How do you catch yourself up on the happenings from over a year?  I was just clicking through stuff and came across Xanga.  It's been a while.  I've pretty much abondoned Xanga since the creation of Facebook, but the one aspect of Xanga that I like and have missed is the daily blog.  It's really more for me then anything else.  I could care less if ANYONE reads this, it's just nice to get my thoughts down in written form every now and then.  It's also nice to go back and read things that I wrote in the past.  The more classes that I go through the more I realize the importance of journaling for students, and if I am going to get my students enthusiastic about journaling, then I need to model that as well.  So here goes...

A year has gone by since my last entry, and a lot has happened.  I am now a Senior...it's crazy to hear myself say that, and even more to see it written down.  Time has flown by, and what's sad about it is sometimes I dont know what I did with it.  I have come to realize something significant about myself this year.  I have used my independence as a crutch almost.  I've always known that I am very independent, and I love it.  I love that I am so independent, that I can be alone and be perfectly content, that I do my own thing and dont worry about what anyone else it doing.  But this year I see it differently.  I am so focused on what I need to get done, what I want to do, and everyday is a to-do list, so much that I forget about my friends, the people who love and need me the most.  I am off campus this year and that in itself has given me more of an excuse to embrace my independence.  Once classes are over, I go home to get started on my other things I need to do, and many times just stay there because I like being alone sometimes.  To be perfectly honest, I miss being around my friends and seeing them on a daily basis, but I'm not the type that "needs" to talk to my friends all the time or even see them, so it hasn't been too much of a shock.  I do love my friends though, and I always love it when we get together and do things, but I am not the best about picking up the phone, and I'm sure they will all vouch for me on that one!  I have LOVED living with my sweet Bonnie, and to be honest, WHAT TOOK US SO DANG LONG???  We get along so well, and I love her to death.  I have noticed myself neglecting our friendship as well though, mostly because we live together and dont talk like we used to...all the time.  I have had to tell her to just tell me "put down your homework, we're going to get coffee"...she did the other day, and it was like I snapped out of it, and realized, "yes, friendships are more important than my GPA." Bottom line, I know my weakness, and I'm working on it. 

There is one person I haven't even found time to neglect.  He is my BEST FRIEND, and I love him so very much.  Last year, a little after Christmas break, I fell in love with my best friend.  It's crazy how much alike we are.  He always makes me smile, and I know it sound so "cliche and corny", but when I'm upset, all he has to do is smile.  There's something in that smile of his...so cute.  His eyes get all squinty, and the left side of his mouth cocks up higher than the right.  It's been seven months tomorrow, and he still gives me butterflies when he kisses me.  He drives me crazy, and I love him soooo much!  We argue a lot more now, but he always wants me to be happy.  I love it when he gives me sweet kisses on the cheek.  They're so soft, it's almost not there...like an angel kiss!  That's when you know he really loves you, when his sweet kisses are for no gain to him but letting you know that he loves you so much and would do anything for you.  I love how he is with my sister.  It means so much to me that he likes being around her, and can joke with her and also give her advise about guys.  I love his family too.  His sister stayed with me for Homecoming, and it was fun.  She's really sweet, and he loves her...so cute.  His brother is a nut, and looks just like him only with blondish hair.  Eric is my wonderful, and I know I will be with him forever.  I look forward to the future with him.

Well so it's been a while, and I figure I'd update on what's been goin on in my life since I've been back at my beloved Harding. haha.

It's been a huge adjustment, but I think I'm getting the hang of things.  It's hard not seeing friends as much, but I've learned that real friends MAKE the time.  I am so much more excited about teaching.  I actually can sit through my 1-3:00 class, and love every minute.  I am tutoring now, and it's so interesting to actually use what I've learned and apply it.  I've added Special Ed to my major, and I am SO excited about that one.  It's become a passion of mine.  I really do feel like it's a HUGE mission, and I feel that God is leading me in that way and I am excited about it. 

It's crazy how if you really just sit and be still and focus on what God is trying to teach you in this stage in your life, you can be joyful when things dont go right.  I dont know if that's worded right, but I feel like God has really been working in my life, especially with all that's gone on with my family over the summer.  I still find myself doubting and being impatient, but somehow I always gain peace about it.  I've been reading "The Life YOu've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg, and it is such a good book, and I recommend it to anyone.  He really has some good points that really make you think.

My biggest struggle at the time: Patience, Waiting on God to reveal his will for me.

"You are what you are-but that's not all that you are.  You are what you are, but you are not yet what you will be."

Currently Reading Life You've Always Wanted, The By John Ortberg see related

Today was the first day of classes...

It took me and Bon like 2 hours to walk through the SC because we kept seeing ppl and talking. I'm so glad everyone's back!

My bio class is frustrating...night class.  What's the point in going to class if all the lectures are on CD and quizzes and tests online?!  There needs to be some work done in that department I'd say.

First Hall meeting was last night...Good housekeeping is only every other week, and they're so much more lenient!  yay! 

I am excited about this year.  I think it's gonna be a good one.  I'm excited to see what God's got in store for me, and I'm excited to get in a house too!!

I love being back.  I love having an apartment.  I miss being in a regular dorm though.  I was helping Hannah move in today, and she's 2 doors down from my freshman room.  I was really sad.  I had tons of memories coming back, and then I walked out and was sad when I saw my light on in my old kendall room!! I dont wanna grow up!! haha. 

I'm ready to get in the routine though.  Ready for all the parents to leave so things can be normal! haha.  But it was rewarding helping freshmen move in today.  I felt good that I was helping them out, because I know how overwhelming it is...especially third floor!! 

Kelly gets here tomorrow! yay!  I do miss my old suite so much though.  I'm ready for a new challenge though, and to see what God's got in store for me this year!

Here I go again....

Currently Listening X&Y By Coldplay see related

I'M MOVING IN!! I HAVE AN APARTMENT!!! YAY!!

Currently Listening Chariot By Gavin Degraw see related