Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Like Mom always said, "hate" is a bad word. I've actively tried to not use it in my vocabulary but it happens. There are several things I dislike but the one I hate the most is...

Darkness.

I've slept with a nightlight as long as I can remember. In CS, my printer produces enough light that I don't have to waste more electricity than it already does. Sometimes when I'm home in EC and if the light bulb in my nightlight goes out, I'll wake up and be scared to death. Thankfully I know my way around the house well enough to get downstairs to find another light bulb. If I'm super tired and lazy, I'll just leave the closet or bathroom light on.

Set Me Free!

Finally, it's been a long day/week but I am finally done with exams. I still have homework tonight but Courtney is going to help me while I attempt to complete it. I have to it's due tomorrow and I would like to go out or see a movie with Stacey. Let me tell you, it's been 2 hectic weeks. I went to Victoria 2 weekends ago to celebrate Emily Bergstrom's birthday and watch her play softball. I really do miss softball but I'm a lot more happier now!

I came back to CS to find out I didn't get a callback interview for Muster Hosts but a ride on my pony cured that until I had to study for Anatomy lab and exam. I finally made a 100 on a lab quiz and started dissecting our "died from natural causes" cat. We named her kit-T. It was funny at the time when we were locating her upper chest & arm muscles. I thought we were going to have to skin it but we got lucky. Thursday night was my Anatomy lecture exam. Oh it was rough. I found out yesterday (he's slower than frozen molasses) that I made a 76 :( Not what I expected or wanted but I just have to bust butt from now on! I also had an Abnormal Psychology exam Friday which I did not study enough for and made an 84. Again, not what I wanted but I'll have to make do and bust more glutieus maximus on the next 2 exams.

The weekend was tiring but Shelby & I went to see PawPaw in the hospital on Friday. It was good to see Meemaw & him but I just wish I could help him physically. I am praying for him and a full recovery. I'm always open to prayer requests as well. Saturday, I spent my day catching up on sleep, studying Chemistry, and going to reviews. I was going to go to the last Women's Basketball game but homework was more important.

Monday, I had my skills test in my Step Aerobics class. Some percentage of our grade is our aerobic fitness so they make us run a timed 1.5 mile run (you can race walk too), sit ups, push ups, and flexibility reach. I don't have to test out of push ups because I have a lovely PT note :) I did beast on my run and sprinted 1st to the finish at 13:22. Dang it. Full credit is 12:30 or under. I'm going to train for this and get it! I had 40 sit ups in a minute - 6 away from full credit. I got 5 inches on my sit-and-reach and 9 is full credit. Ugh...I was pooped but the workout today was amazing because I'm now putting 2 blocks on each side under my step, which makes me work a lot harder during the workouts! Love it! I need to go lift soon though...Friday, I'm thinking. Tuesday, I had my Chemistry exam. I prepared a lot for it by myself until I asked Courtney for some guidance the night before and right before the exam. We get our exams back 30 minutes after the class and Courtney thinks I made a 90! WHOOP! Too bad all my grades can't reflect that but I am trying really hard!

We went to mass at 7 am this morning after I put some beans in a crock pot for dinner tonight (they were yummy!) and went to school and studied for my Anatomy lab practical. Let me tell you that it's very hard to be well prepared for that test. I'm just puzzled by a lot of the things they asked about certain topics. I'm flustered but I'm pretty sure I passed. Last semester, they said the average in a lab would be around a 60. Yikes! Oh well, I'm done. I'm relaxing. I will not stop attending my classes just because the break is approaching. I am though getting a massage in the morning to get out all of the bad things that came upon me these last 2 weeks.

My sisters and I - Courtney & Shelby - have given up sweets for Lent. Literally, everything that has sugar in it! I am really wondering how my body will react to this since I usually eat chocolate every day. I am also doing something to reduce my negative thoughts and words. I hope it really helps me and my attitude. I am also planning on working at the Food Bank and continuing it after Lent so I can build up weekly community services hours.

What are y'all giving up for Lent?

Taking Matters into My Own Hands

For those who have not known the trouble I've caused my parents since the age of 10, here is a brief summary. On March 31st, 1999, a softball hit me in the mouth and Dr. Swenson was pulled out of the pasture to pull my broken tooth out. Since the age of 10, I've had many appliances with fake teeth on them, braces that held a tooth by a wire, and a Maryland bridge that was cemented to the back of my teeth. I still remember the day Emily & Shannon visited me in bed and my whole mouth was still very swollen. Needless to say, they were very taken back by my swollen lip and gap. For those who have seen me since February, I had braces for 9 months and a retainer since October. I had my implant surgery in August. After multiple visits back and forth from Victoria to EC to CS, it was time to fill the gap!

Since the Tooth Fairy and Santa failed me, I had to take matters into my own hands. Dr. Swenson and his amazing team ordered my fake tooth when I got home for Christmas break after finals. Well it came in last Tuesday and I went in to the office but it wasn't a good match. It's a very long process to make these false teeth that are supposed to act as great as a normal tooth but the color has to match as well. School started today and I didn't want to go back & forth during this busy semester worrying about my tooth. So Dr. Swenson talked to the lab and the next morning, Taylor Martin & I hauled ourselves & my special box to San Antonio to get a perfect match. After a long day of shopping, eating, and several color changes, we headed home. The next morning I was back at Swenson's and he permanately put my new tooth in! The shape looks great, the color is a little different but not that noticable. I'm using some good whitening toothpaste and am going to get a great electric toothbrush to try to get some plaque off.

I also got a mouthguard made because I participated in Ralph Hill's Eventing Clinic in Bellville this past weekend. Eventing is an english riding sport consisting of stadium jumping, dressage and cross country riding over 2 or 3 days. It was a lot of fun and it was a great experience. Aubrey hauled me down and I rode her awesome 21-year old QH, Strutt. He's a very safe ride and he taught me a lot. Here's some pictures:

Hopefully I can keep having fun like this throughout the semester. It's going to be a hectic and hard one but it's going to help me in the long run. I'll let y'all know what my final schedule is next week. Until then, have a great week!

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!

Realizations

I have realized many things in the past week of my young life. These things made me exude different emotions. The emotions have been in the range from happy/hyper to taking it as it comes to it's just one of those days that sucks really bad. First off, the realization that you can't alway get what you want. I've felt that I have wanted too much of certain people or certain things so I've realized that I need to take a step back, take a deep breath, anaylze my thoughts and make a plan. My plan for love is to not make it a priority but let it come and find me. I do want to have "the one" in my life but the path God has set me on for the time being, may have a few bumps and turns in it before I actually achieve this want. My plan for shopping is to just browse. I have clothes I haven't worn in months or years because I live in maroon, white, gray & black right now. Come summer time, I may need some cute shorts or capris and accessories. Browsing takes my mind off of different stresses and although I may want a particular dress from a website or eBay (Mom & I's new addiction), I don't want to stress about spending the money and waiting for the package. My plan for the summer is to just take it easy. Although I will be taking Physics I & II from 8-12 everyday, I have the afternoons to enjoy things I love - being at the river, spending time with family & friends, and working out. I thought I had to plan out my entire summer by asking what people wanted to do and such but Megan and I are just gonna go with the flow. We've planned to get our vitamin D so I can even out this horrible softball/sock tan, learn how to play golf (and for me, possibly the violin), road trip somewhere awesome, & do funky things that make me & here awesome BFF's! I will also try to squeeze in some volunteer time at the physical therapy department at the hospital because I have to have a minimum of 60 PT hours to get into upper level courses at A&M.

Second, I've realized that I have become lazy with my thoughts, actions, and especially, chores. My plan for becoming unlazy is to study my butt off this upcoming fall & spring semesters so I can apply for my AGGIE RING! This is my favorite tradition at A&M because of what it symbolizes. So my thoughts have to be goal-oriented. My actions cannot be lazy or procrasinated, meaning I must become an over-achiever to make good grades and keep broadening my knowledge base. My plan for chores has already kicked in. I think I'm becoming my MOM & DAD! Steve-O hates when dishes are left in the sink at night. All last week, not one dish was left in it. I think there are a few in it tonight hahaha. Mom hates to be behind on the laundry. Ohhhh and it is piled up here! I'll be caught up by tomorrow night, I hope. I have a speech to write that is going to be presented Thursday morning. We play in Austin on Wednesday versus that school that every Aggie calls t.u. (That was just for you Scott Niemeier!)

Third, I've got to let go and let God. Mary, my manager-in-crime, wished me luck on my Biology exam this morning and quoted, "You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you." She's exactly right. So my plan for my faith is to just keep praying and trying to improve my spiritual connection with the Big Man upstairs.

Good Night, Gig 'em & God Bless ;)

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!

Time flies...

too fast for me to keep up with anything! I think the dishes have been done for the week and 2 days later, the sink is full again. And on top of that Shelby & I have a pile each of laundry, vacuuming needs to be done, litterbox needs to be emptied & sometimes the trashcan is overflowing! Whoo! Just to think we handle the daily chores in life with going to classes, studying, softball, Shelby's business frat, and trying to just find time to run errands or relax. I have finally had a week this semester where I turned in all my assignments by Tuesday and had nothing else to do except research for an upcoming speech the rest of the week and it was amazing! I just sat around! My last post was almost 2 months ago and there has been sooo much happening to Shelby and I as this semester is zooming and the flowers are finally blooming.

So I've left y'all hanging since February 10th and I'm going to catch y'all up real quick, just by things I've done day-to-day.
Feb. 11 - Departed from IAH to Tempe, Arizona
12 - Beat Wisconsin & Cal
13 - Beat Nevada & Lost to Arizona St, who is ranked in the top 10
14 - Beat Auburn and flew back home!
15 - Made up my Biology exam in my Professor's office at 10 am, went to my classes, did softball laundry before going home to do my own and work on homework
16 - Classes, HEB, and Self Evaluation for my first speech
17 - Ash Wednesday, I could not get up early enough to go to Mass :( I gave up beef & pork for Lent and try to pray every morning and night. Beat Sam Houston
18 - Class, Sam's Club for umpire snacks & house supplies, had lunch with my "brother," Taylor Martin & made our famous Chocolate Sheet Cake for a team dinner
19 - Got up super early to go set-up for the softball tournament, studied before going to take my Theatre exam, and BTHO Mississippi State & Oregon State
20 - Got up early again for softball and watched some Theatre movies to take a quiz online before we BTHO Miss St & Louisiana-Monroe
21 - Got up early for the last day of the tourney to BTHO La-Monroe and put out balls for the girl's to sign. Everytime we hit a homerun, they draw a name out of a bucket for a winner to receive one of these balls.
22 - Woke up a tad bit earlier to go to the bank, get a ticket for Romeo & Juliet before class, went to confession, got a mani/pedi, and had tutoring at 7 pm
23 - Class, had to order helmets and some stuff before softball practice, and went to Romeo & Juliet, which was an amazing modern production with no scenery or costumes and had only 5 actors!
24 - Class and flew to Cathedral City, California
25 - Started studying for my lab practical before we headed to the fields. We lost 2 upsettting games to Fordham & Oregon
26 - BTHO UNLV & SDSU and studied some more after eating some amazing cookies from a cafe
27 - Happy Birthday Emily Bergstrom! Game against Stanford was rained out so we headed back home.
28 - Went to mass and lab review before studying a lot!
March 1 - Classes & Softball
2 - Happy Birthday MOM!!! Class, Lab Practical, Softball, tried baking a Red Velvet Angel Food Cake before tutoring at A+ for Biology.
3 - Classes, played with Stewie & Ozzie at Jeanne's, and BTHO Houston
4 - Set up batting cages before I went to my class because BYU was practicing, shopped a little at Bed, Bath & Beyond (was looking for a bigger angel food cake pan) and Charming Charlie's before I had lunch with Taylor and our friend, Lauren Slaton. I got treatment on my back from our student trainer, Laura and ended up losing to BYU.
5 - Tried to get the grass paint stains out of one of our player's uniforms after setting up for the 2nd home tournament, classes and BTHO N. Colorado but lost to BYU
6 - BTHO Monmouth & N. Colorado
7 - Tutoring at A+ for Biology and just relaxed and went to church
8 - Happy Birthday Bryson! Classes, Psychology Advisor meeting (to see if I can double major), Chiropractor, finished homework and went to A+ Tutoring
9 - Gave my 2nd speech on George Strait, lab, split a double header with TAMU-CC, and A+ Tutoring
10 - Classes, Self Defense lecture for speech credit, Collegiate 4-H meeting, and Biology exam review at A+ Tutoring...again from 10-midnight
11 - Finished homework before my classes, went home to make Taco Soup in a crockpot, went to the doctor for my last guardasil shot, mailed some stuff off and ordered more bats at softball & could you believe that I had tutoring again? Yes, but it was the last night!
12 - Set up for our last home tournament, went to Theatre, took Biology EXAM #2, & BTHO Utah State & Wright State
13 - Another early morning at softball and BTHO N. Dakota St. & Utah St.
14 - BTHO N. Dakota St and went to church before retiring to homework for the evening
15 - SPRING BREAK! Chiropractor (working on adjusting my right hip, which is higher than my left) NO SOFTBALL! so I got a massage!
16 - Flew out from IAH to San Diego!
17 - Went to the beach & shopped at little downtown before having dinner
18 - Practiced that morning and worked on homework and relaxed
19 - BTHO Harvard & Long Beach St
20 - BTHO UMass & University of Illinois-Chicago in 2 nail biter games
21 - BTHO SDSU in extra innings before returning home from a long week in San Diego, which was awesome and very different. I enjoy my job and am gracious with our travel and hotel accomodations because I get to see many different places and meet different people. Makes me miss and love Texas so much more although I love traveling!
22 - Chiropractor, Classes, ordered and shipped off some more softball stuff while spray-n-washing our nasty uniforms & caught up on homework that evening
23 - After turning in my stressful speech topic & lab report, I went to softball practice and just enjoyed the beautiful weather and light practice. Helped mom make an eBay account and now she's addicted! We just bought a nicely used Gucci hobo purse :)
24 - Lost to #8 Georgia Tech but it was a great game.
25 - 6 Months until I become LEGAL!!! Went to class, Ace Hardware, watched theatre movies & went to softball practice. Had some friends over before going dancing at Harry's! First night that I've been out since January and it was so much fun!
26 - Got up early to go give blood but there were no drives on campus that were there the day before :( Classes & softball practice
27 & 28 - BTHO Kansas!

Hope everyone is enjoying this springy weather because I am! I can't wait for Easter and to see all of my family! It's been too long! I love y'all and gig 'em!

Happy New Year!

I know...I have forgotten about my blog but I do have very good excuses! 1) I had finals and ended my fall semester with 2 A's, 1 B & 1 C. 2) I had a house to clean before I could come home and begin to work for Miss Sallie at The Crossing for my 3rd year. 3) The boyfriend is soooo demanding! hahaha I'm joking...the last blog I wrote he helped me and that was the last time I saw him until this past weekend. 4) I just haven't been in need to be on the computer, which is sort of a good thing for my fingers & eyes.

I love my updates because I go through my calendar on my phone. I see what I've done in the past few weeks and sometimes it reminds me of other things I need to do or have forgotten.
December:
15th - took my online Computer Technology final in the Read Computer Lab from 10-12. James left me to go home & so I was a free woman! That afternoon, I pampered myself to a facial. I have super dry skin & being stressed from finals was not helping...
16th - took my Women's Psychology final at 10:30 am and I was finished! I actually looked at my grades today (Jan. 5th) and made my best test grade! I continued my pampering and got highlights & a trim after lunch.
17th - The day of complete haze! I was so caught up in packing to go home and cleaning the house before I left that I almost forgot to run errands in town! I had to go get christmas gifts & pick up my own things that I didn't want to leave in CS over the break such as my charm bracelet and Rx's.
18th - Went to a much needed chiropractor appointment. The popping & body controtion may freak you out but oh boy, it feels soooo good! Afterwards, I went to work at The Crossing and the craziness of Christmas shopping begins in the shop. That night, one of my new favorite bands was playing at Muldoon's. Megan Martin had wanted me home so we could go together but Josh Abbott decided to charge $20 to get in the door!!! I thought twice and decided to save my money.
19th - I might as well put a calendar on here! lol...I went to work again - 10am to 5:30pm and babysat 2 pre-teens afterwards. It was probably one of the funniest babysitting experiences I've had! They pranked called boys, dressed up silly to go to Wal-Mart to get a gingerbread house kit, and after the house collapsed a few times, they gave up & ate it.
20th - A long choir practice after 6 pm Mass that made me a little more sick and hoarse after my 3 mile run that cold afternoon.
21st - Mom & I went shopping in Victoria!
22nd - Dentist Appt that I was very early to so I went to Lisa Bubela's shop to get some knick-knacks before my teeth cleaning. Afterwards, I went straight to work.
23rd - A long day at work followed by the Biggest Loser Boot Camp workout video can put a girl to sleep!
24th - Christmas Eve! Went to work and closed at 3 pm. Drove with the family to my Uncle Rodney & Aunt Kathy's home in La Ward for Cooper Christmas. The best Christmas I've had with them in a long time! We got back to town and I got changed to go sing at Midnight Mass at St. Philips. Shelby went but wouldn't go with me since I had to be there at 11.
25th - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Mom's side of the family came to our house for dinner after we opened our gifts at lunchtime! Shelby can sleep like no other...
27th - Bram Christmas at my Uncle Tommy & Aunt Monica's home. I went by myself since Mom & Dad went to Mexico for a couple's hunting trip. Got a set of heavy dominoes!
28th - Another day at work before I went to Wadsworth to stay with John & Lori for a few days.
30th - Took the horses to the vet in Bay City. Rocket is healthy and pudgy. I do miss barrel racing & Karen very much. I hope I can pursue my dreams one day once again.
31st - New Year's Eve, I just wanted to be lazy. I worked for half a day and went to Mass at 5. Sadly, I didn't do much that evening except a trip to HEB with my friend's for our New Year's Day party and "The Office" episodes before I slept through midnight.

January 1st, 2010 - James told me it's the best year ever because he will be graduating this year. The boy is crazy, not literally, but just plain happy-go-lucky all the time. Our relationship is still in the early stages & as long as I'm happy, he gets to stay around ;) This lovely first day of the New Year, I washed some clothes & helped Kimbo Slice in the kitchen for our big lunch with family & friends. You gotta start the New Year off right with some ham, black-eyed peas, cabbage, & cornbread. I hope I'm not forgetting anything?! I also made some puppy chow to take to my friend's party. They loved me for it...and for the air mattresses I took with me.
2nd - I got out off my freezing mattress, packed up & headed towards CS. James & I were spending the weekend together. We went to Houston to the Galleria to shop and meet Scott, Cassey, Cade, Amber, Kenny & Kaylyn for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was very delicious and a long day but worth the drive.
3rd - James & I were kinda lazy. We watched movies and went to HEB. He argued with me about me paying for the groceries but I took away his debit card. We made pizza together and ate it after church. He's not Catholic but I'm glad he went with me.
4th - We got up early to clean & pack up and headed our separate ways. I had to work that afternoon and was supposed to catch Emily but that still hasn't happened. And Dad stole me early from Miss Sallie for top secret circumstances...
5th - I was asked to speak with about 20 other students at the EC Middle school's College Day. So from 8 am to 3:30 pm, I got to explain my life as a college student/worker in PG terms. Some kids got brave and asked about partying but we tried to go around it. That evening I went and pumped some iron with some guy friends. I can walk today but I'm not sure about my hamstrings tomorrow especially since I just got off the elliptical...
Which leads me to my day today! It was very eventful. I'm angry with myself for procrastinating my Texas A&M Employee Training, which I have no clue when it's due but most importantly, mad at myself since my defensive driving was due Monday :( It's hard & time consuming!!! Don't do it! Just pay for the ticket!
I went to work but tried to sleep in late on the couch after I ate breakfast. Well, mom wasn't going to let that happen since Miss Sallie counts on me and I'm in the middle of inventory. I'm not kidding whatsoever but it's my favorite thing of this job. I like the solidarity I get and thinking I have to put into it. I don't know why but it's soothing until I miss count or try to remember if I really marked that item down.
Mom stole me away early this afternoon at 2. Dr. Swenson called in for me to go see Dr. Heard, the oral surgeon in Victoria, about getting my tooth implant. I don't know if I got any good news from it except the doctor is super nice and is an Aggie! I stayed positive throughout my appointment although my roots of my teeth beside where I have no tooth are curved inward, giving the post less room to be inserted. So he advised my mother and I to get Orthodontal Therapy, in other words, braces...again. More info to come...I kinda don't want to talk about it right now...

Otherwise, I've had a great start to 2010 and I hope and wish and pray you all the same as well!
Hope to see y'all soon...to those who keep up with my blog...and come visit Shelby & I in Aggieland! The softball schedule can be found at AggieAthletics.com.

Thanks & Gig 'em - Alexis

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.!!!

How tall are you?

Is not normally the question I would receive from a friend on a Thursday evening but that's how are conversation started. So I responded 5'6" and she asked if I had a formal dress & if I was doing anything Friday night? I told her I could get a dress & my schedule is flexible (since I was planning on going home)...Chelsea Jean, what are you cooking up?! This was her next message, "A blind date with a guy name Jimmy. He's a sweetheart and so nice! I love him after Justin (her boyfriend)."

So after rushing through my online exam at 7 pm and meeting Mom in Bellville to get my prom dresses, I talked to Chelsea (who I met through Laura, here at school) on the phone about Friday nights plans. The Aggie Band, a branch of the Corps of Cadets, holds an annual dinner and dance called the BQ Ball. The guys were their dark green tops or jackets & their khaki's and their escorts wear formal dresses. A live band performed songs ranging from Texas & Contemporary Country to Rap to Michael Jackson & Def Leppard.

I was completely in shock! Chelsea & I had talked about how we both dreamed of dating Cadets and eventually marrying an Aggie but for her & her boyfriend to set me up with a date who is in the band! Oh my gosh, I was shaking with excitement and not knowing what to expect! But I had to calm down and get some sleep for my big day! Friday I woke up and worked out at the REC because I always do but since my hair appointment was at 1 pm, I had to go before my one class of the day. Well I talked to mom about my plans and schedule and I forgot one important detail...shower. I had to rush home & shower before my class but I made it with a few minutes to spare & we got out early! I had planned on not eating all day so I could fit into my senior prom dress (which I weighed 10 lbs lighter back then) but Jamba Juice was calling my name

A Battery - Can you guess which one is Jimmy?

My highlights turned out perfect but they couldn't fit me in for an up-do. Chelsea made an appointment with a girl at the salon she was going to and she did a great job! I kinda wanted half-up/half-down but I loved it anyways and I would've been hot in the long run with it on my neck. So I rushed home and called Audrey Kubecka to borrow some shoes. Jimmy is only 5'8" so I couldn't wear my awesome 4" heels I originally wore with my dress. Well I liked the shoes I borrowed but my flip-flops made me feel at ease about my height. I dislike being taller than guys. Jimmy was appreciate later on too and plus, I danced barefoot. Shelby did a great job with my make-up as well!! Not too dramatic and it made my eyes pop! I love that I am a recessive trait child - blonde hair & blue eyes! I asked Jeanne to come over then because I needed help pinning the train on my dress up. She was in awe when she saw me all dolled up - a rare occasion. Thank God for 2nd Mothers!!! My train did get stepped on but it did not tear from where she pinned it! Gotta love her safety pin smarts!

Chelsea & Justin

He's one of the front marchers in the Band, who gets the trumpet with the flag!

I put my regular clothes over my spandex suit (bra, corset & shorts all-in-one = great invention) and Shelby & Laura drove me over to Chelsea's apartment. I'm glad I didn't have to drive myself in my dress, otherwise, I might have been in a terrible wreck and the ER would've cut my dress off me. The boys were simply a few minutes late (hahaha) and I don't know if I could explain how I was feeling at that point. I was very anxious since I didn't know what to expect but Jimmy is a great talker and kept me laughing the whole way to the expo center. He drives a little standard red car and is a very cautious driver. As I am not! He was soo surprised that I drove an hour, there & back, to get a dress, got my hair done, & wore height-conscious shoes all for him. So he bought our pictures from the photographer before we entered the hall and promptly took our seats and began introducing me to his buddies.

Chelsea & I

Dinner was great and the dancing was fun. We'll work on the spinning part...hopefully! Chelsea & Justin left early because he had a long ride to his deer camp and was dropping her off at home on his way. But Jimmy & I sat around talking and dancing until the Ball was over with. I can see it was truly the best night I've had in Aggieland thus far!

Here was my date!

Jimmy Decker, senior Sports Management major from San Antonio

Why I haven't I dated such a gentleman before?! He opened my door, pulled out my seat, was sorry every time he stepped on my dress, introduced me to his friends, made me smile so much & even held my hand to the dance floor! We'll see how this works out. So far a few texts here and there and a phone call in the evening...

And at least I can be lazy the rest of the week. I had my Women's Psychology exam Monday and now I'm working on my defensive driving and will start my music project at some point. My bathroom and room are in desperate need of cleaning...any takers?! Haha oh well, it'll give me something to do since Wednesday is my last softball/work day this week and I need to wash clothes since I'm going to stay with Scott & Cassey in San Marcos this weekend!

Gig 'em Ags & Sic 'em Cats!

Golden? Sandy? Dirty? Blonde

Well some of you may think I'm weird but I'm obsessed with hair! I love fixing people's hair and have colored a few of my friend's heads. I try to keep my hair healthy by not putting a lot of products or heat on it. I am a color freak though and I thought it would be interesting and appropriate to try to color my hair back to my natural color - dirty blonde. Well here is the new me...

I got it colored Tuesday here in CS. Jaclyn does a great job and she is so nice to talk to! I loved the initial result. I was skeptical at first but I told myself it would be fine. She used a golden blonde color but I don't know how to describe it! It's looks brunette but everyone says it's just a dark blonde. My friends all liked it but my biggest critic, Shelby, who said it wasn't me. And that's how I'm feeling this morning. So Laura and I have been talking...I don't want to be a poophead for my birthday on Friday so if I can get in, I'm going to do some high and low lights to give my golden-sandy-dirty blonde hair some dimension. I like doing spunky things if you remember the time I put blue in the lower part of my hair in the spring hahaha! Mom said, "At least you could've done maroon!" Oh well, it was fun for the time being - Love ya, Kimbo! I also love Laura & I love my SueSue and they said it's just not me unless I turned into some boring and quiet girl...HA! yeah right. So I'm going to concentrate on some reading and pray that I can call Tuesday morning and get in this week ;)

OH! Aggies btho Utah State 38-30! Aa-aa-aa-aa-aaaaaaa! (sophomore wildcat) Gig 'em!