Snickerdoodle

I've been working at TT's for a few weeks now since I was unable to get a real job, whatever that is. There's days I love it and there are days I hate it. I love it because my co-workers are fun, I deliver cookies, I get to drive around and listen to music, I usually don't have to wake up early, I get to help people out at the register or sit in the back depending on how I feel, and I have a schedule that so far is pretty flexible. And because I've decided I'm going to give the Austin Stone AVLC internship a shot it allows for me to be able to put in some quality time at the office if I want to. Which I probably will.

The down side to working at TT's is that I'm not really taking my professional career anywhere by working there, I'm working hours that keep me from waking up at a decent hour, sleeping in is keeping me from looking for a better job, I'm probably wearing out my car, although I'm not pounding down cookies I'm eating more than I normally would, I'm not making enough to save any money, and I'm just not 100% satisfied being there so I don't like it.

I'll be honest and lay it out there that I'm not really sure what exactly I want to do, but I do know it's not this. I want to see what all is available and check it out on a case by case basis and see what I feel I could do. Who knows I might be happy selling industrial sized screw drivers to freight train companies or something. I really don't know. God has a plan for me though, and I know that when I'm where I need to be I'll know it. TT's is not it.

Austin Stone Intern orientation is Wednesday and I'm nervous and excited. I've been waiting a long time to get an opportunity like this one, although back when I was really into working at a church I thought I'd be doing youth stuff, but the AVLC internship is definitely what I'm feeling at this point in my life. I'm hoping it will be one of the more life changing moments in my life. I love Chris and Phillip and am really excited to get to work with them and do life with them as we serve the church.

Pfffffffff

So here's the deal. Yesterday I decided that I'm going to give it a go and try to stay in Austin until the end of the year. This is going to require me to find some sort of job to make ends meat with. I don't think that'll be too difficult but just like everything else I try to do I find a way to make it more difficult than it should be. What I'm battling with is I'm not really sure if I should search for a part time job that is basic and really doesn't require a degree, or if I should give something a little more professional a shot. If I weren't planning to leave for the first job offer I got I wouldn't see a reason not to get the latter, but I don't want someone to go to the trouble of training me and thinking that they have a good thing going and then just leave. I'd rather someone just find another employee quick and easy. But I'm not sure.....

Another thing that has come up that could possibly be be cool would be getting a real estate license and giving that a go. I've thrown the idea around to a couple people and so far it seems like it might be a good idea. Even my mother jumped on the idea and seemed to be really supportive. My moms support on the matter is definitely a big factor in my even considering the idea. Never thought it would be an option, but I'm really starting to like the idea of it. I actually like it a lot. We'll see what happens.

So life has been kind of rough not having a job and all, but lately there have been some new curve balls I wasn't expecting as well. Definitely ben distracted a lot but thank God I think I finally feel like I'm getting back on track. Sometimes my priorities and focus gets thrown off and it takes me running into a wall to realize that i've veered of the road I was on. What really gets me is the fact that the new road isn't a bad thing, you could think of it as more of a detour or different route to just about the same place. I really just need Gods guidance at this point in my life. Way to many possibilities and decisions to make that should not be made without a lot of prayer.

Still No Job

So here's the news from the front line. I'm still unemployed. But honestly I'm ok with that right now. If I didn't have all this free time I wouldn't be able to do things like go off to Omaha for the College World Series, which was definitely an experience to remember for many many many reasons.

This week i'll be applying to some jobs which I consider pretty high profile and legit and I'm really hoping to get at least one interview out of the deal. As of now I've really not had any call backs from jobs that I want so hopefully this week brings around some change regarding that.

Keep me in yalls prayers.

And so it begins...

So I'm now on a crazed hunt for a job. Not really a physically crazed hunt, you won't find me convulsing and running around trying to find a job, but rather a calm, collected, yet crazed deep inside and picky web based job hunt. Those of us who have grown up and graduated with the internet are very fortunate, can you imagine what looking for a job would be like if we didn't have the internet? I wouldn't be able to just lock myself in my cave and have an almost non-physical job search. Honestly though, only part of my body that's moving right now are my hands. It's ridiculous.

I just got back from my post graduation vacation to Playa del Carmen. I definitely caught a lot of sun as most of you guys will be able to tell, also gained a couple pounds. It's just really hard to say no to Mexican food. It's just so so good. We had guacamole with every meal we could, it was amazing. It was such a blast. It was also great to have Josh and Gibby there to share it all with. They're probably the best travel buddies I could ask for. We seem to be interested in seeing the same things and get a long fairly well. Hopefully we can continue these travels of ours long into the future.

So what's next?

I'm in a very interesting position. More than ever do I have to keep my eyes open to the Lord's will for my life. Until now life has had a flowing route as one thing just kind of led to another, but now there's nothing really to flow to. At least I don't think so. I am ready and willing to go and do whatever I'm called to do I just hope that I don't have to wait long to see what that is. But I will be patient if i have to.

I turned in my final assignment today. As long as I don't fail any classes, which I'm pretty sure I didn't, I'll be getting my diploma May 22, 2009. I can't believe it. Some days I really didn't think I'd ever see this day. I'm very happy. I wish my dad were here to share this moment with me though. He was a big part of drive and desire to stand back up when I felt like I was knocked down. I think he'd be proud. Unfortunate he can't tell me in person though. His approval was something I always strived for whether he knew it or not. I miss him.

In other news, a week from today I'll be relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen with a couple of my buds, Josh and Gibby. We've got this glob trotting streak going since we've traveled through Spain and Morocco together, next is Mexico. It should be a blast. More than anything I just want to get my mind off everything and just relax. I want to read on the beach for hours and not worry about anything. I'm excited.

Recently I've been hanging out with a bunch of new people and it's been a blast. Fresh faces, ideas, and laughter. I can't get enough of them. I do miss hanging with all my boys though. Since school is over hopefully I get some good quality time in with some BYX guys.

May 22nd, 2009. The day I graduate.

CMA 3.108

CMA 3.108, rooms like this one have been a favorite of mine for late night studying. Reason #1: Huge table with power outlets and other gadgets available right smack in the middle of the table.
Reason #2: Headphone jack which gives allows for you to listen to music over the speakers installed in the classroom. Big plus in my book.
Reason #3: Can be as intimate or rowdy as you want. Bring a friend or two or three or don't.
Reason #4: Easy access to parking at 5:45 and later. Big plus for those late nights when you dread a long walk to your car.
Reason #6: You can control the A/C. Yes, the rooms have individual thermostats.
Reason #7: Wooden chairs that aren't harsh, but aren't super comfortable either. Allow for increased focus and what I like to call a "power posture." Definitely increases productivity.
Reason #8: Access to Document Cam, Projector, VCR player, and DVD player. I've come in and watched movies. Even in the huge auditorium on the lower floor. Too bad the move was eh.

So if you're still going to be around at UT listen up. Study at the CMA in your own private room. Doesn't make sense not too.

Quickie

I don't have time to really be leaving a post because it's probably not the best use of my time but I really don't feel like writing 10 pages on the Latin American Literature Boom of the 1960s. Some of it is cool and all. But what am I supposed to say on this subject? These guys loved the ladies, that's all I really want to say. But so what, all of hispanic guys are bred for love. Kidding.....

Well after tomorrow at 930 I think I can pretty much consider my undergraduate time over and done with. Exciting!!! Scary!!! I really hope God opens my eyes to the path he has laid for me. I don't know how badly I'd be freaking out if I wasn't confident that he is in control. Oh yeah. I love God, what a comfort he brings.

Ok. Well I'm going to close my eyes for 15 minutes or so and then hit this baby hard.

We were walking Downtown. Yeah...

"We were waking Downtown. Yeah...
My favorite part of town."

The lyrics above are from Walking Downtown by Copeland from the album Beneath the Medicine Tree.
Why those lyrics?
Because Holy Smokes Copeland was amazing!

I expected it to be a great show, but I didn't expect it to be my favorite show of all time. Yes. I said it. Best show I've ever been too. Not overall, because I didn't find all the openers to be entertaining, but Copeland's set was just simply amazing and I don't know if I'll ever experience better. Not only did they play a bunch from their newest album, You Are My Sunshine, but they played songs from every album they've released. Made for a great night of singing. The blend also gave Copeland fans old and new the opportunity to hear exactly what they're packing in their repertoire.

As i've said before, I didn't really care what they played because I love it all so the fact that they just played hard and played as much as they could was enough for me. I can't describe the happiness I was going through as one after another Aaron Marsh belted out songs, and the fans reciprocated. I was definitely in a very happy place. They even covered Tonight, Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins, which I later asked for them to record and post somewhere. They ended with You Have My Attention.

Afterwards I bought their newest album on vinyl and got all the guys to sign it. I made sure to ask each one of them if they remembered me from the time they played BYX Island Party back in the Spring of 06, last time I had the opportunity to see them, and they said they did. They even remembered details about the day and some of the things that we talked about, did I feel special? YEP! The guys were so nice and hung around and talked to everyone that wanted to speak with them, they're really just stand up individuals. Aaron, Brian, John, and Steven........ Thanks for being you and keep on rockin'.

Note: This was my little brothers first concert and I'm proud to have been able to take him to it, and I'm extra happy that it was Copeland. Always nice to share an experience like that one with someone you love.

Just typing this out has made me feel like a giddy little girl. If you haven't listened to Copeland let me know and we'll change it. Great guys, great music, great lyrics.


In to other news.

I have an Anthropology exam tomorrow but I'm procrastinating a little but to type this out. I have 3 or 4 chapters to read before tomorrow at 2. Hopefully won't take too long to get through it all.

I'm officially a Twitterer. Look me up. Not sure how long it'll last but so far I don't think it's too much of a time commitment so maybe it'll last longer than I expect it too.

Last night at BYX meeting while we were doing praise and worship I realized the reality and meaning of Christ being beaten and crucified for me. It was pretty sweet. So many thoughts and ideas flew through my head and I just had this moment where I couldn't really believe that someone went through so much for me to save me from my fate as a sinner. Ridiculous. Let's talk about it.


SPECIAL SHOUT OUT:
Today was my friend Nick Willaims' birthday and I had the pleasure to sit next to his sister, Amanda, who I told I would post about on my blog. Why? I think so that she could try and google herself, don't think it'll work but whatever. Anyways here we go.
Amanda Williams, well she eats sweet potatoes with sweet n' low on them, kind of strange in my opinion but actually does taste pretty good. Amanda Williams enjoys eating only the icing on baked goods, I witnessed it. Amanda Williams listens to almost all of Clear Channels radio stations here in Austin. You go Amanda!

Well that's it for tonight. Time for some alone time between me and a certain textbook. OH YEAH.

Sleep Now Moon

"Sleep now moon
I'll watch over her while the sun is up
And you'll have her eyes again soon"

That's the beginning of the song "When Paula Sparks" by Copeland. If you didn't know Copeland is one of my favorite bands, I pretty much put them right under The Beatles and on good days right next to them. I really really really like Copeland. Back in the Spring of 06 Copeland was the headliner for BYX Island Party and I was blessed with the opportunity to be tagged with the duty of photographer, but all I really did was go back to the Green Room and spend the day with the guys. They were all so nice and we really hit it off. Aaron was a little more on the quiet side but it's expected from a guy that can write lyrics like he does. This Sunday I'm going down to Houston to watch them perform at Java Jazz accompanied by my little brother, who I've gotten hooked on Copeland. I don't think he's as big a fan as I am but I know that he appreciates them and that's all I need. Unlike most bands that I go see, I really don't have a list of songs that I want them to perform, I want to hear anything and everything that they are willing to play. The show is going to be killer.

I received word that i'll be receiving my ring on April 20th.... MY BIRTHDAY!!! Pretty sweet. It'll be cool to finally start getting some hardware that signifies some accomplishment here at UT. Until now it's all been little numbers on audits growing smaller and GPA fluctuations. Finally something tangible and shiny, because we all like shiny.

On a spiritual note, I've come to accept that there are a couple things I struggle with that I had never admitted to myself until this past weekend. 1) That I have a deep struggle with pride 2) That I do not treat my faith with the same importance at all times, it may sometimes seem like I am ashamed of it. I'm going to change this immediately. I've never thought of myself as someone that could struggle with pride because I just didn't see much in my life that I could seem prideful about, but somehow I turned that into pride, and then that just made it all a mess. But no more. The whole concept of being ashamed is a little more of a struggle and I've seen it peek around before but I never acknowledged it. But no more.
I feel that now that I'm graduating I'll be needing to be as strong in my faith as ever. I've always had something keeping me in check week long such as BYX brothers but now that's ending and things are going to change a little. Things aren't going to dramatically change I believe but I definitely feel God preparing me for something. It's exciting, but at the same time I kind wonder what the future holds. Lately I feel like God's calling me to go off somewhere, not sure whether it's to just work or do ministry things but whatever it is I'm willing. I just want to serve.

Springbreakitis

It's the week before Spring Break and I have an ACTlab project due Thursday and a midterm in the class whose official title I believe is Latin American Literature after Post Modernism. The ACTlab project isn't done, but it shouldn't be to difficult to finish up. As for the midterm......let's just say I'm pretty much in the spring break zone already. I've been waiting for this week since the day I realized what my semester was going to be like. Hopefully it lives up to be being a relaxing and rejuvenating week, because that's what I need.

I'm just going to be hanging around Austin the entire break so hopefully that'll allow me to get some things I've been putting off out of the way. One being finalizing my resume and starting to get it out there and on peoples desks. I have a couple leads that I'm really excited about but we're just going to have to wait and see how things go. I'm probably starting this mass resume mailing thing a little later than I should have but it's a very intimidating thought. Sending out a quick shallow synopsis of who you are and having people decide whether they like you or not. I don't want to think that I'm not liked.

I ordered my UT class ring on Friday. It comes in either on my birthday or the day after so pretty much great timing. It's been a long time coming and although it was a lot of money I think it's worth it. The day I decided that I wouldn't get a high school graduation ring I made it a point to get a college one. There's just a lot more importance and meaning in a college ring. How many people care about whether or not a person is an alumni of their old high school? Sure it's a neat thing, but that's it.

Got into a bicycle wreck with one of my roommates the other night while we were out for a 4 hour joy ride. It had been a really fun evening packed with singing, talking, eating, laughing. I guess it had to have it's down side. Basically he lost control and swerved in front of me and then I T-boned him. My bike was ok, his wasn't. His body was was ok, mine wasn't. My left quadricep landed right on his rear gear shift and bent it inwards. Which proceeded to bend the entire tire. So basically it's no usable. My left leg is barely usable as well. I feel like I have a giant bruise on my leg and I can barely put weight on it, but there's no bruising. I feel like it's gotten a little better so I'm just going to continue hoping for the best.

Real quick note. I love serving on the AVLC team. It's probably one of the best things that has happened to me throughout college. I am thankful and blessed to have everyone in AVLC in my life.

So Here I Am

It's been a while. A good while.

So I've decided I'm going to keep this blog updated.
After sitting on the couch for about half an hour trying to think up a clever name for this post I remembered about good ole Xanga. Remember Xanga? I don't know how I did it but I managed to remember my password and username to Xanga. I looked around and read some old posts and visited some friends sites that were still up. So many events still left logged in the vast wasteland that is the internet. Although tempted to resurrect Xanga I have a little more invested in this blog. It's odd though how pretty much everyone I knew that had Xanga has just abandoned it. There Xanga sites are there, just sitting, ageless, never to go away. The idea that there are so many pages out there on the net that can get 0 hits ever and go years without an update is amazing to me. What if the internet were not limitless and it were like real estate, we'd be talking about a valuable commodity then.

So why try this blog thing out? Well I'm approaching an important time in every persons life, entering the real world. Whether you go there straight after high school or delay the inevitable by going to college, it happens to all of us. I'll be honest, I'm scared, but I have faith that I'll be ok. I really do believe that God has a plan for my life and I'm excited to live it out. Where he calls me I will go.

Recent Happenings:
Interning at Clear Channel Radio in Austin,TX
My little brother got his gall bladder taken out
I just moved in with Jared, Ryan, and Nate
I produced my first service at Austin Stone

I haven't decided where all this blog is going or how it's getting there, but it's going to be the real deal.


I've got my life in a suitcase,
I'm ready to run, run, run away..
I've got no time, 'cause I'm always trying to run, run, run away
'Cause everyday in here feels like it's only a game.
I've got my life in a suitcase, a suitcase, a suitcase...
-Copeland-