where the hart is

2011 recap.

2011-12-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wowza, this thing has been severely neglected! I hope to write a little more in 2012. We'll start with a 2011 recap. It was a year of mixed emotions, that's for sure.

January
-I started running.
-Continued to lead a Bible study for some lovely college ladies.
-Continued living alone in my studio apartment, which I loved. but I still have had a blast with all of my roomies.

February
-My beautiful mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a double mastectomy less than two weeks later.
-I got a rejection from Lutheran Volunteer Corps, which was pretty devastating at the time, but now I'm glad I'm still in 'the good life'.

March
-Ran in my first 5k.

April
-I turned the big 2-1.
-Jordan and Truman get married!

May
-Ran my first 10k with my roommate, Hanna.
-Summer #2 at Carol Joy Holling began. Much different than the first, yet neither is better than the other.

June
-Lovin camp. Got to work with both high schoolers and special needs adults this time.
-Relationship with God is strengthened immensely. Discover that my joy is only complete in Him. Have I ever mentioned that I love camp?
-My cute little niece, Paisley, turned 1.

July
-Camp continues.
-Find out that my mom's brother has cancer.
-Mom has her final surgery.
-Camp ends. Best time of my life, again.

August
-Moved back into the 'Burg with new roommates, Hanna and Olivia.
-Senior year begins.
-Back at Kids First.
-Gave up internet (except what was necessary for school), tv, and movies for my Addictions & Diseases class.
-Auction at my grandparents' house in Plainview.

September
-No internet, tv and movies continues.
-Learned a lot from my first field experience from my Addictions class.
-Started up a Bible study with my camp friends.

October
-Hanna and I run another 10k. A very painful one at that.
-No internet, tv, and movies ends on Halloween. Awesome experience that I hope to post more about later.
-Second field experience for Addictions class.
-Wisdom teeth removed.
-School stressed me out more than ever.

November
-Third field experience for Addictions. That makes an AA meeting, Alanon meeting, and Overeaters Anonymous meeting that were among the options required for the class. which was really the absolute best class I have ever taken.
-Thanksgiving in Chapman at Grandma M's.

December
-Mega stress overload with school.
-Got my first 4.0 of college. I'm back, baby. and it feels so good.
-Signed up for the half marathon in May.
-Had a lovely Christmas with my family.

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Overall, 2011 was a major tweener with some major blessings in disguise.

I finally feel like the real Alyssa is on her way back--take that, thyroid (or lack thereof). I have energy. I have motivation. I believe in myself. I learned more this year than I ever have.
And only three words can really sum it all up.
Thank you, God.

update.

2011-06-04T19:54:00.001-07:00

Staff training is over and I'm back on the island for the day. I have seen a major change in myself when comparing this year's training to last year's. Last year my first impression was that those people were a bunch of loonies. Little did I know, those loonies would become some of my closest friends and that I too would join the loony bin I love to call my fellow staff. They say that camp is for the campers, but this place has one heck of an impact on the staff as well. I feel like I write about camp a lot..so you already know how much this place means to me and how much it has changed me.
This week I am headed to Cook, Nebraska to do day camp. whoop whoop. So excited to get this summer started! I cannot wait to come back to Carol Joy and hear how the first week went for all of my new friends. Some of these newbies are going to be absolute rockstars and I cannot wait to see them in action.
In other news, ran a totally random 3k this morning with my friend, Jason. It's a pretty funny story. He had friends on a team for the race and a few had dropped out so we took their place and therefore had their names on our stuff. Jason's name was Brooke and mine was Stephanie, who couldn't run the race because she was 9 months pregnant. Hence the reason for the size large tshirt I was signed up for. good times, good times.
Today I also celebrated Paisley's 1st birthday party! My have I missed that beautiful baby. :) It was a great day with my family!
Now it's time to pack up and get some much, much, much needed sleep.

Today is the day!

2011-05-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Heading to camp in a few hours!
I'm so beyond excited.
I don't just want to go back. I need to go back.
Things will certainly be different this summer.
I'm no longer a newbie and the staff has changed significantly, but I'm thankful I still have a few good friends returning.

I'm not ready to return to the ginormous bugs who like to join me in my sleeping bag, the nasty humidity and heat, and most certainly not ready to get back on a horse...but it's all worth it. (Okay, not the horse--still have nightmares, but you get the gist.)

I'm so excited to see how God is going to move all these kiddos and staff, I feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful ministry.

Carol Joy, I'll see you soon.

2011-05-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places."
-Roald Dahl

Friday's to-do list.

2011-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Pretty excited about today's to-do list. (except Jillian)
1. Bible/journal time.

2. Ripped in 30 with Jillian Michaels. Come on rain, go away, I want to run!
3. Going to the book store to get Heaven is for Real.

4. Spending as much time as possible without technology.

5. Getting stuff ready for camp. (5 days!)

6. Cleaning out my junk boxes. Man it feels good to purge and organize!

You are everything You've promised.

2011-05-04T21:28:00.001-07:00

You guys. God is so good. It's late and I don't want to bother anyone so I'm just going to write it because I have to get it out! I've mentioned before a few precious little boys who have had a very, very rough go at life. I've been praying all year, and especially all week for today's events, and I finally got the news from a coworker just a few minutes ago.

I have a whole lot of colorful feelings for the "mom" of the boys. I have a hard time using the term "mom" for her, because, well because she's the farthest thing from what I know to be a mother. Anyway, that's not the point. The point is--she is finally giving up her rights to the boys, which means they can now be adopted! (as long as she doesn't change her mind by June 10th. prayers, please!) The best part is, there is an awesome family who has been a part of this process for a while now and they want all three boys. How wonderful is this? My goosebumps just won't go away.

The next best part? The youngest took his first steps today at work. This was much more exciting than hearing about the first steps of the other kids at the daycare. We expect those kids to all start walking once they hit a certain age, but this little guy is different. He is 18 months old and was born on meth. and he took his first steps today. I'm so excited for these boys. What a life they have to look forward to!

My problems are small today. God is so good.

2011-05-03T18:25:00.001-07:00

It's almost summer.
One more final.

I think I can. I think I can..

dos de abril

2011-04-17T19:04:00.001-07:00

I'm a lot behind on posting and a lot busy with life. I figure I'll just do updates in small chunks. Plus, I'm not sure if I'll ever print pictures like I think I will, so blogger is serving as a temporary photo album. Chunk #1: 21st birthday. Went to Omaha to see my friends Kristin & Katie and did some shopping. After that, made my way down i80 to see my wonderful family. It was a very low-key day spent with some of the most important people! Kristin & myself

Kris, me, Katie It was Paisley's 10 month birthday, too! :) I love this face.

Playing dress up?

2011-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm having my third quarter life crisis. and my face tingles now, almost constantly as a result of stress. cool, right? do you know what stresses me out more? that fact that I am fixated on my tingling face. certainly annoying. sorry guys, rant over. happy friday, everyone. enjoy that weekend!

slowest countdown ever

2011-03-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

54 days.

I'm beginning to feel that Lincoln is just that place I live in between summers. My patience is failing me.

kid quotes

2011-03-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Devon: (3 yrs old): "Look at those gorillas, Miss Alyssa!" Me: "Where? I don't see any." Devon: "Look out the window!" Me: "huh?" Devon: "You know, what you hold when it's raining!" Me: "Devon, that's called an umbrella, a gorilla is a big monkey." Devon: "Nope. You use gorillas when it rains."

Reminds me of the parents/carrots mix up I had just a few weeks ago. Me: "Quinn, your parents are going to be sad when I have to tell them you were in timeout." Quinn: "Which ones?" (lots of confusing dialogue later...) Quinn: "Which ones? My orange, crunchy parents that I eat? Or my mommy and daddy?" My job is so entertaining, yet so confusing sometimes.

closing two decades.

2011-03-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Just realized this is my last week of being 20! Hoping for a good ending to these two decades. So excited to spend time with my birthday twin, my best friend and another dear this weekend! Until then, it's papers, projects, school, training and working for me. Oh my! Happy Monday, everyone.

missing mexico

2011-03-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

I really, really miss Mexico. It's been eight months since I crossed the border, which was a tease since we couldn't go to La Iglesia Cristo Rey anyway. I miss the kids, the culture, the weather, the ministry, and that full, full feeling my heart has every time we arrive. We just received a letter from the Pastor of the church we work with in Mexico. It is still too dangerous to cross the border, although he still does twice a week to lead worship. This man is the most dedicated man of faith I have ever met or even heard of for that matter. Hoping I will again one day get to see that little church in Mexico that changed me, back when I was a measley little high schooler who thought she knew God. Boy, was I wrong. This place makes my heart overflow with joy and love like I never knew was possible. This place gave me my very first feeling of the Spirit's presence. This is the place that made me want to do youth ministry. made me want to continue with spanish. the place where I met adults I desire to be just like. the ministry that gave me a wonderful relationship with the people at my home church. this is the place where I met people who have shown me how I'm supposed to live and love. and most of all, this is the place that gave me the once and for all real feeling that there is a God up there. and He is all any of us needs. Hoping my kids and their families are safe.

Book review: The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

2011-03-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

"The people who climbed the trees were called word shakers.
The best word shakers were the ones who understood the true power of words. They were the ones who could climb the highest. One such word shaker was a small, skinny girl. She was renowned as the best word shaker of her region because she knew how powerless a person could be without words.
That's why she could climb higher than anyone else.
She had desire. She was hungry for them."

Everyone go to your library or nearest bookstore and get yourself a copy of The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Right now.
I could have read this in one sitting. Absolutely beautiful story. I was a little unsure at the beginning, having found out that the narrator of the story is Death himself..but I couldn't put this book down. I even snapped at my dad when he was trying to talk to me as I finished the last few pages. (Sorry, dad!)
I'm always a little sad to finish a good book, sad to leave the characters behind, as if I actually knew them.
this was no exception. definitely one I will read again and again.

Oh, what a beautiful morning.

2011-03-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is what I woke up to today.
I'm not even mad that it's practically April and it's a winter wonderland. It's too pretty to be upset. Glad my brother's track meet is indoor today!
Happy Friday, everyone.

rivers and roads

2011-03-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been so good to me--
*no alarm clocks.
*nice long runs around the pond and bike trail.
* lounging around reading good books (Water for Elephants and The Book Thief)
*lunch at the Plum Thicket, where I haven't been since I was a little girl!
*productivity! finished one paper this morning! phew.
*gooood food all around.
*family time! had a fun dinner with the whole fam last night and helped my not-so-little-anymore little cousin practice for cheer tryouts.
*spent plenty of time looking at design blogs and magazines. just a little excited for next year's apartment.
*thought a lot about camp and the fact that I get to live there again in less than two months!
---------------
and now for tonight: sitting at my little makeshift card table-desk getting ready to buckle down and really get started outlining this paper! I've got my sweats, space heater and coffee to keep me warm in my old room. I don't ever remember it being this cold down here when I was in high school. waah.
Anyway, gotta go be productive again.
Happy Thursday!
Oh my gosh, is it really Thursday already?
Goodness sakes, time flies.
Hasta luego, lectoras.

P.S. Check out The Head and the Heart.
cannot. stop. listening.

craft lust.

2011-03-23T07:30:00.001-07:00

I have been in an extra crafty mood these past few days. I'm getting really excited to start thrifting and crafting for our apartment next year. I really want a sewing machine. Badly. I want to make pillows and curtains and attempt to reupholster the antique chair that I hope I [will!] find. Once the sun is out to stay, Lincoln will be having many a garage sale. Can't wait.
For now, a trip to the local craft stores on the island might satisfy my craft hunger.
..after I finish this paper that is. Motivation?

spring break.

2011-03-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Want to know something pathetic? I'm happy it's finally spring break so that I have time to work on papers and projects. Sad. Not exactly the ideal break, but I am happy that I can get things done without having class and work. It's so nice not setting an alarm!
I have a long to do list that is organized by day. Since I'm on the island for the week, I am telling my mother she has the power to ground me if I don't have my list complete for each day.
So far I'm two for three on today's list. Better get back to that paper.
Gotta wake up early tomorrow so I can babysit Paisley while her parents are at work. I am a lucky duck! :)

race day.

2011-03-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

First race is officially checked off the list!
It didn't go as well as I had originally planned (nothing ever does). I was sick/out of town/bogged down with school for a while so I was forced to slack on the running. Bad idea.
We ended up walking a few times, but we made it under our goal time! :)
It helps having a great running buddy.

Next up, 10k in May.

For now, back to running but with some fun stuff added in.
Can't wait for zumba and turbo kick next week! Although, I think I'd prefer to enjoy my spring break first.
Off to go visit my couch, blanket, and continue on with Water for Elephants.

Happy Saturday!

Paisleys and clovers.

2011-03-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not Irish, nor do I see the significance of me celebrating St. Patrick's day--but these were just too cute not to post.
So, happy St. Patrick's day, everyone!

Sweet P is now crawling up a storm and can pull herself up onto furniture.
I can't wait to have some quality Paisley/Aunt Aly time over spring break!

primavera.

2011-03-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

Spring break is so close, yet so far away.
I cannot wait for a week of sleeping in, eating wonderful food, hanging out with my family and catching up on my long list of books to read. Picked up my requests from the library today. I want so badly to start, but studying for my tests must come first. Sigh. Anybody have any book recommendations?

On a side note--
It felt like spring today! I went out to Holmes Lake with Hanna for a nice run and to enjoy the sun and scenery. Evening well spent.

Now back to those text books.

sigh of relief.

2011-03-09T10:40:00.001-08:00

I am certain that I have the best family I could have ever hoped for.
My dad always says "You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family."
That doesn't hold true in my case. I couldn't have chosen a better mother, father, sister, brother, brother-in-law or niece than the ones God handed to me.

I am so blessed to have the best support system in not only my immediate family, but in my Grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends, too.

God has been pretty extra awesome to me lately.

Thank the Lord for such great news.

joy.

2011-03-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

"...so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

"I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace."

--John 14 & 15.

2011-03-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Normally, I'm pretty good at taking life one day at a time, but this week my head is spinning. I go to bed at night with my mind racing so fast I can't even distinguish one thought from another. It's like a fast motion movie. A fast motion movie of stress. And it makes me dizzy. and nauseous. and nervous.

Time to consider the lilies. Over and over and over. This past weekend, I went back to the Island. Went to church with my family and my pastor did a sermon called "Consider the lilies".

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
--Matthew 6:28-30

Isn't it funny how sometimes the sermon is exactly what you need to hear? When you feel like the pastor read your mind and wrote the sermon specifically for you [and your family]?

There's a lot I don't understand right now about the circumstances given, and I won't lie, I'm getting tired of hearing "God just has another plan for you." But it's true, He does. I'm confident in that. Someday soon I will know exactly why and I will be thankful.

...but sometimes it's hard to let go of something you wanted so badly. something you've spent months daydreaming about. and planning and researching and praying. and thinking that you finally have your chance to get out and make a difference in the world. something that you felt so strongly called to from the Lord. those somethings are just hard to forget about in one day.

and hard to deal with those other somethings that are so unknown.

but you know what? the sun will still come up tomorrow. [thanks, dad] and for now, I will rest in the fact that my life is still pretty great, I shouldn't have much to complain about. Wonderful family, awesome friends, a roof, food..I've got it made.

God is still good. Always will be.

saturday.

2011-02-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

Made it home safe and sound.
...Spent the afternoon feeding my hgtv addiction with my wonderful mother.
...Attempted to get some homework done.

...Ate [way too much] of an awesome homecooked meal. Ham, scalloped corn, baked potatoes, biscuits and spice cake. Thank you, Dad!

...Played with my beautiful niece.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

and in less than 40 hours I will know if I will be living in Nebraska next year or one of 11 other states. oh my word, how quickly life can change in such a small amount of time.

home sweet home.

2011-02-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Day Two of trying to make it home.
Dept of Roads still says to "use extreme caution".
Come on, sun. Melt this stuff.
I've got some very important people to see!

Headed out for a long run, then back to the island!

Excited to see them,
and her

and these two lovely ladies, as well!

just kidding.

2011-02-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

Just kidding..it's definitely not 62 degrees. I realized that quickly when I walked outside and found frost on all of the cars. Thank you, weather app for deceiving me. It's actually only 30 degrees right now.
But, it's still Friday, and
I still get to see some of my favorite people.

Happy Friday!

2011-02-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

It's Friday morning.
I'm about to go run.
I can hear the birds chirping.
It's already 62 degrees. (In February..in Nebraska..what?!?)

I get to see Brandon tonight,
babysit my favorite kids tomorrow, and
see Jordan Sunday.

Sounds like a good weekend to me. :)

surprises in the mailbox.

2011-02-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

Had a few lovely little surprises when I got home!
I love that I have friends who are letter writers. The only mail I ever get is bills, wrong addresses or junk, so I love it when I see an envelop with actual handwriting on it! I even got a cute little homemade barrett from my sweet friend, Michelle for Valentines day. All three letters that I got just made my day even better.
I love that it's something tangible that I can keep, whereas a text message or an email gets deleted when your inbox fills up. I hope these are things I can look back on when I'm older and prove that not every young person was a product of this technological environment. ;)
Sure, it's much easier to call, text or facebook the person you want to talk to, but it's so much more meaningful knowing someone took the time to handwrite you a note and send it through snail mail just to brighten your day. Once again, thankful for such great friends!

blessed

2011-02-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful, beautiful weekend.
I spent time at my favorite place in the world, Carol Joy Holling. It was exactly what I needed. I've been feeling a little "blehh" lately--but seeing my friends, being at camp and worshipping together was just the perfect way for God to reach me.

It was so great that we were all able to pick up right where we left off, even though some of us hadn't seen each other since July. Friendships were strengthened, s'mores were eaten by the fire, camp songs were sung, and many, many laughs were shared. The weather was absolutely beautiful for winter in Nebraska, 60 degrees!

I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend my weekend, or better people to spend it with. Now, summer, please hurry up so I can live there!

Okay, off to go write that paper I've been putting off. Going to need some serious help from my friend, caffeine. Great weekend, but major lack of sleep. Oh well, so worth it.

libros.

2011-02-11T17:43:00.000-08:00

I spent my lunch break today at Barnes & Noble with the intent of getting some studying done. After a few minutes of studying I decided I would rather continue getting lost in The Hunger Games series. Weird books, but so addicting. I also added a few to my already-too-long list of books to read.
If only I had more time. There are so many stories calling out my name.
So sad.

Any recommendations or new favorites you have?

post-interview update.

2011-02-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

This is not going to be a frantic "oh my gosh, I'm a failure" post, thank goodness.
My interview was an hour and twenty minutes long! Luckily it seemed to go pretty fast.

I don't really know how to feel about it.
I think it went pretty well, but I know I had some awkward moments
(Like getting halfway through my answer and forgetting what the question was in the first place.)
Of course now that it's over I'm going to be thinking about how much better the other candidates answered the questions.
I am so relieved that it's over, though. I can get back to focusing on school this week and I will try to wait patiently for 20 more days before hearing back from them!

All last night I was worrying about it and rehearsing what I would say for potential questions when I took a facebook break and noticed the status of my friend, Jo.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 4:6-7

Perfect timing.
Funny how those little moments show up right when you need a reminder.

goosebumps.

2011-02-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is going to be a big, big day.

I have a phone interview with Lutheran Volunteer Corps!
Is it weird that I'd rather have an interview in person?
How will they really know me or know that I'm not a serial killer?
Can't anyone sound presentable on the phone?

I get goosebumps everytime I think about this!

On a side note related to LVC,
it means the absolute world to me to know that my parents are supporting me in this.

(If I get in, that is...and I think I only have about a 1 in 4ish chance so I'm not getting too excited yet.)

I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents.
My sister and brother are pretty rockin', too. :)

And special thanks to Becca for the reference letter!

I may have a frantic update tomorrow post-interview if things don't go well.

Hopefully there will be no need for that!

rude moppers and virtual babies.

2011-02-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Holy cats, I could really get used to this no working thing. My preschool was closed today because of the snow so I got to come home right after class and I have gotten soooo much done!
Don't get me wrong, I love my kiddos, but this week I really need the extra hours to put into studying.

Speaking of...I need to get back to that.
It's going to be a long night.

One quick pet peeve before I go.

I had to leave my apartment tonight because I was going to go nuts with all of the studying, so I went to Starbucks. (That's another pet peeve..I don't have a place to study within miles of my apartment!) Anyway, I get to Starbucks around 8:30 so I have a solid hour and a half to do work on math. but noo..the man across from me had his headphones blaring, and the anxious-to-leave barista was mopping and sweeping around my feet.
Am I the only one who thinks that's rude?
It's like she's telling me to get out an hour before closing.
Hmmph.

Okay that's all.
Back to math, espanol and raising my virtual child.

sNOw day.

2011-02-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

It's official. Chancellor Harvey Perlman is now hated by all of the Huskers. All of the public schools are closed again, my work is closed again, a lot of businesses are closed again, but UNL is open for business.
Here's the forecast: low of -15 with a windchill of -40, winds 35mph.

And those are just the conditions we'll face walking the several blocks to class. Driving is what's going to cause me a panic attack, heart attack or ya know, possible death by ice.

I've heard the roads are a lot worse tonight than they were this morning.

I created my own snow day today.
We weren't doing anything super important in either class so I decided it wasn't worth risking my life.

Tomorrow is another story..
Reviews for tests that are this Friday.

Dilemma..

These are the only days that I wish I lived on campus.

2011-01-31T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I officially loved zumba tone. My arms are in major pain and I did most of the class without weights! That 45 minutes it took to scrape my car this morning didn't help any...talk about a Monday. Goodness. Today is my rest day and I really wanted to go to zumba again but I wasn't driving anywhere I didn't have to. (fingers still crossed for a snow day.) I'm still thinking about going to run in my workout room here but I should probably take the advised rest day. I can't believe I've worked up to the point where I hate missing my workouts! yessssss.

It so helps to have a workout buddy.
Except when they talk you into eating at Red Mango post-zumba.
At least it's healthy!
I saved half of it for "later" and I dropped it (face down, of course) on my driver's seat when getting in my car. Yeah, that was an extra cold drive home. Not to mention sad that I lost my dessert.

5k.

2011-01-30T12:24:00.001-08:00

Just got done with today's workout and it felt great! Zumba Tone later tonight at the rec. In other news, I'm signing up for my very first 5k. I'm hoping my little brother can run it with me but he's not sure if his track coach will allow it. There's nobody I'd rather run with than my little brother. Funny how he's the younger one, and a typical high school boy at that, but he'll be the one pushing and supporting me. Love him.

randoms

2011-01-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

This week has been a little less than productive. I'm being a complainer and blaming it on the fact that I can't breathe without coughing and I feel like I'm swallowing nails. I seriously sounded like a 13 year old boy going through puberty on Monday/Tuesday and yesterday/today I just sound more like a middle aged male chain smoker. Work has been really frustrating. Twelve 3 year olds and a teacher with no voice is a very, very bad combination.

Hoping this goes away quick so I can get back to running and enojying work!

Aside from the sickness, the week has been pretty good.
I'm really noticing how God is making everything fall together for me.
For example--Last semester and over Christmas there were really times that I wanted to quit leading my Bible study. I'd never really quit, but it was just so discouraging having two girls as regulars. The past few weeks the not-so-frequent attendees have been coming and we've really gotten closer and been doing things together outside of church now, and I'm so thankful for that.

Another perk to my day was getting letters from both Jordan and my lovely grandmother.
I should always know not to read a letter from my grandma right before going in public. They always make me cry. I love her so much. You, too, Jord!

Tomorrow, I get to see my camp-friend, Lindsey!
Very excited about that, but wishing I didn't have to work so I could see her for more than an hour over my lunch. Oh well.

That's all for updates on my week, but before I get back to my math homework.....

Our Bible study this week was over John 10. ..love the whole thing but these verses stuck out most to me.

10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish ; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all ; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

half marathon.

2011-01-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight I decided there is a 51% chance that I'll register for the half marathon. I started the training about two weeks ago with the goal of just getting in shape and not actually running the race, (for fear of public humiliation and/or hospitalization) but I have a good friend running it who wants me to join her.

Time to get serious.
I've been doing all of my workouts but I've been taking too many walk breaks.
The kleenex breaks, I can't help. but the walking--I can try harder.

I also figure if I post this for people to see, I'm less likely to give up.

I've never been a runner. Ever. I huffed and puffed finishing the mile in p.e. for crying out loud.

I'm actually really enjoying the running, though.

It clears my sinuses, gives me more energy, and I am accomplishing something I never thought possible. (okay, okay so I'm only two weeks in..)

Anyway...time to go run.

Hasta luego!

P is for Paisley & Procrastination.

2011-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Right about now I wish I would have done more homework yesterday, but seeing my niece crawl for the first time was well worth the late night I'll have tonight.
Does it make me a sap if I teared up upon seeing this milestone?

Paisley has also recently discovered her tongue, it's quite hilarious.

And every time we try to get her to talk, she's quiet, yet she's always blabbering during church.
We're that family with the baby that makes everyone laugh and not pay attention to sermons. ooops.

seguir respirando

2011-01-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

sleeping on this one more night.

even after thousands of edits and rewrites

how do you know when essays are perfected enough and ready to be sent?

they only hold my future.

dramatic pause.

deep breaths.

I can do this.

Thankful.

2011-01-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for...

...inspiration from a friend to push through the last of these essays. & knowing that the final goal is way more important than the now.

...being able to sleep in, wake up to beautiful (yet dangerous) snow, coffee and a warm shower.
...that a dear friend made it back to Nebraska safely. barely. so Praising God today.

...my wonderful kids at work who I am so excited to finally see again.

...my awesome new work schedule: On Mondays, I get an hour and a half to myself before the kids wake up from their nap! This time will be used for working on my Bible study.

...my boss for so graciously working around my school schedule.
...all of the people who work snow removal, especially my friends James and Lance who had to go to work at midnight.
...my lovely neighbor, Sara, for helping me dig out my car. took 45 minutes!
...friends with young hearts who want to watch Christmas movies and go sledding on snow days. (wish I could join in, but we don't get snow days from work!)

...my wonderful dad, who put a shovel and de-icer in my trunk. What would I do without him?
...enthusiasm for a new beginning this semester, hoping my "resolutions" stick around.

************************************************************

I keep thinking of these verses today, I'm so thankful for the position I'm in right now.

"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him.
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks Him;

it is good to wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man to bear the yoke

while he is young.

Let him sit alone in silence,

for the Lord has laid it on him.
--Lamentations 3:22-28

Hope you all enjoy your snow day, or have safe travels if you have to go to work! :)

snow day.

2011-01-09T21:13:00.001-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the snow.
Mostly love.
Except while driving, it turns into hate.

I never want to drive ever again.
Does anyone elses body seem to go into shock after starting to slide, or is it just mine?
My heart is pumping and my head is still pounding and I've been home for 15 minutes.

We have a snow day tomorrow, which is okay with me, but I was actually looking forward to starting this semester off. I just wish we got snow days from work, too. The worst of the weather is supposed to come tomorrow, so I'm hoping by noon it's good enough for me to get to work. A friend is having everyone over for breakfast and movies tomorrow which I am excited about, but I'll have to see how the roads are before I make that extra trek.

After that rant, I just realized that my drive was worth it. I drove to a "welcome back" worship service at church and had a great talk with a friend. It was just what I needed to kick off a new semester, a new year.

Now I'm going to go enjoy my second cup of candy cane dark hot chocolate and continue my (what seems like) millions of application essays.
I can't wait to get those babies sent off in the mail.

Christmas break recap, part 1.

2011-01-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

Christmas was definitely different this year. Many of our holiday traditions were cut out due to the death of my wonderful grandpa. I have to say though, he had the neatest funeral I've ever been to and despite the circumstances, it was a really fun day with my extended family. We went through tons of old pictures of my dad, aunts and uncles. The cousins and I had to claim that we were not related to them after seeing a few too many. :)
On a lighter note, Christmas was also different because we had a baby there this year!
It was my niece's first Christmas and she made things so much fun. I can't wait until next year when she'll be able to open presents by herself.
I got to see my closest friends from high school again, and we had a blast. Hours of board games with some of my very favorite people. If you've got a bunch of goofy friends, try out Quelf. Hilarious.
I also nerded out for a few days and worked on a puzzle and some books. Relaxing at home always feels so good.

And this concludes Christmas break, part 1.

headed south.

2010-12-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well, Lincoln is finally white with snow. And where am I going today? Georgia. Yes, sunny Georgia. Heading to Passion. I'm hoping the snow sticks around for at least another week so I can enjoy it when I get back. It's really hard to pack for snow-65 degrees.

Hoping this trip will bring me closer to the people around me and most importantly to God.

Not so sure I'm ready for an 18 hour bus ride and sleeping upright against a window, but ya gotta get there somehow I guess.

fail of a night.

2010-12-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

My body couldn't have picked a worse day to attack me.

I'd really rather have been sick on Christmas since I get to see my family way more often than my camp family.

I have been giddy for a week now about this camp reunion, and I had to miss it.

I cried and cried--partially because I thought someone was sawing open my skull, but mostly because I had to miss camp.

Still bitter.

Ughhhh.

Anyway

Working today
Scrapbooking like a madwoman

Starting my Christmas shopping

2010-12-16T20:15:00.001-08:00

Wonderful news.

One of my three year olds and both of his brothers are getting adopted!

It's been hard to find parents who are able/want to have all three boys, so this is very exciting.

I am beyond words happy for them.

And I am so thankful for my parents.
The youngest boy being adopted was born on meth,

and they should have a sister but she died as a baby because of neglect.

I never thought working at a preschool/daycare would be so emotionally taxing.

It's worth every minute, though.

Love my babies. so much.

almost done.

2010-12-16T00:42:00.000-08:00

c a n n o t

s t u d y

a n y m o r e.

Final #3 in the morning.

So tired.

and tired of stress.

and worrying.

but, God is good.

and I am determined to accept this part of my plan no matter how it ends up, and no matter how much I cannot fathom the reasoning.

here we go.

2010-12-12T23:24:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's because I was cooped up in my small little studio all weekend studying, but today (like most days) I am dying to get out and see the world. Heck, I'd even like to make it to Omaha soon.

Someday, world. Someday.

Let it snow

2010-12-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

It's finally snowing!

It's blowing all over the place, so not quite the pretty snow I was hoping for, but it's snow. :)

I've got my candy cane dark hot chocolate, I'm covered in blankets and I'm studying by the light of my Christmas tree with some Christmas music.

This is the last study filled weekend I'll have for a month!

caffeine crisis

2010-12-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Help me.

I am extremely sick of coffee. I have to force myself to swallow it like it's a big pill. My stomach has to be in the mood to drink pop, too. Ahhhh what do I do to stay awake without wanting to gag? Get up every hour and run a lap around my building in 20 degree weather?

Anybody have any tips?

I'm already falling asleep and it's only 9, I've got at least four more hours of paper writing tonight.
Send any ideas my way, please!

I think I can, I think I can..

2010-12-06T19:11:00.001-08:00

Deactivated Facebook.

Bought new coffee and lots of comfort food.
(including candy canes for my hot chocolate and gingerbread pancake mix!)

Christmas tree is plugged in.

Blankets out.

Schedule made.

Outside of work/class I am ready to do nothing but study like my life depends on it.

because it does.

I just hope I can sleep when I have time, and stay awake when I don't have time.

That's always been a problem of mine.

Time to get back to work, on a schedule here.

Happy dead week, everyone.

The big 8-0.

2010-12-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend I went home for my Grandma's 80th birthday.
I can't give enough praise or great adjectives to describe how wonderful this woman is,

or how much she has shaped who I am.

Grandmas are just wonderful, aren't they?

la semana muerte.

2010-11-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

Laura: "They call it dead week because they're trying to kill us."

These next few weeks are going to be very, very stressful, busy, and probably sleepless.

Oh, joy.

My favorite/least favorite time of the year.

Love Christmas, hate finals.

Time to get back to studying, adios amigos.

Thanksgiving.

2010-11-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, not having wireless at home put a damper on my blogging. I had this long list of things I was thankful for to post on Thanksgiving, and as you can see--that didn't happen. Here are the most important, sadly without explanation. It's go-time for school around here so this is my quick study break post.

1. God.
2. dad.
3. mom.
4. sister.
5. grandma.
6. brother.
7. Paisley.
8. brother-in-law.
9. camp.
10. Jordan & Sharon.
11. Lea & Griffin.
12. Shayla & Kristin.
13. Camp friends- Holly, Lindsey, Megan, Becca, Dave.
14. Brandon, Bryan, Quinn.
15. Jamison & Matt.
16. The fact that Nebraska has four different seasons.
17. music.
18. books.
19. bathtubs.
20. coffee.
21. Noodles n' Company.
22. opportunities.
23. growth.
24. my kids at work! (ranked way higher than 24, these little ones literally keep me sane.)
25. holidays.

18 hours

2010-11-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it is finally Thanksgiving break and I get to go home in 18 hours!

The day should go pretty fast because I'm planning on sleeping in, watching the DWTS finales and packing before work. Jumping on I-80 straight to the Island after that. eeeeeek.

Bring on the kid quotes...
There is never a dull moment at my job.

My poor little Hope got quite sick, and I got quite lucky because if I had picked her up 3 seconds sooner..well, I probably would have been sick too.

The second after she..ya know, she looked at me, smiling and said "Miss Alyssa, I feel so much better!" Ahh she melts my heart. Poor thing was under anesthesia this morning for the botox injections she has to get in her legs so we're assuming that's the reasoning behind it.

This next conversation was hilarious, I wasn't there but I got a detailed play by play from their morning teacher, Angel.

Ruby: "I have a baby in my tummy!"
Angel: "Did you eat a baby, Ruby?!"
Ruby: "Noooo, I ate an egg!"

Angel: "Well how is this baby going to come out?"
Britta: "At the hopsikal!"

Ben: "Hey, I have a baby in my tummy, too!"
Angel: "Where did you get your baby, Ben?"
Ben: "At Super Saver!"

Yesterday we made cornucopias with ice cream cones, Runts candy and frosting. It was hilarious listening to the different ways they attempted to say "cornucopia". The most popular translations were "corkacolia" and "corlapokia".

Tomorrow is going to be a sad day. Ben and Harper, two of my favorites, (I know, I know, it's awful that I have favorites) are graduating from the Starfish room and becoming Rainbowfish. Ben asked me if I was going to cry, then promised me that he would give me a hug everyday at snack and still let me tie his shoes. :) What a guy.

So..after all that..
Today, I am thankful for...
*A wonderful first night of break. My friend Dave is back in Nebraska for Thanksgiving so we hung out for the night. So wonderful to see him and get a fresh perspective on so many new things.

*The fact that in 18 hours I will be sitting at home!
*Kids who make me laugh.

46 hours.

2010-11-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

First things, first.
Today, I am thankful for...
*My dear Illinois friend, Adam. (whom I could not be prouder of or happier for)

He gave me a bit of an epiphany. Thanks, dude.

*Chai lattes.

*Gloves, a scarf and earmuffs.

*Mexican hot chocolate

(Completely aware that I'm starting to sound like an emotional eater/warm liquids drinker.)

*The picture of little P my bro-in-law just sent me.
*Bathtubs.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In 46 hours I will be sitting at home with my family.

One test, two classes, two days of work, and a 1.5 hour drive to go.
I'm way too ready to skip Lincoln for a few days.

First thing I'm going to do is hold my favorite baby on this planet. :)

Sunday [not so] Funday

2010-11-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I am thankful for...
Jordan

ice cream

and a God who "makes all things work together for your good"

thankfuls for the day.

2010-11-20T08:21:00.001-08:00

A friend's blog inspired me to write at least one thing I am thankful for everyday. I have a million and one things I am grateful for, but we'll do this day by day.

Yesterday, I was thankful for...
*Spending the afternoon with Shayla, my oldest friend. Running strong since age 6. :)

*Friend triangles who are always making sure one is looking out for the other.
*Getting to babysit for a wonderful family. The night consisted of Twister, Operation and Toy Story with three of my favorite kids.
*Not having a heart attack or mental breakdown upon realizing that I could no longer use my own computer for a ten pager that's due Monday morning. Stupid Microsoft.

So, today, I am thankful for...
*A good friend who let me borrow his computer at 6:30am on a Saturday.
*Coffee.

*Allison--for making sure that I'm alive and well, on her birthday. one of the most selfless people I know.

*One Year Bible. It always seems to have the message you need to hear that day.
*The willpower to deactivate Facebook, shut off my phone, and turn off my music.

Alright, friends. Time to get back to work. No more blogging for me this weekend unless it's a victory post for finishing this paper and having time to sleep.

kiddies again.

2010-11-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Today, I am thankful for...

having a bunch of three and four year olds who make me laugh until I cry.
A bad day can never continue once I get to work.
On Thursday, little Ben got his head stuck in a purse. Yes, that's right, a purse.
He thought it made a nice crown.
I couldn't get the purse off the poor kid's head because I was too busy laughing uncontrollably, thankfully he thought it was pretty funny, too.
It was hard not to giggle when I was explaining to his Dad why he had a red line around his forehead.
Oh, how I love my job :)
-------------------------------------------------------
A few kid quotes I forgot--
(Ruby's birthday was last week.)
Ruby: "I just can't believe God is making me turn 4. I want to stay 3!"

This one is also from Ruby. She had two timeouts in one day which is very unusual for her, this was her explanation to her mom.
Ruby: "Mommy, I had two timeouts today, but it's not my fault! The bad ideas made me do it! When we get home I'm going to flush those bad ideas right down the toilet and everyday before I come to school we're going to flush them again so I never have to get in trouble!"
This comes from the little girl who always prays for "no timeouts" before we eat snack. :)

You Decide

2010-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

It's up to you, you make the call
It's always been your choice
Maybe you're right
And were all wrong
We're only some voices
Cause in the end it all depends
I'll step aside and let you decide

There was a season in your life
When everyone was smarter
The best Advice that they could give
You'll have to work much harder
Then finally someday you'll be wise
Realize only you decide

Cause everybody has to choose Sink or swim win or lose
No not everybody gets it right Fight or flight,
so will you Decide

So you bent the rules
Denied the truth
And all the strong suggestions
You never heard
Your parents say
They're giant misperceptions
Of who you really are, you've come this far

Here you are, you decide

Cause' everybody has to choose sink or swim win or lose
Know everybody gets it right fight or flight so will you decide

Make your move
It's up to you
Don't let the moment pass you by
All eyes on you
Whatcha gonna do
With all the swirling through your head
You've got to use your heart instead

No not everybody gets it right fight or flight so will you decide

Cause' everybody has to choose sink or swim win or lose
Know that everybody gets it right fight or flight so will you decide

You decide

--Brandon Heath "You Decide"

Random thoughts on a Wednesday

2010-11-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

1. I'm so incredibly blessed.

God is waaaay too good to me.

I have heard a million and one absolute horror stories over the past few days.

I have absolutely nothing to complain about, and a million and one things to praise God for.

2. I have the most wonderful parents I could ask for.

3. I really, and I mean really miss camp. I kind of forgot how powerful of an experience it was until someone recently asked me what was so great about it. I couldn't even put it into words. I'm not sure I want to imagine what my life would be like had I not worked there. Okay, so it's not like I'd be in jail or anything, I just made incredible life-long friends there. I grew so much (although I still have a long way to go), and my faith grew even more than that. When you're put in a world surrounded by God's creation, no technology and a ton of awesome staff/kids, things change. So thankful for that.

4. My mind has a hard time focusing on the present.

Instead of writing my Spanish paper, I'm busy worrying about things that are tomorrow or next week or next year.

5. Just started rereading Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.
Brilliant, deeply convicting stuff right there.
I highly, highly recommend you read it.
(Thanks for returning it, Jordan! I couldn't have gotten it back at a better time.)

Kid quotes

2010-11-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

So it's been a while since I've posted kid quotes, I've got a few good ones, and probably way more that I have forgotten.

So Ruby's mom is 8 months pregnant, she came to pick up her daughter today..here's the conversation between her and a 4 year old boy.
Cole (poking her stomach): "Is there a baby in there?"
Mom: "Yes, there is, it's a little girl!"
Cole: "Well...are you going to name her Bubba? Or you could name her Ruby, too and they would be twins!"

Jared: "Miss Alyssa, are you married?"
Me: "No, for the one hundredth time, I am not married."
Jared: "Well, my dad is looking for a new wife!"

This one would be funnier if you heard the conversation and didn't know what was happening. We were playing with Play-do and Ruby had made a heart and Ben took it from her.
Ruby (crying): "Ben, you stole my heart! Give it back Ben, I want my heart back!"

Sara: "Lauren, do you know what a date is?"
Lauren: "Duh, it's like October 18th."

Ben (looking in mirror): "Miss Alyssa, do I look like Justin Bieber today?"

After stepping on Britta's foot...
Ben: "Britta, I'm so sorry! Are you still going to marry me?"
Britta: "No!"
Ben: "Britta, I'm sorry! I still love you and I'll buy you a hamster when we get married!"
Britta: "Okay, I love you, too!"

9 days until the Island of all things Grand.

2010-11-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

When are you too old to admit that you miss your mommy and daddy?
Right now I feel like Grand Island might as well be an actual island.
I've never gone this long without seeing my family. It's been 5 weeks! It's probably kind of pathetic because a lot of my friends only get to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I only live an hour away so home is very easily accessible. I absolutely cannot wait for Thanksgiving. Living next to the interstate is really dangerous for me. I left my apartment Saturday night to get some dinner and I was extremely close to jumping on I-80 with nothing but my purse. It's definitely a good thing that I didn't go home since I had so much to do this weekend, but it sure was tempting.

9 more days, I can do this.

Life is good.

2010-11-15T10:32:00.001-08:00

Well it was pretty much a wonderful weekend. As previously mentioned, I got to see my sister, bro-in-law and Paisley. Then Saturday I was nonstop productive until about 10pm, then I took nice long break with a friend and watched Willy Wonka for the first time. (Yes, I've already heard that my childhood was deprived.) Then Sunday, I got to see Jordan again and we enjoyed some nice girl time over coffee. So thankful for this girl.

And you will never believe my Monday morning. Usually I hit the snooze four times and crawl out of bed right before I have to leave. Today, I woke up on my own at 6:45! I thought I might as well get up and get some things done instead of trying to fall back asleep. I worked out (!) and made a healthy breakfast. I did some astronomy, Spanish and had some quality time with the Big Guy. I felt happy, energized and like nothing could stop me today. What a great feeling, I think I should do this every morning. The only downfall is halfway through class my head started nodding and it was pretty hard to stay awake. Needless to say, I am now at home drinking some coffee before I have to go chase three year olds. :)

Snow, current obsessions/annoyances.

2010-11-13T08:49:00.001-08:00

Last night marked the first snow fall in Nebraska.

I got so excited that I whipped out my Christmas music and made some hot chocolate.

There's just something so magical about snow, it just fills up my soul.

I woke up this morning and rushed to look out my window, and it was all melted already, which I suppose is fine for now--since I would really love to roadtrip to Denver next weekend with some of my very favorite people to see some more of my very favorite people. It will be the the best mini vacation. I will be losing my ice-skating virginity, and Colorado with my dearest friends is the perfect place to do so. :)

--------------------------------------
Current obsessions: Mexican hot chocolate & Spanish music.

One of my oldest and dearest friends is in Mexico this semester studying abroad,

I've been living vicariously through her for the past few months. I'm so jealous of all the Spanish she's learning, she is going to put me to shame this summer when we go back to Mexico!

She recently told me about Mexican hot chocolate--hot chocolate with lots of cinnamon! It's become a daily treat for me. (Fun fact: I read that cinnamon helps burn fat so now I put it in my coffee and cereal, too!) It's soo good and reminds me of a wonderful friend whom I miss dearly. She also told me about her favorite Spanish music, which has been playing nonstop on Pandora while I work on my Spanish paper. (Thanks, Michelle!) I figure it's a small way to help put some more Spanish in my life, although it really just makes me more jealous of all of her adventures and miss Reynosa. I can't wait to see this girl in December!

--------------------------------------

Current annoyance: Husker football dominates Lincoln.

The library is closed during all home games and the closest coffee shops are downtown--downtown Lincoln on game day is a disaster--lots of traffic, zero parking, and lots of drunk people. Productivity usually doesn't peak for me while I'm at my apartment, mainly because everywhere I go, my bed and couch are very close. (one downfall to a studio apartment) All my movies & books stare me in the face, too and I'm in the

cleaning/organizing mood. I must refrain.
Wish me luck!

Best study break ever.

2010-11-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Best study break I could ask for.

I couldn't go home this weekend like I had originally planned, so Paisley came to see me :) I love my family.

I hadn't seen her for almost a month, she is getting so big and cuter and cuter everyday. She smiled right when she saw me and she reached for me! I about lost it. This little one melts my heart and makes me so happy no matter how stressed I am.

Now I am refreshed and ready to get back to my paper!

2010-11-10T11:49:00.001-08:00

Well, it's Wednesday! I thought I was going to able relax tonight after work since my last test was this morning, but my Spanish professor decided otherwise. Apparently, I need a new hypothesis for my 9 page research paper that's due next Friday. Awesome. Hoping all the new research goes smoothly so I can still go home this weekend, otherwise I'll be spending yet another weekend in the library. Good gravy, I should just move my bed there and get a campus meal plan.

Thanksgiving, where are you?

2010-11-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a complete rollercoaster.

I'm stressed, sad, frustrated, unsure, happy and excited--each about a different thing.

I could really use a full weekend at home with no homework to do.

I'm hoping to go back to The Island next weekend, even though it will be for only 15 hours, 8 of which I'll be sleeping. (Those dang Huskers are controlling my schedule again.) I really miss my parentals and my niece. I just want my Dad to make me some real food. I want to hold my little Paisley without 6 other people in waiting in line. I want to hang out with my Mom and chat with my Grandma. I want to watch Kardashians with my sister. I want to go to Starby's and Hastings with Lea. I want to watch movies with Jord.

Sadly, if I even get to go home (research paper due), the majority of these things won't happen. I can only do so much between the hours of 9pm and noon.

Thanksgiving cannot get here soon enough.

Okay, that's enough whining. Back to homework.

Noviembre.

2010-11-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Fall,

You make me so happy. and I will be much, much, much happier after Wednesday. (Three tests and one project to go.) I can't even begin to describe how much I love fall, especially this one. Even though it's toward the end of the year, fall always seems to have new beginnings, and I'm loving this one. I think I finally found my place in Lincoln. It's only taken two and a half years, but it was worth the wait.

After Wednesday, I get to start enjoying life a little more. My friend Hanna is teaching me to knit, which I am super stoked about. Also, I ordered C.S. Lewis's signature collection and the package has been taunting me since Tuesday. The third season of How I Met Your Mother awaits in my mailbox, and I get to go home on Friday. Quadruple win.

I think November and I are going to get along really well.

Hope.

2010-10-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

I'm temporarily back from my hiatus to write a very important post.

As you know, I work at a pre-school and love it more than I ever imagined I would. It may seem odd, but I have learned so much from my three year olds and I feel like I know them as well as I know my friends. They are like little adults. I know the life of a three year old may not seem hard, but they really do have to deal with a lot at that age, I know so much about each kid's personality and I can imagine what they will be like as they get older. I learn so much from just watching them interact with each other.
The brilliant, yet simple statements that come from their mouths never cease to amaze me. I wish every person had the hearts of my kids. They are always telling each other to use "teamwork" and to "be kind". Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone followed those two things?

I could go on and on about my kids, but this post does have a very important point/request.

Hope, one of my little girls, is in St. Louis right now and she was scheduled to have an SDR surgery today for spastic cerebral palsy. After having pre-op procedures done, they discovered she was no longer a candidate for the surgery and that she doesn't even have spastic cp, but dystonic. The family is staying in St. Louis, hoping for a cancellation soon so they can learn about this new diagnosis and what it means for Hope's life.
I never realized how much I would learn from a three year old, and let me tell you, this one melts my heart. She is so sweet, always happy and makes me laugh all the time. I am with Hope five days a week and I never stop learning from her. I can't wait until she is back in school.

Please, please, please pray for Hope and her family as they try to figure out what's next for their beautiful daughter who has touched my heart in so many ways.

thanks, everyone :)

update.

2010-10-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to let you know that I'm alive: [thanks, Megs]

1. Fall break was absolutely wonderful.
2. I'm home for the weekend with my awesome family.
3. I'll be taking a little hiatus because of a paper and midterms that desperately need my full attention.

*I couldn't resist adding a new picture of Paisley. She looks so grown up in that outfit!

Have I mentioned how much I love fall?

Back to work. Adios, for now, blogging world.

2010-10-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today was such a great day.
Lindsey came up from Kansas.
Went to church with Linds and saw lots of camp friends.
After church had lunch with Erin, Jody and Lindsey,
then went to Fall Festival at camp with Lindsey, Jody and Jason.

It was absolutely wonderful to be back at camp.
We all said "We're home!" when we turned in to good ol' CJH and we jammed to the camp cd the whole trip up and back to Lincoln.
I got assigned to boats today.
Obviously the woman doing the assigments had no idea who I was..I can't lift boats!
I'm seriously shocked I left uninjured.
Camp rules were totally not enforced, and the parents were worse than the kids about just climbing into boats without staff okaying it. Geesh.

I saw three of my campers and recognized a few more.
Caitlin, one of my more memorable campers, said
"I miss camp so much, I think about it everyday and I can't wait to come back this summer!"
That pretty much made my day, it's so great to know that we make an impact on these awesome kiddos.
I hear ya, Caitlin. I miss it, too!
Hook in his usual spot.

Mini staff reunion
The lake lost it's algae!

I really wish we would have had more time to roam around, I was really hoping to go to Inspiration, Springs and Trailhead.

Becca & Megan, I missed you today. Wish you ladies could have been there.

Preschool drama.

2010-10-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

My kids at work have become obsessed with getting married.
Obsessed.
They're in preschool.
It all started when Britta said she wanted to marry Ben. Then I had two girls crying shortly after because they're lovers were taken.
Ben likes Britta. Ruby likes Ben. Rhett likes Ruby. Harper likes Rhett. Chloe and Hope are the smart ones of the bunch.
Oh, the drama.
Now not only do they talk about marrying each other, but they hold hands everywhere they go, and I've caught Ben and Britta kissing twice now!
This little relationship is so strange, it's not just chasing each other on the playground--if Ben gets a time out, Britta will go hold his hand and comfort him. I don't know how to handle 4 year old crushes, so I just tell them not to touch each other so they don't spread germs. My, my kids start younger all the time.
The kids then started asking me why I wasn't married.

*Ben: "Miss Alyssa, where is your wedding ring?"
Me: "I don't have one, Ben, I'm not married."
Ben: "But you're like 64 aren't you?"
Ben proposed to me shortly after this, and the kid thought I was his grandma's age 5 minutes earlier.

*Ellie: "Why aren't you married yet? Have you not picked your favorite boyfriend?"

* * * * * * *
This one has nothing to do with marriage, but it's hilarious.
Ruby: "My daddy is here!
Me: "It's only 3, Ruby, he's not here yet."
Ruby: "But I smell beer!"

don't worry our preschool does not serve beer,
but some days you would think the sippy cups are spiked with how hyper these kids get.

Never a dull moment, that's for sure.

2010-10-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight the girls from my Bible study came over for a fun night of pizza and caramel apple making.
I was so tempted to go fancy and drizzle dark chocolate and vanilla all over, but my wallet doesn't allow fancy.
So they aren't the most glamorous apples I've ever seen, but my are they tasty!
I found fun fall leaf-shaped sprinkles, and also chopped up Reese's to roll the apples in.
Gotta have the peanut butter.

I'm so excited to get to know these wonderful ladies.

* * * * * * * *

So excited that tomorrow is Friday.
AND
it's chocolate day at work,
we all have to bring chocolate to share with the staff.
Man did I land a good job or what?
It's gonna be a good day.

Indecisive is my middle name.

2010-10-05T20:56:00.001-07:00

Camp or Spain?
Switch majors or keep the one I have?

Both of these very large decsions have to be made either within the next week or by the end of the month.
And in case you weren't aware, I am the worst decision maker ever.
I have a very hard time understanding that sometimes there is not a "wrong choice" to make when you have two perfectly good options.
I don't want to make the "wrong decision" for fear I will spend the summer in Spain, wishing I was at camp, or vise versa.
I don't want to start a new major, realize I hate it then have wasted another semester.

Even though what I major in seems like a bigger life decision, (and the decision that needs to be made next week) I'm way more stressed about choosing between camp and Spain.
Probably because I feel that I have my whole life to finish school and decide what I want to do, and working at camp and going to Spain may only be opportunities for this coming summer.

I could go on and on and on, but I'll leave those ramblings inside my head for now to spare you all what could be multiple pages of thoughts.
But they're probably coming soon...writing helps me process.

If anyone has any good decision making tips, send them my way!
Please and thank you.

2010-10-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

My little Paisley was baptized today.

I am such a proud Godmother :)
She didn't make a peep the whole service and barely flinched when her head was wet.
After that, we had a nice little lunch at the church with all of our family.
It was such a wonderful day.
(Wonderful food, too!)
I always take advantage of the real food at home and stuff myself to the brim.
Yay, brisket.

Day well spent.
I love my family.

fall, fall, fall.

2010-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Fall,
Please don't ever leave.

I am so making these.
It's my favorite time of year again!
I love the weather so much. I've been taking the kids outside everyday, longer than "outside time" allows, just so I can savor the crisp air before it turns cold. (and maybe also to get more of their energy out) Nebraska is so beautiful in the fall, I love the gorgeous colors of the trees, especially when out in the country by the river. Ahh I can only imagine how beautiful camp is this time of year.

Fall is my favorite for many reasons..
First off, it's gorgeous weather and gorgeous scenery.
I love cardigans and scarves and jackets.
I love curling up in a blanket with a good book.
Three words--pumpkin spice lattes.
(or pumpkin anything for that matter)
Fall has so many memories--
It's so funny how a temperature, scenery or a smell can bring back so many memories.
Did anyone else rake up leaves and put them in those orange pumpkin garbage bags when you were little?
Fall always reminds me of home, that's for sure.

and what a lovely weekend at home it was.

cold noodles.

2010-09-29T19:01:00.001-07:00

Stressed.

Just took a bite of some leftovers I zapped and started crying upon realizing my food was still cold.
Cold food shouldn't make me cry.

I am really not a fan of school
or the fact that my GPA controls the rest of my life.

Mental breakdown in 3....2......

Friday's kid quotes

2010-09-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Quick quick study break for Friday's kid quotes.

After my stomach growled, Jaela (3) says: "You fahting or hungwy?"

Ben: "Miss Alyssa, why were you gone yesterday?"
Me: "I was sick."
Ben: "Why?"
Me: "I must have caught some germs."
Ben: "Were they boy germs? Britta says I have boy germs."

Now back to being productive like I have been nonstop for the past TWELVE hours. Literally non-stop. My only break was to take a shower. Yay, school.

Can't wait until Friday when I can breathe! Going home for P's baptism, going to be her Godmother :) So excited to see little P, the fam and the extendeds! Oh AND Kristin, Jordan & Lea. I'll be a happy little camper next weekend.

2010-09-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

I'm losin' it.
I need to go back to camp.
It's not even a question between wanting & needing to go back.
I need to go back for my sanity.
If I could just spend a few days in that setting with those people and those kids, I think it would do me a world of good.
The outside world is way too stressful and busy.
I enjoyed my bubble without technology and school way too much.

Maybe it's just an off day.

For your entertainment

2010-09-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

My art history professor says some odd things.

Quotes from class today:
*"You can run, but you can't hide! That's right folks, your first exam is on Tuesday."

*"His legs are cockywampus. Not sure what the artist was doing there."

*"Gravity is what holds your body in place. You can test this out. Go stand in front of your mirror, and take your clothes off, and you can see how this works. If your roommate walks in, just tell him your professor told you to do it."

hmmm..

In other news, I have been studying like my life depends on it. Well, actually it kinda does. Hellooooo, stress.

I can't wait until next week when all of these tests, labs and papers are done!

boo.

Quotes of the day from the kiddos

2010-09-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

-Ruby: "My baby is going marrying today."

-Ellie: "Austin, you can't play Wii with us, you're only three!"
Austin (screaming/crying): "I DON'T WANT TO BE THREE ANYMORE!"

-Ben: "Britta, I'll be your Prince Charming. WHOA, look at that sword!"

Dust bunnies don't hop.

2010-09-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

First off, I need to pre-apologize for the long post. It's story time, everyone. Please prepare yourselves.

My worst camp-fear came true.
In Lincoln.
Inside my apartment.

Never have I ever been so grossed out in my life.
Let's retell this traumatic event, shall we?

I was minding my own business, rearranging my apartment around 2am.
Not the typical evening, but I couldn't sleep.
(&thank goodness I was awake or who knows how I would have stumbled upon this.)
I spotted something on the floor, even did a double take and realized it was just a dust bunny.
Then, it MOVED.
Dust bunnies do NOT hop.
Frog.

I quickly jumped on my bed, phone in hand and well..started freaking out.
Screaming to myself.
0.2 seconds away from crying like a baby.
There was no way I was going to touch that thing.
First instinct: Call Dad.
Then I remembered if I called him at 2 am he would think I was lying in a ditch somewhere, not having a battle royale with a frog.
Next instinct: Call Dave.
Dave lives 7 hours away from Lincoln. He would have been useless.
I don't use my common sense when I panic.
Light bulb: Sara lives next door.
I texted Sara, praying she was still awake, or by golly I was going to pound on her door until she was.
Two minutes later, Sara was at my door.
She very bravely trapped the toad under a cup while I jumped and screamed every time it moved.
I am useless.
She slid a plate under the cup and then we both ran outside. Poor thing took a nice ride through the air when Sara threw the cup from the doorway.
Both the plate and the cup are in the trash can.

I then borrowed indoor bug spray from Sara, spent the night lying awake, seeing images of frogs in my mind. I could not stop itching, my skin was crawling people. Frogs do not belong inside!

I didn't even go to school today because I was so freaked out something else would get in while I was gone. I spent the day deep cleaning my place like it was nobody's business.
The nice little maintenance man brought me a thingy that goes under your door so nothing can crawl in.

I still have about 3 loads of laundry to do, but I ran out of quarters. I know I will not sleep until everything has been completely deep cleaned. Even things that don't touch the floor got a nice 409 disinfectant shower.
I couldn't even eat or drink anything until about an hour ago. Every time I tried, I only saw frogs.
Eeewwwww. Weirdest thing ever.

What a day.

Square dancing, soccer, studying.

2010-09-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a leadership retreat for church. We went to a camp outside of Lincoln, had dinner, worship and a few other activities. One of these activities was square dancing. Not gonna lie--it was the highlight of this school year so far. Maybe it's because my life is kinda boring, or maybe it was because square dancing is actually pretty fun when you're with 30 college kids. We all felt like huge dorks, but that was part of the fun. Oh goodness. I think I'm gonna have to bring this idea to camp for big group game time.

During the night--my biggest pet peeve happened. The lady who has introduced herself to me I swear 6 times now, sat next to me and said "Have we met?" I wanted to say "Yes. Yes, we have. This is the sixth time you have asked me that. Why don't you remember me!?" But I refrained and was polite. It's not even like we have just introduced ourselves, we've been on a trip together, I see her twice a week, we were partners for an activity, and she was at an event I was at a few weeks ago. Hmmphh.

Anyway..
Today, I didn't have to work. (Yay!)
I studied and cleaned during the day, then my sister and brother-in-law stopped by after the game. After that, I went to watch my friend Lindsey's soccer game at Concordia with Taylor. SO incredibly good to see camp friends. I needed that. Although it just made me miss camp and dislike school even more. Oh well. Life.

Tangent over.
Now I need to end my study break and get back to astronomy.
First test of the semester is tomorrow..oh joy!

Go 'skers?

2010-09-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

Husker football dictates my life. (and also the state of Nebraska)
No, I am not a crazy fan.
I enjoy going to the games and I don't mind watching them on tv, but I am definitely not disappointed if I miss it.
Football season controls my life because I babysit during all of the games.
The money is well worth it, but I can't go home or visit friends until there is an away game, which puts a damper on my social life (which is non-existent this year)
and sometimes you just need to go home.

I am very excited that the family is taking the kids to the game this weekend, so I am free!
My sister and brother-in-law are coming up for the game, and I'm hoping they bring Paisley so I can babysit! I don't think I can wait another week to see her.
It's crazy how much I miss that baby, so thankful I ended up staying in Nebraska this year.

They're huge Husker fans, if you can't tell.
Aren't they just the cutest little family?

Travis, Paisley & Ashley

Look at those cheeks!

Fambam.

2010-09-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

I really like my new job, but its not without its emotional moments.
I can tell that a few of my kids have a really sucky home life and it breaks my heart.
I can't even fathom what it would be like to not have parents you can depend on.

I've never been so thankful for my family.
(and I can't wait to go home next weekend!)

I had to throw another Paisley picture in, I couldn't help myself. :)

Kids say the darndest things

2010-09-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

I recently started a new job at a preschool.

Preschoolers say some funny things..

Today while playing "color/shape" Bingo, I called out "purple circle".
Ben (4 yrs old) says: "I don't have a purple circle, but I can give you a purple nurple!"
Reverse sexual harrassment??
Ben also calls rectangles, "recticles". Hmm..

Britta calls circles, "squircles".

I'm sure I will have many posts to come with quotes from my 3 & 4 year olds.
That's all for now!

Paisley!

2010-09-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

New pictures of my darling little Paisley.
She's such a happy baby.
I am never ever homesick, but I can't wait to get home and see her!
2 weeks, baby :)

Isn't she precious? :)

On fire.

2010-09-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am on fire right now.
Not "on fire" as in angry, but on fire as in I have a million things I can't wait to do.

First, I can't wait to continue with my job!
I started today, and my kids are angels! They are all so well behaved and adorable and they warmed up to me really quick.

It was also the first night of leading Bible study, it went great (thanks to Quenton for being a great co-leader!). I'm really excited to meet my girls next week.

Another thing--lately I've been really confused on what I'm doing with school.
In the past 5 days, I have met three people who have a Child, Youth & Family studies major. Not quite sure why I've never looked into this before, but after chatting with a few people, I'm seriously considering it and hoping to talk to an advisor soon.
I don't think it was just a coincidence that I met all these people this week.
Go God.

Far less important...but I am also in a really crafty mood. Wish I had time!
I also started a new book when I should have been doing homework and now I can't put it down...
AND within the past week I have become reADDICTED to Design Star..I started watching from Season 1. I've already seen them so I know who wins, but I just love it too much.

All this to say, I have so many things I want to do right now, but homework has to be put first. Boo.

A day of firsts..on the 2nd.

2010-09-01T20:01:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day!

I start training at my new job tomorrow afternoon.
I will be working at a nonprofit ministry that is basically like a daycare. Parents bring their kids in everyday while they are at work for no cost to them. I will be working with the preschoolers. I was secretly hoping for elementary, but it didn't work with my schedule. I am really excited for this, I think the perfect job just fell into my lap and I think it could lead to some great opportunities.

I have another "first" tomorrow.
I am leading a Bible study for college girls for the very first time.
I am pretty excited, but the nerves outweigh the excitement. Tomorrow night I will have a co-leader since it's the first night, but after that I'm on my own! I've lead Bible studies before, but the people have all been at least 5 or 6 years younger than me. We'll see how this goes...
ahhhhh!

Random thoughts for the day

2010-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

*I love making lists.
-->speaking of lists, Saturday night I put a check mark on my life list. Thank you, Lifehouse. You were wonderful.

*My love for Spanish is BACK. I think it really all depends on the teacher I have, this semester I really like my prof. I was feeling rather adventurous today and I went to Barnes and Noble to look for a book to read in Spanish, I was hoping to find a teen/easy read book, but most of the books they had were the classics..I better read those in English first. Hmmph.

*I have a love/hate relationship with living alone and also not having a tv.

*I finally found a steady job. I am starting to get nervous because I haven't had an 8am-6pm full schedule since high school. We'll see how this goes.

*I can't wait to get my homework done so I can:
A: Watch last night's episode of The Bachelor Pad.
B: Start my new book.
C: Reward myself with a nice cup of dark hot chocolate--courtesy of Sharon. :)

theme verse for the summer.

2010-08-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

"And if I have faith so as to move mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2

Another late evening vent

2010-08-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful life, don't get me wrong. I very much appreciate everything that I have, but this is my outlet and my place to vent..this is what happens when you live by yourself, you vent to your computer. (I do have friends, I swear :) )
I just have to get some things out before I can move on with my night.

1. I hate when I have met someone three times before and they proceed to introduce themselves to me again. Happens every single week at church. Happened 3 times tonight.

2. I am so tired of being at UNL. I am a religion major at a public school..enough said.
I so badly want to transfer to a Christian/Lutheran school where I can just get my degree in Youth and Family Ministry. That's not in the cards, yet it's still in my silly imagination. I just really don't understand why it costs such a ridiculous amount to get a degree in ministry when you get paid so little. Don't get me wrong, I don't care about how much money I will make, I just can't get an education like that and then pay it off with that kind of salary.

3. I am already tired of school. I think if I were studying things of interest to me, I would like school a lot more.

4. Why can't I read your mind?

5. Why can't I just learn to be more patient in this process?

*Thankful I have 143095 good things in my life for every annoyance on this list.

2010-08-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Being back in Lincoln this week has reminded me how incredibly blessed I was to have such an amazing summer. Missing camp terribly.

Sittin' loose in the saddle [trying]

2010-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest pieces of advice I have ever heard came from my friend, Becca.
We were chatting about my future. For those of you who don't know...I don't really like thinking about the future. I'm not in love with where I'm at in life right now either, though, so sometimes I want to think about the future. Hmm...tricky. anyway...

"Sit loose in the saddle." is what Becca told me to do.

I don't have my perfect life plan mapped out. I don't have a specific goal in mind. I can't say that I've ever been one of those girls who could picture themselves working here, marrying him and naming their kids such and such. I've always thought that was rather odd..but then I suppose my expectations aren't too high, right? I'm not completely clueless as to what I want to do in life, but I don't have any specific ideas.
I have complete trust in God that He will reveal to me what it is I am supposed to do, but sometimes (like now) I am completely impatient and frustrated.

I feel like I am wasting my time sitting at school studying things that I will never, ever use in my life. (Spanish has the potential to be useful, though) Then I get even more frustrated when I have to deal with the homework and trying to get good grades for classes that will never be of use to me.

I need to keep reminding myself to "sit loose in the saddle" and just take life one day at a time. I don't have the perfect plan mapped out, but God sure does. And it is guaranteed that His is a lot better than mine.

PS--Thanks, Becca :)

Current thoughts

2010-08-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Current thoughts:

--Why do I always double book myself? I have days where I have absolutely nothing scheduled, then I have days where I have to be 3 places at once. You can tell I'm still getting back into the swing of things.

--Putting tv episodes online is seriously the greatest idea since sliced bread. I don't have cable so I am happy I can use the internet to catch up on my shows, and kill my boredom.

--Why is it that when I imagined my new life, I pictured myself as being very productive? Who was I kidding? (Don't worry Mom, my homework for today is done!) I just mean that I pictured myself doing homework, working out, reading and crafting a lot more than I have been. I guess I have only lived here for 4 days, though.

--I am incredibly excited for this weekend. I get to see Paisley. I get to see Lifehouse. I get to Lindsey, one of my very favorite people from camp. What a jam packed 3 days.

That's all for now.

Bathroom art.

2010-08-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Discovered this in a bathroom while exploring downtown with a good friend.
I just so happened to be with the person who needed to see this the most.
Life is funny like that.

Seriously, when?

Go have fun, people.

Goodbye Summer.

2010-08-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially over.

School started today, I had Spanish and astronomy this morning.
Two awkward moments...
It never fails that the only time I get called on is when I don't know the answer. I bet that was a great first impression on my new prof. Whoops..

Number two:
I walked into my 11:30 lecture at 11:29. (I hate being late, but my class before is across campus) I had to climb over people to find a seat...then, I sit down and try to bring up my desk from between the seats..I could hardly move it because the guy next to me was um..rather large and blocking my desk. Needless to say, that was very awkward and I felt really bad, then I was sitting through class wondering how I was going to get out of my desk without creating another awkward moment. I ended up leaving the desk down and just escaped. Hmm..

Yesterday:
I went to church, then Sharon came over and we went to the pool and made a Target run so I could get curtains. The white walls were killing me..
Then, Jordan came to Lincoln and stayed with me!
We watched Steel Magnolias and pigged out on ice cream and popcorn. Shocking, right?
She also helped me decorate and rearrange my new apartment, it's looking a million times better. (Thanks, Jord!)

Now I need to finish unpacking, go get school supplies and start homework.
I hate the sound of that word.

Adios, amigos.

Moving Day

2010-08-20T22:11:00.001-07:00

It is officially moving day.

New year, new start.

Details Sunday.