So You Say You Want a White Christmas

Today I am bummed. This isn't a feeling that I experience regularly, mainly because my life is so busy that there is little time for me to be bummed about anything because something else is always right around the corner. Here is the reason:

This is what the weather at home looks like right now....by the end of the day and through tomorrow there is supposed to be 6-16 inches of snowfall...nothing short of a blizzard.

Originally I had planned to drive home Thursday because I was going to be available to work for at least half a week (I had already asked off all of last week for finals and didn't want to take too much time off). However, my bosses are great and are always trying to help us out and my boss knew I was going home and gave me the whole week off, so nice huh?! I was super excited; I would go to work Sunday morning, the employee party Sunday night, and leave for Gruver this morning. I had been watching the weather for Thursday all week this last week and then last night I thought to myself, "Oh, I'd better check what the weather will be doing tomorrow when I drive home." I got on and saw all of the blizzard and whiteout warnings and then decided I would call my dad to see what he thought this morning. There's probably no way I would make it safely home until Wednesday even if I left Austin today--I would run into huge snow about four hours from home. Sometimes I forget how different the weather is in the Panhandle; the people that don't think that it snows in Texas have obviously only been to the south--I'd think that if I'd only ever lived in Austin. It snows like every six years here; they canceled school last year because there was maybe an inch of snow on the ground that was melted by noon, people at home would have laughed, I know I did. I'm a little bitter at the moment, but I'll get over it; I was just excited to get to spend an extra couple days with my family, but I know and so do they that it isn't worth it--I would get stuck, stranded, or in a wreck; those things are like inevitable during a whiteout. I'm planning on going to Dallas and seeing my grandmother tomorrow then leaving Wednesday morning for home.

I'm only annoyed with the snow because it's cold and preventing me from getting home today, any other time I'm usually pretty giddy about it snowing. It makes for perfect Christmas weather-- our fireplace going, my dog in my lap, all while watching a movie with my dad. I am super happy to get to spend some time with my family, and when I get there, I know I will be completely fine with the snow. Honestly, I can probably count on one hand the times I have been home and it hasn't snowed at Christmas. So while it is drizzling and nasty here, Wednesday (knock on wood) I will be home with these wonderful people:

Enjoying every part of our White Christmas!

Paradise Lost Is Anything but Paradise

I'm taking a class on the Age of Milton this semester and it has been one of the best and most challenging classes I have taken thus far. The course started off with prose and the poetry of Andrew Marvell, we then studied Milton's Paradise Lost, and are now reading The Duchess of Malfi. I am writing a research paper on Paradise Lost arguing that the poem is an epic, you know, like the Aeneid, Iliad, and Odyssey? If you have ever attempted to read any of these you know what a challenge literature of this genre can be. I thought I was lost reading Paradise Lost; I'm definitely lost writing about it. The footnotes in the book are longer than the page; I had a professor tell me once that that is the definition of good writing; so I obviously have a good edition of the epic poem. See what I did there? I wish giving the argument in my paper was that simple. The poem has all the conventions of an epic: beginning by stating the purpose of the poem, opening in medias res, invoking a muse, using epithets, epic catalogues, giving long speeches by main characters, portraying divine intervention concerning the fall of man, containing epic similes, and has a protagonist who the human race can relate to, fairly simple research paper right? Don't worry, I'm not having too hard of a time with the paper; I'm just using my blog as a divergence for a moment. I mean this blog is the "musings from the law" obviously appropriate since I am on the paragraph about Milton's invocation of the muse. Now I will get back to this paper with no title; if you have any thoughts or ideas about the paper/book/or Milton in general I'd love to hear them; just for the record, I think he was a great writer, but I don't much like him. 

Coldplay has it right: Lost

May True Be the Hearts That Love You

It's been over a year since I have started this blog and honestly I never thought I'd make it this long, granted my posting frequency varies from month to month and sometimes months. I began this blog because I was beginning on a new path in my life and I hope you have enjoyed reading about my journey as much as I have had sharing it with all of you. To those of you who don't know, I will be beginning down another path within the next couple of months as I prepare to leave for Valparaiso, Chile to study abroad.

I sat down with my parents in September and told them that I had enough hours that I could easily graduate next December. However, I would be only twenty years old and have only spent a little over two years in college. I asked them if they would consider letting me study abroad....4,686 miles away. I'm their baby and so it took them a minute to swallow the idea but after a couple minutes my dad looked at me and said, "Go for it." The process has been very long and overwhelming but exciting and gratifying all at the same time. I will be leaving in late February and staying for a little over four months with a host family while attending the Catholic university in the city. It took some bargaining to get my mom to actually give me my passport, which is understandable, especially considering she has read every post on my Africa blog.  Throughout the past few months my parents have been super supportive helping me prepare for my departure. I cannot explain how blessed I am to have the opportunity to study in a different culture, learning a new language, meeting new people, and having the experience of a lifetime. My nerves are constantly on edge from excitement and I find myself daydreaming of the foreign place to which I will be traveling to. While in Chile I hope to learn Spanish enough to understand and speak it fluently. Others have told me I have set my goals high; I know this, I wouldn't be me without huge aspirations. My life dreams have always been focused on service in countries distant from my own; among other things I hope to get a taste of this in the Chilean culture. When I am in South America I hope to be able to give to the culture as much as it will give to me. Leaving Austin and St. Ed's is frightening to me at times, but I know that this is a good fear, and in this context, fear and frightening seem to be the wrong words to describe my emotions. I remember feeling this way leaving home for college. My parents had told me I had a ten hour radius, so I went ten hours away. My dad once explained to me that Papoo had always told him that as a parents it's all about giving rope and pulling it back when it needs to be pulled. I know that my parents are still holding onto my rope and I am always glad to know that they are at the other end. This journey for me is a bit of a swing and I couldn't be more thrilled. From the FBI background check to constantly Googling "Valparaiso" I know that I am about to swing my rope into a thrilling experience. I hope to continue to blog so that you can all experience a piece of this swing with me; the ups and the downs, who knows maybe by the end you will have to use a translate button to read a post! (Like I said, my expectations are high.)

As for my Thanksgiving thankfulness-as cliche as it sounds I really am thankful for so many things, today is just a great reminder to me to be mindful of all that I am blessed with. To my family and friends thank you all for who you have been, who you are, and who you will always be to me. I love you all and am blessed to have you in my life. Now...let's get back to watching the Aggies lose. What a great Thanksgiving! Well...except for these research papers. ;-)

Thank You.

Seen It All Before

“Someday, somewhere - anywhere, unfailingly, you'll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life”
― Pablo Neruda

The third week of school is over; well, I hope it's the third and not the second, I seem to have lost a good sense of time lately. Today I was walking out of my British Literature class and back to my apartment and it started sprinkling, then it started to rain. I pretty much almost cried, I mean I didn't, but it was a moment where I felt like I could. It hasn't rained here since like late April, early May; it's rained more in Gruver, which is considered desert land, than it has in Austin in the past 6 months. It didn't rain long, but the fact that it rained if even only for that five minutes made me recognize God's grace. I am at that point in my life where I am learning to balance school, work, and my social life and it is difficult to say the least but I will be the first to admit that I've kind of been trying to do it by myself for the past two weeks and it hasn't really been working out for me; granted, Jesus and I had a nice conversation about it last night and I made a really high grade on my quiz today, haha. I went to see my study abroad advisor this week and everything seems to be coming together nicely. I went to the doctor and my labs came back normal for the first time in a long time, looking back on this week, I have tons to be thankful for.

I have to write papers this weekend and work tonight and all day tomorrow, but my plans for Sunday are to do homework, go to church, and catch up on sleep....like for real.

I also get to see my family next weekend. When talking to my parents yesterday they proceeded to tell me the weather was fifty degrees.....awesome, no worries my dad reminded me to bring lots of clothes. I really am looking forward to seeing my family but I'm going to start praying for hot weather.

Tonight I am hanging out with my boys before work; they are just now starting to bust down the doors coming in from school. Hanging out with them after school reminds me of my childhood when the afternoons were filled with homework that took twenty minutes, dinner, and that random game of pick-up basketball in the driveway with my brothers if they ever let Katie and I play.

Love you all.
SOTD

"Write what should not be forgotten."

I know I haven't posted in like....a month, but school has started and so that may mean more blogging; we will see. My sophomore/junior year in college has definitely taken a different turn compared to how my life was last year. I no longer live in a a tiny dorm room but have an apartment where I have a kitchen that I can actually cook in which is so nice. However, lately I haven't been able to cook too much; I have been working a lot. I thought when school started, my work life would slow down a bit, but that hasn't been the case at all. I love most of my classes, they just require intensive reading. I am currently in the process of applying to study abroad in Chile this February. I have always wanted to learn Spanish and travel, going to school while doing both seems to be a reachable aspiration. Yesterday I was talking to my dad on the phone and he asked me if I was okay considering all the fires surrounding Austin. I told him that I was fine but it was definitely affecting people I know. My boss lives in Bastrop and some friends of mine have also had to evacuate; if you could keep them in your prayers that would be great.

6:30...do not, I repeat DO NOT be late

Dinner was at 6:30; if you were late, it was almost as bad as being late for curfew. My parents were big on family dinner time, and still are when we are all home. Every night, regardless of what was going on, dinner was at 6:30. If I was cooking, which was often, I liked to change the time to around 7 or later, I was never good at having food on the table at 6:30. Looking back on dinner time now, I am so thankful that my parents were so adamant about the time and all of us being there. Some of the best and most "educational" conversations came from family dinner time, granted that's also where Reid and I fought the most. There are many things that I miss about home but dinner time with my family is definitely at the top of the list. Not until I got to college did I realize 1) how great of a family I had 2) how truly blessed I am 3) how smart my parents are ;-).  I have the most wonderful family, immediate and extended. Speaking of extended, my Austin family comes back within the week and I cannot wait, they do family dinner time too! Anyways, love you all.

BEST SONG EVER

Yo Dad

I'm sure many of you know my dad, and many of you don't.....actually we could probably 86 that last part. My dad is one of the most friendly and social people that I know, believe me he's never met a stranger. This is something he definitely gets from his dad and I know that I have acquired the same trait from him as well. My dad's laugh can fill up a room and when I hear it, I can find him basically anywhere in a building. On my birthday, my dad likes to tell me about the day I was born and he came out of the hospital on a Thursday morning and it was foggy and he was so excited and then everyone came to see me on the way tot he Booker basketball game the next day; he tells this story with so much passion that sometimes I wonder if he realizes that I'm nineteen. I love to go on bike rides with my dad, and watching every season of the Lost TV series with him and analyzing it all is a fond memory of mine. When I was little I used to ride the tractor with him and he'd turn the radio off and we sing, oh how we'd sing! Honestly, we probably sang half the songs in the Faith and Praise hymnal on that tractor. We also love to share our knowledge about the world of technology: fun fact- my dad introduced me to blogging and twitter... I know totally a backwards relationship this day in age. My dad knows that I have a thing for writing poetry and I won't see him until next week so for a pre-cursor to his gift I thought I'd write a poem and dedicate it to him....

For the man who is always there for every laugh and tear
I dedicate this poem to you for all the world to hear.

Remember when I was little and every morning we made biscuits together?
And then I became a teenager and still haven't eaten a biscuit in forever..

Remember when we used to sing on the tractor all day,
and at night you'd chase all the monsters in my nightmare away?

Remember all the mornings you read bible stories to the brothers and me,
I used to get so mad when you wouldn't read another chapter and you'd just laugh with glee?

Remember all the bedtime stories you read to me at night,
Even the brothers would sometimes join us sitting still and not trying to fight?

You don't remember this but I do, you took Katie, Shelley, and me to the movies
And Katie looks at me and says, "You are his princess"....it's totally true.

Remember in high school when I started saying "Love me" and you told mom it was just a phase,
Now you two both say it, obviously it was a craze. :)

Remember when you taught me to cook and the months after ate many hamburgers far too pink and many steaks that were burned
And then years later I cook for you and your taste buds vouch for how much I have learned?

I know someday that a boy will come my way, and there is no easy way to say
that the shoes he will have to fill are large in size; the model man he must live up to lives his life through his "Father's Eyes."

So dad, thank you for everything you have ever been, will be, and are to me,
I really hope that in our case the apple does not fall far from the tree.

It's Summertime

My first year of college is over....yes over, it's still hitting me. This semester was terribly difficult for me and God definitely revealed His love and support continuously throughout the past few months. I took a heavy course load and was academically challenged beyond what I ever thought was possible in four months. I got sick the last month of the semester and found out exactly how much of a blessing my family and friends are in my life. I really could not have made it through this semester without the people that God has placed in my life. Those of you who are these people, thank you, for everything. I love St. Edward's and most everything about it but really this semester was just too much and I couldn't be more relieved to finish it. People always say that there is that one semester that you think will kill you; this was definitely mine.

I am staying with my aunt and uncle and their boys over the summer and working at the Lion and Rose British Pub as a waitress starting next week. I am excited about my job but still apprehensive about summer. This will be the first summer where all I am doing is working, which is great of course, just a change from all my previous summers where I have about one free week for the entire two months. I am excited about being in Austin where the weather is great and hiking is accessible out my back door. I have friends staying here for the summer as well so I am anticipating these two months will go well.

I realize I have just explained how much I was ready for this school semester to end; however, I am already ready for August and the next semester and all it will bring. Summer will be a good and much needed break but I really enjoy school and my life at the university, so I am ready for August whenever it chooses to arrive. I have a great course load taught by wonderful professors and I will be living in the on-campus apartments next year. I don't plan to return to Student Government as a senator but have applied for a position in the cabinet as the Internal Affairs Director which I will be notified about in August sometime.

This summer I am on a mission to find a church that I really like in the Austin/SoCo/Westlake area. My friends and I go to church every Sunday, usually at a different church every week, but we usually rotate between three or four different churches. I want to find a church that has a priest I can understand and good music. I want to find a home church. If you live in the area, any ideas?

I hope you have a great night and an even better start to your summer, whenever it may begin.

SOTD

I Was Born and Raised in the Boondocks

This past weekend I was able to go back to Gruver for Easter. Unlike most of my friends, I was out of school for almost a week for the break, going to a Catholic university totally pays off. This semester has been challenging in almost every way and going home was exactly what I needed to finish the next three weeks. My mom was so kind when I was home and made all the best home cooked meals; Dad helped me with a paper that I have been struggling with; I was able to hang out with my brothers who I always have fun with, and I was blessed to be able to spend time with all of my grandparents together. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and neighbors who are all just part of the family.

Nothing compares to the comforts of home and all that they can provide. I was able to rest and just breathe for a while. I would have liked to have spent more time at home, but that's what makes home such a special place to me, being that I don't get the opportunity to go home that often.

I will be staying in Austin for the summer working as a waitress for a restaurant and serving business. I am staying with my aunt and her family, then house-sitting when they go on vacation; both excited and nervous, I am anticipating summer's arrival.

Today during my two naps (yes two, but they were short so don't judge) I started watching Disney's The Fox and the Hound. I love Disney movies and this one is such a sweet but sad tale. I haven't finished it yet, and seeing as how it's been years since I have watched it, I have long since forgotten how it ends. I'm sure I will finish it when I fall asleep tonight, I just thought I'd give a movie update.

Tonight is our last praise and worship for the praise band I play in. As with any group, we have had our struggles over the year, but the overall experience has definitely been a blessing. I love the people I play with and consider it a blessing to be able to play with them every month. I am praying for a good turnout and that the heart of worship will truly fill the chapel tonight.

SOTD

All the Other Kids

To be quite frank this semester has me beat. As much as I love my university and the city, I will not be unhappy when the semester is over and summer arrives. God definitely has control though, I couldn't have asked for better friends at college to be silly with, keep me in check, and do homework with just about everyday. My parents have also been such a blessing as they always are in my life. I really wouldn't be able to make it week to week without them. I'm not sure that anyone but my mom truly understands my frustration with myself when I am not making perfect scores on tests and papers. My dad, being a professor, knows the stress of the college kid life and is always an asset when it comes to brainstorming for papers, especially about history which I am terrible at.

I received a call today from Texas Lions Camp, a camp for children with disabilities, informing me that once they receive my background check form that they will be sending me a contract to work for them this summer! I have a few other jobs that I am waiting to hear back from but this was great news to receive today.

For one of my honors classes I am working on a paper/project where I have to research an issue of social justice. The assignment provided ample freedom so of course I chose to focus on Africa. I have recently started a new blog about the project and the class. I love it and I think you may as well: This One's for Africa.

SOTD

March Maddness

I would have to say that out of all of the months of the year March makes my top three. There are a few reasons I especially like the month: spring break usually falls within the month, the NCAA basketball tournament, and of course spring is beginning.

For spring break my parents and I went to Reno, NV and then to Lake Tahoe. My dad was in Reno for an economics convention and mom and I had decided to go and I was going to spend some time snowboarding. We had a wonderful time, especially at Lake  Tahoe; we skied at Heavenly Valley and it definitely lived up to its name.

We had a wonderful time and decided that Heavenly would definitely be a place we would all visit again.

March also brings a month of madness. I have for years filled out a bracket for the tournament with my family; this year I put it in an intramural pool at SEU. My bracket is not doing that well at the moment; however, my team is still winning so I am content. I have been a KU fan ever since I have been in Jr. High; I don't think I have ever had anyone else winning the tournament in my bracket. This NCAA tournament is especially exciting for me because my friends and I are going to watch Kansas play in the elite 8 game in San Antonio, ROCK CHALK!

I also love the coming of spring. In Austin it seems like it could already be summer, which I am perfectly fine with. The days seem to fly by and life is definitely busier than ever. However, summer is right around the corner and who knows what adventures that will bring. I am definitely anticipating the long days full of sunshine and summer.


SOTD

Fat Tuesday

I have never personally been the kid who gets excited about Lent. I often have found it to be annoying in sorts and something I never much cared for as far as being a practicing Catholic goes. However, I always have participated in the Lenten season and tried to simply "give up my suffering to Jesus" as my mom would say.

This year I am particularly excited about Lent! No, I am not giving something up for Lent, because honestly that isn't much of a challenge for me. I'm sure my dad could think of plenty of things that would challenge me but really I don't think I would benefit much if I gave something up; I already give things up on a regular basis just to see how it makes me feel. Instead of giving something up I plan to write a letter to a different person each day. I started trying to do this for Lent a few years back but never got very far into it; this year will be different.

This idea is inspired by my wonderful grandfather who I was having a lunch conversation with (my grandmother was contributing as well) about the beauty of correspondence through writing letters. With my schedule being as insanely crazy and hectic it is I hope that these Lenten letters let people in my life know that I care about them even if it seems like we haven't talked in ages.


Here is the SOTD

Love love love


LAW

Homecoming

This week is homecoming week here at SEU. Because we students in SGA have so much school spirit we have a team competing in the weeks' festivities. We played kickball Sunday and had an ice cream eating contest today. We fared well but did not win either event. More importantly my parents are flying in this weekend! I am so ready to see them and introduce them to the atmosphere I love so much (most of the time).

Anyways, I am tired and going to bed. :)

SOTD

Chillin' With My Gnomies

 

Above is my wonderful DNOW group from this weekend. Let me tell you, I had the best time! Going I had no idea what I was getting myself into except a weekend leading a group of Jr. High girls. God totally rocked the hearts of our group this weekend. When leading small groups where the girls don't know you, their walls can't be just expected to fall immediately, but obviously God had other plans. On the first night after our big group time we went back to our host house and talked about the message and God did serious work. Saturday we went to the movies, participated in a random acts of kindness scavenger hunt, and worshiped the Lord like crazy! I was so thankful my girls bonded like they did, even if that meant I had to tell them continuously to go to bed that night because they couldn't quit talking about their day. 

This was my favorite song of the weekend and of course the song of the day.

Today is Valentines day; what a wonderful day right? I mean honestly a day all devoted to love, what could be better? I realize the romantic emphasis society places on the day, but really once you get past that the day has an entirely different meaning. The season that God is taking me through right now embodies a different kind of love that I have never experienced before; it's a beautiful kind of love. 

I hope your day is filled with love.

LAW

Sail

This is how I show my love.

It's cold, and the cold is annoying. WAH.

Last night the school put on discussion that included a mediator and panel of nine speakers discussing The N-Word, or "nigger". The tension was definitely high in the room throughout the night, many ethnic backgrounds being represented. The common consensus of the discussion concluded three main points: 1) The word should not be used at all and should be virtually removed from language usage except when used in historical context. 2) African Americans can use the word but Caucasians cannot. 3) It is just a word. All of the discussion was particularly interesting to me especially because I had never been close friends with an African American until I moved to Austin. My friend was actually a member of the panel and my first African American professor mediated the discussion. When I told my friend she was my first African American friend and that there were no African Americans who lived in my town she was shocked and completely honored.

This weekend I am traveling to Houston to help with a disciple now weekend. I don't know if I mentioned this in my last post, but I am super stoked!

Tonight I am going to be listening to a speaker talk on college debt.....(insert large gulp here).

Here are the newest pair of shoes I want. I really would like to have them because Curran and I have started hiking every weekend. The shoes are water shoes and hiking shoes as well as used for overall fitness. I either want this pair:

This pair:

Or this pair:

LAW

Move By Yourself

SOTD

This week was definitely a long week. However, the week ended with yesterday being a snow day which was nice. People in Gruver would have laughed if school was canceled for the amount of snow/ice that was on the ground, but it's Austin and they only see snow like every five years or something so classes were canceled; it was nice.

Recently my whole family...yes all five have gotten a Twitter account. Yesterday, we were tweeting and decided that we would start a blog with the rest of our family (our next door neighbors). This could be one of those things that starts and dies but I hope not seeing as how our reader count was pretty large yesterday. If you haven't checked it out and would like to click here.

Today is a day for homework, sleep, and lots of both. My classes this semester are very different from last semester. Last semester's classes required lots of writing, this semester's classes require tons of reading.

Also, I quit coffee and tea both. I quit cokes around four years ago cold turkey and recently decided that I am done with coffee and tea as well.

Anyways, I am off to do some reading; I hope your day is swell and that you stay warm wherever you are!

It Was All Yellow

Yesterday the weather was perfect in Austin and I had the most wonderful day. I went to mass in the morning, did my homework and laundry, then went hiking on the Greenbelt with Curran, only to finish the day at bible study with my favorite ladies topping the whole day off with a mini blizzard with two of my favorite guys. Today is a Monday; yes, one of those Mondays. It is seeming to drag on with no end in sight.

For spring break my parents and I are going to Reno, Nevada; my dad bought our flight tickets yesterday. Also, St. Edward's homecoming and parent weekend is rapidly approaching; my parents will be here and I am really looking forward to it.

In one of my honors classes, Issues of Social Justice, we recently wrote a paper defining what social justice is. I had a bit of fun with the paper because social justice is one of those concepts that has no definite label. It is especially interesting to examine all of the issues that relate to social justice.

SOTD

The weather is wonderful today; a cold front is coming in soon so I am going to take advantage of today, maybe another hike?

Over and out.

LAW

We Are Family

So this is short and sweet, but only because I have praise and worship tonight! As you can tell I am so excited, my heart needs this. It has been brought to my attention that over half of my family is blogging the links are in my side bar but just for your peaking interest:

Dad's Blog- This is the founding father blog of our family blogging. My dad has been blogging for some time now so he is of course an old pro. He has recently started blogging about the book of Psalms chapter by chapter. I'm glad to see that he is back in the game!

Reid's Blog- This is my older brother's blog. I think he works on it with a few of his friends. My brother, as I have mentioned before, is a Texas Rangers fanatic so right now the focus of his blog is of course the Rangers. However, the writing is good and the boys seem to know what they are doing so check it out.

Katie's Blog- This is my next door neighbor's blog. Katie and I are basically sisters; I figured she would fit in this list nicely. Her blog is bipolar, meaning she goes on posting rampages then doesn't post for a month, just a forewarning. However, read her posts, you won't be disappointed.

Side note: My TOMS came in today!

SOTD

I hope your day is pleasant and your week is filled with endless joy! If you have a moment say a prayer for the praise band I am playing with tonight and all the students who are coming out to worship with us!

Carpe Diem,

LAW

A moment, a love, a dream a laugh...

Let's start with the song of the month...yeah it's that good SOTM. (Teague you will love it I promise). And for the SOTD.

So the first week of school definitely came and went quickly and was filled with anticipated chaos. Nonetheless, I am happy to be back at St. Ed's and into a busy routine. The new semester offers a fresh set of courses to learn from and adventures to embark on. Last weekend Curran and I went hiking at the Greenbelt:

Also, while spending time with my grandmother in Dallas I was able to earn some money and purchased new dress/casual shoes for my wardrobe:

Also, this is really funny.

Anyways, I realize this isn't the best blog post, but there is always more to come.

Carpe Diem,

LAW

You're My Person

I have been in Dallas, Texas visiting my grandmother, Noni, since Wednesday. Noni and I are alike in many ways: we both hate the cold, like books, and enjoy spending time with each other to name a few. Since I have been here, we have been very productive together. Today we actually went to the AT&T store and purchased her an iPhone. My grandmother has an iPhone and she is getting the hang of it pretty quickly; yeah she's a BOSS.

Thanks Apollo: SOTD

I am anticipating the arrival of my dear mother the day after tomorrow. I realize we have only spent a little over a week apart, but spending time with her is always wonderful.

I recently decided that my upcoming semester is going to be so hectic that I am going to need a planner. Now those of you that know me know that I rarely make plans that don't change and I hate writing things down. Nonetheless this new leaf will be turned over; I have spent the money and my planner is being shipped to the school. Almost every friend I have uses a planner, the same planner in fact, here it is...the one and only moleskine:

Along with the arrival of my planner, the new semester brings many new things into my life, more on those at a later time.

Also, since we all know how much I like to talk about how much I like or dislike the current weather, let me tell you that Dallas is far too cold right now. Jack Frost needs to leave and never return.

I hope you haven't found this muse a waste of time, and I hope that this new year has greeted you with as many blessings in your life as it has mine.

Carpe Diem,

LAW

Life Lately

Fear not, I am still continuing to blog frequently as I have previously mentioned! Lately my life has been spent on the road "Back Down South". I left my lovely family back in Gruver last Thursday morning heading for Sugar Land to see my wonderful friend Melina. My parents left for Las Vegas that morning for the Consumer Electronics Show (I think that's what it's called) where my dad had entirely too much fun... see here. I was supposed to drive to Dallas this morning but because the weather was unpredictable, I came to Austin for a few days. My stay in the land of sugar was very pleasant. God completely blessed me with the hospitality of Melina and her family.

When I arrived in Houston, the weather was wonderful of course. However, today, the weather is in the thirties and I am wondering exactly what is going on....not okay. I talked to my mother earlier today; she told me in Gruver it was six degrees and school was just canceled due to the snowfall. Luckily, the weather down here is supposed to be warm again by Wednesday. Speaking of my lovely mother, I am super excited because she will be in Dallas this weekend. Even though it will only be a couple days, seeing her is always great.

School starts a week from tomorrow and needless to say, I am ready to get back into the swing of things. I am sure three weeks from now I will be overwhelmed with coursework and ready for spring break; but for now, I am ready for a set routine even if it includes hours of homework.