Currently Playing They're Only Chasing Safety By Underoath see related

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I have been asked frequently, how come i don't update my xanga, because they want to know what is going on with my life. The first time it was weird, therefore i didn't really pay attention to it. A while later i had a great conversation with an awsome friend of mine, who had been asked the same thing, and we both shared some of our frustrations about the whole xanga. The bottom line question that came up was; Why do people need to read my xanga to find out what's going in my life, you think they would talk to us, call us, or at least email us. THese things are at least more personal.

It is interesting how people seem to start being more expressive and have better communications on these weblog things. Expressive to the point where people would rather say stuff here than to others or share deep feelings here than with real people. Not that i think weblogs are bad or horrible, but it's funny how sharing feelings and thoughts with basically the entire world that can acces your site, instead of sharing those feelings, thoughts, and stories with the real close people around you, in person. This leads me to ask, is this making us more social, or is it taking away our capacity to maintain authentic, real and physically present relationships?

Currently Playing Raices By Los Toros Band see related

New years begins with a spectacle of fireworks in the city of Santo Domingo. Out by the barrios the music is blasting, the people are celebrating with food, fun, drink and fellowship; thanking God for the new year, for life, and for good times. Tonight i'm spending the whole night awake as part of a tradition that i've had. i will be joined by family, and an incredible amount of friends. we will eat, tell stories, dance and watch movies until dawn, and then when the sun comes out we head to the beach, where we will spend the day chillin, bathing and having fun. Horaay for the new year, and i hope you all are having great celebrations, and to all a happy new year, and my God fill your lives with blessings this year!

Currently Playing Something to Write Home About By Get Up Kids see related

Ti's the day before christmas at the Brito home. The women are cooking in the kitchen stove (the men would volunteer, but we don't cook so well). The sun is shinning and the weather is delightfuly warm (again i boast on the warm weather). The streets are packed with cars who are doing last minute shopping, therefore i will not dare to drive today, again, cause it was very very hectic (those who've seen dominican driving would understand). Before the glorious and wonderful event of christmas occurs, i feel i should take this xanga time to thank several people that God has put in my heart. first of all i want to thank my family for their support and love through my entire life, and especially for their patience and endurance with me. I would also like to thank the Dejong family who have been like my second family both here in the DR and up there in Michigan. Another special person i would like to thank is My fioncee Allison for her love for me, her support, and for the godly woman that she is, and the blessing she brings to my life. I would also like to thank her family for their love for allison, and their hospitality and willingness to help allison and I grow and develop in our relationship.

Another couple i would like to thank is Ben and Cleo Boersma; i thank God everyday for their support, and for giving me the chance to grow in my education, therefore allowing me to grow in my relationship with Christ. I am also thankful for their support of the vision God has put in my heart for the DR. I would also like to thank Andy McDaniel and his wonderful family. Andy, Valerie, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Ben have been loving, welcoming and have treated me as if i where part of the family. I am very thankful for Andy, because he has shaped my view on ministry, family and loving others as i love myself. even though he doesn't know this, he was like a father to me in many moments, especially in some hard times i went through. I am forever endebted to you, thank you.

I would also like to thank my roomate and my friend Ben Koerssen, and my friend Heather Pastoor, for being great friends to me through both good times and hard times. even though we have had differences and struggles, i love them very much, and i'm still surprised how good of friends they have been towards me, because sometimes i haven't been very patient with them. One last group of people would love to thank, are the RUFUS kids from oakdale, thanks for being accepting, loving and kind towards me as your leader, and for sharing your lives and experiences.

I hope you all have a wonderful CHristmas!!

Currently Playing Terror State By Anti-Flag see related

sitting in the nice comfy couch in the paradise island of the Dominican Republic, watching CSI New York with spanish subtitles, meanwhile outside it is a bit cold and the rain is plentiful. That is correct, i am back home and i have taken my friend nate with me. His bags got left behind in florida on saturday, and we just got them back today (thursday), thank God that nothing was stolen or taken. Anyway nate and i are having a great time, tomorrow we will begin a series of partying events and dinners that are a part of celebrating the holidays. Dominicans like to eat and get together a lot, more than usual, with family, friends, people at work and the community. we haven't gone to the beach yet, but hopefully this weekend we will.

i have to get going now, but i hope you all have a wonderful holidays, and i hope you are enjoying your vacations.

Currently Playing Full Collapse By Thursday see related

This thanksgiving weekend i was thankful for several things. First of all i was thankful for the gift of friends, both near and from far away. I'm thankful for my friend Carmela who came to visit all the way from Iowa, and i'm thankful for the time we spent together full of laughter, fun and good conversations. I am thankful for my Fioncee Allison, i am thankful for her love for me, i am thankful for her patience, love and care for me. I am extremely thankful that i can sing her silly songs, and that i could also talk to her about really deep stuff. I'm thankful for my family abroad, i'm thankful for my family here in GR. I'm thankful for the RUFUS kids, the joy and laughter they always bring. I'm thankful for my many friends, from school, from church, and odd places.

For many things i'm very thankful, and for all of these i praise the Lord.