2 down, 2 to go....48 hours remaining.

I have two of my finals done for this semester. I have one tomorrow morning and then one on Thursday.
48 hours from now, I'll be on the road to Texas. I am so excited!
I haven't been sleeping really well lately. So, that means headaches and exhaustion. Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and curling up in front of the fire with a big blanket!
I can't wait to see my family either.
4 people have asked me where my coat was today. I tried not to be rude, but it is 45 degrees out. It's not freezing. I love this weather, apparently some people don't :)
This morning I babysat sweet Audree, had a group presentation and registered for next semester. Now I'm off to study for tomorrow's final.
Have a great rest of the week friends!

Motivation

Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged. This semester was really busy and I feel like it went by so quickly.
Yesterday I finished my last day of class for the semester. This weekend consists of writing 16 essays to turn in with my finals and studying, studying, studying. I have 4 finals that I really don't feel prepared for right now. Sigh.
Thursday at 12, I will be headed home. I cannot wait to get out of the dorm for nearly a month!
I miss my family, and my bed, and actually eating real food!
Christmas shopping needs to be started for me. I haven't gotten anyone anything!
I have SO much to do this week and I am lacking the get-up-and-go to get it all done. My to-do list is just too large for me to get motivated for it all to get done! I'm off start narrowing down my list! Have a great week friends!

Wisconsin

This has been going around on Facebook. I think it is cute and I wanted to share!

Wisconsin, according to Jeff Foxworthy:

 If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in Wisconsin. If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't even work there, you may live in Wisconsin. If you've worn shorts and a jacket at the same time, you may live in Wisconsin. If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with some...one who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Wisconsin. If "vacation" means going anywhere North of Milwaukee for the weekend, you may live in Wisconsin. If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Wisconsin. If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Wisconsin. If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Wisconsin. If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Wisconsin. If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both doors unlocked, you may live in Wisconsin. If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Wisconsin. If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Wisconsin. If the speed limit on the highway is 70 mph, you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Wisconsin. If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Wisconsin. If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Wisconsin. If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Wisconsin. If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly", you may live in Wisconsin. If you actually understand these jokes, repost this so all of your Wisconsin friends and others can see, you definitely do live - or have lived - in Wisconsin.

twenty

no more teens. I am now in my "twenties."

honestly, it feels kind of strange, but not that much different. not yet anyways.

today has been good. I am blessed. I got so many sweet calls, texts, and Facebook messages from friends and family. it made celebrating my birthday here on campus not that bad. it was hard to be away from my family but having FaceTime helped a lot :-)

i really need to go study. i have two tests left this week and they are big ones. prayers appreciated!

Nope.

I found this picture on Pinterest. I seriously laughed until I cried. Twice. 

I just think it is so funny! Maybe I am just crazy, or delirious! 

I survived...

the biggest earthquake in Oklahoma's history.

Last night about 10:30, I was laying in bed when my bed started shaking, my iHome fell over on my nightstand, and my closet door closed on it's own. I didn't know what to do! It was certainly very freaky. The earthquake lasted about 30 seconds, but today at church many people said they thought it lasted up to a minute.

This was a 5.6 magnitude earthquake that certainly put my life into perspective. I realized how small I really am. While it was frightening, I am so thankful that God protected me!

Windy City

I'm sitting here, cross-legged, in a booth at Panera. I have my books, notes, and computer sprawled out in front of me and I'm looking periodically out the window. I think that Oklahoma City, or Bethany, should be renamed the windy city. Trees, that are pretty small, and nearly laying sideways near where my car is parked. It looks cold out there, but it really isn't... the wind just makes it seem that way.

Bethany had another earthquake early this morning. I guess it was at 2:30am. I didn't feel it because I was sleeping...deeply for once! My roommate had tried to call me about 12:30 and I never heard my phone. I was exhausted and finally slept good for once!

I'm sitting at Panera, because I have a test in 10 days--and another some time around then.

A test on my birthday....with one of the toughest professors....fun.times.

Panera has been my "get-a-way" spot here in OKC. I have those times when I just need to get out of the dorm and look at some different scenery. Panera has the perfect blend of people watching, soft music, comfy booths, sweet tea with lemon, and free Internet. Having the big table to spread all of my lovely materials all over is just an added bonus.

So, I will sit here and continue to read chapter after chapter about sociology....

Then it's on to the next study guide. 

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Don't Give Up.

Via Jennaraej at pinterest.com

These next few weeks.

These next few weeks are going to be busy, busy. busy.

I have a presentation next week, 2 papers, quizzes, tests, and assignments.

I haven't been able to turn my mind off lately at night. That means I haven't been sleeping good....or enough. I wish I had my father's disease where I could fall asleep the minute my head hit the pillow, but I find myself thinking of the most random things for the longest time. It's glorious...not.

I think it's the gloomy weather too, but i've been pretty tired!

I am missing my comfortable bed!!

Well, I am off to type a paper!

Fall Break

was fantastic.

Seriously. I needed to get away for a bit!

I had such a fun and relaxing time; I got to see some framily, be home for my momma's birthday, play on my daddy's tractor, babysit, go to my home church, and hang out with the best family ever.

I have come to the conclusion that I am beyond blessed.

The only thing I forgot at home was my straightener; i'd say that's pretty good :-)

I am ready for another week of classes, assignments, projects and homework.

Thanksgiving break? only 29 days away! Let the countdown begin!!

13.9

days that is... days until fall break. 

I am still sick. I am sure it is allergies that just enjoy lingering around taking away my appetite, motivation, and making me tired...yet not able to sleep. 

My next two weeks are going to h.e.c.t.i.c so I hope that I start to feel better and can sleep again starting soon! I have all my midterms (is it really that time of the semester already??!) and quizzes along with projects and random school things due all before fall break. 

By writing all my little notes and lists, I am certain it will get done however, I am just a tad nervous about some of the tests that are coming up. My semester has been crazy so far since some of the professors changed their mind about what they were doing with the class, one professor left so now we have a totally different prof who teaches different for the rest of the semester, and one prof is pregnant and she is very scatterbrained, one prof has been teaching for too long and I don't think she knows what she wants anymore! It's just difficult to study and prepare for tests when I'm not sure what to expect or what they want. I'm sure it'll be just fine though!

I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, cuddling with my doggie, and seeing my family and some amazing friends! 

just 13.9 more days. 

sickness

This past weekend was such a fun one! My family came to Oklahoma to see me. I hadn't seen them in a month so it was a much needed visit :-) We hung out around Bethany and went into some cute shops. Kathleen's car needed new tires so we visited Sam's Club too! I was sad to see them go. Even though I get to go home at the end of this month, it is still hard to say goodbye and watch them leave.

I started not to feel good last night...I was so thankful that one of my classes was cancelled at the last minute today. I used "class time" to run to the store for medicine, cough drops, kleenex, tea, and lemons. I didn't have any homework to do this afternoon, so just laid around and napped on and off. I was really hoping that would help, but I still don't feel so great! I'm praying I can sleep tonight and that nyquil will kick this sickness to the curb. I don't care how old you are, I think being sick requires a mom! haha. I am glad that I wasn't sick this weekend while my family was here, so I guess I really can't complain!

I'm counting down the days to fall break already. I am ready to be home!

Happy October!

It's Friday...Friday..

Ok. Won't go there :-)

I have one class before it's officially the weekend. I am ready.

I've been really tired this week and I know its because I've been thinking a lot. Call me crazy but I can't just turn my brain off when it's time to go to bed. I know; it's weird.

I'm thinking after this class is done that a nap sounds swell.

I am ready for Fall Break...which is 26 days away. It seems like so far away!!

My plans for this weekend? Homework, sleep, homework, maybe watch movie, church, homework. sleep.

Have an awesome First Day of FALL!!

You know

sometimes when your day just isn't so great?

that's today for me.

today, this is my hope.

"And you will seek me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

"With Men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

"If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there- and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Honestly? God amazes me. I opened up my Bible reading for today and these verses were awaiting me. Every day is a learning experience, molding me to be a better person and stronger in my walk with the Lord. I struggle... I question... I worry... I cry.... But with God as my focus, my outlook is better. It's where it needs to be. I need constant reminders, and He's been so faithful in helping me.

today isn't that great.... but it is.

Saturday

Today, I'm missing my sweet family.

I love that my mom called me this morning and we had a nice chat.

My parents are on a little day-date today and I think its the sweetest thing ever.

My sister is a busy beaver with her baby-sitting jobs.

I am in OK just listening to tornado sirens (which I think went off 3 minutes too long today), doing laundry, watching The Pioneer Woman on Food Network, and doing homework.

I miss weekends with my family the most. I am looking forward to fall break... which is 31.9 days away.... still 4 weeks and a few days.... when I can head home and hang out with my favorite people for a few days.

Until then, homework, homework, homework....

Happy Saturday!

Exodus 14:14

Tonight in my quiet time, I came across this very in Exodus. Instantly I stopped and read it again. While the content is talking about Moses, Pharaoh and the Israelites, I very much believe that this verse applies to our every day life.

The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (New Living Translation)

I know in my day to day life, I get anxious, upset, and frustrated over really little things--sometimes big things to me. This verse just simply says to stay calm and know that the Lord will take care of every situation. I find myself sometimes thinking I can handle things on my own, and if God would just let me have the outcome be what I would like, that everything will work out in the end. It is almost inevitable that I stop in my tracks and realize what is happening and what I'm doing. I know that God has everything worked out already, but the control freak that I am wants to do things my way. This year, in school especially, I have learned that my way is NOT the way. I am much more relaxed and I know it is because I gave every part of this year to God.

This year started out differently than last year. I pulled up into SNU the first day and prayed in my car. I let everything that I knew would worry me, everything and everyone that I knew would frustrate me, not getting the grades I wanted, professors and their opinions, and everything else involving the school year.... go into God's hands. Now, that's not to say that everything is fine and dandy and I don't have a care in the world about school anymore, but I do have so much peace about this year. I know that whatever happens, will be what is in God's will and plan for my life. I still struggle with giving even the simplest things to God in my daily walk... so everything isn't perfect, but I know the divine peace about letting God have things in my life.

The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (English Standard Version)

Because, honestly, it gets really tiring having to worry about the simple things. It is hard to try to control everything. It's difficult to have to feel like if something doesn't go according to plan that things won't work out for the rest of one's life. I love the peace and feeling of knowing that things aren't my worry. I struggle with staying calm. I do. But I am working on it. I have seen God do great things in my life and show me tons of new things already. I'm so thankful. If I did things my way, everything would be a failure. It's freeing. God will, and does, fight for His children. What an awesome God we serve!

Autumn.

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the cooler weather (even if Oklahoma is going to be full of hot temperatures again soon), the changing leaves, the I-can-go-outside-without-sweating-for-a-second concept, and so much more. I love heading outside to enjoy the beauty that seems so evident along with the cooler weather.

One thing I really miss about Wisconsin is the bonfires that we had with our neighbors, or even just on random nights with my family. Strange, but I really enjoyed them and found the warmth of the fire really relaxing. Because we are having a severe drought in Texas, and I'm in Oklahoma, bonfires are not realistic. Sigh, that is one thing that just screams Fall to me. I miss them.

I can't wait to have a mug of hot apple cider and enjoy the early morning breeze on my way to classes. I will not miss sweating just walking across campus! Fall break is something that I'm totally looking forward to also!

Good thing today

I found my long lost journals journals that I thought I left at home this past weekend. They were buried under my pjs in a drawer.
It wasn't a huge deal, since I could get them at fall break... and I have gone 40 days without writing in them before, but since I've been back at school...I've written in them every day. I have one journal that is specifically for prayer requests and scriptures that I find. The other one is my daily happenings.

So, we've been reunited and as silly as it is, I'm really happy I didn't lose them!

Tuesday

I had a wonderful time at home. It was nice to sleep in my bed, shower without shoes, cut my finger, eat some real food, and spend time with my amazing family. Ok. So maybe the cutting my finger thing was an accident and not so fun, but still!

I left home yesterday about 10ish and I was expecting to sit in traffic for a while. Last Labor Day, the normal 6 hour drive back to school took me 11. I made it back to OKC however, in 6 hours! What a surprise.

I already have my next countdown ready to go---for when I can go home. 42.5 days until Fall Break!

I am not in the school mood today. It is a nice day outside, I have a lot of reading to do, quizzes to study for and classes to attend.... chapel too! I better get moving!

There are wild fires all around Texas and OK. My mom said there was a pretty bad one about 7-8 miles from our house last night. There are so many people who are now homeless because their homes were destroyed by the fires. Texas needs rain so badly!

Guess Who is HOME?!

that'd be...me!

I made it home this afternoon and have had such an amazing afternoon. There really is no place like home. So thankful that I'm able to come home for the long weekend. I've only been at school for like 12 days, but I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed more than you know.

I've had an eventful past week; including being stuck in an elevator for a while with 13 other people. One thing that will go down in my "experiences-jenna-had-while-in-college"-- I feel like I could write a book!

I am now two weeks into my classes. I really am enjoying them, so I feel like that is a huge blessing. My living space is so nice too! I can tell it's going to be a much better year.

Feeling extremely blessed tonight to be home. While the dorm life is better this semester, home is so nice! Very thankful for Labor Day off of school! Praying the traffic isn't horrible for my drive back on Monday!

Have a happy weekend!

What do you think?

I came up with this little creative idea for my dorm room and decided to play with the idea last night. What do you think about it? Should I move it around a little bit, or add something else? 

Here is the up close version: 

Here is the me-sitting-on-my-bed-trying-to-center-the-camera version: 

(See our awesome Christmas lights? I love them!!)

Honestly, what do you think? Also, I need something to go above my bed too; something that kind of matches my bedspread! 

Thanks!! 

Bliss

Today:

-Went shopping with my suite mates, roommate, and her boyfriend. We bought some cute initials for our living room!

-Got my printer and my desk set up.

-Got into my pjs at 1:03 pm

-Drank a lot of coffee in a big mug.

-Read for school.

-Realized in one week, my Saturday afternoon will be spent with my family :-)

Hello, Weekend!

It is really nice being done by the 12 on the weekends! I think i'll really like my Interviewing Techniques class. The professor seems really cold-ish, but she's been teaching for like 32 years and I feel like she just comes across that way to try to earn respect. We had a nice little chat and the class seems like it will be really fun, but also pretty easy.

I have some reading to do over the weekend, a quiz to study for, and a essay to write. I hope to sleep for a while too. haha. I'm so tired! I should go shopping and get a few things. I was going to make mashed potatoes but I don't have butter or milk, so that's a problem. I was thinking about making my favorite rice, but I don't have butter. Sigh. I just don't have the motivation to go pick up some things!

Well, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the HOT weather!

Day 2

Well, today was HOT in Oklahoma once again. I am ready for some cooler weather!

I had two classes today, plus chapel. The first one required an impromptu speech which was exciting. The professor commented when I was finished that I would make a good presenter so that was kind of exciting! I'd love to be a manager in the HR department of a company some day. Or a family counselor so I think presenting and all of the communication classes I am taking are helping me out!

Chapel was good today. I love the worship there. SNU's singing group (they travel in the summer together singing at camps and such) lead today and it was really cool. I know many people despise attending chapel but I really enjoy it. I don't feel sorry for people who don't want to be there.... you knew when you signed up for a Christian school that this was mandatory... it's good for you!

My last class of the day was the one I was dreading the most. I am a little worried about the professor; so I guess i'll just see what happens. Come to find out, the book she put online earlier in the summer as a requirement for the class is not the book that she wants to use. I don't like to procrastinate, so of course I ordered my books early online and already have them. I order them off Amazon.com and get many of them used and 1/2 off the regular price. So, I had my sociology textbook and last night I was reading one of the chapters. I looked online again, just to make sure and sure enough, the book that was required had changed. Sigh. So, I had to go to the bookstore, pay full price for a new book. I now have two different sociology textbooks. Anyone need my old one? haha.

I picked up my crimson card, which is full of places who give deals to college students. There are like 12 local places with discounts which is nice. Then I came back my room and dropped my phone. My new phone case, that I bought last week, shattered instantly and I dropped ice all over the floor. Exciting afternoon!

I decided to go to Aldi and get some food since I didn't have any in the room. I bought some water and fruit. I really wanted avocados, but they were hard and expensive. oh well!

I also had to go get an extension cord at Home Depot. My desk happens to be far away from any plug in. I had to find a 3 prong one to fit into my power strip. I didn't want to sit on the floor all semester to plug my computer in and do homework!

Well, I'm off to do some reading before I have to go to a meeting tonight.

Happy Thursday

First day of Sophomore Year:

....is finished!

I had three classes today and they all went pretty well. I was able to find all of my classes so that was a great start :-)

Now, on to day 2.

College: Year 2

Well, hello Sophomore Year! I can't believe you are already here. It is kind of strange seeing all the new freshmen and realizing that a year ago, I was one of them. I've already found a few perks of being an upperclassman:
-4 Person Suite
-Private bathroom with my roommate
-Knowing where everything is already, so no getting lost
-Living with people I like

Today, I am having a "blah" day. I'm tired and trying to gear up for classes tomorrow. Yesterday was a long day. I left home at 9 yesterday and got here around 3. It was 32482 degrees and I had a truck full of boxes to carry to the third floor. I had a little help which was really nice, but I was still a sweaty mess and it wore me out!

I got most of my room put together last night so I think it is all pretty much put together. I am excited that it didn't take too long.

Brooke and I are living with Jen and Emma. Emma is really creative and she and Jen had the living room/kitchen that we share all set up when Brooke and I got here. It is really cute and has a very homey feel to it.

Brooke and I went shopping together to get some cleaning stuff and a rug for our bathroom; we decided those were things that we couldn't live without. It was fun to hang out before our lives are taken over by school and homework for another semester.

Here are some pictures of our room, but keep in mind that we had just moved in. Emma wants to move some things around in our room yet, so it isn't finished yet!

This is our room; my bed is the one on the right. 

 Our living room/kitchenette/dining room. Emma set the table and used our initials as place settings!

 Our living room. There is a bookshelf on the left, the tv area, and the corner of the window. 

 Another view of the living room.

 The kitchenette. We have a full sized refrigerator, too!

 My cabinet in the kitchen. I have a box of spices still in my closet. I like to cook ;-)

It is tradition to have a bacon party. It's just something Jen and I do. So, the first night, we cooked bacon and had visitors in our room all night. I think people think we are crazy! 

So.... there you have it, a little tour of our room.... and a little update. Classes start tomorrow so, sophomore year, here I come!

11 days

11 days until I head back to school. Wow! Where did the summer go?

I am so thankful for summers. I needed a break from Oklahoma, and I feel like I can now go back refreshed....for a while :-)

This summer has been busy, and I haven't been able to update my blog as much as I wanted to. I ended up working a lot more than I expected, but in hindsight, it was such a blessing, we moved, went to Wisconsin and a few other things happened!

I need to pack up for school soon! It is crazy to think I will be a sophomore! I am praying for a better year, and I think it will go well. I am looking up recipes that I can cook in my dorm so hopefully I don't have to eat icky cafeteria food for every meal!

I am working on laundry today as well as trying to figure out what I need to get for this year. I have a party to go to in a few hours and my stomach is growling! haha.

I hear the washer beeping so that's my cue to go!

Have a wonderful week!

Tomorrow is the day!

Wow. What a crazy couple of weeks.
I've been really busy with work and school. I am half way through my 5th week of classes. I have 1.5 weeks left of summer school and then I am done. I can't wait!!!

Tomorrow is the big moving day. The movers come tomorrow and we will clean rooms as they clear them. Our evenings have consisted of packing boxes and taking them to the storage unit. We really only have a few little things and all the big furniture left.

Tonight will be our last night in this house. We will go to a hotel tomorrow night and stay there for a week or so I think. These next few weeks will be full of adventures and I'll try to keep this blog updated!

Hello, Summer!

Wow, what a busy month.

I am officially done with my first year of college.... I was finished on 5/11.... but just now able to post.

I had an eventful last evening of my freshman year, which I will share eventually. I also had a crazy 9 hour drive back home to Texas after taking three finals- I'll share that too. I got home, had one day to kinda relax, the next day I worked, Saturday I went to the airport twice to get both sets of grandparents. Monday my summer classes started and I started my work week.

Needless to say, it's been crazy. Today is Friday and I am finally sitting down to write this post. I worked this morning/afternoon and now I'm sitting at the Georgetown library waiting for my friend's graduation party to start. I also came to work on some homework since driving to RR and back up to GT wouldn't make much sense. The intercom just went off saying that the library is closing early and everyone needs to leave.... um. ok?

Oh, and to top off the craziness..... we sold our house. We have to be out by June 17th. It was shocking when we received the offer (our first offer since we put the house on the market in August) and it all worked out.  The buyers are moving from California and want to be moved into our house in 30 days. Well, we were a little unsure of where we would go. My parents put an offer on a house in Georgetown- it has 5 acres. It is also a foreclosure and we have to wait to hear back from the bank. As of right now, we are unsure of where we will live after June 17th.

If you don't here from me for a while, now you know why! My summer classes last until the end of June so my life will be full until then :-)

Happy Summer!!

Last night

in Oklahoma!! I am 21 hours away (maybe sooner) from leaving school and finishing my freshman year of college.

one night, 3 finals, and a 6 hour drive stand in the way of my family....and my bed :-)

I can't wait!

Happy Mother's Day..

Happy Mother's Day!

I am reposting the same post from last year. Even more so this year, I am thankful for these fantastic women. Being away at college has been hard and trying, but both of these ladies have been there for me whenever I needed them. I am SO blessed to have them, and even though I can't be with either of them today, I hope they still feel very special and have a wonderful day. I love you both!

There are two very important women in my life... I firmly believe that I wouldn't be who I am today without them. I love you both so much.

Momma: I love your laugh. I love how you have such joy in life. And I love how you are silly with us. I love that you are firm in what you believe. I love how you know exactly what to say when I need to hear it most. I love that you love God. And you brought Kathleen and me up to be such strong girls. It's the sweetest thing how you always put other people before yourself. And I love how you love us and how you and daddy are so in love. I love your smile. I love that you always take time for me, when I just need to talk. I love you Momma!

Karen: I love you. You are seriously like my mother, in a good way! I love that you love to spend time with me and Kathleen. I love how you take time every day to talk to us on the phone. I don't think you really can know how much it brightens my day. It makes it feel like there really isn't 1304542 miles in between us. I love that. I love how we laugh until we cry. And how we can sing the dolphins into shore. I love that you take time off of work to come spend time with us. I love that you are such a role model in my life. You are the best. I love you.

Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for being my Mom and FAK. God has really blessed me with you...

Home Stretch

Well, I am done with all my classes of my freshman year.  Only 4 finals stand in my way of being done!  I have one on Tuesday, and three on Wednesday and then I am headed home!

I am busy packing up my room and fitting all of my stuff in my car, and also studying for my finals.  I am nervous about three of them!

I cannot wait to go home- there are so many things I am looking forward to doing.  Number one being sleep.  I am so tired.

Only 3 days, 23 hours and 12 minutes until my freshman year is complete!

just in case you were wondering,

that is 95.2 hours from now :-)

May 1st...

-That means: 10 days until I go home.... 10 days until I have completed my freshman year of college!

Today as I woke up and was getting ready for church, I looked out the window and saw it was raining.  I wish that the weather was gloomy yesterday- I have a lot to do today! 

Church was good today. I was sitting there thinking how blessed we are to be able to truly worship freely. I think we take that privilege for granted way more than we should. I am so thankful that I can go to church each week and share about my relationship with Christ with others without having to worry about the consequences that some people have to deal with. We are certainly blessed.  

So thankful that I brewed a quick cup of coffee on my way out the door this morning. The k-kup I randomly picked up from the drawer without even looking was Wake-Up Call.  I chuckled as I realized just how fitting this little cup of coffee was for my day today. The gloom and rain outside certainly made me want to jump back into bed.  

My friend Jessie sent me a text message this morning as she usually does containing a Bible verse and a short note.  This really encouraged me this morning as the stresses of finals are quickly approaching.  I thought I would share what she sent me. 

"Listen, my son, and be wise.  Keep your heart on the right path." Proverbs 23:19 

--God calls us as His children to fix our hearts not on things of this world.  

Thanks Jessie for that reminder this morning! 

Happy Sunday, I am off to study for the rest of the day listening to the thunder and hearing the raindrops touch my window. More coffee please!!! :) 

Check it out!

Look out!  My mom has a new facebook fan page for her recipe blog.  Her recipes are stellar and delicious. Check it out and "like" her page!!

If you do not have a facebook page, please still check out her blog. She has amazing recipes along with a picture that she posts each day.  She only posts tried-and-true recipes that she has cooked for our family. - and that we liked!

Thanks!!

20 Reasons a Best Friend is Better Than a Boyfriend

20 Reasons a Best Friend is Better Than a Boyfriend

borrowed from here

Believe it: a true friend is way more valuable than a boyfriend. The same is true when you’re 20 as when you’re 80. So while some of you may be scrambling to meet a guy or working overtime to make a relationship happen, just remember that your best friend is for life. The guys will come and go—and they'll cause a lot of drama in between. In case you need a reminder, I’ve listed 20 reasons a BFF is more important than a BF, after the jump!

1. A best friend doesn’t care if you haven’t shaved your legs or painted your nails today.

2. A best friend doesn’t make you watch boxing on TV.

3. A best friend is equally as literate in The Bachelor and DWTS as you are.

4. A best friend doesn’t booty call you.

5. A best friend isn’t concerned whether you’re Julia Child or not.

6. You won’t have to diet to meet your best friend’s mom.

7. A best friend doesn’t talk about marriage just because s/he thinks it’s what you want to hear.

8. A best friend doesn’t spook at the word “baby.”

9. A best friend understands your issues about bangs, periods, bitchy bosses, push-up bras, straightening irons, and driving in heels, because she has the same issues.

10. A best friend can listen to a complaint because that’s how we communicate.

11. When all the men have left, your best friend will still be there.

12. If a best friend puts his/her career ahead of you for even one night, you can tell the person to snap out of it, and s/he’ll agree with you.

13. None of your best friend’s Facebook friends will make you jealous.

14. A best friend always puts the toilet seat down.

15. A best friend will not only wait for you to get ready—she’ll help you get ready.

16. You never have to suck in your stomach for a best friend.

17. A best friend is fine with you wearing a dress that looks like a tent.

18. A best friend carries spare feminine products on her person at all times.

19. On vacation, a best friend can work on her tan for nine straight hours, just like you can.

20. When you’re in the mood for chocolate, your best friend is also in the mood for chocolate.

The Lack of Pictures Lately

The reason for my lack of pictures is......

I certainly miss my PC.... This Mac has no SD reader and my adapter is "unrecognizable" for some reason.  

I miss taking pictures 

I can't wait for this summer.... I'll use my PC again, have more free time to take pictures and more time to blog.

So, now you know. 

the reason for the lack of pictures lately :)

13.9

...days until school is out.

yes I have an on-going countdown in effect.

My weeks consist of:
2 more school days
then
5 more school days
then
3 more school days....

I am referring to it was 2-5-3 :)


I am off to pick up my friend from work, but sometime this week I will be back to tell you about my lovely trek back up here to school! It was a little scary but I am so thankful for God's protection over me.

Happy Wednesday!

This time tomorrow....

I'll be 4.5 hours from home! Tomorrow starts Easter Break!! My aunt is flying in from Wisconsin to spend her spring break with us!  I am so thankful for the long weekend and to hopefully get a sun tan by the pool!

Thankful for the special time that Easter represents.  I am so blessed and so thankful for what Christ did for us.

I promise I'll start blogging again - for real - soon!

These last few weeks are crazy busy.  I'm just 21 days away (weekends included) from finishing up my FRESHMAN YEAR! I am nearly a sophomore in college.  How crazy is that?!??!

Last night, we signed up for housing for next semester.  Talk about stressful!  There were over 200 people in a room and names were called slowly.  Brooke and I tried to be patient and wait to see if we would be able to get the room that we wanted.  I prayed so hard!  We were only 3 names below our friends that we hoped to room with.... so we basically were praying that no one else would sign up beside our friends name until our names were called.  Thankfully it all worked out and next semester Brooke and I will room with Jen and Emma! It's so exciting. We will be in a four person suite and each room mate pair will have their own bathroom.  We are excited to decorate and thankful that we will all get along!!! We will live in Hills next year, which is where I am now.  Same floor, just the opposite side of the hall!

Off to study for my biology test that is tomorrow (I'm leaving to go home right after I am done with the test!) Prayers are MUCH appreciated over this test. I am nervous but need to do well.  I know it will be fine, whatever the outcome is, but I still am worried about ALL the material that is on this test.  Thanks!!

Happy Easter!

Hocus, Pocus, Jenna needs to focus.

This part of the semester is getting crazy.  

Tests to study for

Papers to write

Books to read

Assignments that are due

Quizzes, outlines, and meetings to attend.

It is easy to lose focus- which seems to be my problem right now.

I have a long to-do list, and I am in a funk.

I am not a procrastinator by any means.  

I just cannot seem to sit down and study right now. 

I've tried jumping jacks, sit-ups, eating ice, AND changing the sheets on my bed.

just to

you know, 

avoid take a break from the to-do list staring at me.

I

must

focus.

prayers would be appreciated.  

A Battle for God....

If anyone is thinking about reading the book "A Battle for God" by Karen Armstrong, take my word that it is NOT worth the read. There may be a good point somewhere in these 500 pages, but it isn't a book that I would choose to read for fun. 300 pages left to go- ugh. Good thing I can google every other word! Only takes 4 times as long as normal to read the book. Sigh.

However, I did finish this book. It is over with. No longer having to be seen by me again!  I had/have an essay over 300 pages due by next Friday- but 7 pages later, It is complete and turned in online.  I am DONE with it.  Since it is due on good Friday, I wanted to have it finished and submitted before I went home next week.  My friend Shelby and I sat down and worked on it last night, edited it this morning and I turned mine in! It is SUCH a relief to be done with it. 

Another thing crossed off my to-do list!

Blessings

This song by Laura Story is such an encouragement to me.

God blesses us when we sometimes don't even see it.

Beautiful song, beautiful reminder

Wanna know a secret?

I would rather eat tuna, liver, shrimp, mushrooms, mayonnaise, and horseradish than be in this biology class and study for the quiz tomorrow.

but, I am trying to look at the bright side.

only

8

more times

that

I have to go to that class.

For some reason, that isn't helping much. sigh. back to studying.

A great reminder :D

Two Days We Should Not Worry(Author Unknown)

There are two days in every week, about which we should not worry,

two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is Yesterday, with all its mistakes and cares,

its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.

All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday.

We cannot undo a single act we performed;

we cannot erase a single word we said.

Yesterday is gone forever.

The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow

with all its possible adversities, its burdens,

its large promise and its poor performance;

Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise,

either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise.

Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow,

for it is yet to be born.

This leaves only one day, Today.

Any person can fight the battle of just one day.

It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities,

Yesterday and Tomorrow, that we break down.

It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad,

it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened

Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring.

Let us, therefore,

Live but one day at a time.

Can't wait!!!

My family is coming!!! They are 4 hours away from SNU right now. I can't wait to see them.... I am checking out of the dorm and going to stay with them in their hotel. hahaa..


SO excited to see them

How to write a paper in college.

My cousin tweeted this website last night. Not saying that I do this a lot, but it is a sign of ADD! haha... Thought it was too cute not to share!


How to write a paper in college/university:
SOURCE:

1. Sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a well lit place in front of your computer.

2. Log onto MSN and ICQ (be sure to go on away!). Check your email.

3. Read over the assignment carefully, to make certain you understand it.

4. Walk down to the vending machines and buy some chocolate to help you concentrate.

5. Check your email.

6. Call up a friend and ask if he/she wants to go to grab a coffee.  Just to get settled down and ready to work.

7. When you get back to your room, sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a clean, well lit place.

8. Read over the assignment again to make absolutely certain you understand it.

9. Check your email.

10. You know, you haven't written to that kid you met at camp since fourth grade. You'd better write that letter now and get it out of the way so you can concentrate.

11. Look at your teeth in the bathroom mirror.

12. Grab some mp3z off of kazaa.

13. Check your email. ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR YET?!

14. MSN chat with one of your friends about the future. (ie summer plans).

15. Check your email.

16. Listen to your new mp3z and download some more.

17. Phone your friend on the other floor and ask if she's started writing yet. Exchange derogatory remarks about your prof, the
course, the college, the world at large.

18. Walk to the store and buy a pack of gum. You've probably run out.

19. While you've got the gum you may as well buy a magazine and read it.

20. Check your email.

21. Check the newspaper listings to make sure you aren't missing something truly worthwhile on TV.

22. Play some solitare (or age of legends!).

23. Check out bored.com.

24. Wash your hands.

25. Call up a friend to see how much they have done, probably haven't started either.

26. Look through your housemate's book of pictures from home. Ask who everyone is.

27. Sit down and do some serious thinking about your plans for the future.

28. Check to see if bored.com has been updated yet.

29. Check your email and listen to your new mp3z.

30. You should be rebooting by now, assuming that windows is crashing on schedule.

31. Read over the assignment one more time, just for heck of it.

32. Scoot your chair across the room to the window and watch the sunrise.

33. Lie face down on the floor and moan.

34. Punch the wall and break something.

35. Check your email.

36. Mumble obscenities.

37. 5am - start hacking on the paper without stopping. 6am -paper is finished.

38. Complain to everyone that you didn't get any sleep because you had to write that stupid paper.

39. Go to class, hand in paper, and leave right away so you can take a nap.

70 degrees

Happy Thursday!

I woke up this morning to the sun shining through the blinds. A promising day filled with sunshine was right before me! Right now, I am sitting by the lake enjoying the 70-degree weather. After a week of clouds, mist and chilly weather, the warm wind is a welcome sight!

My dorm is without electricity from 9-5 today. I guess there is a major electrical issue or something going on. They had to shut down all electricity to fix it. I walked back to my room today and the hall way was PITCH dark! It was a tad freaky. I guess I expected some emergency light or something! Thank goodness for the illumination app on my phone!

Anyway, I woke up this morning knowing the electricity was going to be shut off soon, so I turned on my brand new flat iron (as of less than a month ago) and found that it wouldn’t turn on! I tried every outlet in my dorm, even the kitchen! I couldn’t get it to work. I was certainly bummed out, but also my hair was a mess and the power was going to shut off at any moment! Haha… I quickly turned on my curling iron and all was well, but still! I remembered where I put the receipt and called my mom since I bought it at home… she was able to find it and is going to send it to me! It’ll be a little bit of a hassle to return it, but it’ll be nice to have it again!

I can’t believe that it is already Thursday afternoon. This week has seemed to go by slower than most, but I am happy it is almost the weekend. I have a lot to get done, but that’s the beauty of a weekend- there is time to get it done!

The other day in when I was reading my scripture verses for the day, I came across this verse and I just had to share. It is such an encouragement to me and I have it posted in my car!

Psalm 97:11-12- “Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous and praise HIS holy name.”

I just love that we have a reason to rejoice. I have been working on being more conscious on how I approach each situation. I’ve found that it helps to look at each situation with a good attitude- the outcome will be what God wants it to be… It is my job to follow HIS will. Just a little something that I have been thinking about.

I love that we have the freedom to read the Bible. It is something that is taken so easily for granted. Each evening when I read, I can instantly see a chance in my attitude!

You know those days.....

When you realize that you forgot your pepper spray and a situation could very well require it?

oh.

me either.

Happy Wednesday!


(see those dark circles under my eyes? yeah. that's what college does to you.  those babies are permanent. No getting rid of them!)

David Gentiles-Shadows

I'm back!

Just checking in! I've been gone for a while!

I had a wonderful spring break. It was so relaxing and great to just be with my family.  I needed to get away from school more than you will know!  On my way home, I stopped about an hour away to see my friend Jennah! She is moving to Florida in a couple of weeks and I don't know the next time I will get to see her!  It was nice to catch up.

I was so glad that my dad was able to be home while I was.  The night before I left, he left for a business trip to Malaysia.  Speaking of my dad, today is his birthday! Happy Birthday daddy! Even though your birthday is already over in Malaysia, I hope you are still celebrating! I love you!

Ever since coming back to school.... did I mention that it took me ELEVEN hours to get back to Oklahoma? It should have only taken me 6, but I was stuck in traffic for over 5 hours!... anyways. Ever since coming back, I haven't been able to sleep.  I was spoiled with my bed at home.  I constantly wake up every 2-3 hours here with a sore back and a stiff neck.  I have had a sore throat this whole week too! It has been a little frustrating but I am still counting my blessings.

And, speaking of counting..... I am already counting down the days until Easter Break! haha.. It isn't that I dislike school, but I do miss my privacy, space, comfort, family, food, sleep.... you know. So, I cannot wait until April 21st! Only 4 weeks, 16 hours and 6 minutes until I am on the road to home! (I have a very specific countdown on my phone :D)

I would love to update more, but I have a biology test in the morning (gag) and this update was just a tiny break away from learning about G3P's and CAM cycles. --How is this going to assist me in life again? oh yes... counting my blessings.

I do have a lot to be thankful for and I don't want my fears and worries to cloud over those blessings!

Much love!