Happy Halloween!

I'm very behind on posting but I have many reasons why I have not in the last two weeks. So here's an overview!

October was a very busy month of softball. NCAA rules only allow us to play 8 games but the rain though otherwise. We eventually got all of our games in but it took us over a course of 3 weeks. We beat Blinn, Navarro, and McLennan in double header series and ended the fall season at 6-2. The girls are really awesome. A lot of changes have been made but I have an optimistic outlook on the spring season which makes me really excited! But what made me even more excited was after the Maroon and White series, Coach announced that we would have NO PRACTICE until November 2nd! Oh it's so nice to have a little more free time! To explain the series - the coaches split the girls into 2 teams (Maroon & White) and play a 2 out of 3 games. Whoever loses, cooks the Christmas party dinner! This year, Mary and I took teams. I had white and we won! Good luck next year Maroon!

I've had a couple of exams and papers and extra credit since the 11th. I made a 167 of 200 on my extensive Women's psychology exam and am turning in a gender socialization of children's clothing paper today in class. Wednesday I made a C on my Texas Gov't exam which I was pretty excited about since I missed 4 lectures because of games. Every 2 weeks, I have an online computer technology exam on Thursday and a Math exam on Sundays. So next week I will have many lectures to watch online for my CompTech class. Yesterday, I think my Music exam raped me. It wasn't that bad until she pulled time periods from no where and put them on the exam! I don't remember seeing anything about time periods on the review unless that's because those were the names of the chapters in the book?! ...great... I'll get that grade next week hopefully. Otherwise, I just have a lot of extra credit and music projects and defensive driving I need to complete soon!

Oh, for those who didn't know. I got a ticket on my birthday back in September so that's why I'm taking Defensive Driving :)

Aggies beat the hell outta tech last weekend! And I hope we can open that can again on iowa state this weekend! People say Halloween games are fun so I can't wait! But before I can attend the game, I'm judging at the Wharton County 4-H Food Show Saturday morning. I miss 4-H so much and I think it's gonna make me feel great to be back in an atmosphere I loved! Actually, our Collegiate 4-H Club is starting back up this semester! I was sooooo excited about Laura telling me because I want to give my time back to an organization that gave me so many opportunities to become a better person. I was elected the reporter at our October 7th meeting. I will get to help with many things that happen around here such as judging contests to State Round-up! I can't wait!

Shelby got a kitten! His name is Sugar Dumpling Sam! He's snow white with gorgeous blue eyes but is very similar to Bo, always wanting our attention. He's really playful and sweet and the vet thinks he's about 2 months old! So Shelby took him to get checked out and the poor thing had ear mites and an infection and the next day got declawed and snipped. Poor thing but he's all better now! Instead of scratching everything though he's chewing and biting...another great...


Oh the picture I posted Monday was a fun night of mattress pulling with Taylor, Scott and Cade. Oh it was sooo much fun and we find the weirdest and wackiest ways to have fun but we are always careful and try not to get hurt since Scott did have a spill but he's ok. It was a very exciting night and I had grass, dirt, bugs, and a little mud on me but I would do it again any day!

Well I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween! Peace out - I'm going to class before I jet home!

God, please give me knowledge & faith this week!

Oh the wonderful woes of studying...2 exams and a paper due this week!

I'll be home Friday afternoon for a dental appointment, the Ricebird football game in Bay City, and will help judge the Wharton County 4-H Food Show on Saturday morning before returning to Aggieland to watch the boys beat the hell outta iowa state!


I'll explain this picture later and my visit home two weekends ago later this week when I'm not so tied up. Thanks & Gig 'em!

Only happens once in an orange moon...

Y'all are probably all wondering why I used that title. Well it's getting close to Halloween and it's fall so orange sounded better than blue. But Halloween happens every year so there is another meaning within the title ;) So here are some pictures to explain my procrastinating but happy mood early this morning!
Well I should be studying for Women's Psychology but my new plant, Confetti, is just smiling away and is that makes me want to take a break. Mom bought him for the house and he fits perfectly on the dining room table.

Here's my little pumpkin family! I haven't named them yet but I think I'll just leave them be in my room. If you didn't know, I love pumpkins, black cats, witches, and autumn leaves! So I had bought a cute little pumpkin last week to give our house holiday spirit and Bertolli got picked up by someone Friday night and thrown in the street :( Sad day, I know, but my guy friends found the pumpkin patch on Rock Prairie and cheered me up on Saturday morning!

So the 2nd meaning behind the title is...Our house is (almost) spotless!!! And it only happens once in an "orange" (really, blue) moon! It's amazing how much can get done with a sister who knows her cleaning stuff more than I do although I'm a pretty dandy laundry lady! So here are some late night pictures of our clean house for any of y'all who have never been here...

Newly arranged Living Room - bookshelves were installed this summer

Dining Room - notice the folded towels - if you can see the leaves hanging from the top of the hutch, Plant had to be moved up there so Confetti could have a nice spot...for now

This is the semi-messy Kitchen - that's my big pumpkin, Beetlejuice, and the awesome Pineapple Sage candle I got for my birthday.

Here's our Laundry Room - it's been cleared out but y'all missed the abounding piles of clothes and towels and sheets - still have a few loads to go :/

Here is half of Shelby's bathroom - it's Jungle Green and she keeps it pretty neat - as well as her room but she was already asleep so I couldn't sneak in there and get pictures. I skipped the 3rd bedroom too because those bed sheets haven't been washed yet.

Here's the good part! The Master Bedroom or my room - yes, those are 2 Queen beds haha

Here is my Desk in the corner of my bedroom - it is actually more organized than it has been in the past month or two although it looks messy, I've been studying so Kim & Steve, you can't say anything!

Here is the opposite corner of my room going into the bathroom - 3 highlights: wall of crosses, big TV & pumpkin family

Here is part of my Bathroom - you see a shower, small closet of shelves & the sinks - I have a vanity to the right and comfy stool.

Here is a close-up of the arrangement on my counter - Laura & Shelby made it from fake flowers in a small fishbowl with peach-colored marbles. Thanks Miss Sally for the candle & spray - I spray it on the flowers & it makes the bathroom smell amazing!

Here's my Jacuzzi tub - I've used it once and Shelby told me I need to experience the "liftoff" that the jets give you when you're laying in it.

Here's a view of my huge Closet from the door - I'm pretty organized, hence; my shirts are in color order and have specific groups of t-shirts, nice shirts, softball clothes, then jackets.

And here's the Grand Finale! This is a 100+ year old piece that my Mom had refinished this summer. Yes, it's scary having it in our house sometimes but it's beautiful! Thank you family for letting me have it!

Well, I'm gonna get back to the drawing board. I have a couple of short films to watch and I'm typing a review for myself for my exam. It's over 500+ pages of material so I have a lot to do! Hope y'all have a great week!

Watch out, Mom!

Because I think I made a pretty mean meatloaf tonight! So here's a picture in the container but it was round. I didn't have to shape it much on the pan because it just rolled out of the bowl.

I have been craving meatloaf since I moved back. Since Shelby isn't a big fan on it, I decided that I would make it tonight for dinner with sweet potatoes. Yum! The softball tournament I was at in Spring with the team got cancelled early this morning. So I got home, took a nap, went to Mass and ran to Kroger for the grocery list that was piling up. I didn't exactly go by a recipe but combined how Mom makes her's, an italian meatloaf recipe by Michael Ciarello, and a recipe in "Cook Yourself Thin." Oh and it was sooo delicious!!! I miss my Mom's and Grandmother's cooking. Shelby can make some dern good chicken but it's not the same.

Going back to softball...We lost Saturday afternoon to SFA & Texas State. We were supposed to play Ole Miss and UTSA today. We were up at 6 and left Spring by 7:15. This week, we play Blinn here (maybe a double-header) and I get to see my birthday twin, Lindsey Marik in action! I'm super excited especially since Blinn beat Baylor 9-2!!! Then, next Tuesday we play McClennan and Wednesday, Navarro. I also got to see Brittany Oates & Kayla Guanajuato on Saturday. They play for Alvin J.C. but aren't doing so hot but they're having fun and that's what matters.

Here's my meatloaf, sweet potato, and a pumpkin! You must know that I love pumpkins! I love autumn, the leaves, the weather, and Halloween (it's my 3rd favorite holiday although I'm not into dressing up - that's for the cute kids). There was a round hay bale in Tomball that was painted orange and had a Jack-o-latern face painted on it! I wanted to take a picture with it! Well there was a huge pumpkin patch so now I am determined to find a big one around here and go!

2 Decades Celebrated!

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

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

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

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

4) Red Strawberries!

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

2) Aggie Ring

1) My Dad!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Friends through Thick and Thin

I'm glad that I'm keeping up on posting at least once a week although it does take away from my study time. Oh well, tonight is college night and Nurse Alexis is at home making sure Sick Sister Shelby is getting better from her bacterial infection. She has missed two days of school and will miss her Geology lab tomorrow. Sad to say she has only been an Aggie for a few weeks and is already skipping classes!! Oh well, Jeanne told Mom that they TAMU is not wanting anyone feeling sick coming on campus because there has been an outbreak of the piggie flu here. So being the good nurse I am, I came home from work/softball and made us tortilla soup. It was a bit peppery but now I know you can overuse pepper! Dad thinks that pepper is the almighty seasoning! He sprinkles it all over his dinner plate but tonight, I think he would've commented on my spicy soup. Oh well, lesson learned!

This week has gone by fairly quick. Not much has been going on but I'm trying to catch up on my reading. Shelby and I had a math exam that we completed after the VMA's, which Kanye was totally rude interrupting Taylor Swift! Monday afternoon was hectic. I missed my gov't class because I was tossing baseballs in the batting cages, got looked at by at "geek" at Best Buy insinuating that I'm a "dumb blonde," attended the 1st meeting of the collegiate 4-H organization we are starting back up here at TAMU, and drug Taylor Martin along to a comedy on-campus about a deaf, nearly blind, and lesbian woman for my Women's Psychology class. Tuesday was a big day because I have been constantly thinking about it since I made the appointment...to color my hair. I'm calling it dirty sandy golden blonde. It turned out great and it goes with my favorite season, fall! Wednesday, Mom came into town and that's when Shelby woke me up and told me she didn't feel good so thank goodness, Super Mom was here to save the day because I had class and softball! Today, I pulled tickets for the football game verses Utah State this Saturday. Stephanie Mahoney and Molly Melanson wanted to come so we are going to be sitting together on the wretched 3rd deck. But, after halftime, I will be making my way down to stand behind my Aunt Lori, Sydney, and her friend & sons because it's a night game and I have a feeling it's either going to rain or be cold and windy. Today was a good day until it rained right before Laura and I had to go to a concert for our Music class. So we got her roommate to drop us off and pick us up - Thanks Amanda!

So I'm taking it easy as you can tell and I don't plan on doing much tonight except cleaning the mess I made in the kitchen and my room and bathroom. Tomorrow, Laura and I are going to have a girl's day out. We may do a little shopping and go see Love Happens. I really want to go check out the Bryan Marketplace and the new Organic Store, which is two blocks from campus. She has really been my anchor since moving back to CS. As you know, I had mixed emotions about coming back to school here but my friends have been a great support system! Although we both have had some rough days, it's getting better after each beautiful sunset and tells me to be thankful for another beautiful sunrise that wakes me up at 7 every morning.

And I'm going to be officially no longer a teenager in 7 days, 19 hours, and 8 minutes! I don't know what to think of it! I feel old and think that I need to mature in some ways but otherwise, I just want to have a carefree birthday and relax and go dancing!!! Oh yes Mom, I do want a cake! Duh!

It's beginning to look like...

Fall and Football Season!!! And if you know me, these are a few of my favorite things! And now I'm speechless...literally. Just lost my train of thought so now I am rambling like my dad would say is my favorite thing to do! Ha! Yeah right, Dad!

Ok, back to blog business! So the Aggies posted their first win of the season 41-6 against the New Mexico Lobos. Not only were my eyes glued on the field, but my goosebumps rarely disappeared from the time I got off the bus to the time we left the field. Laura pulled our tickets second deck and if it would've rained, we would've been covered by the awning we were under. Later that evening we just relaxed at home and my friends brought my sister back and we watched the highlights of that day's games. Speaking of ESPN, I am officially hooked on Sports Center. It's addicting! Although it may be repetitive at times, I don't care because what more could I ask for than more sports?! I plan to start attending some volleyball games as the Aggies roll into conference soon.

I have fallen a bit behind in my reading. Hence, I have to read two books for PSYC and POLS, one for Music, watch long films for PSYC, and keep up with my online homework and exams every week. Boy, am I going to have some good time management skills in the next few weeks! Now especially since softball has started and I started work on Tuesday. This week has been fairly quiet and easy because the girls are only allowed 8 hours a week with the coaches. This includes workouts and mandatory practices although the girls are encouraged to "tune-up" in their free time as well.

I'm coming home this weekend because there is absolutely nothing to do in CS. Friday night, I'm going to Boling to the football game to watch Trey's brother's football game. Tyler is like a little brother to me and I wish I got to see him more because he is soo goofy and fun to be around! I would really like to go to the EC Volleyball and Football games but my friends have been planning this for awhile and Tyler wants me to come. I miss volleyball a lot because I was helping out/volunteering a lot of my time before I moved back to CS. Those girls are only a few years younger than I but I feel that they, freshman to seniors to the coaches, taught me a lot. Of course, I learned some more about the game but I'm talking coaching and life lessons. So right now, my career steering wheel can't decide which road to turn down - Physical Therapy, Coaching or Chiropractic School. I also miss being on the sidelines of the football games. I always said that if I coached, I wanted to coach football too. haha...well I meant being down there with a camera for yearbook and visiting with Mr. Barbee, Mr. Aulds, and Dr. Scott. With that said, I am trying to decide if I would like to minor in Journalism or Photojournalism. It's a big step for me because I feel a minor is not much education on the aspects of something I have a passion for but double-majoring in completely opposite career paths would be a tough route to go. So I have a lot of decisions to make this fall but I'm not going to worry about them too much with all the homework and household chores I'm behind on!

I hear thunder? Or was it the doorbell?

This week has been super drawn out and hectic. Although in the time I have spent at home, has not been spent wisely. That's why I couldn't decide if I heard thunder or the doorbell first. I know, that is the most random accusation of my day but you never know how high or low the pitch of your doorbell is sometimes after it's been a long day. Well it was both. First, the thunder of the storm brewing here, followed by Jeanne and Ozzy at my door. Jeanne claims that every time her and Ozzy, her adorable, precious Yorkie, go on a walk, he has to come see me! I love it! Makes me smiles and I even get kisses ;) Well, Jeanne comes in and tells me she has to have surgery on my birthday, the 25th. I told her, "Hell no! I'm going with you! I'm sorry." Yes, an odd reaction but my CS mother has been through so much in the past few years but her and her family all remain in my prayers. As well as many others and if you ever need one said, please ask me!

This picture is from Scott Niemeier and I exploring El Campo for shots of the bad storm a few weeks ago that rolled through EC.

Last night, a group of girls went to Kyle Park at the Hall. We have been planning this for quite some time because KP has become our favorite singer! The boys became overwhelmed with homework and weren't able to go. It became a girl's night out with Laura, Bay, and Tori. There were some other girls as well but I don't really know them. It wasn't as much fun as we usually have when we go to a concert at a dance hall but KP did amazing! We did not stay out very late because we all have early classes so we left after he sang his best song, "Alone in the Light."

This weekend, we may go dancing again at a free concert. Gotta save some money, yo! But I'm more concerned about this simply filthy house because Steve-O and Kimbo Slice are coming to the first Aggie Football game and staying the night! Whoop - Oops...I meant Mom & Dad ;) So family time we will have for a short time because I have soo much reading to do! I have two for Women's Psychology & Texas Government! I'll probably save my Music reading for the night before the class because it's not as much as the others. I also have many quizzes and tutorials for my online classes. So after the traffic subsides and I am maneuver slightly quicker through town, I need a jump drive so I can go to the computer lab and do my Comp Tech homework. That's if this storm doesn't stop me! Especially since I've been procrastinating my workouts since Monday...I will run tonight though, somehow, somewhere!

Videos

One class done, one to go. In the meantime, here is a video from some harmless fun we were having this weekend!
Enjoy!

Carpe Diem

Howdy & Good Morning! I can't believe I'm a sophomore at Texas A&M! A-A-A-A-A! Just wait until you hear that wildcat! Today is the last day of August but the first day of a new fall semester here in Aggieland. I have a very drawn out schedule which I'll decide by the end of the week if it's a good or a bad thing. So here it is:

Women's Psychology 11:30 - 12:20 MWF

Texas Government 4:10 - 5:25 MW

Music 9:35 - 10:50 TR

Computer Technology for Health/Kinesiology (Online)

Finte Math (Online - WCJC)

With this drawn out schedule, I plan on picking up better time management skills and studying before and after classes. I am also working for the softball team, which we had two meetings this weekend to prepare for our upcoming fall season. The girls start workouts and tests this week with the strength and conditioning coach and will start individual practices next week. I will probably be to and from the field a lot because we have 5 pitchers and one has already asked me to catch her before her 2 pm class. My govn't class will make my afternoon a bit hectic hence I will be leaving practice to attend class with Shelby and Bryan Skow. No worries! I can handle anything with an open mind, heart, and soul!

Shelby and I have been living together for a week. We haven't got much alone time to ourselves because our friends have been in and out and staying with us. We've watched movies, cooked dinner, cleaned, and gone out together and apart. I think once we get into the swing of a routine, everything is going to turn out okay. I trust her and I hope she trust me but I hope we can see eye-to-eye when the semester is in more than full swing and exams are crucial. My closest friends know and respect that on week nights we tend to have things to do but we'll see how Shelby takes the leadership position with hers. So as sisters, we know that we have household duties that Mom and Dad can't help us with anymore. That's why we have to get this house cleaned spic and span before they come to stay with us for the first Aggie Football game this weekend!

Brad Staff and I - My long, lost buddy that finally came to see me!

Scott Niemeier is one of my best friends today. I knew of him in high school (he graduated a year before me) but never hung out in the same crowd. He attends Texas State but we stay in touch almost everyday and will be one of my lifelong friends.

Here's Taylor, sitting very nervously in my recliner from the scary movie we watched. haha!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time has flown too fast!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renewed Faith

"Beloved, rest in His side" was the theme for Aggie Awakening #86 which I attended this past weekend. It was super-awesome, amazingly beautiful, fun and something I really needed! I not only reclaimed my love for our Savior but made friends and "family" in the process. You see, the table you sit at is called your family. You have a mom, dad, and siblings! We, the Brady Bunch, even had a grandpa and a great-aunt! No confusion necessary...haha! It was soft of like an ACTS retreat, the ones I attended and teamed on in high school but given on the next level of understanding for college students trying to deal with their struggles and faith. The people there were truly amazing and I learned so much and added to the knowledge I learned through RCIA when I converted to Catholicism.

St. Mary's Catholic Parish has a huge student attendance and many clubs to choose from. Aggie Awakening is probably the biggest recruiting event that gets students involved. I plan on helping with Aggie Awakening, if time allows, and joining a club called SMYRT, St. Mary's Youth Retreat Team. This club puts on retreats for middle and high schoolers all throughout the state of Texas. I feel I can better serve God with sharing my talents and knowledge to those of a younger age than my age. Hopefully, this is true. So I've already started praying that I am able to do what I can this upcoming school year. So I went to adoration tonight. I thought it was going to be peaceful but there was a precious little girl in there with her mom and so instead of praying the entire time, I read the bible and watched her. : )

As for this week's agenda, I have school (blah) and cleaning my room (double blah). I have been diligently walking/jogging everyday and I feel great. I don't do the same distance every evening but I try to do between 1.5 - 4 miles. I will be working on increasing my distance and decreasing my time as soon as I get over this sinus infection (triple blah)! Shelby & I went shopping today. Sisterly love! And I thought she was going to buy out the shoe sale! It was a good day until I started feeling worse & my fever came back. Oh well! I think we are making a trip to CS this weekend with a group of friends to go dancing and hang out. Aaron Watson is playing at the Hall! I love him but I'm sure my dance partner, Trey, will not be able to go. Oh well! I'll make more friends! Hasta luego amigos!

Taking My Time...

Why am I taking my time? I want summer to slow down! I'm tired of the days flying by and I haven't been able to do everything I want to do or everything my mother wants me to clean! Although I have remembered why I am a morning person so my days are longer for me. I started my math class at "Harvard on the Colorado" Monday. It's going to be a piece of cake as long as I can keep my routine of waking up around 6 a.m. to make it to class at 8. I can certainly get up early for school but that's not always the case when I want to run in the mornings. I've started back up with lifting weights, now 3x a week, and I plan on doing some sort of cardio during the week. But I enjoy having the rest of the day after my 2-hour class to nap, workout, clean, and just do different things that randomly come up.

Sometimes I'll count water skiing as exercise too! I remember when I learned to ski with the bar at Lake McQueeny a very long time ago. I did okay, I guess, but was too scared of the dark water, turtles, and snakes to get behind the boat. Lately, my "brother," Cade Radley, just jumped in and went all the way down the river, jumping the wakes and little tricks so I decided to try it out. I don't trust a lot of people to pull me behind the jetskiis but Steve-O is more than happy when I ask him. It took me 2 tries to get up but it was awesome! It was soo much fun! I learned how to kneeboard last summer. If we invest in a better kneeboard, maybe I'll get someone to how me how to spin and do tricks on that too. This past weekend, some friends were on their boat on the river so I hopped on for the ride & they pulled me on my skiis too. One of them wakeboards and he just started this summer. I'm sure if he can do it and Taylor Martin can, I can do it too. So that is my next thing I want to accomplish on the water.

Finally, I have to report that I will be dove and quail hunting this fall with my dad and Scott and the guys. It's something that I've requested for my birthday a couple of times but my mom never wanted me to shoot a gun while I was still playing softball. At some point in my 4-H career, I shot competitive skeet. I was pretty darn good! Well that was then and yesterday, Taylor & Scott Neimeier invited me to join them in a few rounds. My adrenaline was pumping and I was sort of nervous since I haven't shot a gun since the 8th grade. Well I didn't hit all the clays but I'm adding this and a hunting trip to my list of things to accomplish and become successful at.

Here's me a year ago at the river for a family graduation party. Boy, was I skinny & tan!

Is this close to heaven?

Today, I thought I was close to heaven. I flew out from Houston with Steve-O to Denver, Colorado to take part on a short business trip. And I'm very thankful to be here because it has been 7 years since I have been to this beautiful state and been able to participate in the family business. When we were close to landing, I peered out of my window at the acres of farmland and small towns. Denver has a very well kept airport and it was nice to just be in a non-hectic zone after all of my travels this spring semester. As we waited for Gail patiently by the curb, it put me at ease to know that I had to worries here. Of course, Dad and Gail are asking if I would like to go look around or shopping or to the movies but I'm just here mainly to be put to work. Haha - Just kidding! I'm here to just be with two of my favorite people and to journey around the countryside. But what really took my attention was the weather and the sights that took me back to my childhood. I can't believe we almost lived here at one point. It was a cool day, with late showers and strong breezes and a beautiful sunset. I can't explain the sights and sounds that took my breath away as I tried to soak in everything, from the present and past. I kept thinking to myself I could live here one day and would be so happy. Although it's not the great state of Texas, the land around Brighton is a place that I could call home. Plus, there is plenty of land being developed that is called "horse property," which is totally down my lane! If I had my adapter, I would've posted some pictures I took this evening after Dad and I walked 3 miles around the farm. Sorry to say that Emily has kept that for the past week...oh well, hope it's not too hot and humid because if it is, I just may NOT come home! We'll see...toot-a-loo!

Summer To-Do List

In the near future, I will be quiet busy for this hot month of July. I could give y'all more in-depth descriptions of my summer schedule until my phone died yesterday. Kimberley, Shelby and I are in CS for sister's New Student Conference at Texas A&M...Whoop!...and I brought the wrong charger so I'm using my mom's phone while I'm not with the group. The Skow's stayed with us in our house and we've just been relaxing and watching movies and of course, eating! Right now, I'm about to get dressed to go turn in Shelby's tuition card on Agronomy Rd then probably meeting up with them for lunch before the Fish register for classes at 1 pm. So here's what my schedule looks like for July...
Tonight: MY last appearance at the El Maton Dance Hall
4th: Meet up with Laura to go to Bay City for a party
6-9th: Join Dad in trip to Denver for his new project
10th: Meet up with Jarrett (ex-student trainer for TAMU softball) in Houston
13th: Session 2 of Summer School begins at WCJC - I'm taking Math with Carolan!
17-19th: Aggie Awakening in CS (retreat at St. Mary's)

That's my plans so far but in between everything I plan on having all of my closest friend's at A&M, which we call our "family," at the river for a nice afternoon and evening of camaraderie and having a few friends at the river another time. I also am planning on printing my pictures from our trip and probably toting them around everywhere, for everyone to see!

Procrastination

So I practically promised everyone I would keep them updated on our South Pacific trip but does to show what I prepared for! There was internet available at our hotels but for a fee! Gosh, people are so stingy these days! Then I remembered that I could post blogs through text messages. Well...1) I forgot what number to send them to and 2) I turned my internet off on my phone while we were away. So smart thinking Miss Alexis!

Hopefully soon I will get my pictures printed although my mother has not asked Shelby and I about ordering albums yet to put our photos in. Plus, our group will have a picture party to exchange group pictures and other pics that we want or our cameras died...lol! So I'll post a handful of great shots on here soon!

Excitement Begins and so do the Nerves...

My day began very odd. I actually slept a full nights rest and woke up when my alarm started singing "Stick Around" by Reckless Kelly. I knew I had to get up and clean my room but what was really happening today didn't sink in until about 45 minutes ago and now I feel rushed and anxious. You see, every time my family takes a vacation or just an important trip, I can never sleep the night before. But because of the frequent flyer miles and anxiety management, I seemed to have the best night of sleep I've gotten in about 3 weeks. I'm glad I did because my ticker is going to be really off the tick-tock this evening when we fly out from L.A. at 11 pm and jet down under to Auckland, New Zealand. I'm going to try my best to keep you all posted as the trip progresses. Hopefully, I can find a computer with a good internet connection to keep in touch with my family and friends. Also, please pray for us as we travel the South Pacific & the Thonsgaard & Jones' families, who lost loved ones in a tragedy this past weekend.

Have a great beginning of y'alls summer! xoxo

This Time Next Week...

I'll be on a plane from Dallas to L.A. to begin our trip of the South Pacific! This week is going to be jammed packed with getting things buckled down, packed, and settled before we leave on Monday, the 8th for a two-week trip to New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii. There is only 10 in our group and will be joined by three other groups from Arizona, Tennessee and Utah. My two high school softball coaches are our sponsors/caregivers. And mainly close friends are going on the trip, my best friends, Emily Bergstorm and Kristi Michaelsen, my birthday twin, Lindsey Marik, and my sister and one of her friends, Megan Martin.

Before the time comes, today I helped Mrs. Kresta, my HS yearbook sponsor, catch up with the yearbook sales at school. I was in charge of the money the past two years so it wasn't that hard for me to get back into the groove of things. I'll probably go back one more day to help create ads and import data/pictures. Shelby is having a graduation party at the river Wednesday but Mom is having china cabinets installed so I volunteered to stay home with the carpenters. Oh well, I'll get some quality packing time in! That evening, I think Mom and I will travel to CS to get some more clothes of mine and to clean a little at my house, which is really needed. Thursday night is the first summer fun-filled dancing night at National Hall in El Maton. The Emotions always put on a great show and my group of friends have been dying to be ALL together since I missed out when they went to Kyle Park in CS without me. My friend, Bay Dickey, who is related to Haley English, is coming down from Huntsville to spend the weekend with us and her boyfriend and one of my closest friends, Trey Kulak of Boling, TX. Bay and my best friend, Laura, share the same major at TAMU.

Friday, Shelby graduates at 8 pm. I can't believe it. It feels like this year has flown by. She is graduating 20th out of 236 in her class...I think and will be attending Texas A&M with me in the fall to study Finance! I feel old...I've lived by myself for a complete semester but now that I am back home, I don't know what to do with myself. Well, I do but I'm just not doing it right now. haha...I'm going to go play a few new songs I have found on the Internet with easy chords. Maybe one day, I'll sing at the ol' Texas Hall of Fame!