Thursday, January 31, 2008

State exam

At school today I was talking with a professor about taking my final state exam this past Saturday. Ok, the exam was KILLER hard. Many people I spoke with that had already taken the exam said that it was a breeze and nothing to worry about. But since I know that I take tests differently and like to be super prepared, I still went all out by purchasing a study guide and questioning those who have already taken the exam. Going in I felt very prepared and like I was ready to conquer. Those feelings soon changed as I began reading the questions. I struggled through the entire thing! It was draining, frustrating, and time consuming. While I was testing I couldn't help but think about those who said that it was a piece of cake. Did I miss something? Did I study the wrong thing? Where did I go wrong? Why do I have to be the only one not getting this test? I felt that I was lacking or inadequate.

As I was sharing some of my experience with this professor she told me that she heard from several others that the exam was hard too! When she said this, I was so relieved. I was grateful to hear that I wasn't the only one who had a difficult time. I almost wanted to kiss her because I felt so comforted. I was not alone in how I was feeling or what I experienced. I was so thankful and this put me at ease. So when I get the results back in a month and find out that I might have to retake it, I won't feel stupid, alone, or that I failed.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

A year ago

It is weird to think that one year ago the Bears were headed to the Superbowl. That was such an exciting time for Chicago and for me (since I love football). I can remember the rush of feelings and anxiousness of Superbowl Sunday approaching. At the time I was teaching and the Friday before the big game everything in class was related to football; food, activities, attire... We had so much fun! As this years Superbowl approaches, there is not much excitement or anticipation. I will most likely watch the game and I am hoping for not an annihilation but for some competition.

But overall, I really do wish the Bears were in it again.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

If you wouldn't mind

Tomorrow is the big day! My last state exam. I am anxious, nervous, can't wait until it is finished, feel slightly confident, thankful it will be over tomorrow...As I have reminded myself this week by praying and reaffirming myself with Scripture please pray that God will give me peace, confidence, and wisdom in order that I can accomplish this task in front of me (pray that I pass too!).

Thanks

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

LIFE.....

I find it interesting how through out your life you go through seasons. Some are hard and some are easy. Some are enjoyable and some are sad. I am in a season of being stretched and tested. It is exhausting, frustrating, and draining, but with out sounding too "Christiany", I am glad that my hope is in Christ. I know that when I come out of this season, I will be strong and well equipped for the next step in God's plan. I am constantly reminding myself to take one day at a time. And I repeatedly say to myself that God has a plan for my life, one to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me a hope and future. Those words I have close to my heart. Sometimes songs speak more clearly than I can express, some lyrics that I find myself singing are "Oh no You never let go, through the calm and through the storm, oh no You never let go every high and every low, oh no You never let, Lord, You never let go of me...There will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, still I will praise You!"

Monday, January 21, 2008

TV/movies

Kind of funny that the GB and NYG game was played in 24 below temps and the Superbowl will be played in the 60s. I would have enjoyed seeing the Packers play the Pats, but I do like that both Manning brothers play in back to back Superbowl games.

A part of me is missing, since 24 is not on!

"27 Dresses"....I loved!!!! A great chick flick to start off my year.

There are no shows on this season that I am super excited about. I am anxiously waiting for the return of "The Hills"! I am also looking forward to "Big Brother" and "The Inferno or Gauntlet" (whatever MTV is calling it) starting up again.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Driving

Do you ever wonder how you get from one place to the next? I can't figure out how my foot knows the exact pressure to put on the gas pedal in order to obtain a certain speed and stay at that limit, which eliminates me from looking at the speedometer. Does it ever seem to you like your car just knows where it is going? There have been days where I am totally preoccupied with my thoughts but end up where I need to be and wonder, how in the world did that happen?

Random thoughts....

Monday, January 14, 2008

Update

School is starting up again this week. I am not looking forward to this, but I realize that it gets to me closer to the end of my school journey and boy does that bring a smile to my face! So I will be taking 3 classes and in the midst of that preparing to take my final state exam.

I feel blessed to be able to have a job where I work when I can, that would be nannying and tutoring. An exciting thing happened this past week. A family called and asked me to tutor their child, but what is so great is that the class that I took last semester are the some of the exact tools I needed to assist this student. I am not sure I would have been able to help this student to the fullest, but now I feel confident and have an idea of where to begin and what to do. Yeah!

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Back on track

After being sick for about a week and my body recovering, I have not been able to work out. Now granted, I couldn't imagine exercising while not feeling well, but then on the road to recovery I kind of enjoyed skipping out on my workout. Isn't it easy to fall out of a habit instead of picking one up...usually?

Since I am feeling great, I knew that it was time to get back into the workout routine. In a weird way I was kind of looking forward to it because my body was use to it and I knew that it will help me stay healthy and get fit. This morning I did it. And boy, it felt good. Tomorrow I may be a little sore, but that doesn't bother me one bit. These words of "looking forward" to a workout I thought would NEVER come out of my mouth. Since this habit has now been in place for a while it wasn't nearly as bad to get back into this routine.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Here we go again!

There were 3 major state exams that I needed to take while I am finishing my state certification. In November I took 2 of them and I just decided to take the 3rd one at the end of January. They are crazy intense and don't want to take it so soon, but I am also thinking that I will be done and over with them and won't have to think about it again, if all goes well. If you think of me pray that God would give me wisdom and peace! I am also hoping that my study guide will come quickly so I can get a jump on the action!!!

Friday, January 04, 2008

Money IS the root of all evil

There are days when this phrase is ringing in my ears loud and clear. Today happens to be one of those days!!! If anyone knows me, they know that I am a very careful spender...some may even call me cheap. I am very aware of how much money I have and I like to make smart decisions on how to spend my hard earned money. As a student I am working hard to survive and enjoy life. There are days like today that I just wish I didn't have to worry about every freaking nickel, penny, and dime!

I am dreaming of the day when I don't have to decide between getting a Starbucks drink or picking up fast food for lunch. I am dreaming of the day when I can go on a vacation and not have had to save up for it over a few months. I am dreaming of the day when I can go shopping a drop a few hundred dollars and it not be a problem. I am dreaming of the day when I don't have to worry about money. I guess I will have to keep dreaming. I am reminded that all these "dreams" are wants and things that I don't have to have but sure would love to have and enjoy. I don't think God has planned my life to always have to live paycheck to paycheck. I am not doubting that living this way has taught me things like good spending habits, how to live debt free...but there will come a day (I am confident of this, but don't have a clue how it will happen) when I will be able to celebrate my dream!

A penny for your thoughts.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy New Year

I would like to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! My new year is starting off right with a drink and treat from Starbucks! Although it is sad to see that their holiday cups are gone, something new and fresh lies ahead.


Last year I made a list of things I would like to accomplish through out the year. I am pleased to say that I accomplished most of them. I really like this idea and am going to try it again for 2008. Some of the things might be ones from last year (I liked them so well I couldn't get rid of them) but there are a few new ones in there too.


-make a new friend
-take a trip to Vegas for my birthday
-be more consistent with my God time
-continue to work out 3 times a week
-take a risk
-go parasailing
-help someone in need
-discover more of who I am and what that means
-keep my car cleaner


I may have forgotten a few...I will add them if I think of them. Have you made any "resolutions", what are they?