Turkey Day is Finally Here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BTHO t.u.!!!

San Marvelous!

After a not-so-hectic week in CS, Taylor & I took off for San Marcos to stay with Scott Niemeier & Cassey Janak Friday afternoon. I've been planning this trip for quite awhile - since September practically because Scott has made 2 trips to CS. So he got pretty excited and made many plans for us to do stuff Friday night in San Antonio at the riverwalk. I've never been to SM or the riverwalk so I was getting pretty excited too! We ate a great Mexican restaurant and walked up and down the river, taking pictures and laughing the night away. We got back to SM just before midnight and retired for the evening. After sleeping in Saturday morning, we ate lunch before going to the outlet mall. It was crazy there but I dragged the boys along since there wasn't much else to do before we went to the Texas State v. McNeese football game. We didn't get to see much of Cassey because she's a student athletic trainer for the school and had to set-up for the game at 10 am! The game was really fast-paced and fun but I had to suffer knowing that my Aggies were playing poorly in Norman, OK. That evening Scott's roommate invited some friends over and we played a board game and just sat around and laughed the night away again! The next morning, we ate lunch at another pretty good Mexican restaurant before Taylor & I packed up to jet back to CS.
I love my boys and Cassey! They always keep me on my toes and getting a great ab workout with all the laughing and mouthing off we do. And KC (for short) is just as down-to-earth as I am so we get along great! It's amazing how you don't really know people and later end up being great friends. I thank God for these people because they've been there for me and made me lighten up ;) I have pictures to come but I'd rather wait until after my Midnight Yell date on Friday!!!

btho baylor! gig 'em Ags!

How tall are you?

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

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

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

A Battery - Can you guess which one is Jimmy?

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

Chelsea & Justin

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

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

Chelsea & I

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

Here was my date!

Jimmy Decker, senior Sports Management major from San Antonio

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

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

Gig 'em Ags & Sic 'em Cats!

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."