Her name is Jenni!

I started my internship at the elementary school this week. It has been good. Tuesday I was in a second grade class, and I wanted to be in a third or fourth so a girl and I switched so now I am in third grade! I loved Thursday's class so much! The kids were so sweet and their teacher has wonderful classroom management. She did say this was a uniquely obedient class, but still this teacher is good at her management. I was talking to a student in the morning and she said, "My name is Gabrielle but I go by Gabby because I don't like the name Gabrielle." I found common ground and said, "I know how you feel, my name is Jennifer, but I like people to call me Jenni." So, the whole class the was whispering to her friends, "Her name is Jenni!" She felt special because she knew my first name instead of Mrs. Darst. I was able to read to them and observe reading and math. I enjoyed it a lot!

I was excited when I got my internship badge because it said Mrs. Darst! I haven't been able to use that name yet and now I do! It's exciting!

I guess I haven't updated in a while...so for those of you who do not know, Tim and I have been married now for six months! It's so wonderful!! I love him and he is my breath of fresh air after a long day of school, internships, and work! I love him so much!

On a much sadder note, a girl from the education department was killed in a car accident yesterday morning. She was in a few of my classes throughout my time here at ETBU. She was on her way to a school to do her student teaching and a truck had a blowout and hit her car and she died at the scene. It was so heartbreaking because not only is that tragic, but she is someone who I have interacted with and been around. She was the sweetest girl, a bit shy, but had an incredibly huge heart. I have a hard time understanding why. Anytime things like this happen, I struggle with what God wants to use this for. I mean, she was a senior, almost graduated, she was going to be a choir teacher, she had so much going for her, but God didn't intend on what we thought her future would be. What is even worse is that there was no speeding, alcohol, or anything wrong involved with the accident...it was all due to a blown tire and loss of control of the truck that hit her headon. It's a stupid accident. I can't imagine being in her parents place...getting a phone call that their daughter was taken from them. I know God always gets the glory and that He is always in control but sometimes it's just hard to see. Pray for their family.

Get Motivated

....I can't! I just cannot seem to get motivated about ANYTHING. Tim and I did not work out over the break at all, and when we went Monday both of us just about died. I am so out of shape after these few weeks and I honestly have NO drive to get in the gym again. Tuesday, we didn't go because I didn't have any water already refrigerated (yeah, it's dumb...but lukewarm Marshall water is gross! Plus, I didn't want to go so that was my excuse). Yesterday we didn't go because we do not have a working shower. They were fixing the shower, and the pipe broke OFF of the wall! So, it is in the process of being fixed right now. So, today we really are going...but I have no desire to which never makes for a good work out. Man, I stink at this. Tim and I both are obsessed with the Biggest Loser and usually that motivates me...but that didn't even do it this week! This time last year, fitting perfectly into my wedding dress was the motivation. I have a goal but no motivation. I would like to lose 8-10 pounds, but getting there sounds so hard. But...I can do it...I just need a kick in the rump.

School is starting Monday. I just ordered my books today and I am not excited about this semester...well I am excited about being in the classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays but my other classes...eh. Again...I just need a swift kick to the rear.

I know that I shouldn't turn my blog into a complaining store, but that's what's up in my head right now. Thought I'd share.

Does anyone have any motivation techniques??

Scrabble at Midnight

This break has been good for me. We have been away from home for a long time, but I have spent a lot of time with my family, so it's worth it. Christmas was awesome- my mom got Tim and me and Wii! We bought Mario Kart a few days ago and it's so much fun! Christmas at my Granny and PaPa's house was good, too. We had a lot of good things happen and good surprises!

Tim is hunting with my dad right now. I didn't get to bring in the New Year with my hubs, but I have been spending time with my Maaaa. It's been a lot of fun. We played Mario Kart and Scrabble to pass time as we brought in the New Year. I never get time for just my mom and I so this has been wonderful! We went shopping and walking today and tonight we are going to watch Mamamia! I am excited :-)

Tim and I go back to work on Monday...boo hiss. I am not ready yet haha. Classes start the next week and goodness knows I am NOT ready for that yet. I haven't recovered from last semester!

I hope everyone has had a happy New Year!

Sadie

I have issues with people who abuse and neglect dogs. Presently, I look at dogs off of the SPCA websites and look for a dog that I will someday get to take home with me. Many of the dogs on the website come from abusive homes and have sad stories. There was one dog in particular named Sadie. Sadie was a beagle mix who had been so badly abused that she was bug eyed and paralyzed. When I saw this dog, I wanted her immediately. She is a special needs dog. As stated previously, she is paralyzed and has to be helped around and fed and given water with help. Her little tongue always sticks out of her mouth and she was completely adorable. I was so moved by her story I was wanting to call and ask the place to hold her for me. As I read, I came to the part that said "we lost Sadie on.." I don't remember the date, but it was a memorial fund for dogs who are abused. I was incredibly sad that I wasn't able to be the owner of this dog, but atleast she isn't in pain anymore. That night, I cried...cried for dogs who are abused. People take out their aggression on these innocent animals. They starve, beat, burn, and do so many things that you could not even imagine. The crazy part is that most of these dogs still love humans. Anyways, as I was crying and feeling horrible I realized that people do this to children and sometimes adults, too. There are people on this earth that take pleasure in torturing not only animals, but human beings. Anyways, my heart is saddened for pups that are neglected and abused and I wish I could take every one of them home with me. This may sound silly but I've been praying for these dogs, afterall, they are His creation.

This is Sadie

What?

8 things you've always wondered about me!I was tagged by a few people.
8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Italy II
2. Olive Garden
3. Jalepeno Tree
4. Taco Bueno
5. Jason's Deli
6. Campo Verdes
7. China King
8. Did I say Taco Bueno?

Things that Happened Today:
1. Work
2. Andy and his sister came over
3. I am making a big supper later
4. Christmas party at work
5. Went to Walmart with Tim
6. Ate Subway
7. Walked a girl to the nursing building
8. Cleaned house

Things I Look Forward To:
1. The real Christmas break...Dec 24 we finally are off for a bit!
2. Graduating
3. Having kids!!!!
4. Getting a dog
5. Sleeping in
6. The stars playing on Thursday
7. Seeing a movie with Jeff and Sarah on Friday or Saturday...I forgot when
8. Seeing my family next week

Things I'm Scared Of:
1. Spiders
2. Snakes
3. Sharks
4. Where we will be in the next years
5. Debt
6. Not being able to transition smoothly from college to real life
7. If Tim were to die
8. People in other cars

8 Things I Wish For:
1. No more debt
2. Kids
3. For my kids to grow up to be strong in their walks with Christ
4. To finish college with a 4.0
5. For Jeff and Sarah to end up in the same place as us
6. A dog
7. A home
8. More time in the day

8 Things I Watch on TV: ( We don't watch much tv)
1. Sports Center
2. Dallas Stars
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Rangers
6. Simpsons
7. What Not to Wear (I am a bit obsessed)
8. Wheel of Fortune

I tag EVERYONE...that means you maaaaa

My goal

I set a goal in high school to make straight A's in EVERY class. I blew that goal in chemistry the 5th six weeks by getting an 89. Although my semester averages were all A's, I did not achieve my goal.

So, in response to my high school failure, I set a goal freshman year to graduate with a 4.0. I have made it this far and I just got all of my grades in and I am one semester closer to achieving my goal! Three more semesters with two crazy hardcore classes and I will hopefully achieve this! Pray for my sanity while doing so.

I think that college is more about experience than grade point average, but I didn't come this far for nothing. So...GO Jenni!

About that...

Finals are finished! I am just waiting for my grades to be posted online. Thank goodness for that! Now, it is the break and all I am responsible for is work! BUT, luckily I love my job. I actually may not finish this post because I have a tour coming up in a few minutes...but maybe I will- time will tell.

Tonight we are having Jeff, Sarah, Colin, Ben, and Tiffany over for dinner and it is going to be swell! Tim is making is famous twice baked potatoes and we are going to indulge in food and fun! I am excited. Life just seems so much more enjoyable when I am not stressing about projects and tests. Sometimes I don't have a life because of how busy school gets...but this week has been social and fun!

I heard on TV the other day that how your house looks reflects how things are going in your life. I have found this to be true. Our house has been a DISASTER the past month and I was so stressed. Now that this week has come about, the house is clean and I am not stressed at all. Funny how that works.

I am so thankful for Tim...I know I say that every post, but it's so true. He is the best husband and I am so grateful that I found him before some other girl did, haha! They surely would have snatched him up before me! I guess I can thank Daniel, Mary, and Chaz for that one :0)!

I am going to try to enjoy my break and I hope everyone is enjoying the cold!

AND, because I got tagged TWICE...here is this.
Rules are, you must list 5 addictions and pass it to 5 people!
Addiction -- an abnormally strong craving
1. Tim. I can't help that one. I love being around him and doing things together. I love that we sit on the couch and laugh at our goober selves. I love that we go to the grocery store together. I love that he loves me.
2. Chapstick...I cannot live without it and I freak out when I don't have atleast one with me.
3. Watching the Dallas Stars...I can't help it. I get so excited when I know they are coming on TV.
4. Animals...I am such a sucker for animals. I love them and I love to cuddle them and talk to them and be a goober about them.
5. I am obsessed with Facebook...it's sad.
6. I am adding this one because I can...I am obsessed with hanging out with Jeff and Sarah. I get withdrawls sometimes. It scares me that in a year and a half, we will quite possibly not be in the same place and that makes me incredibly sad...Tim and I are very thankful for our friendship with them.

I am tagging:
1. Maaaa
2. Kristen Clifton
3. Sharon Wheat
4. Andelicia
5. Mary