anticipation

Why is the anticipation always the worst part? Apprehension is killing me right now. I have a test tomorrow morning that I must pass to graduate. It's a little scary. No matter how much time I've put in, how many practice tests I've completed, it just doesn't seem enough. I go back and fourth between panic and nonchalance. (Is that a word?) Anyway, prayers tomorrow at seven a.m. would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I promise to get back into blogging, being social, etc., after tomorrow. The next day is my birthday, yay! So friends, we need to figure out something fun to do. And this weekend is George's birthday, and Sarah's too! Hope to see you, Sarah!!

Also, I got a laptop recently, but sometimes it adjusts its own brightness and I cannot figure out how to stop it. Any ideas? The mouse is also sketchy sometimes and won't show up when I start the computer, even after plenty of time to load. Any ideas?



Funny picture. Found it on George's phone from last year (I think). Made me laugh, figured I'd share.

It's been a while.

I hope everyone's Christmas break has gone well.

Mine has been marvelous. I've moved home- quite the chaotic situation at first- but now, it's on the up side. I've been with family a lot, which I've loved. This will probably be the last time we're all living together. Kind of weird. I've also been reading a lot, and I realize now how much I miss having time for that!

I've been thumbing through some Elisabeth Elliot, and I've also started Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Excellent, gritty so far. It's going to be a wonderful redemption, friendship story. I love those.

I don't have much more to say right now. Getting ready to head to Tampa/ Orlando for the bowl game and Disney World. Yay :)

Finals

The entire purpose of this post is to delay studying. I've actually almost decided to totally stop studying (or avoiding) tonight and just wake up early and go all day tomorrow and Wednesday. I'll have the rest of Thursday afternoon to study for my last final Friday. I think that will work. I hope that will work. Either way, I'm really close to Christmas break. Even though I need to study during the break for the exit HESI that I must pass to graduate. I'm going to stop talking about HESIs now though or I will get really stressed and convince myself to study tonight.

On another note, here are some things I've really been enjoying lately:

1: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, particularly their Christmas album, especially track one, two, and nine. Check them out.



2: New drink from Starbucks: Caramel brulee' late'. Very yummy. I'll be drinking lots of these with extra espresso this week. Frappucino version is delicious.

3: This Vivo Dead Sea mineral lotion/ manicure set. I'm a sucker for buying this sort of thing from people who let me sample their product and bargain prices with me. I'm a champ at buying things simply because they're on sale. Then I get home and realize that I really didn't want it. BUT, in this case, glad it's in my possession. The lotion really does work so well! I don't know if it's because it's natural elements or what, but it's awesome. Plus, the lady started at $75 and ended up giving me all this for $25, and a 15% off coupon for my next purchase. The lotion was worth it. Go get some... Village Mall (fabulous place) near the food court. You probably won't be able to miss it; the little lady who sells it will run you down.



*Ya'll, I did not know about the Dead Sea scrolls until I bought this lotion. How am I just learning about this?

4: Fire in the fireplace. I know, college students should not have the kind of home I'm living in right now. I'm totally going to take advantage of it while I can though. Having a fire reminds me of home. And it makes this house feel more home-y and more my style :)

5: The Office. I really, really love that show. I also love that TBS is showing episodes now. Tonight they played the episode where Michael declares bankruptcy. Oh my goodness, so funny. That show never fails to make me happy.

Ok.

I should go study now.

I think I'm probably the only nursing student that isn't studying right now.

I believe in all nighters.

Beat Bama.

Tim Tebow has more media coverage than any other college football player probably ever has, possibly ever will. I'll even admit, it can be a bit much sometimes. But, he is an incredible athlete, plays inspired football, and seems to be a truly grounded guy. He's just fun to watch. Plus, he wears a Bible verse on his face every game, that's some kind of witness.

I'm counting on him this afternoon. Not because he's the only player for the Gators, but because he can motivate, and he won't go down without a fight. That's how Florida is going to have to play today. I'm sure they will, I hope they will, but dang, Alabama can just get lucky sometimes! And they've got some talent, I'll give them that.

Ahh, games like this really make me nervous. Can you imagine the thoughts and the pressure going through those players' heads right now?! Wow. All the grueling practice, the anticipation, the fans, the dome- roaring. Gosh, I would love/ hate to be there.

I'm queasy about it, and I'm watching it on my couch. This game is huge. Watching the Cincinnati v. Pitt game, the announcers showed a chart with stats for the SEC championship game, and they're pretty tight. Pretty close. But Florida has Tebow, and ya'll I really think he's what makes the difference.

I am excited though, 'cause me and Say-ruh are makin' chick-n-dumplins (that just makes me feel country, figured I'd share) and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Oh and biscuits with honey butter! And fire later. Oh, and I'm not studying all day. More games to watch and nursing books to avoid.

Happy Saturday! Go Gators.

possible snow :)

Always exciting. Probably won't happen, but here's hoping! At least it'll be warm enough for a fire.

Also, found this comment and really liked it:

"When we heard of the Auburn fans chanting at the end of Fridays game "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger" we knew there was something special about the excitement around this football team. The Tigers have everything we are looking for in a New Year's Day team. They are a tough, exciting team, extremely well coached and... have what might be the best fans in college football." -Jim McVay, Outback Bowl President/CEO

Thank you for some credit, and I'm very glad to be part of a fan base that really supports their team.

I know I never posted about the Iron Bowl. I feel like my feelings are similar to most Auburn fans out there. I'll just sum it up:

-I am truly proud to be an Auburn fan. I see really good things in store for our team in the future. We never gave up, and for the most part, I thought the coaching was awesome.
-That game was phenomenal. Some of my favorite football memories in my time at Auburn were made during that game.
-If ever there was a moral victory, it was this year's Iron Bowl. I don't think I would've been more proud of Auburn had we won.
-Also, this may seem a little strange, but I'm glad, in a sad way, that the Bama defender batted the ball away on the last play of the game. I only say this because think of how even more heart wrenching it would have been if one of our guys had dropped the ball, or it slipped out of his hands, or something. At least there wasn't a chance for that. Sorry, I know it was still so, so sad.
-Nick Saban's attitude drives me crazy. His ego is pretty ridiculous. I hope that Florida shows up and plays their best game all season this Saturday!
-And, I really do believe in Auburn, and love it.

25 years ago (plus one day),

My parents were married. Last night I took over a picture that all four kids chipped in to get enlarged. As my dad opened it, he got emotional and said a few things about how much his wife and his family meant to him. How blessed he feels. He bought my mom an anniversary band, and placed it on her finger like he had twenty five years ago. My dad is a simple man, sentimental all the while. Ya'll, that was a beautiful scene. I've seen my dad cry twice. Twice. And in those times I saw how much he loved and cared for the uncle who was more like a best friend, and for the black Lab who was another member of our family- a true companion. And last night, I saw (although I already knew) just how much he loves and cares for me, my siblings, and my mother. It was truly one of those moments that I know I'll look back on with such fondness. I'm getting emotional just writing this, and I'm not even a good writer! I just can't seem to capture the moment vividly enough.

My parents believe in marriage. They knew when they said their vows that they would make it to this day as long as they lived to this day. Life hasn't always been easy, but they've worked it out, learned and experienced much along the way. Through it all, they've stayed side by side. Had four children, raised them. Stayed part of a church family that's gone through many changes. Worked long and hard days. Stayed up many nights. Loved all of us unconditionally. Even though yesterday was in many ways another ordinary day, they were able to celebrate twenty five years together. That's a pretty amazing testament. In fact, my dad brought up that this anniversary marks the year that my dad has been married more than he's been single in his lifetime. Pretty remarkable, to me anyway :)

I know I'm probably the most sentimental one out of my close friends. (Sorry I'm always asking for pictures :) ) I hang on to pieces of paper with just a scribble, or a ticket, an single earring, whatever little thing it is. I love hearing stories about people. I don't care who they are. I want to hear about life. Trials, and redemption. Love that triumphs it all. Faith that brings joy, and peace when we're unsure. And even tragedy. It all makes this crazy life work. And after almost every story, I'm reminded of the Lord, and how He has ordained this all to happen. Every piece. He is the constant in this constantly changing day to day. Liking stories doesn't make me sentimental, I guess, but getting wrapped up in them does. I especially love hearing seasoned people talk, ones who have been through much, even if it's all been pretty "normal". I love hearing my dad talk, share about our family's legacy and all of that. I'm glad I got that from my dad, that desire to hold on and to hear and to appreciate the past, and to long for a future. And strive for the eternal, of course.

So, Happy 25th, mom and dad! So very thankful for you both, and for your commitment to each other and our family.

I know, it's been like fifteen minutes.

I am just frustrated with this blog thing. I can't get it to look the way I want it- the way that will look cute to other people- etc. I get mad at the computer, mad at myself for not being creative "enough". That just leads to this whole, long overwhelming thing of you're boring, Rachel. You're no fun, Rachel. You shouldn't be spending your time doing this for so long, Rachel. Gosh, Rachel, you're being pretty much miserable right now. On and on it goes.

So, I'm stumbling along other people's blogs trying to get ideas. I get to Claire's. I read some old posts. Here comes to punch to the face :

"I know of nothing more agitating to the soul, nothing that so unsettles and disquiets, as the contemplation of the self."

-Elisabeth Elliot

Hmm, interesting. And although I wasn't thinking specifically about how horrible of a sinner I am and how I'll never be good enough, etc., I was still thinking about little 'ol me. Very unsettling, and it certainly makes my brain go to war with itself, very loudly in fact, until everything else just gets drowned out, and all I want to do is sulk.

You know what? Here's another I believe:

I believe in grace. Thank goodness!

Now! Back to the blog! :) I've added a list of blogs that I follow. Sorry if you didn't know I read your blog all the time, ha. If you want me to take the link down, please let me know. Also, I'm working on a header, if you're wondering. You probably weren't though, because usually I think people are so worried about me and how I look and how my things look. Usually, not true. Anyway, I'm working on it. It makes me feel better to say that.

Well, hope everyone's Tuesday has been lovely. I've been pretty worthless, but so enjoyed myself. Slept, ate, and watched a movie, a very cute one, by the way.






It made me want to watch this one really, really bad:



Don't Emma Thompson and Natasha Richardson look identical to you?

And I forgot to mention this in my last posts, but congratulations to Sarah on completing senior project! Wow. I'm so proud of you!!