Happy Halloween!

Rolling in just now, I'm such a rebel, ha. I hate my new Friday work schedule. 9-10, 12-1, 2-3, simple right, boooo. The first split, not so bad, I spent it passed out. I remember watching TV then the next thing I knew it was 11:45. Felt good. The other split is annoying it's like by the time I walk back to my room its time to turn around and walk back. Even when I drive it it's still ridiculous. Wouldn't want to make it a solid 3 hour block no way. Hung around Shirk for a bit before practice no use heading back to the dorm. Practice wasn't too bad today. I actually remembered some of the plays and rotation so I didn't look so dumb. Couldn't make a layup to save my life though, it's just not gonna get any easier. Right after practice we loaded up our cars and headed out to the country club. All the IWU athletic teams went trick or treating for canned goods for the Clare House. It was good team bonding and a beautiful night. The country club, oh.my.gosh. Those people are rolling in it...loaded. Trick or treating on golf carts driven by parents drinking Buds. The houses were decorated to a T. Full size candy bars and money were handed out. We hit up 3 houses and got 80 dollars in donations. These people had fat stacks or money and were pulling out 20's like they were dollar bills. I felt poorer with every house we went to, at least the people were hospitable. Showered chilled for a bit then ate a delicious Veggie sub from Jimmy Johns Mom and Beth brought me for dinner. It hit the spot. I was all ready to lounge out for the rest of the night, teeth brushed and everything when Kelsey Coker called me. They were having a costume party at the Campus House and I was opting out. Well apparently all it took was a phone call to get me there. I didn't have a costume I went as "tired basketball player about tot go to bed" and wore my packers pjs. It was actually a lot of fun, clean fun, I like it. I am glad I went, got to hang out with my friends, dance around, and be dorks. Now I gots to get to bed, practice in the am.

Carrie Out

Go Indy Go!

I just got in from Bible study and am lounging in my Packer's pj pants. I only state this because they are so incredibly softy comfortable and they're Packer's, everyone wins. Got up and made it to Chemistry, right on time. I am getting good on my timing, don't want to spend any more time in that dang class than I have to. Dorkdom of the day: So there is this bridge made of cement blocks that leads into the Chemistry building. I have this ultimate goal in life to walk across it and not make any brick rock. I pretend it is like the table in Indiana Jones where he has to step on the right letters so the table won't tilt him off. It's pretty intense and in half a semester I have not yet achieved it, but don't you worry I'm not giving up. Back at the room I completed some homework ever so slowly then just relaxed. My body was a bit sore today 6 days of practice catch up with you I guess. Didn't go to lunch, wasn't hungry, wasn't feeling the walk. We did an interesting exercise in Creative Writing today. We had to bring in 2 pictures of the same person at different times then write about what they make you remember. It was interesting because what most of us remembered the most was not the moment the picture was taken but what led up to it and what came after, it was also neat to see what happened in between the 2. Philosophy was same old same old, counting down the minutes. Cleaned up my room and organized some stuff it was getting crazy in here. Lys and Ryker came and got me and we went to Carlos O'Kelley's with the Sondgeroth family as a late birthday celebration. It was good food and after a down week it was great to see them and just be. It was much needed. We hit up Walmart afterwards I bought myself an Ipod charger and have been messing with it all night. I inherited Kaho's old Ipod I have no idea how they work but I am learning, so exciting stepping up in the technological world. Bible study was enjoyable, everyone was a little stressed this week it felt relieving to unload.

Carrie Out

Working

I am at work right now, rough job I know. Obviously it is pretty simple just eats up my time. Lately I have been really worried about not waking up on time for some reason. I don't know why but once I wake up its all but impossible for me to get back to sleep even if its 4 am, apparently I don't want to miss something, who knows what it is. Off to BJHS we did a little distributive property today, it was good stuff. I miss that kind of math I was pretty much a rock star at it. Worked for an hour then hit up lunch, beef brisket, tasty. Education class was all about discussing a book I haven't read. I actually haven't read any of the books assigned for that class I just piggyback off of what other people are saying and skim to write papers. Hey works for me. Lab was something about enzmyes and potatoes and was easy to do, we got out an hour early. Relaxed before coming to the gym for pictures and practice. Practice was real intense today. I just feel like I can't get a grasp on things and am constantly playing catch-up its frustrating. I have too much on my mind I think it's getting in the way. We went to dinner at the Dugout tonight, good food. I had some crispy chicken wrap thing. By the way my left sinus (I think that's what it is) has been killing me all week. It hurts randomly throughout the day and when I breathe, real annoying. Talked to Coach Wilson and Casie and Nikkie on the phone for a long time tonight, I miss them, booo real school.

Carrie Out

Carrie Out

Tired

Today has been kinda meh, I think I just have a lot on my mind I am trying to sort out. Woke up this morning not wanting to get out of bed, definitely not wanting to go to chemistry. I set myself on cruise control and made it through class, not learning much. I got my quiz back and only missed 2, I thought I failed it, welcome relief. I was uber tired so I passed out for an hour before heading to work. My new work schedule causes me to miss lunch on Tuesdays, luckily I had some Easy Mac. While at work I played on facebook and emailed people, have I mentioned I love the new laptop? Off to creative writing where we discussed "A Million Tiny Pieces," and the morality of twisting things in memoirs, interesting. I personally don't care what Oprah thinks. Philosophy was boring per usual. I stayed awake and even answered some questions. Off to practice, the first half was game film. Coach made my birthday cupcakes today, they were tasty. I had to fight back laughing during film because Coach "coaches" us like it is an actual game going on right now yelling at the TV like that can make somebody do something right. Physical practice lasted an hour, it wasn't bad but tiring. Went to Justin's for dinner. Lemon-herb chicken, delicious. We watched "The Great Pumpkin," I love Charlie Brown, made me real excited for Christmas movies. Went to the campus house for our last minimester in this series. It wasn't as good as the rest, or maybe I just wasn't in the mood.

Carrie Out

Multi-tasking Mahem

So someone has been creeping on me and discovered my blog. Sometimes I forget this thing is public and other people can read it. I just use it to empty out my mind of the days activities and keep the famo updated. Slept real good last night, I throughly enjoyed it. Woke up to go tutor I only had one girl which was nice, but we found out her grades are dropping. This teaching things throws all kinds of challenges at you....duh right? Shadowed reading class which is real boring. The kids never do anything in there but grade their own papers of which they also do during class time. I feel as if the teacher never teaches. I keep finding myself with more time in between work and class on Mondays. Am I forgetting to go somewhere? Who knows. Lunch was had with the basketball team, I was entertaining them with some kind of crazy story or another. Off to education where I proceeded to read my philosophy homework instead of listen. Hey I got the jist and was actively participating in discussion. Yeah multitasking. Out of class I had big plans of undistracted homework and a rest. Except facebook is just too tempting. I got caught up in an hour of conversation with Ashley, of which I could not do at the same time of my homework. Okay so maybe I'm not good at multitasking. Still I ended up getting my philosophy done and a quick rest in before the bus left. We went too ICC for a scrimmage today. I was actually suprised that our team didn't look to sharp. I touched the floor so that was nice, haha. Still I realized that my teammates make mistakes too. Kacy came for a bit, thanks Kac! Dinner was had at a teammates house. Taco bar and chocolate fountain. It was good stuff I love home cooked food and we had fun hanging out. Talked to Coach Wilson and Chelsea on the bus ride home, then came back here. I have been on the puter for too long, now I need bed.

Carrie Out

Sunday...I think

Another busy day. I got to sleep in today because practice was at 12. The timing doesn't allow for me to go to church at 10:30, so instead I rested, not going to church throws my week off. Practice was pregame stuff. We scrimmage at ICC tomorrow. I am thinking I will probably not touch the floor too much. Coach had to leave early for a meeting so the last half hour of practice was fun time. We had a whole team/coaches knock out game and just messed around. Had enough time for a shower before heading to work. I accomplished another assignment while at work, it's pretty cool. One more to do before Tuesday. I met a guy when I was working today who went to Lincoln College. We were talking it up, it's funny he gradutated in 76 but seemed to have a lot of the same feelings about the place. I was sad today though after seeing all my friends and being on campus it was almost like I was ready to get up and hit up the caf for lunch with them today...only I couldn't. After work I booked it home to get my car checked out by Grandpa. It has been rumbling grumbling real loud and we needed to know what was wrong. He chalked it up to the muffler and said not to worry about it. I went to youth since I was home and helped set up for the Harvest Festival and talked to my kids, I had missed them. Still there is some stuff going on that makes me worry, it seems like everytime I go home I bring something heavy back with me. Talked to Ashley and Chelsea for awhile tonight and negelected Brothers & Sisters for the third week in a row. Now I need to go read.

Carrie Out

LC Visit!

I am exhausted but it was well worth it. Started the day off with practice, I am struggling there. I enjoy playing but am getting frustrated that I am not catching on to some things. Everyone is very willing to help, it's just a rough position to be in. After practice I raced away to Lincoln. As a joke I had made a plan to tell them all that I had late practice and wasn't going to make it, Ashley was the only one who knew the truth. I texted Chelsea and told her that and she apparently announced it to everyone there. Funny thing was right after she said that I walked in. Hey had to make a grand entrance. It was soooo great to see everyone. Coach being Coach was running away trying not to hug my. Coach T was in usual form pestering but also excited to see us. I was out of control. Ali and Ryan were very excited to see us. I couldn't play in the alumni scrimmage because I am in season so I got to be the ref, except I spent most of the first half talking to the crowd. People I missed just kept coming in and I was too excited to focus. Stoltz and Jerred came in ran up and hugged me on the floor and then heckled me from the stands. I got to see my student service ladies and softball teammates too, it was a big deal. I really wanted to play, I did get a shot off though from the ref position, 3 points for the alumni, it was funny. Me, Chels, Ash, Nik, Cas, the Thomas', and Wilson's all hung around and talked in the gym for quite a bit afterwards. I miss my favorite people and the LC. When they all left I went over to the student center with Ash to talk to Stoltz and Jer. They were cracking me up, Jer and I were going back and forth, providing the entertainment, just like old times. We had to go hang with Mary for a bit as well. The gang then met back up and we went out for dinner. After dinner Levi called so we all meandered over for a visit, he makes me smile. I went to see Gabby, then we went on rounds to say goodbye. Chilled and talked to Jer for awhile more, we hadn't really been in touch but it was great to catch back up and see him. Ended up at the Thomas household for the rest of the evening, talking, watching football, and playing with Ryan. I love them. This may sound weird, but it felt good to be missed, means I left my mark somewhere. Days like this are always kinda bitter sweet it's great to see people but it makes me more sad when I leave and causes me to miss them more. I guess that's a price you have to pay.

Carrie Out

Relaxing day

I didn't write last night because I didn't get in until 11:30...and I had to be up at 5 for basketball. My chem test wasn't as bad as I thought it would be I hope my grade reflects that. I got birthday cards from the Sondgeroths yesterday. Taylor's card made my day, why are little kids so darn cute. Creative writing was workshopping and I didn't have philosophy class, which was awesome. Yesterday was off day for basketball too so that was a nice break for my body. We went to listen to Tim O'Brien speak at ISU for writing class. It was interesting, I love O'Briens work and was legitimately excited to hear him. It was good. Bible Study came next, I love Thursday nights. Kelsey C. bought me cupcakes for my birthday with glow in the dark spider rings right up my alley. We didn't have any candles so we lit a match, it was a nice touch, ha. We had a lot of fun.

Practice came far to early today, I don't like seeing 5 am. It wasn't bad I was just struggling to focus. Work followed right after. It was a tiring morning and by the time I got back to my room at 10:30 some sleep was in order. Passed out for a good while got up in time for lunch, sweet and sour pork, good stuff. Ran errands throughout the afternoon. I am trying to registar for next semesters classes which can be tricky. Chilled out for the afternoon. Ashley called and we talked for awhile, I miss my LC crew. I then went back to work at 5. We have a new scan in system for the Shirk Center. It is run off a lap top, which meant I could actually do some homework. I wrote a complete story and got payed for it. It would be nice to have that computer all the time. I was going to go to the football game tonight but opted out. Cold and rainy? I wasn't feeling it. Instead I stayed in and relaxed I have had a crazy week felt good to unwind. I talked to Jerred for awhile, that hadn't happend in a long time, it was nice to catch up. I am SO excited for tomorrow it isn't even funny. I have been counting down the days. I get to go to LC and see all my friends, Coach T, Coach W, and some of my teachers. It is alumni weekend for basketball, this is my first time back since graduation, I cannot wait. I have practice from 10-12 then it's a whole afternoon full of people I love!

Carrie Out

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today was and is for 40 more minutes my 21st birthday. Honestly it was not exciting or really unordinary at all. I guess that is just what becomes of birthdays when you get older. My basketball team was all about wishing me happy birthday all day though that was funny. Oh and the 12 am and early morning texts and phone calls were pleasant. Facebook has become the spreader of all birthday wishes though. My first present of the day was getting up at 6:30 for post conditioning testing. We ran around, jumped a little, and pretty much wasted our time and sleep. Slept for a bit before chem class. That was my second present of the day, I hate chem class. Slept a little bit more, almost missed lunch but made it. Off to creative writing where we read stories and talked it up. Third present of the day was philosophy class, with a bonus reading quiz, and ten extra minutes of class added just for my joy. Well not really but still. Next came practice. I actually enjoy practice, well minus the fact that I am confused a lot of the time as to how to run certain drills and plays. Fourth present came in the form of end of practice conditioning although it was not that bad. Had a quick shower then off to dinner with Mom and Brent. We went to Applebee's I had a steak it was yummy. I also had my first legal drink, a strawberry daiquiri. It was good, but I have discovered my body just really doesn't enjoy alcohol too much. Went to minimester Bible Study, cause that is what most people do on their 21st, haha. It was interesting and I like talking to Pete and the other college kids there, they are funny people, make me smile. Thanks for the cards, greetings, and all other birthday pleasantries they were appreciated. Tomorrow is an uber busy crazy day so sleep is now.

Carrie Out

Today's 10

I'm still up and I need not be so here's my attempt at quick.

1. BJHS started the day, we did a tricky word puzzle game about the periodic table.
2. Education class was all discussing registration so it wasn't bad. And I got a B on my midterm.
3. I went to the business office to pick up a paper and ended up in there filling out forms and signing papers for things of which I don't understand, probably not a good choice.
4. Worked on my lab with Holly then napped till practice.
5. Practiced, still working on getting things down, but so far enjoying myself and working hard.
6. Went to Justin's for dinner. We had boneless fried chicken, salad from the farmers market, fresh green beans, and mashed potatoes and gravy, it was tasty.
7. My car did NOT get towed this time...I parked on the street:)
8. Went to Encounter, the sermon was on being childlike, I liked it a lot.
9. Reminisced about the elementary school PE days with the parachute, it was pretty intense.
10. Hung around the campus house talking and being happy when I should have been sleeping.

Now I'm out, 7am post conditioning testing, what a birthday present.

Carrie Out

Busy Weekend

This is gonna be long, just a warning...

Friday: Got up and headed to work, spent the morning reading some Ed. stuff. Met Amber at the Olive Garden for lunch. As I hadn't seen her since August this was some much needed catch up time, and the food was good. Spent the afternoon working on homework, I know I'll have a busy week next week. Just trying to get ahead and reduce the stress. It was Coach Thomas birthday so I called him. We talked for awhile it was great to hear from him. It also reminded me why I don't call so often...makes me miss him way too much. Coach Wilson called me too, they were both catching up and wondering about basketball. I told them I was nervous, they both told me the same thing, "you'll be fine." It was nice to hear. Worked for 2 more hours then headed home for football. The first quarter was really good, even most of the first half. Then it was downhill. Still Brent played well threw for 2 TDs. Kelsey came to the game so I hung out with her and also spent some time talking with the Sondgeroths. Came back and went to bed nervous about starting practice in the morning.

Saturday: Chelsea called me at 2 am. I was so confused and thought it was my alarm and I was late for practice. Took me a few but I settled down and slept some more. Got up and headed to practice #1 of the day. We had a team prayer led by Coach before we started. I didn't know people did that, I was impressed. Practice wasn't bad. We don't run sprints, I love it. We run full ocurt drills and everyone actually works hard so there is no need. I did just fine just a little confused as I try to learn the drills, new offense and new defense. Still I am hopeful I will adjust. After practice I went to Dicks to look for basketball shoes, I didn't see any I liked. Went through Shoe Carnival as well I need new tennis shoes, mine are torn up. Once again failed. Came back and was exhausted so I napped before the next practice. Practice #2 was used for learning our new offense. Coach really breaks things down which I think will help me learn it. Still it is a very intense atmosphere, every mistake is pointed out. Can only make you better though I guess. I really like our Coaching staff so far we have four assistants which are pretty cool. I found out I didn't have morning practice on Sunday it was at 7. Excitedly I got to go to Auburn to see the my Lincoln friends. I wasn't expecting to get this luxury so I was stoked. I met Ashley at LC and as I was waiting Bridgett pulled up. I talked to her for a good 45 minutes, it was awesome to see her, I miss my Thomas family. We went onto Auburn where I got to see Nik, Cas, Chels, Ash, Alex, and Craig. It was soo much fun and I missed me friends, I am glad I got to go. We came back through Lincoln and Chels and Ash attempted to TP Coach Wilson's house with 2 rolls. They got them both caught in the tree, nicely done. We had to write on Coach T's truck and leave him a letter as well, just for old times sake. Got back around 1 and went to bed.

Sunday: Called my friend Stacie from ISU and took her to Jacob's Well with me this morning. I am glad I did the Cocco's weren't there and I would have been lost on my own. The service was good it was about God's humor. I'm kinda upset I'll only get to go there one more time before practice times get too early for me to make it. Took Stacie home and had just enough time to get Sunday Brunch at the caf. It was delicious, carved ham, hashbrowns, bacon, biscuits, pancakes, sausage links, and fresh fruit, mmm mmm. Relaxed for a bit watching some football then headed to work. I did my Chemistry, read the Sunday paper, and watched the Packers own...and got payed for it. Attempted to grab a quick dinner before 7 practice, except Sunday dinner sucks. I opted for left over Olive Garden and some Baked Lays. Off to practice. We did a lot of full court drills tonight and our legs were a bit sore so it was a little rougher today. We also learned a new press, did shooting drills, and offensive rotations. Came back and finished my Ed paper. I am already relived that I have gotten so much for the week done. I also got laundry done and put away like 4 loads since I hadn't put clean clothes away in 2 weeks. That was a stress relieving accomplishment as well. Cleaned up the rest of the room, showered, and chilled out. Now it is time for bed.

Carrie Out

Run Carrie Run

I woke up this morning not wanting to go to chemistry, although I never do. Something about that class just doesn't entertain me and makes it drone on forever. I sit there everyday promising myself that if I sit through the whole thing I can come back and sleep. It's not that I'm tired that class just bores me to sleep. I got through then had a midterm confrence with my creative writing professor. She interests me, I like to talk to her. She's from the city and everything small town and countryesque astounds her. After our confrence I went to the library and did some homework. Watched a little tv in the room then headed to lunch. The nacho bar was a bit disapointing today. Creative writing class was discussing the story "Communist" by Richard Ford, I didn't like it, I don't know just wasn't the best thing I've ever read. Off to Philosophy where I am also bored to tears. I spent most of the class texting people instead of listening. Really I can't believe they let me in this school of brains. After class I didn't have practice but was told we should do something active. It was a beautiful day out so I went for a run, a 4 mile one at that, across town. It felt good and energized me up. Showered then went to dinner at BWW with Kelsey, it was delicious and nice to catch up. Ran through the mall on my way back, I need new shoes, but found nothing in my range. Talked to Chelsea and Ashley for a long time via facebook then headed to small group. It was midterm fun week so we went to one of the girls appartments had cake, talked, and made encouragement cards for other students it was fun. I'm feeling a bit tired now so I need to go see my pillow.

Carrie Out

Called Out

I should be sleeping...instead I shall blog. I got to sleep in today well kinda, but it was still appreciated. Went to BJHS, my girls didn't have any homework. I entertained them with my wit and sarcasm, or at least I threw a lot of that out there. Came back to work. My boss came and asked me where I was Sunday. I was supposed to work for an hour but didn't. He wasn't mad didn't seem to really care, but really man? Everyone else either misses or comes in extremely late and he never even knows, tough break. Grabbed a quick lunch of some chicken fingers then hit up Education class. We are discussing a book by John Kozol called "Letters to a Young Teacher." Its actually kind of interesting, I've even managed to read most of it. Lab followed quickly. We do some crazy stuff in there but its usually fun. No I have no idea what the procedures mean or why we do them but I oh and ahh at all the changes like everyone else. After class I ran to Walmart and Aldi's to pick stuff up. That is the first time I have really bought food/products all year, it was exciting. Spent the evening doing homework and chilling out. Mom and Brent called so I went to eat at Cracker Barrel with them. Brent has developed an addiction to chicken and dumplings, I tried the blueberry pancakes, very tasty. Came back and slept before I had to go to work, I got real tired real quick. Work was boring, the girl I work with irratates me, but I did get to watch HOI sports for Bren's interview so I guess it worked out. Now onto bed.

Carrie Out

I found my book! (although you didn't know it was missing)

After last nights events I was destined to have a better day today. Woke up and walked to Chem where I proceeded to engulf knowledge I will never again need once I am out of that class. I got my last test back I got a C+ and scored 10 points higher than last time. Progress is progress I guess. I was a bit exhausted this morning for some reason so I slept for a bit this afternoon. Then I spent the rest of my free time brushing up on Philosophy for my midterm. Lunch was breakfast, it was sooo good, I don't know why it just hit the spot. Creative writing was workshopping of our stories and we went over Tim O'Briens "The Things They Carried". I love Tim O'Brien crazy enough he is coming to campus on the 23, I am hoping to attend. Another crazy thing I found my textbook for that class today, it has been MIA for 2 weeks now, great relief. Philosophy test wasn't too bad just hard to keep conflicting arguments, premises, and authors straight. Hopefully my hand cramping wasn't in vain and I did well. Off to basketball we learned an offense today in prep for practice starting this weekend. After dinner with the team it was homeworking time. I didn't accomplish too much but that's okay, I'm on schedule. Went to a "mini-mester" on how to study the Bible at the campus house tonight. About 25 kids showed up, I found it very interesting and enjoyed it. Hung out and talked to the others and Pete for a bit afterwards then found my way back home. I am so excited to not get up for conditioning tomorrow!

p.s. Brent made athlete of the week, watch him tomorrow night on WHOI @ 6 & 10

Carrie Out

Joe's Tows

So I didn't have class until 12:30 today, this led me to stay up until 2 in the morning and get up at 11:30. This was setting the stage for what I thought would be a pretty laid back day. Got up went to lunch, I wasn't hungry I settled for corn pops. Headed to class it was extremely boring, we were counting down the minutes. After class I spent my free time writing my encouragement cards for Bible study and looking over philosophy. Went to Philosophy review for my midterm for about and hour. It was actually helpful, still it's a lot of info to retain and be able to spit back out. Headed to basketball afterwards. It was very hot in there today we were sweating buckets. Showered and then headed to Justin's for dinner. We had chili it was good, I could actually taste it this time. Watched "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," well kinda I read people magazine. I got ready to leave at about 8:40 so I could go to Encounter...only my car was gone. I had parked in the same spot I had parked many times before, but this time my car disappeared. Turns out it had been towed. Called the place and was on hold for like 5 minutes. Justin drove me across town to pick it up. Only when we got there I realized I didn't have my license and only had a check book to pay with. Then I was informed they don't take checks, pleasant. Luckily Justin had his debit card so he payed and I wrote him a check. The people there were not very kind at all. Got my car back and headed to church. That was probably a good place for me to go, it destresses me. Service was about missions this week it was pretty compeling. There were 2 more baptisms tonight then we all hung out at the campus house. I love it there, people are so nice and encouraging. Now I need sleep another midterm comes tomorrow.

Carrie Out

New Church

So I tried out a new church this morning it's called Jacob's Well. I was invited by the Cocco's. Apparently a lot of IWU students go there and they want to help me meet some kids here. Well we both forgot that it being fall break here all those kids were at home. Still I enjoyed the service, it was unlike any I had been to before. Only about 70 people go there it's a very intimate, laid back, and personal. I like that I hate going somewhere where you are just a face in the crowd. Maybe I will start to attend there regularly. The service had a lot of worship (which is my favorite part), a short but powerful sermon (add friendly) and just seemed to be a good place. After service I talked to Pete and the family for a bit then went over to Justin's for breakfast and football. Oh what joy a Bear's choke brings me. By the way the Pack and Jet's won today, just how I like it. We went out to the house for a little wiener roast. It was lovely I thoroughly enjoy all fire cooked food. Came back with Justin and Kaho and we spent forever in Walmart although I'm not 100% what we bought. Went back to the apartment and made homemade guacamole and apple crisp, both very tasty. We watched a movie and I did my homework. So proud of doing it ahead of schedule, maybe this will detract from the weekday stresses!

Carrie Out

Friturday

It was too late to write last night. Yesterday started with 4 hours of work, sooo boring. I threw a tennis ball against the wall and read a book "The Giver" it was good. It is technically fallbreak well Friday was at least. After work I ran by the campus house to drop some stuff off to Pete. Talked a little football then headed home. Spent the afternoon chilling with Mom, Kale, and the dog. Went to Rantoul to watch Brent's game. Kale made us listen to every radio station for about 30 seconds each and screeched the words to each song, torture. We actually won the game Brent threw 5 touchdowns. Came back home to bed. Got up this morning and did nothing...and reveled in it. Watch Illinois choke, played with the dog, did laundry. Brent and I came to town and met Justin and Kaho for dinner. We went to Kobe, it's one of those crazy Japanese places where they make the food right in front of you. It was really cool and tasty. Played some Playstation then Brent and I went to see "Express" with Alyssa. It was different than I expected and I really enjoyed it. Went back to Justin's apartment and hung out for a while. Now I am back here chilling out. I'm going to a new church in the morning then taking Kale back home. I really want to watch tv so...

Carrie Out

Caffeine=BaD

I could not relax at all last night, sleep did not occur very easily. I thought I could handle a glass of straight green tea at FusionBrew...no no caffeine is still the enemy. Got up this morning a little tired but not too bad, trudged off to Chem to take my test. I don't know how I feel about it. The test wasn't too bad but there was one concept atom to mol ratios that I just could not remember and it showed up like 5 times. This could spell distater but I'm holding out, they questions weren't worth that much. Came back to the room and decided I wanted to add color to my drawing except I didn't have colored pencils. Alas Walmart, I haven't hit up that place near as often as I did at Lincoln, it was refreshing:) I purchased some colored pencils and a frame and spent a the rest of my free time completing my work. It turned out really cool, but it shall never be seen I am giving it away tomorrow. Ate Easy Mac for lunch just wasn't feeling the caf. Headed to Creative writing to do some short story workshop. I'm not gonna lie my 3 classmates whose stories we read today were terrible, but I pretended to like them. Grabbed a parfait with my lunch money (since I didn't eat in the caf) it tasted delicious when I ate it but for some reason kinda made me sick later. Maybe it was bad yogurt. Philsophy was boring but we got out early so that was welcome relief. Putzed around all night really doing nothing until 7:45. We did (and are still doing) 24 hours of Prayer at the campus house. I had a half hour slot at 7:45, I like doing stuff like that really makes you focus and there are no distractions. Small group followed and was awesome as always, everyone was real wound up tonight for some reason. I am still a little jacked but I need a shower and some sleep for a full morning of work tomorrow!

Carrie Out

500

Woahhhh, Post 500! That's craziness. So I have had a lot of trouble sleeping this week, I've been a bit jacked on life. Got up this morning for my last bball conditioning. We had fun joking around while running, gotta make it interesting. Went to the Jr. high did me some math, great stuff, haha. Came back and worked for an hour, ok so I actually sat and talked to Kelsey on the phone, but hey I got paid. Met the bball team for lunch, it was this chicken, potato, corn bowely thing. Now I am generally not one for food touching but this was pretty tasty. I am expanding my cafeteria food horizons all over the place this week. Off to education class to turn in my midterm(gasp) and listen to a presentation. I asked a question and for once wasn't yelled at...it was a minor miracle. Chem lab followed, I actually enjoy that. The experiments are interesting and the lab teacher is really nice and helpful. She was even aiding me in studying for my Chem exam tomorrow. After lab I had big plans of nothing, it was so relieving to have some free time. I reveled in it by drawing, hadn't done that in a while, it relaxes the mind real nice like. I drew a picture of Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers QB) and I'm not gonna lie it is awesome. It's a gift but if I liked Big Ben at all I would def keep it. Picked up some dinner then chilled at Justins for awhile. Met Meredith at FusionBrew for a little hangout. She led me the wrong way down a one way street on the way to her appartment, little scary. I brought Kelsey Coker a drink for a midterm break so we stopped by and talked to her and her boyfriend for awhile. Then off to work which consisted of Chem studying. My cowoker angers me she showed up for 30 minutes skipped an hour and a half and still recorded 2 hours.

Carrie Out

Midterm Madness

I was tired when I got up this morining, probably because I was so wired last night for some reason. Went to get some chem help from Mr. Troll again. It was uber helpful. What was not appreciated was coming back to chem class only to have an entire chapters worth of learning crammed into a day of which I am supposed to be able to spew back out on a four chapter test Thursday. Not real excited about that one. I slept the afternoon away, being sick just hits me during the day, wipes me out. Got up for lunch before Creative writing. Class was funny today we drew cards with occupations and odd behaviors and had to tell stories about them. It was enjoyable. Philosophy was a drag we went over the same topic repeatedly. I texted, stared out the window, and drew all over. Off to basketball. We scrimmaged it was thrilling. Nah actually I like to play and my team is pretty cool. Went to dinner with the mates, I had this really tasty buffalo chicken sandwich. I wasn't expecting such taste, I am generally wary of cafeteria meats, but this was mmmmmmm. Came back to the room to hammer out a midterm composed of four essays. Talk about sheer joy. I hate formal work, it is soo mundane. I broke it up, did a little unfocused a lot, did a little more. No fear though it is complete. Who knows how it will turn out though my professor isn't really fond of me. Not sure why, ahh the mysteries of life. Now I must be off to bed tomorrow is my last conditioning day!

Carrie Out

Good Mood

Wow, I am so glad I joined Encounter at ISU, it just makes me so happy. I just got back. We had a great service tonight it was on remembering. A lady shared her testimony about her young husbands death, it was touching. Stuff like that is encouraging but it draws me back to Scott every time. I don't think I will ever get over missing him...not that I want to. We had another baptism tonight, that's three in 2 days pretty awesome. After service we all hung out at the campus house and talked. I had so much fun, I love having people to talk and laugh with, I'm actually starting to act more like myself. The day was good as well. Woke up to basketball conditioning, it just never gets any easier but we were cracking up the whole time. One of my teammates was saying that our trainer has the bottom half of a horse, she is ridiculously strong. I then took it upon myself to name her a centaur, I find myself clever. Napped a bit before heading to the Jr. High. We reviewed science terms today my girls knew their stuff I am expecting good results. Ate lunch with the team and enjoyed myself. Education class drug on, I got a midterm essay to write for tomorrow. I accomplished my homework pre-practice to ensure that I could go to church tonight, it was a relieving feeling. Practice was just learning practice drills, no sweat. Dinner was eaten with a few teammates and was tasty. Days filled with people make me fill with happiness:)

Carrie Out

Fall Retreat!

So I had a really good weekend. Fall retreat was awesome. On Friday night after work I was really debating going. I hate stepping out of my comfort zone. I was toying around with going late or not going at all. I decided I needed to suck it up and just go, I am so glad I did. I arrived right on time to get things started. I was nervous kinda hanging back Pete found me and pushed me right in. I like that he doesn't let me hide. The weekend was so much fun, the weather was beautiful, and for one of the first times since I've moved back to school I was genuinely happy. Friday night we played games, had service, worshipped, campfire service, and then hung out all night. Woke up Saturday for prayer time, breakfast, worship, service, and then a service project. We cleaned up Little Gallilee my job was to scrape spider webs and nests out of the boat house ceiling. The spiders were huge and nasty but we had fun. The afternoon was all free time and I actually made some friends which makes me happy. I played football with the guys and a few girls. They were amazed that I could play, I told them I was good. Then I went out on the paddle boats with my new friend Jodi we waded around and talked. I talked to Kelsey Coker and then Pete for a bit, then I played basketball with the Cocco kids, very cute. We then had a whole group Knock-outa-palooza, good times. Dinner, worship, service, campfire service, and more games followed. I learned to play this cool card mystery game called Mafia. It requires you to be able to lie, I wasn't so good. Then I played 4 on the couch, this I owned at my mind is a steel trap. I had a lot of fun meeting people and just hanging out. This morning we got up for breakfast, then we had baptisms in the freezing pond. Service, and communion followed. The day ended with camp cleanup. I ended up with some riders and all the Cocco's luggage on the way home. It was a great trip. After dropping off my companions and the luggage I went to work to be bored. Went home for my friends babies visitation, very very sad. I stopped through church before I came back, I miss my high schoolers. Now it is late and tommorow comes early.

Carrie Out

Rewind

I haven't written all week my evenings have been busy so I will catch myself up right now.

Tuesday started with my Chem quiz, I didn't think it was too bad which scares me. I always do bad when I think I do good. I turned out right though I only missed 3.5 points. After class I had a meeting with Pete at the Campus house and Jo the wife of the other minister. We talked for a good hour working through some stuff. We reached a conclusion that I am both anxious to get started with but also scared to start. We'll see if more details will follow. Still it was nice to get some things off my chest and just talk to them. I made it back for creative writing it was good we moved into short stories. Philosophy was cancelled for the day this did not upset me. Played some basketball, although not very well. I struggled for some reason, I was getting sick. After ball I went home and met Mom and Brent to go to Sam's for a Pampered Chef party. Except Brent and I stayed upstairs and hung out with Clay and Josh. Clay was entertaining as always and Josh even made us dinner. It was a good night.

Wednesday I woke up sick, spitting out blood. My throat was on fire which made 7 am conditioning a delight. I made it through though. A quick nap then off to the Junior high. My 16 year old was absent again, it's so much easier without her. Work was boring, I did some homework. I didn't have education class so I spent the afternoon resting. My body is just worn out it's not that I'm that tired. Went to Chem lab did a copper experiment it was actually very interesting and very colorful. Then I took a concussion test for basketball. That thing was hard, I'm pretty sure it's gonna come back that I am mentally retarded. Seriously rough stuff. I grabbed dinner to go because I wasn't very hungry and needed to get some homework done. At 8 I met Kelsey from my small group at FusionBrew a nice coffee shop down the street. I had some soothing hot peppermint tea, felt good on the throat. I had a really nice time sitting and talking to her, and later Meredith when she joined us before I went to work at 10. I was barely hanging on all through work, I was ready for bed but didn't get back until 12:30.

Thursday woke up early for some reason and stirred in and out of sleep. Chemistry was merely practice problems today. It's hard to practice when you don't get it. Slept for awhile then even though I wasn't hungry went to lunch. I had a bananna and 2 crackers with watered down grape juice. Sickness steals my appetite. I was feeling pretty disconnected all day. We went to the art museum for creative writing, that I enjoyed. Philosophy was same old same old, throw in a pop quiz. Went to basketball but didn't play, my body is worn and when I run the drainage makes me want to puke. I sat and talked to our new assistant Coach, turns out I know him. He coached at Central Catholic and last year at Parkland, small world. Went to Justin's for dinner and to hang out. We had chicken chili I couldn't taste it but I'm sure it was good. The warmth felt good on my throat at least. I felt soo much better after I ate, I actually had some energy and wasn't so dizzy. Came back and hammered out a philosophy paper very proud. Went to the campus house for worship and small groups. I love Thursday nights. I have been trying to pack it's not working. I am leaving tomorrow for the weekend, I'm going on Fall Retreat at Little Galilee with the ISU ministry it should be fun. I am driving my self because I work 7 hours tomorrow and don't get done till 7 so here's to hoping I don't get lost.

Special Prayer request: A friend of mine, Stephany, from highschool had a little girl named Aubree in July. She passed away today from what they think is SIDS. I was very good friends with Steph and her sister Autumn, so just keep them in your prayers.

Carrie Out