Getting Settled

Howdy!! We are getting used to the South Carolina life, and loving it! (Except when it rains and we are stuck inside.)  Shawn got a job down here, I'm still waiting to hear back about a graduate assistantship (fingers crossed!) and life is just so... happy, enjoyable, loving, fun, and interesting! 

In our little town, we are less than FIVE whole miles from (in no order): Food Lion (think cross between Save A Lot and Tops), Bi-Lo (more upscale grocer, think Wegmans), Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Dollar General(I'm sensing a pattern here...), Walmart, Chick-fil-A (Shawn's new favorite place for chicken), Hardee's, Sonic, Auto Zone, Big Lots, Verizon, Waffle House, Walgreens, the DMV, Wells Fargo, Piggly Wiggly, and Heads Up Hair Design (which was the best $25 hair cut I've ever had in my whole entire life - super thorough, helpful, and well trained!). And so much more.  I couldn't even list everything in an entire post - there is A LOT. 

We've gone to my Colleges (it's a joint degree between two) and I fell in love with the Campus an library at the Citadel. I've started to dip my foot in to the world of podcasts, and I'm still unsure about if I like them or not.  We went to pick up my seven novels for one of my courses (18th Century Novel), we drove around Charleston and loved seeing the different architecture, we've spent an afternoon at Folly Beach, we had one dinner date in Murrell's Inlet and stopped at a few places in Pawley's Island, we've read books, we've adapted to our hookups, we've seen a lot of wildlife and dragonflies, it goes on.  We are really blessed and thankful to be living in such a place that has so much to offer, explore, and experience.  

But most importantly, we've begun to plan for the future.  Our hopes, dreams, where we want to be, where we want to go, vacations we want to have before we die, where/how we should live within the next few years, and most importantly, we've set up a game-plan as to how we want to achieve our immediate and semi-long term goals (within 5 years).  And we made a small little poster that's hanging on the wall in the hallway to remind us every day to try and get a little closer to those goals. 

And of course, Velvet found a new place to hang when we forgot to close the cabinets :)

We checked out Lake Moultrie, which is less than a mile away from us, but this photo was near the public boat ramp, about 14 miles from us. 

Shawn has been working on our lawn? Area? What do we call it? Here he's working on the back (secondary) driveway.  He also gets on a Ford tractor like this one and bush hogs it (big lawn mower).

These photos were from our trip to Pawley's Island.

We went to Capt. Dave's Dockside for dinner and Shawn tried some more hush puppies.  He wasn't a big fan of these, because he tried some down in Hilton Head at Hudson's, and those had onion in them, which are much more to his taste. These were too sweet. 

View from our dinner table! Right on the inlet, and people can go on boat rides, walk around, shop a little, or even dock right up to the side and come in to eat! 

It may be fake, but it's still pretty huge!

Lots of morning time snuggles

And the puppy has figured out he can sit on the couch and see what's on the dinette table and smell Mommy's dinner even better

This picture is Folly Beach, about two hours before the peak of high tide

The beach wouldn't be complete without my favorite bird: the pelican! There were so many! 

Shawn got to see pelicans hunting for food, and I caught it on video! Pay attention to the pelican on the right :) 

Pushing Jen's Buttons.... School Edition

Now normally I'd probably write about just a few things here and there that I see on occasion, but some of these happen every. single. day. UGH. Maybe you can relate to some of these?

How to Push Jen's Buttons, School Ed.

...Seeing someone skip class and they wonder why they are failing....

...Seeing the same person make horrible excuses for not doing a take-home exam, even though they were given THREE WEEKS to complete it. A take home exam people.

...Those people who don't do the reading that's due for class and complain when they realize they forgot there was an in-class essay that day. No one said college is easy...
 

...Those people who talk bad about a professor and course contents.... HELLO!! You signed up for this elective!

...Those horrible people who consistently walk into class 10-15 minutes after class has started... What's worse is when you have this person in two of your classes and it happens in both. {Even worse, when you see said person in the cafeteria before class so you know they're awake, dressed, and ready!}

...People in the cafeteria who think everyone needs to listen to their rap music with swear words every two seconds. And then rap along with it.

...People who stand in the middle of the hallway just to talk.

Dont. Be. These. People! FOR THE LOVE!

Just another thought... I dropped off my niece for Pre-K this morning, and honestly, some of those parents do NOT know how to drive, or even make an effort to make sure the kids are wearing something warm.  Sure, it may be a heat wave this morning with temps averaging 17 degrees so far, but the wind chill is -3!  Come on now people, bundle up your kids!

And now, for some good news!

I GOT A FORM SO I CAN JOIN SIGMA TAU DELTA!!!! THERE WILL BE AN INDUCTION CEREMONY IN APRIL. YAY!!!!!



A Month's Worth!

Can you believe it has been one month YESTERDAY that I went back to school???

ME EITHER!!

There has been so much work! 

Working on essay #4 for English, 4th Journal for another class, and nightly math homework averaging about 50 questions a class!!

BUT....

100% on my first math test.

Everything else has been A's (and one B!) which I don't think is  bad for not being in school for a few years!!!

Let's introduce you to a bit of my school...

This is my Foundations classroom... Every room is equipped with a SmartBoard and 2 white boards (SmartBoards are awesome!)

Notice the "T" looking thing above the board? That's called a Tau Cross, and it's in every classroom to represent the school being a Franciscan College.  (Who's named after a nun from POLAND!) 

{Mother Colette Hilbert}

Now that it's getting to look and feel like autumn, I can't help myself and take some gorgeous pictures of the trees! 

This one's a picture I took on campus when I was on my way to the library:

This next one I took the other day... We were having a Peace Walk in honor of the Feast of St. Francis, walking from place to place all over campus and reading a prayer or short description of a working of St. Francis.  We were joined with the nuns from the Convent across the street, the original students of the college who started out in the convent next to the college.  (This event was optional to all students for those that were wondering...)

Another fun thing that the Student Government does for the students is for the bathrooms... and it's a brilliant idea!!!

Wandered into the Auditorium for a theatre workshop...

Aaaannnnddd some fun.. 

As for non school related things, we've been pretty busy! 

Alex went to his partner Timmy's stag party a few weeks ago, and women were allowed to come at 7 to join in on the fun.  We were at a place called Castaways, and the sunset was eerily breathtaking...

Tim and Jamie's wedding is tomorrow! SO excited!!

Guess who started NURSERY SCHOOL!!!

That's right, Ariel!!

I got together with her after her first day and we went to a playground for some fun!

Her mom (my good friend Tasha) brought her over for a sleepover, and we had some fun! Ariel likes being a doctor with my stethoscope, and learned how to listen to breathing and a heartbeat, courtesy of Alex!

After Ariel went to bed, Tasha and I had some much needed girl time!

With October comes Ocktober Fest!!!

In Hamburg, they bring together local beer breweries and import German beer, and have a big adult festival! Alex and I went with some good friends from our former Fire Company.  I must say, my favorite drink wasn't beer that night, it was hard apple cider spice with cinnamon sticks! YUM!

Some other pictures throughout the month:

The colors finally starting to come out!!

Velvet falling asleep, and almost falling off the couch...

How she normally is when I'm doing my homework, if she's not trying to walk all over my chest, laptop, swinging her tail in front of my face, or putting herself where I can't see the screen... like she's doing now... She likes keeping her Momma company! 

Life wouldn't be complete without a few silly faces!!

And for the main project.... 

WE FINALLY GOT SOME NEW WINDOWS!!!!

Finally.  Now we won't have to heat the outside this winter :)

We also got one for our upstairs bathroom, with frosted glass on the bottom so we don't have to close the curtains! It looks SO much better!

Above, the new windows... Below, no windows at all! :)

We also had 2 more put in the guest bedroom as well :)

Next project: TBD, but lots of options! 

POT LUCK DINNER FOR THE BOSTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

THIS TUESDAY, 10/8, Town Hall! I'll be there at 6!! 

Have a FANTASTIC night!!

Please follow my blog!! :) 

XOXOXO

Comments, questions, and emails are welcome!

The Start of School

Well, I made it through!

Phew. 

Only one more class that I haven't been to yet! And of course it's English, and looking at the online schedule, I'll be writing an in class short essay! 

But that doesn't even begin to describe everything that's been going on in other classes! 

Let's start at the very beginning... A very good place to start...

(Name that song!)

The morning started out dreary and rainy, going from a light drizzle to buckets!

So, before trying to dodge the rain, I checked my email, and found something that made my morning... A part of one of my favorite poems, that seemed very fitting for the first day's excitement! 

And then, off to my first class! Which turned out to be Nutrition, as they started with afternoon classes. (Hence why I'm going to English for the first time tomorrow.) 

I got there a little early, and decided to do some exploring... 

I found a Mac Computer Lab! 

I found out where the stairs were in the buildings!

Found the Commuter/Student Lounge, complete with computers, fridge, microwave, vending machines, couches, and group work tables. 

And finally, I decided to scope out my classroom for Nutrition....

In this picture, I sit second row, 2nd seat in from the right.  

It was a good start to the day!

10 minutes after this class, I had my Foundations Seminar Class!

That was really fun! 

We went over the Syllabus and then played some ice breaker games.

~Classroom Bingo: Sign where you have done what was said in the square, and the first one to get BINGO won!

~4 C's: Pick one word for each that describes you:

Cartoon Character

Color

Car

Cuisine

My answers were:

Lois, from Family Guy

Blue

F-150 (Pickup Truck)

Seafood

Why do you think I chose those answers??? :)

And then we went around the room and shared our answers.  We ended the class with a trip down to the Professor's office so we knew where it was.

With classes done, I had a wonderful surprise to end the "College Day"! I went up to the Dining Hall for the Welcome Back BBQ, and ended up seeing my niece! 

She's turning 3 in October. She needs to stop growing up! SERIOUSLY!

She can count to 5.

She's been potty trained for a while now.

She knows her ABC's.

She can talk in sentences.  

She knows she's 2 1/2.

She does Tumble Bee.

She starts Nursery School this Fall. 

Stop growing up!!!

And then, a dreary end. (Kind of!) I went to work from 6-9.

And then TODAY!

Started with MATH.  I'm an English major for a reason...

Math and I do NOT get along! 

But the Professor seems really nice, and after the lesson today, I was able to understand what she was doing, and finish the 1-47 odd homework she assigned! 

And finally, Research and Ethics...

I really don't know what to write about this class yet... I'm going to read the Syllabus a little more and do some reading and exploring on the website...

But this is my view!

Complete with a computer screen that's bigger than the keyboard...

Off to make dinner, and watch a movie with my puppy and kitty!! 

Alex works late... maybe 2 movies! 

A clip of the first one:

(Which is AMAZING!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lBUlCADoNU

(Copy and Paste for a spine chilling, phenomenal clip!)

xoxoxo

Orientation Goodness

Tonight I had College Orientation!

OH MY GOSH. 

Have you ever been so nervous before that you just want to CRY? 

I was so nervous on the way there, and walking in signing in, get your parking pass, etc.  And then OH MY GOSH you have to get your picture taken in front of a TON of people you don't know. 

If you're more of an introvert like me, you are normally good with smaller groups, or one on one.  Large groups of 40+? Forget it.  (But hey, my ID picture didn't turn out that bad!)

And then, into the auditorium we went, to go over the Orientation Packet. (And trying to weed myself out of staying an introvert the entire night, I sat in the 4th row of the auditorium, a few seats in, almost directly in front of the podium. Yay!)

And thankfully, there was a TON of information in the packet, and answered all the questions I came there in my mind to ask. Like where do we go to access our student services online, college email, their expectations of students, etc. 

There were a few things that really stood out to me. 

One, is that they have a Career Development Center, where they help you find a job both during and after College, help prepare and tune up resume's, and work with what kind of job you want.  Now yes, I did start a new job.  But I don't know if I'll stay there... very dreary and mindless with some interesting managerial staff.  I'd hope to find something I'd enjoy going to every day and use it for more than just a paycheck and a weird schedule.  

Second, is that they offer tutoring, both student to student, but also Professional tutor to student on Fridays.  Student tutors are PAID by the college! So hopefully after my first semester, and knock on wood and keep your fingers crossed that I keep my grades high, I'd love to become a tutor.  

Third, is that EVERYONE, and I really mean everyone, is devoted to each and every student's success.  The VP of the College talked initially, and said that his door is always open no matter the situation, the Academic Services advisor told us to come in and keep her updated on everything, have a cup of coffee with her, and would be there for us to have help with homework, help with professors, or just to vent.  There is no staff member I have met that has not been genuinely interested in seeing each student succeed.  

Tonight will be spent reading everything else in the orientation packet, like a little transfer student guide, campus events, etc.  I really can't wait for this semester to start, although I could hold off on the first day jitters.  Definitely... 

Well, off to finish up dinner & greet the Husband after a long day for him at work.  

School Start Date: September 3rd.  

AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! It's almost here!!!!

xoxoxo

Comments, questions, and emails encouraged! I'd love to hear from you! 

Back to School!

September 3rd, I get to go back to College! 

There is so much I hope to accomplish! 

I have orientation the 30 of August to find out more specifics of the College, hopefully find my rooms, and find out how I can get some help should I need it! I've already registered for classes and know my schedule, rooms, and teachers.  I was thinking about visiting before then to explore, and find the rooms myself so I'm not completely lost my first day! Ordering all the books, buying supplies, it's all making me more and more excited!

I'm going to be going back as an English Major, and although I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, I know that no matter what I've done all my life, I somehow manage to make my way to the English Arts, whether it is reading, writing, or researching.  

Heading back, I'm making myself a goals list to accomplish within the first 2 years:

1.  Keep my GPA above a 3.0

Ways to reach this:

Use tutoring, and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Do my homework

Keep attendance up! (Some take a whole letter grade off if you miss too many classes)

Stay organized, using my planner, and binders for respective classes

Stay at the college in between my classes to do homework and ask for more help.  

Have a teacher/tutor specifically for reading my papers

2.  Take my core classes within the first 2 years, and work on my "major" classes the latter 2. 

Take the advice of my advisors!

3.  At the end of the 2 years, make sure I am eligible for Sigma Tau Delta! 

http://www.english.org/sigmatd/

4.  Enjoy the whole college experience!

Things I've learned about the College so far:

They are all about checks and balances: When I went in to register for classes, I went to the Student Academics Services Center and was introduced to my Freshman advisor.  I was able to schedule my classes, have questions answered, etc.  On the way back to the Admin Building, I ran into my transfer counselor who was on her way out to give a tour of the campus, but asked me to stay to talk to her.  While she did that, I was able to go to the bookstore, find out about my books, and turn my forms in.  When I came back, my counselor was concerned about keeping checks and balances:  asking how everything was, if I had any questions, how I liked everything so far, etc.  Everyone I meet is genuinely interested in seeing the students succeed. 

While it is a small campus, it makes for a personable environment.  Average class sizes are around 15. I'll have that small town school feel that I'm so used to, compared to the big universities in the area!

I am determined to do my best, I know that my future depends on how I do now.  

GO HAWKS!!!

Careers: Why are they so confusing?

All my life, I had some sort of plan on what I wanted to be when I grew up.  And now that I'm "Grown Up", I have no bloody idea.  I know my passions, which are many, I know my career now makes me happy when I'm at work with my patients, but when I'm not at work, I catch myself looking online at other job postings.  I know I want and need to go back to school.  But if only I could figure out what for... 

The pros of my current career: 

Hours

Insurance

Save Lives

Re-Hired me

Went through all the training

Pay for Paramedic

Cons:

Wild Hours

Office Staff

Rotating Schedule

Handful of irritating people

Immaturity, but most of it's fun :)

High injury rates

Not a bunch of room for promotions

Now, I applied to a Bank Teller position... I don't know much of the specifics, other than a set schedule, holidays off, and it says benefits.  Who knows.  I'm kind of hoping for it actually. But then we deal with the whole leaving the company again, getting rid of my insurance and transferring to another.  

If I can get this, I can go back to school, and not worry about a rotating schedule, or shift bidding every 6 weeks.  Being indecisive doesn't exactly help the situation. haha :) 

The only thing I do know, is at this point, if circumstances allow, I'd love to retire and buy an old house and own a bed and breakfast.  Granted, that might be because I've been looking at bed and breakfasts for our honeymoon haha :) 

What were some of your childhood dream careers? Mine?

Dancer

Astronaut

Doctor

US Navy

Teacher

Journalist/Writer

Party Planner

Animal Trainer

Comments and questions are always welcomed! 

xoxoxo