Compulsive.....Me?!?! I Don't Think So!

So can I just say that Saturday and Sunday go by entirely too fast! I have been dreading this upcoming week, and sadly it is here! I have three tests this week, and no time! School stresses me out like nothing else in my life, and I hate it! As I sit here (not studying)...okay, so I had really written a ton earlier...and just now when I came back...all gone! Sad Day! Oh well, I'm positive it was all random rambling probably about many things I have already blogged about. So I got a Laptop, way exciting! I can't say that I really needed one, which is why I have decided to keep it my little secret...and yours of course. I could tell my parents, but that would be preceded by a lecture on how I don't need another credit card..,which is a whole nother...(lol, I know this isn't a real word, but as I am sitting here typing...this is what I said in my head!)another story is what I think I was trying to get at!:) I probably have the worst philosophy in the world when it comes to credit cards and debt..bc i have my fair share of it. I'm just thinking, that eventually I will have a decent job to help pay it all off. My parent's pay for all of my schooling out of pocket, because they don't want me to have to payoff school loans when I graduate. So rather than pay $60,000 in loans when I get out of here, I will have a much smaller Discover card to take care of. You know those commercials that start out "Are you ten, twenty, thirty thousand dollars in debt....If so, call...." Well, let's just say that I am no where near any of those numbers and I figure as long as I don't find myself answering yes to the T.V. man...a little debt never hurt anyone. You've got to build credit somehow right?!:) Anyway, So I have taken one test so far in this week of fun, and I have two more to go! The one I have tomorrow is going to be kind of hard I'm thinking, and studying for it is proving to be even harder for me! I don't know what it is! I swear, I have sat down about ten different times tonight trying to force myself to read. I'm thinking I will probably stay up a few more hours tonight and try and be productive, and then hopefully it will be a slow day at work tomorrow! Yikes!

Saturday Night was super fun! I was in charge of craft time at Lauren's Apartment! We had rush for my sorority last week, and the pledges had their first retreat this past weekend. On the second night of the retreat, all of the pledges stay at Active members houses, just to bond and hang out....be girly..you know:) Well, Lauren asked me to be in charge of craft time, which for those of you who don't know...(which is basically all of you!) I LOVE CRAFTS! It's borderline crazy at this point! Hobby Lobby is my favorite store for sure! Last week I went on Monday and sadly used everything I bought.....that night! Not only did I have to go back the next day, but I also had to ask them to restock the shelves of canvases I had cleaned out the day before....just so I could do it again! I think it is a stress reliever....which isn't really a good thing, bc apparently I am really stressed then! I absolutely love it! I will craft by myself, but if I can get someone to do it with me...even better! It really is a blast! We all have our vices right?! Some have poker...I have puff paint! Good Times!

On RePeAt iN mY cAr...eNjOy xo!

mY fAvOrItE sOnG rIgHt NoW...

Beautiful~

I love love love this! I had a retreat with my sorority a few weeks ago, and my friend Lynnsey wrote this during our quiet time, and then took this beautiful picture! Her words are so innocent and true. It's funny how we are made to look at failure as if it is a bad thing. I know for me, some of the most valuable lessons have been learned at my most vulnerable moments. I've really been thinking about this whole study abroad thing a lot...just whether or not it is for me, and how I can make my parents understand the way I am thinking. It's been weighing kind of heavy on my heart the last few days. The other night on my way back to my car I just got to thinking about how sometimes we find ourselves in certain situations, and we don't really understand why. I always find myself saying "Why is this happening to me, and why right now?! " Most of the time it is because I don't like what is happening. As I was pondering this and thinking about all that I have learned in those situations, I randomly stumbled on a christian group worshiping in the amphitheater on campus. Jimmy (whom I've met on a few occasions) was singing the most beautiful song about giving it all to him, and how our purpose is not our own. All of these events could not have played out at a better moment. I literally just had to stop and listen to the rest of their praise and worship service. I immediately felt a sense of peace about all that I have been thinking about lately. I just do not have the means to go to South Africa right now, anywhere for that matter, and if God truly needs me there, then it will happen...whether it is this year or next.

My Grandma. She is the most amazing person ever! My grandfather past away a year ago in May. I've been trying to make a point to visit my grandmother more, as I know she is lonely. She asked me to drive her to her Historical Commission meeting tonight so that she could stay longer. I have to be honest and say that initially I didn't want to go. That is so so terrible. I just found myself stressing about the three tests I have next week(lol as I sit her and blog, instead of studying). As soon as we got to her meeting, I remembered why I can afford to put my stress aside from time to time. She just had the best time ever! I don't think there was anyone there under the age of 70, besides me...and they were all so welcoming and cute! My grandmother had the best time ever, and it just made me realize that I need to be more understanding and compassionate with her. She would do anything for me, it really was the smallest bit to give something back to her, but still I know she appreciated it..

And, last but most def. not least....GREY'S started tonight! Yea! I haven't watched it yet, but I am still so so so excited! What What!

Okay, so finally! I was reading my friend Amber's blog this morning, and she was blogging about something that is effecting everyone right now...OUR FAILING ECONOMY! It really is scary! I work at a title company part time while I am in school, and we are hurting so bad! Obviously if people aren't buying homes, then we have no one to work title up for! Now I have two jobs, so for me it isn't a total loss if things don't work out, but still scary for those who rely on this job as means of an income!

-xoxo a

Out of Africa...

So I was sitting in my social work class today, and my professor started talking about study abroad programs! I really have never given any of them too much thought, because I have been in school for five years now! My parents aren't really too into anything that might prolong that graduation date, since it is still about a year and a half out. Here's the thing though...this particular trip is over Christmas break, and wait for it....
they are going to SOUTH AFRICA!!! This trip has my name written all over it! I want to go soo soo soooooooooo bad! I have been interested in Africa in general for a long time, but like I ever thought me going there would be a real possibility. I would obviously have to pay for the whole trip myself, so I probably wont be able to go until next year's trip....but OMG, how amazing would that be! I'm not a social work major, but bc this trip is through the social work program, we would get to do a lot of work with children! The trip is $6000 which to me really didn't sound bad at all! I mean it's South Africa for goodness sake, and say that an opportunity like this one ever presented itself later in life , it would definitely be a lot more! I called both of my parents and right now they are not receptive to the idea at all! I totally expected that though, so I'm not totally down on my luck yet. I guess their main concern is that I am going to get kidnapped, but I know this is bc they aren't educated enough on the whole idea yet.  Yes, Africa can be very dangerous...but Northern Africa! I would be going to Cape Town. Seriously, Africa is HUGE! I'm pretty sure Texas State wouldn't be sending us into Africa if where we were going was extremely dangerous! I am just hoping that I can show them that I really need to go! I figure if I can save up this next year and show how serious I am, then maybe they will get it.  AFRICA!  I mean is there really anything to think about?!?!  I feel like the obvious answer is NO! Pray for me!

Piano's, Babies and Barbies...

What a weekend! I have found lately that I am living for the weekends, which isn't really a bad thing I guess...So here's a bit of random information I learned this weekend courtesy of my mom. When I write, I use ... ALL the time, mainly because I am constantly thinking about a million different things, and well... allows me to talk about one and then move on to the next! So it actually has a real name! It's called an ellipsis, and to correctly use it, you are supposed to put a space in between each . . . So with that I will continue this random blog, but interesting nonetheless! I love my Mom, she is so awesome! She turned 42 on Sunday, and she doesn't look a day past 25! Seriously! I started out the weekend a little early on Thursday night:) My best friend Elysia is in town because she was evacuated from Houston last week. We went to this little place downtown called Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. I have heard of it, but never been! Why Not?! I have no idea! So much fun! Basically there is a stage with two grand piano's, you write whatever songs you want on napkins and take them up to the piano on your side of the bar, and they play your song! You have to sing along if you don't want to be embarrassed and if they think your request is silly then they light heartedly make fun of you, along with the rest of the bar! Really a lot of fun! Definitely more of a "Girls Night Out", our friend Clint didn't seem too amused by all of the singing, especially not the idea of singing along:) All in all a good time. So I spent all day at work on Saturday. We got this new clock in machine, get this...that uses FINGERPRINTS! We are crazy sophisticated at old OCK now:) For those of you blogging friends that don't know, I work at a dog kennel on the weekends. This to me is just a little on the crazy side. I mean I don't even have to clock in period at the law office I work at during the week. I just write down my time there! It's a little funny, but kind of cool too! I have to say I felt a little important when I clocked out:) I got to babysit on Saturday night, and if you don't already know I LOVE babies! I had never babysat for this particular couple before, and when I arrived, I was greeted by an adorable three year old with curly red hair, and an 8 month old nicknamed "Happy". It was going to be a great night! It was fun! I'm all for playing, and if I wasn't 22 years old, I would probably still have barbies in my room.  And can I just say she had some fun ones!  Barbies have really come a long way since I had them.  Too much fun!  I have to say, feeding the 8 month old was entertainment in itself. It's been awhile since I've watched such a little one, and my skills were a little rusty:) After splattering her Gerber Squash on my face, while trying to get it open, I spilt most of it on her high chair when I tripped over my own shoe:) If you have never held an 8 month old, they still do not have a lot of control over the movement of their bodies. She would get so excited when she saw the spoon full of food, that she would literally fall right into it! She was too cute, and after grabbing the spoon and launching food across the kitchen, I did manage to feed her.:) The three year old was full of energy, and all she wanted to do was play all night! She insisted on going outside and pushing rocks on the swing, and then squirting me with a water gun...she smuggled it in the house too, and proceeded to squirt Bailey the St. Bernard as well. Bailey was not overly amused and just kept walking to new rooms of the house to get away. I got to go to church on Sunday with my family, which was nice. I don't get to go as often as I like because of work, and I really do enjoy going, so that was good. We just got a new priest a few weeks ago, and I really think he is going to be amazing for our congregation. He genuinely wants everyone to be involved, and that is exactly what our church needs. It has been a rough few years, and things are looking up. I spent the rest of Sunday at the salon my sister works at. They just built a beautiful new salon that needed setting up! We actually had a lot of fun. I haven't spent time with just my sister in awhile, usually we are with other friends, and so that was nice. We ended the night at my favorite restaurant in the world Trudy's, for a little birthday celebration for my Mom. She got carded at dinner, so I think she enjoyed herself:)

All You Gotta Do is DANCE DANCE DANCE...

The inevitable has happened....I have taken my dancing from the shower, into the streets of Austin!  Watch Out!   So we all went downtown on Friday night to celebrate Kristen's birthday....and it might have been the best night ever! We started out our evening for dinner and drinks at PF Chang's. Nothing too exciting, we were in a booth, but in the far back corner of the restaurant no less! Not a very prime place for people watching if you ask me! So as soon as we sit down for dinner, our waiter says "So what did yall come all the way to the big city to celebrate?" Now I know we live here in Texas, but where did he think we were from? We were all nicely dressed, and not one of us has that "texas accent" that would have sparked a question like this. Granted I didn't really grow up in Austin, but fifteen minutes away is hardly rural! Dinner was great! I think the manager had a small crush on Marisol, because he conveniently had two free platters of fried rice to give us...one with shrimp, and one without!:) I am not complaining, it was good! We finished dinner with a small photo op (the manager was very gracious in offering to take numerous pictures for us;)! Our waiter wished us a good evening and a safe trip "back" to wherever he thought we were from. We went to the Marq where we saw a Tony Romo look alike...but a much cuter version. He stared,we stared...and the best move he could come with when we were leaving the bar, A HIGH FIVE! I mean really?! This guy was probably in his late 20's early 30's...a high five? Funny. Anyway, we went to Gruv and that is basically where we spent the majority of our night! So I have decided that all of the funny dancers go out on Friday nights. We literally just sat there and watched people dance, or fall for that matter! *Sidenote: If you can't walk into the club without leaning on someone...you should have stopped two drinks ago!* This one guy awkwardly danced in front of our table for awhile before he just decided to sit down...on the table. He actually ended up being really entertaining...he sang for us. I really couldn't here what he was singing, but I'm pretty sure his voice wasnt terrible and it was funny. There was this poor girl who came by herself and danced all by herself for at least half an hour...I think she was going for a "I'm single, so dance with me" approach..but her outfit might have been another deterent for the evening! I will say this girl had to have had mad confidence to dance by herself, after being repeatedly passed by! My friends and I desperatley tried to get her a dance partner, but even we failed.  At this point we wanted to dance with her just because everyone needs a dance partner!...but we lost her in the crowd.  So instead we just took more fun picutures of ourselves...and others.  It's funny how when you are with a group of girls, men are incredibly willing to snap pictures for you...sometimes without even asking! One guy insisted on taking a picture for us,but then decided that because he had taken our picture, we probably needed a picture of him as well. Funny guy...and yes, now we have a picture of him! *Sidenote 2: If you are going to go anywhere with a boy...make sure he is classy! And if you are going to where a short dress....where underwear!*

This poor girl stumbled in with the greasiest guy imaginable! He definetly thought he was really attractive,and sadly,she was a cute girl. So they opted not to get any drinks, which for her was a good thing. Instead, they just awkwardly swayed as if to mimick some sort of slow dancing, but again this guy was holding her up...so they were limited! Now either this creep was just totally oblivious, or he really was just a creep.   Her skirt kept rising and rising because of how he was holding her, and no one said a thing! Finally, when her whole mini dress was up around her stomach, we had to go help her. We asked if she was okay, and she stumbled out with the creep! Bad situation, but what can you do?! So...anyway we finished off the night back at Marq dancing it up! So MUCH FUN! Just a great night out with the girls!  Seriously the most entertained I have been in a long time!  

If Life Is What You Make It....Im Making It Sweet!

Can I just say how aMaZiNg this week has been!  I am so so happy, and I love it!  I don't even have a reason to be happy right now!  I have absolutely no money, and I have been crazy busy...yet I have had this calm all week long.  I feel like this is going to be an amazing semester!  School really got me down this summer, and I really had a hard time being happy about anything.  Nothing in my life seemed as I wanted it, and I constantly found myself criticizing all that I did.  I am a constant worrier when it comes to how I am viewed in the eyes of others!  I told myself that I need to just let go of all of that, and show people who it is that I truly am...despite what they may think!  I have really let myself open up to sharing my beliefs and feelings with others, and it is so so empowering!  Spiritually, I have taken leaps and bounds in just the past week.  God is really showing me a lot right now...about what he wants me to do for myself, and for others!  For me it is so small, but I know he will replenish me in so many other ways!  It's funny, I have no money and I am not worried at all!  How can I be, when I just used what I had to make someone else feel loved, even if it was just for today.  I love my life!  Thank you Jesus!

Trust the Lord your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Too much weight for such little shoulders.....

So I downloaded a documentary the other day to watch on my Ipod called "Jesus Camp".  I barely read the description of what was to follow, but in my mind I think I thought is was going to be like a real world version of a church camp.  You know follow the kids around, see what they are eating for lunch...exciting stuff like that!:)  Not what I found at all, well for the most part.  This was a documentary on an Evangelical Children's camp in the United States.  It was pretty much crazy, and nothing that I have ever really seen before.  I know like with anything, there are different levels to organizations, and Christians are no different.  This video opened up with a room full of children and their parents, being preached to by a youth minister.  After telling them that Harry Potter is evil, all of the children gathered and begin speaking in tongues.  These kids were crying and just seemed to have no control over what was happening to them.  "You are crusaders for Christ!"  This youth pastor preached about how stopping abortion was up to these seven year olds!  I get that children are our future, but these kids were breaking down at the notion of what they could do to stop abortion....completely!  I guess I don't understand the idea that because the parents of these kids think that as Christian adults they haven't had any success, so now it needs to fall on their children's shoulders.   I know that not all Christians are brought up to worship in this way, and it is a Fundamentalist way of worship...but it kinda freaked me out!  I mean these same kids in the next scene were so normal, and extremely mature for their age!  So humbled and innocent in their love for God.  I really don't know...all in all it was a disappointing documentary, and sadly eye opening!!