Time flies.

Good grief. These past few months have been a whirlwind and I can hardly believe that it's almost December. I just finished my last test until finals and it feels SO good. It's like that feeling you get when you wake up before your alarm clock and realize that you have at least an hour left to sleep. My alarm clock will sound again during finals week, but I am free as a bird until then. Thank you Lord!

Over the past month I've been to a wedding, attended several of my brother's high school football games, played lots of flag football, randomly attended a new Sunday School class, and studied like a maniac. Life is good. Fall in Auburn is beautiful. And I have much to be thankful for.

The Wedding. Hailee, Ashley, and I made a road trip to Dothan for Taylor & John David's wedding. Cathryn, Anna, and the three of us all squeezed into one hotel room for the night and had the best time. It was one of the sweetest ceremonies I've ever attended and Taylor was the most beautiful bride. It's so uplifting to leave a wedding and know that God has been glorified through the joining of two of His children. Of course I shed a few tears, but those were all gone by the time we reached the brunch line at the reception. The spread of food was unbelievable and we ate our little hearts out. On the ride home Hailee and I entertained ourselves by making a list of all of our college formal dates. I'll leave it at that. There were quite a hysterical few.

High school football. It's always fun to re-live the glory days and I've gotten to do this alot lately. My little brother is enjoying his senior year as QB and they have already made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs. I've been able to watch several of his games and we're hoping Crenshaw makes it to the Championship! Here's a picture of me and my neighbor from home at the game.

5th year Flag football. Chris, Thomas, Chase, Bo, Scotty B, Jenny, Bethany, Kate, Hillary, Lauren, Amanda, Jessie, Mary Lindsey, Rose and I have all had a ball every Tuesday night under the counsel of our trusty coach John Mark (aka the predator). We call ourselves the "Victory Lap" since we're still hanging onto another year of college. Yes, we even have jerseys. It's great to take a break and cut loose once a week with these wholesome people and so far we're undefeated.

Sunday School. As we were leaving church on Sunday, Alley and I randomly decided to check out the new ladies Sunday School class. I'll admit I was a bit skeptical of just popping in, for fear of what it might entail, but I'm so glad we did it. There were women of all ages and walks of life: married, single, mothers, grandmothers (?? I think). During the class we took turns reading one verse from each book of the Bible that depicts God's love for us. It was different from your typical Sunday School class, but worship knows no boundaries. Those verses were exactly what I needed to hear.

Well, there you have it. Now you know what I've been doing over the past month. I purposefully did not mention studying since it would far outweigh every other paragraph on this page. Hopefully I won't be away from the blogging scene for quite as long from now on. I'll have you know that I've turned into a blog fanatic and absolutely LOVE your posts. So to all you bloggers out there, keep posting.

She's gonna be a Jenkins!

Another one bites the dust. Kasey’s getting married! She called yesterday and I knew exactly why as soon as my phone rang. Kasey and Matt have been at the beach with their families this weekend, and during their jog yesterday morning, he popped the question. I figured it was bound to happen sometime soon, and sure enough, Kasey is going to be a wife. Kasey and I lived right across the hall from each other freshman year in Lupton, and I have been blessed by her friendship ever since. Matt is one lucky guy--and Kasey is one lucky girl.

I figured I should share this. Here are a few pictures from Kasey’s debutante ball in July 2006. Matt was Kasey’s escort, and they were not dating at the time, but all of the pictures from that night look as though we were at their wedding. Kasey’s pretty white gown, Matt’s tux, and all of our friends just made it seem like it was their big day. We all joked about these pictures with Kasey and now it's actually coming true. It really will be their big day oh so soon, and I am so excited!

Yes, that would be Kasey & Matt dancing in the back of the limo. Not yet dating, and still having the best time! Sorry guys. It was obvious that you liked each other, even back then.

Carhartts, Pumpkins, & Soup

Sure. I love spring, summer and winter, too, but there's just something special about this time of year. Leaves are changing, the air is cooler, and you can practically smell football in the air, even though it's just not as sweet this year--at least not for Auburn. Fall is, by far, my favorite season. Let me join a host of others and tell you why:

1. Chilly weather. There's nothing better than rosy cheeks in the crisp autumn air. Carharrt overalls and cowgirl boots are a staple in my wardrobe, even though it makes my mom cringe. Before I head home, our conversation usually consists of her reminding me to "please bring something home other than those boots!"

2. College of Architecture's annual pumpkin carve. I checked out this event for the first time last year and I am bummed that I missed out on the years before! Hundreds of pumpkins are carved by architecture students and put on display for the community to see. I am still amazed at the talent, time, and effort that went into each detail of every pumpkin. These folks are gifted.

3. Taylor's Bakery. Coffee makes studying a whole lot easier, and the atmosphere at Taylor's is the quintessential place to curl up in your fleece with good coffee and school work. Although nothing beats Taylor's vanilla chai, I must admit that I am partial to Cambridge Coffee's white chocolate mocha- soooo good.

4. Heartstrings. The quaintest little shop on College Street. I worked here my junior year and fell in love with the people, the gift wrapping, and just going to work in general. Since pharmacy school demands too much of my time, I had to give it up, but I am flattered that I still get to help out on Bid Day and decorate for Christmas in October every year--hence the reason Heartstrings made my fall favorites list.

5. Auburn football. You win some, you lose some; however, nothing will change that feeling you get during a Friday afternoon campus jog when you exchange a WAR EAGLE with tailgaters. Cheesy, but it sends chills up my spine and reminds me of why I love this place so much. Auburn football is also an excellent way to lure friends back into town for the weekend.

6. DAD III. For those of you not in pharmacy school, this means Drugs & Disease III. For those of you in pharmacy school, you're wondering why in the world this made it as a fall fave. The studying for this class is painful and the tests hurt even worse, but I actually feel as though I could carry on an intellectual conversation concerning the drugs we've covered over the past 2 months. That in itself is a miracle. I am filled to the brim with random bits of knowledge, dying to reveal it all to you at any moment, although I'm almost positive you won't be as fascinated by it as I am.

7. Mulled cider Tyler candles. Mulled cider is the perfect fall scent and I am a sucker for these smell-good inventions.

8. Soup. Fall is just not fall when there's no taco soup or chili involved. It was and still is a fall essential for my family. Cooler weather = warm soup. My Bible study group had soup fellowship night this past Wednesday, and although I couldn't make it due to a test, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who appreciates it.

The Art of mul·ti·task·ing

mul·ti·task·ing (mŭl'tē-tās'kĭng) n. The concurrent operation by one central processing unit of two or more processes.

I'll begin by informing you that I am multitasking at this very moment. Trying to simultaneously eat dinner and type is harder than you may think. I've been wanting to post this for quite a while but I simply haven't found the time--this would be due to multitasking elsewhere. Although far from terrible, it humors me to think that this really is my life. Some days you've just gotta do what you've gotta do to get it all done, and this demands the art of multitasking.

I brush my teeth while I'm in the shower. I eat cereal while getting dressed. I quiz myself before tests while running. I talk on the phone while chatting on gmail. I flash drug notecards while driving down I-85.

I am completely consumed with daily tasks, as I am sure most of you are in some way, and the Lord is constantly reminding me to just be still. So, if you are multitasking like crazy, rest in the fact that He is Lord and He is life.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Weekend Getaway

Pharmacy school is cutting into my blogging time and I am not a huge fan. P2's have a test in Drugs and Disease III every two weeks this semester, so basically we never get a break. We've already been tested on anxiety, insomnia, and seizures and we've only been in school for three weeks. Lately all I've done is eat, drink, and sleep pharmacy school, so this weekend was a much needed getaway.

Eight of the ten former White House girls retreated to Lake Rabun for a weekend at Brittany's lakehouse. I visited Lake Rabun for the first time the summer after my freshman year of college and I fell in LOVE. It's where I learned to water ski, and I'm not lying when I say it's one of my favorite places in the entire world. Lake Rabun is nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lakemont, GA. When you're on the water, it seems as though you've escaped to the inside of a giant cereal bowl. I love cereal, so this comparison is great for me, maybe strange for you. Nothing else exists inside this cereal bowl, if you will, except the people you love the most and a glorious creation the Lord allows us to enjoy. A swimsuit is the only essential, you don't have to blow dry your hair, and sun kissed cheeks are the perfect complement. At Lake Rabun time doesn't even exist. The sun is itself your alarm clock, and before you know it, it's already setting directly across from where it had risen.

This weekend we ate our fair share of candy and trail mix, discussed this weird phase of life that we are currently stuck in, went on a hike, reminisced of our college days, dominated Big Bertha (the new 3 seater tube), learned quite a few things from our newlywed, had breakfast in the most peaceful little nook, got the down low on a new boyfriend, job searched, traveled by boat for pizza at Louie's on the Lake, got at least 8 hours of sleep every night, watched the finale of Dawson's Creek, soaked up every glimpse of God's masterpiece that is Lake Rabun, and just plain loved being together.

Brittany and me at Lake Rabun, Summer 2005

She's gonna be a Newlin!

I really don't think I will ever forget this moment. Two weeks ago my phone rang. It was Chris: "I bought a ring." And yes, you guessed it, I nearly had a heart attack. According to Mary Lindsey I've been "so sketchy" lately--now she knows why! I've figured for quite some time now that ML would get married next summer, but it always felt as though next summer was years away. How quickly things change! Next summer is right around the corner and my best friend will officially be a Newlin. I am so excited for them and so thankful for their friendship! I'm calling it--their children will have jet black hair.

Spreading the news...

Priceless. Haley & Maria had no idea.

Celebrating at dinner, despite the tropical storm.

Mary Lindsey's trading me in for a male roommate.

Woe is me.

I've been absent from the blogging world for a little over a week now, not because I've been on a blog strike or anything, but because I've been too busy pouting. As much as I'd rather not admit it, I have thrown my share of pity parties over the past few days. Let's be honest, there is really no legitimate reason to throw these pity parties, but I have certainly made it look as though there were:

Many of my friends have moved on to bigger, better things and are no longer in Auburn (though there are a few still here, which I am incredibly thankful for). School started back in full force Monday and I am already neck deep in notes. The printer in the library ate my Drug Products packet multiple times. I am 22 and shouldn't still be printing things in a college library. Everyone around me seems to be engaged or on the verge of engagement or married, leaving the role of lone ranger up to me. I bought oatmeal yesterday and this morning at breakfast couldn't seem to find it anywhere. It is still missing. Reasons enough to pout, huh?

Well, as of this afternoon, I decided otherwise. The Lord opened my eyes to how selfish I have been lately. Every single reason stated above stems from the fear of compromising my own satisfaction. If my friends were back, maybe I'd be satisfied. If I weren't studying all the time, maybe I'd be satisfied. If the printer hadn't eaten my paper, maybe I'd be satisfied. If I weren't single, maybe I'd be satisfied. And if I could just find my box of oatmeal, maybe I'd be satisfied. But that's the thing, as hard as we try, nothing on this earth is capable of satisfying us like our Heavenly Father. He alone is true satisfaction and we will never experience it to the fullest until we meet Him in glory.

I have been far from joyful this week. I have strayed from the path of peace. What solid truth Alley spoke to me tonight: "Choose joy." Choose the joy of the Lord over pouting in my present plight. Choose His peace over my uncertainties. Trust that He is good. No more woe is me. I choose life abundantly. I choose Christ.

Reunited

It was a weekend of reunions. Reunions of wholesome, solid, salt of the earth friends in my opinion. I'm sad to say that most of these reunions were only for a weekend, but I'll take what I can get. Here goes: 1. Rose, Mary Lindsey, and I are officially reunited and settled into our new apartment. We're excited about cooking dinner together and having people in town for football games. It's going to be a long year with Bugs & Drugs in the near future, but "we're gon' get it." That one's for you, Rose. Oh yea-and our dog, Harrison, is the coolest.

2. White House reunion. Ok, I know I don't live there anymore. Anyway, it was great to get to see Hailee, Megan, Brittany and Lauren. You can't beat our traditional chant at The Duck or lunch at Big Blue. It is strange to think that they aren't returning to the plains for another year, but Atlanta has reclaimed some fun girls that I miss dearly.

3. Kristen. Well, Charlotte was nice enough to lend us their working girl for the weekend. Her visit was way too short, but she'll be back soon enough. I'm still laughing at how our afternoon walk ended at Lupton to reminisce with the new freshmen of our days in the quad.

4. Anna. Back from summer project and back in action! So fun to watch some of the Olympics opening ceremony with her and see our kindred--Anna will appreciate this statement. Anna is a genius and I always love hearing what she has to say. That's because I know that it comes from her heart. She has no filter and she knows that's what I love about her.

5. Perryn. Perryn is back from New York! Unfortunately only for a few weeks. She will return at the end of August as an official New Yorker with some impressive interior design abilities. I can't wait to visit and I admire her for being so independent. She can look forward to all of her NYC favorites becoming the norm.

6. Pearson, Cody, Lauren, and Robert. After one last weekend of Adam Hood live-at least for a while-these folks are headed for East Asia. I'm bummed they're not taking me with them. They will all be missed, but what an incredible opportunity they've been given. I can't wait to hear of how the Lord is using them. How beautiful are the feet of them who bring good news! Romans 10:15

7. Reed & Angie. What a couple. If you absolutely have to be a third wheel, they're the couple to third wheel it with. Not because it won't be awkward-Reed is the king of awkwardness- but because you'll never stop laughing. Favorite Reed quote from the weekend: "You know what I like? Foods you can get away with eating before the blessing..like french fries..or this pickle. See, [while biting into his pickle before the blessing] no one cares that I'm eating this pickle."

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie

Today was the second day of my week long hospital pharmacy rotation. As of yesterday I wasn't too fond of the hospital setting because: a) besides doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, everyone you see is either sick or visiting a sick person, b) I'm almost positive they keep the temperature at 30 below zero, and c) the pace in the hospital pharmacy seemed slower than Christmas, which means the day passes by even slower. This morning, however, I was sent on rounds with the hospital's pediatric pharmacist. Four words and I was giddy about the day ahead: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Walking through the NICU for the first time was breathtaking. To be surrounded by living, breathing beings that can fit in the palm of your hand is nothing short of a miracle. When I say fit in the palm of your hand, I really mean it. They are tiny. Today I met a 3 day old baby girl weighing .51kg, equivalent to 1.12 lbs. She was born at 24 weeks, approximately 16 weeks premature. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She slept so peacefully, yet I know that her organs were laboring intensely inside her small frame in order to keep her alive. I watched the ventilator fill her lungs with air and couldn't help but wonder if she knew that she was already in the world.

For most of the day I rounded the NICU as the pharmacist's shadow while she calculated TPN's (Total Parenteral Nutrition, for feeding intravenously) for nearly 16 premies, something essential for their growth, development, and general health. While she calculated, I watched. I watched her, but mostly I was watching the babies, reading their charts and converting their weight from kilograms to pounds in my head-- stunned everytime at just how small they are. Today I never once saw a baby weighing more than 3 lbs., but I saw a ton of "mini" everything-- mini diapers, mini bottles, mini IV's, and plenty of mini hands and feet.

Referring back to my cons of the hospital setting: Even though a) the babies are fundamentally sick, b) it felt like thirty below zero, and c) the pace was much slower, I fell in love with every itsy bitsy teenie weenie baby in the Neonatal Unit! I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 Those babies are just that. Fearfully and wonderfully made.

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunches are my favorite. I'm not sure if it's the food or the fellowship that I enjoy the most, but there's just something different about a Sunday lunch. I've been in Luverne for the weekend and today my family and some friends went out for Mexican. Luverne recently opened it's very own Mexican restaurant, Monarca's, and it has become a favorite for the community. You might think it's a favorite simply because it's one of only three restaurants where we small town folks can gather after the Sunday morning worship service, but I beg to differ. It earns the title of favorite because it really is delicious. So delicious it sometimes makes you wish you'd never eaten it.

That was exactly my experience today. You know what I'm talking about. First, there's that endless basket of chips. Before you know it, you've already consumed probably 2 whole baskets on your own and when your food finally arrives, it would be terribly rude not to eat it. So you take a deep breath, man up, and attempt to clean your plate like your mother taught you. Today I couldn't possibly have cleaned my plate. If I'd tried I might have keeled over right there in the restaurant from gluttony and I didn't want to miss a beat. Sunday lunches at home with my family and friends are too few and far between not to enjoy.

I glanced around the table and just felt like laughing. Lunches with us at Monarca's are usually mad chaos. Everyone tries to get a word in, each one growing louder and louder in an attempt to drown out the other conversations going on simultaneously. But hey, everybody needs a little mad chaos in their life. It gives you something to laugh about. Today I got enough of it to last me a while--and I'm still stuffed.

4 weeks old

sweet as sugar.

Lots to Learn

I haven't been awake in the 5's, as I like to call them, in quite sometime. This morning, however, I was up and at 'em at 5:15 and already on the road, blending precisely into the sunrise by 6. Today started one of my two week summer rotations to be completed for pharmacy school, and I've been dreading them for the entire summer. I was given the choice to complete them in May when finals were over, but being that I had to drive nearly an hour to the pharmacy where I'm stationed to work at 8am and the fact that the pharmacy falls in the eastern time zone, I figured they could wait. But, July 28th could wait no longer. Its early start finally arrived and there is nothing I can do about it.

One requirement of the rotations as an intern is that you wear your white coat. So, this morning, I waltz into the pharmacy wearing my white coat, realizing that by wearing it I might as well be wearing a sign that says "Ask me!" Customers see the whitecoat and I simultaneously see wheels churning. They have no idea that I've only completed one of my four years of pharmacy school. If they did, I'm almost certain they would hesitate to ask me anything. But, although the white coat is somewhat deceiving for an intern, I can't wait for the day when the white coat means assurance--assurance that, as a pharmacist, I will have the answer or at least be able to find it. Until that day, I'm stuck with being completely vulnerable to the pharmacy technicians who, for now, know more about the process than I do. It is inevitably intimidating, but I am so grateful for their willingness to answer my multitudinous questions all day. They are smart people.

I think this has been a pessimistic post thus far and that's not what I intended. The truth is, even though I was up before the chickens this morning and even though I had to swallow my pride countless times today to ask for help, the Lord reminded me that my work is not about me. Colossians 3:23-24 resounded like a broken record all day. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... It is the Lord Christ you are serving. What an incredible opportunity I've been given. The Lord has carried me through what I like to call tribulations of studying and applying and shadowing and volunteering and studying and studying and more studying to where I am today. It is only by His grace that I have made it this far. Why would I not desire to serve him?

The Lord proved to me today that I really do desire to be a pharmacist, and that desire should not be used for my own honor, but for honoring the highest being who yearns for me to desire Him above all else. He desires for me to acknowledge His presence whether I'm asking one billion questions or whether I'm driving weary-eyed at 6am. I pray that my heart will be submersed in his goodness and joy enough to serve others for His glory as I work--or rather, as I learn. There's a lot I have yet to know. Trust me, white coats can be deceiving.

Tony Snow's Testimony

Incredible.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/july/25.30.html

"Ralph did it."

I came across this picture and couldn't pass up the opportunity to take you back to one of the most hysterical moments of college: November 2006 in the White House, not to be confused with George W.'s current residence. Although no first lady has ever darkened its doors, our White House was proud to be the home of Miss Auburn--same difference, right? For those of you who may not know, the White House is a huge, aging, terribly insulated, ten bedroom house where 9 of my friends and I lived junior and senior year of college. We not only shared the house with each other, but also with a host of rats, roaches, and even fleas (for a summer). The house forced us to sport flannel pj's in the winter and much of nothing in the summer. There was no happy medium-- we were either freezing or hot as blazes. Yet, despite its shortcomings, I thought the house had tremendous character. And although I did my share of complaining, I loved every minute of it.

Back to the picture. Well, one November Sunday morning we awoke to find an apple in the middle of the kitchen floor. It was not a whole apple. In fact, it had been bitten into several times. Maybe a rat took a bite? Maybe it just somehow mysteriously rolled out of the trash can onto the floor? We hadn't a clue. Shortly after that Julie, Mary Lindsey, and Lauren discovered what looked to be the business of a small dog. Yes, there was a mini stool sample lying on their bathroom floor. It was too large to belong to a rat and that sent us all into a whirlwind. Not only had this unwelcomed creature eaten our food, but it had also gained the nerve to use our bathroom and apparently spend the night. We left for church with an uneasy feeling and hoped we'd find this thing when we returned.

After lunch we called pest control and they agreed to come and check it out. We had all searched our rooms and were timid to turn a corner for fear of seeing something we wished we hadn't. In the meantime, Brittany came home from her weekend in Athens. As she unpacked her bags, she nonchalantly glanced over on her bookshelf and let out the loudest shriek I've ever heard. She bolted down the stairs, sobbing the entire way, and we immediately knew that the thing was in her room. In what seemed like a split second, Ben and John David came over with a sack and a golf club, caught the little fellow, and I'll leave you to figure out the rest.An opossum had been tucked away in our house for the entire weekend as if it were a bed and breakfast, and to this day we have no idea how he got there. Not sure if he was actually sleeping or just "playin' possum." If you look close enough in the dark bottom corner, you can see his tail. We were fearful for a while after this incident, but love to reminisce of Ralph, as he came to be called. From that day forward, "Ralph did it" was our answer to everything.

A Must Read

I love to read. This summer I've been blessed with enough free time to dig into several books, none of which are related to pharmacy practice- thank goodness. John Irving, Nicholas Sparks, Randy Alcorn, James Montgomery Boice, C.S. Lewis and my personal summer favorite, John Piper, have been unbelievably thought provoking. Well, maybe just the last four. Today I finally finished Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper and it's certainly a must read in my opinion. The chapter regarding missions really tugged at my heart, specifically these verses:

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." Revelation 5:9-10

After living in East Asia last summer, the concept of making disciples of all nations became real to me. In the short time I was there, I felt the Holy Spirit meet me in the most unexpected places and conversations, and saw him surpass language and cultural barriers that are humanly impossible. I am still overwhelmed to the point of tears when I'm taken back to that realization of how mighty and powerful our God is, and that is only a glimpse of his being. On this earth we are incapable of ever fully understanding it. I am so often guilty of confining God to a box, if you will, and placing limits on his work. Revelation 5 quickly humbles me.
We are called to be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:3), whether we are planted in a foreign land or at home. He desires our willingness to make him known in all the earth.

Swim, Bike, Run

Swim, Bike, Run: typical order of a triathlon. This afternoon we conquered the first two, except not in that order. It had been an unproductive day until Mary Lindsey and I decided to bike to the aquatics center, swim some laps and then bike home. I hopped on the mountain bike, Mary Lindsey hopped on the road bike and off we went. Picture this: ML's legs could barely reach the pedals and to top it off she was wearing her bright red L.L. Bean backpack with our towels in tow. We looked ridiculous at our absolute best. There is no bike lane until you reach Thach Avenue, so cars were dodging us left and right and we could barely pedal for laughing so hard.

We finally made it to the aquatics center, and yes we were out of breath.

James E. Martin Aquatics Center Rule #1: Must shower off before entering the water.

James E. Martin Aquatics Center Rule #2: No chewing gum.
James E. Martin Aquatics Center Rule #3: Pool closes at 4:45pm on Sundays.

Yep, you guessed it. We broke every rule. We arrived at 4:30pm and the lifeguards blountly reminded us that the pool would be closing in 15 minutes--they assumed this would keep us from swimming. To their dismay, we jumped in without ever showering off, and Mary Lindsey was chomping on her chewing gum.

After our swim we hopped back on our bikes, only this time I was wearing the bright red L.L. Bean backpack stuffed with our wet towels. We looked ridiculous, yet again, soaking wet as we made the trek back. We got home and collapsed on the floor. It was a mini adventure in itself, and a fun one at that. I'm still laughing. If you're wondering why we did this it's because Mary Lindsey is actually training for a triathlon. She's hardcore- goggles, one piece swimsuit, road bike and all.

Two weeks old..

Eyes are now open!

Happy Birthday Mom!

47 years ago today in Charleston, South Carolina, my grandparents celebrated the birth of the last of their three children. I talked with my mom this morning on her way to work and asked the typical birthday question, "Well, do you feel any older?" She chuckled and replied with a very honest "Yes."

Two of my favorite memories...
As a little girl, I always thought my mom was beautiful, and to this day I still think so. I remember asking if I could borrow her clothes all the time. This makes no sense because I was then 9 and she was 35- obviously her clothes wouldn't fit me, but it didn't keep me from asking over and over and over again. I wanted to be just like her.

One Sunday morning before church she washed my mouth out with a bar of soap for repeating a word that was inappropriate, especially for a 6 year old. She always threatened to do it when I talked back to her or said something that wasn't nice, and that Sunday morning I finally believed her. Strangely enough for me, the distinct taste of Dial soap is all too familiar.

Today I not only celebrate her life, but I celebrate her faith, her friendship, her guidance, her love, and the fact that she's put up with us for this long! Here's to you, mom. Happy birthday.

Here's a candid of my mom and brother at the beach a few weeks ago. Corey Michael wouldn't smile for my picture if his life depended on it. Go figure.

Summer weekends= living out of a suitcase

I've been in Auburn the entire summer and have yet to spend a full weekend here thanks to weddings, lake trips, beach trips, you name it. I am certainly not complaining -I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! I don't think my suitcase has been fully unpacked since these traveling adventures began two months ago, and this past weekend was no different. There is still an unpacked suitcase in the middle of my bedroom floor.

The weekend was a weekend of hearty fellowship with some younger girls that I've gotten to know recently, and some of which I've known since a Bible study I led sophomore year. Last Friday I randomly decided to head down to Fort Morgan with them for some beach time, good food, and good company. Classifying us as professional beach bums would be an understatement. Over the course of the weekend we sat perched in the sand with good books, sailed with Haley's dad on the family catamaran, consumed more chocolate chip cookies than you could ever possibly imagine, and laughed hysterically. Everyone needs a weekend with these girls every now and then. They are a hoot to say the least.

If I had to choose a single word to define their friendships it would be sacrificial (Hebrews 13:16). The sacrificial love that they embody, although incomparable to the sacrificial love of God, is unmistakably apparent at all times. It radiates from them and they have absolutely no idea what a testament they were to me! My stomach still hurts from laughing--ok, well maybe just from all the chocolate chip cookies and scotcharoos (or scottish terriers or snickeroos as Jill would call them). It was a much needed enjoyable weekend, even if it was lived out of a suitcase.

Just call her gimp

Kristen Elizabeth Cofield: faithful friend, a real go-getter, Charlotte's most eligible bachelorette. She's the only girl I know who loves good music, peanut butter, and coffee more than me, and the only girl who would be brutally honest enough to tell you to rethink your Friday night attire. Did I mention she recently made the transition from college student to young professional? It has been a huge success thus far, thus far meaning until about 7am today.

It's astounding that we live miles away, yet I somehow know every detail of her life as if she still lived right across the hall--and she, too, knows mine. We have text messaging and email to thank for that, and it is nothing short of a blessing. This morning we exchanged the usual email and Kristen's reply was not so usual. She informed me that while coming down the stairs for work in her trendy little outfit, her high heel decided to pitch a fit. Needless to say, she was plunged down the entire flight of stairs, cereal bowl flying through the air and shattering into tiny little pieces, only to land at the bottom nearly knocked out with a sore ankle and knee.
A few hours and a couple of x-rays later, Kristen was sent home. With crutches. Now, Kristen Elizabeth Cofield: faithful friend, a real go-getter, Charlotte's most eligible bachelorette, gimp--you said it Kristen, not me. This post is not meant to poke fun at her morning catastrophe; I'd like to consider it a mere tribute. A tribute to a girl who stepped out in faith and moved to Charlotte, NC, on her very own, leaving behind comfort and familiarity. A tribute to a girl who would drop everything to do anything for you. A tribute to a girl who continuously strives to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and encourages those around her to do the same.

Today, she reminded me of Psalm 84, the focus being on verse 11: "no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." We all deserve a proverbial slap in the face sometimes, and Kristen is a champ at delivering that much needed slap in the face in the form of Scripture. I am challenged and inspired by her friendship and miss her dearly! I did not ask for permission to write this post and expose the fact that she is now a gimp, but I know she won't mind :)

One week old

Anne Marie brought the puppies to Wednesday night Bible study this past week. The pups are now one week old and still cute as ever. This is Dora. Kimi and I snuggled with her during the lesson, and everyone wanted to take them home!

Bon takes the MCAT

Today's the day! Hailee is conquering the MCAT. What an accomplishment to have reached this point after weeks and weeks of studying. My prayer is that the Lord would grant her wisdom and peace as her knowledge is put to the test. Despite the outcome, may His will be done.

I am still confident that Hailee will at least marry a doctor even if she decides not to become one herself. He will have the last name McNamara, of course. For those of you who are clueless, requirement number one for a shot at becoming Hailee's husband: must have the last name McNamara. Ace that MCAT, Bon, and you just might find him in medical school. Hailee Bonner McNamara has a nice ring to it :)

Meet Roxie.

Meet Roxie, Maltese belonging to Chris and Anne Marie Musgrove. If you're thinking she's a dog, think again. Roxie is indeed a human in Maltese form and AnneMarie has spoiled her rotten. I can't blame her--simply put, she's precious. We've all grown fond of her over the past few months since she joined us in Bible study every Sunday night at the Musgroves (shout out to Tommy Nelson..this one's for you Alley). You just can't NOT love her. As Anne would say, Roxie got "preggers" a few weeks ago and gave birth to 4 adorable puppies last night: Harry, Nala, Wilson, and Dora!

After Bible study tonight Kathryn, Emily, Alley, Mary Lindsey and I drove over to catch a glimpse of the newest additions. We doted over them and listened to details of the birth--some of which we'd rather not have heard. Props to Chris and Anne for handling the delivery like champs, and props to Roxie for being a nurturing mother already. I can't wait to watch them grow over the next few weeks!

Typical Monday night

Yesterday I got home from work to find Mary Lindsey sprawled out on the floor, eyes glued to our television. She watched one episode of Lost and proceeded to view all of season one without me--keep in mind this is suppose to be our summer show so that we'll be caught up next season. According to Chris and Robert Lost is the best television show EVER. ML, since yesterday, has adopted this phrase as her own. She's addicted. Thanks ML. I will now watch season one in its entirety- alone.

After our 3 mile power walk around Auburn, we were starving. It was ML's night to cook dinner and it took nearly a decade for her to prepare our meal because she was, once again, glued to the television. This time to The Bachelorette. I'll confess that for the past 3 weeks, our Monday nights have been spent watching this nonsense. Who will Deanna pick? Jesse or Jason? I'm not sure if it's so much that we actually enjoy the show or that we simply enjoy making fun of it.

Of course we cackle and patronize its cheesiness every week, but ML and I have decided that at the core, The Bachelorette is disheartening. The incentive is to give one more person a claim to fame, but what a skewed image it gives of the method of finding a mate. A multitude of physical and emotional attachments have been secured on national television and never once has God's sovereignty in any of these relationships been acknowledged. I, as any girl would, love the thought of fairy tale endings and the fantastical idea of romance is enough to entice anyone; however, romance, happiness, or satisfaction are not ultimate. Christ exalted is. You will most likely find us suckered into this nonsense again for the finale next Monday night, but I can assure you that my opinion will not waver. Until then I guess I have some Lost catching up to do.

Back to my roots

No matter how many times I say that Charleston or Charlotte or San Diego are my favorite U.S. cities, I've decided that there is just no place in the world like Luverne, Alabama. If you ever have the privilege of passing through this one red light town, you're almost guaranteed to receive a wave from a passing driver whom you most likely have never met- hence the name "Friendliest City in the South." You see, that's the thing about small towns. No matter how hard you try, you just won't meet a stranger.

With a population of only 3,000 and no sign of even a Wal-Mart for 22 miles, it is only reasonable that Luverne be considered non-existent by the majority of Alabamians living outside it's city limits. Highway 331, nonetheless, begs to differ. If you've ever traveled by means of this straight shot to the gulf coast, you've been to Luverne. If you don't recall ever being a wayfarer to "the Lu" or "L-town" as we natives call it, then you probably just blinked and missed it.

A short time ago I was thumbing through the June edition of Southern Living and was surprised to find an article hailing The Chicken Shack and Annie's as two of the top "Dining Detours" on the way to the beach. This surprise had nothing to do with doubting the culinary skills of these hometown skillets (I have yet to taste a better chicken finger, strawberry milkshake, or fried hush puppy than the myriad of ones I've consumed at these diners over the course of my lifetime). I was simply surprised that Southern Living was actually living up to it's name and acknowledging just that: the value of a Southern life.

Here's a Southern life instance that I'll never forget. The summer after my freshman year of college, one of my roommates was passing through on her way from the beach. She wanted to surprise me but had never actually been to my house. She decided, by what she thought was a long shot, to ask the cashier at the BP if he knew where I lived. Obviously he did because she showed up at my house, unannounced, and I to this day have no idea who that cashier was. Only in a small town, or should I say Luverne, would something like this happen. It's these ridiculously silly things that I love most about home, but how much more profitable it is that "our citizenship is in heaven." -Philippians 3:20

Friends

There are plenty of reasons why I shouldn't start this blog. The main one being that, when summer ends, I may never venture to post another thought until summer begins again, next year. I know that my life will once again be consumed with spending countless hours learning the chemical structure of drugs, wondering how in the world I'm going to make all of them fit into my brain, much less stay there. The days of pharmacy school are returning all too soon, faster and faster as I feel August approaching.

I have had a lot of time on my hands this summer, and don't get me wrong, I am savoring every last minute of it, but lately I have found myself deep in thought. When I say deep in thought, I MEAN deep in thought. Daydreaming if you wish. Lost in Never Never Land. For the first time in my life I am experiencing what it's like to have nothing to do. Now I do go to work everyday and work relentlessly, but when work is over, the question "What am I going to do tonight?" yields a different answer than it normally would during the school year. Having nothing to do means having all the time in the world to just think. Not about anything in particular, but just time to think. So here I am expressing my thoughts. There is nothing on my weeknight agenda besides Wednesday night Bible study and the occasional babysitting job, and I have my friends to thank for that.

Most of them, besides Mary Lindsey and another select Auburn few, have graduated, recently gotten jobs, started grad school, and even gotten hitched--did I mention they now live in different cities like Charlotte, Birmingham, Atlanta, New York, and soon East Asia? It has been a rude awakening for me, especially since I shared the renowned White House with 9 other girls for the past 2 years and lived in the dorm the 2 years before that. The comfort of being surrounded by people 24/7 is something that I certainly took for granted, which leads me to the purpose of this post.

I consider myself blessed beyond measure with great friends. Whether we were hosting guests at our house, sneaking into the football stadium, watching movies in our pj's, burning popcorn during childhood sleepovers, celebrating birthdays, or yes, even streaking down Wrights Mill Road (you know who you are), the Lord used each and every dear friend as a significant instrument in my life. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." The Lord manifested wisdom, love, peace, sacrifice, compassion, selflessness, joy, kindness, patience, and a host of other qualities through the girls that I am thrilled to call my friends. I have grown to appreciate each of their silly quirks as little glimpses of the Lord. As you can see from this picture, I will never eat tortellini without thinking of Lauren and her "unique" way of nearly flooding the entire pot with water to boil it just right.

Although miles and different phases of life may separate some of us for now, I can rest in the fact that we share a common foundation in our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the one assuring constant in an all too unassuring world. I visited Briarwood Presbyterian this past weekend while I was in Birmingham and Harry Reeder mentioned God's providence in all things. You would be more inclined to understand if you'd actually been sitting in on this sermon Sunday morning rather than listening to me butcher it. I'll attempt anyway. To me, God's providence signifies his hand at work in ALL aspects of ALL things. I know that the friends who are so strategically placed in my life are not a coincidence, they are a mere illustration of God's divine providence. So, there you have it. I've actually started a blog. Thanks to my friends for skipping town and leaving those of us here in Auburn to think-- and study before too long.