One week down...14 more to go! This week has gone fairly well. This semester is going to be challenging but I think it will be fun and rewarding as well. It's kind of weird to think that this is my last semester of real classes. Next semester I will enter the world of Student Teaching...dum, dum, dum!

Tomorrow, Saturday, I have to be in Chamber 107 at 9:00 in the morning to take a test. One week down and already I'm taking a test. Actually it is a practice test for teacher certification. In order to receive my teacher certification I have to take two tests: one in pedagogy which is mainly all-round knowledge about teaching and then a content test which, for me, will be in history. During the semester we will have labs in which we practice taking both of these tests. Once we make 75% or above we can receive our barcodes to register for the actual test held in October and December. At the testing site we will be fingerprinted and have a criminal background done--they take this thing seriously.

I took part of a content test in my History for Teachers class on Wednesday and it was a bit on the difficult side. So I hope I do fairly well tomorrow so I don't have to take it again til the real thing.

Well, school has started off with a bang. I love the start of school--mainly because it is so dull here in the summer. The campus is rejuvinated by the thousands of students who return. I guess I sort of thought this year would be like my senior year of high school--a few challenging classes but mostly some time to rest and relax. That thought soon died as I came to the revelance of the end of my college career. The first day of school was good. I had two classes that were pretty normal: American West and History for Teachers (a class where pretty much all we do is take practice tests to get us ready for the content exit test for certification). One thing that was kind of a big load was the fact that in the History for Teachers class we have to read four history high school textbooks during the semester (whoa!). The next day was very overwhelming with lots of information. I had my education block class which is on Tues./Thurs. from 12-3. I thought on the first day we would get out early so I decided not to eat lunch before hand and wait till class got out. Well, I didn't get to eat til 3:30 in my office and it was a lovely bag of Cheetos. I found out I have to do 45 hours of observation at AHS, develop a unit with 5 lesson plans, actually teach in the class I am observing, and many other things. It's really scary--I'm actually beginning my teaching career. I think this sememster is going to be harder and more time consuming than any other I've had so far. Eh, that's life. There may be many nights this sememster that I rely on my friends Hershey and Godiva to get my through ;)

In the Darkness

For quite some time now I have been walking down a lighted path toward the future. I had everything planned out: apply to graduate schools (mainly UT), finish senior year, graduate, then start my life as a grad student. I was so proud of myself for knowing what I was going to do months before graduation came. But yesterday crushed my aspirations, leaving me confused and bewildered in the darkness.

On Wednesday I made my way to the grand city of Austin. I was so excited--it was my first trip all by myself. I made tons of maps so I wouldn't get lost. I even had hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn. My reason for this trip was to talk to the history graduate school at UT. I spent Wednesday night finding my hotel, finding the building at UT I was suppose to go to tomorrow, and just touring downtown Austin. I went down 6th street and saw the capitol (so cool!).

My meeting was at 2:00 that afternoon. I made sure I looked casually formal, classy but not overdone. The meeting was very interesting and I gained a lot of information, some I didn't want to hear. The subject I wanted to do my masters in, Modern Europe, requires language experience in either German or French. The problem with that is I took Spanish back in high school. Shot number 1. Then I told her about my degree and how I was following a teaching plan. She said based on that degree it would be more beneficial to take a year or two off from school and enter the teaching field to get a taste of the work force. Shot number 2.

I was so confused and let down. I was basing everything on going to grad school before teaching. I walked around the campus for a little bit on my way to my car. I then started the drive back to Abilene. I'm very thankful that I was on the right highway because for the first 30 minutes I zoned out, deeply thinking about what my future plans would be. As of now I think I will enter the teaching field after graduation. But even that holds many uncertainties. What if I don't pass the certification test? What if no one hires me? Where will I be teaching? My world has been thrown for a loop and it's hard for me to accept it. I'm a person who enjoys plans and structure--at least with this sort of thing.

Well, I have a year to get use to this new plan so I will try to put all this behind me and live up my senior year as best as possible!

Faith is the Victory

This Sunday at church the communion was led by Jeff Childers. He directed the comments toward the children of the church but indirectly it was also pointed at the adults. He asked the kids to ask their parents or adults around them what the bread and wine meant to them. I found this question to be very intriguing. Yet when the plate was passed to me and I was asked "what does this meant to you?" I stated that truthfully I didn't know. At first I thought that I had copped out of the question, diverging a situation that caused me to open up and share feelings and beliefs. But as I thought about it I realized my statement was the truth.

In my heart I know that the communion is a symbol of our Savior's great love, devotion and sacrifice. That's what we have been told by preachers and through the Bible. But the problem I realized on Sunday was that I don't know what it means to me on a personal level. How do I view Jesus? Do I accept and respect the gift he gave me with the amount of reverence that I should? This realization really shook me up the rest of the service. And the feelings continued in the middle school class as we talked about sitting and listening to God speak to us...an activity I truthfully never exercise.

I realized that my spiritual life has been on a roller coaster. Not the kind that goes up high peaks and down valleys, symbolizing struggles and times of joy, but rather like a roller coaster that spins and loops in every direction causing confusion and disorientation. I don't know where I am with my spiritual life. I don't spend time with God as I should and it bothers me immensly. To those of you reading this blog, whether you know me or not, I would ask that you pray for me and my relationship with God. Thank you.

Quote to Ponder

"Vanity working on a weak mind produces every kind of mischief. "

(A quote from one of the best movies: Emma)

Small Vacation

This weekend I was able to take my small vacation of the summer. It was going to be a family vacation but my dad was unable to get away from work (this is his busiest time of the year). So on Friday my sisters and I drove to my grandmother's house in Dallas. My mom joined us later that night. The main thing we were looking forward to was Six Flags on Saturday. I haven't been in at least 4 years and this time it was just going to be us kids--no parents to hold us back!

We got to the park pretty much at the time it opened and we stayed til it closed. We didn't take time for sitting breaks or restroom breaks--we were on a mission. We did stop for lunch just to regain our strenght for those long lines. We even decided to forego supper so we could ride more rides! We rode practically all of the large roller coasters. I was amazed at how much my sisters have grown up. I remember the times at Six Flags when you couldn't pay them to get on a roller coaster. This time they went on everything--even the Titan (which is one amazing rush!) The only problem we had was on that parachute ride--the one that isn't fast at all, it just goes up then down very slowly. I hate that ride with an unmarketable passion. But I thought maybe this time was different. I sat in the middle of my sisters and the whole time I was screaming in a raspy voice "I hate this ride! I hate this ride! Get me on the ground!" I can take everything else but not those parachutes.

It was such a wonderful day mainly because I got to spend it all with my sisters--I don't get to do that often. They are the best and I could never ask for better sisters!

2 more weeks

2 more weeks...of course this refers to the wonderful union of Curtis and Lauren but it also will means something else. In two weeks Jenny and her fiance Kyle move out of our house!!! We thought this summer when we took in Jenny we were getting one person to help pay rent--little did we know that she and Kyle would pretty much take over the entire house.

I hope those of you reading this don't think me rude in saying this, but I really need a place to vent my frustrations. Kyle is always at our house I wake up at 7:00 in the morning--he is there. I come home for lunch--he is there. I come home at night after work--he is there. And when he and Jenny are at the house they aren't as considerate as Lauren and Curtis who usually hang out in their room. Kyle and Jenny spread out in the living room talking or doing Jenny's homework. It's a little annoying for Robin and I when we want to relax from our long work days in front of the tv.

Another problem is the kitchen. 3/4 of the refrigerator has been taken over by Jenny's food. It's really annoying, especially when I have a craving for some watermelon kiwi kool-aid but realize I can't make any because there isn't any room among Jenny's stuff.  What's odd is that Jenny and Kyle have their own house that they could hang out at, like Curtis and Lauren do. But instead they decide to take over our house and they don't seem bothered by it at all.

I do enjoy Jenny. She is very sweet and fun. I think it's more about when Kyle comes over. Maybe it's that man-hater side of me ;)

Again I apologize for my jerky complaints but I can't keep some of this bottled up anymore. 2 more weeks...

 

Epedimic in ACU AD Building

Today I had the most fun I've ever had working at the Provost office. First of all, a prelude to today, everyone has gone nuts in the AD building. For some odd reason everyone and their dog has decided to paint their offices--noone has been spared--yes, even the Provost office has caught the disease.

This past week we have been painting. I've only been there in the mornings from 8-10 since I have class and my other job. So I haven't done too much. But today I stayed practically all day. What's even greater is that Dr. VanRheenen and Dr. Winter are both out of the office until August so it's just us girls. Today was spent prepping the large office area so we could paint on Friday. We had fun taping the walls, using the dolly to move file cabinets, and finding all kinds of stuff that fell between the cracks of furniture. Stephen Lamb, who works in the registrar's office, and my boss's husband came to help us move the desks (although I think we could have managed without them).

At around 4:00 we realized we needed more blue tape and another gallon of paint. Jana was going to go by herself but Julie made a reference to snow cones. So I went along with Jana so I could use my special benefits to get us free snow cones at New Wave.

We got a lot of work done today but it felt more like playing than working--I wish everyday could be like that in the office.

Weekend Bliss

It seems like lately I blink and the weekend is gone and it's time to get back to both jobs and class...blech. On Friday Robin and I decided to break our watching "I Love the 90's" habit and go to the movies. Neither of us had seen Spiderman II so we ventured to the spine-thrilling, web-throwing flick. Wow--such a great movie! But the best part of the movie for both of us was what happened in the theater. In the middle of the movie this high school guy was walking up the stairs and just flat out bit it. He went down like a sack of potatos...and stayed down for a little bit. We could hear other women in the theater quietly asking if he was alright, but Robin and I were trying our hardest to keep the laughter inside.
 
Saturday involved bike riding, work (of course), and a small time of fellowship. Saturday night Curtis and Lauren invited people over to watch Along Came Polly. So Marcus, Bret, Curtis, Lauren, Robin, and I had some quality time. I can't say too much for the movie--wasn't too impressed.
 
Sunday was sort of depressing in the church sense. I just didn't feel the spiritual pull that I usually do at highland. One reason was that a lot of people that I usually talk to or sit with weren't there. Also Mike wasn't there to preach one of his amazing sermons. In the middle school room I was in the middle of leading my group when the main leader joined the group and just took over the discussion. I knew it had happened when I asked the kids a question and one of the boys said "Oh, I forgot you were here". To top it off I had to work 2-10 at the snowcone stand. I make the day better I came home after work, took a shower, and went straight to bed--it was great.
 
Now I'm ready to start another fun-filled, jam-packed week! (20 days til Curdit and Lauren's Wedding!)

Lock Down

Yesterday I got home from class and accidently locked my keys in my car. The act actually happened in slow motion--like in the movies. The keys were in the seat, I closed the door--as the door was swinging I turned around screaming out "NOOOOO!" while jumping through the air trying to shove my arm in the way of the door. Ok so maybe it didn't happen like that but that would have been cool.

Luckily I was at home when it happened and I didn't have to go to work. Unfortunatly I didn't have a spare key made. So I tried 3 options: (1) First I called Hannah to see if Eric had one of those hooks to open doors. She told me only one cop in Abilene has it and she didn't know who it was--forget that idea. (2) I called the dealership to see if maybe they had a key on hand. The guy told me that the parts department might if I could tell them the number on my car. Just my luck I had my window shades up and the shade was covering up half the number. (3) So I had to call the locksmith--pop-a-lock. The guy that came to get me out had the last name Crawford. He kept trying to see if we were related. I wanted to say "dude, there are tons of Crawford's all over the place!"

As soon as I got the keys out I made a mad dash to get 3 copies of the key. My parents each have one and I have one in the house. Hopefully this won't happen again!

Gratitude from an Odd Situation

Alright so this past Saturday night I did something that I've never done before and is completely unlike my personality. But through this event that was fun but weird I got a true lesson in thankfulness.

I was working at the stand from 6-10 Saturday night when I got a call from a number I didn't recognize. It was a guy who knew me but I didn't recognize his voice. He said it was Josh. I became stiff at that moment because I thought it was scary stalker Josh. But it was another Josh who I met at the stand and who would come and visit me quite often some times. We had this joke between us that we called each other "love biscuit"--what the huey? Anyway he is in the air force now in Wichita Falls but comes to visit occassionally. I gave him my number sometime last year. He called to ask if I wanted to go swimming with him and his friends. I figured it was better than sitting at home watching tv. So he and his friend picked my up at 10:30 and made the drive to po-dunk Buffalo Gap.

The house we went to was out in "no-man's land". It was completely dark (which was very good so noone could see how white I am) and you could see all the stars. Well, these friends were some interesting people who were big drinkers and talked about some very scandolous subjects. Josh had me try a coke with some type of alcohol in it but I didn't like it at all. He only drank a few sips of his drink (probably because I was there--he probably drinks a lot more). I wasn't planning on swimming except that the group of people I was around started talking about really inappropriate things so I joined Josh in the pool. I had Josh tell me who was sober and who was drunk. It was very weird for me and eye-opening--I have never been in a situation like that. I also didn't think drunk people and a swimming pool were a good mix--nor were the fireworks that they pulled out later. I mainly hung out with Josh because I really didn't know how to handle everything else happening around me. After swimming for a while (it was really cold) they took me home--and that was the end of a very interesting night.

I tell this story mainly because this event really opened my eyes to the wonderful blessing God has given me. I am so blessed to have the wonderful group of friends that I have--friends who are incredibly creative and lots of fun. I am so pleased that we don't have to use alcohol to have a good time. And after hearing some of the conversations that night, I'm very glad that our group has a level of maturity and tact. For all of my friends reading this, thank you so much for everything you have meant to me and all you have done for me. I praise God for bringing each and everyone of you into my life! I love all of you guys!!!!!

Update

**************New Post Coming Soon***********************************

(too busy at work this morning--grrr!

**************Look for the Evening Edition***************************

Laughter the Best Medicine

Last night my mom and I went to dinner and a movie. My mom was extremely excited because the last movie she had seen in theaters was Lord of the Rings back in December (sheesh mom, get a life). We went to see The Stepford Wives at Century theater. Being a Thursday night there were a slim number of others in the audience--may be 8 to 10 other people, which sometimes is a bit nicer. So this movie is absolutely hilarious as it cracks one-liners all over the place. My mom and I are dying laughing but no one else in the theater even cracks a chuckle. My mom and I both tend to have rather loud laughs so it was even worse that no one else would laugh. I wanted to hit these people over the head with a humor stick! Didn't you hear what was said?!?! Oy! I'm just glad I come from a giddy (giddy?) family that thoroughly enjoys the gift of laughter.

July 4--a Bang and a Half

So another July 4 has come and passed. At first my holiday night seemed like a short jump away from a suicide attempt but actually turned into an absolutly fun time.

The bad thing about having a job at a snow cone stand (well, ONE of the bad things) is you don't get special holidays off. What's even worse is when a majority of your fellow employees go out of town for the special weekend and you have to cover for them. By covering I mean you have to work 12-10 on a Saturday (but it wasn't that bad because I attended an aerobics class before hand that got me pumped up--thanks Katrina!).

At least on Sunday night I was stationed at the stand on Pine where I would be able to see the fireworks. Everything was good, an occassional few people would come--nothing bad. Then 7:45 hit--I didn't get to shut the window til 9:20. By that time I was a mess. I was inches away from shoving my head in the ice machine blades! Luckily at that time Katrina showed up and helped load me up with ice (Katrina, you have no idea how much that helped--thank you!). Luckily after that my boss's sister came to help. Then Stephanie came, and Jane and Jer. Pretty soon there was a party going on in the snow cone stand. We were making jokes/cracking insults at each other as we made snow cones and filled the bottles. We ended up not closing the stand till 11:00 but I really didn't mind because the great time we had. After closing Stephanie and I went to Whataburger to get celebratory food (it was weird being at Whataburger in normal clothes!).

We have decided that the four of us that worked Pine deserve some shirts that say "I Survived July 4, 2004". If I was asked if I would go through this night again I believe I would say a big, fat yes--it was that much fun!

A Celebration Missed

Yesterday a momentous holiday was sadly overlooked and is overlooked year after year. Thursday, July 1st was not only the highly-glorified Canada Day but also the mark of the middle of the year. That's right folks we have lived through 183 days of 2004. Don't you think that deserves some sort of party or at least a firework or two? The Canadians know what's going on--they've got that day marked as their own. Come on America it's time to jump on the gravy train. This nation is always in need of another day to get off work and stuff our faces with all kinds of goodies. But what kind of foods/celebratory items would there be on Middle of the Year Day? Got any ideas--I'd love to hear them. Thus begins the countdown: 182 days left til 2005!

Chug-a-Lug

As of last night I am no longer an alcohol virgin. I met Christy, Heather, and Trish at Chili's where the dastardly deed could commence. Before the other girls arrived I was sitting in the waiting area by myself when these guys invited me to sit with them. I was flattered while at the same time grabbing for my pepper spray (just kidding). Since I have no experience with alcohol I was up for any suggestions the girls could give. In the end I went with a strawberry margarita. I even got carded--it was so fun!!! The drink was good--i finished all of it (mainly because Christy said I had to). I don't think I'm much of a fan of alcohol--give me a coke anyday and I'm content. But I had to experience it once.

Life's Little Responsibilities

It's time for a look into EC's work life. Normally at the Provost office I have nothing to do. I sit and either surf the web or play computer games. It gets old after awhile and makes the time go really slowly. But there is always that one day in a blue moon when the office is flooded with tasks to get done. At those times I find myself drowning in a sea of papers and staples. And just when I think I have reached the top and can finally breath, another wave pushes me right back to the dire position I was in before.

Well, today wasn't that kind of day but I was given a task that made me want to scream, cry, and punch someone all at the same time. One of my bosses, Dr. Winter, is out of the office for the rest of the summer until school starts. While he is gone it is our task to get his office orgainized. He helped out by making a list of what files are in what drawer. So I am given the task of figuring out how the old list and the new list coincide. I take both lists into the office, open the first drawer--and thus the confusion begins. None of the stuff in this drawer or the one below it are on the list!!! It's just a big hodge-podge of folders filed in chaotic order. I spent 30 minutes in that office trying to understand how this man found anything. I would love to completely gut all of the cabinets and file everything as I think it should go.

I think it's a good thing that Dr. Winter is out of the office for awhile because I don't think I would be in control of the words that would come out of my mouth. Anyway, just a word of advice when filing: keep an up-to-date list of all the files and stick with your filing system--don't let chaos take over...it could ruin the lives of others.

A Dream is a...

I had the most unusual dream this morning. Usually I don't remember my dreams but for some reason this one stuck in my head--probably because it was so odd. The oddity of this dream stems more from the fact that it was all over the place. This morning I was suppose to get up at 6:45 to go workout at the gym but I sort of woke up, changed the alarm and went back to bed. Thus begins the dream...

I dreamed that all of a sudden all these people were at my house including my sisters so I decided to wake up. There was some guy that insisted I went to high school with his friend. He kept showing me pictures but I didn't recognize him. Then I decided to go workout but I was going to run to ACU. During my run the streets kept changing from the streets in Abilene and the streets in my old neighborhood of North Richland Hills. I was running past EN 12th street and saw Brooke T.'s car at Better Than Yours. I ran to talk to her and out of the passenger side was Haley Savage (a friend from high school who I haven't seen since graduation---what the huey?!?!). I started running again and the streets changed to North Richland Hills. As I was passing my old street I saw Mark and Phil being pulled in those little red "radio flyer" (or whatever they were called) wagons. I waved and kept running--it didn't cross my mind that it was odd they were here instead of in Australia. I soon relized I wouldn't have time to get ready for work if I went to the gym so I ran back home.

I really wish I knew how dreams form in our minds. I've often times heard that it's just our mind throwing up stuff that's happened to us or that we have thought about. But I haven't thought of Haley Savage in ages!!! I'm suddenly proned to think about an X Files episode (I know "what a dork") where people were killing themselves because they couldn't tell if they were still asleep. Whoa what a creepy thought!

Well, I want to wish all of you sweet dreams!

Chocolate cake; Golf Carts; and Duck, Duck, Goose

I personally survived June Passport. I really had a whole lot of fun. Right after work I went over to the Teague center to collect the freshmen who had departmental meetings in the Ad building. I held my huge professional-looking cardboard sign and herded the large group of quivering freshman across campus. While in the building everyone kept asking me where a certain room was or what do we do now...It was a great feeling of power knowing all the answers.

From 2-2:30 I hung out with the other passport volunteers (it was hard to miss us in our lovely yellow shirts.) I, along with 4 other volunteers had to be back at our posts to answer more questions. So Misty offered to drive us on the special golf cart. I was one of the first to jump on because I wanted to ride on the back standing up. It was quite a rush...and a little nerve racking at times. When you are short and standing on the back it is very hard to see the road so you have no perception of how close you are to parked cars or trees...quite a thrill, eh?

I was back at the Teague center at 5:45 to help serve dinner. I had to practice some self-control as we were the only ones in the room so far and there were about 50 tables set up with pieces of dark chocolate cake!!! I really, really wanted to take it. I was positive that I could have finished it off in 5 seconds and noone would have known.

After dinner we had a mixer out in the mall area with all the freshmen. There weren't enough leaders to help with the groups so I had to take a different group from the one I would be helping with at Welcome Week. Aracely (a mentor leader in the same group as I am) and I combined groups because they were a tad on the small side. I was excited because Erin Schilcutt, a girl I've known in my youth group, and Shelby Jackson, Megan's little sister, were in the group. After a time of getting to know you, Erin suggested we play Duck, Duck, Goose. We tried to get other groups to join but they wouldn't--I guess they were too cool for us. This one big black guy came and played--he was so awesome! After duck, duck, goose they taught me a new game called look down, look up which doesn't seem like much excitement but is unbelievably full of laughter and joy.

After the interaction with my group last night I am extremely pumped and ready for Welcome Week. Knowing now how much fun this experience is I wish I had participated every summer.

Yellow, Such a Perky Color

Today I begin my first day as a blog user. Quite a momentous time. I really enjoy reading everyone else's blogs so why shouldn't I join in on the enthrollment? Yesterday I helped get ready for Passport. I was in the group who put the 500+ packets together. I was so sick of seeing paper! Though it wasn't the most fun thing to be doing on a Sunday afternoon I felt I had done some good--and that's what counts.

Today I arrived at school, in my yellow passport shirt, at 7:45 to help the new freshmen locate where they were taking tests. This whole experience has flashed me back to my freshman year when I was looking for the Hart auditorium. Can it be three years have gone so fast? I'm not sure about this whole senior thing. Sure you are the big man (woman) on campus but what happens when it's over? College has been such a wonderful experience. So many wonderful friends, so many amazing memories...how do you leave all that behind? Well, I have a whole nother year before that becomes a blazing worry. For now I am content knowing I have another year of exciting college adventures!