Half Gone Already? -- Prompt 24

This year has been truly CRAZY!
It is almost maddening when you feel how much you are growing (spiritually, mentally and socially) because of all the growing pains. Sometimes it seems easier to quit and go home, but that is a sign of cowardice, not strength. Even though this year has challenged me in a frillion ways, it has also been one of my best.
It has been awesome to be in the dorm and find a new family that always is there, even when you wish they weren't. It has been so much fun to get to know all the new people, and to get to know the old people even better. Running up and down the halls, screaming is always fun too. It's not just the girls that are my family either; the guys make up another huge part of my large Weimartian family. They are awesome to get to know as people, friends and brothers, since that's what they really are. The final part of the Weimar family is the staff. This year they are amazing. I love all of them, both new and old. I especially love the new blood running through the academy because they are learning just as much as the students. Every person in my big, nutsy family is amazing and I am so glad they are here this year.
There are so many memories packed into every day, it is hard to look back and pick just a few to give as an overview. The ones that especially come to mind are "dorm only" stories, but I will tell you they included such things as permanent markers and overdoses of sugar. As for stories that are kosher for all, I can think of many, but one in particular includes a wild goose chase of a scavenger hunt, complete with wacky, misworded clues. Oh well, we love you anyway Johnathan (although you are high on the list of those needing revenge). Banquets are fun too, sorta ... the food was good, and the entertainment was just that, VERY entertaining.
All in all this year has been amazing. I have learned so much, even though, much to my teachers' chagrin, most of it has not been scholastic. I am looking forward to another semester filled with memories and fun, and yes, growing pains.

To Share or Not to Share -- Prompt 23

Secrets are a confusing topic. One of the most important things to look for in a friend is trustworthiness, but what does that entail. Does that mean that one will never tell a secret, even if it is dangerous to keep quite? I think that a true friend will know when to talk and when to zip the lip. A true friend will only speak when they know it is necessary, not just to gossip or spoil one's reputation. I guess what I'm saying is: find out if you are really loved before you entrust your darkest secrets, or you WILL suffer the consequences of broken trust and possibly a spoiled reputation.

What Kind of Beauty -- Prompt 22

Would I rather have beauty or brains? To me, the answer is obvious; brains are much important that outer beauty. On the other hand, inner beauty (sweetness, patience, love, discerning, ect.) have an infinite value. Brains will help you rise in the business and academic world, but true inner beauty will be of the highest value in the social world.

Life is made of relationships, because of this a happy life will be backed a gorgeous character (inner beauty), but if my options are only between outer beauty and braininess, I would choose the brains, not the fading outer show.

Where We Stand -- Prompt 21

I think that God did not create man and women equal. He put man as the head of the house hold, which means man should hold the highest positions of authority (president, for example). In the past God has used female rulers to accomplish his purposes (there have been many wonderful queens of England), but it was not His original plan.

Women should be protected from extremely dangerous jobs, but many woman do not appreciate this protection. Ultimately, this is a choice that every lady must decide for herself as long as her decision does not endanger others.

The Fattening of the ... FAMILY -- Prompt 20

Thanksgiving is AWESOME! There is ABSOLUTELY nothing that compares to several long hours driving followed by several more long hours cooking. O.k., so the driving was not that great, but the cooking strange things (gumbo and sweet-potato pie anyone?) with my cousin was very fun. Soon the table is heaped with more food than could every be eaten. The men-folk continue to mosey around looking hungry and bored as the women start counting down till the cooking is over.

Besides the cooking and driving, EATING is AWESOME. Once again, I say there is nothing like gorging oneself on the twenty or so different dishes served. And after you are totally stuffed the desserts begin to arrive. Pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, lemon meragne pie... the list goes on. Once everyone is fat enough THEY could be the main course at a dinner for fifty, the nap time begins.

Now Thanksgiving naps never official begin, they just happen as one after another every seems to lose control of their eyelids. Soon the only noise that can be heard is the clashing notes of fifteen different people snoring (and of course that one faithful woman who washes all the dishes). Several hours later everyone rouses from their slumber and the families begin to find their dishes and load in the assortment of cars waiting outside. After a few more hours of driving all have arrived at their designated homes and THANKSGIVING is over.

How to Lose Interest in Three Easy Steps -- Promt 19

TV seems to dominate the lives of many people. It has an almost enchanting power as the images flash by at a furious rate. Watching eliminates the need to think or reason. Nothing is required of the watcher, only their attention. They are entertained without moving a muscle. The problem comes in when the TV is taken away and real life seems to have lost its luster. Reality has been warped to fit into a box. Since, almost everything has appeared on TV, it has cheapened its real life value. Even the wonders of nature have danced across the wide screen so many times there seems to be no point in actually experiencing the outdoors for oneself. Why go out and find life when you can get a distorted version within your home. There are many positive elements to having an instant, world-wide connection, but that is no excuse for letting the world pass you and your bag of potato chips by.