Unrealistic Fears

I have an unrealistic fear of bugs.. ESPECIALLY roaches.

This morning, I woke up at my usual time (4:30am) and went into the bathroom... I started the water for the shower, and was washing my hands when I noticed something moving. Mind you, I just woke up... I have no contacts in, no glasses on... So if I can see something... it is BIG.

I was freaked, so I ran out of the bathroom, grabbed my glasses and went back in for a look. Sure enough, it was a roach. So I go to the kitchen and grab the roach spray... I was freaking out. I tried spraying the roach, but it just kept running... It ran behind my hand towel and I thought, here is my chance. I grab a shoe, and slam it full force flat on the towel, trying to cover as much as possible to maximize me actually squishing the roach. To my demise, out the roach ran... AHHH!

When I say I have an unrealistic fear, I mean... my mom has recommended I get counseling for how afraid I am. However, I am not doing that... because I know they would just put me in a room with a bug and make me deal. NO WAY!

So, I am trying to be as quiet as possible not to wake my roommates at such an unreasonable hour. But after my two attempts to kill the roach... I just can't take it anymore. I am completely freaking, being hysterical and sweating.. like, sick nasty, rolling down your back you have sweat so much, sweating.

I get my phone and call Hunter... and after explaining what is going on, he comes to my apartment, at 4:45am to kill the roach. Praise the Lord for him! He then cleaned out my bathroom so that I knew it was safe to take a shower, and I then got ready for work.

Praise the Lord for him! Today, I am so thankful. I don't know what I would have done without him being able to come help. Yeah, I know it is sad.. but there are just a few things that I can't handle. Roaches being #1 on my list.

Do you have something you have an unrealistic fear of? How do you deal with bugs when you are home alone?

Just call me 'Anna Clare' (Embarassing Moments) 2.0

Hunter was kind enough to purchase three Army themed shirts for me while he was at basic. When deciding what to wear to church Sunday night... I chose one of the shirts. This overjoyed Hunter, and his mind immediately devised a plan.

Hunter wanted to match to church. The shirt I had chosen was also one he owned. I thought, oh my.... I laughed and told Hunter I never wanted to be 'that couple'.... and that I laugh at couples who do that. So then, we made it a joke. How hilarious and out of character would it be?!

So he went home, changed into his shirt and a pair of pants almost the same color as my crop pants. When he got out of his car I thought... oh my goodness.

Some of the people at church loved it, others were, well... just plain rude. But in the end, we had fun being the crazy couple we are. As we were singing in church I 'sang' the words 'everyone is looking at us' to him.. and it was all we could to to keep from laughing. Our college minister was dying to take a picture, but we escaped her. ;) Before the sermon got started, I wrote on the back of Hunter's sermon notes, "Matching, a twin's worst nightmare."

Something I have avoided all my life, because I am a twin, is matching. When Donna and I would walk into the bathroom wearing the same thing, the one who put it on first got to keep wearing it.

We had a hilarious night at church and had a good time making those around us laugh. However, I was super embarrassed at times, and I am so glad we don't have picture proof! :)

Cell Phones

Have any of your every changed your cell phone number, or lost all of you contacts in your phone?

When I moved to Tuscaloosa my poor cell service became significantly worse. Yeah, that's right... it went from bad, to worse.

Over the course of the last year and a half mom and I had been talking about me moving plans and getting my own phone line, outside of our family plan. It was a big jump, and would add a bill to my monthly financial costs. I researched and calculated and researched some more...

In the end, there was an overwhelming need for me to have a phone to communicate with my family, especially if there was an emergency.

So, I went and talked to a sales representative and then later that week, bought a phone, a plan and signed a contract. Overall, it has been a great decision. I am proud to boast I am one of the few people that can actually use my phone in Bryant Denny. ;) HAHA!

The night after I got my phone, I sent a mass text message to all my contacts, telling them my new number and asking them to text me their names... you know, the usual 'help-me-fill-my-contacts-list' message.

Here comes the awkward part. My mom took my old phone, and it is now hers. I included that in the message, but of course, not all people responded or payed attention. No biggie, just hilarious and awkward. Every now and then my mom will forward me a text... and of course, I have no idea who it is.. Then there is the awkward time when I text someone, and they don't respond, because they probably have no idea who I am.

In the end it is quite funny... and I have most of the numbers I need in my phone and a list of my old numbers typed up at my desk so that I can research the anonymous texts I receive. I always feel bad replying, 'I am sorry, I don't have your number saved... who is this?' I only have a few numbers memorized, and I wish I had more....

Do you still memorize people's phone numbers? Does it bother you to awkwardly reply... I have no idea who you are?

May your day be filled with many blessings from above.

Game day

So, I am a fan of Alabama football, and have been, all my life. I believe that tried and true fans only exist in those who have experienced a true game day... the drive of the crowds on the quad, and the atmosphere of Bryant Denny looming over you.... it is majestic.

My roommates sister sent us some Sally Hansen nail strips from California, because the houndstooth print is so hard to find here in Tuscaloosa. So, since I wanted to procrastinate from homework, I decided to do my nails for the game.

Before I got started I watched this tutorial.

I laid out all the things I would need and opened all the packages.. I also read each direction. Yeah, I am a loser. I must say these were a lot easier than I expected. I was terrified it would be a one chance to place the nail and boom... you are destroyed. But I was actually able to pull up and replace the pattern if I didn't like where it landed the first time. :) YAY!

My only problem was having to use a nail file and cuticle stick... both of those things really bother me... Again, I know I am a loser... so I had a little trouble with that. If you have no problems using a nail file and cuticle stick GO FOR IT!

I put a clear coat over the top because I felt they needed it to 'seal' properly and not just peel right off of my nails. So, overall this was simple and fun... and made for a great game day look.

I have heard these are pretty expensive, and I am so thankful that Gabby's sister bought them for us! I had fun trying them. Unfortunately, I washed dishes and cleaned after I put these on.. I don't know if that contributed to the few mess ups I now have or not.. but the box says they last up to ten days.

I look forward to starting painting my nails more often. I have found many blogs and many cute tutorials. After years of band and sports I have never really painted my nails, and was never allowed to. I have painted my toes and tried various designs on them before, including an infamous confederate flag and American flag, when I was in high school. HAHA! So, here goes another new exploration, learning to paint my nails (and make it look good!).

These lovely Toms completed my houndstooth ensemble. I love the purpose of Toms, and when I saw these I just couldn't get them out of my mind. GREAT game day shoes!


ROLL TIDE!

Keep breathing

What a beautiful song. This is God's song for me right now... school is in full swing, I am working like crazy, and life is passing quickly. I am tired, worn and weary... Praise the Lord for His mercy and that He will get me through.

Feel free to listen to this song here.

KEEP BREATHING LYRICS - KERRIE ROBERTS


 
You wait in darkness
For answers that you can't see
You know what you deserve
And your wondering why your life is
Not what you thought it should be
When the knife breaks
Your heart still aches
How can you face the day
You just

Keep breathing
you'll make it
Don't give in
You're not done yet
Sometimes all that you can do is
Keep breathing and believing
Don't let go
Just hand on tighter
A little longer
When you feel like your dying
Keep breathing

Don't give up
Don't give in
No you're not done
Don't give up
Don't give in
Don't let go

When every moment
Is almost more than you can take
You've got to know some
Tomorrow will bring you a breakthrough
Is the reason why
You got to get through the today
When the knife's gone
You will be strong

Keep breathing
You'll make it
Don't give in
You're not done yet
Sometimes all that you can do is
Keep breathing and believing
Don't let go
Just hand on tighter
A little longer

With every breath
You're bringing hope
You're letting go of all your doubts
When nothing is easy
You got to keep going
Even when you don't know how
You don't have to know how, no

Keep breathing
you'll make it
Don't give in
You're not done yet
Sometimes all that you can do is
Keep breathing and believing
Don't let go
Just hand on tighter
A little longer

Keep breathing
you'll make it
Don't give in
You're not done yet
Sometimes all that you can do is
Keep breathing and believing
Don't let go
Just hand on tighter
A little longer

Keep breathing
Don't give up
No you're not done yet
Don't give up
Don't give in
Don't let go
No you're not done yet

ROLL TIDE!

Alabama's home opener was this past Saturday. I had a great time spending the night with Heather and going to the game with some friends from church. This was mine and Hunter's first football game together. ROLL TIDE ROLL!

After the first quarter I offered to go to the concession stand with my friend. To make a long story short, she was very sick, almost passed out and we ended up spending the rest of the game sitting against the wall of the stadium and in the EMS room.

Thankfully after some medical attention she felt much better... just got a little too hot. We then went to the quad at the end of the 4th quarter and then back to her place and continued to watch the rest of the SEC games on TV that night. I had a wonderful Saturday spent with great friends!

Abundant Blessings

This week I have been struck by so many blessings. Hunter and I are having a great time getting to know one another IN PERSON. There were times when I wondered if the bliss of the letter writing would still be real when he got home. Praise be to the Lord that I can say, he is. Hunter is a true blessing.

Now, this post may be... as my besty Mary-Anne and I say... "gagarrific" but I felt the need to post a little about how great God is and how He is blessing me.. especially in the small things.

Have you ever wanted something so badly, and never thought you would get it? You may think of big things, or little things.. maybe even random things. This may seems sad to you, but I take great joy in the small things in life... so here goes.

REWIND: Hunter brought me lunch to work, the week before he left for basic, and it was really sweet. It was the first time we ever hung out together.... so I guess our very first informal date. He texted and asked if I wanted to have lunch with him, when I told him I could not because my lunch break is only 30 minutes, he said that he would bring me something. I was overly flattered, to say the least.

Back to the story: New blessings...

1. Hunter continues to bring me lunch on random days. It is so sweet, when he gets out of class he shoots me a text and asks what I would like for lunch.
2. Hunter made my bed for me one afternoon, funny enough that he made it just like they make them do at basic (he is still a little brainwashed) but I was just thankful that he did something to help me! :)
3. One Sunday after church we went to his grandparents house for a visit. I had slipped my shoes off at the house and was just enjoying our time there. When it was time for us to leave, before I could even think, Hunter had my shoes in his hands and was putting them on my feet, Cinderella style.
4. Hunter killed a bug in my apartment. For those of you who know me, I am deathly afraid of bugs; so this, my friends is a BIG DEAL.
5. Hunter randomly stops by to visit me while at work. To me this matters because he drops in just to say hi, or see how my day is going. I have longed for a friend/companion who cares enough just to stop by. It really makes my day.
6. Hunter comes to my apartment on Wednesday's and makes sure I am ready to be at church at 7. I go at 7 for choir practice, and the college group meets at 8. Hunter comes to church with me at 7 and just sits around, just so that we can go to church together. It is a wonderful feeling having someone who wants to lead and having someone who wants to go to church with me.

Ok, so I will stop being gross and sappy. HAH! I hope and pray that all the small blessings in life become fully evident to you throughout the rest of the week and the coming days. Praise be to God for he blesses us beyond our imagination!

Just call me 'Anna Clare' (Embarassing Moments)

Just call me 'Anna Clare'. HAHA! Do you get embarrassed easily? I definitely do. Part of it has to do with my naivety and how gullible I am. When embarrassed, my face turns red as a beat and my skin gets hot. I cannot hide my emotion, and it is very obvious.

Times like these has been the source of a good laugh for many people for many years. And so, occassionaly I would like to share a moment or two with you.

Today I want to share an embarrassing moment of Hunter's, that directly involved me. Surprisingly I was not embarrassed at all and laughed it off. However, his eyes grew as wide a saucers and he continues to apologize.

Last Thursday Hunter and I stopped by his grandparents house for him to change out of his ACU's for the BCM Church tailgate. This was the first time I was able to go over there with him, so we took the opportunity for me to meet his father's parents.

Since Hunter returned from BCT/AIT we have laughed at the fact that he is bad at introducing me. I think he just honestly isn't used to me being there and he is still coming off the brain washing. Not that he won't introduce me, he just waits a little bit into the conversation to finally say, oh by the way, this is Keri. HAHA!So no biggie, if I don't remember the name of the person I am speaking to, I am not going to try to awkwardly introduce you either! ;)

Anyways, back to the story. Hunter and I walked in to his grandparents living room and he said, Hey, this is Anna Clare. His grandmother questioned and when I realized what he had said I was shocked and then doubled over in laughter! His eyes were as wide a saucers and he immediately apologized, said he had no idea what he was thinking and reintroduced me as Keri. HAHA! Whoa.

This has been the joke of the week when something goes wrong. Just call me 'Anna Clare'. Hunter and I returned to his grandparents on Sunday and he successfully reintroduced me, as Keri. Wound mended, time table restarted.

Have you ever done something complete mortifying?

I feel that this is the beauty of God's grace. We are human, guess what!? We aren't perfect! So many people judge so quickly and look so harshly at others when something goes wrong. However, how many times have you made a mistake today? Often times it is an honest mistake. Deal with it people, you are HUMAN!

Praise be to God for the forgiveness of all the times we wrong Him, whether we mean to or not. Praise God for His infinite mercy.

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!!

Hunter's graduation

I had such a great time traveling to Arkansas, staying with Hunter's parents and then traveling with them to Missouri for Family Day and Graduation.

It was a great experience that I will not soon forget. Family day was interesting because we were allowed to spend most of the day with our soldier, yet he wasn't allowed to do anything. So, we just sat around post, ate and chatted. These boys are like zombies... it will take a while for them to get back into a normal routine after 16 weeks of basic training.

On graduation day we got all dressed up and waited for our soldiers to arrive. They marched into the theater shouting an Engineer cadence. What a sight. So many proud new soldiers, and many more proud families and friends.

After graduation while waiting to be reunited with our guys, Hunter's mom looked to me and said they each looked like zombies. And she was right. We learned from Hunter that they had been awake since 3:45 that morning... wow. Every last one of them was sleep deprived and worked to near death. I am sure they were glad to be done.

I spent another two days at Hunter's parents with him, getting things done and just being lazy. It was a great and much needed vacation. Short and sweet.. but so happy. I am glad to have Hunter back in town and look forward to many great things this semester.

ROLL TIDE!