Today I took my Teller assessment at Regions; this is an hour long test that you must complete in order to apply to be a teller. It had customer service questions, questions checking for errors in bank transactions and then math questions. Pretty simple sounding, but they get you on the fact that you have at the most 40 seconds to answer the question. Try calculating interest, adding a deposit and then stating the answer in under 40 seconds. Needless to say, I felt kind of uneasy when I was finished. However, I just kept telling myself, you have a MATH degree, you aced that thing... haha. After me and another lady finished our tests our administrator left the room to grade them. After a while she came back in and said that we both passed. She discussed employment with Regions and our options before taking us each out individually to discuss job opportunities. My main concern was being in graduate school and would they work around my hours. After discussing for a while my schedule options and where I would like to work, I left the bank with little hope of a job.
On the way home I called my mom and told her what the lady had told me, and that she said I had a slim chance of getting a job. I felt defeated, but my mom assured me that the job I was supposed to have would work out. So, I went back to my apartment and started thinking of what I wanted for lunch. I was in the kitchen making my lunch when my phone rang, it was a Tuscaloosa number, and it was a Regions representative!! She was speaking very quickly and said she was swamped today, but could I come in for an interview TOMORROW!! I am so excited to have this opportunity and I hope that they can work with my classes for the job.
I already have an interview set with the University of Alabama department of building maintenance to be their office associate. This interview is at 8am tomorrow, so I scheduled my Regions interview for 11am tomorrow. I am so excited, after so many 'no's' God has so richly blessed me with three interviews this week! I am hoping to be offered a job tomorrow, but that would be in a perfect world.
God's timing is so perfect. I had gotten so discouraged job hunting, and I told my mom that I was coming home next week to just stay until classes got started. But, just in God's time, He has opened up new hope for me. God knows exactly what you need exactly when you need it. He is so amazing, and I am so thankful! Praying for great interviews tomorrow!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Lights, fires, alarms OH MY!
I came back to Tuscaloosa this week with a plan. My job search has been richly blessed by Jesus and I have already completely one interview this week and await my second. However, the week that I actually needed to come back to Tuscaloosa, I really didn't want to. I had a great time with my mom and friends this past weekend, and it was hard to leave them.
So, last night while sitting in my apartment a storm started brewing. I could hear thunder in the distance and even see flashes of lightning. As a child, and throughout the years, I have always prayed the same prayer during storms... 'Lord, please calm the storm as you calmed the seas for the frightened disciples...' As the storm became worse the lightning and thunder was so loud I jumped at each new bolt. Then, the power flickered at my apartment complex, and finally it completely went out. Then I experienced the joys of moving... I of course didn't have a flash light in my apartment, I have a candle that I brought with me, but of course, no matches. So I was left to sit in the dark. To finish getting ready for bed and take out my contacts I turned up the brightness on my computer as high as it would go. I love my mac... it is a blessing. :) So I called my mom and we chatted for a while and laughed about me not having bad weather supplies. A little over an hour later the power came back on, and I was finally able to sleep. Last night was the first night in a long time that I actually slept through the entire night. And I believe that as God calmed the storm He calmed me to give me the rest that I needed.
I woke up this morning to my mom calling to see if the power was back on, and I told her it was. I then took my sweet time getting out of bed and getting ready for the day. Then the fire alarms started going off in my building. I was confused and knew that I didn't smell any smoke. I looked around and my roommate asked me if I thought anyone had reported it, so I told her I would look outside to see if anyone was there. A girl was outside thankfully and told me that maintenance knew about the alarms. So, my roommate and I continued on our ways despite the loud beeping every few seconds. She is packing her stuff as this is her last week in the apartment. I am thankful for these alarms because they have given us the opportunity to speak to each other. I know that may seem weird, but I haven't been able to create much of a relationship with her, and I think she has somewhat wanted it that way. Well after a while the fire alarms beeped twice and then were off. THANKS be to God! The loud beeping was way worse than 29 piccolos playing in your ear!
A eventful week looks to be ahead, and it's only Tuesday. But thankfully I am going to see a friend on Thursday and go to a DCI show, Drum Corps International, which are amazing! I am excited to get to see the corps, especially since the last time I saw them was freshman year. And with that, I get to spend time with a SAI sister of mine, Haley O. She graduated last year and has been working for a newspaper in Gadsden. Since she lives so far north of Troy people rarely get to see her. So I am excited to be somewhat closer, and I am going to take the opportunity to visit with her before coming home on Friday. Another friend of mine is getting married this weekend; I've been to a wedding almost every weekend this summer. But Jessie is having a catholic wedding, I have never been to a catholic wedding and I am very excited to see her get married and to experience something new.
So, last night while sitting in my apartment a storm started brewing. I could hear thunder in the distance and even see flashes of lightning. As a child, and throughout the years, I have always prayed the same prayer during storms... 'Lord, please calm the storm as you calmed the seas for the frightened disciples...' As the storm became worse the lightning and thunder was so loud I jumped at each new bolt. Then, the power flickered at my apartment complex, and finally it completely went out. Then I experienced the joys of moving... I of course didn't have a flash light in my apartment, I have a candle that I brought with me, but of course, no matches. So I was left to sit in the dark. To finish getting ready for bed and take out my contacts I turned up the brightness on my computer as high as it would go. I love my mac... it is a blessing. :) So I called my mom and we chatted for a while and laughed about me not having bad weather supplies. A little over an hour later the power came back on, and I was finally able to sleep. Last night was the first night in a long time that I actually slept through the entire night. And I believe that as God calmed the storm He calmed me to give me the rest that I needed.
I woke up this morning to my mom calling to see if the power was back on, and I told her it was. I then took my sweet time getting out of bed and getting ready for the day. Then the fire alarms started going off in my building. I was confused and knew that I didn't smell any smoke. I looked around and my roommate asked me if I thought anyone had reported it, so I told her I would look outside to see if anyone was there. A girl was outside thankfully and told me that maintenance knew about the alarms. So, my roommate and I continued on our ways despite the loud beeping every few seconds. She is packing her stuff as this is her last week in the apartment. I am thankful for these alarms because they have given us the opportunity to speak to each other. I know that may seem weird, but I haven't been able to create much of a relationship with her, and I think she has somewhat wanted it that way. Well after a while the fire alarms beeped twice and then were off. THANKS be to God! The loud beeping was way worse than 29 piccolos playing in your ear!
A eventful week looks to be ahead, and it's only Tuesday. But thankfully I am going to see a friend on Thursday and go to a DCI show, Drum Corps International, which are amazing! I am excited to get to see the corps, especially since the last time I saw them was freshman year. And with that, I get to spend time with a SAI sister of mine, Haley O. She graduated last year and has been working for a newspaper in Gadsden. Since she lives so far north of Troy people rarely get to see her. So I am excited to be somewhat closer, and I am going to take the opportunity to visit with her before coming home on Friday. Another friend of mine is getting married this weekend; I've been to a wedding almost every weekend this summer. But Jessie is having a catholic wedding, I have never been to a catholic wedding and I am very excited to see her get married and to experience something new.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Bittersweet Travels
I come home quite often... I really love it here.. and this time for one reason or another I am really sad to be going back tomorrow. But I am going back for happy reasons! #1 I have an interview with Barnes and Noble on Monday, #2 I have a Regions test on Wednesday, and #3 I have an interview to be the office associate for the Building Maintenance Department of the University of Alabama!
God has showered many blessings on me this weekend as I drove home for my Dr appointment vey disheartened after a long and VERY unsuccessful few days of job hunting. Mind you this was physical drive around and stop at places after months of applying online... So I figured whatever I'll just start applying for minimum wage jobs too. Before I left Tuscaloosa I applied at B&N. I hope dearly not to work there, as my two years at the B&N at Troy were AWFUL.
Things have been looking up and I hate that right as things start going well the devil always tries to knock you down. It is a continuing battle and one we much always be aware of. Sometimes, on various occasions I find it very hard to keep my head up. But this is why I am thankful for some great friends who help me realize all that I have in Christ. And a merciful Savior who always comforts my soul... Praise God.
God has showered many blessings on me this weekend as I drove home for my Dr appointment vey disheartened after a long and VERY unsuccessful few days of job hunting. Mind you this was physical drive around and stop at places after months of applying online... So I figured whatever I'll just start applying for minimum wage jobs too. Before I left Tuscaloosa I applied at B&N. I hope dearly not to work there, as my two years at the B&N at Troy were AWFUL.
Things have been looking up and I hate that right as things start going well the devil always tries to knock you down. It is a continuing battle and one we much always be aware of. Sometimes, on various occasions I find it very hard to keep my head up. But this is why I am thankful for some great friends who help me realize all that I have in Christ. And a merciful Savior who always comforts my soul... Praise God.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Home
I love my home. I had the rare experience of reliving a little bit of childhood during my stay at home this past week. I went to church with my mom and dad, made my dad lunch, watched TV with them and just hung around the house. I love living in the country, and one thing that I never loved as a child was moving cows.... haha So today after church I had just finished changing out of my sunday clothes when I noticed dad moving the cows.
I grabbed my sunglasses and flip flops, shoes he would have hated to see years ago, and headed outside to help. The cows moved easily, as my dad has very well fed and well trained cattle, but the calves stayed in the opposite field. This proves to me, cows are stupid. :) Of course the minute we shut the gates the baby calves started crying to their mothers, now in the opposite field. Then, dad asked me to go close the other gate, which wasn't a problem at all, but as I headed over to the gate he asked me to get the bucket as well. Seems pretty harmless right? WRONG! That bucket contained corn that the cows were licking up like crazy! And um, yeah, I am SCARED TO DEATH of cows. So I slowly crept towards the cows, shooing them as best I could to get them away from the bucket. Then, the bull started following me out, so I had to turn around show him the empty bucket, and then turn around on my way.
Needless to say I made it out alive from my cow experience.. haha Then my dad showed me another wonderful enjoyment of living on a farm. I followed my dad into the barn to put up the buckets; mine I called the 'slobber bucket,' because the cows licked it clean and there was slobber all over it! My dad told me he had found some kittens, and I asked what kind. Well, we walked over to the cattle stall in the barn and behind a barrel was a beautiful smokey gray kitten looking up at me. I asked my dad how man there were, and he said he knew of two, but there could be more. Just as those words were spoken, the second kitten revealed itself behind the barrel. I am excited to go home and see those kittens again. They truly were beautiful, and I just love kittens and cats. :)
I grabbed my sunglasses and flip flops, shoes he would have hated to see years ago, and headed outside to help. The cows moved easily, as my dad has very well fed and well trained cattle, but the calves stayed in the opposite field. This proves to me, cows are stupid. :) Of course the minute we shut the gates the baby calves started crying to their mothers, now in the opposite field. Then, dad asked me to go close the other gate, which wasn't a problem at all, but as I headed over to the gate he asked me to get the bucket as well. Seems pretty harmless right? WRONG! That bucket contained corn that the cows were licking up like crazy! And um, yeah, I am SCARED TO DEATH of cows. So I slowly crept towards the cows, shooing them as best I could to get them away from the bucket. Then, the bull started following me out, so I had to turn around show him the empty bucket, and then turn around on my way.
Needless to say I made it out alive from my cow experience.. haha Then my dad showed me another wonderful enjoyment of living on a farm. I followed my dad into the barn to put up the buckets; mine I called the 'slobber bucket,' because the cows licked it clean and there was slobber all over it! My dad told me he had found some kittens, and I asked what kind. Well, we walked over to the cattle stall in the barn and behind a barrel was a beautiful smokey gray kitten looking up at me. I asked my dad how man there were, and he said he knew of two, but there could be more. Just as those words were spoken, the second kitten revealed itself behind the barrel. I am excited to go home and see those kittens again. They truly were beautiful, and I just love kittens and cats. :)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Here's hoping
Today I checked my 'Crimson Mail' - my email for the University of Alabama and I got an email that I believe to be in error.
I've been trying desperately to find a job, as I need a way to pay for school and my housing. I haven't had much luck.. but I am leaving that up to God. It's tough however, watching my bank account dwindle, knowing bills are coming up.
Yesterday and email was sent out to all new and returning GTA's about orientation. I applied to be a GTA, but was denied. So, of course I feel that I have received this email in error, but man would it be nice to get that position. Ok, so, what is a GTA? GTA is graduate teaching assistant, I would teach undergraduate courses and work for the math department while they pay for me to get my graduate degree. To have gotten this would a be a dream come true.
So, the lady who sent out the email is out of the office until Monday. I replied and asked if my status had been changed, so here's hoping! haha
But, I'm not going to get set on this. God has a plan, and He will take care of me!
I've been trying desperately to find a job, as I need a way to pay for school and my housing. I haven't had much luck.. but I am leaving that up to God. It's tough however, watching my bank account dwindle, knowing bills are coming up.
Yesterday and email was sent out to all new and returning GTA's about orientation. I applied to be a GTA, but was denied. So, of course I feel that I have received this email in error, but man would it be nice to get that position. Ok, so, what is a GTA? GTA is graduate teaching assistant, I would teach undergraduate courses and work for the math department while they pay for me to get my graduate degree. To have gotten this would a be a dream come true.
So, the lady who sent out the email is out of the office until Monday. I replied and asked if my status had been changed, so here's hoping! haha
But, I'm not going to get set on this. God has a plan, and He will take care of me!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
It's only the 15....
I'm so glad to be home in Troy right now with friends and family close by... this isn't really a topic that I want to readily display but... I will give small details. Mother nature gives a lovely gift each month and mine practically kills me... it's not even time yet and the pain is unbearable.. I am sitting in a chair and my legs are killing me, standing is just as bad. For now I just have to settle with the pain and pray for relief. It'll be ok though.
So needless to say, not much is going on... I'm just staying low. I did 'drug up' however, to help Sean take a couple's engagement photos today. Wow... that sentence sounded bad, but don't worry it is just pain pills. :) It was wonderful helping pose a lovely couple and family to get ready and excited for their big day. I am excited to help take pictures on their wedding day as well. They are a fun loving couple and it should be a beautiful ceremony.
I wish I could be a photographer. It takes a talented eye to take wonderful pictures and Sean just has a natural ability to take beautiful works of art. He's says it simple, just point and shoot and that anyone could do it, and I admire his humility.
So needless to say, not much is going on... I'm just staying low. I did 'drug up' however, to help Sean take a couple's engagement photos today. Wow... that sentence sounded bad, but don't worry it is just pain pills. :) It was wonderful helping pose a lovely couple and family to get ready and excited for their big day. I am excited to help take pictures on their wedding day as well. They are a fun loving couple and it should be a beautiful ceremony.
I wish I could be a photographer. It takes a talented eye to take wonderful pictures and Sean just has a natural ability to take beautiful works of art. He's says it simple, just point and shoot and that anyone could do it, and I admire his humility.
Dustin and Ali's Birthday
This year on July 12 Dustin turned 14 years old... and his little sister Ali turned 4. Yep... you are seeing correctly. My wonderful sister had both her children on the same day 10 YEARS APART! They are beautiful children, and I just love to spoil them. As I told you previously, I came into town early to go to Dustin's district baseball game. Well, they played two games that night and unfortunately lost.... we didn't leave the ball park until around 11:30pm. It was a very sad ending to a GREAT season. But I had the most fun just spending time watching my niece and nephew, who I really don't get to see enough. Ali is obsessed with cheerleading. She brings her pom poms to each game and stands at the fence yelling, 'Enterprise, Enterprise, we wanna win! We don't like to lose, GOO Enterprise!' I mean, imagine a 3 year old cheering her heart out, throwing pom poms left and right... now, doesn't that make you smile? It does it for me! Ali is also the team's good luck charm. Before each game Dustin calls Ali over and the boys line up to see her. The whole team waits in line to one by one receive a kiss from Ali, and then they are off to play baseball. It was probably one of the most precious things I have ever seen.
Dustin loves Ali so much... and she is his little play-toy and they love each other... It is so cute to see him take care of her, and to see them fuss with each other.
We had dinner at my mother's house to celebrate their birthday's Monday night. After dinner we all went outside to watch Ali and Dustin play with water balloons. Ali just wanted to run around and let Dustin chase her and soak her with balloons, and he didn't resist. We had a blast as Micky and my Dad filled up each balloon and Ali got wetter and wetter. :) Mom had a good time squirting her with water and she loved it as much as we did. When it was time to go we finished off the night with Ali stepping on a balloon to pop it... her little laugh is just captivating. The for the final balloon she sat on one and popped it! Her smile is so big and beautiful... these kids are wonderful.
We didn't get to take any pictures that night and I wish we would have... Ali was soaked from head to toe and smiling ear to ear... and Dustin had a good time too. I can't believe that she'll be going to kindergarten soon, and Dustin will be driving! Look out world! ;)
Dustin loves Ali so much... and she is his little play-toy and they love each other... It is so cute to see him take care of her, and to see them fuss with each other.
We had dinner at my mother's house to celebrate their birthday's Monday night. After dinner we all went outside to watch Ali and Dustin play with water balloons. Ali just wanted to run around and let Dustin chase her and soak her with balloons, and he didn't resist. We had a blast as Micky and my Dad filled up each balloon and Ali got wetter and wetter. :) Mom had a good time squirting her with water and she loved it as much as we did. When it was time to go we finished off the night with Ali stepping on a balloon to pop it... her little laugh is just captivating. The for the final balloon she sat on one and popped it! Her smile is so big and beautiful... these kids are wonderful.
We didn't get to take any pictures that night and I wish we would have... Ali was soaked from head to toe and smiling ear to ear... and Dustin had a good time too. I can't believe that she'll be going to kindergarten soon, and Dustin will be driving! Look out world! ;)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Home
I am going to make the trip back to the parents house tomorrow. My nephew Dustin and his baseball team is playing in a tournament to qualify for the state tournament. It is double elimination, and as of tonight they haven't lost a game. So I am going home to go support him and watch the game. I haven't been to a single game this season, and for that I feel really bad.
I am also excited to be going home because, right now, I am really bored here. I don't have a job or classes to keep me busy.. and then only thing that kept me busy in Troy was hanging out with friends. Since I have no roommates yet, I am basically alone here. But all that will change when my roommates move in, I get a job and start school. I am just a person that likes to be overly busy.. and this after-college-life freedom is really weird to me. ;) But, as my mom says, I am taking advantage of it, because I will never again have nothing to do. After this little stint in graduate school, the real world hits. Part of me is really ready for that. I would love to have a steady job, a home to call my own.. among other things.
In other random news, I am a planner (in case you didn't already know), and planning things makes me UNBELIEVABLY happy. So with that, I have a definite set of rules when picking a planner for the upcoming year. Last year I had a 'Day Runner' planner, and it has by far been the best planner ever! So this year, I of course bought another 'Day Runner' planner... today I copied down all of my July and August engagements and even penciled in a few other things. I love the beauty of a planner and how organized I feel when my day is laid out before me.
However, I do have somewhat of a superstition. I ALWAYS write in my planner with a pencil. Things change, life throws you a curve... and most of all our plan is not always God's plan. So, it may seem a bit odd, but even though I work hard to plan things out I realize that my God is the one who is truly in control and I want him to have full control of changing something, without the added stress of an ugly scribble on my planner. ;)
I am also excited to be going home because, right now, I am really bored here. I don't have a job or classes to keep me busy.. and then only thing that kept me busy in Troy was hanging out with friends. Since I have no roommates yet, I am basically alone here. But all that will change when my roommates move in, I get a job and start school. I am just a person that likes to be overly busy.. and this after-college-life freedom is really weird to me. ;) But, as my mom says, I am taking advantage of it, because I will never again have nothing to do. After this little stint in graduate school, the real world hits. Part of me is really ready for that. I would love to have a steady job, a home to call my own.. among other things.
In other random news, I am a planner (in case you didn't already know), and planning things makes me UNBELIEVABLY happy. So with that, I have a definite set of rules when picking a planner for the upcoming year. Last year I had a 'Day Runner' planner, and it has by far been the best planner ever! So this year, I of course bought another 'Day Runner' planner... today I copied down all of my July and August engagements and even penciled in a few other things. I love the beauty of a planner and how organized I feel when my day is laid out before me.
However, I do have somewhat of a superstition. I ALWAYS write in my planner with a pencil. Things change, life throws you a curve... and most of all our plan is not always God's plan. So, it may seem a bit odd, but even though I work hard to plan things out I realize that my God is the one who is truly in control and I want him to have full control of changing something, without the added stress of an ugly scribble on my planner. ;)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Women vs. Electronics and other random thoughts...
You might be thinking, where on earth is this going? Haha well, a few guys have said to me on multiple occasions, 'Your kind, and I mean women, can really analyze something and put it together.' Most of the time I agree with this. However being a math major I pride myself on being overly analytical.
So, in the case of electronics setting up game systems, computers, wireless networks, TVs etc. But as a child I was one of three girls... and I was the one who set up the game consoles and everything electronic for my nephew growing up. This week I prevailed yet again for the females! I set up my TV yesterday, and today I set up a wireless network for my apartment, and locked it so that no unwanted people can get into it.
These may seem like small tasks, but I am very proud of myself.
As a random side note I cooked my first dinner in my apartment tonight. I made a homemade pizza and of course paired it with Cherry coke! ;) I am really bored here right now and spend a lot of time watching TV and playing online. I have applied for six University jobs and hope to hear something from them soon. Tomorrow I am going out with a friend from home so that he can show me some valuable shortcuts around town. I am very thankful for the three ZC alumni here in town.
I supposedly have two roommates as of right now. They will be moving out at the end of July and then I will get my actual roommates for the year. However, I have only seen one girl, and I believe the other has already moved out... but I don't know. She keeps to herself, really doesn't talk much and stays in her room 24/7... I am thinking that the situation before me wasn't a very friendly one. I am looking forward to hopefully breaking ground with this girl and at least being able to say more than hi before she moves out. But at the same time I am excited to get new roommates and establish a good relationship with them!
So, in the case of electronics setting up game systems, computers, wireless networks, TVs etc. But as a child I was one of three girls... and I was the one who set up the game consoles and everything electronic for my nephew growing up. This week I prevailed yet again for the females! I set up my TV yesterday, and today I set up a wireless network for my apartment, and locked it so that no unwanted people can get into it.
These may seem like small tasks, but I am very proud of myself.
As a random side note I cooked my first dinner in my apartment tonight. I made a homemade pizza and of course paired it with Cherry coke! ;) I am really bored here right now and spend a lot of time watching TV and playing online. I have applied for six University jobs and hope to hear something from them soon. Tomorrow I am going out with a friend from home so that he can show me some valuable shortcuts around town. I am very thankful for the three ZC alumni here in town.
I supposedly have two roommates as of right now. They will be moving out at the end of July and then I will get my actual roommates for the year. However, I have only seen one girl, and I believe the other has already moved out... but I don't know. She keeps to herself, really doesn't talk much and stays in her room 24/7... I am thinking that the situation before me wasn't a very friendly one. I am looking forward to hopefully breaking ground with this girl and at least being able to say more than hi before she moves out. But at the same time I am excited to get new roommates and establish a good relationship with them!
Kindness of a stranger
Today I had to get a few errands run before I could just chill in my apartment. I got the maintenance people to fix my toilet, the "flapper" was broken, and then again after the guy left because my toilet wouldn't stop running. After that I was off to the bank and wal-mart. The bank was uneventful and a got a weird sense of satisfaction for using the bank it Tuscaloosa.. it's like I really live here now. ;) Wal-mart however was a different story...
I quickly grabbed a few things here and there in wal-mart before heading to the grocery side to stock my apartment. I started at the back and continued my way down each isle grabbing what I needed as I went along. Your typical wal-mart trip, right? WRONG! I noticed about 5 isles down that a man in a red shirt and black pants was with me in each isle, yet he didn't have a buggy. He touched a few things on each shelf as he stood rather close behind me. I noticed he was also watching me and kept glancing my way. So I tried to make eye contact thinking, this will scare him away, he will know that I see him. Wrong again. He continued to follow closely behind me at each isle. I made sure to keep my purse at my hands at all times, if he was going to rob me I was going to put up a fight. Then I thought, Keri, stop being so paranoid! But when he continued to follow me up and down each isle I knew I wasn't being paranoid, I was really being followed. I called my mom to let her know what was going on and I found an isle with three wal-mart employees stocking shelves. I stayed there to explain the situation to my mom and then decided to make a new friend, for safety's sake. So, I went up to an employee, explained the situation, and asked him to be my friend. Thankfully, he agreed and walked with me to the front of the store as we tried to find my stalker. We made it to the front of the store without seeing him, and my mind screamed Keri, you are crazy and this man knows it! But praise be to God the man said, I will be in this isle stocking, finish shopping and come back if you see him.
Not a second after the man left my side my follower was back, but this time on the outside of the isle rather than right beside me. I made the turn to go back to the isle with my 'friend' and prayed please God, let him see him. Ok so, like I said he was on the outside of the isle, so I went to the other side to leave and circled back to the isle my 'friend' was on. Thankfully the guy had come down that isle and I temporarily trapped him with my buggy in between me and my 'friend'. I pointed and raised my voice so that I knew he could hear, and said See that guy, he is following me. I was looking almost directly at my followers face and my 'friend' behind him mouthed 'really?' and as I told him yes my followed slipped out of the isle and into another. With that I stayed with my friend and we both watched for the follower to show again, and of course he did. So we both stared at him watching his every moved. He moved into an isle across from ours. My 'friend' gave me a hug, hoping to make our relationship seem more real. I was glad to have found a perfect stranger who was so willing to help me out in my time of crisis.
My follower ducked into another isle and my 'friend' instructed me to continue shopping and that if he came near to me or spoke to me to get a manager and call security; but if he didn't just come back when I was done and he could walk me to my car. So, a little shaken, I continued my shopping, grabbed two or three more things before I decided I was through pressing my luck. I went back to my 'friend' and he walked me up front, asked me to pick a checkout and get my bags. He stayed outside the checkout, watching for my follower, and I kept my eyes open for him as well. My 'friend' described the man to a few cashiers he knew and then we continued out to my car. There was no one around and I loaded my groceries and thanked my new friend. He said to be safe and that he would help me out anytime. And for him I am truly thankful.
I took a different way home, just to be safe and carefully observed all cars and their passengers around me. No one followed me home and I am now inside my apartment safe and sound watching the world cup game. :)
I believe that people, especially females, should ALWAYS be careful no matter where they are. Be aware of your surroundings and don't be afraid to ask for help. I looked up a list of steps online for each of you to read, as I know my readers are mostly female. Be careful, no matter what, and especially when alone. I am thankful that God sent His angels to protect me today and I know that He will always be there to protect me.
I quickly grabbed a few things here and there in wal-mart before heading to the grocery side to stock my apartment. I started at the back and continued my way down each isle grabbing what I needed as I went along. Your typical wal-mart trip, right? WRONG! I noticed about 5 isles down that a man in a red shirt and black pants was with me in each isle, yet he didn't have a buggy. He touched a few things on each shelf as he stood rather close behind me. I noticed he was also watching me and kept glancing my way. So I tried to make eye contact thinking, this will scare him away, he will know that I see him. Wrong again. He continued to follow closely behind me at each isle. I made sure to keep my purse at my hands at all times, if he was going to rob me I was going to put up a fight. Then I thought, Keri, stop being so paranoid! But when he continued to follow me up and down each isle I knew I wasn't being paranoid, I was really being followed. I called my mom to let her know what was going on and I found an isle with three wal-mart employees stocking shelves. I stayed there to explain the situation to my mom and then decided to make a new friend, for safety's sake. So, I went up to an employee, explained the situation, and asked him to be my friend. Thankfully, he agreed and walked with me to the front of the store as we tried to find my stalker. We made it to the front of the store without seeing him, and my mind screamed Keri, you are crazy and this man knows it! But praise be to God the man said, I will be in this isle stocking, finish shopping and come back if you see him.
Not a second after the man left my side my follower was back, but this time on the outside of the isle rather than right beside me. I made the turn to go back to the isle with my 'friend' and prayed please God, let him see him. Ok so, like I said he was on the outside of the isle, so I went to the other side to leave and circled back to the isle my 'friend' was on. Thankfully the guy had come down that isle and I temporarily trapped him with my buggy in between me and my 'friend'. I pointed and raised my voice so that I knew he could hear, and said See that guy, he is following me. I was looking almost directly at my followers face and my 'friend' behind him mouthed 'really?' and as I told him yes my followed slipped out of the isle and into another. With that I stayed with my friend and we both watched for the follower to show again, and of course he did. So we both stared at him watching his every moved. He moved into an isle across from ours. My 'friend' gave me a hug, hoping to make our relationship seem more real. I was glad to have found a perfect stranger who was so willing to help me out in my time of crisis.
My follower ducked into another isle and my 'friend' instructed me to continue shopping and that if he came near to me or spoke to me to get a manager and call security; but if he didn't just come back when I was done and he could walk me to my car. So, a little shaken, I continued my shopping, grabbed two or three more things before I decided I was through pressing my luck. I went back to my 'friend' and he walked me up front, asked me to pick a checkout and get my bags. He stayed outside the checkout, watching for my follower, and I kept my eyes open for him as well. My 'friend' described the man to a few cashiers he knew and then we continued out to my car. There was no one around and I loaded my groceries and thanked my new friend. He said to be safe and that he would help me out anytime. And for him I am truly thankful.
I took a different way home, just to be safe and carefully observed all cars and their passengers around me. No one followed me home and I am now inside my apartment safe and sound watching the world cup game. :)
I believe that people, especially females, should ALWAYS be careful no matter where they are. Be aware of your surroundings and don't be afraid to ask for help. I looked up a list of steps online for each of you to read, as I know my readers are mostly female. Be careful, no matter what, and especially when alone. I am thankful that God sent His angels to protect me today and I know that He will always be there to protect me.
Steps
1Make sure that they aren't just walking to a place nearby where you are going, or drivingslowly because of an obstruction in the road.
2Cross the road, even if you're not at a crosswalk, being careful of oncoming traffic.
3Walk briskly and look like you know where you're going. If you appear distracted or dawdling, this may make it easier for the possible predator to attack.
4Try not to keep looking over your shoulder at them. Use side-mirrors of cars or any otherreflection to check. Speed up, but don't break into a run. (If you must look over your shoulder don't look with the corner of your eye this only makes you look intimidated and weak, instead its better to turn your entire head around until you can see whoever is following you with both eyes.)
5Get into a public place as soon as possible if they continue to follow you. Try and find a group of women or dart into a shop. This would put most possible attackers off.
6Tell the manager or owner of the shop that you're worried you are being followed. They will most likely contact the police or allow you use of their phone to call someone.
7Find a well-lit area near the road where cars are passing by if there isn't a shop nearby. This way you will be easily noticed by people if the stranger attempts to attack.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Trusting God
I'M LETTING GO
Album: My Paper Heart: Deluxe Edition
Artist: Francesca Battistelli
My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back
(Chorus)
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go
This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone
(Chorus)
Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
(Chorus)
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me
This is a song that has really spoken true to my heart lately. A lot of changes have happened and most haven't been what I planned for. My life has taken a completely different direction that what I thought it would but as the song says I'm letting go and I'm letting God be in control. I feel that through this I have come to trust God and His power much more than ever before.
I went home for the 4th of July weekend and encountered my first I 65 traffic jam... It only delayed my arrival to Troy by a little more than an hour. ;) But with that I was able to spend some much needed time with my friends for one last time. We went to the movies and out to eat, as well as just hung out around the house. Saturday my cousin got married.. and well that was the most interesting wedding I have ever been to. But my best friend Mary Allison got ENGAGED Saturday!! This was surely a pick me up from God as I was definitely exhausted and ready to be back in Tuscaloosa. To me, it is such a relief to see a well deserving couple get engaged... They will be so blessed! Sunday I ended my day watching the fireworks in Troy with Sean, my family, as well as Stacy and her fiance Jared. Today I packed my car and headed back to Tuscaloosa. I am glad to be back in my apartment, but sad to be so far away from my friends.
The job hunt begins tomorrow! I am applying for many University jobs as well as other jobs that I find around town. I am excited to become a part of life here and I am looking forward to my graduate program.
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