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!

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!

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!!