Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap Day

Happy Leap Day! This is that "extra" day we get every 4 years (except the 100 year markers not divisible by 4). And while yes, we do have one more day this year, I wouldn't really consider it an extra day. We still have things scheduled; school and work don't take a day off. 

I, however, have taken the day off!!!! It isn't quite that exciting, but almost. 

I woke up at 11:00 am. Looking at that clock was so wonderful, I think I even had one of those silly morning grins plastered across my face. I had a giant bowl of cereal and stationed myself on the couch in recovery mode. And I must say, it is working. The inside of my head is somewhat cooperating today. 
And what is better on a sick day than seeing Travis come in to check on me? Noting beats that. He even went to get apple juice- my favorite vitamin C replenisher. 

Even though I'm not better yet, I must say: hands down, best Leap Day ever. 


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

ughhhuuughghghhhhhhhhhuguughhhhhhh



That's what I feel like today. Actually that's what I've felt like for 3 days, but I thought it would be gone by now.

 Nope. 

I started my day out with a call that let me know I was late for an early morning meeting. Whoops. But I wouldn't have made it even if I'd remembered. It took me about an hour to finally breathe once I peeled myself out of my bed. I took two kinds of medicine and started getting ready. I checked the clock to see if I had time to fix a little oatmeal before I left. Not only did I not have time, it was already 9 minutes past the time I usually leave. At this point I am moving as if I am walking against some kind of current. I threw on a robe and shoes and went downstairs to grab a t-shirt and jeans from the dryer. I finally made it,  put my make-up on in the parking lot (trying to dodge glances as I made that open-mouthed mascara face), and headed in to work. 

Literally 2 minutes after I walked in, my head felt like it might explode with a single breath. I am allergic to my office. Seriously. In fact, I think that's what made me sick in the first place. With all the construction they've been doing it's like Disney World for dust. My eyes are not completely swollen shut yet, thank goodness, but I have to stand up and walk around every 5 minutes if I want to continue breathing (and I do).
I haven't been this "under the weather" in years. I would've called in sick today if I didn't have mentoring this afternoon and class tonight. It's just not worth having to make up 4 hours of work when I would have to get up to do those things anyway. But if this continues, this girl will be in bed asleep alllll day tomorrow.

Jeremiah 33:6
Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of
peace and truth.

Monday, February 27, 2012

halfway


Today marks the midpoint of the semester. 
Wow- we're halfway there! (In terms of classes, not days.) And every day is one day closer to the end of the semester. Of course, with this ending comes a brand new beginning (hey, Semisonic fans). But it isn't Closing Time, it's wedding time- and even more importantly- marriage time.If you couldn't already tell from how much I talk about it, this excites me to a great degree.
But as MIDpoint implies, there is still half a semester between now and then, and I do not want to wish my life away. I know one day I will look back on this time with fondness- and perhaps wish to relive it. So I will try to soak up as much as I can and live patiently. Easier said than done, I'm sure.
HOWEVER.... I would like to wish some days away. I had a fever all weekend. I feel a tad better today- except for the dust particles attacking my nose in this construction zone of an office. And right after work I get to drive to Tupelo and get my braces tightened. Woo. Hoo. I can hardly contain my excitement, can you tell? I don't quite remember what this feels like, but I'm assuming it will feel much like it did the first 3 days after I got them. 
Oh well. Here's to a week full of soup, pasta, and Advil. 


Friday, February 24, 2012

silly groundhog


    Today is the day I've been waiting to see for a while now. It's Friday... and guess what I'm doing this weekend... nothing! That's right. No traveling to Tupelo, Madison, Desoto, etc. Just lots of nothing, alllll weekend. (ok so maybe my apartment in Starkville isn't the moosssttt beautiful place, but the buttercups are blooming!)
aahhhh- feels good.

    I do have a little bit of research to do- but that's nothing that can't be put off until Monday! Plus, for the past few days it has been hovering around 70 degrees. Even today, the high is 60- but it's February- I'll take it! It's kind of giving me spring fever (since that's such a hard thing to do). However, in light of all things Springy (?) I thought I'd share some of this sunshine we've been having.
That groundhog was totally wrong.


all images via Pinterest



Tuesday, February 21, 2012

straighten up

Alright, time to get organized.
Yesterday, I started work on a literature review that will be submitted for publication at the end of the semester. (Psyched!)
But adding that to my list of wedding to-dos and after-work resume-building activities means I've got a lot on my plate. (My pretty, registered-for plates).
So if there was ever a time to get organized, it's now! Currently, my desk at home is reserved for collecting papers, pictures, and nighttime snack dishes, and my office chair is my designated spot for clothes that need to be hung up. My goal for this week is to get it cleaned up and make room for all of my lists and notebooks. A shiny and clean workspace really does do wonders for a high stress level.

OH- and my wedding invitations came in last night! I know, I know, way too early. But they got here in 2 weeks and estimated delivery was 8. Plus I just love checking things off my list.





Friday, February 17, 2012

wait, what is a weekend again?

Travis and I are starting our wedding registry this weekend. We hope to tackle 3 of the 4 places we are registering and pick out tuxes. 
Yet another weekend spent working on the to-do list. I look forward to a Saturday in Starkville full of sleeping late and movies. But at the same time I can't wait to pick out things we will eventually be using together. Very exciting! (translation: mushy mushy mush)
happy weekend everyone!!


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

valentine

Is that love that I smell in the air today?

Nope. It's paint.

Some lovely campus workers started work on an office renovation on Monday. Currently, most of us are sitting at our desks with masks and earplugs, wishing we didn't have to face an obstacle course to find the mail slots. To get coffee, I have to go out a usually locked door into the hallway and in through the back entrance toward the kitchen. Dedication I tell you. But today our wonderful dean brought brownies- he loves cooking for the ladies. And as you know, I have a weakness for brownies that runs so deep my DNA may just be chocolate. And since today is my Valentine's Day, I got two.

I had class last night so Travis and I are celebrating the occasion tonight with 28 heavenly ounces of the oh-so-healthy Veranda ribeye steaks. I only eat meat about 3-4 times a week and when I do, it is usually chicken, so I can make myself feel less guilty about such an indulgence. 
But let's face it. I don't feel guilty. My wedding dress is not hip-hugging and my arms are the last place I carry weight. I foresee this being a downward spiral. Thoughts of the honeymoon will have to keep me in check. 
150 days until I marry my Valentine!


Monday, February 13, 2012

true colors

Hello, Monday. Back to the daily grind.

I suppose I thought that just not thinking about school would make it go away. In that spirit, I completely forgot to read, do, or submit the homework for my online class- due every Monday. I also have a midterm due this week in that class, for which I have not yet read the title of my textbook. I've got some maaajor catching up to do this week.

I did enjoy my weekend with Travis (as if that is some sort of consolation).We ate out with his family Friday night and I enjoyed one of the best and messiest burgers ever at Georgia Blue. And the braces made it that much better. Then Saturday we spent our day indoors, as February finally decided to show up. But Saturday night brought back the get-out-of-the-house hankering and we went to an engagement party. 

Now, as a disclaimer, I am from a town that is not accustomed to such gatherings. Until October, I'd never been to one and figured they were only on the itineraries of New York Plaza type weddings. Where I am from is also not a town of "money". And I put that in quotations because while yes, people from Ripley do indeed have money, it is (typically) not a place where it is flaunted or spent in such a way that draws (too much) attention.  I said all that to say: sometimes you just know when you don't belong.

blog.webshots.com
Indication number one: As we entered the home (that I'm sure could've been sold for the price of a large African village), a man offered to take my coat. My dress was a tad summery under my leather jacket, so I opted to keep it on. Of course, about twenty minutes later I started sweating and was the only one carrying around my own jacket all night.

Indication number two: I stood there in my $40 Charming Charlie boots and contemplated my skewed definition of the invitation's specification of "casual". I looked around the room at the attendees, who looked as if they might stop by The Four Seasons later for drinks, instead of  the theater in Starkville (me). 

Indication number three: I posted myself by a huge fancy armoir to keep myself out of the traffic flow. A few minutes later a lady excused herself to get into the armoir to pull out a bottle of steak sauce. It was a refrigerator. Of course.

Indication number four: I felt weird being there, like I was doing something bad. I'd never seen an adult with an alcoholic beverage until college, and here I was, eyeballs deep in fifty-somethings on their third glass of wine. I don't know if I would ever get used to that.

If by some unlikely phenomenon I ever come into some money, I might have to give it all away. I sure don't know how to spend it or behave as if I have it. In my little world, $75 buys you a dress AND shoes. Not half of a cocktail ring. (what is that?) 

So there they are ladies and gentlemen- my true colors.  I may not have the 64-pack with almond and blush, but I think I can draw just as good of a picture with brown and pink.

google images

Friday, February 10, 2012

the ring



and where are my manners? I'm sure some of you haven't seen this:


Mine is a tiny bit different. Mine has round center stone, but is cushion cut around it (like this one).
And how did he find it? He stalked my Pinterest. 
Mister Fiancé is clever. 


And yes. Rumors are true. it is a size 3 1/4 and nowhere near tight. I am so glad I have found someone to love me-
midget hands and all.

come on july

   Finally Friday! Travis and I are heading to Madison later this afternoon for the weekend. I suppose we're getting in as much family time as possible while they're still only a couple of hours away. It is going to be so weird when that's no longer the case. But anyhoo.
   We're going to an engagement party for some friends tomorrow night, and Travis's mom and I can talk about the wedding! Of course, I never tire of talking about it and I bet she'd rather talk to me than all those boys (I'm sure they would too).
   But as glad as I am that it is finally the weekend, I've really had a great week. On Wednesday Travis and I went to our favorite steakhouse in Columbus. I was happy to be able to eat it (about time) and Travis finally satisfied his craving. I also stocked up on thank-you notes, I finished addressing save-the-dates, and last night we watched the State/Ole Miss basketball game and made a trip to Walmart. I feel like I actually made a dent in my non-academic to-do list.
   Oh! And I think we finally picked out our bedding! Of course this decision prompted me to create an entire style board for our new place. I promise to share it with you all soon. I know, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Come on Julyyy!!!!!

http://mybluecanoe.tumblr.com

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Play-doh

Today I thought I'd let you in on one of the little joys of my week: Johné.

Johné (john-ay) is a 7-year old girl that I mentor for an hour every Tuesday afternoon. And let me tell you, that is the fastest hour of my week. It seems like the moment we get out the play-doh it's time to go. And wow how we both love the play-doh! Seriously, it is the best toy in the box. We make pizzas and faces and worms mostly, but even making the same green and pink pizza every week is fun because that's when we get our talk time. 

Sure, it's nice to be able to teach her to measure or help with multiplication tables, but my favorite time (and hers too I think) is when we can just sit and talk. She has a huge crush on Justin Bieber- even though she tells me her mom thinks he is too old for her- and she swears up and down she is going to his concert. I don't know about that, but I've definitely listened to "Baby Baby" more than once in the last few weeks.

She also loves going to the park and the color pink. And every week, the moment she runs in, she looks at me and tells me she's glad I'm there and never wants to go home. And if you think that is cute (which it really, really is), you haven't seen the pile of notes I have from her. She writes them in secret- by telling me to close my eyes- then makes me wait until she leaves to read them. Though she isn't the best at spelling, they always leave me smiling. 

I will be the first to say I am not good with kids. I am the youngest in my family and except for the 3 months I worked in my church's nursery changing diapers, I've never been around them. I'm also pretty sure if someone more experienced spent time with Johné every week, she might be writing the Constitution from memory- in cursive.But if I've learned anything about kids from her, it's that they don't judge. She didn't choose who became her mentor, and honestly, she would probably love anyone who'd walked in that first day.

But that's just it- it doesn't matter that I'm the one who came or that I don't know what I'm doing. She just wants that time to sit with someone who will listen and not try to be her mother, teacher, or other bossy "grown-up". She needs someone to talk to about how she thinks it's gross when boys eat hot sauce on noodles and how she wishes they put cheese in the chicken nuggets in the cafeteria. She needs someone who will listen to her stories about riding bikes after school until it gets dark and about how her dad always beats her at Mario Kart. 

And really, don't we all need that?

http://sarahwinchesteroffiberarts.wordpress.com

Monday, February 6, 2012

getting there

   Well I think Travis and I found somewhere to live! Well... we found a place we like anyway. The thing is, we will probably have to make a decision BEFORE I know where I will be working- which makes things a little tricky. However, this apartment is in a pretty central location so we think it will work!


 
   It isn't the fanciest place, but it is a perfect size for the two of us and comes with all appliances. Plus it is perfectly priced so we can start saving for a down-payment on a house (woahhh.... grown-up talk). Our goal is to be in the workings of making our first home purchase this time next year. Scary. But oh so exciting!

   We also drove around and looked at all the high schools I am applying to. The farthest one from the apartment is about 15-20 minutes away. I think I can handle that! I can't wait to move in and get settled in to our new life. And I really can't wait to have people over for get-togethers and weekend visits. However, I will have to restrain myself from decorating and pinterest-ing the entire apartment. We are making our college furnishings work until we get in a new home, so I think I'll save my efforts.



Friday, February 3, 2012

let the search begin

Yay weekend!!

Tomorrow Travis and I are trekking to Desoto county to do a little apartment hunting. The plan is to find a six-month lease while we search for a house. I'm really excited! I love all these grown-up things we are doing together these days; it makes it feel so real. We  really are getting married- in 162 days!

Will post pictures if we make a decision!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

week in review

I say enough of this wedding mumbo jumbo.
   I realized that for a while now the only posts I've written with any substance were teeming with lovey dovey antics. I also realized that this is not a wedding blog, it is about my life. And while that is a big part of my life right now, I do not think I am obsessed- nor do I intend to subject you to my frazzled attention to detail.

Sooooo I thought I'd tell you what I've been up to this week.

Nothing.

Ok, that's it, I haven't done a thing this week. The end.

   This is about 95% true. Yes I've been to class, mentoring, etc. But other than the daily routine (and several hours of catch-up homework on Tuesday), my days have consisted of online shopping (for anything I might need in the next, say, five years), a trip to Walmart, and cleaning out the fridge. Work is pretty slow right now and I try pass the time online but come on, I can only rearrange my shopping cart so many times before I accept the fact that I am not actually going to order anything.

   And honestly? I like it. It certainly is nice to have a low level of stress. I know things will start getting busy pretty soon, but even then it will be more exciting than stressful.

Of course, I do have quite a hefty to-do list.
   Finish filling out passport paperwork
   Meet with the caterer
   Go with Travis to pick out tuxedos
   Finish my resume application for a particular school
   Something about homework...
But we won't tell anyone about that.....



   And for those of you who envy my schedule, do you really want to be teaching high school math next year instead of what you're doing? 
Didn't think so.