Another Ending

It's really hard to believe that another semester has ended. I'm down to one semester left at UCF and one semester of internship before my graduation. The thought of graduating honestly scares me to death. I love college and I don't want to have to leave. I'm sure I'll feel more prepared for the real world once my internships have ended (or at least I hope I will). I can't believe in one short year, I'll have my own class of 25 youngins to teach. I'm not old enough for this!!! I'm going to live my last semesters to their fullest!

This semester was more than I could have hoped for. I met a lot of new friends who I consider some of my best friends now. I've spent quite a few nights staying up too late taking care of them, talking, and hanging out. They have been there for me through some rough times and have never judged me for the things I say. I may have lost something when the semester started but I gained a LOT more. My group of friends has expanded drastically and I've made tons of new memories. I've learned a lot from my new friends geeking out over technology and architecture and all the other nerdy things they love. I've become more confident in myself and am more open with people now. Saying this semester was easy would be a lie. I had some terrible times but I always knew who I could go to when I was feeling down. I don't regret anything from the past few months and I cannot wait to make new memories in January!

Thankfulness

Looking around and thinking about my life, I realize I have a lot to be thankful for. I tend to complain about my life to anyone who will listen, but most of those complaints are trivial and are proven meaningless the next day. I'm going to take a minute and list some of the things I'm thankful for.

- For having the opportunity to go to college, basically for free. No matter how much I complain and how much stress it brings me, I'm thankful that I, unlike many others, am able to afford a higher education.

- For my job. I found steady employment in a time of economic turmoil. Not only that, but I found a family in my coworkers and bosses. I'm thankful for every single person I work with because each one has been there for me when I have needed them.

- For my family. I'm lucky enough to have a mom and dad who still love each other and love me, in spite of my (many) mistakes. I'm even thankful for my brothers. We've grown a lot closer as we've gotten older and I wouldn't give that up for the world.

- For my new friends. For my newest roommate, Faith, is an amazing girl who has quickly become one of my best friends and my biggest confidant. For my new guy friends, who have opened their apartment to me multiple times when I need to escape my stress for a few hours. They are always there with open arms and open ears and will do anything to make me happy.

- For my chosen family. For the women who helped raise me and helped shape me into the woman I have become. For their children who have become my cousins; I would do anything for them. For the girls who have become my sisters and the boys who have become my brothers. They love to annoy me like my real brothers do, but it just makes me love them more.


There are so many other things I am thankful for this year. That's only the tip of the iceberg. But instead of spending the time to write about it, I'm going to go show my thankfulness to my family.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Gator Nation

Such a long day... Landon and I went to the Gator football game this afternoon. It's the first time we've gone without our dad and it was a ton of fun, but very exhausting. The boys played absolutely horribly, but miraculously came back and won in the last 10 seconds. God really is a Gator fan!

This game was full of Gator Nation love. A wedding reception was taking place in the section to the right of us. The bride and groom got married in the morning and decided to celebrate at the game, wedding dress and all. It was pretty funny site to see. As the game ended, a man in the section to the left of us proposed to his girlfriend (she said yes!). Landon and I also ran into our cousin, Neal, during the game. He goes to FSU now (what a shame), so we barely get to see him. It was pretty awesome getting to catch up.

The Swamp will always hold a special place in my heart. It's full of memories of amazing times with my family and friends. I can't remember my first game there, but I do remember all of the smiles, cheers, "We Are the Boys", and Alma Maters. It's one of those places that I will always love and never forget. Even as I've grown up and the people at the games have changed, I still smile, remember the happiness, and have a great time.

GO GATORS!!!

Love

I don't normally discuss politics with anyone because people tend to get too heated over the subject. That being said, I do think it's important to highlight one very important decision 4 states made in the election last night. Gay marriage is finally legal in Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, and Washington state. This brings the total count of anti-DOMA states/territories up to 11. Over 20% of our country has finally opened their eyes and realized love is love. I can only hope this percentage will increase as the years go by. It's my dream to see my best friend get married. I want to be at his wedding and watch his face light up as he marries the love of his life. I think it's ridiculous when people try to say same-sex marriage would ruin traditional marriage. My best friend's future marriage would in no way negatively affect my own. As a Christian and a human being, I do not see a problem with letting love be shown. I completely understand that some churches are against performing these marriages. That's fine, they should not and would not be forced to do so. What they would be forced to do is open their narrow minds and see how much love same-sex couples have to offer. People are people. Love is love. Civil unions are not marriages.

Blessings Galore

Thursday, I was offered a promotion at work. It was somewhat expected (and much needed) because my G.M. has been giving me more responsibility lately. I've been awaiting this offer for a while because I don't get many hours inputing Data and I need to save up money for my internship. I'll be a Front Line Manager as soon as I finish my training this week! I love my job and I can't wait to learn about the unseen side of the business. This job has always been a blessing. Each and every one of my coworkers is awesome. My G.M. is a very godly man who is always there to listen and give advice. Now that I'm an FLM, I'll get to spend more time at work, making money and getting to know everyone a little better. I'll also get to work on my leadership skills, which will come in handy in my future classroom.

Today, I was an extra in my neighbor's short film for his editing class. We staged a massive water fight (I got to "kill" a couple people") in the back of our complex. I'm not exactly the best actress, but it was still a lot of fun. 

This Saturday, I'm taking Landon to the Gator game. I'm a little nervous because it's the first game we're going to without Dad and I don't really know my way around campus, but I'm sure Landon will know what's going on. It'll be nice to spend time with him.

Life is great right now and I can't wait to see what else is in store for me.

Here's a random picture of us playing dead at the end of the film.

"His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."

I love little symbols that remind you to smile. I still have my little sparrow figure (thanks Rachael) on my dresser to remind me everything will be okay.

This morning, there was a little sparrow outside my door. I think God knew I needed a pick me up. It worked.

7 Days in September

This is one of those movies that changes the way you look at the world. For the entire length of this documentary, I sat in bed with my hand over my mouth, unable to look away. Being a child during 9/11, I was shielded from the news, the sheer terror, and ...I'm having a hard time thinking of words right now... I guess just the truth of what had really happened. I understand why my parents, teachers, and friends felt the need to do this. At the age of 10, I don't think I could have handled knowing the truth or seeing the footage. But now, at 21, I felt it was time to face what really happened. I feel like my generation has been done a disservice by not seeing what really happened. I don't feel like my classmates and friends really understand what happened or what it meant to New Yorkers or the American people as a whole. Seeing this documentary really opened my eyes to the truth. It was a raw first-hand account of the events surrounding the Tri-State area. Through the lenses of the filmmakers, I witnessed things I never hope to see again. I had to keep reminding myself that it was real, not a horror movie. This really happened. People really died like this. The accounts of the children were probably the most stirring. Kids, younger than I was at the time, understood exactly what happened. They were fearful but not defeated. They knew what they had to do to keep moving forward and help. While I was being told the Towers didn't actually get hit (yes, that's what my GIFTED teacher at the time thought was best to tell us), these kids were rallying together and giving back. It's emotional and it's scary. I'm probably going to have to sit here alone for the next few minutes to gather my composure and my thoughts before I can move on.

I know it's not something people like to do, watch movies that make them think, cry, or relive painful memories, but sometimes it's necessary. If you have a Netflix account, I highly recommend searching for this documentary and watching every minute of it. It gets hard at times, but don't look away. Take the time to think about what it all meant and what it all still means. It will make you a better person in the end.

Near Death Experience

Okay, so maybe that's an exaggeration. It wasn't near-death, but definitely near-severe-injury.
Yesterday started out like any other day. I went to class, hung out at Landon's for a little bit, went to the library with Dana to do our science project, and then grabbed dinner with the boys and a few of their friends.

Our scary experience occurred on the way back from dinner. We were turning right into the neighborhood when an SUV decided to make a left out of the complex.
(Here's a little explanation in case you don't know anything about my location. My complex has one lane to enter and two to exit (one turning left and one turning right). Our entrance/exit lies on a 6 lane divided highway, so to make a left, you have to cross 3 lanes and then sit in the median until you can cross over the next lane. I'm scared to death to make a left so I always turn right and wait for a light to make a u-turn.)

Anyway, this SUV decided to cross over traffic because he saw our blinker. Little did he know, there was another car in the lane next to us who was driving southbound. The SUV saw the car a little too late and was not able to speed up or slow down enough to prevent the crash. He T-boned the car and they both went flying. The car ended up a lane over facing the wrong way and the SUV spun until he was in the entrance lane. Michael and I witnessed the entire thing happen. We pulled in, parked in the first spot we found, and ran to the scene to make sure everyone was okay. We ended up waiting 3 hours for FHP to come (apparently OCPD doesn't deal with traffic incidents) in order to give our statement. We might even have to go to court to be witnesses since Florida is a no-fault state. How exciting! (And by that I mean I really hope I don't have to miss school or work for this.) The entire time we were waiting for FHP, we couldn't shake how close this crash was to us. If we had entered a second or two later, the spin-off would have collided into us and probably sent us into traffic or into the brick wall. I sent God a little thank-you when we were running to the scene. I also thanked Him again for the amazing friends I've acquired. The wait was made a lot more enjoyable when Joe and Dana came down to keep us company despite the fact that Joe was supposed to leave for home and Dana has massive amounts of homework to finish. I don't know what I would do without them.

This whole experience has reminded me how precious life is and how important it is to take your time when you're driving. Nothing is worth more than your life.

A (Much Needed) Life Update

It's been quite a while since I last updated my blog. I was just going to leave it alone and move on, but there are too many exciting things happening in my life to not share. God has been doing amazing things in my life recently. Just today, I got accepted into the UCF College of Education internship program. Starting in January, I'll be interning in an elementary school classroom twice a week. I'm both excited and nervous for this opportunity. It's hard to believe that this is my fourth year in college. In just one more year, I'll be graduated and starting to mold the minds of future America. I pray every day that God will give me the wisdom and guidance to know what to do and how to approach the obstacles I know will be thrown in my way. I love teaching and children, but it's daunting to think I'll soon be in my own classroom. I just have to trust in Him and know He won't let me fail if it's meant to be.

The new school year has also started some great new relationships and ended some not-so-great ones in my life. I finally listened to what God and my family was telling me and ended my relationship with Matt. It was hard, but after a lot of prayer I realized it was the right thing to do. We are and always have been on different life paths with different beliefs and it was better to end it now than to prolong something that would not have worked out. I thank God for giving me the strength to end it and for helping me find happiness again. Speaking of happiness, I've started a few new great friendships. My neighbors are a group of awesome guys who have been better friends than I could have ever asked for. They're all so protective and kind and are always there when I need to talk or vent or just let off some stress. It's great just being able to step out my door and be at their place. The boys and their friends have helped me get out of the apartment more than I did all last year. They're all great and I can't thank them enough for their friendship (and shoulders to cry on when I need them).

My living situation this year is also fantastic. I moved in with two of my best friends and our "random" roommate is terrific. She's quickly becoming one of my new best friends as well. She's always there to listen and give me much needed life advice. I can't really think of any complaints about her or my other roommates so far.

All in all, my year has been perfect so far. I can't thank God enough for everything that has happened (both good and bad) because without all of it, I wouldn't be smiling every day.

Overcoming Insecurities and the Person Helping Me Do It

Everyone has insecurities. Some people think they're too tall, others feel too short, some don't like the way their teeth are aligned, and others try to change their voice.

My insecurity is easily hidden most of the year but living in Florida, one season is hard to escape. Summer. I dread the heat flashes almost as much as I dread the words "beach" and "bikini". I've never liked the way I look in a bathing suit. My childhood scoliosis has caused one hip bone to fall slightly higher than the other, pushing my weight a little off center. Most people wouldn't notice it, but I'm not most people. In the past, I've overcome my insecurity by hiding my sides under a tankini. This is me two summers ago.

As I've grown older, not wearing a bikini has made me stand out more than I would if I wore one, so I've avoided the beach and pool altogether. My plan to avoid water activities this summer was working perfectly until Matt came into my life. The other night, we randomly started talking about what makes us feel insecure and I mentioned not liking the pool. He laughed at first, but then realized I was being serious and told me he thinks I'm perfect and since he's my boyfriend, his opinion is the only one that should matter. Sweet, but untrue. Unable to convince me I'm fine the way I am, he decided to make a workout and meal plan for the fall. He vowed to push me until I'm content with myself, no matter how angry or frustrated I get. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't stop helping me workout even if I threatened to break up with him. He's forcing me to take a look at myself and be happy with what I see. It's going to be a challenge and it could make or break our relationship, but he's just trying to show me that he cares and I might just be looking forward to the experience.

Wednesday HodgePodge

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?

- My family and I used to go camping at the Disney campgrounds once every year or so. That's about as much camping as we ever did. The best part about camping at Disney is the indoor plumbing that exists just a short walk from your tent. You get to sleep outside, roast marshmallows, and enjoy family time without having to find your own place to relieve yourself. Camping outside of Disney isn't really something high on my to do list. I'd much rather stay in a hotel with air conditioning.

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?

- Once I entered middle school, I attended church camp for a week each July. That week was something I looked forward to all year long. It was a chance to get away with my best friends and spend some quality time with both them and God. I had a special rock I'd go to each morning and evening to do my devotionals. I miss that rock and the peace it gave me. Once I started high school, I also attended band camp each summer. Band camp was a different story. Eight hours in the Florida heat each day was not something I ever looked forward to. Sweating, getting ordered around, and rarely being allowed to talk wasn't exactly fun, but it was necessary and helped me make some great memories.

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

- I spend a lot of time thinking about the future. What is planned for me and what I will be able to accomplish. The biggest thing I ponder is probably the "with whom?" as in "who will I be with? Who will I marry?"

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.

- I've had the privilege of seeing the Grand Canyon once a few years ago. It was absolutely magnificent. I'd love to have the opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef before it gets destroyed, which is bound to happen relatively soon. I'm slightly afraid of sharks though, so snorkeling near the reef may be challenging.

5. What was your first real job?

- I've babysat since I was around 13 and I worked at my dad's office during the summers when I was younger, but the first legitimate paycheck I received was from First United Methodist Preschool.

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day?

- Arnold Palmers! I've always been too lazy to make my own and I never get the correct tea to lemonade ratio, but my boyfriend recently introduced me to Arizona Tea's Arnold Palmer and it's perfect.

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

- A hug from a friend I haven't seen in a while. I love those running hugs friends give each other after a long summer apart or even just a weekend in separate places. It's wonderful.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

- Oh sweet summertime, I'm more than ready for you to be over. Don't get me wrong, I love lounging around as much as the next girl, but too much isn't healthy. I'm ready to be back in class, in Orlando, with my friends.

HodgePodge

I've skipped a few hodgepodges lately and it's time to get back into them.

1. Have you ever been to the capital of the USA-Washington DC? If so what's your favorite site? If not, what site would you most like to see on a visit to that city someday in the future? Is it even on your list of places to visit?

- I've been a few times and I love it. I love all of the Smithsonian museums. The artifacts they have are absolutely amazing and I really want to go back soon. I wish I could find some old pictures from our family visits, but alas, they have yet to be scanned onto our desktop.

2. When did you last attend a wedding? Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? Were you a summer bride? If you're single is summer the season of your dream wedding?

- The last wedding I attended was in February. My godbrother John married a sweet Southern girl named Sarah Grace.

John's younger brother, David, is getting married at the end of July so we're all heading back up to Alabama for that towards the end of the month. I'm a sucker for weddings so I'm extremely excited. As for me, I'd rather get married in late fall/early winter. I despise the summer heat and can't imagine trying to take pictures outside in a full length gown in the middle of the summer. I'd rather brave a little cold air than sweat through my dress.

3. What is your favorite way to eat strawberries?

- Strawberry shortcake. My grandma makes a cake that is to die for! Just thinking about it has made me hungry.

4. What is one thing you are especially looking forward to this summer?

- My good friends Felix and Julia are traveling to Florida from Germany in July and will be staying in town through the beginning of August. It's been two years since we've seen each other and I cannot wait to catch up, learn some new German phrases, and have an overall good time. I'm not quite sure how we're going to entertain them in T-ville for an entire month, but I'm sure we'll find a way.

5. Do you use/like the self scanner at the grocery store?

- I use it when I only have a couple things to buy. I always end up doing something wrong though, so I might as well wait in the regular line.

6. Share a favorite piece of common sense advice.

- Think before you speak.

I'm still working on that one. Things tend to sound a lot smarter in my head than they do coming out of my mouth.

7. Barefoot, flip flops, tennis shoes, sassy sandal-your first choice for summertime?

- Barefoot! My mom hates it when I walk out without shoes on, but it just feels so good. The second I walk into anyone's house, I toss my shoes in a corner and don't put them back on until we're going somewhere that requires footwear. When I am required to cover my soles, I wear flip flops. I'm not even sure if I own a pair of sneakers that fit...

8. Insert your own random thought here.

- The lazy days of summer have never been so lazy. Today, I didn't get out of bed until around 1 or 2 and I didn't leave the house until 630. I'm enjoying having the opportunity to be lazy because I know, come August, I won't have free time anymore.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I missed last week's hodgepodge and I refuse to miss another week, so here it goes!!

1) What reveals more about a woman - her refrigerator or her purse?

- Definitely her purse. Everyone's fridge contains nearly the same things, milk, eggs, leftovers, sodas. The only differences are in the labels. But each woman has a different purse that says a lot about her. The contents of my purse would tell you that I like to be prepared, I have asthma, and I carry around nausea medicine for when I get stressed. All of which are good things to know about me. (side note: I took me three tries to spell "refrigerator" correctly. Why does it not contain a "d" if "fridge" does?)

2) When was the last time you visited the zoo? Where? What's your favorite zoo animal?

- Last June, I took Proverbs 31's prince and princess to the Brevard Zoo while she and her husband were out of town. We had a lot of fun! The prince had a million questions for the zoo keepers.

My favorite zoo animal is the elephants. I could spend all day at an elephant exhibit if anyone would let me.

3) What social issue really fires you up?

- Child abuse/neglect.

4) Are you a coupon clipper? Are you extreme?

- I can't remember the last time I used a coupon for something. When I cut out/print coupons, I always end up forgetting to use them.

5) What is one of your favorite souvenirs brought back from your travels?

- My great uncle owns an antique shop in upstate New York. We went to visit him a couple years ago and he took us to his shop and let us look around. He noticed me admiring a hand-beaded pillow from the late 1800s or early 1900s (I can't remember which). When I wasn't paying attention, he took it off the shelf and gave it to my mom to take home. That pillow is definitely cherished and I'm thankful for it. I'm sure my uncle could have gotten a good chunk of change for it but he decided to just give it away to make me smile.

6) Lemon meringue or key lime?

- I'm not a huge fan of either, but if I had to choose I'd say key lime. I can eat it in small amounts, but too much makes my stomach hurt.

7) What is the most beautiful word you know in any language?

love

8) Insert your own random thoughts here.

The end of the school year is approaching quickly. I didn't realize just how much I would miss my kids until now. One of the little boys in my class is leaving early to go on vacation so he had to say goodbye after class today. He gave me and Nichole huge hugs and told us to miss us. He was definitely a handful, but I'll miss him a lot. I don't want to have to say goodbye to the rest of my class next week!!!

The not-so-sweet smells of summer

Summer is supposed to be enjoyed, correct? It seems as if I'm spending most of my summer days wishing it was already fall semester. I'm homesick for UCF (which is a sentiment I welcome with open arms after my experiences freshman year).

Reasons I dislike summer:

1. I actually enjoy learning. I enjoy cracking open a book and trying to wrap my brain around a new concept. Sure, I'll complain while I'm doing it, but I prefer that to sitting around doing nothing.

2. Just because I was born and raised in Florida does NOT mean I enjoy the summer heat. Sitting outside is nearly unbearable. Sure, I could put on a pair of shorts and deal with it, but shorts nowadays aren't particularly appropriate or flattering.

3. Lovebugs. One of the only reasons I ever hate on the University of Florida. Why would you release a bug that was intended to eat mosquitoes when it doesn't? All they do is eat my car paint.

Things I miss about UCF:

1. Getting to see my best friends every day. A lot of my friends are now back home working.

2. Actually having something to do/learn each day.

3. The peace I feel when I look out the windows of the Teaching Academy.

4. Dare I say it? Astronomy class with Elise.

5. Asian Chao and Chick-fil-a. yum!

May the Fourth Be With You (Hodgepodge)

1. Have you ever been served breakfast in bed? Did you enjoy that? If someone were serving you breakfast in bed this coming weekend what would you hope to see on the tray?

- I'm pretty sure I have but I cannot remember when it was. I did sleep at my friend Melissa's a couple weekends ago and I woke up to her boyfriend making us pancakes, which is as close to breakfast in bed as I usually get. (I don't like eating in the morning). If I were getting served breakfast in bed this weekend, I'd love homemade waffles and fresh fruit.

2. What is one piece of advice you would give a new mother?

- I'm not a mom, but I know time goes by quicker than any of us want it to. So I'd tell them to savor every moment they're given with their children and be grateful for what they have. Being a babysitter, I also know it's important to get a night out once in a while, for sanity's sake of course, not for mine.

3. When was the last time you wanted to scream? Explain.

- When I got my final grades yesterday. Screams of joy and relief, I mean. I knew I would pass everything, I just wasn't sure if passing astronomy meant a B- or an A (everything was riding on this last test).

4. Can you hula hoop?

- Absolutely not. I can't jump rope either. I think it's the whole coordination/balance thing. Yesterday, my friend Matt was trying to teach me about his Power Balance bracelet. He wanted me to stand on one foot and try not to fall when he pushed on my arms.... yeah right. I fell before he even touched me. So no, I can't balance a hula hoop on my hips.

5. What is something people do in traffic that really bothers you?

- Tailgating. Definitely tailgating. I'm the kind of person who will drive no more than 5 mph over the speed limit when I'm on my way to school. If the road is empty, I go in the fast lane, if it's not I drive on the right. I get extremely frustrated when people come into the right lane and tailgate me when the left lane is completely empty. 99% of the time I'll slow down just to make them angry.

6. What do you do when people don't admit they're wrong?

- I try not to give people a hard time about that. Unless they're wrong about a homework problem or something. I'm an extremely stubborn person who doesn't like to admit she's wrong, so I understand where they're coming from most of the time.

7. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'fun'?

- Honestly? The Spongebob song. "F is for friends who do things together. U is for you and me. N is for anywhere and anytime at all down here in the deep blue sea." I have no excuse for that one because none of the kids I watch are allowed to watch it.... I suppose I can blame my brothers.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

- I realized how much of a mom/preschool teacher I am yesterday. I was at my friend's dinner party and someone spilled spaghetti sauce on their (white) shirt when they were cooking. I immediately went over to my bag and whipped out my Tide-to-go. My friend then peered into the pocket it came out of and laughed at me because the contents of that pocket included various pens and pencils, scrap paper, handinaps from Sonny's, and maybe a crayon. Normal single, childless 20-year-olds do not carry that sort of thing around every day.

The Royal Wedding Hubbub

I woke up this morning to my facebook newsfeed freaking out over the Royal Wedding. I had originally planned on taping the ceremony and reception and watching the interesting parts at a more reasonable time. It turns out, the only interesting parts involved Prince Harry being a complete dork, grinning as his grandmother walked past him, dancing down the aisle, and making goofy faces at his brother. I have to admit, I've always had a little crush on Harry and his actions today made that crush a little bigger (okay, a lot bigger).

Almost every little girl has dreamed of being a princess. I've dreamed of marrying Harry or William or some other French or British royal. But after watching William take his first look at his new bride, I realized I had a new dream. I don't want to be a princess. I don't want millions of people watching my wedding. I don't want my wedding to cost millions of pounds. I simply want to find a man who will look at me like this.

Wednesday HodgePodge

1. What is something that bothers you if it is not done perfectly?

- My hair, which is extremely frustrating because it is never perfect. I could spends hours in front of the mirror straightening it and never be satisfied. When I walk in front of a mirror, I have to stop and adjust the flyaways. In high school, I carried around a hairbrush in my backpack for this reason. I've now learned to just avoid the mirror and stop brushing my hair so much.

2. What is one of your best childhood memories?

- Oh, so many to choose from. While racking my brain for my favorite, I randomly remembered my preschool graduation. It was held outside at Coquina's Children Center. My whole family (immediate and chosen) was there to cheer me on as I got my diploma. I was so proud of myself. I've stayed friends with some of the kids I went to preschool with, which is what makes this memory so great.

3. Do you plan to watch the Royal Wedding and when was the last time you wore a hat?

- I have a bad case of wedding fever but I am not one to pull an all-nighter so I'll probably DVR the wedding and watch it at a more Godly hour. I actually wore a hat last weekend. My friend Melissa has this big floppy garden hat she wore to our field day and I couldn't resist trying it on.

4. Where do you fall in the birth order in your family? Do you think this has influenced your personality?

- I'm the middle child. I think my parents did a good job of giving my brothers and I equal attention, so I don't really have a case of middle child syndrome. I mean, I do like being the center of attention sometimes, but who doesn't? I like to make my own way in life and do my own thing, regardless of what my older brother has done. If anything, being the middle child has made me more social rather than less.

5. Where do you think you spend most of your money?

- During the school year, I definitely spend most of my money on food. Last semester, I was good about waiting to eat until I got home, unless a friend called and wanted to grab lunch. This semester, I went to the union and paid for lunch everyday. I blame that on my cousin always being hungry.

6. When you need to confront someone would you rather communicate in person, on the phone, by email or by letter? Why?

- I hate confrontation. I try to avoid it like the plague. Given the choice, I would much rather confront someone via texting or a phone call. I know it's terrible and I'm really trying to get better at face-to-face confrontation.

7. Dodge ball, freeze tag, kickball or jump rope? You have to pick one.

- Freeze tag. Always freeze tag. My friends and I still play when we get together at a park.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

- It's officially summertime, but I don't think that fact has sunk in yet. It's extremely hard to believe I've already completed another year of college. Pretty soon, I'll be graduating and trying to find a teaching job. I'm really hoping the school system is at least a little bit better by the time I graduate. If it's not, maybe I really will try grad school. One can never be too educated.

Easter Hodgepodge

1. What are your plans for Easter Day/weekend?

- This year, Easter falls smack-dab in the middle of exam week, so I'll be spending most of the weekend studying. Saturday evening, my family and I are planning on going to the Easter vigil at church. Sunday, my grandparents, uncles, and aunt are coming over for dinner. I'll probably end up eating and then retreating back to my room to cram as much astronomy in my head as I can.

2. Besides Jesus, what one person from The Bible would you most like to meet and why?

- That's a hard question... I'd have to say Joseph. I have always wondered what it was like raising Jesus. There's a lot of talk about Mary in the Bible and the Catholic church, but it seems Joseph always gets forgotten. I'd love to meet him and ask him what his life was like.

3. What is one modern day convenience you didn't have as a child that was easy to live without?

- I grew up without a cell phone. I remember having to call my friends on the house phone. I had to make sure no one was on the phone first and I always worried that my parents would pick up the other line and eavesdrop on me. (not that I was ever talking about anything bad). Now everyone has a cell phone and people rarely spend time on an actual phone call. It's all texting, all the time.

4. Are you more right brained or left brained? If you don't know what that means there is an interesting little quiz here.

- Based on the quiz, I'm whole-brained, but I lean towards left. I've never considered myself to be a very creative person, so I think the quiz is pretty accurate.

5. What is something you intended to do today but didn't? Why?

- I actually made a "to do" list last night and I accomplished everything on it. The only thing I didn't do was study with my friend Matt, but that was because he had a test to take. I studied on my own though, so I think it still counts as getting accomplished. I'm actually quite proud of the fact that I finished my astronomy chapters. I've been known to complain non-stop about the class so it took a lot (deactivating facebook and leaving my computer at home) to finally finish my readings.

6. Cadbury Creme Eggs or Reeses peanut butter?

- REESES! Reeses are my weakness. I've been trying to give up chocolate since January (in support of my head-teacher Nichole), but I sneak a Reeses cup every once in a while.

7. Who was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?

- hmm... I wasn't in to too many cartoons as a child. I was more of a Gullah Gullah Island girl. But I did love the Animaniacs. They were entertaining AND educational. Nowadays, I can't get enough of the Backyardigans and Wonderpets. I wish my cousins weren't growing up so fast.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

- This time next week, I'll officially be on summer vacation. I feel like it's coming at a terrible time though. While I'm looking forward to being done with classes, I'm not looking forward to all my new friends going home. I'm hoping some of them choose to stay in Orlando over break.

Wednesday HodgePodge

1. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time or have a significant conversation with two people?

- I'd much rather have a significant conversation with fewer people. Last weekend, I was at a party and I often found myself in a corner talking to two or three people rather than shouting to be heard in a group of fifteen.

2. What objects do you remember from your parent's living room?

- Well, I still live at home, but whenever I think of our living room, I can't help but picture the Precious Moments all over. We have shelves and shelves of figurines on each wall. I'm pretty sure my mom owns almost every figurine.

3. Do you hog the bed? Steal the covers? Snore?

- I definitely hog the bed and steal the covers. I'm used to sleeping alone, so I always feel sorry for my friends when we have a slumber party. I like sprawling out and wrapping myself in a cocoon. Maybe this is why my friends usually make me sleep on the floor.

4. Speaking of Easter dinner....what is your favorite way to cook/eat lamb? Or does just the thought of that make you squeamish? If you're not cooking lamb what will be your entree du jour on Easter Sunday?

- I absolutely love lamb! But my mom hates it (she's not a real Greek), so my dad can't cook it for Easter dinner. Instead, we have ham. I'm not a big fan of ham so my dad makes me my own little turkey. I suppose I'm a tad bit spoiled.

5. Let's throw some politics into this week's mix-oooohhh...Do you know the whereabouts of your birth certificate and when was the last time you had to produce it to prove you're you?

- I believe mine is either in the roll-top desk in the study or in our safety deposit box. I think I had to show it when I renewed my passport.

6. As a child, how did people describe you?

- Loud. Extremely chatty. Social butterfly. Violent.

All of the above work. My teachers had trouble keeping me quiet during class. I also tended to push kids around, but that's what happens when you grow up with two brothers. I remember my 1st grade teacher used to laugh when I'd knock the boys out of their chairs. She told them I was small and it was my only defense. She gave me the only excuse I've ever needed.

7. What do you complain about the most?

- School and not having enough time in the day. The education department in this country is going downhill fast and people are abandoning ship left and right. I often find myself wishing I was interested in something other than teaching, but alas, I am not. So instead of changing my major, I complain about the classes I'm in while secretly enjoying every minute of it.

8. Insert your own random thought here

- Read this please.

Prayer Request!!!

I can't stress how important it is to keep a close eye on kids when they're swimming! Everyone knows this, but accidents happen, even to the best/most responsible parents. This weekend, Alicia, my nail tech and friend, was with her family at a hotel. Alicia's daughter, Jada, was playing near the pool and somehow ended up in the water. I'm not sure how this happened, the details are vague, but the point is, she ended up underwater for some length of time. Jada is now at Arnold Palmer, basically in a coma. The doctors haven't been able to detect brain activity. I'm praying this is just because of the swelling and little Jada will find the strength to fight for her life. She's an adorable girl with a loving family. She deserves to make it through.

I'd love it if you'd pray for her and her family. Pray Jada has the strength to fight. Pray her family has the strength to fight with her. And, if the worst happens, pray her family has the strength to keep living.