A summary statement for the day would be that today was preparing for Sunday night. My day started out with waking up to the rooster’s call, seriously. The sun was just rising when I got up this morning. I don’t really know what time it was. Around 7:00 AM, we went to the cafeteria to have breakfast. The food was very good, but I am already starting to feel the effects of not having my usual amount of coffee. (No caffeinated beverages are served on this campus. I won’t have a soda or coffee until Monday!) After breakfast we came back to the house and started to unpack the suitcases filled with supplies and the eight boxes that we sent over earlier this year.
Before packing each bag with supplies, we looked around and estimated how many supplies we had and I said a little prayer that we had more than we had budgeted for and originally counted. Earlier in the year we planned for 400 working students. We wanted each student to have some school supplies and some basic toiletries that would be packed in a bag of some sort. A few weeks ago, the guidance counselors of the working students said that they were expecting around 600 students this year. Mom and Mrs. Darlene we have lunch at that time and they prayed about it. We were also told about 2 weeks before we arrived that there were 17 officers of the Working Students Association. We found out today that there are 25. We were a little discouraged because we had not planned so this morning at breakfast, as well as last night, we decided exactly how we were going to pick and choose who gets what. I remembered last year that we had only supplies and backpack for 300 and somehow 400 students received them, so I said the little prayer for God to show us some miracles again…
Before packing all of the smaller tote bags, we wanted to fill up the backpacks that we had gathered for the officers with the first pick of the supplies. Mom and Ate Glad started counting and counted 25 bags! Mom, with Dad agreeing, said she had only purchased 17 backpacks and only packed 17. But we had the 25 bags and filled them with good school supplies, toiletries, and a note from the group. After that we made an assembly line and started to fill up the other tote bags. Each student, on Sunday evening, will receive a tote bag, 2 spiral notebooks/notebook paper, 3 pencils, 1 pen, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 1 ruler, 2 bars of soap, 1 shampoo and conditioner, 1 toothbrush, 1 toothpaste, 1 comb, and a wash cloth. Now, keep in mind that a bag packed like this would last a typical American for maybe one month for these working students they are so frugal in the use of these items that they may last for over a semester to a year. Some of the students from last year still have some of the supplies that we gave out! As we continued, Christie and I started noticing that as some supplies were diminishing (like toothbrushes because they are very difficult to get donated) we still had plenty of bags left to fill. So, we both decided to count the completed bags. We had 420 completed bags and we were still filling them up with a huge stack left to start. By the end of the morning, we had filled 600 bags full of supplies (and don’t worry, if someone didn’t get a tooth brush, ruler, etc. we supplemented with addition supplies that were extra). 600 bags! 2 miracles before lunchtime! All that I can say is that God is good.
After lunch, we took a tour of the clinic because we had a lot of medical supplies that were donated by Mrs. Darlene, an RN, and were given via inheritance from Ate Jean, who passed away last May. I can’t really describe in words how shocked I was by the clinic, so you will have to take a look at the photos. Maybe I’m being ethnocentric, but I don’t know how they practice medicine effectively and efficiently. I know that when I worked at the hospital I was responsible for 26 patients at some time; however, I had monitors and people watching monitors on all of the patients so if any of them became critical (especially since I worked on the ventilator unit) I could respond quickly. Here, there are no monitors. Blood pressures are taken the “old fashion” way without digital screen. Heart rates are calculated “the old fashion” way. Oxygen levels are only taken when absolutely needed because they do not have many pulse oximeters. How they do it, I don’t know. We saw the x-ray department which is an area that my parents were very excited to see because they are radiology technologists. Mom cried heavily at the sight. The x-ray unit is an old military x-ray unit (probably from Vietnam or even from one of the earlier wars). The aprons that they are using have no lead in them. (Which for you who don’t know much about radiology, let me explain why this is what made Mom cry. Lead aprons are used for protection of internal organs, especially glands. Every time a patient has an x-ray they are shielded by using aprons because of the high amount of radiation that a patient is exposed to. This radiation, even from one x-ray especially old units, can cause cancer because it kills cells and/or mutates them. Lead is what the aprons are filled with.) We then saw labor and delivery, which was basically the same as the bedroom that I’m sleeping in now. Again, words cannot describe what we saw in the clinic. This will probably become another project of ours in the future.
Anyway, on to a happier note. After lunch, because we had worked so hard the morning, we got to take a nap! ;) After nap time, we went to eat dinner with the guidance counselors and the officers of the working students. After dinner we all came back to the house. We introduced ourselves and then had each of the officers introduce themselves. I write about each person’s personal story because there were 25 of them; however, I can tell you that most of them have been going to AUP for the past 4 years. Only one is planning on graduating in March for sure. One is currently praying for a sponsorship because she has an internship that she must complete before she graduates, which means she cannot work in order to pay for school and food. One person has been going to school for 5 years and is expecting another 4 years to go. The most unique major of all of the officers, well I guess in my opinion, is Filipino. This major consists of learning the various areas, cultures, etc. of the Philippine islands. I believe she will be pursuing teaching after obtaining her degree. So, I guess it would be equivalent to a major in Anthropology. After introduction, the Torch Bearers, the choir of the working students, came in and sang to us (this put us around 50 people in the living and dining area). When they left, we handed out the officer bags, gave them 3 laptops, and gave the guidance counselors gifts.
So, we had a very blessed day. Needless to say, we are all exhausted and I am once again the last one to go to bed! ;) Tomorrow is Sabbath so I don’t know exactly what we have in store, but I will definitely blog about it. Goodnight! (Well, I guess really good morning to you!)
Wedding Countdown
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 3: Mission of Hope
I forgot to mention in my last post. I was slightly adventurous and got Korean style beef, also known as bibimbap, for dinner and kimchi for breakfast. The breakfast was excellent. I am so looking forward to eating yummy, authentic, Asian food! ;)
And back to Day 3. We arrived in Manila around 11:30 AM. We took our hour ride to AUP and got checked into our rooms for the trip. Mom, Dad, Christie and I are sharing a house with 2 bedrooms. Ryan and Alex are in one of the rooms of the alumni “hotel”. Mr. Don and Mrs. Darlene are on one side of a duplex next to Ate Glad and Uncle Prom. As soon as we unloaded we went straight to the cafeteria for a “merienda”, otherwise known as snack time. Oh, but Alex can tell you that this was not any ordinary snack. It was basically a meal. There was rice, pancit (a Filipino noodle dish), a “beef” tofu dish (I don’t really know how to describe it. This campus is all vegetarian.), caramelized bananas and fresh pineapple. It was very delish!
After snack time we all came back to our houses. Some took naps, I was definitely included in this group, while others greeted some students would delivered our boxes to the house for tomorrow’s preparation. It was kind of nice because it started to rain heavily so it was a nice pitter patter on the roof, at least for me, and it lowered the temperature significantly. After nap time, we went straight back to the cafeteria for dinner with the advisors of the working students. There was soooo much food. Let me try to remember. Well, there was rice as always, another “beef” tofu dish, vegetables, macaroni and cheese (not your traditional Easy Mac), watermelon and “buko” (coconut) pie. It again was very good. I didn’t eat much because I ate so much at snack time. I guess I will have to prepare for that in the upcoming days.
Currently, all of us are back at our houses and almost everyone is in bed but me. I took a shower, a much needed shower because it is extremely hot, even more so than last year, and rainy. So back to the shower (get your mind out of the gutter! ), if you’ve never experienced showering in a third world country you will probably not believe me. Ok. You walk into the shower. You see three knobs, a large box above the shower head, bucket and pail. Mrs. Darlene has already looked and immediately asked how to shower. I, over the many mistakes from last year, have learned quite a bit about these showers. The knobs are for hot, cold, and use of either the shower head or the other spout. The box above the shower head is to heat the water before running through the shower head. Now here’s the kicker. The bucket and pail is for exactly what you think it is. See, last year I didn’t think I needed to use it since the shower head was working perfectly with warm water. I saw it as just a think taking up space. That is until we went to Palawan last time and I was in the middle of shampooing my hair when a rolling brown out occurred (that is no electricity). Needless to say, I don’t like cold showers especially when washing my hair even if it is 90o outside. So, the bucket is the first thing I fill up before doing anything else.
Moving on, I know that just about everyone but the kids (and I mean Alex, Ryan, Christie and myself) were talking business about the mission trip over dinner. I don’t know exact numbers or anything, but I do know that we have a major work day ahead of us. Hopefully I will be able to post about specific numbers and things to give you a better picture of the work we are doing here. So, as I say good night after an exhausting day I want to say good morning to you because I know you are just starting your day, we miss you guys already and we got here safe and sound! (My computer is still set to the Johnson City time so I have an idea as to the time difference.)
P.S. I’m not quite sure if I have internet access here. We have a phone, but it doesn’t work. I don’t know if that means that the actual phone doesn’t work or that the line isn’t working. So, if you are reading this, it is probably a post that I wrote earlier and when I got internet access added it to my blog.
And back to Day 3. We arrived in Manila around 11:30 AM. We took our hour ride to AUP and got checked into our rooms for the trip. Mom, Dad, Christie and I are sharing a house with 2 bedrooms. Ryan and Alex are in one of the rooms of the alumni “hotel”. Mr. Don and Mrs. Darlene are on one side of a duplex next to Ate Glad and Uncle Prom. As soon as we unloaded we went straight to the cafeteria for a “merienda”, otherwise known as snack time. Oh, but Alex can tell you that this was not any ordinary snack. It was basically a meal. There was rice, pancit (a Filipino noodle dish), a “beef” tofu dish (I don’t really know how to describe it. This campus is all vegetarian.), caramelized bananas and fresh pineapple. It was very delish!
After snack time we all came back to our houses. Some took naps, I was definitely included in this group, while others greeted some students would delivered our boxes to the house for tomorrow’s preparation. It was kind of nice because it started to rain heavily so it was a nice pitter patter on the roof, at least for me, and it lowered the temperature significantly. After nap time, we went straight back to the cafeteria for dinner with the advisors of the working students. There was soooo much food. Let me try to remember. Well, there was rice as always, another “beef” tofu dish, vegetables, macaroni and cheese (not your traditional Easy Mac), watermelon and “buko” (coconut) pie. It again was very good. I didn’t eat much because I ate so much at snack time. I guess I will have to prepare for that in the upcoming days.
Currently, all of us are back at our houses and almost everyone is in bed but me. I took a shower, a much needed shower because it is extremely hot, even more so than last year, and rainy. So back to the shower (get your mind out of the gutter! ), if you’ve never experienced showering in a third world country you will probably not believe me. Ok. You walk into the shower. You see three knobs, a large box above the shower head, bucket and pail. Mrs. Darlene has already looked and immediately asked how to shower. I, over the many mistakes from last year, have learned quite a bit about these showers. The knobs are for hot, cold, and use of either the shower head or the other spout. The box above the shower head is to heat the water before running through the shower head. Now here’s the kicker. The bucket and pail is for exactly what you think it is. See, last year I didn’t think I needed to use it since the shower head was working perfectly with warm water. I saw it as just a think taking up space. That is until we went to Palawan last time and I was in the middle of shampooing my hair when a rolling brown out occurred (that is no electricity). Needless to say, I don’t like cold showers especially when washing my hair even if it is 90o outside. So, the bucket is the first thing I fill up before doing anything else.
Moving on, I know that just about everyone but the kids (and I mean Alex, Ryan, Christie and myself) were talking business about the mission trip over dinner. I don’t know exact numbers or anything, but I do know that we have a major work day ahead of us. Hopefully I will be able to post about specific numbers and things to give you a better picture of the work we are doing here. So, as I say good night after an exhausting day I want to say good morning to you because I know you are just starting your day, we miss you guys already and we got here safe and sound! (My computer is still set to the Johnson City time so I have an idea as to the time difference.)
P.S. I’m not quite sure if I have internet access here. We have a phone, but it doesn’t work. I don’t know if that means that the actual phone doesn’t work or that the line isn’t working. So, if you are reading this, it is probably a post that I wrote earlier and when I got internet access added it to my blog.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 2: Mission of Hope: Yet Another Travel Day
Ok. So I don't have too too much to say because we traveled literally into the next day. We just completed our 12 hour flight and are currently sitting in the Seoul, Korea airport waiting for our last flight into Manila.
The flight was not too bad. It didn't really seem like a really long flight. It is probably because I slept a while. I did watch a few movies. I watched some Korean movie about these 3 old ladies who rob a bank trying to get to Hawaii. That was a pretty good movie. Too bad I have no idea what the name of the movie is. I also watched Shutter Island. Great movie! Of course, I'm a big fan of Leo DiCaprio, but the plot was pretty good as well. I started watching Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. I've watched about an hour before we landed and it got cut off, so hopefully I can watch the rest on this flight.
Ok. now time for tips!
Tip #5: Bring an adapter for headphones on the airplane. I personally hate airplane headphones. They are uncomfortable and just poor quality. Christie bought Ryan and I some really nice headphones and an adapter that works for the plane. Ok. Now for you people who don't fly very much...the airplane has two plugs for headphones, one to control the left and one to control the right side of the headphones. As you know, the headphones we typically buy only have one jack, but there's an adapter! YAY! I highly recommend them.
Tip #6: If you are typically one who goes to the bathroom fairly often or drinks a lot of fluid, take the aisle seat. I've been at the window seat the past two times and I will probably opt for the aisle seat this time because I hate climbing over Ryan and Alex to use the restroom. Plus, I like to walk around the cabin (well, on this last flight).
So like I said, we are just waiting. Nothing too fantastic. Hopefully I will get a chance to blog later on today about Day 3! ;)
The flight was not too bad. It didn't really seem like a really long flight. It is probably because I slept a while. I did watch a few movies. I watched some Korean movie about these 3 old ladies who rob a bank trying to get to Hawaii. That was a pretty good movie. Too bad I have no idea what the name of the movie is. I also watched Shutter Island. Great movie! Of course, I'm a big fan of Leo DiCaprio, but the plot was pretty good as well. I started watching Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. I've watched about an hour before we landed and it got cut off, so hopefully I can watch the rest on this flight.
Ok. now time for tips!
Tip #5: Bring an adapter for headphones on the airplane. I personally hate airplane headphones. They are uncomfortable and just poor quality. Christie bought Ryan and I some really nice headphones and an adapter that works for the plane. Ok. Now for you people who don't fly very much...the airplane has two plugs for headphones, one to control the left and one to control the right side of the headphones. As you know, the headphones we typically buy only have one jack, but there's an adapter! YAY! I highly recommend them.
Tip #6: If you are typically one who goes to the bathroom fairly often or drinks a lot of fluid, take the aisle seat. I've been at the window seat the past two times and I will probably opt for the aisle seat this time because I hate climbing over Ryan and Alex to use the restroom. Plus, I like to walk around the cabin (well, on this last flight).
So like I said, we are just waiting. Nothing too fantastic. Hopefully I will get a chance to blog later on today about Day 3! ;)
Day 1: Mission of Hope
So today was a travel day. Our first flight left Nashville at 4 (because it got a little delayed). It was a pretty good flight, as most Southwest Airlines flights have gone. It was a little bumpy throughout the flight. We arrived in LAX and got our 16 checked bags fairly quickly and made our way to the international terminal of the airport. We had dinner, which let me just tell you that eating in LAX is like eating at a sit down restaurant. It is pretty expensive. Anyway, we checked into our Asiana Airlines around 2040 (midnight Eastern Standard Time). That was chaotic. Well it was busy anyway because practically the entire Korean symphony was trying to check in, but when you have 8 people checking 2 bags each and being required to weigh the carry-on luggage it can get pretty crazy. I must be spoiled, thank you Carnegie Hotel, but I was not very impressed because of the check in process. Attendants were rude and made everything more complicated than need be. I guess I have to wait until I finish this flight before I can form an opinion about the airlines as a whole.
Ok. I have gathered quite a bit of tips over my travels and I am still picking up more. So over the course of the trip I will write them all down as I think of them instead of just having one large post with a bunch of them. Anyway…
Tip #1: Weigh your bags ahead of time. It is much better to figure out how to rearrange stuff at your house than it is when you are at the check in counter. (It might just make the attendants a little happier too.)
Tip #2: Check in one at a time, especially if you are in a big group. I have found, with 8 of us, that it if we checked in one at a time with our two bags and our carry-on it would have made a huge difference in our experience at LAX.
Tip #3: Be on time. I’m currently sitting in the LAX terminal # 123 and watching several Australians running to catch their flight. There is a reason that people stick to the “be there 2 hours early” rule.
Tip #4: Try to remain calm. I know that I get very frustrated here at the check in counter and I just have to walk away and let Mom deal with it. Sometimes I run my mouth to much, which doesn’t exactly help in most situations.
I had another tip in the back of my mind, but with it being 1:17 AM (Eastern Time) and we are waiting for a 12:20AM flight (LA time) my mind is just about mush. :) Ok. Well. I’m going to attempt to stay awake for the next couple of hours before we get on the plane. Hopefully I will get a chance to blog tomorrow. I’m so excited to arrive in Manila, PI!
Ok. I have gathered quite a bit of tips over my travels and I am still picking up more. So over the course of the trip I will write them all down as I think of them instead of just having one large post with a bunch of them. Anyway…
Tip #1: Weigh your bags ahead of time. It is much better to figure out how to rearrange stuff at your house than it is when you are at the check in counter. (It might just make the attendants a little happier too.)
Tip #2: Check in one at a time, especially if you are in a big group. I have found, with 8 of us, that it if we checked in one at a time with our two bags and our carry-on it would have made a huge difference in our experience at LAX.
Tip #3: Be on time. I’m currently sitting in the LAX terminal # 123 and watching several Australians running to catch their flight. There is a reason that people stick to the “be there 2 hours early” rule.
Tip #4: Try to remain calm. I know that I get very frustrated here at the check in counter and I just have to walk away and let Mom deal with it. Sometimes I run my mouth to much, which doesn’t exactly help in most situations.
I had another tip in the back of my mind, but with it being 1:17 AM (Eastern Time) and we are waiting for a 12:20AM flight (LA time) my mind is just about mush. :) Ok. Well. I’m going to attempt to stay awake for the next couple of hours before we get on the plane. Hopefully I will get a chance to blog tomorrow. I’m so excited to arrive in Manila, PI!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Day 0-Mission of Hope 2010
Ok. So I've titled this Day 0, like one of my other posts, because really I have begun my vacation by traveling to Nashville, but we won't actually be leaving for anywhere until tomorrow at 3:35 PM.
There are a couple of things to blog about even though the mission trip really hasn't started. I've gotten a lot of questions recently about various aspects of the trip, so hopefully I can answer those here! :)
First, I have had several people ask about getting to the Philippines. Well, the easiest way to describe it is to give you our itinerary. Tomorrow we leave at 3:35 PM from Nashville to Los Angeles (ETA: 6:00 PM). We have a 6 hour layover in LA (oh my goodness I didn't realize that) and then we will leave at 12:20 AM for Seoul, Korea (that is South Korea and ETA: 5:20 AM). We will get right back on another plane to Maila, Philippines (ETA: 11:50 AM). So, if you figure out using all of the times (in their correct time zones) that's over 21 hours of actual flying time, that is not including layovers. When arriving into the Manila airport, we will still have around an hour drive to our final destination, Adventist University of the Philippines, my dad's alma mater. Yes. It is going to be a very long trip that will probably be exhausting. To put it in even more into perspective, just think we are leaving in the afternoon while it is still daylight and then arriving to our destination around lunch time while the sun will still be shining. So we have to sleep on the plane in order to obtain an easy transition and not be tired for the activites planned on the day of arrival.
Next question...who's all going with you? Well, there will be a total of 8. Mom, Dad, Christie, Mr. and Mrs. Erikson (a couple from Madison Campus SDA church), Alex (long-time family friend), Ryan and myself will be traveling together for the entire duration of the trip.
Next question...what exactly are you doing on the trip? What is the "mission" aspect of the trip? Well, easy answer is...go visit http://missionofhope2010.webs.com. The website contains detailed information about why we started this mission trip, who's going, what our projects for this trip is, and photos from last year's trip. But, if you don't really have time, I'll summarize here. :) As previously stated, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) is my dad's alma mater. We will have designed projects to specifically help students who are classifed as "working students". This particular group of students work full time (and I'm not talking your generic 30-40 hours a week, I mean 60-70 hours of labor) while trying to attend classes to obtain an undergraduate degree. These students work to support their education. Many of them do not have uniforms, which are required by the university, so they make do by sharing. Most of them eat only one meal a day because meal plans and food costs, just like in the States, are expensive. What we consider as necessities/toiletries are often luxury for these students. So, what are we going to do about it. Well, we have set out 3 main projects. We are providing basic school supplies (something any average US college student would use in a month), toiletries, and a food buffet for 400 students (there are a total of 600 working students so the officers and guidance counselors and figuring how to divide the supplies accordingly). The next project is to provide regular clothes to these students. The last project is to provide about 100 students with uniforms. We obtained all of the supplies through donations of the actual items or raising money in order to purchase these supplies. In addition to these projects we will be providing worship services, English classes, and providing encouragement for the students. It is going to be a rewarding experience and I'm glad to be sharing it not only with those who are going with us, but with all of you who are keeping up with my blog.
Next question...are you spending all of your time doing mission work? Short answer. No. While most of our trip will be spent providing some sort of mission work, either with the working students or with other remote churches on other Philippine islands, we will be taking a couple of days trips for vacation time. However, you will just have to keep reading to see what kind of adventures that we will be participating in!
Ok. I think those were the major questions that I have received in the past few days. Feel free to leave comments or shoot me an email with any other questions or to just leave a comment.
Now, I am just finishing up with last minute errands and packing and preparing for the next couple of days mentally. Hopefully, I will be able to blog tomorrow...maybe somewhere in LA or Seoul. :)
There are a couple of things to blog about even though the mission trip really hasn't started. I've gotten a lot of questions recently about various aspects of the trip, so hopefully I can answer those here! :)
First, I have had several people ask about getting to the Philippines. Well, the easiest way to describe it is to give you our itinerary. Tomorrow we leave at 3:35 PM from Nashville to Los Angeles (ETA: 6:00 PM). We have a 6 hour layover in LA (oh my goodness I didn't realize that) and then we will leave at 12:20 AM for Seoul, Korea (that is South Korea and ETA: 5:20 AM). We will get right back on another plane to Maila, Philippines (ETA: 11:50 AM). So, if you figure out using all of the times (in their correct time zones) that's over 21 hours of actual flying time, that is not including layovers. When arriving into the Manila airport, we will still have around an hour drive to our final destination, Adventist University of the Philippines, my dad's alma mater. Yes. It is going to be a very long trip that will probably be exhausting. To put it in even more into perspective, just think we are leaving in the afternoon while it is still daylight and then arriving to our destination around lunch time while the sun will still be shining. So we have to sleep on the plane in order to obtain an easy transition and not be tired for the activites planned on the day of arrival.
Next question...who's all going with you? Well, there will be a total of 8. Mom, Dad, Christie, Mr. and Mrs. Erikson (a couple from Madison Campus SDA church), Alex (long-time family friend), Ryan and myself will be traveling together for the entire duration of the trip.
Next question...what exactly are you doing on the trip? What is the "mission" aspect of the trip? Well, easy answer is...go visit http://missionofhope2010.webs.com. The website contains detailed information about why we started this mission trip, who's going, what our projects for this trip is, and photos from last year's trip. But, if you don't really have time, I'll summarize here. :) As previously stated, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) is my dad's alma mater. We will have designed projects to specifically help students who are classifed as "working students". This particular group of students work full time (and I'm not talking your generic 30-40 hours a week, I mean 60-70 hours of labor) while trying to attend classes to obtain an undergraduate degree. These students work to support their education. Many of them do not have uniforms, which are required by the university, so they make do by sharing. Most of them eat only one meal a day because meal plans and food costs, just like in the States, are expensive. What we consider as necessities/toiletries are often luxury for these students. So, what are we going to do about it. Well, we have set out 3 main projects. We are providing basic school supplies (something any average US college student would use in a month), toiletries, and a food buffet for 400 students (there are a total of 600 working students so the officers and guidance counselors and figuring how to divide the supplies accordingly). The next project is to provide regular clothes to these students. The last project is to provide about 100 students with uniforms. We obtained all of the supplies through donations of the actual items or raising money in order to purchase these supplies. In addition to these projects we will be providing worship services, English classes, and providing encouragement for the students. It is going to be a rewarding experience and I'm glad to be sharing it not only with those who are going with us, but with all of you who are keeping up with my blog.
Next question...are you spending all of your time doing mission work? Short answer. No. While most of our trip will be spent providing some sort of mission work, either with the working students or with other remote churches on other Philippine islands, we will be taking a couple of days trips for vacation time. However, you will just have to keep reading to see what kind of adventures that we will be participating in!
Ok. I think those were the major questions that I have received in the past few days. Feel free to leave comments or shoot me an email with any other questions or to just leave a comment.
Now, I am just finishing up with last minute errands and packing and preparing for the next couple of days mentally. Hopefully, I will be able to blog tomorrow...maybe somewhere in LA or Seoul. :)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Packing
So, first I just want to say that I should definitely have a pat on the back fro blogging so much since I've graduated. I mean really. I have almost surpassed that amount of blog posts in the past six months than I did all of last year. Too bad Facebook seems a little slow of uploading them to my profile so the dates seem a little weird. Oh well.
So today's subject...packing. So I've started my least favorite part of traveling, packing. I currently have 3 suitcases, 1 small ziploc baggie (for carry on toiletries), 1 back pack, 1 purse, 1 wallet, and four different lists of what I and Ryan need to pack laying out on my bed. (Thank goodness I have a queen size bed to fit all of this.) So like I said, this is my least favorite part. Even though I have lists of the things that I want/need to bring, I have this gut feeling I'm going to forget something big. I don't really know what that is yet (obviously), but hopefully it's just hunger pains. ;) So comment question for you guys...what is the worst thing you've ever forgotten on a trip?
Where is it you're traveling...I can already hear that in my head from someone who hasn't been keeping up (just jokin'). On Monday, Ryan and I will be heading back to Nashville. On Tuesday, Mom, Dad, Christie, Alex, Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Erikson, and me will be flying to Manila, Philippines. (BNA-->LAX-->Seoul, S. Korea-->Manila) We are headed back to my dad's home country for a mission trip. We will be working with the working students at the Adventist University of the Philippines, my dad's alma mater. These working students work full time (I'm not just talking a simple 40 hours of checking people into and out of a hotel, I mean hard labor of maybe 60 and 70 hours a week) and are trying to go to school full time. School supplies and basic necessities are a luxury for many of these students. Part of our mission is to bring school supplies, toiletries, clothes, etc. to these students. We will have several surprises for the students and will spend worship and have seminars (learning to speak English) throughout our trip. We will be returning back to the US on Tuesday, June 22.
My goals, well in addition to those set out by the Mission of Hope, are simple goals and hopefully easy to obtain. Last year, I didn't realize that I would have easy access to the Internet in most of the places that we stayed. So, this year, I hope to blog more. It may not be everyday (mainly because I will be in several remote places). I want to share this experience with as many people as possible. Two, I want to take more pictures. Tons of pictures! Mom and Dad did a great job last year, but I want to take more! Lastly, I want to have a small get together when Ryan and I come back so I can show some close friends some of the photos and souvenirs that I bought from the trip. Anyway, I've procrastinated enough on packing. Maybe I can run to the store for some last minute items instead of packing... ;)
So today's subject...packing. So I've started my least favorite part of traveling, packing. I currently have 3 suitcases, 1 small ziploc baggie (for carry on toiletries), 1 back pack, 1 purse, 1 wallet, and four different lists of what I and Ryan need to pack laying out on my bed. (Thank goodness I have a queen size bed to fit all of this.) So like I said, this is my least favorite part. Even though I have lists of the things that I want/need to bring, I have this gut feeling I'm going to forget something big. I don't really know what that is yet (obviously), but hopefully it's just hunger pains. ;) So comment question for you guys...what is the worst thing you've ever forgotten on a trip?
Where is it you're traveling...I can already hear that in my head from someone who hasn't been keeping up (just jokin'). On Monday, Ryan and I will be heading back to Nashville. On Tuesday, Mom, Dad, Christie, Alex, Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Erikson, and me will be flying to Manila, Philippines. (BNA-->LAX-->Seoul, S. Korea-->Manila) We are headed back to my dad's home country for a mission trip. We will be working with the working students at the Adventist University of the Philippines, my dad's alma mater. These working students work full time (I'm not just talking a simple 40 hours of checking people into and out of a hotel, I mean hard labor of maybe 60 and 70 hours a week) and are trying to go to school full time. School supplies and basic necessities are a luxury for many of these students. Part of our mission is to bring school supplies, toiletries, clothes, etc. to these students. We will have several surprises for the students and will spend worship and have seminars (learning to speak English) throughout our trip. We will be returning back to the US on Tuesday, June 22.
My goals, well in addition to those set out by the Mission of Hope, are simple goals and hopefully easy to obtain. Last year, I didn't realize that I would have easy access to the Internet in most of the places that we stayed. So, this year, I hope to blog more. It may not be everyday (mainly because I will be in several remote places). I want to share this experience with as many people as possible. Two, I want to take more pictures. Tons of pictures! Mom and Dad did a great job last year, but I want to take more! Lastly, I want to have a small get together when Ryan and I come back so I can show some close friends some of the photos and souvenirs that I bought from the trip. Anyway, I've procrastinated enough on packing. Maybe I can run to the store for some last minute items instead of packing... ;)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Blog from the couch
Hello world!
First, I want to apologize in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors in this blog because the pain medicine that I am currently taking makes me a little woozy and a little less preoccupied with fine details.
Anyway, so let me just tell you what my past week has been like. So on Monday, we had our first Knit & Bitch. It was a lot of fun! I finished a pair of baby booties for Christy (which she loved). I have made one other bootie and hopefully I can finish the other one tomorrow. Well, that Monday, I was having a little bit of pain around the back of my jaw. It got a little worst as the day progressed, so I figured, since I am going to be leaving the country in a few weeks, that I should see my dentist. Guess what? Wisdom teeth. They started to come in. I've told everyone that I blame the last hygienist that saw me (not my regular) because she had to mention that hopefully they didn't come in when I went on the mission trip. I seriously told the receptionist never to schedule me with her again since she kinda jinked me.
So, now, two days after my wisdom teeth surgery, I've been sitting on my black chase (which is a perfect spot to recover from any surgery) watching tv, eating jello and pudding, taking all of my medicines that make me woozy, and sleeping. I'm in a little bit of pain right now, but hopefully this last round of pain meds will kick in soon.
Well, my concentration for the moment has been used up now, so let me close with saying thank you to everyone who kept me in your thoughts and prayers as I went through my surgery and recovery process. Hopefully I'll be up and about in the next day or so! :)
First, I want to apologize in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors in this blog because the pain medicine that I am currently taking makes me a little woozy and a little less preoccupied with fine details.
Anyway, so let me just tell you what my past week has been like. So on Monday, we had our first Knit & Bitch. It was a lot of fun! I finished a pair of baby booties for Christy (which she loved). I have made one other bootie and hopefully I can finish the other one tomorrow. Well, that Monday, I was having a little bit of pain around the back of my jaw. It got a little worst as the day progressed, so I figured, since I am going to be leaving the country in a few weeks, that I should see my dentist. Guess what? Wisdom teeth. They started to come in. I've told everyone that I blame the last hygienist that saw me (not my regular) because she had to mention that hopefully they didn't come in when I went on the mission trip. I seriously told the receptionist never to schedule me with her again since she kinda jinked me.
So, now, two days after my wisdom teeth surgery, I've been sitting on my black chase (which is a perfect spot to recover from any surgery) watching tv, eating jello and pudding, taking all of my medicines that make me woozy, and sleeping. I'm in a little bit of pain right now, but hopefully this last round of pain meds will kick in soon.
Well, my concentration for the moment has been used up now, so let me close with saying thank you to everyone who kept me in your thoughts and prayers as I went through my surgery and recovery process. Hopefully I'll be up and about in the next day or so! :)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
What's Up, Graduate?
Ok. So it's been 2 weeks since I've graduated. I haven't really blogged too much about life really because honestly, I'm been keeping busy! ;)
Most of my time is consumed by work, but I have spent a lot of time spending some quality time with Ryan and some other friends. It's nice to be able to spend time with people without having to think about school in the back of my mind.
This past week hasn't been too eventful. From my last post, you probably could tell that I helped host a baby shower at the Carnegie hotel with some of my other coworkers. Other than that, I've just worked, because we were a little short staffed this week. Ryan and I did some shopping. Patio furniture in particular. I had budgeted some of my graduation money for fixing up our small outdoor area and because Ryan and I found an incredible deal on a bistro set at Lowe's we were able to buy some other things (dog running cord, grill cover, patio set cover, outdoor lighting, etc). We've eaten several times outside now, including last night in celebration of Emmie's birthday! We hope to spend so more time outside now, so if anyone wants to hang out, you are welcome over. If you want us to grill something, on our new grill might I add, bring food and we will provide the cooking and company. ;)
This week is going to be fairly busy as well. I have 40 hours of work this week!! (Thanks, Joel. ;)) I also have an interview with ETSU for another job so I can make a little more money and the perks of being an ETSU employee such as access to the CPA (the gym). Monday, Emmie, Keith, Ann, and I are having our first "Knit and Bitch" where Emmie is going to teach Keith how to knit and we all do whatever projects we are working on while talking about everything in life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, hence the name. I have two projects that I will be working on. One in particular is going to be really difficult, but I'm going to try. I will blog more about it later. I'm kinda doing it as a surprise for someone. ;) Hopefully on Wednesday, since Ryan is going to have a long and late work day, I will spend some time with a friend or two at the house.
Ok. So far this blog doesn't really say much other than I'm currently working a bunch and socializing. Well for the family who is probably thinking...what's next? What are your goals for the future? Etc. Well, this paragraph is for you! I, being the type A-personality and OCD, set small goals for myself each week. Working out and cleaning the house is two of those for the upcoming summer. I am researching into some potential graduate school opportunities as well as seeking jobs using my current degree. (I even seriously thought about applying for another CNA job working in a surgical office. I still might.) Not too much progress yet, but there is still time. I'm not settling. I promise.
Well, that's all for now. It's starting to hit me a little that I'm a graduate. Oh, I guess that means I need to go pick up my diploma tomorrow! Well, off to work...
Most of my time is consumed by work, but I have spent a lot of time spending some quality time with Ryan and some other friends. It's nice to be able to spend time with people without having to think about school in the back of my mind.
This past week hasn't been too eventful. From my last post, you probably could tell that I helped host a baby shower at the Carnegie hotel with some of my other coworkers. Other than that, I've just worked, because we were a little short staffed this week. Ryan and I did some shopping. Patio furniture in particular. I had budgeted some of my graduation money for fixing up our small outdoor area and because Ryan and I found an incredible deal on a bistro set at Lowe's we were able to buy some other things (dog running cord, grill cover, patio set cover, outdoor lighting, etc). We've eaten several times outside now, including last night in celebration of Emmie's birthday! We hope to spend so more time outside now, so if anyone wants to hang out, you are welcome over. If you want us to grill something, on our new grill might I add, bring food and we will provide the cooking and company. ;)
This week is going to be fairly busy as well. I have 40 hours of work this week!! (Thanks, Joel. ;)) I also have an interview with ETSU for another job so I can make a little more money and the perks of being an ETSU employee such as access to the CPA (the gym). Monday, Emmie, Keith, Ann, and I are having our first "Knit and Bitch" where Emmie is going to teach Keith how to knit and we all do whatever projects we are working on while talking about everything in life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, hence the name. I have two projects that I will be working on. One in particular is going to be really difficult, but I'm going to try. I will blog more about it later. I'm kinda doing it as a surprise for someone. ;) Hopefully on Wednesday, since Ryan is going to have a long and late work day, I will spend some time with a friend or two at the house.
Ok. So far this blog doesn't really say much other than I'm currently working a bunch and socializing. Well for the family who is probably thinking...what's next? What are your goals for the future? Etc. Well, this paragraph is for you! I, being the type A-personality and OCD, set small goals for myself each week. Working out and cleaning the house is two of those for the upcoming summer. I am researching into some potential graduate school opportunities as well as seeking jobs using my current degree. (I even seriously thought about applying for another CNA job working in a surgical office. I still might.) Not too much progress yet, but there is still time. I'm not settling. I promise.
Well, that's all for now. It's starting to hit me a little that I'm a graduate. Oh, I guess that means I need to go pick up my diploma tomorrow! Well, off to work...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Dear Lili
To the first daughter of Christy and Lee.
Miss Lili, I just wanted to write a little note to you. Today, your mommy had a baby shower at the Carnegie hotel. Let me just say that so many people are so excited for you! Your mommy thinks that you will love lady bugs, so the whole room was decorated with red and black balloons, table cloths, streamers, and even lady bug bubbles. Justin even made a Mommy and Baby lady bug cake and small lady bug cupcakes. We had so much yummy food that Chris, Katey, and I set up for the party. Your mommy even got presents, just for you! Hopefully, when you get older where your mommy can read this to you or you can read it, you can just know that a lot of people are so excited to meet you and that even though you haven't been born yet, we all love you very much! I know your mommy, daddy, and big brother are also very anxious to see you. It's been so much fun as you grow in mommy's belly and I can't wait to meet you!
See you soon,
Jillian
P.S. Try not to arrive too early when I'm out of the country. ;)
*Note: This is for those of you who do not know who this blog is for. Christy is on of my coworkers who is expecting to give birth to Lili on July 7th. Today, the Carnegie crew had her baby shower.
Miss Lili, I just wanted to write a little note to you. Today, your mommy had a baby shower at the Carnegie hotel. Let me just say that so many people are so excited for you! Your mommy thinks that you will love lady bugs, so the whole room was decorated with red and black balloons, table cloths, streamers, and even lady bug bubbles. Justin even made a Mommy and Baby lady bug cake and small lady bug cupcakes. We had so much yummy food that Chris, Katey, and I set up for the party. Your mommy even got presents, just for you! Hopefully, when you get older where your mommy can read this to you or you can read it, you can just know that a lot of people are so excited to meet you and that even though you haven't been born yet, we all love you very much! I know your mommy, daddy, and big brother are also very anxious to see you. It's been so much fun as you grow in mommy's belly and I can't wait to meet you!
See you soon,
Jillian
P.S. Try not to arrive too early when I'm out of the country. ;)
*Note: This is for those of you who do not know who this blog is for. Christy is on of my coworkers who is expecting to give birth to Lili on July 7th. Today, the Carnegie crew had her baby shower.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Congrats to Me!
Saturday, May 8th, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology. I say goodbye to my undergraduate career to start a new chapter of my life. As you may have noticed, I've changed the blog name to "Life as a College Graduate". (If you are reading this on Facebook, I encourage you to take a look at the original blog at http://jazzeyq.blogspot.com)
This weekend was a great weekend for me. I got to spend time with a lot of family (Mom, Dad, Christie, Grandmama, Uncle Wayne, Auntie Menie, Uncle Steve, Auntie Delma, Uncle Tony, Alex, and the Alexander family). I received many congratulations, gifts, and words of wisdom for this next chapter of my life. The most popular question was, "Does it feel any different being a graduate?" The answer is, for now, not really. I don't think that it will hit me that I am no longer a student until, probably, later on this month when I have the choice to wake up at a decent time to start my day or sleep in, when I realize I don't have to stay up late to finish homework, or when I realize that I can actually hang out with friends on a week night, but I'll blog all about that when it happens.
What's next...that's another big question that I don't really have an answer for. As of now, I am taking a year off from school and working. It's hard to write down what exactly I'm feeling about the whole situation, but just know that I have seriously thought about this decision for quite some time. I know that God has a plan for me and that hopefully within this year of figuring out what's next He will guide me into the right direction.
So, what happens next in terms of the blog? Well, now that I have some time on my hands, I will try (I know I promise this all of the time) to blog more. I probably won't every day or even every week because I mean, what will I write about when nothing really new is going on. However, I will write about my baby steps forward, the hardships, the exciting experiences that I may have, and practically everything that I feel is relevant to this new chapter of my life.
Thank you everyone for the congratulations, support, and encouragement! :)
This weekend was a great weekend for me. I got to spend time with a lot of family (Mom, Dad, Christie, Grandmama, Uncle Wayne, Auntie Menie, Uncle Steve, Auntie Delma, Uncle Tony, Alex, and the Alexander family). I received many congratulations, gifts, and words of wisdom for this next chapter of my life. The most popular question was, "Does it feel any different being a graduate?" The answer is, for now, not really. I don't think that it will hit me that I am no longer a student until, probably, later on this month when I have the choice to wake up at a decent time to start my day or sleep in, when I realize I don't have to stay up late to finish homework, or when I realize that I can actually hang out with friends on a week night, but I'll blog all about that when it happens.
What's next...that's another big question that I don't really have an answer for. As of now, I am taking a year off from school and working. It's hard to write down what exactly I'm feeling about the whole situation, but just know that I have seriously thought about this decision for quite some time. I know that God has a plan for me and that hopefully within this year of figuring out what's next He will guide me into the right direction.
So, what happens next in terms of the blog? Well, now that I have some time on my hands, I will try (I know I promise this all of the time) to blog more. I probably won't every day or even every week because I mean, what will I write about when nothing really new is going on. However, I will write about my baby steps forward, the hardships, the exciting experiences that I may have, and practically everything that I feel is relevant to this new chapter of my life.
Thank you everyone for the congratulations, support, and encouragement! :)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Stress, StReSs, STRESS!!!!
So, I have be prescribed, by my boyfriend, to not do anything tonight. First, let me preface this story with why I have been ordered to chill out on the couch by Ryan, and coworker and good friend, Joel.
Yesterday, around 7:30 am, I woke up with an incredible charlie horse in my left calve. When I tried to stand up after it stopped throbbing, the charlie horse shot up to my neck. I couldn't stand. Not what I needed when I had fifty million things to do that day. So I needless to day, I was wheeled around in a borrowed wheelchair by my awesome Brother, Sara (that is Fraternity brother;)) and I dealt with the pain of all of my muscles being contracted on my left side.
Anyway, many ask, "What's stressing you out". Simple answer. Life. So yesterday was my last day of my undergraduate career. It's incredibly bitter sweet. It's awesome because I'm done and can say that I have a bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Humanities. However, it's very bitter because next Saturday, not only am I graduating, but it is very symbolic of how now I'm supposed to be moving on with my life as an adult, which for me is terrifying.
For those of you who do not know, I did not in to medical school this time around. I have not taken my MCAT again this semester, so I won't be able to apply for the next year either. I am not intending to go to graduate school this year because I have not researched into graduate school, I haven't taken the necessary tests, and I haven't filled out the application. So what's next... I'm living in Johnson City and working. Don't get me wrong. I love Johnson City and I have the best job that I have ever had, but it just feels like what's next? I don't know.
In addition to the whole "what does my future hold for me?" weighing heavily on my shoulders, but I also have the next week to face. I only have 2 finals, but I have 3 papers stills to write (don't worry I can write them probably in one day). It's just a little overwhelming, but now that I type it out it doesn't really seem like a lot. Two, graduation. I'm so excited about a few things, but I'm super worried about a lot of things. Deep inside I'm hoping my family are so impressed with the hotel. I think it's awesome, even if I'm an employee (I swear I'm not sucking up, I just really love my job). I hope that I will be able to walk across the stage at graduation (but if I don't I'm holding Genesia to what she said that she'd wheel me across that stage). I have to clean. I mean, when I get off of crutches I can do that so quickly, but still all of the preparation for graduation. There's another piece of graduation that has been on my mind, but mom and Christie have tried to keep me from weighing me down, so I'm not going to write about it.
Anyway, that is what has been going on in my life the past week or so. Just to get everyone up to speed and kinda explain some of my weird moods lately.
Hopefully I will have some pictures and posts up later.
Jillian
P.S. After next week I'm going to have to change the title of my blog. I've thought about it. I think it's going to be "Life of the College Graduate". What does everyone think?
Yesterday, around 7:30 am, I woke up with an incredible charlie horse in my left calve. When I tried to stand up after it stopped throbbing, the charlie horse shot up to my neck. I couldn't stand. Not what I needed when I had fifty million things to do that day. So I needless to day, I was wheeled around in a borrowed wheelchair by my awesome Brother, Sara (that is Fraternity brother;)) and I dealt with the pain of all of my muscles being contracted on my left side.
Anyway, many ask, "What's stressing you out". Simple answer. Life. So yesterday was my last day of my undergraduate career. It's incredibly bitter sweet. It's awesome because I'm done and can say that I have a bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Humanities. However, it's very bitter because next Saturday, not only am I graduating, but it is very symbolic of how now I'm supposed to be moving on with my life as an adult, which for me is terrifying.
For those of you who do not know, I did not in to medical school this time around. I have not taken my MCAT again this semester, so I won't be able to apply for the next year either. I am not intending to go to graduate school this year because I have not researched into graduate school, I haven't taken the necessary tests, and I haven't filled out the application. So what's next... I'm living in Johnson City and working. Don't get me wrong. I love Johnson City and I have the best job that I have ever had, but it just feels like what's next? I don't know.
In addition to the whole "what does my future hold for me?" weighing heavily on my shoulders, but I also have the next week to face. I only have 2 finals, but I have 3 papers stills to write (don't worry I can write them probably in one day). It's just a little overwhelming, but now that I type it out it doesn't really seem like a lot. Two, graduation. I'm so excited about a few things, but I'm super worried about a lot of things. Deep inside I'm hoping my family are so impressed with the hotel. I think it's awesome, even if I'm an employee (I swear I'm not sucking up, I just really love my job). I hope that I will be able to walk across the stage at graduation (but if I don't I'm holding Genesia to what she said that she'd wheel me across that stage). I have to clean. I mean, when I get off of crutches I can do that so quickly, but still all of the preparation for graduation. There's another piece of graduation that has been on my mind, but mom and Christie have tried to keep me from weighing me down, so I'm not going to write about it.
Anyway, that is what has been going on in my life the past week or so. Just to get everyone up to speed and kinda explain some of my weird moods lately.
Hopefully I will have some pictures and posts up later.
Jillian
P.S. After next week I'm going to have to change the title of my blog. I've thought about it. I think it's going to be "Life of the College Graduate". What does everyone think?
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day 0
I said that I would probably get a chance to blog before I started my spring break trip. Anyway, Day 0. I can’t really call it Day 1 because that would assume that I have already started my break. I currently, at 9:36 PM, am on a plane on the way to Tampa. Today I worked a 7 to 3 shift and took a short nap before Ryan and I were taken to the airport by a great friend.
According to the Allegiant flight attendant we will land in approximately and hour and twenty minutes from now. Hopefully we will land earlier or the flight will seem pretty quick because I know that I am very tired and would really like just to crawl up in a warm bed before driving to Miami tomorrow.
So, a little bit about the trip so far. ;) I know, how can I already have something to say about a trip that I just started at 6:30 this evening when I left my house? By the way, Butch is being taken care of at home by Amber until Tuesday evening and Zack and Cori until we get back, so even though Ryan and I will miss him terribly he will be well taken care of. Anyway, it was just interesting going through the airport. I’m sure many of you having been through the Tri-Cities airport. It is nothing like any airport that most people travel through. As I constantly tell guests at the hotel, it really is only necessary to be at the airport an hour before the flight is expected to depart because there are only 7 gates and going through security is a breeze, unless you are traveling on Allegiant (of which we are) then you need to be there 2 hours in advance.
It was busier tonight than I was expecting, especially for Sunday. The airport is a great place to people watch. At our gate there were several different people. I know that on our flight the ETSU tennis team is joining us. I have met the coach several times, but I don’t think he recognized me. It’s probably the street clothes. Lots of people that I have met at the hotel don’t recognize me if I’m not in my monkey suit, yes, I call it a monkey suit. ;) Anyway, there was a family of at least 3 if not four generations. The youngest was a little rowdy but nothing like the two children that my co-worker and I witnessed throwing a huge fit right before they were supposed to walk in a wedding last night. They were funny. I saw an old co-worker from the Student Health Clinic getting ready to spend Spring Break in Florida. She and her friends looked very excited. I’m assuming that most of these passengers are getting ready for Spring Break; at least because they all look eager to go and they are around my age.
So, as I retire to playing Solitaire for the next several minutes, I leave you with the travel tip of the day: Don’t expect airport food to be any good, especially at a small airport. Dinner for me: Cheetos. So far this diet of mine is looking grim for the week. Goodnight, probably blog tomorrow!
P.S. I’m going to try to be one of those stereotypical Asian and carry my camera around and take pictures of everything, so enjoy these from the plane!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
This one's going to be a doozy!
Ok. So it's been two whole weeks since I blogged last. Well, let's just say today I'm in a blogging mood. Ever since I watched Julie and Julia (awesome movie to watch on a full stomach might I add), I have wanted to blog something. This is my first opportunity to blog because I've been so busy!!! Anyway, I think it is really awesome that a blog had that much impact. I hope someone is reading my blog out there. I mean I know my mom does, but is there anyone else? This blog is for everyone. Anyway, I'm ranting.
So I was thinking earlier this morning that I'm going to have to change the name of my blog soon. I'm thinking "Life of the College Graduate". Maybe something else not so generic. I don't know. I guess it will depend on where life takes me at this point. Hopefully I will know soon where I might be. Ryan and I are just waiting on a letter. A simple letter. Not an email. I, on the other hand, am waiting on a phone call, but that's a blog for later.
So, these past couple of weeks have been very busy. School, work, Phi Sigma Pi (when we meet), Relay for Life, friends. Ah! So much to do and not enough time. I'm kidding. I'm managing pretty well. I've been down a little bit that past couple of days, but I, with the advice of a great friend, dressed up a little bit. Well, I guess if you can count doing my hair, making my make-up look a little better and putting on a new necklace counts as dressing up. Ryan and Butch helped start the day great too! Today is a good day. Busy day, but a good day.
Ok. Let's see what to update on other than my resolution check. Well school...Well school is school. We had a snow day last week. That was nice. Other than that it's just school. Work. Can I just say I love my job? Listen (well I guess read) to this. The Carnegie Hotel is sponsoring the Relay for Life team that I am co-captain of! (Yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition, but according to Mark, I can do that.) Anyway, this is great! Ted and Meredith and the owners and pretty much everyone helping cannot possibly imagine how grateful I am for this sponsorship. It takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders. Anyway, there will be more information about Relay for Life soon. Some of you will get letters. Most of you will get e-mails. I will definitely blog about it, so be checking your mailboxes (that is physical and virtual). Phi Sigma Pi is rolling along. We've had a couple canceled meetings, so not a whole lot of new news. I have met several of the Delta Initiate class. They are going to be a good class. I'm really excited about them. I have my last little of my Phi Sigma Pi experience (unless our Chapter decides to do Alumni Big Brothers, who knows). She's very enthusiastic and I'm very excited to have her as my little.
Well, there's not much left to say now...Spring Break is next week! I might be able to slip in a blog before then, most likely after then. I'm sure it's going to be awesome! I can't wait. So now...
Resolution Check!
(My resolutions are in purple.)
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps. Ok. I've done poorly on this the past couple of days, but I'm turning a new leaf. Today is a new day. The past is the past, well at least that is what everyone is telling. I decided to let go of a few things today, so hopefully I can get back on track with this resolution.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best. Ok. Honestly, I can't really comment on this one yet. Hopefully the next blog I can.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising. Congratulations to me because I have already lost 10 lbs in the past two weeks. I have definitely been eating better. Last week was a struggle because it was so busy, but only 1 major disaster (stupid chocolate cake that makes me feel some much better). The first week of my diet I worked out every day on the Wii fit. This past week not so much. Tomorrow, I will start working out on it everyday again. Hopefully that works!
4.) Make all A's this semester. The new laptop should help with that. Let's see. Philosophy of Art-well no assignments turned in yet. Animal Physiology-solid B right now, maybe even a B+. Vertebrate Embryology- B+ (I have a lab test this week! Maybe I can bring that up a little more.) Computers, Technology, and Literature-well no grades yet, but definitely A work. ;) Ok so I need to do a little bit better. Let's see how I do.
5.) Take more pictures. I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos. I'm doing bad on this. I've packed my camera so many times, but yet. It hasn't been used too much. :/ Maybe Spring Break will provide some more opportunities.
6.) Call my parents more often. Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late. I think that I'm doing better. I call every time that I don't have to work until 11. I need to add Christie into this resolution. We definitely need to talk more than the once a month that we've been doing.
7.) Send birthday cards. I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays. Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up. Ok. bad. Well no I don't say that! I sent out Valentine's Day cards! There haven't been any birthdays since my last resolution check except for my mom and she got a "card" in her present on the front page. That so counts.
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments. I'm at equilibrium. (I'm a Biology major I'm allowed to use this word.) But today is a good day so hopefully more laughs and smiles.
9.) Save some money. (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.) I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested). :/ No more money. Dieting is expensive. But the good news is that I am one payment away from owning my washer and dryer! ;)
10.) Blog more. This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution. Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while. Well, what do you guys think? ;)
Well that's it for now. Sorry for the long post. Just had blogging on the brain today. How do ya like the new background? Anyway, I hope everyone has a fantabulous week! Blog later! ;)
So I was thinking earlier this morning that I'm going to have to change the name of my blog soon. I'm thinking "Life of the College Graduate". Maybe something else not so generic. I don't know. I guess it will depend on where life takes me at this point. Hopefully I will know soon where I might be. Ryan and I are just waiting on a letter. A simple letter. Not an email. I, on the other hand, am waiting on a phone call, but that's a blog for later.
So, these past couple of weeks have been very busy. School, work, Phi Sigma Pi (when we meet), Relay for Life, friends. Ah! So much to do and not enough time. I'm kidding. I'm managing pretty well. I've been down a little bit that past couple of days, but I, with the advice of a great friend, dressed up a little bit. Well, I guess if you can count doing my hair, making my make-up look a little better and putting on a new necklace counts as dressing up. Ryan and Butch helped start the day great too! Today is a good day. Busy day, but a good day.
Ok. Let's see what to update on other than my resolution check. Well school...Well school is school. We had a snow day last week. That was nice. Other than that it's just school. Work. Can I just say I love my job? Listen (well I guess read) to this. The Carnegie Hotel is sponsoring the Relay for Life team that I am co-captain of! (Yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition, but according to Mark, I can do that.) Anyway, this is great! Ted and Meredith and the owners and pretty much everyone helping cannot possibly imagine how grateful I am for this sponsorship. It takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders. Anyway, there will be more information about Relay for Life soon. Some of you will get letters. Most of you will get e-mails. I will definitely blog about it, so be checking your mailboxes (that is physical and virtual). Phi Sigma Pi is rolling along. We've had a couple canceled meetings, so not a whole lot of new news. I have met several of the Delta Initiate class. They are going to be a good class. I'm really excited about them. I have my last little of my Phi Sigma Pi experience (unless our Chapter decides to do Alumni Big Brothers, who knows). She's very enthusiastic and I'm very excited to have her as my little.
Well, there's not much left to say now...Spring Break is next week! I might be able to slip in a blog before then, most likely after then. I'm sure it's going to be awesome! I can't wait. So now...
Resolution Check!
(My resolutions are in purple.)
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps. Ok. I've done poorly on this the past couple of days, but I'm turning a new leaf. Today is a new day. The past is the past, well at least that is what everyone is telling. I decided to let go of a few things today, so hopefully I can get back on track with this resolution.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best. Ok. Honestly, I can't really comment on this one yet. Hopefully the next blog I can.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising. Congratulations to me because I have already lost 10 lbs in the past two weeks. I have definitely been eating better. Last week was a struggle because it was so busy, but only 1 major disaster (stupid chocolate cake that makes me feel some much better). The first week of my diet I worked out every day on the Wii fit. This past week not so much. Tomorrow, I will start working out on it everyday again. Hopefully that works!
4.) Make all A's this semester. The new laptop should help with that. Let's see. Philosophy of Art-well no assignments turned in yet. Animal Physiology-solid B right now, maybe even a B+. Vertebrate Embryology- B+ (I have a lab test this week! Maybe I can bring that up a little more.) Computers, Technology, and Literature-well no grades yet, but definitely A work. ;) Ok so I need to do a little bit better. Let's see how I do.
5.) Take more pictures. I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos. I'm doing bad on this. I've packed my camera so many times, but yet. It hasn't been used too much. :/ Maybe Spring Break will provide some more opportunities.
6.) Call my parents more often. Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late. I think that I'm doing better. I call every time that I don't have to work until 11. I need to add Christie into this resolution. We definitely need to talk more than the once a month that we've been doing.
7.) Send birthday cards. I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays. Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up. Ok. bad. Well no I don't say that! I sent out Valentine's Day cards! There haven't been any birthdays since my last resolution check except for my mom and she got a "card" in her present on the front page. That so counts.
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments. I'm at equilibrium. (I'm a Biology major I'm allowed to use this word.) But today is a good day so hopefully more laughs and smiles.
9.) Save some money. (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.) I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested). :/ No more money. Dieting is expensive. But the good news is that I am one payment away from owning my washer and dryer! ;)
10.) Blog more. This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution. Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while. Well, what do you guys think? ;)
Well that's it for now. Sorry for the long post. Just had blogging on the brain today. How do ya like the new background? Anyway, I hope everyone has a fantabulous week! Blog later! ;)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Valentine's Day: Love or Hate?
Some of you may be confused by my title since most of the time when people see or hear the words "Valentine's Day" they often associate it with love, not hate. I have come to see this slowly progressing to Valentine's Day as something regarded as hate.
Last Friday, one of my classmates was wearing a shirt saying "I'm so over Valentine's Day". She said that she got the t-shirt at Target for $4 and she believes it's true. My professor took a quick poll. About 25% of people admitted to "being over Valentine's Day", the rest admitted to being indifferent to the holiday, and then there's me, who did not raise my hand at all. I LOVE Valentine's Day! I love every bit of it. I am actually excited to work the weekend of Valentine's Day at the hotel because I get to help set up all that romantic stuff and see couples together. Ryan and I are having a small, quiet Valentine's Day, but I will eat up every minute of it. I send cards to family for Valentine's Day. I will probably get my Littles something for Valentine's Day. I almost bought cheesy Valentine's card that you give out in elementary school to all of my Preview students and co-workers (I still might!). If I could get everyone a little note for the holiday I would.
Most people assume that I like Valentine's Day because I've been in a relationship for almost 7 years and that we are happy and very much in love. This is not the case because I have always loved Valentine's Day. Many people say that those who love/enjoy Valentine's Day are "disillusioned" by the Hallmark created holiday and that there shouldn't be just one day to say "I love you" or celebrate love. Many people now regard Valentine's Day as "Single Awareness Day (SAD)" because they believe that the holiday is only meant for couples.
These three statements make me very sad. First couple statements: Jillian, you only love Valentine's Day because you are in a relationship. Valentine's Day is only for couples and should be renames "Single Awareness Day". False! Ever since I was little, my parents, my sister and I would always do something special on Valentine's Day. Every one got cards for one another. Chocolates and flowers were always exchanged and there was always a special dinner involved. I distinctly remember one year that Mom and Dad gave my sister and I each a ruby ring in honor of Valentine's Day. This day wasn't about love between two people in a relationship (husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, etc.). This day was a celebration of love between family members for my family. This Valentine's Day, even though I won't be at home to celebrate, we will exchange cards and maybe even flowers, but it will still be a special day to remember our love for one another as family. For me, it also extends to my friends. Many of my friends are considered family to me. I also have another family of which it is completely acceptable to call each other Brother. These special bonds, for me, are also remembered especially during this holiday.
Second statement: We shouldn't have just one day to celebrate love or say "I love you". It should be everyday. Ok. True and False. True, everyday we should take the time to tell someone that you love that you love them. Makes sense. However, why is it so bad that we have one day to make that opportunity so obvious? I mean let's look at it. All holidays are like this. Why do we have one day to celebrate the birth of Christ? What do we have one day to honor the crucifixion? Why do we have only one day where it is appropriate to dress up in costumes? Why do we only have one day when its okay to wear green head to toe? Why is it okay that we only celebrate the founding of our country on one day? Do ya get my point now? Having a special day doesn't mean that this is the one and only day that we should do anything. The holiday is more like an awareness day, and provides an opportunity to be "socially" appropriate.
So, back to the point of my Valentine's Day post. On the weekend of the holiday (because most people are not even going to celebrate on the actual holiday since it is on a Sunday), I will be lovey dovey and romantic and extra loving and extra kind because I love that this is one day where I can do so and not be looked upon like I'm crazy. I will greet every hotel guest with a smile and glimmer in my eye that they have to opportunity to spend a special day at our hotel. I will hug and kiss my boyfriend and let him know how much I appreciate, love, and respect him. I will call my parents, my grandmother, and my sister to tell them "Happy Valentine's Day and I love you". I will let each of my friends that I see during that time how much they mean to me. I will celebrate Valentine's Day with love not hate. So, how will you spend your Valentine's Day?
Last Friday, one of my classmates was wearing a shirt saying "I'm so over Valentine's Day". She said that she got the t-shirt at Target for $4 and she believes it's true. My professor took a quick poll. About 25% of people admitted to "being over Valentine's Day", the rest admitted to being indifferent to the holiday, and then there's me, who did not raise my hand at all. I LOVE Valentine's Day! I love every bit of it. I am actually excited to work the weekend of Valentine's Day at the hotel because I get to help set up all that romantic stuff and see couples together. Ryan and I are having a small, quiet Valentine's Day, but I will eat up every minute of it. I send cards to family for Valentine's Day. I will probably get my Littles something for Valentine's Day. I almost bought cheesy Valentine's card that you give out in elementary school to all of my Preview students and co-workers (I still might!). If I could get everyone a little note for the holiday I would.
Most people assume that I like Valentine's Day because I've been in a relationship for almost 7 years and that we are happy and very much in love. This is not the case because I have always loved Valentine's Day. Many people say that those who love/enjoy Valentine's Day are "disillusioned" by the Hallmark created holiday and that there shouldn't be just one day to say "I love you" or celebrate love. Many people now regard Valentine's Day as "Single Awareness Day (SAD)" because they believe that the holiday is only meant for couples.
These three statements make me very sad. First couple statements: Jillian, you only love Valentine's Day because you are in a relationship. Valentine's Day is only for couples and should be renames "Single Awareness Day". False! Ever since I was little, my parents, my sister and I would always do something special on Valentine's Day. Every one got cards for one another. Chocolates and flowers were always exchanged and there was always a special dinner involved. I distinctly remember one year that Mom and Dad gave my sister and I each a ruby ring in honor of Valentine's Day. This day wasn't about love between two people in a relationship (husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, etc.). This day was a celebration of love between family members for my family. This Valentine's Day, even though I won't be at home to celebrate, we will exchange cards and maybe even flowers, but it will still be a special day to remember our love for one another as family. For me, it also extends to my friends. Many of my friends are considered family to me. I also have another family of which it is completely acceptable to call each other Brother. These special bonds, for me, are also remembered especially during this holiday.
Second statement: We shouldn't have just one day to celebrate love or say "I love you". It should be everyday. Ok. True and False. True, everyday we should take the time to tell someone that you love that you love them. Makes sense. However, why is it so bad that we have one day to make that opportunity so obvious? I mean let's look at it. All holidays are like this. Why do we have one day to celebrate the birth of Christ? What do we have one day to honor the crucifixion? Why do we have only one day where it is appropriate to dress up in costumes? Why do we only have one day when its okay to wear green head to toe? Why is it okay that we only celebrate the founding of our country on one day? Do ya get my point now? Having a special day doesn't mean that this is the one and only day that we should do anything. The holiday is more like an awareness day, and provides an opportunity to be "socially" appropriate.
So, back to the point of my Valentine's Day post. On the weekend of the holiday (because most people are not even going to celebrate on the actual holiday since it is on a Sunday), I will be lovey dovey and romantic and extra loving and extra kind because I love that this is one day where I can do so and not be looked upon like I'm crazy. I will greet every hotel guest with a smile and glimmer in my eye that they have to opportunity to spend a special day at our hotel. I will hug and kiss my boyfriend and let him know how much I appreciate, love, and respect him. I will call my parents, my grandmother, and my sister to tell them "Happy Valentine's Day and I love you". I will let each of my friends that I see during that time how much they mean to me. I will celebrate Valentine's Day with love not hate. So, how will you spend your Valentine's Day?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
First Couple Weeks of the Last Semester
Ok. So it's the middle of the week for my first full week of classes. (Last week was still a short week due to MLK day.) Now I can update on the classes and life and such.
Classes...well, let's just say that I'm glad it's my last semester. I am taking 14 hours and yet I still find myself on campus more than Ryan, who is taking 16 hours (he get's Mondays and Fridays off!). I have two Biology classes, which I may find interesting later on in the semester. They are both 3 hours long so it is very difficult to be excited about the topics. I am also taking Computers, Technology, and Literature. It is going to be a fairly easy class, but I haven't made up my mind if I will like the class. I'm just indifferent, which brings me to my next class, Philosophy of Art. (According to Francis Hutcheson, my last sentence would be false.) That class is a big headache. The class is so diverse. Five of us are there to fulfill our Humanities minor. A few are there as graduate art students with another few there who are philosophy majors. The most vocal, in my opinion, are the art major students, who make up the majority of the class. There's too much thinking involved. It does add something to Ryan and my dinner conversations. Overall, it is a pretty rough semester and I'm not sure if I'm going to enjoy it.
Work has been excellent. I've been sick with some sort of virus the past week and a half, so I have missed a few days. We recently did a major collection of supplies to bring to Haiti. Lately, we are preparing for Valentine's Day and the upcoming wedding expo in a couple of weeks. Overall, things are going well at work.
Resolution Check!
(My resolutions are in purple.)
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps. This seems to be going well. Not too much to worry about now.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best. Well, I continue to pursue those other plans, but no news yet.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising. Eh, well, ya see... It's hard to diet and exercise when you're sick and trying to get back into the routine for school and stuff. Maybe February will be better.
4.) Make all A's this semester. The new laptop should help with that. As far as I know I'm doing well.
5.) Take more pictures. I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos. Ok. I haven't really had that many opportunities, but it is supposed to snow heavily this weekend so maybe some snow pictures in the future.
6.) Call my parents more often. Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late. Hm. This one is a tough one to answer. I've called every day that I have been off work, I think. I still need to work on this one.
7.) Send birthday cards. I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays. Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up. I got Elizabeth a card, but not Dave or Louden or a couple of my kids. :/
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments. Check!
9.) Save some money. (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.) I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested). Great!
10.) Blog more. This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution. Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while. Well, I'm doing well with this one because I'm blogging now. ;) That's 3 blogs in one month!
Well that's all that I have for now. Hopefully I can put some more pictures up later. Stay warm!
P.S. How do you guys like the backgrounds?
Classes...well, let's just say that I'm glad it's my last semester. I am taking 14 hours and yet I still find myself on campus more than Ryan, who is taking 16 hours (he get's Mondays and Fridays off!). I have two Biology classes, which I may find interesting later on in the semester. They are both 3 hours long so it is very difficult to be excited about the topics. I am also taking Computers, Technology, and Literature. It is going to be a fairly easy class, but I haven't made up my mind if I will like the class. I'm just indifferent, which brings me to my next class, Philosophy of Art. (According to Francis Hutcheson, my last sentence would be false.) That class is a big headache. The class is so diverse. Five of us are there to fulfill our Humanities minor. A few are there as graduate art students with another few there who are philosophy majors. The most vocal, in my opinion, are the art major students, who make up the majority of the class. There's too much thinking involved. It does add something to Ryan and my dinner conversations. Overall, it is a pretty rough semester and I'm not sure if I'm going to enjoy it.
Work has been excellent. I've been sick with some sort of virus the past week and a half, so I have missed a few days. We recently did a major collection of supplies to bring to Haiti. Lately, we are preparing for Valentine's Day and the upcoming wedding expo in a couple of weeks. Overall, things are going well at work.
Resolution Check!
(My resolutions are in purple.)
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps. This seems to be going well. Not too much to worry about now.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best. Well, I continue to pursue those other plans, but no news yet.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising. Eh, well, ya see... It's hard to diet and exercise when you're sick and trying to get back into the routine for school and stuff. Maybe February will be better.
4.) Make all A's this semester. The new laptop should help with that. As far as I know I'm doing well.
5.) Take more pictures. I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos. Ok. I haven't really had that many opportunities, but it is supposed to snow heavily this weekend so maybe some snow pictures in the future.
6.) Call my parents more often. Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late. Hm. This one is a tough one to answer. I've called every day that I have been off work, I think. I still need to work on this one.
7.) Send birthday cards. I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays. Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up. I got Elizabeth a card, but not Dave or Louden or a couple of my kids. :/
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments. Check!
9.) Save some money. (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.) I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested). Great!
10.) Blog more. This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution. Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while. Well, I'm doing well with this one because I'm blogging now. ;) That's 3 blogs in one month!
Well that's all that I have for now. Hopefully I can put some more pictures up later. Stay warm!
P.S. How do you guys like the backgrounds?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Snow
Well, I don't really have any awesome pictures of the fabulous snow (because I'm feeling a little under the weather and the 12 degree environment doesn't help), but I can blog about it. I just read a little bit ago that Mom and Dad got some snow in Nashville so I decided to blog about our snow here in Johnson City.
Well we got a little bit of snow in early December, but we had a large snow on the weekend on December 18th. The weather channel kept saying that we were going to get somewhere between 3 to 10 inches (yes, such a great estimation of what to expect). Ryan and I were planning for a Christmas party, so we went to Walmart right before the snow was supposed to hit (it happened to land on a payday). By the time we got out of the chaotic Walmart, the snow had already begun covering the roads and the cars. It took us about 2.5 hours to travel 6 miles back to our house. I packed a bag and Ryan took me to the Carnegie hotel, where I work. I had to work the next morning so the company allowed for its employees who had to work the next morning and/or the night of the snow to stay there (I guess so there were no excuses to call into work). The roads were slick because salt didn't make it out on the roads before the snow hit because it had been raining beforehand. It was just a crazy mess. We got about 6 inches of snow that weekend and it was just chaos.
It hasn't snowed near as much as that weekend, but we have gotten several more days filled with snow. We currently have 2 inches here at the house accumulated from the past few days. It is still snowing. We weren't really sure what to expect this time because the forecast kept changing from "worse than it was the weekend before Christmas" to 0 accumulation expected at all. I guess we will just see. The current forecast is no more snow until next weekend, but that could all change tomorrow. I'm hoping that it snows like crazy on Wednesday night because I would find it hilarious to see school get canceled for the first day back. :) Anyway, hopefully next time more pictures and more news about snow!
Well we got a little bit of snow in early December, but we had a large snow on the weekend on December 18th. The weather channel kept saying that we were going to get somewhere between 3 to 10 inches (yes, such a great estimation of what to expect). Ryan and I were planning for a Christmas party, so we went to Walmart right before the snow was supposed to hit (it happened to land on a payday). By the time we got out of the chaotic Walmart, the snow had already begun covering the roads and the cars. It took us about 2.5 hours to travel 6 miles back to our house. I packed a bag and Ryan took me to the Carnegie hotel, where I work. I had to work the next morning so the company allowed for its employees who had to work the next morning and/or the night of the snow to stay there (I guess so there were no excuses to call into work). The roads were slick because salt didn't make it out on the roads before the snow hit because it had been raining beforehand. It was just a crazy mess. We got about 6 inches of snow that weekend and it was just chaos.
It hasn't snowed near as much as that weekend, but we have gotten several more days filled with snow. We currently have 2 inches here at the house accumulated from the past few days. It is still snowing. We weren't really sure what to expect this time because the forecast kept changing from "worse than it was the weekend before Christmas" to 0 accumulation expected at all. I guess we will just see. The current forecast is no more snow until next weekend, but that could all change tomorrow. I'm hoping that it snows like crazy on Wednesday night because I would find it hilarious to see school get canceled for the first day back. :) Anyway, hopefully next time more pictures and more news about snow!
Friday, January 1, 2010
The New Year: 2010
This will be the year of changes and hopefully opportunities. There are so many things that will happen this year and I am very excited and pretty optimistic about them. This post is pretty much what to expect in future blog posts as well as some resolutions (I've heard that if you make your resolutions public then you are more likely to keep them.) Anyway, on with the post...
First, I would like to say that I will be completing my last semester as an undergraduate at ETSU in May! I am so excited about graduating! Can you believe that it has already been 4 years since my last walk across the stage? We have already begun planning with graduation weekend, especially since Mom and Dad are here in Johnson City for the weekend! Hmmm. I guess I will have to change the name of this blog after May. A little more about graduation...I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Humanities. What will I do with that degree? Only time will tell. :) At the moment, I am going where life takes me and hopefully oppportunity will be knocking at my door soon.
Soon after graduation, my family will be traveling back to the Philippines for another mission trip in June. We are already ahead of the schedule when it comes to collecting school supplies and donations for school uniforms, but we are continuously working on collecting more funds for transportation and collecting clothing donations, especially pants. We are very excited to go back. If you would like more information, please visit www.missionofhope2010.webs.com.
Ok. Now for some resolutions. Promise not to laugh!
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising.
4.) Make all A's this semester. The new laptop should help with that.
5.) Take more pictures. I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos.
6.) Call my parents more often. Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late.
7.) Send birthday cards. I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays. Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up.
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments.
9.) Save some money. (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.) I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested).
10.) Blog more. This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution. Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while.
Well, that's all for now. Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and Decade! :)
First, I would like to say that I will be completing my last semester as an undergraduate at ETSU in May! I am so excited about graduating! Can you believe that it has already been 4 years since my last walk across the stage? We have already begun planning with graduation weekend, especially since Mom and Dad are here in Johnson City for the weekend! Hmmm. I guess I will have to change the name of this blog after May. A little more about graduation...I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Humanities. What will I do with that degree? Only time will tell. :) At the moment, I am going where life takes me and hopefully oppportunity will be knocking at my door soon.
Soon after graduation, my family will be traveling back to the Philippines for another mission trip in June. We are already ahead of the schedule when it comes to collecting school supplies and donations for school uniforms, but we are continuously working on collecting more funds for transportation and collecting clothing donations, especially pants. We are very excited to go back. If you would like more information, please visit www.missionofhope2010.webs.com.
Ok. Now for some resolutions. Promise not to laugh!
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising.
4.) Make all A's this semester. The new laptop should help with that.
5.) Take more pictures. I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos.
6.) Call my parents more often. Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late.
7.) Send birthday cards. I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays. Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up.
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments.
9.) Save some money. (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.) I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested).
10.) Blog more. This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution. Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while.
Well, that's all for now. Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and Decade! :)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thanksgiving Break
I have just come back to Johnson City from home in Nashville about 8 hours ago. I'm so glad that I got to spend time at home. I wish that I could go visit more often, but with school and work, it's a little difficult. Anyway, to tell you about my break!
Ryan and I went home on Tuesday after I got out of my Physics test (the one thing that kept me in Johnson City for an extra day). It was pretty late when we arrived in Nashville since we didn't leave here until about 7 (Eastern Time). I couldn't tell you much about the traffic because I slept the entire way! When I got home Mom and I talked for hours. I don't think we even went to bed until 1:30 the next morning. It was nice to catch up.
Wednesday, Christie flew in from Tampa that morning. Daddy was off of work in the morning, so the entire family just hung around the house. Dad went to work around 2 for his 16,18? hour shift! Then us girls went to get our hair cut we went to eat at Toyama. (Yay sushi!) Again it was another late night.
Thanksgiving was great, as usual. We had a little later of a Thanksgiving because Dad didn't get home until 8:30 that morning. While he slept, Mom, Christie, and I cooked just about all of Thanksgiving dinner. I cooked the Pumpkin cheesecake, jello pretzel thing, banana pudding (Mom's famous, secret recipe), deviled eggs and the potatoe casserole. Mom claims I made a giant mess, but it was not too bad, nothing that a dog couldn't just eat off of the floor. ;) (I'm trying, Daddy, to help you with you case for a dog!) We ate Thanksgiving dinner around 1 at Grandmama's house. It was very yummy. I, again, ate WAAAAYYY too much and wore the wrong pants ;). We then just hung around Grandmama's house until about dinner time. We then packed up and went home to fix a plate (not me!) and watched Up. Christie had wanted to see it since she got home, so we decided to do that. It look amazing on Mom and Dad's high def. TV (Sony of course!). It was a great story. I will probably get it on Blu Ray sometime after Ryan sees it. Then, after several late nights and a long day we went to bed.
Christie had a fairly early flight back to Tampa because she had to work on Black Friday, so we woke up early. Luckily, Mom didn't want to go busting down the doors to the stores that morning! We did shop all day (I know me shopping on Black Friday! I swore I would never.). We got a lot of things for Christmas. I think we are pretty much done. I still have a couple of things, but I will probably have to wait until payday. :)
Today was basically a traveling day. As soon as we got back to Johnson City, we unpacked the car and I got ready for work. This week has been a long, but great one. It really did go by too quickly.
Let's see, if I write what I am going to post about next time, I'm more likely to post...for next time:
-Christmas decorations
-Christmas shopping??
-Fabulous Christmas decorations at the Carnegie
-Induction?
-whatever else comes to mind
Goodnight!
Ryan and I went home on Tuesday after I got out of my Physics test (the one thing that kept me in Johnson City for an extra day). It was pretty late when we arrived in Nashville since we didn't leave here until about 7 (Eastern Time). I couldn't tell you much about the traffic because I slept the entire way! When I got home Mom and I talked for hours. I don't think we even went to bed until 1:30 the next morning. It was nice to catch up.
Wednesday, Christie flew in from Tampa that morning. Daddy was off of work in the morning, so the entire family just hung around the house. Dad went to work around 2 for his 16,18? hour shift! Then us girls went to get our hair cut we went to eat at Toyama. (Yay sushi!) Again it was another late night.
Thanksgiving was great, as usual. We had a little later of a Thanksgiving because Dad didn't get home until 8:30 that morning. While he slept, Mom, Christie, and I cooked just about all of Thanksgiving dinner. I cooked the Pumpkin cheesecake, jello pretzel thing, banana pudding (Mom's famous, secret recipe), deviled eggs and the potatoe casserole. Mom claims I made a giant mess, but it was not too bad, nothing that a dog couldn't just eat off of the floor. ;) (I'm trying, Daddy, to help you with you case for a dog!) We ate Thanksgiving dinner around 1 at Grandmama's house. It was very yummy. I, again, ate WAAAAYYY too much and wore the wrong pants ;). We then just hung around Grandmama's house until about dinner time. We then packed up and went home to fix a plate (not me!) and watched Up. Christie had wanted to see it since she got home, so we decided to do that. It look amazing on Mom and Dad's high def. TV (Sony of course!). It was a great story. I will probably get it on Blu Ray sometime after Ryan sees it. Then, after several late nights and a long day we went to bed.
Christie had a fairly early flight back to Tampa because she had to work on Black Friday, so we woke up early. Luckily, Mom didn't want to go busting down the doors to the stores that morning! We did shop all day (I know me shopping on Black Friday! I swore I would never.). We got a lot of things for Christmas. I think we are pretty much done. I still have a couple of things, but I will probably have to wait until payday. :)
Today was basically a traveling day. As soon as we got back to Johnson City, we unpacked the car and I got ready for work. This week has been a long, but great one. It really did go by too quickly.
Let's see, if I write what I am going to post about next time, I'm more likely to post...for next time:
-Christmas decorations
-Christmas shopping??
-Fabulous Christmas decorations at the Carnegie
-Induction?
-whatever else comes to mind
Goodnight!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wow. Twice in one week!
I know. I just blogged yesterday, but I'm in the mood to write and I have some time. I've been at home all day because I have been feeling a little under the weather with a low-grade fever. I'm hoping it will go away soon since I have to work tomorrow morning. Ryan has been taking care of me for the past few days. Anway, I'm sitting here curled up in my heavy blanket with Butch, who is sound asleep with his head resting on the arm of the couch. I got online to get some inspiration. I have a memoir due next week, but I have had very little inspiration, so I decided to look over some of my blogs and some of my mom's blogs hoping that maybe something will spark my eye. It's always been pretty easy to write a blog, which in reality are just short memoirs. The hard part about this particular assignment is that we have to incorporate various quotes that have caught our eye in our reading assignments. Most of the quotes that I have picked are due to some bitter senitments that I feel are not worthy of writing a memoir over, but I won't elaborate on it. Either way, writers' block sucks.
So some other things that have been happening in life that may not be as big as in my last post. Well, life has currently been filled with school and work. If I'm not at school, then I'm at work. If I'm at neither, then I'm probably torturing myself be sitting through meetings in which I have no speaking rights, watching TV that I have recorded because I'm too busy to watch the show live, or sleeping. Lately at work they have been decorating for Christmas. There are currently, since I've been in the hotel, 6 Christmas trees set up, and I have heard that there will be more! I've never seen the Carnegie during Chistmas time, but I'm sure it will be beautiful. Many of you might be asking yourself, isn't Jillian the one who can't stand to see anything Christmas before Thanksgiving? Well, yes, that hasn't changed, but in this case I have no control. :) Besides, I'm ready for a little cheer in my life. Who knows, when I gain a little strength maybe I'll start decorating the house for Christmas.
For family that I haven't talked to recently, I turned in my medical school application. After some long, tedious hours I have turned it in. I'm waiting now. I don't really know what is worse: filling out the application or waiting for a reply and hoping not to get that dreaded rejection letter. Unfortunately, I have had a little bit of a pessimistic outlook on life recently. I'm hoping for things to look up. In the mean time, I am currently working on my application to osteopathic medical schools, thinking about a masters program that ETSU offers, TFA, and a potential job opportunity with PSP. Who knows what is to come.
Anyway, I think that is all for now. Sorry for kinda the gloomy, boring post. I'm just bored. If anyone has some ideas on what I should write about for my memoir, just leave a comment! ;)
So some other things that have been happening in life that may not be as big as in my last post. Well, life has currently been filled with school and work. If I'm not at school, then I'm at work. If I'm at neither, then I'm probably torturing myself be sitting through meetings in which I have no speaking rights, watching TV that I have recorded because I'm too busy to watch the show live, or sleeping. Lately at work they have been decorating for Christmas. There are currently, since I've been in the hotel, 6 Christmas trees set up, and I have heard that there will be more! I've never seen the Carnegie during Chistmas time, but I'm sure it will be beautiful. Many of you might be asking yourself, isn't Jillian the one who can't stand to see anything Christmas before Thanksgiving? Well, yes, that hasn't changed, but in this case I have no control. :) Besides, I'm ready for a little cheer in my life. Who knows, when I gain a little strength maybe I'll start decorating the house for Christmas.
For family that I haven't talked to recently, I turned in my medical school application. After some long, tedious hours I have turned it in. I'm waiting now. I don't really know what is worse: filling out the application or waiting for a reply and hoping not to get that dreaded rejection letter. Unfortunately, I have had a little bit of a pessimistic outlook on life recently. I'm hoping for things to look up. In the mean time, I am currently working on my application to osteopathic medical schools, thinking about a masters program that ETSU offers, TFA, and a potential job opportunity with PSP. Who knows what is to come.
Anyway, I think that is all for now. Sorry for kinda the gloomy, boring post. I'm just bored. If anyone has some ideas on what I should write about for my memoir, just leave a comment! ;)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Catch Up
Ok. So I'm still a slacker. Oh well, at least I will be able to elaborate on just about everything that I listed in a previous post, so bear with me. :)
1) Posts about Fall Break
Fall Break was fantastic. I was able to get off work for a few days and go to Gatlinburg with Mom, Dad, Christie, Alex, and Ryan. We had sooo much fun. The cabin was wonderful. The weather was pretty nice. We did the usual and walked about the Gatlinburg strip. We also went to a gun range to practice some shooting. My favorite part of the whole break, other than getting to spend time with family and friends, was the food! I missed Daddy's Filipino food and Ryan's grilling and Mom's desserts! Hopefully we will get to get away again soon.
2) Posts about the fabulous new friends I have made in the past few months
These friends would have to be from POLO. I have made several amazing friends over the past few months. This past Preview, I have gotten closer with several of the older leaders. Even though I missed my co-leader, Shawn, very much, we still had a great Preview. It's been great. Since I went inactive from PSP, I have been able to spend more time doing things with POLO. On Thursday, we have our Thanksgiving dinner, so maybe I will be able to put up some pictures from that!
3) Posts about Grey's Anatomy and Private Practive
There's not much to say about it. The Writers' blog has been less than, how do I say it nicely, entertaining this year. Grey's Anatomy has been better the last couple of episodes, but the first few of the season were rough. I have really enjoyed Private Practice though. It's more like the original Grey's in terms of plot. Remember it comes on tomorrow!!!
4) Posts about Halloween parties
Ryan and I had a Halloween party on the night of Halloween. We had a great turn out. We had a lot of fun chatting, watching scary (and one not so scary) movies, and eating food. We had some great decorations. We had so much fun that we hope to host another party around Christmas time (hint, hint: Ugly Sweater/Secret Santa Christmas Party. This idea came from some of my POLO friends last year.)
5) Posts, hopefully, about some amazing day trips
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get away long enough to do some day trips. Maybe sometime soon. :(
6) Posts about my first true experience camping
Again, no time.
7) Posts about the brilliant colors that the leaves display
This year, the leaves changed after fall break. It was pretty. I think the leaves and the colors were prettier in previous years, but they were still nice! Since Ryan and I live where there are lots of trees, there are leaves all around the house. Many of them are bright yellow. They are huge! I haven't taken any pictures, but I know there are several on Facebook. :)
8) Posts, well maybe just a mentioning, about a special license I'm about to receive!
Well, I haven't had the money to do that yet. :(
9) Posts about family updates!
Mom is doing well. She has been very busy working on the new catalog for her job. Dad is doing well also. He seems to be staying busy too. You should look at Mom's blog to see what they have been up to. They have had great fun with the fall leaves. Christie is doing well. I am sooo excited to get to see her in about a week. She turns 20 on Saturday! This makes me feel old. Well, I have felt old since the beginning of the semester, but we won't go into that. ;)
10) Posts about Butch updates!
Butch has been doing well. He has loved all of the extra company that we have had over at the house. A couple of weeks ago we had a little incident with our neighbor's son's pitbull. When Ryan was walking Butch one morning, he saw the pitbull. Well, Butch thinks he's a very larger Rotweiler, which obviously he's not, and decided to jump up to play with the pit bull. Well, the playing lead to a bite that left a gash on Butch's should. It looked more gruesome that it actually was, but we took him to the vet anyway. With a little pain medicine and some anitbotics, he is healing well. :)
11) Updates on how school is going
School is almost done! ;) I have gotten to that stage where I am ready for new classes. I have enjoyed these and I'm ready for new ones. Next semester I will be taking Vertebrate Embryology, Animal Physiology, Philosophy of Art, and Writing/Literature/Technology. I'm really looking forward to it.
12) Posts about Homecoming
I had a lot of fun for Homecoming. I participated with two groups. The first event that I participated in was co-ed flag football with PSP. It was so much fun, even though we were badly beaten. The next event that I got to participate in was dodgeball with POLO. It was so much fun. We made it to the third round! The last event was Homecoming King and QUeen campaigning for POLO. Johnny, our POLO representative got Homecoming Prince!
13) Posts about anything! (I'm ending on this number because it is my favorite number! I know I'm weird, but if you would like to put it this way, it's Halloween season!)
Well, I am officially caught up for now. These are going to be a hectic few days. I have to write a memoir, a video summary, and a manuscript for Cell Bio due next week. I have a test next week too. Hopefully, nothing else will come up soon. Well, next time...maybe if I write a list then maybe I'll stick to the blogging...Thanksgiving dinner x3 (POLO, PSP if I decide to go, and the real one at home), trip back home, work, and the Ugly Sweater party!
Until then!
1) Posts about Fall Break
Fall Break was fantastic. I was able to get off work for a few days and go to Gatlinburg with Mom, Dad, Christie, Alex, and Ryan. We had sooo much fun. The cabin was wonderful. The weather was pretty nice. We did the usual and walked about the Gatlinburg strip. We also went to a gun range to practice some shooting. My favorite part of the whole break, other than getting to spend time with family and friends, was the food! I missed Daddy's Filipino food and Ryan's grilling and Mom's desserts! Hopefully we will get to get away again soon.
2) Posts about the fabulous new friends I have made in the past few months
These friends would have to be from POLO. I have made several amazing friends over the past few months. This past Preview, I have gotten closer with several of the older leaders. Even though I missed my co-leader, Shawn, very much, we still had a great Preview. It's been great. Since I went inactive from PSP, I have been able to spend more time doing things with POLO. On Thursday, we have our Thanksgiving dinner, so maybe I will be able to put up some pictures from that!
3) Posts about Grey's Anatomy and Private Practive
There's not much to say about it. The Writers' blog has been less than, how do I say it nicely, entertaining this year. Grey's Anatomy has been better the last couple of episodes, but the first few of the season were rough. I have really enjoyed Private Practice though. It's more like the original Grey's in terms of plot. Remember it comes on tomorrow!!!
4) Posts about Halloween parties
Ryan and I had a Halloween party on the night of Halloween. We had a great turn out. We had a lot of fun chatting, watching scary (and one not so scary) movies, and eating food. We had some great decorations. We had so much fun that we hope to host another party around Christmas time (hint, hint: Ugly Sweater/Secret Santa Christmas Party. This idea came from some of my POLO friends last year.)
5) Posts, hopefully, about some amazing day trips
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get away long enough to do some day trips. Maybe sometime soon. :(
6) Posts about my first true experience camping
Again, no time.
7) Posts about the brilliant colors that the leaves display
This year, the leaves changed after fall break. It was pretty. I think the leaves and the colors were prettier in previous years, but they were still nice! Since Ryan and I live where there are lots of trees, there are leaves all around the house. Many of them are bright yellow. They are huge! I haven't taken any pictures, but I know there are several on Facebook. :)
8) Posts, well maybe just a mentioning, about a special license I'm about to receive!
Well, I haven't had the money to do that yet. :(
9) Posts about family updates!
Mom is doing well. She has been very busy working on the new catalog for her job. Dad is doing well also. He seems to be staying busy too. You should look at Mom's blog to see what they have been up to. They have had great fun with the fall leaves. Christie is doing well. I am sooo excited to get to see her in about a week. She turns 20 on Saturday! This makes me feel old. Well, I have felt old since the beginning of the semester, but we won't go into that. ;)
10) Posts about Butch updates!
Butch has been doing well. He has loved all of the extra company that we have had over at the house. A couple of weeks ago we had a little incident with our neighbor's son's pitbull. When Ryan was walking Butch one morning, he saw the pitbull. Well, Butch thinks he's a very larger Rotweiler, which obviously he's not, and decided to jump up to play with the pit bull. Well, the playing lead to a bite that left a gash on Butch's should. It looked more gruesome that it actually was, but we took him to the vet anyway. With a little pain medicine and some anitbotics, he is healing well. :)
11) Updates on how school is going
School is almost done! ;) I have gotten to that stage where I am ready for new classes. I have enjoyed these and I'm ready for new ones. Next semester I will be taking Vertebrate Embryology, Animal Physiology, Philosophy of Art, and Writing/Literature/Technology. I'm really looking forward to it.
12) Posts about Homecoming
I had a lot of fun for Homecoming. I participated with two groups. The first event that I participated in was co-ed flag football with PSP. It was so much fun, even though we were badly beaten. The next event that I got to participate in was dodgeball with POLO. It was so much fun. We made it to the third round! The last event was Homecoming King and QUeen campaigning for POLO. Johnny, our POLO representative got Homecoming Prince!
13) Posts about anything! (I'm ending on this number because it is my favorite number! I know I'm weird, but if you would like to put it this way, it's Halloween season!)
Well, I am officially caught up for now. These are going to be a hectic few days. I have to write a memoir, a video summary, and a manuscript for Cell Bio due next week. I have a test next week too. Hopefully, nothing else will come up soon. Well, next time...maybe if I write a list then maybe I'll stick to the blogging...Thanksgiving dinner x3 (POLO, PSP if I decide to go, and the real one at home), trip back home, work, and the Ugly Sweater party!
Until then!
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