a fresh, unedited start

listening to: "on the wing" by Owl City.

quote love: "the sea was calm, with a fresh wind blowing from the south-east;they sailed under a sky of azure where God was also lighting up His lanterns, each one of which is a world." 

~ The Count of Monte Cristo

{this post is going to have no editing....just me typing whatever comes to mind. Enjoy ;)}

I been feeling so tired lately. It's a good tired, but still....my body aches every time I move. It could be from all the piggy-back rides I've given while babysitting. Or from helping kids at gymnastics camp learn how to do walkovers. Of course, it's probably just from soccer practice last night. *laughs*

I've been feeling so happy lately. My past week or so has been filled with kids, soccer, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Babysitting is seriously the best job on the face of the earth. It pays well, little kids are hilarious, and I get free snacks......which is totally awesome. My soccer team is finally starting to feel more like home. The girls are becoming more outgoing, which is really comforting. I'm about halfway through TCMC, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how good it is! There are so many awesome quotes, like the one above. I love the beauty of Dumas' writing!

I've been feeling so stressed lately. Classes will start up soon, and this year is going to be crazy. Just thinking about it makes me sick with worry. *groans* I'll get through it somehow, I suppose. It seems like everywhere I turn, someone I know or love needs urgent prayer. And when all I can do is pray, I feel rather helpless. I'm kind of a control-freak, and I like being able to do something. But for things like cancer......all I can do is leave it in God's hands. 

I've been feeling so excited lately. Today, an earthquake hit where I live! Which is totally and utterly crazy, 'cause we don't really get earthquakes here on the East Coast. I need a t-shirt that says, "I survived the earthquake of 2011." My church got a new pastor, and so we've been getting used to him and his family. He has three daughters close to my age, and they are so awesome! For the past eight years they've been missionaries in Uganda, which means plenty of interesting stories to share. 

I've been feeling so restless lately. With the air outside slowly turning crisp, my heart is desiring to go somewhere new and exciting. Mostly Europe, but right now I would take any place that I haven't visited before. Why can't I have family somewhere in New York City or South Carolina? I could really use a break from everyday life.

I've been feeling like myself lately. And it is quite nice, just being myself. No more pretending that everything is okay, or that I live a perfect life; no more editing out all the 'bad' or 'boring' stuff. Just me, my thoughts, my dreams, my worries. I do hope you'll join me as I learn more about me and God's desire for my life.

linking up to the challenge over at Dramatic Elegance, hosted by Rachel.

just a few things worth obsessing over :)

Stepping off the pedal of blogger-craziness has opened my time up immensely. The following things are what have moved in to make my life crazy again. ;) 

1. Ah, Dr. Wile. That dreaded subject called chemistry has finally come upon me. Though I really don't think I'm going to like this subject very much, I'm determined to get through it with a smile. 'Course, Mrs. Scott and my fellow students should make it, er.....interesting. *wink wink*

2 .I think I've actually jumped on the Harry Potter bandwagon! I've been tearing through the books like crazy. Oh my word, they're so good. (: Yes, there's magic, yes there are wizards/witches, and yes the last few books are a bit dark.....but the characters are hilarious and the plot lines are really interesting. J.K. Rowling has such a creative mind!

3. Barclay's Premier League soccer started yesterday!!!! It's been a long summer without my English soccer, so I'm ecstatic that it is back. Go Man U!!!!!

4. Another book for school, The Count of Monte Cristo. I was surprised to see how many times Alexandre Dumas mentions God, just in the first few chapters!!! That's the highlight.....but I've never been one for revenge stories, so it's not my most favorite classic.

5. hehe......that picture cracks me up. =D The sixth season of Psych is on this October, and my family is doing our best to hurry through all the other seasons. Still missing Season Five.....grrrrrrrr!!!!! Anyways, I think Shawn and Juliet make a wonderful couple....if they ever get together. ;)

And there's my obsession post. oooh, one more thing:

"Can you hold me together/cause without You/holding my heart/I'm falling apart."

a weekend checklist

Ride on a school bus for four hours? check

Win the State championship with the private school I'm playing for? check

Fall in love with this song? check
 
Have a sudden yearning to be six years old again? check

Sing Sadie Hawkins Dance with my teammates? check

Attend my community day and get a heart painted on my cheek? check

Survive the world ending, and have a good laugh about the absurdity of it all? check

Sleep on the floor of a moving school bus? check

Go swimming in a hotel pool and wish my neighborhood one was open? check

Get prank-called by a friend? check

Love the way my hair looks in two French-braids? check

 Be thankful for Christian friends? check

Mourn over the ending of my co-op? check

Find a country song that I actually want to buy? check

Have a seriously real, seriously scary, dream? check

Find out that my favorite teacher actually watches my favorite television show? check

Have a sudden urge to watch all the Harry Potter movies? check

Realize I have a seriously bad soccer tan? check

Find this epic quote? check

crazy, but fun weekend for me. As I'm sure you can tell. *wink wink*

love always,
~Lily

"Bloom where you're planted"

^^^^That saying has kinda been my motto lately. Things don't always go our way, and we aren't always where we want to be. But, we have be thankful for where we are and keep on going.

So I play soccer, right? And for past, say, three or four years, I've been a defender. I seriously love that position. I just get this rush as I'm chasing down a forward, wait for the right moment and just as she's about to cross it----I stick her {if that didn't make sense, don't worry 'bout it....I'm slightly weird in that aspect ;)}.

But then some things got changed around, and for the past few months I've been playing midfield. Which isn't the worst position in the world....but it's not my favorite either. Sometimes during games I look behind me and think, "Wow, I can't believe I used to be center-defender" or, "Wow, I wish I could be back there again."

See, I'm kind of a control freak. And on defense, I could see the whole field and make sure everyone was marked up, shout directions, and basically control the team. But in midfield, there's so much going on that I never have time to direct or anything. I hate losing that 'power', and having not being able to take control of the team again.

I've talked numerous times about this with my parents, and they both think that I'm broadening my playing horizons by playing  midfield. I try to look at it that way too.....but sometimes, I just want to stamp my foot and shout, "But it's not where I want to play!"

Yeah...like this kid. *snorts*

I ask God over and over, "Father, why can't I be back on defense? I love it there so much!" 

As of yet, I still haven't gotten a super clear answer. And it does make me kind of sad, seeing the other defenders get applauded for their defensive work. Don't get me wrong---my team has some of the best defenders I know. They all work so hard, and I'm really proud of them.

It's just that I think I play better on defense, not midfield.

'Course, this isn't all about me. And my coach believes I can best serve my team in midfield. I'm not arguing at all, since he is my coach. And he's doing what's best for the team.

*sighs* So, for right now, all I can do is pray, play hard, and serve my team as best I can. 

Bloom where you're planted......or, play where you're assigned.

 I guess that's all I can do right now. Play my best, and wait it out. 

 Still hoping to be back on defense, though. (:

Thanks for putting up with my rant, friends. It really feels good to write this all down. *exasperated sigh*

Love ya,

Because I have nothing else better to do....well, other than homework *shuffles feet*

Hosted by Jo March at Scraps From My Workbasket

Date... March 5, 2011

Starting time...1:40 pm
Mood...hungry and kinda tired
Outside my window.....clouds, trees just starting to bud, and houses.
I'm thinking.....that Arsenal needs to score, I want some macaroni and cheese, and youth gorup last night was really fun.
I'm currently reading......well, I'm about to start Sinner by Ted Dekker.
I'm listening to.....English commentators from the Arsenal game and my tummy growling.
I'm wearing.....slim {not skinny} jeans, black socks, and a yellow shirt.
I'm looking forward to.....church tomorrow, and SPRING!!!!
I'm hoping......Arsenal and Man United win, I get all my work done today, and that the weather stays warm.
Yesterday, I.....did school, took dinner to my science teacher {recovering from heart surgery} and went to youth group with Emily.
I'm hungry for......doughnuts, soda, macaroni, and Girl Scout cookies.
The song stuck inside my head is......Getting Into You by Relient K
I love......sunshine, singing hymns with friends, playing tag in the dark, and being alone.
I loathe......spiders, snakes, being famished, and having braces.
This week, my goal is......be loving and kind to my family
Did I meet last week's goal?.......well, since I didn't have one last week, I'll just say yes. ;)
Ending time.......1:47


Enjoy your Saturday, my friends!!!

Day 13: I really hate the phrase 'guilty pleasure'....just saying

Yeah, for some reason this phrase really gets on my nerves. I guess it's because, as Christians, we shouldn't partake in anything that makes us guilty.....but whatever. So, just to be annoying different, I'm calling this day:

Day Thirteen: Something you do that makes you happy

Sitting on the couch, eating and drinking this....

While watching either these guys,

Or these guys play. (:

Okay, so this may seem a little weird...but hey, I'm a soccer player and I love watching the pros. Especially if the game includes Jack Wilshere or Nemanja Vidic.......they're pretty much amazing. *giggles*

Your soccer-crazy-blogger,

Wait a minute....did you just say '11?!?

Oh. My. Word.

Today is December 29th, yes? Which means that New Year's Eve is Friday? Which means that.....nah, the first of 2011 could not be on Saturday.

Could it?

Hehe, I was just fooling with you guys. (: But seriously: where has this year gone? It seems like just yesterday I was watching the Winter Olympics with my family, cheering on the USA at the World Cup, laughing with friends at camp, and being sooooo scared to start French!

Now, here we are, at the end of another year. And this year has gone by faster than any other. I cannot really explain why. It could be because I'm getting older. Or maybe it has something to do with what a fun-filled year 2010 was!!!
But, mostly, I'm thinking it had something to do {for me, personally} with Mom-mom's passing. After she died {on New Year's Day} it kind of seemed like the days and weeks just flew by. I believe that was mostly me, trying to will myself as far from that day as I could. Perhaps it worked......or perhaps it didn't. After all, we're right back to New Year's! It's almost been a whole year since she went to be with Jesus. And I don't miss her any less.
But knowing that she is in Heaven, surrounded by people she loves, does lessen the pain and the tears. I will always miss her, but I know she is waiting for my entrance in to Zion.

When I look back on 2010, I don't just see us losing Mom-mom.
 I see the Vancouver Winter Olympics, where American athletes made me feel proud to be an American.
I see myself starting this blog, never expecting to meet so many wonderful and uplifting friends.
I see myself at World Views camp, scared stiff to go witnessing. I can still recall sitting beside the 'bonfire' and singing hymns.
I see the World Cup, where the U.S. men's team worked so hard to make it to the Round of 16. I see Spain {eventually} winning that Cup, and feeling a bit sad that it was all over.
I see myself at Messiah soccer camp, making new friends and renewing bonds with old ones. Despite the heat {and rain} it was a week to remember.
I see myself walking in to my co-op, scared to death about starting French 1. I can see myself sitting in Physical Science, missing some of my old friends from last year,  not realizing that in a few short weeks I would be great friends with some new kids.
I see my 15th birthday, and how wonderful it was. I see Thanksgiving, our first without Mom-mom. Then came Christmas, a joyous occasion. I see all the presents opened, and my family laughing and talking about old times.

And here I am, writing this blog post, making my own history. Here's to 2011.....may it be a wonderful year, for everyone.

~Lily

I love you, a bushel and a peck

Five Things I'm Lovin' Right Now

1. Jesus (:

2. French Fries

3. Molecules and Atoms  (kinda random, I know)

4. The fact that I'm a girl

5. And this picture:

Messiah soccer game


What are *you* lovin' right now?

Pages from my journal

October 20, 2009 11:15 AM Tuesday
The weather has turned pretty chilly. Dad said that for sure now we will be in Divisoin 1 next year!!! We are way ahead of everyone else so far. We are also undefeated for the first time in a while.

October 22, 2009 9:59 AM Thursday
The weather was rather warm yesterday. Weird. I've been 14 for over a week now. I odn't feel that different. I wonder when I'll feel different. or if I'll even feel different!! I'm sure, as time goes on, I'll start changing. I've made quite a few friends at my classes. Josh, Lance, and Robert are all in biology and Composition II with me and Emily. We all laugh a lot. Then Jonny and Sarah are in Composition and Public Speaking with us. Sarah is so sweet. She's a senior, so she won't be back next year. )= I'll have to get her email so we can stay in touch.

Otober 29, 2009 9:11 AM Thursday
Oh, I hope it doesn't rain again! Even though I love rainy days, it's getting in the way of soccer. The Phillies won Game 1 of the World Series! They play the Yankees. *evil grin* Not too much to write about oday, other than I found the perfect pair of casual boots for me! Only one problem: They're $149!!!! Since they're from L.L. Bean, they will last forever, but it's way too much money right now. I'd rather have an iPod.

November 2, 2009 12:00 PM Monday
Such a beautiful day! Finally all the rain and clouds are gone. Last night, I poppd a bracket of my braces! I was eating M&M's, and it popped off! Thankfully, Dr. Joe was able to fix it. Thanksgiving will be here soon! And this weekend is the Raleigh tournament! I'm a little nervous, sinc ewe'll be playing teams from all over the East Coast. But we are a good team, and I have faith in my teammates. Big news: Gretchen is coming back! She left the team 2 years ago, and now is rejoining us! I'm so glad. :)

November 3, 2009 9:50 AM Tuesday
I've noticed, as I'm becoming a teenager, that my wants come in ewaves. Like, just a few months agao, I was dying to get a Facebook account. Just a few weeks ago I really wanted some Converse All Stars. And now I'm craving a Nano. I still want a Facebook acount, but not as badly. I still like All Stars, but I don't crave them. And (obviously) I still want a Nano. I just think it's funny how wants  and desires come and go.


That certainly was not a usual post, but I found one of my old journals and thought I'd put these entries in. Nothing too personal, but it's always fun to look back and see what I wanted, what I was talking about, and what was going on!!

Yours always,



P.S. What did you think of this kind of post? I was thinking of doing more like it........please tell me what you think!

A little late------but better than never!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'The One I'm Waiting For' by Relient K

Highlight of my week: Having Manchester United beat Newcastle United

Gotta frame it:

Sammy's first night home. So cute!

My lesson for the week: After bouncing on a trampoline for like 30 minutes, your legs still feel like they're bouncing. Even on solid ground. =)

This about sums up my week: Pretty awesome!!!

I'll remember it forever: Having Abby Wambach say hi to me and getting to meet Cat Whitehill.

Psalm of the week:

Yet he was merciful;
he forgave their iniquities
and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger
and did not stir up his full wrath.
He remembered that they were but flesh,
a passing breeze that does not return.Psalm 78:38-39

Sorry that my recap is a little late-----I had a sleepover at my friend Brittany's house! It was very fun, and it was great to see her again.

Hope the rest of your weekend goes smoothly!

Love,

A special Saturday....

Yesterday was a great day, aside from me feeling sick. That was bad. But the rest of my Saturday was terrific!

I had pretty much the whole morning to myself. Mom and Owen were at gymnastics, and Dad and Aiden had scrimmages. So I stayed on the couch and watched Barcley's English Premier League soccer games!!! So glad the season has finally started!
That took up my morning, then everyone got home. I was still feeling pretty sick, so I stayed on the couch and watched more EPL soccer!

As I have said before, watching soccer is one of my favorite things to do.

Then we had fajitas for dinner, with fresh red and green peppers from our local farmer's market. Yummo!
After dinner, Aiden and Dad went to rent a movie from Blockbuster (we were all in the mood for something new to watch).

When they came back (about an hour later) they had not one, but six movies with them!
They had bought the Pink Panther and the Pink Panther 2, along with Inkheart and Nancy Drew! They had also rented Castaway and the Blind Side.

So we settled down to watch some movies! I really wanted to watch the Blind Side, since we had not seen it yet (yes, I know we are way behind in our movie watching) but everyone else wanted Inkheart. So we went with that.

I normally don't ever say this about a movie based on a book, but the movie is extremely better than the book. Sorry Cornelia Funke, but Inkheart just went on for too long. The movie summed everything up better, and I preferred the characters from the movie to the book.
With that over, I can move on to the Blind Side.


I knew even before we watched it that Mom would be crying during this movie. All the feedback from our friends had been good, but sad. And the first scene definitely portrayed sadness: Lawrence Taylor breaking Joe Theismann's leg.
I had no intention of looking. I don't do so well with body parts going ways they should not, so I turned away. I don't see why they had to play that scene over and over! Seriously, isn't once enough? But they were trying to make a point--------and I am certain they succeeded.

After that, the movie was great. It amazed me how quickly the neighborhoods changed in Memphis: one mile, you're in the rundown, crowded neighborhoods. The next, beautiful mansions with pristine landscaping.

A thing that stood out to me was how ignorant the richer people of Memphis were of the poorer section. I mean, poor Michael was sleeping in the gym, and no one seemed to notice or care?
It was a good reminder for me that poverty is not just in far off places like Ethiopia and Haiti, but also right here in America, right on the other sides of our towns and cities. Kids with not enough to eat, people with nowhere to sleep at night. Michael Oher's story truly is a miraculous one.

One thing I liked was how the movie portrayed the love and sincerity the Tuohy family showed to Michael, once they got to know him. He wasn't just a poor kid from the streets, he was part of their family. Once Collins realized that, she wasn't embarrassed to acknowledge Michael as her brother, even at school. Of course, S.J. was just the ideal little brother: A know-it-all, funny, loving, and goofy little guy. And Leigh-Anne loved Michael right off the bat. Sean took a little longer, but eventually he came to know Michael as his son too.

One of the best moments (in my opinion) was when Leigh-Anne is showing Michael his new room and she's talking about the futon and such. Michael says, "I've never had one of my own before." Leigh-Anne grins and says, "What? Your own room?" Michael, his face serious, shakes his head and says, "A bed." Leigh-Anne is silent for a few moments, obviously trying to process what he had just said. Finally, she replies simply, "Well, now you do." Then she walks out.
Leigh-Anne realizes that her world, full of expensive designer furniture, big houses, and overpriced luncheons is not what everyone experiences. Some, like Michael, don't even have a bed to sleep in.

I also liked when Leigh-Anne helped Michael learn how to tackle properly and why he should. Just as when he put his arm out to stop the airbag from hitting S.J., she says, he should keep the other team from getting to his quarterback. After it's put in to those terms, Michael does what he's supposed to do: protect his quarterback.

There are so many more things I could write about this movie. Sandra Bullock truly embraced the role of Leigh-Anne Tuohy, and brought her to life on the big screen. Sandra certainly deserved the Academy Award she received for that role.

And now, I'm going to rest. I still feel pretty sick----pray that is nothing serious and that I recover quickly!

Love always,

Finally Friday!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'Be My Escape' by Relient K

Highlight of my week: Lunch-time at soccer camp!!!

Gotta frame it:

Owen and me at least five years ago. Gotta love the 'war paint' on his face!

My lesson for the week: Even when it is cloudy outside, your shoulders can still get very bad sunburn.

This about sums up my week: Exhausting, but fun

I'll remember it forever: The great week of soccer camp!

Psalm of the week:

My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:2-1

Ah, it's good to be doing my recaps again! The past few weeks have been just too exhausting and crazy for me----but I'm back on track now!!!

Love,

It's been a while........

Goodness, it feels like forever since I last posted!!! Messiah camp was fantastic. I always love going up and learning from the players and Coach Frey ( a bit of trivia: Coach Frey and I share the same birthday :). I was already exhausted from last week, and now this week my team is in our club's team camp! YIKES! Talk about exhaustion----I've had zero time (until now) to post about anything.

So, since I'm super tired and don't really feel like putting in too much effort into anything (especially a post) I'll just share a few things that I love doing.

My Top Ten Favorite Things To Do

1.Finding and eating jelly beans left over from Easter.
2.Turning on the radio just as my favorite song is coming on.
3.Being home alone, just watching a soccer game on television with a Sprite and a can of Pringles.
4.Finding a great piece of clothing, getting to the register and realizing IT IS ON SALE!!!!!
5.Having a family get-together for any reason!
6.Playing pick-up soccer on a freezing cold day with my friends.
7.Going outside on a crisp autumn day in my favorite jeans, favorite sweatshirt, favorite shoes, and going to a Messiah game.
8.Watching a great movie (i.e., Remember the Titans, Hoosiers) with my family.
9.Being in Disney World at night, with the fireworks and music and my family.
10. Singing hymns at church and at World Views camp, with people I really care about close by.


So yeah, not a traditional post but I felt like sharing these things with you. =D I guess you now see (as if you couldn't tell before!) that I am a very random person. I am so glad that I finally have somewhere to put these random thoughts!!!

Love,

Friday is here!!!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'Get Back Up' by TobyMac

Highlight of my week: Babysitting my awesome cousins!

Gotta frame it: Doesn't this cloud look like a strand of DNA???? I took this a while ago when I took Sammy for a walk.

My lesson for the week: A grilled cheese sandwhich burns a lot faster on an electric stovetop than it does on a gas stovetop.

This about sums up my week: Kinda hectic

I'll remember it forever: Spain winning the World Cup!

Psalm of the week:

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and I will walk in your truth;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear your name.

Psalm 86:11

Well, I leave on Sunday for World Views camp *excited jump* so I won't be posting at all until at least next Saturday!

Have a great week, and be sure to stay cool!

Love,

Fantastical Friday (on Thursday! =D)

My recap is a bit early this week, 'cause my family is heading to Williamsburg for Independence Day!!!!

Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to thank anyone you meet this weekend who is in the military for their service

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: A tie between, 'Light Up the Sky' by the Afters or 'Undone' by FFH

Gotta frame it:
At a Awakening Fest last year, my friend made this heart on the graffiti wall. It rained during the whole festival, so the spray paint kind of dripped. Doesn't it look cool though?

My lesson of the week: Being the second-best (or first!) tennis player in the world doesn't guarantee a win during Wimbledon

This about sums up my week: Interesting :)

I'll remember it forever: The USA national soccer team *sniff* losing to Ghana

Psalm of the week:

But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:5-6

Love,

Soccer players' hairstyles

I'm still *sniff* trying to recover from the USA loss to Ghana-------so this post will be very short.

Just wanted to share another gallery of hilarious pictures from the World Cup. Enjoy.

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/The-most-entertaining-hair-of-the-2010-World-Cup?urn=sow,251738

Personally, I think Messi and Bendter's hairstyles are actually kind of cool.
Annoying, but cool.

Love,

The World's Reaction to Landon Donovan's Game Winning Goal

Just when you think that soccer isn't important to Americans......................................
Gotta check this out.

USA!USA!USA!USA!USA!
We will go.......................all...............................the..........................WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I got this great idea from Hope at fourtwelve-hope.blogspot.com/------- A weekly recap!



Every Friday I'll do a recap, so you can get a feel for what my week was like! Enjoy!

My Weekly Recap

It's stuck in my head: 'Blink' by Revive

Gotta frame it:

I learned my lesson: A tennis match can go on for more than one day!

This about sums up my week: HOT!!!!!!!

I'll remember it forever: The USA national soccer team defeating Algeria in the World Cup!!!!

Psalm of the week: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stonghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10

And there is my week! I enjoyed coming up with these answers and can't wait until next week!!!

Have a great weekend,

A special celebration-----and a sad defeat

Let me begin this post by painting a picture for you.
The time is about 10 pm, local time. The place--Durban, South Africa. The scene is set with 22 players.
Their battle has been long and grueling. The players are tired, but their fight is almost over. Both sides have been evenly matched the entire show.
A three-minute warning is shown. The players, all desiring a victory, push themselves harder.
Then, suddenly, a shrieking whistle pierces the air. The soccer stadium in Durban is a swarm of differing emotions.
On one side, 11 men show despair. Some of them throw their arms up in dismay. Others throw themselves to the ground, agony clear on their faces.
Their opponents show different emotions. Jumping up and down as a group, they relish in their victory. After a few jumps, two players separate themselves from the throng. They clasp hands, kneel, and bow their heads. A moment later, a few comrades join them. They all form a circle, drape their arms around each other's shoulders, and continue their prayer of thankfulness. The chaos surrounding them cannot penetrate their quiet circle of prayer.

This little scene is the ending of the World Cup game between South Korea and Nigeria yesterday.
In the picture above, you can see the emotion I described to you: the players huddled together, giving thanks to God for their victory. Even though it is just a soccer game, they are glorifying God by representing their country on the sport's biggest stage.

South Korea moves on to the round of 16, but Nigeria does not. Below, you can see Park Ji-Sung, the S.K. captain, overcome with emotions of victory.

The Nigerian players are also overcome with emotions, but ones of sadness.
Alas, every team has its good days and its bad days. This was South Korea's good day: They made their first second-round placement on foreign soil, ever! Good day for them!

Not so much for Nigeria. Another African team was ejected from the World Cup. It's always sad to see teams go home, but especially for Nigeria: The World Cup is taking place on their continent! Every African team was expecting to at least make it to the Second-Round. I suppose they will just have to cheer on their fellow continent-countryment (totally not a word!), Ghana, play against USA!
But that's another post for another time.

Ciao!

New design, my weekend

It was definitely time for a change around here.............enter new background! I like this one because it's funky and colorful, while my last one was rather sweet and spring-like. This one reminds me of summer.



And then, my weekend: NOTHING!



Haha, just kidding. The weekend really began Friday, when the US team played Slovenia. I was sure we would beat them rather easily, but I was wrong. By halftime, we were down 2-0. How annoying!!!!!!



But I guess there was some sort of pep talk at halftime, because then we were back on track.



Landon Donovan scored a fantastic goal to bring our hopes back up. Then, a little while later, Michael Bradley (son of the US team's coach!) scored a very nice half-volley to tie the score at 2-2.


By this time, we were sure that the US could eek out a win.

But then: time for some controversy.

Late in the game, with just a few minutes to play, a US player was fouled just outside the Slovenian box. Donovan set the ball up, prepared to deliver one of his bending balls in to the box for someone (most likely six-foot-four defender Oguchi Onyewu) to get a head on it.

What happened next will go down in the history books.

Donovan bent it in. Amid the chaos of defenders vs. forwards, Maurice Edu managed to connect with Donovan's cross. The ball deflected perfectly off his foot, past the Slovenian keeper, and in to the net.


Mom and I started screaming in joy. Then the screams turned to agony.

Edu held his head in his hands as the referee (Koman Coulibaly, from Mali) whistled the play dead.

Coulibaly was instantly surrounded by outraged US players, demanding to know why he had called back the goal.

Perhaps the referee didn't understand English. Perhaps he was a bit overwhelmed by his first job as a World Cup referee. Or perhaps he was just intimidated by the swarm of players around him.
Whatever the scenario, Coulibaly gave no reason for calling back Edu's goal. He simply gave the Slovenians a free kick and moved on.

Mom and I were frantic! What could the referee have seen that would have convinced him to call back the goal?

For the rest of the day, sports analysts tried to see the situation from Coulibaly's viewpoint. Who could he have called the foul on?

Was it Edu, trying to avoid his defender?

Or Carlos Bocenagra, attempting (rather unsuccessfully) to wriggle free of his opponent's vice-like grip?

Surely he would not have called a foul on Michael Bradley, who was practically getting mugged?

As ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas said, lots of things go on in the penalty area during a free kick. Players are shoving and pushing to get to the ball. It's part of the game.

But our players getting harassed, and we get called for the foul? Unbelievable.



There's my rant for the week. Don't worry though: WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ON WEDNESDAY!


Enjoy your weekend.

Love,