My how quickly things change. In my last blog post, (June 20) over four months ago, I was still in a relationship with Kyle and thinking about how wonderfully things were going. Fast forward ten days and the rose-colored glasses were ripped right off my face. We broke up the night I arrived home after spending a fabulous few days in Fitzgerald with my family. Although I can remember it like it happened yesterday I'm a much stronger person today because of it. Since then I have gotten a new job as sales associate at Maurices which I'm completely in love with. I've started grad school and realized my calling is to work with children as a physical education teacher; however just not middle schoolers. I have met an absolutely wonderful man who treats me the way I deserve to be treated, and everything seems to be falling into place.
I love my job. Each time I step through the door I drop the worries of the day and focus on my customers. It's so wonderful to connect with them and hear their stories and share my own. I love to shop so it's a blessing to be able to help others do something I love doing (and spend their money, not mine!). I also have a wonderful team to work with who have taught me so much about the company! I'm so blessed to work with girls who are also passionate about what they do!
I'm in love with my cohort! There are 9 of us in my cohort, and I love every single one of them! I really enjoy getting to sit in class with them and hear about their day at school and compare it to mine. They always have tips and encouragement as well, I couldn't ask for anything better!!
Now, about this boy....
It all started last fall when we had a Rhetoric class together. He sat behind me and we quickly became friends; however, we only talked during class. I assumed he had a girlfriend and was in some wonderful fairytale relationship. We also formed a wolf-pack with Grace and Kevin and stuck together during class discussions and had each others back when one of us skipped....uh, I mean, missed class. I didn't know much about him other than I thought he was cute and would NEVER be interested in me. Plus, I had a boyfriend and things were perfect with us (ha-ha-ha). Oh, and by the way, his name is Chandler. Fast-forward a year. My best friend Kaytie who moved away after graduation was back in town for the weekend and we were all meeting for dinner. As soon as I found out he was coming to dinner I texted her something about how cute he was and she replied with how cute we would be together. I thought nothing of it until we were getting ready to leave dinner. Everyone was coming to my house to hang out and I really wanted him to come too. Finally, after much persuasion, he decided to come over, and I'm so glad he did! We had a chance that evening to actually talk and get to know each other better and I was definitely interested!! At one point while we were downtown I broke away from the group for a bit and when I returned Kaytie ran up to me and said "Chandler wants to take you on a date!", which made me laugh because it reminded me of middle school. :] The next day we had lunch with everyone again, and I could tell he was interested too. He texted me that weekend while I was in Athens for my best friends birthday then took me to dinner that Sunday night. It was amazing. He always has an encouraging word for me when I'm having a bad day and can always make me laugh.
This past weekend we took a short vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC where we did nothing but relax with our sweet puppies for three days. Friday morning we took them down to the beach to play. It was so funny to watch them run away from the waves!! At one point I stopped to look at something in the sand and Chandler and Murphy ran ahead. After a few minutes Kimber and I ran to catch up and when I got there I saw he'd written "will you be my girlfriend?" in the sand. It was the sweetest thing. I couldn't stop smiling and of course I said yes!!! :]
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Humbled
Today has been quite the humbling day. It began when I read this status update early this morning:
This morning my wonderful (and always encouraging) friend Casey sent me a message. We both graduated together, really dislike being "adults" and have an online browsing habit. I told her what was up and she reminded me that I'm being humbled- in the greatest sense of the word. After she told me this I began to give it some thought and realized that I have so much more than I could ever ask for. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, amazing friends, a sweet boyfriend, a precious dog and and education. What more could I ask for?! (except maybe a full-time job?)
I decided I wasn't going to let this get me down, so I made some lunch and went out and about to take care of errands. After an afternoon of being lazy I finally decided to start my biomechanics homework; however, about the time I get a good start my sweet grandmother calls me. She asked me when I was coming home again and how things were going, then she told me that mom mentioned how I didn't have any hours at work. She told me she got me some paper towels and toilet paper, and told me to bring a grocery list for when I come home next week because she was going to get me some groceries. She also told me to bring a cooler because she had put up some peas for me and also had some pickles and peach jelly ready for me. This almost brought me to tears because although I hadn't thought about how I would provide for myself in the coming weeks in a few hours, I knew I would wake up tomorrow morning and the thought would be the first thing on my mind, but my sweet grandmother took that worry away with just a phone call tonight, and she probably doesn't even know she did it.
Needless to say I am much less worried than I was twelve hours ago and am really looking forward to going home for a visit next week! I am constantly reminded just how much I have and how blessed I am!
--b
Little did I know that this one verse would apply to my entire day. Yesterday began my two weeks without any hours at work. I'm not sure how to deal with this since not working means I don't get a paycheck, and when I don't get a paycheck I can't afford things like gas and food. Needless to say since I left work Friday afternoon I've been worried about how I will make ends meet over the next few weeks.
This morning my wonderful (and always encouraging) friend Casey sent me a message. We both graduated together, really dislike being "adults" and have an online browsing habit. I told her what was up and she reminded me that I'm being humbled- in the greatest sense of the word. After she told me this I began to give it some thought and realized that I have so much more than I could ever ask for. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, amazing friends, a sweet boyfriend, a precious dog and and education. What more could I ask for?! (except maybe a full-time job?)
I decided I wasn't going to let this get me down, so I made some lunch and went out and about to take care of errands. After an afternoon of being lazy I finally decided to start my biomechanics homework; however, about the time I get a good start my sweet grandmother calls me. She asked me when I was coming home again and how things were going, then she told me that mom mentioned how I didn't have any hours at work. She told me she got me some paper towels and toilet paper, and told me to bring a grocery list for when I come home next week because she was going to get me some groceries. She also told me to bring a cooler because she had put up some peas for me and also had some pickles and peach jelly ready for me. This almost brought me to tears because although I hadn't thought about how I would provide for myself in the coming weeks in a few hours, I knew I would wake up tomorrow morning and the thought would be the first thing on my mind, but my sweet grandmother took that worry away with just a phone call tonight, and she probably doesn't even know she did it.
Needless to say I am much less worried than I was twelve hours ago and am really looking forward to going home for a visit next week! I am constantly reminded just how much I have and how blessed I am!
--b
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Ch-ch-ch-changes
So it's been well over a month since my last post. Guess I should catch everyone up. The Saturday after my last post I found out a friend's son passed away on Thursday. We actually talked about this on Friday, but it never crossed my mind that it could have been Hunter. I met Hunter and his family when Kyle and I began dating. His dad owned the off-road park River Rock, which has since closed down because they are building their new home out there. Hunter went off the road after school, hit a driveway culvert and flew 65 feet into a pine tree. This was on the road his family must travel to get to and from their new house. He was 18 and set to graduate a few weeks later. It was not easy sitting through his funeral, but the love and support that was shown amazed me. I know Milledgeville is much larger than where I come from, but the town still comes together in a time of need. Now, fast-forward to earlier this week when I was at work. It was Thursday and that morning on facebook I saw posts of "Keep the Renfroes in your prayers", I figured it was just more thoughts for Hunter; however, that afternoon at work I found out that the cabin they had been staying in while building their house caught on fire and burned to the ground. Everything the had was in the cabin, including all the pictures of their two girls and Hunter. It also got Hunter's dog and Mr. Steve's dog Buddy. I read a post last night from a member of Kyle's off-road club saying he had talked to Steve and that they did not want any help. He quoted Mr. Steve:
"This world is so full of love. You don't see it everyday, but we have been showered with it. We don't need one thing. This community really comes out to help others, and now I am going to help any family whose house burns who may not be in as good a position as we are. I'll know what they are going through."
Mr. Steve and his family are so sweet and have gone through so much in the last two months. Please just keep this wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers as the weeks go on that they will finish their new house and be provided for during this time.
On a lighter note, I finally graduated from college. It was a very exciting day! My family and a few friends joined me to celebrate. We had a delicious cookout prepared by my sweet boyfriend.
Other than that it's just been trying to work, take an online class during May and now June-July and maintain a social life.
Kyle and I did have the opportunity to go to Panama City and Lake Oconee with his friend Drew. We had a wonderful time and it was definitely a much needed break after a semester of interning. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures!
And finally today I had the opportunity to hangout with my friends Alyssa and Heather. We put Heather's kayak in the lake, and I decided I wanted to take Bailey with me :)
"This world is so full of love. You don't see it everyday, but we have been showered with it. We don't need one thing. This community really comes out to help others, and now I am going to help any family whose house burns who may not be in as good a position as we are. I'll know what they are going through."
Mr. Steve and his family are so sweet and have gone through so much in the last two months. Please just keep this wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers as the weeks go on that they will finish their new house and be provided for during this time.
On a lighter note, I finally graduated from college. It was a very exciting day! My family and a few friends joined me to celebrate. We had a delicious cookout prepared by my sweet boyfriend.
So happy! Four long years!
Such a wonderful cook
Other than that it's just been trying to work, take an online class during May and now June-July and maintain a social life.
Kyle and I did have the opportunity to go to Panama City and Lake Oconee with his friend Drew. We had a wonderful time and it was definitely a much needed break after a semester of interning. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures!
Kyle and Drew stayed up to capture the sunrise!
I was sleeping through this, Mom says I'm going to sleep my life away!
When I woke up this was all that was left
Two of my favorite boys!
Friday, April 29, 2011
A New Chapter
As of today I am completely done with my undergraduate career. I have given my final presentation and turned in my last portfolio. There was a loud cheer (and scolding) as all the Spring 2011 interns gave away their portfolios. Yesterday was the final day of my internship and it was bittersweet. As much as I have loved being there, I'm definitely ready for a break. Working full time at an internship, part-time at a job, and going to class two days a week can get to a person. I'm thankful it has come to an end. It was nice to see everyone today and talk about our internships and future plans. Some have acquired jobs though their internships, some are going to graduate school, and other still do not know what they want to do; however, we were all thankful we had the opportunity to do an internship to get a taste of the "real world".
After our internship meeting I had the opportunity to get lunch with some wonderful ladies (and man) and just talk. It was great to catch up because two of the girls were interning in Atlanta. It was also very encouraging at a time when things are so uncertain with graduation only 8 days away.
After lunch I was blessed to get to spend time with two more friends and head to Macon to search for a graduation dress. It was much needed stress relief after a semester of interning and going to class.
Overall it has been a very wonderful day filled with blessings. I have wonderful friends, I'm about to graduate, and I'm going back to school. I'd say I'm one lucky girl.
After our internship meeting I had the opportunity to get lunch with some wonderful ladies (and man) and just talk. It was great to catch up because two of the girls were interning in Atlanta. It was also very encouraging at a time when things are so uncertain with graduation only 8 days away.
Casey, Jackie, me, Rebekah
After lunch I was blessed to get to spend time with two more friends and head to Macon to search for a graduation dress. It was much needed stress relief after a semester of interning and going to class.
Overall it has been a very wonderful day filled with blessings. I have wonderful friends, I'm about to graduate, and I'm going back to school. I'd say I'm one lucky girl.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
--b
Monday, April 25, 2011
So, I Guess You Should Know....
At the end of last week I found out that I had been accepted for the summer! I will be taking my final two prerequisite courses for the MAT program in the Fall. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. HOPE does not cover anything past your undergraduate degree, so I will have to take out loans. I have had numerous people tell me it will be worth it, but it still hurts to feel as though I'm signing my life away. Regardless, I'm thankful to have an education and the ability to obtain the money I need to cover the cost of my education. I know that I'm one blessed girl and I am constantly reminded! It's a week and 5 days to graduation and I give my final undergraduate presentation on Thursday. It's also the last week of my internship. I can't believe it's almost over. The past 16 weeks, not to mention the past four years, have flown by so quickly. As I take the time to look back I can't help but notice how much I've grown as a person. I've learned so much about who I am, and I am so thankful for that.
The Most Spectaular One Year
This past Saturday Kyle and I celebrated our one year anniversary. All last week I wanted to know what, if anything, we were doing; finally I wore him down to telling me he had a plan. I was told later in the week that plan fell through, but he wouldn't tell me what it was because I would be mad.
So, instead, we went with our friends Casper and Alyssa to the Liberty Antique Tractor Pull. I joke that he bought me McDonald's and a t-shirt for our one year, but I had no idea what was to come. Surprisingly I had a great time at the tractor pull and really want to go to the next one. We talked about doing a cook out Sunday night since I was off and he would be off early. If I haven't mentioned already he's a wonderful cook!
He called me Sunday when he left work and told me he didn't feel like cooking. Immediately I asked what we were doing instead, I was hungry! I suggested the Golden Coral (or the Den Ral, it's actually pretty good!) but he said no. When he got home he told me that he had plans, and then said that I needed to be ready to go dressed nice by 6:30. All he would tell me was I needed to wear a dress. I got ready and he came to pick me up. He looked so handsome, but he still wouldn't tell me where we were going.
After about 45 minutes we ended up at Linger Longer at the Ritz Carlton in Greensboro, GA. It burned about a year ago and has just recently reopened. I had no idea we were going there. When we arrived the hostess already knew we were celebrating our anniversary, actually everyone did. My favorite was the waitress who told us "congratulations". Anyway, I digress. We were seated and our waiter came over and asked if we wanted drinks, after ordering he came back and told us Oliver had wine for us. He had a 2004 bottle of Syrah, the best red wine I've ever had. We were then brought an appetizer of scallops over creamed corn.It was all so good. Kyle ordered the lamb with steamed asparagus and I had the fillet mignon with a loaded baked potato. All evening our waiter told us to save room for dessert, but I had no idea the chocolate souffle would be so wonderful. When our waiter brought the check he also brought us homemade cotton candy! It was delicious!
After dinner we went to the hotel to take a walk around. It is a beautiful place!
It was the most amazing one year date night I've ever had. I'm blessed to have such a wonderful boyfriend!
So, instead, we went with our friends Casper and Alyssa to the Liberty Antique Tractor Pull. I joke that he bought me McDonald's and a t-shirt for our one year, but I had no idea what was to come. Surprisingly I had a great time at the tractor pull and really want to go to the next one. We talked about doing a cook out Sunday night since I was off and he would be off early. If I haven't mentioned already he's a wonderful cook!
He called me Sunday when he left work and told me he didn't feel like cooking. Immediately I asked what we were doing instead, I was hungry! I suggested the Golden Coral (or the Den Ral, it's actually pretty good!) but he said no. When he got home he told me that he had plans, and then said that I needed to be ready to go dressed nice by 6:30. All he would tell me was I needed to wear a dress. I got ready and he came to pick me up. He looked so handsome, but he still wouldn't tell me where we were going.
After about 45 minutes we ended up at Linger Longer at the Ritz Carlton in Greensboro, GA. It burned about a year ago and has just recently reopened. I had no idea we were going there. When we arrived the hostess already knew we were celebrating our anniversary, actually everyone did. My favorite was the waitress who told us "congratulations". Anyway, I digress. We were seated and our waiter came over and asked if we wanted drinks, after ordering he came back and told us Oliver had wine for us. He had a 2004 bottle of Syrah, the best red wine I've ever had. We were then brought an appetizer of scallops over creamed corn.It was all so good. Kyle ordered the lamb with steamed asparagus and I had the fillet mignon with a loaded baked potato. All evening our waiter told us to save room for dessert, but I had no idea the chocolate souffle would be so wonderful. When our waiter brought the check he also brought us homemade cotton candy! It was delicious!
After dinner we went to the hotel to take a walk around. It is a beautiful place!
It was the most amazing one year date night I've ever had. I'm blessed to have such a wonderful boyfriend!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Catch up!
So let me catch you up on what's been going on recently.
Things have been hectic and life is moving 90 miles an hour! Especially since it's the end of the semester. Sadly our kids didn't place at poultry, or even do well really. But it was an all around good day. Sadly; however, I didn't sleep that night because among the many gifts my mother has given me she also gave me restless legs. So about the time I would fall asleep I would immediately be woken back up. It was a very long night.
I'm also trying to focus on the positive things right now. Such as:
Things have been hectic and life is moving 90 miles an hour! Especially since it's the end of the semester. Sadly our kids didn't place at poultry, or even do well really. But it was an all around good day. Sadly; however, I didn't sleep that night because among the many gifts my mother has given me she also gave me restless legs. So about the time I would fall asleep I would immediately be woken back up. It was a very long night.
I'm also trying to focus on the positive things right now. Such as:
- I passed the US History test!!!!
- I graduate in 24 days!
- I've had a wonderful internship experience
- I've got wonderful friends who are there for me even when I fall short.
- I have a wonderful family, all of which are so supportive!
- I have a job, even if it sucks, it's a job.
- I've had the opportunity to touch the life of a child. And that's the best feeling.
If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch the life of a child.
--b
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Storms of Life
It's been storming a lot lately, and, if you know me, you know I'm terrified of storms. However, I'm learning to appreciate them. When Monday's storm passed through around 2 a.m. I had just arrived downtown to pick my boyfriend and his friend up after a night out. No sooner had I told them to let's go then the storm began. Now, keep in mind I'm in Amici in Milledgeville when this happens. They have giant floor to ceiling windows, so I have a front row seat for the entire thing. About 5 minutes after the storm begins the lights go out. This was definitely a new experience. However, with the lights out and the rain coming down sideways, I noticed how powerful storms are and how it really is a metaphor for life. This is definitely relevant to my life right now with everything that seems to be going wrong. As I was researching for a Bible verse about the storms of life I was reminded of the Matt Redmon song "You Never Let Go"; more specifically the part that reads:
And even when I'm caught in the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know You are near.
-- Matt Redmon
This is something else I am working to keep in mind. After the terrible storm that occurred in the early-morning hours on Monday I've noticed only beauty. The sky seems more blue and everything has began to bloom. I am learning to appreciate what life has to offer and live in the moment. As graduation approaches (in 30 days!) I am working to enjoy every last moment of my undergraduate career, despite what the storms of life hold for me. He knows the plan, thank goodness.
--b
Thursday, March 31, 2011
So why blogging?
I decided to start blogging as a way to express my feelings at the way things are currently going. Let me catch you up....
In January I began my 480 hour internship for the semester--not paid. I'm loving every minute of it, but it still sucks that there is no income from it. Rite Aid is continuing to cut hours, so I don't have very many on each paycheck, which does not help my bank account. I also cannot work as much as I would like due to my internship.
Kyle and I also have a dog, Kimber, who has destroyed almost $1000 worth of our things since we adopted her last June. At first it was just magazines and newspapers, but the last couple of times she's destroyed the living room it's been pricier items. Last night she got my laptop. She chewed on the corner and cracked the screen. I'm still mad at her. She also got a hold of Kyle's nice speaker cables he had. She's also broken two lamps and chewed through three laptop chargers. She's now being crate-trained.
Last week was spring break for GCSU. Notice I said GCSU, not me. Since I'm an intern I'm on the schedule at the 4-H office, so I did not get a spring break. I also had a sinus infection all week thanks to the killer pollen levels and woke up Friday morning with double pink-eye. Fantastic.
Back in February I applied for my first full-time job out of college, or my "big girl job" as I have began to call it. The job was for a County Extension Program Assistant in Columbus, GA. When I called a week later to follow-up on my application I was told that they were "making calls". Two weeks later I decided I could not wait around for a job and decided that going back to school was the best option. I was e-mailed earlier this week that the position had been filled. Bummer.
It's also been raining non-stop all week. On my walk back to my car from class today I happened to look up at how beautiful and green the trees were against the dark sky and I realized that my life is not as awful as I thought last night. Things could be worse, and right now God is just humbling me. Everything the dog has torn up is replaceable and things could always be worse. I have food to eat, a job and I'm graduating in May and getting ready to begin my graduate work. I really have nothing to complain about. I know sometimes it seems as though things are falling apart, but I have to keep in mind that God is in control and he has a plan; even if I can't always figure out exactly what it is at the time.
Currently this is the verse that I'm keeping in mind as I "grow up":
I'm learning to adapt and take things as they come and that getting upset does not change anything. I'll keep you updated on how this goes :]
In January I began my 480 hour internship for the semester--not paid. I'm loving every minute of it, but it still sucks that there is no income from it. Rite Aid is continuing to cut hours, so I don't have very many on each paycheck, which does not help my bank account. I also cannot work as much as I would like due to my internship.
Kyle and I also have a dog, Kimber, who has destroyed almost $1000 worth of our things since we adopted her last June. At first it was just magazines and newspapers, but the last couple of times she's destroyed the living room it's been pricier items. Last night she got my laptop. She chewed on the corner and cracked the screen. I'm still mad at her. She also got a hold of Kyle's nice speaker cables he had. She's also broken two lamps and chewed through three laptop chargers. She's now being crate-trained.
Last week was spring break for GCSU. Notice I said GCSU, not me. Since I'm an intern I'm on the schedule at the 4-H office, so I did not get a spring break. I also had a sinus infection all week thanks to the killer pollen levels and woke up Friday morning with double pink-eye. Fantastic.
Back in February I applied for my first full-time job out of college, or my "big girl job" as I have began to call it. The job was for a County Extension Program Assistant in Columbus, GA. When I called a week later to follow-up on my application I was told that they were "making calls". Two weeks later I decided I could not wait around for a job and decided that going back to school was the best option. I was e-mailed earlier this week that the position had been filled. Bummer.
It's also been raining non-stop all week. On my walk back to my car from class today I happened to look up at how beautiful and green the trees were against the dark sky and I realized that my life is not as awful as I thought last night. Things could be worse, and right now God is just humbling me. Everything the dog has torn up is replaceable and things could always be worse. I have food to eat, a job and I'm graduating in May and getting ready to begin my graduate work. I really have nothing to complain about. I know sometimes it seems as though things are falling apart, but I have to keep in mind that God is in control and he has a plan; even if I can't always figure out exactly what it is at the time.
Currently this is the verse that I'm keeping in mind as I "grow up":
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28
I'm learning to adapt and take things as they come and that getting upset does not change anything. I'll keep you updated on how this goes :]
Intro
I suppose I should begin by telling you a little about myself. I'm currently a senior at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia with 36 days to go until graduation. I've decided to begin this blog as a way to get out what's going on in my transition from college student to adulthood.
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia, Fitzgerald. There wasn't much to do there so I always knew I wanted to get out and go to a larger town. I have an older brother, Brant, who is my best friend. He's been there through lots of things with me, like our Christmas Adam adventure of 2009! :] My mom is also a very strong figure in my life. She's stuck around through thick and thin, the good times and the bad. My dad physically left when I was in the 10th grade (two weeks before I turned 16), but he was "gone" long before that. He was there but he was never really there. I also have a wonderful boyfriend of almost a year, Kyle.
I'm currently interning at the local 4-H office while working at Rite Aid and going to class. I originally thought I would get a job after graduation, but as it turns out I would much rather go back to school. So, in May, 2 days after graduation, I will be starting classes again for my master's degree. Hooray!
I tell you all these things not for pity, but so you know what has had an influence on my life.
I hope you enjoy reading about all my situations that occur on my journey to adulthood. Feel free to comment with any tips! :]
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia, Fitzgerald. There wasn't much to do there so I always knew I wanted to get out and go to a larger town. I have an older brother, Brant, who is my best friend. He's been there through lots of things with me, like our Christmas Adam adventure of 2009! :] My mom is also a very strong figure in my life. She's stuck around through thick and thin, the good times and the bad. My dad physically left when I was in the 10th grade (two weeks before I turned 16), but he was "gone" long before that. He was there but he was never really there. I also have a wonderful boyfriend of almost a year, Kyle.
I'm currently interning at the local 4-H office while working at Rite Aid and going to class. I originally thought I would get a job after graduation, but as it turns out I would much rather go back to school. So, in May, 2 days after graduation, I will be starting classes again for my master's degree. Hooray!
I tell you all these things not for pity, but so you know what has had an influence on my life.
I hope you enjoy reading about all my situations that occur on my journey to adulthood. Feel free to comment with any tips! :]
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