My life is busy.
I have two jobs: one part time job that is now 25-30 hours per week instead of just 20 and a babysitting gig (that really maintains my sanity) that is anywhere from 8-12 hours per week.
With my two jobs, I am also taking two classes: one that meets every Monday for 2.5 hours and another that will meet 3 weekends this semester (Friday for 5 hours and Saturday for 10 hours).
On top of classes and work, I am planning a wedding. Most of the big stuff is done but that doesn't mean that it is not on my mind a good portion of my day.
I do not tell you this in request for pity or awe as I am sure many of you are MUCH busier than me. I am, however, telling you this because I have really just become aware of how much this is myself and kind of needing to "talk it out."
The other night, I was finishing up work in the office and another girl was asking me about work, school, etc. She seemed flabbergasted that I was taking two classes, working two part time jobs, finishing a thesis and planning a wedding. I hadn't really thought about this being a lot of work. At UGA, my normal semester consisted of taking 4-5 classes, working a part time job (+babysitting) and being involved in an extracurricular club or activity. I did that without issue.
I probably never think about it because when I do, it totally stresses me out. If I don't think about it, it is simply how my days and weeks work. I don't think about the overall picture, just what I have to do next.
After I graduate, I will (hopefully) get a job as a teacher. This job takes extra hours, for sure, but I'm wondering what I will do with my extra time. Andrew believes that I will fill my time decorating our condo. I have no idea what I'll do...maybe I will just be the most well-prepared teacher possible! haha
In the end, I suppose this is a good thing. Having a lot of stuff on my plate rarely overwhelms me. I take things as they come, get them done and move on. Hopefully this will work to my favor when I am working and when we have kids!
What is your life as usual?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
it is almost February
Laurel and were commiserating tonight over how fast January has flown past us. At the same time, though, it seems like it has been forever since we were in D.C. witnessing the beginning of a new era in American history.
People have always said that the older you get, the faster time goes by. If time is flying by this fast and I'm only 23...I cannot imagine how quickly it will speed by when I'm older. Add onto that marriage, a job and kids and I'm sure that the years will pass as though there were just days.
I keep thinking about when I was younger and people would comment on how I was growing up so fast. My Dad would always say, "she was only born about 2 days ago" and I would roll my eyes or laugh with embarrassment. Now... now I completely understand.
Time will fly as I spend my last months in Nashville. Time will fly as I am planning this wedding to my best friend. Time will fly in my first months of marriage in Augusta.
I am preparing myself so that 10 years from now I won't look back and wonder what I did with my time and my life. Time flies, so make the best of it.
People have always said that the older you get, the faster time goes by. If time is flying by this fast and I'm only 23...I cannot imagine how quickly it will speed by when I'm older. Add onto that marriage, a job and kids and I'm sure that the years will pass as though there were just days.
I keep thinking about when I was younger and people would comment on how I was growing up so fast. My Dad would always say, "she was only born about 2 days ago" and I would roll my eyes or laugh with embarrassment. Now... now I completely understand.
Time will fly as I spend my last months in Nashville. Time will fly as I am planning this wedding to my best friend. Time will fly in my first months of marriage in Augusta.
I am preparing myself so that 10 years from now I won't look back and wonder what I did with my time and my life. Time flies, so make the best of it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
a deep sigh of relief
I have just returned from D.C. The past 4 days have produced some of the most memorable, life changing moments in my life.
On Saturday, we arrived in D.C. to one of our townhouses that had no heat, followed by a flurry of movement to another townhouse. Our cousins who had gotten lost, circling D.C. for hours arrived later than originally planned...but they got there! After everyone arrived, we had to rush to a moonlight monument tour that we were late for and that had lost our reservations. Despite the craziness of the day and some of the crazy people on the tour, we had a BLAST on our first outing as a group.
Sunday came and some of the group attended a brunch at Ft. Meyers Officers Club while others made our way down to the concert at the Lincoln Memorial while enjoying the spirit of the event. On our way to the concert, one of my cousins noticed Lisa Ling walking beside us and decided to make sure it was her. A simple question turned into an interview that is now on oprah.com and Lisa Ling's blog. While we were meeting Lisa Ling, the other group serendipitously saw Barack's motorcade leaving Arlington National Cemetery and some even got a wave from our new President!
The concert was amazing and the hundreds of thousands of people attending were all in accord, at different moments, singing together.
On Monday, we all chose to go our own ways and split (essentially) into 2 groups. My group went to the Newseum and that might have been the best decision we made the whole trip! MT had suggested it to Laurel and our entire groups thanks her for that. Though many had already been to D.C., no one had ever been to the Newseum, since it just opened approximately 4 months ago. Everyone had their favorite parts; I had two. For the first time since 9/11/01, I saw the footage of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center tower. If I had words to express the emotion I felt in that moment, I would put them here but I simply do not. The other moment I had was watching some footage of the 2008 election and the moment Obama was reported to have won. Just like that fateful day, I wept with tears of joy and I was reminded of why I was suffering through the bitter cold to be in D.C.
That same day, the group split again and some of us went to the Lincoln Memorial. On our way, we made sure to thank the groups of service men and women passing by us and even took our picture with one group. Once at the memorial, we realized there was a long line to get into the memorial and decided to head back home. Though our trip was (slightly) unsuccessful in seeing the monument, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk with my family...oh yeah, and seeing Anderson Cooper.
Tuesday was a day of absolute joy for me and billions of people around the world. Though the temperatures were in the mid-20s and the wind chill was hovering around 17 degrees, we pushed through to witness the moment our country took a deep sigh of relief. Some cheered when our new President walked onto the Capitol's stage, I simply wept. The person walking out onto that platform embodied everything I had ever wished for this country. I suddenly forgot about my toes that I couldn't feel and my face that was windburned and was in awe of the fact that my vote helped elect the man that has restored my (and billions of others') hope for and belief in my country.
When President Obama took the oath of office, messed up line and all, some hugged their neighbors, others jumped up and down, some shouted screams of triumph and others wept tears of joy. I was standing behind a rather large man who had been silent throughout the entire time we had been standing on site and in that moment of joy, all I could see through my tear filled eyes was his hand wiping tears from his face.
After leaving the inauguration and being separated from the group in a mob of people trying to get to their respective locations, Grace, Nala, Nelva and I made it through and ran directly into Mom and Laurel whom we had separated from much earlier. We all made it home, some quickly departed and others remained to watch our new First Family attend the many inaugural balls that night.
This morning, I woke early, much to my dismay. Got on the road at 7am and arrived back in Nashville 11.5 hours later. I am still processing the whole trip and one thing I know, aside from all of the stuff I just laid on you, I am extremely greatful for this opportunity to witness a glorious moment in our country's history with my newfound cousins.
Yes, I knew these cousins existed previously but I never really KNEW them. My experience in D.C. was amazing due, in great part, to these fabulous women. I learned so much about each of them and cannot wait for our next time together.
There is so much more to report, so many more stories to tell and pictures to post. I, unfortunately, do not have the time to do much of this in my crazy life. So, please visit our trip's blog.
On Saturday, we arrived in D.C. to one of our townhouses that had no heat, followed by a flurry of movement to another townhouse. Our cousins who had gotten lost, circling D.C. for hours arrived later than originally planned...but they got there! After everyone arrived, we had to rush to a moonlight monument tour that we were late for and that had lost our reservations. Despite the craziness of the day and some of the crazy people on the tour, we had a BLAST on our first outing as a group.
Sunday came and some of the group attended a brunch at Ft. Meyers Officers Club while others made our way down to the concert at the Lincoln Memorial while enjoying the spirit of the event. On our way to the concert, one of my cousins noticed Lisa Ling walking beside us and decided to make sure it was her. A simple question turned into an interview that is now on oprah.com and Lisa Ling's blog. While we were meeting Lisa Ling, the other group serendipitously saw Barack's motorcade leaving Arlington National Cemetery and some even got a wave from our new President!
The concert was amazing and the hundreds of thousands of people attending were all in accord, at different moments, singing together.
On Monday, we all chose to go our own ways and split (essentially) into 2 groups. My group went to the Newseum and that might have been the best decision we made the whole trip! MT had suggested it to Laurel and our entire groups thanks her for that. Though many had already been to D.C., no one had ever been to the Newseum, since it just opened approximately 4 months ago. Everyone had their favorite parts; I had two. For the first time since 9/11/01, I saw the footage of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center tower. If I had words to express the emotion I felt in that moment, I would put them here but I simply do not. The other moment I had was watching some footage of the 2008 election and the moment Obama was reported to have won. Just like that fateful day, I wept with tears of joy and I was reminded of why I was suffering through the bitter cold to be in D.C.
That same day, the group split again and some of us went to the Lincoln Memorial. On our way, we made sure to thank the groups of service men and women passing by us and even took our picture with one group. Once at the memorial, we realized there was a long line to get into the memorial and decided to head back home. Though our trip was (slightly) unsuccessful in seeing the monument, I thoroughly enjoyed the walk with my family...oh yeah, and seeing Anderson Cooper.
Tuesday was a day of absolute joy for me and billions of people around the world. Though the temperatures were in the mid-20s and the wind chill was hovering around 17 degrees, we pushed through to witness the moment our country took a deep sigh of relief. Some cheered when our new President walked onto the Capitol's stage, I simply wept. The person walking out onto that platform embodied everything I had ever wished for this country. I suddenly forgot about my toes that I couldn't feel and my face that was windburned and was in awe of the fact that my vote helped elect the man that has restored my (and billions of others') hope for and belief in my country.
When President Obama took the oath of office, messed up line and all, some hugged their neighbors, others jumped up and down, some shouted screams of triumph and others wept tears of joy. I was standing behind a rather large man who had been silent throughout the entire time we had been standing on site and in that moment of joy, all I could see through my tear filled eyes was his hand wiping tears from his face.
After leaving the inauguration and being separated from the group in a mob of people trying to get to their respective locations, Grace, Nala, Nelva and I made it through and ran directly into Mom and Laurel whom we had separated from much earlier. We all made it home, some quickly departed and others remained to watch our new First Family attend the many inaugural balls that night.
This morning, I woke early, much to my dismay. Got on the road at 7am and arrived back in Nashville 11.5 hours later. I am still processing the whole trip and one thing I know, aside from all of the stuff I just laid on you, I am extremely greatful for this opportunity to witness a glorious moment in our country's history with my newfound cousins.
Yes, I knew these cousins existed previously but I never really KNEW them. My experience in D.C. was amazing due, in great part, to these fabulous women. I learned so much about each of them and cannot wait for our next time together.
There is so much more to report, so many more stories to tell and pictures to post. I, unfortunately, do not have the time to do much of this in my crazy life. So, please visit our trip's blog.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
a part of history
On Friday, I will be leaving to go to D.C. for the inauguration. I haven't blogged about it thus far because I don't think there is anyway I could put my emotions and anticipation into words.
Anyone who knows me also knows that words are not something I am often left without. I am quite adept at communicating my emotions so that they are clear and understandable. It just isn't happening.
All I can say is this:
Barack Obama will change our country. Though expectations are extremely high for this presidency, I hope we all remain realistic and know that even a small step forward is leaps and bounds more than the past 8 years.
I have always loved my country. The freedoms we have are something I am forever grateful for and I thank the people who have fought for those freedoms. That being said, when I traveled abroad in college, I did not want to tell people that I am an American. People all over the world were shocked and appalled at the state of our country. For the first time in 8 years, I am truly proud to be an American.
This trip to Washington, D.C. with 17 of my female cousins will be something I will always remember: not because I will be witnessing a positive change in our country's history, not because this will be my first trip to D.C. and not even because it will be a wonderful time with my dearest family. None of these things can be singled out because it is the combination of all of these that will make this an unforgettable event.
Barack Obama makes me hopeful. I cannot wait to be surrounded by 5 million of my closest friends watching our country take a giant leap into the future.
If you want to read more about our cousins trip...we have created a blog.
Laurel has blogged about the trip, too...look her up.
Anyone who knows me also knows that words are not something I am often left without. I am quite adept at communicating my emotions so that they are clear and understandable. It just isn't happening.
All I can say is this:
Barack Obama will change our country. Though expectations are extremely high for this presidency, I hope we all remain realistic and know that even a small step forward is leaps and bounds more than the past 8 years.
I have always loved my country. The freedoms we have are something I am forever grateful for and I thank the people who have fought for those freedoms. That being said, when I traveled abroad in college, I did not want to tell people that I am an American. People all over the world were shocked and appalled at the state of our country. For the first time in 8 years, I am truly proud to be an American.
This trip to Washington, D.C. with 17 of my female cousins will be something I will always remember: not because I will be witnessing a positive change in our country's history, not because this will be my first trip to D.C. and not even because it will be a wonderful time with my dearest family. None of these things can be singled out because it is the combination of all of these that will make this an unforgettable event.
Barack Obama makes me hopeful. I cannot wait to be surrounded by 5 million of my closest friends watching our country take a giant leap into the future.
If you want to read more about our cousins trip...we have created a blog.
Laurel has blogged about the trip, too...look her up.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
grown ups
This is always the hardest part of holiday breaks for me...returning to reality. For 3 weeks I was able to forget about how broke I am. I didn't have to worry about that stupid speeding ticket I got from the crappy cop who was waiting on people at the bottom of a hill. My mind didn't worry about the classes I will be taking this semester and the papers I will have to write.
Life is so much simpler on the farm. Mom and Dad take care of the bill when we go out to eat. I don't have to go to the grocery store...I am returned to childhood. Why didn't I appreciate it when I had it?
I think this holiday is especially difficult to get over because I know that next year I won't be afforded the luxury of a long vacation. Next year, I will be working (hopefully). From this point on, my ability to spend weeks at home worry free is over. And I'm ready for it. Kind of. No, really. Being an adult has a lot of perks but dammit if sometimes you don't want to just go back to being a kid again.
I'm ready to have my own responsibilities, my own home. I'm ready to be married, have a job, pay bills and enjoy the simple things in life. I'm ready.
What I'm scared of most is losing that precious time with my parents. It is in these long vacations that I have really come to know my parents as adults and friends rather than strangers and enemies. MT had mentioned a book about the awkward point in a woman's life where they are both daughters and mothers. I am not a mother yet, but I feel like I am reaching that stage of my life.
I am ready, willing and dedicated to being a wife and eventually a mother, but there are still times when I want to call my Mom when I'm upset or just to talk. And today, when I was getting ready to leave, I saw the fear in my Dad's eyes at the thought of my driving down the road on a flat tire and the relief all over his face when he had taken care of it and assured (at least partially) my safe ride back to Nashville...I found such comfort in that moment.
When, if ever, will that end? I don't want it to end but I am left wondering if it has to. For my marriage to be successful and for us to start our own family, do I have to be emotionally independent from my parents? Is it okay that I still want my dad to be protective? Can I be a good wife if sometimes at the end of a bad day, the person I want to talk to is my Mom instead of my husband?
I feel like I know the answer to some of the questions and part of my uncertainty is just about growing up and taking complete responsibility for my life. Another part is about venturing into the unknown which is always scary.
Yes, I worry too much. Yes, I am putting the cart before the horse, counting my eggs before they hatch and every other metaphor that goes along with thinking too far ahead. What I know is this: I still need my Mom and Dad. What I don't know is if this is normal and healthy.
I think it is normal and healthy. I think that as our parents' children we will always need them in our lives. I think that the bond between a child and parent is nearly indestructible and that I should embrace it while it is here. What do you think?
Life is so much simpler on the farm. Mom and Dad take care of the bill when we go out to eat. I don't have to go to the grocery store...I am returned to childhood. Why didn't I appreciate it when I had it?
I think this holiday is especially difficult to get over because I know that next year I won't be afforded the luxury of a long vacation. Next year, I will be working (hopefully). From this point on, my ability to spend weeks at home worry free is over. And I'm ready for it. Kind of. No, really. Being an adult has a lot of perks but dammit if sometimes you don't want to just go back to being a kid again.
I'm ready to have my own responsibilities, my own home. I'm ready to be married, have a job, pay bills and enjoy the simple things in life. I'm ready.
What I'm scared of most is losing that precious time with my parents. It is in these long vacations that I have really come to know my parents as adults and friends rather than strangers and enemies. MT had mentioned a book about the awkward point in a woman's life where they are both daughters and mothers. I am not a mother yet, but I feel like I am reaching that stage of my life.
I am ready, willing and dedicated to being a wife and eventually a mother, but there are still times when I want to call my Mom when I'm upset or just to talk. And today, when I was getting ready to leave, I saw the fear in my Dad's eyes at the thought of my driving down the road on a flat tire and the relief all over his face when he had taken care of it and assured (at least partially) my safe ride back to Nashville...I found such comfort in that moment.
When, if ever, will that end? I don't want it to end but I am left wondering if it has to. For my marriage to be successful and for us to start our own family, do I have to be emotionally independent from my parents? Is it okay that I still want my dad to be protective? Can I be a good wife if sometimes at the end of a bad day, the person I want to talk to is my Mom instead of my husband?
I feel like I know the answer to some of the questions and part of my uncertainty is just about growing up and taking complete responsibility for my life. Another part is about venturing into the unknown which is always scary.
Yes, I worry too much. Yes, I am putting the cart before the horse, counting my eggs before they hatch and every other metaphor that goes along with thinking too far ahead. What I know is this: I still need my Mom and Dad. What I don't know is if this is normal and healthy.
I think it is normal and healthy. I think that as our parents' children we will always need them in our lives. I think that the bond between a child and parent is nearly indestructible and that I should embrace it while it is here. What do you think?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009
I love all of my fellow blogger friends who have highlighted their favorite and least favorite parts of 2008. Many have shared their hopes and plans for the next year. I have realized in 2008 that planning my year/life often leaves me disappointed or just plain crazy. So this year, I'm just going to let the loose end drag.
This is the year I have been waiting on for many years. What a lot of my planning has led to. After 7 years together and 5 of those years being long distance, Andrew and I will finally be living in the same town. Not only that, we will be living in the same house. To make it even better, we will be living in the same town, in the same house as wife and husband. Yes, we understand that marriage is something you always have to work on and is quite possibly the most difficult endeavor humans try to conquer (except raising children), but we are ready...we are sooooo ready...at least we hope so.
This year already has so much in store for us. I will be going to the inauguration with 18 of my amazing female relatives. My Master's Degree will be complete in May. Our wedding is May 30; just 5 months away. I will be moving to Augusta and hopefully finding a job somewhere.
There is a lot that is going to happen in the first 6 months of this year and I am ready for it. My Mom has always tried to convince me that I do not have to plan my life out and I am finally begin to believe her. Life is always more fun if we let it happen to us instead of trying to plan it all out. I am looking forward to letting life happen to me.
Obviously there are things that have to be planned: a wedding, a move, finding a job. Outside of those life-changing events, I am going to try to enjoy life for its idiosyncrasies. I can't wait to see what happens!
This is the year I have been waiting on for many years. What a lot of my planning has led to. After 7 years together and 5 of those years being long distance, Andrew and I will finally be living in the same town. Not only that, we will be living in the same house. To make it even better, we will be living in the same town, in the same house as wife and husband. Yes, we understand that marriage is something you always have to work on and is quite possibly the most difficult endeavor humans try to conquer (except raising children), but we are ready...we are sooooo ready...at least we hope so.
This year already has so much in store for us. I will be going to the inauguration with 18 of my amazing female relatives. My Master's Degree will be complete in May. Our wedding is May 30; just 5 months away. I will be moving to Augusta and hopefully finding a job somewhere.
There is a lot that is going to happen in the first 6 months of this year and I am ready for it. My Mom has always tried to convince me that I do not have to plan my life out and I am finally begin to believe her. Life is always more fun if we let it happen to us instead of trying to plan it all out. I am looking forward to letting life happen to me.
Obviously there are things that have to be planned: a wedding, a move, finding a job. Outside of those life-changing events, I am going to try to enjoy life for its idiosyncrasies. I can't wait to see what happens!
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