Updates and travels

So I know I haven't written in a long time. It's been a wonderful break so far! Nick and I spent over a week with my parents for Christmas and got to have both of my brothers and their families there!! It was great! Jeremy and Kathy found out they are having a boy so that gives us one more thing to look forward to in the spring! Josh and Laura are still enjoying their jobs teaching in Albuquerque, I'm glad they have found a niche!

We finally have an update on the long awaited Air Force situation. The next step, Nick's flight physical, has been scheduled! We are really excited about that because it makes it seem all that more real. He will be getting that taken care of right after we get home from our next trip.

Speaking of our next trip, we are planning on leaving today to go to Lockhart to spend a couple f nights with Nick's dad and then go to Boerne to see his grandparents! That is, if we don't get snowed in. Well, that's all for now!


Thanks for reading! (oh yeah, I colored my hair)

Dance, oh how I miss it.

So I've been thinking a lot lately about my old passion. If any of ya'll don't know, I have been a dancer for most of my life and since I've gotten to college I've not had many opportunities to pursue dance.

In my speech class we had a "show and tell" day where we could bring something into class and tell everyone about it. I took my old dance bag. While I loved sharing about everything in the bag and some of the stories that went along with it, going through it made me really miss dancing. I know that God has placed me where I am for a reason but I feel like a part of me is missing. I'm at least going to start doing a dance workout and see if that helps my sadness a little bit.

I was recently helping out at a local dance studio here in Plainview but sadly the owner had to close because of a lack of clientele. There is a new studio in town but I'm not sure if I can commit in the way I'm sure they would want. My schedule is pretty crazy right now.

No updates on Nick's OTS date. He should be getting his flight physical taken care of sometime but until that is taken care of then we won't know a date for his class.

In other ways I've been super blessed lately because Nick and I have plugged into our new church and we are loving it! We are getting to help the worship team on Sunday mornings and that has been very enjoyable. I'm hoping that I might be able to get some interest in a church dance team but I'm going to just have to wait and see.

That's all for now, thanks for reading!

Sick, icky sick.

As you might assume from the title, I've been fighting off various illnesses lately and it has been quite frustrating. I catch something but it's never bad enough to miss classes so I just get super tired and need sleep. I'm not sureoo what all I've caught lately but I've certainly been trying to catch everything!

We are enjoying a lazy weekend and I'm loving the weather right now. It's perfectly rainy and cloudy, it's wonderful!

As we go off to sleep, looking forward to a day of worship tomorrow, I wonder. I wonder how my relationship with God could be better. I've not yet met anyone who has " mastered the faith" but I know that I'm not even close. Just some thoughts...thanks for reading!

Moods...

Moods...

So, I'm at work right now waiting for six o'clock to get here. I know
it's kind of pathetic considering I'm getting paid to be here. I'm
very grateful to have a job that I enjoy but I just have so many
things that have been piling up at home.

I've been a little irritable lately so to any of you who have had to
deal with that I truly apologize. I don't know why but I haven't been
sleeping very well lately and I've had a stomach bug that has been
making me nauseus every night. My guess is that that is the reason for
my irritability but knowing that still doesn't make it go away.

Thankfully I have had things to distract me from all of this. One
being my homework, not necessarily fun but distracting. I've also
really enjoyed getting more involved at my church! Nick and I have
helped lead worship and we have gotten involved in a lifegroups on
Wednesdays. Even though my moods haven't been very reliable I am
feeling blessed. I guess I can't really ask for anything more!
Thanks for reading!

Sent from my iPhone

IPhone Entry!

I'm pretty excited to say that I'm writing this entry on my new
iPhone! Nick and I went yesterday to the AT&T store in Lubbock and got
new phones. There is so much neat information on here that it will
take me a while to figure it all out!

My classes are going well but really keeping me busy! I feel like God
has shown me this week that teaching elementary school is truly my
calling. I'm loving my classes and the homework isn't that bad, even
though there is a lot of it!

Nick and I joined the worship band at our church and we'll be blessed
to sing with them this Sunday! I feel like God has truly led us to a
church where we will be blessed and be able to bless others.

Anyway, I just wanted to give ya'll an update! Thanks for reading!

Sent from my iPhone

Realizations...

I went to have my picture taken for the yearbook tonight and when I got home I realized how I don't really fit in on my college campus anymore. Maybe it's because I'm married now, maybe it's because I was gone for a couple of semesters a while back, maybe it's just a simple fact of no longer living on campus. I'm not really sure what it is but it really hit me tonight. While I thought I had been staying connected to a point it is totally different from living on campus, eating in the caf, and doing homework in the library. I talked to my sweet husband about my thoughts and he reminded me of all the blessings I have. I've already found the man I want to spend my life with, I have my own bathroom (sort of!), I have a kitchen, I get to have my cats with me all the time, and I don't have to deal with the dorm drama. After talking about all of that, I had no choice but to be grateful for what I've been given. Even though I don't fit in on campus anymore I have so many things to enjoy!

Besides that little bit of emotion, My classes are going well, this is our first full week of classes and it looks like it's going to be a busy semester! I'm taking 17 hours and still working my job at the Pampered Pup. I'm not really sure how it's all going to go but it should me fun! Anyways, that's all for now, thanks for reading!!

Becoming Gracie: A first look at my clown character.

After being inspired by this article: How to Make a Wig out of Yarn and Pantyhose I decided that Gracie would have yarn for hair and I created this wig:

Nick thinks it makes me look like the Nox woman Lya from Stargate SG-1.

Anyway, I'm designing Gracie's face now and will be making my full costume over the next couple of months whenever I have extra time.

My fall semester looks super busy right now because I'm taking 17 hours, working part-time, and helping out at Broadway Dance Studio. It's going to be a little bit crazy but I think it will be fun! Besides all of that, my theatre class is almost over and I'm ready for a good 24 hour nap!! If anyone wants to see pictures of my whole Gracie wig project, you can check them out here with instructions: How I Did This Or just check out this slideshow: Gracie Wig Project

Thanks for reading!!

Watermelon and Coffee

It is still summertime for a little while longer. While I really enjoy this time of the year it makes me really appreciate air-conditioning. I went to a couple of estate sales today and my brother and sister-in-law had a garage sale. The temperature got up pretty quickly this morning until it was all I could do to visit with everyone outside for just a few minutes. Apparently I'm not very tolerant of high temperatures! I enjoy going to garage and estate sales once in a while and if you are patient you can find some pretty neat deals. Today I found a leather notebook that's worth around 50 dollars and I got it for 4. I'd say that was a good deal!

So, about the title of this entry, my family and I went to lunch today and we were talking about foods that we don't like and my sister-in-law said that she didn't like watermelon. Of course to me, someone who can't eat enough of it, that sounded crazy! But I know that there are people out there who like nuts, spinach, cauliflower, veggie burgers, and other food items that I don't like so I shouldn't say anything about her dislike of melons. I have recently learned to like super sweet coffee drinks but my dad likes to say that a white chocolate mocha isn't really coffee. I wonder what it would taste like to have a snack that consisted purely of coffee and watermelon. That might just make me dislike them both!

I've been looking at ideas for new costumes that I want to make but finding the time right now would be nearly impossible. My ideas are a Faun costume (like Mr. Tumnus from The Chronicles of Narnia), an elaborate cat costume, or a clown costume. I have ideas and patterns for any of them but I still haven't made a decision.

Anyway, Nick will be back from California tomorrow and I can't wait to see him! It's been WAY too quiet in this apartment without him! I have had a lot of reading to do for my theatre class but it's really fun. I also have some homework that needs to be done before Monday but I'm practicing my procrastination skills! (And I'm getting pretty good at it if I do say so myself!) I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a great week! Thanks for reading!

So, my Introduction to Theater class starts today, I'm looking forward to that! I love to learn and I've always enjoyed the theater so I think it will be enjoyable to learn more about it. Nick is currently in California on a mission trip with World Changers and it sounds like he is really enjoying it! I miss him but he'll be home in Sunday so it's all good! :)

My new job over at the Pampered Pup has been really fun, I started three weeks ago and I'm still liking it! I love dogs so beside making me want one, I'm loving working with them. My cats are still obnoxious at times but Chloe, whom we always thought of as "the devil cat" has gotten better recently and I'm very grateful for that!

I got a new monitor for my desktop from my dad and I really like it, the picture quality is awesome! I'm saving up right now for a laptop since my last one didn't work out and I'm strongly considering the benefits of a MacBook. Anyway, if you aren't bored reading this yet then you really must need something to do. My suggestion is to enjoy the summer, go outside, run through a sprinkler, eat a snowcone, or even go fly a kite! Thanks for reading, have a fun day!

Summer...

Summer. What comes to mind when you think about it? For me I think of sunny days, barbeques, visiting with family and friends, and so much more. This year it means classes, weddings, and learning to be patient when my future is uncertain.

We still haven't heard anything more from the Air Force for Nick. The tentative date for his class is next March but that isn't a sure thing yet. There is such a strong part of me that just wants to know! Now matter the outcome I want to have that information. I know that even if I get impatient it won't make a difference to the people deciding our fate. Their decision will come when it comes and I just need to wait.

One of my best friends got married last weekend, I am so happy for her! Since she was married in the same church I was married in it brought back a lot of fun memories. Being a part of her wedding also made me remember how fortunate I am to be married to Nick. Sarah has been blessed with a wonderful man and so have I. I just need to be reminded of that once in a while.

This is Meg, she is my parents' dog and she is a bundle of energy. I love this picture of her so even though it really has nothing to do with what I'm talking about I put it on here!

Even with my summer classes I have started something sort of new. I'm taking some dance classes again! Well, not really taking, more like helping but it has been great fun. I am currently helping with a ballet class on Tuesday nights and it has been like a breath of fresh air for me. Dancing again, even in this small way, makes me realize how very much I miss it! This is the kind of exercise that makes me feel better about myself! Since I taught dance classes for a while a couple of years ago it was really enjoyable to be on the receiving end of the class and not have to worry about the lesson!

Anyway, it is getting late as I write this and I have sleep to get so I'll write again later! Thank you for reading and let me know if you have suggestions for later entries!

Updates on random stuff...

Okay, random stuff.

My laptop froze up on me while I was trying to type a report for my class. It was very frustrating to have a computer that has problems with Microsoft Word! I mean, how difficult would that particular program be? I know I'm not a computer but really! So, we took it back to the store and I'm going to just save up for another one.

We still haven't heard anything about the Air Force and may not hear anything for a few months.

I'm really enjoying my class, it has sparked some great discussion and I've been learning a lot. One of my favorite professors at Wayland, the teacher of this class, is leaving this summer and the board is interviewing for her position. Sad but interesting to watch!

Besides all that, one of my best friends is getting married this weekend! I'm heading to Gruver today to be a part of that! My life is good and I have been blessed with great friends. I've got to go to my class now so thanks for reading!!

New Toy

I am writing this entry on my new laptop! I am super excited about it too! I've been saving up for this for a few months now and I finally found one I really like! I purchased an Acer Aspire 5810 Timeline and I'm really enjoying it so far. (Sorry if that isn't the technical name for it!) Now I just have to get a good case for it and learn all if it's cool little tricks!

Besides that little piece of excitement, I am starting my first summer class in the morning. Since it starts at 8:00 I really shouldn't be awake right now but I'm a little bit excited. :) This class is about educating students from diverse backgrounds and one of my favorite professors is teaching it so I'm excited about taking it!

In other news, my cats are still fun to be around but our youngest, Chloe, has some major attitude problems. Have you ever seen a cat sit up on their hind legs in order to bat at you with both paws and SPIT in your face? I have, that cat is Chloe. I really do like that kitty but she can be really annoying at times too. I feed her, clean out her poopy box, and show her love, (when I can get close enough) so I don't really know why she seems to dislike me so much. Even as I write this she is clawing her way across my lap and jumping onto Nick's dresser, which he never really appreciates. If anyone knows how to fix a problem cat just let me know!

Well, that's all for now, I better get some sleep before my class tomorrow! Thanks for reading!

Waiting...

So here we are again. I really seem to find waiting frustrating but it sure works on my patience!

Nick has been accepted into the Air Force Officer Program so that wait is finally over and another has begun. We won't be finding out about his class date for a while and that is what will really change our current situation.

I'm truly excited and truly nervous at all of our new changes. I got to see a lot of my family this last weekend and that was really enjoyable and relaxing. They are all excited for Nick and I and encouraging about our situation.

Anyway, there is my latest exciting update! I'm sure I will be writing more in the future when everything pans out! Thanks for reading!!

Be Random!

As I write this my husband and his friend are in our living room talking about how different they were when they were younger and it makes me wonder why we think we have to grow up so fast.

I remember having such an active imagination and I don't even use it that often anymore. I think that is sad. I want to regain that youthful, creative, goofy person that I used to be. How can I do that? Maybe just by being excited about things like a little kid and being willing to wave and be goofy at a camera instead of hiding. Dance when you hear fun music, laugh when something tickles your funny bone, cry when something makes you sad. Stop bottling up your inner child and have fun with it! I should actually make an effort to do that.

Besides all that, God doesn't call us to be sticks in the mud. In keeping your creative side open it will be easier to have the child-like faith He calls for. Being an adult or a Christian doesn't mean you have to be BORING!! This is mostly a post of me talking to myself but I wanted to get it out there! Maybe if you want to you can join me on my quest to regain that side of us!! I would love to have company!

Life in a painting...

So, this is totally random but I was thinking last night about what it would be like to live in a painting. We have a lovely picture hanging in our living room that would be a beautiful place to really see. It is a sunset behind a babbling brook surrounded by trees and plants. I wonder things like, what would it smell like? Is the water warm or cold? Are there a lot of animals or is it simply quiet? It seems like that painting is so peaceful, maybe that is why I like to look at it all the time. When can I truly experience that peace in my life? What kinds of things are keeping me from knowing that calm reassurance that can be seen in the serene water?

I have been getting to spend time with my brother, his wife, and her family this weekend and it has been super relaxing! I don't even mind doing the dishes and housework when I get home because I know it makes my husband happy. I have caught myself lately taking so many things for granted and having no way of truly showing my gratitude for them. One being my loving husband, Nick is truly the greatest man that God could have put in my life and I'm so glad that I married him. Another is the dance studio that I was blessed to learn in when I was younger. Alwins was a studio run by a strong Christian woman who was a wonderful influence on me and helped me to remember to keep trying even if you fall down. I miss that place! The last thing that I should always be more grateful for are my parents and my brothers. I was given that family as a gift and I can't that for granted. My parents are such wonderful people and I'm blessed to have had them raise me to be the woman I am now. My brothers, who married wonderful women by the way, have loved me through all of my quirks and support me constantly. Thank you, thank you to my sweetheart Nick, for my support and being there for me always, thank you to Alwins, a place of learning that has blessed me and blesses me even now, and to my amazing family, for being so loving even when I've been hard to love.

I hope that people who read this will get a glimpse of the wonderful life I've been blessed enough to lead and will remember all of the blessings that they themselves have been given by our Heavenly Father. Thanks for reading!

Appreciating the simple things...

So I babysat my adorable niece last night and she really made me think. How many times do I take my life for granted. Addie is blessed with wonderful parents and a lovely home and she is almost always happy, she smiles all the time and finds humor in the simplest of moments. When I watch her I realize how happy I should be too. I am blessed with wonderful parents, a loving husband, and a great family and yet I always see the down side to situations. I want to regain the simple contented life style that Addie has so readily taken in. I don't want to hold back my laughter just because I don't know what people will say. Life is such a gift, it seems a waste to be constantly trying to make it better when it is wonderful already.

My husband and I were talking about memories last night and I realized that I seldom try to remember all of the wonderful experiences I have had. I'm so focused on my life right now that I'm not stopping to smell the roses, to borrow an old saying. Anyway, I think the next time I am about to complain or be frustrated about something I need to remember my niece and her innocent smile. It will be a good reminder that I am truly blessed and should never take that for granted. Thanks for reading!

Scarborough Renaissance Festival 2009

Well, my husband and I went to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival this last weekend and we had a great time! We saw a bald eagle during the Birds of Prey show and a great juggler and knife thrower. I have always been fascinated by that particular time period and it is wonderful to step into another time and place. It is very interesting to me how the Renaissance is portrayed at these festivals, all romance and fun, when the actual time was one of death and pain. When I go to something like this it makes me realize how blessed I am to live in the time that I do.

Anyway, this festival awakened my desire to sew and make clothing so I made my niece a dress yesterday and today. I'm hoping that it fits for a while so she can get some use out of it! Next I want to either sew myself a new clowning costume, renaissance dress, or something for everyday usage. I guess I'll just have to decide later! I'm also planning on getting my mom to help me create a dress form to use when I sew. I'll post pictures if I make one.

Well, I guess I've rambled enough for one post. Thanks for reading!

Introduction blog

Well, here I am. I love to sew, read, and dance. I live with my loving husband and two cats in a small apartment on my college campus. This blog will be as random as my life and will probably have posts of a myriad of things! This is just the beginning, let's see where it goes from here!!