2011 recap.

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.

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!

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.

"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.

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.

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.

It's almost summer.
One more final.

I think I can. I think I can..

dos de abril

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

"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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"...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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.