This is the Story of My Life......Leave a Mark

A Day of Firsts

2010-09-13T21:37:00.002-05:00

Today was my first teacher observation. As far as teaching goes it went well. My supervisor did not have any issues or suggestions for improving. Which I guess is good it means I taught well and was in control, but on the other hand it doesn't give me much to build on. Observation is always a stressful time though. It's completely awkward to have someone judging you while you teach and pretty much just staring you down. Here's the best part though. I had gotten aobut 95% through the lesson with little issue. The kids were understanding the concept well, they were getting the answers correctly, and they were listening the best that 2nd graders can. I was answering a question for the class when all of the sudden a little girl comes up and says "Ms. Williams, I puked." Not only did she puke she caught it in her hands and brought it up to the front of the room with her. I responded quickly yet very caught off guard telling her to "throw it away and go to the office." Luckily I did not witness the actual puking action or I may have had an issue as well. Also I was at a decent stopping point so I had the other kids leave the room for a bathroom break (avoiding the remnants in the process). This allowed for some clean up and disinfecting courtesy of the janitor. And soon normalcy resumed:) I'm sure this will be something I won't forget!

Carrie Out

Another list

2010-09-10T23:08:00.002-05:00

More lessons learned:

1. Children will continuously "make" you cards, crafts, and other things of which you must guess what they are supposed to be. An appropriate response is as follows: smile, say something along the lines of "thank you so much, this is very neat," and then stash it in your bag to either a. accidentally forget about or b. throw away.

2. Glasses cases are not simply made for holding glasses if you are a little boy. They also serve as hat's, pencil holders, things to pinch your classmates with, and if all else fails a nice football.

3. Apparently having a nice, quiet, straight line, is the highest aspiration of all elementary teachers.

4. Student teaching makes you go to bed at 11 on a weekend and "sleep in" til 9. What happend to 9 being early?

5. The kids that can't focus on anything will be the ones who pick up on the most discrete things. Like the fact that you can't make your number 8 correctly.

6. For students who cannot sit still in class, it is utterly shocking how much they complain when out playing games and exercising in P.E. that they are tired.

7. After skipping breakfast for most of college, it is once again the most important meal of the day...that is if you don't want to pass out from starvation before you make it to 11:20 lunch (which used to be the time I got out of bed).

8. It is amazing the amount of kids who can't read their own handwriting, even when all the words are spelled correctly.

9. If you really want to understand a kid, watch them in music, lunchtime, and P.E. A less structured enviroment is like a whole new world.

10. It is perfectly acceptable to watch youtube videos during class, your lunch break, or after school. These can range from School House Rock to a lovely video of your superintendent rolling down the street on a motorcycle.

Random

2010-09-02T21:33:00.002-05:00

Todays random and unorganized thoughts. I had a honey nut Cherrio's milk and ceral bar for breakfast. I don't like honey nut Cherrio's. It was delicious. I am becoming more comfortable when student teaching, I am starting to loosen up more around the other teachers and am having more fun. Little kids don't hold back when it comes to being sick. I think I was sneezed on 5 times today...it kinda grosses me out. Lunch time was hotdogs and pretzels today I felt like I really was back in second grade. I taught my first lesson today that I had planned. It went well and the kids did a great job with it. Funniest moment of the day: We had our kids fill out an ABC paper on friendship and caring. Each letter of the alphabet needed a phrase about how to be a friend or caring. They were really cute and the kids came up with some neat stuff. The best one was I asked if someone could tell me what they wrote down for "I" a little boy raised his hand and in all innocence said "You could say "I like your body."" I busted out laughing, I couldn't help it Mrs. S was cracking up too. Ahh second graders. I took my car to get checked out at AutoZone the check engine light has been on this week, turns out the gas cap just wasn't on right. Yeah free fixes! Oh and my dog still has fleas.

Carrie Out

Learning

2010-09-01T21:52:00.002-05:00

Things I have learned in 2nd grade...in all of 11 days.

1. M comes before N
2. I still do not know how to tell time
3. It is perfectly acceptable to bust into Hannah Montana songs regardless of gender
4. How to use the lamination machine
5. How to use, break, and repair the copier
6. No clock in the building ever says the same (or right) time
7. Wash your hands 1000 times a day
8. Go to bed early
9. Wearing a watch is the mark of an older person
10.7 year olds don't know what VCR's are
11. Kid's make up innapropriate words without knowing they are innapropriate
12. Teacher's don't eat lunch (at least not in the teacher's lounge)
13. Make friends with the secretary
14. Be prepared to laugh
15. P.E., lunch, recess, and Music are every teachers best friend

Sub

2010-08-26T22:21:00.002-05:00

They it takes 21 times of doing something for it to become a habit. Well I've made it to 2 in a row lets see if it sticks. Started off the morning with AR testing (which I secretly loathe), D.O.L., and some calander work. I got to lead all three which was nice. The kids were well behaved all morning, even our kids who are usually in trouble for something. It was nice. I made 2 strange (or maybe not so uncommon) observations in my school today. 1. For it being such a small building and school, most teachers go all day without seeing another teacher aside from the other one that shares their grade. This I find odd and I can't think it's too good for staff unity. 2. No one eats in the teachers lounge...actually I'm not sure they eat at all. I eat in there every day per IWU teacher and Aunt advice. Today I ate with one other person an aide named Tammy something. I honestly don't know how the teachers do it by my 11:20 lunch time I am famished, I think I'd pass out by the end of the day if I didn't eat. We had a sub this afternoon which meant I had to hold down the fort. The sub is actually a retired teacher from the district so she knew how things operated. I taught the math lesson today then had our kids do their worksheet, only to find out when they were at PE that I had them do the wrong one. No worries though post PE we got back aboard the Math express and did the right one. All in all I think the day went well, I don't think I did too bad on my own. The evening was spent on homework and then bike riding. I also went to Hopedale to walk with Jodi, Trey, Mom, and Julie around a lakeish thing I never knew existed. But it's getting late and well it's bed time.

Carrie Out

Students and Fleas

2010-08-25T21:49:00.002-05:00

Greetings out there! I have decided to return to the blogosphere after a long graduation and summer hiatus. The more I have thought about it the more journaling my daily experiences as a student teacher seemed like a good idea. It will help me keep a log of what I do every day as well as I am sure offer some laughs if I am ever to look back on it as a much more experienced teacher. The experience so far has been great. I never knew such joy could come out of an exclamation point at the end of a D.O.L. sentance. Or that hitting the Staples "easy button" could make an 8 year old (who would rather dilly dally) race through a math page. Who would have guessed that the simple reward of having a stuffed dog on your desk would inspire pristine behavior...at least in some of the students. I have transformed my life into that of the elderly. I am up early, I eat early, and I am in bed early. Apparently just being on your feet all day can take all your desire for night time craziness right out of your body and make you long for the time where you can simply sit down. It has been a good learning opportunity and I hope to continue to make it one throughout the semester.

In other news I had my first encounter with fleas today. I am convinced my dog has them. She has been itchy for about a month. Bren and I thought it may be dry skin because we were bathing her almost daily due to her desire to roll in gross things and dive in water. As a precaution I bought her a flea collar 3 weeks ago hoping if there were bugs on her they would move along. No such luck. Last night as I was cleaning her ears I spied one. It looked like it was swimming on her ear fur, and, well, it was disgusting. Seriously thinking about it all day gave me the willies. So I decided that right after school we needed to go to the store and get some kind of bug be gone. I bought flea shampoo and flea spray. It was an all night ordeal. I cleaned her pen, sprayed her basket, washed her blankets, and her toys. I washed her, massaged the shampoo as instructed, and let it soak. I rinsed her dried her and waited for her fur to dry. Then I sprayed her, rubbed in the liquid, and again let it soak. This was followed by more drying and a final brush through. Who knew tiny little bugs could be so involved. Anyways here's to hoping it did the trick!

Carrie Out

Library

2010-04-06T23:29:00.002-05:00

It is 11:30 and I just got in. This would not be shocking, actually it would be considered early...except for the fact that I was at the library. Yuck. Cam and I just spent 2 hours working on our 8 week Unit for 4th grade and we are only half done. All of us are feeling stressed we have a bunch of projects due and only 2 1/2 more weeks of classes. The thing is these are all new projects just given to us so it isn't even like we put them off. It's frustrating. Spent the whole day in 4th grade, this one didn't seem as long as last time but I still don't like it. I was given own math group this morning, all the kids who struggle with math. We counted money the whole time. I get frustrated with the teacher because she constantly puts this one boy who is very smart in the low groups because he acts up sometimes and she doesn't really like him. It's not fair. I ate lunch with Kelsey Porter who is placed at the same school as me. I had a haphazard lunch made up of whatever I could find. She lives in Bloomington her mom packed her extra cookies and fruit snacks to give to me, they were awesome. The afternoon was spent on science and writing. I did get to go to art class which sped up the day. I got back to school and had to go to a Senior Exit Loan Meeting. All it did was reinforce the fact that I owe thousands of dollars I don't have, awesome. Then I went for a nice 3 mile run outside and biked at Shirk for a cool down. Met Karen and Christina for dinner then went to watch intramural volleyball. The upper classmen basketball girls have a team with Sean and Roman, I am their "Coach." It's pretty entertaining. From there I hit the library where I shall be every day til the end of April. Oh the Joys!

Carrie Out

Monday

2010-04-05T23:19:00.002-05:00

Ahh life sometimes just gets out of control and I don't write sorry bout that:) Today I rolled out of bed at the fresh time of 11:15 and loved it. I went to my 4th grade class for 2 hours. I hate it. My kids are great the teachers nice but I just don't like it. I did get to read aloud to them though so that made it a little more entertaining. I got home and was starving so I grabbed a lunch made up of PB & J and juice. I eat like a 5 year old. I was bored so I called Kelsey and told her to come up. I have homework but it's all group work and none of my group members were free today, frustrating. Anyways Kels came up and we wasted the day away like only we can. We ended up at our favorite place, the movie theater. We saw "The Last Song," and I must say for Nicholas Sparks it wasn't too bad. All these girly movies lately are cluttering my mind. Then we met Justin for dinner at El Toro. As much as he pretends to hate it, he loves eating with us, even if we do embarass him. Most shocking thing of the evening? I didn't watch the NCAA championship game. I haven't missed a televised game all tournament and I chose tonight to skip out. The girls were all out and I hadn't been to Encounter in a while so I chose to go to church. It was a good service and I needed it but after seeing the score of the game I'm a little sore I missed it. Oh well!

Carrie Out

Tired

2010-03-25T23:14:00.003-05:00

I am currently caught up in the Xavier/Kansas State game. Double OT it is a crazy good game. I have missed March Madness all week, I welcome it's return:) I have not felt well all week, at first I thought it was allergies but it isn't going away. I'm not real sick just head congestion and my body feels exhausted at all times, strange. Did not want to go to class this morning...but we all know I did. Teacher brought in Panera bagels for breakfast which were a welcome surprise and very tasty. We spent the morning doing station rotations on the Civil Rights movement. We looked at some issues of the "Saturday Evening Post," they were hilariously entertaining. The smoking adds were funny as were the ones with women. The best one though was an article describing hot dogs as a health food full of protein. We mad our own Civil Rights book as a class ala Eric Carle. We used papers we had painted from art class on our studio night cut them and collaged them to make illustrations. Kelsey and I did the march on Washington it turned out good. I wasn't hungry at lunch I drank some orange juice and ate a grilled cheese. I spent the rest of my lunch break laying in bed. The afternoon of class was a real bore, I don't even really know what we did or were supposed to do. After class I was exhausted I literally laid on my bed for two hours and did nothing. It's not that I am sleeping it's just that my body feels like it has zero energy. Met Christina, Sean, and Karen for dinner and enjoyed the laughter. Night class went surprisingly quick tonight which was nice. We have a lot to do in 2 weeks its quite overwhelming. Hit up Bible Study after class which is always a good time. Now I must refocus on the game!

Carrie Out

Lots of Events

2010-03-24T22:42:00.002-05:00

Life as of late has gotten crazy I've been all over the place. We lost in basketball, it sucked, A LOT. I don't like finality or the end of things at all. I just keep thinking I will never again put on a uniform, yuck. The upperclassmen road tripped to Wisconsin to watch our guys play, they lost. The trip was a blast and way out of control. We got a flat on the way there. I changed it with my handy skills. Spent an evening in Atlanta with the Finchum's just playing with the girls. Went to Grandma's for an afternoon. Then spent that evening in Morton at Fender's and eventually McKee's playing with Clay. That kid cracks me up. Worked in the office one day and taught youth group. Decided to road trip on my own in my old car to Park Ridge (Chicago) to see Karen, Christina, and Sean. Made it there and back without problem, car or attention related. Visited the Museum of Science and Industry, and happend to be there on free admission day! Hung out with the Solari family watching sweet NCAA games. Came back to school early to work the Final Four and National Championship games. Watching someone win on your home court is terrible. All the upperclassman came back early too so we chilled. Went home Sunday morning for church. Spent the afternoon battling the nasty bugs that live at home. Went to the Wild Game feed where I had phesant and duck for dinner, suprisingly good. Talked to the Case's for a bit. Went to see "Shutter Island," with Trey and Garrett, good movie. Skipped work Monday morning because I could. Slept till lunch. Spent the afternoon at Shirk implementing our new plan of getting in real life shape. Decided to go see "Sherlock Holmes" at the Dollar Theater, awesome movie. Tuesday was eaten up by class. Did abs with Karen after my learning was over. We all went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner, yum. Today I got up and worked for 3 hours. Wrote an entire lesson plan and a reflection paper. Then went with Meggit to Varna to spend the day with the Mintus family. Played Wii, wrestled with the kids, had some good conversation, ate a lot, then headed on home. Now I am tired so rest it is!

Carrie Williams

Senior Sem. Work

2010-03-10T23:46:00.002-06:00

How awesome was the weather today? I almost forgot for a moment that it was March. Too bad I spent most of the day locked in doors thanks to lifes daily demands. Started the day off with some good old fashioned work, I am a dedicated employee of the Shirk center. I tell my boos that I should earn a reward, he laughs at me. Got some homework done during my shift which was nice and shot the breeze with the old men cause they love me. I was very tired so when I got off I took a nap until lunch. Met Karen, Christina, and Sean for dining. There wasn't much good to eat I had a bowl of some kind of stew and cottage cheese, fulfilling ha. Right after lunch I had a meeting with my senior sem teacher. She helped me complete the edits on two of my papers that I was confused on. Then I made myself go up to the second floor and write the rest of my edits. I also have to create a visual representation of my journey to becoming a teacher, while up there inspiration struck. I was going to draw my hand six times from a fist progressing all the way to all five fingers out. Then I learned it could only be on sixe 11X8 paper, no longer a good idea. Since it was nice out I decided to walk around campus and photograph my hand in each of the 6 positions against different backdrops. This worked much better and I made a cool collage. Practice came next we started with relays which are a fun way to get things moving. It was a hard practice but quick paced so no one was complaining. Dinner was lasagna which the cafeteria makes suprisingly well. Came home and wrote the paper to accompany my visual representation. New SVU was on tonight so of course I had to watch it, I wasn't disappointed. When it was over I walked to the girls house to watch the rest of "2012" which we started yesterday, cheesy destruction but it worked.

Carrie Out

5 years old

2010-03-08T23:32:00.002-06:00

Today for the most part I lived the life of a five year old child. Woke up at 5:30 for the ever glorious work. At least I got the desk so I didn't have to sit in a folding chair and wipe other peoples diseases off of machines, yummy. I did some home work and read a children's novel for class. After work I was tired so I took a nap until lunch. For lunch I had peanut butter and jelly and cereal because I could. I spent the next 3 hours of my time in the children's literature section at the ISU library reading picture books. I had to write a 5 page annotated bibliography on children's books and 4 lesson plans on children's lit. I got it all done but felt like a little kid. When I was done I met up with Karen to do our weekly Monday bike riding. Before we started we sat in Coach's office for a half hour sorting through t-shirt money and orders, fun times. After our ride and a shower we met Christina and Sean for dinner. It was pretty disapointing I once again dined on cereal. Then we decided since we had some free time we should rent a movie, except no one else had free time. So instead we went to the dollar theater and watched "The Princess and the Frog," it was awesome. I love Disney Cartoons. Then we went to the library to do more work. I read Eric Carle books and wrote more lessons. It has been a thrilling day but I must be off.

Carrie Out

Free Dinner

2010-03-04T23:05:00.002-06:00

Twas another Thursday full of learning. The morning was spent studying the civil rights movement. I am honestly a little shocked at how little my classmates know about it. I get that I am a bit of a history nerd but there are some major events I feel people should at least know about. Anyways we watched a documentary on Rosa Parks called Mighty Times, it was good told by her relatives and friends. It was similar to the Eyes on the Prize series I watched in my CRM class last year. We got out of class 5 minutes early which equaled no lunch lines, it was awesome. Had myself a little New York Deli sandwich and some Nacho bar, double yum. Then it was back to the learning. We had more presentations in fine arts today. The first one was on a blind painter, we got to practice being blind painters, it was sweet. I got paint on my finger tips and it turned my whole hands black. I literally had to wash them for 10 minutes to get it off, it was crazy. Then we learned about Louis Armstrong who I thoroughly enjoy. The last presentation was on Indian dances and we had to dance, always an adventure. We had practice at 4:30 today. Now that all the teams are here for the weekend we have timed practice and representatives that sit in on them so no one breaks the rules. After practice Coach ordered us in Avanti's for dinner because we never travel we convinced them to buy us dinner. Our NCAA tournament fund gets spent on nothing because we don't leave. The food was much better than cafeteria. I showered then went to the library for a quick minute to write a paper before Bible study. Bible study was on the good samaritan which is always good for discussion.

Carrie Out

Ten List

2010-03-03T23:35:00.002-06:00

1. I got all the final art work for our tshirts done as well as a printer for them thanks to Coach Wagners help.
2. We sold 115 t-shirts within 3 hours. It was crazy, I wasn't expecting such a large number so quickly.
3. I finally paid my tuition for this semester.
4. Found out that Cal Ripken Jr. is the speaker this year for "An Evening With the Stars" (the event I worked last year and got to meet Coach K at). I LOVE Cal, I am going to beg Coach Wag's over and over to get us in.
5. Lunch wasn't good but I wasn't suprised, this is cafeteria food we are talking about.
6. I slept terribly last night first thing I did when I went home was take a nap.
7. Finished some of the thousands of homework assignments I have but I am far from being out of the woods.
8. Youth group went well, not a ton of kids but a decent number.
9. Brent's team lost in the first round of Sectionals. Mom says the refs were horrible.
10. There were 2 hours of new SVU on tonight. It was like a post Christmas miracle:)

Learning

2010-03-02T23:35:00.003-06:00

Tis been a busy Tuesday. Started off with 3 hours worth of Language Arts and Social Studies. We began with some reading of children's books in celebration of Dr.Seuss birthday. The teacher read us "Happy Diffendoofer Day!," as well. A lot of our focus today was on multicultural literature, specifically African American. We learned some stuff about Ruby Bridges which was neat. It was breakfast for lunch today so eating was enjoyed, then it was back to class for 3 more hours of fun. We did artist presentations today. I learned about Middle Eastern Mosaic and some kind of Spanish dance. We got to try out both of them which was cool. The crazy thing is apparently I am very good at learning Spanish dancing hah! I gave my presentation today too, I think it went well. I taught on Romare Bearden, read "The Block," and then had the class create their own collage. After class it led straight to practice which was a little slow. We were having a hard time going full boat but it will get better. I had dinner with Christina and Sean and eventually Karen, Britt, and Amy at the Dugout. I had a BBQ crispy chicken sub and it was awesome. Then I went to the library with Holly and Stacey. I had planned on writing a few papers I got one done and that was it. The rest of the time was spent picking out a t-shirt logo for our tournament shirts. I don't think there is any way we will get them in time, this should have been done a week ago. Anyways it was frustrating but I got a design done and will call around tomorrow for prices and time estimations.

Carrie Out

Monday Already?

2010-03-01T23:38:00.002-06:00

The weekends seem to be flying by around here. We won both of our games this weekend. It was exciting and now we are the undisputed champions of the CCIW. Yesterday was also a full day. I went home then to Pekin with Mom to get our phones fixed and look for new shoes. I found a pair of black dress shoes for teaching, I can finally wear my black pants! Then Mom dropped me off at Kelsey's and we went to Lincoln. We went to watch Alexis basketball game. It was her 9th birthday and we both were free so we decided we should go. The game was terrible but she appreciated that we came and it was good to see everybody. I got home just in time for youth. We studied Elijah and Elisha this week by ways of the cartoon Bible, the kids loved it. Trey got a 2010 Midnight Blue Mustang, I made him drive me around. I am extremely jealous, it's not becoming. Today I awoke at an unappreciated 5:30 am. I spent the morning cleaning machines, mixing cleaners, and reading smart people magazines. When I got off I was very tired so I slept. Got up at 11:30 met Karen and walked to Shirk. We all met up to watch the NCAA selection show online. We play Franklin College in the first round. Our guys got in the Men's tournament so we are all pretty excited. We went to lunch it wasn't too tasty. I spent the next 3 hours in the library, shocking I know. I had to find and research an artist. Then create a presentation, lesson plan, and activity to teach it to my class. I chose Romare Bearden, I love anything based in Harlem. I checked out a book called "The Block," using his paintings and Langston Hughes poems. It is fascinating I want to buy it. When I was done Karen and I went to Shirk and worked out until we met Sean and Christina for dinner. Post dinner called for the Bachelor finale which we all hated and then Encounter. Kale is talking to me and it's distracting so I must be off.

Carrie Out

Homework Homework

2010-02-24T23:14:00.003-06:00

I have been running a homework marathon the last two days. Not having a Tuesday night game this week was a God send, it allowed me to do some work prior to Wednesday. I actually went to the library yesterday for 2 hours. Cam and I had to write up a report on a 4th grade Basal reader. It wasn't hard just legnthy and time consuming but we got it done. After it took 2 hours to do I was even more grateful that we didn't have a game because we wouldn't have had the time to do it today. Got up this morning to head off to 8am work. It was snowing when I walked, slippery sidewalks are tricky. I have yet to fall this year (knock on wood) but have often slipped but corrected myself. I don't like it. At work I once again worked on homework. I am teaching a Social Studies lesson on Friday and have lots of materials to type up and get together. After work I continued on homework until lunch. That's a lot of time dedicated to learning for me. Lunch consisted of organic baked potatos, always a crowd pleaser. After lunch I went to the library to print off all of my lesson materials as well as all my completed assignments for the week. I counted and I printed off over 100 sheets. I have killed a small rainforest this week, it's quite sad. Then I ventured to the Bloomington Public Library. I got my first ever library card, it's a big deal:) Anyways I used it to check out picture books on professional baseball teams in the Midwest and then I had to leave. I am such a nerd all the other books were tempting me so I had to get out. Although I did check out a Walter D. Myers book simply for reading. Then it was onward to home. I spent my time before work tying up homework, I got everything done just in time. Chilled with Brent and Monique for awhile ate some dinner then headed to church. We were short on kids and sponsors tonight but we managed. I have spent the rest of my night organizing the thousands of assignments I have completed. Oh studenthood.

Carrie Out

Carrie and Karen's Day of Fun

2010-02-22T23:29:00.002-06:00

I woke up at 5:3o am. I hate morning work. Spent the morning lowering and raising basketball hoops and curtains, collecting towels, and talking to the old men. I have quite a fan club in the 65 year old and up age range they love an early talk session. I was starving at work but didn't have any more breakfast bars. Hope had to work at 8 so she graciously brought me some food. I was grateful. After work I decided to sleep because I was tired. Got up and met Karen and Christina for lunch. It was chicken patty for like the 15th time this month, yuck. After lunch I went to my room and put away a months worth of laundry and cleaned up my room. I finished up a few bits of homework left over from the morning. Then Karen called after her class and we meandered over to the girls house. She brought me a smoothie and we spent the next hour vegging on their couch watching the Olympics and this crazy weird documentary called "Jesus Camp," about Evangelists. I needed to buy breakfast food and she needed to get a gift for her boyfriends birthday so we eventually wandered out to the store. We came back and decided to work out since we didn't have practice. A nice 30 minutes on the bike then we met Christina and Sean for dinner. Dinner was gross as well we made up for it by eating a bag of popcorn while watching the Bachelor at the girls house. Kare and I decided we spend too much time together ha. Then it was off to Encounter. I hadn't been in 2 weeks so it was nice to be back.

Carrie Out

Learned

2010-02-18T23:07:00.003-06:00

Top 10 Things I learned today:

1. I can get ready for class in under 10 minutes, all I need is a tooth brush and a hairbrush.
2. No one really ever drinks anything hot, so I don't know why we say it. Warm sure but hot well it burns your mouth right up. Not pleasant.
3. When Cam isn't in class, I don't get in trouble as much.
4. Talking about the same topic for 3 consecutive hours is never engaging.
5. Processed chicken, or any meat for that matter, is sketchy.
6. Abe Lincoln's Mom died when he was young. His father brought home, not bought a new wife.
7. Stuffed Ground Hog's are Internet sensations.
8. Sleepy bear's need caves to hibernate in.
9. Practice's with 10 people and all full court drills are quite tiring.
10. Thursdays without night class are the BEST!

Carrie Out

Low Key

2010-02-18T00:01:00.002-06:00

Ahh Wednesday. Today was low key as far as midweeks go for me and I loved it. We got in late last night from Augustana. We won by a lot. I had to work this morning and be up by 7:30, not fun. I was a sleepy bear but on I trudged. I started work with a little cleaning. Then I wrote 2 papers. The 3 hours drug on like no other today. I spent so me time shooting the breeze in the training room. I read the entire Pantagraph. Finally 11:00 graced me with its presence and I was liberated. Chilled for a little bit then went to meet the girls for lunch. I had some organic salad, looked like weeds, tasted like yum. After lunch I loaded up and headed home, I didn't have much to do around here. I spent the afternoon running around outside with Sammy and playing with Maddy and Roger. Went to youth, we had lots of kids and very few helpers tonight. Everything went suprisingly well. We worked on ironing out the details for Jr. High CIY this weekend we are taking a group of 36. I can't go because of basketball:( Came back to school and Karen and I headed over to the girls house. Only Stacey was home so we bothered her for a bit. She went and did homework and we hung out by ourselves in their house. It's kinda weird that we hang out there without them all the time...I think they just expect it of us. We watched some basketball and the Olympics before heading back to our abodes. No night class tomorrow means Thursday shouldn't be too bad!

Carrie Out

Great Weekend

2010-02-15T23:17:00.002-06:00

Today was a tired day. I had a great and busy weekend. Friday I worked, went to 4th grade practiced and then went home for Bren's senior night. After the game I met my teammates at the movies to see "Valentine's Day," it wasn't bad. Saturday was senior day and Pink Zone festivities. I spent the whole afternoon before the game with Christina, it was our day of fun. Mal, Elyse, Sarah, Roman, and Jason all got in a little before we had to head to the gym so we hung with them for a bit. The game was ugly but we won and there were a lot of people there which made it worth it. Christina and I got some neat gifts and videos from our teammates and after dinner with the parents the true celebrating began. It was a great night with great friends that led to me going to bed at 4:30 am yesterday morning, but it was worth it. Yesterday was spent at the church we had a youth fundraiser. After 6 hours of work we made a decent amount of money for the youth fund which is awesome. Woke up at 5:30 this morning and hated it. 6 am's suck. I didn't do much at work, really I can't remember what I did at all for those 3 hours, ha. When I got off I do remember taking a 2 hour nap, awesome. Met Karen and Christina for lunch, Mac n' Cheese never disappoints. I had a 1pm meeting with my Senior Sem teacher, she never came. This was frustrating because I the meeting was about our papers that are due this week. I can't start them until I meet with her and today I actually had free time to work on them. Wasted away the afternoon in utterly boring fashion. Practice was a marathon today and Coach was getting on everyones nerves. Showered and grabbed some food then headed across town to BCC for Bren's basketball game. They lost by a few but it was a decent game. Ate some yums at Avanti's then came back here. Tomorrow I only have class in the morning then it's on to Augustana.

Carrie Out

Long Day

2010-02-11T21:44:00.002-06:00

Tis been a long day. Started off with a rousing two hours of teaching language arts class. We read some books and did some writing. All kinds of exciting. We did listen to some good music though by the Avett Brothers, check one of their songs out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDYq8-3wta0. Took a break for lunch grilled cheese and tomato soup, lovely snow day meal. Art class was held in the dance studio. We were nervous about this haha. It actually was quite fun. We had to do all these silly dances and then discuss how they could be used to enhance the language arts. We took imaginary journeys and pretended to be snowflakes. Then we moved into drama. We had to make objects out of our bodies, act out stories as they were read, and pretend to be props. All in all it was hilarious. We got out of class early. I ran home and changed my clothes then waited for Christina to pick me up. The whole team went to the Bloomington Cancer Center to donate the blankets we made. We toured the place and saw all kinds of treatment equipment. They can do some amazing things now. The money we raise this weekend and from selling t-shirts goes to support the cancer center. Then we headed straight back to practice. Coach Smith had to be at a recruits game so the assistants were in charge, it was interesting. I left early for class and spent most of the time lost per the usual. I am very tired right now, this is the first time I have been in my room all day and I think I may just go to sleep. I have a stress test first thing in the morning, hope it goes well.

Carrie Out

Papers, Papers, Every Where

2010-02-10T23:37:00.002-06:00

Last night was a late one we played a game at Milikin and thanks to the weather a short trip was turned into a long way. No worries though we won and we got there and back without incident. Chris Gregory my friend from Lincoln goes to Milikin now so he came to see me. It was nice to see him and catch up, some days I miss the LC gang. Started the day off tired and not wanting to go to work, much like every Wednesday. Shirk was quite busy this morning which was a little surprising. I did some work and I also did some homework, fun times. When I got off I came home and did some more homework before meeting Karen, Christina, and Sean for lunch. An hour with those three is always interesting and entertaining. After lunch I decided to take a short nap. My eyes were tired and I couldn't focus any more so I figured it was the best option. I never got to sleep but my eyes appreciated the rest. Beth and Taylor came by to pay me for their PinkZone t-shirts so I spent some time talking with them. Then I loaded up the wagons and headed home. I left late today on purpose just in case the weather caused cancellation, but that equates me not having time to see Jodi and Trey whom I miss. Got home about an hour before I had to go to work. I ate some dinner, worked on my paper, and petted the animals. We had a lot of kids at youth tonight. February is a busy month for us we are gearing up for a youth fundraiser on Sunday and the next weekend we have CIY. I think we have the most activities in the shortest month. After youth Lys and I had a meeting with Norv just to gauge how things were going. When we were done I came straight back to school to finish my paper. Well it was done 45 minutes ago which left me enough time for a shower. Yeah! Four papers and four chapters of reading done, Wednesday nights always bring homework relief...or at least the illusion of it.

Carrie Out

Stressed

2010-02-08T23:14:00.002-06:00

I woke up this morning just knowing the day wasn't going to be a good one. I couldn't sleep last night, I think I finally dozed off around 2 only to have to get up at 5:30 for work. Not pleasant. So it was snowing but I decided to drive to work because I had a cardiologist appointment right after my shift. I literally got 100 feet down the road and while stopping to turn onto main street going probably 5mph I skidded out. Luckily it was just into the grass on the side not out into main street but still. At work I got the main desk which was nice. I did some homework and got all my assignments for tomorrow done, it's the ones that are due Thursday that are killing me. While at work I got a call from Dr. Paul's office telling me they couldn't order my orthotics until I paid for them. They told me three times last week they were covered. Well they aren't and I don't have 500$ to buy new ones so for now I have to do without. Decided to walk to the cardiologist instead of drive. I got halfway there and realized I had left all my paperwork in the trainers office when I had stopped in there before I left to get my insurance forms. Walked all the way back then back to BroMen just in time. Today I had an EKG ran the Dr. said it looked pretty normal but he ordered an echo cardiogram and a stress test. He said that abnormal heart beats are something some people are born with but can lay dormant for years. He thinks that now that it has happened twice it will continue to happen and possibly more frequently until we find out why it is occurring. Once we find out why he said we should be able to fix it without any problems. I came back ate lunch with Karen and Britt and then went to a meeting with my Senior Sem teacher. I have four papers due Thursday for that class and am struggling. I spent the hour I had left of my day before practice laying on my bed with nothing on. Life is stressing me out lately. In a world so heavily based on money not having it can make life rough. Practice was alright today not a usual pregame one but survivable. I grabbed some dinner then headed to the girls house to watch the Bachelor. It was too snowy to drive across town to church and I should have done homework but after the day I had I wanted nothing more than to just be. I am going to bed now hoping for a better tomorrow and if I'm lucky....a snow day:)

Carrie Out

Full day Friday

2010-02-05T23:46:00.003-06:00

I accomplished a lot of nothing at work this morning. My focus was broken. I read part of a novel for my class it's called "Heat," by Mike Lupica. I like juvenile literature and it's about baseball so it's not bad. After work I called the foot doctor to get new orthotics made. I was worried my coverage on getting them fixed had run out. I was very relieved that it hasn't. Then I made my way through the snow to dust my car off and head to 4th grade. The kids had a sub today so everything was a little hectic. It didn't help that they are always wound up on Friday's either. They spent almost all the time I was there doing ISAT prep tests. I hate that they learn that way. Got back and had 15 minutes to spare before I had to meet Christina for senior pictures. I grabbed a quick lunch and ate it very quickly. Then we took pictures, they are for the senior day game sheets. We decided that simply standing next to each other was too boring we took some funny one. I am interested to see how it turns out. We went to Karen's room for a bit when we were done instead of walking back home because we had early practice today. Practice wasn't bad and it actually seemed to go by quickly. After practice they ordered us pizza and we spent an hour and a half making "tie-blankets" to donate to the cancer center for chemo patients. When we were done we decided to go see the movie "Dear John," we drove halfway to the Starplex and then found out it was sold out. We went home waited a bit and then drove to the Galaxy to catch a later show. A group of my highschool kids were there so I stood in line and talked to them while we waited. The movie wasn't too bad. I am not a fan of Nicolas Sparks at all but I tolerated this movie, even if it was predictable.

Carrie Out

Eating Habits

2010-02-04T23:35:00.002-06:00

Thursdays are both my least and most favorite days of the week. I hate them because I have class for 9 hours and a 2 hour practice thrown in there. I love them, well the evenings really about 10pm, because they signal the end of my school week. Started the day off with a little learning about reading and writing. It was exceptionally boring this morning and the fact that I was tired didn't help. I have come to the conclusion that we eat far too much in our first class of the day because when lunch time rolls around I am never hungry. This creates problems because by only eating a little at lunch I am starving about halfway through my second afternoon class so I eat. And then I'm not hungry at dinner but starving by the time my night class is over. Oh the dilema. Anywhosit, our afternoon class was a lot less boring. We illustrated concepts of integrating art as well as the goals of "best practice" teaching. We talked about some projects and artists. I had to give an impromptu 30 second commerical for Raspberry Lemonade Crystal Light. I am still not sure why she had me do it but it was funny. Apparently next week we are having class in the dance studio, it is sure to be entertaining. I grabbed a quick lay down before practice, it was needed. Practice actually seemed to fly by today which was crazy. I got dinner from Tommy's which took forever longer than I expected and barely made it to class on time. Night class was out of control boring, I was really struggling with focusing. We got out early enough that I made it to Bible study though which was nice. Tonight we did John 10:1-18 and had some solid discussion.

Carrie Out

List

2010-02-03T23:16:00.002-06:00

I'm feeling a little stressed right now so I am gonna work on the postives of the day.

1. I wrote four lesson plans while at work this morning, meaning I had very little homework for the rest of the day.
2. Angel and Hope visited me at work and made me laugh.
3. I got fingerprinted to be cleared to work in the schools. The machine was cool very CSI.
4. I was home in Minier by 12:15.
5. I had time to go to the bank.
6. I watched "Last Chance Harvey," which I have wanted to see.
7. Ate half a box of popsicles. I had been craving them badly and we happend to have a box.
8. Played with the animals.
9. Got the rest of my homework done before dinner.
10. Had roast, potatoes, and carrots for dinner, yum.
11. We had a lot of kids at youth group tonight and there were no major problems.
12. Actually had time to shave my legs:)
13. Will be in bed before midnight.

Carrie Out

Happy Sammy Day

2010-02-03T00:05:00.004-06:00

Started the day off with a little fourth grade. Today I taught my own math group. We were working on factor trees, I hadn't seen those in forever. The kids that went with me were actually the ones that were struggling, but they were so excited to stay behind like it was a privilage. I thought they might feel excluded, it was a pleasant suprise. It actually went well and by the end of the half hour almost all of them had a grasp on what they were doing. I didn't have class until 2:15 today. I spent my two hours of free time on lunch, a little tv, and a nap. We had Jen's class today and discussed kids in our placements that have learning disabilities. It is interesting to see all the different types of kids out there and how they are dealt with in the public schools. After class I headed to the girls house. Stacey had called to talk to me about something and it was the perfect opportunity for a little Sammy the Groundhog time. I took him outside to see if he could see his shadow, he didn't. Stacey lent me her supplies and we created him a nice collared shirt, tie, and crown, so that he could dress nicely for the occasion. I took him to dinner with us, it was quite funny to see peoples reactions. Then we went to Shirk, Sammy did too. The team was very excited to see him, but we hid him in the showers when coach came in. We won our game but quiet a lot and I played a decent amount. I even got to go in with the normal players instead of the freshman which was nice. When the game was over I went back to the girls house for Tuesday night TiVo of the Bachelor. I hate that I watch that show but I just can't stop.

Carrie Out

A loss?

2010-01-31T22:55:00.003-06:00

Let's get a little weekend wrap-up. Friday consisted of work, grade schools, and basketball. I roller skated with my fourth graders in P.E. I was a bit nervous having not done it in forever but I didn't fall. Friday night movie night was "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," interesting with a few hilarious scenes. Saturday was spent in Wisconsin playing Carthage. Let's just say it was a bad day to be a Titan. We lost our first regular season game in 2 1/2 years. We didn't play well and the whole game was a struggle we just couldn't get going. Still we learned from last year that being undefeated does not make you a National Champion. It is better to lose now and gain motivation because nothing has ended. We got in at about 1:30 this morning and had to be back at the gym at 9:30 for practice because of work schedules. We watched a lot of film and had a very productive 45 minutes on the floor. For some reason I was craving Taco Bell and off handedly mentioned it during warm ups, that started a ruckus. Taco Bell is poor college kid paradise a bunch of us hit it up for lunch and twas delicious. After lunch I ran to the library and printed some stuff off before heading home. At home I wrote a Literature Review for Senior Sem, and yes I am still majorly lost in that class. Then it was off to youth group tonight we played balloon hide n seek and had queso with chips, yum. We studied Deborah for our lesson, very interesting, Judges 4 look it up. Then we made some root beer floats before sending the kiddies home. I came back here soon after to put away a months worth of clothes and finish up some work. Mission accomplished now for some zzzz's.

Carrie Out

Kale's Back!

2010-01-28T23:08:00.002-06:00

I woke up with crusty blood under my left thumb nail. Apparently I scratched up my right hand in the night. My nails aren't even long, or jagged for that matter. I am strange. Had teaching children fine arts all day today. Started the day off with Panera bagels courtesy of our teacher Jen. Chocolate chip with hazelnut cream cheese was my pick, yum yum. We spent the whole day discussing learning disorders. The morning was spent watching yet another exciting video from the early 90's. Good information, bad hair. Then we did a simulation. We had to paint a picture of somewhere we would like to be...only we couldn't use our hands at all. Most of us put the brush in our mouths some used their toes. My picture wasn't actually bad, I'm quite proud. Still it was a neat experience. Lunch break came a little early which was nice and gave me a whole hour out of class. The afternoon was spent learning about dyslexia and all that comes with it. I learned some neat reading tricks. After class I went to Shirk to see if they had heard anything back from the Dr. No such luck. Emily (our trainer) was still freaking out she took my pulse and blood pressure, I told her I was fine. She agreed to let me do some light exercise if someone went with me. Kale called this afternoon and we talked for awhile while he was lost somewhere in California. He told me he wants a tatto of Jesus face on his chest. I told him it would be awesome if he got it placed where his chest hair could grow on Jesus head like real hair, ha. Christina met me and we spent about an hour in the gym. We shot and I jogged around a bit just to test it out. No problem. We met Karen and Sean for dinner and then proceeded to spend two hours laughing and shooting the breeze. Watched Monday's Bachelor on TiVo then went to Bible study. We are doing Parables this semester good stuff.

Carrie Out

Halftime Dr.

2010-01-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

I was tired earlier. I should be tired now. I am not tired, yuck. Started the day off with a little Shirky Worky. I was stationed at the desk today, no Coach Eash following me around. Spent the first hour drawing a detailed map of my fourth grade classroom for class. I would rather draw then write any day. Then I went to the trainers office to get my medical records released. I met with a Dr. yesterday at our game. It was really random I had to talk to him in the stands at halftime of our game. He was in the crowd and the trainers made me. Anyways he wants the results from my EKG and Echo I had run my sophomore year so we had to request them from my doctor. He wants to run some more tests and other things so we'll see what happens next. After work I came back to my room and finished up some homework. Then I met Karen, Christina, and Sean for lunch. It was actually edible some kind of cheesy chicken pasta. We sat and shot the breeze for about an hour then I loaded up and headed home. I went to see Jodi and Trey first because they missed me. Okay I missed them. Trey is getting so big, he is trying to learn to crawl. I adventured to the bank next to deposit 4 paychecks. I am not so good at putting them in. Went home and did laundry and homework until youth group. Youth group went alright tonight the kids were wound up but we managed. I brought Sammy and Ferdinand in per request. The little kids were loving it it was too funny. Went home and showered and sat around then headed back here. I was supposed to go out tonight but opted for staying in my warm room. I think it was a smart decision.

Carrie Out

Crazy Heart

2010-01-25T23:08:00.002-06:00

Tis been a long day. Woke up at the lovely time of 5:30 for a little worky. There were actually quite a few people there when I started my shift. I usually wait for them to leave then tidy up the mess they leave behind. Not this morning. The football Coach (who is widely known for being awkward and rude) followed me around the weight room for half an hour making me perform ridiculous tasks. I told him I clean up after the first wave leaves, he didn't care. I had to move a platform because it wasn't perfectly straight, restack all the floor weights into stacks of the same height and other dumb things. Not fun. When he left I did some homework. I had planned on doing more but was so tired that my brain could not function. I walked home only to realize I left my computer charger at Shirk so I walked back, yeah frostbite! When I got back I vegged on my bed until lunch. I really wanted to and needed to sleep but it wasn't coming ugh. Lunch was lunch the usual laughter and less than desirable foods. After lunch I jumped back on the homework train. I wrote an essay for my Senior Sem then went to the library in hunt for research articles. I realized while there I really have no idea how to locate items in Ames, I should probably go more often. Next came practice. Weird thing I didn't actually get to practice today. About 20 minutes into drills I felt my heart start beating really funny and fast. I thought maybe it was just gonna last a few seconds so I let it go but it didn't stop. I had Christina feel it and then our assistant coach and they both sent me to the trainer. It beat like that for about five minutes it made me dizzy and hard to breathe. After I sat for a while it stopped but then it just felt like someone was sitting on my chest there was this strange pressure. As long as I was sitting it didn't bother me much so that is what the trainer forced me to do the rest of practice, yuck. Grabbed dinner then headed to Encounter in the snow. Tonights sermon was on the third commandment and was quality with some good jokes thrown in. Tomorrow I go back to the fourth grade so tonight I need to sleep.

Carrie Out

Sad day to be a Viking

2010-01-24T22:13:00.002-06:00

I believe I suffered a strange mix of an anxiety and heart attack tonight. I really have got to learn to not get so involved in football. The Vikings lost in a nail biter to the Saints. If it was the Packers with Brett at the reigns losing I probably would have cried. Critics are already jumping on the Favre hating band wagon because of the last interception. That makes me very angry. Yes he threw the interception but that did NOT lose the game in any way shape or form. The four fumbles leading up to that did, the Vikings had multiple opportunities to score which were lost on these turnovers. Also I think the idea of running a passing play at that time anyways was a dumb decision that was not made by Favre. Yes I am biased but in this situation I do not feel I am wrong in my opinion. Enough venting. We played North Park today the game was incredibly boring and long. North Park isn't very good and once we got up on them we coasted along. The guys played after us, one of the guys who was on the basketball team at Lincoln played for North Park. It was cool to see him. This game was much closer but we pulled it out in the end. North Park's mascot is the Viking. I think it was an omen.

Carrie Out

Fiesta

2010-01-23T23:57:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was pack full of fun...or at least packed full. Started the day off with some work, hurray! Then I went to my 4th grade class again. I liked it MUCH better this time, I hope it keeps getting better. Next I met Polly for some catching up at Fusion Brew. After an hour of conversing it was off to practice. After practice Mark's team was playing again so I stood and talked with Grandma, Kathy, and Ron. Grabbed some dinner then headed to the girls for Friday Night movie night. We watched a NetFlix Stacey had, she doesn't always have the best taste. We watched "The Reaping," with Hilary Swank. It was strange but the kind of strange that keeps you intrigued, not too bad. Today started with a lovely 2 hour practice, it wasn't bad it was easy. We showered then headed to the cafeteria for lunch. Keeping with the weekly trend the food was gross. I walked home and ordered some articles online for my Senior Sem class. I had never done that before I felt like such an accomplished student. Then I took Karen to the mall to look for a birthday present for her sister, we had no success. When we got back a bunch of us went to watch the ISU women's basketball team. Nicole, one of their players, helped us all summer with camp and stuff so we went to see her. They won by a lot so we left early because we were starving. We had crock pot chicken tacos with all the fixings I even made some guacamole, it was a fiesta. Post dinner we watched U of I play. Tonight's agenda centered on watching a Lifetime movie called "The Pregnancy Pact," it was all kinds of ridiculous, as was expected. Came home earlyish to do some laundry. I am fresh outta clean clothes but this is taking forever.

Carrie Out

I love class]

2010-01-21T23:04:00.003-06:00

Ahh the week has gotten away with me. Tuesday was a really really late night because of basketball but we won so I suppose it was worth it:) Wednesday was swallowed up with homework and shenanigans, it went by quickly. Today is my least favorite day of the week. I actually got adequate sleep last night first time in awhile. Woke up and skied to class careful not to fall. We spent the morning discussing proper reading and writing tactics then watched some boring video from what seemed to be the 1980's. High points of class: We got snacks (trail mix) and I practice my left handed and backwards writing skills instead of watching the video. Lunch break was not very appetizing today but I went to the cafeteria anyways. I checked my mail before heading back to class and one more textbook came, I am still waiting on quite a few. Class number two was stock full of presentations. 8 different learning disorders in 3 hours of the joys. Actually they weren't too bad people did a good job of keeping the class engaged and entertained. Cam and I did a presentation on AD/HD the teacher thought it was fitting. I didn't complain we did little research I already knew all the stuff about it. After class I had 2 hours till dinner and returning to class. I swiftly jumped aboard the homework train. One paper and one reading later it was dinner time, which again disappointed. Class was short today less than 2 hours but still confusing. I am hoping to catch on sometime soon. Went to the girls house to chill out for a bit and watch bad tv. I have to work at 8 am I am hoping not to fall on the ice.

Carrie Out

Winning Weekend

2010-01-18T23:40:00.002-06:00

Once again the weekend evaded my writing. It was pumped full of food, friends, football, and the weekend favorite movies! I usually write on Sundays but the whole thing was thrown off with a Sunday basketball game. Due to our budget cuts we now do conference double headers with the guys which leads to loooong days and Sunday games. Bummer. But on a good note we both won so at least it was a pleasant ride home. In other great but not at all shocking news Brett Favre is amazing and the Vikings won:) I did not sleep well last night apparently it was a common theme for everyone on the team, weird. Anyways I had to be up and at work by 6. To make it even better the streets were covered in black ice and I slipped twice in the pitch black at 5:45 awesome. At work I actually had to work it was crazy. The place was hoping for 6 am we had a softball team in training and all sorts of people running about making me do things. I did get to watch a movie though which always makes me happy. This mornings pick came from Stacey and was called "My Life as a House," it was an intriguing and fresh look at life, I enjoyed it. After work I slept until lunch because I was exhausted. Lunch was full of foolishness and laughter. The afternoon was spent doing some homework and watching SVU, fun times. Practice was an easy one today since we have a game tomorrow I did run a mile after though just to get a workout in. Marks team played at Shirk so I watched his game with Grandma and Aunt Kathy before heading to Encounter. We just started a series on the Ten Commandments and I like it. I start 4th grade tomorrow here's to hoping it goes well.

Carrie Out

9 hours!

2010-01-14T23:56:00.003-06:00

Oh how I love Thursdays, I just wish I could find a way to get more class time into my day, ha. Morning class was all about Social Studies today. Well not literally we just discussed some text book readings. At break time Ana brought all these delicious mix-in's and baggies so we could make our own trail mix. She also brought us some yummy Fuji apples. I love snack time. The rest of the class period was spent on discussing how to set and establish classroom rules. Then it was onto our 1 hour lunch break. I wasn't real hungry per the morning snacks so I ate a quick grilled cheese. The lines today were short so I actually had about 20 minutes after lunch before class. I used it to run back to my room and check if my text books had come in the mail...they didn't. The first half of the afternoon class was also taught by Ana but I don't really remember what we did. Then Jen Crider our art teacher taught the second half of class. We discussed critiquing childrens art and then had to give a summary of an article we wrote in a song all young children know. My group did ours to London Bridge is falling down it was high quality. I had a half hour between class and practice I spent it repacking my backpack and sitting on my bed. Practice was actually fun today we did a lot of competition drills. I had to leave early for class and am told I missed our least favorite conditioning drill, oh darn. Senior Sem. was confusing per usual, I don't really understand why we have class we don't seem to accomplish anything. Maybe when I catch on to what we are doing the 3 hours will be meaningful, I won't hold my breath. After class I went to the girls house to visit and chill. I have to work at 7:30 so to bed I go.

Carrie Out

Crazy

2010-01-13T23:08:00.003-06:00

Yesterdays blogging took a back seat to Tivo Tuesdays, otherwise known as the Bachelor without commercials. The whole team, well all the upperclassmen, watch the show every week and whoever can't watch it on Monday's watches it Tuesdays. The show is soooo cheesy and scripted yet so entertaining to make fun of. We like it. So anyways this led to late bed time which was bad because I was up by 7:30 this morning. I hate a.m. shifts at Shirk, darn you Coach Wagner. This morning I read the newspaper and then started on the book "The Great Expectations School." It is written by Dan Brown whom I meet and listened to speak last year very interesting and intriguing stuff. After work I took a nap cause I was tired. Then I met Christina, Sean, and Karen for lunch. It was soup bar day only they ran out of bowls in the first 15 minutes, very sketchy. Christina's classes for the day were cancelled so we decided to spend the afternoon in the library doing homework. I had a paper for my senior seminary class to write which took me a lot longer than expected but it is done. Left straight from the library to head to the church office. We had to film a skit for Sunday's service and do other work. It was a crazy night. We had a lot of kids and they all were wired, our junior highers were especially out of control. Talked to Dustin for a bit after youth then headed home for new SVU, you know I love it. Now I am thinking bed would be best seeing as I have 9 hours of class tomorrow and 2 hours of practice. Yeah I know what was I thinking.

Carrie Out

Catching Up

2010-01-11T23:26:00.005-06:00

I awoke at 5:30 this morning and was not loving it. Much to my happiness thought when I went to start my car it was not covered in ice and started right up. No scraping and no hassle. At work I actually did my homework. A little reading, a response, and a 2 page paper. Done, done, and done. Then I watched the movie "Taken" and was utterly engrossed. It was so suspenseful and actiony I really really liked it...minus the fact the premise of it is quite frightening. Let's just say I shall never travel overseas alone. After work I must have been tired because I fell asleep for 2 hours! That is a real real long time in my world. Woke up and went to lunch with Karen. Then I met Kelsey Coker at Fusion Brew for an afternoon of catching up. She studied in Spain all first semester and is going back this semester but came home for Christmas. I really missed her and selfishly wish that she was staying here but Spain is calling. Funny part though she really wanted to see Sammy the Ground Hog so I may have brought him into Fusion Brew and received many laughs and bewildered stares. We enjoyed it hah. We talked for so long that I finally had to make myself leave at 4:30 so I could go to basketball practice. Practice wasn't bad today everyone was in a decent mood so it moved along nicely. After practice I grabbed a shower and some food before heading to Encounter. I missed having it over break, it's just nice to go to a service that is completely tailored to you, very fulfilling. Well I am thinking tomorrow's full day of classes shall require me to get some rest.

Carrie Out

Go Vikings?

2010-01-10T23:06:00.002-06:00

Saturday nights get real out of control around here so don't be expecting many weekend posts. Today I woke up and walked three blocks across campus to my car. It was 10 below zero and I was carrying my laundry basket. Gotta love the terrible parking at my dorm. I made it there with minimal frost bite to fight with my car to get it to start and then scrape it so I could see. All that being said I did make it to church just not exactly on time but 10 minutes late isn't too late. I sat with Matthew and as usual he was cracking me up. I went to highschool Sunday school because I can and then I went home. Spent the afternoon doing laundry and watching football. The Packers have let me down so now I shall cling to my only hope that is Brett Favre and the Vikings. Went to youth where I cooked some pizza's and did a little learning about the book of Daniel. There are stories in there that I had no idea were from the book of Daniel, like the fiery furnance. How did I not know that? Did some chatting with Sam and Lys then went back home. I helped Brent with his government homework then watched some Brothers and Sisters before heading back. Tomorrow I work at 6 am tonight I go to sleep.

Carrie Out

Movies

2010-01-08T23:43:00.003-06:00

Started the day off with a rousing three hours of work. Actually it wasn't bad Shirk was dead because one, it was early, and two, no one wants to walk in this weather to work out. I spent my time reading the Pantagraph and watching "Ladder 49." This took up all three hours which I appreciated. After work I decided I should probably buy my textbooks for class. I had forgotten that these were necessary for class, maybe because I never ever read them. Still never know if I may need them. Anyways I looked at the bookstore and bought nothing then I bought a few online. Books are so expensive. This time of year is killing me. LA, the towing of my car, tuition, and books, all within 2 weeks, rough stuff. I met Karen for lunch at the cafeteria. It was a disappointment, grilled cheese won out. Then it was back to online book browsing before I took a pre practice nap. I was tired for some reason. Practice was alright actually seemed to go by fairly quickly which is always nice. Showered then grabbed dinner and headed to the girls house. We decided to go see "Up in the Air." We had wanted to see it awhile ago and now that it is getting all kinds of great reviews we chose to go check it out. It was really good and even funny although the topic on it's own is quite depressing. Very poignant view of how our culture is currently operating. After the movie we started to watch "Fight Club" on TV. Surprisingly I have never seen it. I made it the first half then walked home because I am tired. Tomorrow we play Carthage another Top Ten team should be interesting.

Carrie Out

Return of Me

2010-01-07T22:53:00.002-06:00

I have returned! With the onslaught of finals, the holidays, and basketball I left the world of internet behind for a bit, but now I am back. School started today, well actually yesterday, but with my new schedule I only attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They will be long days but the three days off will be nice and allow time to keep up. I was really hoping the snow would ward off class today but it did not, bummer. I technically have 4 classes but only 3 teachers, and every class is in the same room. Each teacher has a 3 hour block I think CLA 100 will become my new home. This morning I had teaching social studies and teaching language arts. Dr. Floriani teaches both of them so it really is up to her what subject we learn about about. Today was language arts. The class actually flew by. I really like her she is my advisor and taught my Childrens Lit class last May term. Doesn't hurt either that my classmatese are the same education majors from last semester either. After class I ate lunch with Karen and Britt, nacho bar day never disappoints. My afternoon class was cancelled due to weather, I planned to spend it relaxing, I planned wrong. My car was towed because I was apparently parked along a snow route. There is no parking lots for my dorm so I have to park on the street. Anyways it was a long and stressful afternoon of Stacey driving me around and attempting to keep me sane. We had to go to the police station where I payed 10$ to find out where my car was. Then I got a 50$ parking ticket. Next we had to go to Joe's Towing to get my car which was an adventure in itself. We got there and I realized I left my license at the police station. So after we got my car and I gave them 130$ we had to go back and get my license. This all took 2 hours and we got back just in time for practice. Practice wasn't too bad, I had to leave early for class. On Thursdays I have senior seminar class from 7-10pm. I was lost and confused the whole time but am trying to catch on. No class tomorrow but I do work in the morning so I'm going to go lay in bed.

Carrie Out

Classes OUt

2009-12-04T23:56:00.002-06:00

I was in the library far too late last night to write. This time I was actually doing homework. I had an 8 page final paper due today in my German class. I got half done last night. The only time it was okay to get up at 5:30 am was today so that I could finish the paper. If i didn't have work I would have definately slept all the way till class at 11. Anyways I wrote my paper at work and finished at 9:45. That's right I had a whole hour and fifteen minutes to spare, clutch. After work I walked with Carlie back to my room talking about the frustrations of our sports teams. I watched SVU until class, sometimes I am too tired to sleep. Class was actually boring today but that's okay because I AM DONE! No more classes this semester, hurray. I have to essay finals for my history classes next week and a math presentation but the lecture is over...at least for a few weeks. When class got out I ate lunch with Karen and Christina then headed back to the room for a quick rest before practice. Practice was frustrating again today. Coach is causing some problems with us from top to bottom, the captains had a meeting with her today. They said it didn't change anything, we weren't suprised. I showered quickly then went to Verizon to get a new phone because my screen went out. The computer system crashed while I was there so that mission failed. Then Justin called and wanted to go to dinner so we ended up at the Outback. It was mighty delicious and we were stuffed. I came back and cleaned my room it was a disaster, a months worth of clean clothes thrown around the room. Fear not it is now put away and I can see my floor. Next came the pre-game day tradition of movie night. We are on a seasonal kick so tonights pick was "The Grinch." We popped popcorn, drank hot cocoa, and just chilled, it was nice. I dropped Karen off then headed home. I am tired and will be gone all day in Chicago tomorrow so it is time for bed.

Carrie Out

Last Day

2009-12-02T23:17:00.003-06:00

Today was my last official day at Kindergarten. It was sad I really enjoyed my time there. The kids were confused and kept telling me happy birthday Mrs. Roop had to keep reminding them that it was my last day not my birthday, ha. They were going to each write me a "letter" but that was disastrous so instead I got a card they all signed their names on. I got to decorate their Christmas tree while they were at Art I am the Christmas elf. Before they left for lunch I got to read them a story and then I was mauled by hugs. I was walking them to recess when our TA called down the hall for me to wait. Apparently one of our little boys was having a melt down because he thought I had already left and he didn't get to hug me. I will miss them I am hoping to get to go back and visit. When I got back to school I grabbed a light lunch with Britt. A meatless taco and a muffin. The cafeteria makes the best butterscotch muffins. Then it was off to Old Man Rivers final class. He stayed to form boring as always, but we did get a final review sheet so that was helpful. Class got out and I loaded up and headed out. I went to Springer's for our weekly Wednesday date. Trey was asleep when I got there but when he woke up he heard my voice and kept trying to turn in his seat to see me. I love that kid. We watched some Oprah and shot the breeze per usual then it was off to church. Dinner was soup and sandwiches so I actually ate it. I sat and talked with Beth and Sam then got to work. Our kids were pretty good tonight and we accomplished all that was needed so that was good. Dustin is helping on Wednesday nights now so I talked to him for a little bit. I stopped by home to shower and pick up my old phone because mine broke again. I got back just in time for a project meeting at 9 for our group presentation tomorrow. We got it hammered out then I wrote my paper for it. Now all I have left is the 8 pager still not started and due Friday morning. This is gonna be interesting.

Carrie Out

Ugly

2009-12-01T23:52:00.003-06:00

Last night I spent too much time writing for homework that I had no desire to do it on here. I did complete 3 papers though, one 8 pager, and one presentation to go for the week. I hate finals time. I had a hard time sleeping last night so when I got up this morning I was real tired. We got our spring semester placements for our education classes today. I got placed in the 4th grade at Washington Elementary. Last time I worked in a 4th grade classroom I hated it, I was really hoping for 5th. After class I met with the placement supervisor to discuss my placement for student teaching. She is going to see if I can be placed in the Olympia District, that would be nice. Grabbed an early lunch with Amy and Karen before our bus rolled out at 12:30. I missed work and class today because of it, yay. We spent a combined 6 hours on the bus today, now that's a good time. Actually it wasn't too bad we watched GI Joe and are pretty easily entertained by each other, makes the time pass more quickly. The game on the other hand was not so enjoyable. We played at Missouri Baptist their gym was extremely tiny and old. Our locker room was literally a 4x8 room that looked like a holding cell. And we played like crap, which honestly isn't suprising. Coach lets down against teams she doesn't think are good so we generally go in unprepared and rushed. We ended up winning by 13, it was weak. The crazy thing is we were bumped to #1 in the polls today, lets hope we keep that ranking.

Carrie Out

Break

2009-11-29T23:25:00.003-06:00

Tis been a long while since I have entered the realms of bloggerland. Please forgive I was on break and loving it. Thanksgiving was great. Lots of food, family, and fun, just how I like it. Played some basketball and watched some basketball, always good. Hung out with friends both at home and at school and enjoyed it. Today has been spent running round and round. I went home last night after my game (of which we won) to watch Brent's game (of which they won). After the game Dustin and I hung out for awhile and I just stayed home so I could go to church in the morning...which I did. We sang a Christmas song in church this morning I love Christmas. I had practice at 12:30 so I left right after church. I went home and ate a nutrious lunch of sausage links with syrup on them then headed back to school. Practice was slated for 12:30 to 2ish, we got out at 3. It was suprisingly okay though, intense but productive. I headed back home after practice. I helped Mom decorate the Christmas tree because I am a Christmas elf. Then I did some homework before dinner. Next came youth group. We had a game night tonight played CatchPhrase and Scattegories both very fun. We had lots of snacks and yummy treats as well, all in all it was a good night. Went back to the house and did some more homework before watching Brothers & Sisters with Mom. Talked to Kelsey on the way back to school that's always a good time. Now I am thinking I should sleep I've got a busy busy week ahead, finals are just around the corner.

Carrie Out

Outta Control at Ames

2009-11-23T23:33:00.002-06:00

The last two hours of my life have been out of control. I went over to the girls house because Nikki, Stacey, and I were going to watch a movie. Then we decided it would be a better idea to whip up some skillet cookies and take them to the library. And that is when it all went downhill. We may have taken four cookies still in the skillet and a half gallon of ice cream into the library. Our friends were studying they needed a snack. I am surprised we were not kicked out. There was a lady bug eaten, excessive laughing, and a tackle or two. Most people go to the library to study we go to act like fools. The day was pretty mellow. Modern Germany was spent discussing the student revolutions of 1968 kinda interesting stuff. Cafeteria lunch with Karen came next it was brats which were quite tasty because they actually cooked them. I spent the next hour of my life chilling although I did pay my dentist bill. Old Man River's class was a bore today. I read 180 pages of a novel though so it was okay:) After class I grabbed a quick nap before practice. Pre-practice the upper class men were hanging out in the athletics office with Coach Cusac waiting for film and eating banana bread. His advice of the day, it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission so skip class and feel sorry about it later, ha. Practice wasn't too bad not pregame but not out of control. On my way back to the locker room I ran into Mr. Wilder. It was good to see him and we talked for awhile. Then Christina, Sean, and I went to dinner. It was an hours spent replaying Saturday nights shenanigans, too funny. I showered then spent some time doing my homework, wrote a whole lesson plan from scratch solid work. That was the end of the sane activities of the night.

Carrie Out

HomeSecondComing

2009-11-23T00:35:00.002-06:00

Twas a crazy weekend, we declared it HomeSecondComing with all the stuff going on. Friday kicked off our Tip-Off tourney we played Central Iowa and won by lots. After the game we decided to watch "My Sister's Keeper." I was told I am not allowed to watch serious movies because I don't take them seriously and I don't cry at the sad parts. Oops but we did have fun and the movie was decent albeit depressing. Saturday was jam packed. Started with prep and shoot around. Then we got lunch before heading over to Karen's room to deliver her birthday presents. After that Christina, Sean, and I went to out to the football game. All our friends that graduated last year were back so we hung out with them and watched the game. We had to go into the gym in the thrid quarter to start warming up for our game so we missed the 2 OT victory. But still a playoff victory is pretty sweet. Our game was a close and intense one. The gym was actually packed it was a good game. We beat Washington University by 5 and they are the #1 team in the nation...not anymore! We showered and grabbed dinner then hung out at the house til the boys game. They were killing so we left at half time. 3 IWU victories in one day not too shabby. The rest of the night was lets just say fun. Got in at about 2 and went to bed. I wasn't too tired at church this morning. Spent the afternoon running back and forth doing laundry at Grandpa and Grandma's since our water wasn't hooked up but I got it done. A Vikings and Packers victory made it a successful football Sunday. Youth was fun James and I baked up some delicious snacks and made the kids play blind pictionary, very funny. Came back here in Brent's truck cause Marky Mark hates me. Stacey called me to take a walk with her and her puppy who is visiting, it was nice. Now I am thinking I should sleep.

Carrie Out

Homework?

2009-11-18T23:44:00.002-06:00

Ahh nothing like waiting til the last minute to finish tomorrows homework. But fret not it is complete! Started the day off right with a little Kindergarten. Walked into utter chaos. Our day was out of sync because of Jr. Achievement or something. Changes of plans are hard for Kindergartners to settle into. We managed though and I had an enjoyable time per the usual. I am only hoping to not get sick again, we had a room full of coughing kids. After teaching I met the Solari's and Sean for lunch and laughter. Not a good spread today, grilled cheese won out. Then I had to go to the registrars office. I was shut out of the May Term class I wanted, which wouldn't be a big deal except I need that class to graduate. It carries my last gen. ed. and May is the only space I have for the course. I had to fill out some petition paper work, all I can say is it better work. Next came the always pleasant journey of Old Man Rivers class, he was telling stories today. When class got out I loaded up and headed home for youth. Jodi and Trey went out to Virginia to visit so I went straight home. This meant I actually did some home work and got dinner, score. Youth went well tonight our Jr. Highers were a little chatty, but not bad. I really enjoy our kids. I didn't get home till late cause Lys was catching me up on board and staff meetings. It was good though meant I got to watch SVU commercial free, thanks DVR:) The episode was another good one but I feel as if they are all spectacular, ha. Showered then ran to Grandpa's to swap out cars, apparently Marky Mark needs new tires. Got here and jumped on the homework train and well now its time to jump off and into bed.

Carrie Out

Children's Books

2009-11-17T22:14:00.004-06:00

I didn't get in until late from Encounter last night so I opted out of posting. Please accept my apologies:) Yesterday was pretty low key nothing real exciting. I did get my book review for Modern Germany back and got an A all without actually reading the book. I know it's ridiculous but I'm not complaining. Today's weather has been annoying. I do not like waking up to cold rain, it is not fun to walk in. In Science class we did a lot of nothing per usual. As much fun as I have had in that class I have recently realized we are really learning nothing. I don't think that's good. After class I watched a little SVU before I headed to work. I was hungry so I brought lunch with me, BBQ and potato chips, yum. At work I did my homework for math class. I had to read three math picture books and then write about them. My favorite one is "How do we Make a Million." It is illustrated by Steven Kellog who I love so that's probably why. At math class today we worked with partners to write a rough draft of our own math story, it was interesting. We'll have to see how it turns out. Coach Thomas had called while I was in class and had told me Ryan had a game at Kingsley. I hadn't seen them in a long time so decided to go for a bit before I had to be at Shirk. It was nice to spend some time with them and Ryan even got in for a few minutes during the half I was there so that was good. Then it was back to Shirk to get ready for our team picture. We played Blackburn tonight. They weren't very good we won by a lot. I actually played in both halves and scored 8 points so that was cool. Best part though was within 5 seconds of stepping onto the floor I was checked into the bleachers, apparently it looked really funny. After the game the parents got me some dinner at Taco Bell, I love Taco Bell. This song has been stuck in my head all day cause it's awesome, check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2zMZ-nZ7k&feature=related. Now I am thinking I shall like to lay on my bed.

Carrie Out

Team Bonding

2009-11-15T23:57:00.003-06:00

Nothing like a little midnight writing. Last night was full of team bonding, well upperclassmen at least, ha. We all went to see "A Christmas Carol" in 3D. I know I already went but I couldn't resist. We are poor kids so we may have smuggled in our own snacks and popcorn. The movie was just as spectacular in round 2. After the movie we decided we wanted ice cream so we raided Schnuck's. I think they were relived when we left we were a little wound up. We decided the movie night was not over so we went and rented "The Proposal" and went back to the house. We all sat around with spoons passing around tubs of ice cream. It's a good thing we run a lot because we eat abnormal amounts of food. The movie was really good, I had never seen it. I was suprised we were mostly quite throughout it so I could actually hear it. After the movie was over we hung out and laughed for a bit then called it a night. I didn't get up til 11:00 this morning, score. Rolled out of bed and went to practice. We were only on the floor for an hour but it we accomplished a lot. I even enjoyed myself. We then were given 10 minutes until we were to meet upstairs for film. Hope and I decided we could shower in that time frame and were both successful. We went upstairs only to find out the film we were supposed to be watching wasn't going to be on so we got sent home. I actually went home. Spent the afternoon doing laundry, playing with the dog, loving Brett Favre, and being disgusted with the Packers. Ate a delicious dinner of frozen pizza then headed to the church. We played extreme spoons and had a lesson on John the Baptist it was good. I went home and watched Brothers and Sisters with Mom then came back to school. I talked to Ashley the whole way back, we haven't talked lately, I miss her. Then Jerrod and I talked for a while when I got back to my room, he's a cool guy. I don't miss Lincoln College at all but I do miss my friends.

Carrie Out

Michael Jackson?

2009-11-13T23:32:00.003-06:00

The greatest part of yesterday? Cafeteria Thanksgiving dinner. It was a real special time had by all. The food was delicious and we once again were reminded why the whole basketball team should never go out in public, out of control. I had a real rough time sleeping last night, it just wasn't happening. Yet I woke up at 5:30 for work jacked and ready for the day...ridiculous. I didn't have any homework I felt like doing so I watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, love it every time. I created some events for our youth group on facebook which made me laugh. Then I watched some SVU cause it never disappoints. I had this real urge to laugh all morning I was sitting at the desk cracking up at nothing. People here think I'm a freak I'm sure. Next came a little Modern Germany we have moved into post war...almost. Still it's mildly interesting material. Ate lunch with our freshman it was a let down. I settled for grilled cheese. Practice quickly followed. It wasn't too bad but you could tell our legs were feeling the drain of 5 days on. Stayed after with the Solari's to shoot the breeze and the basketball good times. Took a quick shower then met Kelsey for an evening of adventure. We went to the mall for her to return a dress, it took eons. For dinner we hit up Flat Top I had a free birthday meal. Great food and free just the way I like it. Then we went to the movies to see "This Is It." Kelsey wanted to go and I drag her to all kinds of movies so I obliged. It wasn't bad, kinda interesting. I love Michael Jacksons music, it's his face that creeps me out. But for old times sake here's my one of my favorites pre-creepiness:) http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtGD6t75HS8

Carrie Out

Carrie Out

Ham?

2009-11-11T23:24:00.003-06:00

Wednesdays are my favorite weekday. It's like a little break right in the middle of chaos, not that it's not chaos...it's just pleasant chaos. Get it? My car would not start this morning, drat. I was in a hurry so after a few minutes of trying I called Stacey. She let me borrow my car to go to the grade school. Friends are nice. Kindergarten was a little out of control today. Well not the whole class just 2 of our boys which in turn riles everyone else up. Oh chain reactions. One of our boys was very huggy today. He was hanging all over me and kept sitting as close as he could to me. The other teachers were laughing all morning, it was kind of funny. I dropped Staces car back off at the house then went back to visit Marky Mark. Dad told me the trick of how to get it to start and this time it did. I decided I didn't want to fight the cafeteria lines for lunch today so I enjoyed some ham salad. Thanks Grandma! Then it was off to class. I got back my test today the one where I didn't even know 2 of the people. I got a B+ a very pleasant surprise. I spent the rest of the class finishing reading "Speak," good book. Right after class I headed off to Springers for my weekly visit. Trey was much happier today. Right now he is loving touching peoples faces, it's quite cute. Jodi and I watched some Oprah just to check out this lady who was mauled by a chimp. Oprah is a jerk. Trey fell asleep while I was holding him so I put him down and headed out. I grabbed a quick ham sandwich and chips at home before going to the church. Apparently I really enjoyed eating ham today. Youth went well we were a little down in numbers due to sickness but it worked. Went back home and watched an awesome episode of SVU, never a dull moment. But now my eyes itch and I need to find some eye drops so farewell.

Carrie Out

Christmas time!

2009-11-10T22:57:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Tuesday friends! Woke up this morning feeling tired. Meandered off to class to get my learn on. I really can't recall what we talked about at all hope it was nothing significant. Due to my sleepiness I took a nice nap before I had to head to work. At work I did my homework. Wrote an essay for math class which was good because it was due after work. I got lunch at the Dugout on my way home. Hummus, pita, and veggies, good stuff. I walked all the way to math class in the rain only to get there and find the room empty. I called one of my classmates only to find out class was in the library. I forgot, no big surprise there. Anyways I then trudged across campus to the library and arrived only slightly damp. We spent the whole time in the lab working with a program called Tinkerplots. I had never heard of it but it was a really neat way to work with data sets. Practice quickly followed. It was 2 intense hours but we made it through. Something random happened to me today. We were about an hour in and running a full court drill when all the sudden I felt my heart beating crazy. I got really dizzy and had to sit down my heart was racing, it felt very funny. I sat down for a minute or two and then it stopped and I went back to practice. I'd never had that happen before. After practice I went to Justin's for dinner. We had pork tips, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and crescent rolls, yums. Soon after we decided we were going to go to the movies to see the new 3D "Christmas Carol." It was so good, the 3D was awesome. It was darkish not really kiddy and well I love Christmas, so I am now officially declaring it the Christmas season!

Carrie Out

Holocaust

2009-11-09T23:12:00.002-06:00

I was a sleepy raccoon last night. I slept from 12 until 10:30 this morning. I guess not sleeping all weekend caught up with me. Started the day with a little Holocaust action. I find the whole incident while it is incredibly atrocious, very interesting. It's just crazy how such a great injustice could be pulled off in such magnitude. The part that always gets me the most though is that it wasn't something out of ancient history. It happened just 70ish years ago in modernized society, the whole thing just seems implausible. Grabbed some lovely cafeteria lunch after class, burrito day is always a success. I chilled for about a half hour then headed of to Old Man Rivers class. Today I started reading the novel "Speak" instead of listening to his lecture. So far it's a good read and much more interesting than his lullaby drabble. Post class it was straight off to practice. Another intense one only this one lasted for 2 1/2 hours, ouch. Needless to say my legs are very tired right now. Took a much needed shower then Lys called. We hired the man we were interviewing on Sunday and he is moving here on Friday. I'm feeling a little apprehensive about the whole thing all though I am trying not to. Please pray for a smooth transition for all of us. Then I headed to ISU for Encounter. Tonights sermon was on Romans 8:28 "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." It was a good sermon and seemed very fitting for the situation. Tomorrow is a busy day so for now I shall sleeeeep.

Carrie Out

Busy

2009-11-08T23:35:00.002-06:00

Weekends just get away from me around here. Friday night we went to Chicago and played DePaul in an exhibition game. The are 17th in the Nation for D1 schools it wasn't pretty. We didn't play well and they are about twice our size all equaling bad. Coach wasn't happy with it and neither were we but we chalked it up to a neat experience. It is cool to play in a D1 gym shake hands with Doug Bruno and just get a glimpse of the big leagues. Made us all thirsty for games though and all of it the bus rides the meals out, it's time to play. Saturday started with practice. It was one hour of film and one hour on the floor. It was very intense but good. We accomplished a lot in one hour because Coach decided to stop being so soft and was actually getting on us. After practice we all showered up then went out to tailgate the football game. Brent and Justin came so I watched with them for awhile. We won and made it into the playoffs, woo hoo. Saturday night was spent hanging out with the team and Elyse and Jason who had come back to visit. I miss them so it was nice to spend time with them. Came home about 2am and was gone by 8:30am this morning. It has been a long day. Went to service and Sunday school and then we had a lunch. We had one of our final canidates for our associate pastor postion with us today along with his family. After lunch we listened to him preach then went back to reinterview him. I left at 2 because I had things to do but apparently the rest of the staff was there til 4, yuck. Left the church and headed to Pekin with Mom and Grandma to meet Garrett. I may be partial but my cousins have cute kids. I held him for a while he's so cute and tiny. We talked to Keith and Ash and were entertained by Ky as usual. We went to Kroger on the way home cause I needed some groceries. Then it was back to the church for me for youth group. I think it went well across the board tonight so that was nice. Went to Beth and Troy's and chatted for a bit then headed home to watch Brother's and Sister's with Mom. Now I am back at school and my eyes burn they are so tired so bed it is.

Carrie Out

Babies!

2009-11-04T22:35:00.002-06:00

Something very important slipped my mind at blogging time yesterday. I have another new cousin! Garrett Edward as much as I love the name I feel like I may need to one up it with my own child's name so I can get in Grandma's will haha:) Anyways from what I've seen in pictures he's quite cute, what can I say my family makes cute kids. Woke up for my favorite part of the week, I love time spent in Kindergarten. Our kids were all kinds of wound up today it was adventurous. We had some cryers, a pants wetter, a puncher, and other mild mayhem. Still I enjoyed it, the good thing with kids that young is you can only be upset with them for a short time before they do something cute that makes you move on. Ate lunch in the cafeteria today it's nice to have an ID. I ate with Sean and the Solari's we sat and talked for a good hour it was nice. After lunch I loaded up my car in preparation for heading home after class. Class wasn't as boring as usual, not because I was listening but because I read Bill Bradley's book "Values of the Game." It was a interesting read and took the whole class period to finish, just what I was looking for. I ran to the gym when was class was done to get my mug shot taken for basketball. Then I loaded up and headed home...or rather to Springers. I spent an hour there chilling with Jodi and Trey, I didn't get to go last week I was in withdrawls. Trey was being fussy but when I left I was giving him fist bumps and he was cracking up, it was funny. Church was stressful but pulled off tonight. I was on my own Lys has the week off and most of my leaders were not there but somehow we managed. The night itself wasn't bad at all it was almost smooth it was the crazy prep that had me worried. I shall count it a success there were no major problems and all children survived. Went home and watched some SVU and loved it. If only the previews didn't always excited me so much for next weeks episode. Now I am back at school and should probably put away my laundry...maybe.

Carrie Out

Lost

2009-11-03T22:45:00.003-06:00

I am hungrrrrry and nothing I have in my room is working for me. I need a new spread of food. In both my education classes today we had assigned seating. I am convinced that my normal table is 99% responsible for this, particularly Cam and I. We were split and set on opposite sides of the room, not cool. I don't know if it worked as planned though. I can talk to anyone in that class and the fact that Cam was far away just made us talk across the room. I know we are real mature:) In science we spent the whole time discussing the benifits and problems with group work. Good discussion. After class I bought a new ID, second one in 2 weeks. I lose things like it's my job, some days I swear I need medication. Went to work at 12 and actually did homework, don't worry I am shocked by this as well. Grabbed a crispy chicken wrap on my way home, it was satisfying. Math class was all activities today, I like hands on so it wasn't too bad. We checked our syllabus and discovered that we have a project due in that class every period until the end of the semester. Nothing like storing it all up for the last minute. I had an hour until practice I spent it accomplishing nothing and watching SVU. Got a quick dinner before practice only it took forever to get to me. I ended up eating it in the locker room, classy. Practice seemed like a royal waste of time today, we are having a rough time working around everyones schedules. Karen and I stayed after and shot for awhile because for once I had no where to be and no homework to do. The rest of my time has been spent cleaning up myself and my room although it's still far from clean.

Carrie Out

Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!

2009-11-02T23:47:00.002-06:00

Ahh Monday, although it didn't feel much like one for some reason. I set my alarm for 7:30 this morning so I could register for classes and make sure I got in. It was smooth sailing and within 5 minutes my computer was put away and my sleep came back to me. Very nice. Slept then hit up class, gotta love Modern Germany. We have moved into Germany in WWII lots of Hitler and Nazi's and general merriment, ha:) That man was all kinds of a crazy. After class I snuck into the cafeteria since my ID is still MIA, dumb thing. I ate with the underclassmen good times. Post lunch I went to the registrars office to check my registration status. I couldn't get in my Senior Seminar class so they helped me out and got it all taken care of. They are the most helpful people on campus, seriously. Then it was off to White Power/Black Leadership. I try to pay attention in that class and I don't think I have ever succeeded. I swear it just drags on to spite me. We didn't have practice tonight and I didn't have homework. I spent my free time doing much more fun things. I went to Walmart to buy gatorade, sesame sticks, and a new tape for my IPOD. Epic fail they had none of what I was looking for. I did buy one thing though, vitamins. I figured I should give them a go since I get sick at school all the time. Centrum adult chewables:) Then I met Kelsey for some Fiesta for dinner and to go see "Where the Wild Things Are." I'm not sure how I feel about the movie. While the visuals were awesome, the plot line was strange. I get what they were going for but I just don't know. I think I will have to see it again to determine if I like it. I rushed to Encounter after the movie. It was great to be back there. I miss going to a service that is completely aimed at people my age it's fillilng.

Carrie Out

Thuriturunday

2009-11-01T23:12:00.002-06:00

I did a lot this weekend and well now I would like to write it all down:)

Thursday night we carved pumpkins at Bible Study. It was a lot of fun. Stacie picked out the biggest pumpkin for me to do cause she just thought I would like it. That sucker was tough, it took forever to get it cut open but after that it was smooth sailing. I gunked it all out then carved a boo ghost into it it was cool. We even cooked the pumpkin seeds for a little snack. Love it.

Friday was an all day event known as Alyssa and Sam's wedding. It was a great day with a lot going on. I have never been that in on a wedding and it was nice to be a part of. We had lunch in the afternoon, then rehearsal, and some last minute things. Ryan flew in in the morning so I got to spend some time with him which always makes me happy. We split up in the late afternoon for showers then came back to the church for dinner which was yummy. I didn't get dressed until the last possible minute cause I love sweat pants. I chilled in the dressing classroom with Beth and Lys and pretty much just did whatever they wanted. Matt and Ryan came back to the church a little later so the three of us spent some time just sitting around and catching up. I finally got dressed about 10 minutes before I had to assume my post at the guest book. The sanctuary was decorated really pretty and the lights were all turned down. Lots of people came, the boys were the ushers with Troy and they were cracking me up. They were pretending to be a mortuary company because they said that is the only time men dress alike, dorks. When we finally got everyone in and seated Matt, Becca, Ryan, and I were left to fill the last seats in the sanctuary...the very back. The ceremony was really nice and emotional. At one point in time Ry turned to me and said "this whole thing is kinda weird." I know exactly what he meant, it's a lot to take in with what she/we have gone through. I think it will still take some time to sink in. The reception was spent talking to Ry, Matty, and Becca cause they are awesome. I like Becca more every time I see her, she's great for Matty. Soon enough everyone headed home. I had to say goodbye to Ry which I hate, he flew back to Florida tonight:( Then I helped clean up and write down gifts as they opened them because I could before heading back to school.

Saturday morning started off with practice, first one in 7 days. I am grateful it was a pregame practice cause I don't think I could have taken a full boat one. I was huffing and puffing but I knew I would be. The girls all wore their Halloween costumes to the beginning of practice per coaches orders. They went as Disney movies: Seniors/Toy Story, Juniors/Aladdin, Sophs/Pooh, Fresh/Incredibles. Their costumes were all homemade and turned out really good. After practice we all went to the cafeteria for lunch with a bunch of recruits. I lost my brand new ID and still haven't found it, luckily coach had meal tickets. After lunch it was shower time. I honestly have no idea what happened all afternoon. I did nothing I didn't sleep, didn't watch tv, didn't play on the computer, didn't listen to music, didn't do homework. It was strange I just looked up and it was 4:45 and time for me to go I had lost 4 hours to who knows what. At 5 I went to the girls house and we loaded up to go trick or treating for canned goods. My group was Nikkie and Stacey. It was a lot of fun we enjoy doing things like that and plus we got some candy along the way. We dropped off our cans and the upperclassmen all decided we were going to hit up Chipolte for free burrito day. We loaded up and headed out only to find the line going across the parking lot, we opted for Meatheads instead. Dinner was enjoyable and we spent a lot of time laughing. We decided to spend the rest of the night watching a scary movie. Stacey suggested "The Last House on the Left," I suggest you never watch it. It wasn't scary it was utterly disturbing and just weird. By the end we all got a good laugh out of it but...just don't.

Today I woke up and headed to Shirk. Since it was early Sunday morning and we didn't have church you know we had to fit in our good deed. Once again we folded towels for Tony. We scrimmaged at ICC today. The gym was freeeeeezing cold, we warmed up in our sweatshirts. The game was five ten minute quaters. I played a little, I didn't think I would since I hadn't practiced all week. I think it got us all in the mood for games, I like bus rides, warm-ups, and the whole thing. So much better than practice. After the game we went to the Cotners for a home cooked meal. Pulled pork, veggies, cheesy potatoes, brownies, and a chocolate fountain. All delicious and enjoyable, much better than cafeteria. We got home at about 3:45 and I parked myself in front of the tv. I was in for a rough football game today Brett v. Packers AT Lambeau. I missed the beginning which is for the best I heard they booed him, I'm not okay with that. The game started as a blow out but turned into a real game. Best part though was when Greg Jennings (Packers WR) got hurt on the Vikes sidelines and Favre was bent over him talking to him trying to help him. I think sometimes a lot of the drama surrounding this whole thing is simply the media, I like to pretend we are all still friends:) It makes me sad to watch Favre get all torn up over the Packers in interviews I can't watch them. I have a slight love for him ha. The rest of the night was spent writing a book review on "Hitler's Thirty Days to Power," not my best work but it's done and done is good enough!

Carrie Out

Better

2009-10-28T22:15:00.003-05:00

I feel as if I am accomplishing nothing this week...I hope that's not true. Started the day off in Kindergarten, my favorite way to get going. We had Halloween themed centers this week, that was fun. We also had a fire drill today that was an adventure. It was cold out one of my kids said "We shoulda broughten our coats and gloves," hahaha. When I was done I came home and rested, lovely. I did a little reading for my test then grabbed a light lunch. The test wasn't too bad except I didn't even recognize one of the peoples names I was supposed to be comparing. I hope my bsing works out cause that one threw me off. Class ended and I returned to my bed. Honestly I feel better today. All morning I felt like I couldn't catch my breath for some reason, but I've been okay the rest of the day. Didn't completely sweat through my clothes today either, gross but true:) I went to practice today to watch since I have missed all week. The girls said they learned new stuff, all I saw was same old same old. My job was to pick up the balls and pass in drills. I never thought I would actually miss the running ha. I grabbed dinner after practice, the first time since Sunday I had actually felt hungry and wasn't forcing myself to eat something. I got about half a wrap downish, good enough for me. Then it was time for my long awaited SVU, tonight was real suspenseful one. Never disappoints. I just did a little homework, okay so I read a childrens book, but hey work is work.

Carrie Out

Wheezy

2009-10-27T21:40:00.002-05:00

I hate sickness. I slept for 11 hours last night. That's when I know things aren't right, when I sleep. I wasn't allowed to go to 6am practice this morning, which was good since I slept right through it. Got up and went to Science class. By the time I got there the clothes under my sweats were drenched in sweat, it's real weird. Class was entertaining as always we did some fun activities and pretended to be bears, good times. I came home changed clothes and then slept til work. I'm really not sure what I did at work, I cannot remember. After work I slept some more and watched some SVU. I thoroughly enjoy marathon Tuesdays. Math class was a little boring. It was my turn to teach again. We are onto geometry I taught about triangles, it went well enough. I had a nurses appointment after class per Coach and the trainers request. I had a mono test it was negative. Apparently I have some post flu respiratory infection that is being treated as some kind of bronchitis for now. The nurse said my lungs sound like they have stuff in them and I am wheezing, which is why I'm tired. I got put on an inhaler and a Z-Pack. I have to go back to the nurse on Friday to see if my lungs sound better. If they don't I have to have a chest x-ray and some labs done, yuck. Other than that I am out of practice for the week. I made myself eat some soup for dinner so I could take my medicine then I went to watch a little of the boys basketball scrimmage. The rest of my night has consisted of me sitting on my bed attempting to prep for a history test tomorrow, yikes.

Carrie Out

Rain

2009-10-26T20:14:00.002-05:00

It has been a dreary type of day. I'm not a fan of fall rain. It's all cold and misty and drab. There is no storm just wet wet wet, annoying. I slept for about 11 hours last night, it was nice. Went to class and learned all about Germany, yay. I left my ID at home in my rain coat so I had to go buy a new one. Normally I would have just waited til I could get home to get it but I needed it for too many things this week. I didn't eat lunch I wasn't hungry and all I wanted to do was lay in bed. Before I went to class at 2 I went and payed my tution finally. I forced myself to eat a cup of yogurt because I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day. Old Man River's class was boring per usual. After class I had to run to ISU's library to check out a book "Hitler's 30 Day's to Power." I have to read it and write a book review on it for my Germany class. I once again slept until practice. I got up early to get some food I knew I would have to eat something if I was going to make it through practice. I settled for a pita and some hummus along with Motrin. I got to the locker room and my teammates said I looked "all red and fevered" they threw a fit until I went to get my temperature taken by the trainer. I told them I had just taken medicine and didn't have a fever. They took my temperature anyways, I didn't have a fever. I got sent home anyways. Apparently I was pale and clamy and had symptoms that they didn't want me sharing with the team. I have spent the rest of my night in bed doing a little homework and just resting. Now I think I'm gonna try and go to sleep.

Carrie Out

Resick?

2009-10-25T22:25:00.002-05:00

I had a very busy but very enjoyable weekend. Friday was football, cold, wet, and a loss, but football is always good. Saturday was spent visiting many a people. Started with a little family soup-a-palooza which was fantastic. Great food and great people it doesn't get much better. Then I headed to Atlanta for the annual Finchum weiner roast. More food, more people, more fun. Spent most the night just chilling out by the fire and talking, it was nice but I reeked of smoke. This morning I missed church. I woke up 3o minutes late with my phone under me. I think I disabled my alarm sometime in the night by rolling onto it because it is a touch screen. Oops! I headed into the church late but didn't go into service. I listened from the choir room ha. I was mad I missed because Pete preached, then I realized I have already heard the sermon he delivered. I went to high school Sunday school class to hang with the kids they make me happy. I finished the wedding programs today as well, somehow Lys lost the original, luckily we made some copies. I wasn't feeling well this morning so I grabbed a quick lunch at home then headed back to school to sleep til practice. Practice wasn't too bad minus my lungs burning. I have this crazy dry cough that just hurts. Came back and showered and haven't left my bed since. I have been running a fever all night, I feel like I just got healthy. Go away fever no one here wants you! Another song to check out, I have a small fascination with music:) It's called "Lay Em Down," by Need to Breathe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1QMmWlOmEQ

Carrie Out

Happy Birthday...to me!

2009-10-21T23:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to me! (At least for 30 more minutes ha) Started the day off with a little kindergarten fun. One of my kids asked me if I was a Grandma today. Actually he started by asking which one of the kids in the class was mine, I said no. Then he asked if I was a mom, I said no. To which he responded "Oh so you're a Grandma!" I just laughed and said yes. If I wasn't feeling old today he sure helped:) When I got done at the grade school I drove across town and met Kelsey and Amber for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was sooo good I love BWW and it was nice to be able to hang with them. Kelsey got me some sweet gifts Underarmor sweats and a hilarious box from high school filled with things she found around her room. Hit up Party City on my way back to campus to pick up some helium balloons for the church harvest party. Then I went and talked to Karen for a little bit, she had gotten me some goodies for my birthday, I love Crazy Core Skittles! After that I headed on home, or more specifically to Springers. I hung out with Jodi and Trey for a bit. Jodi even had made me a delicious funfetti birthday cake yums. I was then at the church from 4:30-8:30. I think the Harvest Party went well though, lots of games, lots of candy, and lots of people. Then I really did go home for some always awesome SVU and a shower. I've had a good birthday and enjoyed my free time, let's call it a successful day! Oh and check this song out it's been stuck in my head all day, it's by Jimmy Needham and well give er a listen:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0QeT4xI2yA&feature=related

Carrie Out

Accomplished

2009-10-20T23:24:00.002-05:00

I am so relieved right now it isn't even funny. It has been another non-stop day but I have accomplished a lot. Started the morning out at the glorious time of 5:30am. You know morning practice wasn't even that bad. We actually accomplished a lot and managed to laugh and have an okay time as well. After practice I showered away my scum and opted for a little pre-class nap, delightful. In science class we played Old Maid with the 3 forms of water, fun stuff. We were looking at statewide nature curriculum so we got to do some of the activities. Our teacher brought a stuffed otter and she let me play with it, score! After class I met with my advisor to go over my intent to student teach. She thought it looked really good and told me to go ahead and turn it in, so I did ha. Off to work where I actually worked on my paper, well a little bit. I did some reading so I could write my paper. Grabbed lunch at Tommy's they make a mean buffalo chicken wrap. Back to class. In math we are studying fractions. We have actually learned a really neat way to multiply and divide them using models and it even makes sense. Post class I ran to my room grabbed my laptop and headed to the library. I place my self on Ames arrest in an attempt to write my 8 page history paper. At 5:30 I took a break for dinner and went to Justin's for some yummy roast and potatoes. I got back around 6:15 and wrote on. By 8 it was time for another break so I went and meal exchanged for some snacks before getting back at it. By 9:30 my paper was complete, footnotes, formatting, and bibliography. It probably would have taken less time if my teammates weren't always in the library but they were a welcome distraction. Anyways being done is great great great. I then decided in celebration that I desperately needed to clean up my room...so I did. I can now see my floor, my desk, and my chair, two laundry baskets all my books and papers later. But my room feels so much better now. Now I shall attempt to sleep!

Carrie Out

Break Time

2009-10-19T21:22:00.002-05:00

Time for a homework break, it has been a non-stop day. Woke up this morning exhausted even though I thought I had slept for quite some time. Headed off to Modern Germany class. We watched a 65 minute video on Berlin. It was soooo boring. There was no sound and a little background music. It was literally like a person was simply walking around the city with a camera in 1920 Germany. Exciting. We got our midterms back I pulled a B. I am okay with that there were a few questions I knew I did not fully understand. After class I met with my Professor because I have to give a class presentation on Wiemar Germany on Friday. Then I hit up the cafeteria for some buffalo chicken meltdown, never disappoints. Right after I had an appointment at the writing center to revise my intent to student teach essay. I fixed up my paper then it was time for White Power/Black Leadership. We talked a lot of nothing, got a little into T. Thomas Fortune, and convinced Old Man River to cancel class on Wednesday so we could have more time to work on our papers. They are now due Wednesday at midnight, hey every spare hour helps. After class I read some research for my paper and then it was time for practice. 5-8 practices are rough for the mere fact that you are starving halfway through. You can't eat before and after the cafeteria is closed, boo. Anyways we survived and were blessed with the lovely gift of tomorrows practice being at 6am, good times. Grabbed a sandwich at the DugOut, showered and then have been working on my research paper. I am only 1 of 8 pages in this thing is annoying. But for now my body is saying bed but my paper must be worked on.

Carrie Out

Cut

2009-10-18T23:28:00.003-05:00

I am returning from yet another delay in blogging, my sincerest apologies:) This weekend was Fall Break, ha, hahaha. That equates one day off, Friday, big break eh? Anyways my whole break was spent at Shirk working 6-9 then practice 9-12:3. Fun times. My body was awfully achy after round 2 of practice I literally just sprawled on my bed for an hour after I showered. I spent the afternoon hanging out with Jodi and Trey and it was fantastic. The night was spent at Brents football game. Yesterday Mom and I went shopping for basketball socks, new winter boots, and sweat pants. Quite the combination, but I got most every thing I needed. I came home and wanted to make guacamole I failed. I did succeed though in cutting a nice chunk out of my idex finger. Stupid thing bled forever. The rest of the day/night was spent hanging out with Brent and the animals. We watched "Swing Vote" and "Lake View Terrace" both interesting enough. Got up and went to church this morning. I was not focusing real well. I went to Sunday school with my high schoolers since I wasn't able to go to youth tonight. Went home had lunch then came back to school for practice. Another 3 hours of fun, this dumb finger was pretty annoying to play with. Came back tired, stinky, and hungry. All which I overcame. I have spent the rest of the night formulating and writing a lesson plan. This week is gonna be stressful I have faaaaar too much to do.

Carrie Out

Back to Basketball

2009-10-15T22:29:00.002-05:00

Apparently when I don't post for two days Grandma gets worried...so I'm back! It's just been a busy week and I got distracted. I didn't have science class this morning so I got to sleep in til 11:00 glorious. Got up and rolled into work. Our system crashed today so really I had no work to do. I wrote and completed a math lesson plan for my kindergartners. I feel so accomplished when I actually do homework at work. Then I wasted time doing who knows what until math class. We have moved onto fractions. For some reason I get it and a lot of my classmates don't so the teacher had me do a lot of helping today. After class I took a nap. I haven't been sleeping well so I've been getting tired, annoying. Anyways today it was necessary because it marks the beginning of basketball season! So yeah I slept then grabbed a dinner before practice at 6:30. I didn't want to eat too heavy because I knew we were in for the long haul, so I settled for PB & J, a banana, and some pretzels. I have drank an obscene amount of liquids this evening for some reason I am extremely parched. But back to practice it was incredibly, I don't know, patsy. Not near as intense as last year. Yes we were there for three hours but it was a lot of breakdowns and paitence and explaining, none of which happened last year. We were kind of thrown to the wolves and apparently that's how it has always been so we as a whole were confused by the hand holding of the freshman. But we survived it was probably best to get our bodies a little broke in and we couldn't go to hard cause we are back at it for three hours at 9 am. For now that means attempting to sleep cause I still got to work at 6.

Carrie Out

Dead Car

2009-10-12T22:42:00.002-05:00

I slept well last night but felt tired all day...how does that work? Modern Germany was same old same old although we have moved onto WWI. At least I know some things about WWI it's not a foreign subject. Then it was off to lunch, a little General Tso's chicken yummalicious. I'm not real sure what I did during my free hour between classes, I honestly can't remember. Old Man River's class was exceptionally boring. I actually spent my time working on drawings for Lys wedding bulletin's, good times. After class I called and talked to Jodi for awhile, she is moving home and I am excited. Then it was off to pickup. We practiced drills to help our freshmen learn them for Thursday. Then we played for an hour and a half. I'm not gonna lie the first game I was dying. I really haven't done much since I've gotten sick, but it felt good to start getting back in the groove. I grabbed dinner from Tommy's they have tenderloins now and it was delicious. Showered then headed out to Encounter. I stopped by Krogers to buy some toliet paper for a food pantry drive we are doing. Bought the TP then jumped in Marky Mark to drive away only he wouldn't start. Not happy. I left him in the Kroger parking lot and walked home. I proceeded to spend my night doing nothing real productive, which isn't a good choice but I'm over it.

Carrie Out

Homecoming

2009-10-11T23:41:00.002-05:00

Twas a crazy weekend I was running all over the place. Friday night Justin and I went out to eat at Fiesta Ranchera and then to Oly for the homecoming game. It was a chilly night but we survived and Olympia won. When we got back I went over to my teammates house to hang out and have some fun. Then Saturday it was IWU's homecoming. A few of my teammates parents came down and brought a tent and set up a big tailgate for us. 5 of our basketball alum came back and we had a fun albeit cold day out at the football field. There was lots of food, some bags tournaments, and a lot of laughing. We lost the game but we enjoyed ourselves. Then we went back to the house where I was very hyper and being awesome. I may have been running around in all black tights pretending to be a ninja. All the girls left at night to go home to Chicago for the marathon because Jess ran in it (she finished in 5.5 hours!). I headed home then as well. Church was a mess today. Our music leader was sick so our worship was off. A lady passed out in service so that added some commotion. I skipped Sunday school and instead went to Peoria with Mom, Bren, and Grandma to look for basketball shoes. Epic fail, Brent found the shoes he wanted I did not. At youth tonight we let the kids chill and play games since they were worn out from Homecoming, but it was good to just be. Watched Brother's and Sister's and headed back, now I need to go look up New Guinea Singing Dogs.

Carrie Out

Hyper

2009-10-08T22:54:00.002-05:00

I'm all kinds of wound up right now and I'm not real sure why. Probably not gonna help me with the whole going to sleep thing since I got to get up at 5:30, oops! Got up this morning for our last basketball conditioning, hurray! We did post training testing boring stuff but good to be done. Our assistant coach brought us Panera bagels for breakfast yums:) I came back showered and took a little siesta until science. Today in class we read a picture book about standardized testing. I love children's books. Then it was off to work not a real thrill. I played Family Feud and talked to some people, good times. Off to class again. I was not real confident on the lesson I was teaching but I powered through...and got an A! That was relieving. I stayed after class so the teacher could help me with my Excel project, very helpful. We didn't have pickup today because all the outdoor sports practiced inside due to rain so I spent an hour before dinner doing absolutely nothing. Ate dinner with Christina and Karen, there was nothing good. Back at the room I finished my homework and finally cleaned up the mess of my room. I had kinda been living out of it not in it and it was out of control. I feel much better about it now. Watched "The Office" wedding and well it was funny. Bible study came next which never disappoints but for now I shall attempt to wind down.

Carrie Out

Kids

2009-10-07T22:05:00.002-05:00

It was a chilly morning, fall is abrupt. I went back to Kindergarten this morning, I missed it last week. The kids are just too cute, and a lot of fun. Today I made a bulletin board, cut out a bunch of pumpkin books, and led a math center and a literature center. I love Kindergarten. Came back and grabbed some lunch, it was baked potato bar very tasty. I spent my hour before class doing homework, all kinds of exciting. History class was exceptionally boring today. I spent it writing letters to my 5th grade penpals from my education classes. I did get some good news though my history paper got cut down 2 pages and the due date got pushed back a week. That's gonna be a rough one. After class I had a project meeting for my math class. It's my turn to lead the lesson again tomorrow. It is some strange way of teaching large number multipication my partner and I don't really get it, hope it goes well. Headed home where I did a little of my math Excel project, I'm making small progress. Grilled some brats for dinner then went to church. The kids were a little out of control today, very wound up. Still we had good numbers and it went well so no complaining here. Watched SVU and it was enthralling as always, then it was back to school. Now I need some sleepsky lasta 6:30 am work out in the morning!

Carrie Out

Toy Story!

2009-10-06T23:24:00.003-05:00

How I did not miss 6:30 am basketball last week....but how I am paying for it this week. I made it through albeit slowly but I did complete everything. Apparently my teammates thought I was going to pass out, it was just a bit rough that's all. After workout I showered and went back to bed til class. Today in science we talked about animals and fears it was interesting. Then we built these paper bats, they were neat. We took them in the hallway to test out their flying mine went the farthest:) Then it was off to work where I actually did homework for the hour I was there. It's because it didn't have to be done on the internet. Stacey picked me up from work and we went on the prowl for new basketball shoes. We hit up all the athletic shoe stores in Bloomington and came up short. There just aren't any new models out there. I think I am going to end up having Kelsey order me a pair from Dick's. Then it was back to class. I'm not sure what we really did in math today it was kind of all over the place. After class I attempted to work on an Excel project for math using a data set only I forget how to use Excel, helpful. The best part of the day came next. Kelsey came to eat chicken bowl with us at dinner then we went to see the Toy Story 3D double feature. I love Toy Story and seeing it on the big screen was sweet, the 3D doesn't do much though since the characters are pretty much already in 3D. Still I enjoyed every moment of it. And now I shall rest.

Carrie Out

Football Agony

2009-10-05T20:32:00.002-05:00

I'm all kinds of worked up right now. There is nothing right with Brett Favre in a Vikings jersey playing the Packers. I feel as if it may be morally wrong, all I know is that it is not ok. Otherwise it has been a pretty good day. The mere fact that I didn't spend it in bed already makes it trump last week. My German midterm wasn't too bad. I knew the basis of most of the questions there were none I was completely lost on. I am hoping this turns into a good outcome. Something I was very pleased with though was my paper I wrote on the German film. I definately winged that one and was feeling nervous but...I got an A! That made me happy. Then I came back to my room and checked my email and found out my math project which was due tomorrow isn't due til Friday. That made me even happier! I hadn't had time to work on it last week due to my insane amounts of sleeping and was fearful of not getting it done. I love extensions. Old Man River's class was a bore today. We got our tests back I got a B and I am ok with that, I wasn't so sure about it. After class I slept a bit and then went to basketball, everyone was so excited to see me alive, ha. It wasn't bad I was a bit weezy and coughy but I survived. It wasn't even that I was wearing out it was that I physically could not get much out of my body. Oh well it was a start for 10 days of inactivity. Grabbed dinner from Tommy's and then sat here and watched the torture of my two loves in life battling each other.It is almost too much to take. I think I shall go to church and pray about it:)

Carrie Out

Feeling Better

2009-10-04T23:49:00.003-05:00

Ahh I have finally re-entered the land of the living and it's great. I feel sooo much better just a lil cough, playing basketball this week may be an adventure though considering I did nothing for 7 days. Friday night I went to Football cause I was so tired of being under house arrest. We won bringing the grand total to 3 victories, impressive for us. Saturday morning the Doc called and said I was Mono free, hurray! I spent all day Saturday in Atlanta for the Oly Fire Slow Pitch Tourney. I didn't play I was there for moral support and well it was a blast, we had a fun day and night. Rolled out of bed fresh for church this morning. I was all set on going to service, but that didn't happen. Our Jr. Church teacher didn't show up so up I went. I didn't have the lesson or anything it was with the teacher so we watched Veggie Tales and played games. Works for me. Spent the afternoon Googling terms for my Modern Germany midterm tomorrow. I am nervous, other things I can b.s. my way through, with this I have limited back ground knowledge to spring off of. Then it was off to youth, we had 8 kids so we kinda just hung out and checked in with them, it was nice. I went with Lys to get Ryker from Sondgeroth's just to say hey cause I hadn't seen them. Came home and showered then watched Brothers & Sisters with Mom before heading back to school. Talked to Kelsey on the phone for forever, now a lil more German then bed!

Carrie Out

Blood

2009-10-01T22:55:00.002-05:00

So definitely the most interesting part of my day came from the ever anticipated doctors visit. So I roll in early and I swear I sit in the waiting room forever. I am tired so I am just taking a little napsky in my chair. Then I get called in and do the usual with the nurse, throw out all my symptoms and wait. Then the doctor comes in and checks everything out and decides that I have the flu but it is too late to test for it. She also decides she wants to test for mono. If it's just the flu she said it should be out of my system in a few days since I have had it since Saturday. Anyways back to the mono test, I'm thinking no big deal, a throat swab and I'm out. But NO they gotta bring out the big guns, I detest needles. The nurse gets to work and I ask if we can take the blood out of my hand cause I hate things in my inner elbows. She's flicking all over both hands but can't find a vein. Finally I cave cause I am tired and wanting out of there so I tell her she can use my elbow. FIRST TIME EVER, this is a BIG deal. Anyways I tell her to be quick and I just turn my head and clench my fist. I am having to tell myself over and over to not hit her, I hate it that much. It wasn't even the needle it was the dumb swabbing of the cotton, that just creeped me out. But she pulls 2 vials and gets it done and all the sudden I'm incredibly dizzy. I black out I can't see anything, I'm sweating profusely, and my skin is ice cold. The nurse goes and gets the doctor and they lay me up on the table and put wet clothes on my face. I had to lay there for 10 minutes before I returned to normal, good times. Apparently I don't react well to having blood drawn. I drove back to school then and went to work. I half slept and got paid. Then I napped till class at 2:35. My classmates like to make all kinds of swine jokes, pleasant. I decided after class I was gonna drop by practice to see my teammates cause I miss them and they have been texting me all week, only practice was cancelled. I returned to my room and slept. Got up talked to Kale for a bit then went to Justin's for dinner and NBC Thursday TV. I went to Bible Study tonight because I miss people, I am a room prisoner, I miss real life. It was good then I came back here and laughed while talking to Ryan for awhile, cause he's awesome. Now rest calls.

Check out this song "Storm" by Life House it's good stuff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQS_kCKtUt8&feature=related

Carrie Out

Nothing

2009-09-30T22:43:00.003-05:00

Nothing real exciting to report from here on the homefront. Except for ya I'm still at home. Got me a lil Dr.'s appointment in the morning. I hate the Dr. I'm hoping he will discover I have a magical illness that will simply evaporate within 3 minutes of seeing him. In reality I will probably have a mono test run. Today I have done a lot of nothing. I slept until 11. I got up fed the cat, played with the dog, and watched SVU. I wrote my intent to student teach. After I was up for a total of 3 hours I got insanely tired. I dragged myself upstairs and passed out. I woke up in time to go to church. I wasn't going to go but we thought that 2 of our teachers weren't going to make it because they had to take their daughter to the ER for x-rays. I was going to have to teach, luckily they made it. I spent the rest of the time at church doing sitting jobs like attendance and other things. I came home I watched new SVU, never disappointing. Now I shall sleep some more.

Carrie Out

Quarantine

2009-09-29T22:55:00.002-05:00

I didn't go to basketball this morning per the doctors orders. Extra sleep was much appreciated. I rolled into science class right on time. I wasn't going to go but we had 2 classes cancelled last week and I didn't want to fall behind. I was quarantined, no one would sit by me and my teacher was being all "Mom like." It was all quite amusing. She made me drink a whole bottle of juice before I left and told me to go and sleep until my next class. I did sleep until I had to go to stupid work, cut right into my rest. It was only an hour shift though and I made it through. After work I was hungry but had no soup so I called Stacey and headed over to my teammates house. They let me in the door and made me stand in the kitchen and not touch anything. Stacey fixed the soup gave it to me and they sent me out the door. I drank it up then slept again until math class. My science teacher had told my math teacher I was sick, she was being all motherly too. I wasn't allowed to touch the manipulative's or calculators, but kids did sit by me this time. I really don't think it's that bad people are just overly cautious apparently. I went home after class for 2 reasons. One I had a visitation for a family friend I needed to attend and two I can't go to kindergarten tomorrow because I am sick. So instead I spent my evening doing nothing and chilling with Bren. We watched "Bed Time Stories," and I loved it. Tomorrow I need to write my intent to student teach essay, tonight I need to sleep.

Carrie Out

Sicky

2009-09-28T20:39:00.002-05:00

I slept for 12 1/2 hours last night. Yeah crazy. I knew I was tired I just didn't know I was that tired. I rolled out of bed for class at 11 and was still not feeling well. My friend convinced me to call for a nurses appointment during class so I could be sure to get in today. I made it through class then headed to the cafeteria not hungry but knowing I had to eat something. I settled for some mac and cheese and orange juice. I laid down until my nurses appointment at 1:20. I tested negative for strep which I was quite certain I didn't have. She didn't come to any real conclusions just said that I wasn't to go to basketball for at least 24 hours and to consider myself contagious. I have all the signs and symptoms for H1N1 so she said that if I am not any better in 48 hours I need to go to urgent care. Here's to hoping I feel better. I went to Old Man Rivers class because here missing one class can get you really behind. I drifted through then came back and slept for 2 hours since I couldn't go to basketball. I decided on some vegetable chili and a banana for dinner, soft things are easy on the throat. Now I shall watch a little Big Bang Theory.

Carrie Out

Weekend Madness

2009-09-27T21:53:00.002-05:00

My entire weekend has been busy, fun, and ultimately exhausting. Friday I sat in a dentists chair for 2 hours. Now that was enjoyable. Actually 2 Novocain shots later, I wasn't feeling too bad just all kinds of numb. As an end result I got a new molar, nice. Then it was off to football, the game wasn't as one sided as I was expecting it to be so that was good. A crazy fog settled in in the second half and you couldn't even see across the field. I had fall retreat for Encounter at Little Galilee this weekend but due to the fog didn't head out until Saturday morning. It was a lot of fun just to be able to hang out and get to know people. We had services, worship, camp fires, small group, paddle boating, Frisbee, volleyball, and all kinds of other fun games. The downside was that I went to bed sick with a fever and sore throat...oh and the fact that there were not enough beds so I had to sleep on the floor. I woke up this morning feeling like crap. I made it home and slept the afternoon away. Then I had high school youth group kickoff. We had a wiener roast with some capture the flag and other joyous actvities. Now I am going to attempt to sleep off whatever sickness has found me this time.

Carrie Out

Runnin round

2009-09-23T22:14:00.002-05:00

Started the morning off in Kindergarten. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy it? No matter how tired I feel on the drive there when I get to the classroom I automatically wake up. Today we made number lines and friend books I wish that was the kind of homework we had around here. I also caught a millipede and a cricket in our classroom, the teacher was grossed out, bugs don't bother me. Came back and had a group meeting for my math class. We are teaching the activity tomorrow and we had to prep. I had an hour until class so I did my devotions then grabbed a pita and some hummus for lunch. Then it was off to boring Old Man River's class. It was exceptionally boring, three pages worth of drawings. Maybe just because I was especially anxious to get out of there today. As soon as class was over I headed to Springers. Jodi and Trey fly out in the morning so I wanted to spend some time with them before they left. Trey was being angry today, he was crying a lot. We think he may be cutting teeth, he was chewing on everything. Still crying or no crying he's adorable and now I must wait til Thanksgiving to see them again. I grabbed dinner at home then went to the church. Youth went really well tonight our elementary kids were good and our junior highers were fun. After church I went home and watched SVU soooo good. I may be mildly obsessed but I don't care, ha. Basketball in the morning bed in the, well, now.

Carrie Out

Hot

2009-09-22T22:46:00.003-05:00

So I found out today those gnats aren't really gnats at all but plant lice...yummy. Basketball kicked off the day, hurray conditioning. Workout was kind of hard today possibly because it was 40,000 degrees humid in the gym. We were sweating a small bit. I was tired so I crashed for a bit before heading off to class. In science today we practiced classifications, which meant we got to play with colorful toy fish. Then we read a book called "Diary of a Worm," it was funny. Then it was work time. I once again read Time Magazine, I'm starting to get all kinds of intelligent, ha. Lunch was unfulfilling, I hate working shifts that keep me from going to the cafeteria. Peanut butter and jelly just doesn't always cut it. Math class was all about adding, its a tricky subject which needs loads of time devoted to it. I think I have eaten and drank everything I could get my hands on today. For some reason I was hungry and thirsty at all times of the day. After class I went to Justin's for dinner. We had pork roast and some vegetables. It was delicious. We hung out the rest of the night watching the office. That show is hilarious no matter how many times you watch. Speaking of TV tomorrow is the season premire of Law and Order: SVU and I am beyond excited. You don't have to tell me I know I am a dork.

Carrie Out

Gnatsy

2009-09-21T20:01:00.003-05:00

I am thinking of investing in a bee suit. These gnats around here are all kinds of crazy. You can't walk to class without attracting a thousand of them. They get in your eyes, nose, mouth, and hair, and they make your skin all kinds of itchy. All said I am not a fan. Made it to German class right on time today. I am not real sure what we discussed I was reveling in the fact that my paper was done. I grabbed some lunch with Karen and Amy although it was not very fulfilling. The next hour was spent reading "Up From Slavery," because I had a test on it in Old Man Rivers class. I don't know how I feel about the test. I spewed 6 pages worth of knowledge, I just hope it was the correct knowledge. I am feeling a little nervous because I finished with 30 minutes to spare, I don't remember how long it took me to take his tests last year. After class I layed around and finally felt like I could breathe after a crazy weekend and an insane Monday. I checked my schedule discovered I had no major projects or homework for the week so I used the hour before pick up to simply relax. It was nice. Pick up was a little out of control today. We had 17 players, it was like a small army. We played for two hours and it was hot. There were gnats all over the gym and dead all over the floor, gross. I grabbed a delicious wrap from the
DugOut and have spent the rest of my night chilling in front of the T.V. Now I should get dressed and ready to head to Encounter.

Carrie Out

Weekend Report

2009-09-21T00:22:00.003-05:00

I am truly convinced that there is no better place to experince fall then small town central Illinois. I was home for the whole weekend and well I just love harvest time. I like to drive past the fields, follow tractors down the back roads, and look at the leaves. I love Friday night football and Sunday afternoon football. I like weiner roasts, playing with the dog, and bike rides. Tis just a lovely season. Anywas my weekend blew by and was packed jam crazy. Kicked it off with a Friday visit to see Jodi and Trey. Ahhh it was perfection I sat and held him for a solid 3 hours, heaven. Then it was off to football for a little Spartan action...and another victory. Saturday morning I got up nice and early to go watch Taylor and Ryker play soccer, entertaining. I piddled the afternoon away doing homework. This weekend was what I dubbed Norvapalooza at church. It was the celebration of our senior minister Norv's 25th year at MCC. Saturday night my highschoolers and I served food at a banquet held in his honor. Then there was a special service held after. It actually was done quite tastefully and was enjoyable, I wasn't expecting that. This morning church service was all about Norvert too. It was 2 hours long but broken up nicely between mini sermons and really good music. The whole thing was not as uncomfortable as I was fearing it was going to be. Plus I got to spend some time with Mike and Michelle Case so that made whatever annoying things totally worth it, I love them. This afternoon I did some more homework and watched the Packers choke, not happy. Then it was off to youth, we are studying Paul in Rome and I think it's really cool. We played some games, ate some food, and got our Jesus on. Went to Troy and Beth's on my way back to school to watch the first half of the Cowboys game and hang out. Then it was back to school where I finally completed my German essay for tomorrow, pressure is my friend. Tomorrow I have my first test of the semester over a book I didn't read...oops.

Carrie Out

Dentist

2009-09-17T22:01:00.002-05:00

I was sleepy this morning...all day actually. Musta not slept well, oops! I didn't go to basketball this morning but instead hit up the dentist. I was afraid I could not remember how to get there and the reasons were 2-fold. 1. One of my eyes was swollen shut and I was a little messed up last time I was there and 2. I am directionally challenged. But fear not Magellan the journey was made without mishap! I filled out all the necessary forms then it was back to the chair. In all honesty Dentist and Doctor's offices kinda trip me out, not a big fan. It wasn't bad though, they actually did nothing except check out my tooth. Dr. said it would take too long to do what they needed today and he didn't want to numb me go halfway and then have me come back and numb me again to finish. That I appreciate, I abhor needles. Anyways I shall venture back to the land of canines and cuspids next Friday. Off to class only we threw a curve ball today and our Ed. Teachers flopped schedules, math in the morning, science in the afternoon. We learned some crazy ways to multiply today that I had never heard of it was enlightening:) Work followed where I read an entire Time magazine, what can I say IWU has made me classy like that, oh and the fact that I had nothing else I could do and there were no Sports Illustrated. In science we read a book about rocks, played with apples, picked some leaves, and built paper helicopters. I know you're jealous. Went straight to pick-up we had lots of people today which equals lots of sitting around. A few of us shot around after and then headed to dinner. Nacho bar and New York Deli bar yums. The rest of the night I have been accumulating research on Germany in 1848, it's as awesome as it sounds. I must be off tomorrow is a big day, 6 am work, class, visiting Jodi and Trey and then football!

Carrie Out

Kindergarten

2009-09-16T22:14:00.003-05:00

Started the day off in Kindergarten and loved every minute of it. I was anxious to check it out this morning because I went on Friday afternoon and was a little let down. It's just that the kids do a lot of nothing all afternoon. This morning was a lot of fun. We did calander, weather, math centers, literature centers, a birthday book, and some word building. I love little kids. I was at the school for 3 hours then came back and grabbed lunch. A pita, hummus, and an orange, tasty. Then it was off to Old Man River's class. I spent my time drawing a picture of Kung-fu Panda. In my defense it was on some girls backpack in the classroom and well, it was taunting me:) He called me out to answer a question in class again. There are other kids he has had in class before in there and he never calls on them. Strange. After class I loaded up and headed home. It was a lovely day out I was rolling with the windows down and the stereo up, real nice. I played with the dog and fixed myself a tasty dinner....which I preceeded to scarf down. Still it was good. Headed to youth group. We had it in the park today because there was a visitation at the church. 65 K-8 kids it was organized chaos but we pulled it off and quiet well if I do say so myself. Talked to Lys for awhile about some position interviews at the church then stopped by home to grab my stuff and shower. The song stuck in my head all day? Sing Out by Cat Steven's check it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3Rm4MSX-g Tomorrow morning at 7:45 I go to the dentist to find out what to do with the half a tooth I am holding onto. Here's to hoping it goes well.

Carrie Out

Late...almost

2009-09-15T23:07:00.003-05:00

The morning got off to a rough start. I rolled over in bed and looked at my clock 6:28. I had basketball conditioning at 6:30. For a few seconds I was all kinds of confused. I couldn't remember what day it was or if I even had basketball. Then it clicked, I'm a little slow sometimes. Luckily I slept in my workout clothes. I jumped out of bed slid into my tennis shoes and ran to Shirk. I arrived right before we started our warm up, not late at all, ha! Anyways workout wasn't too bad a little intense but survivable. I came back and showered then laid down till class. Science class was enjoyable today. We presented photo essays. They were entertaining and we got to listen to music. Between classes I lounged around and then went to lunch. Breakfast at lunch I love it. Math class wasn't bad either. We played with the smart board, watched youtube, and did simulation activities with alligators and poker chips. Good times. I then had nothing to do for the rest of the night. I am not accustomed to free time. I started my homework at 4. I spent a suprisingly long time drafting and implementing a lesson plan for kindergarten science. It's not that writing lesson plans are hard to do, they're just so involved and legnthy. I took a break when I hit the halfway point just to take a short walk, hey it was nice out. I grabbed some PB and J for dinner then got back to work. I have other homework to do but I decided that was enough. I then watched Michael Jordan's HOF address on youtube cause I missed it. I don't know what I think about it, seemed a little too self absorbed. Called Grandpa to tell him happy birthday and spent the rest of the night watching SVU. This song has been stuck in my head all day, if you want check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae2GwJ3qyLI.

Carrie Out

Early

2009-09-14T20:05:00.003-05:00

Why hello Monday! I am blogging early because I am going to Encounter tonight yet still have to get up at 6 for basketball. Let's hope that's a good choice. I rolled straight into a lil Modern Germany today. We were all about Germany in 1848 today it was a good time. We each had a section to research, I had the Duchy of Nassau. I looked all weekend but didn't find much info. I was pleased when in class we really didn't have to say much about our places. I grabbed a quick lunch and ate with some of our freshman, it was alright. This afternoon I got to talk to my friend Kelsey Coker via Skype. She is in Spain for the semester so it was nice to be able to talk to her and attempt to get caught up, I miss her. Then it was off to Old Man Rivers class. No clue what we talked about today it was especially boring. I did draw some lovely pictures though. I had some time before pick up so I did a lot of nothing and loved it. I talked to Ryan for a bit, he cracks me up. Stupid Florida, I want him back in Illinois. Pick up was tiring today we had exactly 10 players. We did get a lot of games in though so that was nice. Sarah drove me home then I hit up the Dug Out for dinner. I got a chicken and portabello ciabata. I was gravely disappointed. I took off the chicken and just ate the other stuff but still not so good. Now I'm gonna hang til it's time to head out.

Carrie Out

Football!

2009-09-13T23:30:00.002-05:00

What a great weekend for football! Friday night's annihilation of U-High was awesome. U of I's slaughter of ISU was at least an improvement on last weekends embarrassment. And the Packer's defeat of the Bears was priceless. I was getting nervous there at the end of the game wondering if Rodgers could pull off a 2-minute-drill like Favre could and he delivered. I don't know what I love more that or the fact that Cutler threw FOUR interceptions. Chicago's savior is off to a great start. Ahhh. Started the morning off with some churchsky. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed today's worship selection and the sermon wasn't bad either. Right now I don't have a Sunday school class so I am just kind of floating. I attended the high school class today, always a good time. Came home and hung out with Mom and Brent. Watched the Vikes Browns game. I just can't not watch Brett Favre, I have a disease I'm sure of it. I was just hoping he didn't make a fool of himself. I don't want him to ruin his legacy. I can't be a Vikings fan, but maybe I can support Favre silently. At least while they aren't playing the Packers or vying for their playoff spot. Then Bren and I went cat hunting. There is a Siamese kitten someone dumped living in our garage. We want to catch and befriend it, we are failing, someday it shall be ours. Spent the rest of the evening at youth group. We started this neat video series called Paul in Rome, it's really good. After youth I went to Beth and Troy's to watch the first half of the game and hang out. I left at half time to ensure I could see the second half of the game and as stated before I LOVED it! But for now I should contemplate sleeping.

Carrie Out

Mmmm Tooth

2009-09-10T20:35:00.002-05:00

I feel like all I've done the last couple of days is sleep and the crazy thing is...I still feel tired. Got up bright, well more like dark, and early for basketball. Today's workout was harder and we are going to definitely be sore tomorrow. As much as I don't like the workouts while we are doing them when they are over they don't seem that bad. I was starving after, or so I thought. I decided to stop at the cafeteria and eat breakfast. I ended up drinking 2 glasses of juice and eating a muffin...and then feeling like hurling. I walked home took a shower and laid on my bed until class willing myself not to puke. Much to my pleasure I succeeded. Went to class early because we had presentations and we needed to make sure they worked. We were all sitting around and then noticed it was past time for class to start and our teacher is never late. Then we discovered the note in the corner of the door window, class was cancelled. I came back and slept some, yeah rest. I have felt better congestion wise today just a little nauseous and worn out. Went to work at 11 and spent 2 hours reading the paper and Sports Illustrated instead of doing homework. Piddled around until math class where we did some rousing mental math. My teacher dubbed me the human calculator. What can I say apparently 5th grade math is my gift in life ha. It was straight to the gym after class for some pick up. After we went out to the fields and watched the first half of the soccer game. Christina and I ate Tommy's for dinner. I got more than just my meal though I swallowed part of my tooth, awesome! Now I am prepping to go to Bible study I wrote early cause 6:00 work demands me to sleep.

Carrie Out

Youth Group

2009-09-09T21:04:00.002-05:00

It's 9:00 and I feel like it's midnight. I didn't even get up until 11:00 today either. My work schedule changed to make room for my field placement, only I had already made plans to go on Friday. So I had a pretty free day today. Good thing too I am sick again just real rundown and yuck. As said I got up late took a shower then laid back down. I went to meet my advisor at 12 only she didn't come. So again I came back to my room and slept. I wasn't hungry anyways so I chose today to do my CIY prayer fast for the week. Started off to 2:00 class feeling dizzy and tingly. I figured I should force feed myself anything and drink some fluids. It seemed to help. Class was all about Booker T. Washington. I found out today that not only did Old Man River shoot the breeze with Martin Luther King and the likes, he also lived in Afghanistan and speaks all kinds of crazy languages. Crazy dude. After class I packed up and headed home. I laid on the couch and petted the dog until I headed to the church at 5:15. Tonight kicked off our K-8 youth programs. We had a suprisingly big group, it was nice. We started with a helpers dinner and then it was off to the races checking everybody in and starting the night off. I'm not real familiar with the Wednesday night format but I am learning, it seemed to go okay and I enjoyed it. Wrapped it up and headed back here, now I'm thinking bed would be awesome. I got basketball at 6:30 am again tomorrow.

Carrie Out

21

2009-09-09T01:15:00.003-05:00

I awoke at the lovely time of 6:00 this morning thanks to basketball. We started preseason training today. Two mornings a week bright and early at 6:30. It actually wasn't too bad today. I wasn't too tired from not sleeping well nor did the workout kill me so I chalk it up to a good morning. Came back ate some breakfast and showered. I chilled for about 45 minutes until class started. In Science today we played word association games and drew animals. I drew a blue monkey, education classes are where it's at. Before lunch I put away the weekends clean laundry and took out 2 weeks worth of garbage. Met the team for lunch and laughter. In Math today we played with the smart board and did some practice activities, good times. I spent my time before dinner doing homework. It was all kinds of exciting but it's done so I'm happy with that. Kelsey came and had dinner with us in the cafeteria. Chicken bowl and banana's foster, twas a good meal. Then Kels and I went to the movies to see "All About Steve." It was cute-ish with some good one liners but I was hoping for a little more comedy. We chilled in my room awhile after the movie and then she dropped me off at my teammates house. It is now officially Nikki's 21st birthday so we went to the bar at 12 until 1. I was simply there for moral support and don't worry Mom I didn't walk I was picked up and dropped off at my door. Now I need to grab some z's because well I think I am getting a cold again.

Carrie Out

Squirrel

2009-09-02T23:35:00.003-05:00

Just got back from the dollar theater. As I've told you the place is awesome! We went to see "Up." Lys and I took Ryker to see it this summer when it first came out but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see it again. It's a really good movie. The day started with me not wanting to get out of bed, but doing it anyways. At work I sat tiredly. I read a Sport's Illustrated and did a lot of nothing. On my way back to my room these squirrels were fighting in the tree. One threw the other out of the tall tree and it landed "smack" on the sidewalk right in front of me. It laid all rigid like for a few seconds, then crazy ran on his right side before using all four legs again. I was amused. Instead of lunch I spent 45 minutes praying and reading the Bible. It's my CIY challenge. We all got envelopes at conference with cards in them and if we opened them we had to do what they said. Some were real crazy like spending time in another country, but our kids got pretty doable ones, like giving up soda. Meggi and I both got the card that says to skip lunch once a week and instead spend the time in devotion and prayer. It was a good time to refocus. When I was done I was still tired so I slept until my next class. My body has just kinda been run down since I've started school, prolly cause I've been sick. For class I was supposed to read 55 pages of Booker T. Washington's "Up From Slavery," I read it in class instead. It was more entertaining than listening to Old Man River and I was doing my homework for his class at the same time, everybody wins. Next came pick-up we played for an hour and a half then had to start pre-season testing. We weighed in, were measured, ran a timed suicide, tested our vertical, and did some zig-zaggy cone run I renamed the drunk monkey. We were tired. We grabbed dinner at Tommy's cause we could and then I came back to the room and chilled until the movie. Now I think I'm gonna actually go read something before I go to class...or maybe not:)

Carrie Out

Fee for Free

2009-09-01T23:04:00.002-05:00

I woke up tired this morning. Probably because I wake up every two hours for some reason, it's awesome. Anyways off to science class where we learned all about lesson plans and suprisingly I payed attention. I came back to my room and hung out. My body was tired but I just couldn't take a nap. I met some teammates for lunch at 12. Beef brisket, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy. It was mighty tasty. I had an hour and a half before my next class so it was back to the room. I checked the mail and again was delighted to have some. I got about 4 more books I think I am only missing two, they will come soon. I read the paper and watched some tv before taking off to run some errands. I thought I had a bill due so I went to pay it. I was told I owe nothing right now because I had a credit on my account. I like that. Then I went to the registrars office to pick up some graduation papers. They confuse me I will have to have my advisor help me fill them out. Next I hit up the computer lab to print off some readings and assignments before class. Math class wasn't bad today. We played with manipulatives and the smart board the whole time. We measured each other with links and worked with geoboards, fun times. After class I changed clothes and headed home. Mom made me some frozen pizza and I played with Maddy for a while. We took our high school kids to Lincoln Christian University to see a Steve Fee concert. Fee is good and it was free so it was a good time had by all. You can check out a good Fee song here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFUnk3mJcaQ . I went back home and showered and ate a snack then came back to dorm sweet dorm. Now to watch TV.

Carrie Out

Fall?

2009-08-31T23:25:00.003-05:00

When did it turn fall? All the sudden the weather has drastically cooled down. I love autumn but I could use a few more weeks of shorts. Got up at the bright and early time of 10:30 today, still enjoying my sleeping in till classroom hours start. Headed off to Modern Germany. Once again I was interested, this is a good pattern. We discussed some readings I didn't read but I answered questions and participated exceptionally. It's amazing what an in class skim can teach you:) After class I ate some lunch, bean and rice burrito, yums. I then had an hour until my next class. I spent it talking, or more like arguing, with Kale. He loves the Brett Favre saga and how it has confused my entire being, ha. I could not tell you what we discussed at all in Old Man Rivers class today. But once again he took to calling me out by name in class, luckily this time it was simply social. After class got over I needed some stuff so I walked to Walgreen's. Things at Walgreen's are expensive, I walked home and drove to Walmart. I actually was going to buy markers and colored pencils, such is the life of an elementary education major. I got my goods headed home and set to coloring a science poster. Now that's the kind of homework I like and will do. Then it was off to a basketball meeting. We had a trainer presentation, talked some things over and set our preseason workouts. Hello 6am running, yuck. We hit up cafeteria dinner next and it was suprisingly delicious, chicken broccoli cheese casserole, sooooo tasty. I showered and checked the mail I got four of my books today, hurray! Tonight's Encounter was neat we Skyped our partner ministry in the Phillipines. It was really cool. Erica, Brittany, Kaylene, and Jared all came to service tonight, they are all from my home church. I took them back to the campus house gave them a tour and introduced them to some people before I drove them home. I just got back in once again parking my car at the library, I look like such a dedicated student!

Carrie Out

Wedding Shower

2009-08-31T00:03:00.002-05:00

Tis been a busy weekend. Friday was spent watching Football. They lost but Brent did ok and hey, it's football. Stayed at Sondgeroth's and stayed up late kicking Troy's but on the X-Box. Saturday was spent running errands with Beth and Taylor. Then I hit up a team party for the night. It was fun, I like my teammates. Stayed at home last night and spent almost my entire day at church today. I was there from 8:45am-8:00pm, good times. Service ran long today so that wasn't helping. I didn't go to Sunday School instead Beth and I set up decorations for Lys and Sam's wedding shower. It was fall theme and ended up looking really nice...at least I think it did ha. Then I made cookie platters. I was quite the cuisine designer. The shower was from 2-4 we had fewer people than we were expecting but still it went well. Lys and Sam got a lot of good stuff and I even had a good time hanging out with the people. After the shower Beth and I spent a solid hour cleaning up, fun. At 5:3o I decided I had to leave the church even if it was just for a few minutes. My high schoolers were showing up for youth group so I left them with Beth and ran home to change clothes. Mom gave me a plate of turkey on the way out the door and my ten minute vacation was over. At youth we had planned a movie night since Lys wasn't coming and we had been busy all day. We made some Mac and Cheese and hung out then watched part of "Second Hand Lions." I on the other hand fought with the copy machine. I was trying to prepare a Bible Study curriculum for my high schoolers to do at school. I had the materials I was just struggling to get them copied. I finally left the church at 8pm with everything done and cleaned up, it was a success. I went back home and showered and well it was great. I got some fruit to bring back to school then stopped at Beth and Troy's on the way back. We watched some football and the news and it was back here. I actually put away all my clothes and goods already, I am proud and it is on to a new week.

Carrie Out

More Books

2009-08-27T21:17:00.002-05:00

It's 9:00 and I am actually glad I am feeling tired. I am planning on some early bed seeing as I must be up at 5:30 am. Not happy about it but got to work 6-10am every Friday. That's a lot of time to do a lot of nothing....all the while tired. Anyways started off in Teaching Science with some snacks and coloring. I love it. I'm still waiting to hear back from my Co-op teacher to set my classroom schedule. I worked from 11-1 so I spent my afternoon reading the paper and watching Friends on my lap top. Brent's in the sports page of the Pantagraph, you should check it out. Grabbed lunch to go at Tommy's, a delicious BLT was my pick. Teaching Math is a ridiculous class. The teacher is crazy confusing and there is this girl I have never had in my education classes before that drives me nuts. She apparently thinks that she is the teacher and it annoys us all. Class led straight to pick-up. We played a 3 team rotation with the winner staying on. We played for an hour and my team only lost the last game so we never left the court. It was extremely hot and humid and we were dying. Could be why I'm tired eh? After pick-up Karen and I ate dinner in the cafeteria with the freshman. I was hungry and actually ate, a lot. There was this yummy sesame chicken sandwich I owned and it was crispy potato pancake day so there were good options. Post dinner has been showering and buying the rest to my text books online I think my semester total is somewhere around $200. Not bad considering one of my books in the book store was $150 on its own. Talked to Beth for a few moments. I am riding home with her tomorrow because FOOTBALL STARTS! I love football and am very excited in case you didn't know. I may just crash at their place tomorrow so who knows when I'll be back!

Carrie Out

Dollar Theater

2009-08-26T22:18:00.003-05:00

I was up til 3 am coughing last night. I love sicky. Headed off to work a lil before 10 to spend 2 hours pretending to read for class. I got bored and opted to read a whole People Magazine instead. Hey we all have priorities:) Checked out of work and had two hours to kill before class. I met some teammates for lunch. That cafeteria is still crazy train and lunch was well, gross. Got back to my room around one and took to emailing my Co-op teacher from Brigham. I am excited to get that underway so hopefully we get a schedule set up soon. Off to class where I am already bored out of my mind...it only took 3 days. Old Man River just knows how to make me shut off my brain. The man has a gift. Except for today I was totally zoning out and he stops in the middle of one of his hour long stories, calls me by name and asks me a question. First off he never stops his stories, second off he never asks questions, and third off he never calls on specific people. I was stunned by his move and didn't answer right away cause I had to process what was going on. After I realized that hey he really was asking me a question I pulled out some answer that he seemed happy with. But yeah it was weird. Then it was off to pick-up. It was incredibly hot in the practice gym today. Like my clothes were literally soaked, it was a good time. Grabbed some dinner with Christina, Sean, and Karen and it actually wasn't bad. Spinach lasagna, garlic bread, and some Lucky Charms with Soy Milk, tasty. Tonight we hit up the dollar theater down the street to see "Pelham 123" good movie, and sweet deal. The dollar theater is our new favorite place, I may never go see a movie in a real theater again, although we all know I will. Came back and did my homework as of 20 minutes ago, as said I am doing a great job prioritizing:) But as for now I think I wanna watch TV.

Carrie Out

Education

2009-08-25T22:39:00.003-05:00

I really did try to sleep last night...it didn't work out too well. Got outta bed and off to 9:25 class. I was actually almost looking forward to todays classes because I know everyone in them both since they are education courses. First came Teaching Science. The teacher seems really cool and interesting. I am hoping that holds true. Plus we played a game and she promised we get to color next class! We are also taking 2 field trips this semester, one to the zoo and the other to the Children's Discovery Museum, that's my kind of class:) I got my field placement today as well as a relief. I was placed in a Kindergarten class at Brigham Elementary, a Unit 5 school, both of which I wanted so I am pleased. The relief is that I use that placement for both my education courses and only have to log a total of 3-4 hours a week of classroom time, half of what I was thinking. I slept a little this afternoon although I wasn't planning on it, but I did feel better when I got up. Hit up the cafeteria for some lunch it was crazy, I'm hoping it slows down once all the freshman get settled. Then it was off to class number 2, Teaching Mathematics. This one may be a little hectic. I have heard the teacher is really nice but just not a good teacher. She has some sort of accent and talks in confusing circles. At least it is with kids I know so hopefully we can help each other. After class I called Jerred cause it's his birthday and then I called Lys. We talked for a solid hour, I guess this not seeing each other everyday leaves us a lot to talk about. By the way I have gotten mail each day I have been here and I am loving it, THANKS! I tried to buy some more books online and talked to Kale for a bit before grabbing dinner at the DugOut and heading to my teammates house. We hung out ate and watched 17 Again, which I enjoy. Now I need to start prepping for my day tomorrow!

Carrie Out