I think it's time for one of these...

Hello again. It's been awhile so I thought I should update.

I just got back from my last night of server training. All I did was run food out to the tables, and, man, is my wrist hurting! Who knew those trays were so heavy?? But it was fun nonetheless, and soon I'll actually be making tips (that is, if I'm a good waitress)!

My computer keeps changing the time. It's starting to annoy me because I'll think it's early when it's really an hour later. I better not look at this clock if I need to be anywhere on time.

Today, we had a BBQ/grad party/Memorial Day party/puppy reunion party at my next-door neighbor's house. Since my puppy's parents live right next door, she gets to hang with them ALL THE TIME. Well, when all of her brothers and sisters arrived, she got a little territorial. But she finally adjusted and it was so much fun to see how BIG all the puppies have gotten.

That's "Pops" Jaxxx, "Momma" Jessie, and "Babygirl" Abbey!

But anyway, they're all a hoot and a half. The theme of the party was "Luau" so my neighbor got all of the dogs Hawaiian leis. It was too precious!

I think I am going to permanently smell like Mexican food, so maybe I should at least attempt to mask the odor. Adios, amigos!

-A

So, today I went to the collision repair place to get an estimate for the damage on my mom's car from the accident. Who knew a little dent in the bumper and a little bend in a wheel could cost $850?!?! I was seriously shocked when the guy told me. My jaw was probably on the floor, and I didn't realize it.

Today at work we had "menu class." Our trainer went through the entire menu and explained every little detail on every dish. The only thing I remember is that every dish that has something in it that has been deep fried "gets a ramekin of cheeses." We also got to taste some things too! Mmmm. We had some guacamole that was made at our table... it's called Guacamole Live! (Hey, I guess I did remember something), and we also had some empanadas, quesadilas, and... something else that I can't remember the name of. But it was all very t to the a to the s-t-y!

I'm kind of ready for summer school to start. I need to be in some sort of routine, and not having one is throwing me off. I got so used to a set schedule in College Station that I feel like I'm almost not fulfilling some purpose. Don't get me wrong, I like moping around in my pajamas all day. But then after I've done it, I feel guilty and useless. So, hopefully when summer school starts, and I get on a normal schedule at work, that will all go away.

Who's excited that Tessa got picked (and proposed to!) on The Bachelor??? ME, ME, ME! I think she was way more down to earth than Bevin. Aww, so cute. My mom and I watched it together, and we were screaming through the whole thing because we didn't know who Andy would pick! I know, I know. We're kinda lame. But it was so much fun... and very funny. Tomorrow, they're doing the "After the Final Rose" show, and we're very excited about that too. So, you know what I'll be doing at 7 o'clock tomorrow night!

Well, I guess that's long enough, and I should probably go to bed. Toodles!

Summoning the Courage

So, as I was mowing the yard yesterday, I realized I forgot to take off my earrings. They're not stud earrings; they're the cutsie dangly ones. Plus, I was wearing my super-swank (Target) shades. Then I started thinking... "Wow, if I were about 100 pounds lighter, had blonde hair, and a hotel named after me, I could almost pass for Paris Hilton. Well, then again I would have to have a suspended drivers license, and then get arrested, and then a couple of days later get behind the wheel again. Hmm, does a riding lawn mower count?"

That's just my random thought of the evening. Maybe it's the wine Mom and I had for dinner speaking. Who knows?

Speaking of Mom, we got in a little fender bender this evening. We were backing out of our driveway apparently at the exact same time my neighbors were. Neither of us saw the other, and they ended up hitting us. Everyone was ok, and there was hardly any damage to either car (ours got the brunt of it because my neighbor drives a Suburban, and we drive a Camry), but we were both shaken up. My mom was a little more than me because this was her first brand new car, and it is pretty much her baby. I had to put the car in "park" for her because she didn't really have her wits about her. But anyway, that's that.

I started work today! Well, technically it was just orientation. We just watched a bunch of videos and filled out a bunch of paper work. I'm actually pretty excited about being a waitress because it'll be something new and different. Plus, I hear the tips aren't too shabby. And if lots of people order $8 margaritas, I'll be rollin' in the dough! I just hope I don't drop any trays. That's my only fear. I have no problem "people pleasing." In fact, I love talking to people and helping them. I think I'm fairly nice, and from what my new boss told me, I'm personable! I liked hearing that. It makes me think that people can take me seriously and can talk to me regardless of... anything!

Alright, kiddoes, it's bed time.

Sweet dreams!

God is good all the time!

In the past couple of days, God has totally provided. I got a job at On the Border on Tuesday as a waitress. I've never had a job like that before, but I know God will provide me with the skills to NOT spill drinks on my customers! Also, by His grace, I got a 4.0 this semester. I was not even close to expecting that... just hoping for it, as always. After all the hurdles I've jumped this semester, that was a sweet ending... and totally worth the struggle and hard work!

So, I was just flipping through my In Style magazine a second ago, and I came across a Dolce and Gabbana ad. The first thing that popped into my head, obviously, was the "My Humps" song (you know, "Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi and..."). So I said to myself, "Self, wouldn't that be funny if the next page had a Fendi ad?" OH. MY. GOSH. You know it did!!! I was cracking up.

I went with my mom to her school today to help her with inventory. She's a reading enrichment teacher (the one that pulls kids out for small groups), and she's done with all her groups for the year, so she and the other enrichment teachers are in charge of going around to every classroom and making sure they have all of their resources together and counting everything in their little plastic bins. Yeah, that was a blast. No, but it was good to spend time with Mommy. Plus, it was "paraprofessional appreciation day" and the theme was Happy Feet, so everyone got to make an ice cream sundae! It was worth it.

Well, I'm getting a little sleepy, so I think I'll go climb in bed. Nighty night!

-A

I'm such a worry-wort.

"Worry is the senseless process of cluttering up tomorrow's opportunities with leftover problems from today." Barbara Johnson

"Worry is a heavy load..." Proverbs 12:25

I worry about the stupidest little things... like finding a summer job. How is that going to help? I do trust God, but I'm not acting like I do right now. So, this is the last time I'm going to think about whether or not I'm going to be good enough for whatever job I'm going to have, and this is the last time that I get a knot in my stomach about actually going out to look for a job. I'm done.

See, it's so dumb. It's pointless.

Home Sweet Home

Well, junior year is officially over for me. I guess it's been over since Wednesday, but you get the idea. I'm home now but not even close to being unpacked. My mom came and helped me move out on Friday. I definitely thought it would only take us a couple of hours, but it definitely took a little longer. And then I didn't even realize that I left my car at Katie's apartment the night before (HAHA), so when my mom got to College Station, she took me to get it. I was looking outside to see where I could move my car so that it would be closer to pack stuff in, and then I was just like... "Hmm, wait a sec. Where IS my car???" Oh the fun.

Life at Melrose came to an "exciting" end. On Wednesday, my last day of finals and the beginning of my do-nothing-extravaganza, our upstairs neighbor decided to get blitzed (it's becoming my new favorite word, too!) and fell asleep in the bath tub with the water running and flooded his entire apartment and part of mine!! Luckily none of our personal belongings were damaged, especially since my dad had cancelled my renter's insurance THAT AFTERNOON. But, I always wanted to end a semester with a bang, so I guess I had it coming.

Tomorrow is go-to-the-dentist-find-a-job-get-a-USB-cord-for-my-new-printer-watch-Grey's-Anatomy Day. Whew. That sounds a bit busy.

Well, it's Mother's Day, and like the good daughter I am, I'm going to go hang out with my mom and watch Cold Mountain (because it's not a good day unless Jude Law makes an appearance ;) ).

Hasta!

-A

ALMOST... THERE...

It's time for a little study break. I'm so close to being done, I can taste it. When 5:30 rolls around I will be one relieved college student. And it's not like I'm worried about my exam. I'm just sick of studying... period.

It's going to be weird going home for the summer. I didn't go home much this year at all, so being home for MONTHS will take some getting used to. Especially since my dad won't really be at home at all the entire summer. But that's ok. I love my mom. She's my best friend in the whooooole world! And she gets bored easily, so I'm sure many shopping excursions will go down over the break.

I still have this song stuck in my head from yesterday:

Everlasting God

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Our God You reign forever

Our hope, Our strong deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint, You won't grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Our God You reign forever

Our hope, Our strong deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint, You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

Our God You reign forever

Our hope, Our strong deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint, You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

God, You are everlasting

Well, on that note, I think I'll get back to studying. Prayers are always welcome! :)

Love, love, love.

-A

Woo Hoo for Birthdays!

Wow... I'm 21. It does not even feel like it. I had a fantabulous birthday weekend. On Saturday, Hailey and I went to see Fracture with Ryan Gosling. It was actually pretty good. Well, staring at Ryan for 2 hours will make anything good. :) Then we met up with Lauren at Cheddar's for a little b-day celebration, trans-fat style. It was very tastey. (can't help it... t to the a to the s-t-e-y, girl you tastey!) After all the food and cake we were feeling a little guilty, so at about 10:30 we decided to go workout. Then we had the bright idea that I should go buy alcohol at the stroke of midnight. Well, the cashier lady was a little confused when I handed her my ID and started on a long-winded story about how I promised I turned 21 about 5 minutes beforehand. She kind of chuckled and stared at my ID for a little while... and I was getting nervous. I bet if I had just kept my mouth shut and just handed her my ID, I wouldn't have made her think so hard...

My parents got me a set of luggage! It's maroon and really nice. I was hoping for a plane ticket to England, but alas, my hopes were crushed. HAHA.

Now, I'm just sitting at work thinking, "Gee, I really don't want to study for my 3 math tests. Maybe I'll post this journal so Katie will have some entertaining reading." So I hope you enjoy Katie! :)

God is so good. Even when he makes it really hot outside, and I need to get to the other side of campus pronto, He is still good.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

SO GOOD!! Sometimes I have to stop myself from thinking I know exactly what I'm going to do with my life. It's like that engagement ring I designed on the Tiffany's website... who knows if I'll get married (well, I hope I do, but only God knows for sure!). He's got this perfect plan for my life, and I really hope I don't throw my evil wrench in it. I truly desire to live the life He's given me according to the purpose He's set out for me. WOW.

Alright, time to study some matematicas!

I'm out like the fat kid in dodge ball...

-A

P.S. I don't think Fergie is that great of a speller. I just did a spell check on this entry and found out that she can't spell "tasty." What is she teaching the future generation?!

GUESS WHAT?!?

It's almost my birthday!
It's almost my birthday!
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
It's almost my birthday! :)

[I could so be a songwriter.]

I feel so old. Yesssss.

Well, I'm at work, so I'd best get back to it... or lack thereof.

Flying with Christ,
Ashley