I am officially an ex-resident of Corlew Hall. After almost a calendar year, I moved out today. I started last night at about 9pm - because my mom called back after I told her I could move out by the 9th to say she'd be there in the morning - and stayed up until about 2, then got up at 7 to put most everything in my car and wait for her to bring the truck for the big stuff.
When I brought the last of everything down, I realized I wouldn't have a reason to go back into the building ever again. I get attached to places like that in a weird way even with community bathrooms, disgusting smells on the boys floors, loud people above me, the crazy people always in the lobby. It was the first place I lived outside of my parent's house, so I guess I'll always remember it for being that milestone.
While I lived in Corlew, I:
-made some good friends
-got to know Cody better
-listened to my girls and their problems
-stayed up all night with someone who was sick
-laid in the shower when I was deathly ill
-celebrated my 21st birthday
-made a Haunted House
-discovered a new favorite movie
-yelled at my boss
-went to a toga party, and discovered why I should never go again
-listened to new, great music
-went to the best Shooter show yet
-stopped wasting my time dating the wrong guys, and started waiting for a good one
-attended the CMA Music Awards, and met some country music stars
-got elected Ag. Council President
-watched way too much Rock of Love, despite it being the stupidest show in existence
-learned that my family is great to be around
-found out my brother is getting married
-watched lots of Grey's Anatomy
-made some awesome grades, made some not so awesome grades
-renewed my faith in my major
-castrated a bull calf
-killed a few spiders (an act of major bravery for me)
and of course, TONS more. Those are the most distinct memories from the past year. Moving on! I'll be in Wood Hall this fall, then in December I move back to Sumner Co. to be closer to the places where I student teach, then ... I'll graduate!
On a different note, I'm buying my first computer tonight! The tax-free weekend starts at midnight, and since I'd stay up that late anyway, I'm going to buy it then. I know for most people it's old hat but I'm so excited to be able to take it to class, the library, my room ... no more smelly computer labs.
I'm also looking forward to the next three weeks I'll have at home. I plan to:
-clean out, vacuum, and clean the upholstery in my car
-clean out my closet
-donate my old clothes
-organize my scrapbooking stuff
-transfer my iTunes to my new computer
-cook dinner most nights
Speaking of cooking dinner, I really need to get better, so I've taken over supper for the next three weeks to make up for mooching of my parents while I'm here. Tonight was easy, there wasn't much to choose from since we need to go shopping, so I made ham and cheese sandwiches, with pasta. Which is a weird combo, I know, but my parents like this Italian and Ranch pasta mix and they don't seem to mind that they picked things that don't necessarily compliment each other. It bothers me though, because I'm just as much about presentation as I am the food. Tomorrow night is Mexican - grilled steak burritos. I'll have made lots of things by the time I go back to Murfreesboro, hopefully improving my cooking skills.
I'm going to wait for our midnight shopping trip by watching America's Best Dance Crew - go Fanny Pack!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Decoration Shopping and Fair Week
The past few days back home in Sumner County have been really productive. I got to come home to Castalian Springs on Saturday night and Mom and I went shopping for groceries. On Sunday I made my lemon pepper chicken for Mom and Dad, and this time I feel like I did much better. Simply because I only had one skillet, I had to cook the potatoes in a deeper pot and it seemed to prevent them from drying out. Now I know! Dad really liked it and our picky cat who loves chicken ate it too!
On Monday, I went shopping with Danny, Amanda, and Amanda's mom to look at wedding decorations. We went to JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart. Since I am making the arrangements, we decided on silk flowers for everything but the bouquets and boutonnières. That way I'll be able to get lots done ahead of time during my 2 week break before class starts. We also got lots of nice glass bowls and vases for what I think will be a beautiful centerpiece. It will involve water, floating candles, and mirrors. I was happy to be able to help them and I feel good about them trusting me with decorating their wedding. Here is everything in bags on my floor!
I also spoke with a representative for Blue Raider Athletics concerning Raiderfest this year. I'm looking forward to his involvement in making it a big event this November. I want MTSU Ag to be renowned for a great event for FFA and 4-H members. His ideas for making it a more "all-around" experience that day should be things the Ag. Council will be excited to hear about at our first meeting.
Today was a big day at the fair! Tuesday has always been the Poultry Show and Auction, and as a big poultry person I've always been involved somehow. When I was young, it meant getting up at 6am to load the chickens into cages and get down to the fairgrounds in the disgustingly hot truck with no air, loading them into fair cages, registering, and waiting for judging. This year, Danny, Mom, Matt Farris and I judged the show. I love exercising what I learned in a real life situation, and everytime I judge a class I feel like I learn something new. Judging the Red and Black Sexlinks together was a little confusing because they develop at vastly different rates, but we ended up having to judge them all together. The auction brought over $1600! Since my mom has been the PA in charge of the Chick Chain, attendance and participation has improved greatly. She's good at what she does! This is my brother and Clint deciding on Grand and Reserve Champion.
After talking with a Rutherford Co. Agent, Clint called and told me he suggested me to the agent to judge their upcoming poultry show. I love judging and I'm excited to do it!
After sweating all morning in the Poultry Barn, I went to the office and changed into dress clothes to judge the Fun with Fashions and 4-H Clover Style shows. I remember dressing up and modeling when I was young, and I remember being nervous. I was proud of all the girls today for being so calm and prepared.
Jessica, Diane, Bethany, Mom and I are going out tonight to eat and to a movie - I can't wait to make some trouble with them! We always have so much fun, I'm making sure to bring Tylenol so I won't get a headache from laughing. Jessica and I are due for another round of pictures, too.
The past few days have been great and productive - proof that things are better in Sumner County!
On Monday, I went shopping with Danny, Amanda, and Amanda's mom to look at wedding decorations. We went to JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart. Since I am making the arrangements, we decided on silk flowers for everything but the bouquets and boutonnières. That way I'll be able to get lots done ahead of time during my 2 week break before class starts. We also got lots of nice glass bowls and vases for what I think will be a beautiful centerpiece. It will involve water, floating candles, and mirrors. I was happy to be able to help them and I feel good about them trusting me with decorating their wedding. Here is everything in bags on my floor!
I also spoke with a representative for Blue Raider Athletics concerning Raiderfest this year. I'm looking forward to his involvement in making it a big event this November. I want MTSU Ag to be renowned for a great event for FFA and 4-H members. His ideas for making it a more "all-around" experience that day should be things the Ag. Council will be excited to hear about at our first meeting.
Today was a big day at the fair! Tuesday has always been the Poultry Show and Auction, and as a big poultry person I've always been involved somehow. When I was young, it meant getting up at 6am to load the chickens into cages and get down to the fairgrounds in the disgustingly hot truck with no air, loading them into fair cages, registering, and waiting for judging. This year, Danny, Mom, Matt Farris and I judged the show. I love exercising what I learned in a real life situation, and everytime I judge a class I feel like I learn something new. Judging the Red and Black Sexlinks together was a little confusing because they develop at vastly different rates, but we ended up having to judge them all together. The auction brought over $1600! Since my mom has been the PA in charge of the Chick Chain, attendance and participation has improved greatly. She's good at what she does! This is my brother and Clint deciding on Grand and Reserve Champion.
After talking with a Rutherford Co. Agent, Clint called and told me he suggested me to the agent to judge their upcoming poultry show. I love judging and I'm excited to do it!
After sweating all morning in the Poultry Barn, I went to the office and changed into dress clothes to judge the Fun with Fashions and 4-H Clover Style shows. I remember dressing up and modeling when I was young, and I remember being nervous. I was proud of all the girls today for being so calm and prepared.
Jessica, Diane, Bethany, Mom and I are going out tonight to eat and to a movie - I can't wait to make some trouble with them! We always have so much fun, I'm making sure to bring Tylenol so I won't get a headache from laughing. Jessica and I are due for another round of pictures, too.
The past few days have been great and productive - proof that things are better in Sumner County!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday Night!
Today I slept for the majority of the day and tonight I'm going to Jim's to hang out with CODY AND DARRIN! I haven't seen them since we went to see Sex and the City premiere so I've missed them! That's the only noteworthy thing happening today, but I do plan to curl my hair in this new awesome way I saw online, so if it turns out well I'll post pictures. :)
I'm going home tomorrow!
I'm going home tomorrow!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Being Productive
I have accomplished some goals this week.
First, I have not eaten any fast food. I FINALLY got groceries, (like I meant to all summer) instead of just running to Sonic. Not only is this saving money but its healthier!
Second, I've been wanting to cook a good meal, and last night I cooked supper at Ashley's apartment. It was actually good! I made lemon pepper chicken, seasoned potatoes, peaches and cream corn on the cob, and crescent rolls. Ashley ate most of hers and I was starving so I had all of mine, which means it couldn't have been all that bad. Next time, I won't use as much lemon juice.
I'm having a second summer Ag. Council meeting tonight. It will probably be sparse, but I don't mind. I just wanted a few people to show up so we can get an idea of when to have the first Ag. Council meeting, and I wanted to get a rough idea for an agenda for the first meeting. I want to make big signs and re-do the Ag. Council space on the octagon before class starts. This year we're going to do it big. I'm excited for what we can accomplish.
I had to deal with Housing and Financial Aid today ... I always feel terror in the pit of my stomach when talking to Financial Aid. But it always turns out ok and today was no exception. Housing, however, has charged me for a Freshman meal plan ... which is something I can't even explain. The woman made it sound like she may or may not be able to take it off - $1,174, btw - so now I am obsessively checking my email to see if she's responded.
Having to talk to everyone and get transferred from here to there back to the first person and over to another department and blah blah ... makes me SO READY TO GRADUATE!
First, I have not eaten any fast food. I FINALLY got groceries, (like I meant to all summer) instead of just running to Sonic. Not only is this saving money but its healthier!
Second, I've been wanting to cook a good meal, and last night I cooked supper at Ashley's apartment. It was actually good! I made lemon pepper chicken, seasoned potatoes, peaches and cream corn on the cob, and crescent rolls. Ashley ate most of hers and I was starving so I had all of mine, which means it couldn't have been all that bad. Next time, I won't use as much lemon juice.
I'm having a second summer Ag. Council meeting tonight. It will probably be sparse, but I don't mind. I just wanted a few people to show up so we can get an idea of when to have the first Ag. Council meeting, and I wanted to get a rough idea for an agenda for the first meeting. I want to make big signs and re-do the Ag. Council space on the octagon before class starts. This year we're going to do it big. I'm excited for what we can accomplish.
I had to deal with Housing and Financial Aid today ... I always feel terror in the pit of my stomach when talking to Financial Aid. But it always turns out ok and today was no exception. Housing, however, has charged me for a Freshman meal plan ... which is something I can't even explain. The woman made it sound like she may or may not be able to take it off - $1,174, btw - so now I am obsessively checking my email to see if she's responded.
Having to talk to everyone and get transferred from here to there back to the first person and over to another department and blah blah ... makes me SO READY TO GRADUATE!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Corlew is Closed!
Finally! I may not be out of my building quite yet, but it is officially CLOSED for the rest of the summer. I am on call tonight and not enjoying the running back and forth between Corlew and Monohan. I'm so ready for this job to be over and to be OUT OF HERE.
On a much brighter note, I'm going to California! I won the trip to compete through the Collegiate Discussion Meet! I'm very excited. I LOVED the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, I want to go every year. Once I finally get a grown-up job and work at a high school, I want to join the local Farm Bureau and go to meetings. I can't wait! I felt like I had graduated to a new calibur of people in the industry. I was glad to see all my FFA people. I loooved hearing Lee Maddox's voice on every video. I was so inspired by the stories of the Tennessee agriculturalists. I felt like being there was right where I was supposed to be! Jessica is also going and I'm glad we get to go to California together!
Every participant got $200, and I got an additional $500, which means ... I'm FINALLY getting my own computer! I'm waiting for the tax-free weekend. I'm sure this seems trivial but I've never had my own computer and my mind reels at the thought of everything I will be able to finally do. I won't have to sit in the smelly computer labs like I am right now!
On a much brighter note, I'm going to California! I won the trip to compete through the Collegiate Discussion Meet! I'm very excited. I LOVED the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, I want to go every year. Once I finally get a grown-up job and work at a high school, I want to join the local Farm Bureau and go to meetings. I can't wait! I felt like I had graduated to a new calibur of people in the industry. I was glad to see all my FFA people. I loooved hearing Lee Maddox's voice on every video. I was so inspired by the stories of the Tennessee agriculturalists. I felt like being there was right where I was supposed to be! Jessica is also going and I'm glad we get to go to California together!
Every participant got $200, and I got an additional $500, which means ... I'm FINALLY getting my own computer! I'm waiting for the tax-free weekend. I'm sure this seems trivial but I've never had my own computer and my mind reels at the thought of everything I will be able to finally do. I won't have to sit in the smelly computer labs like I am right now!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Back at MTSU
This week I am back in Murfreesboro to work a lot of check-ins and check-outs. Today, though, I have the day off. Yesterday I went shopping and found the perfect pair of brown shoes in my size on sale for only 5 dollars. Ashley and I are going shopping later so I can find a pair of khakis. I am spoiled when it comes to dress clothes - I have been an SO for a while now, and yet I'm still stuck in the black skirt phase. Always being in official dress meant never buying khakis!
I got my bridesmaids dress this past Saturday. I also finished the Wedding Notebook I made for Amanda before I left on Sunday. I really hope it helps her.
I have been making a big effort to be better with my money and time. If this summer has taught me anything, it's even more independence and self-reliance. Although this next week is a little different, I have generally managed my money better since May and I don't feel so juvenile when it comes to my budget. I mention it because it seems always on my mind now that I am so aware of having to balance what I need with just what I want.
I'm very excited to go to YF&R this weekend! I enjoy getting older in the industry and listening to Tennessee agriculturalists.
Less than a month until I am done with this job - and 288 days until I graduate!!
I got my bridesmaids dress this past Saturday. I also finished the Wedding Notebook I made for Amanda before I left on Sunday. I really hope it helps her.
I have been making a big effort to be better with my money and time. If this summer has taught me anything, it's even more independence and self-reliance. Although this next week is a little different, I have generally managed my money better since May and I don't feel so juvenile when it comes to my budget. I mention it because it seems always on my mind now that I am so aware of having to balance what I need with just what I want.
I'm very excited to go to YF&R this weekend! I enjoy getting older in the industry and listening to Tennessee agriculturalists.
Less than a month until I am done with this job - and 288 days until I graduate!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friday at Home
This is my first blog post! I feel just a little silly, because I'm not sure many people would care to hear me go on and on about all the things I tend to go on and on about, but I was inspired by my friend Rachel's blog, and I had to venture into it myself.
As far as my current life situation, I am working in Murfreesboro as a Conference Director. I will openly admit I don't like it, but I only have less than a month, so I'm not going to elaborate on something not worth the space on this page! I'm looking forward to moving into Housing on campus without actually working for them. This is my last semester of classes and I'd like to be able to soak it up and enjoy what I'm learning, instead of worrying about all the things I had to worry about as an RA. It is certainly an experience I'm glad I took at the end of last summer. Had I not,l I really don't know what I would be doing right now. I hate to think I would commuted for a third year to Murfreesboro and not been able to take advantage of campus life. I loved it, and I'm so glad I met all of my 4th floor girls, but I know one more semester will be enough. I also got close to Cody, and although I don't see him much during the summer, I'm so thankful we were able to get to know each other better. I know there's no way I could have made it through Corlew without him. Speaking of Corlew, I have lived in this building for almost a year exactly. I used to renounce dorms and swore I'd never live in one, but I happened to hear of spaces available in Housing, and I moved about a week later after getting the job. Leaving home for the first time was an amazing experience, and although I really miss my lifelong home sometimes, I'm glad I did it. Just because I lived close enough to drive to MTSU doesn't mean I should have done it all my collegiate career. But this summer, there has been very little to do, and I basically go home every chance I can. Thank goodness Ashley is in Murfreesboro or I'd probably go crazy from boredom. I guess I had to give a premature goodbye to Housing, since I'll only be working as a DA in the fall and will have very little to do with anything Housing-related. Although it has little to do with agriculture education, I know that having to deal with the difficult people (especially bosses!) will help me moderate my actions and words with future supervisors, like the principal of the school I will work for. It has also made me appreciate the fact that that my chosen profession will (I assume) be much more exciting and rewarding. People I'm close to hear this too often, but I can't wait to teach!
This Friday is the Young Farmer's and Rancher's Conference! I'm a little apprehensive because I haven't been before, despite being invited, and I just don't know what it'll be like. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and hopefully meeting more new people. I love simply being around people in the industry. I soak up anything they have to say. It should be a great experience!
The other big development in my life is the engagement of my little brother! He proposed to his longtime girlfriend Amanda a few weeks ago, and they're getting married on September 13th. He is also going to Vol State to major in Business Management. I am very proud of what he has done with his life so far! I mention these things because my family really only consists of Danny, me and our parents, so the changes he is making are pretty exciting to us! Amanda also asked me to be a bridesmaid and I was very excited! I'm looking forward to helping them with whatever they need. I used to aspire to be a wedding planner, so this will be a good outlet for my creative energy. This is the bridesmaid dress:
I am exciting for them and I can't wait to see them on their wedding day!
As far as my current life situation, I am working in Murfreesboro as a Conference Director. I will openly admit I don't like it, but I only have less than a month, so I'm not going to elaborate on something not worth the space on this page! I'm looking forward to moving into Housing on campus without actually working for them. This is my last semester of classes and I'd like to be able to soak it up and enjoy what I'm learning, instead of worrying about all the things I had to worry about as an RA. It is certainly an experience I'm glad I took at the end of last summer. Had I not,l I really don't know what I would be doing right now. I hate to think I would commuted for a third year to Murfreesboro and not been able to take advantage of campus life. I loved it, and I'm so glad I met all of my 4th floor girls, but I know one more semester will be enough. I also got close to Cody, and although I don't see him much during the summer, I'm so thankful we were able to get to know each other better. I know there's no way I could have made it through Corlew without him. Speaking of Corlew, I have lived in this building for almost a year exactly. I used to renounce dorms and swore I'd never live in one, but I happened to hear of spaces available in Housing, and I moved about a week later after getting the job. Leaving home for the first time was an amazing experience, and although I really miss my lifelong home sometimes, I'm glad I did it. Just because I lived close enough to drive to MTSU doesn't mean I should have done it all my collegiate career. But this summer, there has been very little to do, and I basically go home every chance I can. Thank goodness Ashley is in Murfreesboro or I'd probably go crazy from boredom. I guess I had to give a premature goodbye to Housing, since I'll only be working as a DA in the fall and will have very little to do with anything Housing-related. Although it has little to do with agriculture education, I know that having to deal with the difficult people (especially bosses!) will help me moderate my actions and words with future supervisors, like the principal of the school I will work for. It has also made me appreciate the fact that that my chosen profession will (I assume) be much more exciting and rewarding. People I'm close to hear this too often, but I can't wait to teach!
This Friday is the Young Farmer's and Rancher's Conference! I'm a little apprehensive because I haven't been before, despite being invited, and I just don't know what it'll be like. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and hopefully meeting more new people. I love simply being around people in the industry. I soak up anything they have to say. It should be a great experience!
The other big development in my life is the engagement of my little brother! He proposed to his longtime girlfriend Amanda a few weeks ago, and they're getting married on September 13th. He is also going to Vol State to major in Business Management. I am very proud of what he has done with his life so far! I mention these things because my family really only consists of Danny, me and our parents, so the changes he is making are pretty exciting to us! Amanda also asked me to be a bridesmaid and I was very excited! I'm looking forward to helping them with whatever they need. I used to aspire to be a wedding planner, so this will be a good outlet for my creative energy. This is the bridesmaid dress:
I am exciting for them and I can't wait to see them on their wedding day!
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