Me In A Nutshell.

So this isn't too different from something I posted a few months ago but it's changed a little bit . . .

I’ve recently started this new health kick thing, which has eliminated my obsession with jalapeno cheetos. I’ve come to realize that working out is not my forte - I choose to walk instead as a form of exercise. I still drive a little too fast even after two speeding tickets but I’m beginning to learn. Right now I’d say that’s the best part of my life. I’m learning and am slowly discovering that it’s one of my favorite things to do! I still don’t like squirrels. I’ll be graduating this year with a BA in English and will be so glad to finally choose what I want to read. Yes, I’m a geek, I’ve learned to accept it, and you should too! I love music. Period. All kinds. I can talk on endlessly for hours without saying much of anything. It’s definitely a trademark quality. I’m a very go-with-the-flow kind of person and I’m usually willing to try anything at least once. I like hugs and words of affirmation, that’s the best way to keep me motivated. I have the world’s best dad. I have a mom who gave me an eye for design and impeccable taste. I grew up with a big brother that I couldn’t be more thankful for, who married the sister that I never had. They have a little girl, my niece, Ava James who is the perfect combination of them both. I have amazing friends and an equally awesome boyfriend but my true fulfillment comes from my relationship with Jesus Christ who died for my sin so that I might gain salvation through him. The Lord is my strength and my shield and I couldn’t be more thankful for the work he’s done in my life. It hasn’t always been easy but he’s given me a story that I can call my own!

I really do plan on posting pictures soon. That new camera is being put to good use! But blogging is usually something I find myself doing at ridiculous hours in the morning when I'm not tired. Like now, at 12:25 AM on a Wednesday morning.

Back To The Daily Grind . .

So the break is over, which was enjoyable but mostly anticlimatic. Lots of time with the family, a trip to the dentist, a trip to the doctor, and some time spent with my man and other friends. Nothing bad but nothing very exciting either.

The end of the semester is now in sight and I think it looks manageable. A few more tests, a few more papers, nothing intolerable. Today wasn't the greatest day back. I have a paper due tomorrow which I spent most of my day working on, got a parking ticket on campus after hours (which I didn't know was possible), and didn't get to see my mancandy for more than a few minutes but that's because . . .

HE HAS A JOB!

That's right, my man has a job. He started today and is already loving every minute of it. He's working as a PE teacher about 30 minutes outside of town. I'm just thankful he's getting to stay in town! He's so great with kids so it will be something he loves. What is even more amazing is the testament of faithfulness that I got to witness. He was in no hurry to make sudden movements when it came to work and trusted that the Lord would provide. And He did, like He always does. The new job does mean less late nights spent hanging out but maybe that means I'll actually be responsible and do home work and graduate by August. Now there's an idea!

Back In The Blog World

Hello everyone! I have finally made it back to the blog world. "What inspired me?" you ask? Well first of all, the purchase of a new camera! And an amazing one at that! I'm looking forward to catch new, exciting, and fun memories with my friends in my last few months of college.

And YES, you DID hear me right! I said "last few months." I have 19 hours left on my degree plan. Ten of which are Spanish. Nine of which are my history minor. I'm hoping to Clepp out of the Spanish and graduate by August. "Hoping" should be the word to focus on here.

So many things have changed since the last time I posted that it would be too overwhelming to all put in one post. I will slowly introduce these to you as I hope to remain more faithful to my blog.

For now, I will just say that God has been teaching me many lessons the past few weeks. And not just in one area of my life. In many, many areas. So many areas that I feel like I have had to write them all down and have probably still left some out. What I am realizing though is that I'm learning persistence. And while it hasn't been easy, I'm loving every minute of it! I'm learning to fight this uphill battle and hope to be able to be as Christ-like as possible while I'm learning these new things. But I'm determined. In a lot of areas where I previously wasn't. And I'm secure in who God is and what He's doing in my life and who He is molding me into.

Reading List

As I am sitting here on Thanksgiving break, getting frustrated with homework assignments, I thought I would make a list of the recreational reading I am looking forward to. Which probably won't even get a second glance until May of 2011 when I graduate but a girl can dream! To Be Read . . . Crazy Love by Francis Chan - I actually have this book but haven't gotten past the 1st amazing chapter due to my schedule. Sex God by Rob Bell - yes, I am just that scandelous that I would want to read someone who has been blacklisted by . . . well whatever ignorant Christians it was, they were probably Baptist! A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway - I've always been a huge Hemingway fan and haven't had time for this classic yet! To Be Re-Read . . . Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - it was good the first time but I don't think I really understood the significance of it then . . . The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera - Another book that probably did not have quite the impact it should have because I was still young and not quite as impressionable. There's a ton more but those are the ones that are currently on my mind. I'm giving up on the homework game! Happy Holidays!

Sprinkle Virgins

A few weeks ago I took a trip to Dallas with my friend and bride-to-be Haley and a lifelong friend (and fellow bridesmaid), Mary. Mary needed to be fitted for her bridesmaid's dress so we all piled into Haley's hummer (with me behind the wheel) and made our way to the big city! On our way we made a joint decision and decided we could no longer live our lives being "Sprinkle Virgins." After the dress fitting we made our way to the adorably chic little bakery!

Such a cute little label!

A perfect breakfast! A lady at starbucks let us know that she was a little jealous she couldn't eat like this anymore - way to put us on a guilt trip!!

I think this is kind of what Heaven in a box looks like . . . I went with simple - vanilla and milk chocolate. Simply divine!

The Beautiful Bride-To-Be!

Mary and the phenomenal red velvet cupcake!

Vanilla!

Saying Goodbye to Old Friends . .

This past month has been one filled with some sadness. I have had to say goodbye to two goodfriends. Ms. Wonderbra & Mr. Walmart Flip-flop. Both of these have given me years of "support" in many ways and saying goodbye was hard.

My flip-flops have been with me since the ski trip of 2007. We took this trip with my brother and his youth group. Little Miss Ava James had just been born in January so it was exciting and exhausting for the whole gruop. It was also March when we traveled to Colorado and apparently a heat wave had decided to hit. It was 70 degrees so skiing conditions were anything but ideal. Plus the ski boots killed my toes that I had just had surgery on. So my dad took me to walmart and I bought a black pair of $5 flip-flops. These have easily been the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever owned in my entire life. Well the other day we were having some lovely weather in hville - rainy AND cold. Granted I like each one of these individually but put them together and just leave me indoors. BUT my roommates and I needed to go pay bills. So we are sprinting to my car when my roommate stepped on the back of my flip-flop and before I can inform her of this I hear the flip-flop snap. Here is what's left . . .

Sad Day! They will be missed dearly but were looking very sad anyway. As if they were really good looking in the first place.

One Sunday I was home napping on the couch before I had to head back to huntsvegas when I suddenly rolled over and heard a snap. I was so out of it that I blew it off. Later that night while I was undressing I realized what had happened. The underwire in my bra had snapped . . in two places. I was so disappointed. After all, she had been with me since 8th grade. This is probably a sign that I need to bra shop more often but they are so expensive! So after saying I few words I retired the wonderbra. It was tough but something that was necessary for both of us. I spared you pictoral evidence.

Happy Saturday!

Hannah-isms.

Ohhhhh Hannah! My best friend for about 11 years now and my roommate. I cannot even begin to tell you about this girl. We complete each other's sentences, read each other's mind, and finish each other's thoughts. It's ridiculously scary.

It is also scary how our brains work together to make it through the day. She is constantly asking me how to spell words and other questions about homework. I on the other hand text her the other day to ask if I could run the washing machine and the dishwasher at the same time - how was I supposed to know? I thought the water heater might have a panic attack. She just laughed.

Well on occasion this girl comes up with some seriously funny material. Today she was talking about a certain boy that she has had her eye on. And she referred to him as "dreamy" which made me picture us back in the 40's on our way home from a swing dance. I thought it was cute.

She has also been working on some of her education classes recently. A few days ago her mind was a little foggy while working on a project for her reading class. She had to come up with a subject then think of examples for every letter in the alphabet that begin with that letter and examples of short and long vowel sounds. She picked food. So Hannah is doing a good job until she gets to "Q" and let me tell you home girl was LOST. She could not think of anything that was even remotely close - upon further examination the only thing I can come up with is quiche and what 1st grader is going to know that? But then the light bulb went off for Hannah and she was "QUCUMBER!!!" which . . . as we all know . . . starts with a C. And she was dead serious. Then she walked herself through it and realized that cucumber does not start with a Q but rather a C. And then we laughed for hours.

This is just a day in my life.