Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I have nothing better to title this than Tuesday

Do you ever have those days that are good days because everything went well, but that you would not necessarily consider to be amazing?  Today has been one of those days.  I had work at 7:30, which probably explains why I am so tired at the moment.   After two hours of work I enjoyed a small break before my Christian Scriptures class.  I really enjoy the way my Professor tells the stories of the Old Testament.  I feel like it is story time everyday in that class. :-)  I had a quick lunch and then began packing up my room.  It feels amazing to be able to start putting some things away that I do not need to use all of the time.  After completing some homework and another shift at work, I went to the Principals Panel.  The session was interesting and very informational, but also quite frustrating.  Often times my classes drill into our heads the concept that I may never receive a job in teaching.  Oh well....I am beginning to tell that I am too tired to make this interesting.  Therefore, I am going to call in a night.  Any earth shattering news that I may have forgotten tonight I will write about tomorrow.

Sarah

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring is in the Air!

I decided that this blog needed to be written in a bright color as it seems as though it is finally spring! (even if there is a chance of snow Thursday)  Today has been a beautiful day, and not just because of the weather.  My math class was extremely easy today and resulted in no homework which is always a good day in my book. :-)  I enjoyed my time before my next classes with friends.  I had two tests/quizzes and have been lounging around my room and studying.  I even forced myself to study in the library for a while today so that I would make sure to get some research done.  Which I did!  I figured I had better write this blog now as I am going to leave for Disciplers soon and will most likely forget to write later.  Anyway...
           let's talk about yesterday.

So Sarah, Kate, and I decided to go to Chicago on Sunday.  We hopped the 9:50 train and began taking some cute pictures.  We passed the time by making some videos too (which are quite comical to watch).  When we go to Michigan Avenue it was pouring so we ran the block to Noodles and Company and had an early lunch.  I had never had this restaurant before but can happily report that it is delicious, especially the mac n cheese.  But anyway, after lunch the rain had died down some and we began our journey.  One of our main goals for the day was to help the homeless.  On previous trips to Chicago our hearts went out to all those who were homeless, but we didn't know what to do.  We decided Friday, though, that we would make sandwiches to take to them.  We made around 20 sandwiches, brought a Nesbitt meal, 10 granola bars, and 20 bags of fruit snacks that we were ready to hand out.  We only saw one person that was in need of our food all day though, so if anyone is interested in 16 remaining PB&J sandwiches let me know.  Oh well...our hearts were in the right place, the rain just kept them hidden. We did enjoy shopping though.  We visited two Vera Bradley stores (I am so proud of myself for only spending $12 at the store!), bought some perfume that was 1/2 off at Victoria Secrets, and just browsed in some other small shops along Michigan Avenue.  Most importantly, though, we just enjoyed the time we had with one another to laugh and create marvelous memories, even with the rain.  The only problem that we ran into was on the train ride back, which was the most eventful train ride I have ever been on.  First the conductor made an announcement that passengers needed to be respectful of others and not play their music or talk on the phone as loudly as some were.  I had never hear an announcement like this before on the train. :-/  Then the same person informed us that pictures were not to be taken on the train.  (Another surprise seeing as I have taken a million pictures on the train before!)  Then we were stopped at a train station for 15 minutes because some man refused to pay the ticket or leave the train and had to be taken away by the police.  Man did that conductor enjoy telling our car all about how that man was going to jack up the prices for everyone.  I don't think the conductor was having a good day seeing as he ranted an awful lot.  Oh well...our trip was so much fun!  From the car rides, the crazy pictures and videos, the wonderful bargain shopping, the belting out of music, and the helping on homeless woman, I would say the day was unforgettable.  I cannot wait to room with these two wonderful ladies next year (plust Steph!)!

Well I suppose I should wrap this up and finish up any homework before leaving for Hopkins Park for the evening.

Hope you are all enjoying this weather as much as I am!
Sarah 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

My How Time Flies!

When I started this blog I had the best intention of posting daily, or at least once a week.  But looking back over my recent posts, it has come to my attention that I have failed miserably.  I shall try to do better from now on, but let's be honest, there is a great possibility that I will fail once again.  Let's start at the beginning of the semester...well not literally, but I can recap. :-)

The semester started out rough as my foot was broken and I was frustrated to have to get to call Public Safety for rides everywhere.  While the foot was enough of a problem I was also frustrated with most of my classes.  I never thought I would complain that a class could be too easy, but it honestly seemed that way.  Most of my classes are general education classes and seem to be far too easy, and more than that, extremely boring.  I am working to look past the individual classes and think of where each class has the potential to take me instead, a much easier and more optimistic way to look at the semester. :-)

Another important fact that should be mentioned is that this semester I found out information on an England trip that will take place at the end of December this year.  The trip will last 12 days, 2 of which will be travel days.  The trip will allow me to see Shakespeare's Theater, Stonehenge, Jane Austen's home, and so many other WONDERFUL sights.  I am very excited for this opportunity.  It looks like my friend Sarah and I will be going which is so amazing! We are going to have a wonderful time!  Not to mention the fact that we get class credit. 

Speaking of class credits...it looks as though I will be able to graduate early while only take 15 hours each semester.  Seems to good to be true doesn't it?  Well with some help from summer classes and some AP credit hours I should be able to tackle this feat.  Let's hope anyway...saving a semester of tuition sounds amazing!  The next question remains as to what I really want to do after college.  While I know that education is the overall field I want to be in, I am still debating the ages and type of teaching that I want to be involved in, if that makes sense.  Overall I am just praying that God will lead me in the direction that He has for my life, and that I would have His eyes in order to see the purpose and path that He wants me to take.  

Another piece of good news....I passed my Basic Skills Test!!  I passed it on my first try which means that I no longer have to worry about it!  Instead I can just focus on getting into the Education Department by the end of next semester.


Now to start summing up previous events.  Homework has been okay this year, I have been working to accomplish things early and to take my weekends as time to spend with my friends.  So far this weekend has been amazing.  Friday Kate, Sarah, and I went to the mall and got manicures and pedicures.  Sarah had never had a pedicure before, and it was quite entertaining to watch her giggle the whole time. After our relaxing trip to the nail salon we made a trip to the grocery store and then returned back to campus to enjoy some Red Room.  We were planning to go back to the room and watch some movies, but we were all too full of energy due to the WONDERFUL spring weather.  So...we decided to be spontaneous and went to Matteston, to a bookstore of all places. (I know, we are SO cool) The Borders in Matteson is closing and we were able to get a number of steals all 40-60% off!  Then we returned home and finished some homework until 1 in the morning when my eyes would no longer remain open.  This morning my family picked me up to celebrate John's birthday.  We went to Bucca di Bepo, which was really good.  I absolutely love the food there.  Then my family went to the mall.  I only left with lotion, which was strange for me.  I had a lot of fun at the mall though, regardless of how much I bought.  On the way back I fell asleep and woke up with a surprise.  My dad had driven to a Vera Bradley store and my lovely parents treated me to a bag that will work perfectly in England.  After we completed shopping for the day we returned to Matteson to correct a mistake Borders had made on my receipt, and also giving my dad an opportunity to shop the book sales.  Then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Fudruckers before returning me to campus with leftovers, presents, and wonderful memories of a glorious day with my family!


I have so much to be thankful for in my life.  I have amazing parents who are always there for me when I need them, and yet are willing to give me the freedom to explore and find out who it is that I am and will be in the future.  They spoil me and yet are making me learn life lessons at the same time.  I will forever be grateful for their love and support.  I am also extremely grateful for my wonderful brother who turned 15 today.  He is growing up way too fast.  Though we may not always get along, I wouldn't trade him for anything.  I am also extremely happy that I have wonderful grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many other relatives that are there for me, showing me God's love in so many different ways.  My amazing friends are also a wonderful blessing in my life.  God has blessed me with new friends at Olivet that I will never forget.  I can not wait to be roommates with Kate, Sarah, and Steph next year.  They are some of the best friends a girl could ask for and I am extremely grateful for their support whether it be from helping with laundry to listen to me complaining about boys.  They are of course not the only friends I have to be grateful for, but rather are just a few of the many wonderful blessings in my life.  I should probably wrap this up, as it seems as though I am beginning to babble.


Anyway, I am extremely happy with my life.  I love my family, friends, and the experiences that await me each day.  Speaking of experiences...tomorrow Kate, Sarah and I are going to Chicago.  I can not wait for the trip!! I will do my best to write tomorrow and tell all about the trip!


Hoping to remember to write tomorrow,
Sarah <3