It's 12:00 AM

My phone just lit up with an announcement:

 "It's your wedding day!" it tells me.

Could this be true? Is it really here? I pinch myself and feel it. I look around the room: empty closet, no more suitcases or boxes or things lying around. Just one piece of luggage by the door with a brand new luggage tag that says Anna McCullouch. But I think it's the white dress hanging from my closet door that is the most convincing. It really is here. I really am getting married- today!

I've been waiting on this day for so long. Not only throughout our six-month engagement, or even our four year relationship, but almost my entire life. I began praying for my husband when I was in middle school. I prayed for a man after God's heart, a hard-working, gentle, kind, smart, patient, playful soul that complemented me in every way. And tonight that very man is just a few miles away looking up at the ceiling of a hotel room thinking about me. 

Every ounce of humanly love I possess is tied so tightly around his heart. Neither of us have a single doubt God has brought us together. And tomorrow we will come together before Him with our families and friends to commit our lives to one another from now until the very last breath escapes our lungs. I have searched the files of words stored away in my brain and with each thought of Travis I can only ever settle on one: everything. He is everything I need, and together we will be able to live our lives united in the way God intended. 

The day I've been waiting on for what seems like an eternity is finally here. And tomorrow we will truly become one in marriage. 

Happy just doesn't seem to cover such a feeling. 

Happy Birthday to me.

nine.

One of them: I'm getting married in 9 days. 

I haven't posted recently because honestly I haven't been able to put my thoughts into words. I'm so anxious, so excited, a little nervous, and beyond blessed that I have found such a perfect partner to ride out the rest of this life with me. God always promised he had something wonderful in store for me, and this couldn't be off to a better start. 

In other exciting news, I got my braces off yesterday morning! So relieved to have that taken care of. Now I can smile even wider on the big day. A few hours after I got those suckers off (and had my teeth filed- yikes!) I had bridal portraits made. I so so so want to put a couple of shots he took on here, but I'm traditional enough to not want everyone to see me before I walk down the aisle. However, I'm sure I'll be bombarding a future post with as many photos as it will let me load.

Speaking of loading, I am getting up early tomorrow to load my car with a last load of wedding gifts and housewares and heading to Southaven. I'm looking forward to seeing Travis- it will be the last time until he comes back for the wedding! This is such a surreal feeling, and I wouldn't trade it for anything...

Goodnight.

a prayer

Ephesians 3:17-19
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lords holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled with the fullness of God.

new level of productivity

If you're checking in today I would like to first welcome you back after a week of.. well.. nothing, and second I'd like to say I'm not sorry about it. Had I been posting daily activities and thoughts, you would have been getting a lot of this everyday:

 

Shots of my lounging-around buddy and enormous amounts of watermelon consumed.

I like to look at it as though I spared you from the monotony. You're welcome.

 Now, onto a regular post.

1. I was making an exchange at Victoria's Secret, rummaging around in a drawer for the correct color, when a sales lady sweetly explains to a young teenage girl and her mother behind me where to find different bra sizes. When the girl tells the sales lady her size, she points her to the correct drawer (the same one I'm currently making a mess out of), and the girl's mom says "poor thing, she hasn't gotten any bigger yet". I'm sorry ma'am, but that's my size, too. Not sure why she has such high hopes for her daughter's bust.

2. Skype. Travis and I have been Skyping almost every night, and I will never get used to seeing myself in that little webcam. 

1. Rae-Anne and Lara Beth threw me a beautiful honeymoon shower last weekend. I couldn't have asked for a more thoughtful gesture or a better time spent with friends. 

2. Yesterday I took a loot of wedding gifts up to our new apartment and was able to be there when Travis walked in from work. I missed that boy so much. We got a yummy Memphis BBQ meal together before I headed back home. I hope the next 9 days pass very quickly until I see him again.

3. One of my best friends is getting married this weekend! (you can find her over at keen sense of kenne) And to top off the excitement of her wedding week, she and her future mister closed a deal on a house on Tuesday- the same day she found out she got a job. How perfect and exciting for both of them. I can't wait to celebrate this weekend!

4.  In a measly 30 days I will be forever bound with the rest of my heart. I am truly blessed.

Let Go

Here I am to welcome Friday morning. These early hours are so quiet, it's easy for my thoughts to drift toward my other half. He's a mere 102 miles from me at this very moment, but it feels like a lifetime away. 

Thirty six days from now I will be sleeping (or not sleeping) in this very bed on my last night as an unmarried girl. Calling myself a woman is scary, but I suppose that's what I am. A woman at the beginning of the next phase of her life, wholly and completely reliant on her God despite the world's insistence that she prepare for the future herself, "just in case".  

I've been praying so hard lately to have the faith it takes to put every ounce of trust I have in Him. To not just "know" he will take care of me, but live my life in such a way that leaves no room for doubt. If I truly trust him to take care of my tomorrows, I must not make plans for them. After all, they may never come. I must give all I have and all I am to today. And let me tell you, that's a scary thought. To store up things for myself, even for my family, in the future, is to say "God, I think you'll take care of us when the time comes, but just in case...". That also hinders me from taking what I am given today and giving it back to his kingdom. We are called to not worry about tomorrow. I worry about what will happen when I retire at 65-70, so to forget everything after the end of today is very challenging.

It's a very personal decision to make as far as what amount of preparation you might consider to be a lack of faith. However, I challenge you to step back and evaluate your decisions. Are there things you are saving for later, things you are storing up for yourself so that when the time comes, you will be taken care of? Let me just say, insurance companies and 401Ks are worthless when compared to what God can do when you trust in Him and only Him to take care of you. 

Now here comes the hard part: letting go.

Luke 12: 13-34

The Parable of the Rich Fool

¹³ Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
¹⁴ Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” ¹⁵ Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
¹⁶ And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
¹⁸ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. ¹⁹ And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
²¹ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Do Not Worry

²² Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life^[b]? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
²⁷ “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! ²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

long time, no post

I've been a busy bee the last several days. 

I wound up my week by training two wonderful girls to take over my position in the office. I have faith that my trusty highlighter is in good hands. 

Friday I moved home. For good. As in I don't live in Starkville anymore. How strange! Of course, I will be going back at some point due to the fact that my stereotypical girl packing issues resulted in one last pile of stuff that wouldn't quite fit in my car. And at the moment I am living out of storage tubs and crammed-full old boxes we picked up for the move. But I must say, it is nice being home.

A close friend of mine tied the knot on Saturday. I wish I had taken a picture to share with you, Kristen was an absolutely stunning bride. Today she is somewhere in the Caribbean, having a blast I'm sure. 

Wedding festivities continued yesterday as Travis and I had a premarital counseling session with the minister, then with a bridal tea hosted by my home church. Think we got enough stuff?

We are so grateful to the ladies who hosted such a lovely shower, and I loved being able to see everyone from my hometown. It wasn't long after we loaded up to come home that Travis left to go to Southaven. It may take some time to get used to that being home, especially since I won't join him for six more weeks. But he got settled in and prepared for his first day of work. He got off a few minutes ago and I'm anxiously awaiting a call about his first day.

I've spent most of the day hunkered down with this little guy making calls and checking things off my to-do list. I got a lot done and I loved the company. 

Here's to a week full of good morning snuggles and home-cooked dinners.

Have a great week!



oh yeah... 40 days

via

weekend recap

Let's all give a warm welcome to Tuesday, the first day of my work week thanks to Memorial Day. And might I mention that today my last Tuesday at work-- woo hoo Summer!!! My departure is long overdue (3 weeks to be precise) and I'm looking forward to getting a little rest. 

My Memorial Day weekend was particularly wonderful this year. Saturday I traveled to good ole' Ripley for a wedding shower for one of my dearest friends from high school. And when I say high school, I mean kindergarten. Ellen is getting married in November and I am so excited for her. I loved spending the day with so many of my favorite people;  I am so grateful to have been surrounded by these wonderful girls for most of my life.

Sunday was my last day to pack for the move. So, naturally, that's when I did pretty much all of my packing. By the end of the day my room was disassembled and I began thinking back to that day in August 2009 when my parents moved me in. What a wonderful chapter the last three years have been here in the Hollow. But now I'm on to bigger and better things. (Really, it's smaller and just different, but you get the point.)

The sun rose a little too early yesterday as we began loading our 16-foot moving truck a little after 7am. But after only about an hour of carefully and strategically fitting pieces of our lives into the back of the truck, we were on the road. A short time later we were all moved in to our new apartment. That's right. It's ours. [And it's only 2.22 miles from my job- score!!] Of course, I won't actually be living there for about two months but it's so nice to have somewhere that will be our home for the next year or so... while we are looking for a home... it's a process, people.

Now just four more nights of sleeping on a palette on my floor stand between me and sweet freedom. Cue the party music.

Awkward and Awesome

1. Last weekend on the beach I learned two things: 

1- I will not/ can not read 50 Shades of Grey. I am uncomfortable hearing about its contents even second-hand.

2- The next time a guy tries to "pick me up" at a bar and is not fazed by my engagement ring (or my braces), I will casually lead the conversation into one about my virginity. I've never seen a guy stand up that fast. 

2. The manicotti at The Red Bar is one of my all-time favorites. However, that amount of cheese on an empty stomach is not my favorite. My stomach got pretty angry at me.

3. There is no graceful way to peel off a layer of your skin after a sunburn. My chest is absolutely molting. 

4. It is a universal truth that I am attracted to the loudest Wal-Mart shopping carts. And they have a bumpy floor in the lobby so I don't really know if it's loud until I'm in the middle of the shampoo aisle. At least everyone knows I'm coming.

1. I got to look at this for four days:

2. We made some big check marks on Tuesday. I picked up my "Full Time New Hire" packet with all my official hiring paperwork. Yay employment! Travis and I also signed our lease and started moving things into our new apartment! (by things I mean a box of books and a crock pot, but it's a start.)

3. I have the best neighbor ever. Yes, Travis, but more recently his roommate Thomas. One night last week when Travis was still at home in Madison, I was on the couch watching Gossip Girl minding my own business. Then, out of nowhere, a cockroach the size of a small bird flies into the room. It suddenly became apparent to me how these things will survive an apocalypse: that hard shiny armor and a look in its eyes that screams "I will hunt you in your sleep." I called Travis, and after about ten minutes of him trying to devise a plan for me to capture it and another ten of me sitting on the table vowing not to approach it, I went next door and got Thomas. A minute later the mutant bug was circling down my toilet drain and my goosebumps were starting to disappear. I don't do massive bugs, y'all. 

BIG shoutout to Thomas for saving my life.

4. I've actually made a dent in packing up my things for the move. If anyone has any extra boxes I am taking donations:)

5. 51 days.

...

I promise.

So this is what summer feels like...

I took off three days this week for some much needed down time. Yesterday, I came to Birmingham to babysit this little guy while my sister is on vacation:

So far the two of us have been basically useless, but it's been pretty wonderful. 

Tomorrow I'm making the drive back to Starkville... then to Jackson... then to Destin! Starkville to pack, Jackson to have a mini Travis visit and meet up with friends, then Destin for one of my best friend's bachelorette getaway weekend. 

Travis has been home since before Mother's Day, and let me tell you, I'm not making it too well without him. Monday night in Starkville consisted of me lounging on the couch and getting my Hulu fix. So needless to say I'm looking forward to some real human interaction with someone other than Lawrence the cat or my coworkers. 

Here's to a fabulous girls' weekend and Travis coming back on Sunday!

.

jumping on the bandwagon

Is this really happening?

Am I really doing this? 

I'm afraid so.

I'm jumping on the bandwagon and adding an "Awkward  and Awesome" segment to the blog. And this is the point in which I should credit where I got the notion to do so, only that would require me listing about twenty blogs/bloggers, and I don't really know who started this little idea. I considered calling the segment only "Awkward", since most of my life fits into that column alone, but I've got some pretty awesome things coming up that I just can't leave out.

1. So I'm sitting at the front desk in our office, filling in for someone taking a lunch break. A young man swings open the door, runs to the desk and asks "Do you have a pencil?". I didn't. But he seems to be in a hurry to write down whatever it is he needs to write down, so I offer him a pen out of the tall cup on the desk. He says "Thank you!" and runs out the door. Um... you mean you didn't just want to borrow it? Alrighty. Well that wasn't my (awesome sharpie) pen. I'm just  glad he didn't ask for the stapler.

2. It's pretty much been summer lately as far as weather goes, and I like to keep some windows open to let the breeze flow through the apartment. However, with the breeze comes the flies and gnats. I was cooking on the stove with a spatula in one hand and a fly swatter in the other. (They may have actually been in the same hand at one point- don't really want to think about that.) One particularly elusive fly landed on the counter. I SWIIINNNGG.... and miss. Not only did I miss the fly, I missed the counter completely. Spacial awareness has never been my thing.
Just fyi: I did finally kill the fly, but I don't know where it fell. I bet you're glad you aren't eating at my house.

3. I've been using Jillian Michaels's Killer Buns and Thighs video. It has several 30-40 minute workouts that really make me feel like I'm working. But after catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I noticed don't exactly look like the girls on the video while I'm doing these moves. So now I strategically position myself in front of my full-length mirror to make sure I've got the form down. I really hope no one walks in while I'm watching myself thrust my pelvis into the air.

1. Almost finished addressing my invitations! (3 weeks before I need to mail them, I might add)

2. I get to pick out my own graduation gift from my department. Score!

3. I'm getting my braces tightened today (trust me, this is awesome because I only have a month left)

4. Last night Travis and I made a late night trip to get milkshakes. Totally worth nullifying my workout.

5. Tonight I get to go to a worship concert put on by our friend Luke who is singing in our wedding. He is performing at a benefit to help his brother who is adopting a baby boy from Taiwan. You should go.


Well would you look at that... my week has been more awesome than awkward!

summer... lift

You can find this wonderful little workout here. The site includes all the videos and instructions you need.
You can thank me later.

Summer Butt Challenge

This challenge is designed to tighten, tone, lift and reshape your butt. You might ask:

Is this challenge easy? “No”.
Will I be sore? “Probably”.
Will it be worth it? “Definitely”.
How much time will I have to dedicate each day? “20 minutes or less”.

Sunday

100 Butt Burns (50 each side)
100 Prisoner Squats
30 Side Lunges – 15 reps each leg
30 Walking Lunges – 15 reps each leg…light weight dumbbells optional
50 Side-Lying Leg Lifts – 25 reps each leg…leg weights
____________________________________________
Monday
Interval Training – 4 circuits of the following routine (here we’ll be doing seconds rather than reps)
6 x’s 40 seconds = 4 minutes x 4 circuits = 16 minutes total
Step-ups – 30 seconds each leg; rest 10 seconds after each leg (use a flat bench or stable piece of equipment approximately 2′ off the floor)
Prisoner Squats – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Stiff Legged Deadlifts – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Butt Blaster – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Heel Clappers – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Leg extensions – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds…ankle weights optional
___________________________________________
Tuesday
100 Butt Burns (50 each side)
100 Prisoner Squats
Glute video (90 Bridges; 40 forward lunges each leg; 40 leg extensions each leg…leg weights optional)
___________________________________________
Wednesday
Rest/Recovery
___________________________________________
Thursday
100 Prisoner Squats
30 Side Lunges – 15 reps each leg
30 Walking Lunges – 15 reps each leg…light weight dumbbells optional
50 Side-Lying Leg Lifts – 25 reps each leg…leg weights optional
___________________________________________
Friday
100 Butt Burns (50 each side)
100 Prisoner Squats
Glute video (90 Bridges; 40 forward lunges each leg; 40 leg extensions each leg…leg weights optional)
___________________________________________
Saturday
Interval Training – 4 circuits of the following routine (here we’ll be doing seconds rather than reps)
6 x’s 40 seconds = 4 minutes x 4 circuits = 16 minutes total
Step-ups – 30 seconds each leg; rest 10 seconds after each leg (use a flat bench or stable piece of equipment approximately 2′ off the floor)
Prisoner Squats – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Stiff Legged Deadlifts – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Butt Blaster – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Heel Clappers – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds
Leg extensions – 30 seconds; rest 10 seconds…ankle weights optional

.

Just a little reminder.

wedding snapshot

Just a little snapshot of how the wedding planning is going:

scenery

Just returned from a walk around campus. I walked maybe two miles in about twenty minutes, including going up three flights of stairs and finding an office to deliver some paperwork. (It's still a work day, people.)  It was  nice having the balmy Mississippi morning air add just the right amount of moisture to my hair so it starts to look... fuller, I guess, is a nice way to put it. But it was good to get out of the office and take in some beautiful scenery. Scenery that I only have one more month to enjoy. 

I'm starting to get a little sad about that, but the closer I get to saying goodbye, the closer I get to beginning my new life, and I'm anything but sad about that.

Psalm 3:3-4

Dear Anna

In the spirit of winding down the semester, I thought I'd do a little thinking about my future. I borrowed this little idea from Kelsie over at The Overflow. 

Dear 35-year-old Anna,

     If you have moved in the past thirteen years, I've hoped you've landed somewhere warm, somewhere surrounded by friends and close to people you love, preferably with a Target nearby. If you are still teaching, I hope you love it of course, but I really hope you're good at it. If you ever get bored with it, remember starting grad school where you took as many classes as you could before entering the classroom and vowed to be a lifetime learner for the sake of your students. Remember your granddaddy and all the fun stories he told you about teaching- keep trying to be like that.

     I am sure your house is a model of organization. You plan your weekly meals on Sundays, everything has a designated home, you make time to exercise and even blog. Okay maybe not. But hopefully (and maybe with the help of Pinterest if it's still around) you've at least found some bargains on great pieces of furniture and know how to correctly arrange your pantry. 

     I truly hope that you are loving being married to Travis. I hope you are giving him the attention he deserves because I have a feeling he still loves giving it to you. Dote on him, laugh with him, feed him, and give him everything you have in you. I hope you are looking at 22 and laughing about how nervous you were about the honeymoon, but still just as excited about spending tomorrow and everyday after that with your best friend. If you two have children, I hope you are doing your best to embarrass them. Make them laugh, make them feel completely and utterly loved, and make everyday a blessing. Teach them biblical truths and the reason why we're all here. And make sure they have a dog.

Most of all, if nothing else, I hope you are buried in the love of Christ. I hope you seek his guidance with every decision you face and every trial you encounter. I hope you spend time everyday with your Creator to anchor your faith before facing such an uncertain world.


And don't forget all the little things you've learned so far:

In third grade you talked too much on the first day and weren't able to sit by your friends all year. Make a good first impression.

In middle school (and high school and college) you always waited until the last minute to do things and I promise you do not work better under pressure no matter how many times you tell yourself that. Don't procrastinate.

In 7th grade you wrote a very beautiful essay about the cafeteria. You've won awards and have been published. You can still do that, you know. Don't forget the things you're good at.

On several occasions you've let opportunities for success, fun, and friendship pass you by because you were too afraid to say something. Don't be afraid. Take initiative.

In 2008 you didn't show your true feelings for the boy you'd spent your life waiting for because you didn't want to be vulnerable. You almost lost him. Let yourself be vulnerable.

In 2010 you wrote a letter to your grandfather telling him how much he meant to you. Two months later, he died, and you were so glad he got to read that. Tell people how much you love them while you still can. 

You know, a lot of people have gotten away with a lot more. But God doesn't let you get that far before straightening you out. He's not picking on you. He's preparing you. He has something in store for you and is keeping you in line. Trust him.

one fun summer

     Last night I went to a graduate class for the last time. So weird! ( OK, so I actually have three more to take, but I will be teaching and they will be online.) 

     The only thing standing between me and my future is a little online exam due by Monday. After that it's the beach, wedding showers, the beach again, moving, Travis's job, more showers, friends' weddings, reuniting with other friends, my birthday, my wedding, my honeymoon, a couple of weeks down time, one last summer wedding, and beginning my first year of teaching. There may never be another time in my life where I have this much stuff going on- and it's all so wonderful!

And to top it off we are upon my favorite time of year. It's so warm. You know, the kind of warm that instantly lifts your mood as you walk out the door in the morning, when the sun seems to kiss you and wish you 'good day'. And in the afternoons you can see this outside my bedroom window:

      Of course if I didn't already have spring fever, this would seal the deal
. 

I am so excited to begin what may be the most exciting summer of my life. Not only to be surrounded by the people I love, but to share it with you as well. I am so fortunate to be able to share my joy with all of you, even though for the most part, I have no idea who actually reads this.

Get comfortable and stay for a while. This is going to be one fun summer.

pb&...

If you know me, especially in college, you know that I've had my share of peanut  butter and jelly sandwiches. And if you know me better, you know that jelly on one slice and peanut butter on the other doesn't cut it. The trick to an even better pb&j is mixing.

Heaping serving spoon of peanut butter, full soup spoon of strawberry jelly or jam.
Use a fork to mix, spread across bread.

Takes maybe 2 minutes longer this way, but trust me, you'll never go back. I feel sorry for those who still top each slice and smush them together. Just as I pitty those who try to make toast with jelly or cinnamon in a toaster instead of a oven/toaster oven. But that's a whole lesson for a whole other day.

If you want to spice things up, peanut butter and banana (yes, all mixed up before applied to bread) is a yummy way to do it. However, I'd like to introduce you to a little friend you may not have tried: Peanut butter and strawberries. Not strawberry jelly or strawberry jam...  real sliced strawberries. Here is where my philosophy is different. You don't have to mix these up. Just slice and put on your bread! I know it might seem a little weird, but it really is wonderful.The comments box is always open for thank you's after you try this out.

You're welcome.

the call

     I got the call yesterday at 3:21pm. It only lasted about 3 minutes but my how gratifying it was. 

     I was offered a job! A job I really want- one I think I will just love. All that's left is signing the paperwork. 

     I won't get into specifics yet because I'm not sure of everything myself. Right now I'm just reveling in how relieved I am. First interview. Bam. I know that even if it had taken months and tons of interviews at tons of schools, it would have been part of God's plan. But I sure do love it when his plan unfolds so quickly. 

     Now that I finally know (more specifically) what I'll be doing, it makes me think back to the beginning of it all and why I decided to become a teacher in the first place. It wasn't that long ago, but I've come so far. Read about it here.

This calls for brownies.

Is it really Tuesday? Has it really been 5 days since I blogged? I'm afraid so. 

My interview on Friday went wonderfully! I'm extremely excited to hear something soon, but I'm afraid it may be a while. Travis and I enjoyed the weekend celebrating his brother's birthday: the big 22! And now I'm back to work (and school- can't forget about that), and I'm extremely anxious to be finished. I only have 4 more classes total- woo hoo!!! (but about a month of work, boo boo)

OK, back to Etsy, I've got some more ordering to do!

banana rama

Ahh what a Thursday it has turned out to be. 

Thanks everyone who responded to my cry for help yesterday, and if anyone else is interested, go ahead an hop on.

In other news, I just returned to my room to clean my face after an impromptu banana peel fight with Travis. I had just eaten a banana, he had a little something on his lip, so it seemed natural for me to wipe it off with my hand... only there was a banana in my hand... so I wiped it off with the banana. Of course this just got banana all over him, so he decided it was an even better idea to throw it at me. Gross banana tickling ensued, and I finally escaped to the kitchen. Typical. 

Also, I have a second interview tomorrow! Woo hoo!

help a girl out

Alright, blog family. I need your help!

My boss is looking for someone to replace me when I leave my assistantship in May, and right now I am filtering through resumes and applications. I know that I will be training whoever we hire, and I REALLY want someone good. So if you know anyone (good worker) who is in grad school here, or may be starting this summer, please send them my way. They can facebook me or email me or call me; please just find me.(Comments work, too.)

Job details you may want to pass on: work 4 hrs/day, pays 71% of tuition plus monthly stipend. Any major can apply, and we'd like you to stay a full year. And as you can tell from the way I usually talk about work, it isn't demanding and usually allows time for me to complete all my schoolwork. 

I look forward to hearing from all you wonderful grad students out there!

right direction

On the way home this weekend I captured this neat little image.

Heading for a huge gray mass with blue skies behind me, I thought maybe I was going the wrong way. But I was definitely headed in the right direction, and I enjoyed spending the Easter weekend with my family. My mom and I even got some wedding tasks accomplished... yay! 

But let me tell you, each day that passes is longer than the last. I don't know how I'm supposed to make it almost 14 weeks. Please, someone, wake me up when the waiting is over!

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. .

Romans 8:25

100 days

So after dropping several buzz words and chit-chatting educational jargon, I think I did really well in my interview on Tuesday. The interviewer told me in no uncertain terms that I should be looking forward to another interview soon! I feel so much better about this "future" thing looming over my head. It might just turn out right.

Today marks 100 days until our wedding!!We're just over halfway there!

Travis and I have been working diligently on our to-do list. We finalized all of our travel arrangements for the honeymoon, yay!! I get so caught up in all the planning aspects of things I keep forgetting that we will soon be lounging for a week in the Caribbean- check out our resort! I guarantee you I won't want to come back... but our passport only allows us to stay 6 months...(sure, that's why we have to come back)..

Until then there are still severalllll things on my big list, but Etsy is helping me accomplish several of them, and it isn't quite time to work on others. Pinterest, on the other hand, may be working against me. Sure, I found some wonderful pictures to show my florist, but I also found a neat little embossing tool (that is now sitting in a usps box in my room) that I absolutely do not need. Hopefully I will be able to restrain myself in future pinteresting endeavors. Right. 

Going home this weekend for some long-awaited-for Easter food and family time. 

Happy Three Day Weekend!

today is a big day

     Today I have an interview with the only real place I want to work. 

I slipped some jeans on with my blouse, and my skirt and heels are waiting on me in the car. (I'll report back on how awkward I look changing in there.)     

     I've got fresh copies of my resume printed out and tucked neatly into a folder. I've consulted friends and professors then overstuffed my brain with answers to every possible line of questioning. I'm telling you, I know my strengths and weaknesses, my philosophy about teaching, how my own experience is  beneficial, how I plan to meet expectations, and of course, why I want to teach.

     Surprisingly enough, I'm not that nervous. I have prayed about it (and will continue to do so until I walk in the interview room), and I know the outcome will be just what it should be. I also know that what I think I want isn't always what I need, and I have to trust that God is taking care of everything for me.

monday rumblings

    Today has begun as one of those days when it took me just a little bit longer to realize I was, in fact, awake when my alarm went off at 6:30am. But I came to, dressed warmly (my coworkers must be having hot flashes), and even made it to work early. I sat down at my desk to pull up the outline for my paper that is due tonight that didn't get a second thought this weekend (oops). Then I felt that familiar little grumbling in my stomach, opened my bottom desk drawer and- nothing. 

My box of pop-tarts is empty! 

    I swear I don't remember polishing off the box on Friday. I eat one every day and always replace the box when I empty one. Not this time. At this very moment I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. The last thing I ate was an 80 calorie yogurt 12 hours ago and it will be 4 more until I can get lunch.(first world pain, I know) So I suppose I'm headed to the kitchen for some ice water to tide me over. 

Merry Monday, everyone. Here's to it keeping you on your toes.

Yes, it is Friday night.

And yes, I am sitting at home... reading blogs. Oh what an exciting life I lead. 

But I've got a full stomach, a clean room, and Travis right here beside me ready to find a treasure on Netflix. This girl will be happy right here... every Friday night from here on out. Doesn't get better than this folks.

ok it does. I'm not eating a brownie. but seriously that's the only thing that would make it better.

Happy weekend everyone!

buns of envy

Today is Thursday. But it's one of those Thursdays where it feels like a Friday and you feel good about it, then you realize it isn't and are disappointed. Yeah, that's today. I finally managed to push myself out of my extra comfy bed this morning around 7:15. I had 15 minutes to pull myself together and a shower was not part of the plan. Hopefully I can address that this afternoon. But I know those of you who read this don't tune in to read about my bathing habits, so I thought I'd share the probable root of why I was a little slow this morning: a little something wonderful I have recently discovered. 

These videos are my new favorite way to work out. Using a video to work out is a must for me, because if I try to do it on my own I tend to, you know, stop. Videos keep you engaged and motivated, and these are my favorites. And one of the best parts is that they are free! 

You can access all the available BeFit workouts here. 

Of course these are my choices because they target the area my body seems to love to hold on to. It's like an unspoken certainty: toast lands jelly-side down, and all food goes to my upper thighs and back end. Supposedly Dr. Oz has a miracle vitamin supplement for women of all body types, including mine, but if I remember correctly, it includes a diet with buckwheat, and I don't feel comfortable eating a cute Little Rascal's character.

Try  out a video or two and see how it goes. At the moment, I can actually feel my butt muscles ( yay, I have some!) And the trick to finding something that works is finding something you're actually willing to do. 

TIP: If these videos are on my level, anyone can do them.

Good Luck!

proof in the pudding

Travis and I grilled burgers Friday night and the domestic vein inside me wanted a banana pudding. Not the cafeteria add water kind, either- the real stuff. So I called my mom for my great grandmother's recipe and after a quick trip to the grocery store I was set to go, making the dish for the very first time.

My family isn't quite as stingy as KFC so I thought I'd share the recipe. My only advice is that you eat it all within 3 days of making it or it will get mushy... not that you'll have a problem doing that.

Disclaimer: all pictures are from Travis's kitchen and have a horrible shadow. Please forgive the apartment lighting.

Ingredients:

*note: this is not an exact science. eyeball it.

2 1/2 to 3 cups milk

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 Tbs flour

2 eggs

1 Tbs butter

sprinkle of vanilla (1 tsp or less)

vanilla wafers

bananas

In a medium-large pot, combine sugar, flour, and 1 cup milk with eggs beaten in. Then turn the heat to medium.

Add remaining milk, butter & vanilla.

Here comes the fun part: STIR. You will need to stir constantly so the mixture does not stick. And when I say constantly I no not mean check on it every couple of minutes, I mean stand there and let your arm get tired.

It will not start to thicken until it starts to boil. Of course this takes a while when you are constantly stirring, but it will happen, I assure you.

Do not expect a pudding thickness. Half of the thickening is done on the stove and the other half is done in the fridge, so you're looking for a thick, creamy liquid. 20 minutes of stirring should do it.

Remove from heat, continue to stir for a couple of minute while the pot starts to cool.

Now you can start creating your dessert!!

I start layering with bananas.

Then pudding.

Then cookies.

 I like lots of cookies so I did three of these layers.

I used 4 small/medium bananas and about half a box of cookies. You can proportion these ingredients however you like.

When you're done, put a top on the dish and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. I prefer leaving it in there overnight to let the flavors blend.

So there you have it. My weekend homemaking attempt. It turned out pretty tasty, too. 

And I'm getting my  braces tightened today so that may be what I eat for dinner!

Enjoy your Monday!

sphere of influence

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

1 Corinthians 10:31

    This is such a familiar verse for most of us. One of those you see retweeted on Twitter that either gives you a momentary fuzzy feeling, or prompts you to keep scrolling past because you've heard it a million times before. But is that all it is? A go-to verse that is meant for statuses and canvas art? 

    Hardly. This verse comes from a passage written by Paul about not only how we should live, but the power of our influence on others. {1 Corinthians 10:23-33}

    Paul starts out by telling us that while something may be lawful or allowed, it is not always good for us or beneficial to others, and that we should be concerned not for our own good but for the good of others. Then he gives an example of eating meat sacrificed to idols. God allowed this meat to be eaten because regardless of its use in false worship, it is of the earth and made by God to be good for food. However, during this time, many were still living with the belief that such feasting was wrong. So if we are in the presence of a weaker conscience (or, non-believer) and it is made known that the meat was from an idol sacrifice, we should not eat it, even though we are allowed. While it is okay to eat, it is not okay to violate someone's conscience, or to cause them to view you as a law-breaker.


    Today, this example can be paralleled with many situations we can be faced with. For college students, this might be drinking alcohol. Maybe you don't drink all that much, and when you do it's just a little. But take a moment to consider your company when you do. If you are among others like you, be mindful of the law and have a great time. However, if there may be an unbeliever among you who is unfamiliar with your habits, but knows you are a Christian, reconsider. There is nothing about the simple act of eating or drinking that glorifies God. What does glorify God in these things is how we show our concern for others, even sacrificing our rights in order to seek another’s best interest. Or perhaps, should we buy from businesses who will then use that money to support sin (e.g., homosexual agenda)? You’re simply buying a product; you can’t control how they choose to spend their money.. But what if your decision will cause someone to stumble? 


   Think about how you may be influencing others. Even if you are following the law, be aware of the perceptions people may have and make an effort to set a good example.

I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:33

www.ourmastersvoice.org

go fish

Happy Spring! Second day in and so far it's been a good one. There was regular coffee brewing in the kitchen this morning (someone has been making decaf for a week-- pointless), I submitted my info for a job interview in two weeks (eeek!), AND I've started getting gifts from my registry (this is getting real, folks).

Yesterday at mentoring I took Johné a birthday present- she turned the big 0-8 during Spring Break. I had a bag filled with play-doh, a friendship bracelet kit, a ruler (she needs practice) and milk duds for her chocolate-loving little self. She said "How did you know to get me play-doh?" This made me smile because I knew she liked it. THEN, she asked "Why didn't you get me a big ring?" Oh the honesty of the young ones. I just told her that I couldn't find one pretty enough, and maybe the Easter Bunny could do better. Then we played a card game- where she changed the rules every two or three minutes and magically won every hand. Wow she is good at that game... go fish!

yes, it happens

I broke down and took Friday off... and it was (almost) the best decision I've ever made. The 3 day weekend was so desperately needed.Of course, it is Monday again and I have a lot of research to do today, but first I thought I'd share a little of my week with you.

1. It's not everyday that you see a presidential candidate at church. Pretty neat, Mr. Santorum.

2. I stocked up on "teacher pants". You know, for that job I don't have yet.

3. I have been working out... and after two days of hurting when I breathe, I hope to be back at it this afternoon.

4. The parking lot at 7:55am. What a beautiful thing.

5. This is what I was wearing to church yesterday when, halfway into the service, I realized I wasn't wearing a bra. Yes, folks, it happens. And this was definitely not the first time.

Happy Monday!!

DST

Let us all take a moment this morning to thank Mr. Benjamin Franklin. 

Though not credited with its implementation, he was the first recorded mention of Daylight Savings Time back in 1784. And while I am never happy about losing an hour of sleep, DST to me signifies one thing- warm weather! I know we haven't really had winter this year, but there are other changes to welcome. Last night the sun set at 7:01! Maybe I'm weirdly excited about this, I just love getting home and actually having some day left- does wonders for my mood.

That thought may be the best one of the day, as it is 8:38 and I am sitting at my desk, finished with my work, in an office where 80% of the employees have taken the week off. Why didn't I take off, you ask? Well because I have to work 20 hours every week, and I really don't feel like having to make those up  by tacking them on to the end of my already slow days. One of these days I will be so busy and stressed, and might look back and envy times like this.
Not today.

a few of my favorite things

    Hi, I'm Anna. Remember me? I used to blog here. Lately I just haven't had all that much to say. I don't have much to say today either. All I know is that today starts Spring Break- I think. Honestly, I wouldn't know.
    Next week while most of you are soaking up the sun on some beach or vegging out at home, I will be here. School is out- but I am working every day next week. AND I am meeting with my group from class to work on our literature review on Tuesday night. So really the only thing I get a break from is my Monday night class. And while I am not complaining about that, it's a little sad that's all I get for the holiday.

   Ok, I'm done with my pity party now. I thought I'd share a few pictures of some of my favorite things from the week.

1. Just a little design collage I made. At work... woops.

2. Travis & I made breakfast. Pancakes are my favorite- blueberry for him, classic for me.

3. These are everywhere on campus- I love it. But word to the wise:
don't awkwardly bend over in the parking lot to snap a picture. I got some fun looks.

4. Sometimes I just like looking at it.

5. Best one: Travis parked the car at the light to help a man push his truck out of the intersection.
I've found a winner.

...

one mission

Well hello, Monday morning!

     I've been extremely productive today, and it isn't even noon. I've completed some research for work, some research for my lit review, and six- yes six- two-page logs that are due in class tomorrow night. You know, one of those wait-til-the-day-before assignments that I should've been working on every week... I guess I'll never learn. OH- and I plan to start back exercising today... you remember... that pesky little routine I actually stuck with for the month of December (until Christmas happened). But I miss those natural little B vitamins and that feeling of "I actually did something good for me today". Nevermind those Reese's Puffs in the pantry.

   What I really felt like sharing today comes from a video Travis and I were watching last night.

Watch it here.

I'm not sure if you know anything about Francis Chan, (you can learn more about his ministries via Wikipedia or francischan.org) but you may have heard this little bit of information: He lives on 10% of his income and gives away the other 90%. This is a fairly infamous endeavour, as most of us view this act as impossible. Yet he does it. He lives in California with his wife and 5 kids and somehow gets by.  

But that's not what this video is about. This video is Two People With One Mission; Francis and his wife, Lisa, talk about  marriage and the responsibility spouses have to focus on following Christ. He mentions how so many people justify to themselves why they are not focused on fulfilling God's purpose: "I need to get my family life right, marriage, job, etc. first. When if we would start right now- this very moment- all of that would fall into place. Waiting on this and that will postpone our obedience forever, and it can destroy us.

This idea makes me think of that familiar triangular concept that depicts a husband and wife (of boyfriend, girlfriend, fiances, etc) with the same goal- God.

 However I think a lot of people look at this from an inverted prospective. They try to meet in the middle, then go up. What they don't realize is that they may never be able to fully meet in the middle without going up first, and they could be waiting forever. If you have a significant other, I strongly recommend watching Francis's video, if for no other reason than to gain a little bit of perspective.
You might also want to check out the 3 part series on Christ-centered relationships on YouTube or FrancisChan.org.