Well, like I said in my last post...life has been hectic since I got back to Abilene.

My apartment situation is interesting. I was suppose to be able to move in on August 15th. Not a big deal,I wouldnt even be in Texas then, but the plan was to stop by here on my way home so my mom and aunt could see my apartment. That didn't happen. I received a disheartening message around the 9thish that said we would not be able to move in until August 25th. School started on the 27th. So, I stayed at home and hung around until the 25th when we pulled out of Houston headed toward Abilene. We got to the apartments and there was CHAOS. Long story short---my parents were planning on sleeping in my apartment on Saturday, but I didnt have a mattress, so my apartment complext paid for our hotel room that night. Luckily, I now have a mattress and bed frame, but the rest is still no where to be found. No living room furniture, no kitchen table, and no bedroom stuff. My life is still packed away in my closet, because they requested us not to have stuff spread out so they can get furniture. Lo and behold---I dont have hot water now :'( But, I know eventually it will be nice and since it is fully furnished I will be glad to be the only person that had lived in that place with that furniture.

My classes are awesome. I have GREAT teachers. Im getting to the point that I just have education and bible classes. Its a beautiful thing! I get to do at least 10 hours of observation in a school this semester and I am really, really, really excited!

My car is still in Houston. Right now I am driving my old truck that I had in HS. It isnt my favorite thing in the world, but the wheels turn and the engine works, so really thats all I need.

I started my job yesterday. One of the best things is that my boss is a professor and elementary rep at ACU. She is also one of my good friends' aunts, so I think I am good to go now til the end of school on teaching advice :) Being a courier is fun, too. I'm glad that twice a week I have about a 140 miles drive (round trip) to think and just have me time. Oh, and I get to see the beautiful landscape of west Texas :)

My roommates are awesome and I am really glad that I am living with them. I really like being back here. I like the mass exodus to the gym at 11:00am, I like seeing old friends, I like hanging out just randomly (until hw starts). Its a great school and I am glad I am here.


This is all right now (well that I will share on the internet. Haha)
I hope to talk to ya'll soon....call me :) (the time difference is KILLIN me...i always want to call during PDX work times)

Oh and I have my address:
2702 N. Judge Ely
Apt 1113A
Abilene, Texas 79601

Mail is good. Haha. And I WILL return the favor :)

Tag...you're it!
I've been tagged...here's the rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (If you don’t have a blog, email me)

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

________

1. My neck is my most tickleish spot ever. If I am awake an laying down, I try to keep it covered with a blanket, or something.

2. I don't really talk on the phone. I really only enjoy doing that with about 5 people.

3. I have a lot of the details of my wedding planned, but I am in no hurry to get married.

4. I have a VERY small personal space bubble if we are not good friends (this includes brushing of hands, side hugs, or anything), but my bubble disappears completely if I like you and we are friends.

5. I have no urge to drive anything but a truck or SUV.

6. I prefer life in black and white.

7. Driving in downtown or populated places makes me really nervous and I will avoid it at all costs.

8. I really like sports. More than most. Especially football. Im weird like that..get over it.


I really have no clue who to tag, but I was tagged by dear Kristi Cash White so I did it :)


Life is good. I am reallyahppy to be back at school. I wish my apartment had furniture, but they lost 30 working days because of rain. SICK. So by the end of this week I will have more than just a bed. But my place is still nice and I am lovin it! I saw Erica today and it was really weird seeing her here and not in Portland, but a blessing to have her here at the same time!


Miss ya'll!

Life is definitely different. I haven't decided what I think about life, except that I have not really figured it out yet. A few things have happened this week...

1. I chopped my hair off again. It looks a little something like this...


I thank Erica ever so much for the styling of the first picture. When I walked out of the salon with poofy hair looking nothing like what I had requested, I questioned short hair on me. Now that it looks more like what I want, it takes only about 10-15 min to blow dry, and I don't have to go to sleep with it wet---I'm not sure I am totally against it any more. A full ponytail is non-existent, but hey...who cares? Im pretty much thinking about leaving it like this at least for the duration of my stay in Texas...frizzy long hair is just NOT cute.

2. I have come to the realization that real life is less than two years away. Yes, my real life still includes the dream of moving to Portland and teaching at an inner city school. I have been looking at what it will take for me to get certified and all. Just before school starts...so I know and I dont have to be rushing to do anything when I graduate. I am trying to make as many tentative decisions before life gets hectic. Nothing is final, but a girl can dream, can't she? Good news---Oregon takes most state's certifications to where I will be able to teach for 6 months and take the Oregon tests during that time. So I dont have to hectically try to schedule tests other times. In less than two years, I will need to move into a place of my own. I love my parents, but I dont think after being on my own for three years that I will want to move back here. Literally, since last summer I have not spent a long time at once at home. Its been hard living here, because my parents love me so much that they just want to help me in any way. But I am use to making my own choices and doing my own thing and its hard to be under my parents' roof again. I don't think I can move back in.

3. I've been thinking of my weird need to feel validated. It's weird to me because I don't feel like I do a good job validating people, but that I need to feel like I am wanted and loved. I love being at home and hearing "I love you" all the time. I don't say that phrase to too many people, so when people say it to me...it is just one of my favorite things. But, I have also realized that I need to stop depending on others to feel like I am doing well or loved. It is nice, don't get me wrong, but I need to stop putting so much importance on it, if that makes sense.

4. My momma re-did my room while I was in Portland. I have always had a dream of having grey walls, black and white pictures, black and white furniture, a black or white bedspread, and little pink accents everywhere. Well, I got that when I got home. It was the first time my room has been redone since we moved here when I was 6. I am really excited. I really, really like it. It looks something like this...



5. I miss a lot of people A LOT right now. I have one of the greatest friends ever, who has been there for me on AIM pretty much every night this week. School will start and life will get busy and we won't talk as much, but it is amazing to have someone who takes as much time as her to make me feel like I matter.


6. Trinity Rose, I miss you sweet girl. A lot....a lot...a lot. I hope you are having fun with your last bit of summer! I love you, girl!

I had a lot of time to think on the way home from Arizona. So here is more interesting stuff.

My Improved 100

My 100

1. I REALLY like hearing sopranos sing.
2. I have been the one of the tallest girls in my grade since about 2nd grade
3. I run when I am mad
4. I am in love with Portland, Oregon
5. I CANNOT sit normally in a car, unless I am driving.
6. I do not start listening to Christmas music until the week of.
7. Other than my immediate family, I only say "I love you" to less than 10 people.
8. I am not looking for a boyfriend.
9. I plan to move to Oregon in less than two years.
10. I want a cocker spaniel REALLY badly...
11. I think I am one of the few people that misses junior high
12. I have never eaten peanut butter.
13. I haven't seen my real nails in over three years.
14. Too many of my friends live in Portland
15.One of my best friends lives in Kansas and goes to school in Arkansas
16. The other one is in Portland and is the coolest adult EVER.
17.I really want to learn how to play the guitar
18. The Houston rodeo is something I look forward to every year.
19. I am probably over obsessed with Reba McEntire
20. I want to adopt a baby from Africa
21. People with strong accents are weird to me.
22. I adore waterfalls
23. Rain makes me smile
24. My favorite color is pink
25. I already have my wedding song and who is going to sing it picked out...
26. ...its "Feels Like Home" and Cheronn is singing it
27. I cannot stand people talking behind my back
28. ...I have stopped friendships because of it
29. I like long sleeve t-shirts
30. I am VERY proud of the fact that I don't have a Texas accent
32. I really want a Georgia accent
33. When I cry, I want to be chased
34. I do not understand why people think it is okay to mix black and brown.(yes YOU)
35. If I dont wear make-up around you...you are a good friend.
36. If I know more than one way to your house...you are a good friend
37. I can sing well, but rarely do solos in front of anyone.
38. I dont like wearing shoes
39. If I do wear shoes, heels are my favorite
40. Don't ask me to hang out a lot during football season, because I'll probably be watching a game.
41. I can only buy jeans at the Levi store, or they will be too short.
42. I generally like nerds. They have the best personalities.
43. Worship at PUMP is my favorite.
44. I always wear my Belinda Bracelet or Belinda necklace
45. I like hanging out with Cheronn more than anyone. Other than my parents, she is the only person who knows me completely
46. I tend to analyze all situations for the danger that might arise.
47. I want two kids and I have their names picked out
48. and they will dress preppy until they are old enough to say they want it otherwise
49. I do NOT like cats
50. I can drive a standard (manual)
51. I am really weird about sleeping in the same bed at people. I could easily say I would only go there with my mom and my two best friends.
52. I have trouble trusting anyone
53. My Daddy is the only man I trust completely
54. I miss PDX alot
55. I do NOT like dry, hot nature
56. I consider a lot of things awkward
57. I do not like to see a sink overflowing with dishes.
58. i love PSP, PUMP and the joys and stresses it all brings! (AMEN CASEY)
59. I want to go to Italy
60. I get frustrated easily with stupidity
61.I like hugging people I love
62. I do not like hugging/touching people that I am not very close to
63. I do not like feet
64. i love sushi
65. I often have deja vu from my dreams
66.I have never ridden in a taxi
67. I want to get my ears pierced, but an deathly afraid of needles
68. I go to sleep with my hair wet
69.People always say I smell good.
70. I like just hanging out with people and not really doing anything.
71. I want someone to write a song about me.
72. Most of the time I feel I wasted a lot of good time playing volleyball
73. I do not like the word, "retarded"
74. I like looking at houses
75. ...which is why HGTV is my favorite TV channel
76. I'm intimidated by the fact that my dream after college will not come true
77. I always have my toenails painted
78. I don't really eat that many sweets
79. I am pretty much always cold.
80. I can't sleep well without the blanket Karla made me for graduation
81. Being alone scares me.
82. I want to move into a house built in the 50's or 60's.
83. My parents have always had to wake me up on Christmas morning
84. I do not like driving on busy streets
85. I have always wanted to move next to my best friend when I grow up so that our kids can have permanent playdates and we can too :)
86. When I get tired, I mispronounce EVERYTHING
87. When I see a car, I think of the person in my life that drives it.
88. I think chicken is the best food ever.
89. I like sitting in silence with friends
90. I think silence with anyone else is awkward
91. do not like it when people beat box on their own or add it to an already existing song.
92. I hardly ever write in pencils
93. I do not like the song, "It is Well With My Soul"
94. I do not like trying on clothes in stores
95. My favorite noise is the sound of my family and friends laughing.
96. One of the most important people in my life is a 6 year old little girl that I just had to leave in Portland.
97.I like looking at wedding dresses
98.I didnt have anyone I considered a best friend until my senior year of high school.
99. I eat around the peppers and tomatoes in queso.
100. I dont really like talking on the phone, except to probably about 5 people.


P.S. I am home. Good deal

I was suppose to be in Texas today, but I am still in Page, Arizona.
For those of you who have not heard, my car broke down Thursday on the way out of the Grand Canyon. It could have been prevented, but wasent.
My Daddy is headed here with a trailer so we can bring it back to Houston, because it would have taken forever for them to get a Land Rover part to this dinky little town.

So its been a pleasant past couple of days. I definitely cannot wait to get home, especially now. I it had been a tough car ride because it was just kinda slow realization that I was leaving.

Phone conversations have made my last few days. Long conversations with Cheronn and Trinity's voice made my days. Its amazing how the little things make me smile right now!


I hope everything is going well with everyone! I miss ya'll!

Well, I guess I am leaving Portland.
It's really rough leaving a place where I feel I belong.
Yesterday was filled with laughter and many tears.
I do not like holding crying children, but it makes me feel good that one child loves me enough to cry. And I do not like crying when holding a crying child, but that happened too.
I found that God brought me here again for reasons that I can see right now and some that I cannot. I cannot wait to see what happens to some of the campers that I had this summer and to see how they choose to live their lives.
But my heart longs to stay here with PUMP, Trin, Cheronn, and all the people that have wrapped their arms around me this summer.


I will miss you!