Click, Click, BOOM!

That's exactly what my volleyball team did tonight. They rocked it and beat a local team in 4 games to get the W! It was probably the best game they've played all season. I'm hoping they keep going at it and keep up the momentum into next weekend when we go to Dallas to play in a Homeschool tourney. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I love the girls and they've come a long way but I've heard that the teams that play there are pretty Bad-A. Win or lose, I love that I was able to have this opportunity and hopefully can have another year coaching with the association.

Let me just catch up y'all up with the rest of my life:

School - It's hard. I'm only taking 12 hours but they're tough. Chemistry 2 has a lot of work and the lab sucks. Psychology of Learning is eating my lunch because I have a different professor right now...long story...and my Motor Learning & Control class is interesting but is getting harder every day. I'm hoping to catch up a little bit this weekend.

Health - I've been battling a nasty sick bug for a week and a half. It was weird how I felt it coming on but it hit me hard! I got meds called in and took those but I was still feeling under the weather and coughing horribly. So the doc gave me a steroid shot and cough pearls. I'm on mucinex max strength and nyquil. It's working but my voice is still working on coming back. Hopefully it does since I'm singing at Daily Mass tomorrow.

Horses - My parents were very gracious to pay for the clinic I'm doing this weekend in Bryan. Ralph Hill will be coaching a few people at a time all day Saturday and Sunday in Eventing. My photo on the top of my blog page is actually from the clinic I participated in with Ralph in January. I can't wait to get going with this one. I've come a long way according to Aubrey, my trainer, and hopefully all of the dressage training we worked on this summer helps me out this weekend. Just pray for all our safety and that I have trust in my horse and he has trust in me and COURAGE! I need to grow some balls... haha

Birthday - Yes, I'm 22. It's a weird age but I'm learning to embrace it. Mom and Dad were in town for the football game so they stayed for my birthday on Sunday the 25th. We went to St. Mary's as a family and even though we had to sit upstairs because 10 am Mass is always packed, I still thank them for going with me to worship the Lord and have a new and good start to the week. We then went to brunch where Duane and Jeanne Arbuckle joined us and had a great time with good food. Meemaw gave me a lovely piece of crystal then we all laid down for a quick siesta. It was just what I wanted.

And there's a lot of other little things going on in my life and I'm happy as can be! Just a little stressed every now and then but faith has brought me to be happy, strong, courageous, and grateful for everything I've been doing lately.

Here's some photos from Ring Day! WHOOP!

Finally!

FRIDAY is THE DAY people!!! I am finally getting my Aggie Ring with the most awesome class year on it every - 12! Whoop! How lucky did I get to have the awesome meaning of 12 on my ring?! Of course, other important years in my Aggie family are '78 and '13!

So with all of the school work I must complete, along with the quiz Friday morning, I just cannot contain the excitement of this upcoming date at the Alumni Center! My ring time is at 2:15 and hopefully we get a lot of pictures because I need to frame some things finally. So I feel if I get Ring Day pics developed, I'll start framing other pictures from the past few eventful years. I'm terrible at thinking about picture taking and framing, which is probably part of the reason why I can't remember all of the fun things I do. I definitely won't forget this day though!

 A little history of the Aggie Ring...


1) Shield: The protection of the good reputation of the alma mater.

2) 13 stripes on the shield: Original 13 states



3) Five Stars: Phases of development of the student: mind, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise, and integrity of character.

4) Eagle: Agility & power & the ability to reach great heights and ambitions

5) Olive wreath encircling the state seal: Achievement of and desire for peace and the strength to fight.

6) Ribbon: Marks the joining of the two traits to accomplish their ambition to serve

7) Cannon: Signifies that the men of Texas fought for their land and are determined to defend it

8) Saber: Stands for valor & confidence

9) Rifle & Cannon: Symbols of preparedness & defense

10) Flags of the US & Texas: Recognize the dual allegiance to nation & state

These things signify why I should be proud and humble to be an Aggie. I may never fight for my country but I know I would like to make a difference in some way with the things that I learned and am still learning here.
I won't be able to attend Midnight Yell this week because Laura is dunking her ring! But next week, I asked Mom if she would attend Yell with me for my birthday! I'm so excited for her! So if y'all are going to be in town for the Oklahoma State game...come into town Friday night and come to Yell Practice with us!!

Gig 'em!

Watch Out World, I'm a Legalized Young Woman!

I've been meaning to post this for some time but I just couldn't make myself to do it or I wasn't able to upload pictures at those times. So anyways, it's finally feeling like autumn in Aggieland and I love all of the fall colors! I can't wait for Thanksgiving and bowl games, the end of this semester, and the jolly Christmas season! How about that win on Saturday?!?! Unfortunately, I started to freak out about my exams and went to the car in the middle of the 3rd quarter to study. I missed it all but no worries, sister has a video and pictures! This semester has flown by so fast we have about 10 school days left in the semester! Which means finals are approaching & I have to study during Thanksgiving...ew.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Rand Arbuckle. They're wedding was absolutely amazing and I had a lot of fun yet the paper and exam I had the following week (which was last week).

Me on Aubrey's 20 Quarter Horse, Strutt

 I just finished two exams this week, went to E-Walk to take my picture with an elephant and treated myself with a lesson at Aubrey's with my pony, Angie. Aubrey is an awesome horsewoman and friend that I've known since May. I started leasing Angie in August and have enjoyed her so much! She takes my weekly stressers away and I can't wait for the 2011 shows to start up. Aubrey calls me a scaredy cat because I won't jump Angie sometimes. Ok, so I can be a fraidy cat but I'm thinking safety of my tooth. And to those who don't know, I had my implant surgery August 27th and it was successfully been in my mouth since! My braces came off October 21st and I got a retainer the same day with the same tooth I've had since I was 15. Hopefully, Santa brings me my one front tooth for Christmas! 

Top: Me on Angie, flying high! Bottom: Aubrey, Me & Angie

I turned 21 on September 25th. I was still recovering from my surgery & I had a horse show the next day so I didn't want to over do it. Key to all you alcoholic beverage enthusiasts: Eat Protein before! It soaked the alcohol up and TADA!!! NO HANGOVER! But it was an early morning to get to the show and no one decided to show up so Aubrey & I tacked up anyways and I schooled on both of her horses.

Emily, Me & Stacey

It's been a rollercoaster semester but I've made it this far. I wish you all a safe & Happy Turkey Day!Gig 'em Aggies! Saw 'em Off!!!

Whoop into Fall

WH12P! I'm officially a junior! It was a hectic summer and I apologize for not updating any juicy gossip from my wonderful life. My summer was a little drab. I took Physics 1 & 2...Hissssss...and I made C's. Oh well, I wouldn't have made it through without an awesome person who is now living with Shelby & I - Courtney Janak. It's an adventure but Courtney loves it here & I love her. We tried to celebrate her 20th birthday last week with a suprise dinner but of course, it wasn't a suprise after our plans out flipped around when Courtney became a counselor for Camp for All in Burton. I'd love to join with her and work out there but I'm just taking it one week at a time because I had a roller coaster spring and summer and I feel a lot is falling into place now.

I've come to see that God is blessing me with many things that are either straight in my line of sight or right under my nose that I have to work to find. Although I am not in a relationship, God will bless me one day with a person who can love me for who I am and handle me at the same time. Although my semester may be rough, I'm learning time & money management better every day. Although I will not be working for the softball team, I am very appreciative for the knowledge & responsibilities I learned and opportunities I was able to be apart of. Although I have many hard courses left, I'm in no rush to leave Aggieland and miss out on other great opportunities. Although I miss many of my family & friends, I am learning more discipline with praying more often for all of the things I am connected to in my life.

I have also been blessed with the best thing that has happened to me in awhile - Horses. In spite of hectic life I was living in the spring, I always had a yearning deep down to learn to ride the English discipline. If you don't know, I do own a horse, Rocket, but he's with Uncle John & Aunt Lori grazing happily in their pasture. I also had Hummer, my barrel racing horse, which I do miss and hope he's doing well as he reaches his 23rd birthday. But now my soul is satisfied with the new horses in my life - Strutt & Angie.

The story goes as such: I randomly Googled something like "riding lesson instructors in College Station" and many odd websites appeared. One was a classified website where I found Aubrey. She just moved her a year ago with her husband, Ben, who is specializing in Large Animals (something) at the Vet school. She went to UF & rode on their equestrian team, western & English, and was now relocated here and giving lessons at their barn. So we e-mailed back and forth and the day finally came that I was going to have my first lesson! She was amazed of my knowledge and said that she usually has to teach her students how to tie a rope halter or the basics of grooming but no fear, I got this. So I learned the basics of tacking up Strutt, her 20-year old Quarter Horse, with an English saddle and bridle and off we went into the arena. Of course, I wear a goofy, big helmet but safety first! Oh my gosh! Not only did I learn about all of my bad habits, I had so much fun and wanted to go every day! Unfortunately, EC couldn't keep me away so I would randomly travel back & forth just for a lesson. Sorry about the gas bill, Dad!

Low and behold, I'm improving and advancing quicker than I thought. I'm pretty gun-ho about competing too. I have been to two schooling shows in Bryan. Yes, the first show I was in the Pre-Beginner (like 7 year-old kids) class but we got ribbons. But with practice, more like one day of practice, I showed September 5th in the Hunter-Jumper divisions and a Beginner flat class. I beat one of Aubrey's other students in my flat class and did good in my 2-foot jumping classes!

Soooo...this weekend is my 3rd show. I will be jumping on Strutt and showing Angie on the flat. That's all I said I wanted for my birthday but Mom & Dad are going to cook dinner Saturday night and a big group of my friends & I will go out...somewhere. Yes, I will be 21. I think I'm just looking forward to the freedom (if I choose to) to order a drink at dinner or a bar. I like to DD though so no worries, I try to make every night out, a safe night ;)

There's my update for now. I'll try to be better since I'm not good at phone calls!
I've also attached my latest lesson (last big jump) that I've had with Aubrey on Strutt. I'll try to post some pictures of Angie or the show soon! Gig 'em!

Hump Day

So a usual Wednesday, a.k.a. Hump Day, consists of going to class, eating lunch, softball game and relaxing at home or doing homework/studying. Oh but not today...today was flip-flopped Hump Day. I came to campus very early to give blood, only to be rejected because of certain circumstances. Well Scott & White, you won't be getting my O+ blood today. Then I tried to go to the Blocker computer lab and it was full so as I was walking to the SCC and talking to Dad, a.k.a. Steve-O, I sweated in this humid & allergy-ridden weather. It's supposed to rain today. I hope it does but not enough to cancel our game today. So I'm checking my school e-mail and of course, after coming to campus early, my first class, Theatre, is cancelled but she has a list of YouTube videos and newspaper articles to read. So I become studious and read and watch.
Here are the videos I had to watch today for your entertainment (the one about barbie is hilarious!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGGK3HCr07o&playnext_from=TL&videos=cneK2MdbayQ


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEF_Dicq3c4&playnext_from=TL&videos=RFMiD8SMKLQ

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/03/31/multimedia/1247467499304/a-pop-presidency.html

The last video actually makes me want to go see that play! I hope you're entertained because I actually enjoyed listening/watching these videos because my teacher can throw some weird videos at us during class. Trust me, DaDaism is weird. "Whatever is not, Dada is. Whatever is, Dada is not."

So I'm going to finish up here at the SCC and go get some scantrons and my padfolio from the Letterman's Association before my 12:40 biology class. Yes, I letter! I was kinda intrigued that I get such an award with my job. Oh! And hopefully my hair turns out amazingly awesome tomorrow! I'm getting it colored...not blue...but I hope it turns out really pretty! I have been counting down the days to tomorrow! Plus, the most superb Steve-O & Kimbo Slice are coming tomorrow to help celebrate Shelby's 19th Birthday Friday! Whoop! Hope y'all have a great Hump Day and weekend!

I literally forgot...

...that I had a blog. I haven't even thought about it, even when I've had time to sit down and type it all out. And it's been a month since I've posted but there is just too much to write about so I'll give y'all a few highlights. Highlights seem to be my theme on here anyway!

Mom and Dad celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary January 12th!
January 15th, I went with Cullen Zalman, Bryan Skow, and Maverick Smith to Houston to watch TK Krpec play wheelchair rugby. It was awesome and I'm glad I could be there to support him. That night, my mom's siblings and families all met up to celebrate birthdays at the American Legion Hall in Blessing. I moved back to CS the next day and mom came up that Sunday to help us get our house on track for the semester.
Although we didn't have school on Monday, we had softball practice. After the first few days of school, I became overwhelmed with my classes and I dropped my online Medical Terminlogy. I'm only taking 10 hours but Biology, it's lab, Theatre History & Public Speaking are keeping me on my toes with softball.
I had an evaluation with an Orthodontist in CS (his new office is literally 3 minutes from my house) and got braces a week later. So next time y'all see me, I'll have a smile full of metal haha. I also added a little bit of burgundy to my hair for some contrast since it's winter for a few more weeks.
I got a tutor throught the athletic advisor and I've met with her twice. She's very smart and very helpful! I'm also going to start going to A+ tutoring for my biology chapter and exam reviews.
Yesterday, I gave my first speech on Title IX, the 1972 Higher Education amendments, which prohibits the discrimination of sex in federally-funded educational institutions. I made an 82 of 100 and I'm pretty please for being as nervous as I was! My friend, Brad Staff, told me that I did really good and the teacher said students usually make C's or lower on the first speech! It made me feel better about my delivery.
Today I was very busy at practice because tomorrow is the big day! We are leaving for our first tournament in Tempe, Arizona! I can't wait and am really excited for the girls! But I have to keep on my studying because my biology exam is supposed to be Friday but I'm retaking it on Monday. So I'm going to a review at A+ tonight and studying with my lab partners after. So I better get to packing!

I hope to hear from my readers and hope everyone is doing well! I miss and love you all!

Happy Birthday Laura!!!

Yesterday was my best friend's 20th birthday! We didn't get to celebrate much with the old lady because her mom and sisters came to CS to treat her with lunch and some shopping. She had a great day although we didn't party much but we're saving that for after finals! ;) This was the cake Shelby and I made her and her gift was a large picture frame with one of Shelby's favorite sayings. Yeah sorry, I'm not good at remembering especially with all the information I'm cramming into my head for my final 2 exams on Tuesday & Wednesday!
P.S. I stayed in my p.j.'s all day too! I was not going to waste my time by changing clothes or fixing my unruly hair.

Some grand things you ought to know about Laura:

1. Has been my best friend for a little over a year.
2. Hails from Wharton and we met through 4-H in high school.
3. Always has something exciting, funny, or some weird story to tell.
4. Her hair is always lovely -straight or naturally curly.
5. Learned how to make tamales with her Grandmother and they're damn good!
6. Has great ears for listening and a big, caring heart.
7. Enjoys being my sister's close friend as well - she says that she loves us both because we are different & hilarious...I don't see what's hilarious when we argue about cleaning?
8. Jeans are her staple clothing.
9. Has crafty hands - can make jewelry, wreaths, frames, & you name it!
10. Has great faith in the Big Man upstairs and can find you a bible verse in a jiffy for any circumstance.

Too bad her birthday couldn't have been a few days earlier because we would've gone to the National Finals Rodeo next December but we can wait another year and that was Taylor will be 21 too!


So here's what else has been going on in my life...This is me immitating Shelby's mirror pictures before the Softball Party last Sunday. She cracks me up when there a million of these "kind" of photos on her camera...let's just say I don't waste my time with that nonsense...hahaha...

Dec. 6 - TAMU Softball Party at the Burnside's: It was a lot of fun this year since I wasn't the newbie and knew everyone except some new strength coaches. My White team didn't have to cook but I got to the house early and helped the Maroon girls with the feast. I chatted with Tommy & Dayle for a good time before and after. It was good to see them and am praying for them all the time.

Dec. 7 - Went to campus early to go get Shelby and my Finals Care Packages that Mom made us. Inside was some comfy lounge pants, Starbucks & McAllister's gift cards, Zappo's Aggie Chips, and maroon & white M&M's! Whoop! Mom did a great job although I told her not to go overboard. I had my last Women's Psychology or "Lifetime" class, as Jimmy likes to call it. And for those of you who didn't know, we are officially a couple. It's going great and we see each other a couple times a week when time permits. Ok, back to Monday...I went home for lunch and studied a bit before I went to Best Buy and St. Mary's for Mass. Tuesday was a holy day of obligation - the Immaculet Conception of Mary.

Dec. 8 - Last day of Music class - thank you Lord!!! It wasn't as bad as alwasy because people performed in class, which I did on the 1st of December. I learned that Silent Night was actually written for guitar!

Dec. 9 - Picked up my friend, Chelsea (set me up with Jimmy), and went to the BQ Bowl, a football game between Artillery & Infantry bands. Jimmy was a defensive end for the A-Band and they won 28-21, I think. It was freezing outside and thank goodness Chelsea called me or I would've been a frozen ice cube! I went home and finished some studying while cooking cornbread & heading back to Chelsea's apartment to eat some stew with her and the guys. Then, I rushed to our Collegiate 4-H social at Dr. Lepley's home. Oh my gosh, I officially want a male miniature schnauzer!!! He and his wife had 3 and they were awesome and so cute!!! We had a short meeting before I rushed home and changed because Chelsea, Justin, Jimmy & I were going to Santa's Wonderland down Hwy 6. It was great! I had a little fun as you can tell below ;)

Dec. 11 - Music Final and boy, I used every second to complete that exam. I thought I knew my stuff but I got confused on a lot of the composers. Oh well, I'm sure I did ok. I keep forgetting to e-mail my prof though because she always gave us our grades in class and I want to know!

I've been studying pretty much since Thursday and I hope I do well on my exams. Shelby & I took our online Math final tonight and I made an 80 but still have an A. I'm very pleased although that exam was horrendously hard! I'm back to the grind on reviewing for pychology but I'm about to take a break from the computer by watching a movie. My computer is becoming the devil because I have been on it nonstop! I have online computer tech exam Tuesday so that is done on the computer and I type the highlighted portion of my Psyc book because it helps me more than just flat reading and I have to complete my defensive driving course before I go home because it's due by the end of the month! But the good thing is, I don't spend any time on Facebook since Laura changed my password! Hopefully, I don't acquire arthritis in my fingers or get burns on my wrists.

Hope you are all have a wonderful December and Christmas season so far! I'll probably be singing at Midnight Mass at St. Philip's on Christmas Day! Love you all!

2 Decades Celebrated!

I'm finally getting around to posting some birthday news! I am officially no longer a teenager and have grown up not quite so much this week. I had a very stressful week after my celebration! Let's just say two exams, a paper, softball, being sick, and life can wear me out pretty fast. Oh well, I'm ready for the softball girls to have their first outing this weekend in the Spring Klein Tournament.
Happy 21st Birthday Scott Niemeier!!! I love and miss you!

I have to say that it is on my Top 5 list of Most Memorable Birthdays!
Here's a few pictures from that night's festivities...
Gig 'em Ags & BTHO UAB!!! This is a horrible picture because I just got home from softball and I was sweaty, dirty, and stinky with frizzy golden, dirty blonde hair. So Jeanne told me to open presents and they were just what I wanted and needed but maybe too much. This cake was one I picked up from the bakery in Bryan and it was so delicious!

5 Great Things in this Picture (in order from least importance to most):

5) Delicious Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting made by Mrs. Ruby Hoffman

4) Red Strawberries!

3) Birthday Wine (hint the name is the date of my birthday!)

2) Aggie Ring

1) My Dad!

If you don't know who this girl is, you're very behind in my life. ;)

OH I can't say enough words about this wonderful mother I have! I'm literally speechless and want to cry because she did soooo much for me last Friday and so much for me in my life period!

She made the best tenderloin I've ever had and some yummy sides! She and Terry gave me candles, which I was in desperate need of and have had an odd craving for in my bathroom. She helps me clean my house too! Oh this lady birthed me 20 years ago and I thank God that I'm so blessed with a wonderful lady like her, especially since I was 3 weeks late being born!

Again, I'm speechless about this awesome man and father. I wouldn't be able to do many things and I would not be who I am without him. He thinks that my house in CS is better than our EC house. Home is home so I'm calling CS the fun house! I think he had just as much fun as I did that night!

Taylor Glen Martin. Enough said. Oh just kidding! Best guy friend to ride around the country side with the windows down, blaring the best Texas Country music, and just vent your problems and life situations with. I still think it's weird how we're so close after just a year of friendship!

I attempted to take good pictures with her. I wanted some for my room and kitchen! Ugh, and she has to be crazy Shelby and make everyone laugh at her silliness. So I'll get you back, dork! Just wait but I still love you! Thanks for a great night!

Megan needed some gum so I wanted to be a nice person and share...

Matt Montalvo, Shelby Rod & I. Matt is like a brother to me! Shelby has great jewelry, an awesome boyfriend (he goes to SHSU) and is coming to A&M next year! Whoop! Class of 2014!

I couldn't help it! This has been the joke of the semester! Taylor has a beer baby and we don't know who the baby's mama is because it's many lucky ladies, who I shall not name, nor we know it's due date. It's growing pretty healthy though! I'm sure they'll be more pictures to come during his second trimester ;)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! The countdown begins for my 1st trip to Vegas!

cough, cough!!! lucky ladies = coors, bud, keystone, shiner, and possibly michelob and natty light