. I didn't think that I had a chance at this scholarship because I had to leave so many parts of the application blank when I filled it out. You pessimists out there (even though there are only about three people who have me on their friends lists) are probably saying,"Well Isaias, you are only one of 2,000. You aren't going to make it any further." Well I thought this too, but then I read further in the letter and it says that their were originally 104,000 applicants. That is pretty cool that I beat that many people. Well I did most of the application today. It was not very hard, so I have to send it in before the 14th. I really hope I get one of the scholarships. There are fifty national winners that receive 20,000 dollars and 200 regional winners that get 4,000 dollars. I think I can win some money. This is exciting.

Date: 2004-11-03 20:20 Subject: A sad day for America. Security: Public

Today, Bush "officially" won the presidency for 2004-2008. Kerry conceded the election. Side story, my friend Aisha didn't know if it was "concede" or "conceive" so we were making fun of her the whole day. We kept saying, "Yeah, Aisha Kerry conceived on national television today." Anyway, the news of the conception, came at around nine o'clock this morning. All the Republicans were happy. They were actually gitty. I would like to think that if Kerry had won, us Democrats would have presented ourselves more honorably. I didn't believe it until I heard from one of my fellow Democrats. It was very depressing. I know that America is going to go through some huge changes in these next couple of years. Some (very few I am sure) will be for the better but the majority will only hurt the middle class more, devastate the little that remains of our national forests, and our economy will continue to plummet. I pray that I am wrong about all of this. I do hope (for our sakes, because I still hate president Bush) that Bush will do a good job as president. I still believe that he has continued to lie to the American people. He isn't going to change anything about abortion. He has hardly done anything yet, I don't think that he ever planned on stopping or slowing down abortion. I honestly believe that the Republicans are going to regret this decision. It is going to be a long, bad four years. I think that Bush will earn his spot with the worst presidents in history which includes: Jackson, Reagan, Bush Sr., and Truman (Note: two of these four are Democrats so don't act like I am just a Republican hater... I kinda am though [but more against recent Republicans than past Republicans]). I think the president's number one job should be to unite the country. I don't think that anyone could say that Bush has done that. It isn't impossible either. You don't have to have a 100 percent approval rating but you shouldn't have less than half the nation on your side. Someone should print this out. If I am wrong (and I hope that I am) show this to me when we get older. I will say I am sorry and I will personally write a letter to Bush apologizing and exalting him as a great president.

Date: 2004-11-02 17:39 Subject: Twice in one day! Security: Public Mood: Moods are stupid

Look I am updating for the second time today. I am watching the election news. I am scared. I don't want Bush to win. I know all politicians are liars but Bush is by far the biggest. Anyway, I wanted to say that I changed the background so you should look at it. It is a painting by Lichtenstein.

Date: 2004-11-02 14:17 Subject: I hate school Security: Public

I cannot stand school lately. I don't really hate school, but I hate the people in my classes. My english class is horrible. Half the class is so rude to the teacher can't even get through a lesson in one day. I am not going to say that I think Porter is a good teacher, becuase he isn't, but students really need to show some respect. I have been so frustrated lately... I never hated anyone before this year. Well, that's a lie, I have hated people before but not at this mass level. Today is election day. I think that Kerry has a chance. I hate Bush with a passion. He is a moron. How did he graduate from Yale. He can hardly construct a sentence. Why in the world would people vote for a President that is stupider than the average person. I think that the person that is leading the most powerful nation in the world should be smarter than me... I don't want to get further into this. Please vote, well only vote if you are voting for Kerry. I have been saying lately that I don't think people should vote if they are ignorant on issues but I still think that people should vote (for Kerry) and just leave the local elections blank if you have not been responsible enough to do the research.

Date: 2004-10-04 19:45 Subject: Senior year sucks Security: Public

Senior year is so busy! I hate all the stuff that I got myself involved in. Why did I decide to take all these AP classes and become in charge of all these clubs?!?!? Well I know the answer to that question, but it still sucks. Anyway, I found out today that 3 of my top college choices (Rice, University of Virgninia, and University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill) all require SAT II's. Rice and UVA require three and UNC requires just a math SAT II. Just that amount of knowledge was a huge damper on my day. The only day that I have to do them on is November something and that is such a short time from now. This sucks. I didn't get too sleep much last night. I got about 5 hours because I had to do this econ study guide for the test we had today. On the plus side, I found out that I have a 97 in Spanish. I am happy that I am beating Valley-D Michael.

Date: 2004-09-10 22:17 Subject: Is Isaias updating his journal? Security: Public

Look at this, I am actually updating my journal! Jenna would be so proud. I meant to update yesterday because I had something to say but I don't remember what it was but you can believe that it was something so amazing and enlightening.
Today was the first Key Club meeting. I was very surprised that so many people showed up. We didn't get through a lot but I kinda expected that because it was the first meeting and we have to get all this information before we can start planning homecoming dance. It is only three weeks away! That is so soon! We are having a meeting on monday too. If you want to come it is in B201 at Lunch.
Also, See You At the Pole is this Wednesday. I want to make this the best SYATP ever. Anyone who is planning on coming should tell their friends. It is going to be at 6:30 in the morning, but you should come because it is only once a year and it will be an awesome experience.
I didn't mean to make this entry like a club announcement board. Today Laura came into our Spanish class and was saying how bad everyone did on the AP Spanish test last year and it was really discouraging. I am afraid. I was hoping that was going to be the only AP class that I wouldn't have to read an outside AP source for, but it looks like I am going to. April and May are going to be crazy. I am going to be a hermit studying for those tests.
I just came back from Ray's house. We watched the Royal Tenenbaums. I love that movie. It is incredible. This is the first time in awhile that I actually hung out with a friend outside of school. It was really fun even though we didn't do very exciting of things. We ate Little Caesars pizza, that wasn't so good.

Date: 2004-08-10 20:51 Subject: First day of School Security: Public

Today was the first day of school for me. It went pretty well. I think that this year is going to be a lot harder than I had hoped. My AP Government class is way too huge for an AP class. It actually seems hard also. My other classes don't seem that bad. I think that I am going to have a little bit of trouble with math like i always do. English seems like it is going to be really boring but the books that we are going to read are going to be good. I have to go read some chapters for school.

Date: 2004-08-02 22:19 Subject: tomorrow is the last day (entry 9) Security: Public

Tomorrow is the last full day here in Thailand. I can't believe that I have been here for five weeks. I am excited to go back to the states but I know that when I go back, I am going to miss thailand so much. I want to see all of my friends and I am excited to start my senior year of highschool. I have to finish my Spanish summer assignment. I still have to interview two spanish speakers and I have to read the spanish publications. School starts in 8 days! this summer has gone by too fast but i hope this school year goes by just as fast as our junior year. I can't wait to see everyone.

Date: 2004-08-01 16:02 Subject: One night in Bangkok (Entry 8) Security: Public

i am now in Bangkok. It is kinda a dump. It reminds me too much of LA. It is way to American and alot of the people speak english or are american. On the thirteeth, we took this really long train ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. It was about 12 hours long. It was very boring and very uncomfortable. Yesterday we had to get up early to go see the old capitol of Ayutthaya. Everyone was really tired so it seemed really boring. Last night we saw this puppet show that had to do with Prince Rama being abducted by a demon and being rescued by a white powerful monkey. I fell asleep but it was still cool. Today we went to the Floating Market. Forangs (foreigners) were everywhere so the prices were ridiculous for crappy merchandise. I didn't buy anything and the floating market wasn't all that special but it was still fun. After that we went to the jim Thompson house. Jim was this american that moved to Thailand to start a silk trade business. He disappeared suddenly in 1967 never to be seen or heard from again. His house has all these art pieces. It was really interesting actually. Now I am trying to get a hold of my teacher. I have his phone number and
i left a message on his cell phone. I haven't been able to reach him at his home. Ray is online right now. He has nothing good to say like usual.I am going to try my teachers house again.

Date: 2004-07-28 16:13 Subject: I got my ap scores Security: Public

Just wanted to say that I finally got my ap scores, after having dreamt and nightmared about them for weeks. My mom told me that I got 4's on both Biology and US History. I am still skeptacle because I can't believe that I did that well on the Biology. I am very happy though. I thought for sure that I got a 2 on the Bio.I don't mean to brag on this entry I am just so happy that I scored well. Nothing has changed since yesterday. Oh yeah, I saw Spiderman-2 (in English. I have to say that it sucked horribly.I thought it was one of the worst movies that I have ever seen. I am not gonna go into detail on the reasons why it sucked, it would take too long. That is all for now. I leave here in exactly a week. Can you believe that we start school in 13 days?

Date: 2004-07-27 16:01 Subject: Four day trek (entry 8) Security: Public

I just got back from a four day trek in the mountains around Chiang Mai. We actually didn't do much hiking. It rained a lot so we couldn't go rafting and see the waterfall. The first day we drove for about three hours and got dropped off with our guide in the middle of nowhere. We walked for about an hour to a tribal village and stayed in the local guesthouse. I don't think this one had any mattresses but we were provided with blankets and misquito nets. The shower was a bucket of freezing water. Near our home there were all these fruits. I saw pinneaples growing for the first time in the wild. I never knew if they grew on trees or not, but now I do. Also, there were these plants that look kinda like misquite type leaves, but they shrivel up when you touch them. It is so cool. The second day we rode elephants. That was really cool. It was really uncomfortable though. I also got to ride on the elephant's neck. That was surprisingly comfortable. The shoulders massage your butt when it walks. We actually hiked that day. It wasn't that hard of a hike but my pack was heavy so i was dying by the time that we got to the village. A lot more stuff happened that day but nothing really that exciting. I am not going to say anymore about the trek. How is everyone doing? I am doing well. I still want to know my ap scores. Now i think that my mom is holding out on me because they are so bad that she thinks it will ruin my trip if she tells me now. I think I will be back in Tucson on the fifth or the sixth. I can't wait to see everyone.

Date: 2004-07-21 15:15 Subject: Back from homestay (Entry 7) Security: Public

We just got back from our homestay around ten thirty this morning. It was so sad to leave behind our wonderful parents and siblings. I am not ashamed to admit it, I cried like a baby. I was balling. It was so hard. I tried so hard not to cry the whole time. Then it overpowered me and I was wailing. I am feeling a little homesick now. I want to be back in the states, I miss all of my friends. I miss my family. I miss Bashley terribly. I don't know what to write about. My homestay village was so great. I played volleyball with the locals. I broke through my volleyball snob attitude and actually had fun despite some frustration over lack of skill. Those who know me, know that kids and I usually have a mutual dislike for each other. But even that changed. I played with the kids. And they actually played with me. I think that if I understood most of the things that they were saying to me, I would feel differently. But I would like to believe that they are truly innocent. Whenever I come to this internet cafe'. There is always this guy that sits at the computer next to me working on this slideshow presentation. I think he might be here all the time. I always sit at this computer and he is always at the one next to mine. His slideshow has all these proverbs. Well that was a lot of useless information. I talked to erin and jessie today. They are online still. I think they shouldn't be awake this late. It is 1:30 in the morning over there! That is crazy. It actually isn't that crazy but at the homestay village I went to bed between 8:30 to nine every day and woke up around 6 to 7 AM. I loved the simplicity of everything. These are some things that I want to keep when I go back to the states: eating dinner at five every day, taking off shoes when walking into a house, getting ice cream almost every day, having separate flip flops for the restroom, showering 2 or 3 times a day, exercising every day, and haning out with friends more often. I loved that village so much. There were all these nasty dogs and chickens in the village. We had Scar (huge scar that covered a good third of this dogs body), Slasher (slash scar on the left side of its body, Nips (really old dog with nipples stretched out, this is the reason why Bashley should never have pups), and my favorite, Snaggletooth (the most disgusting dof I have ever seen. It had one tooth sticking out of its mouth, it limped everywhere, it was really skinny, hade tri-colored fur, its butt looked like it was attacked by a swarm of bees, this dog just looked like it was full of diseases). The roosters crowed all day long, they sounded like they were dying through there crows. I have to go right now. Gonna go walk around the mall.

Date: 2004-07-10 13:15 Subject: only ten minutes to write (entry 6?) Security: Public

I only have about ten minutes to update, so this entry is probably going to be filled with spelling errors. I guess that won't be much different from my other updates then, huh ray? I am at my home stay right now. Well not right now, but I am not living at a hotel. We are at this sort of supermarket/ mall that one of the other families had to come to, so a couple of us foreigners tagged along.
Let me express the amount of frustration I was just under for the past hour. Alex, one of my group members, checked out a computer and I asked him if we could share it. He said sure. It costs ten baht to use a computer for an hour so it was n't that big of a deal for me to pay 5 baht about it, so i didn't. So I am waiting for about ten minutes and the other foreigners come and use the computers also. Apparently all of the computers that they got are really slow, so I decided to keep waiting for Alex to finish writing to his family. He decided to keep writing for about 50 minutes straight. Finally this german guy, a complete stranger, tells me that I can use his computer. At that point my frustration was almost at its peak and I was ready to tackle Alex right there. I only have 1 minute and 10 seconds left on this computer.
Homestay is great. I live right next dorr from a girl in my group. We have a shower with hot water. Bye/

Date: 2004-07-05 19:21 Subject: Greetings from Thailand (Entry 5) Security: Public

I am going to go to my host family tomorrow. I won't be updating for two weeks. What will you guys do without these amazing updates of mine.That is all I don't have time to write more.