She's Gettin' Marriedddd

This might sound crazy but I've been dreaming of this day.  I never could imagine WHO my Janety would marry, but when I met him...I knew he was it.

Janety is undoubtedly one of my best friends on this planet.  Before our junior year of college we (Jenty, MAP, Jeansy, and myself) decided we were going to live together.  (If you haven't read the roomie blog, you should reference it for a complete background on my favorite year of college.)

I didn't know Janety that well.  We were on opposite ends of the hall sophomore year and on very different schedules.  We began spending more time together at the end of our sophomore semester- I suppose so we could "mesh".  I have to admit I was nervous about what I was getting into when I watched Janety and Sister Virg (her mother)...literally throw her room into the back of the car, as well as hurling things out of her 6th floor window.  I had meticulously packed a million Rubbermaid boxes and had them neatly stacked in the back of my pimped out Explorer.  Opposites attract I tell you.

That summer?  We meshed.  We became pin pals that summer while she was at camp.  I would draw her pictures and write her letters.  But my favorite thing?  Scoping out the High School Musical "singing" cards for her at Walmart.  I wanted her to be excited.  I loved waiting on her to write me back.  I loved that she would call me when she exited the wilderness every couple of weeks.

Junior year we connected.  I learned: the girl could single handedly dominate a box of Cheese-It's, she was scared of the dark, she would body slam you at any hour of the day or night, her laughter was contagious and that I could easily make her laugh,  she was always the culprit of suspicious odors, watching reruns of 90210 for hours on end did not equal depression, salty > sweet, daily dance parties are always necessary, and that she would strap me with a nickname that would follow me for the rest of time.

She taught me how to share my faith.  How to really believe.  An excellent example for everyone to follow.  We shared so many secrets.  Well, I probably shared but she always listened and locked them away.  The girl has a servant heart and a listening ear.  She's the one you want to go to.

Senior year, she became my boyfriend.  I think I even gift wrapped my house key.  We were inseparable.  That year, I found out I would move to the Big City.  To say I was totally freaked out about what that would do to our relationship would be an understatement.  Right before I moved, I started hearing about JBaby.

The night of their first date, I told Janety she was going to marry him.  I had never heard her talk about anyone that way before.  The girl was giddy.  I loved hearing about him but I upset that I hadn't met the man who had captured her heart.

In January of last year, I finally got to meet him.  He was hunting but came out of the woods...for me...not really but I'd like to think it that way.  He walked into the bar and we just walked straight to each other and hugged so tight.  After two seconds of talking to him you just know.  My heart melted hearing him talk about her.

He brought out this new side to Janety.  He builds her up.  Doesn't hold her back.  They push each other.  I've even seen her clean his house (something I never thought would happen).  Her smile is undeniable when they are together.  Her voice changes when she talks about him.

I've been ready for this day.  I've been busy taking exams and I've been SO freaked out that he was going to propose when I was in a test.  Every time she's called in the past month I've nearly been air-born diving for my phone to hear the good news.  Same story- I always answer, try to gauge the tone of her voice, she talks for a second and then I say....ANYTHING ELSE?  Today was different.  She tried to fake me out.  I knew better.  I screamed...scared my grandmother.  I cried.  Heard the story.  The proposal was JUST as I imagined...in fact I told the roomie a week ago it's how he would do it.  Then I jumped up and down.  Called Tuck...who answered the phone IN THE WOODS.

I'm so excited for these next few months of planning.  I can't wait to see what the future has in store.  I love you both so much!

Sticking it Out

Long Distance.

Have you ever tried it?

I'm about sick of long distance.  This is the longest we've been apart since like February-April.  I'm not enjoying it.

We are Christmas people.  We love the lights, the music, the reason, the hot chocolate, the ice skating...the whole season.  Today marks day 14.  We have 8 more to go.   It's hard, no doubt about it.

I realize it could be worse.  He could be overseas serving in the military.  I could be further away.  He could have a job that offers him little flexibility for traveling to see me.  The possibilities are endless.  I know this.  Yet, I've been horrible to him.  Imagine that.  This weekend was especially rough.  He was in another wedding that I couldn't attend, the rest of my friends were at another wedding I also couldn't attend, and my family was together celebrating my grandmother's birthday.

I felt 1 million miles away.  I was sad.  I wasn't happy, so he shouldn't be happy either.  That's fair, right?  Maturity at its finest.

He is the sweetest man.  He doesn't get mad.  I do.  And sometimes?  I just want him to.  He is so understanding.  I've tested his patience.  For whatever reason he loves me.  And he sticks around.

We're stuck. 

We're sticking this out. 

The good always outweighs the bad.

A Little Lately For Ya

It's kind of been the same ol same ol around here.  The end of semester is always full of craziness and this semester is providing us with a good dose of the crazies.

Tuck was here last weekend.  I have been battling this insane sinus infection so we kept it low key on Friday night.  Been on two different antibiotics and it seems like this one has been kicking it.  I told them Augmentin was the way to go...I guess I should have gotten my M.D., because it has done the trick.  Anyway, we went to this great Mexican place that night...margaritas con fruta fresca...can't beat it.  (I'm sure I just butchered the Spanish language there, that's about all 2 years will get ya...should read: margaritas with fresh fruit...for inquiring minds).

Saturday we did some Christmas shopping.  He is such a joy to shop with.  That night we went to our first hockey game with some of our favorite people!

 We won

 Bernice, Nicarelli (Springfield's #1 DJ!), my demonic roomie...you know the rest

Bernice and her $7 bucket of popcorn

After the game we hit up a bar around the corner.  Just a chill night but one full of endless entertainment.  Below, you will see bartender Shannon.  The bartender, Tapout fighter, registered preacher, and soon to be notary.  He also has a cat that is half bobcat, that he leashes at night on their walks through the neighborhood.  He was full of stories...many of which died that night and would never be repeated outside of that bar.

 That green drink is known at the "Bleeping" Awesome.  And it was.  Shannon created it.  It was potent.

Pictures speak 1,000 words.  I'm going to go ahead and assume he's not Southern Baptist.

This week has been full of getting work done.  I'm finally in the zone, which is a good thing.  I've also enjoyed rolling people around in this torture chamber this week:

You might have seen a similar contraption at space camp, but rest assured I won't be willing jumping up in this thing.  For those interested, it's an Epley chair.  I won't bore you with what it does. But basically, if you have vertigo it can diagnose which canal (superior, posterior, or horizontal) it is in and then treat/ reposition the "crystals" that are in your inner ear that help you balance.  Amazingly, it works and it's pretty awesome seeing people's reactions afterwards.  I also found out last week that most of my summer will be spent in Memphis for my LAST summer practicum rotation.  A really great opportunity and one I am very excited about.

Friday I spent a girl's night with Berns.  We went to see the Christmas tree lighting downtown.  It was so neat.  They had different choirs performing, hot chocolate, fireworks, and a few circus acts!  I have a neat little city for sure.  After the lighting we were frozen, so we came back and made pieroges and salad.  Pieroges are AMAZING.  Something I'd never had or even heard of before I met Berns.  Basically they are a cross between a ravioli and a potsticker.  They are filled with potato and cheese...you kind of pan fry them with bell pepper and onion...they are to die for!

 We believe.  Finally a picture with the rally squirrel.

We were celebrating about three blocks from the actual tree because all the Occupy Wall Street protesters had taken over that part of the park.  Tents really were every where. 

Tuesday I'll be headed home for the holiday.  It couldn't have come at a better time.  I'm ready to see my family and get a good visit in with my Mimi.  I'm meeting someone else's grandmother next week.  Can you guess whose?

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.  There's so much to be thankful for.

JTK

Prepare yourself.  He doesn't know I'm doing this.  He'll love it though.  My sister will be mortified.  Some friends will be too.  Honestly, 365 days ago I would have never dreamed I would be writing something like this.

Back then, I was probably jamming some Mary J. Blige or Beyonce.  Anything that screamed I'm single, I love it.  I'm fierce, I don't need you.  Woman power, I tell you.

In January, I met him.  I had the hardest time letting him in.  He honestly thought I hated him because I would never initiate a conversation.  But living six hours away from each other, I just knew it wouldn't work.  And let's be real.  I am, after all, a SOUTHERN girl...I don't call you, you call me.

And one night, out of the blue, he did.  He called.  I looked at his name flashing on my phone.  I, of course, stalled.  Almost to the point where he was about to be sent to my voicemail...because, let's face it, I was super busy.  Hearing his voice made me giddy.  After we talked it was the classic scene you see in a movie...where the girl falls back on her bed kicking and giggling uncontrollably...with a smile that could not be removed from my face.

His calls became more frequent...like every few days, every other night, until we gradually moved into every night. He started saying things like:

"It's only highway"
"I am pursuing you"
"I knew when I met you, there was something different about you"

Who pursues, anyhow? He had me swooning.  Knew all the right things to say.  But I still wasn't sold.  I very hesitantly asked him to an engagement party in February.  As the date approached, I was like, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?  You are about to take this man to meet the large majority of your friends in one night.  This will be the second time you've ever seen him.  You've talked a hand-full of times on the phone.  He'll hate you in real life.

But he didn't.  He fit like a glove.  He mingled with all the right people, and was beside me when he needed to be and wandered when he didn't.  I was proud to have him there with me.  We held hands that night...which is something I never do...walking across the Square.  It felt as normal as brushing your teeth every morning...plus this extra jolt of oh-my-gosh-I'm-holding-this-guy's-hand.

The next day we had to say goodbye.  I was surprised that I actually felt a pang of sadness come over me.  Would I actually miss him?

That afternoon, on the way back to the Big City, my flight was booked to see him on Spring Break.

We didn't see each other for a month after that.  In that month, we celebrated Valentine's Day, his birthday, and my birthday.  I struggled with this inner turmoil of: do I get him a gift, do I not get him a gift, what does this gift say, should I mail it, should I wait...I mean it went on and on...and I called everyone under the sun...and he knew...before he even opened the package...that it was golf-balls.

It was hard being away from each other that long.  Not nearly as hard as it is now to not see each other every weekend :).  But in that month, we talked and we talked A LOT. All the getting to know you kind of stuff...seems like every topic was covered. The week after Valentine's Day I told my mom I loved him.

And the night I showed up at his house for Spring Break (after his sister and brother-in-law picked me up at the airport, after I had dinner with them AND DIDN'T KNOW THEM, after I met his parents without him there to introduce me...after all of that)...I was finally able to say that to his face.

I never imagined on January 8th I'd walk into a bar, see a man in a sports coat (that's seriously why I was attracted to him), make a connection, and never look back.  But it happened.  In this (nearly) one year I went from being the girl who almost didn't let the right guy in to the girl who really needed him.  I can't imagine him not in my life.  My secret keeper, anti-anxiety, peace maker, comedian, and best friend.

 (Clearly we have our chosen sides)

Can't wait to see where this adventure takes us.  Many more nightly phone calls.  Many more trips up and down the highway.  Many more laughs and cries.  Many more years.

I'm glad it's you, JTK.

#OnGradSchool

After this week, I certainly needed some good news.  I got it last night.

Two weeks ago we took two of our midterms.  One of them was horrifying.  We had been prepared by higher classes that THIS would be the test that would give you fits...the one WE would be talking about for years to come.  This professor is world renowned.  Has exceedingly high expectations but is an excellent teacher.  I studied like none other for this test.  I was EXHAUSTED.  I had clinic that day so there was no time for me to review before walking into this bad boy.

I was so worked up.  My chest was red...as it often gets when I'm embarrassed or really upset.  I walked in saying "One test does not define you as an individual or a professional....One test does not define you as an individual or a professional"....over and over and over.  I was able to laugh about it before (well really still now) that if was was on academic probation (B- and below for a class) this semester I would be ok with it.  I really would be ok with it.

So I took the test.  53 short essay type questions.  All building on one another.  All descriptions of "how to" do X, Y, or Z.  Some were to explain random articles, random images from random articles, etc.  We found out research is super important for this professor on exam.s  This should come as no surprise since we are at a school for research...AND since this professor was sited as "the researcher" for most of the topics we covered. :)

So we had class last night.  We were told we would get the tests back in the last 15 minutes of class.  I just waited for class to be over.  I was like...throw it at me...one more thing to be upset about this week.  I was fully prepared to see two numbers together in combination that I'd never seen before.

Class ended.  The professor went to hand back the test and said: In all my years of teaching, this is the second class I've ever said this to...you all deserve to be here.

My heart soared.  That was enough for me.  That validation.  One of my worst qualities is that I let things get to me...I doubt myself...I doubt my abilities.  I often fly under the radar...which is the perfect place for me.  I hate it when people are out there and loud and WRONG. I'd rather be out of the spotlight and then shine when it counts.

He handed the papers back.  I got mine second.  I turned and looked and EVERYONE had their eyes on me.  Waiting for my reaction.  I kept the paper face down.  Flipped through the pages and saw A LOT of red marks...but mostly "Ok", "Excellent", "Pretty much right", my personal favorite "Close".  Ok girl, you have to look.  So I did.  And saw two numbers that I've seen together before.  Two numbers that didn't scare me.  Two numbers that I'm very proud of. I was blown away.

Going back to a previous statement: One test does not define you as an individual or a professional.  I said this is preparation for the worst.  That I would do less than I expected of myself.  It was the reverse in this instance.  I did better than I expected.  Yet, one test does not define me. I did well.  We all have good days and bad days.  But I can assure you, I'd rather be an excellent professional than an excellent test taker any day.   

This was just a small victory.  Small but well deserved.

And that's just a little #ongradschool.

I'm still here

I think this has been my longest hiatus.  I've been busy to say the least.  After my last post, I had a weekend with some special guests, celebrated Oktoberfest, and spent the next two weeks studying for/taking midterms.  I'm sick.  And tired.  Literally.

I have some posts in the works from the last month, but I'll kick off with this past weekend.  Thursday night kicked off the weekend for me.  I had just taken an exam that morning and had a presentation that afternoon. I was dragging but decided to go watch game 6 with some friends.  We ate and then I left early because we were down and kept making mistakes.  Not to mention I was exhausted.  I got in the bed, turned the game on, and called Tuck.  While we were talking...the Cards started their come-back.  I ended up watching the whole game (all 11 innings).  It was incredible.

Tuck came into town on Friday.  Could there have been a better day to come?  Absolutely not.  Friday night was the night of game 7.  We went to the bar with friends to watch that night.  Again, it was an awesome game.  We were covered in beer by the time we finally left.  We danced with strangers to "Celebrate" and my rendition of "Sweet Caroline".  I couldn't have picked a more perfect time to be in this city.

 Seconds before we won

Celebrating afterwards

Saturday was the big Halloween celebration in our neighborhood.  We got up early on Saturday to find a costume.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute.  It ended up working out...and since we waited until the last minute...everything was discounted.  Plus, right?  If you know me, you know this "last minute thing" super stressed me out...as always, it worked out.  We spent the afternoon watching football, cleaning up, and making some special cocktails.  We had the best time that night.  Tuck got to meet people that are very special to me...especially this semester.

 Moses and his red C.  Let it be known- I sewed that C on.

 Parting the Red C

Tuck decided to stay Sunday.  We originally planned on going to the Saints-Rams game, but decided to go to the Cards parade instead.  We got something really terribly greasy for lunch to help with our recovery day.  We kind of napped and showered until parade time.  We left an hour before for the metro.  It was crazy.  Every train was packed.  People were riding west to turn around and jump back on to ride east to the stadium.  We watched 5 trains go by with maybe 2 or so people getting on.  We were about to do the whole west-east thing, but we finally got on.  I thought for sure we would be pick-pocketed on the train...we were jam-packed.  The parade was so fun.  Tony LaRussa started the parade in a carriage that was pulled by the Clydesdale's, then all the players came by in trucks with their families in them. It was really neat to see.  I've never seen a city rally behind a team like this before.

 Coming up from the Metro platform to the street.  Just a few peeps.

 World Champs 2011

 Tony

 David Freese

Got pictures of Berkman, Lynn, Molina, and Pujols...I'm being lazy with this whole posting thing.  That night we ate dinner with friends...family style and came back and watched a movie together.

Monday morning (yesterday/ Halloween), I woke up and was so excited that Tuck was still here.  Sad that he was going to leave soon.  I got ready really fast so we could at least visit before I had clinic.  We decided he would follow me to work so he could bypass some of the major traffic.  We made the split to go to our separate cars.  I was sad and was thinking about how weird it was to not be talking to him on the phone...since that's what we do every morning.  As I stepped off the stairs leading to my car, I noticed that it looked like glass was all over the ground.  I got up on the car and saw my driver side window had been busted out.  My heart started racing.  I looked inside.  Glass was all over the floorboard and in the driver's seat.  My console and glove-box were wide open and CD's and insurance stuff spread all over my car.  I was sick.  I immediately called Tuck and told him what happened.  Called my supervisor and said that I probably wouldn't make it in.  Met up with Tuck and told the doorman what happened and that I needed the number for the police.  Called the police and since nothing but my IPod cord had been stolen...they probably wouldn't send anyone out...thanks for reporting.  My doorman had the good sense to look at other cars and sure enough...they had gotten 8 other cars in the garage.  Video showed they (five guys) were here from 3:03- 3:15 AM.  No doorman on duty...which really gets me fired up.  They stole over $3,000 from one vehicle...ripped out DVD players from the headrests....brand new van.  Spent the whole morning dealing with the insurance, getting the car cleaned up, and driving it to the dealership to get fixed.  

It was a miracle that Tuck was here.  I would have lost it if he hadn't.  He refused to let me drive the car since we couldn't get all the glass out, and pieces would be flying out of the door since everything in the door shattered as well.  He got me lunch.  Gave me a hug.  And was just there.  It was just what I needed.  I've said it could have been worse.  It could have.  I'm still mad.  I'm mad that I wasted an entire day getting everything done and sent to the appropriate places because some idiots needed a "rush".  I'm mad that someone was up in my car and touched all my stuff.  I'm curious if it was worth it to do THAT MUCH damage to take an IPod cord that had exposed wires and was unraveling.  I'm nervous to walk out to my car now.  I wonder if criminals can feel remorse for committing felonies.  I hope the person who should have been here watching the cameras that night feels guilty (harsh but true, my blog not yours).  I'm glad I found it at 7:36AM instead of later in the day. I laugh having to drive a rental crossover...that looks like a submarine.  I'm sick for the other people that are having to deal with this mess too.  

Overall, it was a great weekend.  Unforgettable for many reasons.  I'm so thankful Tuck was here.  It was definitely part of a plan that is much bigger than me.  Probably to show me that I can't do everything by myself.  That I need him.  It showed me patience- I had everything figured out before 10- but had to WAIT for the claims person to call me back...it's not all up to me.

Now? I'm going to nurse my sinus infection.  Perfect timing, huh?  I was probably due one...it's been a while.

Don't worry, I'm still here!

And My Heart Was Happy

I was spontaneous this weekend.  I just left the Big City on Friday and headed South.  And my heart was happy.

Wednesday was a day of living hell for me.  I apologize for the people who have heard this- mainly my sister, my mom, and my boyfriend...and the Big City people who lived it with me.  Now is your chance to skip this part, and read the happy stuff.  For the people who haven't heard this story- you might should skip to the happy part, especially if you are squeamish.  So here's your chance before this story unfurls...

AWFUL PART: 
I knew Wednesday was going to be a day.  I was told not to eat that morning so I could have balance testing performed on me.  Another student would be performing the tests, so she could practice giving the instructions and learning the battery...I would be experiencing it to know what it was like when I administer it.  I was already pretty anxious about it.  For VNG testing, you are in a dark cylindrical booth, wearing a "halo" with video cameras recording each eye, head strapped in, and seat-belted it.  For a person who is claustrophobic, this is not an ideal situation...so I was FREAKING out.  I've seen a ton of people have the testing done, so I knew I had to suck it up.  We started out and I was doing fine, everything looked good.  Then we got a call that we had to go to the hospital for a bed-side.  I was unhooked and ready to walk over/very curious what was going on because I'd never been called over to do one.

I walk over to the main building with my supervisor.  We go get the audiometer.  We start walking and I look on the order and see that the patient's room was listed within the "ICU" wing on the floor.  We were told before we walked over there we would know WHY we had been called when we got there.  When I saw "ICU" I knew the patient was going to be without an ear or something.  I was ill.  Panicking.  We walked through the wing.  I was on tunnel vision because I knew if I looked in any other room I would have a complete meltdown.  We got to the room and the patient was in CT, so we were going to have to come back.

To say I was relieved would be an understatement.  I had been talking to God the entire time.  Praying that I would remain standing, that my face wouldn't change when I saw this person, that I would be able to look them in the eye, that they would live, that I would live...I mean so many things.  Seeing the families outside of ICU was heart-wrenching for me.

We got the call to come back.  I prayed the whole way over.  I'll never forget what I saw.  Let's just say there was a lot of blood (like more than I had ever seen) and multiple stab wounds to the head.  The foreign object still remained in the ear.  We didn't even have time to perform our testing because the surgeons were there to take the patient to surgery.

That shook me up.  I have three hospital experiences that have really shaped the way I feel about going into ICU situations.  Now I have four.  I was frazzled after that.  Managed to eat lunch.  Then it was back to MY testing.  I got all strapped in again.  The part where the chair moves began and I LOST it.  Like exorcism style.

I was hysterical.  So dizzy.  In the dark.  Strapped in.  I wanted OUT.  I was crying, which was mortifying to me in front of two supervisors.  I was kind of "critiqued" following all of these experiences and it was just a little too much for me that day.

I sobbed the whole way to class that night on the phone with my mom.  I walked into the school building and saw the Roomie and a friend and they asked how my days was and I went all hysterical crying girl on them.  Both thought I had been diagnosed with something they found on my testing.  Yeah, no.  I held it together during class.  I was sad the rest of the week.  I took it out on a lot of people, mostly Tuck, and I really shouldn't have.  I apologize.  It was horrific but I'm moving on from it.


HAPPY PART:
One good thing did happen that day!  We found out Uncle Tuck will have a NEPHEW this February.  That truly was the only thing that made me smile that day.  I've said it was a boy the entire time.  I listened to this song like a million times today.  Such a sweet uncle/nephew song.  Congrats, Uncle Tuck.  You will be a great one!

Friday comes.  I had a half day of clinic, as usual.  I called Tuck at lunch and he told me to get in the car and come home.  It took some encouraging by friends and my daddy but I did it.  I threw clothes in a bag and got on the road.

Friday we went to a birthday party.  For the first time in a very long time, everyone from Tuck's "core group" was represented with their spouse, fiance, or significant other.  My heart was happy.  The girls had girl time and the boys had boy time.  It was perfect.

Saturday we went to the game.  How could you not be happy in Oxford?  We lost.  What's new?  I got fried.  Again, what's new? (As a side note, when someone clearly knows they are burned, what's the point in ridiculing them/ poking at their burn?  None.  Shove that tid-bit in a pocket for a later date)  I saw Lula,  Swamps/Dorroh,  Jeansy,  MAP, and Alyssa.  Ran into my cousins very unexpectedly.  Our visit was too short but I needed it.  My heart was happy.

We ate at Como Steakhouse that night.  Such good conversation with such precious friends.  We were ready to crash by the time we got home.  And we did.  We slept in today (heathens, I know) and ate lunch with Tuck's family.

 Sweet ghost sisters

 Swamps insisted on a "pic for Boosin"

 Tuck's photography skills are top notch.

JBaby, Jenty, me, Tuck, Wolf, Julie, and Twin

I might have a ton of homework facing me tomorrow but this weekend was totally worth it.  In all honesty, I drove over 400 miles for a hug.  And I got lots of them this weekend.  Sleeping in the woods (at Tuck's house) was the best thing that could have happened to me.  Zero noise, just peace and quiet...I always realize how noisy it is here when I leave.  The devil didn't even get to slip that image back in on me one time while I was gone.

I'm so thankful for all of my friends.  I'm rested and rejuvenated.  Starting with a brighter outlook on this week ahead.

My heart IS happy.

Stream of Conciousness

5,532.  Miles.  Well, that's if you count our initial meeting- if you don't, then subtract around 210 miles- that's the trip from Memphis to Jackson...where we met.  5,532?  That's the combined mileage we've traveled to see each other since we met in January.  We live in a combined 3 states- his hometown, my hometown, and the Big City- so that's a lot of area to cover.  5,532 miles in a short eight months.  Why we calculated it?  Simple.  I just wanted to know.  I would travel many a mile for that man.

This song is true for our relationship.  Tuck picked it early on as one of "our songs".  Getting through all the stuff.  Finding that right one.

Hope y'all enjoyed that cheese.  I'm feeling much better from my random illness, thanks for asking.  Tuck came this weekend- first one since July.  We had a weekend of quality time.  No better way to speak love to me than spending time with me and just giving me your undivided attention.  I LOVE it. I cooked Friday and then we hit up a local bar for a casual night of drinks with friends.  Saturday we watched the game enjoyed some excellent bar food at my favorite sports bar down the street.  We went to Cabela's after that because I enjoy being trapped in a building with stuffed deer, ammunition, and 9 million duck call going off I'm the best girlfriend in the world.  Can I just tell you what a sensory overload that place was- seriously Charming Charlie's has NOTHING on this place...and I've made multiple attempts at going in that store.  Caught the tail end of the Balloon Race that afternoon.  I took Tuck to eat Vietnamese that night.  He was a good sport.  Thank God they had "chicken with fried rice".  Later we went out for houka and drinks.  He was not impressed but wanted to do it.  I'm just glad we are marking things off our "to-do" list.  Sadly we didn't get a picture together this weekend...also really sad because my hair is actually RED right now...I've said it before but really this time, it's red and a few people haven't recognized me.  Everyone seems to love it.

 Roomie drew this in class.  What an artist.

 We will see if he reads this.  Get it with that fur. 

 Words to live by for this Rebel football season.

 Yummy.

Balloon Race

School is going great so far.  I say that because we haven't had a test yet so I've only been reading, going to class, and taking notes.  Clinic has been different because we are just fed to the wolves this year.  With more full time days.  We are expected to be on our "A-game" at all times and really practicing as "pseudo clinicians".  I'm at a vestibular clinic this semester- so I get to put my patients through what I call the "torture chamber"...haven't had it done on me yet but it looks horrifying.  I'm also doing hearing aids, cochlear implants, and the regular diagnostic stuff.  I'm BUSY while I'm there, which makes the time go by fast...but I feel crazy at the end of the day...like I have a mushy brain.  I've learned SO MUCH and I'm so thankful that I'll have 7-8  different rotations before I leave for my fellow year...clinic experience is invaluable.

So that kind of catches you up with me.