Change Of Plans

I had planned on living in Wood Hall this semester, then moving back home for the Spring semester so that I could be closer to where I will be student teaching. I was also planning on working around 18 hours a week as DA. On Monday, I got my "schedule" and saw I was only on for 6 hours a week. I was paniking! I have supported myself through college by always having a job, even when I was a state officer, but when I saw that schedule it seemed impossible to live on 6 hours a week. I called around every other department on campus - Rec Center, bookstore, Aramark (yes! Aramark! that was the level of my desperation), and some others. Finally, I decided that I should just take the money I was alloting to my Wood rent (for a private room), stay home, and commute like I used to. This seems crazy to most people, especially because I have class 4 days a week, but I did it for two years, and I really liked it. Other things compounded to make commuting more difficult - like being a state officer, working as a waitress, having very limited funds. But I'll have enough gas money, and Mom suggested putting it on a Pre-Paid Visa so that I'd have it seperate and always know its there. And I'm looking forward to it! Its only an hour, and its through the beautiful Sumner, Wilson and Rutherford counties. I have my iPod, my coffee, my sausage biscuit, I'll be good! And when I need to stay, I can stay at Ash's. I have a laptop now to work anywhere during breaks. And this way, I can use the rest of my scholarship money to support myself, and I won't work again until I'm hired as a TEACHER! I know this may sound terrible, but I've worked since high school, so I'm very excited to take the year off from work and be able to focus on my last year of college before my career! I'll be able to work on my methodology, lesson plans, my resume, and all the last minute ends that need to be tied up before student teaching. Needless to say, I can't really have a job during my student teaching semester anyway, so I guess I get my "no work" break a semester early!

The other benefit of doing this is that I get to spend more time with my family. In EXACTLY one month, my brother is getting married! I have a lot to help them with - all the decorations, all the music, all the flowers! and I'm a bridesmaid - and moving next week and being in Murfreesboro all the time really wouldn't lend itself to me doing my best for my one and only little brother. Not to mention, I would have had to get another off campus job that I'm sure won't like me asking off for three days in the first month. That also means I don't have to worry about any work obligations when it comes to Ag Council. I was elected President to coordinate, plan, delegate, carry out, and inspire. I really feel that the extra time I will have will ensure I do the best job for our department. I'm excited!!

On a side note, I went to the dentist today - my first visit since *cringe* 2005! I guess I got busy with college, Ag, FFA ... I got my teeth cleaned and then learned I have *another cringe* 4 cavities! Yuck. I brush my teeth! Twice a day, and sometimes 3! Geez. I have another appointment tomorrow morning bright and early at 8 to fix all but one of them, since its on the other side. That means I'll have a third appointment in the near future. Crazy!