I got to make the drive out to Commerce yesterday to pay for school. Iniatially, I hadn't planned on going back until Sunday night. But when you get an email reminding you that tuition is due in one day, and that day is way before your scheduled return, well I guess there's no choice but to make the drive. :)
It felt funny making the drive out there, getting on 30 and seeing all the little spots that tell me how much longer. Caddo Mills, 25 minutes, Greenville, 15 minutes, Exit 101, 8 minutes. But here's what I found even more interesting, actually seeing the building where I live, taking in a deep breath, letting that breath go out and feeling relaxed. I was home...
As much as I think of how Commerce has nothing but Wal-Mart (I know, what more do you want, right?) and very few fast food places to choose from, coming back was a great feeling. As I told J yesterday, could be that I'm getting used to the idea that 1) I may not be going home on the weekends as often anymore and/or 2) I have to live here the entire year (summer included). I might as well make it home.
I went and bought the usual, Chicken Express, brought it back and watched tv for a couple of hours. I set my bed up among other things. I was immediately set back in my regular routine, even though it was just for a few hours.
And now I sit at home, waiting to go pick up Alex so I can take her to Commerce with me for the night. I'm excited, she's excited.
The thought of not coming home for church on Sundays was a tough one to even think about. But as the fall semester came to a close, and the new year began, with so many things in mind, I actually feel much more comfortable with the thought of not going back just for church. And I guess J telling me that I might want to consider staying in Commerce on the weekends, something I never expected to hear her say, sort of helped me out. I doubt I'll find a church I'd want to be a part of on Sundays. There is a church I want to try out on Wednesday nights with Charlie, in Greenville. They have a college group that meets on Wednesdays. Who knows, maybe I'll just do Wedneday nights.
Apart from that possibility, I'm ready to go back home. I'm ready to be with my friends! I'm ready to start my classes! This is a new begining for all of us. We all had a rough semester in the Fall. This is a fresh start to a new semester. We'll see what God is going to do in our lives in the next 4 months. Loma, I know you're ready to see what God's got in store, huh? :)
Only 4 more days...
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
dwc 2007
| last year was my first year going to dwc - dallas winter conference with campus crusade. i wasn't able to go this year, but my friends were from cru were sweet enough to send me this short video they put together of this year's dwc. more than anything, you'll see how crazy my cru friends can be! :) btw...best way to play it, hit play, pause and let it load, then hit play again | |
Sunday, January 07, 2007
obstacles
There have been moments in my life when I've wondered "What am I here for? What's my purpose?" When I question this, I've asked it in the sense of, "What will I be doing in 5 years? 10 years?" But today, the only question is "What do I do?" It isn't just today that I ask myself this question, but for the past week, since returning from Mexico.
A lot of this questioning comes not just from turning 24 and feeling, "Okay, maybe I should get a move on life." But more than anything, the questioning comes from events that occured while visiting family over the holidays.
Mexico was my life growing up, my everything. I would cry because we had to return back to Texas. This time around, I've returned questioning what it is to me now. Do I still love it the way I used to? Or do I hate it? Why do I not know?
I saw many things in my family that I either didn't realize occured because I was too young, or didn't see them because I myself was part of it. The dependance on anything but God was the big thing. Depending on quick fixes and numbness was so visible in my family as it was in me a couple of years ago. And seeing it in my family has caused many emotions: confusion, sadness, burdened, lost...
I don't know who my family is anymore. There are several meanings behind that satement. My focus has turned from quick fixes and numbness to my Lord, Jesus Christ. I know that in Him, I can do anything. I know that he lifts me up, he strengthens me, he provides, he is everything that I need. And I have a family that believes in the same things I do. For the past four years, I've been part of this family.
Seeing my family in Mexico, seeing how they live, and being around those temptations that at times want to creep back up and haunt me, I felt nothing but distant. I felt that I was in the wrong place, with the wrong people, alone. I began to feel the burden, the heavy weight of wanting to share Christ with them, but I didn't know how. And as the days went along, and the uncles came around showing their numbess to reality, the drunkeness, I began to build up anger.
Should I have been angry? They don't know right from wrong, Christ doesn't live in them, they know nothing else but the numbness they seek. So I probably shouldn't have gotten angry. I think more than anything, I was angry at myself for not speaking up or saying anything. But in their state, how could anything I say make sense? The only thing I figured would make sense to them was speaking words of anger, "I'm done with this family! I'm ready to go home!"
Shortly after getting home, I sat in my room and looked around. How can I relate to them? I have it easy according to them. What could have possibly caused me to seek what they seek today, when our worlds are a total contrast, mine is easy and theirs isn't?
Erin told me that God had me there for a reason. I honestly believe that, but now I'm more confused than ever. Why send me there, have me see all the brokeness, and not give me an opportunity to share his love with them? Why bring me back to the comfort of home, and my great little church family and their love, and allow me to know his forgiveness, and yet keep picturing how my family sought numbness to forget everything that lies in their hearts? It almost seems unfair.
I'm lost in the sense that I feel returning back to my regular routine, my friends, everything here, I'm turning my back on my family. And I can't really explain it, but I feel that if I turn to my family and try to set aside my feelings and understand them, I'd be turning my back on my family of 4 years (this feeling I can't really explain).
So once again, I'm lost. Do I set my family aside and just pray that someone somewhere might share Christ with them? Do I find my way to make it down there, since I have no form of communication with them (no home addresses, and definitely no email or tel.), and wait to share with them? What will it take for me to be able to reach out to them?
And what makes it worse is a visual that I got as I took this picture...
These are the mountains we must drive through (sometimes over), to get to my family. What do I see in this picture? A great obstacle. And as J put it, "the long and whinding road, too...that must be traveled to reach them or traveled to distance yourself from them."
At times all I want to do is distance myself from them and wish to never return. Yet at times my greated desire is to travel that long and whinding road to reach them. But it is all still such an obstacle in my mind.
So, what do I do?
A lot of this questioning comes not just from turning 24 and feeling, "Okay, maybe I should get a move on life." But more than anything, the questioning comes from events that occured while visiting family over the holidays.
Mexico was my life growing up, my everything. I would cry because we had to return back to Texas. This time around, I've returned questioning what it is to me now. Do I still love it the way I used to? Or do I hate it? Why do I not know?
I saw many things in my family that I either didn't realize occured because I was too young, or didn't see them because I myself was part of it. The dependance on anything but God was the big thing. Depending on quick fixes and numbness was so visible in my family as it was in me a couple of years ago. And seeing it in my family has caused many emotions: confusion, sadness, burdened, lost...
I don't know who my family is anymore. There are several meanings behind that satement. My focus has turned from quick fixes and numbness to my Lord, Jesus Christ. I know that in Him, I can do anything. I know that he lifts me up, he strengthens me, he provides, he is everything that I need. And I have a family that believes in the same things I do. For the past four years, I've been part of this family.
Seeing my family in Mexico, seeing how they live, and being around those temptations that at times want to creep back up and haunt me, I felt nothing but distant. I felt that I was in the wrong place, with the wrong people, alone. I began to feel the burden, the heavy weight of wanting to share Christ with them, but I didn't know how. And as the days went along, and the uncles came around showing their numbess to reality, the drunkeness, I began to build up anger.
Should I have been angry? They don't know right from wrong, Christ doesn't live in them, they know nothing else but the numbness they seek. So I probably shouldn't have gotten angry. I think more than anything, I was angry at myself for not speaking up or saying anything. But in their state, how could anything I say make sense? The only thing I figured would make sense to them was speaking words of anger, "I'm done with this family! I'm ready to go home!"
Shortly after getting home, I sat in my room and looked around. How can I relate to them? I have it easy according to them. What could have possibly caused me to seek what they seek today, when our worlds are a total contrast, mine is easy and theirs isn't?
Erin told me that God had me there for a reason. I honestly believe that, but now I'm more confused than ever. Why send me there, have me see all the brokeness, and not give me an opportunity to share his love with them? Why bring me back to the comfort of home, and my great little church family and their love, and allow me to know his forgiveness, and yet keep picturing how my family sought numbness to forget everything that lies in their hearts? It almost seems unfair.
I'm lost in the sense that I feel returning back to my regular routine, my friends, everything here, I'm turning my back on my family. And I can't really explain it, but I feel that if I turn to my family and try to set aside my feelings and understand them, I'd be turning my back on my family of 4 years (this feeling I can't really explain).
So once again, I'm lost. Do I set my family aside and just pray that someone somewhere might share Christ with them? Do I find my way to make it down there, since I have no form of communication with them (no home addresses, and definitely no email or tel.), and wait to share with them? What will it take for me to be able to reach out to them?
And what makes it worse is a visual that I got as I took this picture...
These are the mountains we must drive through (sometimes over), to get to my family. What do I see in this picture? A great obstacle. And as J put it, "the long and whinding road, too...that must be traveled to reach them or traveled to distance yourself from them."At times all I want to do is distance myself from them and wish to never return. Yet at times my greated desire is to travel that long and whinding road to reach them. But it is all still such an obstacle in my mind.
So, what do I do?
Friday, December 22, 2006
2 am
In approximately 4 hours, 2 am, my folks and I will begin to make our way to Mexico. We will drive for about 14 hours to Chihuahua to see my mom's family. I have questioned how this trip is going to be for the past week. I am not too certain how I feel about it.
In the past 4 years, I've gone to Chihuahua very few times. Any times that I've gone, it's been an overnight thing, either to take my mom or pick her up. The longest I've been down there is a week, and that was when my aunt passed away last Thanksgiving ('05). And even then, things felt quite different.
So I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings when we arrive. I know one thing's for sure, I'm going to be exhausted. I'll get to drive during the dark hours, but thanks to J's S'bux card she got me for Christmas/birthday, I'll definitely be wide awake!
For now, I should probably go get as much sleep as I can. We'll see how this trip goes. In the meantime, Merry Christmas everyone!
In the past 4 years, I've gone to Chihuahua very few times. Any times that I've gone, it's been an overnight thing, either to take my mom or pick her up. The longest I've been down there is a week, and that was when my aunt passed away last Thanksgiving ('05). And even then, things felt quite different.
So I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings when we arrive. I know one thing's for sure, I'm going to be exhausted. I'll get to drive during the dark hours, but thanks to J's S'bux card she got me for Christmas/birthday, I'll definitely be wide awake!
For now, I should probably go get as much sleep as I can. We'll see how this trip goes. In the meantime, Merry Christmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Guadalupe
On December 9th, 1531, Mary the mother of Jesus, at least believed to be her, appeared to an indian named Juan Diego. She told him that she wanted a church built on Tepeyac, a hill. He immediately went to go see the bishop, but the bishop wanted proof of such thing. Juan Diego became confused and avoided going through Tepeyac out of fear. A few days later, his uncle became ill and had no choice but to cross through, it was December 12th.
As he was running, the Virgen (not misspelt, it's in Spanish) appeared to him. Juan Diego told him of the bishop's request. The Virgen instructed him to take a handfull of roses. Juan Diego was once again confused, because roses were not common in that area. But the Virgen pointed him to a hill where he could find some, miraculously grown by her.
He ran to take the roses to the priest as proof. Before the bishop, he let the roses fall, and on his mantle was an image of La Virgen Morena (the dark virgin). The bishop immediately ordered that a church be built in her name.
On December 12th of every year, thousands of Mexicans walk miles and miles to reach the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico to honor La Reina de Mexico, the Queen of Mexico.
On December 8th of this year, a new movie came out called "Guadalupe". What is about? Juan Diego's vision of the Virgen the Guadalupe.
I actually hope to go see this movie with my mom, either before going to Mexico or while we are down there. I grew up showing much devotion to the Virgen because I was raised to honor her, and pray to her whenever things were not okay. Of course, I always questioned why it was her I was praying to and not Jesus, but I still could not help but feel that it was what I was supposed to do.
I don't discredit the story of an aparition. I have for many years, however, questioned why so much devotion to the Virgen*aka Mary* and intercession asked of her on people's behalf, when we can go directly to Jesus.
Deep down inside, I hold onto my feelings of the Virgen. I was given a gold necklace with her image on it at my Quinceañera, Sweet 15. I look at it many times and wish I could wear it. But my devotion has changed.
I still hold onto the excitement at going to see the story of her apparition in Mexico. It's where my roots are from, I'm a Mexican! And who knows, just as The Passion gave such a strong image of what Jesus did for me, I may get a better understanding of Mexico's devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
As December 12th came around this year, for the first time in 23 years, I forgot the signficance of the date. It wasn't until I turned on the tv at 5 am and saw the images of the pilgrimage to the Basilica that I realized what day it was. I wish I could explain what I felt...one thing I do know, I wish I could have made that pilgrimage at least once, so I could know what it's like for all those Mexicans that walk hundreds of miles, just to get a glimpse of that mantle. Who knows, maybe some day I'll get to go there and get a glimpse of it. It won't mean that it's her that I worship, right? But until then...I shall only go see a movie!
As he was running, the Virgen (not misspelt, it's in Spanish) appeared to him. Juan Diego told him of the bishop's request. The Virgen instructed him to take a handfull of roses. Juan Diego was once again confused, because roses were not common in that area. But the Virgen pointed him to a hill where he could find some, miraculously grown by her.
He ran to take the roses to the priest as proof. Before the bishop, he let the roses fall, and on his mantle was an image of La Virgen Morena (the dark virgin). The bishop immediately ordered that a church be built in her name.
On December 12th of every year, thousands of Mexicans walk miles and miles to reach the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico to honor La Reina de Mexico, the Queen of Mexico.
On December 8th of this year, a new movie came out called "Guadalupe". What is about? Juan Diego's vision of the Virgen the Guadalupe.
I actually hope to go see this movie with my mom, either before going to Mexico or while we are down there. I grew up showing much devotion to the Virgen because I was raised to honor her, and pray to her whenever things were not okay. Of course, I always questioned why it was her I was praying to and not Jesus, but I still could not help but feel that it was what I was supposed to do.
I don't discredit the story of an aparition. I have for many years, however, questioned why so much devotion to the Virgen*aka Mary* and intercession asked of her on people's behalf, when we can go directly to Jesus.
Deep down inside, I hold onto my feelings of the Virgen. I was given a gold necklace with her image on it at my Quinceañera, Sweet 15. I look at it many times and wish I could wear it. But my devotion has changed.
I still hold onto the excitement at going to see the story of her apparition in Mexico. It's where my roots are from, I'm a Mexican! And who knows, just as The Passion gave such a strong image of what Jesus did for me, I may get a better understanding of Mexico's devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
As December 12th came around this year, for the first time in 23 years, I forgot the signficance of the date. It wasn't until I turned on the tv at 5 am and saw the images of the pilgrimage to the Basilica that I realized what day it was. I wish I could explain what I felt...one thing I do know, I wish I could have made that pilgrimage at least once, so I could know what it's like for all those Mexicans that walk hundreds of miles, just to get a glimpse of that mantle. Who knows, maybe some day I'll get to go there and get a glimpse of it. It won't mean that it's her that I worship, right? But until then...I shall only go see a movie!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Tough moments
The body of Christ, from the last I heard, was all made up of those in Christ, but we were all one. And from the last that I knew, we were to worry about what would benefit the body of Christ, not ourselves. So why does it feel like everyone is fending for themselves? Everyone is looking at their personal needs before looking at the needs of the Body.
I haven't had to struggle with this thought before, but I struggle with it today. I began to struggle with it at 3:26 am when a friend was hurting and sharing certain feelings. Then anger began to build up inside of me because my friend should not be hurting. And I can't get out of my mind a conversation that Erin and I once had.
We once talked about church programs, what they "do for us" and what they "don't do" for us. This seems to be what I've been hearing so much of lately, "Well this isn't filling my need here" or "Their needs aren't being met". Why? Because ministry is being defined by actions, by fun, by games, by a non-realistic view. And instead they say, "Well I'm not being ministered to (which is a lie), so I'll go somewhere else." Perhaps I'm being close-minded, but since when has the church been all about me? If I remember Jesus' ministry correctly, it was all about God and his glory and his grace and his righteousness and what he did on the cross, and ALL HIM.
Why are people so scared to put themselves out there? Why don't they give it a shot at ministering to others, instead of focusing on being ministered to? A friend once told me, "You can't minister unless you're being ministered to." That thought was great help when I realized my relationship with Christ wasn't where it should be. But now as I look at it through a different window, I realize that we've all been given a God-given gift, and we are to put that gift to use in one way or another to lift up the Body, to serve the Body, not to be served to. God takes care of our needs, not people. What would be the point of God making each and every one of us unique if we aren't going to put his gifts to use? They would be a waist, and that is not God!
I don't have a singles group around, but am I being ministered to? Yes! Through the Word every Sunday morning, through my friend(s) which share spiritual thoughts or insight into God's Word, through my reading of the Word. Is there a college group around? No! But does that stop me from studying the Word? No! If the Word is being fed to me, what else do I need? Fellowship? Everyone has that opportunity on Sunday mornings after church, it's just up to everyone if they choose to run out as soon as church is over, or stay and talk with everyone. Or through other opportunities.
Should I focus on what I need? Or should I focus on what I can be doing for other's needs through what God has empowered me to do? Have I been burnt out? Yes! But would I continue to do as much as I have been? Yes! Why? Because it is ministering to others. Do I need a break? Yes! But am I going to be selfish and say, "Well I'm not being ministered to, so I'm going to find another place?" Has the thought crossed my mind? I'll be honest, it came to mind two weeks ago as Charlie told me, "Come to church with me. We can go to the college group on Wednesdays. And the worship is amazing on Sundays." But as I heard my friend last night, I had to see another side of the ministering. Will I give up just like everyone else and "amputate the Body" as someone put it? Or will I "press on toward the goal" and put those gifts to use?
I will not be led by those that say, "Well who is ministering to you?" Because I know that no program can minister to me the way God and His Word can minister to me. I just wish right now that everyone could see that! I wish they could see that they don't need some program...Erin, when shall we start that Christian cruise? That might be the solution everyone is looking for these days!
I haven't had to struggle with this thought before, but I struggle with it today. I began to struggle with it at 3:26 am when a friend was hurting and sharing certain feelings. Then anger began to build up inside of me because my friend should not be hurting. And I can't get out of my mind a conversation that Erin and I once had.
We once talked about church programs, what they "do for us" and what they "don't do" for us. This seems to be what I've been hearing so much of lately, "Well this isn't filling my need here" or "Their needs aren't being met". Why? Because ministry is being defined by actions, by fun, by games, by a non-realistic view. And instead they say, "Well I'm not being ministered to (which is a lie), so I'll go somewhere else." Perhaps I'm being close-minded, but since when has the church been all about me? If I remember Jesus' ministry correctly, it was all about God and his glory and his grace and his righteousness and what he did on the cross, and ALL HIM.
Why are people so scared to put themselves out there? Why don't they give it a shot at ministering to others, instead of focusing on being ministered to? A friend once told me, "You can't minister unless you're being ministered to." That thought was great help when I realized my relationship with Christ wasn't where it should be. But now as I look at it through a different window, I realize that we've all been given a God-given gift, and we are to put that gift to use in one way or another to lift up the Body, to serve the Body, not to be served to. God takes care of our needs, not people. What would be the point of God making each and every one of us unique if we aren't going to put his gifts to use? They would be a waist, and that is not God!
I don't have a singles group around, but am I being ministered to? Yes! Through the Word every Sunday morning, through my friend(s) which share spiritual thoughts or insight into God's Word, through my reading of the Word. Is there a college group around? No! But does that stop me from studying the Word? No! If the Word is being fed to me, what else do I need? Fellowship? Everyone has that opportunity on Sunday mornings after church, it's just up to everyone if they choose to run out as soon as church is over, or stay and talk with everyone. Or through other opportunities.
Should I focus on what I need? Or should I focus on what I can be doing for other's needs through what God has empowered me to do? Have I been burnt out? Yes! But would I continue to do as much as I have been? Yes! Why? Because it is ministering to others. Do I need a break? Yes! But am I going to be selfish and say, "Well I'm not being ministered to, so I'm going to find another place?" Has the thought crossed my mind? I'll be honest, it came to mind two weeks ago as Charlie told me, "Come to church with me. We can go to the college group on Wednesdays. And the worship is amazing on Sundays." But as I heard my friend last night, I had to see another side of the ministering. Will I give up just like everyone else and "amputate the Body" as someone put it? Or will I "press on toward the goal" and put those gifts to use?
I will not be led by those that say, "Well who is ministering to you?" Because I know that no program can minister to me the way God and His Word can minister to me. I just wish right now that everyone could see that! I wish they could see that they don't need some program...Erin, when shall we start that Christian cruise? That might be the solution everyone is looking for these days!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Too much!
Simplify! That's the only thing that crosses my mind. What could I do without? In a way, I feel like I could do without everything! Coming back to my room for longer than a weekend has made me realize how much junk I have! I look into my closet and see all the little things I have like stuffed animals that "my kids" have given me, keepsake boxes filled with junk, and other stuff.
So as I've pondered what I'm supposed to do with all the extra time on my hands, I've decided that I'm going to simplify. I'm going to go through ALL of my stuff, and everthing that I find crammed in drawers, closet, under the bed, etc. is going! I obviously don't need it. I mean, I've been without it for 4 months in school, I must not need it. Not to mention that I have no space for my clothes that I've brought home. Not that I have much, I just don't have anywhere to put them!
I will say that going through all of it isn't going to be easy, considering how easily distracted I am. I found a scrapbook that I started a year ago. The first picture is a picture of me on my first day at home. And it appears that I stopped at the point where I was sort of honoring my grandmother with all the pictures I have of her. That's something else to do!
In the mean time, simplifying it is!
So as I've pondered what I'm supposed to do with all the extra time on my hands, I've decided that I'm going to simplify. I'm going to go through ALL of my stuff, and everthing that I find crammed in drawers, closet, under the bed, etc. is going! I obviously don't need it. I mean, I've been without it for 4 months in school, I must not need it. Not to mention that I have no space for my clothes that I've brought home. Not that I have much, I just don't have anywhere to put them!
I will say that going through all of it isn't going to be easy, considering how easily distracted I am. I found a scrapbook that I started a year ago. The first picture is a picture of me on my first day at home. And it appears that I stopped at the point where I was sort of honoring my grandmother with all the pictures I have of her. That's something else to do!
In the mean time, simplifying it is!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
What to do, what to do...
My semester is finally over. As of midnight, I am done with all of my classes. I can't say I am confident on how my finals went, considering I was under the influence of prescription drugs. No worries, no addiction! I have simply been fighting a sinusitis infection. You should have seen me on Tuesday, it was awful. I woke up in tears from the pain in both of my ears. Note, not just one, but both ears! Ugh! What a great way to live during finals week, huh?
I was definitely glad to have my friends around. Sweet Alyssa drove me to the doctor and to get my meds. It was only during the early morning hours, before the sun was up, that I was really wishing I had mom around! But Alyssa came to the rescue as soon as she could! And then there were the friends that recommended the Vitamin C and OJ, oh and sleep of course. Not mentioning any names, cause these people know who they are! You pushy sisters! ;)
But back to the big picture...IT'S OVER! I didn't see an end in sight for the longest time, but it's finally here. And now I lay here on my bed, at 11 something at night, wondering what the next few days will be like. I'm not used to just thinking of nothing! Granted I'm still working on our church's mission trip and getting that organized as best as possible. And I do have a deadline for that, but to think that people can help me out there, while no one could help me out with school stuff, well it makes a big difference.
So what do I do? Do I pick up one of the many books I plan on reading during the break, and start reading? Do I consider doing some deep cleaning in this house which our new, permanent visitor, Pedro, has opted to take over with it's dog hair? Do I plan on packing for a trip? Who do I go see? I haven't seen my nieces since last week, and that is pretty good, considering I hadn't seen them in three months even though I came home every weekend.
This is just so weird. I won't have my routine anymore of going to class, eating lunch with the girls, being in my room reading, im'ing, emailing, or watching tv, eating dinner, and back to the room again for sleep. You might think "Well hello, do the same at home!" But it isn't the same! My buddies aren't around to make my routine the same. The food from the caf won't be cooked, I'll have to cook my own lunch. We don't have cable here...I think I might go crazy. I mean, one can watch Elizabethtown so many times before losing their mind! (Pretty good movie, by the way.)
It shall all be okay. I mean, at least until Saturday, I'll have some fun. My babies will be around...fine Kelley, your babies will be around. But after Saturday, my days will be as boring as can be! I guess I should take it a day at a time. I guess I could start by unloading my car. :)
On a lighter note, I found out that one of my best friends from high school will be at Commerce next semester! I am so excited! Man, she and I used to have some good times in class. If I could only say now the things we used to call each other for fun, ha! If you heard it now, you'd think "Why in the world would you call each other ____?" But even as she and I were talking on the phone about how she'd walk in the room and give her usual comment when she'd see me or I see her, we couldn't help but laugh. I definitely can't wait to have her around again!
Oh, and to end things even better, I found out I might be able to graduate in December of 2007, at the latest May of 2008, NOT 2009 like I had thought. But I am aiming for December of 2007! That means I'll stay in Commerce for the summer. I am actually looking forward to that thought. Why? Not certain. I mean, our mall is Wal-Mart. LOL. But I still like the idea of staying there. I wouldn't be alone, Charlie boy would be there. Poor thing, he was in Commerce during this past summer all alone. Felt so bad for him. We could keep each other company next summer. But yeah, when I heard my advisor say "You could graduate in December of next year", I was definitely smiling! We'll just have to see what God has got in mind!
In the meantime, off I go to figure out what book it was J told me to read. Perhaps the library can be something I do tomorrow. Who knows...what do you suggest that I do?
I was definitely glad to have my friends around. Sweet Alyssa drove me to the doctor and to get my meds. It was only during the early morning hours, before the sun was up, that I was really wishing I had mom around! But Alyssa came to the rescue as soon as she could! And then there were the friends that recommended the Vitamin C and OJ, oh and sleep of course. Not mentioning any names, cause these people know who they are! You pushy sisters! ;)
But back to the big picture...IT'S OVER! I didn't see an end in sight for the longest time, but it's finally here. And now I lay here on my bed, at 11 something at night, wondering what the next few days will be like. I'm not used to just thinking of nothing! Granted I'm still working on our church's mission trip and getting that organized as best as possible. And I do have a deadline for that, but to think that people can help me out there, while no one could help me out with school stuff, well it makes a big difference.
So what do I do? Do I pick up one of the many books I plan on reading during the break, and start reading? Do I consider doing some deep cleaning in this house which our new, permanent visitor, Pedro, has opted to take over with it's dog hair? Do I plan on packing for a trip? Who do I go see? I haven't seen my nieces since last week, and that is pretty good, considering I hadn't seen them in three months even though I came home every weekend.
This is just so weird. I won't have my routine anymore of going to class, eating lunch with the girls, being in my room reading, im'ing, emailing, or watching tv, eating dinner, and back to the room again for sleep. You might think "Well hello, do the same at home!" But it isn't the same! My buddies aren't around to make my routine the same. The food from the caf won't be cooked, I'll have to cook my own lunch. We don't have cable here...I think I might go crazy. I mean, one can watch Elizabethtown so many times before losing their mind! (Pretty good movie, by the way.)
It shall all be okay. I mean, at least until Saturday, I'll have some fun. My babies will be around...fine Kelley, your babies will be around. But after Saturday, my days will be as boring as can be! I guess I should take it a day at a time. I guess I could start by unloading my car. :)
On a lighter note, I found out that one of my best friends from high school will be at Commerce next semester! I am so excited! Man, she and I used to have some good times in class. If I could only say now the things we used to call each other for fun, ha! If you heard it now, you'd think "Why in the world would you call each other ____?" But even as she and I were talking on the phone about how she'd walk in the room and give her usual comment when she'd see me or I see her, we couldn't help but laugh. I definitely can't wait to have her around again!
Oh, and to end things even better, I found out I might be able to graduate in December of 2007, at the latest May of 2008, NOT 2009 like I had thought. But I am aiming for December of 2007! That means I'll stay in Commerce for the summer. I am actually looking forward to that thought. Why? Not certain. I mean, our mall is Wal-Mart. LOL. But I still like the idea of staying there. I wouldn't be alone, Charlie boy would be there. Poor thing, he was in Commerce during this past summer all alone. Felt so bad for him. We could keep each other company next summer. But yeah, when I heard my advisor say "You could graduate in December of next year", I was definitely smiling! We'll just have to see what God has got in mind!
In the meantime, off I go to figure out what book it was J told me to read. Perhaps the library can be something I do tomorrow. Who knows...what do you suggest that I do?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Locked in the room
When I returned from my classes this morning, I found a note that said "Erica, please knock. I will open up the door." This was a rather odd request, considering I've never had to knock before. I knocked. Erin yelled, "Hang on, I'm coming, hang on a sec" and about 2 minutes later, she finally came to the door. "Sorry, I'm working on my secret santa gift. I just laughed.
She asked me if I'd go into the bedroom and stay in there 'til she was finished. That was fine with me, considering that's where I'm always at. After about an hour, I was ready to eat something. I opened up the door, and I see this body running and screaming at me, "NOOOOO!!!" I immediately shut the door out of fear that Erin was going to do something to me. I could not help but laugh. She finally got done hiding everthing so I could go and heat me up some noodles.
Throughout the entire day, that's all I heard. "No!" "Wait!" "Hold on!" By the late afternoon, I got sick of being in the room and staring at my computer. So I left and headed to the library to do some research for a paper. I got back around 5 to discover that Erin was done with what she had been doing.
She asked me if I'd go into the bedroom and stay in there 'til she was finished. That was fine with me, considering that's where I'm always at. After about an hour, I was ready to eat something. I opened up the door, and I see this body running and screaming at me, "NOOOOO!!!" I immediately shut the door out of fear that Erin was going to do something to me. I could not help but laugh. She finally got done hiding everthing so I could go and heat me up some noodles.
Throughout the entire day, that's all I heard. "No!" "Wait!" "Hold on!" By the late afternoon, I got sick of being in the room and staring at my computer. So I left and headed to the library to do some research for a paper. I got back around 5 to discover that Erin was done with what she had been doing.
Well, the same evening, all the girls were getting together because we were going to do our Secret Santa. Erin and Alyssa got some free pizzas from Pizza hut, which was pretty cool, so we had pizza for dinner. Immediately after getting done, Erin decides she's going to take out the trash. We couldn't understsand why because we all just figured, "It can be thrown out when they go to the rec later." But she insisted so we let her.
5 minutes later, she opens the door and yells "Where's everyone at?" I was in the room looking at something on the computer. Sophie comes and says, "Erica, come here, Erin wants us all in the living room." So I went...she opens the door and reveals this....
All day long, she worked on making me a pillowcase. She was too sweet! She remembered that our first week back, I missed out on all the fun back-to-school stuff because of work, and I was the only one that did not get a pillowcase made. So she decided to make me a pillowcase as my gift. I was sooooo excited. Who knew someone could get so excited over a pillowcase? :-)
So there you have it...I was locked in my room because of a pillowcase!
Oh, and I should mention that not only was I Erin's secret santa, but Erin was my secret santa too...HA!HA! As Erin put it, "We were meant to be..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)