Rings and Things

A lot has happened in the past month...smiles and tears, hot and cold weather, good and bad grades, and some other rollercoaster happenings. But let's focus on the good because the smiles always are more memorable...

Late October, I participated in my first Dressage Schooling Show. I know a lot of my readers (a.k.a. Family & Friends) don't know much about what I'm doing in the english saddle but I would like to inform you a tad bit on it. Dressage is a French term for training. Its purpose is to develop a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform. At a horse's peak, it should respond to minimal aids while the rider is in a relaxed state. I wish I could show you a video of my test but I haven't asked Aubrey for it. There are a lot of YouTube videos out there and the ones that will pop up are the most advanced level (FEI World Cup or Grand Prix).

I really enjoyed my dressage show and came home with 2 Blue Ribbons with decent scores for my first outing with Strutt, 21 y.o. Quarter Horse. I am going to wait until my first few eventing shows to decided what I really want to concentrate on. I like to jump but Mom and Dad would like my seat to be more safe in the saddle than up in the air over jumps!

Now the super exciting stuff...

Shelby Suzanne got her Aggie Ring this past Friday! Whoop!

I was the photographer so of course, I have wonderful photos to show you of Shelby's amazing milestone!

Deanna Bosse, Lindsey Marik, Shelby, Courtney Janak & Me

Of course, being the silly sister she is, she has to get in the fountain!

Thank the Lord there weren't any cops around!

Having a little fun with Courtney!

Yes, we're sisters. Yes, we make funny faces. Yes, we love each other.

2 Generations of Aggie Rings - '78, '12 & '13

...and hopefully another generation to come in the future!

...a ways down the road of course...

My beautiful brunettes!

And there was a little more excitement after Friday...

We dunked our rings after we BTHO kansas! We were ladies and did "chugger" size. I drank Michelob Ultra and Shelby drank Mike's Hard Lemonade. She's a beast and downed it fairly quickly. I, on the other hand, kept the ladylike persona and drank it slow and steady because I wasn't about to puke like some of the boys did!

Meadow Creek Girls - Me, Taylor Lange & Shannon

Here we go!

And of course, the boys were drinking right after the dunked but I can promise y'all, I will not have beer for a good while.

Gig 'em!

 



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!

I Love Mondays?!

I am finished with class for the day! Isn't that odd? Well I only have one class on Mondays & Fridays so I'm going to love it. I do have volleyball practice at 12:30 so I took my time this morning. Of course, I left right on time since my class isn't far away from where I park but boy, it was crazy on the road this morning! It's always the first week rush to class to be early that I do not like but what made it worse is that today was also the first day to pull tickets for the football game verses SMU this weekend. So I sat in traffic after hitting the trashcan at the end of the driveway thinking and praying that I am going to make this a great day no matter what! I walked quickly to class and saw there was a free seat next to a girl I met last fall. The prof was a tad late and he did lecture a little but we were out 15 minutes earl. Lucky day, I'm thinking?! I walked around with Hillary finding our classes for later before heading to the computer lab to print out some papers for my yoga class tomorrow.

My Tuesdays & Thursdays are going to be very trying. I have four classes in a row from 9:35 to 3:35 - Chemistry 2, Yoga, Resist/Flex, and Psychology of Learning. Hopefully, I enjoy my P.E. classes because I've heard Resist/Flex can be hard but I've also heard it's worth it. I have great professors for my Chem & Psyc classes and hopefully I can just get my studying done and keep up. It is football season and I'm going to have to NOT be lazy and give the library some love on the weekends. I have a plan in mind how I am going to keep up with school with my busy volleyball, football, and volunteering schedule. My social life is going to have to take a big cut because I need to make good grades from now on to apply for PT school.

RING DAY is September 16th!!! WH12P!!! I cannot wait! I really wish and hope that I could get my grandparents to come up but please just keep them in your prayers because Papaw is having some issues and I'm sure testing Meemaw's patience.

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." -2 Peter 1:5-8

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

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?

Great Weekend

Thursday night ended my hell week. I treated myself with some beer and a movie night with Stacey Gillis. We saw The Roommate. It was not scary at all but she thought it was. After that I took her home and headed to a friends who I haven't seen in awhile to play dominoes. I eventually got my game on helped my partner come back and kick some butt!

Friday, I started my day out with a massage. I found a lady at Elements who will work my knots out and am comfortable with. I went to Academy for Aunt Rhonda to pick up Bryson some Nike golf shoes. Just in luck! Got his size and style he wanted. I headed to my only class of the day, Abnormal Psychology, at 11:30. We started learning about anxiety and stress. Just what I need to learn and understand. Afterwards, I headed out to Aubrey's (horse trainer) for a lesson. She had planned on Angie and I working on the flat and then doing a hunter course.

Working the flat is just going around the arena and she evaluates the horse's "togetherness" at each gait (walk, trot, canter). A hunter course is a course of jumps set up a certain height and the horse is judged. If I was doing equitation, I would be getting evaluated. Aubrey claims that she makes "hunters" out of all of her riders. I would have a hard time in an eq. class because my calfs are not always in line/behind the girth, my heels are not always in line with my hips, I lean forward and close the angle of my hips, and lastly, I bend my wrists and don't always keep my thumbs up.

Anyways, we didn't get to jump because Angie wanted to be a terd. So we switched saddles from a hunt seat to dressage and put some training aids on her and off we went trotting around. I scurried off home to get ready to head back to EC with Taylor Martin. After arriving home, I quickly went to say Hi to dad, who was playing poker at Scott & Terry's. Too bad I'm not a better player... I stayed there until mom arrived to greet her and eat some amazing beans until heading off to my next destination. Scott drove me in his new car to the ball park to watch his sister, Erin, scrimmage. The girls did ok but not only did they know, the alumni were going to kick their butts the next night!

Saturday, we began our morning with some awesome oatmeal and I watched some tv with dad. I went to some batting practice at the field with some alumni. Started off horrible at hitting but I picked it back up quickly. I went home and rested. Mom and dad attended a wedding and I headed off to the ball park again for the big game. 17 alumni showed up and we thought we were going to be awesome! Well we didn't but that's ok. It was a fun game and great to see everyone before Wagner retires from coaching. I went 1 for 2 with a double to right field! I caught one inning (only played 4) and now I'm getting pretty sore. We went to eat at Los Cucos after and I ate way too many chips but I tried the spinach enchiladas and they're were pretty good. Scott, Cassey, and Taylor came over when I got home to watch a movie. I love those nights.

Today, I attended mass at 10 and visited Erin and Scott before I went home to eat lunch with my family. Well Dad forgot I was at home since I didn't come straight home after church and didn't order me lunch. No worries I just shared with everyone else. Bowling Center hamburgers are amazing! Go eat there! I relaxed while my parents got ready for a funeral until I got the phone call Taylor was coming to fetch me and my stuff to travel back to Aggieland. We arrived safely back after I drove (= Happy Alexis) since he wasn't feeling too well. I went and rode and got groceries for tomorrow Anti-Valentine's Day Single Ladies Dinner!

Tired of Being Cooped up...

I'm trying very hard to not go crazy. I've been lounging in my house for the past 2-3 days just watching tv, movies, and working on some chemistry homework. I wasn't feeling well at the start of the week. I went out a lot this past weekend and it caught up to me fast. I went to the doctor Wednesday morning (who was sick as well) and said you kind of have strep throat. Ok, I'll take some meds and be on my way. Well I barely made it through my lab and classes Wednesday & Thursday and thank God school was cancelled yesterday. So today, I thought that would change with me going to an exam review at 10 am then coming home and getting on the studying ball. No, I'm still on the couch, watching the Aggie men's basketball game, trying not to cough while trying to complete my online homework. Without Courtney, I feel helpless and I just get everything wrong. Of course, I could do other things but I want to get this done TODAY! So here's my to-do list for this week:

STUDY:
- Chemistry (Exam Tuesday)
- Abnormal Psychology (Exam Wednesday)
- Step Aerobics (Exam Wednesday)
- Anatomy (Exam Thursday)
- Chemistry Lab (Quiz Tuesday)
- Anatomy Lab (Quiz Wednesday)

Busy Work:
- Online Chemistry HW
- Chem Lab HW
- Finish doing laundry

So here's what I think may help throughout the week and may give you some help as well...

Prayer for a Stressful Day
May He support us all the day long,
till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over and our work is done!
Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging,
and a holy rest, and peace at the last.

A Prayer For God's Inspiration During the Day

Father,
May everything we do
begin with your inspiration
and continue with your saving help.
Let our work always find its origin in you
and through you reach completion.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer to Jesus Before a Test

Lord Jesus,
Being fully human, as well as fully divine,
you know the pressures and stress that I face right now.
I ask that you guide me as I take this test,
so that I may do my best.
Help me to use the knowledge I have gained,
in this class and all my classes
to build up your kingdom,
for the good of all people. Amen

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!

Calling Baton Rouge

Well I'm all packed up and ready to go to Baton Rouge after our practice this morning. Sorry it's been a a month since I've posted anything but I spend a lot of my computer time on eBay looking for great deals. I totally bought 5 new Victoria Secret bras, all for less than $20 each! Anyways, after back-to-back roadtrips to Oklahoma, I'm so tired of being on a bus or driving period. This ride is not much shorter but I'm just glad we're not going to north! We're playing UL-Lafayette on Friday at 3 pm at LSU. If we should win, we will probably play LSU on Saturday. This is the regional tournament and if you win it, you go to Super Regionals next weekend. If you lose, you're out. I really would love to win so I can spend more time at the field. I have to get the stuff organized for next season. And trust me, you don't want to even look at our closet or the equpiment shed because you'll be haunted!

This is from Easter in front of my Nanny's calla lily plant.

Taylor's Birthday - You can see my horrible softball shorts tan!

Chelsey Kubecka & I at the Tap

Stacey Gillis & Adam Shimek at the Tap

I'm so glad I have a break from school. I went out celebrated Monday with Laura because I found out that I improved my overall GPA from a 3.17 to a 3.26! I'm so excited! That means only .24 to go to reach my goal! I hope I can do it...I'll be in EC all summer taking Physics from 8-12 everyday. Ugh! I'm a morning person but not every day of the week. So if you need a sitter or a coach for the summer, I'll have my afternoons unless I am able to volunteer at the hospital in the physical therapy department.
Happy Hump Day! Gig 'em!

"Softly call the Muster..."

April 21st is one of the most commerated Aggie traditions - Muster. I'm very sad to say I will not be able to attend a muster until I'm a senior here. These past two years, I've had softball and we will be playing at OU on the day Muster falls on next year. Muster started in 1883 and became a student organization in 1950. Muster is a roll call for the Aggies who have passed on in the past year. Here is an excerpt I got from the ebsite: "Muster is a time to look to the past, present, and future…not only to grieve but to reflect and to celebrate the lives that connect us to one another. A gesture so simple in nature yet so lasting in spirit, Muster is the lasting impression every Aggie leaves with us; it reminds us of the greatness that lies within these walls, of the loyalty we possess, of the connection that binds us, and of the idea that every Aggie has a place of importance – whether they are present in flesh or spirit."

This is one of the things that makes being an Aggie so great and important in my life. I know that many of you aren't Aggies but the bonds we form as friends or rivals throughout our lives are important on every step of our pathway in life. Comraderie is important in many relationships. I'm not hostile against being a Longhorn or a Red Raider or a Sooner but it's the relationships here at A&M and our rival schools that help us to learn and grow to be respectful persons. Being an Aggie is one of the many steps on my path. It is one of the most important ones too. I'm getting a great education, meeting many people, making connections for the present and future and one day, I'm going to get the share my memories with my children and family and friends.

But back to softball! I hope the girls will be able to make up for our Muster absence with a win against those t-sips in Austin. Boy, am I excited and I can't tell y'all enough how pumped I am to be a part of this team. I have faith in them and although they have been through some rough patches this season, I know they want it deep down inside. It doesn't always work out that way. But tonight, we're gonna travel to the heart of Texas, be in the spotlight of fans and ESPN cameras, and play our best. Plus, the Sugar Daddies will be there! They are my entertainment during the games. I sometimes get bored in the dugout but that's only because my ADD kicks in and I can't concentrate. So if you have nothing to do or there's nothing on tv at 6:30, turn on one of the ESPN channels and watch the game! BTHO t.u.

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 ;)

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!

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!

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!