This semester the Lord has really taken my heart. Not that he didn't have it in the first place, but he is really pursuing me right now. I have been trying to read scripture every night before I go to bed and I just love it. I feel like whatever is heavy on my heart he knows and answers me through his word. I am really enjoying being in the word and God is obviously showing me the lessons I need to be learning.
I have a really big problem with anxiety, not a legitimate medical issue, but I worry about any and absolutely everything. To this the Lord responds "Do not be anxious, but everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6. I worry about my future, I worry about where my life is going, I worry that I am not living the way the Lord wants me to, I worry I am not living "according to his purpose" Romans 8:28. I also worry about the person I used to be, I used to be a brat, I used to be terrible to my Mom and my brothers. My Mom is my best friend now, I can't say that I have wonderful relationships with my brothers now but we have come a far way. I pray constantly for them that they will know the Lord the way I do, and they will find happiness in Christ.
I am very excited with anticipation for Graduation in May. I will be done with college, life as a "kid" will be over as I know it. I plan on taking a year or two off of school in order to live at home, work and save money. I am very excited about this, but nervous still. Although I have lived in Roanoke for nearly 14 years, it is still going to feel like starting over. I considered applying for several real big girl jobs, but right now the Lord is telling me to rest. I have been going going going since High School and honestly, I'm tired, right now the Lord is just telling me: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
I love while I have no prescribed way for they way I read the Bible, the Lord still finds a way to connect with me and what is heavy on my heart. I think maybe that is why I have been enjoying my nightly quiet time so much.
It almost seems as though this calm is washing over me. Today a friend of mine, who is graduating in December, were talking and he asked me if I was stressed out about school because his load is very heavy right now. I told him with all honesty, "No", I am honestly not. I have my Senior Sem paper, a rather large paper for my Leadership class and 5 finals to study for, yet I am not stressed out about it. This does not mean I am not studying or procrastinating or anything, it simply means that I am completely at ease and in no way overwhelmed by what lies ahead. I am ready for this semester to be over for sure, but that is mainly because I am so excited for next semester.
This will be my class schedule this Spring:
Tuesday/Thursday
930-1045 Jazz Dance
11-1215 Forensic Psychology
1-215 Children's Picture Books
4-515 Adolescent Literature
530-645 Leadership Internship Seminar
I am taking classes that I am so excited about and I have a classes 2 days a week, 5 days off a week? Needless to say my last semester at CNU will be the best academically.
The verse sticking in my head right now is "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fall
I am pretty sure I say this every year, but I absolutely LOVE Fall. I love everything about it. I love the crisp air, the changing leaves, wearing comfy sweaters, leggings, candy corn, pumpkin everything ... I could really go on and on.
One thing I want to know is this, when/how do we learn to describe Fall as crisp? I don't know how I just know that the only word to describe the Fall weather is crisp. I have such great memories as a little kid trick-or-treating with my cousins and loving the smell and feel of the air. I love playing in the leaves. I love how pretty everything is when the leaves are changing. I love when I get to drive home in the Fall and once I get back into the mountains the blankets of color that seem to have taken over them. I have always really enjoyed Halloween, it was my second favorite holiday as a child - after Christmas. It is my Mom's favorite holiday and she made our costumes when we were little, they were always so awesome.
Here are some of the fabulous costumes I wore through the years: Ninja Turtle, Jasmine, Angel, Petland employee, Witch, Cheerleader, Oompa Loompa, Max from Where the Wild Things are, Buddy the Elf.
I can't wait to carve a pumpkin and eat some roasted pumpkin seeds!
Happy Fall everyone!
One thing I want to know is this, when/how do we learn to describe Fall as crisp? I don't know how I just know that the only word to describe the Fall weather is crisp. I have such great memories as a little kid trick-or-treating with my cousins and loving the smell and feel of the air. I love playing in the leaves. I love how pretty everything is when the leaves are changing. I love when I get to drive home in the Fall and once I get back into the mountains the blankets of color that seem to have taken over them. I have always really enjoyed Halloween, it was my second favorite holiday as a child - after Christmas. It is my Mom's favorite holiday and she made our costumes when we were little, they were always so awesome.
Here are some of the fabulous costumes I wore through the years: Ninja Turtle, Jasmine, Angel, Petland employee, Witch, Cheerleader, Oompa Loompa, Max from Where the Wild Things are, Buddy the Elf.
I can't wait to carve a pumpkin and eat some roasted pumpkin seeds!
Happy Fall everyone!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Content
For the first time in a long time I finally feel content with my life. I am usually so anxious and over-analytical and I feel like I am finally getting to the point where I am not like that. Yeah I still have my concerns and my worries, but I feel at ease now. That is an amazing feeling and certainly lifts a burden. I have gotten into the swing of things at school and while I am still working on a routine I feel pretty good with the way classes are going and keeping balanced with all of my other commitments.
I feel like a huge part of being content is just giving things up to the Lord. I know that my life is in his hands and that I am living (trying my best) according to his plan. I think the reason before that I felt so uneasy with my life is because I thought I was in control, it's taken me a long time to realize that is definitely not the case. People are worrying about jobs and graduation right now and I really am not worried about it. I am not in any hurry to commit myself to one set path, one set job. I just want to live my life while I am still young. I want to explore, I want to travel, I want to do everything.
I am content in the Lord right now. Philippians 4: 1-9 couldn't say it more perfectly.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I feel like a huge part of being content is just giving things up to the Lord. I know that my life is in his hands and that I am living (trying my best) according to his plan. I think the reason before that I felt so uneasy with my life is because I thought I was in control, it's taken me a long time to realize that is definitely not the case. People are worrying about jobs and graduation right now and I really am not worried about it. I am not in any hurry to commit myself to one set path, one set job. I just want to live my life while I am still young. I want to explore, I want to travel, I want to do everything.
I am content in the Lord right now. Philippians 4: 1-9 couldn't say it more perfectly.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Remembering...
Today it didn't really hit me that it was "9/11". I feel bad saying that but each year I feel like I forget more and more to take some time to think about all of those who were lost and their families, the children who never got to meet their fathers because they were lost in the attacks, they will be 8 soon, that is INSANE to me. I know the grief of losing a loved one and when I think about that it breaks my heart for all of these people. I didn't know anyone that was lost that day.
That day I was in my 7th grade science class and they sent us home early. I knew the World Trade Center Towers had collapsed, but in my 12 year old naivete, I didn't realize until I got home and saw it on the TV that the Twin Towers and the World Trade Center Towers were one in the same. I had been to New York earlier that year in May. We were supposed to go to the top of the towers but it was foggy that day so they decided we shouldn't. I took a picture of them from our river tour and when I looked at the picture 4 months later what I saw was chilling. The fog was so thick that day that the towers looked just like when they were collapsing, only half of the towers were visible.
I pray for those families and friends, some of whom are still struggling with their grief, that they find peace and solace in the fact that their loved ones are with our maker.
That day I was in my 7th grade science class and they sent us home early. I knew the World Trade Center Towers had collapsed, but in my 12 year old naivete, I didn't realize until I got home and saw it on the TV that the Twin Towers and the World Trade Center Towers were one in the same. I had been to New York earlier that year in May. We were supposed to go to the top of the towers but it was foggy that day so they decided we shouldn't. I took a picture of them from our river tour and when I looked at the picture 4 months later what I saw was chilling. The fog was so thick that day that the towers looked just like when they were collapsing, only half of the towers were visible.
I pray for those families and friends, some of whom are still struggling with their grief, that they find peace and solace in the fact that their loved ones are with our maker.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Missing You
One year ago today, my good friend Erik passed away. He was running in the Virginia Beach Half Marathon and collapsed, his heart stopped and they couldn't bring him back. Erik was 23 years old and at the prime of his life. He was in great physical shape and ran these types of things all of the time. Erik was a senior when I was a freshman here at CNU and was truly like a big brother. He had such a light and energy about him and really knew how to live life. I was unable to train in time to compete in this years race, which was yesterday so I decided to volunteer at the finish line instead. I had to wake up at 4am in order to get to Va Beach by 530. The weather was absolutely wonderful and couldn't have been more perfect for the runners. Watching the sunrise and listen to the ocean waves I knew that Erik was watching over everyone. I worked at the finish line giving runners cold wet towels. Being at the finish line was really difficult because that was where he collapsed. Whenever I saw someone coming through the finish with the Medical Staff I said a little prayer for them and it took all that I had to maintain composure for the whole race. I was not tired at all the whole day and it was so inspiring to me to watch over 80 people race in Erik's memory. My goal is to train so I can run it next year.
Friday, September 3, 2010
9-02-10 brings Armed Robbers and "Hurricane" Earl
Yesterday was to my excitement 90210 (September 2, 1010) ! Get it, like Beverly Hills, 90210! Although I was a little young for that show, I watched it all the time. I was in love with Jason Priestley (I thought he was related to Elvis).
Much like the drama of that show yesterday brought a lot of drama to the CNU campus. First of all we have been on our toes waiting to see if Hurricane Earl was going to hit us here, ODU and The University of Richmond?? had classes canceled because of it. We have yet to be evacuated and the only effects we have seen are a few raindrops and some wind.
Then at approximately 8:40/8:45 yesterday morning an armed robber robbed the VA Educators Credit Union in the CNU Village. CNU started sending out a barage of texts about 8:50 telling everyone to get to a secure location, barricade the doors, close the blinds and turn off the lights. When the first text was sent out I was in my bathroom getting ready for class, I had just gotten off work at 8:30 and walked back to my apartment, in the CNU Village. This means at about the same time he was robbing the credit union I was walking right by and right by where he ran off. My roommate yelled from her room to look outside and we could see the Police putting up the caution tape. CNU probably sent out about 10 text messages instructing everyone on campus that we were on lockdown and to stay put until the all clear, which came about two hours later. Let me just tell you I was not exactly comfortable walking around when they were searching for a guy with a glock.
So the weekend begins on a great note am I right?
Much like the drama of that show yesterday brought a lot of drama to the CNU campus. First of all we have been on our toes waiting to see if Hurricane Earl was going to hit us here, ODU and The University of Richmond?? had classes canceled because of it. We have yet to be evacuated and the only effects we have seen are a few raindrops and some wind.
Then at approximately 8:40/8:45 yesterday morning an armed robber robbed the VA Educators Credit Union in the CNU Village. CNU started sending out a barage of texts about 8:50 telling everyone to get to a secure location, barricade the doors, close the blinds and turn off the lights. When the first text was sent out I was in my bathroom getting ready for class, I had just gotten off work at 8:30 and walked back to my apartment, in the CNU Village. This means at about the same time he was robbing the credit union I was walking right by and right by where he ran off. My roommate yelled from her room to look outside and we could see the Police putting up the caution tape. CNU probably sent out about 10 text messages instructing everyone on campus that we were on lockdown and to stay put until the all clear, which came about two hours later. Let me just tell you I was not exactly comfortable walking around when they were searching for a guy with a glock.
So the weekend begins on a great note am I right?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
I should be asleep right now...
It is only the second week of school and I ALREADY have two really full "To-Do" Lists. Do not get me wrong, I love nothing more than to make a list of any kind. My favorite kind of list is a "To-Do" list because at some point you get to cross everything off of the list and feel really accomplished... then the next day you realize you've got a brand new "To-Do" list and your feeling of triumph has gone to the wind. Sometimes I think I make busy work for myself. Then I realize that is just wishful thinking and I really am as busy as my "To-Do" lists say I am.
Did you know that at The University (as in UVA) they do not call their 4th year students Seniors? They call them "4th Years" because Thomas Jefferson thought that by this time they had not learned enough to earn the status of "Senior". Just a little fun fact.
As a Senior at CNU I have been thinking a lot about the past three years. I think about the what-ifs... about the paths not taken and how different my CNU experience would have been if I had just taken the other path. Obviously thinking in what-ifs gets you nowhere because there is nothing you can do about it now. Nonetheless it is really strange to think of how different my life would be right now if I would've simply gone down a different path.
I saw the Lord's beauty yesterday in my Little Sister in my sorority, Shelby. I was NOT having a good day yesterday, it seemed like everyone was just out to put me in a bad mood. Well I was whining and complaining about being so peeved and Shelby looked at me and said "Brynn, don't be negative, don't let stupid stuff ruin your night, enjoy where you are right now and being with your friends". Shelby reminded me that God wants us not to dwell on the past, he wants us to live each day to the fullest and to live in the moment. There is no point to be pessimistic and let it ruin a potentially great night, but if I let negativity ruin my night without even trying to enjoy myself then I've lost. This really encouraged me to stay positive and flush out negativity.
I should be asleep right now. I have work at 6am but here I am. I wish I could just make myself go to sleep at a decent hour! This weekend I got to sleep in for the first time practically since summer started. It was amazing to have no alarm set and just wake up whenever.
On another random note, my awesome sorority sister Rosie is studying abroad in Spain this semester and she's been blogging during her first week there. I love reading about her adventures so far, but it reminds me that I haven't been to Europe in 3 years and boy do I miss it! I absolutely love everything about Europe and I wish money grew on trees and I could just go all over and see everything because I seriously am itching to get back. I do not know if I can make it to 2012! PS if you didn't know, my Mom and I are going to London in 2012 for the Summer Olympics - my LIFE DREAM!! I cannot wait to see one of the most incredible events ever and not to mention watch Michael Phelps kill it in the pool. I went to London in 2004 for a few days, definitely not enough time so I am really excited to go back for a few weeks in 2012. I need to find some way to get back to Europe before 2012 though!! Any suggestions??
Did you know that at The University (as in UVA) they do not call their 4th year students Seniors? They call them "4th Years" because Thomas Jefferson thought that by this time they had not learned enough to earn the status of "Senior". Just a little fun fact.
As a Senior at CNU I have been thinking a lot about the past three years. I think about the what-ifs... about the paths not taken and how different my CNU experience would have been if I had just taken the other path. Obviously thinking in what-ifs gets you nowhere because there is nothing you can do about it now. Nonetheless it is really strange to think of how different my life would be right now if I would've simply gone down a different path.
I saw the Lord's beauty yesterday in my Little Sister in my sorority, Shelby. I was NOT having a good day yesterday, it seemed like everyone was just out to put me in a bad mood. Well I was whining and complaining about being so peeved and Shelby looked at me and said "Brynn, don't be negative, don't let stupid stuff ruin your night, enjoy where you are right now and being with your friends". Shelby reminded me that God wants us not to dwell on the past, he wants us to live each day to the fullest and to live in the moment. There is no point to be pessimistic and let it ruin a potentially great night, but if I let negativity ruin my night without even trying to enjoy myself then I've lost. This really encouraged me to stay positive and flush out negativity.
I should be asleep right now. I have work at 6am but here I am. I wish I could just make myself go to sleep at a decent hour! This weekend I got to sleep in for the first time practically since summer started. It was amazing to have no alarm set and just wake up whenever.
On another random note, my awesome sorority sister Rosie is studying abroad in Spain this semester and she's been blogging during her first week there. I love reading about her adventures so far, but it reminds me that I haven't been to Europe in 3 years and boy do I miss it! I absolutely love everything about Europe and I wish money grew on trees and I could just go all over and see everything because I seriously am itching to get back. I do not know if I can make it to 2012! PS if you didn't know, my Mom and I are going to London in 2012 for the Summer Olympics - my LIFE DREAM!! I cannot wait to see one of the most incredible events ever and not to mention watch Michael Phelps kill it in the pool. I went to London in 2004 for a few days, definitely not enough time so I am really excited to go back for a few weeks in 2012. I need to find some way to get back to Europe before 2012 though!! Any suggestions??
Friday, August 27, 2010
Senior Year ... Week 1 Down...
Well I have officially finished my first week of Senior Year. I moved back last Friday and it took me pretty much this whole week to get everything settled/unpacked in my apartment. I am living with my roommate Heather again in a 2 person apartment, having my own room again is great! The first weekend back was pretty miserable because I was so sick, I am still trying to get rid of my cough.
I am working at 6am Monday through Friday this semester so that has certainly been a big adjustment. My classes and professors are all really great this so far! I am taking Cognitive Development and Lab, World of Art in Context I, Introduction to Linguistics, and my Psychology Senior Seminar which is Understanding Brain Theory through Case Studies in Brain Injury - I know it sounds crazy but I am so stoked about it, I bought a small/life size model of a brain just for the class.
I know before I got back I kept saying being back in school would be a vacation compared to summer, well thus far it seriously has been, I actually have free time to take a nap, go to the store, do whatever I want really. I am really looking forward to this year and trying my best to making it the best one yet.
14 weeks left in the semester and I know it's gonna fly by!
I am working at 6am Monday through Friday this semester so that has certainly been a big adjustment. My classes and professors are all really great this so far! I am taking Cognitive Development and Lab, World of Art in Context I, Introduction to Linguistics, and my Psychology Senior Seminar which is Understanding Brain Theory through Case Studies in Brain Injury - I know it sounds crazy but I am so stoked about it, I bought a small/life size model of a brain just for the class.
I know before I got back I kept saying being back in school would be a vacation compared to summer, well thus far it seriously has been, I actually have free time to take a nap, go to the store, do whatever I want really. I am really looking forward to this year and trying my best to making it the best one yet.
14 weeks left in the semester and I know it's gonna fly by!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Nerd Alert!
Today I officially became a serious nerd.
I went to Goodwill on a search... for children's books. If you're curious as to why, I want to teach either pre-K or Kindergarten, so I decided that naturally I need to start my book collection. Unfortunately 8-year old Brynn wasn't thinking ahead and I sold most all of my "kiddie" books at a yard sale way back when. If only I knew then what a tragic mistake I was making. Anywho, I went to Goodwill and found four books that I really liked when I was little, and guess what, they were only 35 cents a piece! Talk about a deal! They are in pretty great shape to, I felt like I found gold! That being said I am officially a nerd. My new favorite hobby will be to scour thrift shops and yard sales for cheap children's books for my budding collection. I am so excited about this endeavor that I started making a list of books that I absolutely have to have. If anyone has any children's books lying around that you want to get off your hands please let me know!!
On another note...
A few weeks ago I talked about looking for the Lord's beauty, well I most assuredly found that the past few days working in the Nursery. Typically I do not work in the Nursery but this week there were some holes in the schedule so I helped out. Here are some valuable lessons I have learned from working in the Nursery over the past two summers: I severely need to improve my patience threshold before having children & I absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably love and adore children. Ever since I was little I have always loved babies and younger kids, I have not waivered from this in 21 years. As much as some days the kids make me wanna pull my hair out, with one sweet gesture they can erase all of that. I see the Lord's beauty in children every day. I am very grateful that the Lord has blessed me with the ability to love children well, it really is a gift he has given me.
Here are some examples from this week of how I have just wanted to cry because one of the kids has done something so precious, each act truly is a blessing;
There are plenty more but those two really stuck out to me. It's amazing how even though they do not know it, children can make your entire day with one seemingly simple gesture.
I really will miss my "kids" at the RAC when I go back to school tomorrow. This week really has confirmed by desire to be a teacher.
What was your favorite book as a child??
Mine was definitely Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel.
I went to Goodwill on a search... for children's books. If you're curious as to why, I want to teach either pre-K or Kindergarten, so I decided that naturally I need to start my book collection. Unfortunately 8-year old Brynn wasn't thinking ahead and I sold most all of my "kiddie" books at a yard sale way back when. If only I knew then what a tragic mistake I was making. Anywho, I went to Goodwill and found four books that I really liked when I was little, and guess what, they were only 35 cents a piece! Talk about a deal! They are in pretty great shape to, I felt like I found gold! That being said I am officially a nerd. My new favorite hobby will be to scour thrift shops and yard sales for cheap children's books for my budding collection. I am so excited about this endeavor that I started making a list of books that I absolutely have to have. If anyone has any children's books lying around that you want to get off your hands please let me know!!
On another note...
A few weeks ago I talked about looking for the Lord's beauty, well I most assuredly found that the past few days working in the Nursery. Typically I do not work in the Nursery but this week there were some holes in the schedule so I helped out. Here are some valuable lessons I have learned from working in the Nursery over the past two summers: I severely need to improve my patience threshold before having children & I absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably love and adore children. Ever since I was little I have always loved babies and younger kids, I have not waivered from this in 21 years. As much as some days the kids make me wanna pull my hair out, with one sweet gesture they can erase all of that. I see the Lord's beauty in children every day. I am very grateful that the Lord has blessed me with the ability to love children well, it really is a gift he has given me.
Here are some examples from this week of how I have just wanted to cry because one of the kids has done something so precious, each act truly is a blessing;
- I was in the "Baby" room and only had one kid with me when one of the 6-year olds came in from the "Playland" and walked up to me, I asked "Oh are you staying in this room now?", he responded "Yeah, I missed you" as he wrapped his arms around my neck and climbed onto my lap. I was kind of surprised by this because like I said I rarely work back in the Nursery but this truly made my whole day.
- One of the babies, whom I have babysat once (and he was asleep most of the time), had been fussy, and whenever someone tried to hold him he kept crying and whenever I would take him he would immediately stop. Maybe this was all in my head but he made me feel special because I was the only one who could calm him. Not to mention whenever I would say "Harper, can I have a hug?" he would waddle over and give me the sweetest little hug
There are plenty more but those two really stuck out to me. It's amazing how even though they do not know it, children can make your entire day with one seemingly simple gesture.
I really will miss my "kids" at the RAC when I go back to school tomorrow. This week really has confirmed by desire to be a teacher.
What was your favorite book as a child??
Mine was definitely Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Senior Year
Thinking of putting on the cap and gown again is really terrifying. In less than a week I will begin my fourth and final year of my undergraduate education at Christopher Newport University, Senior Year. I cannot believe it has been four years since I started senior year of high school. The whole world seemed to be in front of me back then. Senior year of high school was a great year full of good times. I watched our Senior Slideshow video back in May when I was packing to come home for the summer and just cried because I realized that was a totally different life. It is crazy to see how far my fellow PH alumnus and me have come. I honestly do miss PH and all that it had to offer.
Do not get me wrong CNU has proven to be quite an experience. I will be a proud graduate and I know that CNU really is one of the best schools in Virginia, even if 'The University' was my dream school and rejected me, I am very glad I ended up at CNU. I have learned so much about myself in the past three years, not to mention I know I am getting a good education. I never would have guessed I would be majoring in Psychology. How dorky is this, my Senior Seminar is Clinical Neuropsychology, I get to study brain damage case studies, pretty sweet huh?
I cannot believe I start Senior Year on Monday. I am so excited but at the same time so scared. I am worried it is going to go by so fast I won't even realize it until I am walking across stage next May 15th. I have made some of the best friends I will ever have here. I am excited to see what the world has in store for me after graduation, at the same time I am not ready to leave it yet. I watched the Saved By The Bell Graduation episode tonight and again cried like a little girl. I have a feeling I will need lots of tissues come next May.
Here is to Senior Year and making it count.
Do not get me wrong CNU has proven to be quite an experience. I will be a proud graduate and I know that CNU really is one of the best schools in Virginia, even if 'The University' was my dream school and rejected me, I am very glad I ended up at CNU. I have learned so much about myself in the past three years, not to mention I know I am getting a good education. I never would have guessed I would be majoring in Psychology. How dorky is this, my Senior Seminar is Clinical Neuropsychology, I get to study brain damage case studies, pretty sweet huh?
I cannot believe I start Senior Year on Monday. I am so excited but at the same time so scared. I am worried it is going to go by so fast I won't even realize it until I am walking across stage next May 15th. I have made some of the best friends I will ever have here. I am excited to see what the world has in store for me after graduation, at the same time I am not ready to leave it yet. I watched the Saved By The Bell Graduation episode tonight and again cried like a little girl. I have a feeling I will need lots of tissues come next May.
Here is to Senior Year and making it count.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Busted...
Well I was totally busted tonight.
I was out at the pool, look over and see the seriously beautiful sunset, we're talking billowing clouds, sun beaming through, pink skies. I was pretty much in awe thinking about what else, God's beauty! I love clouds, my favorite part on being in an airplane is flying through the clouds, I feel like it's the closest to God you can get. Anywho, as I was completely distracted one of the members in the pool said "It's not gonna lightning". I was a little confused at first but once I understood his comment I sheepishly admitted "Oh no, I was admiring the sunset". He looked at me as if he didn't believe me, I guess he doesn't know I've been looking for God's beauty and that he caught me in the act!
I was out at the pool, look over and see the seriously beautiful sunset, we're talking billowing clouds, sun beaming through, pink skies. I was pretty much in awe thinking about what else, God's beauty! I love clouds, my favorite part on being in an airplane is flying through the clouds, I feel like it's the closest to God you can get. Anywho, as I was completely distracted one of the members in the pool said "It's not gonna lightning". I was a little confused at first but once I understood his comment I sheepishly admitted "Oh no, I was admiring the sunset". He looked at me as if he didn't believe me, I guess he doesn't know I've been looking for God's beauty and that he caught me in the act!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Crickets
So it's been a couple days but don't think I haven't been searching for the Beauty in the world!
It is so funny that God reveals his beauty to me while I'm at work, which I am a majority of the time. Tonight I was lifeguarding the outdoor pool and just sat and listened to the crickets singing. Some people might find the sound annoying but I find it soothing. It makes me think of when I was little. I would sit out on the gazebo at my house in Ironto, just watching the fire (which I forced Dad to build) and listen to the crickets chirping and the fire crackling. I loved that sound, I could listen to it forever. Anyways, tonight listening to the crickets chirping out by the pool I was shown God's beauty.
The sounds of nature are so beautiful to me, it's like God's own personal sound-soother. I smile when I think about how many people listen to soundscapes to go to sleep at night. I think God knew what he was doing when he gave those little crickets their chirpers. The sound is beautiful and peaceful, and I thankful for a reminder of simpler times when it was just me, Dad, the fire and the crickets.
Just remember how beautiful the sound is the next time you think about killing this little guy...
It is so funny that God reveals his beauty to me while I'm at work, which I am a majority of the time. Tonight I was lifeguarding the outdoor pool and just sat and listened to the crickets singing. Some people might find the sound annoying but I find it soothing. It makes me think of when I was little. I would sit out on the gazebo at my house in Ironto, just watching the fire (which I forced Dad to build) and listen to the crickets chirping and the fire crackling. I loved that sound, I could listen to it forever. Anyways, tonight listening to the crickets chirping out by the pool I was shown God's beauty.
The sounds of nature are so beautiful to me, it's like God's own personal sound-soother. I smile when I think about how many people listen to soundscapes to go to sleep at night. I think God knew what he was doing when he gave those little crickets their chirpers. The sound is beautiful and peaceful, and I thankful for a reminder of simpler times when it was just me, Dad, the fire and the crickets.
Just remember how beautiful the sound is the next time you think about killing this little guy...
Friday, July 30, 2010
Beauty
I work a lot... too much ... it's funny how I gave up the idea of being a lawyer because I didn't want that "90 hour a week" lifestyle, yet it seems that I would be perfectly fine with that. I legitimately think I might have an addiction, work-a-holics anonymous here I come.
Anyway, I use that as a caveat into the point of this post. Beauty. More specifically the Lord's beauty. I was sitting at the pool this morning at work and while I watched the sun rise, as I have many days this summer, I realized that the simple scene of the rising sun is such a stunning portrait of the Lord's beauty. Each time I watch the sun rise I think about how each sunrise is like a personal painting the Lord created, what an amazing gift. To people who don't believe, I say watch the sun rise and you will see that there is no way we are here for no reason.
This morning's sunrise reminded me that I need to look for the Lord's beauty every day. That being said, each day (well that's my goal) I am going post how I saw the Lord's beauty. My blog is titled 'Keeping The Faith' and for me seeing the Lord's beauty each day is the way I keep mine.
Today I saw the Lord's beauty in a man. I have seen this man a few times now. This man comes early in the morning to swim with a friend of his. You may think "Okay Brynn, what does that have to do with the Lord's beauty?" Well, the thing is this man has never seen me, he is blind. He comes to the pool with his friend, holding his friend's elbow to lead him. He and his friend swim for maybe an hour. This man seems so cheerful and watching him swim laps so pleasantly shows me the Lord's beauty. I do not know if this man has been blind his whole life or if something happened to cause his loss of vision. I think about how I couldn't swim laps with my eyes shut or I'd be all over the place, yet he does it with proficiency. It made me think about what it must be like to not have ever seen the sunrise. This man seems so content and that was so humbling to me because I assuredly take my eyesight for granted. I encourage you to get up and watch the sunrise, realizing that the Lord has blessed you with not only the sunrise but the ability to see that sunrise.
Credit:Waterford, Ireland
Anyway, I use that as a caveat into the point of this post. Beauty. More specifically the Lord's beauty. I was sitting at the pool this morning at work and while I watched the sun rise, as I have many days this summer, I realized that the simple scene of the rising sun is such a stunning portrait of the Lord's beauty. Each time I watch the sun rise I think about how each sunrise is like a personal painting the Lord created, what an amazing gift. To people who don't believe, I say watch the sun rise and you will see that there is no way we are here for no reason.
This morning's sunrise reminded me that I need to look for the Lord's beauty every day. That being said, each day (well that's my goal) I am going post how I saw the Lord's beauty. My blog is titled 'Keeping The Faith' and for me seeing the Lord's beauty each day is the way I keep mine.
Today I saw the Lord's beauty in a man. I have seen this man a few times now. This man comes early in the morning to swim with a friend of his. You may think "Okay Brynn, what does that have to do with the Lord's beauty?" Well, the thing is this man has never seen me, he is blind. He comes to the pool with his friend, holding his friend's elbow to lead him. He and his friend swim for maybe an hour. This man seems so cheerful and watching him swim laps so pleasantly shows me the Lord's beauty. I do not know if this man has been blind his whole life or if something happened to cause his loss of vision. I think about how I couldn't swim laps with my eyes shut or I'd be all over the place, yet he does it with proficiency. It made me think about what it must be like to not have ever seen the sunrise. This man seems so content and that was so humbling to me because I assuredly take my eyesight for granted. I encourage you to get up and watch the sunrise, realizing that the Lord has blessed you with not only the sunrise but the ability to see that sunrise.
Credit:Waterford, Ireland
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Anxiety
Well it turns out that I am not the best (most consistent) blogger. Either I don't have much to say or I'm way to busy working all of the time, maybe it is both?? As much as I love earning money and feeling financially secure for when I go back to school next month, I am really worn out. I am actually looking forward to going back to school and getting into the "daily grind", it will feel like a vacation compared to the "summer" I've been having. I am really looking forward to classes and being back around friends.
The reason for this post. One of my good friends was in a head on collision today, going 50 mph, they had to use the "Jaws of Life" to get him out of the car, serious surgery on his legs to follow.All because the other driver didn't know how to drive on his side of the road. He is fine right now but this does nothing for my s.e.v.e.r.e. anxiety when I'm in a car. Like I am talking severe severe anxiety. I reach the verge of tears more and more often now when I ride passenger. I think one day I will give my self a heart attack because I get so worked up and nervous. I know here soon I won't be able to ride in the car with other people if I don't work on my anxiety. I feel bad that I can't just relax in the car, even if I'm driving I get anxiety.
I have nightmares about getting in horrible car wrecks, like movie status car wrecks. This probably doesn't help either. I just need to learn to take deep breaths and just trust that I have a long life ahead of me....
The reason for this post. One of my good friends was in a head on collision today, going 50 mph, they had to use the "Jaws of Life" to get him out of the car, serious surgery on his legs to follow.All because the other driver didn't know how to drive on his side of the road. He is fine right now but this does nothing for my s.e.v.e.r.e. anxiety when I'm in a car. Like I am talking severe severe anxiety. I reach the verge of tears more and more often now when I ride passenger. I think one day I will give my self a heart attack because I get so worked up and nervous. I know here soon I won't be able to ride in the car with other people if I don't work on my anxiety. I feel bad that I can't just relax in the car, even if I'm driving I get anxiety.
I have nightmares about getting in horrible car wrecks, like movie status car wrecks. This probably doesn't help either. I just need to learn to take deep breaths and just trust that I have a long life ahead of me....
Thursday, July 1, 2010
6 Years
It's been 6 years since you didn't wake up. It's been 6 years since I got that telephone call from across the Atlantic when I was in Wales. It's been 6 years since I had to tell my 10 year old brother on his birthday that you were gone. It's been since years since we laid you to rest.
Every year this week is the hardest. Every year I think of this day as the day you died and as the day I found out. Every year I think about the tomorrow as the day I left my People to People friends in London and flew home. Every year I think about the 4th, Dillon's 10th birthday and how Mom, Maygon and I had to tell him you wouldn't be at his birthday party and watched him say through tears "He died?". Every year I think about the 8th as the last day I ever saw you, the day I stood at your coffin for hours crying. Every year I think of the 9th as the day I told everyone at the funeral that you were in a better place. With the passing of every year I feel like I lose a little piece of you, I forget a memory and I lose the sound of your voice.
For the rest of my life every time something big happens, Driver's License, High School Graduation, College Graduation, Marriage, Children... a part of me aches because I know you won't be there. I wake up every day knowing that we don't get to have our daily phone call. I know for as long as I live a part of me will be missing because you are gone, a part of me I can never get back. A part of me was buried with you. I watch home videos and you're voice gives me chills, it brings tears to my eyes to hear you say "Brynnie".
I ask myself "Who is gonna give me away at my wedding? Who is going to give the poor sucker permission? What will I tell my kids about you? When will I get to talk to you again?" It almost feels like a dream, that maybe one day I'll wake up and you'll be here. I've had that dream many times, but I always wake up and I know that you are still in the same place you've been for six years, in the Sowder Cemetary.
My first memory is of you... walking to you holding my little hands in the air begging you to pick me up.
There are some things I will never forget:
I'll always be your "Brynnie" and no one elses.
You bought me more Pokemon cards than any kid ever needed.
You would drive 45 minutes to pick me up from school when I didn't feel good.
The way you smelled.
UVA will always be superior to Virginia Tech.
The NSYNC concert you taped for be because you knew they were my favorite.
The 98 Degrees concert you took me to, and even though I was mad you made us leave before the last song was over, it was okay because we met Jessica Simpson.
The time you let me drive the Pathfinder up the driveway while sitting on your lap.
Coming into your room at night to tell you goodnight and you'd be reading with just the lamp on your nightstand on.
The two rainbows we saw on my birthday that you stopped in the middle of the road so we could take a picture of them.
Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World was one of your favorite songs.
The last thing you read, by the light of your lamp on the nightstand, before you went to sleep that night was the Bible.
I could go on forever. You will always be the number one man in my life. No one could ever replace you. You are my Daddy forever and always.
Love,
Your Brynnie
Every year this week is the hardest. Every year I think of this day as the day you died and as the day I found out. Every year I think about the tomorrow as the day I left my People to People friends in London and flew home. Every year I think about the 4th, Dillon's 10th birthday and how Mom, Maygon and I had to tell him you wouldn't be at his birthday party and watched him say through tears "He died?". Every year I think about the 8th as the last day I ever saw you, the day I stood at your coffin for hours crying. Every year I think of the 9th as the day I told everyone at the funeral that you were in a better place. With the passing of every year I feel like I lose a little piece of you, I forget a memory and I lose the sound of your voice.
For the rest of my life every time something big happens, Driver's License, High School Graduation, College Graduation, Marriage, Children... a part of me aches because I know you won't be there. I wake up every day knowing that we don't get to have our daily phone call. I know for as long as I live a part of me will be missing because you are gone, a part of me I can never get back. A part of me was buried with you. I watch home videos and you're voice gives me chills, it brings tears to my eyes to hear you say "Brynnie".
I ask myself "Who is gonna give me away at my wedding? Who is going to give the poor sucker permission? What will I tell my kids about you? When will I get to talk to you again?" It almost feels like a dream, that maybe one day I'll wake up and you'll be here. I've had that dream many times, but I always wake up and I know that you are still in the same place you've been for six years, in the Sowder Cemetary.
My first memory is of you... walking to you holding my little hands in the air begging you to pick me up.
There are some things I will never forget:
I'll always be your "Brynnie" and no one elses.
You bought me more Pokemon cards than any kid ever needed.
You would drive 45 minutes to pick me up from school when I didn't feel good.
The way you smelled.
UVA will always be superior to Virginia Tech.
The NSYNC concert you taped for be because you knew they were my favorite.
The 98 Degrees concert you took me to, and even though I was mad you made us leave before the last song was over, it was okay because we met Jessica Simpson.
The time you let me drive the Pathfinder up the driveway while sitting on your lap.
Coming into your room at night to tell you goodnight and you'd be reading with just the lamp on your nightstand on.
The two rainbows we saw on my birthday that you stopped in the middle of the road so we could take a picture of them.
Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World was one of your favorite songs.
The last thing you read, by the light of your lamp on the nightstand, before you went to sleep that night was the Bible.
I could go on forever. You will always be the number one man in my life. No one could ever replace you. You are my Daddy forever and always.
Love,
Your Brynnie
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Introducing...
Sasha Fierce. my "new" car.
** This isn't actually my car just a pic of the same thing from online.
After three weeks of driving a rental car I finally car a new car this past Wednesday. I had to go back to the county where I had my accident for court (I got "failure to maintain control" - that's an understatement) and thankfully the judge took pity on me and dropped the charge, saving me a couple hundred dollars in fees. After court Mom, Grandma and I went to this car dealership to find me a new car and Sasha Fierce was the fruit of our labors. She is a 2009 Nissan Sentra and because she has so many cool features and she's red, I felt the name was appropriate. My favorite thing about her is the key. My car key is an "Intelligent Key", so if I am within several feet of my car and have my keys in my purse/pocket/what have you I can push a button on my car door to unlock it, without ever even having to get my keys out and get this, I can start the ignition without getting the key out either - "What if the battery dies?" you ask.. well the key has a little button that you push and it pulls out the hard key. TOO COOL.
I have taken on this big financial responsibility and not gonna lie it feels pretty cool. My grandma was amazing and co-signed for me, making this all possible, I couldn't be more grateful to her.
As you can see it's been a while since I last posted. Evidence that I am officially a workaholic, I can't live without my planner because I would forget where I work when and I seriously just have a PROBLEM... Mom and I went down to Wilmington, North Carolina the weekend after my birthday to find all the filming locations from my favorite tv show, One Tree Hill. I am officially in love with Wilmington and would seriously consider moving down there upon graduation next year.
I'll try to be more frequent with the posting so I'm not all over the place!
** This isn't actually my car just a pic of the same thing from online.
After three weeks of driving a rental car I finally car a new car this past Wednesday. I had to go back to the county where I had my accident for court (I got "failure to maintain control" - that's an understatement) and thankfully the judge took pity on me and dropped the charge, saving me a couple hundred dollars in fees. After court Mom, Grandma and I went to this car dealership to find me a new car and Sasha Fierce was the fruit of our labors. She is a 2009 Nissan Sentra and because she has so many cool features and she's red, I felt the name was appropriate. My favorite thing about her is the key. My car key is an "Intelligent Key", so if I am within several feet of my car and have my keys in my purse/pocket/what have you I can push a button on my car door to unlock it, without ever even having to get my keys out and get this, I can start the ignition without getting the key out either - "What if the battery dies?" you ask.. well the key has a little button that you push and it pulls out the hard key. TOO COOL.
I have taken on this big financial responsibility and not gonna lie it feels pretty cool. My grandma was amazing and co-signed for me, making this all possible, I couldn't be more grateful to her.
As you can see it's been a while since I last posted. Evidence that I am officially a workaholic, I can't live without my planner because I would forget where I work when and I seriously just have a PROBLEM... Mom and I went down to Wilmington, North Carolina the weekend after my birthday to find all the filming locations from my favorite tv show, One Tree Hill. I am officially in love with Wilmington and would seriously consider moving down there upon graduation next year.
I'll try to be more frequent with the posting so I'm not all over the place!
Friday, May 21, 2010
fill in the blank friday...
so I got this from another blog ..
1. One fashion trend I really regret is ... butterfly clips.. The little plastic ones that you would wear like 10 of at the same time. I had like every color.
2. The one thing that always completes any outfit is .. my quatrefoil earrings courtesy of Phi Mu's Carnation Collection (the hot spot for all your Phi Mu needs).
3. I would describe my personal style as .. Preppy, I love a good v-neck tee tucked into a pencil skirt.. thank you employee discount at Banana Republic.
4. My fashion muse is ... I kinda just make it up as I go along, but I definitely LOVEEEE all of the clothes the girls on One Tree Hill wear.
5. If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be.. coach flats
6. I would love to raid the wardrobe of ... Haley James Scott - Bethany G.'s character on One Tree Hill.
7. Today I am wearing .. my lifeguarding swimsuit, guard t-shirt and soffees.. I work too much..
As for my list of 21 things to do while 21..
#14 - buy a car.
#15 - give up something really difficult for lent.
#16 - find a church in newport news.
#17 - grow my hair back to it's natural shade of blonde.
#18 - get tan the natural way.
#19 - go on a crazy trip with my roomie Heather.
1. One fashion trend I really regret is ... butterfly clips.. The little plastic ones that you would wear like 10 of at the same time. I had like every color.
2. The one thing that always completes any outfit is .. my quatrefoil earrings courtesy of Phi Mu's Carnation Collection (the hot spot for all your Phi Mu needs).
3. I would describe my personal style as .. Preppy, I love a good v-neck tee tucked into a pencil skirt.. thank you employee discount at Banana Republic.
4. My fashion muse is ... I kinda just make it up as I go along, but I definitely LOVEEEE all of the clothes the girls on One Tree Hill wear.
5. If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be.. coach flats
6. I would love to raid the wardrobe of ... Haley James Scott - Bethany G.'s character on One Tree Hill.
7. Today I am wearing .. my lifeguarding swimsuit, guard t-shirt and soffees.. I work too much..
As for my list of 21 things to do while 21..
#14 - buy a car.
#15 - give up something really difficult for lent.
#16 - find a church in newport news.
#17 - grow my hair back to it's natural shade of blonde.
#18 - get tan the natural way.
#19 - go on a crazy trip with my roomie Heather.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Help
For Christmas my amazing roommate Molly, who also shares an appreciation for books, gave me The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I heard about the book because the author was a Phi Mu, so naturally I wanted to read it. I was so excited when Molly gave it to me and this week is the first chance I have had to read it since I got it in December.
If you enjoy reading at all I would highly recommend this book, even though it made me cry like five times - which made me mad, I could not put it down. Seriously, every free moment I have had since I started reading it was devoted to this book.
I am sure you are curious what the book is about. It is from the perspective of three women living in the early sixties in Jackson, Mississippi. Miss Skeeter is a young white woman who recently graduated from college and is faced with the challenge of being single and living at home with Mom and Dad, when all of her Junior League friends are married with children. Aibileen and Minny are two older black women who work for white families (Skeeter's friends). Not to give too much away, the book is about their lives and the lines drawn between black and white people at that time in Jackson. It is really charming, it's funny, and darn it if I don't wanna up and move to the south now (well more south than Virginia anyways).
So seriously, give the book a look you will not be disappointed!
On another note,
Still no news about my car, the insurance company is looking at it on monday to determine whether or not it is totalled. Let's pray that it isn't so then my insurance will pay to fix the damage, I will still have a car and won't have to stress about how to get a new one.
As for my list of 21 things to do while 21:
#7 - Serve on Summer Staff
#8 - Go to Wilmington, North Carolina!
#9 - Wear heels more often (I've accepted that I will not grow anymore)
#10 - Do something selfless (this sounds really simple, but how hard is it to do something completely selfless)
#11 - Finish my blue book devotionals
#12 - Take a picture with President Trible (CNU's famed President and former state senator of VA)
#13 - Meet someone famous
Honestly it is getting hard to come up with ideas for my list, anyone got any good ones?
If you enjoy reading at all I would highly recommend this book, even though it made me cry like five times - which made me mad, I could not put it down. Seriously, every free moment I have had since I started reading it was devoted to this book.
I am sure you are curious what the book is about. It is from the perspective of three women living in the early sixties in Jackson, Mississippi. Miss Skeeter is a young white woman who recently graduated from college and is faced with the challenge of being single and living at home with Mom and Dad, when all of her Junior League friends are married with children. Aibileen and Minny are two older black women who work for white families (Skeeter's friends). Not to give too much away, the book is about their lives and the lines drawn between black and white people at that time in Jackson. It is really charming, it's funny, and darn it if I don't wanna up and move to the south now (well more south than Virginia anyways).
So seriously, give the book a look you will not be disappointed!
On another note,
Still no news about my car, the insurance company is looking at it on monday to determine whether or not it is totalled. Let's pray that it isn't so then my insurance will pay to fix the damage, I will still have a car and won't have to stress about how to get a new one.
As for my list of 21 things to do while 21:
#7 - Serve on Summer Staff
#8 - Go to Wilmington, North Carolina!
#9 - Wear heels more often (I've accepted that I will not grow anymore)
#10 - Do something selfless (this sounds really simple, but how hard is it to do something completely selfless)
#11 - Finish my blue book devotionals
#12 - Take a picture with President Trible (CNU's famed President and former state senator of VA)
#13 - Meet someone famous
Honestly it is getting hard to come up with ideas for my list, anyone got any good ones?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
How to Total Your Car 101
First step. See golden dog mozying down side of road and think to yourself "wow that dog is lucky if it doesn't get hit."
Second step. See golden dog's friend beagle run out in front of your car.
Third step. Swerve to miss beagle, realize beagle thinks his name is Bolt and is still running out in front of your car, swerve more into opposite lane to miss said beagle.
Fourth step. Try to gain control of car while still in opposite lane.
Fifth step. Lose control of car, go into grass on left shoulder.
Sixth step. Scream while car does a 180 degree turn.
Seventh step. Think "Mom is gonna kill me for running into a ditch".
Eighth step. Scream even more when car proceeds to flip 4 times.
And that is how to total a 3 year old car that had 11 miles on it when you bought it.
If you haven't already figured out I totalled my car today while swerving to avoid killing a beagle. The old man whose field my car decided to have a gymnastics exhibition in wheeled down the hill in his scooter and told the lady who stopped to help us "tell them next time, 'hit the damn dog' " Maybe I should've but I couldn't kill a living creature especially when my dog is himself a beagle. I honestly thought I'd be swerving just a little to miss him but it didn't really turn out that way. My back window and left passenger window were blown out, the Edible Arrangement my sister and I bought to give my Mom for Mother's Day was destroyed, my belongings were strewn about in the field, my cell phone ended up in the back seat, it was just a hot mess.
My older brother and I are very thankful to be alive but I am just so angry because having two jobs and all it will be a little tough to be without a car. My summer is probably ruined. I haven't been in pain or anything thanks to adrenaline but I know tomorrow I definitely be feeling it.
Thus number 6 on my list is:
Do something really nice for my mom.
My mom works really hard and this really is the last thing she needed to have to deal with. Is it awful that other than the initial "I'm alive" my first thought was "How in the world am I going to be able to afford a car?"
So ladies and gentlemen,
when in doubt, as Mr. C would say "Hit the damn dog"
Second step. See golden dog's friend beagle run out in front of your car.
Third step. Swerve to miss beagle, realize beagle thinks his name is Bolt and is still running out in front of your car, swerve more into opposite lane to miss said beagle.
Fourth step. Try to gain control of car while still in opposite lane.
Fifth step. Lose control of car, go into grass on left shoulder.
Sixth step. Scream while car does a 180 degree turn.
Seventh step. Think "Mom is gonna kill me for running into a ditch".
Eighth step. Scream even more when car proceeds to flip 4 times.
And that is how to total a 3 year old car that had 11 miles on it when you bought it.
If you haven't already figured out I totalled my car today while swerving to avoid killing a beagle. The old man whose field my car decided to have a gymnastics exhibition in wheeled down the hill in his scooter and told the lady who stopped to help us "tell them next time, 'hit the damn dog' " Maybe I should've but I couldn't kill a living creature especially when my dog is himself a beagle. I honestly thought I'd be swerving just a little to miss him but it didn't really turn out that way. My back window and left passenger window were blown out, the Edible Arrangement my sister and I bought to give my Mom for Mother's Day was destroyed, my belongings were strewn about in the field, my cell phone ended up in the back seat, it was just a hot mess.
My older brother and I are very thankful to be alive but I am just so angry because having two jobs and all it will be a little tough to be without a car. My summer is probably ruined. I haven't been in pain or anything thanks to adrenaline but I know tomorrow I definitely be feeling it.
Thus number 6 on my list is:
Do something really nice for my mom.
My mom works really hard and this really is the last thing she needed to have to deal with. Is it awful that other than the initial "I'm alive" my first thought was "How in the world am I going to be able to afford a car?"
So ladies and gentlemen,
when in doubt, as Mr. C would say "Hit the damn dog"
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Things 1-5 ..
Okay sooo ..
I know I said I was going to post one thing each day from my list of 21 things to do while 21 but that just goes to show my life get's hectic, and I'm only 20 ... Lord help me when I actually have a "real life", someone promise me it gets better!
Tuesday was my roommate and best friend's birthday, which she cleverly dubbed "Heatheresta", no her birthday party was definitely not Mexican themed, and no I did not buy her a sombrero that we puffy painted and bedazzled for her to wear all night.
I drove back home to Roanoke on Wednesday and even though my whole left side got sunburnt during the 4 hour journey, I just love driving throught the mountains, I get just awestruck.
Thursday morning began my "I swear I'm not a work-a-holic" summer. I may or may not have worked over 20 hours in the past two days...
As much as it sounds bad, I figure I don't have anything better to do I might as well make money and occupy my time.
The only thing I am bummed about working so much is that I have to miss my guys (PH Men's Soccer team, they are AMAZING ps) play against Battlefield tomorrow :( Even worse I won't get to play with "my" babies, Sam, Charley, Emily and Zoe. I love going back to these games because not only do I get to see my favorite kids, I get to see Emily and Nikki and all of the parents I've come to know over the years but I get to see the boys who were freshman on the team when I was a senior dominate on the soccer field. It is truly astonishing how far they have come .. brag moment on my boy Cameron Chavira for being on the cover of the Sports page in the Roanoke Times yesterday (did I mention he's playing at UVA next year?). They are such awesome boys and they have an awesome team of coaches who teach them lessons on and off the field.
As for my list:
#1 (May 4) - Graduate from CNU !
#2 (May 5) - Apply to become a Corps Member of Teach for America
#3 (May 6) - Make Dean's list both semesters of Senior Year
#4 (May 7) - Save my money better
#5 (May 8) - Blog regularly
**The best part of my day was when the little boy I was babysitting asked me to read him stories out of the family bible sitting in his living room, he's 4? and he sat so quietly while I read to him. There is a reason children are so precious in the Lord's eyes.
I know I said I was going to post one thing each day from my list of 21 things to do while 21 but that just goes to show my life get's hectic, and I'm only 20 ... Lord help me when I actually have a "real life", someone promise me it gets better!
Tuesday was my roommate and best friend's birthday, which she cleverly dubbed "Heatheresta", no her birthday party was definitely not Mexican themed, and no I did not buy her a sombrero that we puffy painted and bedazzled for her to wear all night.
I drove back home to Roanoke on Wednesday and even though my whole left side got sunburnt during the 4 hour journey, I just love driving throught the mountains, I get just awestruck.
Thursday morning began my "I swear I'm not a work-a-holic" summer. I may or may not have worked over 20 hours in the past two days...
As much as it sounds bad, I figure I don't have anything better to do I might as well make money and occupy my time.
The only thing I am bummed about working so much is that I have to miss my guys (PH Men's Soccer team, they are AMAZING ps) play against Battlefield tomorrow :( Even worse I won't get to play with "my" babies, Sam, Charley, Emily and Zoe. I love going back to these games because not only do I get to see my favorite kids, I get to see Emily and Nikki and all of the parents I've come to know over the years but I get to see the boys who were freshman on the team when I was a senior dominate on the soccer field. It is truly astonishing how far they have come .. brag moment on my boy Cameron Chavira for being on the cover of the Sports page in the Roanoke Times yesterday (did I mention he's playing at UVA next year?). They are such awesome boys and they have an awesome team of coaches who teach them lessons on and off the field.
As for my list:
#1 (May 4) - Graduate from CNU !
#2 (May 5) - Apply to become a Corps Member of Teach for America
#3 (May 6) - Make Dean's list both semesters of Senior Year
#4 (May 7) - Save my money better
#5 (May 8) - Blog regularly
**The best part of my day was when the little boy I was babysitting asked me to read him stories out of the family bible sitting in his living room, he's 4? and he sat so quietly while I read to him. There is a reason children are so precious in the Lord's eyes.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Goodbye Junior Year
Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted anything on here since mid-march, that right there shows how ridiculously busy I was for the last part of the semester. I went home three weekends in a row to get my lifeguard certification (I'll let you know soon if it was worth it), I went to not one but four fraternity formals (one was my own, but hey we are technically a fraternity haha), I pulled 4 all nighters thanks to finals... let's just say I am so glad to be done.
Junior year was definitely a different year than the past two. I like to say that I'm mature for my age, but I know I still have a lot of growing up to do and I feel like this year I started making bigger steps toward coming into my own. I know the one thing I am missing at CNU is fellowship and that is something I totally want to work on next year. I am doing Summer Staff again this summer at Young Life's Rockbridge, I'm not sure of my job yet but hopefully I will be lifeguarding.
I am going to Memphis for my birthday and I am so excited, my goal is to find some genuine cowboy boots. My goal for the summer is to just work a lot and save up so I can live it up next year.
I cannot believe I am going to be a Senior in college. I remember when I was about to start my Senior year in high school and how exciting, yet terrifying the prospect was. It is even more defined now, the next step now is the real world and that is a little unsettling. I am dead set on doing Teach for America upon graduation and if that doesn't pan out I really have no idea what I want to do.
Tomorrow starts the countdown "21 things to do while 21". Each day for the next 21 I will post something I want to do while I am 21. Get excited!!
I can't wait to go home and see my PH Men's Soccer dominate the rest of their season and post-season!!!
Junior year was definitely a different year than the past two. I like to say that I'm mature for my age, but I know I still have a lot of growing up to do and I feel like this year I started making bigger steps toward coming into my own. I know the one thing I am missing at CNU is fellowship and that is something I totally want to work on next year. I am doing Summer Staff again this summer at Young Life's Rockbridge, I'm not sure of my job yet but hopefully I will be lifeguarding.
I am going to Memphis for my birthday and I am so excited, my goal is to find some genuine cowboy boots. My goal for the summer is to just work a lot and save up so I can live it up next year.
I cannot believe I am going to be a Senior in college. I remember when I was about to start my Senior year in high school and how exciting, yet terrifying the prospect was. It is even more defined now, the next step now is the real world and that is a little unsettling. I am dead set on doing Teach for America upon graduation and if that doesn't pan out I really have no idea what I want to do.
Tomorrow starts the countdown "21 things to do while 21". Each day for the next 21 I will post something I want to do while I am 21. Get excited!!
I can't wait to go home and see my PH Men's Soccer dominate the rest of their season and post-season!!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
5th Grade
So yesterday I went to volunteer at a local elementary school. I volunteer in a 5th grade classroom and yesterday was my first day. I was sitting with the teacher doing a reading group, she steps away for a moment and one of the girls (whose name is Precious) looks at me and says "so are you 12?" I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. I told her no I am almost 21 and the 5 of them go "ooooooohh" and just look at each other. I sat there and did the math, and I was 12 when I was in the 6th grade, they thought I was a year older than them, when in reality I am almost twice as old as them.
Needless to say I was surprised that was the only comment I got about my age all afternoon, considering almost all of them are my height or taller.
I really enjoy volunteering in elementary school because I am just fascinated by them, from K to 5. I love just sitting and watching their interactions with one another, I love watching their reactions to things, I love watching them think, (especially Kindergarteners). It makes me think a lot about what I was like when I was that age, what were my thought patterns? I wish I could remember. All I really remember about 5th grade was getting to be a safety patrol officer and "family life" (junior sex-ed).
The teacher asked me what I want to do after I graduate and I just love talking to people about my plan. My plan is to apply for Teach for America this coming Fall and hopefully become a Corps Member. It still surprises me when people don't know what it is, but I guess I am just biased. When you become a Corps Member, you sign on for 2 years. TFA's goal is to eliminate the achievement gap and really bring educational equality. They recruit recent college graduates to work in rural and urban schools in cities all over America. I am just obsessed with this organization because the reason I decided I wanted to become a teacher (Kindergarten particularly) is because as a teacher you are providing those students with the building blocks for their education throughout their lives, you can show them how to love school and learning. With kindergarten, how cool is it that you teach them these basic things they are going to use the rest of their lives? This organization is so awesome to me because it is outrageous that every student in America is required to go to school yet there is such an inequity.
Let me get off my soap-box, but all I can say is I really hope and pray I get the job next year :)
Needless to say I was surprised that was the only comment I got about my age all afternoon, considering almost all of them are my height or taller.
I really enjoy volunteering in elementary school because I am just fascinated by them, from K to 5. I love just sitting and watching their interactions with one another, I love watching their reactions to things, I love watching them think, (especially Kindergarteners). It makes me think a lot about what I was like when I was that age, what were my thought patterns? I wish I could remember. All I really remember about 5th grade was getting to be a safety patrol officer and "family life" (junior sex-ed).
The teacher asked me what I want to do after I graduate and I just love talking to people about my plan. My plan is to apply for Teach for America this coming Fall and hopefully become a Corps Member. It still surprises me when people don't know what it is, but I guess I am just biased. When you become a Corps Member, you sign on for 2 years. TFA's goal is to eliminate the achievement gap and really bring educational equality. They recruit recent college graduates to work in rural and urban schools in cities all over America. I am just obsessed with this organization because the reason I decided I wanted to become a teacher (Kindergarten particularly) is because as a teacher you are providing those students with the building blocks for their education throughout their lives, you can show them how to love school and learning. With kindergarten, how cool is it that you teach them these basic things they are going to use the rest of their lives? This organization is so awesome to me because it is outrageous that every student in America is required to go to school yet there is such an inequity.
Let me get off my soap-box, but all I can say is I really hope and pray I get the job next year :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
21 Things To Do While 21
So I have 85 days until I will be 21. That is the weirdest feeling ever. I remember being like 5 and thinking I can't wait to be a big girl. Well now I am just 85 days shy and I feel like I wish I could be a little 5 year old running aroud outside my house in Ironto naked as a jaybird without a care in the world.
In May I will be turning 21, I will officially become a Senior at CNU - A SENIOR IN COLLEGE PEOPLE !!!, and it will be the start to my last summer at home - my last summer as "a kid". Needless to say I am freaking out a little bit.
I just spent the past two days visiting my Phi Mu big sis Laura in DC. I got lost coming into DC, got pulled over by a Metro cop because my tags on my license plate expired (in November - never fear the new ones were sitting on the table at home in Roanoke), luckily she let me off with a warning, good thing she didn't see my inspection sticker that expired last month- I get it done for free in Roanoke, I really am a responsible citizen, I promise. Laura and I saw some of the sights and mostly just hung out because it's been so long since we've seen each other.
I got home this evening, watched the Vancouver Closing Ceremonies and now here I am. Yay America for winning the medal count - aka winning the Olympics!!!
Anywho, the real point of this post was to reveal my list of 21 things to do while 21. My old YL leader Elizabeth gave me the idea. On her 26th birthday she will be posting a list of 30 things she wants to do before she turns 30, so I kinda changed it around to fit my big birthday coming up.
Because my birthday is on a Tuesday and my Mom will be at a conference, the real celebration is going to be in Memphis, Tennessee that weekend, which is Memorial Day Weekend. My Mom, sister, Aunts Tammie and Kelley and cousin Corri will be gathering in Memphis for the occasion. I am very excited because I've never been to Memphis and I've heard it is a lot of fun.
So I am not actually going to reveal my list today. Starting 21 days before my birthday I will reveal one item off the list each day.
Any ideas for things to put on the list?? It is in progress so your input would be great!
PH Men's Soccer Scrimmage v. Albemarle 5PM Friday Gainer Field! Go Boys!!!!
In May I will be turning 21, I will officially become a Senior at CNU - A SENIOR IN COLLEGE PEOPLE !!!, and it will be the start to my last summer at home - my last summer as "a kid". Needless to say I am freaking out a little bit.
I just spent the past two days visiting my Phi Mu big sis Laura in DC. I got lost coming into DC, got pulled over by a Metro cop because my tags on my license plate expired (in November - never fear the new ones were sitting on the table at home in Roanoke), luckily she let me off with a warning, good thing she didn't see my inspection sticker that expired last month- I get it done for free in Roanoke, I really am a responsible citizen, I promise. Laura and I saw some of the sights and mostly just hung out because it's been so long since we've seen each other.
I got home this evening, watched the Vancouver Closing Ceremonies and now here I am. Yay America for winning the medal count - aka winning the Olympics!!!
Anywho, the real point of this post was to reveal my list of 21 things to do while 21. My old YL leader Elizabeth gave me the idea. On her 26th birthday she will be posting a list of 30 things she wants to do before she turns 30, so I kinda changed it around to fit my big birthday coming up.
Because my birthday is on a Tuesday and my Mom will be at a conference, the real celebration is going to be in Memphis, Tennessee that weekend, which is Memorial Day Weekend. My Mom, sister, Aunts Tammie and Kelley and cousin Corri will be gathering in Memphis for the occasion. I am very excited because I've never been to Memphis and I've heard it is a lot of fun.
So I am not actually going to reveal my list today. Starting 21 days before my birthday I will reveal one item off the list each day.
Any ideas for things to put on the list?? It is in progress so your input would be great!
PH Men's Soccer Scrimmage v. Albemarle 5PM Friday Gainer Field! Go Boys!!!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Ramblings of a bored college student
It is that time of the year, the time when I get to give something up for 40 days/nights. A little time I like to call Lent. Now you may think, Brynn you are not Catholic, well I know, but I "practice"? Lent anyways. Jesus wasn't Catholic was he, haha?
Lent comes from Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days and nights and was tempted by Satan. To me Lent is a time when you can give up something that is meaningful, maybe even difficult for you to do. I think it is supposed to show you that Christ strengthens us in ways we don't even realize until we are faced with challenge. I know some people might say how does giving up eating out/soda (what I have chosen to give up) strengthen my relationship with Christ? Well the point for me is every time I am tempted to go to Panera and buy a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar soup and get a DP it makes me think of Lent, ie Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for me. It is a constant reminder of Christ for me, maybe other people don't see it that way or think that's a stretch but that is what Lent means to me.
That being said...
There are only 8 weeks of classes left !!! I only have 9 weeks left of my Junior year, then I will be a freaking SENIOR!!!! WHAT!?!?! How in the world am I almost a Senior in college, it's just not right. Time flies by. I will admit I am so stoked for Senior year, but I hate knowing it's almost over.
I am so excited for Spring Break - which starts next Friday - yeah I know what you're thinking, Spring Break in the WINTER!!! CNU is crazy in case you were wondering. I am going to visit my Big Laura up in Northern VA for the first couple days of break, then I am going home to Roanoke, sitting on my keister and doing nothing - which is code for I will be working at Katie's and doing lots and lots of homework. I can't wait to go visit my soccer boys and hopefully see the Dowdy's :)
Random post I know, but I am random so I hope you enjoyed it haha
Lent comes from Matthew 4:1-11, when Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days and nights and was tempted by Satan. To me Lent is a time when you can give up something that is meaningful, maybe even difficult for you to do. I think it is supposed to show you that Christ strengthens us in ways we don't even realize until we are faced with challenge. I know some people might say how does giving up eating out/soda (what I have chosen to give up) strengthen my relationship with Christ? Well the point for me is every time I am tempted to go to Panera and buy a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar soup and get a DP it makes me think of Lent, ie Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for me. It is a constant reminder of Christ for me, maybe other people don't see it that way or think that's a stretch but that is what Lent means to me.
That being said...
There are only 8 weeks of classes left !!! I only have 9 weeks left of my Junior year, then I will be a freaking SENIOR!!!! WHAT!?!?! How in the world am I almost a Senior in college, it's just not right. Time flies by. I will admit I am so stoked for Senior year, but I hate knowing it's almost over.
I am so excited for Spring Break - which starts next Friday - yeah I know what you're thinking, Spring Break in the WINTER!!! CNU is crazy in case you were wondering. I am going to visit my Big Laura up in Northern VA for the first couple days of break, then I am going home to Roanoke, sitting on my keister and doing nothing - which is code for I will be working at Katie's and doing lots and lots of homework. I can't wait to go visit my soccer boys and hopefully see the Dowdy's :)
Random post I know, but I am random so I hope you enjoyed it haha
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Now That's What I Call Music
Does anyone remember those CDs?? They released a new one every few months, it was basically a mix CD of popular music at the time.
Well this is my own version of that. This playlist has been on my Ipod for a while now, it is my "on-the-go" playlist. In case you don't know an on the go playlist is one where you can literally add any song on your Ipod to a playlist, while you are on the go.
I am up to 21 songs and they have been the same 21 for a while, some of them are featured on my blog playlist, but some aren't. Give em a listen and tell me what you think. (this list is in no particular order)
1. Live Forever - Drew and Ellie Holcomb
2. Think of You (Live) - Reeve Carney
3. Say (All I Need) - One Republic
4. Secret - Maroon 5
5. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
6. These are the Days - Van Morrison
7. Your Winter - Sister Hazel
8. Be Here Now - Ray LaMontagne
9. Sunrise - Norah Jones
10. Don't Know Why - Norah Jones
11.Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
12. Broken - Lifehouse
13. Everything - Lifehouse
14. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
15. Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World
16. Live High - Jason Mraz
17. On Love, In Sadness - Jason Mraz
18. Lucky - Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
19. On a Night Like This - Dave Barnes
20. All for You (Acoustic Version) - Sister Hazel
21. Won't Be Long - Ferraby Lionheart - My latest favorite!!
This verse was stuck in my head today :
"May you know how long, how high, how wide and how deep is the love of Christ for you" - Ephesians 3:18
It makes me think of all my Windy Gap friends, miss you all!!!
Well this is my own version of that. This playlist has been on my Ipod for a while now, it is my "on-the-go" playlist. In case you don't know an on the go playlist is one where you can literally add any song on your Ipod to a playlist, while you are on the go.
I am up to 21 songs and they have been the same 21 for a while, some of them are featured on my blog playlist, but some aren't. Give em a listen and tell me what you think. (this list is in no particular order)
1. Live Forever - Drew and Ellie Holcomb
2. Think of You (Live) - Reeve Carney
3. Say (All I Need) - One Republic
4. Secret - Maroon 5
5. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
6. These are the Days - Van Morrison
7. Your Winter - Sister Hazel
8. Be Here Now - Ray LaMontagne
9. Sunrise - Norah Jones
10. Don't Know Why - Norah Jones
11.Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
12. Broken - Lifehouse
13. Everything - Lifehouse
14. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
15. Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World
16. Live High - Jason Mraz
17. On Love, In Sadness - Jason Mraz
18. Lucky - Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
19. On a Night Like This - Dave Barnes
20. All for You (Acoustic Version) - Sister Hazel
21. Won't Be Long - Ferraby Lionheart - My latest favorite!!
This verse was stuck in my head today :
"May you know how long, how high, how wide and how deep is the love of Christ for you" - Ephesians 3:18
It makes me think of all my Windy Gap friends, miss you all!!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Doppelganger
So I saw on my friend Elizabeth's Blog this thing called "Doppelganger Week". What you do is find your celebrity look-a-like & put it as your Facebook picture, for all intensive purposes I am just going to put it on the blog.
When I was little I looked just like....
Drew Barrymore circa E.T.
Me circa Kindergarten
Not sure if the same still rings true?? What do you think??
I really don't know who I look like now, other than looking just like my mom.
Any suggestions/ideas?
When I was little I looked just like....
Drew Barrymore circa E.T.
Me circa Kindergarten
Not sure if the same still rings true?? What do you think??
I really don't know who I look like now, other than looking just like my mom.
Any suggestions/ideas?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
2.5 Semesters left
It is now the third week of the semester. Things have calmed down somewhat now that recruitment is over. I am excited to say we got an awesome new class of amazing women this past Sunday!! It is so weird to think that I was in their shoes two years ago. I ended up changing my schedule around a little bit, a Social Development psych lecture/lab class opened up so I jumped on the opportunity. I am taking Finite Mathematics (lame), Abnormal Psychology (LOVE IT), History of Psych (could be worse), Social Development and Lab (LOVE), and Leading Change (gaggggg). I am actually really pleased with my classes thus far, I really like all of my professors which is totally vital.
I officially feel like a grown up, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this semester I have the joy of waking up at 530 in the morning to go to work by 6. In case you are confused, I am still a college student. The other two weekdays I get to sleep in, well my version of sleeping in, I wake up at 715 for my 8 am class. Yes I am certifiably in.sane.
I can't believe that next year will be my senior year. CRAZY. I don't know where the time has gone, but I am just going to try and enjoy what is left of college.
I officially feel like a grown up, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this semester I have the joy of waking up at 530 in the morning to go to work by 6. In case you are confused, I am still a college student. The other two weekdays I get to sleep in, well my version of sleeping in, I wake up at 715 for my 8 am class. Yes I am certifiably in.sane.
I can't believe that next year will be my senior year. CRAZY. I don't know where the time has gone, but I am just going to try and enjoy what is left of college.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2009 in Review
Well 2009 certainly brought it's ups and downs. I am going to take the plunge and write my resolutions, but this year I am taking a different approach. Instead of simply writing a list of things I want to do or don't want to do I am going to write how I want to grow this year. Don't get me wrong I have a few specific things I would like to adjust (like giving up soda, I am not an addict by any means but I want to try and cut the one-a-day habit).
So here is my year in review:
January:
We took an amazing pledge class of 21 beautiful girls! Including by best friend, lion pal and roommate, Heather Nicole McGriff.
February:
I found out who my little was ! The amazing Shelby Lynn Phillips. And after weeks of anticipation she found out I was her big!
March:
I found out I got a Summer Staff position @ Windy Gap!
April:
I went to Alpha Kappa Psi's Yellow Rose Ball with my sister !
And our own Carnation Ball, my friend Brittany from high school came!
May:
I went to Pi Lambda Phi's Formal with my wonderful friend Michael - to be honest I kinda made him take me haha but I am glad he did I had an awesome time! My little was actually his other date!
ANNNNNDD I was no longer a teenager, I had my 20th birthday!
June:
I got to see my boys (Patrick Henry Men's Soccer Team) make it farther than any team in PH's history, advancing to the State Tournament! And I got to play with my favorite little guy, Sam Dowdy.
July:
I spent four amazing weeks with the most incredible people ever serving the Lord @ Young Life's Windy Gap in Weaverville, North Carolina.
August:
I began my Junior year at CNU!
September:
On September 6, my dear friend Erik Wellumson passed away unexpectedly while running a half marathon. Erik was like a big brother to me my freshman year at CNU and I'd love nothing more than to be able to get one of his awesome bear hugs again... one day..
October:
I dressed up as Max from 'Where the Wild Things Are' for Halloween... My little was Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus.
November:
Semi-Formal !
December:
I went to New York City with my mom, sister, Grandma, Aunt Tammie, Cousin Corri and her friend Cassi.
Hope you enjoyed ! I pray that 2010 brings amazing things for everyone! and me too I guess.
So here is my year in review:
January:
We took an amazing pledge class of 21 beautiful girls! Including by best friend, lion pal and roommate, Heather Nicole McGriff.
February:
I found out who my little was ! The amazing Shelby Lynn Phillips. And after weeks of anticipation she found out I was her big!
March:
I found out I got a Summer Staff position @ Windy Gap!
April:
I went to Alpha Kappa Psi's Yellow Rose Ball with my sister !
And our own Carnation Ball, my friend Brittany from high school came!
May:
I went to Pi Lambda Phi's Formal with my wonderful friend Michael - to be honest I kinda made him take me haha but I am glad he did I had an awesome time! My little was actually his other date!
ANNNNNDD I was no longer a teenager, I had my 20th birthday!
June:
I got to see my boys (Patrick Henry Men's Soccer Team) make it farther than any team in PH's history, advancing to the State Tournament! And I got to play with my favorite little guy, Sam Dowdy.
July:
I spent four amazing weeks with the most incredible people ever serving the Lord @ Young Life's Windy Gap in Weaverville, North Carolina.
August:
I began my Junior year at CNU!
September:
On September 6, my dear friend Erik Wellumson passed away unexpectedly while running a half marathon. Erik was like a big brother to me my freshman year at CNU and I'd love nothing more than to be able to get one of his awesome bear hugs again... one day..
October:
I dressed up as Max from 'Where the Wild Things Are' for Halloween... My little was Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus.
November:
Semi-Formal !
December:
I went to New York City with my mom, sister, Grandma, Aunt Tammie, Cousin Corri and her friend Cassi.
Hope you enjoyed ! I pray that 2010 brings amazing things for everyone! and me too I guess.
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