Words just can't even begin....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NOZU2iPA8

You just need to watch this....

Sawed the House in 1/2 to Make Divorce Settlement Easier

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - A couple in rural Cambodia has terminated their 18-year marriage with a divorce settlement that entailed sawing in two the wooden house they once shared, villagers said Friday. The husband, 42-year-old Moeun Sarim, has taken away with him all the bits and pieces of his half a house, said his 35-year-old wife, Vat Navy.

"Very strange, but this is what my husband wanted," she said by phone from a village about 62 miles east of Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. She said they ended their marriage last month.

"He brought his relatives and used saws to cut the house in half," she said, adding that she now owns the other half that is still standing. The house is made from wood with a tile roof and propped up on wooden pillars, a typical style for a Cambodian country home.

She said her estranged husband and his relatives, after ripping apart half of the house, carried all the debris to his parents' house nearby.

She said the divorce was prompted by her husband's jealousy about her alleged relationship with a policeman in the village. She denied having an extramarital affair.

"He wanted a divorce, and I said, `Let's divorce,'" she said.

The husband could not be reached for comment.

Bou Bout, a village chief, said local officials and police were present as witnesses the day the couple split their 20-by-24 1/2 foot house into half.

"Local officials tried three times to get them to mend their differences, but the husband would not budge," Bou Bout said by phone.

This is what they looked like...

Stopped for a chat with the masked men....

Today I decided to run form my apartment to my parent's house ... besides it being a much longer run than i had originally planned, I got to have a chat with some anti-church of scientology guys. I was running and stopped to ask them some questions.

They wore mask much like in the movie V for Vendetta. I asked if they had personally been hurt by the Church of Scientology and they said no but they had many friends who had been. I asked if they had any religious affiliation and one of the guys, a Senior at Foothill, said he was Mormon most of the time. The other gentleman was a freshman at Chapman University said he had grown up Christian but had beliefs of his own. Other than that I asked if they had ever gotten in trouble with the church and they said only once the cops have been called on them.

The guys remained masked while they talked to me and seemed not super energetic. But here they were, about 18 years old on a Friday night holding signs on the corner of Redhill and Irvine protesting this church. I'm impressed that they would have such strong convictions and would spend their time actually doing something about it. But I think if i saw them again I would like to ask them some more questions about their solution to the Church of Scientology or what these people should do if they leave this church.... maybe they should join "Mormon most of the time" or "tailored Christian beliefs". I would also ask what they tell Scientologists in order to make them leave. Just some thoughts.

I'm glad I stopped. Maybe it doesn't matter really matter what "it" is except that your standing up for something.

Day Zero Photos!!!

Day Zero was a success! Thanks to all who gave their time, money, and endless energy to make it happen! Check out the photos on www.joindayzero.com .... Get Ready for November 7th ...... We're gonna do it all AGAIN!!!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

I love....

-Chocolate Lava cakes form Trader Joe's
-Curling up on the couch with a book when its raining outside
-Fall, my favorite season of all
-Making up the words to songs when i forge the real ones
-Frozen grapes
-Sleeping on the ground
-Squishing things between my fingers and toes
-Playing games
-String cheese
-Mint chip ice cream
-Organizing
-Having people over
-Dressing up
-Talking to my guinea pig, Pearl and my fish, Deborah
-Swimming, skipping, running, jumping
-Adventures, as long as I don't get lost
-Schedules and lists

I am Norman

"Sidney & Norman, A Tale of Two Pigs" by Phil Vischer (Creator of Veggie Tales)

I was at our bookstore today looking for a book to get for my cousin for her first birthday. I thought it would be neat to start the tradition to get her a book each year with a note written in each one. I came across this book in the kids section and I love it.... sometimes I just need to be reminded.

"The pig on the right was Norman. He was very a very good pig. Rules and hard work came easily to him, and it showed. His house was neat and organized. He always looked his very best. He gave money to the "needy", and never missed church on Sunday. Norman's teachers liked him when he was young, and his boss at work liked him now that he was all grown-up. he was pretty sure God liked him, too. After all, he was a very good pig. Norman figured that everyone could be as good as he was, if they'd just try a little harder. He wondered why they didn't....

Norman received a note reading: "Dear Norman, I would like you to come visit me...I have something to tell you. Sincerely, God."

Norman found the address and walked inside. God walked around the desk and smiled at the puffed-up pig. "I'm glad you could make it, i have a few things to tell you."

"First of all, I love you." Norman smiled, though he wasn't surprised. "Secondly, your goodness is not the reason I love you." Norman startled a little. What a curious thing for God to say. "Thirdly, you're not as good as you have led yourself to believe. You're prideful. you're selfish. You look down on others, simply because things don't come as easily for them." God looked a little sad now. "I love them as much as I love you. Don't look down on those I love." "That is what I needed to tell you"

"Out of Solitude" by Henri Nouwen

"In solitude, we can slowly unmask the illusion of our possessiveness and discover in the center of our own self that we are not what we can conquer, but what is given to us . In solitude we can listen to the voice of him who spoke to us before we could speak to a word, who healed us before we could make any gesture to help, who set us free long before we could free others, and who loved us long before we could give love to anyone. It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the results of our efforts. In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared. It's there we realize the healing words we speak are not just our own, but are given to us; that the love we can express is a part of greater love; and that the new life we bring forth is not a property to cling to, but a gift to be recieved. In solitude we become aware that our worth is not our usefulness."

O Lazy Saturday

Today was the first day in a very long time that I had to myself. I slept in till 11:30, which is unheard of in my life. I read "The Unexpected Journey" (by Thom Rainer... a good read), I cleaned my apartment and organized my room and got a grip on my studying and homework. Now I'm listening to Jack Johnson and relaxing before I top this amazing day off with homemade Ziti at my mom's house and "So You Think You Can Dance" performance at the Honda Center. What a great day!

My spelling at 2am...

It has been brought to my attention, blogging community, that my spelling on my past few post has been less than appropriate for one who is an English major. I will, from hence forth try to post at an earlier hour in order to keep things in grammatically and phonetically in order.

Parasailing!

For Katelyn's birthday we went parasailing at Balboa. We went 500 hundred feet int he air! It was scary but you felt really safe and the view was amazing. it was so peaceful as you flew through the sky.. it made me want to be a bird. Here are soem photos form our day.

OE - Operator Error

So the videos were taking super long to download so of course I think there is something wrong when it takes longer than 5 minutes to download one movie.... so I got impatient and decided I would try again later. Sorry, epic videos to be continued!

These are some videos that MUST be shared with the blogging community !

This may be a bit embarrassing but I think it's worth sharing. I now invite you to witness some of the many great moments with my family on vacation climbing glaciers in sweet red suits, zip lining from tree to tree, and discussion words that rhyme with "blog"

Introducing to you .... MY FAMILY
Here are some photos from our recent travels to Alaska. We took a helicopter tour and then landed onto a glacier which we then hiked through. It was an incredible trip. Also, here is one of my favorite photos of my dad relaxing on our cruise ship as we watch the glaciers go by as we boated through the Glacier Gardens of Alaska. Also are some more scenic photos from the Butchart Gardens of Victoria, BC.

Stiff

When I get with Tiffany and Jordan there is nothing that I love to do more than being silly and getting them to be silly with me. My sister is so great and I love her face in these photos. I don't think any of us would be this weird without each other which makes photos likes these so fun. Here to share with you is some of the "Lang Children Photos of Fun"... with an added amazing shot of my sister in the beautiful Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC.

While venturing around Seattle, Washington and Alaska this summer I got the chance to play around with my "newish" Nikon SLR Camera. I love taking photos of my family while making them pose, jump, and leap. Here are sweet photos I snapped of Jordan.

Today was glorious. Semester began and I could not be any more excited about my classes and professors. I am a nerd, through and through but I love that about myself. I love to read and express myself through writing. There is an art to being able to articulate oneself with passion and clarity. I may join the National English Honors Society ... not to be pretentious but to find common ground with others who enjoy a good read and literature analysis of symbols and meaning of the text. Plus, having some nice tassels when you graduate would be pretty cool. Ok, You got me, I would only join for the cool tassels but hey, who wouldn't?!

Hip Hop - Hip Hop Anonomous

Bloggin World - You know it's true...

There is nothing cooler than a person who can pop and lock it... I want to be one of those people.

I have googled, i have researched, i have looked high and low BUT can not find a place that will teach Hip Hop to an adult with little dancing experience... ok ok, NO dancing experience.

Is this so much to ask for? I just want to be able to move with the flow and jive with the beat of the music. Although i joke, I think this would be a blast.

If i could live another life I would be a dancer. This is my dream! Help! I am a caged bird that needs to be taught how to tame the talent that lies within my soul!!!

I know there are more closet "Hip Hop wanna bees"! Reveal yourself and lets chase this dream together!

(Ok but seriously, if you know of any places where i could get lessons drop me a comment... it would be heaps fun)

Triathalon

In hopes of completing this 1/2 marathon I think the next thing I would like to accomplish on my "life goals" list is a triathalon.

Is there anyone out there who would like to join me? I have heard of ones where you split up the three events where one person does swimming, one running, and one biking.

This would be great fun!
Blogging world, you should give doing a triathalon a good thought!

Disneyland 1/2 Marathon - I Need Good Music To Run To

This Sunday I will be running in the Disneyland 1/2 marathon. For those of you who know me, all of my life I have been a swimmer and water polo player. Learning how to run has been for me like a fish trying to live on land. I'm not sure how these 13 miles will be accomplished but I am considering skipping as a great method of movement.

But seriously, does anyone have any suggestions for pacing or ways to run but trick yourself into thinking your actually laying in Cancun?

I also need good song suggestions. I am trying to make a playlist of pump up music. I need a good Hour and 1/2 of tunes so if you have any suggestions pass them along. I tried buying an already made running playlist but couldn't find anything.

The Segway That Got Away

Dear Blogging World,

While although it is easy to continue a relationship sharing everyday life and shallow thoughts and ideas I have found that, at times, it is impertinent to go a little deeper. This may include becoming vulnerable, but, within a bubble of trust, this may prove to only deepen ones relationship. So, Blog watchers.... Deep and vulnerable I shall venture.

I was given the opportunity to ride on the Segway Calvary had rented for VBS. It ws great fun to use;having an already great sense of balance i was able to speed along and make quick turns. So, naturally, when I got to the ramp that had been built in Calvary's sanctuary I approached with speed and confidence. Victory was mine as i went smoothly up adn then down the ramp with ease... Until I had to push my luck and try one more.

Coming down the ramp my right tire caught on the front stage stairs thus throwing me off to the left while my body slid down the ramp. The Segway, however, continues to go even when no human is occupying it and so it continued to run down the stairs until it went straight into a row of pews.

Thinking my embarasment was limited The upper lights turned on as i looked up and saw my audience of onlookers. (Did i mention i was wearing a dress)

Church Double Dippin

So I have come to the realization that there are many people who attend different churches. I believe that there a few categories that people fit into and I would like to know your thoughts. Maybe some situations are more acceptable than others but maybe God doesn't really care if you attend one church, two churches, or no church ..... I know people have BIG feelings on this. lets bloggercon about it... ("Bloggercon" is a new word I have invented to iterate the meaning of conversing through blogging: blog(ger) + con(versation).

*Church Pastors/Directors and all peoples of ministry ..... Sometimes it's hard to sit still and focus at the church you work at, even when your "not working". What do you think? Is it ok to be fully committed to one church with ministry/work while going to another church, say at a night service, just to sit and BE? Or does this then raise the question that wherever you are getting "fed" you should be serving. Then we are back to sitting at the church where you serve. What do people mean when they say "fed"at church anyways (thats a weird christianism term). So should we stick to where we work or is it ok to go and tast a bit of another church?

*Sojourners: This was one of my vocab words my junior year of high school. If i remember correctly it means something like "to be one who travels". So people I would put in this category are those who are seeking a new church and simply tasting different flavors to see which one suits them best. It's valid that all churches offer different styles and traditions and hopefully unite on the gospel. I think these people are golden; they can see what fits them best and then settle. Wait, now I feel like I'm talking about trying on and buying a pair of pants... but I think you know what I mean.

*Hip Hop Pop Church : My mind goes to Dr. Seuess's "Hop on Pop" but I'm talking more about Hopping on board with the newest, coolest church. I think we could also include conferences and seminars along with this. I get so passionate when people dub a church "a fad church". It is so degrading to the church and its efforts; I'm pretty sure churches are simply trying to be culturally relevant to impact people for the glory or God not just be a really cool place to get all the hottest christians in one building. But here is what bothers me most .... people who switch back and forth with a church's ups and downs... At one church one day and then visiting the cool one the next. Or when they hear that such and such will be speaking or Mr."amazing voice plus it doesn't hurt that he's hot" worship leader will be playing. I think in this case people need to settle and stop making christian celebrities out of people who are hopefully genuinely seeking and following the Lord. But I am not exempt form this at all ... I AM THIS GIRL. Maybe there are levels of double dipping ... like it's ok to do it once in a while for a conference or seminar but more that three times a tear is too much.

So these are just some of my thoughts. I think I may be trying to hard to be creative or funny but, alas, I am still working out the kinks of my writing personality while tryign to be genuine. My heart does question this though .... I know that this conversation can boil down to a matter of the heart; this i firmly believe. But practically speaking, what are your thoughts?

Thanks blogging world.
"Trying to be less like a porcupine"

PS: I just read the "Holy Quotes" blog on stuffchristianslike.net and decided that I would come up with my own for tonight's blog... so there it is.
Here is a photo to go with it .....http://www.liewcf.com/blog/wp-images/porcupine-baby.jpg

Pearl

Dear Blogging World,

I have decided to share a vary important part of my life with you .... my guinea pig Pearl. She appeared one calm night in the midst of my room with note attached pleading for me to take her home. My father had warned me that if I did in fact get a guinea pig he would make it his BBQ snack. But what could a girl do? So I have Pearl and I just bought her a play pen to attach to her cage so she can have more running space. I must admit that I may have become like the weird cat lady... instead of being 40 and single I am 21 and single and instead of having cats I have one (1) guinea pig.

Which leads me to my question....

I think Pearl needs a friend. Now i don't need little babies so maybe I could get her a sister. Bloggers, does this then affirm my fear of being a weird guinea pig lady?!I need some advice.... please comment with your advice.

home at last!

Hello my blogging world!

I am home at last! I've just arrived back to my apartment after a week in Seattle, Washington and then another week on an amazing cruise to Alaska. In Seattle we went to Top Pot doughnuts, the official supplier of all of Starbuck's yummy breakfast pastries. Along with eating doughnuts we spent some time walking along Pike Place Market where we saw fish thrown and some beautiful flowers that my mom insisted on carrying with her the entire two week trip. For fourth of July we went to dinner and then made our way to the movie theatre where there was aproximetly four other people in the theatre with us; two of these people decided to spill their soda and allow it to drench mine and my sister's purses.. zero fun with 85% grossness. We saw this amazing museum dedicated to music and guitars and went to the top of the space needle. What was the highlight of this trip you may ask? Well, dear blogging world, we went on a tour ... a DUCK tour. Yes, now, you may call me crazy, but it was a car that turned into a boat... magic! Our guide, who claimed his name as CAPTAIN CHAOS, drove us on land and through water while yelling and singing and dancing, there was lots of dancing. We also had duck horns - they quacked.

Alaska Alaska Alaska - It was amazing! I got to catch up on sleep, do pilates with the family, eat halibut, salmon, steak, crab, lobster, desserts two at a time, ... it was too much! I caught up on some books I had been wanting to read and caught up on some sleep. I learned from my sister that each person has something called a "Sleep Debt". I think I owed my body much rest and relaxation; i think i still owe my body a pedicure :)

We stopped in Juno where we took a helicopter to the top of a glacier and climbed around. It was pretty much the coolest thing I HAVE EVER DONE! Actually I just decided to award myself three extra "cool" points because I went up on the scale for sure! Our next stop was in Sitka ... lets just say we saw some dancing... ummm maybe we shouldn't call it dancing. Let me think a minute .... Ok bloggers, my experience shall be called "mid life crisis women trying to keep rhythm while attaining some sort of life long fantasy of lighting up the stage while dressed as men". Yes that might give you insight to our experience. Thank You Sitka - The Lang Family's lives are now complete because of you! Our last stop in Alaska was to Ketchican (That's not how you spell it I'm sure but oh well). I'll tell it to you straight: MY FAMILY LIED TO ME! Yes! they all did; everyone but Katy knew that we were doing this Zip Line that went 140 feet in the air! So i was told we were doing a "Jungle Hike". I quickly figured out this was not just any hike. I survived and I have a shirt to prove it. I actually did have a great time and I'm glad I was pushed to do it. Our last stop was in Victoria, Canada where we visited the Butshard Gardens. It was really beautiful but really packed. We got some ice cream and made friends with the people on our bus. we bonded as the bus drived talked for an hour straight... BOTH WAYS! I asked him once top turn down the volume for fear our my ear drums and even then he was reluctant. We survived though and arrived safely back to the ship.

Overall, It was amazing to get away and spend time in new waters and lands. I would like to give special thanks to my personal guinea pig sitter for taking such great care of my Pearl, my brother and sister for putting up with my sleep yelling habits and to my parents for the good memories and laughs we had. Oh yes, and not to forget you bloggers out there ... Just keep on bloggin!

Alaska

I'm not entirely sure as to whom I should address this post to ... mainly due to the fact that I don't think anyone has ever read my blog. But if you are reading, Hello and welcome to my blog.

I am off to Alaska tomorrow! My family and I will be leaving from Seattle, Washington to cruise to Alaska. I will be back on July 14th but if there is internet I might be able to post about my many adventures of ice and cold and eskimos!

Good bye Bloggers! Hope the ship doesn't sink!

Blogging about Blogging

Hello Blogging World!

This is my first blog EVER!!! (...to be said dramatically as a 12 year old, teenage wanna be would say with an added valley girl flair)! Right now I am sitting in my new apartment in my room. I can hear some girls outside my window talking about some serious stuff... they are saying "seriously, like what were they thinking" more times than i think humanly possible. This apartment has brought many laughs and interesting moments... we have enjoyed "borrowing" internet from a friendly neighbor entitled "FEFOTS". We commonly refer to it as "The Fef" (pronounced Fafe). We won't have to rely on him much longer; the COX man is coming tomorrow! We also have a lady that likes to sing ... she must live below our kitchen; I am sometimes blessed with the squels, I mean songs, rising up through our sink.

I was out on our porch tonight and thought to myself ... "self, I would like to have a camp out here one night". So if anyone is up for a tent and maybe some smores you should contact me immediately. I know you may be thinking, Katy, how big can your porch be? All I can say: these apartments do not mess around with thier porches. They are very generous in size.

Well, that's all I got for now. Nothing very profound or funny ... oh, I will have to blog on the "being funny" thing later. For my first blog this was a bit of a ramble but I'll immprove on my blogging skills as i grow into a real Blogger Master!

Good Night Blogging World! I wish you the best of Blogs!