Let the season begin...

VS.

Yes, it's 1:30 in the morning and here I am writing a blog. NOT what I should be doing right now, but oh well. So school has started back...and I've been busy beyond belief. Not only am I taking 2 grad classes, but I am teaching 2 of my own and working another job, all while trying to have some semblance of a social life. Not an easy task let me assure you. I have about 50 students in my Spanish 1020 classes, and so far it's going pretty well. I say that but have yet to plan my lesson for tomorrow. I may be speaking too soon. Besides that, I worked pretty much all weekend at Niffer's. On that note, let me encourage those of you that have kids/will have/whatever...don't bring a full soccer/baseball/football team in and let them all sit at ONE table while the rest of you go sit and have a good conversation, leaving some poor innocent server to babysit the team (yeah that's me). Not only did I have a whole table of 11 year olds asking for my phone number, but they proceeded to shoot spitballs at each other through straws, played the fun game of ring each other's drink with random pieces of food, and then squirted ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc. into each others drinks, causing me to have to get a whole other round of drinks. Also, at 11 years old, I'm not sure I had quite the sophisticated palate that some of these kids have. I was expecting all of them to order off of the kids' menu, but nooo...one ordered the shrimp scampi pasta, another ordered the steak and shrimp dinner. Let's just say my whole section was a disaster area once they left. It was a nightmare all around. Anyway, that's about the extent of my weekend. I will be heading to Nashville this Labor day weekend for the first time since New Year's and I am so excited I can't hardly stand it. I'm so ready to hang out up there for 4 days. I'm ready for a little break from Auburn, even though I hate I will be missing the first home game. I'll be definitely attending the Georgia, LSU and Florida games though. If anyone is coming up to Auburn during game season, make sure to come by and see me at the restaurant. I'll probably be living there on the weekends during football season. Anyway, enough for tonight.

These past couple of weeks being back in the States have been eye-opening for me. I know I have never been one of those girls that oozes self-confidence out of her eyeballs, but I never realized how much people take notice of things like this. Over the past 2 weeks, I have had 3 different people tell me how much self-confidence I am lacking, one of them even setting their goal for this next semester to improve my self-confidence. It's very interesting, and mind-boggling, for someone else to tell you that their personal goal is to better another person. I think we all (in theory) want to help other people better themselves, but how many actually make it a personal goal? I have always worn feelings on my shoulders, but never knew I was basically an open book for all to read. Just never thought people really paid that much attention (besides you guys, Mom and Dad). On one hand, there are things I am extremely confident about, while on the other, I would rather bury myself in a hole than deal with the things I know I am not the best at. All of this is coming at a very convenient (or perhaps inconvenient) time, having just found out that I am a mentor this semester for the new grad students. This basically means that I will have a new GTA in my room everyday observing the way that I teach. I am not sure why I have been chosen into this position, and am flattered, but at the same time, I am petrified to have my every move on display for constant critique. One of the questions that I faced while in Guatemala was "What is my purpose in being on this trip?" Since getting back, I have been looking at my daily life in the same way. Maybe this next semester is meant to be a confidence-building time in my life. At least that is what I am hoping for. It will either build me up, or it could completely break me down. Let's just say, I need all the prayers I can get.

You've Got a Friend...

So right now I am in the process of reading another book by Donald Miller, which chronicles the cross-country trip that he took with his friend Paul. They were in the process of finding out the "whys" of life, i.e. why are we here? why do people do the things they do? etc. It's an interesting book, with an even more interesting concept. There are only a few select people that could survive a long trip like that with one friend and both come out alive. I know that it would be difficult to maintain a friendship with someone in that kind of situation. Saying that, I feel like everyday life takes a huge toll on the friendships that are around us. We don't have to take long trips and spend hours on end with someone in order for there to be trials of some sort. Each day there are events that test the kind of person that I am, or want to be. Right now, one of my friendships is going through some strain, and I just hope and pray that we both survive it. On another note, one of my dear friends will be moving in the next week or so, and that is yet another test, one of distance. Hopefully I will come out of this as a stronger person, one that is able to maintain friendships through whatever happens to come my way. I guess only God can tell what is in the future for these friendships. I hope that whichever friends of mine that read this blog know that I pray for each and every one of you and hope that God blesses your life in every way.

Home sweet home....hmmm not so much

So I have been back in the States about a week, and so far, I have worked my tail off this week. I have to say that I haven't missed the customers that I used to deal with, since this week has been a rude awakening into reality. We are starting our busiest season here in Auburn, and I am not sure I am quite ready for it. This weekend starts early move-in day for a lot of students, not to mention the beginning of Rho Chi week, otherwise known as sorority overload. Mainly meaning lots of daddy's girls with their credit cards that won't tip. Fun times. Anyway, other than that, nothing too exciting. I have had to drive a rental car around this week due to the fact that my cd player in my car is draining the battery down and it won't function if turned off for 3 days. Trying to fix that. Wish my life were more exciting, but I like of like it being boring right now...the routine is good to get back to. Starting soon, my life will be out of control again. Time to relax for a bit.

Change of heart...

So yesterday was my mental/emotional breakdown day. Unfortunately, my parents had to be on the other end of the phone to experience it. Not so good. Anyway, after laying in bed thinking alot last night, I realized that I was being stupid about this whole thing. Honestly, who gets to come down to Guatemala?? I am very lucky that I am getting to do this whole thing, and am getting to learn some more Spanish. I can tell that it has gotten better in the short amount of time that I have been going to the school. Anyway, just throwing this apology out there to whoever may have read my previous entry. Who wants to hear complaining all the time? Sorry about that and I am trying to be more positive about everything. I need to do some soul-searching and maybe all this alone time will be good for that.

Yes, I'm alive

So I'm finally sitting down to write another post. Why? you ask. Well there is absolutely positively freakin' nothing to do around here. I am in Antigua, Guatemala right now going to language school and living with a family. Doesn't sound too bad....oh but it is. A) Every single person in the family is 80 years old, B) I am only in language school for 6 hours of the day, leaving the rest of the day for me to walk around alone. There are some positives I guess. I've gotten the alone time I really wanted while I was in the States, although I would say this is taking it to the extreme. I am learning some Spanish, so I guess you could say "mission accomplished." Other than that, I have reread 2 of my books twice each, trying to pass the time, have walked approximately 10-15 miles since I got here, and have learned to live without television or phone. Saying that, I can't WAIT to get back to the states. Only 2 more weeks. It's my goal to leave here on Friday and find a decent hotel with a good bed (yeah, those don't really exist down here so much) and a tv to remain sane before I am sent out into the remote area where the clinic is. They definitely don't have tv there. I probably need to find some mosquito-repellant also...they love me here. I probably have somewhere around 20-30 bites at this point. I think there is a stray one in the room that I sleep in, and this one is particularly vicious. Anyway, enough complaining for today. Time to go shopping I guess (which basically means looking at the same things over and over and trying to ignore the vendors that are harrassing you incessantly). Fun times.

Adios mis queridos amigos!

Alright, so it's finally here. I'm leaving manana (in other words, tomorrow). My exciting, yet scary trip begins somewhat tomorrow night. I will be leaving with Dad and Aynsley to head for Atlanta as soon as I get off of work. I don't know when I will be able to blog again...maybe by Thursday or so. Til then, I will be "roughing" it in the jungles of Guatemala, which many of you know, is a big step into the unknown for me. I look forward to hearing from you all and reading about your adventures here in the good ole' US of A while I am embarking on many different terrifying excursions of my own. Any advice or words of encouragement are welcome, and needed, while I am facing some "interesting" adventures. Hope to hear from you all in the weeks to come!

I'm leeeeavin' on a jet plane

So here a few pictures of the places that I will going to...starting on Monday. That's right....my big trip is almost here. Dad, Aynsley and I will be flying out of Atlanta on Monday and will catch a plane small enough to fit maybe the 3 of us over to Tikal, the ancient jungle ruins of the Mayan Indians (that would be the first picture). We will be heading to the area of Chichicastenango, where we will be working at a mobile medical clinic. Aynsley will be assisting Dad, while I will be translating for everyone. Along with working there, Chichi has the largest market(the 2nd picture) where you can buy authentic woven goods (for those of you who have been to the market in La Bufadora, Mexico, this one wins hands down). I will be staying down there longer than Dad and Aynsley. For 11 days, I will be down there without really knowing anyone and will be staying in Antigua, Guatemala with a family. Antigua is shown in the other two pictures, one with the big mountain behind it. I will be attending language school there to improve my medical knowledge. The last week I will be translating again for a different medical team, this one being an eye surgery team. Anyway, I will be blogging as much as I can while I am down there, and hopefully posting some pictures, but who knows what will happen. Please keep me in your prayers that the trip will be safe and that I will survive my time down there alone. I'm a little nervous about it. Also, pray for those that we will be helping down there. Adios y Dios les bendiga!

Car troubles

Oh how I loathe getting ready in the morning, feeling like it's going to be a good day, walking out of the house into 100 degree heat, and then finding out that your car won't start. Yeah, that happened to me this morning. I was doing just fine getting ready for school, watched a little bit of World Cup this morning (along with a guilty pleasure-the ever dramatic Dawson's Creek) and was feeling good about the last day of classes. You know your day is going to go downhill when you open the door and it feels like a brick wall of heat slams into you. All you guys out there are lucky...we women have to spend time doing our hair, fixing our makeup, etc. just to have it streaming down our faces in 2.5 seconds. Highly annoying. Anyway, my car wouldn't start so I had to get help from someone. Luckily, I am one of those girls that actually does own her own set of jumper cables (thrilling christmas gift from good ole' dad--I wouldn't actually think to go get a set on my own). So I thought my day was back to normal....oh how wrong was I. Taught my last class for the summer and was ready to head back to the house to study for my final. I stepped out into the sauna, walked to my car only to realize it was dead...yet again. I always feel really terrible about stopping some random person and asking them to help me, but this girl was really nice. We were having a nice little conversation while my car was charging when two guys walked over to the car to make sure that we did it right...you know red on red, black on black and such. They actually looked impressed that we weren't complete imbecils ( I just looove when guys do that. Obvious sarcasm). So after my second bought with dead car, I realized that something was probably not quite right. Took it to Big 10 Tires, who told me that they would have everything done in 30 minutes. Ok, NEVER trust them when they say that. 45 minutes later, I have read every magazine, newspaper, flier, sign on the wall, etc. and was in the midst of counting the cars driving by when my name was finally called. Sweet relief! But noo....fooled again. Not only was my car going to be there for several more hours, but I was going to need a new alternator (hint: NOT cheap). The guy proceeds to fill me in on every detail that he is doing to my car, which to me sounds like some language I have never heard. He had to know that I didn't know what in the world he was talking about due to the stone blank look on my face. The only thing I heard from his whole spill were three little words: "Seven hundred dollars." Not exactly something I had planned on hearing as I rolled out of bed this morning thinking about the day to come. What else was I going to do? It's not as if I could say no, politely drive off, and spend everyday having my car jumped off any time I wanted to go somewhere. 700 dollars they charged, 700 dollars they got. After looking at my receipt, I realized where alot of the money goes to. Labor. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the guys at the car place do an excellent job and all, but honestly, 200 dollars for 3 hours of work? And let's really think about it. Does it REALLY take 3 hours to change out the alternator? How does someone make 60+ an hour?? It's a little baffling. I have spent many years trying to get all of these degrees and will probably NEVER make 60something an hour. A little depressing when you think about it. Anyway, enough of my story. Wasn't really all that good. Just wanted to vent about my very hot, annoying, and expensive day.

Accident

Just asking everyone to keep Paige in their prayers. She and Brittney Nelson were in a pretty bad car accident yesterday and are pretty shaken up. Paige walked away with only a few scratches and bruises, but apparently she is lucky to be walking at all. Mom and Aynsley are up there right now taking care of her. Anyway, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

I love my "Diddy"

So yea, I realize it is late as I am writing this, but I know that I won't have a whole lot of time to write in the morning. Just wanted to send a "shout out" about my dad, since it is Daddy's day and all. I've been really blessed to have the best dad ever. Although quiet and a little intimidating at times, he really is the most godly man I have ever known. And actually, he's quite funny. He just tends to save up his remarks until the most opportune time, and the rest of us end up on the floor laughing. He has always been there for his "little girls" and has gone/will go to great lengths to do whatever he can for us. Throughout the years, I've realized how tough it must have been at times, and probably still is, to live with and be surrounded by 4 women. Granted, Paige is a little quieter than the rest of us, but he has had to deal with at least 2 motormouths for a long time (yeah, that being Aynsley and I). I know everyone has wonderful dads, but I really have to give props to mine. He's loving, God-fearing, compassionate, intelligent, and so many other things I could name. He is a great leader in so many ways. He has led our family for 25+ years and is still going strong. Anyway, I will stop gushing. Hope everyone enjoys their "Daddy's Day" too.

Copa Mundial....yeah, that's World Cup for those who don't know

USA vs. Italy...on right now. ABC sports. I can't stop watching this stuff. I have never been into soccer before, but it is so awesome to watch. All of the athletes are incredible. Let's hope US can pull off a win today!

Daily struggles

So I have been here in Auburn for nearly a year now, and although I like it, I really miss being in Nashville. Lately I have felt very spiritually "stagnant," somewhat "dried up." I am living life going through the motions, with no deeper meaning or focus. Granted, all of this is my fault. I still haven't been attending church regularly or surrounding myself with spiritual encouragement. Neither have I made much time to feed myself with God's word. I have grown farther and farther away from what I have always wanted to be...a woman after God's own heart. Despite all these feelings, I know that deep down, my faith still remains and my love for God is unshaken. I miss having a church family that I can talk to and hang out with. I love my church family at Vaughn Park and I know that I will always be welcome there. I think I am just missing the involvement that I used to have with not only VP but my wonderful church in Nashville, Woodmont Hills. No, this isn't an entertaining or even interesting post. I just needed to get some feelings out and ask for prayers from you guys that know me and have grown up with me. I'm at a point where I am almost reaching rock bottom. (sorry this has been a little depressing)

Crackers and babies...Not a good idea

So tonight I worked my first shift as a server at Niffer's, and surprisingly, I didn't completely screw up the entire night. On the other hand, neither was I a super server. I was just glad to make it through unscathed and with a little extra cash in my pocket. I was slightly dreading this shift tonight due to the fact that Wednesday nights happen to be "Kid's Night" aka "Bring all 8,000 children that you know so they can eat for FREE!" Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore kids, and I don't really mind when I am sitting next to them at a restaurant. I'm pretty easy going about that. Here's what gets me--the parents that came in tonight all seem to feed their children the exact same thing-CRACKERS. That's fine with me...when the kids are being fed in their own homes. Disaster tends to strike when kids and crackers are combined in a restaurant setting. No sooner than I had brought several packets of crackers, but I turned around for about 2.5 seconds and where do you think all the crackers are?? You are correct...on the floor in 10 million little pieces, with not ONE crumb in or around their mouths. Not so bad...but add onto that the fries, mac n cheese, pizza, etc. that are dropped on top of them and then stepped on, grinding everything into the carpet making it a nightmare to clean up. I felt like I should have brought my own personal dropcloth to put under the highchairs. Would have made my life a little simpler tonight.
Along with "Kid's night" comes a little thing that our restaurant does to entertain all the kids there. The pinata. So, not only are kids smashing crackers and other substances into the carpet, but there are about 90 kids in there hyped up on candy from the pinata. It's absolutely a zoo in there. Toys are being thrown throughout the restaurant, children are fighing over a tootsie roll, and the parents are all sitting back and laughing...watching the servers try to maintain the peace. Now I know it sounds like I am complaining slightly, which is true, but actually it is one of the craziest and funniest things to witness. For those of you that like to people watch, drive yourself on up to Auburn, come to Niffer's and you will be entertained. Trust me.

Pain...lots of pain

After a full day of playing around at the lake with my family, I am so sore it's unbelieveable. Not only did I attempt...mind you, ATTEMPT kneeboarding, Paige and I were slung all over the lake on an innertube. Both times that we did it at the same time, she knocked her jaw out of place on my arm...not very fun for either of us. I'm sure she is as bruised and battered as I am. Although I can barely move, we had a lot of fun with my parents and my aunt & uncle. It was good to hang out with my fam...I feel like I never get to see them much even though I live 30 minutes away.
It was also good just to get out into the sun. From going to school, teaching and working at the restaurant, I never get a chance to go outside. Also on a side note, I finally was able to go see my Papaw in the hospital this weekend. Some of you know about his condition, but I'm sure there are a few that don't. Basically he had surgery on his aorta a couple of weeks ago, and as a result, he cannot keep anything down and his blood pressure is out of control. There was a very scary incident this past week where we could have lost him. Please keep him in your prayers. If you are among the blessed that have gotten to know him, you know how much he means to not only my family and I, but to the family at Vaughn Park and many people all around Montgomery. He is in Baptist South indefinitely until they can figure out what is wrong. This has been a very trying time for him...he hates being stuck indoors. Anyway, I'll stop talking about that now. Just keep him in your prayers.

phobias

So after talking to one of my friends tonight, I realized that I leave for Guatemala in a little over a month. Needless to say, I am super excited about seeing another part of the world. On the other hand, I am scared out of my mind. Some of you are aware of my extreme phobia of lizards, snakes and basically any amphibian, so you can imagine my anxiety about going to this place that is sure to be crawling with any and/or all of the above. My dad, Aynsley and I are going down there a few days early before we get started on the mission trips, and we will be visiting the jungles of Guatemala....and will be staying in a "jungle lodge." I'm not really sure what that means. Is that the name of the hotel we will be at, or is that a description, where "bed" means "cot covered with mosquito nets", etc.? I realize that this phobia is completely ridiculous, and I know that most of these little creatures are actually terrified of me, yet my mind doesn't seem to accept this fact. I will be facing a major fear of mine, and have no idea how to make it through this unscathed. Yes, I am a wimp and over the years, I have come to accept that fact. I realized the severity of this phobia the other day when, in the process of leaving for work, I walked out of my door only to come upon a snake similar to the one above. Paralyzation struck me immediately and I felt completely helpless. Any of you that have suggestions and manners of coping with this fear before I leave for Guatemala...please, help me.

Congrats to my little sis!

So yesterday was long, and I was exhausted from sitting outside screaming at softball games all day, but in the end, it was all worth it to watch Aynsley win the state softball championship, especially with it bein gher last year. They did really awesome and Ayns was named to the all-tournament team. You can catch all the info on WSFA tonight at 10. Also, if you want a real laugh, be sure to watch the news for the next couple of days....the whole Entrekin sister clan was interviewed about playing softball and winning state through these past 13 years. Let's just say that impromptu interviews are not our thing. I think I stumbled over nearly every word that I was trying to say, and probably came across looking like a total imbecil. Anyway, if you see Ayns, congratulate her...she did awesome and I'm so proud of her.

Teaching

So Thursday of this week, I will start teaching my first class here at AU. Crazy, huh? I can't believe that I'm going to be doing this all over again...although in a slightly different scenario. I've got a lot of planning to do this week, along with working at the restaurant. Looks like it's back to the grind after about a week of somewhat relaxing. Keep me in your prayers that everything goes well and that I make it through without going completely insane, or collapsing from exhaustion. Other than that, I will be taking one class, which shouldn't be too stressful. After this summer, I will only have 3 classes left to take in the graduate program...I can't believe it's this close. One year, and I am outta here...granted I pass all of my comprehensive exams next spring. Anyway, nothing too exciting this week. I will coming down to Montgomery on Friday to watch Aynsley play softball in the state tournament and then again on Sunday to go to church with my family. Oh yeah, and while I'm thinking about it on Mother's Day (or actually just after) , just wanted to say how incredible my mom is and that I have been so blessed to have had her looking out for me and being there for me these past 25+ years. I'm sure all of you feel the same about your own. Hope everyone has a good week and I will see some of you at church Sunday!

Sickness

I absolutely HATE being sick. I woke up on Sunday morning feeling exhausted, understandably from being up for days studying for exams. Then I came home from work and took a little nap and woke up with no voice. And I do mean NO voice. So here I am, a day later still with no voice and feeling crappy. How do you lose your voice in about an hour, unless you are screaming at a concert or something? It makes no sense to me. Am looking forward to this week with no school and only having to work at Niffer's occasionally. Anyway, need to go to bed. I have to get up somewhat early tomorrow and drive to Montgomery to watch Aynsley play softball. Hope everyone is having a better week so far than I! :)