Where is Part 1, you ask? Part 1 happened back in 2008 when I attended the University of Memphis for one short semester. I thought wanted to get a Master's in English Literature, but I quickly learned English Lit wasn't exactly practical to today's economy. After deciding that wasn't the route I wanted to pursue, I started a wedding planning certification program. The idea still interests me to a degree (pardon the pun), but I haven't found the motivation to complete the program. The program gives a three year window, so I have two of those three years left to finish the project (if I decide to finish it).
In addition to these two unfinished plans, did I mention I got a B.U.S.? That's a Bachelor of University Studies for those of you who didn't know. What does one do with a University Studies degree? Good question. That is one question that I've not been able to answer since getting the degree. My response is usually, "At least I have a degree!" My boss recently sparked this whole dilemma with me again, so I've chosen to take action. Believe me, I'm not one to make decisions based on what other people think of me. I'm much more concerned with what God wants me to be doing. That said, God has placed before me the perfect opportunity to go to graduate school here at UTM. My job here will soon transition from temporary to permanent. As a permanent staff member, I will receive an array of benefits. One being a fantastic fee waiver for grad classes each semester. How could I possibly pass on an opportunity like this?! It's as if God is holding it out, and all I have to do is take it!
The school offers only a few graduate programs, so after discussions with James (and other friends), prayers with God and consideration with myself, I believe a Master of Business Administration will be the best fit. I would have never chosen this degree on my own. I don't even really know what I want to do with it. That is what's so amazing about God. He knew I was having a hard time making a decision about my future, so He has narrowed it down for me. A GMAT appointment is scheduled for this Saturday at noon. Please pray I do well on this test. It's been a while since I've taken a test like this, so I may be a little rusty. If I do pass it, then I'll start taking classes this summer! I trust that this experience will equip me for whatever God has planned for James and me in the future. We're just taking one step at a time!
15 March 2010
11 March 2010
Internet Purge
You may have noticed my blog is now bare, and there is a semi-good reason for it. You may think I'm overreacting but let me explain myself.
A few hours after I created a new post a few days ago, I received an email from a reporter in Florida who wanted to use one of my pictures for a story. This may seem harmless, but I felt exposed. I wondered at first 1) how she had seen the picture and 2) how she had my email address. Then it dawned on me. My blog. She must have seen my blog. She confirmed this, and I politely declined her using my photo.
Since then, I have googled myself and found that I am all over the internet. In retrospect, I have had a cavalier attitude toward the issue and even thought it impressive that one could find little ole me in a search engine. Now I see that is just plain ridiculous. Here comes the potentially overreacting part: I've been totally purging myself from the internet by editing my accounts, deleting pictures and being more selective about who can find me. I am not interested in being "out there" for the world to know; I created this blog for me and my friends and family. I'm not going to go delete my Facebook account or anything, but I am taking this as an opportunity to proceed with caution from now on. (I am going to delete my Myspace account, but that's not so shocking, is it?)
A few hours after I created a new post a few days ago, I received an email from a reporter in Florida who wanted to use one of my pictures for a story. This may seem harmless, but I felt exposed. I wondered at first 1) how she had seen the picture and 2) how she had my email address. Then it dawned on me. My blog. She must have seen my blog. She confirmed this, and I politely declined her using my photo.
Since then, I have googled myself and found that I am all over the internet. In retrospect, I have had a cavalier attitude toward the issue and even thought it impressive that one could find little ole me in a search engine. Now I see that is just plain ridiculous. Here comes the potentially overreacting part: I've been totally purging myself from the internet by editing my accounts, deleting pictures and being more selective about who can find me. I am not interested in being "out there" for the world to know; I created this blog for me and my friends and family. I'm not going to go delete my Facebook account or anything, but I am taking this as an opportunity to proceed with caution from now on. (I am going to delete my Myspace account, but that's not so shocking, is it?)
08 March 2010
Spring is on its way!
Even though my birthday is today, my family came to see us on Saturday to celebrate. We ate a late lunch at Applebee's, rented 2012, and bought an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. When my mom mentioned she wanted to get me a cake from Baskin Robbins, you would have thought she handed me the moon. I was so excited! It was such a great day.
The weather was perfect all weekend. Yesterday James worked on his school work most of the day, and as a late afternoon break, we walked to an empty field on campus and played catch and Frisbee. We laughed so hard together. It was definitely a relaxing and perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!
Despite these wonderful times during the weekend, my heart aches right now for a man who has worked at Cole's for as long as I can remember. I've know him and worked with him on and off for nearly ten years. He went fishing on Saturday on the Mississippi River, but someone found his boat overturned. The Coast Guard has been searching for him ever since. I pray that somehow he's out there alive somewhere. If not, I just ask God that his body will be found quickly so that his wife and his family can have closure and start a long road toward healing.
The weather was perfect all weekend. Yesterday James worked on his school work most of the day, and as a late afternoon break, we walked to an empty field on campus and played catch and Frisbee. We laughed so hard together. It was definitely a relaxing and perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!
Despite these wonderful times during the weekend, my heart aches right now for a man who has worked at Cole's for as long as I can remember. I've know him and worked with him on and off for nearly ten years. He went fishing on Saturday on the Mississippi River, but someone found his boat overturned. The Coast Guard has been searching for him ever since. I pray that somehow he's out there alive somewhere. If not, I just ask God that his body will be found quickly so that his wife and his family can have closure and start a long road toward healing.
04 March 2010
Two Miles!
James and I walked/jogged at the track last night for the first time since last week. I developed a head cold or something over the weekend, so my energy level had plummeted for several days. The last good workout I had was Friday night, so last night I was pumped about hitting the track. I am proud to say I jogged two miles!
The last time I jogged that far was during the summer of 2008. It was the very next day though that my back problems began, so I essentially quit exercising after that. After some physical therapy and chiropractic care, my back muscles are stronger. Because of this, I haven't been experiencing back pain. It was such a mistake to quit working out that first time my back went out because more than anything my back needed to be strengthened.
I realize two miles isn't that far to run (especially since James ran four last night with ease), but for me it's definitely a big deal. I look forward to pushing myself further and seeing how far I can go!
The last time I jogged that far was during the summer of 2008. It was the very next day though that my back problems began, so I essentially quit exercising after that. After some physical therapy and chiropractic care, my back muscles are stronger. Because of this, I haven't been experiencing back pain. It was such a mistake to quit working out that first time my back went out because more than anything my back needed to be strengthened.
I realize two miles isn't that far to run (especially since James ran four last night with ease), but for me it's definitely a big deal. I look forward to pushing myself further and seeing how far I can go!
22 February 2010
"Been Working on My Fitness"
This weekend was so great. It began with me leaving work Friday in the best mood ever. The sun was shining and the air was warmer than it has been in a long time. I ran home, grabbed my dirty laundry and drove to Brandi's house. On the way, I chatted with my aunt and friend Jeana who desperately needed some cheering up. Both her dishwasher and her washing machine broke in the same day! Not to mention, her husband lost his job not long ago, they are financially tighter than usual. By the end of the conversation, we were laughing and she was telling me how happy my call had made her. :) That made my day!
A few minutes later, I arrived at Brandi's house. She graciously has offered us the use of her washer and dryer since we don't have access to them at our apartment. It's not so bad though because while the clothes were washing and drying, Brandi and I had the opportunity to catch up and laugh all evening! We are so much alike these days in regards to our marriages, our exercise goals and our massive sweet addictions. It's so nice to have a friend who understands. I thank God for her presence in my life.
I slept in late on Saturday morning, and when I woke up, I decided to go for a bike ride. The weather was perfect for a ride too. A half hour later, I came in and worked out to my pilates dvd. I really am working toward getting some ab definition. It'll take a while, but as James says, "consistency is the key."
My friend Ashley and her husband Brian were in town this past week from Colorado, and they had coordinated a get-together for Saturday night. I was so excited because I hadn't seen them since their wedding last August. I also knew I would get to see my friend Jenn and her husband Eli. I knew it was going to be a great night. It didn't start well though. James and I lost track of time, and I didn't give myself enough time to get ready. We were only going to be a about a half hour late, and the evening was intended to be flexible for everyone. Even with these truths in mind, I started to feel anxious. The entire car ride to Jackson, I struggled with my anxiety, but James, as always, supported me and did his best to help me remain calm in light of being "late". As expected, we arrived, no one even noticed we were late (why do I let myself get so worked up?) and everything after that was amazing. We had the best time reminiscing and updating each other. We ate dinner together and played "Catch Phrase." My favorite part of the night was when Tobey jokingly said something about praying together, and Jenn used that opportunity to initiate just that. So once everyone had the chance to share what their prayer needs were, we went around the circle praying for the person to our right. It was an amazing way to end a great evening with brothers and sisters in Christ. It made me realize how much I long to see the day when all God's people will meet in Heaven, and we'll all be together, enjoying one another's company (especially God's) for eternity.
On Sunday I met with two friends from the night before and went to First Baptist here in Martin. I hadn't been in such a long time, so it was refreshing. The new pastor there shared a pertinent and applicable message about desiring God's Word and spending quality time with Him daily. That's a message every Christian needs to hear no matter how many times they may have heard it already. After church, I changed clothes and biked to Wal-mart and back. With the few groceries that I fit into my backpack, I struggled on the return trip, but it was well worth it! Needless to say, after the bike ride, I was ready for a nap. I woke up to James coming home from Paris (where he had gone the night before to drop off his truck which needs mechanical work done to it). We then enjoyed a relaxing evening together.
I woke up quite sluggish today, but the feeling eventually wore off. Have I mentioned that I love my job? Well, I do! After work, James and I walked/jogged around the track. When all was said and done, we had walked 1.5 miles and jogged 1.5 miles. I am definitely getting in better shape. It's about time too after a year and a half of laziness! When we got home, I found this website online called bodyrock.tv. Zuzana, the girl who created the site, is from the Czech Republic, and she has the body of a goddess. She posts daily work out videos that are pretty intense. I did one of the work outs tonight, and it kicked my you-know-what! I like her! A month ago I would have thought she was nuts, but as I'm getting more and more comfortable with exercising, I'm pumped about trying more of her muscle-building moves!
This is quite a long update. Thanks for reading it all the way through if you in fact made it this far! Have a great day tomorrow! Do something active!
A few minutes later, I arrived at Brandi's house. She graciously has offered us the use of her washer and dryer since we don't have access to them at our apartment. It's not so bad though because while the clothes were washing and drying, Brandi and I had the opportunity to catch up and laugh all evening! We are so much alike these days in regards to our marriages, our exercise goals and our massive sweet addictions. It's so nice to have a friend who understands. I thank God for her presence in my life.
I slept in late on Saturday morning, and when I woke up, I decided to go for a bike ride. The weather was perfect for a ride too. A half hour later, I came in and worked out to my pilates dvd. I really am working toward getting some ab definition. It'll take a while, but as James says, "consistency is the key."
My friend Ashley and her husband Brian were in town this past week from Colorado, and they had coordinated a get-together for Saturday night. I was so excited because I hadn't seen them since their wedding last August. I also knew I would get to see my friend Jenn and her husband Eli. I knew it was going to be a great night. It didn't start well though. James and I lost track of time, and I didn't give myself enough time to get ready. We were only going to be a about a half hour late, and the evening was intended to be flexible for everyone. Even with these truths in mind, I started to feel anxious. The entire car ride to Jackson, I struggled with my anxiety, but James, as always, supported me and did his best to help me remain calm in light of being "late". As expected, we arrived, no one even noticed we were late (why do I let myself get so worked up?) and everything after that was amazing. We had the best time reminiscing and updating each other. We ate dinner together and played "Catch Phrase." My favorite part of the night was when Tobey jokingly said something about praying together, and Jenn used that opportunity to initiate just that. So once everyone had the chance to share what their prayer needs were, we went around the circle praying for the person to our right. It was an amazing way to end a great evening with brothers and sisters in Christ. It made me realize how much I long to see the day when all God's people will meet in Heaven, and we'll all be together, enjoying one another's company (especially God's) for eternity.
On Sunday I met with two friends from the night before and went to First Baptist here in Martin. I hadn't been in such a long time, so it was refreshing. The new pastor there shared a pertinent and applicable message about desiring God's Word and spending quality time with Him daily. That's a message every Christian needs to hear no matter how many times they may have heard it already. After church, I changed clothes and biked to Wal-mart and back. With the few groceries that I fit into my backpack, I struggled on the return trip, but it was well worth it! Needless to say, after the bike ride, I was ready for a nap. I woke up to James coming home from Paris (where he had gone the night before to drop off his truck which needs mechanical work done to it). We then enjoyed a relaxing evening together.
I woke up quite sluggish today, but the feeling eventually wore off. Have I mentioned that I love my job? Well, I do! After work, James and I walked/jogged around the track. When all was said and done, we had walked 1.5 miles and jogged 1.5 miles. I am definitely getting in better shape. It's about time too after a year and a half of laziness! When we got home, I found this website online called bodyrock.tv. Zuzana, the girl who created the site, is from the Czech Republic, and she has the body of a goddess. She posts daily work out videos that are pretty intense. I did one of the work outs tonight, and it kicked my you-know-what! I like her! A month ago I would have thought she was nuts, but as I'm getting more and more comfortable with exercising, I'm pumped about trying more of her muscle-building moves!
This is quite a long update. Thanks for reading it all the way through if you in fact made it this far! Have a great day tomorrow! Do something active!
18 February 2010
Whoa! Have two and a half weeks passed by already?
I've neglected my blog again. I do apologize! With this NEW JOB and everything, life has just been so busy! Yes, that's right. For those of you who weren't aware (and I'm sorry for not updating sooner), I did get the job at UT Martin in the Engineering Department. In fact, I got the job within two hours of the interview and started the very next day at 8:00am.
Have I mentioned how much I love this job? I love it! It's perfect for me. The environment, the people, the work, the campus. God is so good.
The only set-back about the job is this: it's temporary. I got this job by placing an application in the school's temp pool. I'm going to apply for the permanent position once it's posted on the school's online employment website, so until then I must wait for permanency. When (and if) that happens, I will get benefits. The best benefit of all? FREE classes each semester! Hello Master's Degree! Plus, James will get 50% off from his tuition. Score!
God has been so gracious to us. When we first moved here a month ago, we began to doubt our decision. There were some financial burdens we weren't expecting and other things that make us wonder. Within the past month though, God has showed us with certainty that He brought us here for a reason. Praise His holy name!
Have I mentioned how much I love this job? I love it! It's perfect for me. The environment, the people, the work, the campus. God is so good.
The only set-back about the job is this: it's temporary. I got this job by placing an application in the school's temp pool. I'm going to apply for the permanent position once it's posted on the school's online employment website, so until then I must wait for permanency. When (and if) that happens, I will get benefits. The best benefit of all? FREE classes each semester! Hello Master's Degree! Plus, James will get 50% off from his tuition. Score!
God has been so gracious to us. When we first moved here a month ago, we began to doubt our decision. There were some financial burdens we weren't expecting and other things that make us wonder. Within the past month though, God has showed us with certainty that He brought us here for a reason. Praise His holy name!
31 January 2010
A Weekend of Firsts
Despite the weather this weekend, James and I spent Friday at the hospital. We and his family were awaiting the arrival of his sister's second baby boy. Much to my surprise, Tina didn't mind one bit if we stayed in the room during the delivery. At first, I wasn't so sure about it but decided to stay and watch the process unfold. Truth be told, it was the most amazing event I have ever witnessed! Words could not describe what took place in that delivery room, but I will never forget the experience.
Logan Matthew was born on Friday, January 28, 2010 at 4:30pm. He weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and was 20 inches long.
Matt, Tina, Oliver, and Logan are now at home, happy and healthy. We visited with them tonight. It's so amazing how small Logan is compared to Oliver, who is about 18 months old. It won't take long for Logan to grow as big as his brother! They grow up so fast!
With the snowfall we had this weekend came snowball fights, snowman building and snow mobile riding. That's right, friends! I got the chance to ride a snow mobile! James' dad has had it a few years now, but neither of us have ever been around to ride it until yesterday. What's funny is how James' nearly 80 years old grandpa rides faster than anyone else!
What I have to say next is certainly not the best part considering my sister-in-law brought a new life into this world on Friday, but this is exciting news nonetheless. Someone finally called me and set up a job interview! The engineering department at UT Martin needs a temporary secretary, and they asked that I come in for an interview tomorrow! Hooray! Let's all be praying!
And lastly, I hit the 10 pound mark this weekend! Only 6 pounds to go before I'm at my goal weight!
Logan Matthew was born on Friday, January 28, 2010 at 4:30pm. He weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and was 20 inches long.
With the snowfall we had this weekend came snowball fights, snowman building and snow mobile riding. That's right, friends! I got the chance to ride a snow mobile! James' dad has had it a few years now, but neither of us have ever been around to ride it until yesterday. What's funny is how James' nearly 80 years old grandpa rides faster than anyone else! What I have to say next is certainly not the best part considering my sister-in-law brought a new life into this world on Friday, but this is exciting news nonetheless. Someone finally called me and set up a job interview! The engineering department at UT Martin needs a temporary secretary, and they asked that I come in for an interview tomorrow! Hooray! Let's all be praying!
And lastly, I hit the 10 pound mark this weekend! Only 6 pounds to go before I'm at my goal weight!
27 January 2010
Mystery Solved!
Steve and Adam, two installers who work at Cole's, solved the "wall crawler" mystery! They found two mice trapped in a vent above the door of the guest room. Unfortunately for the mice, freedom from the little wall prison only led to their demise. Thanks to Steve and Adam, I'll be able to get some sleep tonight!
Lexie vs "Wall Crawler", Part 2
That animal in the wall at my cousin's house is still going strong. I'm starting to feel bad for whatever it is. It's been in the same spot in the wall/in the attic (not really sure which) for at least two days now. I wasn't there all weekend, so it could have been there since Friday for all I know. One of the installers at Cole's took my copy of Christie's key so he can do some work on her house today. I told him about the little "wall crawler" and he said he would check it out. Maybe he can solve the mystery. To be continued . . .
26 January 2010
So much for one blog a day!
Well, I wrote a blog every day for three whole days! :) No offense, my dear readers, but I had other things to focus on this weekend like . . .
. . . spending the weekend in Martin with James! After visiting Zach, Emily and Jonah Cook for an hour or so Friday night, I drove two hours to be with my husband. It was so good to see him again after being apart for a week. Honestly though, I haven't missed him as much as you would think. I suppose I'm really focused on our goal here. That is, James go to school and Lexie make the money.
On Saturday, James and I went for an hour long walk down a new (it's new to us) trail. We went at the perfect time too because not long after we finished, the weather started to get bad. On Sunday the weather had cleared so we went for another walk. This time our intentions were to walk to Movies-to-Go and Wal-mart. The girl at the movie store informed us that we could only pay with cash or a check, and we only had a debit card. We started to walk toward Wal-mart thinking after we made our purchases there, we would get cash back in order to rent a movie. Mid-way through the (movie theater/rental store) parking lot, James decided that he was hungry, so we started to walk toward the Dragon Star Buffet. We changed our minds, turned around and backtracked toward Los Portales. After seeing how full the parking lot was, we changed our minds again and walked back to the Chinese restaurant. After a satisfying meal, we walked to Wal-mart, made our purchases and walked back to the apartment. This all took about three hours to accomplish. It was actually a lot of fun, and we laughed practically the whole time.
On Monday morning, I drove back to Millington so I could work at Cole's. Around 1:30pm, I went to the Millington Police Dept to report a fradulant check writer, and at 2:50pm I picked my brother Eric up from school. After work, I went to my parents, ate dinner, watched tv and walked a half hour on the tredmill.
Back at Christie's around 9:30pm, I had a bit of a freak out moment because I heard noises in the attic or walls or something. James reassured me over the phone that there was not a person in the attic, just some animal. That pesky thing actually kept me awake too! It moved around in the wall (of the room I'm staying in) for hours (it seemed). I even woke up to it moving in the wall! That crazy thing needs to either die or get out and go live in the wild where it belongs (preferably the second option).
That concludes my weekend! I do hope you all had a great one and an even better week!
. . . spending the weekend in Martin with James! After visiting Zach, Emily and Jonah Cook for an hour or so Friday night, I drove two hours to be with my husband. It was so good to see him again after being apart for a week. Honestly though, I haven't missed him as much as you would think. I suppose I'm really focused on our goal here. That is, James go to school and Lexie make the money.
On Saturday, James and I went for an hour long walk down a new (it's new to us) trail. We went at the perfect time too because not long after we finished, the weather started to get bad. On Sunday the weather had cleared so we went for another walk. This time our intentions were to walk to Movies-to-Go and Wal-mart. The girl at the movie store informed us that we could only pay with cash or a check, and we only had a debit card. We started to walk toward Wal-mart thinking after we made our purchases there, we would get cash back in order to rent a movie. Mid-way through the (movie theater/rental store) parking lot, James decided that he was hungry, so we started to walk toward the Dragon Star Buffet. We changed our minds, turned around and backtracked toward Los Portales. After seeing how full the parking lot was, we changed our minds again and walked back to the Chinese restaurant. After a satisfying meal, we walked to Wal-mart, made our purchases and walked back to the apartment. This all took about three hours to accomplish. It was actually a lot of fun, and we laughed practically the whole time.
On Monday morning, I drove back to Millington so I could work at Cole's. Around 1:30pm, I went to the Millington Police Dept to report a fradulant check writer, and at 2:50pm I picked my brother Eric up from school. After work, I went to my parents, ate dinner, watched tv and walked a half hour on the tredmill.
Back at Christie's around 9:30pm, I had a bit of a freak out moment because I heard noises in the attic or walls or something. James reassured me over the phone that there was not a person in the attic, just some animal. That pesky thing actually kept me awake too! It moved around in the wall (of the room I'm staying in) for hours (it seemed). I even woke up to it moving in the wall! That crazy thing needs to either die or get out and go live in the wild where it belongs (preferably the second option).
That concludes my weekend! I do hope you all had a great one and an even better week!
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