A Journey for Something Deeper

Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

It's CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!
I am so very excited that Christmas time has finally arrived.
Joe and I have been buying and wrapping gifts, and cannot wait to visit Alabama to give them to our families!

...there's just one thing...we are still in Kentucky. bleh.
Saturday morning we will have our "christmas morning" together, I can hardly wait! there is a package under the tree for me that is wrapped in a long box. I cannot figure out what in the world could be in there. So excited!

I have one more paper left to do befor eI am finished with my first semester of grad school. This should be an easy paper, but I am having a hard time with it. It is supposed to be my philosophy/theology of discipleship. It's due tomorrow and I have one page done. (I just spelled "done" as "dun". WOW)

Anyway, I noticed that I hadn't updated in a while.
So that's that.

2009-10-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so after multiple conversations, prayer, your great input Al Jones, prayer, and careful consideration, I have decided to stick with Christian Ed. I looked over the degree requirements for CE and CL and realized that there are a lot more classes in CE that I want to take, and really only 3 or 4 classes in CL that I want to take. So, I'll be able to continue on with CE and still take the few leadership classes that I want to take. I have heard many times that people with a CE degree get treated as if they got a degree for Sunday School. Hopefully that will not be the case for me. I have also come to find (though conversations with different professors) that I really don't even have to decide for another year. All of the classes that I have to take this semester and next can go towards either degree.
That's the update for now.

2009-10-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Leadership? Education? Leadership? Education? Leadership? Education?

I've been going back and forth all week between the two. I am trying to decide whether or not to continue with Christian Education or to go with Christian Leadership. I can't decide. I have asked different professors their opinion about which would better equip me for what I want to do and it seems I have a 50 50 response for everyone. actually, that is not true, it has been suggested more often that I continue with CE. One professor simply responded "Pray about it". Thanks. I am praying about it, but as of now feel no particular direction. In fact, I wonder if this is even what I should be doing. I have struggled a lot with the question of why I am doing what I am doing.

Hmmm. I have more thinking and praying to do...

Christian Education:
The Master of Arts in Christian Education is designed to prepare students for a vocation of nurture, formation, and life-span discipleship in parish, institutional, or cross-cultural settings. They will be equipped to provide leadership for educational ministries that effectively seek to present everyone mature in Christ.

Christian Leadership:
The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership program equips persons to function effectively in a variety of leadership positions. The program serves future leaders who are called to local church settings, parachurch organizations, college student development or in the marketplace.

2009-10-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

No updates lately because I have given my time over to reading and writing for classes. I get my first two papers back tomorrow and wednesday, yikes! one of my friends didn't do well, so that makes me a little worried.

It's getting really cold up here. I wasn't fully prepared for "fall" (more like winter) to hit so quickly. At least in Alabama when it gets cold, it will get warm for a few days...but not here! it's been in the low 40's....coooolllldddd.

I am looking forward to spending Thanksgiving and Christmas in Alabama. Mostly I'm just looking forward to being with everyone!

Joe and I am doing great. We are enjoying our time together more and more. He has been trying to teach me how to play football on the wii (that was given to us by Nathan). It usually ends in frustration followed by tons of laughter. I am not good at all.

This week I will be making candied apples and caramel apples, just because I've been craving them.

Required Laughter

2009-09-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have been experiencing a strange situation where the man who is head of the IT department says something not so funny and everyone, as if on cue, bursts out in laughter. He stomps through the office every morning with his little sweater vests of bright colors and complains for about five minutes straight, all the while the other workers laugh with him at his misfortune and complaints. It just feeds the fire I believe. He is not a funny man...in fact he is a little immature for having a doctorate. I guess it is a required thing to laugh when your boss laughs, or is making a joke. I refuse to laugh though. It's not funny. I just pretend to not be listening as I continue to work on audio files and then he eventually moves on to other places and more work. I wonder if the other workers ever wonder why they laugh with him.

I don't know.

uh...come again??

2009-09-10T10:16:00.001-07:00

I had my first days of class, and they all went well.
I have Foundations of Discipleship for 2 hours and 45 minutes on Tuesdays,
Foundations of Leadership on Wednesday and Fridays for a little over an hour (with Joe!!!)
Vocation of Ministry on Wednesdays for 2 hours and 45 minutes.

My discipleship class is going to be interesting, and I feel will have a lot of busy work. The professor is a very nice woman though. And I met a girl from Enterprise who knew about me and Joe from a friend of hers at Troy.

Leadership will be awesome. Mostly because Joe is in there :0) but the man who teaches that is interesting and I think will keep things exciting.

Oh man- and the VoM class just may be difficult. It was one of those things where I had to sit there with dictionary.com open so I knew what in the world the man was talking about! there were also quiet a few argumentative folks in there as well.

Over all I think I will be learning a lot of great things about ministry, myself, and other goodies, as well as growing with Christ. And for that I am super excited!

first

2009-09-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in my first grad class. I haven't been so nervous walking to a class since the wallace days...which was...a long time ago.

I found the place ok though.

It smells weird in here. A mixture of old chinese food and B.O. YUM!

looking forward

2009-09-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

For the fifth of sixth time I have written out mine and Joe's weekly schedule of work and classes. It is going to be a full semester, that is for sure. At first I was slightly disappointed at how our schedules didn't perfectly line up, but then I realized that if we weren't going to school right now we would both have to work full time and would be seeing each other everyday at 5. so we are in a better position than that because we will be able to spend more of a day together than not seeing each other from 8-5 (although some days it is the case that we miss each other and don't see each other until 4:30 or 5). Anyway, Classes begin tomorrow and I am nervous about it all. I have been reading to get a head start on some classes and I don't get what the books are supposed to be about. that is not such a good way to start out I guess. Joe and I are taking a class together and that really excites me. I can't wait.

I work tomorrow from 8-12, then have class from 1-3:45.

I have stomach pains right now, and want to go to sleep.

the end.

Hello Sunshine!

2009-09-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

It was 52 degrees this morning when I woke up. and it is only September!
I look forward to cold mornings of bundling up and going to classes or work.

The sun is shining so brightly outside, and the fall breeze is beginning to come in.
It feels great to lay in the sun!

Still nervous about classes starting next Tuesday. Don't know what to expect. Can I do it?

2009-08-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

My eyes are still sleepy because I just woke up. I enjoy saturdays so much!

My stomach is growling and I'm trying to decide if I should make waffles or muffins. such a tough decision.

Joe is almost finished with his 20-something paper, hooray! we are going to celebrate by going into lexington, watching movies...and I'll probably mop the floor at some point.

Life is good. Even though Joe and I have our moments of arguing and misunderstandings I still absolutely love being married to him, he is wonderful!

Sarah and PK are in Ireland. I'm jealous.

My web page is ALMOST done!!!

Another Thought...

2009-08-20T10:59:00.001-07:00

While I wait for the cassettes to finish copying, I will update again.
I just checked our family blog and had a thought.
I just thought to myself "I never imagined it would be this way..." I was looking at the pictures of us four girls. Three of us with our husbands. I never imagined that when we got married that we would still be close to each other. For some reason I had always thought that once we grew up and got married we would all marry strange straight laced men who only wanted to work and would not care to get to know the family.
It's all so different than that though. I so look forward to talking with each of my sisters, and my mom, dad, and gradmothers. I love receiving random texts from summer at 2:45 A.M. Well, I don't like the fact that they are at that time, but I love having a sister who wants to show me her bedroom with new pictures on the wall. I love my brothers-in-law. They are tons of fun, and both have wonderful personalities that I greatly appreciate! I look forward to seeing my family beyond what I could have ever imagined!
I love them all so much, I love the guys they married, I love my almost 18 year old sister, I love the talks with the grandmothers...I love it all..I love how life has turned out. . . and, I can't wait to meet the guy summer will marry, because I know he will be wonderful!

2009-08-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

I updated a while back about what people at the limited to when they don't want to work, and now I will proceed to update with what people do in IT when the don't want to work.

There are 4 student workers, and over the past two weeks we have really had close to no work requests. I have been working on transferring all of the old President's chapel archives over into a digital format and putting them on the internet, there are a couple hundred total. That keeps me very busy while I wait for something to update on the web site or whatever someone asks me to do. So, there are only 4 computers for the student workers and each computer does a specific task. The one I work on does the cassette archives, the other prints cds, and the other does the media stuff...and the other is just there. If there is only one job for student workers to do now (which is archives stuff) and I am working on the only computer that does that...then what do they do all day???
Good question!
When there is nothing to do, and you don't want to do anything. We usually do what I am doing now...But I am actually putting archives into the computer as I type, I just pause and flip the tape when necessary.
I always wondered what they did and I found out yesterday.
I was printing out CD labels and uploading information into the computer and I had to lean over my desk to reach the CD duplicator, which was on Stephens desk. I reached over, and without him noticing looked at what was on his computer. It was definitely a YouTube video. all he did for the 4 hours I was at work was play on YouTube. But...every time someone would walk by he would pull up the work request forms and make it look like he was doing something. I don't have the guts to sit at work and watch videos. I find it daring just to check the weather...and writing a blog is....well.... something. (this is my first time)
Anyway, I thought is was interesting that he did nothing for 4 hours and got paid for it.

Joe and I are doing great.
I have a web site for photography now! when I'm done I'll post the web address.

boredom.

2009-08-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

2009-08-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'm getting into seeing how much food I can make for the least amount of money. So far, Poppy Seed Chicken has been the best, it lasted us somewhere are 14 plates and ended up costing about 60 cents a plate.

Any ideas for recipes to look up??

He Loves Me

2009-07-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

Joe has a wonderful way of remembering little things I say I like. A few weeks back I mentioned something about having candles at the dinner table. Then another day I mentioned something about background music during dinner. Each of these things were said different days, different weeks.

Yesterday I worked until 5 and he only worked until 12. When I got home I was greeted with the smell of taco seasoned hamburger meat and Joe waiting at the door to kiss me. When I walked into the kitchen he had the table set, a candle lit in a nice candle holder, flowers in a vase on the table, and all of the things for taco salad lined up neatly on the counter. He even took the time to put all of the toppings in individual prep bowls. I was blown away! He just stood there grinning from ear to ear. I walked into the office and he had cleaned the whole desk top off so it could fit my computer as well as his.

He is so wonderful and full of surprises!

2009-07-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

I'm finished with my first half week of work. It hasn't been so bad, I've been learning TONS of stuff. Today I uploaded videos to itunesU, I finished turning some tapes into digital files and cds, then put them on itunesU, that in itself took somewhere about six hours. of course I was learning it all, but it takes a lot of work.

Anyway. I am getting used to it all. and it's not that bad.

Joe and I are attempting to win free chick-fil-a for a year this coming wednesday in Richmond. Should be interesting!

Firsts

2009-07-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Joe and I started our new jobs today.

I am in IT for production assistant and Joe is over in Admissions for an assistant for admissions. He is working all day today, so I'm home alone.

I only worked for half a day, and that was more than enough for me! I think I'm going to really enjoy the job once I understand better what is going on. It's just that today there was A LOT of information I had to hear and remember. I basically just messed with a program for recording cassettes into a digital format.... there was also a lot of codes and what not to put into the computer for different reasons. I think I'll get the hang of it sometime.

Joe and I are both working 20 hours a week right now. Actually he is working a little more.

He still has a youth pastor interview on monday night, so that could lead to something good.

I need to go rest my brain.

interviews

2009-07-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm about to head out to my second interview. This one is for the Hospitality Assistant staff position that I wrote about before (I think).

The man who is interviewing me is Mr. Ralph Siglers cousin, so this should be interesting. I'm not sure how he is related though, maybe through Mr. Ralphs mom's side...it was an interesting fact though.

I have to call the people at IT today and let them know if I want to accept their job offer. This is a new kind of pressure I haven't felt before.

It's all going to work out. and in the end, I think I will have a job.

Joe has an interview tomorrow for an admissions work study, and then an interview next Monday for a youth pastor position (at a church an hour away).

just waiting now...

Lovely Ride

2009-07-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Joe told me "I've got to get out of the house...let's have date night"

I was completely fine with this seeing as how we ate poppy seed chicken for a week straight and how we have been eating roast for the past two meals.

While I finished getting ready to leave J researched italian places to eat (for relatively inexpensive), he ended up find a play called Theresa's Pizza. It was SUPER good! it had crust like Pizza hut and toppings like...heaven. While we were eating he said "I looked at the reviews and didn't see anything for this place" I thought it was so cute how he looked at the reviews. I love how he researches things. Right now he is looking up new phone plans. We aren't changing until October probably, but if he starts looking now...then we may find something by then.

I am just going to watch and wait and then do whatever he says is best.

As we were riding home we rolled the windows down to get some fresh air. that didn't last long though. it is 66 out side and feels cold. "This is NOT summer time!" J said. "This is like ... october in alabama..." He's right. It is very cool outside, especially without the humidity.

I need real winter clothes. I feel like the winter is going to be a shock to my body.

on a regular basis

2009-07-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to start work.

Joe and I have been talking about this past month together and both agree that it has been wonderful not to work because this has been the first time we've been able to spend consistent time together without having to travel, get ready for graduation/weddings, pack...things like that.

I have been offered a job at the seminary for Production Assistant, but am still considering wether I want to accept it or not. I have also applied for a staff position as a Hospitality Assistant, which I think would be getting students connected with the seminary and other students. It's only 20 hours a week but pays 9.00 an hour. the other is only 7.25 an hour and 15-20 hours a week. the IT people have been kind enough to give me some time to accept the work offer in order to check out this other job. The production assistant job would be nice because they promote from within, I would have more opportunities to shoot events, I would be able to use my bachelors some, and I would be learning a lot about programming/ just getting to work in an office environment. BUT...it is minimum wage and not as many hours. so....I don't know.

Since Joe and I have been married I have had the joy of discovering more about his characteristics. I have learned that if he is left alone any more than 20 minutes he will start singing something, anything. I believe he is a walking ipod. I love it.

He is also hungry all the time, I'm still trying to get used to that.

I'm loving being married. I'm learning more and more how to serve and be served (which is actually hard when I want to do everything myself).

God has been providing for us in this down time without jobs. We are so thankful for that.

News

2009-07-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have fallen out of connection with the blog for a while because Joe and I have done so much traveling the past two weeks (which really feels like the past month). Joe and I went to Alabama to go to Mobile, Luverne, Prattville, Dothan, Luverne, Troy, Prattville, and finally back here. In that time Joe was in two weddings and we visited with friends and family.

Something I realized while visiting was how important the investment in people is. The more I thought about it the more I decided that I would rather invest my time and life in another person than in a career. Joe and I enjoyed a long visit with the Jackson family (which is like his second family), I enjoyed the meal, laughter, and conversation we shared. We also spent a lot of time with his family and mine. Those are always special times. Joe was making fun of my math skills one morning at breakfast and he had dad laughing so hard he was crying. Although I didn't really appreciate the jokes, it was hilarious.

Since we've been back Joe and I have gotten back into the routine of....ok, we don't have a routine, but whatever. I had an interview today for a production assistant, but in the interview told them I was kind of waiting to hear back from another job I applied for. I don't know if that was the smartest thing, but it was the honest thing. The interview team was understanding and willing to work around my other possible job as a hospitality assistant (making sure new students get connected with campus life and other students).

In the mean time, I am working hard on creating a web site and editing photos for the web page. It will be up soon. If any one needs pictures taken, I am available.

Thats all for now.

Better?

2009-06-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

New hair did

2009-06-26T08:57:00.001-07:00

About...

2009-06-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

I think life is about to finally pick up a little.

Joe and I are driving to Dothan Thursday, then down to mobile for a wedding. Only to turn around and drive back up to Wilmore. I got a call today from the seminary saying they wanted to interview me for a Major Events job I applied for. The interview was originally set up for Monday, but since Joe and I were going to be in Dothan I asked if we could do it another time. Haven't heard back yet, so I don't know if Joe and I are staying in Alabama or not.

Anyway. I am praying this job works out and I will be able to work on campus. That would be awesome because it is less than a mile away.

Joe is still looking for a job.

Until then, we will try to beat the golf game on the playstation. it is all we can do.

stinky smell

2009-06-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

Joe and I have been on this kick of getting out of the house and playing disc golf. When we are done playing he likes to come in and leave his tennis shoes where they belong (in the closet). But... this poses a problem because it makes the closet smell like dirty gym shorts. He is so wonderful and I love that he puts things where they belong...I just need to find a better place for his shoes to belong.

Today we ate an early dinner of homemade pizza, then went out and played 9 holes of disc golf. When we were finished we ran a mile around the track. We were both very sweaty and stinky when we got back.

I enjoy running, playing disc golf, or playing racquetball with Him. He beats me in racquetball EVERY time, but we laugh the whole way through. We stay about tied in disc golf, but I choke a lot on the last hole. He is so encouraging when we play.

Joe just said "smelly kittens!" out of frustration that his internet isn't working right...now he's singing a country song.

We're about to play golf on the play station.

Pray we get jobs!

Cloudy with a chance of rain

2009-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

I think it has rained everyday since Joe and I have been here. what is the weather thinking?

We were going to go play disc golf today, but it doesn't look like that will happen anymore.

I'm still looking for jobs, but I think I'm about to switch over and start looking for jobs in areas that I don't want a job in. (i.e. Retail).

Our house is just about fully put together. we just have to hang a few more pictures and random things so our walls won't look so empty.

Our house feels empty all of the time. I guess I'm used to the madness at home with everyone over, or the madness of the dorms with girls running in and out and slamming doors all day. I don't know what to do with the silence. or with all the free time.

Productivity

2009-06-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

I take back what I said about just sitting around eating and watching movies. I have actually been very productive.

Joe and I unpacked at least 100 boxes in 4 days.

I have been actively searching for jobs between unpacking boxes.

I have made meals for my sweet husband everyday.

I have gone out and worked on decorating the home.

I exercised with Joe.

And lots of other stuff too.

I'm back!

2009-06-15T17:59:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've been gone a while, but I am planning on getting back and updating this more often.

In the past two weeks I have gotten married, gone on a cruise, packed up a moving van, unpacked a moving van, and now am living happily with my husband.

Since we have been here in Wilmore we have worked very hard at getting unpacked, and were able to do so in less than 4 days. We've been looking for jobs and sitting around enjoying being married. Joe gets "cabin fever" and has to go outside every few hours, so we have started playing frisbee golf in the back yard. We have about 5 trees and a small barn in the back yard, so we make up courses to go in and play away.

I'm enjoying our house so much. it is a lot larger than I expected, and the decorating is beginning to come together. I really enjoy cooking for Joe too, I don't know when that will wear off, but I so love getting meals ready and eating and cleaning together.

He has exceeded my expectations that I had of him before we got married. He has always cared so much for me and helped me with whatever, or taken care of anything I need, but since we have gotten married, that has only increased. Some people said he wouldn't be like that, but he has. I kept him up all night two nights ago because I couldn't sleep. I heard a noise and it freaked me out, so he courageously got out of bed in the middle of the night to check on whatever it could be. I found out the next morning that it was my shoe rack in the closet that fell over. But all that night every time I sat up in bed or rolled over he asked if I was ok. His patience amazes me. I'm sure I have already driven him crazy a few times asking for things, but he smiles and does whatever I ask.

We've watched tons of movies since being here too. I think all we do is eat, watch movies, and build things.

I'm ready to get a job and stop sitting around so much though. I've applied to tons of different places, but haven't heard anything back yet. Joe will be starting classes in August, and then we both will be taking classes in September.

We are both earnestly seeking God for his will for us in ministry, school, marriage, and whatever else may come out way.

I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to get my masters in, but I have a semester or so to figure that out. For those of you who missed it, I got a good scholarship to Asbury, and am going in the fall.

I miss my family and friends, but wouldn't trade being here with Joe for anything.

2009-05-20T03:17:00.001-07:00

I woke up at 4:45 a.m. unable to sleep. I hear all of these weird noises in the house that makes it sound like someone coming in or walking around.

I decided that I should just get on my computer instead of laying and staring at the wall. Hopefully I will fall asleep soon.

I am using my Wallace degree to set my computer on so it won't get hot. I knew that thing would come in handy one day!

I don't know what to do with my hands....

2009-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am so finished with College!!!!!!

I finished yesterday at 2:30, and now I'm trying to figure out how to fill my time.

I have a lot of wedding things to do, but a lot of it I can't do without mom.

Packing is my main priority now I guess. my room is filled with boxes. I work at packing for a while, then sit back and it seems that nothing has been done, so I get on the computer and wait for motivation to strike again.

The wedding is in 25 days FYI.

in class

2009-04-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

"paula dean is the paul bunion of cooking, she is a pioneer...if this doesn't work we are going to have to talk about Emeril."

"paula makes this bacon cone for old people. she's crazy! she cooks with rings on"

"have yall looked through the Michael Jacksons auction stuff? it's on flicker, it's crazy!"

"He fled the country. you can go online to look at all of it, it's really creepy. I mean, Bad?? he was bad!! god he was bad!, have you seen the moon walk? no one can do it like him! he's floating. probably one of the ugly jackson brothers came up with it and michael stole it."

"yall talk about pancakes or something"

-Thanks Collin for the enlightening conversation.

Crazy lady Crazy Lady!

2009-04-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

If i don't stop having jacked up dreams about mine and joe's wedding I don't know what I'm going to do!

Last night I had a dream that the wedding and reception happened and I didn't remember ANY of it. I had to walk around asking people what happened. Then Joe and I spent our first night on a boat dock that had no flat floors and was on top of our house. We ended up going down to the how to mom and dads room because they were out of town and then summer walked in and threw the phone and me and Joe (who I might add were both fully clothed :o) ) then, we decided to go upstairs then mom and dad came home and Joe wanted to go talk to them... and I was so upset that I screamed at mom "we haven't even consummated the marriage yet!"

I woke up shortly after. It was terrible.

Summer- please don't throw phones at us. That's not nice.

almost done

2009-04-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

I just read Sarah's blog and saw where she is home in Dothan.

I am ready to be home too. Sometimes at night I can't sleep because I am making a list of everything I need to do in order to go back home. I am in the middle of packing up my room here at school. all of my things have multiplied since being here and it is a slow process of going through things and packing/throwing them out.

I have a very long to-do list between now and graduation, and I'm not sure how in the world I am going to get it all done. I need to clone myself, or get someone (i.e. summer) to come up here and help me.

I also can't sleep because I am always thinking about how when I wake up it will be one more day closer to marrying Joe. I lay in bed in the mornings thinking about how we will decorate, what we will need to buy the first time we go to the store, what we should return, what we will do while in Kentucky. It is all so new, so exciting.

To Do Today:

Write more thank you letters

Work out

Finish Research paper

Pack up more

39 Days.

shhhh

2009-04-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in class right now.

we are having a photography critique. I'm looking very interested in what is going on and keeping my hands still and the typing silent. :o)

I'm getting excited about the wedding...it's getting so close! i will be going home every minute I can spare in order to prepare for it all.

This weekend on the agenda I will work on invitations, lay out, check on the tux vest colors, check the rehearsal dinner site.

Let's Go!

I've got sunshine

2009-04-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got a phone call around 11:45 and it was my amazing fiance called to see if he could bring me something for lunch, that's all sweet and all, but he lives 2 hours away!

Turns out he was driving up to take me to the doctor!

He took a vacation day of sorts to come up here and go to the doctor with me for my check-up. He's the best! He had asked the day before if there was anything he could do for me, and I was thinking that all I wanted was for him to come up here and be with me for a little while, but I didn't tell him because I didn't want to make him sad that he couldn't be here.

We went to the doctor and turns out that my white blood cell count is back to normal! Praise God!!! the doctor gave me some medicine to help me deal with the nausea so I can finish my medicine. The only problem with that is that it knocks me into next week when I take it. I sleep so hard for so long, and then feel cloudy all day.

I am so so thankful for Joe. He is just a huge support to me and a great encourager. Sometimes I am just blown away at the fact that God has blessed me with him and that I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I am so excited about that.

I am feeling much better these days. I am almost done taking my medicine, and I'm learning to cope with the nausea I do have. I am pretty sure I will by 100% again by Sunday.

2009-04-15T06:07:00.001-07:00

My teacher is seven minutes late as of right now.

I would like to tell him that I am concerned about his attendance.

bleh

2009-04-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have gotten to the point in the semester where I am beginning to wear the same thing a few days in a row.

It's terrible, I know, but if you were feeling the way I felt everyday you wouldn't give a single thought to what people thought about you.

wake up feeling like barfing, and go to bed feeling like barfing, and all the time in between is spent just trying to catch my breath and think happy thoughts.

Tomorrow I go to the doctor to find out where I stand with my blood and what not.

update to follow.

what the.....

2009-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

I am a very dilligent student. I have a 4.0, I don't just skip class for fun.

I am always 20 minutes early to my digital media class. always. I open the room for other people because they don't know the code, and my teacher is always 5 minutes late.

Today we got grade sheets back. I have made A's on all of my projects, but at the bottom of my grade sheet my teacher wrote "I am concerned with your attendance. please make an effort to not miss any additional classes. Thanks."

Say what?!

I miss wednesday because I went to take the GRE (which he knew) and I miss Friday due to extreme nausea. 2 days.

my teachers a doof.

Sickness!

2009-04-08T17:19:00.001-07:00

I went to take the GRE today, thinking it would be like any other day.

20 minutes into the first section of writing I started getting really light headed. I stood up knowing I was about to throw up. I told the head guy that I had to go to the bathroom THEN and not sign out or whatever. he walks with me down the hall and half way there I slightly black out and fall to the floor and begin throwing up everywhere. He picked me up by my arms and helped me get to the bathroom. I am sure I am not the fist person to throw up during the test (I was warned about people throwing up online), but I still felt terrible for doing it!

I continued on with the test feeling like crap and thinking any minute I was going to blow again.

I drove back to montevallo, thinking the whole way back that I wasn't going to make it. I did though. I went directly to the nurse where I had to wait over an hour for her. I was so miserable!! when I finally got in to see her she took my temperature and it was 101.4 she was very worried because she couldn't find the source of it. I was trying with everything not to cry. It is the worst thing to be sick without family. or Joe.

She made me pee in a cup. and sent me to another doctor.

I called catherine as soon as I got to my room and she came right over with drink and made me drink it. She is a good friend.

She drove me to the doctor where we waited for an hour again. It was as hot as hades in there too. I finally went back to the doctor and laid on the bed thing crying, waiting for him to come. He came in eventually, and I wiped my face alot. He is a young doctor, but very nice.

They made me pee in a cup again, and then they stuck a needle in my arm. I sat in the chair waiting for the lady to stick me and I was just crying my eyes out.

It made me realize how much I love mom being in the doctors room with me. Usually she makes me laugh and not feel uncomfortable. I laid on the bed thing again and just cried, waiting for the doctor. I told myself jokes some and laughed.

The doctor finally came back and told me I probably had an infection of some kind. he gave me some meds and talked with mom.

Catherine waiting patiently in the hot box for me to get out of the doctor. it was 3 hours total. So, everyone should give catherine a hug when you see her. She is being my family while people aren't here. I miss home a lot. I miss my sisters, and I really really miss joe!!!!!!

I am feeling much better now. my body is not hurting as bad, and my temperature has gone down from 103 to 99, and I've got to take it again.

I will be ok tomorrow I am sure. I am just taking it easy. I have peer review tomorrow for my class, so I am going. but I am laying down the rest of the time.

I miss home. I miss Joe. Period.

Old Mexico

2009-04-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Today for Lunch

-Beef wraps - Flour tortillas

Cheese

Salsa

Today for dinner

-Quesadillas- flour toritllas

Cheese

Salsa

Thanks Caf, I can always count on you not to waste food, and give me yucky after tastes of salsa.

You're the best!

2

2009-03-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today is the two month marker!!!

At this time in two months Joe and I will be MARRIED!

I still can't believe it.

zzzz

2009-03-25T06:02:00.001-07:00

My digital media teacher is on average 5 minutes late every day. If not more.

I don't like that.

I only have 5 weeks left of school!!! and then finals....and then WEDDING!!!

I have been making a lot of art this semester, and I am happy with most of what I have produced.

other news- I got a mac! but, it wasn't working so it was sent back...now I am waiting for the new one to come in, and the sweet bag they are giving me for free to carry it in.

I feel sick.

My teacher is here. it is 8:04

Inspired by Summer

2009-03-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up/now
[ x] Have owned a denim jumper-
[x ] You were at least 13 or older when you got your first "trendy" haircut -
[ x] Everything in your closet can be referred to as modest
[x] You have tucked things in that shouldn't be tucked in
[] You have been a member of at least 3 co-ops
[X She did ] Your mom drives a van of some sort
[x] You have at least one childhood picture where you, your mom, and all you siblings matched
[] You are/were/will be a PSEO student -
[X] At some point in your life you were more comfortable with adults than kids your own age
[X] Have studied ways to defend your beliefs, debate, and/or create laws
[X] Used A Beka curriculum
Total: 9

[X] You use big words that most adults could not use in conversation (on occasion)
[X] You can use the words sublime, epiphany, and cognizant correctly
[x] You have a favorite word
[x] You have an understanding of Latin root words and how to use them
[X] People from the outside world were referred to as "public schoolers"
[x] You or one of your siblings knits
x] You laugh at the decline in literacy in America
[] You score constantly higher than "public schoolers" on standardized tests
[] You have no concept of cafeteria food
(X] Traveling on said vacations have included stopping at historical site markers along the way
[x] You have never been in a public elementary school, middle school, or high school during regular school hours
[x] You have gone to or been involved in a homeschool convention
Total so far: 19

[X] You read books on a regular basis
[] You have taken part in a political protest
[x] You and your siblings quote whole lines and sentences from movies like Pride and Prejudice
[X] You know the sound track of a movie you've never seen
[X] You were a Chronicles of Narnia fan before the movie
[x] You speak a language other than English
Total so far: 24

It has been assumed that you:
[x] Have won many spelling bees
[x] Have no social life
[x] Have no friends
[] Will never get married because you aren't attending college
[x] Only listen to classical music
[x] Play piano or the violin
[x] probably don't know how to communicate
[x] Need to go to college
[x] Don't know how to "live"
[x] Have never been to a "party"
[x] Know no other beliefs other than what your family believes
Total so far: 34

You have been asked more than 10 times in your life:
[x] If you get to wear pajamas to school
[x] Why you wear skirts
[x] If you don't date how will you ever get married
[x] How do you meet people
[x] Why you aren't in school
[x] If you get days off whenever you want
[x] if you EVER intend to leave home
[x] If you have a big family
[x] What your parents are protecting you from
[x] How do you socialize
[x] For the answer, because homeschoolers always have all the answers

Total so far-46

OVERALL TOTAL: *40*

1-10 You're not really a homeschooler...you just do school at home
11-21 You're a homeschooler, but not what the world expects
22-32 You're a homeschooler
33-? You probably wouldn't have Facebook to begin with...but congrats you're the stereotypical homeschooler!

2009-03-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

I had a dream a few nights ago that I was the last of the Mohicans.

I'm such a warrior.

brain break

2009-03-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have been working in the art building for over 8 hours. my brain is about to explode.
Therefore, I am taking an intermission from my work in order to tell you about a revelation I had in the shower a few days ago.

Shower thoughts:
People who use the bathrooms in dorms usually do so according to their class. They don't know this, but I do. And anyone could see that it was true if they just watched.

The Breakdown:

Freshmen- The public bathroom is a new place ready to be explored by the curious freshman. She walks in and covers the toilet with toilet paper in order to be clean. She then uses the rest room and washers her hands like a good girl. She takes all of her clothes in to the bathroom when she takes a shower so she won't have to walk out in a bathrobe... or heaven forbid, a towel! She doesn't wear flip flops to the shower either. Her innocent little mind fails to understand that the bathroom rarely gets cleaned, and there are many undiscovered diseases lurking on the cold tiled floor.

Sophomore- Adjusting to the bathroom by now, she stops covering the toilet with toilet paper because it takes too long, and that was a stupid idea anyways. She still takes her clothes with her into the bathroom so no one will see her scantily clad. she notices other girls wearing flip flops and takes in into consideration.

Junior- with little time to even take a shower or use the bathroom, she never covers the toilet, and rarely washes her hands. she stops taking clothes into the bathroom because that is too much of a hassle. She does however cover herself modestly with a bathrobe when finished. When throwing trash away, she never aims for the garbage can but carelessly tosses the trash in the cans general direction. Who wants to pick up that trash so far down on the ground anyways?

Senior- Flip Flops are a must in the bathroom, and taking your clothes in there to change is not a good idea...they get wet and fall on the floor. They use a simple towel to dry and cover themselves. She begins to realize how stupid it was to miss the trash can and not wash hands, so she picks up the habit again. She never uses the first stall since that is where the freshmen opt to go and usually get pee...or other things on the seat. 4th and 5th stall are ideal.

*Please note that this is just a generalization.

really?

2009-03-05T07:57:00.001-08:00

I found this stupid thing on facebook this morning and was amused slightly by the questions. So, instead of posting it on facebook for everyone to see, I figured I would show just my family (or sarah and summer since they are the only one who read this)

♥What are your middle names?Ashley and Joseph
♥ How long have you been together? like together as in in the same place? because that would be something like a math problem, it would be like...2.5 day x some amount of weeks. But dating would be 11 months.
♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? 4 months
♥ Who asked who out? he did... what kind of girl would do the asking? and it wasn't "asking out", that has to be the stupidest (is that a word) question. He stated that he wanted to pursue a deeper relationship...or something.
♥ Who's siblings do you see the most? mine
♥ Do you have any children together? minihorse, and it's partial custody because he lives at Joe's.
♥ What about pets?see above
♥ Did you go to the same school?no, but Joe probably wishes he went to such a great school like Montevallo.
♥ Who is the most sensitive?depends
♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? chick-fil-a, fishtales
♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Kentucky with Ryan Robinson...but we weren't a couple then...so....yeah.
♥ Who has the worst temper? neither of us has a bad temper.
♥ Who does the cooking?he likes to think he does...
♥ Who is more social? about the same, but it depends on the place.
♥ Who is the neat freak? psh
♥ Who is the most stubborn? me sadly.
♥ Who hogs the bed? I wouldn't know... but in 87 days I will!!!! what what!
♥ Who wakes up earlier? Him...by a long shot.
♥ Where was your first date? to olive garden.
♥ Who has the bigger family? what does that matter?
♥ Do you get flowers often? Yes
♥ How long did it take to get serious?we are both rather serious people. (stupid question...)
♥ Who eats more? I think I do.
♥ Who sings better? maybe me, but Joe makes up way funny songs.
♥ Who does the laundry? I'm guessing if we did it together I would do it...but I don't know.
♥ Who’s better with the computer?uhhh
♥ Who drives when you are together? He does...by default.
♥ Who chooses where you go to dinner? usually me, because I make up my mind quickly :0)
♥ Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? It's usually at the same time, but he is better at it than I am.
♥ Who wears the pants in the relationship? I don't know about everyone else, but I enjoy wearing pants all the time... in about 87 days though, neither of us will be bearing pants ;)
♥ Who has more tattoos? he does...but I want one!
♥ Who eats more sweets?HIM
♥ Who cries more? who cares?

:o)

2009-02-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun planning mine and Joe's wedding.
I just thought everyone should know that.

2009-02-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

Every time I get on here to update, I can't think of the right thing to say. so usually I write a lot and then erase it all.
Today my head is throbbing, I haven't slept well in two weeks, and I have tons to do. I am feeling slightly...well, pretty overwhelmed. I know I will get everything done, but I just can't seem to keep my mind on one thing.

I am so ready to graduate, go home, get married and leave again.

I'm going to go find medicine.

Say what???

2009-02-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

I am still facing the excitement and shock of the fact that I am getting married in a matter of 109 days. I look at my ring sometimes and think "really??? I'm getting married!"
I never really thought I would find someone who loved me the way he does. I remember telling John Moss a long time ago that no one existed that could ever love me for who I am (that sounds a little depressing I know). But, sweet Joseph loves me even when I am having my worst day.

I have been looking at wedding cakes this morning to get an idea of what kind of cake I would like. I found some good ones and have an idea of what I want.

I am enjoying every moment of the planning process, even if I can't really make up my mind on colors, or food, or anything like that. I'm just soaking it all in and enjoying it.

"They Don't Listen To Me"

2009-02-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

After working 6+ hours, the computer crashing, and crying for a long time, I finished my project!

This was inspired by the residents in Main who never listen to us when we have meetings. They sit on the stairs and talk to each other.

Just Decide

2009-02-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Example 1: What I Do In Class

2009-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

just waiting

2009-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

I have a class purely devoted to photoshop and other computer programs. I am enjoying it thus far.
We listen to Beck while clicking away. He's good for computer work, but I don't understand a word he says.

Joe and I have registered for wedding gifts at Target and Wal-Mart. I really enjoyed that process with him. We walked through the stores. I pointed, He scanned. We are a great team.

I actually spent the whole weekend with Joe. We went home for some premarital counseling and then registered for gifts. On the drive back, we played racquetball in Troy. I lost really bad...but I feel that I am getting better. we then ate at fishtales and played balderdash with the Jackson kids (and I won by a landslide twice). It was a great weekend.

back to whole class thing, there is a guy here in the class that claims that he likes to change seats every class time, but really, there is this cute blond girl that he is trying to sit next to. the teacher made a comment one day about him changing seats (the day he actually sat to the cute blond girl) he said "yeah, I don't like to sit in the same place all of the time". fast forward 2 class days when a guy is sitting next to the blond girl. when Mr. seat changer walks in, he gets upset because some took "his" seat...next to the cute blond girl.
What a goof he is.

2009-01-20T13:52:00.001-08:00

A series of thoughts occurred to me about a week ago that have kept me pretty occupied. This matter is this; I was thinking about Joe and how much I love him, and when we talk I enjoy expressing my love to him in words, and after a while I feel like I am repeating myself even though my heart wants to say more. In the same manner, as I have been praying lately I have been returning to speaking how wonderful Jesus is. I feel like I repeat myself in my prayers even though my heart wants to say more.
Given the two scenarios I began thinking about what they have in common and the thought occurred to me that the more time I spend with Joe and the more I get to know him, the more ways I find to tell him and show him that I love him. In the same way, the more time I spend with God and allowing him to speak to me, more of his character is revealed to me, and in that I have new ways to talk with Him and share my love and thankfulness. I grow most in my relationship (whether it is God or my future husband :0) ) when I take the time to know the character of who I am relating to, and in that I discover new aspects of their personality, I then have new way to show my appreciation, love and admiration.

Merry New Year

2009-01-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since I have updated, and I guess that is due to the fact that I have been with all of the people who read this... and they already know what is happening in my life. Maybe that is not such a good reason not to update after all.

Since my last post I have gotten engaged to the most wonderful man in the world, watched my oldest sister get married (to a pretty awesome guy at that), Had a wonderful Christmas with the family/fiance/family to be, turned 21 and ate at the same Mexican restaurant twice, shot off bottle rockets out of joe's back pockets as well as catch the field on fire twice.

It has been a good break in my opinion. and now it is time to go back to school...for just a few months though.

It is 145 days until Joe and I get married. I have things to do...

la la la

2008-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed being home this thanksgiving.

I think the next holiday gathering with the family should not include any "toot to talk" rules.

Can you handle this?

2008-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

This Christmas I have some of the coolest gifts for people.
I am so excited.

I will be home in a matter of hours and I can hardly wait. It seems the older I get, the more I value and enjoy the time I have with my family.
I am very excited about the new addition to our family. I am looking forward to family vacations with PK now joining in. I love my family. It makes me so upset when people talk about their brother or sister-in-laws that they don't like. I love John, and I love PK.

Merry Thanksgiving.

2008-11-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

At any given time I would rather be with Joe than anyone* else.

*this is not a bash against my family, it's just that I am totally in love with this guy. that's all.

It's the most wonderful time...

2008-11-24T12:57:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Joe and I went Christmas shopping!
We went to tons of different stores and walked more than I usually walk in a week.
He is probably my favorite person to go shopping with. We walked into one particular store looking for a gift for summer. we were originally going to go in a split a gift, but once he walked in he got excited because everything in the store was like summer. He walked around until he found what he wanted most and when I brought up the fact that I thought we were going to split a gift he just smiled and said that he wanted to buy this thing especially for her. it was so cute. we looked around some more and Joe searched and searched for the perfect thing to go along with what he originally found. He is so precious.
He is just like dad when it comes to finding and buying things. He gets an idea of what he wants then he researches, and then searches for the best price. Then he compares it all....and then he looks some more. He reads every little detail and then reads it all again. then he questions it all and compares some more.
I have bought most of the Christmas gifts I need, but I am still lacking a few. I don't know what to give to mom, and I am stumped with the married and soon to be married people. I have joint gifts, but I still feel like my sisters deserve their own gift.
I love Christmas. I am so excited this year about the gifts I have to give away. I haven't even thought that much about what I want. I can't wait to give.
Ho Ho Ho... merry beeshi!

2008-11-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

I stink at updating this thing.

This past weekend was really fun. I got to hang out with Joe (and friends) as well as see my wonderful sister Sarah! (who was willing to stay with me in a hotel even though we didn't sleep well there).

I only have 2 weeks before finals begin! I am completely excited about that.
I registered for my LAST semester of school a week ago!!! I can't believe it is almost time to wrap things up.
Next semester I am taking three studio classes:
-Advance Photography - historic processes (that is going to be way awesome)
- Advance Printmaking - Relief (We will be making huge prints...like 30 x 70)
- Digital Media -(things like photoshop)
- Art History - Italian Renaissance (that is the only serious class I have)
Looks like I'm going to have tons of time to work on my racquetball skills. I don't know what I am going to do with all of that time.

As for now though, I have a lot to do. I have an interview with a Hispanic guy tomorrow and then I have to write a 15 page paper and make a 30 minute presentation about it. This is all due next week and I am just starting tomorrow. I have no one (except for the Mexicans that can't speak English well) but myself to blame.

I'm ready for Christmas. I have cool gifts for peoples.

2008-11-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day!
I am going to go wait in line at a new chick-fil-a in hopes of receiving 52 free meals for the year. let's hope the line doesn't fill up too soon.

I voted today. That was magical.

2008-10-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's 32 degrees outside and all I have in my little closet is short sleeve shirts.
This is a problem.

WOW

2008-10-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

Happening...

2008-10-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

It's 12:30 A.M. and I was supposed to already be in bed fast asleep...but that is obviously not the case.
Catherine called me a while ago asking me to come give back-up for writing someone up. I walked down the hall to where Catherine needed support. Interestingly enough, it was Sarah and Laura's old room from their second or third semester here. anyway, the girl who lives in there now is a very odd sort of person. She dresses in strange ways all the time, and attracts a lot of stares because of it. I mean, she dresses like a psycho-Doctor you see in horror films.
While I was standing at the door waiting on Catherine to finish I was just standing thing humming a song. I left a few minutes later and realized that the song I was humming was "Breaking off rejection with the spirit of adoption...", and I didn't even realize it at the time. It got me thinking though, maybe that was important that I was singing that song there in that moments.

Hmm....

Does this sound familiar?

2008-10-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am about to go to my "U.S Latino Cultures and Civilization" class.
What that means is that I am going to go and sit in a cold room, take out my planner and a blank sheet of paper, and then write and make plans for various events.

sounds like fun right?

What we do on days off...

2008-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

homeward bound

2008-09-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember that movie? That was such a depressing movie! it should be banned for children.

on a different note- I myself will be heading home in a few days and I can't wait! I have been gaining excitement the more I think about all of the girls in the same house for a while.

excellent.

p.s- I will have some homework to do.

2008-09-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Renaissance.

Where the heart is

2008-09-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

2008-09-05T21:08:00.001-07:00

After looking at the family blog I realize more that I miss everyone a lot.

I don't know what it is about this semester, but I just want to be home holding summer in my lap, watching sarah and pk cook, playing games with laura and John talking with mom and dad and feeding grandmother.

That would be amazing right now.

love-

some people just make me feel alive*

2008-09-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

He makes me realize and feel like i can do anything
He stands behind all of my crazy ideas 100%.
He offers support when support is needed
Encouragement where encouragement is need.
When I am overly zealous about things to the point I say stupid things, he kindly shows me a better way to speak.
When I am discouraged and upset he is quick to listen and slow to speak.
When I write songs or make any type of art he always enthusiastically wants to hear it and see it.
When I don't write songs or make art he encourages me to use the abilities God has given me.
He keeps me accountable to my walk with the Lord and challenges me everyday to strive to be more like Christ.
He is wonderful.

*Family members- I realize that I have not mentioned any of you in the post, but please know that each of you serve in a special part of making me who I am. This was mostly in response to Sarah's question.

Encouragement

2008-09-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for parents who love me and a boyfriend that inspires me.

Long Pause, Deep Breath

2008-08-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have neglected this blog for far to long.
Joe pointed out that according to my blog I am still flying over the gulf. Well, I am not.

I have been back at school for a little over two weeks now and classes just started yesterday. The first week back I felt a flood of emotions. I was glad to be back, but in the same moment couldn't wait to get away again. This is my last year here, and I want to cherish and keep each moment that I have, good and bad.
So, the first week back was mostly RA training and getting to know each other. I think I got to know a few people a little more than I wanted to.
The halls were empty and quiet. A little creepy, but relaxing.
Move in day was insane. On the first night the freshmen clogged 3 of the 5 working toilets. Despite the clogged toilets, I am glad to have girls running around the halls again. Last year I was an RA over about 16 girls, and this year I have 35 with three more rooms that will be filled after they rush. So, I will have a little over 40 after that.

There is something about this place that causes me to stop what I am doing and reflect on life. Maybe that is just me procrastinating, or maybe something else, but I am enjoying it.

My class schedule is pretty good this semester. My earliest classes are at 10:00. and I have them all afternoon.

I am expectant of the Lord to do great things this semester, and I am looking forward to growing in my relationship with Him and learning who He is more.

In a matter a time

2008-08-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

I will be flying over the gulf of Mexico in about 24 hours.

I am excited.

Its ok to be a little jealous.

2008-08-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

i couldnt figure out how to rotate the picture. but, you get the point.

I have about 1,000 pictures, but since the computer is so slow i can only put up a very few pictures.

Lesson not-so-well learned.

2008-08-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

So, actually I have had the water cut off on my twice since my last post. you would think i would learn to just get a shower earlier.
The deal is that after sometime (i have yet to figure out when it is) they cut the water off for the day in order to conserve it. hmm.

I know I have said that I would post pictures but i have decided to wait until i get home to do that because i want to be with my family the first time they see the pictures. after that i will post them here.

Only 8 days until i am in America!!!! and then it will be Cereal, Milk, Italian food, Joe, and Family for me! yay!

Lesson Learned

2008-07-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last night i found out that at a certain point at the end of the day all of the water goes away.
I got in the cold shower as i usually do at the end of the day and about 2 minutes into it i notice the water pressure slows, and then slows more. i quickly rinsed out my shampoo and then the water was gone.
I got out and then realized that i hadnt washed my face, and i still needed to brush my teeth.
All of the water was gone though.
dang.

Lesson Learned- dont be the last to get a shower, and dont take a showe late at night.

A List of Tops-

2008-07-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

Since i have been here in Mexico i have made up a list of tops for myself.

Here is to Tops-

experiences
1.Abualita calling the Tortugas.
2. Making friends with the Lopez family, plus Taco and Carrnela (the little dogs)
3. Visit to Uxmal, Mayan site.
4. learning to get a bus to stop
5. Bargaining in the Market(i have been deemed the best person at getting cheap things.)

foods
1. Fresh Fruits everyday!
2. Lime on EVERYTHING i eat
3. white rice
4. Poc Chuc....dun dun duuuunnnnn.
5. Marinda

Buys
1. Kavu Purse..totally the best ever.
2. Chacos.
3. white throw from the market
4. chess set made from fish bones
5. mountain hat. oh yeaaaaah.

gifts
1. Yucatan purse
2.CAMERA!!! -that is top to everything it think.
3. MP3 player. (that has saved me from listening to some terrible conversations.
4. a new roll of toilet paper.
5. a lot of medicine from Dr. Vacarella.

Miss-
1. Joe
2. Mom, dad, sarah, patrick, laura, john, summer
3. Corey Fox.
4. AMERICAN FOOOOOOOOOODDDDD
5. American TV.

I love you all.

2008-07-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well I am in the state of Chiapas now,
I am a totally of 16 hours from Merida right now. sitting in the car with 12 people for 16 hours has been an interesting experience.
I am extremely homesick.
and a little physically not feeling well. The roads here are really terrible and in order to get here we had about 10 hours on really REALLY bumby roads and then 6 hours of driving WAY to fast on EXTREMELY curvy roads. it made me VERY sick...and I;m like putting things in BOLD.
I have to go now explore the town we are in. I miss you all dearly.

Hasta Luego.

hola de mexico!

2008-07-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

hi everyone!!
I am in merida mexico safe and sound. so much has happened since ive been here that i dont even know where to start! my first day here was a little rough because i was so extremely tired. my host mom is extremely sweet. she is in her early 30s and has two kids Roberto and Regina. Roberto is 10 and Regina is 7, Regina is so precious. i want to bring her home. she is a little artist, she is always drawing on something or making something with her hands. Beatriz (mi madre mexicana) speaks english and helps with words when i dont know them. my first night here was rough, there are lizzards here that make a loud noise that sounds like someone tapping on glass and i heard one and thought i was someone breaking in, and then later that night around 2 i heard banging around and someone moving. thought someone was breaking in again so i turned on my light and the noise stopped. i got very scared. i turned out my light and then noise started again....and then i turned my light on again and it stopped. i was so freaked out that i decided to see if anyone was there (not smart i know) and i look out and i saw a guy standing there. i was so scarred that i ran upstairs to Beatrizs room and i couldnt even get words out. she told me she forgot to tell me that a guy named David lives in the back behind my room. I was so freaked out and had a hard time falling back asleep that night. Turns out that there is Another student from Gainsville Florida that is here for the summer. he is nice but I dont talk to him much. he usually comes to the hosue at like 3 or 4 in the morning.
Everymorning I eat fruit (Papya, mango, cantelope, bananas..things like that) toast (which is sold in a loaf as already toasted bread), and yoghurt. I love the food here. they have the BEST guacamole. Yesterday we went to Uxmal (pronounced ush mall) and it was so incredible! i have pictures from that. .. maybe later though.
for now i have 2 essays to read, 2 papers to write, 2 pages to write in my journal in spanish and that has to all be done in the morning. i need sleep for now.
i love everyone and miss everyone!

in a matter of hours

2008-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I leave for Mexico in a little over 24 hours. I just had my first class with Dr. Vaccarella and it went pretty well. I have to admit that after only 2 hours of sleep I was nodding off pretty bad. I would have gotten more sleep but you see- mom, joe, and I stayed up talking and such. Joe decided to go to bed before mom and I did and he was in the bathroom getting ready and mom decided to go hide under his bed. Joe came out of the bathroom and asked me if I was going to leave the upstairs, but I told him I had some stuff I had to do, really I was just waiting to see what happened. Joe went in his room and shut the door and I heard mom scream and walked in there. Mom was dying laughing and joe was standing in the dark in his boxers a little shocked and confused as to what was going on.
I basically laughed for hours and hours. good times. maybe Joe will learn to check under his bed next time.

i will miss him,
and mom and dad.

bzzzzz

2008-06-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

First of all- I love my new Camera!

I leave for Mexico in 8 days and I am not prepared at all.

I'm not even sure what being prepared looks like, but I'm not it.

I have started writing my response papers to the 60 pages of reading I had. I've had over 2 months to work on it and I'm just now doing it. Maybe I work better under pressure.

I know I have to finish them at least by Thursday afternoon because William Joseph will be here Thursday night!!

This coming weekend should be wonderful. Joe's family is coming down the 4th, and Joe will be here an extra day. I'm excited.

A Wonderful Weekend!

2008-06-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

2008-06-27T15:59:00.001-07:00

I really miss Summer.

Attention:

2008-06-27T06:59:00.001-07:00

This time next week I will be sitting in class listening to Dr. Vaccarella give lectures in Español.
Tha'ts exciting.

"You've Got a Friend in Me"

2008-06-22T14:19:00.001-07:00

I feel the need...

2008-06-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

To update about something, but sadly there is not a whole bunch of news to share.
I have two weeks left of work, and with that about two and a half weeks left until I leave for México. I am very excited and I want so badly to pull a Summer Wells and start packing now.

I still have 8 or so pages to write on my reaction to some essays for my Spanish class, and I also still have 5 more essays to read. I've had the past month and a half to work on it, but could never bring myself to do the work. I guess I'll have to now. I just don't have any feelings about the things I am readying. I need John Moss.

I have also be very productive as of late (Yes, Mr. Jones, I've been VERY productive).
Since Grandmother Pippins house was flooded I have been doing work for mom over there packing boxes, moving boxes, ripping out carpet...things like that. Since mom is unable to do the work because of knee and back pains, I have been helping. I've also been cooking a lot for the Grandmother and have found that it is the perfect opportunity to try new recipes and new flavors. I'm sure she won't mind.
A few days ago I spent the afternoon building a swing, sewing a pillow case, cooking all meals for g'ma, moving furniture for mom, painting floors, cleaning bathrooms and so on. actually that has been my week summed up. (I know Mr. A, I'm a saint).
but now I am exhausted.

2008-06-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

I only have two weeks of work left (not including this one) before I am finished for the summer. I actually have about 4 weeks before I leave for mexico, but I figured I could use a week off to go and visit people that I haven't had time to do since I was working, and maybe pack some things. Now, if I were Summer I would probably start packing now for the trip in 4 weeks. But alas, I am not and in all reality I most likely won't start pack until a day or two before I leave. I'm just a last minute person on those things.
I am beginning to get more and more excited about my trip, and at the same time realizing more and more how much I need to keep my spanish up. These days I just freeze up when the opportunity comes for me to use what I have been working so hard on for the past year. I won't have time for that in Merida. Yesterday at work a woman came in who couldn't speak english. luckily she was with her daughter who could. she asked at one point how much her total came to and her daughter didn't hear her so I wanted to tell her. once again I froze up and her daughter ended up answering. (doscientos cuarenta y uno y setenta y uno céntimo...or something very close to that). When I got home I pulled out my Spanish text book from the past year and started reviewing some vocabulary. It's amazing how quickly I forgot so many things, and then how quickly things came back after I looked over them.
I have already started dreaming about the day I come back, even though that is 2 months away. I know I will have so many great stories, and so many other things to give and tell people. I just can't wait.
But, until then, I am stuck in a store with a cd that plays on repeat all day and that smells like a medicine that should make you throw up. Since being back at The Limited I have picked up on some lingo that I had forgotten. some of which are things like:
"I'm running to the back"- meaning, "I'm going to go text someone really quick, I'll be back in a second."
"I'm going to the bathroom"- meaning "I'm really going to the bathroom, but I'm taking my phone to text or make a phone call, it may be a while"
"Can I take the trash out for you?"- meaning " I can't stand being in this store any longer and I have to get out now or I'm going to go insane"
"I'll check the dressing rooms" -meaning "I'm going to go look for clothes that need to go back while checking myself out in the mirror"
"I need to copy my schedule"- meaning " I am tired of working the floor and I'm going to take a break and take my time writing down my schedule".
That is just to name a few. and on that note I'm finished.

2008-06-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

I'm leaving the 9th of Mexico.
and I don't think you understand.

update-

2008-05-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

1. 42 days (7 weeks or 6 weekends) until I leave for Mérida México.
2. I bought my first pair of Chacos and am now the proud owner of 4 leather bound journals.
3. I hate working at the Limited. period.
4. I have another shoot lined up (for free as a gift), it will be good for practice.
5. All of my family will be in the same place at once this weekend and I am so extremely excited.
6. the chili mom made is burning my mouth right now, but it is so tasty.
7. I haven't talked to Al Jones in a long time. that needs to change.
8. I also bought my last book for summer classes.
9. I haven't written one page for my class. yikes.
10. or something (joe)

vent.

2008-05-20T06:25:00.001-07:00

I think I'm going to start hiding my pictures that I take of people so no one can steal what I do. I pay a lot of money in school to learn how to think creatively and I'm not interested in someone taking EVERY SINGLE thing I do and doing it themselves. that is cheap, and it makes me mad.

2008-05-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back home!!!

I am so relieved that the spring 2008 semester is over. I am excited to report that I made all A's once again, and I only have two semesters left. technically I could only have one. but instead of killing myself with so many hours. I am going to take it slow and spread the class load out over two semesters. Now that I am back home I am working at "The Limited" again. Really this is not something I want to be doing. As I walked into the mall on my first day back all I could think was "Am I really doing this again?". I walked into work with a smile on my face despite the fact it was the last place I wanted to be. I'm only working about 25 hours a week or so, so it's really not that bad. it's just not fun to stand up all day.
Anyway, enough about that. I am enjoying my break from school for now, and I'm hoping I have more time off in the near future to hang out with my family, boyfriend, and some of the girls here.
with my schedule the way that it is, I have decided that I need to really make a point to do certain things before the summer is out. Things I need to do before July 7th, (these are in no particular order):
1. go to the beach at least 4 times.
2. TP the fleming's house.
3. Hang out with Joe
4. Hang out with Brandi, Brittany, Jillian, Kathy, Andi, Ms. Hunter
5. draw something
6. wash my car
7. wash my dog
8. buy clothes for México
9. be able to run 4 miles without stopping.
10. see Catherine
11. practice piano
12. record some songs
13. clean my room
14. blow bubbles in chocolate milk.
15. eat hot dogs with dad.

company

2008-04-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

After much thought I have decided that I would like a turtle to accompany me back to school next semester. Catherine and I have talked a lot about getting a fish and sharing it. As we have had those conversations in the past I had terrible flashbacks to when summer and I would catch little tadpole things down at the pond and be so excited, only to find them all dead the next morning. As I grew older and much wiser I upgraded to buying goldfish. And again I would find myself sorely disappointed when I would walk in the bathroom in the morning and find my sweet little friend floating belly side up. I remember the stench they would put out when I failed to clean the tank for a while. So, that is why I have abandoned the fish idea. I am getting a turtle.
As of right now, I am neglecting to study art history or health and wellness in order to search for where to get a turtle and how to take care of it.

Rest is soon to come.

2008-04-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

I lay on my bed staring out the window. I'm supposed to be studying Spanish or Art history but my mind is wandering around somewhere in the near future. I turn two pages over and look out the window again. This isn't working, so I grab my Art History notes. I look at two trying my best to remember the facts I have written the day before. I stare out the window again and muse.
I love how finals cause me to stop a moment in the midst of chaos to think about deep theological issues, or just what I am doing with my life. In an attempt to escape my studies, the only place my mind finds refuge is a place swamped with thoughts all trying to get out at once. Maybe this isn't a place of refuge, but at least I am not buried in the "Aesthetic Attitude in Romanesque Art".
I read in a book a few days ago about enduring through times of dryness with the Lord. A place I feel I am in the middle of. The writer states "Seasons not only break the monotony of sameness, they are necessary to productivity. Nothing can live in unbroken sunshine...Night is as important as day; the sun must be followed by clouds and rain. Nonstop sunshine only creates a desert". How right he is. I must be in a season of some clouds. I'm not saying that days are bad and I am struggling horrible, but more that I am being challenged to pursue God more than I ever have before, and challenged in every aspect of my life (at least it feels that way). In times of feeling deserted I know is when I should press in even more so to the Love and Faithfulness of Jesus. In every second I spend with the Lord I am being moved more so into a state of desperation for Him. The days that go absent of our time together is felt in the very core of my being. I settle into a place of quietness to seek Him and hear or feel nothing. I am learning to press in and endure. The shadows prove the sunshine.

Absolutely

2008-04-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

I've got sunshine...

2008-04-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

It's raining, it's pouring...

2008-04-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

And I want to go play in it!!!

Joy is happening

2008-04-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees Lord I lay me down
Rid me of my self I belong to You
O Lead me, Lead me to Your cross"

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11

"My heart and flesh cry out, for You the LIVING God
Your spirit it water to my soul. I've tasted and I've seen
Come once again to me, I will drawn near to You, I will drawn near to You"

A Series of Fortunate Events.

2008-04-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen-

I was reminded today as I poked my cold broccoli around on my plate that good days and bad days are all in the head really. Well, all in the way you look at things.
let me give a background to what I am talking about-
I went to my 3-D Design class this afternoon and listened impatiently while people droned on about their projects. I finally presented mine and for the first time wasn't shot down about my idea. That is happy news. And I got an A on my project...which reminds me, I need to put pictures up of that soon. Anyway, I was preoccupied for the majority of that class with all the things I had to do or didn't do already that was supposed to be done. And also my advisor was dragging his feet about registering me for classes and made me miss my opportunity to take a specific one (Film Art and Theory), so needless to say I was little ticked, and left class early. that brings us back to the cold broccoli. I realized that it wasn't really that big a deal, and that it was all in my attitude as to if my day was 'bad' or 'good'. I decided that if I didn't get into that class that it would be ok, and I would just take my easy semester and be happy. As for all of the things that have to be done, I made phone calls, and made lists and found that there wasn't that much to do as long as I didn't mess around. I found that after that my thoughts changed dramatically and I wasn't feeling as bad any more (plus I had time with the Lord, and that always helps). I e-mailed my advisor and asked if we could meet about my plans for graduating. I don't want to come to the end and have one class that was overlooked and have to stay longer. So, a few hours later he e-mailed me back and said that he got me into the class that was closed before, and that we could meet soon. I am glad I didn't waste time being really upset about that whole class thing :0) yeah. plus I have come up with an awesome idea for my next 3-D project.

so next semester looks like-

History of Art
History of Ancient Art
Film Art and Theory
Studio Photography
Spanish Conversation
Racquetball...oh yeah.

2008-04-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

My stomach growls because I haven't eaten breakfast.
The lady next to me smells like the thrift store and sweet candy.
I tap my fingers waiting for time to pass so I can go to the class I hate.
Confusion on different matters is seeping deep within, but the next few weeks hold hope.