Long time no see? Sorry about that. :)
Life has been great. A lot has occurred since my last entry, so I shall update thee:
Academically, things are going well. In fact, there is a lot to be said for this area. I made the huge decision not to teach this semester, and that puts me at a point where I need only 3 classes in the fall to graduate! Yes. :) This semester has been rough though. I've been in 2 classes where I needed field experience, and it has been torture. Okay, that's a strong word. But it hasn't been the best experience. I am thankful for these classes because I realize that I do NOT want to teach. Ever. You may remember a post of mine back in December where I referenced my desire to go into speech pathology. These plans are definite- I even visited a school yesterday. I got to meet with the dean of the department and even got a personal tour. I know I'm a nerd (which I am totally okay with) because I have made it a standard that whichever school I choose has an exceptional library with very good hours. Anyways, I'm going to be working full time this summer in San Antonio (Where? I don't know. Possibly with a newspaper as a journalist- it's something I've always secretly wanted to do.) and taking a prep course at UTSA for the GRE. I HAVE to score high on this exam. My goal is to get anything above a 1300. I'll keep you posted. :) I've been in contact with many grad schools across Texas that have a Speech Pathology program- ACU, Lamar, Texas State, OLLU, Baylor, TWU, and UNT. I am planning on applying to all of them. So, once I graduate in December, it is off to grad school for 3 years. This may sound like a lot to you but I know that this will be worth it. If you want to know more about this, feel free to ask me! :)
My classes that I am taking right now have been going well too. If you ever need me, I'm probably off diagramming sentences for grammar, or writing essays for rhetoric. I'm really enjoying those classes. :) Next fall (my LAST semester as an undergraduate!), I will be taking Poetry, Literary Periods and Genres, and American Literature I. It is absolutely crazy that that is all I need!
Well, I hope you are all doing well.
Until next time!
~Krista
3/21/2008
2/05/2008
Keeping My Head Above Water
Sunday night, reality set in that I may have way too much on my plate. I've always secretly known that I have made myself a busy girl, but gee... it caught up with me. I was actually very scared of starting this week primarily because I had added my field experience hours, and somehow, trying to fit an extra 5 hours of "to do's" in my week put me at overload. My body is beggining to let me know to calm down and relax- not to fit as much as possible into one day. Not to give too much away but I am going to the doctor because I'm a little concerned. So if you would please pray for me... that would be great!
So, today I decided that I would try to count the blessings in my busy schedule. I have one 2-hour break on Tuesdays and Thursdays which I usually spend in the library. Today I went and did some grammar homework, but suddenly I got the feeling to go browse the books. So I did, and I got a few that I plan on incorporating into my schedule to give myself some "rest time". All too often I use time like that to look at my pile of things to do and stress out some more... or to facebook. That routine has not been working for me- my ability to stress more increases and I inwardly panick. So I got "If" by Amy Carmichael, "Keep A Quiet Heart" by Elisabeth Elliot, "Girl Meets God" by I don't remember..., and "Effective Prayer" by R.C. Sproul. Isn't it nice to have some books that you can just pick up and rest as you read them? Yeah, I think so too :)
Right now I'm at work and I'm going to try to get through "Night". We shall see! :)
So, today I decided that I would try to count the blessings in my busy schedule. I have one 2-hour break on Tuesdays and Thursdays which I usually spend in the library. Today I went and did some grammar homework, but suddenly I got the feeling to go browse the books. So I did, and I got a few that I plan on incorporating into my schedule to give myself some "rest time". All too often I use time like that to look at my pile of things to do and stress out some more... or to facebook. That routine has not been working for me- my ability to stress more increases and I inwardly panick. So I got "If" by Amy Carmichael, "Keep A Quiet Heart" by Elisabeth Elliot, "Girl Meets God" by I don't remember..., and "Effective Prayer" by R.C. Sproul. Isn't it nice to have some books that you can just pick up and rest as you read them? Yeah, I think so too :)
Right now I'm at work and I'm going to try to get through "Night". We shall see! :)
2/01/2008
Teaching!
I'm taking two education classes this semester: Curriculum Methods and Classroom Management. For each class, I need to do 26 hours of field experience, putting me at 52 hours this semester. I'm not quite sure how this will work considering I have school and 2 jobs... but it will work. I promise! :)
Anyways, that was me going off on a tangent again. Today I met the two teachers I will be working alongside this semester, and I felt so good about it. They were both so encouraging and offered me many resources to help me in my teaching career. One even gave me the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel (which I have wanted to read for a while. We both agreed that the lessons I would teach this semester would be over that book. We discussed the Holocaust, Wiesel's beautiful words and writing, and of course- the life of a teacher. She told me how stressful it can be, yet how rewarding. I was deeply encouraged by everything she told me.
As we sat and talked in her overly crowded (by desks) classroom, I felt like everything I have been preparing for is so right. I'm going to be honest and tell you that I have questioned the career I have chosen. But I know that I sought the Lord in prayer about this very intently, and I know that He has a plan. As I walked through the highschool hallways today, I knew that what I was doing was exactly where I needed to be. While many of the students I saw today were taller than me, I still felt older than them. I know that sounds crazy, but I have feared that I would not be confident walking through the hallways of a highschool as a teacher, but today God brought that peace.
After hearing about some of these student's lives, my heart went out to them. Our world is full of so much that we choose to overlook. There are 15 year old students that see school as their only safe haven. I am excited for what is to come. I know it will be rough, but I am so ready to see what God has planned.
I start in the classrooms next week. Before, my biggest fear was feeling confident, but now- my worry is, "What will I wear?!" (That's right, I STILL have not deveoped my teaching wardrobe...)
Anyways, that was me going off on a tangent again. Today I met the two teachers I will be working alongside this semester, and I felt so good about it. They were both so encouraging and offered me many resources to help me in my teaching career. One even gave me the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel (which I have wanted to read for a while. We both agreed that the lessons I would teach this semester would be over that book. We discussed the Holocaust, Wiesel's beautiful words and writing, and of course- the life of a teacher. She told me how stressful it can be, yet how rewarding. I was deeply encouraged by everything she told me.
As we sat and talked in her overly crowded (by desks) classroom, I felt like everything I have been preparing for is so right. I'm going to be honest and tell you that I have questioned the career I have chosen. But I know that I sought the Lord in prayer about this very intently, and I know that He has a plan. As I walked through the highschool hallways today, I knew that what I was doing was exactly where I needed to be. While many of the students I saw today were taller than me, I still felt older than them. I know that sounds crazy, but I have feared that I would not be confident walking through the hallways of a highschool as a teacher, but today God brought that peace.
After hearing about some of these student's lives, my heart went out to them. Our world is full of so much that we choose to overlook. There are 15 year old students that see school as their only safe haven. I am excited for what is to come. I know it will be rough, but I am so ready to see what God has planned.
I start in the classrooms next week. Before, my biggest fear was feeling confident, but now- my worry is, "What will I wear?!" (That's right, I STILL have not deveoped my teaching wardrobe...)
1/21/2008
27 Dresses
(I thought it was hilarious that my dress from pageant was one of the bridesmaid dresses in the movie that was made fun of- maybe it's a good thing I didn't get the green one! hahaha)I saw this movie today. It stars Katherine Heigl as an independent woman who ironically loves weddings and everything about them. She had been a bridesmaid in TWENTY-SEVEN WEDDINGS! How crazy is that?
Well, before I spoil the ending for you, I will let you know that this movie is a chick-flick. Now... if that doesn't spoil the ending for you, I don't know what will. As I was walking out of the theater last night, I thought to myself, "Self, why do I pay six dollars for a movie where I know that the main character will fall in love and live 'happily ever after'"? Yes, *gasp*, it's true- she fell in love, got married, walked off into the sunset with her knight in shining armor, and lived happily ever after. Or that's at least what they want you to believe :)
I know I must sound like the most bitter person that has seen this movie, but it's true! Why do we get sucked into this cycle? I'm just wondering. We (and by we I mean women) see a preview for a movie like this, say it looks soooo cute, and then go pay for it! When 98% of the time, we know that it's going to end happily.
I honestly have no idea what my point of this post is. I think it might be that I somehow always feel good after seeing these type of movies for about 10 minutes, but in all honesty, then I feel completely upset that I spent money on it. Yes, it was a great movie- it was "cute". But I don't always like the way these movies make me feel.
This past week God has shown me (as He seems to do a lot) that I am perfectly content- that I am fine. By this I mean, He is my rock, He is my refuge. These are the words I cling to from Psalm 73:
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength [2] of my heart and my portion forever.
He is my strength, He is my portion.
I don't want a simple movie to make me feel otherwise.
Any thoughts?
1/10/2008
Twisted logic??
So you may think this sounds odd... but it makes sense to me! I have decided that not being a morning person may actually be a good thing! Hear me out.... Because I am most definitely not a morning person, I feel tired whether I slept for 8 hours or for 3! I decided that this morning when I woke up at 7 after finally falling to sleep around 3:30 or 4. I will never take for granted a sore-free throat again!! :)
Anyways, I have 3 classes today. I've already been to two: General Psychology (I've been putting that one off for a while. The teacher is very spunky! Especially for 8 am!)and Advanced Rhetoric, which seems like it will be an interesting class. The teacher is very laid back, so that's nice! I have Advanced Grammar at 1, which I am very scared of!! Anyways, I'm trying very hard to stay on top of my classes early! My friends Edgar and Analy and I are going to Starbucks tonight to all read for our classes. So hopefully we get a lot done!!
Hope you are all doing good! Good luck to all the students this semester! :)
Anyways, I have 3 classes today. I've already been to two: General Psychology (I've been putting that one off for a while. The teacher is very spunky! Especially for 8 am!)and Advanced Rhetoric, which seems like it will be an interesting class. The teacher is very laid back, so that's nice! I have Advanced Grammar at 1, which I am very scared of!! Anyways, I'm trying very hard to stay on top of my classes early! My friends Edgar and Analy and I are going to Starbucks tonight to all read for our classes. So hopefully we get a lot done!!
Hope you are all doing good! Good luck to all the students this semester! :)
I Can't Sleep....
*Sigh*
This is the 4th night in a row that I haven't gone to sleep before 2 AM. I know, I know...! This is bad. But especially bad right now... because I have an 8 o'clock class this morning! I think I can't sleep because I either have insomnia, I have way too much on my mind, my cough is keeping me awake, or it's a mixture of all 3. I really hope I'm not an insomniac- that would stink. So does having a cough!
I think that since I get sick rarely throughout the year, the best time to get sick is at the very beginning! You know? Start off 2008 with a never ending cough... or one that one end for a few days, rather. Then I won't be sick for the rest of the year :) Hopefully.
Anyways, since I had nothing better to do- seeing as how I can't sleep, why not blog about it? So here I am, in my house, drinking Pineapple Apple Orange juice, blogging at 2:21 in the morning. It's actually quite nice :)
Now lets try to fall asleep...
This is the 4th night in a row that I haven't gone to sleep before 2 AM. I know, I know...! This is bad. But especially bad right now... because I have an 8 o'clock class this morning! I think I can't sleep because I either have insomnia, I have way too much on my mind, my cough is keeping me awake, or it's a mixture of all 3. I really hope I'm not an insomniac- that would stink. So does having a cough!
I think that since I get sick rarely throughout the year, the best time to get sick is at the very beginning! You know? Start off 2008 with a never ending cough... or one that one end for a few days, rather. Then I won't be sick for the rest of the year :) Hopefully.
Anyways, since I had nothing better to do- seeing as how I can't sleep, why not blog about it? So here I am, in my house, drinking Pineapple Apple Orange juice, blogging at 2:21 in the morning. It's actually quite nice :)
Now lets try to fall asleep...
1/04/2008
Louisiana, Grad School, and Friends :)
So I'm back! Actually, I've been back for a few days... I've just been lazy with my blogging lately. :) Due to uploading time... I think I will only upload a couple pictures of my trip. But, if you want to see more, just go to: http://umhb.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2017895&l=af10b&id=183000054 :)
We went to an alligator ranch!! We touched alligators, and even fed them MARSHAMLLOWS!! It was pretty neat! The kids seemed to enjoy it, too :)
We also did other fun things, like bowling :) I love these kids! Now, aren't they just the cutest? :)
I had a great time in Louisiana. I learned that states are different in very funny ways- Lousisiana has a lot of TREES and WATER. I saw my first Pine Tree (I know, I know) and about a million others!! It was neat :)
During my trip, I talked to my friend Rachel (the mom in the family) about my future plans. We talked about how time flies (I'm graduating in a year!), about guys, and about careers. I told her that I had become interested in Speech Pathology for the past semester, and wouldn't you know- her best friend is a Speech Pathologist. Isn't that wild? I got to meet her (Amy) and she was so encouraging. So, now that I'm home, I've been doing my research, and I am seriously thinking of moving on towards gradaute school. As of right now, I'm looking at Texas State, Abilene Christian University, and Our Lady of the Lake University. They all require a few prerequisites that I don't have.. but I'm not going to let small obstacles stand in my way. I've already had 2 of those schools call and e-mail me to help me out! So I guess I'll keep you posted on that ;) The reason I'm even interested in Speech Pathology is because I really have a heart for children that have a hard time speaking for various reasons. My two younger cousins have difficulties with this- and I would love to be able to help in some sort of way. Anyways, in all, I would be in school for 3 more years, but that's just one year longer than most students who go to grad school. So if you can, just keep me in your prayers as I seek the Lord's will for this.
Anyhoo... I feel like my time in SA has been short, probably because it has. I haven't had much time to do anything because the few days that I've been here, I've been working! But I did have time to hang out with my friend from school, Analy. We did the typical San Antonio things: browsed the mall, walked the river walk, and ate Taco Cabana! :) Now that's a fun day :)
I head back to Belton on Sunday, and I'm sure that there will be many fun times (and picture posts!) :)
We went to an alligator ranch!! We touched alligators, and even fed them MARSHAMLLOWS!! It was pretty neat! The kids seemed to enjoy it, too :)
We also did other fun things, like bowling :) I love these kids! Now, aren't they just the cutest? :)
I had a great time in Louisiana. I learned that states are different in very funny ways- Lousisiana has a lot of TREES and WATER. I saw my first Pine Tree (I know, I know) and about a million others!! It was neat :)
During my trip, I talked to my friend Rachel (the mom in the family) about my future plans. We talked about how time flies (I'm graduating in a year!), about guys, and about careers. I told her that I had become interested in Speech Pathology for the past semester, and wouldn't you know- her best friend is a Speech Pathologist. Isn't that wild? I got to meet her (Amy) and she was so encouraging. So, now that I'm home, I've been doing my research, and I am seriously thinking of moving on towards gradaute school. As of right now, I'm looking at Texas State, Abilene Christian University, and Our Lady of the Lake University. They all require a few prerequisites that I don't have.. but I'm not going to let small obstacles stand in my way. I've already had 2 of those schools call and e-mail me to help me out! So I guess I'll keep you posted on that ;) The reason I'm even interested in Speech Pathology is because I really have a heart for children that have a hard time speaking for various reasons. My two younger cousins have difficulties with this- and I would love to be able to help in some sort of way. Anyways, in all, I would be in school for 3 more years, but that's just one year longer than most students who go to grad school. So if you can, just keep me in your prayers as I seek the Lord's will for this.
Anyhoo... I feel like my time in SA has been short, probably because it has. I haven't had much time to do anything because the few days that I've been here, I've been working! But I did have time to hang out with my friend from school, Analy. We did the typical San Antonio things: browsed the mall, walked the river walk, and ate Taco Cabana! :) Now that's a fun day :)
I head back to Belton on Sunday, and I'm sure that there will be many fun times (and picture posts!) :)
12/27/2007
Vacation!
I think that time is so weird sometimes... Somehow it makes sense when I think about it, but when I say it... "This break feels like it's going by so fast, but it's taking forever!!" I mean, come on, how weird is that?? How can a period of time be slow and fast??
I have no idea. :)
Since finals, I have worked at my new job in Temple at a place called "Paperdoodles". This place is exciting- I get to sell paper (and other knick-knacks, too)! I get to look at pretty invitations and help brides pick out the best ones... (By the way, did you know how expensive invitations are? It's absolutely crazy!) After a couple weeks at Paperdoodles, and enjoyable, peaceful days in Belton, I drove back to San Antonio. The very next day, my family and I drove to Fredericksburg to seem my mom's side to celebrate Christmas. We had a wonderful time, and it's always fun to see family and catch up. Since Christmas I've been working at the retirement home serving food too all of the residents. It's fun to see them again- their smiles make me happy :) Tomorrow I fly out to Louisiana! I'm visiting the family I used to babysit for. I can't wait to see Nathan and Anna!! They are the cutest kids ever... I have some proof:
I wish I had a recent picture of her big brother, but I will after I get back from my trip! I'll be there until New Years day, when I fly back. I'm very excited! I'll be taking a ton of pictures because I got a camera for Christmas, which is very exciting!! So, I guess all I can tell you is, "Stay tuned!!" :)
I have no idea. :)
Since finals, I have worked at my new job in Temple at a place called "Paperdoodles". This place is exciting- I get to sell paper (and other knick-knacks, too)! I get to look at pretty invitations and help brides pick out the best ones... (By the way, did you know how expensive invitations are? It's absolutely crazy!) After a couple weeks at Paperdoodles, and enjoyable, peaceful days in Belton, I drove back to San Antonio. The very next day, my family and I drove to Fredericksburg to seem my mom's side to celebrate Christmas. We had a wonderful time, and it's always fun to see family and catch up. Since Christmas I've been working at the retirement home serving food too all of the residents. It's fun to see them again- their smiles make me happy :) Tomorrow I fly out to Louisiana! I'm visiting the family I used to babysit for. I can't wait to see Nathan and Anna!! They are the cutest kids ever... I have some proof:
I wish I had a recent picture of her big brother, but I will after I get back from my trip! I'll be there until New Years day, when I fly back. I'm very excited! I'll be taking a ton of pictures because I got a camera for Christmas, which is very exciting!! So, I guess all I can tell you is, "Stay tuned!!" :)
12/23/2007
Home! :) and a little randomness!
So I'm home now. I can smell the lovely scent of my mom's Apple Cake. How will I survive until tomorrow without biting into it?! :)
It's nice to be home. I'm just sitting in "my" room and relaxing. I'm acknowledging this because I do not want to take for granted the time I have now to rest... next semester won't be too bad... I don't think. I'm taking Advanced Grammar, which is supposedly the hardest class for English majors. I am still excited about it because I know there is so much about grammar that I don't know, but I've always wanted to. I'm also taking Advanced Rhetoric, Curriculum Methods, Classroom Management, and an easy one- General Psychology. I also find out where I will be student teaching. I'm not sure if I want Salado or Belton yet... so I will probably be observing in both districts to get a better idea. I think next semester's going to be fun, also! :)
Guatemala notes: I start fundraising next semester!! My Guatemala trip will be set for sometime June or July this summer... I get to choose the dates. It will be a prayer/relational ministry and I am very excited!! More updates to come... I will probably make a Guatemala blog, too. My adopted mom, Shanon, will be teaching Spanish classes at church for the Mexico mission trip, and I'm going to go to learn more for Guatemala :) It's very exciting!
Well, I guess I'll leave you with a quote that I read a couple days back:
"May your presence fill the nonanswers, empty glances, and lonely times of my life. Amen." - Robert Wood
It's nice to be home. I'm just sitting in "my" room and relaxing. I'm acknowledging this because I do not want to take for granted the time I have now to rest... next semester won't be too bad... I don't think. I'm taking Advanced Grammar, which is supposedly the hardest class for English majors. I am still excited about it because I know there is so much about grammar that I don't know, but I've always wanted to. I'm also taking Advanced Rhetoric, Curriculum Methods, Classroom Management, and an easy one- General Psychology. I also find out where I will be student teaching. I'm not sure if I want Salado or Belton yet... so I will probably be observing in both districts to get a better idea. I think next semester's going to be fun, also! :)
Guatemala notes: I start fundraising next semester!! My Guatemala trip will be set for sometime June or July this summer... I get to choose the dates. It will be a prayer/relational ministry and I am very excited!! More updates to come... I will probably make a Guatemala blog, too. My adopted mom, Shanon, will be teaching Spanish classes at church for the Mexico mission trip, and I'm going to go to learn more for Guatemala :) It's very exciting!
Well, I guess I'll leave you with a quote that I read a couple days back:
"May your presence fill the nonanswers, empty glances, and lonely times of my life. Amen." - Robert Wood
12/10/2007
Finals Week
So I'm almost done! I only have 2 more finals left! It's crazy for me to think that these are the last finals I will take in the fall-- this time next year I will be graduating. Wow, does time fly!
The week really hasn't been bad at all. I even got to go Salsa dancing on Saturday night- on of my hobbies! I've been attending a Salsa dancing class on campus this semester and we had most of our class go to a place called "Copas" in Austin together to dance. It was a really fun experience and definitely worth it. I never knew I would like dancing so much, but I do- I think it really has a lot of benefits, too. Not only is it a great work out, but you make a lot of friends when you all have an interest in the same thing :) And how cool is it to know how to dance? :) I'm pretty happy!
So yeah, that's all right now. Other than finals, I'm just enjoying good ole Belton and my last days of the semester. It's quite nice! :)
The week really hasn't been bad at all. I even got to go Salsa dancing on Saturday night- on of my hobbies! I've been attending a Salsa dancing class on campus this semester and we had most of our class go to a place called "Copas" in Austin together to dance. It was a really fun experience and definitely worth it. I never knew I would like dancing so much, but I do- I think it really has a lot of benefits, too. Not only is it a great work out, but you make a lot of friends when you all have an interest in the same thing :) And how cool is it to know how to dance? :) I'm pretty happy!
So yeah, that's all right now. Other than finals, I'm just enjoying good ole Belton and my last days of the semester. It's quite nice! :)
12/04/2007
*whew!!*
So, I haven't posted in a while, right? Wow, sorry about that!
I'd be surprised if anyone still checks this! ;)
Well, let me update you on a few things:
After about 2 months of long practices throughout the week, pageant finally came and went! Our theme was "De'Masque," which means "Unmasked". It was an awesome experience! Here it is through some pics (there's a lot!):
I'd be surprised if anyone still checks this! ;)
Well, let me update you on a few things:
After about 2 months of long practices throughout the week, pageant finally came and went! Our theme was "De'Masque," which means "Unmasked". It was an awesome experience! Here it is through some pics (there's a lot!):
This is at our banquet the night before pageant. We ate yummy food and each of our sponsoring organizations had a beautiful place setting waiting for us at our seat!
The first night was talent night and I performed a pantomime skit about true beauty. It turned out to be a huge hit! ;)
Julie and me before we went on stage to perform our dance on the second night!
Beautiful girls!
This was during evening gown walk- I wasn't nervous at all!
Stroll!
I made top 10!!
Then I made top 5, which is crazy! I answered my questions without an ounce of anxiety in me! God answered my prayer!
My proud, proud parents with me at the reception afterwards. It was so much fun and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else. By the way, I made 4th runner up!! :)
Life after pageant has been pretty busy, surprisingly. I thought I would be bored without having practices to go to, but I got a new job (my third one!) and I'm still keeping up with classes- mainly writing and reading a LOT. More than the average student, I'm sure! haha :) I hope you enjoyed this post! It was due!
10/15/2007
"All the world's a stage..."
My favorite class is currently Shakespeare. Just thought I'd share :) We had our midterm today and I think I made an A. I get advised for my last semester of classes next Monday. I will have MWF off, so I'm thinking of a job that I could take.. possibly subbing. I'm pretty excited!!
Lately God has been teaching me more about being real. And that's mainly why I'm writing about this, because I want to be obedient to what He is telling me, and be completely real and not cover anything up. So here goes...
He really had to break me down a couple nights ago... I was babysitting and the kids had gone to sleep and I was pretty tired because I was re-reading some Shakespeare. I got a phone call from one of my guy friends on campus, a fellow English lover, and told him that I couldn't go to a Shakespeare play with the group we had planned. Anyways, a mutual girlfriend of ours was in the background... we hung out earlier this semester, but not so much lately.
You may be thinking, "Yeah, so what's the big deal?" Well, small things usually surface larger feelings. And just so you know, I in no way have any feelings for this guy. But for some reason, God used a simple conversation and realization that my two friends were hanging out without me, and told me that I wasn't being real in my relationships with people. I don't know when this behavior started, but I'm thinking when my dad was deployed. I had told myself that I would not dwell on all the emotion that came with my dad being gone. I knew that I would be strong. But now I know that there is no winning with that battle. You have to deal with your emotions.
I was upset because I don't know these two people in that way. I feel like I haven't been real with anyone in a long time. I haven't told you that sometimes, or most of the time, I don't always have it together. I get stressed out. I compare the way I look with other girls. I'm not always happy with who God made me. But He's teaching me everyday. He's teaching me through pageant, and other things. But I never discuss these things with anyone.
I could sit here and say "Woe be me because I don't have a significant other to share things with and be real with." And I'm not going to make this one of my posts about being single, but God does call us to relationshipS (that's plural) with one another where we carry each other's burdens. I'm tired of hiding the fact that I fail sometimes.
So here it is in all caps: I MESS UP. I AM NOT PERFECT. I HAVE TO LEAN ON MY HEAVENLY FATHER, AND RELY ON MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. WE ALL HAVE TO. LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
I'm just tired of the superficial, acquaintance-type relationships. So lets go beyond that and actually talk to each other. I'm not going to worry about whether or not I would be revealing too much, because I don't reveal enough at all, and instead, I put up a mask of perfection.... which I hope people have seen through.
Is anyone with me? Does anyone else get bogged down with the false standard of everything being together? Because I am. And I hope that I made you think. Because it's been on my heart lately, and I'm trying to break down walls that I have put up.
Lately God has been teaching me more about being real. And that's mainly why I'm writing about this, because I want to be obedient to what He is telling me, and be completely real and not cover anything up. So here goes...
He really had to break me down a couple nights ago... I was babysitting and the kids had gone to sleep and I was pretty tired because I was re-reading some Shakespeare. I got a phone call from one of my guy friends on campus, a fellow English lover, and told him that I couldn't go to a Shakespeare play with the group we had planned. Anyways, a mutual girlfriend of ours was in the background... we hung out earlier this semester, but not so much lately.
You may be thinking, "Yeah, so what's the big deal?" Well, small things usually surface larger feelings. And just so you know, I in no way have any feelings for this guy. But for some reason, God used a simple conversation and realization that my two friends were hanging out without me, and told me that I wasn't being real in my relationships with people. I don't know when this behavior started, but I'm thinking when my dad was deployed. I had told myself that I would not dwell on all the emotion that came with my dad being gone. I knew that I would be strong. But now I know that there is no winning with that battle. You have to deal with your emotions.
I was upset because I don't know these two people in that way. I feel like I haven't been real with anyone in a long time. I haven't told you that sometimes, or most of the time, I don't always have it together. I get stressed out. I compare the way I look with other girls. I'm not always happy with who God made me. But He's teaching me everyday. He's teaching me through pageant, and other things. But I never discuss these things with anyone.
I could sit here and say "Woe be me because I don't have a significant other to share things with and be real with." And I'm not going to make this one of my posts about being single, but God does call us to relationshipS (that's plural) with one another where we carry each other's burdens. I'm tired of hiding the fact that I fail sometimes.
So here it is in all caps: I MESS UP. I AM NOT PERFECT. I HAVE TO LEAN ON MY HEAVENLY FATHER, AND RELY ON MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. WE ALL HAVE TO. LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
I'm just tired of the superficial, acquaintance-type relationships. So lets go beyond that and actually talk to each other. I'm not going to worry about whether or not I would be revealing too much, because I don't reveal enough at all, and instead, I put up a mask of perfection.... which I hope people have seen through.
Is anyone with me? Does anyone else get bogged down with the false standard of everything being together? Because I am. And I hope that I made you think. Because it's been on my heart lately, and I'm trying to break down walls that I have put up.
I want to be real with you.
9/26/2007
*Siiigh* :)
I thought I'd post a picture since I haven't in a while. This was during our first week back at school. I'm standing with all of my "nieces" in my welcome week family from this year. That was our 80s night- we had a dance and everything! It was pretty fun!! :)
I'm listening to Canon in D and decided it was good music to blog to :) Well, this week has been going well. I had my first test today in Creative Writing over Catch 22. I'm not sure how I did, but I guess I'll find out soon enough!!
Last night was our first official pageant practice. We started out with our talents. If you've been reading, you know that I'm miming. I'm pretty confident that I'm going down in UMHB history for that one- I'll have to do my research to be sure. I was 2nd to last in order of performance for practice, so I had a good hour for my anxiety to increase. But, I got up on stage and performed to "I Feel Pretty". People laughed at the right parts, which is a good sign. I was really nervous and did everything so quickly and ended before my music did... so that will be something to worry about :) But everyone said they liked it- so that's good!! Tomorrow night is "evening gown night" so we are all wearing our heels and learning how to walk gracefully. We'll see how that works out!!! :)
I hope everyone is having a good week!
9/24/2007
"Captivated"
God always uses the most simple, yet very complex, things to draw me to Him. It is these things that captivate me. My favorite male vocalist, Shawn McDonald, wrote a song that encompasses exactly how I feel about God and His magnificent creation. If you want to hear the song you can go to: http://myspace.com/shawnmcdonald . But even better than that, buy his new CD that comes out tomorrow!! :)
Here are the beautiful words:
Captivated
When I look into the mountains I see your fame
When I look in to the night's sky it sparkles your name
The wind and the clouds and the blue in the sky
The sun and the moon and the stars so high
That's what draws me to you
I am captivated
By you
In all that you do
I am captivated
When I wake unto the morning it gives me your sight
When I look across the ocean it echoes your might
The sand on the shore and the waves in the sea
The air in my lungs and the way you made me
That's what draws me to you
I am captivated
By you
In all that you do
I am captivated
The wind and the clouds and the blue in the sky
The sun and the moon and the stars so high
The sand on the shore and the waves in the sea
The air in my lungs and the way you made me
The blood in my veins and my heart you invade
The plants how they grow and the tree and their shade
The way that I feel and love in my soul
I thank you my god for let me know about you about you
Here are the beautiful words:
Captivated
When I look into the mountains I see your fame
When I look in to the night's sky it sparkles your name
The wind and the clouds and the blue in the sky
The sun and the moon and the stars so high
That's what draws me to you
I am captivated
By you
In all that you do
I am captivated
When I wake unto the morning it gives me your sight
When I look across the ocean it echoes your might
The sand on the shore and the waves in the sea
The air in my lungs and the way you made me
That's what draws me to you
I am captivated
By you
In all that you do
I am captivated
The wind and the clouds and the blue in the sky
The sun and the moon and the stars so high
The sand on the shore and the waves in the sea
The air in my lungs and the way you made me
The blood in my veins and my heart you invade
The plants how they grow and the tree and their shade
The way that I feel and love in my soul
I thank you my god for let me know about you about you
9/21/2007
Well, another week has passed! September seems as if it is just flying by :)
This week went well. On Monday night we had pageant orientation and it seems as if there will be many fun times to be had. I was so comforted because everyone seems to be in the same boat of anxiety. So that's nice. Practice starts on Monday, and will be on M,T,Th from 6-9 until November! We perform our talent on Tuesday night, so I'm practicing my mime skit!!
I got to meet up with my mime teacher on Wednesday. She has studied under Marcel Marceau- I am so blessed! She is so nice and had so many great ideas :)
Tonight I went country dancing which was way fun. I've learned all the steps to the songs which is really nice :) All of the instructors are so nice. I even get to babysit for 2 of them!! :)
Well, that's a summary of my life right now. Tomorrow I begin planning for Guatemala trip!!!
This week went well. On Monday night we had pageant orientation and it seems as if there will be many fun times to be had. I was so comforted because everyone seems to be in the same boat of anxiety. So that's nice. Practice starts on Monday, and will be on M,T,Th from 6-9 until November! We perform our talent on Tuesday night, so I'm practicing my mime skit!!
I got to meet up with my mime teacher on Wednesday. She has studied under Marcel Marceau- I am so blessed! She is so nice and had so many great ideas :)
Tonight I went country dancing which was way fun. I've learned all the steps to the songs which is really nice :) All of the instructors are so nice. I even get to babysit for 2 of them!! :)
Well, that's a summary of my life right now. Tomorrow I begin planning for Guatemala trip!!!
9/16/2007
"What was a whisper, is now a voice calling out..."
So... it's been a while!
Life has been good. I've been going running in the mornings with my wonderful running partner, Allie.
I've also been reading and writing... a lot!! But other than that, I've gotten to hang out with some really cool people. My welcome week family came over last week and we had a little game night. It was so much fun! Plus, I got to know them a little better, which was nice.
Pageant orientation is tomorrow!! Please, please, pleeease pray for me. I'm a little nervous because it's just something completely different, and while I know it will be a wonderful experience, it will definitely push me out of my comfort zone!
Oh, life is good. God is teaching me to rest and turn to Him, constantly.
Love you all,
Krista Q.
Life has been good. I've been going running in the mornings with my wonderful running partner, Allie.
I've also been reading and writing... a lot!! But other than that, I've gotten to hang out with some really cool people. My welcome week family came over last week and we had a little game night. It was so much fun! Plus, I got to know them a little better, which was nice.
Pageant orientation is tomorrow!! Please, please, pleeease pray for me. I'm a little nervous because it's just something completely different, and while I know it will be a wonderful experience, it will definitely push me out of my comfort zone!
Oh, life is good. God is teaching me to rest and turn to Him, constantly.
Love you all,
Krista Q.
9/05/2007
A Rediscovery :)
I really feel as if I'm finding my thing. Or re-discovering it rather. Tonight I had to write a rough draft about an event in my life that could be a short story. As I wrote, I felt the creativity begin. I don't really get frustrated when I get to write. I enjoy it! I'm loving seeing my words on the screen, and knowing that they will be read and can make a difference. I'm very excited about what God is doing with this new passion. I do enjoy reading, and I never thought I'd enjoy writing just as much (maybe even more)! I love talking about other writings, too. I like trying to find the symbolism in others' stories and analyzing.
I'm probably going to be posting some of my assignments on another blog. My little "creative spot". So, be looking for that :) I just thought I would share with you the passions that are growing in my life!
I'm probably going to be posting some of my assignments on another blog. My little "creative spot". So, be looking for that :) I just thought I would share with you the passions that are growing in my life!
8/30/2007
Very glad, with a smile spread across my face... :)
Wow. That is all I have to say. By changing my major to teach high school instead of middle school, I have made a great decision. My classes are so in depth and I am loving every minute of them. My favorite class of the moment is Advanced Composition. We have been reading nonfictional stories lately, and then submitting our response journals online. At first, I felt as if everyone else besides me was somehow above me in their writing, analytical and reflective skills. Today was a major turning point for me. In our class, we are randomly chosen to "teach and take over" the class by our professor. Wouldn't you know it, I was called on today. :) I was nervous, but I came prepared with a list of questions for our reading Independence Day, by Lisa Chavez. At first I was discouraged because I felt as if I didn't clarify my question enough... as if people were just staring at me and blinking. Then, my teacher interrupted and pointed out that the metaphor I had thought of was one he had never heard of and wanted to research more. He told me that I needed to speak up more in class and be more assertive. How's the for a boost of confidence?! I was so excited because I felt as if the only person in the room that I really needed to approve of my question actually really loved it! I'm also thinking that his method of teaching, in allowing us to teach, is the best preparation I could have for student teaching, which is where I will be in one year.
My other classes are interesting, too. In Creative Writing, we are reading Catch-22 and writing poetry. In Shakespeare, we are reading Richard II, and giving oral presentations, as well as writing a very big research paper. In World Literature, we are teaching a lesson geared towards the grade we want to teach that deals with a piece of world literature and current events. In British Literature, we are reading the classics, like Beowulf. Can you sense the excitement I have as I write this? I know that I get overwhelmed with the busyness of it all sometimes, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy reading about peoples' lives and learning their stories. I'm also becoming so much more confident in my own writing, because I do have good experience in that. I had some of the best English teachers you could ask for back in high school. (Those classes kept me going in a way at Judson.)
Needless to say, I am very content. I am enjoying where life is at right now and I couldn't ask for it to be any other way. My parents (yes, plural- my dad is included!!)are coming on Saturday to move in some furniture to the house. I am so excited about our house! It is the cutest little house you will ever see! :)
My other classes are interesting, too. In Creative Writing, we are reading Catch-22 and writing poetry. In Shakespeare, we are reading Richard II, and giving oral presentations, as well as writing a very big research paper. In World Literature, we are teaching a lesson geared towards the grade we want to teach that deals with a piece of world literature and current events. In British Literature, we are reading the classics, like Beowulf. Can you sense the excitement I have as I write this? I know that I get overwhelmed with the busyness of it all sometimes, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy reading about peoples' lives and learning their stories. I'm also becoming so much more confident in my own writing, because I do have good experience in that. I had some of the best English teachers you could ask for back in high school. (Those classes kept me going in a way at Judson.)
Needless to say, I am very content. I am enjoying where life is at right now and I couldn't ask for it to be any other way. My parents (yes, plural- my dad is included!!)are coming on Saturday to move in some furniture to the house. I am so excited about our house! It is the cutest little house you will ever see! :)
8/27/2007
Life Back at UMHB
Hello everyone!
I'm sorry I have been neglecting this blog for quite sometime now... I will try to get back into it! :)
Well... I'm back at UMHB and it's been great so far. I haven't mentioned that Lauren and I are STILL not in our house because they had to rid it of fleas and do a few minor repairs... but we should be moving in sometime this wee. This is completely okay because this has given us time to find a dining table, and a free one at that!
I also have some news that is even better than that... my dad is now in El Paso going through all of the debriefing classes and he should be home in San Antonio by the end of this week! This is very, very good news! My parents have waited so patiently for this time in his career- retirement! He will retire very soon and we will never have to worry about "war" again!! There is a lot of rejoicing in the Quinn family right now!
This week is our first full week of classes and I'm actually more nervous that I thought I would be! :) I've already been reciting Shakespeare with all of my fellow English majors, and this week I will be reading Japanese literature, and writing- a lot! I'm very excited about all of this, but I'm also quite nervous about staying on top of things.
Well, that's my update! :) I know it's not a lot, but I don't have too much to say.
MY DAD'S ALMOST "HOME, HOME"!
I'm sorry I have been neglecting this blog for quite sometime now... I will try to get back into it! :)
Well... I'm back at UMHB and it's been great so far. I haven't mentioned that Lauren and I are STILL not in our house because they had to rid it of fleas and do a few minor repairs... but we should be moving in sometime this wee. This is completely okay because this has given us time to find a dining table, and a free one at that!
I also have some news that is even better than that... my dad is now in El Paso going through all of the debriefing classes and he should be home in San Antonio by the end of this week! This is very, very good news! My parents have waited so patiently for this time in his career- retirement! He will retire very soon and we will never have to worry about "war" again!! There is a lot of rejoicing in the Quinn family right now!
This week is our first full week of classes and I'm actually more nervous that I thought I would be! :) I've already been reciting Shakespeare with all of my fellow English majors, and this week I will be reading Japanese literature, and writing- a lot! I'm very excited about all of this, but I'm also quite nervous about staying on top of things.
Well, that's my update! :) I know it's not a lot, but I don't have too much to say.
MY DAD'S ALMOST "HOME, HOME"!
8/09/2007
Back to School (and other ramblings...)
So can you find the grammatical error in my last post? :) I must have been very tired when I wrote that one!
Well, lets see.... I have not felt like blogging in a long time! It's not like me at all, but it's true. :( I will try to catch you up, just in case you'd like to know!
I'm still working at the retirement/nursing home, and it has been going well. While I've grown to really enjoy the old folks, I'm ready to go back to school. Sometimes being a waitress can be really tough work, and I don't know if I could do it for a consistent amount of time. Luckily, I go back to UMHB on Wednesday!
I'm very excited about it because this year holds so many opportunities. I'm looking forward to moving into the house and the many get togethers that will take place there. I'm also looking forward to pageant. I'm still nervous about it... but I know God has it all under control. I've never ever performed anything in front of a large group (much less the whole school!) so this will be a stretch for me. I'm feeling very comfortable with my talent, and while it needs a lot more practice, it's something that I know has a message and is still very cute and funny. If you haven't heard, I will be miming for my talent, and no, I'm not kidding! :) I think it will be a ton of fun to get to know all the other girls participating, and to be a part of UMHB's history. Not every girl gets the chance to do this, so it will be a ton of fun (and hard work)!
I'm also taking quite a few classes that will demand much of my attention! In no particular order, they are: Shakespeare, Advanced Composition, World Literature, British Literature, and Creative Writing. I am looking forward to all of these, but I also know that if I don't have a strict study schedule, this could be very, very bad! But it'll be fun, I know it. I'm really interested in Creative Writing (it may produce many blog posts!) and World Literature.
I'm currently applying for a tutoring job at a high school near UMHB, so that will be fun to get to know what it feels like to "teach" at the high school level. It will probably be very different from my other job on campus as a tutor for college students, but I'm up for it. It may sound crazy that I'll be working 2 jobs (3 if you count babysitting on Saturdays!), participating in pageant, and taking a full load of upper level English courses, but I know it will be great. I know that I thrive off of this type of schedule, but I also need to find times to rest. Maybe you can pray for me as I start this semester.. please? :)
On another note, my dad comes home by the end of the month! We are very excited to finally have him home and safe. I can't wait to give him a huge hug and tell him to never ever leave again! ;)
My last day of work is on Monday, and then I go back to Belton on Wednesday! I'm very excited about getting back into the groove of things! I can't believe it's my SENIOR YEAR. Seize the day! :)
Well, lets see.... I have not felt like blogging in a long time! It's not like me at all, but it's true. :( I will try to catch you up, just in case you'd like to know!
I'm still working at the retirement/nursing home, and it has been going well. While I've grown to really enjoy the old folks, I'm ready to go back to school. Sometimes being a waitress can be really tough work, and I don't know if I could do it for a consistent amount of time. Luckily, I go back to UMHB on Wednesday!
I'm very excited about it because this year holds so many opportunities. I'm looking forward to moving into the house and the many get togethers that will take place there. I'm also looking forward to pageant. I'm still nervous about it... but I know God has it all under control. I've never ever performed anything in front of a large group (much less the whole school!) so this will be a stretch for me. I'm feeling very comfortable with my talent, and while it needs a lot more practice, it's something that I know has a message and is still very cute and funny. If you haven't heard, I will be miming for my talent, and no, I'm not kidding! :) I think it will be a ton of fun to get to know all the other girls participating, and to be a part of UMHB's history. Not every girl gets the chance to do this, so it will be a ton of fun (and hard work)!
I'm also taking quite a few classes that will demand much of my attention! In no particular order, they are: Shakespeare, Advanced Composition, World Literature, British Literature, and Creative Writing. I am looking forward to all of these, but I also know that if I don't have a strict study schedule, this could be very, very bad! But it'll be fun, I know it. I'm really interested in Creative Writing (it may produce many blog posts!) and World Literature.
I'm currently applying for a tutoring job at a high school near UMHB, so that will be fun to get to know what it feels like to "teach" at the high school level. It will probably be very different from my other job on campus as a tutor for college students, but I'm up for it. It may sound crazy that I'll be working 2 jobs (3 if you count babysitting on Saturdays!), participating in pageant, and taking a full load of upper level English courses, but I know it will be great. I know that I thrive off of this type of schedule, but I also need to find times to rest. Maybe you can pray for me as I start this semester.. please? :)
On another note, my dad comes home by the end of the month! We are very excited to finally have him home and safe. I can't wait to give him a huge hug and tell him to never ever leave again! ;)
My last day of work is on Monday, and then I go back to Belton on Wednesday! I'm very excited about getting back into the groove of things! I can't believe it's my SENIOR YEAR. Seize the day! :)
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