Rainy Day

Ahhh...after a long week of finals I have just one left. Hooray! I worked all morning to finish a final and have spent the afternoon lounging in my room (it is the only warm place in the house). Right now I am snuggled up in my bed watching Mansfield Park on Hulu....Life is good...

This week I only have to work a couple of days in the office then intend to do some christmas shopping. Next weekend I will head to Florida to meet up with my family and visit the cousins. We will also be going to Disney!!! This will be my first trip to Disney!

Lord, Help my Unbelief

Ugh... I talked to my brother Jordan earlier today and he informed me that he wants to become a Marine. I tried to remain calm and rational while I talked to him but on the inside I was screaming "NO!!!".

The first thought that comes to mind when I think about him in the Marines is selfish and unrational but I can't help to think that I can't handle losing another sibling. It is ridiculous. I also think about how other friends who have been in the military have been changed by their experience. A few changes have been good ones but others have left scars.

Please pray for Jordan as he considers his future. Pray that God will grant him wisdom and guide him and that God will remind me that He is sovereign.

Don't laugh

I am thinking about buying a Snuggie. I know they are hideous and make you look like a Jedi but keep in mind that this is not something I will be wearing in public. It is seriously cold in my house. I live in a charming old house that I adore but the downfalls are that there is bad/no insullation, I can see the wind blow through the old windows and move the curtains, and we have LIMITED heating abilities. Our bedrooms have a space heater but on nights like tonight my roomie and I just got home and our rooms were a chilling 44 degrees. I am sitting in bed wearing 2 pairs of socks, pajama pants, shirt, hoodie (with hood on), scarf, and 3 blankets while I wait on the space heater to bring the temperature up to a livable situation. This calls for a trip to walmart; maybe they'll have a leopard print Snuggie in stock!

Help My Unbelief

I'm an emotional person--period. I cry when I'm happy and when I'm sad; my emotions just overflow through tears. Anyways, this song is a song that brings out those emotions. We sang it in church this Sunday and I truly need to be singing it everyday. I fail to believe that God is enough of a savior for me and for everyone else for that matter--he has overcome the world and I don't have to. There is so much freedom and peace that comes in remebering this but I fail everyday and attempt to do everything myself when Christ has already completed it. Gah, I'm so messed up...good thing God doesn't call us to be perfect.

Baby!

A friend of mine is pregnant!!! I am not going to say who because I want to make sure she has told everyone that she wants to tell. She has been married for less than a year and already having her first child! Congratulations friend! I love you and know that you and your hubby are going to be amazing parents. I'm praying for you.

Have you ever felt like you were going crazy?

If you have... then you might enjoy these comics. The Garfield comics can be pretty funny already but if you take Garfield out of the picture it makes John look like he is losing his mind. Hope it makes you laugh!

If you enjoyed these you should think about buying the book Garfield Minus Garfield. It could make for a good Christmas gift for a friend or family member.

Pumpkins, Costumes, & Parties! Oh My!

My weekend started out with a Halloween party hosted by the pastor of my new church. he is an amazing guy with a huge heart for this city. Here he is as Daddy Warbucks with his daughter as Annie.

I attended dressed as the Swine Flew. Here I am with my new friend and study buddy, Holly.

Saturday night I attended a birthday party downtown then headed to Frenchman street where the real party was. :) I am told that this is mild compared to Mardi Gras! I can't even imagine as I was holding onto someone's shirt while they pulled me through the crowd. Wow!

Me and a couple girls from church--I had such a wonderful time getting to know more about the people I worship with!Today for All Saints Day, I got home in time to walk to a nearby cemetary. Supposedly, today is the day when families come out to clean up the graves and remember relatives that have passed. It is so cool to walk around, read the headstones, and try to imagine what kind of lives these people lived.
This tomb in particular freaked me out. Notice that there is a brick missing and you can see directly into the tomb.
I know there are no such things as zombies but... let's seal that sucker up just for the heck of it!

What a fun weekend building relationships and enjoying my new home!

People of Walmart

My roommate recently introduced me to a website that is slightly addictive, disturbing, and hilarious...People of Walmart....you should visit it and see for yourself.
(I wouldn't recommend visiting it while small children are around as you never know what may pop up.)

Living by Grace

So, right now I am struggling with what it means to live knowing God's grace. What is this supposed to look like? How does it play out in real life? How should my everday actions be impacted?
I'm a quite and reserved person. What I can't figure out is how does my sinful heart (thinking about myself and forgetting that my identity is in Christ alone) play into these characteristics? Is my being reserved a sin? Sometimes I think it is...I don't know...Augh!!!
Any thoughts???

Hmmm

Obama visited New Orleans today and spoke at UNO. I didn't get tickets but was able to watch online; he had good answers to many questions but I am still concerned about this health plan being pushed through so quickly.

Clever Costumes

For all of you out there who are struggling to come up with a cheap, fast, and clever costume idea, here is a little help:

• Self-Absorbed
• Attach sponges all over your body.
• Behind the Times
• Attach several fake (or real) clocks to your behind.
• Bulk E-Mail (guys only)
• Wear muscular padding under a dark sweatshirt with the letter E attached to the front.
• Past Your Prime
• Put a sign on your shirt that says "Sell by July 31 01" (or any date that has already passed).
• Refrigerator Magnet
• Paint a shoe box black and attach it to your back.
• Mastercard Ad
• Wear whatever clothing you choose. Attach a sign to your back that says "Shirt: $30...Jeans: $50...Shoes: $70......Halloween costume that took minimal effort: Priceless.
• Someone You Can Count On (great pickup line if you are crushing on someone at the party)
• Wear all black clothes. Cut out big, bright numbers and attach them to your clothes.
• Chia Pet (probably easier to do on a child)
• Wrap yourself in duct tape so the sticky part is facing out, then roll around on the lawn.

Now, I have not posted what I will be going as...you'll just have to wait and see...but it is going to be spectacular!

Beat the Heat

93 degrees+66% humidity= 103 degree heat index
Yuck! I don't even want to leave the house...I would need to take a towel to dry off with if I did.

Here is what the Weather Channel has to say about this:
A HEAT INDEX OF 105 DEGREES IS CONSIDERED THE LEVEL WHERE MANY PEOPLE BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE EXTREME DISCOMFORT OR PHYSICAL STRESS. THE HEAT INDEX IS MEASURED UNDER SHADY CONDITIONS... AND DIRECT EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT CAN INCREASE THE HEAT INDEX AS MUCH AS 15 DEGREES. So, in the sun it really feels like 118 degrees?? Fabulous!

When will Fall get here???

The sites

I spent my labor day doing nothing productive and feeling guilty for it. The only thing that I did get accomplished was repairing a flat tire (the third one in a month--thank you to the streets of new orleans) and writing this post. While I was waiting on my car to get repaired, I walked around downtown and captured a few things along the way.

Notice the frightened animals at the bottom of the poster. I'm not sure what this is supposed to mean.

Found this sign on the side of an abandoned building. It makes me sick knowing this is true; pray for the police in this city as they fight to lower the number of homicides.

Just one of many abandoned buildings in this city.

Last but not least...a random light house in the middle of the city. It is up for lease if anyone is interested.

Ann and Casey this is for you:

New Orleans by Numbers

Check out this list of numbers relating to the recovery of New Orleans 4 years after Hurricane Katrina. For the full list visit CNN.com.


76.4 %- Population: More than three-quarters of New Orleans population is back, according to post office numbers showing who gets mail. In the greater New Orleans metro area, 90% of the population is back, getting mail.


6.8%- Unemployment: Engineering and construction work rebuilding Louisiana after storms has cushioned unemployment. Nation's rate is 9.4%.


1 in 167- Foreclosures: New Orleans ranks 119th on a list of cities with most foreclosures. In hardest-hit Las Vegas, one in every 13 homes is in foreclosure.


-15%- Tourism: Cash-strapped tourists and companies worldwide have cut travel to the Big Easy. City hotel bookings related to conventions and meetings are down 15% from 2008.

65,888- The number of unoccupied residences in March 2009, nearly equal to those in Detroit. Indeed, the New Orleans landscape is dotted by weed-filled lots and molding houses.


1- Murder: The city's murder rate, adjusted for population, topped all cities nationwide last year.


-17 %- Violent crime dropped in New Orleans in 2008. The city has done better than even a nationwide decline in crime the last two years.


2 Poverty: Louisiana ranks No. 2 in the nation for people living in poverty, trailing only Mississippi, despite billions in post-Katrina recovery dollars.

To do list: Buy Pepper Spray

Sunday I decided to take a walk in the neighborhood because I am a few blocks from the Mississippi River where there is an overpass and I wanted to see what kind of view there was. I passed several people sitting on their porches and riding bikes. Everyone was friendly by smiling and saying hello. Then I passed a guy detailing his car; he also smiled and said hello so I did the same. Then he commented on what a pretty smile I had and asked if there was any reason for it. I responded by saying I guess it is just this nice weather and enjoying a little walk.

He made small talk asking me if I was from around here (yes, i just moved for grad school), are you married (no, i don't think I'm ready for marriage at this point in my life), so you're just looking for friends (yes)---still thinking nothing of our conversation other than a friendly chat. I commented on the car he was working on saying "that's a nice ride"; he didn't miss a beat in replying "so when can I ride you? (me: nervous laugh) what your boyfriend wouldn't like that?". I was so shocked by the comment that I replied "No, have a nice day" and quickly walked away while getting out my cell phone to call mom on my walk back home.

Augh! Living in New Orleans is emotionally exhausting because you are constantly faced with the brokenness of the world everywhere you go.
Pray for me and this city.

Friends!

I have been feeling really lonely lately but God provided me with some encouragement today. I went to my church's prayer group this morning in the hopes of having time to fellowship and bond with people at the church. It was nice to spend time with this small group and be encouraged by their prayers for the church and its members.
After the service I saw several people that I wasn't expecting. Three friends from Lagniappe ended up visiting and I got to talk with them briefly. While I was talking to them I saw Mary Owen, a friend from Auburn, walk by. She is here for the week to volunteer with a group from her church in Augusta Georgia! It is nice to have someone in town who I know and can call up to go have coffee with me.
Thank you God for providing friends when I was feeling lonely!

Enjoying the down time

I'm trying to enjoy my leisurely life before classes and work start back Monday. Today I woke up, read a little, browsed the internet, worked out, showered, napped, and cooked. Basically a whole lot of nothing.
It was a great day but I long to be around people at the end of the day. Even if I have been with people all day long I still desire to be around a few friends in the afternoon. I don't know what it is but I can be fine all day long by myself then dinner time hits and I feel lonely. Not to worry--night classes start soon so that shouldn't be a problem.
Anyways, thought I would show off my creations. I made my momma's chicken pot pie but tried to make it healthier by not having as much crust. I also made Anita's banana bread--my favorite breakfast food.

God is great! Life is good!

A whole new world

SO...today I ventured to the local social security office to order a copy of my card because my previous one seems to have gotten lost during the move. Going downtown is always an adventure for me. First, I can't parallel park (without getting pissed off or scratching someone's car) and second, I have no sense of direction in this crazy, curvy city. I finally made it to the office (after trying several other buildings first) and got my number in line.

It was a small room that was crowded and smelled of B.O. and it was filled with many interesting characters. As entertaining as the whole experience was, it was sad to see many of these individuals who you could tell were homeless or struggling to get by. Everyday I get in my car and pass numbers of homeless individuals. I want so much to help but I have no idea where to start and keep having to remind myself that Jesus already saved the world--it's not my job.

This will show you how naive and small town minded I am... I was getting off of my exit right by the superdome and saw 50-100 people scattered about in the parking lot under the bridge. My mind immediately thought "Wow, I can't believe people are camping out for the Saints game". I went home and told my roommate and she gave me this look like "alright". It wasn't until later that week when I drove by and saw the same thing that I realized these people were homeless and trying to get out of the rain.

Please pray for this city and its people. Pray also that God will show me my role in ministering to the many needy individuals here.

"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield." -Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

I love lists!

I just thought I would share that I love lists! There is something so gratifying about getting to cross something off your long list of things to do that it motivates me to get moving and get things done. The most gratifying thing though is getting everything on the list completed then throwing the list away. Woo Hoo!

I know I'm weird but I embrace it because it gives me this warm tingly feeling inside.

Merry on the Ferry

So...Dane suggested I take the Riverwalk Ferry as a free thing to do downtown and you get a great view of the city. Last night my roommate and I grabbed coffee then boarded the Ferry while listening to a live jazz band on the Riverwalk and watching other dinner boats and barges pass by us. We successfully crossed to the opposite side (Algiers) where we got an amazing view of the city and were chatting and waiting to go back when the captain told everyone to abandon ship (well, not exactly those words) because they had to trade Ferrys. Little did we know that this process would take close to 1 1/2 hours.
There is not much to do in Algiers but we did spot a little bar at the bottom of the hill, the Dry Dock, that looked like a respectable establishment. A few people had just come out of the place and were headed our way so we asked them if it was a decent place. After they confirmed that it was indeed decent and had shared their life story with us, we headed to the Dry Dock where we ordered a couple of appetizers and drinks. They ended up bringing us an extra side which a couple at the end of the bar was eyeing. After sharing this side with them they cozied up to us and were chatting about everything. Their names were Leigh Ann and Jason--a middle aged couple who are originally from chicago; Leigh Ann was a chatterbox and very friendly with a couple of drinks in her :). They ended up getting my roommates number so they could call us in a couple of weeks when they were going to go out again.
I can't wait for them to call; it will be a great opportunity to see some fun places and bands as long as it is not one of the nights that they go to the strip club. I don't think they are Christians judging by the things they said, but the whole time Leigh Ann was talking about how she looks at every person as a potential friend and how showing someone grace is a great way to get to know them--in one of her stories showing someone grace meant giving them a cigarette. "Grace" was a regular word in her sentences and I am hoping that God will use me and my roommate to show her His Grace.

I made it...

I can't believe that I drove 6 hours towing my car without a single incident. I arrived to New Orleans and my friend Charles arrived shortly after to help me unload all of my stuff. It rained the entire time we were unloading but it was perfect and refreshing in this Louisiana humidity.

One helpful tip my friend shared with me is to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car during hurricane season because if a storm does come it can be difficult finding any.

Life in New Orleans is already so different than anywhere else I have lived. I'll have to make a list sometime soon of the uniqueness of NOLA.

Our first day in DC

Sunday morning we packed up the van and drove 10 hours to Arlington, VA where we spent our first night of vacation. This morning we packed up again and headed to DC. We are staying just a few blocks away from the capital and the mall. Our first stop was the Smithsoniam museum of natural history. Here are some moments from the day:
A bird pooped in corey's hair--notice the white spot--so i had to snap a picture; he was pretty mad.

The oldest living fossil by the oldest natural fossil. :) I love you mom!

Eaten by a shark!!! Oh no!!

Eating a snack and waiting to go into the museum.

Here is a cool picture from the metro right before my first ride. It is not bad if you are sitting but i got a little motion sickness when I had to stand...i guess it beats driving and trying to park downtown.

Real Life

I feel like a real adult and I am longing to be back in my Auburn bubble! I am working two jobs and love what I do but it is exhausting. Today I worked from 7:00 am to 9pm with a 2 hour break somewhere in the middle. Did I mention that I'm exhausted??

Yesterday I visited a Buddy, Ame, who was admitted to UAB and had a tricuspid valve replacement surgery. She is recovering well with the help of her friends and family and is encouraged by the cards, balloons, and flowers she has received.

Ame is probably the sweetest person I know. She has down's syndrome but that has never slowed her down when it comes to being a great friend. Before her surgery she had to go in to have her heart looked at. When Ame woke up, she knew the doctor had been looking in her heart. The first thing she asked the doctor was "When you were looking in my heart did you see Jesus in there?" The doctor replied, "Ame, every time I see you I see Jesus in your heart."

Moody has a website?!

Moody, Alabama... the fourth fastest growing city in the state! Moody now has a population close to 14,000 but I was truly shocked to find out that we now have a website. Check it out for yourself! It is like finding out that Andy Griffith created a website for Mayberry.

Here is some neat info I found on their site:

~The city is home to the state’s first Miracle League field and has state-of-the-art park and recreation facilities.

~Moody got its name from a man named Epps Moody who settled here with his family in 1820. There were two stagecoach routes that crossed here forming Moody Crossroads, now Moody Parkway and Park Ave.

~The first area school was formed in 1879 followed in 1882 by the organization of the first area church. (not sure what church they are talking about or where it was located)

Best Buddies Greek Sing 2009

I have been involved with this wonderful organization throughout college and was the President this past year. Every year we are the final performance for the sorority dance competition while the judges tally up scores. It was great to hear the crowd give a standing ovation to our Buddies who choreographed and learned the whole routine. Just ignore my dancing...the Buddies are much more fun to watch. :)

I'm Done!!!!

I made it! It is so surreal right now as I am moving out of my apartment into our pool house for the summer. I will move to New Orleans in early August to start classes at UNO (Pray that I will find safe and reasonably priced housing).

This summer I am working at Glenwood, an Autism and Behavioral Center in Birmingham. I will be an assistant teacher in a classroom with 7 students. I am so excited about the opportunity to work here!

I will also be working on attaining a Louisiana teaching certificate so I can officially be accepted into the University of New Orleans. This means taking a couple of standardized tests, waiting for scores, waiting on my Alabama teaching certificate to be sent in the mail, then mailing it all to Louisiana along with my transcripts.

This is my friend John who is also moving to New Orleans this summer to serve two years with a program called Teach for America. I am so thankful he will be nearby! God has been so faithful to provide what I have needed--friendships, a summer job, a way to pay for school, and so much more. I pray that I will continue to remember His faithfulness and trust that He will provide for my needs.

Graduate School

I just received my admissions letter to the University of New Orleans! I teared up when I got it and am so relieved that I have a post-graduation plan come August. Now I am working on figuring out what to do to earn money this summer and how to pay for graduate school for the next two years.
I am also giving myself pep talks on a regular basis. I think I can...I think I can...23 days until classes end! Freedom is in sight!!
*Deep breath*
Now back to work. Ugh.

Spring Break 09

I am sad to see Spring Break end. My week was busy but not the schoolwork kind of busy so it was nice. I visited Lagniappe for a few days, went to new orleans to visit a potential graduate school, and went to Fairhope to see family and the Arts and Crafts Festival.
Katrina and I at an old graveyard in new orleans. We parked near the French Quarter then hopped on a trolley on a mission to find a block party. On our way we found this graveyard. One of my favorite head stones said, "At Rest". Won't it be glorious when God comes back and we are all finally at rest!?
This is my friend Beka and I in New Orleans on St Patty's day. We finally found the block party somewhere downtown and enjoyed a green beer at 11am--probably the earliest I've ever drank before. :)

Later on St Patty's day, we went back to Lagniappe and enjoyed time with friends. I hope Katrina isn't too scarred from her experiences.

Don't I have georgeous siblings!?

I love these guys!

I killed it!

Last year I bought my very first plant with my former roomie who is a horticulture major. From the beginning I struggled to keep it alive. The first day I brought it home it shed all of it's leaves and I thought it was dead. It finally came back and was looking great. Now it looks like this and I don't know why...maybe it is because my horticulture roomie moved out and now it is neglected. I tried but I definitely don't have a green thumb. I guess I'll stick to silk plants for now. :(

Teacher Appreciation week

I absolutely love the kids that I teach but since I can't show you their adorable faces due to privacy issues (boo), I will show you pictures of things they gave to me this past week.
Monday they brought letters to thank us for being their teacher. My favorite letters are the homemade, handwritten ones but they all melt my heart.

Tuesday our students brought their teachers one flower each. All of our flowers made a beatiful arrangement that I have in my bathroom now. And I'll let you in on a little secret...if you put the flowers in Sprite they will last longer. It's true; we had flowers in school that were in water and I took mine home and put them in sprite. My flowers are now alive and well and the others have already wilted.

Wednesday they brought all kinds of treats for us to enjoy. Homemade cookies, candy, girlscout cookies, roasted pecans, and much more. Me and my roomies enjoyed them all!

Thursday's theme was to be extra kind to your teacher. It was wonderful!

Fridays are our teacher planning days and are also set aside for the teachers to test and evaluate students to see if they qualify for services so our kids do not come to school. However the PTA had wonderful food set up for the teachers all week.

It is so nice to know that you are appreciated for all of your hard work! Hopefully all of the teachers will remember this appreciation when they are having a tough day/week.

Look What I Can Do!

Before:

After:
My Model:

My church here in Auburn has a women's knitting group (sorry to all you guys that wanted to participate!) whose first project was to make baby hats for the Women's Hope Medical Clinic here in town. They are hosting a baby shower for the women tomorrow night where they will give them the hats we made as well as other baby items.

The group is called K2 TOG, which in the knitting world, means to "knit two together". Thus the purpose of this group is not only to help women with children but to also build relationships between women at the church. It truly is a neat group of women!

My next project to knit is a cotton baby bib. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Note that this is only my second knitting project. It takes some time but I love the outcome!

I had a great day!

Today I went to my gym to get my reevaluation done and here are the results since Thanksgiving...drum roll please...
I've lost a total of 12 lbs!
I've lost 9% body fat!!
My at rest heart rate has dropped (thanks to a cardio class that is kicking my butt).
Go me!

My life song

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found was blind but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieves. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
Chorus: My chains are gone! I've been set free! My God my Saviour has ransomed me! And like a flood his mercy reigns! Unending love. Amazing grace.
The lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secured. He will my shelter and portion be as long as life endures.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow. The sun forever to shine. But God who called me here below will be forevermore...will be forevermore. You are forevermore.

This is a beautiful rendition of amazing grace and a comforting reminder that God is gracious to me. I so often forget the grace that has been imparted to me and do not give grace to others.

Probably the biggest reminder of my sin is when I am interacting with the Buddies. I so often see and hear their anxiety. Their ability to focus only on themselves is aggravating. Then like a lightbulb from the Holy Spirit I am reminded, "oh yeah...they sound kinda like me...dammit". Thank you God for being so gracious toward me in my sin. Help me to impart that same grace and love to others and continue to remind me of your grace.

My Love/Hate relationship with Technology

Why I love it:
1. It cuts down the number of hours I spend drawing things for school and coming up with craft ideas.
2. It is an easy way to turn in assignments and to research topics.
3. It allows me to keep in touch with friends that I don't get to see often whether by facebook, my blog, or phone calls.
4. It is a great form of entertainment--watching movies, news updates, etc
5. Almost any piece of information is only a click away.

Why I hate it:
1. I had 10 missed calls, 4 answered calls, and 11 outgoing calls today. I also listened to 9 messages today.
2. I spent a total of 2 hours answering emails today. (partially because some emails require searching to find an answer to questions) On average, I read and answer about 15 emails per day.
3. Nothing ever works when I need it to work.

So I guess there are more reasons I love it than hate it but gee whiz! We live in a world where you are expected to be a call or an email away. Heaven forbid you decide not to answer your phone for a few hours or not check your email for a day. I am guilty of this midset also but some days I struggle with deciding whether or not to feed my cell phone to the dog.

Life update

I am so excited about starting my last semester at Auburn! I don't want to think about leaving Auburn and my friends but I will be so glad to graduate. Last semester I taught 1st-3rd graders and although I enjoyed it, it made me realize that I am most passionate about teaching younger children.

This semester I am happy to say that for my internship I am teaching preschool! I have 3 and 4 year olds four days a week then a teacher workday on fridays. I also only have a 10 minute drive to school compared to my 35 minute drive and working in the eastern time zone last semester.

My three year olds arrive by 7:45am and leave at 10:15am. Then the four year olds arrive at 11am and leave at 2pm. There are about 8 students in each class. Most of the students have language delays or other developmental delays then we have a couple of typical students that act as peer models to model appropriate behaviors and developmental milestones.

I love my kiddos and can't wait to update y'all on what we do each week!

God is still Sovereign

Despite the loss and the sadness that Mallori's family is having to bear, God is still at work in their lives. Mallori's husband acknowledged that he was missing a lot more than just Mallori in his life; he was missing God. At Mallori's funeral, the pastor announced that her husband had accepted christ as his savior and acknowledged his need for him.
I pray that he continues to grow in Christ so his children can be raised by a Godly father and that Christ will continue to heal his heart.
There is something so healing in knowing that God can and will use things as horrible as the death of a loved one to bring about his sovereign plan and further His kingdom.