It's Finals Time

This is just gonna be a really quick post asking for prayers that everything goes smoothly this week with all of my finals. I still have one more paper to write, and 3 finals. Once Saturday night gets here, I will be so excited. Anyway, sorry this isnt longer...I don't have a whole lot of time to spare these days. Hope everyone has a better week than I will!

ADD

Why, at this moment in my life, have I suddenly been hit with a large case of ADD? There are so many things I need to focus on, yet I can't seem to concentrate on anything for more than 5 minutes. At this rate, it's going to take me forever to write this one paper. Then again, I should have realized that the Auburn library is the last place I need to be...it's not necessarily what I would call an excellent study space. There are groups sitting to the side of me, talking and going over what I would gather to be "homework" but really, it's a big social hour here. Every time someone new walks by, I feel compelled to look up...which leads me to wondering about about who that person is, what they do, and I tend to create a whole new life for them in my mind. I realize what I'm doing, refocus, and then it happens all over again. I am stuck in an endless cycle of daydreaming...

Personality conflict...

So tonight I am basically venting about some things that have happened since I moved to Auburn. It's strange how some things that you are completely confident in can be called into question. Many of the people I have met here in Auburn are wonderful people and have completely stepped up and brought me into their world, which I am grateful for. On the other hand, I have never been in an environment like this where people feel totally comfortable to point out personality "flaws" as I have been here. There are many things about me that I know aren't perfect, which I accept. It's the way God made me. But it's very strange to have people point out things about me which I never thought were an issue, and I have now been made aware of, whether I like it or not. Self-confidence has never been at a high level in my world, and to have someone knock me down even further is hard to swallow. Maybe I am being too sensitive about things, but when someone hurts you, it's hard to keep that in perspective. I think my main issue is the fact that I like who I am, and for someone to call that into question, whether intentionally or not, basically feels like a slap in the face. Anyway, I'll stop rambling about it. Just keep me in your prayers to build up strength and confidence to face these situations when they come around...God made me who I am and I know I need to accept it. It's just hard to do that at times.

Stress!

You know, I knew that doing the whole grad school thing would require a lot of work, but I am definitely feeling the pressure tonight. I have 3 papers to write in the next 2 weeks and yes, I realize that I have shot myself in the foot by procrastinating, but seriously, it's stressful. I have to read another novel before Tuesday so that I can write about it in one of my papers, plus I have to work this weekend. The whole time management thing is not going to be fun. I thought that as I got older, the whole procrastination thing would go away...unfortunately it has gotten worse. I can't seem to find the motivation to get things done. Anyway, enough of my rambling for tonight. I probably need to go read huh?

Persecution in the USA

So, yesterday a friend made me listen to the new Dixie Chicks song, which I have to say is pretty good. It's basically a reaction to all the backlash they received for speaking out against President Bush. To me, it doesn't matter whether or not you agree with what they had to say or not. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and the great thing about our country is that we are able to voice those opinions freely. It was interesting to hear the lyrics from their song, which tell about an incident concerning a letter they received from someone basically saying that they need to "shut up and sing or your life will be over." I hate to see that people in this country are receiving threats based on their beliefs. It makes me think back to when Christians were persecuted for their belief in God. It's not important to me whether or not you support Bush or don't...it's taking things too far that cause me to be ashamed of how people can basically crucify others because of differing opinions. If you get the chance, listen to the song. You may like it, you might not.

Restaurant etiquette...

So there are a few things that I have learned since starting my job in the ever so frustrating service industry. Mainly, I have learned that most people have no idea whatsoever how to behave when eating out at a restaurant. Now, I know you're thinking that it's only common sense to treat your server/host/whatever with politeness and manners, but in reality, it's astounding how badly people can be treated that work at restaurants. For example, I have noticed that although we live in the South and are supposed to exhibit so-called "southern charm," when it comes to eating out, most people seem to have a mental lapse and forget the words "Thank you" or "Please." Yes, I know I shouldn't have too much to say about it all, basically because I'm not technically a server yet, but let me tell you, hosting is probably harder than serving in some cases. A) I get paid minimum wage, B) I have to deal with cranky customers who believe that I should be able to seat them right as they walk in the door and ask me five million times where they are on the list (with approximately 30 seconds between each visit to the host stand), and C) I have to deal with the backlash from servers when I have seated their tables when they weren't ready. I know this is starting to sound like I'm whining, but actually, the point of this whole post is to bring knowledge to the few people who actually might read my mindless blog. For those of you who do, I'm not speaking to you necessarily. This is just a general just-so-you-know post. Anyway, here are a few pointers to remember when eating out:
1) Remember the manners that your mama taught you....you wouldn't want to disappoint her
now would you?
2) Don't forget that your server is making approximately $2.13 an hour...tips are necessary
for survival. (On a side note, I have heard from several servers that the worst day to wait
tables is on Sunday for the church crowd....they are demanding, rude, and tip
horribly...hmmmI see something wrong with that picture. Anyone agree?)
3) Finally, patience is a virtue. Don't freak out if you don't get the table with the parking lot
view, your hamburger wasn't cooked how you wanted, you have no mayonnaise at your
table, the server tripped and spilled some water on you, etc. Everyone makes mistakes,
and honestly, in the grand scheme, is it really that big a deal?
Anyway, that's about it for today. Hope everyone has enjoyed this compelling post.

Sushi is excellent

I just got back from eating sushi with my friend Keith from work, and I have to say that it was awesome. For all you doubters out there, you should give it a try. I always feel much healthier after eating it. Other than that, today was a pretty boring day. I had class all day from about 10-6:3o. Although I love reading and literature, I have to admit that these classes are ridiculous. I don't really enjoy anything that I have been reading, but I guess I will keep plugging away. I would much rather just read for pure enjoyment, instead of having to read things and then write papers about them. Other news, my best friend Bethany is coming into town this weekend and I am so excited. We always have an awesome time together, and she will be coming to church with me on Easter. Oh and some other shocking news...I was watching my favorite show, Law and Order SVU the other night and it seems as if Stabler and Benson won't be partners soon...which in my opinion signals the end of the show. I was upset...it was as if somone I knew personally was going through a split. Haha..I'm ridiculous I know. Well I guess thats about it for now. I know this has been compelling stuff.

First Blog...

So I decided to start this blog thing to let people know what is going on in my life and so that I could keep in touch with what other people are doing. Most of you already know that I am in Auburn working on my Master's degree in Hispanic Studies. I've been here since this past August, and am almost through with my first year. I didn't think that I would like it here in Auburn after living in Nashville for so long, but it's growing on me. There isn't a church that I really like here, so I have been driving down to Montgomery every now and then to go with my parents to the church I grew up in. I have about a month until this semester is over and then I start teaching my own class in May. After that I will be traveling to Guatemala for nearly the whole month of July to work on two different medical mission teams, translating for the doctors and the patients. I'll also be attending a language school for a little over a week getting my medical terminology up to par. Anyway, I guess this was a basic overview of what is going on right now.