Yatta! Yamanashi is moving on up. My soccer team placed 2nd out of 9 women's teams in the Tochigi Football Tournament this weekend. We did really well. I'm so proud of us. The last time we placed 3rd. This time 2nd we are certainly trying for the championship again!

We played a total of 5 games including the championship game. Scored 15 goals and only allowed 2. The same team that beat is in the earlier rounds, we met again at the finals and lost 0-1 just as in the first game. It was very well played and although we didn't win the big trophy we did well.

So now everyone is siked about the June tournament. Plans to train hard and all, but we'll see how much of that actually comes to fruition. I know I always say how hard I plan to train my body but never really do and get sad when I get to the tournament and can't run around! LOL. All in all I'm pleased with the weekend. I always look forward to hanging out with Yamanashi JETs. They are such a blast. And we have really great Japanese friends that play with us who keep the party jumpin!

You ever feel like you got something to say to someone who isn't ready to hear it. . .well I do. And moreover, I'm not sure if i'm ready for them to hear it either. But you listen to everything Diary-san so here goes:

I've been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello, is it me you're looking for?

I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You're all I've ever wanted, (and) my arms are open wide
'Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, I love you ...

I long to see the sunlight in your hair
And tell you time and time again how much I care
Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow
Hello, I've just got to let you know

'Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely, or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you ...

Hello, is it me you're looking for?
'Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying ... I love you


I know, not my words at all. They are those of the great Lionel Richie. I'm there with him though...I'm right there.

Today I pray: for the safety and health of the ones I love.

A friend of mine asked me today to define freedom. I'll give my answer but a few others before that:

"Freedom is the distance between church and state." ~

"Freedom is the ability to make choices about the direction you want your life to go in
and the ability to affect changes on your life." ~AxInNitsky

"Freedom is 2000 lbs of explosives. Only if its our bomb though, otherwise its terror." ~ US Gov't

"Freedom can be defined as that state of being which is characterized by a knowledge of absolute truth and a responsible adherence to and application of that truth. " ~Mary Ann Diorio, Ph. D.

I'm at school today. School doesn't actually start back until the 6th but I have some "preparations" to do for the new school year. Well...I SAY I have some prep to do but all I've been doing is chilling and chatting. Catching up with old friends, returning emails, and doing a little work in between.

I had a great conversation with my linesister V about christianity today and her beliefs. She feels like she's getting stronger and has more faith and is really excited about her new revelations and I'm happy for her. I on the other hand feel like I'm questioning my reasons for calling myself a christian. I feel I'm ready to do that. I enjoyed talking to her because she didn't make me feel like I was wrong or unfaithful for having questions. Some christians try to make you feel bad like God is going to spit or you or something for wondering "why"? I can't remember what I asked her but I was like "That just doesn't make sense to me" and she came back with the most christian response "Lean not unto your own understanding" .

Today I pray: with thanksgiving in my heart for having good friends. People who won't leave me when I'm confused or shun me when they don't agree with my thoughts. People who love me unconditionally and always will. I've been blessed with great people and great friends and for that I'm thankful! Amen.

okay, can you really be hungry when you buy dinner and leave it in the car? only to realize 1/2 way thru the 8 o'clock movie that you are extremely hungry and can't figure out why?

i'm BAKA!

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its been way too long since i've journaled. its strange but i feel like when i have time to journal i'm doing the most to be my best. its like i'm my best listener. i'm cool! i'm ready to be different. i'm ready to get rid of a lot of the anger in my spirit. i'm ready to feel happier (not that i'm sad, but there is always room for more) and whole. so, get ready to be my ear again!

Today I pray: to learn how to be committed to something. I have lots of temporary spirts of wanted to dedicate myself to different purposes, but what I'm lacking is the necessary drive to commit to bettering EBONI everyday. So my prayer is for dedication to be committed to ME! (smile!)