Trying to Fit Summer into this Nutshell of a Blog

I've gotten tired of the 30 days of pictures...I'll finish it one day. I would love to catch you all up on my life instead! So here goes my summer to current events:

1. I started shadowing a Physical Therapist at the Physician's Center here in B/CS. I have completed roughly 70 hours of volunteer work since May! I also volunteered once a week at another PT place right around the around and will complete my minimum of 40 hours of shadowing this Monday. I'm planning on continuing my volunteer work at the Physician's Center as soon as the volleyball season is over but until then I am volunteering at The Med on Rock Prairie on Monday evenings (5-9 pm). I'm just helping nurse's out since PT only takes place during normal business hours and my schedule was swamped when I found out I got a position there because they have a long wait list of applicants.
2. I joined the morning summer choir at St. Mary's. It was one of the best decisions I've made during my college career. I wish I would've stuck with it my freshman year but things just weren't right back then and now, it was amazing! I sang in 2 morning masses every other Sunday and oh my gosh, it was wonderful to be back on the microphone! I even brought my guitar and started getting the courage to play in public. I played in my 1st mass a few weeks ago and am singing and playing again tomorrow!
3. Middle of the spring semester, I interviewed for a volunteer volleyball coach position with a local home school association. I got it! For those who know me, I have a passion for coaching and after being rejected by different activities with school, I was so blessed to get this position with 2 other girls coaching 14-18 year olds. We have been practicing since late June and started games 2 weeks ago. I have a talented Varsity team that I adore and love! My JV is super rookie but they learn something new every day. We just got back from a tournament in Bellville and didn't do so hot. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. But the most amazing thing is that this association is a Christian group of home schoolers. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world!  These kids are so amazing because they not only come to practice with smiles and the willingness to learn but they teach me so much about the love that Jesus has to offer each of us. That's just what they do. Love me and I love them back!
4. With #2 & 3 combined, it has helped me deepened and strengthen my faith a little more every week this summer. Music is just so powerful. It's a cure for a lot of different things in my life. It's spiritual and emotional for me. Coaching these girls helps me watch what I say, do, think, etc. and I feel different things are changing. I think about praying more and just praising the Lord for different things I never thought about before. I give a lot of kudos to Coach Lynsi Bain too. She's so in love with Jesus, it's crazy but true love. I wish I could be that in love with the Lord but I'm taking baby steps.
5. A few of my girlfriends took a short weekend trip to the Riverwalk in San Antonio to relax and catch up towards the end of July. We had a lot of fun with lots of food and talking! We had hot pink cactus margaritas at a roach infested restaurant and went to Coyote Ugly and had some fun dancing! We did a little bit of shopping and dressing up each other. I love our little group and can't wait for next year's annual trip!
6. I took a 10-week Anatomy 2 course at A&M. It was tough but I made it through with a B!
7. Unfortunately, I might be retaking it...I went to a PT Open House in Galveston @ UTMB last week and learned a lot about applying for PT school. I am applying next summer so I need to get some grades up. I'm terribly scared that it's going difficult for me to get in with a lower than average GPA. I just gotta keep my head on straight and strive for A's from now on and study, study, study and shadow!
8. Our summer family vacation was to L'auberge du Lac in Louisiana. It was my first time to gamble!!! I ended up winning about $1300!!! I played a little bit of blackjack, a lot of slots, and learned 3 card poker (not my favorite). We ate a super nice restaurant with awesome food, got treated to a spa day, floated the lazy river, and just relaxed.
9. I'd like this # to be for those who are needing prayer in my life. Please pray for Mrs. Gail Palone and her family - Her dad passed away last night and he was an amazing man. Please pray for Jace Arbuckle and his family and fiance - he is going in for tests at MD Anderson this coming week for a chronic condition that may need treatment. Please pray for my Pawpaw & Meemaw - He is back in the hospital for pneumonia. I know there are a lot of other prayers that are needed to be said out there but I've gone blank. I'm sure they'll come to me tonight whilst I'm saying my nightly prayers. I appreciate all of yours!
10. I GET MY AGGIE RING IN 27 DAYS!!! WH12P!!! I'm super stoked and can't wait! Shelby & I will be dunking in November, when she gets hers!

Hope everyone is doing well! I miss and love you all!
Coach Alexis Cooper '12

 This is from today - Autumn, Meghan, Coach & Halle (with medals = All Tourney!)

 Scott & I at a Wedding - My shoes were so beautiful, they were blinding everyone haha so I had to toss them!

 Cassey Janak & I at her Sister's Wedding

 Taylor & I at the Merta Wedding

Yes the rumors were true. We Were dating...we had to test out our feelings but I ended up being wrong. And we're still best friends...Thank You Lord!

 Kindergarten Best Friends Forever!

Stacey, Erik & I at Dustin & Lianne Janak's Wedding

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

I'm a pretty talented young lady. I've accomplished many things and am still adding on to that list. Of course, we all wish we would've done something or more of something when we were younger. My wish would be that...

I could play the piano better. I took about 10 +/- years of lessons but I shouldn't have stopped in high school. I joined the summer choir at St. Mary's in College Station and have been really enjoying it. But last weekend, I almost had to play with my horrible chords and anxious fingers because the music director was not able to be there for the Sunday morning masses. Thank goodness an awesome guy named Lucas came into practice and sat down and could play pretty amazing to help us out and entice our church congregation's ears. There were only 3 singers, a pianist and a guitarist last weekend because the rest of the kids were on Aggie Awakening. No worries, we did an awesome job!

My worries though are that I am not fulfilling my God-given talents by not being able to play the piano as well or helping out in other ways. I've come to the conclusion that no matter what, I am singing for the Lord, through the Lord, and for His people. He made me and gave me amazing talents to share with others. Singing and music makes me happy. Hopefully I will continue singing at St. Mary's this Fall and so on. It's amazing how much a song can reach out to people and put a twinkle in their eye or smile on their face. So by-golly, "how can I keep from singing" if that's what I can help produce every weekend.

I challenge you to challenge yourselves to make a difference with the talents that God gave you!
I'm challenging myself to playing the guitar in church in two Sunday's and get past my stage fright.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

This has taken me forever to finish and post because school started and I have relinquished most of my computer time to putting my nose in the books or chores around the house. So here's my music post...

 I don't have a favorite band. I love music in general. I do have favorite genres of music = Texas Country and different varieties of Rock and Christian. I listen to music because I have a passion for music. An underlying dream of mine has always been to be able to perform my own music. It's not very good but I try to write some songs. The music I listen to ties into my emotions and life. If I'm really happy, I like to listen to up beat stuff. If I'm in defeated mood and need to let some steam off, I listen to some heavy rock music and end it with some Christian songs.

Please don't be "Disturbed" but these guys are amazing musicians. It's some heavy listening but Scott Niemeier and I have come to really enjoy the instruments in this band. I have 3 albums worth of their music but I can say I only know about 3 song's lyrics.  

 I LOVE JASON ALDEAN! He wrote one of my first love song's and continues to steal my heart with his music. He's easy-going, down-to-earth, and smokin' hot! Who cares if he has his ears pierced because his music comes from the heart.

Lady Gaga is an entertainer. I don't necessarily like all of her songs but she is a unique person. I respect her for being who she is and trying to make a difference for those in the world who are bullied for being different, people who are suffering through disasters, and trying to make an overall difference in the world. I chose this picture because it's one of my favorites. Shelby made a smaller version of her "hair bow" in my hair once and I swore I would be Lady Gaga for Halloween. I ended up being Dolly Parton sans the overflowing cleavage. I love Gaga's blonde hair. She has a new song called "Hair" and it's about how she changes her wigs a lot because her hair represents her freedom. I love her sunglasses too. Mom says I look like Great Grandma Wilson when I wear big glasses but do I mind...no.

 My generation grew up with the Spice Girls. I swear I could listen to their music every day because it makes me feel giddy and happy inside. They sing some great songs about everything. I'm glad Shelby downloaded all of their music the other day for us to jam in her vehicle when we travel around!

 So here's some of my favorite Texas Country artists. They are all unique in their music but overall, this is most appealing music to my ears. This is the music scene I'd love to be apart of if I was ever a singer. I feel these people are humble to where they've gotten and that's why they keep making great music.

Randy Rogers Band

 Stoney LaRue (with his signature red headband)

I actually met him at Greek's during Spring Break. It was awesome but I totally had a blonde moment. After the show, I was rounding up my friends for my sister to drive us home. I was waiting for Emily to close her tab at the bar when this guy sitting at a table asked me, "How was the show?" I said, "Oh my gosh, I love Stoney and he never fails at putting on a great show!" The guys around him kind of giggled and he said, "That's great. I'm Stoney." I was totally starstruck!

 Wade Bowen

Josh Abbott Band

Casey Donahew Band

My favorite Christian band is Casting Crowns. They are very inspiring and always have good music and put on good shows. I went to their Christmas concert with a church group and we all cried at was their new single at the time.

Nickelback is awesome. I love all of their music (new & old) and Scott & I like to jam to some of their good tunes especially when we used to ride around town and bump the bass up. Even my mom, Kimbo Slice, listens to these guys. So check them out, they're legit.

This woman is very special. She's raw, real & empowering to young ladies like me. Although she didn't go to college, she's made something of herself. She's a musician, an entertainer, business woman, philanthropist, rides horses, and shoots guns. What else could be more amazing about Miranda Lambert? Oh yeah, she's blonde! :)

My Life through Song

As you could read through my last post, I stay very busy. Although I feel I've been a lazy bum for the past two weeks, I feel I have had a lot of time to count my blessings. I'm blessed the most amazing parents, sister and friends, with a roof over my head and food to eat, too many articles of clothings and shoes, the chance to receive the education that everyone deserves, a job that many people would love, and a faith that helps me through everything that crosses my path on the journey of life.

The title of this post was written because I wanted to share some things that I have wrote in the past few weeks. One day, when I have more time, they will become songs. But what I wish the most is that I could write more about my blessings instead of my feelings. Although writing helps me to clear my mind and calms my nerves, some may take my songs the wrong way. Please don't. I want to share them with the ones I am closest too because I feel that they come from my own and friends' hearts and could touch people with my strong words and emotions. And one day, I hope to sing these lyrics to you in a completed version!

Song 1: I gave you space when you needed time. Now you're killing me when you're on my mind. I can't fight the urge anymore so it's up to you to decide if I should care. Dont' give me grief, I shed the tears. The thoughts are now too much to bear. And it's the pain I see for years. The regret, anguish, and fear. They hold on to me as my thoughts of hope and ... Try to shine through because I still believe in you.

Song 2 - Highway of Life: I can see the highway flashin' through my eyes. Just you & me together, leaving it all behind. It's the freedom we have, givin' us the chance to do whatever & go wherever we can. I chose the road instead of chosing us a home, knowing you'd be happrier than being alone. It may be rough at the start but we can never be apart, so here I am & here we go. Love doesn't change our minds but it changes our souls to make us happy & healthy & giving room to grow. We may not know what to do with our lives but we will soon find out on this highway of life.

There's more but I feel those are just bits and pieces of what's to come of my future singing career. hahahaha...Well I'm going to hit the hay soon. Another long day which I will be attempting to give blood before my classes and hopefully we Beat The Hell Outta t.u. tomorrow!

Turkey Day is Finally Here!

Oh y'all do NOT know how I have been anticipating this week and it has finally arrived!!! I'm done with school and softball for the week. I have been waiting for this week's football game for months. And to really celebrate, Mom & Dad are coming in to CS for the a Thanksgiving lunch, Aggie football, and to put up our 1st Aggie Christmas tree!

If it wasn't for people wanting me to post pictures, my excitement would make me forget to add them to my weekly recap...

Here's some pictures from San Marcos that I forgot to include with last week's post.

November 18th marked the 10th Anniversary of the Bonfire Collapse. It was possibly one of the most memorable things I've experienced as an Aggie thus far. Tuesday, the 17th at 8 pm, Aggies gathered in Reed Arena to remember those who passed away and were injured in the collapse. Nathan West's father gave an amazing speech as well as the '99 Student Body President. Then at 2:42 am, a candlelight service occurred at the Bonfire Memorial. When Amazing Grace and the Spirit of Aggieland was sung, it brought tears to my eyes. Just being there in the crowd with the many images that were printed in the paper and the stories of fellow Aggies made me so appreciate and grateful to be an Aggie.

Wednesday, after little sleep from the previous day (it was worth it), I had class and softball as usual. After I walked with my friend, Chelsea (who set me up with Jimmy), to the bus stop, my sweet Corps boy met me around the Trigon (where the off-campus buses stop) to go to dinner on Northgate before the Women's basketball game. Jimmy is a complete gentleman and I love it! He may not think he is but I try to act as lady-like as possible. He thinks I'm a goofy redneck from a podunk town. He's a city slicker that drives a Volkswagen so I guess opposites attract?! We're still talking and things are great. He wants to take me on an actual date but it's so hard with both of our crazy schedules.

Thursday was another one of those crazy days. I had class, went to the doctor for a shot, got movie tickets for New Moon, made stew & put it in the oven to cook while I was at softball, ran home to eat & review for my exam at 7. At 6, I had to register for my spring classes. This was my total nightmare...I thought I had my schedule all worked out until the online class I wanted wouldn't let me get in it and the speech class I wanted only opens a few seats a day. I'm also attempting Biology 111 again so I'm getting super nervous. So I e-mailed my advisor & thankfully she had walk-ins the next morning & I have things almost sorted out. Today, I got into my online Health class but I'm trying to fight for a spot in the speech class I want. Also, I'm teeter-tottering on whether I should keep the Biology class with what says the professor is TBA or get in the other class that has a professor already listed?!?!!? Any suggestions?

Let's just not talk about my Computer Tech exam......

Friday, I went to walk-ins and felt better after I left. I met Jimmy to go get my football ticket so I could sit with him at the Baylor game. He had tried to pull it the day before but the ticket office gave him grief since my sports pass is listed as "athlete." They never gave Laura crap when she went all those time but luckily, this week Jimmy just gave them grief when he went to get my t.u. ticket. Such a good man ;) After class, I worked out at the REC and I believe it's my stress reliever and energy booster! So thankfully I was able to stay up long enough for Jimmy to come pick me up for Midnight Yell!

Here's a picture from the march from the Corps dorms through a few campus streets onto Kyle Field! The next picture is of the Yell Leaders as Governor Rick Perry was firing up the crowd.

Saturday was a great day! Cade, Rito, Meredith, Wes, Cullen Z., and Ali were staying with us. We all went and tailgated with the Skow's and had some great chili. Laura, Sara & I left a little early to make the pre-game songs but it started showering :( It was really chilly too but no worries, the rain stopped and we beat the hell outta baylor 38-3! It was a great win to put us into bowl game consideration. That evening got even more hectic as we were all juggling the day's event before we went to see New Moon at 9:15. Everyone had left the game but I attended Victory Yell (another Aggie 1st) with Jimmy. Before he could go eat with his dad, he had to drop me off and then meet us back at the movie theatre since he just had to go. He actually was hearing about New Moon because he had to make shirts at work = Inspirations in the mall but he just wanted to go since I bought his ticket! hahaha

This week started out amazing! I was soo happy and ready for Thanksgiving and then it started rolling downhill. My back and shoulder have been bothering me a lot so our student-trainer did a certain massage on my lower back. Oh BOY!!! It is swollen, bruised, and sore! I could barely drive home. She massaged me out today and applied stem and ice but I teared up both days. I caught the pitchers at practice this week as they pitched live batting practice to the team. My knees feel as if they are 83 years old. No pain, no gain - as Steve-O always told me. I have 2 papers due December 7th in my Women's Psychology class but one should be simple after I interview a working mom. Any suggestions for a Do Something about Feminism! paper??? I also have to attend and summarize a concert for Music class and turn in another personal project. So I've decided after the break, I'm going to play my guitar in class and sing Christmas carols! Hopefully everyone will sing along with me and put themselves in the Christmas spirit!

Here is Sam helping me study my Government notes Monday night ;) He likes to climb on my desk or sit in my lap. He also sleeps with me and chews me out in the morning because I'm eating breakfast and no one has fed him yet! He's a cute kitty but a terrorist!

So folks, I just wanted to let y'all know how super stoked I am about this week but I really cannot wait until Christmas break!!! I'm moving home the 18th and will start helping out Miss Sallie at The Crossing for my 3rd year. I love seeing so many faces in a great atmosphere. I enjoy working with her a lot and hope y'all will come visit me! For now, I wish y'all a blessed and Happy Turkey Day!

BTHO t.u.!!!

Summer's winding down while the Tropics are heating up...

It's odd to think that I'm moving back to CS in a week but what's more odd is to think that we could have a rainy start to the school semester. As you can see and hear from the meteorologists on the t.v.'s, the tropics are firing and whirling up some disturbances. I know this is really random for me to be talking about but Mom pointed out today that the storm that hit Florida today shares the same name, Claudette, that hit Palacios 5 years ago. So I'm praying that we don't get anything terrible sent our way since Shelby & I are on our own and our parents would have to prepare and take care of our family by their selves. Yes, I am a worrywart but that is just how Momma Coop's lives. I just thought I'd put a few thoughts off my mind before I go hit the hay.

All I wish for is peace on Earth and in my family.

You can never beat a great grill, great beer/wine, and great friends on any given night.

Any rocking chair can put me to sleep unless you're holding someone special. Well I have this big boy for now...Don't worry! It's just my best friend, Taylor.

Dad says I don't smile often. But Megan says I have the biggest one. Maybe the more I hold them in, the bigger they get?!

George Strait wrote, "But life's not the breath you take. The breathing in and out that gets you through the day. Ain't what its all about, you just might miss the point trying to win the race. Life's not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away."

Time has flown too fast!

I haven't updated my blog lately because life has been boring but busy. Yesterday, I finished summer school and thought that I would sleep in this morning but I didn't. I'd rather stay busy somehow, someway. So here's a list of what I've done since the end of July:

July 27-29: Coach Popp held a 5th-9th grade Volleyball Camp - Some former players and I helped her out while it was going on. I also helped my cousin, Sydney, and her two friends with some volleyball skills before they went to their camp in Weimar.

August 3rd: Texas A&M opened the registration of classes for students to switch and whatnot so I rearranged my schedule a little bit. I'll be carrying 12 hours (for sure) at TAMU and maybe add an Intro in Ag Communications & Journalism if I decide to add that minor. So I'm trying to decide when I should go see an advisor before school begins. I lost my sunglasses to the Karankwua river that weekend and became very frustrated as I tried to scramble around for a pair since I have very sensitive eyes. My mom was the 2nd most upset person (after myself) because I had just purchased that very nice, polarized pair during Spring Break.

August 5th: I started running with one of Cade Radley's dogs, Buddy. I didn't have the want to get up earlier than I had to to run in the morning and running in the latter of the day is best around 8 p.m. It gets awfully dark around 8:30 so that's why I have a new "buddy."

August 8th: Three friends and I jetted off to Reliant Stadium for an awesome venue of Julianne Hough, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, and The King of Country, George Strait!!! He was my very first concert and all of the performers put on a great show.

August 9th: My best friend, Laura, was confirmed in her church in Wharton. It was a very special day for her, her sister, and her family because she has a deep faith in the Lord and I lean on her in my most trialing periods of life. So Trey and I joined her for the mass and a great luncheon so we could all have a little bit of shared faith for our "family."

August 11th: Final for WCJC Math class! Worked at The Crossing for 2 hours and helped Coach Popp with the volleyball books for the first games of the season. She also asked me if I would be able to help her this weekend at the Columbus tournament so of course, I said yes. Plus, I will be getting volunteer hours for my major at TAMU. I have to have 60+ hours to take the upper-level courses, which are the good ones, and graduate. So I'm getting started with a great opportunity, working beside a great person and coach!

So I'm going to try to stay busy until I move back to CS, which probably will not happen until the week before classes begin on August 31st. Most of my time will be spent resting up, working out, and just piddling around the house. I would love to go to the river as much as possible before I leave because I have two softball meetings the weekend before school starts so I'll be busy from the start and not much time for "playing" after I move. So I'm enjoying my time at home very much. I've had this itch to try new recipes or just cook so I'm going to attempt ratatouille for lunch or dinner today!