Living the Dream

This post doesn't have to do with the extreme amount of sleep I recieved last night- which in total tally up to 10 when I think about it, but it does fit in well. My goal was to sleep in but not excessivly so I can still go to bed around 11:00 tonight in order to properly roll out of bed for work at 7:30AM Friday morning without a) smacking my thigh against the corner of the video cabinet leaving a bruise the size of Alaska and b) accidently pouring orange juice in my cereal bowl after milk was poured in. I have an aunt that can eat cereal with just plain orange juice, which seems alright, but the combo between the cow and the fruit wasn't that pleasant, even though I still ate half of it because guilt overwhelmed me if I would throw out the whole bowl.

Yesterday's presentations went well at the other high school. It strongly looks like this high school will probably absorb most of Elderton's students when the building closes down, which I predict in less than ten years from now. Numbers are starkingly low and someone in the end has got to give, but I'm not sure how it will all come about. I'm thankful to be graduated and out of Elderton when I did,the great teachers were still present, and the kids seem to be getting worse, but that doesn't bother me, especially when I was a 'super senior'.

As I was driviny back from the other high school, some of the questions I was asked by teachers came across my mind. One of those questions dealt with my future plans in the next 5 years. It was a "Where do you see yourself in five years?" but rather "Where do you want to go with you major?" Of course, there are lots of options and it's hard to pinpoint just one area where I want to go because I left the Lord decide where I am going to go- not me. It's hard not to give a solid answer like "I want to work at Apple" or "I want to work with my Uncle Joe Smoe". That is still a long ways off, and I hope they know I think about it on a day to day basis probably. I say 'proabably' because I have the tendancy to think about a lot in one day, haha.

Then I thought about the day when we moved my brother off to college. Sure, the unloading and loading of all this crap from the truck to the door, then the stairs, and then the room. *sigh* Sounds like my move-in days too! But I distinctly remember something that hasn't come to mind in years. I recall looking at the posters in the dorm halls calling out students to be a part of this or that, looking at the CA (community assistant) and envying his awesome job, and telling myself that I wanted an awesome college life. I was only a little sophomore in high school but I saw this next era and was filled with excitement on what is down the road. Sure, there are several struggles along the way, but this next segement of life seemed like a golden key, a dream I wanted to come true.

Then it dawned on me - I am living the dream, but haven't really noticed it until I came back home. My last semester was terrific - it was busy- but so rich and terrific. I had one of the best birthdays of my life, met some new friends that are amazing, worked as a Highland Ambassador, contiuned with my bowling team, have the sweetest job on campus of sitting at a table and being paid to do homework, being a part of the Creative Team for the Gathering, and learning how to lead a bible study, along with spiritual growth and new oppritunities being presented before me- what more could a dreamer ask for? I must be honest, and this is not bashing, but when I was dating the Ex I was limited in a way, I traveled the two hours home every weekend my first semester and only started to actually stay on the weekends my second semester. When we broke up, I became free bird. Everything seemed to fall into place, I was going to follow the dream.

But now it's time to follow the holiday, which consists of some hardcore gift wrapping that needs done along with pilates, a shower, and errands. *sigh*. I thought this was called Vacation! lol.

Peace out peeps, and Merry Christmas to all!

A Journey Back In Time

Monday I returned to my alma mater - my old high school - to do presentations as a Highland Ambassador. The presentations were focused on college transistions in three senior english classes through the day. Of course, this also left me time to catch up with old teachers and take a few strolls around the place to see what has changed, and what hasn't.

True to nature, I arrive to the school barely on time- classic. Since the redneck parents were going down the side street that I was trying to climb up on and not giving me a chance to gun it, I had to made a quick turn into the senior parking lot rather than parking farther up on the hill in the faculty parking lot, which is essentially closer to the building. That's what you get for being late, and not going down the next side street that the buses take, duh!

No worries for me, I arrived with plenty of time and visited the guidance office. The guidance counselor, S, and I have kept in contact since my departure to college. In fact, she attended EUP for a year, I believe, and was also the first one that introduced me to Edinboro and what they had to offer me, a confused senior distraught from the decisions she didn't know how to answer. S is a great counselor, and I had the oppritunity to spend most of the day with her, getting to know her more in the realm of her life rather than the 8 - 3 job she has.

The presentations went well. The first class, an AP class, was most influential in my opinion. They were very receptive and friendly, interested in what I was speaking about. I found some of the other students in the later two classes to stare around the room, some never even making eye contact with me and instead glued their eyesockets to the desk infront of them, some watched me intently. Interesting how various people listen, or don't listen. Oh well, hehe.

Going around the school was like a flash back in time. It felt as if no time was lost, nothing had majorly changed for me to feel a sense of disconnection with the school. As I took a walk around in my teacher-like clicky heels I discovered that the smells were the same, the paint was still peeling, and some of the teachers looked exactly the same as if the tap water contains some of the fountian of youth, but knowing what the tap what is like, I know that must not be it. I enjoyed my time in high school as a teen; I savored the moments because I was aware that they were numbered. I do the same with college, but I wish college would last a little longer, I enjoyed som much this past semester.

Of course, I answered the question "what are you doing here" about 50 bazzilion times. Thankfully I had my Highland Ambassador shirt on to keep people on their toes that I wasn't some foregin intruder who was stalking them. (I did have to sign in when I entered the building and recieved a visitors badge, but "forgot" to put it on ;) ) It was great to talk to the teachers, get a quick update, say my hello's and warm wishes, the whole shebang. Teachers and I have a pretty close relationship, closer than the average student who takes the tests and leaves. I enjoy knowing a little about their lives, their family, hobbies, quarks, et cetera. No, I really am not a stalker, but I loved talking to the adults in high school because sometimes they were great mentors, friends persay, and probably one of the reasons I recieved the faculty scholarship when I graduated. Shocked, of course, when I awarded, but not dumbfounded to why they would choose me - they knew me when I got to know them. As S told me herself at the visit "We liked to choose good people for the award and send a message that it's not all about grades." Wow. I remained speechless, I didn't know what to say.

I can't imagine being a teacher, it kind of seems like a grind. You know, the whole "pour yourself out to students with all your intellect and wisdom and hope everything goes well". It's a shame that more students don't come back and thank their teachers because it's nice to see that their efforts weren't in vain, but then again, if you're a teacher, getting thanks doesn't matter to you. In fact, it doesn't matter what your profession is - thanks should not be a reason. It's the passion, the "oomph", the love, dedication - there isn't even a word to describe it. It's God given, and you use it to His glory.

Of course I had to make a pit stop outside at the end of the day and see my old busdriver, A. What a loser, haha. Actually, that's an inside joke between us. (We give each other the loser sign on our foreheads when we would pass eachother on the road when I drove to school my senior year). It's good to catch up, give hugs, and see familiar faces that bring back so many treasured memories. I'm thankful for my homelife, my high school, my friends, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

This week will be busy with work (back at ol' SNS) and another school presentation tomorrow. (I really can't wait to sleep in, I honestly don't know how I did it in high school.) Between the holiday, or is it Christmas....anyway, between the shopping, work, and catching up with friends, I'll be busy, but enjoying every minute of it. I make sure to post pictures of the excitement. It's good to be home in several ways, even though the Boro holds some of my heart as well.

It's over and out for now, but if I don't stop in before the big 25, here's a warm Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Pennsylvania!

Adventures of the Academic Aid

Today's dynamic episode starts out with a groggy little Lindsay K. found burrowed in blankets and cuddled passionatly with crocheted blankets as the morning sun rises. (As in morning, I mean 10:00.) Soon she powers up and prepares for a day of actions and adventure by fueling up with a 6 inch turkey sub on wheat with provalone cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and a touch of mayo. Now with that enegery running through her veins, she super-powers her teeth squeaky clean and heads off to the OSD office to become Academic Aid Girl.

But today's episode is the first in it's series, a short-lived series that only lasts 3 days because she was called on by headquarters to help in the effort of reading tests, delivering test, and being a maidservant for finals week- the busyest week at the headquarters. When our hero, Lindsay K., enters the building and heads towards the office, it appears that we might be waiting a while before we see any dynamic action because other super heros are waiting their turn to become productive.

But not for Lindsay K.! Almost immediatly she is ordered off to deliever tests to several buildings on campus to different academic departments. As she visited each department office, she noticed that each one welcomed with her with some type of reserve because they knew that her presence brought a heavier work load, but all in a days work!

Soon after that Lindsay K. was quickly assigned to be a scribe for a student. Oh course, Lindsay K. decided to accept the offer and take on the challenge! Little did she know that the final of the student she was scribing for required four different essays. Lindsay K.'s super power hand was ready to fall off after two straight hours of essay, but eventually the last pargraph was finished and it was time to recharge her battery. With the help of a few wheat crackers on a plate and water, she was ready to go at it again in no time.

But to Lindsay K's surprise, no more work was to be done! The day was ending early, but not early enough for her to head out to her super-charged kickboxing class that starts at 3:30. Sure, sadness filled the little hero's heart but maybe tomorrow our hero might request to leave a little bit earlier in order to get her powers invigorated and ready to fight the world!

But till then, our hero will be found fitting in some Pilates before the winter break, preparing for a presentation Friday and Monday for back home, studying for the two finals coming up, and packing for the fantastic winter break filled with wonderful Christmas tunes and treats.

Tune in next time to see where she will go next! Until then, keep your stick on the ice!

Barron - Forness Library at Edinboro University 

Some Things

10 Years Ago...

*I would have been nine years old, which means I would have been busy with my little people creation of "Reedy Township" and building homes and schools out of cardboard boxes. Ahh yes, those were the days.

5 Years ago I was...

*Hmm, probably in some type of high school class picking my eyes out as everyone around me as wearing Jencos (sp???) and the baggy pants fad was on the move. Thank goodness I don't have to look back and see what I looked like, then it would be quite the nightmare!

1 Year ago I was...

*I was probably finishing up finals and ready to rush home and spend time with my boyfriend. But this year, I'm excited to go home, spend time with family and friends, work, and take a break from it all. Honestly, a lot can happen in a year. Last year the Boro was just that dreaded placed of expensive education, this year it's a haven, a great place of learning, and a place of growth and friendship. I think I may have become a little attached to this frozen tundra :0!

Today I...

*Woke up "early" (if early to you is 10:00) in order to shuffle my way over to Compton to have my binder and final grade handed back for my psychology of commmunications class but was too late - he had left the office. Poopers! So it looks like I'll have to pick it up next week- no sweat. Now I'm sitting here doing this and dreading the thought of going out in that blustering mess of snow and wind creating mini tornados of snow particles that whap you in the face. Ahh, yes, Edinboro.

5 Snacks I enjoy...

* Cereal - I love snacking on a good cereal, as long as it's healthy!
* Bread - If they're an open package of buns, or fresh bread, I'm there!
* Fruits and Vegetables - Bananas, Apples, Carrots, Celery and I think that's it! lol (Canned peaches?)
* Pretzels and animal crackers - good studying snack, except for the part that during the studying, I eat the whole container, so it's more like a studying meal. Curse my enormous stomach that can hold so much food!
* Applesauce - quick, tasty, and nutritous!

5 Places I would run away to...

* The beach! Heck yes!
* First off, what is the context of "running away"? Am I being hunted down, or escaping my home for a weekend when I hear the footsteps of relatives near?
* If I need to escape my home because it's infiltrated with nuts, then down the road to Jack's house it is! Bubba and I always love spending quality time together.
* If I'm in the boro, the PH is the destination for any kind of fleeting
* If I'm being hunted down, I think I could just disappear to Elk County - heck, people have enough trouble trying to find deer let alone people there. I'll just have to make sure I don't come out of Elk County looking like swiss cheese.

5 Things I would never wear

* A wrestling singlet (Oh, K and T, I hope you happen to read that)
* A tube top - honestly - what is securing that except for elastic? I definitely don't have the "shelf" proprotions to do so.
* Stretch pants - I have worn them, but they look so bad on me anymore! Boo to them, an boo to my ghetto booty for saying boo to them. I practically have no jean options anymore!
* An "Uncle Eddie" hat

5 Favorite TV shows

* The OC!
* Seinfeld - I'v seen every episode, baby!
* The Late Show with David Letterman - the late show bear!
* American Idol - I know, I know, but mom and I ruthlessly rip those people apart!
* Gilmore Girls - I haven't seen it in so long, but I really enjoy it when I do

5 Bad habits...

* Not getting up early enough to make it to class ahead of time - I'm one of those people in the winter who will come to a 9:00 class right at 9:00
* Over organization - sometimes I believe I'm boarderline OCD. Sometimes I have to allow myself to be a mess in order to prove that I can be a disaster.
* Worrying - I've become much better at this though, especially without a boyfriend in the picture
* Being concerned with my weight too much - Ok, so I'd really like to drop 5 - 10 lbs and fit into my size 6 pants comfortably again, but running season is far away, besides, kickboxing and pilates are awesome.
* Having a steadfast prayer life - there are so many things in my life right now I should be bathing in prayer- why aren't it? hmm.

5 Biggest joys

* Seeing my cousins now go to church
* Making new friends and having that community :) (like hanging at the PH) (or spending time with the home dawgs)
* Learning about God
* Spending time with my family (and pets, they are family too)
* Music- a love a good song - it can bring back so many memories with such a great tune

5 Fictional characters I would date...

* The guy from Alias (He was in the movie "Never Been Kissed") (Michael something?)
* Ryan from the OC!
* A snowman (That one is for H and K)
* Larold Fishard Beta ;)
* Hey, if he has a castle, I'm in!


5 People who I tag to do this...

* Sharon
* Moogie
* Melanie
* My school friends (mostly Krista since she likes to blog)
* And whoever is reading this! :0!

Platter - o - cookies :) 

Pasta and ta meat - a - balls! I love to take pictures of meals I've prepared (but many hands helped with this effort) so I have proof I made something! Bon appette! 

Secrets Behind The Service

Last night was "Dinner and A Movie" night at the Gathering. To keep everyone on the same page, The Gathering is young adult get-together where we have a speaker (staff member A.K. employed by McLane church, same church I attend on Sunday's) and the Gathering Band performs each week and leads the group in awesome worship songs. I became part of the Creative Team this year, a team that organized unique and creative ideas for the event each week, to plan ahead and organize direction for this great Tuesday night happening.

Last week, A.K presented the idea of having a "end of the year" dinner for the Gathering. So we "cooked up" (no pun intended) a plan to serve a full pasta meal- salad, pasta, meatballs, bread, and the ever-popular dessert of choice- cookies. It was in no time we formulated a time schedule and in the blink of an eye it was Tuesday and I was on my way to Giant Eagle with A.K. to purchase the goods.

I love how funny it can be to walk in a grocery store and have no idea where thigs are at, but take educated guesses thanks to my previous expereience in a grocery store back home. At times I felt like I was the adopted daughter of A.K. as I followed him around and rattled off the list that was written down on my internal parchment AKA brain. "Go here" and "Don't forget" and so on. When we went to check out, there was no bagger present so I just started bagging. Ah, the memories swell back to me. As we were leaving, A.K told me "I was watching you and you really seemed like you were good at that, but then it dawned on me that you worked in a grocery store." He then asked me what I did at SNS and I responded with "A little bit of everything". Really, from stocking shelves to bagging groceries, to packaging grapes and mopping floors, or even picking up the office worker's food a few stores down in the plaza- my title might be "cashier" but my experience is all around the store. Anyway, back to the story!

Soon it was time to start setting up the cooking process. McLane Church isn't your typical mom and pop church with a little kitchen stored away in the back of the basement where all these amazing pies are produced. Sure, McLane probably does make terrific pies if they wanted, but between feeding a congregation of a thousand between Saturday night and Sunday morning services, they get down with the whole "mass production of food" bit.

Of course, we had some time to kill in between the water boiling and starting practically an hour early- but thanks to the food warmers, nothing went cold. (Except for when it sat out too long, of course). We were very blessed to have the head chef of the church, E, to come help us in our efforts and locate all the things in this makeshift kitchen of wonder. Mass appliances, makeshift tables, it's all a fun little mystery and system. The church is still being renevated because it was converted into a church after being an old Ames building, so everything isn't hardwood floors and random decorative lighting (although the church does a fantastic job right now with what they do have). But the kitchen fits the needs to feed and it helped us put on a meal for roughly 100 people. E was amazing, she's an awesome lady who is local and was more than willing to help us out. But along with her services came tricks of the trade that I love.

I'm always willing to learn more about cooking now n' days. Maybe it's a "coming of age" thing when pop-tarts aren't considered meals anymore and if you're going to fix a meal, let's make it a goody with all the fixins'. I intently followed E around the kitchen from one end to the other, fetching and pouring, stirring and salting. It would have been impossible without the help of her and the many other great people who helped us cook the meal. Here's a few tricks I learned from her in the kitchen that stuck with me:

1) If you can't get all the spagetti sauce out of the jar (like a giant container of Ragu), take it and spin it around in circles with your arm, causes the sauce to collect on the top of the container. (But just make sure the lid is on!)

2) Big pot that needs more leverage than just your two hands? Take a thick sock and cut of the toe portion and slide it on your forearm to serve as a hot pad so you can carry pans with your forearms more effectivly.

3) Add about a handful of sugar to a pot of water to speed up the boiling process.

4) If you rinse your spagetti with water after you've drained it, the sauce won't stick to it.

5) Have E and helpers and the job will run terrificly! Praise be to God! :)

At the end of the night, we did have plenty leftovers, which, it's always better to have more of than to have too little, or in the words of E "There is no such thing a too much food." Needless to say, a lot of people that attended the Gathering last night are now having pasta for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

On another note, finals week is approching with rapid fire so don't expect me to stop in a blog anytime soon, unless I have some free time on the weekend to stop in and confirm exisitence for a little while. I'll be heading home Thurs, Presentation at WS High School Friday, Presentation at E High School Monday, and then back to Shop N' Save Tuesday! Wow, where has the semester gone?

Peace out peeps - catch ya later, have a blessed day!

Oh- PS- there is roughly 2 feet of snow outside and more on the way :) (Pictures will be posted when the front leaves)

The Most Beautiful Thing

After sitting down at the Potter's house and getting sucked into the great Disney film Aladdin, I decided to head home at 1AM. Such a schedule makes me love the "No Friday classes" schedule. I'll miss that- but tonight- it was greatly worth it.

As I stepped out the door, I was struck with awe of the sight before my eyes. It was a true winter wonderland. The snow flakes lazily dropped from the sky illuminated by the orange lighting from campus. I walked back in the 3-4 inches of fluffy precipiation smiling and humming Christmas tunes. But then the sight became even better.

I wasn't the only one enjoying this blessing. As I turned the corner leading to my building, in the turn around entrance for vehicles, there were ten or more students out, scampering around like children, scooping up handfuls of the freshly-layed snow and throwing snowballs, laughing and giggling. This celebration of snow is something I wanted to take a picture with in my mind and never forget. It was as if they were children again, forgetting the time of morning, and embracing the snow that falls so frequently in this region.

After a blessed night of friendship, learning, and nature, I cannot help but to turn back to the Creator of it all and give him a big thank you.

Thank you, God. It was amazing. You are amazing. Thank you, so very, very, much.