Saturday, April 30, 2011

Another Week Passes

Another eventful week. :)  Robert started getting the ball rolling for his summer job.  Did I mention this before?  He'll be working at the church 30 hours a week doing janitorial projects (cleaning the carpet, painting, mowing), living in the dorm as the summer RA (this will only include two weeks of work because that's the only time his dorm will have campers, but the rest of the time he gets to live there and eat for free), and about 10 hours a week at the school cafeteria.  Hopefully he'll be doing some yard work for neighbors.  If you need any yard work done or have random projects let us know!
I'll be babysitting and taking classes this summer.  I'll be babysitting Cooper and Miles for my dear friend Carey three days a week.  Getting to hang with their family is such a treat!  I'll continue to watch them three days a week during the fall semester.  And in the fall I'll be babysitting for some SBU professors three days a week.  They have a very precious 14 month old little boy who will be fun to be around too.
Robert schedule his wisdom teeth extraction time this week.  Eek!  It'll be at the beginning of June that way he can get all healed up before he goes to South Africa.  He's going on a mission trip with our school and will be gone July 10-23.  He still needs about $1000.  I'm not sure if anyone actually reads this, but if you're able to donate and would like more information just write a comment or send me a message.
Bummer news: Wednesday the Ford dealer called which got me totally excited.  He said that Ford orders are really backed up, and my car won't be here til the first week of July.  It's a bummer because it was supposed to be here within three weeks from now.  The biggest deal is that I'll be driving to Springfield (60-70 miles round trip) to go to school six days a week for the month of June.  That's about 1500 miles ish.  It would be awesome to have my car then because it'll get 40-48 mpg while my current car gets 22 mpg.  Boo!
Also, it's been a total debacle with my Drury email stuff this week.  As I suspected might be the case I'm already out of the loop since the other nine people in my cohort already go to Drury.  I'm the only one without a Drury email, and the professor has been sending up important emails apparently.  Sweet.
I'm the RA on call this weekend so I'm working in the dorm office for seven hours.  Then I get to babysit my dear friend Elise's little sister Christi.  Should be fun!  Robert and I are leading music at the Encounter tomorrow at church.  You should come!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Easter

It's official: Less than four weeks until I graduate!  My graduation present from Robert is a multi-part pamper gift.  Today I made an appointment for a haircut (at Galini Salon and Day Spa), an algae massage (at Grove Spa), and manicure (at Safari).  Tomorrow I'll make an appointment for a pedicure and facial at the Gallery.  This is something I've wanted basically for forever but would never just get for myself.  I'm pumped!

Easter weekend was good.  Robert and I went to his house.  It was packed!  His mom and dad; his sister, her boyfriend, and his daughter; maternal grandmother/grandfather; uncle/aunt/cousin; second cousin/wife/triplets; second cousin and wife, and a friend.  Highlights included: Eating lunch at Mi Ranchito, going on a hike, swimming at the fitness center (plus my first sauna experience - not a fan), movies, games (Robert and I owned at Pictionary!), buying rain boots at Off Broadway going to church, dying eggs, and eating lots of good food.

So fun!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

4 Day Week

I'm nearly done with school for the week.  It's my last little break before graduation.  For the three day weekend Robert and I are going to visit his family in KC.  We're pumped!  I haven't been there since Thanksgiving, and Robert hasn't been there since Christmas.  It should be quite the shin-dig: Robert's parents, his sister, sister's boyfriend, maternal grandma and grandpa, aunt/uncle/two cousins, second cousin/wife/triplets, and us.  Special plans for the weekend include: going to the farmers' market (which is nothing like the one here.  It's more like a farmers' extravaganza), going on a hike, swimming, playing games, eating some delicious food, and maybe even studying a bit.  We're leaving today right after I take an American Public Address test and Robert takes a Hebrew test.  What's with professors giving tests right before a break?

This has been another big week: presentation on Tuesday, research paper on Wednesday, and test on Thursday.  I'm looking forward to next week and it's less busy schedule.

I did room checks for the girls' on my hall on Monday.  I took the new RA who will be taking my place with me on the checks.  I know she'll do a great job.  It's weird thinking about not being in the dorm, but I can wholeheartedly say that I am pumped to live in a house again.  It's been nice while it's lasted, but I'm ready to move on.  And isn't that great?  That God allows certain things to happen and let's changes occur so we're ready for the next step?

Health report:  This new iron medicine (Bifera) is definitely better than the previous supplements.  The new negative occurrence though is that I've started dry-heaving. TMI, I know.  Here's the deal.  I take acid reflux medicine (Omeprazole), and it has to be taken in the morning one hour before I eat.  Well, with taking iron supplements it helps a ton to have a full stomach because otherwise you could horribly nauseous.  I take the iron in between breakfast and lunch and then in between lunch and dinner.  That way my stomach isn't totally empty so I don't get sick but it isn't totally full so I can absorb as much Iron as possible.  In the morning my stomach is empty.  I haven't taken the Bifera for the day, but obviously the iron supplements have built up in my system, so I feel sick.  I'm very thankful that it's not nearly as bad as the first supplements, but we're still trying to work out some kinks.

I sent out my graduation announcements last week!!!!  The process might have forever converted me to DIY.  Here's the breakdown.  Ordering through the school was something ridiculous like $25 for for 20.  Don't remember exactly, but something like that.  I designed my own, had them printed on cardstock, the office store cut them for me, I bought stamps, and addressed them.  Cost of the actually announcements: $2.36, plus like $12 for postcard stamps.  So the whole thing was about $15 for 50 announcements.  For announcements and stamps through the school it would have been $75-100.  Hello!  Side note, 30 days til I graduate!

I'm getting more antsy every day as I wait for my new car.  It's been 3 1/2 weeks since I ordered it.  The maximum amount of time it should take is 8 weeks.  So I have 4 1/2 weeks or less left.  Let's gaze at it for a moment, shall we?

It's magenta and shiny and pretty :)

The inside of my car will look like this except it's an automatic not manual so the shifter will look slightly different.

Ahh!  Ok time to cram before the test.  Happy Easter!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Reflections

I just got back from a delightful lunch/wedding shower for my dear friend Tiffani.  I am so very thankful for the wonderful friends at SBU God has blessed me with.  Bekah, Rachel, Joelle, Tiffani, and I all went out to the Tea Garden for lunch.  I've known Tiffani forever, but I've gotten to know the other girls through classes over the past semesters.  They make class so much more fun.   I'm gonna miss them!

I skipped Medieval/Renaissance Literature today.  Wild!  I took the extra time to read Maya Angelou in the park and eat a chocolate chip cookie. :)

Robert and I have been blessed with part-time jobs this semester.  Neither of us worked last school year or last semester at all.  This semester neither of us are taking many classes so we have time.  I work at the church nursery about 8-10 hours a week and babysit some too.  Robert works in the school cafeteria 6-8 hours a week and does some yard work for my grandparents.  It's certainly not a lot, but it's nice to have gas money and be able to stash a bit of it away.  I'm working in the church nursery tonight from 5:45-8:30, and Robert's working at Mellers tonight from 4:45-6:30 ish.  Having to work hard for your money sure makes you more conscious when spending it.

I'm sitting at my desk while listening to the girls next door get down to some Beyonce.  Thinking about not being in this dorm room in five weeks brings about mixed emotions.  Part of my screams, "Good riddance!"  The other part says, "Slow down!"  Things I won't miss about SBU include:
-The cafeteria.  Shocking.  I'm pumped to be able to pick what I eat and to actually know what's in it.  True, I'll have to spend time making it, but it'll be worth it.
-Hiking up to the third floor to get to my room.
-Loud people who scream, pump up the jams, and slam doors at 2am
-Sharing a bathroom
-Not having control over the thermostat.  I have two incredibly cold natured (but sweet) suitemates.

Things I'll miss:
-Knowing so many people.  I'm nervous about not knowing ANYONE at Drury.
-Having things fixed by maintenance
-Being so class to Robert and having similar schedules.  Next year, he'll be in class all day (9:00-3:00 basically) while I'm at the house.  Then by the time he's done it'll be time for me to head out (leave at 4:30 for class from 5:20-8:30.  Get back at 9:15 and then crash).
-Not really ever having to study that much.  People keep trying to scare me by saying I'll have to read a million pages a night next year.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Becoming a Grown Up

Another good and busy week.  Tuesday I got to go to Windermere (where I worked last summer) to see some dear friends and have a wedding showing for Loretta.  I got her a waffle iron.  Which if you knew Loretta you'd know this item will be used on a daily basis. haha

I had two tests and a speech last week.  I don't know how either test turned out, but I felt decent about both.  I got an A on the speech which is encouraging after my last speech.  I really can't figure out that professor.

Robert and I went to Springfield to Wednesday to celebrate 13 months of dating.  We went to the mall, Chili's, and a park.  I'm blessed!

At Jordan Valley Park
Thursday Robert and I got to have dinner at El Rodeo with our dear friend Harrison.  Delightful! 1. El Rodeo is my fave local restaurant.  The food comes in approximately five minutes and tastes delicious every single time.  2. Harrison is hilarious.  He and Robert picked me up and what was waiting in the back seat for me?  A precious baby animal calendar.  How thoughtful.  haha

We had this gigantic pageant thing called Mr. and Miss Southwest Friday night.  Residence Life was in charge of it.  Boy am I glad to be done with it.  It went really well, but it was a ton of work.

Robert and I spent yesterday together.  I love weekends without much to do.  I vacuumed, washed, and waxed Robert's truck while he worked on a research paper.  We went to the town library.  $2 for a grocery bag full of books.  Hello!  We got four puzzles and about 20 books.  We worked on a puzzle while watching the Cardinals kick butt that night.  We made dinner together: grilled pork chops, grilled veggies, and mashed potatoes.  I attempted to make dessert but the heating element in the oven decided to spark and essentially explode.  Hadn't planned on that.

Robert and I had the honor of playing for Carey's third grade Sunday School class this morning.  So great!  Then I got to work in the nursery.  Quote of the day:  Eisley called me Miss Robert.  I didn't mind. :)

Robert and I got to hang with Chad and Natalie today.  We painted a canvas for their house.  Now we get to be with them wherever they go!  We're so pumped to have them in Bolivar with us this summer and next school year.

Just in case you forgot, I have four more weeks of class and one week of finals until I'm a college graduate!!!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Insanity

I started doing Insanity this week.  I know how it got it's name.  So sore!

Robert had his spring choir concert on Tuesday.  His mom (Serina) and sister (Bethany) got to come down which was a special treat.  His dad (Ray) is in DC on business right now so he couldn't come.  All of us had dinner with my parents before the concert.  Pike Auditorium is being renovated right now so the concert had to be at First Baptist Church.  The choir did a great job!

On Wednesday I took a major step into the grown up world.  I went to Drury and officially signed up for classes.  This summer will be intense.  I'm sick of people reminding me of that though.  I realize it, but when people comment about it, it freaks me out, and we all know I don't need that.  This summer will be the most packed semester of the entire degree.  I'll be taking twelve hours.  One class (Entrepreneurial Communication) will be going on all of July and August, but it's online so I can kinda go at my own pace.  Communication consulting will be going on throughout the entire summer.  It's a hybrid class (some seated time but mostly online).  Monday-Thursday I will have introduction to graduate studies, but it only lasts for June.  The craziest class will be Social Media Certificate.  It's three weekends in June, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-6pm.  Let me do the math for you.  That's nine hours a day for a total of eighteen hours for three weekends in June.  Gives new meaning to Sunday School.  July and August will be totally awesome thought because it'll just be the online and hybrid classes.  I'll have two weeks off between graduating SBU and starting at Drury which is sweet.  I get 4th of July (Monday) off.  Plus I will have about three weeks off between summer term ending and fall term beginning.  It seems like I'll have plenty of time to re-cooperate between sessions.  Anyway, so I signed up for classes on Wednesday and got a parking pass.  I'll go back later to get my picture ID taken and printed.

Last night Robert and I got to eat dinner with the Bethells.  What a treat!  We had a delicious meal - lasagna, bread, salad, and strawberry pie.  We got to eat outside since it was so pretty.  Miles just got upgraded from a baby swing to a big kid swing so we had to check that out.  The boys got such a kick out of pretending Robert was a tree and they needed to chop him down.  After that we went over to our friend Chad's house.  He is getting married to Natalie in June, and we hadn't met her before.  She's in town for the weekend so we finally got to meet her.  She's super sweet, and I'm excited to get to know her better.  We played a crazy game called Curses.  It was super fun!  Chad and Natalie will be living really close to my parents and grandparents too!

Next week is pretty busy.  I'm trying to make myself study a bunch today.  Academic goals: Advanced Public speaking - practice presenting my rhetorical criticism speech on Apple, Medieval and Renaissance Literature - Work on research paper and study for test, Communication Theory - Study for test, American Public Address - Read.  Time to get started!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Big Week

This was a pretty big week for me.  The first week back after a break is always interesting.

Monday: I got the paperwork to fill out for graduation.  It was pretty exciting to see that I'll be graduating cum laude.  It's really cool to see that I'll my hard work has paid off.  I also met with Dr. Leo.  I am so very thankful God has given me such an amazing doctor.  He is very knowledgeable and does an excellent job of relaying the information to me.  He said my ultrasound looked perfect.  My blood counts are still low.  He switched my iron supplement to Bifera which is supposed to be easier on my stomach.  The main bummer is that although it's still OTC it costs $20 instead of $3.  It's totally worth it though to not feel sick.  We hired the new RA to replace me.  It's a weird feeling.  It seems like I just became an RA.  I think Bekah will do a great job.  It's hard to balance investing in the girls for the last month and a half of school and starting to let go.

Tuesday: I ordered my new car!!!  I have been very thankful for my Pontiac Sunfire.  It's served me well for the past five years.  We've had some good memories together.  It was my very first car.  It has never broken down or gotten a flat tire.  However, it's time to upgrade a bit.  I ordered a 2011 Ford Fiesta.  It should be here in 3-7 weeks.  It's cool to think that I'll be the first owner.  Although my Sunfire was kept up pretty well, I think the previous owner was a smoker.  What was my clue?  A couple of burn marks on the ceiling and chair.  The dealer said I've chosen a pretty "basic" version of the Fiesta.  It's interesting to see how "basic" has changed over the past ten years when my Sunfire was made.  My Sunfire is "basic" - manual windows, manual locks, manual mirrors, no keyless entry, etc.  My "basic" Fiesta will have automatic windows, automatic locks, keyless entry, MP3 hookup, CD player, etc.  I'm most excited about the locks and windows.  It's the little things, baby!

Wednesday: I worked in the church nursery in the morning and evening.  I'm guaranteed a good laugh every single time I work.  Three year old boy: "I use plastic spoons to bench press, but sometimes Mommy cooks with them."  Obviously, what he's doing is normal, and she's the weird-o.  On Wednesday nights my family always eats dinner with my grandparents (Memaw and Pepaw).  Memaw is quite the cook!

Thursday: I meet with Carey every Thursday morning.  Our time together is such a breath of fresh air.  She's an excellent example of a loving and Godly wife, mother, and friend.

Friday: I got to have lunch with my dear friend Tarah.  Tarah and I have been friends since we were in diapers.  It's a bummer that we don't get to hang out quite as much now, but every time we get together it's great.  Conversation comes so easily with her.  I gave a speech in advanced public speaking.  It didn't go as well as I had expected.  It's different when you don't prepare for a test, presentation, or paper and then do poorly.  But when you prepare and study your butt off you should be rewarded properly.

Saturday: I was the RA on call this weekend so I worked 1:00-5:00.  It was open dorm so I got to go over to Robert's room.  We watched Superstar.  Hilarious!  Then we played a game called trains.  Robert dominated.  I guess guys never get too old to play with trains.

Sunday: We all got to eat lunch with my parents.  Delicious!  Then Robert and I walked around the neighborhood.  It's 80 degrees today, people!  Now I'm working in the dorm office from 2:00-5:00.  I got employee of the month at work last week and was rewarded with a $15 giftcard to Subway.  I think tonight will be a perfect night for a free dinner date with my man.

This week looks like it should be pretty chill.  No tests, papers, or presentations.  Just lots of work and babysitting. 

I've been reading a book called One Thousand Gifts.  It's a great challenge.  The author spent several months writing down 1000 gifts and blessings.  What a great way to show our gratitude.  I think there's something to be said for actually stopping to write down gifts.  It makes it seem more real.  I want a heart that continually seeks an attitude of gratitude.

48 days til graduation.

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