Long time, I see.

In reference to the post below, I still haven't seen the results.  It's been almost a year.  I still remember that day-- I curled up on the floor of my apartment and cried.  I should have remembered that science takes forever.  Not their fault, I understand that.  I just should have known to not count those chickens just yet.

Hello world! I don't post much for a few reasons but primarily because I grew tired of it.  Occasionally, like today, I'll decide the posting isn't sure a tough thing to do.  It's nice to be heard every so often.  I do have a second "blog" for my personal thoughts and feelings. Things that don't need to be shared with the world around me.

I also don't post as often because a lot has changed in 10 months (shocking, right??).  I moved home in June of 2012 and finished out college commuting back to my college town.  I also took a few classes from home and held an internship at a local gym for the final two quarters of college.  Then, on Nov. 17, 2012, I graduated college early by two quarters.  *high fives all around*  Backing that time-table up about a month, I also started a "big girl job" in mid-October.  After I graduated, I went on a graduation cruise with my mom, and began working full time (8-5, M-F) the Monday I came back from my cruise.  Very exciting, very busy.

I also shifted away from the blogging world with my new job because, like a fellow blogger (Unknown Cystic), I don't want to put my career in jeopardy just because of my health.  The internet is an incredible thing, but has the potential to ruin lives.

I also recently turned down the chance to be a local "face of CF" as a part of a really great fundraiser locally.  I've supported and attended the gala they host when I'm able to, but this would have made me the key speaker and face in the media.  I was all for it until I was employed.  I'm sorry, but I just can't.  I was a recent speaker with my mom on the Mother/Daughter Perspective of CF for local CF families hosted by my clinic.  It was a great event and we had fun doing it.  It's on YouTube.

Speaking of YouTube, my work did a Harlem Shake video.  We're the first in our industry to do one and the other companies got called out by observers.  It was tons of fun.

Ironically, after noting that I would like to keep my job despite my genes, I'm home sick today.  It's the first full day I've taken off for feeling UGH.  Remember all that belly pain I've had since late elementary school? It still haunts me.  I actually had a recent colonoscopy to see what was wrong.  Verdict? "You have a normal colon. Nothing is wrong with you."  WRONG.  Just because we can't see or determine the problem does not mean nothing is wrong.  The highly respected doctor who performed the colonoscopy suggested it might be my diet.  I mentioned this to my CF doctor who scoffed.  "Doubtful."  Still back on square one, in pain and still "nothing wrong."

For the record, I cried before my colonoscopy many times.  Was I afraid? Was I in a lot of pain? No and no. I was HUNGRY.  I was waiting for them to put me to sleep and tears are running down my cheeks.  The nurses were great and worked to console me letting me know that there is nothing to fear and it will all be over soon.  I just looked at them through my teary eyes and said "I'm not afraid, I'm hungry.  I just really want to eat."  I'm not sure they quite knew what to do with me.

Think about it! I couldn't eat for 24 hours.  ME.  Or drink Dr. Pepper.  ME!! I had a lot of juices to choke down the solution to "clear me out."  I got so physically sick of sweet drinks that I started sucking on the cajun sweet pickles that my mom makes at Christmas time for some spice.  Sad, I know.

Recent doctor visit revealed that I would benefit from some IV antibiotics, but it wasn't an emergency.  I made a deal that she let me wait 6 weeks and be reevaluated because I was beginning playing soccer again and running once more.  I was making a serious effort to improve my cardiorespiratory health and I wanted to see if that would help before we made any decision to send me to the hospital.  I've been running every day since.

My running partner, aka the boyfriend, has been great.  When our work schedules allow us to run together, he meets me at the gym closest to me and we run.  He gives me the push to keep going without pushing me to a breaking point.  I've also lost several pounds over the last few months and he's declared that I'm going to eat as much as he does, if not more.  We'll see how that works out!

Speaking of the boyfriend, all is well in that department.  ("well" is the understatement of the century, actually.)  We're extremely happy and things just make sense.  It's nice when your best friend is also your boyfriend. :)

Speaking of friends, one of them (aka Emmons) is turning 21 in August and someone in her family got the great idea to have a serious celebration... IN VEGAS.  Come late August I will be flying out with her family for a 21st birthday party in Sin City.  I'm sure there's nothing that can go wrong.. haha!

Two of my other close friends are getting married in November.. on the same day... in different cities! Bummer! I'm very excited for them both and can't wait to celebrate with them!

On that note, I think that's all the updates I've got so far.  Well, I'm sure there are plenty more, but that's all I've got for today. One more reason I don't blog, before I forget: I spend all day at work at a computer.  I really don't want to get on my home computer once I leave.  It's just not appealing to me.

Ciao.

3 Finals down + pictures from the weekend

I just breathed a HUGE sigh of relief after those first 3 finals jam-packed into today. Even though I still have 2 really hard tests left (one Tuesday, one Wednesday), I feel so much better now that those first 3 are behind me!! I felt it was time for a post!

Teaser: some exciting news with Gilead Sciences (makers of Cayston) and some of their partners and me are underway, but no details until later! Just get excited, because I am!!

As of late, I've been devoting almost every free moment to studying for all of these tests. It's been really difficult, but somehow I've managed. My treatment schedule was really off though. For example, I normally do the Vest at night, but I'm doing last night's Vest right now, and will another evening one before I leave to go study. It's crazy, but it's only for a few days. Then HOME HOME HOME AGAIN!! I can't wait, seriously. I just want to pack up and drive home now. If only I didn't have those 2 more tests....

I went home this past weekend for about 24 hours to spend time with my brother/sis-in-law/niece/huskies from Austin, TX, and my in-town family who all gathered for my nephew's 1st birthday party!! Has it really been a year already?! Wow.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Look who showed up! It's me and the boyfriend.
My two brothers with their kids!
Precious, precious niece. I think they look so much alike in this picture.

Such a sweet moment; a mother and her child.
She was so tired!! This picture is just too cute, I had to post it.

And last, but not least, the birthday boy and his mama!!!

Hunger has taken over anything else I can think to type about. Time for food!

-Andrea

Auntie Anne week

This week, starting today, I will be taking up a lot of responsibility with taking care of Carter, the nephew! His mom just left on a vacation to California so I'm helping my brother with his daddy duties! Also, I'll get to spend some quality time with brother #2, and I'm pretty excited about that too.

Not too much to report on since I've been home that I haven't already mentioned. My backgammon addiction is growing, but I taught Chris how to play and he likes it too! I was not going to order my own game to take to college because I was afraid no one would want to play with me, since it's not a common game anymore. But now that Chris likes it, I'm reconsidering ordering one! I'll just use my Amazon money, thank you Zenpep!

And lastly, I knew Harry Potter was a good book, but McKenzy found it especially enticing....

Ugh. Dog.

-Annie

Busy, as usual!

Sorry I haven't been posting! Been busy with babysitting! It just wears me out. But I've made some good money this week!

I went to Tokyo (the restaurant!) with the boyfriend last night. We hadn't been out in a while, much less gotten to see each other that much lately, so it was much needed.

Leaving tomorrow to visit the brother/sis-in-law in Austin, TX! I get to meet my niece for the first time! There will be pictures. And then, just a few short days later, I go to Boston and meet Lauren B.!!! So much travelling! I can hardly wait.

Don't forget to keep checking up on CG's blog! She seems to be doing great!

Ok, it's only 9:30, but I'm pretty tired. Might play a game or two of backgammon or something with Mom before bed, but I'm about done.

OOOH!! Something exciting happened today, but I'm not going to spill until it comes out in two weeks! :]

And, if you're a facebook friend of mine, I have to shut it off for over a month starting July 31st. So I'll be here more instead!

TTFN

-Annie

Camp is coming...

I move to camp on Sunday! It's almost here! I've spent a large chunk of the day making phone calls to all of my campers to confirm they're coming, check shirt sizes, etc. It was quite the flurry of phone calls to and from me, but in the end it has mostly been sorted out. I have a few more phone calls to make tomorrow, some to my director and some to campers, but by tomorrow it should all be set in stone! I was assigned 9 gir.ls... and they are all coming!! It's going to be CRAZY, but fun. I will be exhausted, so if you want to add someone else to your prayer list, PLEASE add me. I will be running on tired and stressed nerves this week, but need to keep a positive attitude, and cheerful spirit, and a leader to these kids. Also, I need to stay healthy since I have a doctor's appointment in the middle of the week after camp!! So keep me (and my kids) in your thoughts and prayers next week. I won't have a computer so I can't update while I'm gone, but I'll give the report early the following week.

ALSO! CALLING ALL NORTH LOUISIANA/EAST TEXAS FOLKS!!! On July 19th, there is a fundraiser for the CFF at Chili's! Present a printable coupon to your waiter at participating Chili's (in that area) and 10% of your check will go to the CFF! I'm rounding up a bunch of my friends to go eat there that night. Hooray for funding!!

Boyfriend Chris got a new job today. He finished working at camp yesterday and started work at an air conditioning company today. He's told me before, and he wasn't kidding: he can always find work. :] I'm proud of him.

-Annie

MY NIECE IS BEING BORN!!!!!!!!!!!!

In case you missed the title, MY NIECE IS BEING BORN!!!!!!! Like, NOW!!!!!!!

I'm in Baton Rouge with Chris's family for the 4th of July, but I just wanted to post this exciting news!!!!

C'MON BABY K!!!!!!!!!! HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!! :]

-Annie

DEXA and stuff

I did the DEXA bone density scanner on Monday. The result: I have very good bones! :] I guess all that calcium over the years did some good. Thanks Mom!

I am FINALLY back in my own bed for good. I am done house-sitting, thankfully, and can't wait to curl up with my puppy for the night. She's anxiously waiting me to finish the Vest, do Cayston, scoop her up, and go to sleep (just look at that sad face!!). But I keep having to stop the Vest because it hurts my stomach and my back. Not sure if it makes a difference that I keep stopping and restarting it, but I have to.

I went to visit my college today! I felt so good to be "home". I went and saw my Big, Elizabeth, and then my study buddy Ragan. It was fun. I miss those girls and that town so much.

This Friday, LBASYC is visiting my home church! I will definitely be at that concert to see my friends and hear their beautiful music. As soon as the concert is over and I hug a few people, I'm driving out to Chris's camp to watch his Friday night campfire skits. He's been ragging me for 4 years to come watch so, since I promised I would this year, I figure I should keep that promise. ;]

I have a few more days of relaxation and then my life picks up pace again (not always a bad thing!). I will be going to the home LBASYC concert *next* Friday and then getting up Saturday morning, July 3, and riding with Chris down south to visit his sister. I'll be riding back with his parents on the 5th so I can make a meeting on the 6th that is for the camp I start working on the 11th, after a skit filming I have on the 10th. BUSY BUSY!!! I can't wait. I'm going to be very tired, low on energy and blog posts, but having a great time.

Alright, NOW it's time to go to sleep! Gnight!

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!! I love you, Brother. :]

The First Days of Summer

What have I done during my first day and 1/2 of summer? Hahah practically nothing. It's been great. Thursday night, I stayed up until about 2 talking a friend who was leaving for Germany the next day. I then slept until 11 the next morning. But after waking up I went to the den and stretched out on the couch for a few more hours. I was ready for the day around 3:00pm when Chris picked me up so we could run a few errands together. Unlike me, he hasn't gotten a chance to catch his breath because he's been so busy. Friday for him included packing for a boy scout national school camp thing, packing for a trip to help his sister move, and driving back to college to get new membered into Pi Kappa Phi, a fraternity he's joining. Saturday morning he left for the national school. I took on the job of sewing on some patches onto his boy scout uniform and they took foreeeeeever and I worked past midnight it. It was pretty easy to stay awake because Mom got this great... idea to watch the original Nightmare on Elm Street on Netflixs at like 8pm. I don't do horror films at night. I love horror films, just not when it's dark already. I stayed busy enough between the time the movie ended and when I went to bed because I didn't have nightmares.... thank goodness.

I've got a little while before I'm leaving home again, which is good. I don't think McKenzy (my puppy) has realized this because she still hasn't left my side for very long. I just got my right arm back from her so I could finish typing this but she's now an armrest for me. She's soooo warm...

This was us last night before bed. I wanted a new picture for Facebook and I wanted her in it. I set her down after this picture and she didn't budge. She was so sleepy!

Today... hmm... today I'm not doing much either. Today is graduation for my college and my high school friends! It was a year ago I was graduating.. how strange. How wonderful. It was an exciting time. A nervous time.

I guess I'll attack the millions of boxes/bags that I brought home from the apartment and figure out what can stay boxed up and what needs to be unpacked. I also think it's time to take a trashbag to my room. There are things I no longer need and I really can free some space up. *sigh* But I really don't want to yet!! I'm still being lazy. I guess I'll figure out a common group or something.

My boyfriend joined a frat. I know I mentioned that earlier, but this is me just thinking about it. How strange!! I love it, don't get me wrong, but he was as anti-frat as I was anti-sorority. Look what's happened to us. :] I'm excited for him.

I'm hungry. Food time (as if there was anything to eat in this house. We need to go grocery shopping!!!)

-Annie

Freshman year of college.... *check*

Dear readers: I am a very happy happy person right now. All of the stress of finals has been released. My freshman year of college is over with. The summer has hit me. It's time to RELAX.

The last few days has had some serious ups and downs. Let's recap

Ups:

Finished my chem & biology final, both on good notes

aka the stress of finals is GONE

Finished my dose of Bactrim!

KEPT MY A IN BIOLOGY!!!!!!!!!!

Actually got an adequate amount of sleep during finals

Erin, Anjea's sister, had her baby girl!!!

I got a 98% on my biology lab final! So I got a 99.5 in the class.

Downs:

Chris left for the summer

I've felt more sick than healthy

Didn't finish my OWL (chemistry homework)

I fight when I get stressed so stupid little fights with Chris over nothing.

My room looks so barren now that all the stuff is gone. It echoes when I cough. Kinda weird.

I could have made a 100% or a 58% on my psych final and kept my B. I did.

I got an 89 B in math. So annoyed.

So left to do is final packing/loading, CLEANING the apartment with the roomie, playing some Scrabble (for fun with friends before the summer) and going home either today or Friday (haven't decided...)

It's been a great first year and I'm ending with a pretty great GPA. :]

So long college! I'll see you again soon enough.

-Annie

Is it over yet?

Seriously. Make this week end. I'm so ready for Thursday after 9am or so. Then I can pack up, load up, play some mad scrabble with friends, and GO HOME. Currently, at 12:37am on Wednesday "morning", I have 2 finals remaining.

Please.

Let.

This.

End.

Very soon.

I miss my family, and real food, and my puppy. No, I'm not in a depressed mood, I'm just ready to be home. The sad part is Chris leaves Wednesday afternoon/evening to go back home then he's away more than home until early July. Then, the day after he gets back, I leave to work the Gear Up camp. So I won't see too much of him this summer, and that makes me sad, but it's part of life. He's busy, I'm busy, and unfortunately, we're not busy at the same time!

Ok. It's bed time. Ragan is coming by at 9am to study more. *yawn* here we gooooo

-Annie

Stressed is an understatement

Short post because I have no actual free time-

I'm stressed. Words honestly cannot express how stressed I am. I can't even try. It's that bad. I'm missing mandatory things for other mandatory things. I have tests and homework that are being backseated because I literally don't have the time. LA GEAR UP is driving me nuts. Sigma Kappa is being backseated because of this. So I guess if SK is being backseated, school is being thrown in the trunk. I'm stressed so I take it out on others (aka Chris) and in turn ticks him off which stressed me out even more. I had to skip class to go to this GEAR UP thing on Friday that ended an hour and a half later than I thought it would. Then tomorrow, I'm going to be with them from 8-5. Then study or something if I have time. Then I have formal which I'm going to because A- I paid for it and for my date. B- Chris stayed in town instead of driving to help some people move into an apartment from Mississippi. C- I'm DDing. D- I already have a dress. I plan on making an appearance and leaving to try to get homework in. But alas, on Sunday, I have church from 9-12, nursing home at 2 (which I want to go to but probably won't) mandatory street cleaning at 4, mandatory Rush clothes trying on at 5, and mandatory meeting at 6. Oh look, then Monday rolls around and I have a test. I'm sorry Dr. Sellers, I didn't have time to study. *FAIL*.

And, not her fault nor am I mad at her in any way, shape, or form, but Liz went to the ER today because she's been really sick. So I stayed with her at her apartment for a while instead of studying because I felt she was more important. When her kicked in and she was almost as high as a kite and ready to watch a movie until she passed out, I left. But I only left to duke it out with Chris some more. Now I'm too exhausted from the long day to really focus on school. But I'm about to try.

So this post wasn't as short as I thought. I guess that's what happens when you need to vent. And Chris and I are fine. I just get mean when I'm stressed.

I highlighted all the mandatory things because it made me feel better somehow. And while "church" is not technically mandatory, it kinda is in my book, but there's a chance I might not make it this week. And "formal" is highlighted for the reasons listed.

-Annie

My wonderful April 7

Wednesday, April 7, was pretty great day over all!

It all started when I bolted awake in bed, jumped up, and opened my bedroom door 45 minutes before my alarm because I heard my roommate say to someone on the phone, "the bathroom ceiling is leaking." I ran to the bathroom and sure enough, the flood had returned. It was way better than last time, but still obnoxious. Within minutes, a maintenance man shows up to check it out. After looking at our bathroom, he goes upstairs to our neighbors. About 10 minutes later, he comes back and the leak has stopped. He mutters something to my roommate about water on the floor upstairs and leaves. I learn later from my RA that the toilet upstairs had overflowed the night before and they didn't know what to do about it. So they turned the water off and left it. It soaked through in the floor and into our bathroom. Sick.

After that incident, I continued on my morning about getting ready. It was my anniversary and I wanted to look cute! So I shower, put on a day-dress, dry and straighten my hair, do my makeup and head over to the student center to meet the boyfriend for lunch. The walk there involved a lot of mist. It reminded me of those misting machines at Six Flags that cool you down without getting you soaked. That's what the weather was like. I looked dumb using an umbrella so I put it away. However, I forgot I was blessed with my Mom's hair's natural ability to frizz like crazy. So when I found the boyfriend, he told me I looked nice, and asked me if I straightened my hair this morning. "The weather took care of that." NOO!!!! I flipped out but I knew it wasn't worth it. My hair was a goner.

The next few hours involved class, more class, and then an outdoor biodiversity lab excursion with a friend to collect plant samples. After we finished that, I called the boyfriend to chat about our evening plans. We decided on seeing Clash of the Titans at 4:55. Seeing as it was 4:18, we went ahead and went to the movies. Clash of the Titans was really good, especially if you like mythology.

Then it was dinner time! I had chosen where to eat. We went to a local steakhouse where they preferred you get dressed up. I wore a dress I had gotten for a great price at a local boutique a while back and he wore khakis and a new shirt. Needless to say, we looked GOOD! lol

At dinner, we split a 20oz steak, some fried crawfish tails, and some steak fries. The steak, being massive, took a while to cook so we spent some time just talking. Suddenly, Chris (boyfriend)'s face goes white and then instantly red. He gives me this look... a look I know all too well. A look that says "I just made a mistake and it's embarrassing and funny all at the same time." That "oh crap" look. I reply with "What...?" He smiles and blushes as he says, "I forgot my wallet." I burst into laughter remembering the last time this happened. We were at a local Italian place and he didn't realize he left his wallet until it was time to pay. I was left as "collateral" while he ran back to his dorm. I had to explain it to the waitress who was highly amused.

But last night, he remembered before the food came out. I offered to just pay and he pay me back, but he didn't want to do that. So he went "to the bathroom" and drove back to his apartment to grab the wallet that was left in his jeans from earlier. About 2 minutes after he left, the food arrived. So I ate alone for the next 5ish minutes. It was kinda sad, but I was more worried about him. It was weather outside and I knew he was in a hurry to get back. I prayed pretty much the entire time he was gone and couldn't eat very much since I was so nervous. He came back about 8 minutes after he left with a smile on his face and a wallet in his pocket (and money in the wallet!). The rest of the dinner ran smoothly.

I called Liz (my big) and asked if she could take a picture for me. I wanted a picture of me and Chris all dressed up and nice looking on our anniversary. Of course, she helped me out! And so, to end the night, here are 2 of the pictures.

-Annie

4-year-anniversary

My goodness has it really been 4 years?? Yep, I remember it clearly. April 7, 2006, sometime in the evening on my couch in my old house, my boyfriend asked me out. It hasn't been 4 years "solid" due to a few rough patches along the way, but we're past that. But for the most part, it has been 4 whole years. Ups, downs, and everything in between, and somehow we still end the day with an "I love you too". The worst times were when he was in college and I was in high school. It was just difficult to say the least. He didn't know much about what I was talking about (especially by my senior year) and I had no CLUE what he was talking about in college. But we made it through. He's been with me when I'm in the hospital as much as he could. And when he couldn't be there I'd still hear from him. Things got way better when I got to college. We could finally spend time together swimming, working out, etc. and not have to worry about how to pay for these things. We eat most meals together and I see him almost every day, if even for only a minute. We study together, play games together, watch movies together, go to church together, cook (and do dishes) together. He takes out my trash, he changes my car tire, and drives me to Walmart when I don't want to go but need to. I can be myself around him, no matter how goofy that may be (and he's just as goofy when he's just with me). He works so he can have money to take me out. He goes to college to afford me. And most important, he loves me. :]

4 years holds a lot of memories. I've written a lot of them down over the years on blogs, in journals, and other places and I'm thankful I'll be able to go back later and read them. We've both changed a lot since my freshman year and definitely for the better. I hope everyone has a great day because I will. I'll post about it in the next few days.

-Annie

Easter!!

Easter! The real celebration for Christians! "Anyone can be merry at Christmas" as my pastor says. "But Easter is the real deal." I sang at my church in the choir for both services today and had so much fun. What a fantastic service! Mom drove over to watch me sing and my Big Sis and her boyfriend came too.

So driving back to college-town yesterday to get to choir rehearsal, Dora (my car) had a tire blow-out. 14 miles from my college, the tire decided to give out. So I puttered at ~40 miles the rest of the way after calling Dad. I checked the tired and didn't see anything wrong with them at the time, so I thought it was mechanical. However today after church, my Mom and I pulled into the apartment parking lot to find the tire completely flat. On the plus side, it's way better than we anticipated. A tire is way easier to replace (and cheaper) than the engine or the tire rods and such. Not cheap, but better than we could have hoped for. So Dora lives on.

Mom brought me back home after the amazing church service and my puppy and I took a nap on the couch for a while. Then, I watched a movie I LOVE but haven't seen in ages: The Brave Little Toaster. Such a great movie. :] One thing I noticed today watching it, I didn't notice when I was younger, was the line "Of course he's graduating! He's a hard worker!" One of those underlying messages that's just barely touched on, but still important. So there, children! Work hard and graduate! Anyway, it's a great movie that's so cute and still makes me laugh even after all these years. Those early Disney movies have a way of doing that.

Tomorrow I go back to college-town, riding with the boyfriend, and get Dora to the Walmart car repair center thing. Hopefully Wally World will take good care of her and get her fixed soon!

I spent time with the rents this evening playing Rummikub and Mastermind (with Mom) and really enjoyed it. Good bonding time before I head back to school.

Ok, this post would be longer but I'm starting TOBI again tonight and don't like to use my laptop with TOBI. Makes everything gross. Instead, I'll be continuing reading a book by Betsy I bought the other day.... OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!! I left it in my apartment because I was reading it last night.... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........... Ugh I have to wait until I can keep reading it. Boy that's frustrating. Now I have to find another way to entertain myself for 30 minutes... I guess I'll pick up another book for the time being.

ANYWAY, I was going to say that it's such a good book already (a few chapters in) and I'll give a baby-review on it when I'm done. The link to her blog is on the side --->

and on my last post.

Night and Happy Easter!

-Annie

I'm Home I'm Home! (Until tomorrow)

Thank GOODNESS my hectic week is over with. 3 tests and an interview... I'm all tuckered out. Unfortunately, it wasn't a great week for tests or interviews, but that's ok I guess. I didn't do terrible on any of them, but not as great as I had hoped/expected. I went through the interview process for Union Board but did not get on it. It was an interview experience unlike any other I've ever had before, so it was a great experience. I also learned from several people on UB that most people don't get on it the first time they apply. It takes 2 or sometimes 3 tries so I'm encouraged to apply again in the fall. (The current VP of UB had to apply twice, for example.) So while I would have rather just gotten on this time instead of having to go through this again, I'm not really upset about it. I'll simply apply/interview again in the fall. It was a good experience too.

So Monday morning at 6:00am, I had a tapping on my window as I was pulling my hair into a ponytail. It was the boyfriend saying "hurry up!!!" We had agreed to start running on MWF at 6am together on the track. And on Monday, boy was it COLD!! But I ran it anyway. And went back to bed. lol. I didn't run it on Wednesday because he "let me off the hook" because I helped him tremendously with his lab report. He ran a mile and then did a lot of sprints at 3 that morning (after pulling an all-nighter). He didn't sleep until the following afternoon when he slept for 14 hours straight. This was also after swimming a ton of laps. Boys are crazy. I needed the sleep too.

OH. However! I'm not getting much sleep because 1- the people upstairs are still insane and keep me awake and 2- we now have a construction crew working on the apartment I'm LIVING IN at 7am! There's no hope for sleep I suppose.

I had mentioned recently that I've been feeling sick all the time. Well it hasn't really changed much, no surprise there. My mom ran into one of my nurses from my clinic and mentioned my problem. My nurse said that they have new enzymes out with really great results and has made some chronically ill-feeling people feel better! I've never been a friend to change, but this one might be worth trying. Also involves fewer pill numbers....

It feels so good to be home. My weekend is going to be spent with family and with the highway. I drove home yesterday, spending today here, and then driving back tomorrow. Then, on Sunday, my mom is coming to my church to watch me sing in the Easter service. Then I'm riding back home with her to spend more time with family. THEN on Monday, I'm riding BACK to college with the boyfriend. Got all that? So that's a total of 4 trips. Lol! 4 trips in 5 days. Whew!

Happy Birthday to the Reasoner twins!!! They turned 1 year old today! Keep fighting Brett!

Tonight is the Good Friday service at my home church. After that, I'm going to Barnes & Noble to visit a friend, Betsy, who is having a book signing for her latest book that was released yesterday! Read about it here!

Recently, I sat through and I read a large chunk of my first posts. It was really interesting to me because this is somewhat like a diary. My passion for soccer drove my enthusiasm to stay well, even when I rocked a PICC. Sometimes I feel like that passion has drained out of me. That is very frustrating to me. Sometimes it's hard to fight for something you don't even know if you'll get. So lately I've been trying to fight not only for my future, but for the present and my friends and family. These are the people who will be with me for the rest of my life and I don't want to hurt them. So I must stay strong if not for myself, for them.

To all my Catholic friends (and others who gave up things for Lent), you've almost made it!!! Don't give up!!

Alright, time to finish getting ready for the day. My brother, sis-in-law, and nephew are coming over soon. Can't wait! I love seeing family!!!

-Annie

Crawfish, Interviews, and Bunnies... Oh my!

This morning, I went and supported a fellow sorority, Kappa Delta, in one of their national philanthropies. They host a 5k/Mile Fun Run to raise money for a local Children's home and for the Prevent Child Abuse America. The 5k is a serious 5k because it's very hilly. Not my style. I also haven't run in a while, and I didn't want to attempt something so.... legit. So I ran the 1 mile fun run! It's actually 1.25 miles. I'm not sure how fast I ran it, but I did well for not having run in a while. I was really proud of myself. I had a little motivation on the last 1/2 mile...

Before I continue, you need a little history. You know those Easter Bunnies that sit in the malls to let little kids take their picture with them? Or the mascots that run around at football games and hug you even if you don't want to hug them? Or the clowns? Or the Santas in the mall? Well, I'm scared of all of them. I'm less wary of my own college mascot, but I still won't run up to him or anything. Also, know that my favourite branch of the military is the Marines. Ok, moving on.

The 1 mile run was around a lake, so it was somewhat curvy. I came around a curve a little over half way done and I saw him: the Easter Bunny. Walking against the runner's direction clapping for people and giving high fives. I had no choice but to pass him. I picked up the pace and ran past him, giving him a slight smile and a nod. Sigh of relief. Until I heard it: footsteps running behind me. I turned and looked, praying it was just another runner, but no... it was the Easter Bunny and he was chasing me!!!!!! I kept going and he caught up pretty quickly, unfortunately. I pretended to play it cool, smiling at him again. I can't even begin to tell you how creepy it was. I took another good look and I noticed something new: showing through the white/pink skin was a USMC (United States Marine Corps) shirt. My brain didn't know how to process that. Was it a Marine in the costume? Did the Bunny eat a Marine? Should I fear Marines now or love Easter Bunnies?? I let my mind wander to thinking about how heavy the head part of the costume must be. So I said something, "That's impressive." The bunny just looks at me. So I clarify. "That's impressive running with the costume on. Especially with the head part." The bunny looks at me again (remember we're still running!!). Then, the Marine inside pulled the head off!!!!! And it was Jon, my Big Sis's boyfriend!! My mind/heart could rest at ease knowing that I was safe. He ran the rest of the race with me, with the bunny head on, and every person with a camera took a picture of us at the end of the race. So there's proof! I'll find one of those pictures and put it on here later.

Yesterday, I went to a charity crawfish boil. (Look at me and my philanthropic self) The March of Dimes was having a crawfish boil where for $20, you get 5lbs, corn, potatoes, and a drink. The boyfriend and I bought 10lbs. We ate 5 at the event and 5 back in my apartment. We waited around, eating the first 5, to see some friends of mine I knew were coming.

Also, yesterday was the day that the Union Board list for interviews got put up! My name was on the list and I'm pretty excited about it. I have an interview this Thursday (April 1st) and we'll see if I make Union Board.

That's all for now!

-Annie

EDITED to add the picture of PROOF!!!

Spring Quarter, well, so far

I'm on day 2 of Spring Quarter and I can tell this quarter is going to be a doozy. My biology class, even with the same professor as last quarter, jumped up about 100% in difficulty. My psych class may not be hard, but it will be hard to focus! The room is long and narrow, and filled to the brim with students, and I'm about 9 rows back sitting behind a large boy. Not to mention I have 4 sorority sisters in that class with me. So seeing, hearing, and listening will be difficult! My chemistry class I will really enjoy. My professor moves at a fast pace, but I've seen all of this material before so it won't be bad. My math class... ugh. I don't predict it will be very hard either. The professor goes at a crawling pace for those who are taking the class for the 3rd time. No joke. And lastly, my bio lab, which I haven't been to yet. We'll see how that goes.

So about 1/2 the classes will be difficult, for one reason or another, and the other half I just have to not get behind. The most annoying part is the homework. Last quarter, I had minimal homework and it was wonderful! This quarter, I have online math homework, online chemistry homework, and the psych professor assigns stuff regularly. Not to mention bio labs being due. And while it looks like my biology class is being kind and not assigning homework, the studying will take up all of my time anyway! Unlike last quarter, each test is cumulative. Oh fun.

I applied for being a camp counselor for (mostly) under-privileged students in the area for over the summer and I got it! They assigned me to 3 different weeks of camp: one session in June and two in July. During those weeks, I'll be living on my college campus working with middle school and high school students from 8-5 every day, at least. I will be TIRED but it will be rewarding. I'm a little nervous (fear of the unknown) but also really excited. I know it will be a great experience!

Right now, I'm also filling out an application for my college's Union Board. I'll find out March 26th if I've made it through the first round of cuts or not. Then an interview. We'll see about that too!

I'm really trying to get involved more and build up a good solid resume'. I sometimes feel I have too much down-time, and I really want to be involved more!

So in 11 days, the boyfriend turns 21. How crazy!

Oh, and in case you hadn't noticed, I have clearly pulled out of my depression slump. Finals + TOBI + no sleep + monthly cycle + winter weather + homesick + just the normal ups and downs of life = the depression slump. It happens, ya know? But it's a new quarter, wonderful weather, and while I don't always want to go to class (already! haha) I love seeing a whole new group of people and friends I may not have gotten to see that often previously. :]

Also! My big sis Liz chopped off all of her hair over break!! She also donated it to Locks of Love. What a sweet family we are. ;]

Finals and such

I just wanted to post, because I'm thrilled, that my Winter Quarter is OVER. I finished strong with 3 A's and a ?. The ? will either be an A or a B, depending on how I did on my test this morning. I felt really good about it, but I had to get an A to get an A in the class. I find out Tuesday. Ugh. That's a long wait.

Today, I am packing up and heading to home! Tomorrow, I am packing up and heading to Austin, TX! I will spending a week with Anjea & Jason (sis-in-law & brother) while I job shadow a range of PTs, and an OT, at Anjea's work. I'm pretty pumped, to say the least.

So I'm considering minoring in Biology. I would only need 3 more classes, plus 1 lab, beyond what I already take for my major. I'll think about it, but I kinda like the idea of a major in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology. Just sounds good. Looks good. And I like science!

BOYFRIEND is moving closer to me (on the college campus). He's getting out of the dorms and into an apartment with this guy TODAY. Before, we were pretty much the entire campus apart, but now he'll be a minute's walk away. I'm pumped about that too.

I'm just PUMPED about everything now that the weight of finals has been lifted.

Oooh.. next quarter, I'm taking a full load. A second biology, a biology lab, developmental psychology, basic chemistry, and trig. Spring quarter finals will be rough....

I'm not sure if I've complained about the people who live above me on here before, but my RA has taken care of the problem. He is now my hero.

Alrighty! Time to clean up, pack up, help the boyfriend move, pick up my lab notebook, and GO HOME!!!!!!

-Annie

Day of Rest

Today, Sunday, is my workout day of rest. Mostly because Sunday is one of the busiest days for me, ironically. I have church in the mornings from 9-12, choir from 3:45-5, meeting from 6-7ish, and tonight we have Sorority Sunday from 7-7:30ish. On Sunday, the gym closes at 8. And I know when working out, I need to have a day where my body can just recover, so I decided Sunday would be the day. I can feel I'm sore, but it's not impairing me in any way, thankfully.

Yesterday, I hit the gym again! The boyfriend and I did a bunch of arm machines, including some new ones (pull ups, dips, rowing machine). Even he worked legs with me, including this new machine that is difficult for the vertically challenged. And then, cardio time. I powerwalked 1.5 miles!! It was hard walking that far because my shin splints reared their ugly heads about 0.3 miles in. But I kept going. Again, good productive coughing about 0.7 miles in and on, including afterward. The boyfriend walked/ran a mile on the treadmill, and then ran at a heartier pace a few laps around the track while I finished my 1.5. He's really putting a lot of effort into this, and I'm super proud of him.

Together, this is our plan:

We work out every day, except Sundays.

We always do a full-body: arms, legs, abs, cardio.

Next quarter, months I'm not on TOBI, we go to the gym when it opens if we can. If not, we work out later that day.

I enjoy working out with him. I didn't think I would, and I didn't earlier in the year, but I do now. It's time we spend together doing something we both need to do. He'll push me, but somehow knows when to back down; I do the same. The hardest thing to get him to do is cardio, partially because he has messed up knees, but he'll do it with me. I think working out with him was the final push I needed to get myself back in the gym and getting back into shape, and to get that cardio going. Finally.

Jason/Anjea, I know one/both of you read this often, so I have a question: since I'm spending a week with y'all soon, do you have free weights I could use? I'll try to run, but always walk, with the dogs daily, but I need to keep up the weight-work. Let me know!

Oh! And I'm a dark-red head now! I forgot to mention that! It's subtle until you get close, and I like that. Check it.

I was sitting outside in the BEAUTIFUL weather from Saturday doing homework. It was way too nice to sit inside.

-Andrea

"We don't feel pain"

Finally! A good day in college town! I had had a pretty great 7 day break (snow, family, home cooked food, etc.) but yesterday and today were back to the grind, and they turned out pretty great! One day during break, I did a little retail therapy to help lift my spirits. I spent most of it on make-up and other g.irly items (weird, for me) but I'm so glad I did. I will actually put forth the effort in the mornings to make myself look decent! That helps motivate me to get up out of bed after doing TOBI. That, and my new hair dryer. I'm in love. Just look at it! I pretty much leave the little attachment thing on because the stylists use it on my when I get my hair cut and I love it. The shower-head looking thing makes me a little nervous! I'm off-topic now. Yesterday, both of my morning classes let out early. While I normally groan when my 8am gets out early because I just sit in the same building until 10am, I have found that I really enjoy chatting with some of the people who are also in both of my morning classes. They can be pretty entertaining! After my second class let out, I did some homework and waited for the boyfriend to make the drive from home to college. We made a trip to SuperOne (much needed!) and I baked a cake (yummm). While it was cooling, we went to the gym. YES you read right. I finally made it back to the good ol' gym. The boyfriend is helping me with arm muscle building machines so I can gain my arm strength back, and I always work on my legs. However, while I was doing one machine, my knee popped funny. It doesn't hurt unless I put a lot of strain on it, but I was nervous about running. So I ellipticaled (lol) a mile instead of running. I was proud of myself, but disappointed with the time and respiratory results. So...

Today I made it back to the gym! Yayyyy!! 2 days strong and I'm proud of myself. Today I did the treadmill instead of the elliptical machine and I could feel a difference. The pounding of power-walking (I dislike running on a treadmill) definitely loosened some junk up and I was coughing away (much to the worry of nearby joggers). I had a lot of good, productive coughing for the next 20 minutes after that too. Oh, and before the treadmill, I did all of the arm/leg machines again. Got to put weight on me somehow! And I miss my strength from being an athlete.

I was encouraged by Lauren's post (Read here), but I haven't yet had the time in my day to add in extra miles. With adding all of the weight work too, and working with a partner, it takes up a lot of time. That's not a complaint, but when I have the time, I'll definitely up the distance. It may be some serious power-walking, but it helped! Baby steps....

So the boyfriend has put himself on a diet. Using my amazing new Kines knowledge, we have worked out a calorie amount for him to lose weight to, along with working out. So less about the "weight" and more about the "fat", if that makes sense. Anyway, because of our VERY different needs in calorie intake, we've come across some problems that will only get worse with time: how do I feed both of us together?? I need excess calories/sodium/fat and he needs just the opposite! We're trying portion differences if we share something cooked (I eat 2/3; he gets 1/3). He's cutting out most snacking (unless it's healthy/low calorie; and then it's limited) while I eat constantly. Me eating makes him want to eat too. Poor guy... I really do feel badly about it, but there's nothing either of us can do right now. I need to gain weight and he's trying to shave it off. I'm the one who is really pushing the gym right now, and I know he'll always go if I go. So go we shall!!

Oh, and the gym. So two days now, and there's only one part of my body that hurts: my hands. I'm building my calluses back and they HURT!!! Working out was so painful today, but mostly in my hands! Oh well. Another day at the gym with the phrases "We don't feel pain" and "I ha.te you Chase Wooten" running through my head.

Time to explain. Chase Wooten was one of my keeper trainers/off-campus soccer coach/soccer camp keeper coach over the last 8+ years of my life. He was the only trainer I've ever had who I actually wanted to keep pushing myself for. He was a great motivator and a hilarious guy. (Oh! I'm saying "was" because I'm "retired" and he moved away.) If the training started to hurt, "Nope, we don't feel pain. Let's go." I don't think I've ever pushed myself harder than when working for Chase. He made training so much fun with his dry sarcasm and comments that made me laugh and want to do better. So, I personally adopted the phrase "We don't feel pain" as my workout slogan for when I don't think I can lift another weight or take another step. And I don't actually ha.te Chase, not at all, but that's another thing I would say to him as I worked because it hurt and he was the one pushing me. Just another joke to get through the pain.

So, if I was a great author like Betsy, CG, Ronnie/Mandi, or Lauren, I would end this post in a cute way, tying in "we don't feel pain" to some metaphor of life. But I'm not, so I'm just going to end it with this: tomorrow morning, I dye my hair. Goodbye brown. Hello red.

-Andrea