Oh the weather outside is frightful...
Well, actually today it is quite GORGEOUS outside. It has been below freezing all week, snowy, windy, and gloomy. Today we are blessed with some sunshine and semi-clear skies! Christmas wreathes, lights, bows, and music are flooding throughout town and everyone seems to have that holiday glow about them. I LOVE the month of December. I love that we have lights on all the houses and buildings - why can't we have pretty lights all year around? Or at least while it's cold out? They just warm up the cold night air!
Today I am sitting in J&B - my favorite local joint and the only place I can go to study, other than my house. Obviously, I am taking a study break. Finals loom in the weeks ahead and it is just so daunting to look at my class' review. The knowledge that I will soon be expected to regurgitate information on food safety and sanitation, food borne illnesses and the bacteria/toxins/viruses that cause them, etc is somewhat scary to me. Especially when there are so many movies to be seen, people to invest time in, and holiday flavors to enjoy! So, I worked on one assignment and have now decided to spend my time in a more productive way: blogging.
This semester has been a long, hard journey for me. All semester, I wanted it to be over - I have hated these last few months. Granted, I have had many fun and precious moments. Bachelorette parties and 21st birthdays celebrated, welcoming 70 new girls into ADPi, a few trips to Marfa - there have definitely been some good moments. But, this was also the semester when life decided to hit me in the face. My best friend and partner in crime was diagnosed with aggressive Lymphoma. He has spent the majority of the last three months in hospitals, connected to various machines and medications. Our phone-chatting has become a rare occassion - when you are accustomed to talking to someone on an hourly basis, that is a life-altering experience. He is sick and there is nothing that I can do but pray and be strong for him. Or so I thought...
My newest goal and hobby, if you will, is training for a 1/2 marathon. I researched runs put on in order to raise money for Lymphoma research and promote awareness of blood cancers. I stumbled upon the Big D Marathon...occurring on April 11, 2010. The run will be in Dallas - how convenient since John lives and is being treated in Fort Worth! I might not be able to heal my best friend or really do anything but keep our relationship normal. I might not be able to be with all the time like I want to do. BUT, he loves to run and made it a huge part of his life for many years. We used to share our running experiences together and talk on the phone as we commuted to early morning workouts. He runs on a much higher level than I ever had but we always shared that together. Right now, John is not running. He is enjoying a lazy lifestyle and getting to finally eat whatever, whenever, he so desires. I am currently training for the Big D 1/2 Marathon. I have gotten up to 5 miles of consecutive running...just 8 more to go!
If I can't be with him or make him better, I can dedicate my time and energy (and also gain a rockin' bod...or so I hope) to raising money for research and hopefully finding a cure to Lymphoma. If you would like to help with the financial part, I will be getting back to yall with information...when I know more!
So, though I have finals to worry about, I am excited for this semester to be over. As the leaves continue to drop from trees, I am ready to "turn a new leaf" and start afresh. That's the lovely part of college - each semester is a fresh start. I am ready to achieve my goal of running 15 miles, to spend a few weeks with family and friends from my childhood, and to live large - largely in love, largely in holiday celebrations, and largely as I remember the gift of Life and Love that baby Jesus provided so many years ago.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
"Peace - that was the other name for home."
Home is where your MOM is. Home is not where you live but where they understand you. Home is where the heart is.
The three quotes about all have one central theme: HOME. They all talk about the truth of home - it's not necessarily WHERE you live. Perhaps it's more about the quality of living that happens. It's not about your bedroom or your social groups or where you store your belongings - it's more about the love you receive, the life you lead, and the experiences that get you through the day. Each of the above quotes has captured the ideas of home for me, home in three different places. I grew up in Dallas, so that will always be my home. I go to school in Lubbock and love the life I have created there. Then there is my third home. I never "lived" there for long periods of time, I dont keep belongings there, I dont really even know THAT many people in the town. Marfa, Texas, however, and all of West Texas for that matter, will always be my home away from home.
Home is where your mom is. Wow, so very true. I never even realized the magnitude of this statement until I left for college. After my first emotional breakdown (oh, probably 3 hours after my family left me in dusty Lubbock), I quickly came to the realization that I NEEDED my mother. Not just for driving me to and from school or keeping the kitchen stocked or planning events for the family either. I needed her emotionally, spiritually, even physically needed my mom. My freshman year of college was awesome - I had the best roommate a girl could ask for, loved a local church, finally lived in the same town as my best friend. Things were good for me. Yet, I needed those phone calls with mom on the other end for stability and comfort. That first semester of school really hit home to me - I need and want my family more than I had ever realized.
Recently, mom and I were on a mini-roadtrip and got to talking about where I consider home to be. She said "surely you consider Lubbock your home now" after I said that Dallas was home. I just can't accept the fact that I have only one home - it's too deep of a word, implies to many emotions and memories to be so limited. It didn't take me long to get over that feeling when you're a freshman home from school. You know the one - you HAVE to constantly be with all your old high school friends. Nah, I passed that and immediately realized I would rather watch t.v. with the family than be out running around. It was during this road trip that I realized something: for me, home is where ever my family is. We can be at my grandmother's house or Colorado or on some fun vacation and so long as I am with my family, I will be happy. Home is where your mom is - sometimes you just need your mom's voice or presence to make things better. If mom is in Dallas, that will be home. If we are together somewhere else, that's just as comforting as being in my childhood town.
Home is not where you live but where they understand you. Wow. This one completely bottles up my college town: Lubbock, Texas. Granted, I'm only halfway done with school but it doesnt take the full four years to realize if that is where you should have gone or not. I knew before I got accepted that Texas Tech and Lubbock was where I needed to be. It took me a semester and a half to personally be aware just how perfect the match was.
By my second semester of freshman year, I had my friend groups that were no longer new friends (they had survived through Christmas break - always an accomplishment), I had a church I loved and people there I knew, and I had my sorority that I was slowly getting more and more used to. That one took a little longer to realized just how much I loved being an ADPi and how much it added to my life. Granted, they aren't for every one - that's very obvious - but, for me, it was a good addition to my life. If home is not where you live but where they understand you, than Lubbock is certainly home for me. I have made my life there. I have a support system and people who I hope to stay in contact with long after college. When I leave Dallas to go back to school, I say "I'm going home." People there understand the love I have for west Texas - after all, they live there too. They understand that Lubbock isnt as bad as people seem to think and that Tech really is better than A&M (haha...). Those in my sorority understand the connection that ADPi brings - it's a one of a kind relationship that you get to have with hundreds of other ADPi's. We are sisters, as cheezy as that may sound, and chose to join that particular group because of a connection we felt with the women of the sorority. People in Lubbock understand me. Lubbock is home.
And yet I still have what I claim to be my "true home." If home is where the HEART is, then Marfa, Texas has been home to me for many many years. I left my heart there many trips ago and my love for the far west, for the people and lifestyle and ranching that consumes it, has only grown since then. Though I would hardly call myself a "local," we have been going out to the little red and white house in town for years - our trips began as "Camp Marfa" with 15-20 people in a 2 bedroom house for a week and are now mostly for vacation and holidays. The magic of West Texas cannot be explained or illustrated - it must be personally experienced. For me, I love the weather and the natural soundtrack of the daily activities in town. Sitting on the porch you hear birds, kids laughing at the park, trucks driving by, trains pushing through town, gates swinging back and forth, and the wind rustling in the trees. There's no need to have music playing in the house - you will miss the beauty of Marfa if you mask it's own, unique music. I love it out there. If a cowboy came and took me away to a ranch out in the far west of Texas, I would hardly complain - more likely I would gladly take his hand and follow him to the land of mountains, cattle, and summer rains.
West Texas stole my heart long ago. Most of my best friends and favorite people are those I have met out there. Even if we rarely see each other, we share the love of the west - that alone seems to connect long-distance relationships in ways even constant texting cannot do. Whether I am at school or studying abroad, Marfa is the place I would RATHER be - even my time in Spain proved this to be true. It's my place, through and through.
So, whoever says you only have one true home clearly limited their own life. You can claim home wherever you want - it need only have that emotional connection, that way of tugging at your heart strings more than usual. Home is not necessarily a tangible building with beds and rooms and food in it. It's a concept, an idea that brings you peace and love and contentment. Afterall, peace was the other name for home.
The three quotes about all have one central theme: HOME. They all talk about the truth of home - it's not necessarily WHERE you live. Perhaps it's more about the quality of living that happens. It's not about your bedroom or your social groups or where you store your belongings - it's more about the love you receive, the life you lead, and the experiences that get you through the day. Each of the above quotes has captured the ideas of home for me, home in three different places. I grew up in Dallas, so that will always be my home. I go to school in Lubbock and love the life I have created there. Then there is my third home. I never "lived" there for long periods of time, I dont keep belongings there, I dont really even know THAT many people in the town. Marfa, Texas, however, and all of West Texas for that matter, will always be my home away from home.
Home is where your mom is. Wow, so very true. I never even realized the magnitude of this statement until I left for college. After my first emotional breakdown (oh, probably 3 hours after my family left me in dusty Lubbock), I quickly came to the realization that I NEEDED my mother. Not just for driving me to and from school or keeping the kitchen stocked or planning events for the family either. I needed her emotionally, spiritually, even physically needed my mom. My freshman year of college was awesome - I had the best roommate a girl could ask for, loved a local church, finally lived in the same town as my best friend. Things were good for me. Yet, I needed those phone calls with mom on the other end for stability and comfort. That first semester of school really hit home to me - I need and want my family more than I had ever realized.
Recently, mom and I were on a mini-roadtrip and got to talking about where I consider home to be. She said "surely you consider Lubbock your home now" after I said that Dallas was home. I just can't accept the fact that I have only one home - it's too deep of a word, implies to many emotions and memories to be so limited. It didn't take me long to get over that feeling when you're a freshman home from school. You know the one - you HAVE to constantly be with all your old high school friends. Nah, I passed that and immediately realized I would rather watch t.v. with the family than be out running around. It was during this road trip that I realized something: for me, home is where ever my family is. We can be at my grandmother's house or Colorado or on some fun vacation and so long as I am with my family, I will be happy. Home is where your mom is - sometimes you just need your mom's voice or presence to make things better. If mom is in Dallas, that will be home. If we are together somewhere else, that's just as comforting as being in my childhood town.
Home is not where you live but where they understand you. Wow. This one completely bottles up my college town: Lubbock, Texas. Granted, I'm only halfway done with school but it doesnt take the full four years to realize if that is where you should have gone or not. I knew before I got accepted that Texas Tech and Lubbock was where I needed to be. It took me a semester and a half to personally be aware just how perfect the match was.
By my second semester of freshman year, I had my friend groups that were no longer new friends (they had survived through Christmas break - always an accomplishment), I had a church I loved and people there I knew, and I had my sorority that I was slowly getting more and more used to. That one took a little longer to realized just how much I loved being an ADPi and how much it added to my life. Granted, they aren't for every one - that's very obvious - but, for me, it was a good addition to my life. If home is not where you live but where they understand you, than Lubbock is certainly home for me. I have made my life there. I have a support system and people who I hope to stay in contact with long after college. When I leave Dallas to go back to school, I say "I'm going home." People there understand the love I have for west Texas - after all, they live there too. They understand that Lubbock isnt as bad as people seem to think and that Tech really is better than A&M (haha...). Those in my sorority understand the connection that ADPi brings - it's a one of a kind relationship that you get to have with hundreds of other ADPi's. We are sisters, as cheezy as that may sound, and chose to join that particular group because of a connection we felt with the women of the sorority. People in Lubbock understand me. Lubbock is home.
And yet I still have what I claim to be my "true home." If home is where the HEART is, then Marfa, Texas has been home to me for many many years. I left my heart there many trips ago and my love for the far west, for the people and lifestyle and ranching that consumes it, has only grown since then. Though I would hardly call myself a "local," we have been going out to the little red and white house in town for years - our trips began as "Camp Marfa" with 15-20 people in a 2 bedroom house for a week and are now mostly for vacation and holidays. The magic of West Texas cannot be explained or illustrated - it must be personally experienced. For me, I love the weather and the natural soundtrack of the daily activities in town. Sitting on the porch you hear birds, kids laughing at the park, trucks driving by, trains pushing through town, gates swinging back and forth, and the wind rustling in the trees. There's no need to have music playing in the house - you will miss the beauty of Marfa if you mask it's own, unique music. I love it out there. If a cowboy came and took me away to a ranch out in the far west of Texas, I would hardly complain - more likely I would gladly take his hand and follow him to the land of mountains, cattle, and summer rains.
West Texas stole my heart long ago. Most of my best friends and favorite people are those I have met out there. Even if we rarely see each other, we share the love of the west - that alone seems to connect long-distance relationships in ways even constant texting cannot do. Whether I am at school or studying abroad, Marfa is the place I would RATHER be - even my time in Spain proved this to be true. It's my place, through and through.
So, whoever says you only have one true home clearly limited their own life. You can claim home wherever you want - it need only have that emotional connection, that way of tugging at your heart strings more than usual. Home is not necessarily a tangible building with beds and rooms and food in it. It's a concept, an idea that brings you peace and love and contentment. Afterall, peace was the other name for home.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
the secret to a good valentine's day.
This past saturday was a day that can either be highly anticipated or seriously dreaded - and your opinion on such a day can literally change in a matter of seconds. It all depends on what your relationship status is preceeding and on the day of Valentine's Day. You see, I love Valentine's Day. Like, from a very young age, my mother embedded in her children a great love for the heart shaped items, the chocolates, the silly cards, red and pink EVERYTHING, and especially having yet another reason to give and receive gifts. We are only human - we can't help but have the selfish desire to get more gifts only a short time after Christmas.
So, for the past twenty or so years, I have always anticipated Valentine's Day. Please let it be known that I anticipate this debated holiday despite the fact that I have never had a male valentine. Let me explain... I think that this day of hearts and love and cheeziness galor is nothing but a GREAT excuse to dress up, buy candy, and have a night out. I can't tell you how many times I have heard a girl moping about not having a "valentine" and having to celebrate the newly termed "Single Awareness Day" rather than the desired "Valentine's Day." GIRL, you gotta embrace the excuse to dress up, eat a more expensive meal than you normally would, have a cocktail (or three...), and be with numerous valentines - your girlfriends! Chances are, you are NOT the only single lady that you know who is looking for something to do on such a dreaded day. This year I took my own advice and had one of the best days I have had in a while. My friends, Katie and Erin, and I treated ourselves to pedicures where they serve wine spritzers and have the fancy massage chairs. That alone was a glorious event! Those chairs gave me a better massage than any guy has...what a great valentine gift to myself! Then, we dressed up in heels and makeup, something we three NEVER do together, and met some other friends at a japanese hibachi steakhouse. Plus, those other girls were friends we really never hang out with - they were just three more girls looking for something to do. We had a fabulous time chatting with our personal chef (the only white chef in the resturant), visiting, and eating a VERY yummy meal - not even a meal...more like a dining experience. Afterwards, we went home and had some yummy post-dinner snacks and just hung out. Such a good time. Such good company. Not awkward or frivolous or nervewrecking. Just fun. The only down side? No fresh flowers for the kitchen. But that's okay - my roommate got some :)
All this to say, next year, whether you have a special hunny or not, EMBRACE the heart shaped candies (valentine's candy is always better - it's fresher than normal candy), buy childish valentines for your friends, and GO OUT. Don't you be sitting on your couch alone. It's just another way to help out the economy and another excuse to have a girls' night. Start planning now!
So, for the past twenty or so years, I have always anticipated Valentine's Day. Please let it be known that I anticipate this debated holiday despite the fact that I have never had a male valentine. Let me explain... I think that this day of hearts and love and cheeziness galor is nothing but a GREAT excuse to dress up, buy candy, and have a night out. I can't tell you how many times I have heard a girl moping about not having a "valentine" and having to celebrate the newly termed "Single Awareness Day" rather than the desired "Valentine's Day." GIRL, you gotta embrace the excuse to dress up, eat a more expensive meal than you normally would, have a cocktail (or three...), and be with numerous valentines - your girlfriends! Chances are, you are NOT the only single lady that you know who is looking for something to do on such a dreaded day. This year I took my own advice and had one of the best days I have had in a while. My friends, Katie and Erin, and I treated ourselves to pedicures where they serve wine spritzers and have the fancy massage chairs. That alone was a glorious event! Those chairs gave me a better massage than any guy has...what a great valentine gift to myself! Then, we dressed up in heels and makeup, something we three NEVER do together, and met some other friends at a japanese hibachi steakhouse. Plus, those other girls were friends we really never hang out with - they were just three more girls looking for something to do. We had a fabulous time chatting with our personal chef (the only white chef in the resturant), visiting, and eating a VERY yummy meal - not even a meal...more like a dining experience. Afterwards, we went home and had some yummy post-dinner snacks and just hung out. Such a good time. Such good company. Not awkward or frivolous or nervewrecking. Just fun. The only down side? No fresh flowers for the kitchen. But that's okay - my roommate got some :)
All this to say, next year, whether you have a special hunny or not, EMBRACE the heart shaped candies (valentine's candy is always better - it's fresher than normal candy), buy childish valentines for your friends, and GO OUT. Don't you be sitting on your couch alone. It's just another way to help out the economy and another excuse to have a girls' night. Start planning now!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
fail.
Well, I am not doing so good with my "29 days" experiment. As shameful as it is to admit, I have missed a few days. I hope it's not because I am THAT self absorbed. I feel there just isnt always a moment to do something noticeable for someone else. Although, maybe the issue is finding ways to be sneaky about giving to others, not finding ways to be acknowledged for good or kind deeds. Maybe it's in the extra time taken to hold open a door for someone, go to lunch with a friend even when you really dont have the time, or offering to drive using YOUR gas. Maybe it's being excited for your friend's good news - even if you're not crazy about the news. Maybe it's going to a planned event even if you're not totally psyched for it - just going because someone planned it. I can't let myself think that the only way to do something for someone costs money or is tangible. I really believe that just listening to them rant about the same issues with the same boy or sending a nice text message can make the biggest difference in someone's day.
Yesterday my roommate Carrie had her first published story in the Tech paper. She loves writing and having a story published is a huge deal for her. So, as one of my 29 things (I guess this is number 3 that I have tracked?), I cut the article out and put it on the fridge. Maybe just seeing it up there will make her smile on a regular basis - there's a kind deed that carries on day after day.
Yesterday my roommate Carrie had her first published story in the Tech paper. She loves writing and having a story published is a huge deal for her. So, as one of my 29 things (I guess this is number 3 that I have tracked?), I cut the article out and put it on the fridge. Maybe just seeing it up there will make her smile on a regular basis - there's a kind deed that carries on day after day.
Monday, January 19, 2009
a RIDICULOUS invention.
I came across what I truly believe to be the STUPIDEST invention yet. It is nothing necessary, nothing that really even makes sense to me. I have yet to experience this new creation while it was actually WORKING.
Today I went in to the lovely Texas Tech Library and needed to go to the restroom. I went into the shiny, brand-new Ladies Room and was surprised to see that everything is now automatic. By everything, I mean EVERYTHING...even the toilet paper dispenser! And this brings me to my least favorite invention thus far. The automatic toilet paper dispenser. I do NOT understand the need for such a creation. I mean, to get toilet paper, the biggest effort is leaning over to rip it from the roll. That's it! You dont have to touch anything making it an unsanitary experience. There's no knob or pull that will become germ-infested as more people use it. I suppose the only reason for such a tool is so as not to waste toilet paper. I, personally, just dont think that's a good enough reason to choose to enforce such ridiculousness upon the restroom users of today. Both times I used the forementioned restroom, I had to use the manual crank to get toilet paper. THAT IS NASTY! I had to sit there, realize that the automatic factor would not be working at that moment, figure out how to get the needed TP, then personally crank a few squares out. What a hassle! So again, I ask: WHAT IS THE POINT IN THIS CREATION???
Today I went in to the lovely Texas Tech Library and needed to go to the restroom. I went into the shiny, brand-new Ladies Room and was surprised to see that everything is now automatic. By everything, I mean EVERYTHING...even the toilet paper dispenser! And this brings me to my least favorite invention thus far. The automatic toilet paper dispenser. I do NOT understand the need for such a creation. I mean, to get toilet paper, the biggest effort is leaning over to rip it from the roll. That's it! You dont have to touch anything making it an unsanitary experience. There's no knob or pull that will become germ-infested as more people use it. I suppose the only reason for such a tool is so as not to waste toilet paper. I, personally, just dont think that's a good enough reason to choose to enforce such ridiculousness upon the restroom users of today. Both times I used the forementioned restroom, I had to use the manual crank to get toilet paper. THAT IS NASTY! I had to sit there, realize that the automatic factor would not be working at that moment, figure out how to get the needed TP, then personally crank a few squares out. What a hassle! So again, I ask: WHAT IS THE POINT IN THIS CREATION???
Sunday, January 18, 2009
29days:day2 (saturday)
Well today started off as a good day. It began, however, with plans to be very selfish with my time and schedule. I woke up at 10am (VERY late for me) and planned to lay in bed watching tv for a bit then head off to the REC for a workout before starting the day. It's much easier and better for me when I make my workout be the first thing I do - then I actually GO. Anyways, I had my early afternoon well planned out until Carrie, my only roommate home this weekend, came knocking at my door. She peeked in and asked if I wanted to watch this week's Grey's Anatomy and eat homemade pancakes. This, of course, had not been in the day's plan, only moments before.
But sometimes you just know what people need, even if it's just a bit of time to watch a movie. So, I put on my robe, made a big pot of coffee, and proceeded to assist with the pancakes. Two hours, a big pot of coffee, and many pancakes later, I made it to the gym. But, before doing so, I got some lovely roommie time in. That's the greatest gift of all, but that's just my opinion.
But sometimes you just know what people need, even if it's just a bit of time to watch a movie. So, I put on my robe, made a big pot of coffee, and proceeded to assist with the pancakes. Two hours, a big pot of coffee, and many pancakes later, I made it to the gym. But, before doing so, I got some lovely roommie time in. That's the greatest gift of all, but that's just my opinion.
Friday, January 16, 2009
29days:day1
Today was my first day for my "29 Days" experience. I bought Alysha's Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic. She's a bride-to-be and we all know what that means...EVERY PENNY COUNTS. The beverages supplied the caffeine needed to make it to, through, and from David's Bridal (a place I hope I never have to return to) and quenched my extreme thirst. Thank goodness for Sonic's ever consistent beverage making...thank goodness for friends to share the beverages with!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)