Dissertation Ideas

So tonight I spent over four hours on homework (not consecutively) and this might sound crazy, but it was awesome. My brain is flowing with ideas for my dissertation and other research projects and it's rejuvenating. I think I have been so focused on counting down the days until I am done with course work to really enjoy what I am learning. And if I am not enjoying what I am learning, what is the point of being in school still? I have three months (give or take) to come up with a solid research question for my dissertation, so this is great timing! That is all I have for now! It's time to do some laundry and hit the hay!

What a weekend....and not a very exciting one!

This weekend has been very, very uneventful since I have been sick for most of it.

Friday was work, a long nap, date night with my husband (this consisted of simply picking up some food and watching a movie together on the couch since I felt like poo), and bed early.

Saturday I spent most of the day asleep on the couch with my Blossom. She definitely takes care of her momma when she is sick.

Today continued that trend...luckily I am starting to feel better, but not terrific yet.

Tomorrow brings on homework, half a day of work, funeral visitation, trip to sister-in-laws to drop off kids boots, and possibly a stop in at one of Chris's work buddies. I hope I can make it through all that with ease....Blossy is telling me it is bed time and wanting me to cuddle, so I better listen to her!

And the craziness begins!

First days of class are always interesting....in both good and bad ways. I realized that one of the classes I was encouraged to take is almost identical to one I took while at USC. Luckily I found one that works with my schedule even better and is something new. Once I see the syllabus for this class, I will make my final decision.

And my life is always better after a good conversation with an awesome friend! It is amazing how two people's lives can collide and they become so very important to your life...even hundreds of miles away from one another.

So now it's time for some qt and bed....another day if work followed by class tomorrow....at least it's Wednesday-half way to the weekend!

New Year Goals/Resolutions

Something that always strikes me as intriguing is how a new year triggers the compulsion for new goals/resolutions. I always sort of forget about this part of the new year tradition until the ball has dropped and the end of the first day is almost over. I guess it's because I see them everywhere (yay for social networks!), or maybe I just need more time to decide what I can actually accomplish in the new year.


Accomplishing new things each year should be very easy for someone who LOVES to make lists...and cross things off as they are completed! However, if I'm going to be serious about a goal, then I need to put some really deep thought into it.


So after deep thought, I've come up with the following goals for 2012


1. Make sure to take time to actually get ready for bed....I sometimes forget to actually get ready for bed...like brush the teeth, wash the face, etc. This probably seems gross, but I know a lot of people who forget to do this. As I get older, it is seemingly more important to me. Do not know why, but it is.

2. No cheating on the gluten free diet. There are times when I get so frustrated and just give in to eating something with gluten in it. No more! I'm going to be 100% gluten free and try new recipes to add flavor!

3. Have a healthy balance between work, school, and fun. I tend to focus on one or the other and stress about it. I need to enjoy all three aspects. That way I can be a better wife, puppy mommy, student, and worker.

4. Sell more items in my etsy store. Slowly, but surely I am building up a solid stock of items-cards, blankets, scarves, and other fun crafty things. I just hope the hard work starts to pay off soon! I sold a total of 33 things in 2011, so my goal is 50 for 2012!

5. Get our will in place. This may seem, silly, but it is something we need to do as a couple. It will be more difficult once we start having children, so it will be nice to get a solid foundation!

6. Start (and finish) some home improvement projects. Now that Chris and I are a family, it's time to start thinking about redoing the decor around our condo.

7. Take Blossom on more/longer walks. She absolutely loves walks and they are definitely helpful for my health, so it makes sense to do. Will help me achieve a better balance as well!

8. Read more for fun. I get swept up in my school books that I forget how much I really like to read for fun! Not this year!

9. Plan and take a honeymoon trip. We're thinking Savannah, GA ( thanks Jenn!) but no definite plans have been made.

10. Make more trips to Dayton to see our handsome nephew and all three adorable nieces! It's definitely something we need to do and want to do!

11. Cook more/ different meals for my husband. Chris and I have different eating habits and tendencies, so it's definitely an adjustment for us both. Hopefully this year we can get into more of a compromise and eat at home more often :-)

12. It is only appropriate to have 12 goals since there are 12 months in the year....however the only other goal I have is to enjoy this year by growing closer to God and enjoy each and every day!

So there we have it folks! My goals / resolutions for this year!

Welcome 2012

Happy New Year!!

The Prather family spent our first New Year's Eve being lazy and watching the ball drop...boring I know. But it was sweet and nice. Especially since Chris had to work yesterday and today.

We also are dog sitting for my parents since my dad got Gator Bowl tickets for Christmas. So far, Daisy has seemed to do okay, but I'm sure she'll sleep for a few days when she finally gets home and can shadow my mother!

Daisy May Sleeping at our condo!

That's all for now! Work starts back up tomorrow for me and school quickly follows by starting on Tuesday.... Oh what joys. Luckily there is only 20 weeks of school, a preliminary hearing, comprehensive exam, and dissertation standing in my way of achieving my PhD....only!

December...

It's really hard to believe it's already December! We're still trying to unpack all of Chris's stuff from where he moved in almost 3 months ago! 3 months? I can't believe we've been married that long! I'm not sure I'll actually be able to have Christmas stuff up until I make some room for all of it! Hope I can though!

I will say this is my favorite time of year (as it is most people's). I love the coziness of winter...fires, hot chocolate, scarves, gloves, blankets, gift buying, Christmas lights on in the evening, Christmas music and most of all getting ready to celebrate the birth of my Savior with family and friends. It's going to be our first Christmas together as a married couple and I'm super excited that we're having a candle light service at church! There's something so special about standing in a dark church, holding a candle, and singing Silent Night. This song always makes me cry because it makes my dad cry...it was Grandma Lashley's favorite Christmas song. But despite the tears, it's my favorite. It reminds me of the peace that God provides for us in the midst of the craziness...and Christmas can be one of the craziest times...

Well, my puppy is snoozing beside me on the couch, my husband is on his way home from work, and I still have a couple of things to finalize for tomorrow's lessons...so off we go to study the Lord's word  and then watch some Christmas movies tonight :-)

I do wish I could go to the Opryland hotel and see the decorations...I'm missing Nashville and my friends from there (those who are there and those that have moved away)....

Opryland Hotel Christmas 2005

 

Five Question Friday

So it's been awhile...it always seems that the end of the school quarter gets the best of me and fun things just go out the window! Luckily I only have 2 more things to complete before preparing for next quarter :-)

So it's time for Five Question Friday!!

1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?
Right now there are none, since school has been so crazy! But my favorite Christmas decorations are the stockings that get hung. I think these are so special because they're all different and made with love. I'd also have to say, I love Christmas trees! Ornaments of all kinds, lights that let off a peaceful glow...just amazing :-)

2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?
I usually finish my Christmas shopping early so I can stay on my budget! Then I help my dad do the last minute stuff. I only one more person to get something for and we'll be done :-)

3. When do you turn on your heat?
When it starts getting too cold to sleep comfortably I turn it on low...like 60ish. But it has to be getting cold for a week straight, not just a day or so.

4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?
Yes and no. I think because it's not I monitor what I write better. But if it was private, then what would be the point of having one?

5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?
After...if I put it on before, I usually end up with it on the outside of my shirt.

And that's all folks! I'm off of here to finish some more school work...and hopefully talk my husband into getting the Christmas decorations out of the attic!

Thanksgiving update and Five Question Friday!

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

"Walking on Sunshine" or Christmas music or almost anything country...especially songs by Reba :-)

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?

Well, right now I have a small artificial tree that fits well in our small condo...I love the smell and look of real trees (as does my husband)...so hopefully one day when we have a larger house... but with cats, my puppy, and the space, we'll stick with the artificial one for now! 

3. What are you thankful for?

The first three things that come to mind are: Everything, my husband,  and my puppy. 

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?

I would have to say that I am not the most fashionable person...as I wear what I feel comfortable in, not what is "in." So this question does not really pertain to me...

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?

I am the kind of person who drives to the gas station as soon as the gas light comes on. With that said, if I have to be somewhere and the low fuel light is about to come on (around less than 1/4 of a tank), I go to the gas station.  SO both. I am very anxious about running out of gas...especially in the winter or dark!

THANKSGIVING UPDATE

So I realize that I have not been faithful in writing this blog...life just sometimes catches up with me and I have to prioritize... But today I will update that I am thankful for an amazing man in my life...my dad.

Today is my dad's birthday, so it only seems right to blog about being thankful for him! My dad is one of the most Godliest, funniest (don't tell him!), and loving person I know. No matter what, my dad has always been there for me. I have always been more like my mom and spent more time with her growing up, but as I've grown older, I covet every moment I get to spend with my dad-especially our lunch dates where it's just him and me. 

So today, I am thankful for my Daddy. He's the best Daddy in the world! 

Five Question Friday!!! and Day 11 of Thanksgiving

So today is 11/11/11...it's also Veteran's Day. And therefore, it is a MUST that I say I am thankful for all the men and women who have served, are currently serving, and will serve to protect our country. Being part of a major war, or not, I am thankful for your selfless act of serving our country and protecting our freedoms. I will never be able to comprehend this act, but I am thankful for it. I would also like to name a few of the veterans in my family: my Uncle Skeeter, Grandpa Lashley, and Poppy are a few that I'll name here. I also have some friends that I know who are currently serving: Sarah Bailey's husband Mike and my cousin Olivia's husband to name a couple...

Additionally, I have to say that I am thankful for my husband. Not only have we officially been married for two whole months, but one year ago today was our first date. Some felt we rushed into marriage, but after his car accident in December, I knew I loved him and never wanted to lose him...let alone wait to get married :-) So today I am thankful for this handsome man:

Photo Courtesy of AdrienneFeldmann Photography

And NOW...it's time for FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?

       I would have to say our Honda Civic Ex. I love it, but it definitely was costly (as any car is). It is definitely saving us money in the long run, however....at least compared to the JEEP Wrangler that was a gas guzzler! 

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?

     Honestly, anyone who makes me dinner is great! Being on a gluten free diet, I would go with someone who excels in that area...anyone know anyone?

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?

    With the amount of stuff we have in our condo right now, you'd see the real deal! There's no place to hide things! Anything that I really don't want people to see is stuffed in the bedroom, however. We keep that door closed since I can't sleep with my cats anymore....

4. Who is your oldest living family member?

     I really don't know if you look at extended family...I would probably guess my Great Aunt Mildge and Great Uncle Carlos. I don't know for sure though that it's not my Great Uncle Lee....I'd have to call Gring and ask...or since I hear she reads these, she can comment and let you know :-)

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper)?

     From DQ I like the soft serve in a cup with chocolate syrup...and from Sonic I LOVE Green Apple or Cherry Slushies. They definitely give me brain freeze, but it's so worth it!! 

And that's all folks! I'm off to get some dinner and some stuff done while my husband is at work. Hoping to celebrate with a movie when he comes home :-)

November 8, 2011-Day 8 of Thanksgiving and Election Day

Today I am thankful for the wonderful country we live in and the freedoms that are so often taken for granted...

I will admit that I was sightly annoyed, as I usually am, as today approached. I don't care to have your opinion shoved in my face on a regular basis. I did my research and chose how to vote. I'm not going to publicize how I vote. I WILL, however, encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote...As I did.

I had sort of a flash back to high school when I walked into the arena to vote. Some of it looked different, but oddly most seemed to be frozen in time. Even the smells seemed familiar... I envisioned all the stairs we did during softball conditioning,...and it just felt like home. I guess part of who I am today came from the time I spent in that building...I'm glad to have been able to revisit it AND exercise my right to vote.

Voting is something that people seem to just write off as something that they should do, but they just never get around to it...why is that? We live in a FREE country for a reason...don't take it for granted. Be thankful and go vote :-)

Seventh Day of Thankgiving

Today I am thankful for a warm home and a comfortable couch/bed. Both have come in very handy as I've been out of commission today with a little bug. I'm also thankful for good shows that never get old...like Reba and Golden Girls...and of course Law and Order :-) Hoping tomorrow is a healthier day!

November 6, 2011

Twizzler in South Carolina

Today I am thankful for a couple of  things....3 to be exact. 


1. My Twizzler kitty. No matter what, he has ALWAYS  been there for me when I need him. He is now 11 (as is his brother who I am also thankful for) and loves Blossom. I find them curled up together a lot of the time. 


2. I am thankful for my Poppy. Today would have been his birthday....it just makes me remember him.  And I needed that today since my grandmother is boycotting Thanksgiving.... I'm sure he had a wonderful birthday celebration in Heaven....


3. I am thankful for my small group/life group. They're AmAzInG is about all I need to say about them :-)

Fifth Day of Thanksgiving

Today I have lots to be thankful for...but here are 5 since today is day 5 of Thanksgiving :-)

1. Wedding Photo DVDs came in the mail-and I absolutely LOVE them! I already ordered a set of hard copies from Meijer so I'll be able to see which ones we want to order for all our fun picture frames we got as wedding presents! My husband is currently picking them up :-)

2. Blossom Anne. No matter what, she is faithfully by my side, following me around, giving me kisses, tossing a ball up and chasing it, or bringing sheepy up to play...she is by far the greatest puppy in the world and one of the best decisions I have ever made.

3. My husband...who simply loves me unconditionally.

4. Mrs. Sarah Bailey being one of the greatest people I have ever met and FINALLY getting to catch up with a phone date :-)

5. And lastly, an extra hour of sleep tonight :-)

That's all folks :-)

Day 4 of Thanksgiving

It's Friday!!! And today I would have to say I'm thankful for Fridays marking the end of a busy week and the start of a busy weekend....it seems like this week has just been me tackling one thing after another! It's crazy! And this weekend will be filled with homework and church!

I'd also have to say I'm thankful for this fun little blog thing I found...

Five Question Friday

...courtesy of fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com.

So I'm going to join in this fun little blog hop and see how I like it...

Thanksgiving Day 3

Today I am thankful for gluten free macaroni and cheese...and a loving husband who makes it for me when I'm not feeling well!

The Month of Thanksgiving: Day 2

Today I am thankful for some down time on Wednesday nights...where I can watch Criminal Minds, crochet a blanket, and enjoy Blossy laying next to me. It's these little things in life that make the week go by so much smoother!
I'd also have to say I'm thankful for our new car that we've had for almost a week...and the ability to make a color coded excel budget :-) I guess this post is showing my true inner nerd :-)

End of October, Beginning of November

So Monday was Halloween...and thus not a typical Monday. But Halloween was not the only thing that made my Monday more unique than others. Monday was a day of good news...peace and rest of things that I've been praying over came to the forefront yesterday. I felt God's love in such abundance yesterday...it was AMAZING!!!  Additionally having lunch with my Dad made my Monday all that much more enjoyable!

 But then today was Tuesday...the beginning of the month where I try to focus on all that I am thankful for...as it is the month of Thanksgiving! It was difficult at times, for today was a little trying...but then a dove chocolate (with peanut butter in the center) summed up what I have to be thankful for today: Today is a bubble bath kind of day! Oh how I LOVE bubble baths!  And the timing of that dove chocolate moment was PERFECT!!!The only thing I love more than a bubble bath after a hard day is cuddling with my Blossom Anne. My husband sometimes gets annoyed and says I love her more than him, but it's a different kind of love. Blossom is the best dog that I could ever imagine having.

So in summary, today I am thankful for both bubble baths AND my Blossom Anne. And with that, it's time to relax before bed and find something to be thankful for tomorrow as well :-)

Marbles, Powdered Sugar Donuts, Pecan Pick Ups, Wood Work, and Twin Girls

What do marbles, powdered sugar donuts, pecan pickups, wood work, twin girls all have in common you ask?

Well...the answer would be the date October 21.

The first four things all have to do with my Poppy.

 Poppy collected marbles...he ate powdered sugar donuts almost every morning we were visiting him...he LOVED my mom's pecan pickups (she'd make an extra batch just for him!)...and he loved working in his workshop. Fortunately I have a cedar chest he made, a "books shelf," and a refinished rocking chair. But even more importantly, I have some very fond memories of him.

And today has really made me remember most of these fond memories of him. Four years ago today, Poppy left this world to be in a better place. I miss him terribly every day, but even more so on today's date and on his birthday. Today, a poem that was written and read at his funeral by Allen Hamilton really rang true today.

You Are STILL Here 

I received a call the other night, 

to inform me you were no longer here, 

but as my mind swept through all my thoughts of you, 

I still find that you are still very near.

You are here at the chair I sit on

and at the desk where my paperwork lies.

So as long as the world keeps turning,

your spirit here, will never die.

It will be there in every marsh I pass,

Where the muskrat huts grow high

and on every beaver lodge I see,

and in every Rainbow Filled Sky

Even the floors I walk on that once was scarred,

with years of wear,

Now renewed with your hours of toil,

I will see your reflection there.

When winter comes,

with those cold rainy days,

and there is gloom in the air,

I'll hear your laughter in the wind,

that will chase away my despair.

You will be there on your grand kids school yard,

and in all their pleasant dreams.

You will be there on their graduation day

and be in on their ornery schemes.

You will be there in your children's decisions,

so when life's problems they have to face, 

with all the values you have instilled in them,

They will handle them in grace.

Now Ginny!! Gary has given you 47 years of great memories

and Holy Scripture I wouldn't want to misconstrue,

Jesus said "He went to prepare a mansion" for us, but I'm thinking Gary is there,

tinkering, trying hard to make yours,

even more beautiful for YOU.

Even as I write that poem out today, I have tears streaming down my face. But I will go to bed peacefully tonight because I have two beautiful Twin Baby Girls in my life! Today my sister-in-law gave birth to two, small, but strong girls. They only weigh about 4 1/2 lbs each and one is in NICU, but only as a precaution....it's such a blessing that I have a happier memory to occupy me on this date...it doesn't mean I miss him any less, but it does make it a little easier to handle.

I truly believe that Poppy was looking over me today smiling at all that his grandchild was getting into! While we were at the hospital, at least 6 pairs of twins were born! Maybe one of them will be named Gary :-)  

Hopefully we can hold Elizabeth Ann and Michaiah Kay tomorrow and I can get some good pictures! Little babies are ADORABLE!!! Better get some rest before Braydon and Lilly wake up! Did I mention it's fun being an aunt???
 

Cloudy Tuesday Morning

I love being able to sleep in until my body wakes me up...and today was one of those days! And instead of starting right into homework, I decided I'd play around with my blog colors! So please let me know what you think about this fun background/color scheme! I would love feedback!

Anyways...today is one of those cloudy days....the ones where you just want to curl up with a good book and cuddle under blankets. It's not raining, but it's cloudy. Instead, it's off to homework for me :-)

Rain and Peace

So as a Christian, typically rain in our lives correspond with some sort of trial, chaos, stress, etc. Or at least it does in my head....and the same is true in real life. However, as I'm sitting here tonight (delaying the inevitable task of homework) I look around and realize how peaceful rain can be. My husband is sleeping in the bedroom, my cats are sound asleep in their favorite spots, and Blossom is sitting on the chair monitoring any movement out the window....and all I can think is how peaceful the storm sounds outside are. How peaceful my life is currently....It looks a little intense (both the storm clouds and my current life, but it is somehow peaceful...Reminds me of the promise that comes after the storm....like this picture from Hawaii....

Maybe this is just a family thing-I know my Aunt Judy loves to sit outside when it storms so she can watch the lightning....but I just am overwhelmed by this sense of peace tonight...It's nice. And I felt the urge to share!