Okay.  So I haven't been on here in forever.  Basically the only thing to say is I'm sick.  No one really knows with what or whether it's contagious or not.  Basically if it's a symptom of being sick, I've probably had it in the last month and a half.  I'm sick of being sick and tired of being tired but it doesn't look like I get a choice. 

Exciting news...  (Okay well it may not be that exciting but right now it doesn't take much for me)  I'm V.P. for the now formally known English and Humanities Club.  Jacqui's president.  Just another excuse to spend time together.   I was supposed to go home with her this weekend but b/c of this stupid fever I decided it wasn't a good idea.  RHA is going okay.  Things seem to be coming together in some ways.  Communication is a huge factor that needs work.  I can't fix it on my own nor do I have the real energy right now.

I've been meaning to post this on here, but things have been crazy.  My cousin wrote this email and I've forwarded it on to some people, but I figure I reach just as many people through here if not more.  So read it and do what is most appropriate for you.

Hello and happy Friday to all of you! For those of you who may not know
me, my name is Eryn (Carranza) Stier. I am a BGSU and Tau Beta Sigma alumni. I am not one to make a habit of sending mass e-mails like this, especially when asking something of you, but God has really put it in my heart to write today. I know this a bit lengthy, but please read on. It is from the heart.

My husband, Will, and I live just north of Tampa, Florida. As you probably
know, Florida has been hit by two hurricanes, Charlie and Francis, in less
than a month and Hurricane Ivan, which is currently near Jamaica and Cuba,
looks as though is will also make land fall in Florida. Many people have
been affected by both storms and almost everyone has been affected by at
least one. Needless to say, the damage caused by the hurricanes and the
flooding is devastating. Although Will and I have only had comparitively
"minor" damages and inconveniences, many others are in great need -
homeowners, businesses, and schools alike. As if the physical damage wasn't
enough, there is much emotional trauma.

Please PRAY for the people in Florida and the other island countries south
of us. Pray for all those who have already been affected by these storms.
Pray for God's protection as this third hurricane makes its course. Pray
for our faith to remain strong. I do not know why God has chosen this path
for us, but I do know God's promise to protect His people, never leave our
side and never send anything our way that we cannot handle. Pray for the
relief groups that have helped us so much - the Red Cross, the Salvation
Army, and the many electrical workers who have helped more than you can ever imagine.

If you feel led, find a way in which you can help. Of course your prayers
are so important and so needed. If you want to do more, there are many
other ways you or your group can help. (I apologize for this probably
sounding like a public service announcement, but I can't think of another
way to say it.) You can make a cash donation to a reputable relief
organization (like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army). You could also
donate blood or platelets. As I mentioned before, schools are also in great
need. If you would like to make a more direct contribution I would be more
than happy to give you the name and an address of a school in need. Also, I
will be collecting money to send to a school that my school is helping.

As a former northerner, I know what it is like to hear about a hurricane, to
see pictures of its devastation and say or think "Man that is awful " and
feel for those affected. I also know that when it is out of sight, it is
often out of mind. I pray that you will not do what I, too, once did and
leave it with just that thought.

Thank you for listening and thank you in advance for your prayers. For
those of you who know me, even though I stink at keeping in touch at times,
I do miss you and think of you often. May God bless each and every one of
you.

In the bond and in Christ's never-ending love,

Eryn & Will

One week down.  Lots more to go.  This first week has been an interesting one.  My classes all seem fine.  I'm a little worried about Philosophy but I think it'll be okay.  Lots of reading to do in my education classes.  Good thing I really enjoy my major.  Anyway... back to why the week's been interesting.  I've done a few things this week that I shouldn't have.  I knew it was wrong but did it anyway.  I'm sorry if you are someone I hurt this week.  It wasn't entirely intentional but that is no excuse.  I've felt like crap after I did these things.  And it made me realize that for me, I shouldn't try to seek revenge.  I'm not a manipulative person and when I manipulate people, unlike some people I know, it makes me upset because that's not who I am or how I want to be classified.  Manipulation sucks.  I've been on both sides of it and either way it's bad.  People are beings and not toys to be played with at your leisure.  So even if someone has manipulated you, or treated you as a toy, don't do it back.  Think of how you felt when it was done to you and that should stop you from doing it.  Remember, people are not toys and should not be treated as toys.  All right.  I'll get off the soap box now.

Anyway...  I've met up with old friends and have made a few new this week.  It's amazing what changes have occurred in the last 3 months.  I've grown a lot in a year in many ways but especially in the past 3 months.  I've found that contrary to what certain people would have convinced me to believe, I have amazing inner strength.  So those who think I have no strength and that you can manipulate me now, well I hate to tell you but you're wrong.  I'm glad I've rid myself of the majority of the drama created by others who really didn't care about me.  Now I can focus my energy on those who actually care.  So love me or hate me, it doesn't matter anymore.  I know who cares about me and who doesn't and that's good enough for me.