2007 in review

The year flew by for me! It was a great year! I was just telling my dad how big 2008 is going to be. I mean, I'm graduating from high school! Yes! and I'm going to college! The year 2007 was good to me. Here are a few pictures from 2007!

Missing Narnia

I found some pictures from the Narnia cast party in October that I thought I would share. My CD of pictures from the production still has not come in yet but I am patiently waiting. I also ordered a DVD of the production so if you did not see it, you can borrow it. Here are some pictures from our cast party.

These are my friends, Hank and Stephanie. (Fenris and Susan)

These are some more of my friends, Justin and Hannah. (Mr. Tumnus and the White Witch)

This is me with Lauren Brooks. (Crulie #3 and Father Christmas)

Here is Stephanie with my fabulous director, Ms. Angela Hill.

just waiting for the break

So I am pretty much really excited that we only have two more weeks til Christmas.

I am totally exhausted from this week! Here is a picture of the cast of Narnia! Don't worry, more pics are coming as soon as I get them.

Have a great week everybody!

21 Days

til Christmas!

Goodbye, but not forever

Yesterday, we closed NARNIA the musical.

I was somewhat sad because I made so many new friendships. It was sad because I had a great time making the show, and it felt as if the performances went by so fast. We sold out every performance which has never been done before. They even talked about doing an encore performance, a "back by popular demand" kind of thing in January. The following is a letter I received from the staff of SABA, it was written to all the actors.

"We would like to just say WOW! What an incredible run we had. It was truly an amazing time and a blessing. Your children have blessed our lives in so many ways, and brought a little bit of magic, smiles, and tears to over 2000 people this weekend! This has been the most bonded cast we have ever had, and being the largest, it just blew us away. There were so many new friendships made, and stories that I heard over the course of the workshop and show about how the kids helped each other out in times of need that it brought tears to my eyes. Every single child in this production just has a heart of gold and is bursting with talent! They truly have a passion for what they do, and you can see that when they walk on stage! We have NEVER sold out every performance in our history!"

I just can't express how much fun I have had and what I have learned. Thanks to everyone who has supported me and prayed for me. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for my stuffed reindeer and kisses and for the break a leg notes you wrote me.

tomorrow, tomorrow, i love you tomorrow

Tomorrow, we open Narnia the musical for a house full of kids at 9:00 in the morning. I am extremely nervous, but I think it's going to be really good. This week went by so fast, we had rehearsal every night from 5 (which we got there at 4:30) to 8:30 (which we ended up leaving at 9:00.) It was a blast though, I love making this musical.

Today, we running the show one last time and I was about to go on stage and I got goosebumps. These were not because I was nervous, but because I had such a good feeling about how the play would turn out.

So that everyone know, I am performing for the glory and honor of my Savior, Jesus Christ. God gave me this talent, and I am using it for His glory. God knows my desires, and I know all I have to do is delight myself in Him. He is such a great God, there is none like Him. I have waited so long to do this, and now I did, and I know that God is being glorified.

I hope everyone can come to the show. I know that we are sold out for tomorrow night (Friday) but if you would like to come to a show, your best bet is to just show up and see if you can buy the tickets at the door. I know that they are selling them, but only if they have room.

Thanks for everyone who has prayed for me. I am so excited. This is my passion!

ugh!!

I do not want to go to school tomorrow. I wish it would snow!

Solid Rock's Finest

Have you met Solid Rock's newest and finest usher?

Seth took up the offering at the Sunday evening service on November 25.

look everybody!!!

This is my sister, Bethany!

She is graduating from ASU on December 15, 2007 at ten in the morning! I am so excited for her because I know she has worked hard her whole college career thus far! Isn't she beautiful?

Oh Christmas Tree

I love Christmas and everything about it! I love Christmas music, all year round. Today, my mom put up the tree and it looks gorgeous! I am so excited!

Sir, I want to buy these shoes....

So there's this great new series that I am in the middle of reading.

The Christmas Shoes
The Christmas Blessing
The Christmas Hope
The Christmas Promise

I am telling you this because I think that everyone should read these books. These are really easy, fast-reading books. They will bring a tear to your eye, or maybe more?!

He Has Made Me Glad!

I realize that every time I get on here I promise to be better about blogging and it never happens. My life has been a crazy rollercoster these past few weeks, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. As I said earlier, I spent Thanksgiving in La Grange with my grandparents. Just being able to relax and watch television was so awesome.

I am so excited about Narnia. It opens this week! I cannot wait! Some of you know all the hard work that has gone into it. Not just from the director and the interns, but also to the actor. There were some days where I was totally exhausted, yet there I was at rehearsal. Rehearsal was fun though, I really enjoyed going. I really enjoyed doing this play because I learned so much while rehearsing-theater terms, etiquette, you name it!

This next week, we have tech week at ASU so we will be rehearsing at ASU Monday through Thursday from 5-8:30, and then Friday we open actually for school kids. We have our first performance at 9:00 am that morning, then another at 7:00. We have two on Saturday, 2 pm and 7 pm, and one on Sunday at 2 pm.

School is going okay, I guess, I am struggling in Physics like no other. It just plain out does not make sense to me. Anyway, I'm striving all A's. Sometimes, I feel like crying because I am so frustrated, but then I just remind myself, you're so close! I am really looking forward to graduating but I know that I need to concentrate right now on my grades. I am in the process of applying to college. I received an email from Southwestern saying that my application was being processed. I have yet to send my ASU application. There's something about Southwestern, I don't know, when I think about going to school there, I get a good feeling. If God wants me to go there, then everything will fall into place. I know I just have to keep believing and trusting in God.

I am so thankful for everything I have! God has been truly good to me even though I something dishonor Him. I am so thankful for my family and friends, and everyone who has ever made an impact on my life one way or another. Well, I better be going. It's late and I need to get to bed, gotta work tomorrow.

Thanksgiving

I am here in La Grange, Texas with my grandparents, my uncle, and my family. Today we ate Turkey and Dressing, Potatoes, Salad, Rolls, and so much more. It was yummy.

We are leaving to San Angelo tomorrow because I have to work at six tomorrow evening. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great thanksgivng and I hope that God richly blesses you all.

Narnia is coming along great and we open a week from tomorrow. I am really excited about making my debut with San Angelo Broadway Academy.

If you would like to purchase tickets, see me and I will get you hooked up!

Once again, I hope everyone had a restful day! Happy Thanksgiving.

help! and update

I checked out 6 books on Insomnia and Sleeping Disorders for my lovely science fair project!
I love Mr. Roe's research papers though, 3 pages at the most! Yes!

Mrs. Anderson's research paper, on the other hand,
I checked out 7 books and have an internet source for a paper that I'm doing on Theater Arts.
This paper is 16 pages (excluding title page, blank page, outline, endnotes, works cited, and interviews. Yes, I am very excited about that one!

And Narnia is coming along very well. Next week, we start rehearsing at the civic ballet to start fight choreography. Yeah!

here's $20

something that we all like to hear...

today, i heard "Joey, here's $20"

Now of course there is a story behind it. There was a certain lady (sorry, no names) who wrote a hot check at Chick-fil-A. Of course, my boss made a big deal of it and posted a copy of the check and the name on the fridge with big letter saying "DON'T TAKE HER CHECK"

Well, the other day I was on breaks. This job means that I would go around to everyobody who worked five or more hours and watched their spot as they took a break. Well, it happens, that there was a guy on cash who needed a break. I said, "Fernando, go ahead and go on blake (what we call breaks at chicky)" Well, the first person I had gave me a check that matched exactly what I wasn't supposed to take. Uh-Oh. When I saw it, I was like, "Whoa". I told her it would be one moment and ran to the back where I gave it to my manager. Anyway, she lied about it, but paid with cash and she didn't get arrested, even though I said we should have called the cops. Well, today I go to work and my boss hands me a 20 and says, "Joey, it would have been 50 but she didn't get arrested." Anyway, I would have had 30 more dollars had she been arrested but oh well. I got $20.

NARNIA the musical

Narnia the Musical opens on Friday, November 30 at the ASU Auditorium at 7:30 in the evening and runs until December 2 ending with a matinee. The show runs about two hours including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets for this magical weekend are now on sale. Tickets for General Admission are $5 each. If you are interested in attending the show, follow the link to purchase your tickets or call 325-763-4807 for more information. Here is the link:

http://www.sabroadwayacademy.org/id3.html

I hope everyone can make the show because I know you will not be disappointed. Besides, I have a solo in a song that is one of our main songs.

yes!

that's right!

I am posting on my blog. I know its been forever and I know that I said I would have pictures. I do not have them all yet, but as soon as I get them expect lots of pictures.

Anyway, NEXT!

Retreat

We leave for Retreat on Monday, September 24. The seniors are leaving at 11:00 and the rest of the group is leaving at 1:00. Pray that God moves in the high school and that He would bring friendships closer together. There are some students who do not know Christ or who are straddling the line, so pray that they have opened eyes. I am extremely excited because this is 4 days without school or homework! Yes!!! I will post lots of pictures when we get back!

jingle all the way

I just found out what part I got in Narnia-

I am portraying Father Christmas and am singing a solo.

I am also understudying for the part of Aslan and the Professor!

So I am super excited!

Tomorrow, I must go and sign to accept the part. Tuesday, I have a cast meeting, and Thursday I am getting fitted for costumes. Rehearsals start next Thursday and will run on Thursdays and Sundays until the end of November. Performances will be on November 30 at 7:30 pm, Dec 1 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and December 2 at 2:30 pm. We are also doing a school performance on Friday morning. So I hope you can all make the show because I would love ya'll to see it.

Until Next Time...

prices and spring promotion

For all of you (cough *bethany* cough) who visit chick-fil-a on a regular basis, beware.

Today I was made aware that starting Monday morning, the prices are going up! This is due to the recent minimum wage rise. But, I know that a couple of cents won't stop you from going.

Also, coming this Spring, we will be introducing a new milkshake for a LTO. This milkshake is called the Coffee and Caramel Milkshake. I am so excited because I already that Coffee and Chocolate is good. Anyway, just catching you up.

labor day

I love when my family gets together and eats. Of course, we eat. I love fellowship. I love my family.

some people call it an addiction

I call it my absolute favorite show of all time!

wasn't my sister

just so beautiful?

retreat and mexico

Every year, my high school goes on a retreat to H-E-B Camp in Leakey, Texas. This is four days without homework or any kind of work so it is great fun. It is a really great time to get to know some of the new students and get closer to old ones.

Another thing that the seniors do is they get to go on a mission trip to Mexico. We help in the eye clinic there and some doctors perform free surgery.

Once I get back from these trips, expect a lot of pictures.

i'm back

i know it's been a long while since i've posted....it just seems like there is so much to do...anyway, i hope everyone is having a great school year and hope you enjoy the updates.

the last night

There is this song that I absolutely love. It's called The Last Night and it was made popular by the band Skillet.

The song talks about a girl who is in a lot of pain and is thinking about committing suicide. She didn't see any point in life. This is where the male vocal comes in. He is portraying Jesus and telling her that he will always be there for her, even ifnobody else is there. He tells her "This is the Last Night you spend alone."

It's kind of hard to explain but follow this link and you can hear it.

www.skillet.com/home

Here are the song lyrics:

You come to me with your scars on your wrist
You tell me this will be the last night feeling like this
I just came to say goodbye
I didn't want you to see me cry,
I'm fine
But I know it's a lie

This is the last night you'll spend alone
Look me in the eyes so I know you know
I'm everywhere you want me to be
The last night you'll spend alone I'll wrap you in my arms and I won't let go
I'm everything You need me to be

Your parents say everything is your fault
But they don't know you like I know you they don't know you at all
I'm so sick of when they say
It's just a phase, you'll be o.k. you're fine


But I know it's a lie

(Repeat Chorus)

The night is so long when everything's wrong
If you give me your hand
I will help you hold on
Tonight
Tonight

(Repeat Chorus)

I won't let you say goodbye
And I'll be your reason why

The last night away from me
Away from me

school thus far

This week Cornerstone started school on Wednesday so I had to say goodbye to summer quicker than I wanted. I am Senior this year so I got to wear our cool Senior shirt and jeans this week because we had the opportunity to help little kids get to the playground or help them with their school supplies. It was fun, especially on Friday when it was raining, but there we were with our umbrellas telling kids, "You can stand under my umbrella!"

This year, I am taking Bible and English both with Mrs. Anderson, Orchestra and ACT Prep with Mrs. Wyatt and Mrs. Duncan, Art with Mrs. Griffin, Physics with Mr. Roe, US History with Mrs. Chandler (formerly Pickett), and I also have a couple of study halls.

Bible with Mrs. Anderson is really interesting. I have a feeling that I am going to love that class. I am currently reading a book for her class called In His Steps and it is a phenomenal book which is really hard to put down. We are doing a journal for her class everyday in which we write the quote of the day and what it means to us, five prayer requests, five praises, and five services. If you ever need me to pray for anything, tell something great that happened to you, or just want something done for you, tell me and I would be glad to listen.

Here are some pictures from the first week of school. Enjoy! And just in case I don't update this week, everyone have a phenomenal week:)

ihop

One of the things I love is eating with the church family after church on Sunday night. Today, we went to IHOP and it was yummy!!

just wanting to go back...

I had an amazing week this week. It was awesome just being in the presence of God with 14,000 other students. It was amazing!

Here are a few pictures from the services. These were held in the RCA Dome. Unfortunately, my camera was being stupid and stopped zooming so all of my pictures are from far away. I hope you enjoy them still.
I also got to meet one of my favorite all-time bands, Superchic[k]!!!


I am looking forward to Charlotte, North Carolina for "Char'08"

bethany,

we both have ten posts for august!. whats wrong with this picture?? Oh my gosh, we're starting school this week!

just wanting to come home

The time is currently 10:25 am and my dad and I are in the food court of the Chicago O'Hare Airport. Our plane leaves at 12:15 so we don't have to be at the gate til 11:30. We fly into DFW at 2:35 and leave at 4:35. Then we come home at 5:30!!! I much dislike layovers and I miss everyone so much. My current status: just wanting to come home. I will see some of ya'll tonight and the rest tomorrow at church. Bye!

Feliz Cumpleanos

Happy Birthday Cheli!

For those who don't know, Cheli is 24 today so wish her happy birthday next time you see her!!!

Cheli, I am so glad that you're my cousin and I hope that God richly blesses you. Thanks for being such a godly influence. I love you, cousin! Happy Birthday!

I'm sad

Today was my last day. I am leaving in the morning for San Angelo and I am sad. Don't get me wrong, I miss everyone like crazy, but I wish I could stay one more night. On the other hand, I am so ready to get home and see everybody cause like I said, I miss everyone like crazy.

Today, I got to see Superchic[k] in concert. It was so awesome, they are really good in concert. After the concert, I stood in line for 45 minutes-1 hour to get an autograph and pictures. Believe me, they will be on here in a couple of days.

Hope everyone had a good week!!

bright and morning star, the great i am you are

this is some of the lyrics of one of the songs that was sung tonight. If there is one thing I love about any kind of youth convention, its the praise and worship. It was an awesome time in the Lord and I learned alot of new songs.

I learned today that I received a Superior rating on my solo. My thoughts? I am glad to be done, and plus its still 1,000 scholarship so I am happy.

Jared Rodriguez, from Bethel, received a Superior with Honors and a callback so next time you see him, congratulate him.

It's been a long day. I ate at TGI Fridays today and it was yummy.

I can't wait to come back home because I miss everyone profusely (yes I know what that means) and tomorrow I get to see

in concert so I am excited! Love ya'll!

one

more week of summer...come back summer, you went by too fast

oh how precious is the flow

day 2-

Today I performed my solo. I was scheduled to sing at 4:12 but ended up singing about 4:20 because they were behind a little.

I woke up at 9:15 today and I got ready to go to the convention center. I found my room and walked around the exhibits and picked up freebies like a beach ball, numerous pens, alot of brochures and candy, and I even entered in to win a Wii and an iPhone.

I ate lunch with my dad at McDonalds. We only waited in line for 45 minutes to order. At 1:22, I went to watch Gabrielle Munoz from Waxahachie do her short sermon. After she did her presentation, Jared Rodriguez from Bethel did his and it was very good! I just walked around until 3:30 and then I went to my room to wait cause I was bored.

I ate Chick-fil-A today for supper, and it wasn't the same as mine. Also, the water tasted weird so the tea isn't very good. But my dad and I went to our separate services then came to the hotel. We decided to go to Waffle House (right next door) cause I was hungry and he was too.

And now, I'm sitting here in the hotel telling you about my day. Hope everyone's week is going well!

live from indy '07

day 1-

My dad and I arrived safely in Indianapolis about 3:50 this afternoon. It was a crazy day, let me tell you about it. I woke up this morning about 4:40 am and went to the airport. We boarded the plane at 6:15 and took off at 7:10. By the time we got to the runway, I was seriously freaking out. I kept asking my dad, "So, we're just gonna start going up anytime now?" Once we started going up, I knew that it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Anyway, we arrived at DFW and shortly boarded for St. Louis. This flight was my favorite because we had a bigger plane and I didn't feel so cramped. Anyway, we got to St. Louis at 11:30 am and decided we needed to eat something quick because our next plane (to Indianapolis) left at 1:00. As we arrived we noticed that the plane was running late. The time changed to 1:10 and then later changed again to 1:30. But we didn't board the plane til about 1:35. Way late!

We got to Indianapolis and waited about ten minutes for our luggage and then off we went to the hotel. We were at the hotel for about ten minutes and then left for the convedntion center so I could register. My dad also had a meeting at 6:00. We did not get done registering me til 6:15 after which we rushed across the street where my dad was "late" for his meeting. I was gonna wait for him to finish so we could get someting to eat together. He called me at 6:30 and said the meeting wouldn't be over til 8, so I went to the mall.

My dad and I ate at
and it was super good! So yes, we had a full day. Thanks for reading about my day,

indianapolis, here i come

On Tuesday, my dad and I leave for Indianapolis for the National Fine Arts Festival and General Council. We fly out at 7:10 am and arrive at DFW AT 10:10 am. We fly out of DFW at 9:50 am and arrive in St. Louis at 11:30 am. We leave St. Louis at 1:00 pm and arrive in Indianapolis at 3:10 pm. So we are taking three flights both going up there and coming back down, but on our way back we stop in Chicago instead St. Louis.

I have never ridden in a plane before so I am a bit nervous about the experience but from what most people told me it won't be bad.

I am super excited about the trip. I love just being able to walk around seeing so many teenagers who are in the halls rehearsing a human video or just rehearsing wherever they can find a corner. i am probably going to sing on Wednesday so pray for me that day that I'm not too nervous.

Anyway, when I get back, I'll post alot of pictures so you can see. Have a great week everybody!

my sister-I RUV YOU!!!!

This week I bought Season Two of my sister's favorite show, The Cosby Show. Actually, one of the reasons I bought the season was because I knew my sister has wanted it since it came out. It was kind of a way to say thank you because she has done alot for me this summer. My parents traveled a couple of times this summer weeks at a time, and Bethany made sure I got to work, got back from work, and took me places I needed to go.

So, Bethany, thank you. Your work is not in vain (in the Lord, be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord) and I hope you enjoy Season Two.

A Grand Total of ...

Okay, so I am still new to this whole blogging thing. I know that Bethany got used to it real quickly. Here it is the end of my first month on blogger and I have a grand total of 9 blogs for the month. Compare that with Bethany's first month of blogging-a grand total of 24 blogs. Sorry, sis, I will try to be more like you in August!

Dos Semanas Mas

Okay, so two weeks from tomorrow is the first day of school. Am I ready to go back to school? Yes and no. I am not ready because I am not ready to wake up every morning at 7 am. I am ready to go back to school because I am a Senior now, which means I have to work hard, but it will be a great year. I am also excited about my cute little cousin, Lexie, starting K-4. It will be a great year, I'm just not sure if I'm ready, but Bring it On!

Ouch!!

I burned myself today at work and it hurt really badly. But I am willing to sacrifice my finger so that the customers remain happy. I also did not get paid today because Bill is out of town so I have to wait til Thursday. Go Team Chick-fil-A.

(It's) Hairspray

So I saw this movie yesterday and today and let me tell you: I give it two thumbs up!!!


It's been a long time since I have seen a good, clean musical. And let me tell you, it it flippin hilarious, especially John Travolta...I'm laughing now just thinking about it. Anyway, I recommend this movie for the family. You can't stop the beat

in your satin tights, fightin for your rights, and the old red, white, and blue

These are a few pictures from my trip to Six Flags.

This is the most amazing superhero to ever save mankind!


This was as as we were going up to the top during Texas Chute Up.



This is my wonderful sister, Kelli and me!


And one more of everyone's favorite superhero!

you can SIT under my umbrella

Today I went to Six Flags Over Texas. We went because my dad's wonderful students (thanks guys) bought our family season tickets to any Six Flags so that we could spend time together as a family. I love family. I love my family.

Today I rode a ride called Texas Chute Up where you sit and it takes you a long way up and then it chutes you down! Yes, I am afraid of heights and no, it wasn't as bad as it sounded. There are pictures to follow...

this is for the ladies....and gentleman

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the Chick-fil-a store while you are sleeping? This blog is for the morning ladies and gentleman: Cheryl, Claudia, Brenda, Liz, Elizabeth, Linda, Rosa, Liliana, Christina, Julia, Sarah, and Sylavong.

I had the opportunity to work with these fabulous people this week, and let me tell you, these people work hard. Most of the ladies get to Chick-fil-A about 4 o'clock in the morning to get ready for the day. They also roll the dough for the biscuits so that your food is always fresh, never frozen. Although Chick-fil-a isn't very busy in the morning, these people get ready for the day so that whenever everyone else comes in, its a breeze.

So next time you go to Chick-fil-A during breakfast or lunch, thank the ladies for all the hard work that they do. They make everything with love.

do you know...what I mean...when I say?

When it comes to work, most people think, "Ugh, another day at the office." When I think of it, I get excited. As most of you know (from the title of my blog), I work at Chick-fil-A and I absolutely love it!!!

One reason I love it so much is because of all the great people that work there. There are so many different people that make working there fun. Another reason is because working there has allowed me to meet alot of different people (customers) and say hi to the customers I already know like Coach Bird, Melanie, the "strip guy", our numerous "sweet tea customers", and of course my favorite is Bethany the "#5 8 pack and a dr. pepper " girl.

Well, today was especially a good day for me. I had ordered some shoes because a certain dog (*clears throat* Roddick) ate up my other shoes. Today they came in and so I was super excited. My boss, Bill, called me back to give me my paycheck. As he gave it to me, he pointed me to a note he had written me on the check stub. It said "This is only the start for you, Joey. BR" and circled that I got a raise.

So yes, I had a great day at work today. If you are ever in the neighborhood (or even if you're not) then come see me at Chick-fil-A on Sherwood Way.

praise God...in the storm!

Hey everybody, this is my first post so I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it.

Anyway, I went to the doctor last friday for my 6th month check-up. Initially, I was not excited about the trip because going out of town just did not appeal to me at the moment. So my appointment was scheduled at 11:30 and I did not think I was going to get in till 12:30 (because of long waits on previous visits). Surprisingly, I walked in about 11:20 and I signed in and not even 5 minutes later they called my name. Alright, so the wait wasn't very long. I waited in the doctor's room until he came in and redirected us (me and my parents) downstairs where I would have a full body scan. After I did the body scan, I went back in the doctor's room until he came in and said that my levels were gradually rising (which is a good thing)! Praise God! And this is because I haven't been on the awful medicine. Well, most of you know that I hate having blood work done. He then said that he did not think that blood work was necessary so thats another Praise God! And I do not have to go back till July 11, 2008, that's another Praise God! So basically, I had a really good doctor's visit all under an hour! (how much better can it get?)

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for me and continue praying that my levels will continue to keep going up! Praise God!