Happenings

I know I haven't blogged in quit some time. Life has been busy. Since my last posting, I have studied for and passed the RD Exam on Nov. 8th. Such a huge relief to have that over and done with. I've been working and learning new stuff everyday. I had my first TPN I had to write for since being employed as well as many tube feedings. Thinking about it, life has basically revolved around work....guess I need to find a hobby like knitting or something. I could fill you in on all the boring and mundane, but it's really not that interesting.



I purchased a Christmas tree. It is sitting all decorated in my living room. I must admit, it adds some life to the room. I now have curtains and pictures on hanging on the walls. So, I guess all in all I am beginning to settle into this. I must admit, I did miss the week off at Thanksgiving and will miss the extended break at Christmas. I guess this is part of growing up and becoming an adult.

FIREPROOF....a MUST see!!!

I went last night with a good friend of mine, her husband, and their church to see FIREPROOF. All I have to say is it is AWESOME!!! You must go see it. It's message is incredible and reaches beyond just married couples. It demonstrates the Power of God and what happens when you totally rely on Him. Also, the actors that play Kirk Cameron's parents, I know. Bro. Malcom was the pastor at First Baptist Camilla while I was in school and his wife, Mrs. Phyllis was a substitute teacher at school, and their youngest daughter and I graduated high school together. They were great actors and did an amazing job. I could just imagine Bro. Malcom speaking with and counseling young couples the way the father does in the movie. Mrs. Phyllis, her motherly instincts were very evident throughout. They are wonderful parents, grandparents, and children of God. If you have an opportunity, GO SEE IT!!!!!

I am loving my job. Last week was my first full week on my own. I'd spent the last few weeks shadowing and learning the ropes with the others. So last week I was able to spread my wings and fly. I'm happy to report no major issues. I've been studying at night for the RD Exam. I take it on Nov. 8th, so we are almost down to the one month count. Please pray that all goes well. I really don't want to have to take it a 2nd time. Pray that all the knowledge I've learned is available when I need it.

God has been showing me lately that when I totally rely on Him that life is MUCH better and less chaotic. If you know, me this task has not been an easy one, but I am daily letting Him work within me. He is the Almighty, all knowing. He is God and He is LOVE!!!

Life as a PLD

I'm offically "makin' bacon in Macon." (By bacon, I mean money!!) I've been here in Macon for a week. I am getting settled. I still have some boxes to unpack, but the main stuff has found a home. I've gotten my living room furniture and I have internet and cable. (Finally, it took until Thursday for the later to occur!) See pictures of my furniture at the bottom of the post. The kitch table doesn't have the flower pot in the middle of it and Yes, the chair and couch are RED and BLACK.....VERY UGA!!!!

The job is going good. It is taking some adjusting. Going from a student, to an intern, to a graduate, to being employeed in a matter of months is difficult. However, I think I'm handling it the best I know how. Granted, if you know me, a major breakdown is liable to occur within the next few weeks. So, someone, anyone, be prepared with tissue, chocolate, and comfort (emotional, not the drink!)! I'm beginning to study for the RD Exam. I am offically taking it Nov. 8th in Dublin. So, begin praying for me. I really, really, really want to do well.

Anyway, that's all for now!

Starting Work....EARLY!!!!

Who knew my life could fit into 2 cars and moving van??? Certainly NOT me!!! Well, the move to Macon is still planned for this weekend, however, my starting work on the 15th moved up to the 8th!!!! It's OK, I'll be fine, just an adjustment.

My furniture and mattresses were delivered today. With those being delivered, it is starting to feel real. Well, that and the fact my diploma came in the mail today. I must admitt, I'm wanting to turn back the clock and cherish moments. But, living in the past prevents us from the blessings and opportunities of today.

Birthday and a Hog Killing

My birthday was Sunday and it was GREAT!! I am officially 24, a college graduate, and successfully employed. The birthday was nice, cake, presents, and phone calls, what more could a girl ask for!

Now, for the rest of a the title, a hog killing. It wasn't really a hog, more like a pot-belly pig. It began digging up the neighborhood yards. So, today the PPD came and rid the neighborhood of it. The pig is no more. Now, if you are tender-hearted, I'm sorry if this upsets you, but it was destroying the neighborhood and we could not get rid of them.

I'm moving to Macon this weekend. I am hoping and praying that Hanna will not impede this process. It was even better if she just curved off into the Atlantic and did no harm. I'm excited about moving, but nervous about starting to work. (The anxiety requires an additional blog!!) I registered for the RD Exam today, so that brings up another set of nerves and anxiety. The exam is in November, so it will end soon. So, between now and then, keep praying!!

The last few days have been eventful and will not forget them!

A New School Year

UGA classes started today and for the first time in years I haven't had to attend the first day of school. I must admit it feels strange. No new notebooks, pens, or pencils. No syllabi to carefully review. No students to look at me strangely. No worries of when or if the research will get done. Nothing, nada. I can't say not more studying, because I am studying for the RD exam. Those days will end eventually.

So, here I sit the first day of classes, WANTING to attend. I want to go to class, I want to scrutinize syllabi and stare into the eyes of new students. (But, I CAN live without the worry of research!!!) Is it strange to desire something that I've wanted desperately to end? School and classes are the only thing I know, besides interning. What's a girl to do?? I guess I will have to learn how to relax and enjoy the down time before starting to work.

Life Post-UGA

OK...it's been awhile since I last blogged. Life got a little crazy...I successfully defended my thesis, corrected the thesis document and got it submitted, accepted a job in Macon, graduated, and moved home all in about three weeks!!!

I graduated on Aug. 2nd with my MS in Foods and Nutrition (see picture at the top of post). I am now a UGA alumni. Strange, I know. I still feel as if I should be there, but if I was there then life would be even crazier. I'd have no TA job (b/c 3rd year MS student aren't offered assistantships!), a new roommate, a thesis to write, and a job to find. But, I WOULD have UGA football. Which if you know me, means I'd be in heaven. The best place to be on a fall afternoon on the weekend is "between the hedges." I've not experienced anything like it before. But, that is beside the point, my life would still be crazy.

However, I am now a graduate, so that must mean I'm an adult?? Does that mean I have to grow up?? I hope not, there are parts of me longing to be that little girl who could crawl up in her parent's lap and they would make it all better. Then the other part of me just wants to go back and not be so STRESSED all the time. What did I accomplish...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!

I have an apartment in Macon and I will start working soon. I have to wait on paperwork to come through. So, while waiting on that, I'm here in Pelham sorting through my life (i.e. apartment stuff and belongs, most of which are packed in boxes). I am looking forward to being in Macon and starting to work, I think. Anyone who knows me, know I HATE and AVOID change at any cost. I just don't like it. But I know that in order to grow, physically and spiritually, I have to. All the RD's at the hospital seem very willing and able to handle someone who doesn't have much experience as an RD. For that, I am extremely grateful.

I know God's hand is in all this. I mean just considering how everything unfolded, no man could have done that. He is mighty and powerful. He deserves everything and I deserve nothing. I am trying to give it all to Him and let Him keep it. (Which, if you know me, means I'm having a tough time.) He promises never to give us more than we can handle. I am just trying to have faith and trust in that promise. It's quite a ride I'm on, it's full of ups and downs, tears and joy. But I know that the one who gives me life is in all of it. For that I am thankful.

Cookies, Cookies, and More Cookies

I have FINISHED my thesis, well at leas the committee copy of it. I handed it in last Thrusday and enjoyed some need relaxation this week. I defend my thesis exactly 1 week from today at 2pm....slightly terrified!!! I know I will be fine, but it is the unknown tha tis scarry. Apparently, the goal of a defense is to say "I don't know." I need to work on that on becasue I've always thought you should have all the answers. I know I don't know them all, just admitting that is hard. Mom is coming up for the defense which is great becasue I know I will need her.

I try to keep striving daily to His will. It is hard. Having the descerment I so desire is difficult. I often second-guess my thoughts as to is this what I want or what God wants or am I making my wants God's??? That is tough. I know I'm not the only one who is struggling. Just keep me in your prayers that everything that happens is in accordance to His will. I only HIM to smile.

UGA VI

Today is an extremely sad day for UGA fans. Today we learned that our mascot of so many years passed away. According to his owner, Sonny Seilers, he died of congestive heart failure. I agree with the statement made by Damon Evans, "UGA VI was a DAMN GOOD DOG!"

He's wasn't just another English bulldog, he represented The University of Georgia!! A job that any dog should want. He was as pampered as they come from an air conditioned dog house on the field with all the ice he wanted to a police escort on game days to his own hotel room. He was one special dog.

We, the Bulldawg Nation, will mourn his passing, but we will look with excitement and anticipation for UGA VII. We have been assured that the linage is secure. We just hope UGA VII is ready for game day August 30th.

So, rest in peace up there in doggie heaven. Enjoy all the chew toys, ice, and food. Bring us some good luck this year. I'm sure the boys in red will win some for you!!

Why am I blogging about this, well, for starters I am a devout UGA fan. Secondly, he was a darn cute dog. I have been eyeball deep in thesis writing. I have to have a complete copy to committee by Thursday. Needless to say, I am stressed, exhausted, and tried of writing about cookies. For some stuff I want to write the following: "It is that way cuz that's what the Lord wanted" or "Well, that just the God decided it should be." As much as I agree with the statements and find them true, I don't think that will fly as support or a reason in my thesis. This IS research. I'm just ready to be done.

I know the Lord above is watching out for me. He is giving me the strength to make it through this. I will be a better person when this is over. Just keep praying that all goes smoothly. All this is only possible with Him.

Pelham for Father's Day

So, I am writing from Pelham. Currently, dad is watching "Outlaw Josie Wales" and the UGA vs. Miami baseball game. The game is a little nerve-racking and the movie and old western. This is the life, blogging and watching an old western.

My grandparents and aunt came over for dinner tonight to celebrate Father's Day. Nothing too special, just hamburgers and hot dogs with TONS of family fun. It is always refreshing to spend time with them. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like, but when I do, it is always memorable. You are creating memories even when you don't realize it. Tonight we'd all finished dinner and were sitting around the table. My papa and aunt started talking about when they were children. The stories they told. I wish I'd recorded them. Times like today make you cherish your family even more. My family is not that big, just 3 grandchildren on each side. So when we get together, the time is intimate and special.

Tomorrow is Father's day and I did remember to get a present for Dad. For me it is a time to really appreciate the time I do have with dad. He is a great dad. As all father's he has his moments, but he is a great guy. I thank the Lord everyday for him. He has the ability to seemingly make things better. I don't know how, he just does. So, if anybody reads this, make sure to tell your dad HAPPY FATHER'S day and that you love them.

I'll head back to Athens tomorrow. It will be week two of my renal nutrition rotation and that much closer to needing to finish the thesis. (That is the topic of another blog!). It also means my FIRST job interview. Please pray....I just want to do His will. If this job is mean to be, it will work out and everything will fall into place. Just in need of His peace and grace.

The Drive Back

Today is Memorial Day and I was lucky enough to have been given the day off. I am interning at Athens Regional right now and RD I'm working with was on call. She was nice enough to let me have today off. So, since I had today off, I went to Pelham for the weekend. I always like going home. It's nice to have someone else cook and wash clothes. (Yes, I'm spoiled, but mama likes doing it.) However, the drive to and from Athens gets to be kinda long. It usually takes me 4.5 hours. I know some people can drive it in less, but it take me that long. It gives me time to think, I guess.

Today my thoughts were consumed with thesis stuff and graduation. How in the world will I ever get it all done? If I spend too much time thinking about it I get sick to my stomach. I've tried everything. The only thing that works is not thinking about it. However, if I do that for too long, nothing will get done!! As much as I would love to finish in August, if I have to stay an additional semester will not be that bad. After all, the UGA home football schedule is AWESOME!!

Some think that this years football team will be the best since 1980 when UGA won the National Championship. I think it is highly possible. I am all Georgia, don't get me wrong, I just don't want to count the chicken before they hatch. I am all UGA with a little Georgia Southern thrown in for fun. I mean I did get my BS from there. I was raised UGA and will die UGA. There is no other place I'd rather be on a Saturday afternoon in the fall than between the hedges watching my Dawgs play. Words can't explain feeling. Plus, the players look pretty cute in there "silver-britches!!"

Getting back to graduation, I guess what I am trying to say is if I have to stay an extra semester, it will not be the end of the world.

New to Blogging

So, blogging is a new concept to me. I've only recently, thought about having one. I may be a stick in the mud, but it time to branch out.

I've been interning for 2 weeks now and LOVING it. Who would have dreamed I would like calculating tube feedings?? Certianly not me.

The thesis is slowly coming along. I am praying it all comes together for an August graduation. I am doing all I can. The rest is left up to the major professor and the Lord. He will provide. If it is meant for me to graduate in August, it will happen. He will see that it does.

I may not be a college student for much longer, but I know the Lord has something awesome planned for me. I hope I have the descerment to see His will and do it.