Saturday, July 31, 2004

Let's get retarded

I'm sure I'm not the first person to point this out, but I just want to get it out there.

It seems the musical quartet the Black Eyed Peas are among the many celebrity performers throwing their weight behind the Democrats. They even offered up their recent hit "Let's Get It Started" as a sort of anthem for their favorite party. Ironically enough, this song sounds eerily similar to another song off their 2003 album Elephunk entitled, "Let's Get Retarded." In fact, I think it's the same song.

Interesting music selection, Dems.

On the record

Today I conducted my first interview in over a month. Fortunately, I hadn't gotten too rusty since my stint in D.C.

My subject was Chris Shaw, the new director of Desarrollo Cristiano Internacional (Christian Leadership Development), a Latin American ministry that equips pastors with needed resources. It was a terrific interview and I walked away with some great quotes. Shaw has been the managing editor of the prestigious Spanish magazine Apuntes Pastorales for the past year, so I also got some editing tips to apply to The Echo.

My grandpa wants me to write some sort of profile/feature on Shaw for The Pulse magazine or something. I don't really know what's going on, but I'll write it.

In completely unrelated news, I heard an AWESOME remix of A Perfect Circle's "Weak and Powerless" on 103 today. It's a sad, honest song and the remix sounds amazing. I liked it before, but this version has a sweet, almost acoustic feel. I can't put my finger on it.

" I'm so weak and powerless over you."

The Village: A Review

Last night, I saw The Village. While I suppose some people didn't like the film, I quite enjoyed it.

If you're looking for a slasher/thriller, don't come to The Village. You won't find what you seek. Instead, you'll be sucked into a passionate love story that defies the senses.

The Village is about the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones from harm. It reveals the depths of human depravity and the danger of misplaced love.

At one point, a character says something to the effect of "money is the root of all evil." In actuality, it is the love of money (or other vices) that leads to ruin. When one character does something out of "love" for a woman, he commits the ultimate crime.

The Village in no way endorses overprotection. If anything, it reveals the dangers of such a life. Running away from the modern world did not shield them from pain. In many ways, it made the ache worse. 7/10

Friday, July 30, 2004

The Film Crew rocks my face off

My brother just introduced me to The Film Crew. Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphey and Bill Corbett (all of MST 3K fame) review movies and hilarity ensues. I've added the link to my sidebar, so you can visit again and again. Try it, you'll like it.

Tradition!

Last night, I went to Fiddler on the Roof with Polk and my fam. It was showing at Lincoln Amphitheater in Lincoln State Park, alternating with my childhood favorite, Young Abe Lincoln.

The performance was beyond phenomenal. Tevye was absolute genius and totally stole the show. The dancing was terrific and the music gave me chills. Damn, I love that musical!

I think the caliber of Lincoln's performances are on par with some of the greatest theaters internationally. I've seen a lot of shows in several venues across the country and I'm hard pressed to find any greater than Lincoln. It's crazy that such theatrical excellence exists in the middle of the woods in southern Indiana. I love it.

"Playing with matches a girl can get burned."

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Philosophic ramblings

"A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater. I think that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke." - Soren Kierkegaard, Either/Or
 
"I saw the meaning of life was getting a livelihood, its goal acquiring a titular office, that love's rich desire was getting hold of a well-to-do girl, that the blessedness of friendship was to help one another in financial embarrassment, that wisdom was what the majority assumed it to be, that enthusiasm was to make a speech, that courage was to risk losing ten dollars, that cordiality consisted of saying 'You're welcome,' after a dinner, that fear of God was to go to communion once a year. That's what I saw, and I laughed." - Soren Kierkegaard, Either/Or

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

18 hours in Jellico, TN



My brother, Nate, my mom and I sit outside of a gas station in Jellico, TN after the transmission dies in our Ford Explorer. My grandparents had to drive 305.27 miles to pick us up. We spent 18 hours in that little town and I don't fancy going back anytime soon.

Home

Ethan Daly once said if he could choose the color of carpet for his heavenly mansion, he'd choose chartreuse. Every once in a while during the past few months I've come to the tragic realization that I won't have any classes with Ethan next year. I'm going to lose all my quote material for my AIM away messages!!! BAH!

But Mr. Daly is not the real topic of this post.

When most people think of their "dream house," they think of mansions. They want huge, expensive houses in which to accumulate stuff. While I can't say none of that interests me at all, I'd much rather dream of a log cabin.

I don't really know why I love log cabins. Maybe it's because they're so simple and cozy and personal. When you live in a cabin, the world around you becomes your own and you become a part of it. All you need to do to escape into nature is go outside.

I also like to live in inner-city apartments, I guess for the opposite reasons. When I lived in D.C., we stepped out of our door and greeted the essence of humanity. It wasn't always pretty, but it was REAL. All night we'd hear police sirens and trucks. It actually became a sort of lullaby. I loved walking down the street with my key in my hand and climbing up four flights to stairs to the room I shared with Simone (I miss Simone). Everything was within walking distance. The city was ours.

The only place I don't particularly like to live is the suburbs, which is funny, since that's where I've spent most of my life. I hate being dependent on a car to get out and experience the world. I hate seeing opulence wasted on a people so consumed with getting "more."

Skip the chartreuse carpet, God. I'll take a simple log cabin.

Saturday, July 24, 2004

Mmmm... Smokey

Good morning! I'm off to the Great Smokey Mountains for some hiking and family time. Whoo hoo. I'll be back on Tuesday. Until then, party on.

Thursday, July 22, 2004

SUPER SIZE ME!

I finally got to see it, the documentary event of the year. No, not Fahrenheit 9/11. I'm talking Super Size Me.

I've been wanting to see this movie since it came out in regular theaters. I tried to check it out while I was in D.C., but ended up putting human relationships before movies and never made it out.

The documentary lived up to my expectations, which were pretty high to begin with. I now feel further enlightened about the obesity epidemic plaguing our nation. Did you know more children recognize Ronald McDonald than Jesus Christ?

The whole American weight struggle makes me sick. I mean one group of people intentionally starves themselves while another group gorges themselves on high calorie foods. After traveling internationally, I just have to shake my head at this American crisis. In church on Sunday, Dave Jones cited the statistic that 4/5 of the world's population lives below what the USA and Europe consider the poverty line. I don't think we should feel guilty about having such abundance, but we should feel guilty about our blatant misuse of that abundance. We have been blessed! Are we being good stewards of this blessing?

Congratulations... on your divorce???

I went to Hallmark with my grandma today to help her find some cards. She wanted a graduation card for my mom, so I headed over to the congratulations section. They actually have cards now specifically for divorces. One was a divorce announcement. The other was more of a congratulations card. Sick.

It was like, I just heard about your divorce and I'm wishing you many happy tomorrows. Bull. I was beyond disgusted. I can't imagine anyone sending something like that. As our beloved Mike Row would say, we live in a fallen world.

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Roll out the red carpet!

Blake Morales just called to inform me of our upcoming movie premiere. What will I wear?

See, over spring break, Blake called to see if I would like to be in his family's most recent cinematic endeavor. Having nothing else to do, I signed on. I spent 14 hours in Oak Hill Evangelical Free Church that day playing a CIA operative. Random, but fun. I hate to say this, but I didn't really expect anything to come out of it.

Now the film is through editing and ready for the "big screen." The Morales clan and friends have planned some sort of party for the maiden viewing. I'm a little excited, but I'm also scared.

I don't really want to watch myself or hear my voice on film, but I guess that's the price I pay. I should have known they'd follow through.

No man is an island

"We cannot separate ourselves from anything in the universe.  Not from other creatures.  Not from each other." -- A House Like a Lotus, Madeleine L'Engle

13 Going on 30

Last night my mom and I went out to the South theater to see 13 Going on 30.  We had free tickets and I had to see the movie that made Tiffany Johnson re-evaluate her life.  I didn't re-evaluate my life, but it was a decent flick.

While I've seen several reviews comparing this movie to Big, it's not the same movie.  I must admit I've never seen Big in it's entirity, but from what I understand Tom Hanks' character just gets an adult body.  Jennifer Garner's character travels through time.  Instead of learning to cope with being "big," Garner must cope with the awful person she's become due to the selfish decisions she made at 13. 

I can relate to this.  As a child, I epitomized the word "brat."  I don't know how anyone lived with me.  Although I'd like to think I've outgrown this trait, I sometimes catch myself slipping into a childlike tantrums.  I don't like it when things don't go my way, but I ought to know by now that's the way of the world.  It's one of the many things God is teaching me as I stubbornly rail against him.  Slowly, he's refining my character as I struggle to live out my faith. 

So maybe I did re-evaluate my life.  What do you know? 

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Congrats Alicia!

My favorite PA (the Taylor version of RA), Alicia, just got engaged!!!  She's been dating this guy for 4 years and they're getting married after she grads, so it's nothing crazy.  In fact, it's way exciting. 

Alicia's just a beautiful, classy woman, although she's the size of a cornflake.  I'm serious, she's small.  Anyway, I got to know her in astronomy over J-term where we suffered through Voss' eternal lectures and dreamed of one day observing the Aurora Borealis.  I'm certain she'll be happy with this guy.  I mean, here's how he proposed (in Alicia's words):

I can let you know this much... it was at a baseball game on the field, with a microphone and all, involving three people dressed in large vegetable suits and having a race, one of them being James.  It was all pretty amusing, just how I wanted it to be :) 


The case of the missing sidebar

My sidebar has been missing since yesterday and I'm a bit frustrated about it.  I didn't screw around with the HTML or anything, so I'm really confused.  I have a request in to the Blogger people, but they have yet to respond.  If anyone has any ideas (Matt, Wes or ANYONE), let me know.

Here's a picture of Kenny and I taken last week at the government church in Zhongshan. Photo creds go to Natalie, although it was taken with Kenny's sweet Canon EOS.
 Posted by Hello

It's gonna be worth it...

I was unpacking yesterday and came across a little package my friend Kenny gave me.  I hadn't opened it yet, because it was a hectic night that night and I kind of knew what it was (a burned CD).  So I opened it up and this little note falls out.  I read it and I started crying!  Kenny said he knew we hadn't talked very much, but I had ministered to him in my willingness to come back to HK and in my smile.  $2000 and jet lag hell were so worth it!!!

Monday, July 19, 2004

Happy Anniversary

My grandparents celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary yesterday by going to a bed and breakfast about an hour outside of town.  Grandpa said that Grandma beat him four times in a row at Kings in the Corner, so they had to come home.  Tee hee.
 
I know I've been dogging on couples lately, but my grandparents really help me understand what it means to be married.  They just flat out enjoy each other.  They argue sometimes, but they get through their differences.  My grandparents are two of the most important people in my life, and seeing their love for each other does something incredible for me.  It's hard to explain. 
 
In other news, my mom was not interested in the Quiznos man. He did end up calling again and asking for a date, but she said, "I don't think so."  She thought he was too desperate, and I understand completely.  It's best to forge a relationship in a real context, not in a fast food line. 
 
Ok, quick review of the new Chick-Fil-A on the East side:  A+++++++++++++.  Go eat there for your next meal.  That's not a request, it's a command. 

Doesn't really surprise me

I was reading Matt Wissman's blog when I came across this post.  He was talking about Senator's voting records on the Constitutional marriage amendment issue.  Here's an excerpt:
 
One interesting thing I noticed, was the list of Senators that didn’t vote. Yep, there are two names there: Kerry and Edwards. I would think that voting on a Constitutional Amendment would be an important enough thing for Kerry and Edwards to take a break from their all to important campaigning and go to their job (they are Senators you know, not just candidates). It seems like this shows a good deal of irresponsibility on their part. Do you really want them running the country? They can’t even go to their current job in the government.

I can't say I'm surprised.  When it comes to flipping on the issues, the Kerry camp could be the next Olympic gymnastic team.  It's a shame people are so willing to look past Kerry's faults to get G. Dubs out of the White House. 
 
I'm still deciding where I am politically.  I'm pretty sure I don't want Kerry in charge of the country, but I don't know nearly enough to make an educated decision yet.  I suppose I have until November, but I should quit putting research off.  Hmm... I need to have a nice, long talk with my favorite Poli Sci major :). 
 


Sunday, July 18, 2004

Quiznos lovin'

After church today, my mom and I went out to lunch with the Polks.  As we're standing in line, this guy behind us starts talking to my mom.  For some reason, she mentions she's single, and I guess he is, too, because he JUST CALLED HER!!!  Ha!  My mom got hit on in Quiznos!!!
 
This is way exciting for me, because I want her to find love.  She deserves it!  I just hope she doesn't think he's a freak, because I kind of get that vibe. 
 
I also wonder if she would date someone, since Nate's still at home.  I mean, she actually cares about how he and I feel (unlike some other parent I know), and wouldn't do anything to hurt us.  I hope she knows I fully support her dating. 

Saturday, July 17, 2004

As Christ loved the Church

Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word... (Ephesians 5:24-26)
I just heard that a prominent missionary and family friend left his family for another woman.  I want to scream, to throw things, to break glass jars.  I've already been crying for the last fifteen minutes.
 
It just makes me so angry to see "men of faith" like him treat their wives the way they do.  I was talking with Cliff about this the other day.  So many Christian guys I know are all about the verse in the Bible that commands wives to submit, but they ignore the second part of the passage which commands them to LOVE their wives as Christ loved the church.  Christ did NOT abandon his church in search of greener pastures.  He died for his church! 
 
When I hear news of another broken home, I lose sight of all hope in men.  It's probably not fair, because there are a few good ones out there (so I've heard), but I can never be sure.  This man, the missionary, seemed by all accounts a good husband.  And his wife is absolutely gorgeous and talented and kind... what more could he want?  If she could be cast aside so easily, what hope do I have? 
 
I want desperately to be loved in the way that God intended; however, I'm becoming more and more convinced that such love is quickly becoming extinct, if it isn't already.  Am I off base here?

Jet-lag bites

We arrived back in Evansville last night around 6 p.m.  Well, half of us did.  The rest had to go on a later flight because the flight we were supposed to be on from Chi-Town to E-ville got cancelled.  I hope everyone made it ok because it stormed pretty hard last night.
 
The flight from Hong Kong was long, turbulent, and sleepless.  I couldn't sleep, but the people on either side of me were out.  I watched Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, Starsky and Hutch, Hidalgo and 50 First Dates.  I finished my book about Marilyn Laszlo, but for some reason I couldn't stick with The Fellowship of the Ring.  I'm sure it's not Frodo's fault. :)
 
So Steven Curtis Chapman was on our plane.  He and his wife just adopted another kid from China.  Her name's Maria and she's ADORABLE.  Steve, Cliff and I talked a little about missions while waiting for the bathroom.  Right on. 
 
I couldn't stay asleep last night.  I finally went downstairs, ate some Pocky and watched Saved by the Bell.  It was one of those episodes where they're all older and it was REALLY stupid.  I was too tired to change the channel, but there wasn't anything else on anyway. 
 
Aunt Lana and the Wilmans are moving to Florida Monday morning, so we're going out to see them today.  I'm going to miss them so much!  Aunt Lana and Uncle Curt's anniversary was on Thursday.  She had a hard time, I'm sure.  That's an understatement.  I'm glad she's getting out of Indiana.  Florida will be good for her. 
 
I'm going to try and sleep again.  Here goes nothing.  

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Greetings from Hong Kong!!!

HONG KONG -- I am currently in Hong Kong and ba da ba ba ba I'm lovin' it. It's amazing how people can remember me from the last time I was here, but I suppose they don't see many white people.

So much is happening. We've had some amazing assemblies. The children of Hong Kong are just so precious! I wish I had my USB cable with me so I could post some photos, but I guess they'll have to wait. I nabbed my mom's 256 MB card in addition to my own, so I should have plenty.

The food is not nearly as bad as last time. In fact, I LOVED my lunch yesterday. I went to a really nice restaurant with 5 HK students. What a trip! But they ordered me pretty good stuff. You never know. Some of those kids are evil. Katie Hesse had to eat intestines! Muahaha.

I really love my team. I had no reason to be apprehensive about this trip. They've really welcomed me in and I've had some fabulous conversations.

As God continues to opens doors, some situations with the team have turned a little messy, so I'd appreciate continued prayer on that front. Also pray for health, sleep and unity.

Personally, I've been having some mood swings. I suppose it's part of being a woman... and being Megan. Please pray that I will be able to control myself.

Thanks so much for all the prayers. God is really moving in Hong Kong! We leave for Zhongshan on the 9th. No internet access there. Or English alphabet. Boo. Oh well.

Thursday, July 01, 2004

The Amazing Spider-Man

Polk and I saw Spider-Man 2 last night and it was pretty excellent. Definitely better than the first. Also, Andi and Tom were there and I got to catch up with them. They're SOOOOOO cute!

Joe Atkinson (The Courier and Press's film reviewer) gave Spider-Man 2 three stars, which was a total rip off. It was at least four stars. The special effects are AMAZING and the story line is fascinating. It dragged in a few areas, and, as Joe said, some of the dialogue was poorly written, but those parts were mostly Kirsten Dunst's scenes.

I can't help it... Kirsten Dunst drives me insane. I truly try to like her, but her lazy eye and braless-ness freak me out. Her voice also has this fake, condescending flavor to it that makes me want to smack her in the face.

Anyway, in spite of Kirsten, the cast is phenomenal, especially Doc Ock. I definitely recommend this show.

BYOI... Bring Your Own Ice

I've been savoring ice water. And toilet paper. They just don't have such luxuries in China.

Tomorrow, I'm heading back to China for a mission trip, but I know this go 'round will be completely different than 2002. There are less people going, it's a lot less organized and I know what to expect out of the culture. I'm not counting on culture shock, but we'll see how well I adapt. Actually, I'm really excited about this chance to re-acquaint myself with the East. Last time I went, I'd never been out on my own. I clung to other Americans and missed out on making lasting connections with the culture. I won't make that mistake again.

I still haven't raised all of my support, so I'm not quite sure what to do. I'm still going, that's a given, but somehow when I get back, I need to make money. Bah. We'll see.

After this post, I may not be blogging for a while (2 weeks). We'll see if I can get internet access over there and if the screen won't be in all Chinese characters. I'm gonna miss the English alphabet!

Anyway, keep my team in your prayers. We will spend one week in Hong Kong ministering in a school there and then we'll go across the border into Zhongshan, China with a group of eight Hong Kong students to minister and teach English. Pray that all would run smoothly, especially getting there. One of the guys is in the midst of a passport crisis and most of the other team members feel way in over our heads. It's the perfect time for God to move, because right now, we are truly inadequate.