Today was absolutely gorgeous outside...by far the best weather of the summer. The school parking lot, however, was NOT so pretty. Since I had to purchase my textbook for my Monday/Wednesday class, I showed up to the University almost an hour early (predicting the parking situation). After driving through the east parking lot, the northeast parking lot, the north parking lot, back through the northeast parking lot, around to the southeast parking lot, and back into the east parking lot...I spotted someone walking straight to their car. I pulled down to the aisle and turned on my blinker.
*Blink, blink.
Blink, blink.
I waited for almost ten minutes before he decided to actually leave the parking place. I was NOT complaining though. Then, I walked to the U.C. Spotting my former co-worker from the "shoe room" days, I stopped to chit-chat for a few minutes before walking into the bookstore. Thank goodness there wasn't a line. I grabbed the best "used" book off the shelf (still $124 as a PAPERBACK) and checked out.
Still a little early for class, I walked to the nearest computer lab and printed off my syllabus and powerpoint for day's lecture. This came in VERY handy as I was able to write on the printed pages and follow along with the information. Before I knew it, class was over. I made my way back to a computer to check my mail and catch up on this lovely blog of mine. Since it's the first week of classes, we have the traditional "stampede week" where organizations set up booths to recruit newcomers. I even got to see my dear friend, Mandi (of Mandi-isms). Then, I found some fellow-FLEers and talked for a while before making my way to lunch.
Why yes, yes I DID enjoy Qdoba for the THIRD time this week (only a small portion)...AND I treated myself to a dollar's worth of yogurt, granola, and fruit at Pink Swirls. A filling and nutritious meal for less than $5...I think I did well.
Since I had a couple of hours to kill, I went back to my apartment and watched a little TV while cleaning up the place. Then, I drove back to campus for my final class of the day. Boy, oh boy, did I NOT want to go to class. When I said how gorgeous it was outside, I meant it. It was SO nice out that it made for the PERFECT picnic weather. I was so sad that the love-of-my-life was already off work for the day and I was stuck inside wasting daylight.
The class wasn't a total bust. My professor was great and really passionate about helping people (which makes me like her all the more). You can tell she wasn't one of the typical, "I'm here because I have to make some money and my education makes me know so much more than you". No, she definitely wanted us to learn the material to be on the same page as her when it comes to helping to prevent/educate people we serve in our field. However, the video she selected to inform us of this WAS a complete loss. I don't think I've ever had THAT much trouble being attentive in class. On top of the 80's hairstyles and monotonous voices, I did not see how in the world the material could have been retained at the rate they were talking. I was SO thankful that she released us minutes early.
As soon as we could see one another, we drove to pick up sandwiches and cruise around with the windows down. Let me tell you, evenings fly by when you actually want to enjoy them. Before I knew it, it was dark out and the warm air had officially retired.
After driving me home, I immediately got ready for bed. We talked for a while before I finally turned into bed. Jokingly, I asked before going to sleep, "Are you sure you love me?"
"I absolutely love you," he said.
And those words were the perfect ending to wrap up a beautiful day.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Meet...Endorsement
Bright and early Sunshine!
Morning came VERY early when all I could do was toss and turn last night. However, I had to refrain from hitting the very tempting "snooze" button and get ready for a long day. After scarfing down what little breakfast I could manage to eat at 6o'clock IN THE MORNING, I hurried around to finish getting ready.
Just a side note, I REALLY miss my puppies when I leave the house. Honestly, it makes the pit of my stomach ache to know that I cannot take them everywhere I go. I know that they really wouldn't be a bother. Laila LOVES to cuddle with me and she wouldn't dare leave my sight. And Bailey? Bailey is such a people-dog that she would make everyone instantly fall in love with her when they saw her bouncy self. But, the reality of this life is...I HAVE to leave them. With that being said, I typically stall as much as I can by rubbing their sweet little bellies and loving them before being the meanest person on the face of the planet and making them stay ALL BY THEMSELVES for the day.
Okay, back to my day. Today was a BEAUTIFUL, rainy day. I say "beautiful" not because I think that car wrecks on the highway, or not being able to see the person ahead of me through the blinding raindrops is beautiful, BUT because we NEEDED the rain. So, I didn't complain one bit when it took me over an hour and a half to drive 45miles to meet my supervisor. The great news is, I left early enough to allow plenty of driving time and managed to get there more than 15minutes before I was scheduled to arrive.
Once at her house, I helped load all of the meeting supplies into the car before driving for another hour to our final destination...Stroud.
For those of you that have not had the pleasure of driving through this lovely little town, you should. Please make sure that you do not blink while on the turnpike though. Otherwise, you'll miss it (and the true gem of this town...The Rock Cafe').
Unfortunately, we had a meeting to run before getting to take part in an amazing lunch at this little-known hole-in-the-wall. BUT the meeting went GREAT. The day before, I had the privelege of spending approximately 2hours using my creativity to make a "map" of the meeting. Literally, I created a HUGE room-sized map of roadblocks and villages that could be used to describe exactly where the membership has been and where we need to go. This map included things like school zones, storms, construction zones (with the well-known cop car placed behind a nearby tree), forks in the road, and speed bumps. All-in-all, this mapped out the entire day's topics on the agenda and turned into a wonderful visual for introducing the newest member of the Facilitation family...Endorsement.
You see, my supervisor had this BRILLIANT idea to turn our branch of work into something that everyone at the meeting could relate to. So, she put on her straw hat and broom skirt as she showed off our brand new baby girl, Endorsement. Thankfully, we work for a state agency that provides simulator babies to teenagers to teach the responsibilities of being a new parent. This means, we had a "real" baby to nurture throughout our meeting as we explained the role everyone shared of helping to "raise Endorsement". She was complete with a diaper, real cry, and emotions that could flip like a switch (just like the course our agency travels within this field).
Using "Endorsement" to gain a vision for the program, everyone was open to a fresh view on what it takes to make this as successful as possible.
After wrapping up the first half of our day, we called it a morning and headed over to enjoy our anticipated lunch at The Rock. Although this greasy cafe' is completely against the nutritionally balanced meals I have been trying to consume to be healthy...it was SO worth it. This once-in-a-long-while meal consisted of anything but the usual menu selections. I COULD have had anything from alligator to buffalo or german food...but I was good. I only ate small portions of a burger and okra and SHARED my fried apple slices cased in breaded pockets with gooey filling and sprinkled powder sugar with a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh man, it was SO GOOD.
Lunch may or may not have been a good idea. By this point, I was so full that I could have immediately fallen asleep if it weren't for the laughing that was going on in the meeting. I love my group. Honestly, we have such a diverse group of professionals that are passionate about people and families...it just works.
Oddly enough, we finished strong (and early). Note to my (small) audience, "finished", "early" and "meeting" NEVER are in the same sentence. However, it happened. We wrapped up the meeting and loaded into our cars with minutes to spare.
Driving back to town, I had the opportunity to reflect on the meeting and discuss concerns that I had. I felt so great about how things were ran that there really weren't any negative points of discussion. This made for a quick trip back. I picked up my car and headed back to meet the person that I am really beginning to miss in the midst of this new schedule.
We immediately hopped into the pickup and headed over to the future in-laws' house. My future hubby is such a handy man. He rented an aerator and ran it over his lawn, the neighbor's lawn, and his parents' lawn. His sweetness paid off and we were able to enjoy dinner with his dad at somewhere I have been craving for days and days, Cracker Barrell.
Wholesome breakfast
A cup of yogurt
Fresh strawberries and blueberries
Granola with almonds and dried cherries
Blueberry muffin
2 scrambled eggs
3 slices of bacon
Honestly, it is divine. I only ate the parfait and eggs really. It is so much food! I enjoyed ONE slice of bacon (which is hard for me considering it is one of my FAVORITE foods), and I took my muffin and extra bacon to have a hearty breakfast in the morning.
As soon as I got home, I hopped in the shower and was in bed before I could think about doing anything else.
Tomorrow? Schoolday.
Morning came VERY early when all I could do was toss and turn last night. However, I had to refrain from hitting the very tempting "snooze" button and get ready for a long day. After scarfing down what little breakfast I could manage to eat at 6o'clock IN THE MORNING, I hurried around to finish getting ready.
Just a side note, I REALLY miss my puppies when I leave the house. Honestly, it makes the pit of my stomach ache to know that I cannot take them everywhere I go. I know that they really wouldn't be a bother. Laila LOVES to cuddle with me and she wouldn't dare leave my sight. And Bailey? Bailey is such a people-dog that she would make everyone instantly fall in love with her when they saw her bouncy self. But, the reality of this life is...I HAVE to leave them. With that being said, I typically stall as much as I can by rubbing their sweet little bellies and loving them before being the meanest person on the face of the planet and making them stay ALL BY THEMSELVES for the day.
Okay, back to my day. Today was a BEAUTIFUL, rainy day. I say "beautiful" not because I think that car wrecks on the highway, or not being able to see the person ahead of me through the blinding raindrops is beautiful, BUT because we NEEDED the rain. So, I didn't complain one bit when it took me over an hour and a half to drive 45miles to meet my supervisor. The great news is, I left early enough to allow plenty of driving time and managed to get there more than 15minutes before I was scheduled to arrive.
Once at her house, I helped load all of the meeting supplies into the car before driving for another hour to our final destination...Stroud.
For those of you that have not had the pleasure of driving through this lovely little town, you should. Please make sure that you do not blink while on the turnpike though. Otherwise, you'll miss it (and the true gem of this town...The Rock Cafe').
Unfortunately, we had a meeting to run before getting to take part in an amazing lunch at this little-known hole-in-the-wall. BUT the meeting went GREAT. The day before, I had the privelege of spending approximately 2hours using my creativity to make a "map" of the meeting. Literally, I created a HUGE room-sized map of roadblocks and villages that could be used to describe exactly where the membership has been and where we need to go. This map included things like school zones, storms, construction zones (with the well-known cop car placed behind a nearby tree), forks in the road, and speed bumps. All-in-all, this mapped out the entire day's topics on the agenda and turned into a wonderful visual for introducing the newest member of the Facilitation family...Endorsement.
You see, my supervisor had this BRILLIANT idea to turn our branch of work into something that everyone at the meeting could relate to. So, she put on her straw hat and broom skirt as she showed off our brand new baby girl, Endorsement. Thankfully, we work for a state agency that provides simulator babies to teenagers to teach the responsibilities of being a new parent. This means, we had a "real" baby to nurture throughout our meeting as we explained the role everyone shared of helping to "raise Endorsement". She was complete with a diaper, real cry, and emotions that could flip like a switch (just like the course our agency travels within this field).
Using "Endorsement" to gain a vision for the program, everyone was open to a fresh view on what it takes to make this as successful as possible.
After wrapping up the first half of our day, we called it a morning and headed over to enjoy our anticipated lunch at The Rock. Although this greasy cafe' is completely against the nutritionally balanced meals I have been trying to consume to be healthy...it was SO worth it. This once-in-a-long-while meal consisted of anything but the usual menu selections. I COULD have had anything from alligator to buffalo or german food...but I was good. I only ate small portions of a burger and okra and SHARED my fried apple slices cased in breaded pockets with gooey filling and sprinkled powder sugar with a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh man, it was SO GOOD.
Lunch may or may not have been a good idea. By this point, I was so full that I could have immediately fallen asleep if it weren't for the laughing that was going on in the meeting. I love my group. Honestly, we have such a diverse group of professionals that are passionate about people and families...it just works.
Oddly enough, we finished strong (and early). Note to my (small) audience, "finished", "early" and "meeting" NEVER are in the same sentence. However, it happened. We wrapped up the meeting and loaded into our cars with minutes to spare.
Driving back to town, I had the opportunity to reflect on the meeting and discuss concerns that I had. I felt so great about how things were ran that there really weren't any negative points of discussion. This made for a quick trip back. I picked up my car and headed back to meet the person that I am really beginning to miss in the midst of this new schedule.
We immediately hopped into the pickup and headed over to the future in-laws' house. My future hubby is such a handy man. He rented an aerator and ran it over his lawn, the neighbor's lawn, and his parents' lawn. His sweetness paid off and we were able to enjoy dinner with his dad at somewhere I have been craving for days and days, Cracker Barrell.
Wholesome breakfast
A cup of yogurt
Fresh strawberries and blueberries
Granola with almonds and dried cherries
Blueberry muffin
2 scrambled eggs
3 slices of bacon
Honestly, it is divine. I only ate the parfait and eggs really. It is so much food! I enjoyed ONE slice of bacon (which is hard for me considering it is one of my FAVORITE foods), and I took my muffin and extra bacon to have a hearty breakfast in the morning.
As soon as I got home, I hopped in the shower and was in bed before I could think about doing anything else.
Tomorrow? Schoolday.
Monday, August 23, 2010
First Day of my Last Semester...
Well, I have finally made it here. I successfully finished up my first day of my last semester (in my bachelor's degree program). Let me be honest here, class was the easiest part of today. I woke up at approximately 7:45am. After throwing my hair in the all-familiar pony tail, pulling on some old painted gym shorts, matching a pink t-shirt, and slipping on some not-so-comfy tennis shoes, I packed my toiletries into an old bag and started to get ready to head to the gym on campus.
While I munched on a freshly made PB&J (something I haven't eaten until the last few years of college), I determined the amount of time I would need to work out.
Hmmm....Problem.
IF there is a problem parking on campus (which I could guarantee there would be) I would be driving for approximately 20minutes in circles. ONLY to have to rush to work out, take a quick shower, change into my first-day-of-school/work clothes, and drive back to the east parking lot to drive ANOTHER 20minutes before walking across campus, picking up my parking pass, and making it to class on time...nah.
With this conclusion, I changed out of my workout clothes and hopped into the shower. After doing a load of laundry and talking with my dear, sweet Momma, I dried my hair and curled it. Then, I grabbed everything I could need for my first day of class.
Bum deal...I forgot my lunch.
Thank goodness I was running early though. After driving around the parking lot (and gracious for the farthest parking place possible in the lot to become available as I followed a fellow-college goer) I hauled my little hiney to the University Center to get my parking pass before rushing to class.
45minutes later, I made it back into the parking lot just in time for the lunch-hour traffic of Edmond. Monday=99cent Qdoba day. Therefore, I drove around the parking lot and settled for the "walking place". You know the one. It is the parking place that you finally determine, "I am NOT going to keep driving around waiting for someone to leave when I could simply park across the parking lot...and walk." Too bad it was every bit of 100degrees outside. Walking seemed like a much better idea when I was INSIDE my car.
Minutes later, I was inside. Not to fret! I was only the thousandth person in the line at Qdoba. So...I waited (and waited). "One soft taco with rice, black beans, fresh lettuce, steak, and shredded cheese." Ymmm.
After wheelbarrelling through my lunch, I walked back to my car and began my journey across town to my intern site...with 2minutes to spare!
THIS began the real portion of my day. After working steadily until 4:45pm, we loaded into my supervisor's car to make it to the conference room we had reserved for our VIM, Very Important Meeting.
HOURS later, we left to go back to the office. Preparing for ANOTHER meeting the following day, I finally left the office promptly at (a little past) 8o'clock that evening.
Dinner...I NEEDED dinner. So, I voted for a second helping of Qdoba for the day to ease my hunger pains. Before I knew it, the day had slipped away.
All-in-all, I had a good day being a big-girl.
Now...bed.
While I munched on a freshly made PB&J (something I haven't eaten until the last few years of college), I determined the amount of time I would need to work out.
Hmmm....Problem.
IF there is a problem parking on campus (which I could guarantee there would be) I would be driving for approximately 20minutes in circles. ONLY to have to rush to work out, take a quick shower, change into my first-day-of-school/work clothes, and drive back to the east parking lot to drive ANOTHER 20minutes before walking across campus, picking up my parking pass, and making it to class on time...nah.
With this conclusion, I changed out of my workout clothes and hopped into the shower. After doing a load of laundry and talking with my dear, sweet Momma, I dried my hair and curled it. Then, I grabbed everything I could need for my first day of class.
Bum deal...I forgot my lunch.
Thank goodness I was running early though. After driving around the parking lot (and gracious for the farthest parking place possible in the lot to become available as I followed a fellow-college goer) I hauled my little hiney to the University Center to get my parking pass before rushing to class.
45minutes later, I made it back into the parking lot just in time for the lunch-hour traffic of Edmond. Monday=99cent Qdoba day. Therefore, I drove around the parking lot and settled for the "walking place". You know the one. It is the parking place that you finally determine, "I am NOT going to keep driving around waiting for someone to leave when I could simply park across the parking lot...and walk." Too bad it was every bit of 100degrees outside. Walking seemed like a much better idea when I was INSIDE my car.
Minutes later, I was inside. Not to fret! I was only the thousandth person in the line at Qdoba. So...I waited (and waited). "One soft taco with rice, black beans, fresh lettuce, steak, and shredded cheese." Ymmm.
After wheelbarrelling through my lunch, I walked back to my car and began my journey across town to my intern site...with 2minutes to spare!
THIS began the real portion of my day. After working steadily until 4:45pm, we loaded into my supervisor's car to make it to the conference room we had reserved for our VIM, Very Important Meeting.
HOURS later, we left to go back to the office. Preparing for ANOTHER meeting the following day, I finally left the office promptly at (a little past) 8o'clock that evening.
Dinner...I NEEDED dinner. So, I voted for a second helping of Qdoba for the day to ease my hunger pains. Before I knew it, the day had slipped away.
All-in-all, I had a good day being a big-girl.
Now...bed.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Catching Up
As you can see, I have been terrible about blogging lately. For that, I am sorry. However, I have a very valid excuse...summer class.
You see, I am finally wrapping up a journey that has taken four and a half LONG years. While I was away from my blog, I took part in various, all-consuming courses. The first was entitled, "The Family". Where you would typically have seen me sitting in my car listening to my burned CDs during my lunch hour during the summer, you would most likely have seen me with my nose stuck in my book reading the latest articles on family matters between 1pm and 2pm Mondays through Thursdays throughout the month of June and July. Article reviews every day, a test or two a week, and article critiques mingled together made up the syllabus.
The plus side? I successfully managed to make straight A's on each and every test and paper in this class! Therefore, I can officially say that my test anxiety has lifted (after four years of college) and I feel confident that I will not have to take the G.R.E. 7 times like I did the ACT. Speaking of which, I am officially starting to study for this dreadful exam. Thanks to a very sweet classmate (and fellow-bride) I have been provided four very heavy study books.
Prior to receiving these books, I completed two more classes. One discussed the issues and "answers" related to adoptions, and the second allowed me to legitimately be certified as a Family Wellness Instructor. If you're needing someone to help guide you through some of the most amazing family curiculuum out there, I'm your gal!
On top of that, after 3 years of working on the basement level of the UC...after no windows...after answering hundreds of phone calls a day, numerous emails, and setting up countless appointments...it's over. I am no longer an employee at the University. Reflecting on these last few years, I can honestly say that of the 16,000+ students that have walked through my office doors each year, only a handful can honestly say that I addressed them with anything less than a smile. You see, typically I am a very "happy, peppy person", but I find it unfair to treat someone differently because of their family's status (ie. parents are doctors, lawyers, etc.). Those are the very, very rare cases in which I would stand up for what is right for everyone without judgment.
All-in-all, it's been a good run. It wasn't until this last few months that things started really taking a toll on me. The recent budget cuts of the "little people" while the rich kept getting richer made my heart ache. How can someone be so selfish? The more I'm in "the real world", the more I despise it. I am utterly frustrated with the way our society believes that the only person that matters is "me". With that being said, I am so excited to embark on this journey of serving those around me.
Furthermore, I can now focus on what is to come in the next few months...school? Yes, you guessed it...more school. I am going into my third week of practicum already to serve 150+ hours within my field. In the meantime, I am trying to get as much done as I possibly can before graduation, the holidays, and MY WEDDING! Wow, I STILL haven't finished THAT blog. However, as you can see...I'M GETTING MARRIED! Not only is there a beautiful (BEAUTIFUL) diamond ring placed on my left hand, but I have an even more BEAUTIFUL (inside and out) blue-eyed boy to spend the rest of my life with (he's actually the priority, not the ring). So you see, I DID have a very valid reason for not keeping up with my blogging. And, with that being said, I have got to get back to that very same blue-eyed boy as he is getting off work in approximately 30minutes.
Until next time,
B.
You see, I am finally wrapping up a journey that has taken four and a half LONG years. While I was away from my blog, I took part in various, all-consuming courses. The first was entitled, "The Family". Where you would typically have seen me sitting in my car listening to my burned CDs during my lunch hour during the summer, you would most likely have seen me with my nose stuck in my book reading the latest articles on family matters between 1pm and 2pm Mondays through Thursdays throughout the month of June and July. Article reviews every day, a test or two a week, and article critiques mingled together made up the syllabus.
The plus side? I successfully managed to make straight A's on each and every test and paper in this class! Therefore, I can officially say that my test anxiety has lifted (after four years of college) and I feel confident that I will not have to take the G.R.E. 7 times like I did the ACT. Speaking of which, I am officially starting to study for this dreadful exam. Thanks to a very sweet classmate (and fellow-bride) I have been provided four very heavy study books.
Prior to receiving these books, I completed two more classes. One discussed the issues and "answers" related to adoptions, and the second allowed me to legitimately be certified as a Family Wellness Instructor. If you're needing someone to help guide you through some of the most amazing family curiculuum out there, I'm your gal!
On top of that, after 3 years of working on the basement level of the UC...after no windows...after answering hundreds of phone calls a day, numerous emails, and setting up countless appointments...it's over. I am no longer an employee at the University. Reflecting on these last few years, I can honestly say that of the 16,000+ students that have walked through my office doors each year, only a handful can honestly say that I addressed them with anything less than a smile. You see, typically I am a very "happy, peppy person", but I find it unfair to treat someone differently because of their family's status (ie. parents are doctors, lawyers, etc.). Those are the very, very rare cases in which I would stand up for what is right for everyone without judgment.
All-in-all, it's been a good run. It wasn't until this last few months that things started really taking a toll on me. The recent budget cuts of the "little people" while the rich kept getting richer made my heart ache. How can someone be so selfish? The more I'm in "the real world", the more I despise it. I am utterly frustrated with the way our society believes that the only person that matters is "me". With that being said, I am so excited to embark on this journey of serving those around me.
Furthermore, I can now focus on what is to come in the next few months...school? Yes, you guessed it...more school. I am going into my third week of practicum already to serve 150+ hours within my field. In the meantime, I am trying to get as much done as I possibly can before graduation, the holidays, and MY WEDDING! Wow, I STILL haven't finished THAT blog. However, as you can see...I'M GETTING MARRIED! Not only is there a beautiful (BEAUTIFUL) diamond ring placed on my left hand, but I have an even more BEAUTIFUL (inside and out) blue-eyed boy to spend the rest of my life with (he's actually the priority, not the ring). So you see, I DID have a very valid reason for not keeping up with my blogging. And, with that being said, I have got to get back to that very same blue-eyed boy as he is getting off work in approximately 30minutes.
Until next time,
B.
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