My new life

Life is wild! But... isn't it always? I have successfully completed my first nine weeks of teaching, and I am halfway through my second! Wow, how time is flying.

This week was American Education week and the week was filled with fun gifts and food from our administrators. Friday teachers received "You Rock Because..." cards from students. Students were given the opportunity to write to their teachers.. but it was all volunteer.

A few that I received were simple reminders of why I am a teacher and why I do what I do. For safety reasons... the names and partial messages are removed.

Student #1 "You are the first teacher to teach math all the way, none of my other teachers taught like you do..."

Student #2 "..you rework problems and answer all my questions...."

Student #3 ".... you are not my favorite teacher, but I learn the most from you... my other teachers don't have the classroom management that you do...."

I received many more sweet cards... but these few meant the most. Yes, I am not here to be your friend. I am here to help you learn... and it is good to know that I am doing just that!!

Praise the Lord!

'You don't know me'

Recently I have had varying comments on my capabilities of a teacher... whether it be that I was too nice... that I was too small or anything of that nature. It greatly upset me that so many people felt that I was unable to control a classroom and lead a group of students.

However, I am here to tell you that size, stature, nor level of anger matter in a classroom. I personally believe that I can be nice to those around me, yet still be able to have control and be in charge of a classroom. Mean people make mean teachers... you don't want your child's teacher just being rude.. You want your child to learn.

I have only lived here for two years, and frankly I just have to say the people don't know me well enough to judge my abilities as a teacher. My life before this was deeply rooted in teaching, and even though now I have been in an office for two years, I don't think I have completely lost sight of my goal.

People are so judgemental, and may even judge without the facts. I am sad to leave my job, but excited for what lies ahead. May each of your eyes be opened, and may your hearts be softened to those around you... rudeness or what you feel is blatant 'honesty' is never necessary.

Closing Doors

Today, when I turned in my final exam, I walked out of the doors of Gordon Palmer for the last time. The building that has become my graduate home over the last two years. What an amazing feeling as I took in my breath and tried to breath in all that was around me, as if preserving this memory in my mind.

What a journey it has been. This has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding times of my life. I look forward to where the Lord will lead me from here.

Answered Prayers!!!

God's ways are not our ways... and His timing, is definitely not ours. And sometimes, He brings you through a trial to learn something before He so richly blesses you.

As I have mentioned before... when deciding to come to Alabama for school, Hunter was offered, and promised a contract with ROTC as well as a scholarship for school. Through many heart wrenching moments... All those hopes were quickly washed away and shot down. He got here, started school, and there was nothing for him.

Well, here we are a little more than $20,000 out of pocket... broke as can be..still hoping a miracle will happen. I cried out to God this past weekend, after looking at gas prices yet again... and He has heard my cry!!

Yesterday, Hunter was called to the side, and told a scholarship (and contract) was waiting for him! Today, he spoke with another man, and after some paperwork... it is true. He was given a 'verbal confirmation' and was told all they have to do now is wait on the paperwork.

PRAISE GOD!!! He knows our deepest desires, and our biggest needs. Hunter was desperately in need of this.. for stress relief, among other things!

To God be the glory for this AMAZING blessing!!

The end of Fall 2011

Wow. The semester is over and I came out ok. I got one A and one B. Next semester begins my final semester as a Mathematics Masters student.

This semester has been a tad less stressful than semesters past. Could you say I am finally getting the hang of this? (of course, right before I am finished) The past few weeks have been just as stressful as they could be. I worked and studied, worked and studied.. took out my frustrations on Hunter (yeah... sorry, love!) and studied and worked some more.

Thankfully all my studying payed off, and I was willing to walk away from my last final with a huge smile.

What a journey the past year and a half has taken me on.. it is amazing to look back... see what I have been through, and where I am today. I look forward to beginning a new chapter in this life, as I journey to a teaching job, and life after working full time and going to school. Wow, what a change that will be!!!

I am enjoying a few days, cleaning up around the apartment, catching up on a few things. I also took a nap today after work! :) I am so glad that I planned ahead, and finished my Christmas shopping early. All I had to do was finish wrapping this weekend, and I am all set.

Now, for the rest of the year.. home for Christmas, and then headed to Hunter's home for new years. Working out the last few days of work, and then after the new year, going with the college group from church to Passion 2012.

Wow... it is almost 2012 already?!

It's that time

It's that time of year again... I am stressed.. Finals are looming, Christmas is here and pocketbooks get tighter around the end of the year it seems.

I know I shouldn't stress over such things, and that God will take care of me, even in the smallest of ways! But right now, these are the things that are troubling my mind.

1. Finals - a test and a project... the rush to get them finished, the pressure to do well
2. Money - (Hunter) will Hunter start getting instate tuition, will be be able to find an on campus job that will work with ROTC?
3. Money - (Me) I will be going home for the holidays, and because of the way my rent is due, I will be paying rent twice, within two weeks of each other. I know this will be fine and I can do it... but draining my paycheck two weeks in a row, scares me.
4. Work - things are stressful here, for a number of unmentionable reasons.. Part of me loves this place so deeply... but the other part, is so terribly ready to move on.
5. Jobs - Will I be able to get a job out of here? (Of course, see?? Meaningless worries)
6. PhD - Hurry up and wait. I applied in June, and will hopefully find out whether or not I am accepted in February. What a process... yet, I am rejoicing in the waiting.
7. Friends - I visited a dear friend of mine while home for Thanksgiving... she is so sick, so broken, so battered. Won't you pray for her? It was the worst I have seen her these past five years... and it is so hard to talk about. However, I am thankful that I was able to see her, even if it was just to hold her while she shook from the pain. Lord, bless her.. comfort her... keep her.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. It is a charmed life we lead. We are so blessed... but sometimes we can't even think to shift the focus off of ourselves and to the Father. What selfish lives we lead.

Lord,
Help us to turn to you in times of trouble. Help me to most of all trust you in ALL things. Help me to turn to you, rather than myself or anyone else. Teach me to be selfless, and deny the selfish nature of humanity. Lead me Lord.
Amen.

Football and Chris Tomlin

Friday and Saturday were epic football days. This weekend created BCS chaos and I had a great time watching and being a part of it.

Hunter and I attended my last home football game as a Master's student. We will see in January if I continue on for the PhD. Yep, you heard right. I have applied for my PhD.

Here's a picture from before the game got started:

My hair is a little wild because of the wind... but whatever. Haha. If you have been following the blog for a while, hopefully you can tell that I am trying to grow out my bangs. I have a new haircut in mind, and maybe I will be brave enough to book that appointment before Christmas. :)

Right before this picture was taken, I received a text from my cousin Tori, asking me to go to the Chris Tomlin concert with her Saturday night. It was the last night of the 'If Our God is For Us' tour, and featured Louie Giglio and Christy Nockles. What a great night! I was excited that Tori was able to get free meet and greet tickets and we were able to meet Chris Tomlin! It was a fun filled, whirl wind weekend. But I had a great time.

I will leave you with my favorite quote from the concert:

I don't have it all together, you don't have it all together. But we have a God who holds us together! ~Chris Tomlin

Praise the Lord!!

Proof that I am a nerd.

When you play random get to know you games people always ask, what is one thing I couldn't know about you just by looking at you? If Donna isn't around, I usually use the general cop out of, I am a twin. But, more interestingly enough, I am a nerd. True story.

If or when you met me, you would probably never guess I was a member of a 4-H meats judging team. What is that you say? I would most easily define it as: if you and I were to walk into a grocery store together, once upon a time, I could tell you all about the meat at the counter, from what it was, where it came from and how to cook it, all without the labels being on the package. Also, given four of the same pieces of meat, I could rank them from best to work, and give you exact reasons why.

So I was looking around on the internet and found the results from the National Contest in which my friends and I represented the state of Alabama, and placed 5th nationally. In this contest I, as an individual, placed 10th in the nation. Yes, I am a nerd.

In this contest, I messed up on one class (or set), very badly. And therefore dropped to tenth place in the rankings. That one class... kept me from doing better.

Yet, why do we do this to ourselves as humans?

I can also remember the one B, an 89 to be exact, that I made in English freshman year of high school that kept me from being Valedictorian.

Again, I ask... why do we do this to ourselves? Why keep records of wrong doings and dimish what are in fact, great accomplishments? There is nothing wrong with being 10, why, out of a nation of people, that is pretty good. And, what is wrong with bein Salutatorian? Absolutely nothing.

I blame it on me being a perfectionist, and striving for the best all the time.

Accepting who we are and the great things we do. Having value in ourselves, that is something that all girls struggle with. Something I stuggle with, and something I am continually working on.

Our Lord and God made us, and made us just the way we are. It is our imperfections that make us perfect. Our traits and attributes that make us who we are. Yeah, so I am a nerd... What have you got?

Be proud of who you are!



Psalm 139:13-14
New American Standard Bible (NASB)


13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.

I just want to GRADUATE, (again)!

Wow... this week has been a whirlwind.

My advisor here makes me sick, like... when I have to meet with him I have a nervous break down and feel the need to throw up.... sick. He is rude, and never really helpful.

When I went for my final semester of advising I was a NERVOUS WRECK, to say the least. But, I got the classes I wanted, and he actually filled out my graduation paperwork with me. This visit was not without another very uncomfortable conversation about my money and marriage, or lack there of. But, I was happy with my classes, so I left with a smile. It may have been I was just glad to get out of there... Only time would tell.

This was about a month ago. Here I am this week, trying to register for classes and lo and behold... one of the classes I had been advised to take, was no longer being offered. No notice, no warning. Just when I searched for the class to register, it did not exist.

After a whirlwind of emails, to which my advisor never responded, another teacher told me I would have to wait until the summer to take the course and graduate then. I thought, this can't be happening... I have worked so hard... done so much... I emailed a few other people, asking what my options were. I was desparate for answers.

Finally on Wednesday I was emailed with an alternate course to take, after emailing my advisor again, and copying the chair to the email. I thought I was safe! However, when I tried to register for the course, it said I didn't have the prerequisites.

I was frantic. I emailed the professor and after discussing the prerequisites with her, I had more than enough. The prerequisite was statistics... Um, hello? Math major calling!

Again, I thought I was safe. She told me to expect an email from her Office Associate when it was clear for me to register. Upon receipt of the email, she had opened a spot in the wrong class for me. Again, my heart sank.

After a long discussion and a friendly bond created from one office associate to another, the mistake was corrected and yesterday, I finally finished registering for what will be my last semester as a math major! Thankfully, I emailed the graduate school and none of my already processed paperwork has to be redone.. another burden off of my shoulders.

Praise the Lord for His infinite blessings! His hand was definitely all over this situation! Even though it was a bumpy ride, I am going to make it out with my Masters degree!

I honestly can't wait to get out of this math department. It is the source of all my woes during the past two years, mainly due to my poor advisor. I have put in an application for my PhD in Higher Education Administration, and I am still waiting on the results from that and whether I am accepted or not. We shall soon see.. I should get my letter sometime around February 2012. And I look forward to seeing what God has in store. Regardless, beginning in January, I will be putting applications in to schools all over the state. The journey may take a big jump, again. And I can't wait to see what happens.

Oh, Happy day!

Lately, I have been in a slump. I am sick, tired, worn out and exhausted. These feelings have become a part of my every day life, and I am slowly learning to cope with them.

The past few weeks however, I have let the rude comments and remarks of others get the best of me. My main love language is 'Words of Affirmation' and I take what people say and do to heart. I know I shouldn't, and that I don't need to worry about things like that... and that is something I work on daily.

Last week, I just couldn't take it any longer, I took off work after lunch and made the journey home.  People had been rude, my student worker hadn't done his job, and I was stressed with school, starting to get sick and OH so tired.

Side note: My student worker never does his job, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Unfortunately on top of his usual laziness, last week, he neglected to do a weekly report that he has been doing for the past two years. Nothing out of the ordinary people, no special demands. No extras. So, at 11am as I was working to get everything I needed to do for the rest of the day finished, my boss asked about the report. I frantically finished a seven page report in one hour. It wasn't the fact that I had to work frantically to get it finished, it was the fact that this kid has all week to accomplish this.. and come Friday he hadn't even started. Anyways....

So, after a very stressful morning, Hunter and I began the journey to my hometown. Friday night we celebrated my high school homecoming. ZC beat NB for the first time in 5 years... and we won homecoming! It was definitely different being back there... but it was good to see some old faces.

Saturday we had a lazy morning with my family and traveled to the Troy game and watched my sister work with the band. My dad was loading hay for a man in Texas and I took the opportunity to show Hunter around the property. We watched my dad load hay, and I took him through some of the fields. That city boy was amazed! He had a great time watching the cows and being in the great outdoors. The Troy game was an interesting one. Things are different and it is weird just sitting and trying to watch a game, as opposed to being in the band. We left during the third quarter to watch the Alabama/Florida game and were very happy to celebrate wins for both of my schools! Go TROY and ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Sunday, was an adventure in itself. Hunter came to church with me... mind you, Hunter is a big city, mega-church kind of guy. So it was interesting bringing him to my down home country church! But, I think he enjoyed it. :) We had lunch with the family and then traveled back to Tuscaloosa.

I cleaned up, unpacked and worked on homework until late into the night. Hunter and I got into our first fight of our relationship.. and it was all over a miscommunication! HAHA! He was so sweet... as I was angrily unpacking he walked up behind me turned me around and just hugged me. (JUST like in the movies!) I cried I was so angry, and because I was so happy to have him there, and to know that one little fight wasn't going to ruin us. He is truly a blessing.

So here we are... back to the daily grind. I hope you each have a wonderful week, filled with many blessings!

Chaotic Afternoon

Yesterday, my afternoon turned to utter chaos. I was having a hectic day at work trying to get things done before the start of classes today. Hunter was able to come back with me on Sunday rather than driving down on Monday like originally planned. This threw a wrench into my surprise party planning... but thankfully it all worked out.

Here at UA I have an assigned advisor and a research advisor. My assigned advisor is very disorganized and rude. It makes me sick to have to go see him every semester.

Yesterday, I received an email from my advisor saying that he had been looking at my transcripts and that I must meet with him, that afternoon. After a series of emails discussing that I have to work and could only come at a certain time.. we finally found a time.. and the sickness was on. I was red hot stressed and physically nauseous. Yeah, I know... but he bothers me that bad.

After I got off of work I went by picked up my books and headed to my appointment. He was actually in his office at the time he said he would be and I was shocked! (Last time I waited for over an hour for him...) We met and discussed a lot of things, he said a lot of hurtful things and then completely redid my schedule, literally the day before classes start. After discussing this with an old friend who assured me it would all work out, I went to see my research advisor and tell him what had happened. They each have differing opinions of what I should take. My research advisor is who I trust, someone who remembers my name, and took the time to get to know what I wanted to do with my life, etc. My advisor can't even remember the name of the undergraduate university I attend, all the while hurling insults in my face about it.

Unfortunately, my academic advisor is who signs off on my graduation, so my research advisor and I were forced to comply with his wishes.. completely changing my schedule. Side note: My academic advisor had no suggestions for me on what to take this fall back in the spring when I met him for advising... that is why my research advisor scheduled my classes.

So, I went down to the computer lab, registered for the new list of classes that I was supposed to take and then returned to the secretaries to turn in the books I had just received and get books for my new schedule.

As I was walking out to my car, it hit me. No matter how crazy this seems, how scary it is to go from a plan you have had for a long time to suddenly throw that out the window.. God has a plan. This plan has been the theme of my life, especially since moving to Tuscaloosa. I have experienced the worst of utter chaos, and here I stand to tell about it. This, class change, was just another bump in the crazy road called life. God gave me and absolute calm and a sincere peace that He was turning things upside down again to protect me. In the end, God will provide and His provision is all I need.

I thought that was then end of my troubles for the day and I went to my apartment to get things ready for the party. Just when things couldn't be any crazier, the person who reserved the club house for me didn't do it correctly and I was out of a party venue. My sweet roommates agreed to frantically clean the apartment and have everyone at our apartment. Gabby and I were sure Hunter knew about the party... and that there would be no surprise.

To make another long, crazy story, short... Everyone made it to my apartment fine, there was plenty of food and fun, and Hunter was totally surprised. :) I am so thankful for my church family... what an amazing night, and Hunter was so thankful. We were able to celebrate him graduating, coming home and his birthday while he was at basic. What a great night.

In the end, God is our healer and provider, and no matter what chaos may be thrown our way... it all will work out, just the way God planned. PRAISE THE LORD!!

10 days!

Wow... it has been a whirlwind past few weeks.

Last weekend my college group at church went white water rafting and camped out at the Ocoee in Tennessee. It was GREAT! I had never been rafting before... and it was a marvelous was to experience God's creation.

Last week was finals week. I took my final on Friday morning. By the grace of God I am finished with this four week class. It was definitely tough. The class went so fast, and we had so much homework every night. Fall classes should seem easy after this July term!

This weekend I went home to be with my family for the last time before school starts. This coming weekend I am working move in for work and the following weekend I will be in Arkansas with Hunter!! HOORAY!

Mom and I went shopping for the tax free holiday and had a good time just spending some time together. I got four great pieces that are very versatile and two new pair of shoes for work/every day. I don't have an over abundance to spend, and even if you do, key pieces that work in multiple ways are ALWAYS a good idea. I am proud to say I got everything I bought on sale, PLUS an extra percentage off!

I was also able to spend time with an old friend of mine that I haven't gotten to see much over the past year. It was nice to catch up, and to know that things between us haven't changed. Never have I known someone to go through so much, yet still take care of others before themselves. I am privileged to know her, and I praise the Lord for her.

I am looking forward to a semi-relaxing week ahead. I have two weeks off before school starts back. I hope to get my apartment cleaned, get caught up on some things I haven't had time to do, and just take a little time to do something for me.

Next week I get the ultimate vacation of a lifetime! I will be traveling to Arkansas, then Missouri for Hunter's graduation. 10 days left... oh how I can't wait to see him and spend time with him! We are so blessed to have come through this journey together. And I am so thankful for God placing him in my life. What a blessing.

Summer Session

Summer session II has officially started. Yesterday I began my new schedule of working, leaving for class, and coming back and working again. I will still have my twice-weekly meetings with my research professor on Monday's and Thursday's too. So... I have expanded my schedule from 6am-3:30pm to 6am-5:30pm... then I get to do my homework... and my research.

Last night I was very diligent, went home, ate dinner and then began working away at the 4 sections of homework that were assigned in today's class. At 9:30pm I finally looked up and knew I couldn't do it anymore... my back was sore from being hunched over my books and I was exhausted. Four hours straight on homework.. and I only got through the first two sections. Hoping that this isn't a sign for the next four weeks.

Since this is a summer course, it lasts for the next four weeks.. and our first test is Friday. Yeah, class started.. YESTERDAY! But anyways. The pressure of a four week class is on, and I am praying I am up for the challenge.

I have been reading and hearing a lot, through bible study, radio and other means about resting in the Lord. How people today in our society just don't rest, or honor the sabbath. I decided after the tornado, at the Women's conference that I would try to make this a spiritual goal of mine. The message Angela Thomas brought was on being weary and worn out, and how God offers us rest.

My schedule and lifestyle isn't conducive to rest. I work, go to school, go to church, maintain a daily bible study, and write letters to my soldier friends. :) Needless to say, there is no room for error in my schedule, and no time for fun either. Good thing I enjoy the life God has given to me. :) We as humans are so focused on time, not having time, gaining time, or using time.. when in reality, God created just enough, if not more than enough for us. We must just focus on how we use that time in order to make the best of it.

Many people may not agree with what I am doing with my life, and many may not understand. However, my motto is "Nothing easy is ever worth it." and I know that through hard work and perseverance I am leading my self to a better life down the road for me and my future family.

I praise God for His grace and blessings to have this opportunity, and I thank Him for it. He has given me infinite mercy in times of trail and He has grown me and blessed me in ways I never thought possible. Praise God!!

It is my prayer today that no matter how 'busy' we are, that we learn to take that time to rest in the Lord. This is going to be a Journey in itself for me. But I believe that God keeps bringing it to mind because it is a necessary changed needed in my life. I pray that you would spend some time self reflecting.. 'for all have sinned..' Compared to the world's standards we are all great people, but that isn't our benchmark. When comparing ourselves to Christ we all fall short. I pray that God would reveal the sin and shortcomings of our lives to us, and to move us and change us and bring us away from those things. I pray for continual growth in His spirit and wisdom. I pray His blessings, grace and mercy upon you. And may all the glory be given to God!

Phone call!

YES, I said... PHONE CALL!! Last night we were having a blast during the closing ceremony of Bible school. It has been a hectic week, but a great one! The kids have been so cute... and the workers did such a great job! I was helping with audio/visual and was working the sound board each night. Last night, just as I muted the singers and got ready to close things down for the last song, my phone started vibrating. It was a call from a 573 area code... who in the world?? I know no one with that area code... My first instinct is always to not answer when I don't recognize a number... but then it hit me. HUNTER?!? Wait, it can't be Hunter... but, maybe? I picked up the phone and said.. Hello? And, much to my surprise, and my amazement.. Hunter's voice spoke on the other line... I was speechless. LITERALLY. The connection was poor and it was hard to hear him.. but he was there! It was so good to hear his voice! I haven't spoken to him since the week of reception, right after Mary Allison's wedding, a little over a month ago.

We were only able to speak for a few minutes.. and he called his parents for a few minutes too. His mom and I spoke on the phone afterwards, sharing what he had told each of us. Be in prayer for those guys and girls. They need it. Praise the Lord for those willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

God knows exactly what you need, right when you need it. After a rough week at work and a fun, but exhausting week at Bible school.. hearing Hunter's voice was just the boost I needed to make it another month. I met for the first time with my research professor yesterday... Wow. I am excited, yet overwhelmed. I have a lot to get done... in a short amount of time.. but all my hard work will pay off. This weekend is officially dedicated to research, but that is ok.. I am excited for the opportunities that this will open to me and the experience and learning what I will and can learn from it.

Praise God for His infinite mercy and blessings! Thank you, God!

Breakdown

Ok so... this week I almost had a breakdown. School has started back and I am feverishly working on my research, while working, and continuing to help in the Tuscaloosa recovery efforts.. among the every day life things... I am so proud to say that Tuscaloosa is beginning to rebuild. 'We will return' signs are being posted, I saw a home actually get a new roof and so much debris is being cleaned up. My mother asked me yesterday... "How does it look?" I simply told her.. a disaster, but it is getting better. If you saw Tuscaloosa for the first time, it would knock you off your feet... but for those of us who have been here since April 27th, progress is being made! Praise the Lord!

Hunter has been gone for a month now. It has been a month (WOW, a whole month) since we have actually spoken or seen each other. Time has passed quickly overall... but some days really drag. I have been blessed however, in the fact that he writes me every day. Now, due to mail carriers etc. I don't always get them each day... the funniest thing is when I get a whole bunch in a day. This week I hadn't received any mail. I was disheartened, but blamed it on the holiday weekend. It was the longest time that I have went without receiving correspondence from him. Yeah, yeah, gag me. I haven't heard from the boy in a week. I know, I am super gagarific right now. But yesterday, much to my delight, I received 5 letters. I was overjoyed! I couldn't contain my laughter as I pulled each one from my mailbox. Who would have thought, letters... Don't get me wrong. I LOVE getting mail. So when Hunter told me that the only way we would be able to communicate was through letters I was somewhat excited. However, it has taken some getting used to in our fast paced, 'I want it now,' society. It takes the letters an average of three days to make it from Ft. LW to Tuscaloosa and vice versa. So as I write him and he writes me, it takes a little while for a conversation to actually get going, and to finish. It is so good to hear from him, and the letters are truly a blessing. What a treasure to have when I am older. No matter what happens in our relationship... Handwritten letters, what a legacy to share with children, grandchildren and family who will be completely immersed in the digital age!

The first set of letters I received, no return address... so I couldn't respond for about two weeks when we finally received his address. When he came down after the Tornado, he brought and extra set of dog tags for me to have. Isn't that sweet? I still can't believe he drove through the night, from Arkansas to Alabama.. just to make sure I was ok. But enough on that... haha. I can't complain about missing him. I knew what I was getting into from the beginning. And I have to say, that I am completely blessed by this situation. I am learning  to lean on God and trust Him more through this.. and that is invaluable.

As for school, thankfully I have a BEST FRIEND who majored in English in college. Praise the LORD for Mary-Anne!!! Me, being a math major, equals not good at writing papers. This summer I am doing my research.. hoping to be a published mathematician in the end of it all. And it has been crazy. One of the articles I was asked to read was 85 pages. When I get home from a long day of work, I definitely don't want to sit and read articles. But, I worked through it, and got my first paper submitted, (after Mary-Anne's careful combing through my grammatical mistakes) and my professor reviewed it.

Here is what he had to say:

You have done a great job on the paper. As you work through the comments and edits that I have done, I would like you to focus on making this a complete article written to help mathematics faculty understand these courses. Particularly those faculty who have not had much experience dealing with teachers, but are now told they will be teaching a math course for elementary teachers.
........
I think that this by itself could easily be published in a less research intensive journal and would make a great start to your masters project.
 
PRAISE THE LORD!!! My hard work, tears... frustrations and confusions.. I actually did something RIGHT! I can't wait to continue working on this paper, and to start actually meeting with my professor to work on it. Right now we are doing email correspondence since he is out of town. Wow, what an opportunity... and to now know, I am headed in the right direction! God provides, protects and blesses. Even when we think nothing is going right... He is working behind the scenes in our favor.

 

Praise the Lord!

Finished!

I can't believe it! I am finished with my first YEAR of graduate school.

It was so much harder than I thought. Working a full time job and going to school isn't the cake walk that I planned it to be... but it is great! There were times when I didn't think I would make it through... But the Lord is merciful and gracious, and I have!!

After the storm, the University of Alabama terminated the semester as of April 27. The end of classes, finals and even graduation have been cancelled. The Spring graduates will now be attending the Summer graduation. Grades were to be posted as of May 10th, as is. If you didn't like your grade, you could request to take your final. Wow, what a roller coaster this has been!! In what may be the LOWEST and WORST GPA I have ever had... I have decided to accept my B's and run with them. 3.0, never in my life... and while inside I am disappointed, the stress and magnitude of what has happened over the past week causes me to just go with it. My brain is so scattered, my life a whirlwind... I am just thankful to be done, so, I will take all of my B's knowing that in the end this is what's best. God has taken away the stress of finals, He has answered my prayers. His answers aren't always what I want them to be... but I rest assured knowing His ways are so much better than mine. Praise God!

This is an amazing journey that God has brought me on. He has changed my plans, and through following Him the desires of my heart of changing. As I continue to grow I hope that I grow deeply in the Lord and that I continue to become closer to Him.

So, I continue with school starting back May 31. I am completing my research the first half of the summer, and taking Complex Calculus the second half. Hunter left for Basic training and AIT today, and will return in August. I am excited for this amazing journey God is taking me on.. and I am so thankful for how much He has blessed me!!

Date night

Good Morning to all! I haven't been able to update recently due to school being so crazy... However, I have a few things to catch you up on. About two months ago a young man who goes to my church asked my college minister to let him get to know me. I was very apprehensive at first... but after hanging out with him and the college group several times I found that he was a nice guy, and if nothing else... it didn't hurt to be friends. So I stopped completely avoiding this guy and three weeks ago he asked for my phone number. Starting that Monday we have texted and talked on the phone non-stop.

Friday night he took me on the best date I have ever been on. Wednesday night he asked if he could take me on a date on Friday. I told him yes and that was that. He worked all the details and told me everything would be a surprise. :)

He picked me up and we started driving. Me, not being from Tuscaloosa.. had no idea where we were going. As we turned on the road he asked if I could guess where we were going. Unfortunately, with my poor sense of direction, I didn't have a clue until we pulled into the parking lot. He took me to Cypress Inn, a beautiful riverfront restaurant with a great atmosphere and beautiful views and landscapes. He had reserved a table overlooking the river, and the view was spectacular.

This is a picture of the restaurant I found online... if you look at it, coming from the left of the picture, we sat at the third window from the end... near the corner. :) What a view. I had blackened tilapia that was just amazing! I can't wait to try my hand at a few tilapia recipes.

After dinner we again started driving... me, without a clue. He took me then to All Fired Up. A place where you can create, paint and fire your own pottery. it was fun picking a piece of ceramic and painting it just how I wanted it. I can't wait to get them back this week!!  It was so fun just creating whatever you wanted.. they even allow you to print out pictures so you can stencil them onto your ceramic. WHOA. I definitely started off with something simple... I just painted a cross.. and of course I painted it blue and green.

After this the night's surprises were over, and he asked me if I wanted to go watch a movie. It was having so much fun I didn't want the night to end. Saturday, after I went home to be with my family for Easter, he called and asked me to be his girlfriend. At first I was hesitant, but we discussed many things and I am at peace with the decision to say yes. He will be leaving for basic training in two weeks, but after that he will be here for good. He has promised to write me letters, and I can't wait. Honestly, how cool would it be to have letters to show your grand kids? People hardly ever write anymore... and I am excited for this opportunity to do so.

This week I am preparing for finals... I have a final Monday, May 2nd and Thursday, May 5th. I am starting to study this week... and hope and pray that I do well on each of them. I am stressed, but I know that I am blessed. Mary Allison's wedding is just around the corner!! Oh how much fun we will have. So.. here's to the next two weeks of non-stop craziness. I pray each of you have a blessed week!

My 100th Post

Wow. I can't believe how time has flown... It has been almost a year since I moved to Tuscaloosa and changed my life forever. Many things are different, many people have changed and most of all... I am changed. Praise the Lord for leading me through so much.. Carrying me... holding me... and growing me.

I have been super busy, as always, with school and work.. especially as the semester is coming to a close. I am very excited for things to come in my life and I can't wait to share them with you.

Some lessons I have learned over this year:

1. Sometimes, you need to be taken out of your comfort zone so that the blessings of God can be poured upon you.
2. Most friends aren't true friends... there are very few that will stick through it all with you.. and not blame you for being you. It is that true acceptance, and true friendship.. that is worth it all
3. Coping with loss is tough, things will come your way and things happen every day that reminds you of 'what could have been' However... we each much realize that we are so blessed. God doesn't bless everyone the same... but He blesses everyone equally.
4. Family, no matter how frustrating... is the greatest gift in the world.
5. A church home makes even the toughest move bearable. I don't know what I would do without my church.. they make this place home.
6. Not everything is all you cracked it up to be... and not everything is a small as you write it off to be...
7. Be still and know, that He is God
8. God knows just what you need, when you need it.
9. Answered prayers are so abundant... wow how the Lord has worked.
10. People aren't always what they seem... but if you take the time to learn to deal with them... you can show them the love of Christ through you.
11. When you feel hopeless and alone, God is there. And when you take the time to know that He is there... He will heal you.
12. The Lord will grant you the desires of your heart... it just may not come in a way that you expected it to.
13. The peace of the Lord comes when it is a God thing.. He will never lead you to disobey his word.
14. Everything falls into place when you are seeking the Lord and His will first.
15. Wait patiently, the Lord hears your (and my) cry. WOW! what a message... I love learning to wait on the Lord!

I couldn't imagine being so blessed. God has put my dreams into place.. worked through His plan... is healing me and working in me. I am so thankful for Tuscaloosa, Rodgecrest Baptist and the Univeristy of Alabama. My job, my friends, my church.. everything up here is great. It was defintely hard coming here, uprooting life.. but in the end God knows what He is doing... and I praise Him for it every day!

Spring Break 2011

WOW! What a great week I have had, and thankfully it isn't over yet! I just can't brag enough about how great my job is.. I mean, not many working professionals can say they have spring break.

Last week was super stressful with tests in all my classes! However, I feel that I did well on all. What a great way to start my break! Donna came to Tuscaloosa on Friday and went to the Alabama vs. LSU gymnastics meet with me.

I left for DC on Saturday morning. Thanks to my SAI sisters I was able to be dropped off and picked up from the airport! Thanks Tori and Erin! I made it in to Virginia a little after 5pm, Mary-Anne picked me up from the airport and we went back to her home. We had a wonderful dinner and finished a great night with many episodes from season one of Glee, accompanied with popcorn. Considering I never have an ounce of free time it was great to just sit back and watch a little TV. Sunday, we went shopping! :) We started out at TJ Maxx, of course and found some great deals! Then, we fulfilled a recent obsession of ours. Anthropologie has many great outfits and such cute clothes, however they are EXPENSIVE! One thing on Mary-Anne's bucket list was to own something, even if just a hair accessory, from Anthropologie. So, off we went... After looking around the store and loving everything we headed to the clearance room. We each found a skirt on clearance to try on, and then picked a few things from the store to try on. After much fun and many great looks, we made a deal. We would buy our clearance item, and a full price item, ONLY if we loved it. As we tried on outfits we found that we loved most things.. but we stuck to the plan and each got our one clearance item and one full price item. After all, with the stress of school and work, we deserved it!

Here is what I got:

How cute are these skirts!?! They are work and everyday appropriate!!

Sunday night I was able to have lunch with and meet, Charles... And I am so proud that he and Mary-Anne have found each other. What a CUTE couple!

Monday I went in to work with Mary-Anne and was able to hang out at the House of Representatives while waiting for my tour of the capitol. I had a great time hanging out and my tour was AMAZING! I also got to sit in the House Gallery, which was beautiful. Being able to see what my vote enables was an amazing adventure. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the U.S. botanical gardens. I took many pictures of the beautiful flowers and just had a great time walking around. You can see all these pictures and more on my facebook. :)

Tuesday I had another tour, this one of the Supreme Court building. It was interesting to learn about the Supreme Court and browse the history and sit in the courtroom. Wednesday Mary-Anne and I were fortunate enough to have an appointment to meet and get our picture taken with Martha Roby, the Alabama, District 2 representative. She is so cute and was so nice!! We were even able to ride the elevator with her as she went to cast her vote. It was great just chatting with her, talking about her putting on her makeup, and the fact that in high school, she dated my boss!! :) She was so nice, and not just 'You are my constituent I will be nice to you', GENUINELY nice.

Today I took the metro with Mary-Anne to the Airport, and then flew back to Alabama.. then I drove the rest of the way home. In one day, in a span of less than 12 hours, I have traveled by train, plane and automobile!!

I have had a blast so far on spring break... and have a few more things left to do. I am home to see my family for a while; then traveling to Birmingham to see the SEC Gymnastics Championships. Finally, I plan on having a day of rest and church back at my apartment. I am so glad I was able to pack so much into this week, and it has been great, and will continue to be. Praise God for such a wonderful week!!

Times are changing

Even though I am a morning person, I don't usually look forward to when we 'spring forward' in the spring. However, since I have started my job making the morning drive in pitch black has always been a little different for me. I am so fortunate to have a job that I ABSOLUTELY love!! And, praise be to the Lord, I am a morning person.

Life seems a little brighter, literally and figuratively, when I wake up at 4:30am, get ready, and walk outside to see the sun beginning to rise. It makes me so happy to have the joy of the Lord shining through another day. I praise Him that the sun is rising on another beautiful day.

Life has been a struggle here lately, but I have the joy of the Lord and that is what keeps me going. I have a saying that I love, ''Nothing easy is ever worth it." And how true that is. Life is hard work, school is hard, but in the end it will all be worth it. I have my final test of the week today at 11am. Hopefully, all will go well.

I am so thankful for the many blessings I am surrounded by, some being my job, my church, the opportunity to be in school, and so much more. Life is good because the Lord has blessed! Next week is spring break, so I will have more time to post and catch up on a few things, HALLELUJAH to the LORD!