Episode II of Fortuna Kendrae (Kendra's Luck)

So, my mom got home a couple of weeks ago from her trip to Florida. She travels sometimes because of her position in Classical Conversations. Well, she had a lot of work that had accumulated over her week-long trip. The next day, she wanted to get right down to business.

That would have been much easier if her computer would turn on.

She pressed the "on" button of her laptop, and the cheerful Windows screen appeared along with the spinning mouse-arrow that's computer code for "Please-Hold-Oh-Impatient-One-Or-I-Will-Freeze-Up-For-Twenty-Minutes". Her computer's fairly new and fast, so that screen usually lasts all of seven seconds anyway. Not the case this time.

That cheerful Windows screen and Hold-On arrow continued to stare at her for minutes on end. Needless to say, ten minutes later, the screen was no longer cheerful, and neither was my mother.

She called in my dad, the family's Computer Superman (although he's not *especially* tech-savvy). I'm not really sure what they thought was wrong, but they tried all morning to get it to fix itself.

That afternoon, they moved on to looking for the computer's programming disk or something. I honestly have no idea. I think my dad explained to me why they were looking for it, but I can't remember. Maybe you geeks--I mean, computer lovers (XD just kidding) will know what the heck I'm talking about.

My dad looked ALL OVER THE HOUSE for that disk. We're a really organized family, so whenever we can't find something, it's a big deal. Major tension. My dad looked all in his and my mom's office, all upstairs, in the cabinets behind my Mom's Chair, in the unfinished part of the basement (a VERY large area), these drawers under this thing ('cause you totally know what I'm talking about there), EVERYWHERE. That stupid disk couldn't be found.

So they moved on to another solution. Don't remember what it was, but it was some kind of installment thing or something that took forEVER. It took about another whole day (so we're been trying to fix this stupid machine for two days), and the stupid thing still didn't work after that.

This lady from our church who's apparently computer-talented looked over the problem and didn't know what to do. So we called in our last resort:

COMPUTER GUY EXTRAORDINAIRE! From church. Very nice guy, very good with computers. He agreed to come the next day. So, it's now been THREE days of Tech Hell.

I wandered into my mom's office that night. She was leaning on her desk, just looking so depressed. I felt so bad for her. I went over and massaged her back a little. I sat down at her desk and glared at the stupid machine who was wreaking havoc on our family dynamic. The Windows screen was up and the arrow was spinning obliviously. Evil little creature.

Then I got this Feeling.

I sometimes get this Feeling. It's really hard to describe. It's like this happy, curious, confident, contented feeling. Like everything's all good, let me just try one thing...I usually get this feeling right before I do something weird. Good weird. Really unexpectedly-good-weird.

I cocked my head at my mom's computer, arrow still spinning. I got the Feeling and poked Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Nothing happened. I honestly didn't expect it to. My subconscious seemed to only have tried that for kicks. All the sudden I pressed F5 (refresh).

The Windows screened cleared immediately, revealing Momma's account.

I looked up at her innocently: "I think I fixed your computer, Momma."

She looked. Eyes bugged. Jaw dropped. Whoa.

F5. Who woulda thought? Not Momma. Not Daddy. Not Computer Lady. Not Techie Man.

Not even me. I just did it. Didn't mean to; didn't think about it.

The computer is still running smoothly. Ta-da. Thank you, thank you very much.

And this has been another episode of...

FORTUNA KENDRAE!


P.S. Going to see "A Christmas Carol" in 3D tonight! I'll let you know if it sucks or not XD

Home Depot and Us

GOD

Don't forget. He's got it all. We're just here to help.

Kendra + Time + Paint = ...

Hehe, hope I made you laugh! :)

Haircuts and Anti-Fanpires!

Thank you, Christopher Kolmorgan for following!! W00T!

Guess what, you guys? This coming Wednesday is my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF BLOGGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :O Whoa! How did I not notice that earlier?? What should I do? You tell me! I'd love some ideas of what you'd like to see :)

So, today I got a hair cut :D Y'all know how I looked before...and here's how I looked after!
:D I love having a photographer-computer-savvy sister :) <3 href="http://thoughtsofashieldmaiden.blogspot.com/">Thoughts of a Shieldmaiden. Earwen does not hold a very high opinion of the series (although she hasn't read it yet). I'd like to say a little about what I think.

Some common complaints about the Twilight series are:
1. It portrays vampires as the "good guys".
2. It contains sexuality.
3. It encourages girls to go for the "bad boys".
4. It portrays effeminate guys as being hot.
5. It is completely unchristian.

The "Twilight" series is not an incredibly complex story when one tries to explain it briefly. The entire plot line can be summed up in one sentence: "It's about a girl who falls in love with a vampire."

Whoo hoo.

It's actually much more complex and intriguing when you get into it, though. The main character, Bella, and her vampire "boyfriend", Edward, have to fight the constant battle of their two worlds. Edward and his family are "vegetarians", meaning they do not drink the blood of humans, but animals only. However, the call of Bella's blood to Edward is uncannily strong, making for an interesting relationship.

The first accusation to examined, that vampires are portrayed as "good guys" does have some merit. Yes, the vampires ARE portrayed as the good guys. Some of them are.

Oh, you mean how there are good and bad people?

Yes.

There are good and bad vampires in the story, just as there are good and bad humans. Being a vampire does not immediate classify someone as being "evil" or the "bad guy". What you are doesn't make you good or evil, it's your choices. The "good" vampires make good choices. They make the best with what they have. They were turned into vampires against their wills, and are now struggling to be the best they can be under the circumstances. The "bad" vampires make bad choices. They embrace their blood lust instead of fighting it, and think of humans as nothing but snacks.

I've heard the idea of a "good vampire" compared to a "good homosexual". (This post is not about homosexuality. If you want to see my thoughts on that, go to Carpe Noctem. I am just speaking about this subject from a Christian point of view because that's where most of the complaints are coming from.)

That comparison does not computer at all. Homosexuals CHOOSE to be what they are; vampires are "born" that way. Calling all vampires "evil" is like calling all Americans selfish, all African-Americans rude, or all Asians smart, for that matter!

The second complaint about the Twilight series, that the books are full of sexuality, is not true. There are a few pages in the third book, "Eclipse" that have some suggestive behavior, but Edward quickly puts a stop to it. While Bella has no problem giving herself away, Edward has firm principles governing abstinence and makes it clear to Bella that if they were ever to have a physical relationship, they would have to get married FIRST.

Another commonly-made accusation is that the books encourage girls to go for the "bad boys". Edward is not a "bad boy". In fact, at some points he is so good that I turned away in disgust. (Bella did, too, lol!) As I said before, Edward refuses to sleep with Bella (a good thing, not a bad thing), upholds his principles, tries to be the best he can be under the circumstances, respects parental authorities, and tries to do what's best for Bella.

If there is a bad boy in the series at all, it is Jacob Black (my favorite, of course :D). Jacob helps Bella to deceive her father, aids her in dangerous activity, swears (mildly), is the Innuendo King, and tries to break up Bella and Edward.

I don't know about you, but Jacob definitely seems to err on the side of "bad boy" MUCH more than Edward.

Accusation #4: The Twilight books portray effeminate guys as hot. It doesn't, really. I mean, I guess I can see how Robert Pattinson looks girly, but I think the casting of Twilight was TERRIBLE anyway. Edward is the picture of masculinity if you read the books; it's why I fell in love with him the first time through the books. I mean...wow, honestly, he is not girly. Not at all.

The complaint that Twilight is completely unchristian comes from people who have not read the books. For the record, the Bible says nothing about vampires or werewolves. Twilight mentions God several times and all in a positive light. Edward and his family are Christians. Edward's father's father was a medieval priest. The values of good and evil, right and wrong are clearly mapped out through the book in a most Christian manner. I mean, even abstinence is there, y'all! Like I said, complaints of the books being unchristian clearly come from people who have not read the book, or who are determined not to like it.

And that's my rant for the day :) Maybe I'll publish this to Carpe Noctem later...

Thoughts, questions, opinions, arguments welcome, as always! Oh, and don't forget to vote on the serial poll, and don't forget to give me ideas for my ONE YEAR BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY!!

~Kendra

You

I'm studying DNA and genes in biology this week; you know, what makes you, you. Your DNA controls your physical characteristics almost entirely. You can lift weights or something to get stronger, of course, but there's actually a limit to how far you can go. Your DNA determines that limit.

But what about our thoughts and personalities? I've been told that I "act just like my mom" sometimes, but is that because of my DNA, or my mom's influence on me throughout my life? Hmm.

Peoples' personalities are (obviously) very different. I can't figure some people out, and other I understand perfectly. Some people love the color purple, and others (like me) find it a horrible color for whatever reason (sorry, purple-lovers :)). Some love to read, others don't. Some think Obama is the best thing since remote controls, others think it wouldn't hurt him to be a little less like one.

I have often wondered what makes us who we are. DNA to some extent, parental influence to some, God shaping us to some as well, but who are WE?

What is YOU?

I don't mean what do you like. I don't mean when you go shopping and see a cute jacket that is "so you". I mean what are you. Where is the "you" in your body? What makes you, YOU?

If I cut off your finger, is that finger "you"?

Well, yes and no...It's PART of you, but it's not really YOU...

Okay, so you aren't in your finger.

I tend to think people are in their heads. But it's not as if you could dissect someone's brain and find a little piece inside that's "them".

So...what makes us who we are?

It's our minds, yes. Our thoughts. But what are thoughts? Just electric impulses in our brains? How do little electric impulses tell us right and wrong, what to like, how to act? How do little electric impulses make us love to read, or write, or go horseback riding, or paint? How do little electric impulses tell us to be scared, happy, sad, or excited? How do little electric impulses make us love and hate?

Maybe we'll never really know what thoughts are. Maybe people DO know and I just don't yet :) But it's really kind of interesting, isn't it? What separates "you" from "your body"? What are thoughts?

Just something to think about ;)


P.S. Don't forget to vote in the writing poll! Here are some brief descriptions of each story (None of them are complete except "A Spark of Strength"):

The Girl and the Ring: About a mysterious Girl, her "cursed" pirate ring, and her gang of orphans thieves in England during the 1800s. Written when I was 12 or 13. A little over 2000 words long.

The Magic Ring: An average girl named Katelyn gets a mysterious ring from her grandparents. Written when I was 12 or 13. A little over 4000 words long.

A Spark of Strength: Six fire fairy slaves are forced to entertain the the evil Fire Lord. One night things get too much for them to take and they run away--dragging an unexpected helper with them. In the midst of hiding from the Fire Lord, they encounter an interesting elf who may ruin Ember's love life forever. A little over 24,000 words long. Completed. Written when I was 12-14 years old.

Desirae Mayes: Desirae is a writer and a dreamer with a powerful imagination. Maybe too powerful? When her characters are suddenly alive and in the real world, she realizes that writing fantasy and living are two very different things. And maybe it's a good thing she's not God after all...3000 words long. Written a couple of months ago. (I may try to finish it later.)

The Strange Lives of Zillah and Ria: Two sisters, suddenly kidnapped to another world. They meet two brothers and another strange companion who reveals their true heritage. Almost 15,000 words. Written when I was 12.

Fortuna Kendrae: My Rings

Some of you may know that I am a ring person. I have about 12 of them. Rings (with the exception of anklets) are the only jewelry I actually wear. Bracelets annoy me, my necklaces always break, and I don't even bother with earrings.

I've had this same plain little mood ring since I was 9 or 10 years old and have worn it faithfully since age 11. It's not big, it's once-silver edges are long turned brass, it makes my finger green, and it rarely gets my mood right, but it's been through a lot. It went through Mock Trial with me, survived my first trip to Disney World, stayed securely on my finger through practicum after practicum. (That is my exact mood ring...well, what it used to look like :D)Also as some of you might know, I'm huge on memories. I get attached to things faster than you can say "carpe diem", and sentimental value is a big deal to me. I "love" this little mood ring. I always make sure I know exactly where it is, which is saying a lot for absent-minded me. If I notice it's not on my finger, I stop whatever I'm doing and find it. My family and friends know that when I say, "WAIT! I've lost my mood ring", they'd better freeze right there.

Ellie B and I joke that when I get married, there will be a ceremonial Removing of the Mood Right (yes, I wear it on my left ring-finger).

I have another ring that's a wrap-around butterfly that I got at this awesome place called Great Wolf Lodge a little over a year ago. I wear it on my right middle finger, and it's also one of my "default rings". I love that ring, too because I built lots of cool memories at GWL, but my mood ring is still #1. (The ring below is pretty much exactly what the butterfly ring looks like, but the outer lines are gold on mine and the jewels that make up the body are smaller and "diamonds".)For Mulan, however, we were all told that we weren't allowed to wear any jewelry. (I didn't really realize that meant my rings at first; I just don't ever wear any other jewelry, and my rings just feel like part of my hands.) It finally recognized the problem just before the Stage Manager called "places" for the opening night show. Yikes! I took them off and stuck them with my stuff.

As the cast headed to the after party, I rummaged around in my stuff to grab my rings; my fingers feel completely awkward and naked without them. I was spending the night with someone, though, so my things were already packed in the trunk. I went to the cast party without them, and sort of forgot.

Every day after that, I would think, "Dang, I have to remember to put my rings back on!" That way of thinking went on for about a week; you know how I am, it takes me a while to ever actually get around to anything. I eventually did get around to it, and put my rings back on. That was short lived, though, because I was about to get in the shower. I took them off again.

Since I'd been out of the habit of wearing them for a week, I forgot to put my rings back on. As I was lying in bed that night, the lack of metal circles around my fingers was starting to bug me. Don't you hate it when you're lying in bed, cozy and half-asleep, and realize you've forgotten something? *sigh* I went to get my rings.

They...weren't on the bathroom counter.

Maybe they were in my hairbrush/makeup/etc. drawer? Nope.

Ohh, maybe I was crazy and never put them back on from Mulan. They were probably in my makeup bag...No, not there either...

Well, I had put on lotion, and I take them off to do that. Maybe they were with my lotion bottles?

No.

On my desk! That must be it.

Nothing.

On my pillows next to my bed?

Nada.

On the bathroom cabinet?

No there either.

WHERE WERE MY RINGS?????

By this time, if you can imagine this, I'm tearing through all of downstairs, frantically searching. I'm kind of OCD, so when I decide I'm going to be irritated until I find something, I am. Everything seems worse at midnight, too XD

Well, after searching every conceivable place forty times, I decided I would HAVE to wait until morning.

The frantic searching continued for days until I finally gave up :( I must have lost the rings at play practice after all. They weren't in my makeup bad, or any other possible place. I was really upset :'(

Saturday, you know, was the last performance of Mulan. That was depressing. On top of that, as we were all walking to the car, someone said something that reminded me of my missing rings. The day was quickly going downhill.

I grouchily yanked bobby pins out of my bun and stuffed them in my makeup pouch. O.O

Hey.

Was that...?

MY BUTTERFLY RING!! Hallelujah! And the mood ring must be right with it! I joyously ran my hand through the makeup pouch.

Are you kidding me.

No mood ring.

It must have fallen out.

Well, that joy was short lived. I was thrilled about having my butterfly ring back, but my real pride and joy was still AWOL. Whatever.

Dejected once again, I flung open the car door.

*draw drop*

Unbelievable.

There, on the floor of the car, sat my faithful mood ring.

How did it get there? How was my butterfly ring in my makeup pouch, for another thing? I *KNOW* I searched in there before. And why was my mood ring sitting on the floor? It shouldn't have been in the makeup pouch to get on the floor in the first place...

What can I say? I'm just lucky like that :)

This has been another episode of "FORTUNA KENDRAE!"

English translation: Kendra's Luck ;)

Until next time,

What a God Moment :)

I had in mind a hundred different things to post on. Today has not been one of those days where I can't think of anything to say. I've had lots of ideas that cover lots of different angles, but when I came downstairs and checked my email just now, I knew what to post on.

I just had such a God moment.

Ellie B slept over last night, and we talked about a lot of deep things--as usual--but one thing in particular has been bothering me. We used to have this amazing friend a few years ago. She's still a friend of ours, but different things happened and we've kind of fallen apart. We talked about her a lot, and came to the conclusion that everything was over. As much as we hated to think it, we figured the friendship was pretty much dead.

And you guys know how my week has been, right? Just one thing after another, everything sucked. School, family, emotions, the "personal junk" I asked for prayer about, everything.

It wasn't one of those "mad at God times", just more of a completely discouraged feeling that's been hanging over my head. The talk about the fallen friendship was just the icing on the crap cake (lol).

I came down here to blog and see if I could write anything. I saw I had a message in my inbox. I shrugged and clicked on the message.

It was from the "lost" friend. She apologized for the randomness, but said she felt like something was up and wanted to see if everything was cool with us.

I don't know about you, but that was one of the biggest WOW and GOD moments of my life, and definitely of the past few weeks.

I haven't talked to this friend really in three months. Ellie B hasn't talked to this friend for real in a long time. And all the sudden, God laid on this friend's heart the fact that something wasn't quite right.

Well, guess what? I sent a message back explaining my feelings and why the different circumstances bothered me. I read and re-read the message several times, making sure my tone was how I intended it to be (it's so hard to communicate tone in emails; you really have to be careful). I think we can work this out.

Oh my gosh, I didn't even think about this until JUST NOW. Guess what our youth group study was on today?

Friendships.

Wow. I rarely get this excited about God stuff like this. As bad as that is, God really has to HIT ME WITH IT for me to get it. Boy, he really did today. I'm just smiling. Can you even believe how awesome God is?? Without me even noticing it, God shaped this whole day--and last night, too--preparing me for that email. I thought my friend was lost to me forever, but guess what? ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

He's not an ancient force that stopped interacting when the Bible was finished.

God is here, God is now, and God is doing things in our lives NOW.

Wow.

What an interested, alive, personal God.