Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

I love a lot of things - my family, friends, blonde hair (haha), sports, wildlife, photography, etc.

But what I love the most is...

Horses. They keep me happy and healthy and sane. I don't know how I made it the past few years without them! I'm very fortunate and blessed to be able to ride and take lessons. I hope I can keep improving and becoming a better person because of these majestic creatures. They are truly a gift of the Lord's hand.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

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

Darkness.

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

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

I would love to say this post could be "more easily said than done," but that's totally bass-ackwards!
I'm going to list a few things and try to make you guess who this person is...
In no particular order, I hope I do not offend anyone with this post but it's the truth and we're both still alive.

1. Gotten a certain person's vehicle stuck in a ditch
2. Stolen a handicap sign
3. Drank underage and playing offensive beer pong
4. Ran around on a golf course in the middle of the night (trespassing)
5. Been mooned/seen crack multiple times...LOL
6. Road rage
7. Taken random road trips just to talk...I know that's not messed up but I'm sure we did illegal things...
8. Put on a cheap dog leash as a joke
9. Sporadic mudding
10. Walked through Wal-Mart on multiple occasions to only be mischievous
11. Shot trees and windmills with shotguns
12. Getting citations together
13. Stolen a great big "town" sign and "ran" from the cops...I really don't think we ever saw any.
14. The big spoiler: acted like "husband & wife"

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Ok people, this picture of us is rough. I'm almost embarrassed to put this on the Internet! But I couldn't find any better picture to describe how these amazing two people have helped me the most.

Shelby is really hard on me and 75% of the time, it's in a good way. She's a quarter of my amazing family and I don't think I would be so civilized if it wasnt for her. She gets disgusted when I use double negatives and talk in a very "hick-ish" accent. I came back from a conference in Atlanta in April and the southern accent got stuck in my lingo for a few days & I drove her nuts! She tries to help me improve my lexicon = vocabulary. It's very poor compared to hers so I hope she can become a very good lawyer with those larger words that I don't know the definition to. She's an amazing cook but of course, I have to clean up after her. I hate cleaning...until everyone is out of the house. I don't like people breathing down my neck about chores. I make fun of her when she tries to play my guitar. But we do have our differences and yes, we argue and fight but in the end, we try to be rational and forgive. I know it'll make us stronger people and we'll be closer when we get into our 30's!

Laura is the most amazing best friend a girl could ask for. She's a lady of faith & respect & responsibility. She's a great listener and always has funny stories to tell. She drives a Jurassic Park jeep that can put out some good jams. She's listened to a lot of my crap. Seriously. From boy trouble to school stuff to disliking my sister, even though she's equally great friends with Shelby. No matter the distance and friends between us, I know I can always count on her because I will always be there for her as well.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Sam is something else! This cat was found in a parking lot by some of Shelby's friend on a stormy day in October of 2009. He was so scrawny when I met him but I think it was almost love at first sight. The rest of my emotions were the fears of what Mom & Dad were going to say since they were in CS that weekend Shelby brought him home! Well After many sneaky attacks, messes of confetti and stealing socks, Sam is now a very happy cat in EC. He belongs outdoors and we couldn't let him outside in CS so he had to go home last fall.

 I know what you're thinking..."oh great, this is one of Alexis' drunken night pictures..." Well, we were at a barn party but I was not very intoxicated at all and thanks to Leslie Martin, Megan & I got home just fine after taking numerous funny pictures in the backseat. This one really makes me laugh!

 Sam & Scott...a great combo...hahaha...but Scott loves Bo more

 Don't freak out! I loved showing my gap to people when I could pop out my retainer! This is the day I got my braces off in October. I had my implant in August and while it was healing, they were going to transition me from braces to a retainer so I was able to get my permanent tooth later on. If you haven't seen my smile lately, I can't take out my tooth any more (I know, I was kind of sad too...haha) and have a beautiful smile after 11 years of dental work. Thanks Mom & Dad!

No, I was not a cheerleader. I was the mascot at St. Philips. Yes, I am mocking cheerleaders in my sister's uniform when I was looking for a Halloween costume in our junk closet one weekend in the fall. I cracked up when I fit into it because I don't necessarily care for cheerleaders and I am making the goofiest forced face ever!

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

I try not to be a materialistic person but the Lord has blessed me with many talents and gifts in my life. I have a few things that I am exceptionally thankful for...

My latest treasure was given to me on my 21st birthday. Mom & Dad gave me a very simple Rolex watch. I had no idea I would be receiving anything else than what I had gotten from my friends and other family members. The party was enough but I had one last gift to open after dinner. I do not know a lot about Rolex watches but mine has a pearl face and it is gold & silver. Sometimes I wonder if my parents even know me...I don't care for the color pink. I don't like shellfish. I dislike eating after 7 pm. I don't like tight fitting shirts...but they picked the perfect watch that I wear when I can.

I'm always thankful for my family. They are truly the biggest treasure of my life. I couldn't get through a day without them.

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

I think it would be interesting to trade places with Scott. I just don't understand what goes through his mind sometimes! He's smart, witty, caring, funny, responsible & many more great qualities. I would also get a look at how the male mind works! Wouldn't the ladies love that information! He's different in a good way and that's why I love him! He calls me Sunshine, makes me laugh, brightens my day when it's gloomy, and although I've known him well for 2 short years, I hope & pray we're great friends for the rest of our lives. Scott just graduated from Texas State and is looking for a job close to EC. Congrats best friend!

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

I went through my memories of friends and family and everything else. I don't think anything could beat high school sports. I miss playing so much. I shed a lot of blood, sweat and tears trying to be the best player I could be on the court, on the field and to my teams. I almost did not play volleyball my senior year. I'm very glad I did. I was able to play in a specified position as the defensive specialist = libero. I got to wear all black so I was excited. The first day of 2-a-days, Shelby shanked a ball off her arm into my face and it knocked out my fake tooth, which was semi-permanent at the time. I had to wear a mouthpiece from then on out. The picture above is a very special one. It was against Foster, the best team in the district and still are, and we kicked their butts in 5 games. It was hard fought and I had a career high of 22 digs. It was the most amazing volleyball game of my life and will always be.

Softball will always be a special game to me. I was very blessed to have my parent's cart me around to practices and games and tournaments to be able to play like a "man" as my old teammates would say. High school softball was different. We were like a family and Coach Wagner was like another dad who had too many girls to take care of until Coach Popp came along my senior year. I wish I would've learned to pitch better and played more travel ball. I didn't reach my full potential but I love softball and always will. I played mostly Designated Player in high school. I was a pretty good hitter but I was good because I'm scared of the ball in the dirt. You never know what it's gonna do. I was an okay catcher and 1st baseman. I hated the hotbox or 3rd base but that's what you get from a player who got the face knocked up by a softball at the age of 10. I love the picture above. It's also from my senior year. Any picture with a ball in it is a great picture. I also love my muscles in the picture. I'm trying to tone my body so you can see my muscles just standing but muscles in motion are amazing. I'm so tired of looking at dead cat muscles but that's for another day's blog!

P.S. Erin Niemeier would like me to mention her in my post today. She's sitting in school bored because they are TAKS testing and freshman only have to take one exam. She actually wore my old red jersey #25 this past season. She's too special to be a libero and wear all black ;)

Day 04 - A picture of your favorite night.

I have a lot of fun with my friends and family on most nights so I couldn't decide. I went through pictures and found myself reminiscing on the past few years. Boy, have I changed! I got "skinny" by graduation and gained some weight freshman year. I tried some different hair colors and have made many new friends. I lost the weight and am still trying to stay healthy and try new and different things. But my most favorite day came into my life a year ago in May.

This was the first lesson I had with Aubrey and Strutt. It changed my life in so many ways. Shelby took this picture on her phone and it stayed my profile picture on Facebook for a good while. I will always have a passion for horses but I've always wanted to learn the English discipline. I finally got my chance when I found Aubrey's website online. She helped me get out of a slump and put more perspective into my life with horses. They are so therapeutic to me and so much fun. I know a lot of hard work and money go into them but I wouldn't live without them. They keep me happy and alive.

 Aubrey giving me instructions aboard Strutt. This Quarter Horse just turned 21 on April 10th and is amazing! He can do it all! Aubrey's 1st daughter, Lily, was also born on Strutt's birthday so it was a special day for her and Ben.

This is Angie. If you've kept up with my blog, she's the mare I lease from Aubrey. From the time I met this mare, I've felt a special bond with her. This picture was from my first lesson on her. Her temperament is usually higher and spunky but the first ride we had, Aubrey said she was a different horse. She's not the easiest horse to ride but that's what keeps me challenging myself to improve. It still takes a lot for Angie to give me kisses but I finally got one from her on Sunday! Hopefully, Angie and I will be going out to our first jumping show soon!

Happy Trails!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

I don't have a favorite because I'm a t.v. lover. I could watch it all day with Dad and you better not comment on what he's watching because he won't change it (hahaha, love ya Dad!), cooking shows with Mom, Bravo or MTV with Megan during "nap time" or relaxing with Shelby and watching our favorite week night shows.
So here's my top picks:

The Biggest Loser



 I've proclaimed before that if I could get my act together, as in get my butt in shape, I'd be the next Jillian Michaels, especially since she's leaving the show :( I think the show is not only making a difference in those people's lives but their families, friends and communities' lives as well. It takes so little yet to much to become healthier. I want to lead a healthier lifestyle with my big sweet fake tooth but I also would love to be a trainer of some sort one day.

Glee

I just became a "gleek" this season. I would love to watch the previous season but I do not have the time at the moment. I can say Megan Martin got me hooked. I would love to be a real gleek like seriously star on the show. I love the singing, dancing, drama, and the current issues each episode portrays. I suggest that you have the sex talk with your kids before you allow them to watch this show.

Grey's Anatomy

I have loved this show since it began. It's amazing how everything has changed and lately it has disappointed me. The "musical event" episode was very disappointing. I found it sappy and melodramatic like an opera instead of an evening drama that usually has me on my toes. Please put something spicy on soon!

House



I only watch the rerun marathons. I wish I could actually learn from these shows but seriously, who would literally take in the facts about serious unknown diseases of the patients on the show. It interests me how these actors can portray doctors and give off all of the facts they do in the 39ish minutes they are actually on film.

Private Practice

This show was not my favorite when Addison left Grey's but now I prefer it over Grey's lately. I secretly despise this show because I still have this underlying want to be a midwife but I would be in school for forever. I'll stick with sports & PT.

Say Yes to the Dress



Megan & I like to watch this show and it's reruns during "nap time." I wish we could have more of those afternoons but I'll be taking Anatomy 2 this summer, all summer in Aggieland. Wish me luck! Anyways, who does not dream about going shopping at Kleinfeld's?! Shelby, Megan & I have stated we would go there in a heartbeat as soon as one of us got engaged. I think I can live without by going to Emily's store in Houston. Save the NY trip for another time girls to get away later in life.

Sports Center

My sports fix for the day/week/weekend when I have the chance to watch it. It covers the highlights of what's happening in the sports world and my favorite part is when the do the Not So Top 10 of the week. haha

Top Chef

I also watch the reruns of this show because I just can't spare much more of my DVR! Plus, I love the reruns when they're back-to-back on a Saturday afternoon so I fold laundry or clean my room and watch it.

Teen Mom



Two words: Birth Control. Not kidding. I mean you don't know what all goes on but there are some good and bad stories on this show. It just finished its second season and it was ok. There is 1 girl I really care about, 2 that are ok, and 1 is just plain white trash from the east coast. Ugh, it frustrates me. I know they get paid for the show but they are always stating how they have no money or support or etc. Cry me a river! You should've been abstinent or used a condom. I still like the show because it makes me think.

Hope you enjoyed my explanations and give some of these shows a shot. I watch a lot of tv but I do it to relax from school like what I'm doing right now instead of packing for my trip to Atlanta for the National Collegiate 4-H Conference this weekend.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Emily Bergstrom & I call each other "Kindergarten Best Friends." I'm pretty sure that's when we met and us blondes hit it off. Through the years at St. Philip's, our teachers would get us mixed up if we were in the same class because we looked a lot alike back in the day - blonde, chubby, blue eyes, yet athletic. We played softball since I began pitching machine and she was learning to pitch. I have caught for her throughout little league and really miss it. I did sneak away from school a few weeks ago to go watch her play at Prairie View. She's still fanning them with her lefty attack! I really miss softball but I miss playing with her the most. I love Emily so much! We have stayed close via long phone conversations that are always long over due, e-mails, facebook and most importantly, our long walks & talks. I wish we could go on one right now! We used to plan our lives out when we were little. Now that we're older, we see the world differently. I don't think we'll be getting married by the time we're 23. She wants to go to medical school and I want to go to Physical Therapy school. Big dreams for small town girls that I know we'll be friends forever!

30 Day Picture Challenge

So this is the latest thing to do on Facebook. I haven't been posting pictures on Facebook since September because my digital camera is broken. I am also not wanting to hand over my photos to the social networking site to take them over anymore. I want to do this challenge with my close family & friends just for fun! It probably will not be every day but I will follow up with it when I have time.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts.

1. I have a cadaver bone graft on my maxilla.
2. I love the diabetic oatmeal cookies my Meemaw makes for my Papaw.
3. I like to eat red pepper flakes or garlic salt on my food.
4. I love to be around my parent's friends.
5. I miss playing the piano regularly.
6. My dream job would be owning a training center for athletes, a deli/bakery with my sister while she owns her dream jello shot bar.
7. I think Step Aerobics is the most awesome class at A&M. I get credit hours & a workout all in one!
8. According to Shelby & Courtney, I'm obsessed with horses = very true :)
9. I'm a procrastinator and a messy organized person but my Dad likes to call me a slob.
10. Just love being a Loud & Proud Class of 2012 Aggie! Whoop!

Family Love

I'm trying to become more "biblically-based." So here is a verse that I think suits my post tonight:

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

-Colossians 3:12
 
As most of you know, my Pawpaw Cooper has been going through a hard year of in's and out's of hospitals and doctors. The last trip to Methodist in Houston included an emergency double bypass surgery, breathing treatments, and trying to get PawPaw to eat to gain weight. The poor guy weighs a few pounds more than I do! I love him and my Meemaw to death and I appreciate the prayers that everyone sent to the good Lord for our family. He spent 3 weeks in the hospital and after numerous trips my parents and many others made, he was released to go home last week on Wednesday.
 
When Mom went to Houston to pick them up, Dad was working and I was home alone. I spent most of my Spring Break getting a tan; that is, washing cars in the driveway in my bikini top, shorts, & visor. You have to know that for most of my life I have hidden myself under big clothes and have hated bathing suits. I still do not care for sand or the beach but I have started becoming more comfortable in my own skin and last week, I released my self conscious body into the public vicinity of our driveway.
 
Back to the real story, I washed Meemaw's car for her. As I was sudsing up and rinsing it off, I prayed and thought and pondered over everything that my family member's have gone through. I often think and praise the Lord for how blest I am to have an amazing family. I also thank Him for his graciousness that He has bestowed on each person that has touched my life in a special way. And beside graciousness, I was also able to experience one of the most moving things of my life.
 
As they rolled into the driveway, I helped Pawpaw out and into the house to go to the bathroom. Everyone was exhausted and they were ready to get back home. I helped Pawpaw to the car and as Meemaw tried to discuss medications with my parents, my dad tried to get her in the car and we started to say our goodbyes. Pawpaw began to cry. He could barely talk. He was overwhelmed with gratefulness and so many more emotions that I can't explain because he was getting to go home. He thanked my Mom first, then my dad and I told him goodbye and I loved him. I held it together but let me tell you, I felt something consume me. It was powerful and I still can't explain it.
 
As we walked inside, Dad explained that they needed to get home to rest. He also said that Pawpaw thought he wasn't going to make it out of the hospital this time. I was stricken with anxiety because that's what happens when people bring death up. I do not and cannot deal with it. I'm working on it with the Big Man and it's a tough subject for me to swallow. But I can explain two things:
 
1) Prayer, in any form or fashion, is powerful.
2) Family is also a infallible force.
 
Thank you for reading this and being a part of my life. I thank you all who have made an impact in my life and continue to pray for me and my sister as we journey through our young adult lives. Thank you doctors & nurses & anyone else who has helped my family in all sorts of ways.
 
Gig 'em & God Bless!

Possibly...

My new and soon to be favorite hobby is Eventing. It consists of stadium jumping, dressage and cross country. Aubrey took me along with another student to Pine Hill in Bellville. They have a very nice yet relaxed facility that allows us to school/train for a small fee. We schooled the cross country and Aubrey had Ben (her husband) was nice to film our adventures. Aubrey made this video of our day's highlights which I would like to share with y'all.

Ok, back to studying for Anatomy lab...joy...

Bible Verse of the Day: Psalm 115:1

XoXo

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

It was...

You can only imagine what I could begin to talk about right now. Let's not boggle our brains too much to guess what I'm going to blog about and let me just explain to you.

It was a weird, amazing, gleeful, heart-warming, see-what-I-can-do experience...biting into an apple for the first time! Well, I have always eaten apples with the side of my mouth. I take smaller bites and longer to eat it. This weekend I started a huge apple with the side of my mouth. I was still weary to bite directly into it since my tooth was only a day old. So when I was getting some good chunks out, I tried it straight on. It felt odd but I did it! Then on Sunday, Aubrey made sandwiches so I got to bite into a fold-over turkey & cheese sandwich. It was yummy and spectacular at the same time. I've also bit into chips, toast, cookies & graham crackers. I'm still hesitant on biting into everything but I'm getting used to it more and more.

I can't wait to be able to bite into other things such as: banana, pickles, chicken, taco, cucumber, carrot, and many other delicious foods.

Last night was the first Thursday of the semester. I didn't feel up to par on partying. I went to an Equine seminar from 5:30-9 and when I got back to the house, I thought I would go out dancing but I heard the recliner calling my name. Shelby & I watched Criminal Minds, CSI & Transformers. Of course, we both fell asleep in our respectful positions, which we both learned from our amazing father. It felt great to sleep until I had vivid dreams of various people. Oh well...

Cheers to sisters & sleeping!

Taking Matters into My Own Hands

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

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

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

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

Peace & Blessings

As I sit here and piddle with my computer at my College Station home, I ponder about all of the tasks that are needed to be done before Thursday. I've been here since the 28th, horse, dog and cat-sitting for Aubrey (my riding instructor) while her & her husband are back in Florida visiting friends & family. I've had a peaceful time so far staying out at their farm and riding and reading almost every day. I've come to town everyday except for two days. I had to meet Mom in Bellville to exchange power cords for my computer and for the grill they are giving Meemaw & Papaw and to get New Year's Good Luck food. Yum! I'm also gearing up for the trip to Dallas this weekend for the Cotton Bowl - Whoop! Hopefully, the Aggies pull out a win & it'll be a great start to the new year. Anyways...

I should be:
1. Answering essay questions and completing my Camp for All application.
2. Completing applications to volunteer at local hospitals.
3. Clean my room & organize my closet and bathroom.
4. Do laundry.
5. Packing for the trip to Dallas.
6. Working out.
7. Cleaning my car.
8. Entertaining dogs & cat.
9. Learning how to use the Wii on my own with my new Zumba video.
10. Pulling weeds

My valuable computer time is being spent in front of the big screen with Sports Center on and me browsing the Internet and uploading new music onto my iPhone. I told Aubrey I didn't need the Internet out there because I could come to town. It's a good thing because I feel more in tune with nature (haha). I'm sure everyone agrees that there are not enough hours in the day to complete all of these tasks on my list but hopefully they will get checked off before school starts on the 18th.

Gig 'em Aggies! Happy New Year!
P.S. I could really go for some a big crockpot of soup, homemade dessesrts & to go shoot some skeet. I'm hooked after being spoiled while I was home!