What a mess.

It has been brought to my attention that I am a mess. I'm not a slob per say. I love things to be clean and sanitary. Let me elaborate:
-my room has papers covering the floor. Yes, I have to tip toe around my study nook which has officially taken over my entire room. Of these papers, just about all of them have a coffee stains on them. (I tend to spill coffee on everything school related that I own.)
-Anytime I bake or cook I tend to spread the ingredients all over the counters and floor. I am quite certain this drives my roommate crazy.
-Pretty much anything I touch I make a mess somehow...quarky you might say? I have become to believe it has become more of a comical thing.
-To add to my messiness I am the biggest klutz. This clumsiness does not help when opening flour or anything for that matter.
However, I would love to learn from my clean and tidy roommate because she is awesome like that. What will I do to fix this you might ask? Well...I have googled TIPS FOR A MESSY PERSON. I did not dig the results, so I feel this is an ongoing transformation--or I might just have to come to grips with my lovely trait...

Note to self:
-find an efficient way to control my messy chaos.
-Go to bed in preparation for early finals study session.
-DOMINATE. FINALS.
-Enjoy my new plants in their precious clay pots!

Billboard's Top 100

I was driving home from thanksgiving break--[side note: break was totally amazing filled with family, food, sleep, coffee, football, awesome Christmas festival, a shop completely comitted to selling hot sauce--NEED I SAY MORE!?]--and I passed by a billboard that was amazing. It read:

Do not ever worry about the future because I am already there.
--GOD

Yeah totally fantastic. I have been fretting about the future. Which I totally understand is unproductive and quite frankly, annoying. However, I love that God took the time to remind me that He has got my back in the most stellar way! Thank you billboard for reminding me of the truth and promises God has given me! --PHILLIPIANS 4:6!



Note to self:
-Not allow this week to overwhelm me!
-Enjoy the season of Jesus' birth!
-Bundle up because baby...IT'S COLD OUTSIDE.

I'm thankful for...

November...the month of thanks. As a good friend has been reminding me that thanksgiving is made of 2 words--thanks AND giving. <-such a great reminder! I can think of countless way I am thankful and how God has exceedlingly blessed my life up until now. However, there is a verse that has been on my heart since Sunday. It comes for the book of Zephaniah (I'm not gonna lie...I had to look in the table of contents for this bad boy!)

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. -Zephaniah 3:17

Bottom line: I am so thankful I have a mighty savior that takes delight in little ole me! I am thankful for His love that chills me out, and for heavenly Father that sings happy songs over me!

Note-to-self:
-Consistenly be thankful for whatever is thrown my way.
-love always.
-Make an apple pie from scratch for thanksgiving.

Home is where the heart is.

Isn't it peculiar how on Thursday you cannot wait to escape from the ordinary, every day city and then on Sunday you cannot wait to come back to the comfort of home?
[I love that feeling of walking back into your home and smelling that scent of your HOME. (that is if you remembered to take your trash out BEFORE you left...otherwise it's not such a pleasant aroma.)]

Isn't it peculiar how traveling to your hometown is sometimes viewed as a chore, yet when you return from the trip you catch yourself feeling homesick?

Isn't it peculiar how you can be so ready for change (e.g., graduation), however in the same moment you can be scared to the point of tears?

Isn't it peculiar how you need to be doing a task that is very crucial (e.g., studying, writing a paper), yet everything else in the world seems to trump the task (e.g., painting nails, cruising around on facebook, BLOGGING)?

Isn't it peculiar how we allow minuscule or gigantic failures come between us and our relationship with God when He just wants us to remain faithful and obedient?
[He will take 999 steps for us to take just 1.]

Note-to-self:
-write my paper
-hope saturday comes quickly so I can travel home to my family!
-try not to get grossed out by the snotty kids at my internship.

Bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils..

Job fairs...not near as fun as the County/State fairs.
a) you have to dress up in business attire.
b) there are no fried goodies or cotton candy. however, there is a never ending supply of pens, hard candy, and notepads.
c) you leave without a goldfish or a fluffy stuffed animal...only pamphlets and business cards galore.
d) Questions are flying like flaming arrows such as: "What location are you interested in?" "What clinical population is your passion?" "Would you sell your first born to work here?"
e) there is a growing panic of "whoa this is too real".

Needless to say I am somewhat anxiety stricken after the entire experience. I realize this is a great opportunity to network and see what I'm truly interested in...but holy crap I'm freakin out here! I believe it's time to take a deep breath and savor what I have left of my college experience.

Note to self:
-Stop trying to control everything...God has got this!
-Try not to let the word "fair" send me whirling into a black hole of anxiety.
-complete homework.
-decide on a hairstyle for my hair appointment tomorrow.

Shine your light...brite.

A friend posted this video and I cannot even explain the impact of a song and a lite brite!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8cAU475dQo&feature=player_embedded#!

PLEASE go watch the music video by David Crowder Band.

1. LOVE this song
2. LOVE this video. especially at the end with the tree--first you see the branches--then the whole tree...SPECTACULAR.
3. I would LOVE to receive a plant in a retro clay plot.

Note to self:
-find a plant in a clay pot.
-dust off my old lite-brite and let it shine!
-get psyched for bible study in t-minus 30 mins!

Looking at the forest.

A professor once gave us an analogy that certain disordered children see the tree and everything on it, but cannot see the forest. Meaning, the child is so detail oriented (e.g. tree branch, leaves) that he/she cannot see the big picture (e.g. forest).

Lately I have compared that to my spiritual life/relationship with God...whatever you would like to label it. Sometimes I become so focused on the forest I forget about the little details that have gotten where I am today. I find myself beating myself up about certain aspects that I forget to look at what God as used/done/using/doing in my life up until this point.

My point you might ask? I believe it is beneficial to look at the "big picture". However, don't forget the "little details" that have helped and will help me achieve the "big picture".

Note to self:
-Do not drink a Route 44 before/during class...TORTURE.
-Celebrate that midterms are OVER
-Enjoy the spectacular FALL weather.
----WHOA....10 days until my birthday.

Oh Happy Meal

Yahoo news continues to amuse me on a daily basis. The articles range from world news to revealing what guys "really think" of women. All in all it's all laughable at best. HOWEVER, I stumbled across an article about a McDonald's Happy Meal. A curious New York citizen decided to photographically document the decomposition of, or lack there of, a Happy Meal. The results are LITERALLY shocking/disgusting/disturbing:

As you can see there is little change. The photographer commented the only change is the texture is "hard as a rock". I rarely/never eat at Micky D's and will not be able to view the golden arches without this icky image embedded into my memory. Thank you concerned New York citizen.

NOTE TO AMERICA: Eat some vegetables/food with nutritional value!!

crossroads

I feel like I'm coming to a crossroads in my life. Here is my dilemma:

--I have owned a pair of black low-top converse since I was a sophomore in high school. Needless to say they have seen better days. Grant it these converse have seen me through awkward high school years, my first 2 part time jobs (e.g. Coldstone, GAP), and for the last few years...college. WHAT IS MY DILEMMA YOU MIGHT ASK? I believe, considering the state of my beloved shoes, I should buy new converse. Not a big deal? Yes, it may seem that way. HOWEVER, I am about to graduate from graduate school and go on into the BIG-BAD-WORKING-WORLD...am I allowed to wear converse then? Do I have to grow up and out of my chuck taylors?! Oh the drama...what will I do!? Buy more adult like shoes OR...

buy even more fabulous converse!!



Note to self:
-Delay aging as long as possible.
-my birthday is in 14 days...makes the first note somewhat difficult.
-go to sleep because I have church in 7 hours.
-Purchase a Jeep Wrangler=BLAST.

java love

It's midterm season, which means it's study ALL THE TIME season. Therefore, I have changed residence to Daybreak Coffee on 82nd. Mainly because I love their coffee AND I cannot seem to concentrate at my house. I am currently sitting in Daybreak writing this blog. This mental break is due to a loud family sitting 2 feet away from me. Yes I'm sure it's great to be able to come to a coffee shop and talk, laugh, and NOT study. (oh how I long for those days). However, it is very distracting to this graduate student.

Needless to say I believe this study session has become pointless. I will soon walk out of here smelling of coffee and ready for bed. So here's to you midterms...you and I are currently NOT friends. As for the loud family at Daybreak: I would like to be annoyed, but I can't bring myself to be the Grinch of this great month of October....LAUGH ON and enjoy this lovely Sunday evening.

Note to self:
-Study more for midterms.
-Find the perfect gift for my roommates birthday.
-Watch "The Great Pumpkin" by Peanuts...it's just that time of year.

Oh October, it's good to see ya!

Can you smell it? It's officially October and I couldn't be more excited! Yes, my birthday is this month...gifts are accepted. However, in general, I love fall. Let me count the ways OCTOBER is OUTSTANDING!

October is the one month that:
*The weather is super nice...jacket/cardigan is still optional, but acceptable at the same time.
*It's OKAY to be a candy-holic.
*Pumpkins, leaves, and scarecrows are acceptable decor.
*The outdoors begin to change to luscious oranges, reds, browns, and yellows.
*You are allowed to dress up in ridiculous costumes.
*Carving pumpkins are a MUST.
*You can bust out your cute boots and scarves.

With that being said...How can you not love October!?!

Note to self:
-buy a pumpkin
-possible help my roommate make a pie that we will lovingly give away.
-enjoy the weather
-Make it through midterms...

Marathon runner

I began running last year (the beginning of grad school). I started running to reduce the OUTRAGEOUS amount of stress and to try try try to maintain a shred of balance in my life. I ran a lot to say the least and I loved it. However, it is not the same story this summer. I have lost my zeal for running. I thought that would never happen, but I am burnt out to say the least. I have discovered new things I enjoy that also fit better into my schedule (e.g. stellar work out video, walking ellie), but running...not so much.

This brings me to my point about running...running toward God that is. I'm reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and his words really rocked my world yesterday. He is describing his need for God to help him love God and love other people. ---> "It is a remarkable cycle: Our prayers for more love result in love, which naturally causes us to pray more, which results in more love.... Imagine going for a run while eating a box of Twinkies--It would be near impossible. You would have to stop running in order to eat the Twinkies. In the same way, you have to stop loving and pursuing Christ in order to sin. When you are pursuing love, running toward Christ, you do not have opportunity to wonder."

I love that analogy mainly because it hit home with me. It was an awesome reminder to continually run towards my relationship with God. As long as am I "running" I will be satisfied in Him. I can never lose my zeal for running and pursuing God. I will continually run toward my Refuge, Love, Strength--so I will be free to serve, love, and give thanks.

Note to self:
-.....RUN.

Pool time!

I was browsing Yahoo news a couple days and ran across an article about NYC "going green" by recycling dumpsters. How did they recycle these dumpsters you might ask? They placed them around the neighborhoods and remodeled them into pools! That's right a dumpster POOL!

First thought: No way that is legit! Second thought: Hmm that's actually kind of bizarre/gross. However, this made me more excited to visit this city. Way to go NYC for "going green" in an absolute stellar way! Hopefully I will be able to experience this amazing-ness in my life!

Note to self:
-find an old dumpster and convert it into a pool...i'm sure my dog Ellie wouldn't mind the new addition.
-find some fabulous leopard gloves to make me smile.
-find a way to bake fabulous goodies without gaining 50 lbs in the process.

K.O.

I'm not a fan of learning from mistakes, because you have to make them to learn from them. I just want to know all without falling on my face. However, I do believe I need a wake up call every now and then. I just feel like I've been having a lot of "DUH you're dumb" moments. I know God is showing me areas that need work and I am aware of these weaknesses. Needless to say, I need to grow from these life Knock Outs. When you fail, fail forward. Make the best of this learning experience and GROW! I need to stop crying about my mistake and say hmmm what can I do to fully maximize this learning experience. Okie dokie...i'm done ranting for today :)

Note to self:
-Do not douse self in bug spray then touch my mouth with my bug spray'd hand...ew.
-Be totally joyful about my internship tomorrow.
-clean my stinkin room.

Build it and they will come...

Last night I went to a friend's house to watch a movie. The movie was good, but the real magic didn't happen until AFTER the cinematic presentation. My most hilarious friend decided to make a fort...YES a fort---pillows, blankets, and the whole SHE-BANG! After the structure was completed we preceded to chill in the newly built palace. We were listening to music, talking, and of course eating popsicles (ya know the awesome ones in the plastic cover). I felt like I was a kid again and it was TERRIFIC. I just felt like life was simple for an hour. I didn't have to worry about an internship or a paper with a fast approaching deadline. Needless to say I enjoyed being a kid again if just for an hour. I'm trying so hard to become an adult I forget to take time and act silly...i mean it keeps life interesting! Lesson from Saturday night: build a fort...it ROCKS.

Note to self:
-Finish my stinkin paper
-enjoy this spectacular sunday
-walk my adopted dog Ellie Lou

comatose.

So I was working with a client today and she was falling asleep during therapy. (and yes they tend to do this to you...i mean they are pushing late 90's so i cut them some slack) I asked her if she was sleepy and she responded "yes i am. If i fall asleep please don't wake me." I couldn't help but laugh because that is STINKIN hilarious. However, I thought man how many times to I give that excuse to God. "Sorry God i'm gonna spend a little time with you tonight BUT if i fall asleep praying please don't wake me up." WAKE UP CALL...pun totally intended. It's time for me to get out of my sleepy fog and be radical!

Note to self:
-spend more sweet time with Him
-eat a decent meal during the day...i don't think popcorn as dinner is on the food pyramid
-Get some sleep so I can be charged at work.

Joy trumps dread

Whew things have changed drastically over the past week! I started my new internship and I moved into a house! Granted that doesn't sound like DRASTIC changes, but they totally are! My internship is stressful and so is moving! However, my wonderful parents helped me move and I'm all settled now! WOOHOO!

Today during church, I was super bummed because it was Sunday and that means that I have to go to work tomorrow. I have been dreading it since the second day. I believe this is due to the fact I am uncomfortable working with the adult/geriatric population. I know it will get better with time and exprience...but still I DREAD it. So I was standing there doing a "worship wrestle" (e.g. fighting the bad attitude with work and trying to worship) and I decided I desperately NEED an attitude makeover. I was like Alyssa pull it together and get your strength from God...HELLOOO He's totally amazing and His love NEVER fails! I prayed about my circumstance and I will be joyful during this situation! BAM! take that bad attitude!

Then Bruce starts speaking about circumstances and how in Philippians 1:12-20 Paul made gains in christianity (e.g. impacted prison guards and the church) even when he was in prison. I was like WHOA GOD that is STELLAR that Bruce spoke about good/bad circumstances after my worship wrestle experience. God continually shows me how much He cares and knows about little ole me! So basically to wrap this over due blog up: to work through these circumstances we need to pray and allow the Holy Spirit to work! So internship...I'm lifting you up and everything is gonna be FABULOUS!

Note to self:
-be totally open and joyful about my internship.
-Soak up how awesome God is at showing me how He loves me!
-unpack the last 2 boxes---which are currently taunting me.
-buy black spray paint.

na na na na everyday, like my iPods stuck on Replay!

Recently I have not had the best attitude and I believe it has something to do with exhaustion and sleep deprivation. However, that is NO reason to not be constantly sweet and joyful! I was talking to my sister today and she said that even throughout the mundane, everyday circumstances she tries to connect with God. Hmmm yeah that is pretty fantastic! I mean we have to do these things why not ROCK IT OUT with God?!

This also carries over into my internship (which I start on Monday! AH! at a nursing home in lubbock!). My sister just talked about how I can minister to the patient's through a smile or an acknowledgment. I want to be an encouragement to EVERYONE around me including people I work with! ALSO I believe that God has been challenging my faith to get me ready for this environment. Okay, yeah, I'm sure I'll have plenty in the future on that!

So I want that to REPLAY in my head 24/7:whatever I do connect with God and let His JOY shine through me!

P.S. I would like everyone to know I just saw Toy Story 3 and it was super stellar! Go see it...NOW!

P.S.S. My girls left today for their out-of-town internships...let's take a moment to mope and mourn...ok LOOOVE YA!

Note to self:
-Lose my funky exhausted "tude"
-Never throw away toys because they will always be looking for me.
-Go to sleep so I can be ready for my assessment tomorrow.

I challenge you to a duel!

Recently God has totally been challenging me, challenging my beliefs, challenging my faith.

--> i would like to take a moment to define this "faith". How church-ified is that word? I mean faith is believing in the unknown (yes we've all heard this and is actually the first definition that pops in my brain).
hmm...this faith...WHAT does this mean to ME, Alyssa B? This is my new found (and by new I mean this definition just rocked my world) defintion...let me break it down (wicky wicky):
FAITH= begins at believing WHO God says He is and ends when we (i) believe He will do what he promises.
Now check it...Hope is different than faith. Hope is believing something might happen. Faith is being straight up sold out to what you believe. Illustration time! Hope is connected to faith by the promise of God.

Wow...like that is super legit. I love when things that have been buzzing around you head your whole life all of a sudden smack you in the face in a completely new and exciting way! I mean why would I believe in something without actually knowing why...Why do I believe God created the earth? --BEEEECAUSE i have faith He did. Why do I believe God challenges us through difficult times? ---BEEEECAUSE He promises through it all our perseverance and endurance will grow!

God's promises are fantastic and so encouraging. I welcome these challenges! They have reminded me of God's promises that confirm my faith and beliefs. I love that God keeps our relationship SPICY! Never a dull moment with my awesome Father!



Note to self:
-Have complete faith I will dominate and rock out my presentation tomorrow.
-Start running again...geez school and summer speech camps have totally thrown that off.
-NOTE i am not promised tomorrow so I don't want to waste a moment--LIVE OUT THAT FAITH BABY!

To text or NOT to text...that is the question.

Remember the days when texting cost 10 cents.

Remember when you received a text it was rare and exciting.

Yeah those were the days when people still made phone calls and email/intstant messaging/social networking sites were not a way of life. I mean is the fact that our generation is constantly connected to his/her cell phone affecting our pragmatic skills? I am also very guilty of this! Look around the next time you're in public...everyone will be on their cell phone either talking or texting. Last night I was watching a movie with some friends. At the beginning of the movie everyone was texting and someone was even on facebook chat. Also, who hasn't texted someone from across the room? Think about that for a second...how stinkin RIDICULOUS is that?!
I guess this surfaced from the fact I want a special someone that won't text me all the time. Someone that has the guts to call and communicate outside a text. Someone who will stop hiding behind their phone and really get to know me. so BAM there ya go! Charge to you Mr. Prince!

Note to self:
-Reach out to people without text messages!
-tell my sweet tooth to stop craving fattening treats.
-Finish my stinkin project.

sticks and stones

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

--I mean think about that...yeah that is totally NOT true. Someone called me a name today on a social networking site and it hurt. Granted the person apologized and said it was a joke, but the pain is still there. It totally reminded me about the power of words. Words are the equivalent of fire--the damage is irreversible. Yes, the damage can be repaired, there is always a scarred layer. In the bible (i don't know the reference) it says Life and Death are held with in the tongue. I mean I am struggling with that as we speak--controlling my tongue. I think it is SO important to continually strive to control my tongue. Just think of how much words have gotten you in trouble...I know it has gotten me in a bind. I can't even imagine how my words have hurt/destroyed/broken someone's spirit. I just daily pray for help from the Holy Spirit for self-control to control my tongue--only words pleasing to God.

Note to self:
-accept forgiveness even when it's super difficult because of the pain
-do not allow this instance to rob my joy
-have a productive day!

sleeping under a coffee table.

Today was the first day of summer speech camps. I am helping with a camp working with children ranging from ages 3-6. I am absolutely exhausted.

However, I am working with a child that I helped with 2 years ago. It is absolutely AMAZING to see how far he has come. When I initially worked with him, he was barely saying 2 word utterances...NOW he will talk your ear off! He is so charming and sweet! He still have a few language and articulation problems, but he has progressed leaps and bounds in just 2 years! If anything makes what I am doing gratifying--it is being able to see the progress of these clients! SO WORTHWHILE! GO SLPs!

Since working with little nuggets is so tiring, I came home and ate lunch and decided to lay down...under my coffee table. This sounds silly, but I was sitting by it and it was the easiest option. I slept there for an hour. Total win? I think yes!

(ON A SIDE NOTE: a mother approached us today and called us student teachers...I was quite offended (not because being a student teacher is offensive) only because many people don't fully understand what a speech-language pathologist does. Therefore, I charge myself and other SLPs to get the word out! HOLLERRR! Here ya go fellow followers: Speech-language pathology is the treatment for the improvement or cure of communication disorders, including speech, language, and swallowing (bet ya didn't know that was under our scope of practice!) disorders. The term used to describe professionals in this discipline is speech and language pathologist (SLP).

Note to self:
-Drink a lot of coffee to be energized and ready to run after a 5 year old.
-Take naps in my living room more often.
-Play ultimate frizbee more often because it's a blast (and a good work out).

weekend of firsts!

I would like to note all the FIRSTS I have experienced this weekend:

• visit/stay in the big ole city Big Spring, Tx!
• ate at Al's barbecue in BS--DELICIOUS!
• road/drove a jet ski
• went to Colorado City lake
  
• met and chilled with Kendal and Haley's AWESOME family! oogh oogh!
• ate at Wagon Wheel in BS--put a hole in my stomach lining BUT soooo good!
  
• had a banana milkshake
  
• slept on a memory foam bed--I did not try to knock over a glass of wine by jumping on the bed...I'll save that for next time.
  
• ate at TACO VILLA (which it's was not as bad as I imagined considering they sell french fries...yes french fries at a fast food mexican restaurant.)
• played in the rain (not a first BUT it's been awhile!)
• saw a DOUBLE rainbow...can I get a what what for God being amazing and sharing that beauty!?
  
• went to IDALOU (yes this was very thrilling as you can imagine :)
• saw Avatar--good, however I was weirded out by the whole "bonding" tail thing (you will understand if you've seen it)

This weekend has been fabulous! I still have the rest of this memorial day to relax and enjoy!

Note to self:
-See Prince of Persia
-Download "I almost am" by Granger Smith
-Text my sister and ask how the beach is. (yes they are at the Gulf Shores for the week...quite envious.)
-make sure my goofball of a friend is feeling better because I need her to be better--so we can rock the rest of this holiday!

Romanced

I've always read/heard Jesus called the bridegroom and I did not totally understand it's meaning until recently. Jesus is our bridegroom, fiance, and LOVER. He longs for that type of relationship with me! I have a place in my heart that only He can fill and He has a place in His heart that only I can fill! (if this doesn't rock your socks off we should talk in person.)

Honestly, this makes me feel super special and amazed that He, who created everything, would want this intimate relationship with ME! on the other hand, it's hard for me to wrap my mind around the thought that I am the Beauty and He is my lover--that He is romancing me and desires intimacy with me. (holy moley!) Literally just typing it makes my heart feel so full! I am beginning to see Him romancing me through songs that are super meaningful, beautiful days, stunning sunsets, cool summer nights, green grass, colorful blooming flowers, meaningful conversations with wonderful friends, and so much more! Man, Jesus is the best lover ever! (seriously it's stellar)

Note to self:
-Open my heart to Him and allow him to romance me!
-Constantly pursue this beyond AMAZING relationship
-Enjoy this beautiful day outside!

oh the days...

My life...not very eventful recently.

However, I went to a wedding on Saturday and for 10 minutes I wanted to get married...then I left the wedding and reality set in! I mean ew who gets married these days?! haha.
Immediately after the wedding I headed to a bachelorette party...which was the BOMB!

So question: Am I allowed to have a bachelorette party and wedding and then skip the whole marriage and children part? :):) Now this is all in fun...I'm just waiting for that special guy to walk into my life at the most perfect timing (thanks to the guy upstair of course!) BUT until that day comes I will soak of the single life full of pool days, running at the park, cranberry/peach unsweet teas, watching silly tv shows, dance partays, and hanging out with my girlies 24/7! (and of course I know I can do this with someone...but still just lovin life right now!)


Note to self:
-Attempt to stop purchasing sonic tea everyday...my addiction may begin to get out of hand.
-Use my single-ness wisely in EVERY and ALL aspects of my life.
-Read more to help me stop staring at the computer all day :)

Dental records.

Let me tell you I got TWO (yes two) cavities filled today. Now before you go and judge my dental hygiene I hadn't been to the dentist in like 3 years...so just slow your roll. (yes that is a while but I mean have you tried to get in with a dentist recently?! It's ridiculous!)

OKAY back to my story: FIRST he numbs the whole side of my left jaw...which I have to wait 15 mins for this stuff to slowly creep around my mouth and numb everything. SECOND he drills...and drills...and drills and PAAAAIN! he's like "oh well sometimes there are freak nerves that pinch. this is definitely not as numb as i would like it." ....whaaaa? well thanks. whatevs. THIRD he fills my cavity with what i think is composite resin (thank you google). Its actually super cool! It's the same color as my tooth! (they used to use dental amalgam (i.e., A self-hardening mixture of silver-tin-copper alloy powder and liquid mercury.--WHICH you can see). FINALLY he drills more and buffs the teeth and blah blah blah...

Here is what I am concerned about...so now they use this composite resin made of powered plastic and glass. Therefore, if I were to be burnt or somehow unrecognizable could they identify my body with my dental records?! The x-rays most likely won't pick of the new fillings! This is somewhat random, but probably stems from my excessive watching of the show NCIS. So with that being said...if I could choose to fill my cavities with silver/tin/mercury mix I would! Whatever would make it easier for the medical examiner to identify me!

Note to self:
-STOP WATCHING NCIS.

oh the 90's. What a decade.

I was talking to my friend today and he totally resurrected the term "scrub" and it was like FLASHBACK! I mean do you remember TLC? haha. oh the 90's...filled with fabulous sitcoms and boy bands! I was just thinking...wow things were so much simpler back then. I watched full house, saved by the bell, boy meets world, home improvement, and fresh prince of bel aire. I remember they tackled hard hitting issues like crushes and who to sit by in the lunch room. oh those were definitely the days....

However, I am super excited to see where I've come since the years of disney boy bands and tv shows. I am half way through grad school...let me rephrase...I am ONE YEAR away from achieving my master's degree. LIKE WHOA. As much as I thought the 90's were great (I mean remember when Britney Spears was cranking out the pepsi commercials? oh yeah good times!) I am STOKED for the following years!

I am ready for my future and my destiny with God! I am excited to see where He leads me and what I will be doing for Him! EEK! (Yes, squeal of excitement!) So as you reminisce about 90's music and tv, don't forget where you are going! Then you will become just as excited as me!

Note to self:
-Hulu my favorite 90's sitcoms.
-Youtube videos when Britney Sprears was semi-normal.
-Prepare myself for the dentist tomorrow...oh my 2 baby cavities.
-Look to the future BUT not dwell on the unknown.

hello there destiny.

So I was visiting my sister in McKinney this weekend and we went to her church (Sojourn Church) on Sunday. The associate pastor spoke and ROCKED MY SOCKS!

He talked about our destiny. God puts desires (e.g. traveling) in our hearts for our destinys. When we enjoy something, God has totally put that in our hearts for a reason. WE did not discover this certain love on our own...HE put it there! Today I can walk in my destiny. Why wait until Jesus comes? OR why wait until tomorrow? It's time! dare to dream!! I was meant for more! It's time to wake up with a smile on my face and a purpose in my heart!! The promises of God are Yes and AMEN!

He also recited this little rhyme:
Rise Sally Rise
Wipe your weeping eyes
Put your hand on your hip
Let you backbone slip
and tell satan to ZIP HIS LIP.

Note to self:
-Don't wait to live the spectacular destiny God has planned for me.
-Give satan some well deserved attitude.
-Brush my teeth 800xs a day to battle decay...yes i have 2 cavities as of today.

imma G musical style.

Tonight while studying for finals i started rapping everything...i mean naturally i of all people would bust it out! i can flow when i want because IMMA G! wicky wicky whaaaat?! (i believe this stems from the fact i REALLY would like my life to be a musical...i mean how FABULOUS would it be if everyone was dancing and singing around you 24/7?!) FYI--wicked is amazing! the music...oh man spectacular! go listen...NOW. :)

My study buddy and i sang about everything from cranial nerves, domination of the dysphagia final, and old church camp songs! Best study session ever? i think YES! p.s. we were VERY productive...just wanted to throw that out there! This maddness is most likely due to lack of sleep AND excitement that is almost summertime! (enter background singers "summa summa summatiiime").

This time tomorrow night i will celebrating completing my first year of grad school! woot woot! (raise the roof! "the roof, the roof is on fire!"). I think you could also insert the hallelujah chorus with strobe and spot lights. My life should definitely be a musical...just sayin.

Note to self:
-record all raps and musical ditties.
-recruit back up singers and dancers for my life musical.
-OWN the dysphagia final.
-catch some much needed zzz's.
**capitalize all i's in my next blog...sorry exhaustion.**

I could use a wish right now...

QUESTION: Did you spend the last 9 months of your life wisely?

Wow...heavy stuff in lifegroup today. My tired brain tried to wrap around that question. Did I spend my first semester wisely...no. However, my lifegroup truely helped my life balance out. This semester has been SUPER STELLAR! I mean GOD IS GOOD. He has taught me so much this year! And I get sooo pumped about what is in store! (and it's not because I'm sleep deprived and hyped up on caffeine...yes it's finals time my friends). I want to strive to live an outstanding life!

QUESTION: If the last 9 months is all you were going to be remembered for, what would be said about you at your funeral?

hmm...let that marinate....deep junk right? Ok well if i were going to wish to be remembered for something...my FIRST thought: a hero. I would want to touch lives of people around me through actions and words. I want to SHINE for Him in every circumstance. (SECOND thought: i wish my sonic cup would refill with unsweet peach tea...excuse my delirium).

BIGGEST lesson learned this year: (randy said it best)
"When you fail, fail forward. Don't quit on a miss." ---As much as I have fallen this year...my sweet Savior has been there hold my hand. I dusted my knees/face/hands off and learned from my failure. DO NOT let a failure define you...let it inspire/grow you! hence the fail forward...see what i did there? :)

Note to self:
-CONTINUALLY praise Him for the awesomeness He places in my life.
-When I fail...rock it out and grow from it.
-Dominate my finals
-Buy pickles because I think they would go great with my unsweet peach tea

running away....

Today, my running buddy and I decided to run to take a break from studying. This was not an unusual routine for us, except the fact we decided to run around MY neighborhood. Mind you, my neighborhood is ShadesVille, USA.

We begin running...had my jams going....rocking out....

ALL OF A SUDDEN, my running partner says something and sprints in front of me! First thought-- someone trying to steal us or beat us up or mug us. I look back and to my surprise something is chasing us. I was like AWW HECK! A mean man?...OH NO IT'S WORSE. This something is pretty much the worst thing EVER (I'm not trying to be dramatic)...a Chihauhua. I mean this little terror was chasing and snarling at us. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

(I mean WHO would want this chasing you?!?) This ferocious nugget was ruining my relaxing run...so naturally I scream and sprint like the dickens to get away! Needless to say, Chihauhuas hate me...but it's fine I DISLIKE them as well! We resisted the urge to punt the dog into the next neighborhood and preceded to finish our run. However, we almost lost our legs today to a stinking Chihauhua. I'm sure owner's of the dog thought it was humorous. Well laugh it up! you're dog is mean and ugly!

Note to self:
-Turn music down a tad bit to become more aware of surroundings AKA: crazy small pets.
-Give my running buddy a high five for being awesome and noticing the little terror.
-Avoid flesh eating chihauhuas.
-BUY Tyler Ward's CD and study for finals that begin on Monday.

youtube-ing

ok yeah another blog for today...I'm getting a CRAZY!

In an attempt to distract myself from studying, I searched for Airplanes by B.O.B on youtube. (mentioned to me by my "skinny" homie TIFFANY...that's right...SHOUT OUT) I stumbled across this youtube page. I really like these covers by Tyler Ward.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=tylerwardmusic&annotation_id=annotation_435996&feature=iv

I'm digging his jams. So you should check it. PLUS he includes his mom in his videos...extra point for him. So Tyler, (yes we are on a first name basis now) thanks for the welcomed distraction.

Note to self:
*learn to sing and play guitar in my spare time.
*purchase a cool beanie hat like tyler.
*have my mom play piano for me...because she is really amazing at it.

Beauty to Unveil

Here we go...I'm jumping on the blogging train! ow ow!

I've been reading Captivating (which if you haven't read it you totally should or Wild at Heart) and it has been rocking my world! Right now they are talking about beauty.

"Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful. Which is to say, beauty is in and of itself a great and glorious good, something we need in large and daily doses. Nature at the height of its glory shouts, Beauty is Essential! revealing that Beauty is the essence of God. The whole world is full of His glory."

I mean whoa...that is legit. I have never thought about it that way.I think I become desensitized to nature and it's beauty. Just looking around at the park yesterday I was amazed by the beauty. The grass/trees were a luscious green and the sky was a light blue sprinkled with little fluffy clouds. MENTAL SNAP SHOT! (which I do NOT want to forget).

I should be studying for my finals, however I want to pause and love that God is so beautiful AND He took the time to make us and our world beautiful. We were created in HIS image! AMEN and AMEN!

Note to self:
*enjoy the beauty God has provided.
*send some love to the people who are SUPER beautiful in my life :)
*study for finals
*stay POSITIVE and speak life into everything