"Because I knew you, I have been changed for good"

If I have ever influenced your music listening choice, most of you should recognize the title as part of the lyrics to the song, "For Good" from the musical Wicked. Here's how this post came to be.

Yesterday, I had the joy of experiencing the Iowa Straw Poll at Iowa State University. As I had attended a youth group overnighter the previous night, I slept. :) To put me to sleep, I have a "Naptime" playlist on my iPod. On this playlist is all sorts of slow songs I have fallen asleep to previously, including "For Good". Listening to those lyrics, I have realized that my friends, family, acquaintances that have jaded me or lifted me up, have all touched my life as Glinda describes Elphaba had done for her. (Yep, now you have to listen or read the lyrics) As I listened tears of joy came to my eyes as I realized just what a certain family had taught me: you can't be besties with everyone, don't reveal secrets because they aren't yours to tell, always hug your siblings and sometimes, people from other families can become a part of your family to fill an empty role. (this isn't to say the role is not fill-able by the original 'owner', so to speak, but sometimes, it's good to have someone in that position) Though I will leave for college this week, those lessons I learned over the years, and so many more will come with me, shaping who I am, like a hand print on my heart. Who shaped you? Does that person know? Was it for the better or worse? As you truly listen to the lyrics, I hope they touch you! Fun music fact: Stephan Schwartz wrote the music for Wicked, as well as contributed or wrote Godspell, Pippen, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Prince of Egypt, and many others. Isn't he amazing? What talent! :)

Another fun thing from the weekend:
Since I will be attending college at Iowa State, my parents decided that we should all go see my room. Unfortunately, I can't see my actual room until I move in, but my CA (in ISU terms, in 'typical college terms': RA. Iowa State thinks they're soo cool!) said that a guy moving in today probably wouldn't mind if we looked out his window. After seeing that view, I'm fairly certain my dorm will acquire the nickname "The Penthouse". WOW! SO BEAUTIFUL! (yes, I'm yelling in my mind) There are trees of green, red roses too, and I also see skies of blue, and clouds of white, bright, blessed days, and dark, sacred nights. What a wonderful campus! :) Plus, the guy I talked to was really nice; he's from North Carolina. To me, that translated to a 21 hour drive! (not automatically translated, but "Hoky Smokes, Bullwinkle!") I feel really bad for him because he probably won't be able to go home for Thanksgiving! :( I am glad that I met someone on my floor already!