Wow, it has been quite a while since I last updated this. I've been super busy with school and whatnot.

Most important thing to have happened since last time...... Dane & Jean got married!!! The day went by very smoothly. Except for having to be at the church at 8am, otherwise the day was an awesome day. All the decorations looked beautiful. Jean's dress was amazing. Dane looked so handsome. Everything was as perfect as it could be for their special day! The reception was a lot of fun. We danced the day/evening away!

All in all, Thanksgiving break was a good one. I just didn't get as much rest as I would have liked to have gotten. We decorated for the wedding the whole week before. But its all good. The decorating had to get done, and it was fun for the most part.

Since break, I've been working on homework and studying for tests. Tuesday was the last day of classes for the semester. Yesterday was the first day of finals. I only have one actual exam, but its not until Monday. Its my chemistry final. So as you can imagine, I've been studying hardcore for it every chance I get. My nutrition final was online, my exercise physiology final was a take-home test, my sociology final was our last journal entry, and my EXSS 111 class did not have a final. This has been my easiest semester for finals thus far. I just wish they all could be like this.

Last night, instead of actually studying, a few of my friends and myself made a "study fort" in Ridgway. Upstairs, we took a bunch of of chairs and used the piano to make our fort. We had lots of blankets to make the fort. It was soooo much fun! Allyson was trying to study, but it didn't really work out. Austin taught Jamie, Becca, and I a new card game, which I fail at, but its a lot of fun. [Mom, I'll teach you how to play over break :) ] After out study party, we went to the guys' house for 'Midnight Society'. It was a two part episode, which was legitimately creepy. A bunch of us were wearing footie pajamas. It was soooooooo awesome! Allyson, who is an RA in one of the residence halls, had a bunch of footies because all the RAs in her building took a group picture in the pjs. Who says you have to grow up?

Well, today I am going shopping with Angela and a friend. I haven't started Christmas shopping at all, whoops. It'll get done eventually. :)

November is coming to a close, which means the semester is almost over. One day of class this week and then one full week plus three days the next week. Then the dreaded finals begin. Where has all the time gone?

The wedding is in six days! So much to do this week. It seems like just yesterday that they had just gotten engaged and now its time for the wedding. I'm pretty excited. I'm finally going to have a sister.

Classes are going well. Chemistry has gotten better. I think I'm starting to understand some of it. I'm just dreading Organic Chemistry next semester. I just hope I do well this semester so I'm not too lost next semester. I got my schedule for next semester. I'll be taking Intro to Neuroscience, Exercise Prescription, Organic Chemistry, Intro to Roman Archeology, and Christian Thought. It should be a good semester. I have a paper for Nutrition, a paper for Concepts of Human Performance, and a few tests left in all my classes before this semester is over. I am so ready for Christmas break to get here. I need that three week break really bad.

I'm sure there are other things I could be blogging about, but I should probably be working on some homework/taking a nap :)

Ahhhh, it's already almost halfway through November. This semester has flown by! Two weeks until Thanksgiving, and then two weeks of school left after that! There is hardly any time left. I'm so ready for a break from classes though. I feel like this semester has been ridiculous. But I love the time I've been spending with my friends. We have the best times together!

Lots has happened since I last blogged. Too much to type about. High points: I got a job! I am now an employee at Steak N' Shake on the West Side of Evansville. I work in the back preparing food. Its a job, haha. Halloween Party at my friend Alex's house on October 30. It was epic! We had a blast bobbing for apples, dancing, machetiata, eating and whatnot. One of the best nights of my college career thus far. Just hanging out with my friends in general has been a high point. I've made such good friends and they are just the best. We always do the most ridiculous and crazy things. Halloween night, a few of us wandered around campus just doing random things, you had to be there to understand. Almost every Wednesday night, we have "Midnight Society," which is where we all head over to Alex, Guy and Matt's house to watch 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?' the tv show from the 90s. Its a lot of fun and perfect for your midweek stress reliever.

Dane's wedding is coming up rather quickly. Only 16 days left. I have a feeling that the wedding is going to consume my whole break off from school, which is fine. My brother will only get married once, so I should be excited and helpful. I'm sad I'll be losing my brother for the most part, but I'm also excited to gain a sister. Then Steph's wedding is three weeks after Dane & Jean's. So I've got stuff for her wedding going on as well. There's just too many weddings this year.

This weekend should be a good one. Tomorrow is Jackie's 20th birthday!!! No longer a teenager, but a real adult. I can't believe it. We're going to party it up in Evansville tomorrow evening, no official plans yet, but it should be a blast. Then Saturday, I'm headed to St. Louis to the City Museum with some friends from SCF. I'm really really excited! We're going to have such a good time. Sunday I have to work, but I should be able to go to Bethel Temple on Sunday morning. I really enjoy going there, its so much like Little Chapel. They are in a series about family right now. Its pretty good thus far.

Well, right now, I'm chillin' in the laundry room doing some laundry and working on chemistry homework. I should probably get back to it!

october 22nd

October, like September and August, has been rushing by. A break in the middle helped with that.

Not too much has happened since I blogged last. Classes are going well. I feel like I'm going very good in all of them. Chemistry isn't too bad at the moment, but continue to pray for this easy sensation. My exercise science classes are thoroughly easy and I really enjoy them.

Last Friday night, I went to Franklin, IN (near Indy) for a concert with some friends. Showbread, The Wedding, Children 18:3, Kids in the Way, and Project 86 were playing. It was a pretty good show in a little venue. I went with Shannon, Alex, and Cody. Cody is from Franklin, so he knew where we were going. Shannon is from Indy, so we had a place to stay for the night. We had a good time together. I love my SCF friends and their good influence on me. I regret not spending more time with them last year. I'm making up for lost time this year. Alex and I are hoping for a show in Illinois next time, since we're both from the Land of Lincoln.

Saturday, after we got back, I went with my Circle K bunch to help with Gilda's Club. They were having a carnival on the east side of Evansville. Anna and I were watching an inflatable, where we had to carry the kids (and some adults) shoes to the other end. It was like an obstacle course thing. It was actually a lot of fun, only a little chilly.

Sunday, I went to Bethel Temple. It was awesome! We finished the "Worship Is..." series, coming from 1 Chronicles 13-16. I really enjoyed it. My heart fills with joy every time I'm there. The Lord's presence definitely is there and touches you as soon as you hit the parking lot. I love the feeling.

As soon as church was over, I drove back to Southern Illinois for Dane & Jean's wedding shower. As a bridesmaid, I had to be there. We played the silly games and had cupcakes & punch, and there were tons of presents for the happy couple. I was there for all of two hours and then drove back to Evansville.

The rest of the week has just been a blur. Tuesday was my best day thus far. I found $6 in my jeans' pocket when I put them on. I got a job at Steak N' Shake (I start next Friday). Just a great day overall. I've been spending lots of time with my SCF friends, like Brittany, Hannah, Shannon, Erin, Carley, Alex, Cody, Ben, Maggie, Caleb, Kris, etc. There are so many of us. When we eat dinner, there isn't a table big enough for all of us, which is awesome. We're starting to make the greek tables look small and not crowded, hehe.

Well, tomorrow I'm having breakfast with my brother. He's coming to take me to IHOP before class. :) Tomorrow night is SCF, yay! Then I'm going to head home because my friend Addie is getting married on Saturday afternoon!! Then I'll be heading back to Evansville. Wow, jam-packed weekend, but it looks to be an awesome one!

Guess I'll go work on homework before I go to bed.

fall break is over

This past weekend was my Fall Break, Saturday until Tuesday. I headed home Friday after I was finished with class. Made it home about 4pm, then headed to Marion/Carbondale with mom. We were picking up things for the rehearsal dinner. I think we have finally decided on table decorations. I thought the food should be the most important part, but mom is utterly concerned with the decorations for the table. This is too simple, this is too fancy, that's tacky, etc. But I think we've reached a point where it doesn't matter.

Saturday morning, mom and I headed to Olney for Will's 4th birthday party. It was a Pirate Party! He looked so cute in his pirate outfit, complete with drawn-on mustache and beard, eye-patch, hook, sword, hat, parrot, and gun. It makes me think I want a Pirate Party for my birthday :) He got lots of pirate themed presents, especially from us, but he also got cowboy boots and spiderman and batman stuff. Fun kid now that he's started pre-school. He says the funniest things. I love being with my family, even if it was just for a few hours.

After the party, we came home for fish with dad and Jackie. Then Jackie, Erin, Cacy, and I rented the Hannah Montana Movie and watched it at the house. It was actually a decent movie and the male lead was rather good-looking. Then we called it a night. Funny how we always stayed up late when we were younger and now we just want to sleep.

Sunday, mom and I cooked breakfast at church for the bus kids. It was fun. I had forgotten how much I missed doing that. The kids were at cute as ever and very polite. It makes my day to see them and how their faces light up when we give them food. Church was good, Titus was in from Africa. He has a very powerful passion for God. It's amazing.

Sunday afternoon, mom, dad and I went to Karel Park in Eldorado for the Cowsert family picnic/reunion. Good food with family. I spent the majority of my time with my 6th grade cousin and her two friends. They are more fun than the old people. There was a new play thing that looked like a spider web, really cool and fun to play on. I felt like I was in 6th grade as well. I like feeling young like that. After the picnic, we went home and I took a nice long nap.

Monday, all three of us were off from school and work. We decided to go to Kentucky, crossing the river by ferry. We spent our time exploring the Amish Country around Marion, KY. It was fun to see all the Amish people. We bought lots of food, peanut butter fudge, molasses cookies, dried pineapples, yummy. We took the ferry back into Illinois and made a trip to Garden of the Gods. It was really crowded. Mom kept fussing at me to be careful and not slip in my slick shoes. Guess who ended up hurting themselves.... Mom. She missed a step down on the path and rolled her ankle. She is now in a boot brace thing. Other than that, it was a splendid day with my family. I really enjoy being with them and experiencing things like that.

Today, I woke up and packed up my things to come back to Evansville. I ate lunch with Jackie at Tequilas, where she left her retainers, haha. She's the greatest friend a girl could ask for. I'm so glad she's my best friend. After lunch, I went to see my mom in her boot :) Then it was off to the dentist for me. Just a regular cleaning, which I hate regardless. I have two small cavities that I have to get filled over Christmas Break. These breaks are beginning to be no fun if I have to go to the dentist every time. After the dentist appointment, I was Evansville-bound. Made it to Evansville in one piece. Proceeded to eat at Taco Tierra with Anna, because she was not wanting our campus food just yet.

That brings me to now. Just waiting to go to Bible Study at 9. Good break but its back to work now.

october already?!

October, where did you come from? August was just here the other day and gone so soon. Oh well, I'm loving the chilly weather. I wish it would stay like this forever.

School has been creeping by. Chemistry is getting better by the day. Lab is kicking my butt, but that is to be expected. I have days where I'm super lost and others where I know exactly what is going on. All my exercise science classes are going well. I really like them. They are helping me with my working out and eating better. Sociology is definitely not my favorite class, but I'm doing well in it. The journal I have to do is keeping me up to date with some things going on in the world and US.

I'm in a lot more clubs this year. Circle K, EXSS Club, PT Club, and I'm involved with SCF. They are sucking money right out of me, which I don't have a lot of at the moment. I'm really enjoying my clubs though. I didn't join EXSS or PT club last year, I'm not exactly sure why I didn't, I guess I was still shy and reserved last year.

On the money spectra, I have very little. I can't seem to get a job. The place I really wanted to work sent me a letter this week, saying they had hired someone else. I always want mail, but this mail could've stayed away. I'm hoping that some of the other places I applied will call this week wanting me for seasonal work. Not exactly what I want, but work is work. If all else fails, I'm going to call Shirley, a friend from church, who is the manager at Steak n Shake and hope she can get me a job. I guess fast food would humble me.

Reading through the Word is going well. We've read through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Matthew, Mark, and a little bit of Psalms. I'm really enjoying it. It doesn't take long to read everyday, and God is revealing Himself all the time. Tuesday nights are awesome, because we just talk about what God is saying to each of us. I really love the group I'm in. They are always encouraging and so much fun to be with. I'm glad I'm more involved with SCF this year. I have more Christian friends and I'm proud of the person I have become.

I got my last fitting for my bridesmaid's dress for Dane and Jean's wedding. It's just the right length now. Stinks when you're so short and always have to get things altered. There are only 55 days until the wedding. 54 until the rehearsal dinner, which mom is in charge of. She's a little stressed about the whole ordeal, but that's why she's got me and Jackie :) The shower is in two weeks from today. I should probably get them a gift soon. Actually I'll probably just put my name on the card from my parents, haha. I picked up my dress for Stephanie's wedding last Saturday. Her wedding is three weeks after Dane's. This is a very busy fall/winter for weddings. I've never been a bridesmaid before and now I'm in two weddings, ahhh. I guess I'll manage.

Well, I don't really have anything to do, but I think I'll go watch a movie.

Almost done with September

September is moving right along. Barely knew it was here and now its almost gone. And its officially fall as of today. Yay! I love the chilly weather, rain, changing leaves, crunchy leaves under my feet, soccer games. All the fun fall stuff :)

This past weekend was the Student Christian Fellowship Fall Getaway. We went to Lake Kum-Ba-Ya on Kentucky Lake. Saturday morning at 8 am was the time we left UE. I was extremely tired, but the drive there was fun with Becca driving and Jessica, Brittany, Hannah and I riding. We listened to old school Backstreet Boys and the Freaky Friday soundtrack. It was an awesome time bonding and spending time with them. We got there about 10:30 am-ish. We unloaded our stuff and just hung out for a little while. Then we had lunch and got changed for the wacky games we were going to play. I was on the "Fantastic 11" team. We did the dizzy bat race and the passing of the vasoline covered watermelon and the water/spitting game and the egg toss and canoe races. I had a blast! Then I laid on the dock with some friends and just chilled, talked and whatnot. After free time was dinner, which was yummy chili. Then we had a message from our leaders, Mark & Trevor, from UE and the leader, Don, from USI. It was good. They talked about John 15, the vine and the branches. I realized I need to be sharing Jesus with everyone I come in contact with. I can't be afraid and shy, but bold and full of confidence from God. After the message was campfire time, which was in a fireplace under a pavilion because it was raining. Still had the same effect. Had some s'mores. Played all the silly games that no one hardly ever gets, like "the green glass door", "sticks", "the string", "the cup". I got most of them, but its so much thinking and it takes a little while to get them. We used to play them when I was younger at LCC, but I didn't get them then, haha. After campfire time, we pulled mattresses from the cabins and slept under the pavilion for the night. It was nice and soothing, because it was raining awfully hard. 8 am wake-up call Sunday morning, with yummy breakfast of yucky (lucky) charms & a banana. Then a long drive home, which I slept for most of. It was an awesome weekend to just get away from school and all other distractions, and truly focus on God. I wish it could happen every weekend. I just need to spend more time with God regardless, He'd like to hear more from me I'm sure :)

Classes this week have been well so far. Nothing too major. Just a couple of quizzes in Chemistry and Chem Lab that confused me, but nothing too big. Lab today was super easy and I loved it, I now remember why I liked chemistry in high school. The stuff we had been doing wasn't what I remembered as chemistry. My EXSS classes are going well, nothing much going on different. I have to run 1.5 miles tomorrow for my 111 class, should be an interesting time. I have been running Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but I don't know if I can do 1.5 miles. We'll see. I was supposed to have an IM soccer game tonight, but it got cancelled because of the rain. I love playing soccer, but the rain today was soothing and nice.

I have been searching for a job recently. I have applied at many places in Evansville, but nowhere seems to want to hire me. Today I applied online at Kohls and I'm filling out my application for Vertical EXcape, the rock-climbing gym. I would really like to work there, so we'll see. Today while driving around looking for all stores with "NOW HIRING" signs, I got very discouraged and upset. I feel as though I will never get a job, because I don't have hardly any work experience. I know you have to start somewhere, but I can't start anywhere because I have no experience. Tell me how that works. I also got homesick, because I haven't been home in while and I miss my best friends and parents and brother and almost sister-in-law and grandparents and friends. I saw my parents on Friday night, but its not the same as seeing them all the time. I haven't seen Jackie in forever, but I will this weekend. Mom and Jackie are coming for "Family Weekend" here at UE. So, I'll get to spend time with them then, but Friday seems forever away at this moment. I guess I'll have to lift my chin and push on through this week.

Well, I need to work on some things before I go to Bible Study :)

Where has the time gone?

It feels like I just started school yesterday and now September is halfway over. Lots been going on lately.

Monday was the first Intramural soccer game. We won 7-0, and I scored twice. We were playing against the international team and they are technically a B team while we are an A team. Tuesday night we had another game, which we lost 2-0. They were pretty good. And I've already got a nice big bruise on my leg. Soccer wouldn't be complete without that, ha! Tonight we have another game. I hope we do better tonight. Go Mortano!

Classes are creeping by. My exercise science classes are going well, which is awesome. I'm really enjoy them. Chemistry is still kickin' my butt, but I hope it gets better. Yesterday was the first exam. I feel okay about it. Sociology is pretty easy at the moment, just a lot of work with keeping up a journal.

Gotta go eat lunch before class!

day #?

I kind of lost track of how many days I've been in school. Its been quite a while, yet hardly at all at the same time.

School's going great. I'm understanding most everything in all of my classes. Chemistry lab went better today than last week. Chemistry is getting better, I seem to be understanding a whole lot better than I did at the beginning. It's starting to look more like the chemistry I learned in high school. All of my exercise science classes are going well, letting me know that I've chosen the right field.

My roommate is great. She's really sweet and very polite. She's always so interested in my life and learning more about US culture. Likewise, I am very interested in how things work in Uganda. She is always more than happy to talk about it. Surprisingly, she likes many things American. She loves the TV show, One Tree Hill, haha. We spend lots of time just talking, but we also spend time just chilling, watching television.

Friday night, I went home for the first time since I had moved in. I left after SCF, which was about 8:30 pm-ish. Saturday was Liberty Fest at LCC. I spent the majority of my day glazing donuts. I was a sticky mess before the end of the day. But it was a good time, serving the people. Saturday night, I went to the Ellis' and watched a movie with them and Angela. It was a fun time hanging out since I hadn't spent time with them at all recently. I was going to come back to Evansville Saturday night, but my parents conned me into staying. So I stayed the night and went to church the next morning at LCC. I left around 1 to get back to Evansville because I had school Monday. Silly private college doesn't let out for Labor Day. Apparently, kids used to stay locked up in their rooms until Labor Day and then went home for the weekend and never came back. And then the University lost all that money. This is just rumor I've heard around campus.

Intramural soccer starts this week! I'm so excited!!! I just hope I don't hurt myself this year, I'll keep my fingers crossed, haha. We're playing in the A league this year, so it should be good. Our first game is tomorrow night. It's going to be so much fun!!

Tonight is Bible Study. I'm really looking forward to it. We've been reading through Genesis this week and we've started Psalms. I love reading the Bible and discovering things I hadn't noticed before. God is so awesome that way. He reveals Himself in new ways all the time. :)

Must study before 10 Things I Hate About You and soccer meeting and Bible study. Ahhhhh, where did all the time go?

School Days

I started school a week ago today. School is going well. Chemistry is going to take a lot out of me, as well as sociology. I'll be fine, I just have to study hard and put forth all the effort I can. My exercise science classes all seem to go together. At the moment, we seem to be talking about the same things, which is fine by me. It means I can learn it three times and maybe it will sink in better.

My roommate finally got here! Her name is Yvonne. Sunday afternoon, she got here. She had to fly 30 hours, from Uganda to Amsterdam to Memphis to Evansville. I can't even imagine being on a plane that long. Her sleep schedule is all messed up at the moment, but she's slowly getting used to it. She is technically a freshman, she started UE in January, but she's the same age as I am. It's something about the way school works in Uganda. She's really nice, very tall and very skinny, haha. We've been getting to know each other over the past few days. I think this will be a good year with her as my roommate. :)

Last night I went to Bible Study through SCF. We are reading the entire Bible through the school year. It's about 4-5 chapters a day and switching between Old and New Testament. We just started on Monday, so I've only read Genesis 1-10 thus far. Last night was our initial meeting, just a meet & greet, get to know everyone in the group. We'll be meeting every Tuesday at 9pm. I really enjoy being with the people in the group. Its going to be a fun semester with all of them!!!

Well, I need to be studying chemistry and sociology :)

day #2

Second day of classes out of the way! Judging from the time spent in classes thus far, it should be a fairly good semester. I have three exercise science classes, including Nutrition for Health & Performance, Physiology of Exercise and Concept of Human Performance. I'm also taking Chemistry and Sociology. Chemistry and Sociology will be my hardest classes and will take the most effort on my part. I'm really looking forward to this semester. It should be really good.

Still no roommate, but she could still be coming. My RA Christin thinks its possible that she could just be coming later. I hope so. I get lonely in this room all by my lonesome. I'm getting more used to my bed being so high up, but still not my favorite part of the room. If the roomie never shows, I'll just lower her bed and sleep there. I'm getting used to the rest of them, though I'm still missing all the storage we had last year.

Tomorrow is the first SCF of the year. I'm pretty excited! I need to start hanging out with my christian friends more. We had a get together Tuesday evening, ice cream at the SCF house. It was fun, getting to see everyone.

Also tomorrow, Angela moves into her apartment over at USI. I'm pretty darn excited about it. I love that she's just across town, even though I still don't see her all that much. I wish Jackie would've come to USI instead of John A. Logan, but she's loving it over that. So I'm happy for her.

Well, I should probably be doing some work!

new schoool year

Of course, I've waited entirely too long to blog.

Yesterday, I moved into my dorm. My dorm was remodeled over the summer, so it's all different than last year. We have new furniture, new bathrooms, and less storage. I bunked my bed, so I could put my desk and fridge under it. It's like my own little cave. I'm not sure I like my bed being so high, but it's going to have to work for now. It took a lot of effort from my mom, dad, grandma and grandpa to get everything all moved around. It's going to take a little while to get used to, but I'm working on it. My roommate hasn't moved in yet. Her name is Yvonne and she's from Uganda. I'm a little nervous, but I think it should work out fairly well. I'll just have to see after she moves in, which will probably be tomorrow sometime. Classes start on Wednesday, and I picked up my books today. I think I'm ready for classes to start. I really enjoy this time of doing nothing and seeing my friends, whom I haven't seen all summer long. We've been catching up and having a good time.

Until next time :)

grand ol friday

Whoa, its been forever once again since I've written on my blog.

Most recently, I finished my summer class yesterday. Finally!!! The final was pretty easy and I think I got an A in the class. I'm so glad I took it over the summer at community college rather than at my school.

My family leaves for Florida in 11 days!! My parents, me, Jackie and Angela! We are going to have the greatest time! One week of laying on the beach doing absolutely nothing, it shall be fabulous.

This coming Monday is the Warped Tour in St. Louis. I'm going with my friends, Brittany, Breanna and Breanna's mom. My favorite band, The Maine, is going to be playing. I am sooooooo excited to see them! We are going up on Sunday to stay with Breanna's mom's friend, so we don't have to leave so early from So. IL. It's going to be a long day, but super duper fun.

It's almost time to move in to my dorm again. August 23 is the day and school starts on the 26th. I'm ready and yet I'm not. I have a new roommate this year. Her name is Yvonne and she is from Kampala, Uganda. I have not met her yet, but I'm excited/nervous to meet her. This year should be a good one. Last year, I let school bog me down and take over my whole life. I hung around people who weren't very uplifting in my christian spirit. So, I'm working on finding good christian friends and making up for last year by being bold in my faith and making awesome friends.

Still lots of wedding things going on. That seems to be all anyone talks about at my house anymore. I'm excited for them, yet I'm worried that things aren't going as quick as they need to be, but it's not my wedding. So I'm just sitting back and letting them plan. I throw ideas around every once in awhile, but mostly just listen.

Off to hang out with my mom and best friends :)

long time, no blogging

It has been over a month since I last blogged. I've been rather busy with my summer class, swimming, laying out, and hanging out with my friends, haha.

Biology is going well. I have a 92% so far, which I believe is an A. It's really just like the AP Biology class I took my senior year of high school. But I would rather be taking it right now, instead of during the school year with Chemistry or Physics, that would really stink. My professor is really nice and since there are only 6 students in the whole class, we each get plenty of personal attention. Only about 3 more weeks and its over. This summer is flying by.

Since the last time I blogged I went to Florida. Jackie and I hopped on a plane Thursday June 18th and headed to Orlando, FL to see our best friend Angela. We had an awesome time!! Friday, we went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It was a lot of fun, plus we got to spend the day with Angela. We were wore out by the time we hit our hotel that night. Saturday, we snuck into the Hard Rock Hotel and swam in their pool. It was pretty awesome. When you swam underwater, you could hear music. Pretty nifty! Then we got tickets to see Blue Man Group that night. It was AWESOME!!!! I recommend going to see it. It's comedy, entertainment, and a whole lot of laughter. Then Sunday morning, Angela drove us to the airport where we caught our plane back to St. Louis. It was a short trip, but rather fun! I can't wait for Angela to get home, cause I really miss her!!!

Another fun thing has happened since the last time.... My brother got engaged!!! This past Friday night he proposed to his girlfriend, Jean! With the help of myself and my parents, we had a blanket and candles set up at Cave-In-Rock, where they had their first kiss. He took her out to eat in Paducah and then blindfolded her and took her there. It was very romantic. We watched from down the hill behind a truck. The wedding is set for November 28, 2009. And I get to be a bridesmaid! We have so much planning and the like to do. There isn't much time before the wedding is actually here. I'm trying not to put too much input in since it's not my wedding, but they are going to need a lot of help pulling it off! :)

Yesterday started Junior High Camp down at Camp Oxford. I went down to help for a little while yesterday and today. This is the first year I'm not actually staying at camp, which is really weird for me. I decided since I'm taking a class, that staying would only take away studying time & I'd have to get up way earlier to get all the way to John A. Logan in the mornings. Since I'm not staying, I'm the "grocery shopper." You should see the looks I get when I load my cart at Aldi's with 32 dozen eggs, hahahaha. Tomorrow afternoon I'm going with the girls rock-climbing. My dad is taking groups every afternoon. Its usually pretty fun. Most of the kids are scared at first, but then end up loving it. I love spending time with these kids, or pre-teens. The girls make me feel young & old at the same time. Old because I'm now 19 and a sophomore in college, but I remember clearly what it was like to be in 6th, 7th or 8th grade. Those were rough years and can be for every girl. But I like to think I've made myself a positive role model for these girls to look at see that they can make it and that they can do whatever they set their minds to. They inspire me to be the best that I can. :)

Well, I need to study a little of Biology before I hit the hay. I'll try not to wait so long between blogs this time, haha.

Wow, it has been quite some time since I've written on here. Not too much has happened since the last time. Been cleaning a lot, trying to get the living room actually livable. My bedroom has become almost spotless. I actually like it clean, whoever thought my room would be clean, haha.

Friday night we went to my grandparents for a fish fry. Me, my parents, Dane and Jean. We had a pretty good time, but all the greasy food made me sick. Needless to say, I spent Saturday in bed. Sunday was church, which was fabulous, like usual. We cooked breakfast for the kids. That afternoon, a bunch of us went to Lake of Egypt. Me, Jackie, Austin, Dane, Jean, Clayton, Jacob, Al, and Kyle all went to ride on boats and have a great time on the lake. It was a really good time. I've always loved boating and riding on the water. I find it so relaxing. I think we're going to try and go back this Friday.

Today, I cleaned a little bit in the living room. It's almost done. I hung out with Dane and Chris for a little while. I then went to Jackie's. I helped her clean her pool, so we can go swimming this summer. After swimming, I went to Harrisburg's 8th grade graduation. Kendal, who is like my little sister, graduated. I'm feeling so old. I knew a bunch of the kids graduated and I knew them when they were little kids.

The countdown to Orlando has begun...... 17 days!!!!!!!!!

Jackie and I are going to see Angela in Orlando for the weekend, June 18-21. I am so so so so excited!!

Summertime already

I cannot believe I have been out of school for almost three weeks. Considering all the schools around here are still in session. I'm really enjoying the break though, it was very much needed. And I still have a few weeks until I start my summer class at John A. Logan College. I have a feeling that this summer is going to fly by so quick.

It's been a while since I last posted. I shall update the blogger world. I finished up school obviously, and I got all Bs and one A. I was very happy with this. I did very well on my finals, probably because I studied so so so much for them.

Two days after school got out would be my 19th birthday.  This will go down as the birthday I will always remember. I went with my mom and Jackie to Carbondale.  We had lunch at O'Charley's, while it was raining super duper hard. We then headed on to Carbondale mall. I got my cartilage pierced at Claires as soon as we got there. That took about 15 minutes. As we were leaving Claires, we went into Payless Shoes. As soon as we got in that store, a security guy came in and told us to evacuate to the storm hallway because a tornado had been spotted. Talk about scary. So we sat in this tiny hallway with probably 50 other people were as well. We could hear the roof shaking and the walls. When they finally let us out, the damage outside was horrible. Trees and signs were down all over the place. Trees were in people's houses and had crushed cars. Lots of semis were turned over. I just wanted to be home. It took us about 2 hours to get home from Carbondale, because there were no stoplights because all the power was out. Some people just got power back this week. It was a crazy week for Southern Illinois.

The past two Mondays I have been following a PTA at my mom's school. Annette actually started at UE but then went to SIU. She's a really nice lady and I learned quite a bit from her. She works with kids from the Early Childhood Program and the Special Education classes. Kids with many diseases and disorders that she is trying to help. This specialty might be for me, but I don't know just yet. My mom knows a few PTs that I can follow and "shadow" this summer so I can get some hours of following in.

Last Monday, the 11th, my friend April finally had her baby. It was a baby boy and they named him, Liam Daniel. He is absolutely the cutest baby ever. Jackie, Angela and I went to see him last Tuesday. I can already tell that the three of us are going to spoil him so so much. He'll be like a little brother to me, which is what I usually refer to him as. :) 

This week I have been getting ready for Jackie and I's rummage sale this weekend. It's Raleigh Days so we think we should be getting quite a bit of business since she lives in downtown Raleigh. So I've been sorting things and then pricing them. There are a lot of shoes and clothes and picture frames and belts and hats and jewelry, etc. I have so much stuff, that I don't even care if people take it for free, just as long as I can get rid of it.

Well, I'm watching Leno and about to fall asleep. I promise to write soon :)

Summer's Almost Here

One final left, that's all. I took my anatomy final this morning, and I feel pretty good about it. I hopefully got a B in the class. Tomorrow is my psychology final, which should be pretty easy since it's not cumulative. The final starts at 10:15 am. My grandma and grandpa are coming over at 11 to help me move my stuff out of my dorm. My check-out time is 2:45 pm. My roommate, Rachel, left today at 3. My room is sadly empty. I've kind of expanded to her side of the room in order to pack up all my stuff, but its still empty. And weird to be alone in here. Soon I'll be at home and able to sleep in my own bed. I'm ready to be home, but at the same time I don't want to leave. I've become so close to the girls living in my hall and I probably won't see any of them until school starts again in the fall. Three-ish months is a long time to not see your friends. I guess I'll make it. Even though this summer is going to drag by, with the Biology class at John A. Logan and working somewhere.

My 19th birthday is in two days! Not a big birthday, except it's my last teen years. Kind of weird to think about. I'm getting closer and closer to being a real adult. I asked for an iPod touch, which is all I want. There is nothing I need, and I hardly want anything. I'll just be glad to be home with my family and enjoying life. God has blessed my life so greatly, there is nothing I could possibly need or want.

Well it's about my bed time. I'll probably post more once I get home and settled. :)

One down, two to go

I took my Art final this morning at 8:30 am.  I'm pretty for sure I got an A on it. It was super easy, with all the questions from old tests. I feel pretty confident about it.  We had to identify 4 works of art and evaluate them. This is an example. --->

Migrant Mother

by Dorothea Lange

1936

Photograph

American WPA

That was my first final and only one of three. I have my Anatomy and Physiology final on Tuesday morning and my Psychology final is on Wednesday morning. Plus, I have my research paper due tomorrow by 2:00 pm. It was supposed to be due today by 2:00 pm, but my professor changed it to tomorrow for some reason. The reason I am unsure of, but I'm not going to complain. I have nine full pages done and it has to be ten pages. I'm pretty proud of myself and how much of it I have done. I'll be able to turn it in tomorrow right on time. 

Well, I'm going to study some more and finish my paper. :)

Ahh, almost done!

Today is Monday, which means tomorrow is my last day of classes!! Finals start on Thursday! My art final is Thursday, and my FYS research paper is due Thursday. No final on Friday! No final on Monday! Anatomy final on Tuesday. And finally, Psychology on Wednesday. Ahh, I'm so ready to be done with this year. 

This afternoon was my last FYS class and we had class outside. We played sand volleyball and ate pizza and had cake. It was a great time. Sand volleyball really worked me, but it was so much fun. I'm going to miss that class, we had a great time this past semester. All my classes have been great.

I am sooooo ready for summer!! I'm taking Biology so that'll take up a lot of time. And I'm going to try and get a job, possibly at Target or maybe for the Miner's. Hopefully shadow a PT. That just leaves time to hang out with friends, swimming, and tanning. Such a full summer, I don't know how I'm going to do anything else, haha.

Time to do a little studying :)

awesome concert

Last night was awesome!!! The concert was rockin' and there were tons of cute boys, haha. I had a blast with Angela, Caitlin, Jake, and Steven. We were rocking out and having a good time. We stayed afterwards to meet the lead singer of Danger Radio. He was really nice and we took funny pictures :) Such a great time!

Today has been a good. I woke up and had my devotion, which was awesome. Still reading about the different names for Jesus. I'm in the 'sonship' names. I love learning His different names, makes prayer and worship even better :) I went to work in the Foreign Language/Philosophy/Religion department. I distributed phonebooks to each professor in the departments. Other than that, I did a whole lot of nothing, which was nice. Then off the Anatomy class to learn about antibodies. To make up for the lack of points, we are having a quiz this Friday and this coming Monday, which shouldn't be too bad because there isn't much more information to cover. I'm really studying hard for my final because I want to get a good grade in that class. I'm aiming for a high C or low B, which shouldn't be too hard. After Anatomy, I went to Art class. We are learning about Modern art, we have a test Monday and then the final is next Thursday. It shouldn't be to hard since I like art a whole lot. After Art, I got some lunch and ate in my room. I then proceeded to sleep from 2 pm until 5 pm. It was a much needed nap considering I didn't get back form USI until 12:30 am. At 7 pm, I went to the last Circle K meeting for the year. We had been collecting coke tabs, and I got $5 for collecting. Always good for a poor college student, ha. We discussed last minute details for Special Education Prom on Friday night, which we are putting on. The theme is 'Tango for Two." I'm going to be working with the crafts, which are going to be tote bags for the kids to make and have. I'm really excited.

Well, time to study a little more for Anatomy!

Quiet Study Time

I'm done with tests for the week. I took an Anatomy exam yesterday, which I feel pretty confident about. And I took an Anatomy Lab exam today, which I feel okay about. I just need to be working on my research paper for FYS. I have most of the 'research' done, I just need to organize my thoughts and get it on paper. I'm meeting with my professor on Friday to discuss it. Classes are going fairly well, though I am rather nervous about finals coming up. My last day of actual class is one week from today. I'm excited yet nervous at the same time. This semester has flown by and I don't know where the time has gone. I'm trying to study every chance I get, but sometimes the internet, facebook, myspace and my laptop in general just become a huge distraction. I'm working on it. 

Enough about classes. I real excited for tonight! It's the Plain White T's at USI!!! I'm going with Angela and Jackie, so it'll be a great time. This makes the 4th concert for me in four weeks. I might need to take a break after this one, but I love live music and being in the atmosphere. Even though my head is usually hurting afterward from all the loud music, but it's still awesome. Plus I like being with my friends.

Well, I need a nap before work and then I'm headed to USI for the evening/night. :)

Almost the Weekend

Already Thursday, this week has been going by so quickly. Not just this week, but this whole semester. I have less than three weeks left of school. It's ridiculous how fast this school year has gone by. I'm almost done with my first year of college. I'm starting to feel old, haha. 

Last weekend was Easter, so I got Friday-Monday off from school. I was really needing another break. Even though school is almost over. Thursday night, I went with Angela, Jackie, Erin, Cacy, Melanie, and Christine to St. Louis to see the All-American Rejects for Angela's birthday. It was an awesome concert!!! We had a great time together. Friday was a day of relaxing and doing absolutely nothing. I spent the time with my mom. Saturday was my favorite day of break. My family (Mom, Dad, Dane and me) went rock-climbing with our friends the Owens' (Bridgett, David, and Kaylynn). We had such a good time. They had never been before and they all loved it. I can't wait to go back with them. Sunday was church. There were so many people there. I think it's a little ridiculous that people only come to church on Christmas and Easter. God sees you all the time and He knows when you are going to church. Twice a year just doesn't cut it. A person needs the fellowship of other Christians and teaching provided by the pastor. People don't understand that. Oh well, on Monday I had matters to fix with a class I'm taking at John A. Logan this summer. It will be easier to take Biology at John A. rather than here at UE. So I'll be over in Carterville 4 days a week, which shouldn't be too bad. Better tan taking Physics and Biology at the same time.

This week of classes has been flying by. It's already almost the weekend and I feel like the week just started. Amazing what a Monday off can do to your week. This Friday, tomorrow, is Sunset Concert. Secondhand Serenade will be playing, along with 3 or 4 local bands. It's going to be awesome! It's free for UE students and only $3 for guests. So Angela is coming to hang out and see them play. We hang out a lot nowadays. I like being able to see her, she's my best friend. Saturday, I'm getting up early and heading home to watch a HHS girl's soccer game. Ame wants me to come watch her, plus I miss soccer. Then that night is Eldorado's Prom, so I'm going to watch Ame walk through. So I have a full Saturday of seeing Ame, haha.

Well I have two papers to write, so I had better get on that. 

Lazy Saturday Afternoon

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted on here.

Recently, I've been studying my butt off. With only a little less than a month left of school, everything seems to be piling up. But I'm working on it. I feel pretty confident in all my classes. I hope I can keep it up. Anatomy is still hard, but I think its getting better. I've been bringing up my grades on quizzes and tests and I've got quite a bit extra credit. I hoping for a B overall! I have a research paper to write for my First Year Seminar class. I'm researching adoption and whether international or domestic is more prevalent. It's coming along. It has to be ten pages and I have about 5. It's due at the end of the month. I'm still reading Grapes of Wrath for the same class. It's getting better along the way. It's kind of hard to read because of the dialogue, but it's coming. I have a few tests left in Psychology. I just keep getting better grades on the tests. I found out Tuesday that I got a 89% on my last one. That's a personal best. I'm hoping it only gets better form here. Art is going well. I have a test this coming Wednesday in there. It shouldn't be too bad, even though it covers quite a few chapters. I've always liked art, so it's coming pretty easy for me. I also have a paper to write. I have to go to the Evansville Museum and evaluate a piece of art. It shouldn't be too hard. Overall, school is going well. I'm all registered for classes for the fall. It should be good. I'm also trying to take a class this summer at SIC, so I can get biology out of the way. And it's only on Mondays and Wednesdays, so I'll be able to work a lot as well. I don't know where I'm going to work, but I could work at Hardees with Jackie and possibly at Dairy Queen too. And I'm hoping to maybe get an internship at the hospital again. But I don't know right now.

Yesterday was an interesting day. I got out of class at 3:00pm and decided I wanted to go to Gordman's to pick up a pillow for my mom and go to the mall to see Angela at work. At 4:00pm, I left my dorm and went to my car. I pulled out of the parking lot across from my dorm, and headed down the street next to Moore Residence Hall. It runs to Lincoln Street. I was stopped at the stop sign and trying to turn left. The traffic on Lincoln doesn't stop. There was a big SUV turning into the street I was on. I didn't think anything else was coming so I pulled out to go. I didn't realized there was a car in the other lane going the same direction as the SUV. I hit the car. My bumper was hanging on by 2 screws. I was rather shaken up. Lots of people stopped to see if I was okay. I waited to cry until the after all the kind people left. Then the police arrived and I couldn't control my crying. I felt so bad. I'm usually a really good driver. I've only had one wreck before and it wasn't my fault. So I didn't know what to do. One of the officer's took my information and went back to his car. 45 minutes later, he came back and gave my stuff back. The officer and his partner then proceeded to help me take the bumper completely off my car and put it in my back seat. I didn't receive a ticket, thank goodness, but I have to get a crash report and do something with my insurance. I have to do all that on Monday. 

Other than that, life is going grand. 

Sitting in Art

Not much going on. Art is a presentation day, which is quite boring. My group presented on Monday, so I'm just listening today. It's a presentation on Neanderthals right now. Way interesting, let me tell ya.

This week has been going fairly well. I only have FYS one day this week, because we are working on research papers. I meet with my professor today to discuss my rough draft. I am writing about adoption and compassion. It's coming along well.

I have a psychology test tomorrow, that I'm pretty ready for. It's over the chapter on learning. It should be fairly easy. 

I don't have Anatomy on Friday, I'm not sure why, but my professor informed the class today. I was pretty excited. That class is kicking my butt. I'm studying extremely hard, but I'm still having a hard time at it.  I'm continually studying on it. I'm hoping for a high C if not a B in the class. It can only get better from here. I refuse to think otherwise. God is with me through everything. He can help me with silly Anatomy and Physiology. I know it and believe it.

I can't wait for this weekend! It's April's baby shower. I am so excited for her baby to come. I hope he or she comes on my birthday since she's due about that time. She's getting so big, but she's still super cute. While I was home over spring break, she had grown from one Sunday to the next. I'm so glad God has blessed their family. Justin and April are going to be great parents. They've been so good to the youth group. Same with Brent & Leslie. They will be such awesome parents as well. I can't wait until Brent & Leslie live in Evansville and I can babysit for them! :)

Well class is almost over, I had better wrap it up! :)

Wow

It has been such a long time since I've posted anything. I just keep forgetting. These past few weeks have been ridiculously crazy. 

3 weeks ago, I was in the hospital, thinking I had ruptured my appendix, but thankfully I did not. I just had a few cysts on my ovaries and after some pain meds, they are hopefully gone.

The next week was spring break! I went home for the week. That Monday, I went with my parents to St. Louis. We went up in the Arch and ate lunch on the hill. Along with some shopping at St. Claire Square. It's not a trip to St. Louis without shopping! :) The rest of the week went by quick. I spent most of my days chilling at home doing absolutely nothing. All of my friends were still in school. I ate lunch with mom a few days. We had Fujiyamas in Carbondale with the whole Whitlock clan plus Jackie on that Friday night. It was great, getting to spend time with everyone. We were kind of celebrating Ame and Dalton's birthdays. I had a blast. Then Sunday I headed back to school. Sunday afternoon, Angela and I went to Resurgence Church here in Evansville to see Run Kid Run play an acoustic set for their worship service. It was really awesome. Then Ang stayed the night with me and went to work the next day. We stayed up too late and watched HSM3. We're such little kids. :)

Last week seemed to fly by! I was just getting back from spring break and classes were just bustling about. I had to finish a 5 page paper for First Year Seminar, write a 3 page paper for Psychology, study for an Anatomy quiz, study for an Anatomy exam, etc. The list goes on. I was beginning to get overwhelmed, but I started going back to the library and studying as much as I could. Friday night, I went to SCF. It was really good, Mark talked about the Holy Spirt and it was just awesome! The week ended well, with a date. My friend Nathan and I went to Olive Garden and went to see Gran Torino. The movie was horribly sad & funny. But we both had a good time. And no, I don't know about a second date.

Here we are at a new week. Sunday was time for church at Bethel Temple, which was awesome as usual. The worship just really had me fired up. I love the worship, I feel so at home. Pastor Brett preached about the "It Factor" from Acts 2. This is one of my favorites passages in the Bible. Brett was talking about the way the church was intended to be: developmental, relational, prayerful, missional, experiential, and joyful. Being teachable and willing to devote yourself to submitting your life to God. It was a really powerful message. The church has been looking for quite some time at Washington Square Mall, just a few blocks away, to be a new location for the Edge service, which is the more contemporary service they offer. Since the mall is practically empty. They've been really praying about it, and its looking like it might happen. So we're all praying for God's insight and instruction on to whether or not this is for real. God is so good, He can do anything. This could be the place He wants His church to meet.

Longest Week Ever

It's Saturday night, and I'm sitting in my room watching Grease. I slept in this morning, and I've been watching television and working on homework all day. I've gotten a lot accomplished; it's been a grand Saturday. It's Road-Trip weekend, so I have a potential UE student sleeping in my room for the weekend. Her name is Ashley, she's from somewhere near Cincinnati, OH. She's a cheerleader and is hoping to cheer here at UE. She's applied to another school near Louisville, KY; she just hasn't decided yet. She seems to be very interested in UE. We stayed up late last night just talking about all kinds of stuff, she's pretty cool. 

Well, just after I last blogged [the one from the hospital], we had to call the rest of the family, because the nurse couldn't get a blood pressure. Everyone was there really quickly, and we were all gathered around great-grandpa in his little hospital room. That was about 10:30 pm. We waited, and waited, and waited. At about 2:30 am, my uncle Dwight and aunt Sunday drove me home because we thought he would make it to morning. By the time I got home at around 3:00 am, grandpa Hal was gone. It didn't really sink in until Sunday. All day Saturday was just a slight blur.

Last Saturday for Valentine's Day, my dad took me and my mom shopping in Marion and Carbondale. I got a North Face jacket, I had been wanting one for so long. I just had never gotten one because they are so expensive, but we were at Dick's Sporting Goods and I found the perfect one in the little boys' section. And it was only $60. I was pretty excited! This was my major purchase for the day. I bought a book, some slippers, and little stuff like that. We ate at McCallister's Deli in Marion. It was fabulous. Everywhere else had super long waits, and we just got right in at McCallister's. After dinner, we went to Marion's Civic Center to see the play "Sabrina Fair." It was really good. There weren't very many people there, but it was still very good.

The rest of the week seemed to drag on. I had to go back to school Sunday night and study, because I had an Anatomy quiz and Art exam on Monday. I was supposed to have an Anatomy Lab exam Tuesday, but my professor excused me from that. I went home Tuesday morning to be with my family. We had to go buy Dane some nice, dress clothes to wear to the visitation and funeral. We had to be at the funeral home at 4:00 pm, because we are family. The visitation didn't get over until 8:00 pm. It was a very long night, with lots of people I didn't know. I hung around the back of the room, and occasionally sneaking away to hide downstairs. After the visitation, me and my cousin Ame went to Tequilas. I had been craving it and there was nothing else I wanted to do. Wednesday morning, we had to be at the Raleigh church at 9:00 am for more visitation before the funeral. Even more people I don't know, and it dragged on. The funeral service finally started at 11:00 am, and lasted for about 30 minutes, but then we had to go to the cemetery. It was super windy and very cold. It was short and quick and perfect for grandpa. I really miss him. He was a great man, everyone knew him and he was well-respected throughout the community. He's one of my heroes. I want to live to be 96 and tell stories to my great-grandchildren. That would be a wonderful legacy. 

All my professors were real great about me missing my classes. I was even excused from some assignments. I didn't need it, but it made things a lot easier when I got back. Everyone was concerned with my well-being. I'm glad I can talk to my professors and they understand. 

More another time :)

Hospital Times

Hello all. I'm writing from the hospital. My great-grandpa Hal has been in the hospital since last Friday. He's not doing good at all. He's on the verge of death, but I wish it would come already. I know that sounds morbid, but he hasn't been awake the whole time he's been here. He's ready to go and he knows where he's going. I love him a whole lot, I just want him to feel better. 

Tonight, Dad and I are staying the night with him, taking our turn. We played rummy, and I kicked his butt by like 200 points :) I learned from the best. We're just chilling, each on a laptop, just waiting. We'll be here all night with him. 

More to come later.