Pills and Petals

Where will we live?

2012-01-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

That is a question I get asked a lot these days, and the answer is simply "we don't know!" Tyler will graduate from medical school at UAB the week after our wedding. Then, in July, he will begin his general surgery residency. The interview process is complete, and now we're just playing the waiting game for Match Day on March 16th! He had 12 interviews, but only 1 place will be our city. So here's a rundown of the top 5, at least.

Birmingham, AL

Mobile, AL

Greenville, South Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Other places he interviewed are Savannah, GA, Jackson, MS, Lexington, KY, New Orleans, LA, Knoxville, TN, and Memphis, TN. I think all of our choices are great! To say this is a big decision for us is an understatement if you consider:

1. This is where we will begin our marriage and live for the next 5 years

2. Staying close to our friends and family is very important to us

3. Me having to re-sit for part of my boards to get licensed as a pharmacist in another state

4. Tyler getting the best possible training for the rest of his career

While it is hard at this point to not be able to make any plans for after our wedding, there is an excitement to this whole process of not knowing where we will live and establish our family! We know that our work in the process is basically complete, and now we are waiting and trusting that the Lord will send us exactly where we need to be.

My 2011

2012-01-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

2011 turned out to be quite the year for me. I think that it is fun to look back at the events of a year and see what all took place for me, my family, and my friends. Not only does it make me excited about what's to come but also shows how the Lord works uniquely in each of our lives.

My story of 2011 goes like this....

The Farmer family was lucky enough to go to Arizona to watch AU win the National Championship

I (along with 2 of my best friends) graduated from Pharmacy school

Shortly after that someone pretty special came into my life!

On a whim, the Lord sent me to be a pharmacist in Honduras for a week!

I got engaged in AU to an amazing person and friend!

And all along the way I got to spend some quality time with my friends and family.

Obviously, this isn't all that happened for me this past year, but needless to say some big things came my way. As I look back, the biggest highlight of the year from the beginning until the end is that the Lord is faithful. He proved that to me in so many ways this year that I feel undeserving. He always is and always will be no matter life's circumstances. I am excited to see what 2012 brings, and I hope you are too!

He popped the question!

2011-12-03T07:16:00.001-08:00

Last Friday, November 25th, Tyler asked me to marry him! And I will have you know that this Bama boy (much to my dismay) proposed to me in Auburn. Not only was it in Auburn, but right in front of Samford Hall in the heart of Auburn's campus. Never in my life would I have dreamed that I would have gotten engaged at that spot, but it makes me so happy that it happened there.

Thankfully, Martin and Maria were hiding to take many, many pictures. Here is the very short version of the picture series.

My whole family was in town, so it was fun to celebrate the day with them. We headed up to the suites at the stadium to watch some football for the afternoon.

The 2 Bama boys with the 2 Auburn girls (Maria and I are matching by accident)

What a fun week it has been! We're very excited and have enjoyed so many sweet comments and phone calls from friends and family. Of course this week people have been giving me a hard time about AU losing the Iron Bowl, but my response to that is I got the ultimate win because I got engaged to an Alabama fan in Auburn, AL! What a lucky girl I am.

We can't wait for May 12, 2012!

What happens at the cabin....

2011-11-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

...stays at the cabin, except I'll share a few pictures! I'm definitely behind on this post, but the real world doesn't make a lot of time for blogging these days. A couple of weekends ago Tyler and I headed down south to Shelby's family cabin for the weekend. We did this last year the weekend of Shelby's birthday, and this year we were there to celebrate Josh's birthday!

Happy Birthday Josh

Since we're all in the working world these days it was pretty late on Friday night by the time we all made it there, but that didn't stop us from a late night 4-wheeler ride. We may or may not have ridden until past 3:00 AM.

All bundled up

Saturday's activities can be described in four words... 4-wheelers, guns, football, and eating.

Why is it so hard to get grown men to cooperate for a picture?

And to wrap up the weekend Shelby and I enjoyed a little swingin' on the rope swing!

It was a fun, fun weekend, and I'm so thankful for these friends. I've said it before, but there really is never a dull moment with this crew. Every time we're together we just laugh and laugh and laugh, and laughter is good...really good. Happy Hump Day!

Visit to the Big Apple

2011-10-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I made a little trip up North to visit my New Yorker best friend. This was my fourth time to visit Perryn in her 3+ years as resident of the big city, and what I love about it is that each visit has been a little different. The one word I would use to describe this visit is chill, and I loved every minute of it!

The first morning I was there we headed to brunch at Alice's Tea Cup! The food is great, but the atmosphere is even better. It's a very quaint little spot fashioned after Alice in Wonderland.

I also went with Perryn on Sunday morning to teach her 4-year old Sunday School class. This was such a treat! We colored pictures, did some singing, and read a Bible story. They were all so cute...all 28 of them!
We practiced some photography.

We strolled through the park.

But mostly what we did was hang out on a blanket in Central Park. The weather was absolutely beautiful, so the perfect chance for a picnic!

And most importantly...we spent some quality time together!

I even found my home away from home :)

On my last night in town we enjoyed a very, very good Italian meal at a place called Carmine's with Brendan (Perryn's other half)!

Before we knew it the weekend was over and it was time to say goodbye. Perryn went with me to Penn Station on Monday morning to catch my train to the airport, and we may or may not have shed some tears standing in the train station. It's really hard to live so far apart, but I'm so thankful for weekends like this to visit. Thanks, Perr, for a wonderful weekend in NYC! I cannot wait for the next one.

Life in general

2011-09-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Not much to blog about from the home front these days. No big "events" to document in the recent past.

Life is pretty sweet and full these days, and here are a few reasons why:

1. I think that I've adjusted well to the real world and being a new, young pharmacist. My job has it challenges for sure (who's doesn't), and my days at work are very long, but I'm loving it. Finally feeling like all those hard years of school are paying off is very satisfying.

2. I have a wonderful boyfriend who cares about me immensely and makes life fun. It's funny how the Lord slips these people into our lives when we're least expecting it!

3. I have always had wonderful friends, but I've realized lately how blessed I am with deep, solid, to the core friendships that will last and last. I'm talking about the kind of friends that live out the good and the bad together...tears and laughter! It is hard being spread out all over the place, but thank goodness for the telephone, daily text messages, and skype!

4. I have felt very convicted lately about enjoying the now and not wishing my life away to the next day off, fun weekend, next step of life...etc. Because I don't know about you, but I get overwhelmed sometimes thinking about how fast time is flying. I think I am doing a better job about enjoying each day, and that in itself has a sense of fulfillment.

I did make a trip to Auburn 2 weekends ago for a really fun weekend. I got to spend some quality time with my brother, Jim, and some friends. I did a really bad job of picture taking while I was there, but I'll leave you with a couple that I have.

So thankful for these two and the fun we have when we're together!

My brother has a keeper of a girlfriend for sure! I love Ashley

Happy rainy Tuesday!

The Butter Bean

2011-09-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is my dog, Harrison...sometimes affectionately known to my friends and family as Harry, Harrydoodle, H, Toe-biter and surely I'm leaving some out. I like to call him the "butter bean." Don't ask me why...it just happened. But now matter who calls him what the bottom line is that I miss him. He's alive and well but currently living at my parents' house and has been since the beginning of summer. This is not how I would have it, but the days I work are long...12 hours with an hour commute one way. Not a schedule that is dog-friendly, at least right now without a back yard.

I am very lucky that my parents are willing to take him in for the time being. But I miss him a whole, whole bunch. He's my little buddy and the most loyal little thing ever. First requirement for the next spot I live...a backyard! Until then I thankfully get to pop in to see him from time to time.

rare occasion

2011-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

I cannot even remember the last time we had four Aliceville friends together at one time. This past weekend we got to spend some time together in Tuscaloosa, and it was a blast! We spent a lot of time talking wedding plans because Haley's getting hitched :) Just 7 months away!

Birthday Shout-out

2011-08-22T09:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday today to my sweet friend Mary Lindsey. I've had the privilege of knowing this girl since before we even started elementary school. We have experienced a lot of life together so far...some of the best days and some of the worst days, too! I am thankful for you, ML. Thanks for always keeping us entertained.

plane ticket...check!

2011-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

I am long overdue for a trip to NYC. Over the past year or so Perryn has been home to AL a lot (a wonderful thing), so I haven't had much of a chance/reason to make the trip. I've been planning for a while now to go sometime this fall, and now it's official. There's just something about having that ticket booked that makes me so excited! Counting down the days til October 7th when I see this girl.

3 weeks

2011-08-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

This picture pretty well sums up the excitement I'm feeling about college football kicking off 3 weeks from today!! Bring on the cooler weather.

Zip Line

2011-07-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

While I was in Honduras we had one afternoon off to do something fun, so some of our group went to visit a waterfall about 30 minutes away. We had the option to hike down to the bottom of the waterfall and actually go back behind it or do a zip line course. When I first got there and saw how high the zip line cable was over the waterfall I said "heck no, there is no way I'm doing that." I am terrified of heights and definitely not one to participate in risky activities. But as the group was taking off to buy the zip line tickets it hit me that this was kind of a once in a lifetime experience that I probably shouldn't pass up. Terrified or not I knew I would regret it if I didn't do it. I bought my ticket, and it was no turning back! We had 2 guides...one that went before us and one that hooked us up each time and then came last.

Needless to say, it was probably the coolest thing I've ever done in my life. The course was 11 zip lines and the very last one was the "BIG ONE." The cable was about 200 yards long and was 200+ feet over the bottom of the waterfall.

the zip line group...as you can tell those harnesses fit in less that desirable ways!

one person crossing while the rest of us wait our turn

not feeling so sure about it at first...still thinking what have I gotten myself in to

trying to get some pictures along the way

how beautiful is this waterfall

As you can tell, the scenery was beautiful! So glad that I decided to be brave.

Being a Pharmacist...Honduras style

2011-07-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

I have been home from Honduras for a week and a half, but have put off writing this post for 2 reasons:

1. I am afraid that my efforts to fully describe this experience in words and pictures will not do it justice.

2. I needed some time after being home to let the week there to kind of "sink in"

But, nevertheless, here goes my attempt.

To start, we flew into a city called San Pedro Sula, and from there rode on a bus (a yellow school bus at that) for about 2 and 1/2 hours to where we would spend our week. Here are a few pictures of the hotel where we stayed. It was a very rural area, on the edge of a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains.

The rooms we stayed in were very cabin-like

This is the view I woke up to every morning...from the porch of my room

also right outside my room....the lake was so beautiful

As far as the work we did there...I was obviously a part of the medical team. There were 3 doctors, myself as the pharmacist, a nurse, and then we had some miscellaneous helpers. There was a construction team who helped to build 2 new houses for families in the village. There was also a group of women who taught sewing and knitting during the week to the local women in hopes that they could possibly use it as a business to make money.

As far as the medical part, we saw and treated about 1,000 people in 4 different villages in just 4 and 1/2 days. It was definitely a lot in a short amount of time. Considering that each person that saw a doctor had about 3 prescriptions each...some more... I'm saying that we dispensed at least 3,000 prescriptions in those 4 days. Wow! It was super busy, and made my work at home seem like a vacation. Also, I had very eager and wonderful helpers but none who were very experienced with drug knowledge, so this made it very challenging for me! Lots of patience required :) But lots of fun!

On the board in one of the school rooms where we set up one clinic was this note for us: "Welcome medical brigade, the community welcomes you with open arms"

The people would all wait outside the pharmacy for their medicine and the translator would help explain their directions

If you look at the top of this door way it says Farmacia...pharmacy in spanish! And you can see some medicine inside on the table

some of our medicine

One of the translators, Donaldo, giving directions

Dr. Glenn, Dr. White, and me... They are special to me

This guy came in with an almost chopped off finger from a machete, so Dr. Glenn just strapped on his light and went to work sewing it back on!

My friend Franklin and me, he wrote me 2 letters and drew me a beautiful picture while I was there! He wants me to be his godmother :)

The next few pictures are all of the precious children. They are so beautiful with their big brown eyes! They stole my heart for sure, and I wanted to bring them all home with me. Most of the people in the areas where we served were living in extreme poverty. Some houses were made of sticks, dirt floors, and a piece of tin for a roof. But they had such big, beautiful hearts, and were so happy to have us there. What an encouragement!

sweet sisters

To complete my story on Honduras I must tell you how this all came about. I wasn't seeking to go on a trip like this at all. To make a long story short, it happened in a matter of a phone call. I was contacted to see if I would be interested in going with this group as the pharmacist...all expenses paid!! And it just so happened to be, literally, the only week of the summer I could have possibly gone due to work, studying and taking my boards, etc. So I agreed to go. I didn't know one single person going on the trip, but met Dr. White one time before we left. I also did not know any details of the trip, really. I just knew what I needed to pack, I had my passport, and knew I was going to be a pharmacist!

I have to be honest that the closer the trip got the more apprehensive I got about going away to a third world country with a group of strangers...so much so that the night before I left I was in tears. But as soon as we left Tuscaloosa, and especially when we met up with the other groups from Jackson, MS and Columbus, MS at the airport in Honduras, I immediately felt a sense of peace...like I had known these people my entire life.

The bottom line is that God sent me on this trip for a reason! I think I am learning more and more about that the longer I am home and have time to reflect on my experience there. If anything it has reminded me that we serve a sovereign God, and he is involved in every detail...large and small...of our lives. The Lord has revealed himself to me more through this trip than ever in my life so far. I could go on an on about this trip, and this blog post only scratches the surface, but I hope you can get a sense of how awesome it was!

I have been and continue to be extremely humbled by this experience...humbled that I was sent, humbled by the new relationships I have made, humbled by the beauty of the country in that area, and humbled that I have been given the gift and knowledge of pharmacy to be able to use in ways like this! It is hard to come back from somewhere like this to all of the conveniences of home, so I am more than humbled by what I have been given in this life.

To wrap it all up, I'll leave you with this picture. Remember that God keeps his promises!

Life lately...in pictures

2011-06-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Honduras

2011-06-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

In just 2 short weeks I will be leaving for a medical mission trip to Honduras. I am going with a couple of family physicians, a surgeon, nurses, and I get to be the pharmacist!! We are taking a whole lot of medicine with us and will be working in a clinic every day while we're there.

I feel so incredibly lucky to be going on this trip. The opportunity literally fell into my lap in the matter of a phone call. Not to mention, the timing could not have been better since the trip falls between taking my boards and actually having my license and officially starting work. I am a little apprehensive about leaving the country for 8 days with a group of people I do not know, but I think the Lord has me going as a part of this team and to this place for a reason! I cannot wait.

Finally an alum

2011-05-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Typical me...I took my camera with me to graduation but left the charger and home, and when I pulled my camera of my purse the morning of graduation the battery was deader than dead!! So, I'm trying not to think about how I did not have a camera to capture the single most important day in my life so far. Oh well...thankful that 2 of my best friends also shared that day with me (and their pictures)!!

After I got this fun toy as a gift from my parents right after graduation I felt better about not having a camera! Now I have this thing to take with me every where I go, but first I have to figure out how to use it. I'm planning on really learning about the world of photography, but studying my new camera has been replaced by studying for the boards for now, unfortunately. My new camera hasn't yet made it out of its bag much at all.

Graduation was a great day of celebration with my family and friends. I still don't think it has hit me yet that I really made it to the end! If all goes well I will be a licensed pharmacist in just a few short weeks.

"...But now my eyes have seen you"

2011-05-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone who was in Tuscaloosa last Wednesday has a story to tell. I have a story! Here is mine:

First and foremost, I was supposed to be at the beach last week, but my plans changed at the last minute and I did not go. Then I was called on Tuesday by a pharmacist at the CVS on 15th St. asking if I could fill in for someone on Wednesday and Thursday so I said yes. I have never worked at that store before. I was supposed to work until 5:00 p.m., but around 4:45 once the tornado sirens started going off I decided I would leave a few minutes early to get home. Neither I nor anyone at the store knew what was coming. When I got out on the road I immediately noticed that there were NO cars on the road but still had no clue what was about to happen. I made it home just in time to see "it" on TV. I watched in shock as it hit me what was happening, and I was terrified! The CVS where I had been all day (on the corner of McFarland and 15th St) was all but destroyed about 15 minutes after I left. Right after it hit Maria, Martin, and I went out with our friend, Rebekah, in search of her grandmother who lived in the hardest hit area of Tuscaloosa. The images I saw just 30 minutes after the tornado had come and gone are forever etched in my mind.

The events of the past 5 days have been surreal for me as they have been for so many. Yesterday after church I finally had held it in long enough, and as soon as I got home I just cried and cried. But out of all of this terrible devastation I have personally received a huge blessing. With the help of the sermon at church it hit me. Not only does the Lord have His hand on Tuscaloosa and all of the surrounding areas this very day in the aftermath, but he also is the Creator of this storm. There are a lot of ifs and whys...why that path, why did those people lose their lives and not me, what if I had stayed at CVS, etc. There are no answers to these questions except that we serve a mighty and powerful God who showed Himself to us last Wednesday in the form of a violent storm and now as He is with us as we move forward as a city. Some may disagree with me, but I believe this with my whole heart.

I look back at the events of last week up until now, and I know for a fact I was in Tuscaloosa for a reason, that I worked at that CVS for a reason...that I live in Tuscaloosa at this point in my life for a reason! There have been periods and circumstances in my life over the past couple of years that have honestly left me thinking "Lord where are you, can you just show me you're there?" And I can now say with confidence...

"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." Job 42:5

My heart is heavy and literally hurts for all of these people who were directly impacted. I have received a huge blessing, and I am looking forward to using it to help all of them move forward for the months to come!

"Petals, we're gonna get it"

2011-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

We've done some studying in our day

For as long as I can remember Courtney has called me Petals. Also, for as long as I can remember her famous encouraging phrase regarding anything to do with school...tests, studying, projects, etc... is "we're gonna get it!" Well, Court (and Chris and Mary Lindsey), we've gotten it!! Well, almost anyway. Today marks ONE MONTH until graduation! I get an exciting butterfly in my stomach every time I think about it. 2 more weeks of rotations and it's a done deal :) The countdown is officially on...May 10, 2011!

We shared the camera

2011-03-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Perryn and I had a very important wedding to attend in Auburn last weekend. Since we shared a camera (I provided the camera, she took the pictures) all of the pictures from the weekend are exactly the same, so no need to re-post.

I would like to echo her in saying that the weekend could not have been more perfect and special, and I was thankful to be a part of it. Check it out here!

Lent

2011-03-09T20:49:00.001-08:00

Lent is a word you will hear thrown out commonly around this time of year. The Season of Lent is observed, though not required, by most protestant churches. This season originated in the church during the 4th century and marks the 40 weekdays that lead up to Easter Sunday. Forty days signifies the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and being tempted as he prepared for His ministry. The Sundays in Lent, or the 6 Sundays leading up to Easter, do not count and are seen as days of celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (today), a day that represents sorrow and mourning over our sins, and ends on the Saturday before Easter, a celebration that our sins have been forgiven; therefore, the season of Lent serves as a time of preparation, through prayer and fasting, for this wonderful celebration.

Over the past couple of days I've noticed that facebook statuses and comments on Twitter have been overflowing with people commenting about giving up this or that for Lent.... sweets, facebook, TV, etc. Personally, I have chosen to give up alcohol. But I've realized that most people just do this for the "fun" of it or maybe they just see it as a challenge. I just have a sneaky feeling that most folks do not really understand the significance of what they're even doing.

To be honest, I do not feel like I've ever really prepared my heart for Easter Sunday, but as Christians it is something we are called to do. So I challenge you as just as I am myself, whether or not you actually gave something up for Lent, to really think about and prepare you're heart over these next 7 weeks for Easter Sunday. Be reminded of how big our sin is, how fallen this world is, and how much we need grace. And may Easter Sunday be a wonderful celebration of the resurrection of our Savior.

Happy first day of Lent!

A "four friends" wedding

2011-03-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

We called ourselves "four friends" in college...Perryn, Rachel, Jenny, and myself. We were all Chi Os together. Jenny and Rachel were in the pledge class behind Perryn and I. Then Jenny took the plunge into pharmacy school the year after me, so we have had lots and lots to bond over and discuss over the past 3 years.

circa February 2007

Jenny (far right) is getting MARRIED one week from today. The first of us to walk down the aisle. This time next week we'll all be reunited on the Plains for this festive event. Counting down the days!

the day to day

2011-02-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

One of my many (what seems like thousands) of conversations over the phone at CVS today went something like this:

Me: Can I help you with something?

Them (please insert some very fine ebonics here): I have this medicine here- proceeding to spell it out........

Me: Yes that is your potassium

Them: Ok, can I take that with X and Y medicine?

Me: Yes, you sure can! That is not a problem

Them: Oh ok good cause I don't want to lock myself down or kill myself

And that, my friends, is what I do with all of these years of education!

Happy Monday

AU Breast Friends finish breast cancer

2011-02-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Words will not be able to adequately describe how absolutely incredible this particular weekend was, but here goes my attempt.

First a little background of how this all started. This marathon/half-marathon raises money for breast cancer research. In fact, 100% of the proceeds go toward this cause. Jill's mom
("Miss" Sally) lost her battle with this disease in 2007, and since 2009 this group (AU breast friends) has made the trip to Jacksonville to run this race and celebrate her life. One of "Miss" Sally's best friends from high school lives in Jacksonville and so graciously opens up her home to 10+ girls for an entire weekend. Not only does she let us bombard her home but also showers us with more food, drink, and goodies than you could ever dream possible. She and her husband are two of the most generous people I have ever come in contact with. I was honored to join this group on their 3rd annual trip, and if at all possible I will never miss a chance to go for years to come.

When we arrived in JAX on Friday afternoon we ventured down to the marthon expo to pick up our registration packets. As you will see in the pictures below, there are these huge boards at the expo that are setup for everyone to sign, and then they place them along the beach during the race. It is awesome to read all of these messages and see how personal this race is for most of the 10,000+ runners.

After the expo we made it to our home for the weekend just in time to see this beautiful sunset just out the back door. This was our backyard for the weekend...literally!!

We spent the day Saturday doing some of this.....

And a whole lot of this...

Jill and I even brought back some old cheerleading stunts...

Oh, and did I mention how much we ate...and how good it was?!?

We woke up bright (or dark) and early on Sunday morning.... 3:00 AM central time to be exact.... to get ready for the race.

On the bus that took us to the race

Tracy and I reminiscing about our time at Carlton Court last year (hence the "C" symbol we are both making)

Roommates getting geared up for the start line

Most everyone that runs in the race pins a tag on the back of their shirt telling who they are running for. It was very moving to see all of the people who have such a personal story. There were even people who were running that were SURVIVORS! So inspiring. Not only did I have the privledge of running to celebrate the life of Sally Bledsoe but also to celebrate that my grandmother, Net Net, just recently completed several long months of treatment for breast cancer.

What an awesome experience this was. Now I understand why Jill says this is her favorite weekend of the year! I am very blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible group of friends. Until 2012...

preview

2011-02-15T18:13:00.001-08:00

This is just a sneak peek of what I did this past weekend. It was one of the most special weekends I've had in a long time. I cannot wait to tell you about it!

Happy week of warmer weather!

servant's heart

2011-02-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

All of my closest friends have very different gifts, talents, and ways of encouraging me. Sometimes I just like to stop and think about all of the girls who know me best and how unique and different each of our relationships are. Some are "home" friends that have known me for my entire life, and some are college friends who I feel like I have known forever, already. Both "groups" are definitely a gift from the Lord, and I am thankful for all of the different ways they help motivate, encourage, and simply love me.

So, speaking of friends I would just like to share with you one special person that I am living with these days. If you don't already know her you are missing out, so learn more about her here. I could go on for days about how much fun she is, but I'm going to get to the point. Jill has one of the biggest servant attitudes of most people I know. Let me give you two examples from this past week:

1. This past Friday morning she woke up bright and early before school/work to make us the most amazing blueberry pancakes. No one asked her to, there was no occasion, it was just because she wanted to do it. The pancakes were delicious to say the least, and the perfect start to a dreary, rainy Friday.

2. I worked late on Friday night and had to work again early Saturday morning. When I got home on Saturday afternoon I walked in my room to a neatly made bed. Jill said "there's nothing like coming home to a made-up bed." What a sweet little pick-me-up.

In my opinion, there is nothing better than the small little gestures that make you feel special. Thank you, Jill, for your servant's heart this week!

Jill and I in AZ

January 10th, 2011

2011-02-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

I guess it's finally time to wrap this thing up since we're almost one month out from the game. The day of the National Championship game in AZ was honestly one of the most memorable days of my life. I'm not even going to try to explain it. If you were there as an Auburn fan you get it, you get every thing that I would inadequately attempt to type. It was a sunny, warm, and generally beautiful day in a really cool place with lots of orange and blue. And with the winning kick was up, the clock at 00:00, and the confetti flying all I could think about was how lucky a girl I was to be there, and I tucked away those memories for good.
My Freshman year at Auburn was 2004 when we went undefeated yet missed the opportunity to play for the championship. Now, seven years later, exactly 4 months from the day that I graduate from pharmacy school, Auburn got our chance and WE DID IT! It was worth the wait.
Thank you, Auburn, for sending me out on top.

Shadow

2011-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

This picture did not make it into my post yesterday, but I thought it was too neat not to share. Our shadow followed us around wherever we went.

Day 3: Sedona

2011-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

On our trek back from Flagstaff to Phoenix on Sunday we made a slight detour to Sedona. Our main reason for going there...a hot air balloon ride!! The funny thing was that we were all scared to death to do this but were also all determined that it would be a once in a lifetime experience. Once we arrived and actually saw the balloon we all almost changed our mind, I think. But after the initial lift-off/shock of what we were doing it was smooth sailing. I can honestly say that this was the coolest thing I have ever done, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I wish you could see how big this "aircraft" was! The pictures don't do it justice.

They're getting 'er ready. Check out that big blue flame shooting up in there.

Finally turned upright and ready to go. And yes, that is a woven, wooden basket we were all going to get in....that's all. My first question to the pilot "are you sure this basket is sturdy?"

Right after take-off...getting higher and higher!

This height was a bit out of my comfort zone. Please notice how small that road and those houses are down there.

The craziest part of the whole thing is that you just land out in the middle of the desert somewhere...wherever the wind might take you. There were "spotters" that drove around trying to figure out where we might end up. When we landed we literally skidded over a few cacti and landed in a thorn-bush. Good stuff!

We made it safely back to solid ground and boy was I thankful! We were in the air for about an hour and a half, and I think my mom finally opened her eyes around the 1 hour mark. Bless her heart, she is scared to death of heights but was determined to make this a complete family outing.

Once we were back on Mother Earth we were served a champagne brunch. It was a nice little added amenity.

My advice to you...if you ever get the chance to do this, DO IT! Also, Sedona is a really neat place to visit.

Hiatus

2011-01-24T10:31:00.001-08:00

I seem to have been forced into a blogging hiatus by work, traveling, life, etc. I really would like to finish blogging about the trip to AZ, but lately I just cannot find enough down time to do so.

The "rest of the story" is coming soon, hopefully! I haven't even gotten to the best part, right?

I'm suffering from a terrible case of the Mondays/winter blues, but Happy Monday anyway.

Day 2: Grand Canyon

2011-01-17T08:29:00.000-08:00

We woke up in Flagstaff on Saturday morning and made the 1 and 1/2 hour trek to the Grand Canyon. Pictures do not do it justice, and there really is no way to describe it unless you see it with your own two eyes!

About 10 years ago my parents took my brother and I to the Grand Canyon in July when the temps were around 100 during the day and everything was so dry. It was neat to experience it at two extremely different seasons. There was lots of snow there this time, and I think that made it extremely beautiful.

We took a short hike down into the canyon. Once we saw people hiking back up with ski poles and spikes on their shoes we decided it probably was not smart to go too far without the proper equipment!

We ate lunch at the historical El Tovar hotel, and then made our way back to Flagstaff for the night.

Do you see these people riding the mules out of the canyon?? One of those guys definitely led a big Waaarrr Eagle from down there! That's not a greeting you get at the Grand Canyon everyday. And yes, a lady walking beside us who was apparently oblivious to Auburn or anything about it said, "Where's the eagle, where's the eagle?" as she was looking into the sky.

Graduation

2011-01-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix

2011-01-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

After a day of long but smooth travels we finally arrived in Phoenix. We waited patiently in line with lots of fellow Auburn fans for the keys to our mode of transportation for the next 5 days.

And after a few moments of family deliberation we decided that this was the perfect one!

We were off to Flagstaff for the night so that we would wake up closer to the Grand Canyon for our trip there the next day!

FYI: From Phoenix to Flagstaff the elevation changed from 2,000 ft to 6,000 ft, and the temperature changed from the 60's to barely 20 degrees in just a 2.5 hour drive. Talk about a diverse lay of the land!

Stay tuned...

Home Sweet Tuscaloosa

2011-01-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

Auburn to Atlanta to Houston to Phoenix to Flagstaff to Grand Canyon to Sedona to Scottsdale to Glendale to San Antonio to Houston to Jackson, MS to Aliceville...

5 different beds in 7 nights....

...And finally back at home in Tuscaloosa. A quick afternoon to semi-recover and get my life together before the final descent (can you tell I've been on a few airplanes lately) into graduation begins in tomorrow.

Lots of fun pictures coming soon. WAR EAGLE!

Out with the old, in with the new

2011-01-04T13:30:00.001-08:00

I was happy to welcome in 2011 with two of my oldest friends...

AND...our new friend, Babe! She's a sweet gal.
Christmas and New Year's came and went more quickly than ever before, and I cannot believe they are over. I have high hopes for 2011 to be a great year! How can it not be? I've only been waiting to graduate from Auburn for 7 years, and now graduation is just 4 short months away!

I am thankful for the feeling of "newness" that the new year brings...kind of like a clean slate or a fresh start. The anticipation of things to come this year, both expected and unexpected, is exciting for me, and I hope it is for you, too.

T-minus 3 days until I leave on a jet plane for the land of the cacti. The Farmers have a personal travel agent (my mother) who has a marathon trip planned that is sure to not disappoint!

PJs

2010-12-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas tradition at the Farmer house is that the 3 of us kids get to wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve. We've been doing this my entire life, and my mom has made it very clear that this tradition will not be ending any time soon. I can picture future spouses, grandchildren, etc. all in matching PJs one day. And no, we (the kids) do not get to pick these out.

Mom changed it up a bit this year. I think it was a fitting choice for 2010.
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Jingle Bells, Shotgun Shells

2010-12-22T18:08:00.001-08:00

The Christmas season is not complete without a party that includes tacky attire. This past weekend Haley and her roommates hosted such a party at their house in Birmingham, and we had a jolly good time!

Old friends are the best

Thanks for putting up with us, Martin

Even Courtney made an appearance and boy was I glad!

The celebrations are complete, and the waiting for Santa has begun. Have you heard about the rumors that there's a chance of a "white Christmas" around here?! Only time will tell.

Christmas Greetings

2010-12-21T10:22:00.001-08:00

7-302

2010-12-13T19:27:00.001-08:00

7-302...The apartment where I shared day-to-day life with these three girls for 2 years at Auburn. Our time living together was precious, and these are the kind of friends you go to college to meet! Since those 2 years ended we have welcomed into the group: three husbands (I'm definitely bringing up the rear), five dogs, some precious nieces and nephews, and
big-girl jobs. It's hard to believe that it has been almost 3 years since we have lived together, and I miss them terribly.

On Friday night we met for dinner to have our 2nd annual ornament swap. I love this tradition so much already! Our time together was very much too short, but between jobs, husbands, family gatherings, and being spread out all across the state we could hardly even find a time to squeeze in dinner.

Why the angel halos you ask? Well Libby (2nd from left) is the festive one of the bunch, and she always makes "festiveness" a part of all occasions and celebrations! Needless to say, I was not at all surprised when she walked in the door of the restaurant with these in hand. She said, "here wear these, we're going to be angels for Christmas!" We obliged. And yes, we wore these for the duration of dinner :)

Among many things, I am thankful for my friends this Christmas season!

We Believe in Auburn and Love It!

2010-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

With ~8:00 minutes left in the 4th quarter...

2010-11-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

I looked outside of our window in Tuscaloosa to find that a gray and gloomy sky had turned into this. And that's when I knew Auburn was going to pull it out!
War Eagle!

1.5

2010-11-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

This week at the hospital I've had the priviledge of meeting a 1.5 pound baby girl fighting for her life in the NICU. Today she is 4 days old, and boy is she precious. I wish so bad I could share a picture of her so you'll have an idea of what a miracle it is that she is alive at this stage of development...but what mother wants her baby's picture on a stranger's blog?? Creepy.

I have made it part of my daily routine to go in and peek at her every afternoon. I watch the machine help her less-than-developed-lungs breathe as her tummy goes up and down. But I've also decided to do something else...pray for her each day as I look at her sweet little self, and I think you should, too! I am lucky to have 5 weeks to do this every day, and I'm so hoping to just watch her grow and grow. I will also not disclose her name on the blog, but say a quick prayer for Baby Girl and her family when you read this post.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139:14

"The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" kind of birthday

2010-11-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest....this weekend made me wish my birthday was during football season! For those of you who don't know, my brother, Jim, is a sophomore at Auburn. Yesterday was his big 2-0, and we had a blast celebrating. For as long as I can remember I've associated Jim's birthday with the AU/GA weekend, and every once in a while his birthday actually falls on game day....lucky dog! We laugh in our family because my Dad is missing from pictures of Jim's birthday parties over the years, and it's because he was at the AU/GA game! Jim and another one of his friends from Aliceville, Heath, happen to share the same birthday, and several of their best friends from home came to Auburn to help celebrate. But the best part was that Jim did not know they were coming. I made it to Auburn on Friday in time for the big surprise and it was priceless! He was so excited.

My parents and the Lavender's had a huge tailgate with more food than we could even think about eating. The weather was beautiful, and we had a wonderful time with lots of great friends!

No words to describe this crew

Jim and his awesome sisters :)

The Farmer Clan

My friends were there, too!

Shelby, Libby, and me

I cannot think of a better birthday present for Jim than Auburn winning the SEC West. Happy Birthday to my favorite brother and War Eagle!!

Committed

2010-11-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

ML and I right after last year's race

Last night I did it. I registered for my second half-marathon. Oh goodness, my shins are already splinting just thinking about it. For a recap of my first experience read here. I debated and debated about whether to do it again mostly because I have let myself get completely out of shape since last February. Also, I know you remember how absolutely cold last winter was, and the thought of training in those temps again makes my bones hurt! My body says "please no" but my heart is rip-roaring ready to go because this time I have a darn good reason to run.

The race is the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer in Jacksonville, FL on February 13, 2011. The past couple of years Jill, Maria, Tracy, and a few other Auburn girls (team AUBreast Friends) have run the race for Jill's mom, Miss Sally! I mentioned in a previous post that my grandmother, Net Net, is battling breast cancer. She just finished her last round of chemo last week and is on to radiation. What a wonderful reason to run. I feel that this is the least I can do to honor how bravely she's been fighting.

So here's to joining AUBreast Friends and lots and lots of running in the next few months.

I run for Net Net!

Just because I feel the need to blog....

2010-10-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I have my nose to the grind in school work. I do NOT like it one bit. Bottom line...I am as burned out on school as burned out can be. I have never been so ready for this to end as I am right now. But end it will, soon enough. May 10, 2011 to be exact. Until then...it's just one of those weeks!

On a bright note, I seem to be living weekend to weekend to go watch Auburn play football.... not complaining about that! This past weekend I was on the Plains for the victory over the Bayou Bengals, and I'm heading to Oxford this weekend for my first experience at "The Grove."

In honor of AU currently being #1 I'll leave you with this. Paul Finebaum to Coach Pat Dye, "Did you think AU would be 8-0?" Dye, "Hell Nah." Me either, Coach, but I'll take it!

Roughin' It

2010-10-10T16:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend the Auburn crew gathered to celebrate Shelby's birthday. Here is the weekend in pictures!

The Location

Catching up on the swing

Friday night we set out on a 4-wheeler adventure. We were laughing and carrying on and not paying one bit of attention to where we were. In case you did not know, one trail in the woods leads to another....then another.....then another.... and if you're not careful you WILL get lost. Oh yes, it surely happened to us. What kind of intelligent 25ish year olds get lost in the woods late at night? Leave it to our group for sure. I'll spare you the details, but this is what you need to know.... We left the cabin at 10:30 pm and arrived home at 4:00 am. You can fill in the rest with your imagination, but I can assure you at one point we all stopped to pray. It was that kind of situation. We were literally about to stop somewhere to sleep until daylight when someone recognized a familiar road....we made it home...I'm here to tell the story...all's well that ends well, right?

Everyone is all in for the adventure

We knew exactly where we were at this point

The group, minus Jimmy

Aren't guys supposed to know their way around the woods?

On Saturday we celebrated Shelby's birthday with lots of great food, cake and ice cream, and a whole lot of football! It doesn't get much better than that.

The smallest Auburn Tiger present!

(Shelby's nephew, Greer)

Shelby and I look a bit worn out after pulling the Tigers through

(or maybe it's because we were up til' almost daylight the night before)

Libby and I showing the guys how it's done

We wound up the weekend with a quick skeet shoot on the way out! Lots of fun was had by all. I will be recovering for 2 weeks. I am so thankful for this group of friends....there is never a dull moment and always lots of laughter. I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather be lost in the woods with for several hours in the middle of the night ;) Until next time...

Happy Birthday, Shelby!

Floo Shots

2010-10-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Last night at work I gave several flu shots. Among the recipients was one of my coworkers. After I got home I received a text message from her saying, "My arm feels like it got hit with a baseball bat!" Whoops! I told her I was very sorry. Doesn't that make you want to get in line for my flu shot service?

Let me take this chance to promote the flu shot. Get one! They are cheap, do not hurt (contrary to what you read above), and you are very well protected from getting the flu this season. So, why not? It's a win-win situation. Prevention is the best medicine against the flu.

I got mine, and you should too!

Not a lot goin' on..

2010-10-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

That's nice to say for a change. I have been spending most of my days trying to figure out how to make life slow down, how about you? If you figure it out please let me know.

Things in the world of pharmacy have not changed much. Although, I did get a job offer for which I am very, very grateful. I'm winding up my 3rd rotation this week and will be hitting the hospital again starting on Monday.

This past weekend, Jill and I had the pleasure of keeping these precious little boys in addition to Adrienne and Luke's adorable nephew and niece while their parents went to the Alabama game. There were five kids ranging in age from 3 years to 3 months. What a fun night it was! They were all so good for us, but I think I can speak for Jill by saying we both got a big ole' dose of birth control for the time being.

Other than that I'm just trying to steer clear of the Bama fans in T'town which is next to impossibile, but I am surviving.

One last thing...check out Jill's blog and her most recent post on breast cancer awareness month. I know that many of you have been, or will be, affected by this disease at some point or another. It is now part of my personal story as my precious grandmother, Net Net, is bravely fighting this disease through chemotherapy. If you know someone who has won this battle, give them some special encouragement and let you know you are thankful for them.

Happy Tuesday!

It's all about the name

2010-09-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

This week, at a medical clinic in middle-of-nowhere AL, I was priviledged to assist a special young man with his new insulin regimen. Our little encounter came just 5 days on the backside of his recent jail stay for which I received all of the details of why he went and how things are run there...too much information! But that's not the point here.

Mr. Jailbird's "honey" is having a baby girl in a couple of months and he is a proud, excited daddy. When questioned as to whether a name had been chosen yet he replied, "Yeah, Sarah Jane Elizabeth, but I'm going to call her Ghost." To which I replied, "Like Casper?" And he confirmed, as proud as any daddy could be! And I congratulated him on a wonderful name :)

Note: Just in case the patient privacy police decides to read my blog here, Sarah Jane Elizabeth is not the actual name he gave, but oh how I wish I could share! Believe me, it would make this story all the better.

We all need/some-body/to le-an on!

2010-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Auburn fans...I think you'll like this story. I may or may not have shed a tear when I read this.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/09/10/auburn.missst/index.html?eref=sihp

Happy Birthday, Miss Powell

2010-09-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was Maria's birthday, so Friday, Jill and I headed on over to Maria's school to eat lunch for a celebration. What a treat! She teaches 2nd grade, and boy are they cute. The whole class was on their best behavior during our entire visit. Although, there are a few sweet ones that deal Miss Powell misery on a daily basis!

I am so glad that it worked out for Jill and I to both visit Maria in her classroom. It was as much a treat for me as it was for Maria, I'm certain. There is something special about seeing one of your best friends in action and knowing without a doubt that this is what the Lord has called her to do. She is a great teacher and has those little ones whipped into shape already :) I am amazed at her patience.

Happy Birthday, Miss Powell. I love you!

Miss Powell with her little stinkers
(and yes, the second from the right on the back row is blurry because he is jumping like a jumping bean during the picture)

And I didn't even catch it

2010-08-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was having an important medically-related discussion at the hospital when I happened to check my email. I had one from Shelby saying..."Surely you've seen this picture, but I just got my wedding album and this was in it. Priceless!" And....the following picture was attached. I immediately burst into laughter at less than an appropriate time.

Am I a little embarrassed? Yes! Has it provided a few good laughs with my friends? Absolutely!
Did I catch the bouquet? NO! All of that effort for nothing.

So, thanks to the photographer for capturing such a graceful shot of me, and most importantly... Josh and Shelby, as your children and grandchildren flip through your wedding album in the future please assure them that I am not a crazy idiot!

collards and turnips

2010-08-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

So, a lot of you are probably familiar with the drug Coumadin, or warfarin, affectionately known as a "blood thinner." Patients are very commonly prescribed this medicine for one reason or another, but I won't bore you with that.

As an pharmacy intern in the hospital, one of my jobs is to go to patients' rooms who will be discharged on Coumadin and teach them about it. Because this can be a dangerous drug we can't just turn 'em loose without a bit of education. So I go through my usual spill about why they're on it, side effects, how to take it, etc., and generally I get no reaction up to this point. Then I get to the part about food. To put it simply, foods high in vitamin K (i.e. green leafy vegetables) interact with warfarin and make it less effective. It never fails...as soon as I get collard or turnip greens out of my mouth I get an "ohhhh" "ummmm" "I love me some turnips."

It's so funny. Nevermind that I've said "this medicine can cause you to bleed a lot if your blood gets too thin so watch out for bloody nose, blood in your urine or stool," which should be alarming, right? Not so much. But those ears perk up at the thought of having to limit the collard or turnip intake.

People around here love their "greens!" Happy Monday

laughter is the best medicine

2010-08-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

I spent some time this weekend with some of my favorite people! I'm not going to go into the details of the weekend because that's not what really matters. What does matter is this... I laughed A LOT...on multiple occasions. The laugh til you cry...laugh til your side hurts...laugh til you can't breath kind of laughter, and I am a firm believer that everyone should experience it every now and then. Monday came with a refreshed (and tired) feeling that was long overdue, and for this I am thankful!

Please find some time for laughter with people you love soon. It will do you good, I promise!

well vs. sick

2010-08-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

I guess this is kind of a follow-up post to my last one about my first day of hospital rotation. I have had some time to think since then, and I believe my assumption about not liking the hospital was a bit premature as I was feeling nothing but overwhelmed at that point. It's just different in the hospital...I know, that is kind of common sense, right? But it IS just different...an adjustment.

I am so used to the day to day at CVS where every one is "well." These people come in to get medicine because they have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, an infection, etc., but essentially they are fine...just needing a few medicines to keep them going. But in the hospital people are sick, and at the moment life has halted for them.

When you are in the cardiac ICU and there are 10 nurses around one patient's bed trying to revive them.... when you walk in the ICU and the hospital chaplain is praying over a woman's body with all of the family around and I look up at her monitor to see her last breath is near.....when your team gets called to a patient's room because they are totally unresponsive....when you tell a patient that their kidneys or their heart is failing and start to discuss quality of life rather than getting better.... I do not care how much I felt prepared for this...these people are sick and most of it is hard to watch no matter how tough I'm looking on the outside.

To put all of this into simple words, I have been so graciously reminded of this over the past few days
"You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14

Day 1

2010-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Today was day one of my first, of 2, hospital rotations. I think I've already decided that the hospital is not for me.... is it too early to say that? I will try my best to keep an open mind.

Top 3 reasons (right now) that I do no enjoy the hospital:
1. very early mornings...as in arrive around 6 am
2. lots and lots of paper work...document, document, document
3. the patients are generally too sick to interact much...most do not respond to any questions and I like to talk to the people I'm caring for

I am going to give it a chance because if not it's going to be a long 5 weeks.

Happy Monday!

"My time's up, I thank you for yours"

2010-07-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

So, I have finally gotten emotional about no longer living in Auburn. Although I have not been living there for over 2 months now, a lot of my furniture and “stuff” has been there making me feel a little like it is still my home or at least letting me put off facing the reality that I’m not going back. But as of yesterday, nothing I own is left there for the first time in 6 years. It’s a hard pill to swallow, and I would not be telling the whole truth if I did not admit that I’ve had to choke back a few tears over it.

I have waited for a long time for a change, and it has been much needed. I am enjoying my time right now in Tuscaloosa, and I know for sure the Lord knew what he was doing when I was not given my first choice of staying in Auburn for my rotations. But all that to say, it is hard to leave a place behind that has been home for 6 years. Not only has it been home, but the place that has shaped me as I’ve “grown up.”

My experiences in Auburn have brought some of the happiest times of my life so far from the deep and lifelong friendships I have made to being the source of helping me to fulfill my dream of becoming a pharmacist. But with the good comes the bad, and the hardest times in my life to this point have been lived out there, too. All that to say, a lot of my heart remains in Auburn for reasons both happy and sad.

Of course, it’s not like I am never going back. Football season is right around the corner, and I plan to be there as much as possible! And who knows what life might bring in the future. I would love the opportunity to live there again one day.

Auburn graciously took me in as a freshman, is letting me go on the verge of being a young pharmacist, and the years in between were sweet in their own way.

So, just as Jim Fyffe, the former Auburn radio sports announcer, used to so affectionately say at the end of his radio broadcast, I say to Auburn, “My time’s up, I thank you for yours.”

39 days

2010-07-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Only 39 days until the start of college football...who's excited?? I am!

guess who I miss..

2010-07-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Harrison. He has been at Camp Aliceville hanging out for a good two months now as I try to get myself somewhat settled in Tuscaloosa (he does not handle change well). Don't get me wrong...I've been in and out in Aliceville too, so it's not like I haven't seen him. I just miss having him around all the time. It's time for him to be with his mom. My mother has made it clear that she won't be sad to see him go, AND he bit the neighbor a couple of days ago...he's worn out his welcome.

13 going on 30

2010-07-09T19:26:00.001-07:00

My little, baby sister, Mary Pat, celebrated her 13th birthday on Wednesday. I must confess, none of her birthdays, or milestones, have hit me like this one. I mean she is a teenager for goodness sake. It just does not seem possible. All day on Wednesday as I thought about her I was just down right sad, a little tug at the heart. When I left home to go to college she had just finished the 1st grade...this fall she will be starting the 8th. Is this how our parents feel as we celebrate birthdays and milestones? I think so, probably multiplied by 100.

If you'll notice the pictures below, the first one was taken just 3 short summers ago at my pharmacy school initiation. Now, look at the next one! Who is that girl? Is it really possible that she grew up that fast? No way.

Happy Birthday to one amazing little sister!

I've been....

2010-06-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

spending some lazy summer afternoons testing out my wakeboarding skills! Don't you just love the summertime? I do!

welcome to Tuscaloosa

2010-06-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

It seems that the new CVS store where I am working in Tuscaloosa should just be called the "University of Alabama CVS." Talk about "welcome to Tuscaloosa you Auburn fan." Of course this is not the most exciting thing in my book, but hey, why not share it with you blog readers. And even Alabama football staff need some meds too, right?

Let me just name a few of my customers so far.

Yesterday, Dave Hart came by, who apparently took over most of the athletic director responsibilites under Mal Moore in 2009. Word on the street, or at least at CVS 7217, is that he'll be taking over as soon as Mal Moore gives it up completely.

I have also filled a couple of prescriptions for Jim McElwain (offensive coordinator) recently. Next time I'm considering slipping a few crazy pills into his bottle! (just kidding)

It seems that Burton Burns (associate head coach and running backs coach) needs a few pills to to keep him on the football field because I we have filled a few meds for him as well. By the way, his wife is an extremely nice lady.

And last but not least...the Sabans. No, I have not seen Nick Saban, just his wife, son, and daughter.

So, as I said before, welcome to life in Tuscaloosa and WAR EAGLE!!

no pictures

2010-06-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

How is it that every time I go somewhere I never have any pictures to share when I get back? I am the worst picture taker ever! What's so bad about it is that I always have my camera with me I just never USE it. It's becoming quite frustrating.

All that to say... we had a wonderful and short family vaca to the beach for Memorial Day weekend with no pictures to document the trip. One day I'm going to regret not getting my camera out!

Happy Thursday and Helllllooooo Summertime!!

wedding bells

2010-05-17T08:32:00.001-07:00

These two finally tied the knot this weekend after 9 years of dating. We all had an absolute blast, and of course the wedding and the bride were beautiful! We all stayed at the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino and boy was that an experience in itself. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, I did not make it to the church with my camera. Needless to say these are the only pictures that I took myself. Hopefully more pictures to come soon!

hanging out in the casino

the other end of the line...

2010-05-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

One of my many phone conversations today at work went something like this...

me: "Pharmacy, this is Rose can I help you?"

john doe (imagine a very deep, country voice): "Um, yes mam, I have a question."

me (at this point in my day insert a really annoyed and impatient voice): "yes sir, what can I do for you?"

john doe: "Well, my wife left me on Tuesday and she took the kids and my truck. I think they went to Tennessee, but my Lortab was in the truck, too. Can you tell me when I can get my Lortab filled again?"

me (did he really just say that?): "You just got 60 Lortab three days ago, so it will be almost a month before your insurance will pay for it again. I'll see what we can do."

I do feel sorry for John Doe if his wife did really leave him on Tuesday with the kids and the truck. But, you know, people these days will go to great lengths to get some extra Lortab. I'm still not so sure what to believe, but it did provide a good, good laugh.

This is it....

2010-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day....that is, the last day and test of my time here at the Harrison School of Pharmacy. I am currently sitting in the pharmacy building attempting my last night of studying for my very large test tomorrow. It is a bit surreal to say the least and possibly a bit anticlimactic. I've spent days and days and hours and hours at the HSOP for 3 years now, and tomorrow when I hand in the test my time here is over. Granted, it is not quite ALL over as I am still indebted to this school for the duration of my rotations next year. But maybe the rope won't be so tight across the state in Tuscaloosa.

What would you do?

2010-04-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you only had a very short time left to be a resident of Auburn, AL after 6 years..... what "Auburnish" things would you do before the big move?

T-minus....

2010-04-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

2 and 1/2 weeks left of school forever!!! I can't believe it.

just like old times

2010-04-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

So, Perryn came home to Tuscaloosa for the Easter holiday, and she graced Auburn (and me) with her presence yesterday. The day was a bit nostalgic for us both, probably more so for her since this is the first time she's been back to Auburn since she graduated almost 2 years ago!

The day could not have been more perfect! It was absolutely beautiful here in Auburn ( I even have a farmer's tan to prove it), and we walked around campus for hours. It felt like we were little co-ed, undergraduate, sorority girls all over again. There are lots of new things about Auburn's campus since Perryn was here, the new student center, tiger transit station, the village with the new sorority dorms and chapter rooms, etc. I was her tour guide as she took in all the new sites!! We even had lunch at Big Blue Bagel. Even though our time was short, I am so glad she came! It gave me an excuse to do some things around here that I do not normally get to do in my little mundane world of pharmacy school.

It took Perryn (the lover of Chi O that she is) coming to Auburn for me to get myself over to see the new Chi O chapter room. It was beautiful, and definitely a step up from our days in Mollie Hollifield Hall.

Thanks, Perr, for coming and helping me to get reaquainted with the days that we were "hooty hoots" together!

What a difference a year makes

2010-03-24T06:03:00.001-07:00

Spring Break 2009

Spring Break 2010

Just replace Courtney with Mary Pat, and you get almost the same picture! Please notice that I have on the same brown puffy coat in both pictures. Once I realized it, I did not wear it for the rest of the trip! I think I may need to retire that puffy thing for a while.

One word to describe my LAST spring break ever....FUN!

The Balls and the Farmers

2010-03-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

First let me say that I realize you can't see this picture very well (click on it to make it bigger!). It was tagged to me on facebook, so obviously the quality is not very good. I am so excited about it, though, that I couldn't help but share. The Balls are my very first and oldest best friends. We grew up together in Aliceville. For those of you who don't know, the Ball family is made of two sets of twins. Beth and Katie are my age, and John and Mary Stuart are the same age as my brother, Jim. We were all literally inseperable when we were younger. The first picture was taken sometime around 1st grade for Beth, Katie, and me. The 2nd picture was taken this past Christmas Eve (about 15 years later) when our families spent some time together. ***Note in the second picture that there is an extra person! My sister, Mary Pat, wasn't even thought of the first go round ;)**.

Just FYI about what we are all doing right now:
Rose: I, obviously, am still in Auburn finishing up pharmacy school
Beth: graduated from UA and is a nurse at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville
Katie: graduated from UA, is a very talented artist, and is working in marketing in Nashville
Jim: freshman at AU
John: freshman at UA
Mary Stuart: freshman at UA
Mary Pat: bringing up the rear in 7th grade

first picture (L to R): Jim, Rose, John, Beth, Mary Stuart, Katie
second picture (L to R): Beth, Rose, John, Katie, Mary Stuart, Jim, Mary Pat

I love the Balls!

ecstatic because....

2010-03-13T06:39:00.001-08:00

only 2 days of work at CVS and a plane ride stand between me and being with this girl in NYC!

I love my friends

2010-03-10T07:28:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I help to host a couple's shower for Josh and Shelby in Birmingham. Their wedding is getting so close, May 15th! The party was at Shelby's sister and brother-in-law's house. I love wedding festivities because it is always a great excuse to get us all together. Libby and her Mom arranged these beautiful flowers as the centerpiece on the food table. Aren't they beautiful?And as always...we had a rip-roaring good time together! (hence Allie's laughing in the picture)
I love these girls.

Relentlessly...

2010-02-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

...that is how school is roaring it's nasty head this week. First let me say that 70% of my grade in a 6 hour credit for this semester all comes from this one week of school. Let's see...an online quiz on urinary tract infections, an online quiz on how to adjust someone's insulin dose who has Type I diabetes, a test this morning on how to properly dose theophylline (a drug used to treat COPD), an oral presentation with my group of 8 tomorrow where we are presented with a case, have to come up with a plan, and are then deliberated by 2 faculty members on the drug-therapy decisions we made for that particular patient and their "sickness." And then the kicker...a final on Friday that is worth 45% of my grade that includes, but is not limited to, these 6 cases: schizophrenia, asthma, stroke, seizures, heart failure with gouty arthritis, and chronic kidney disease.

Okay, so I realize that most of you reading this really do not care about the details of school this week, but sometimes it is nice just to let it out.

And now back to studying...

WE DID IT!

2010-02-15T14:21:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the big race, and we finished! We (Mary Lindsey and I) ran the whole thing without stopping which was our ultimate goal, and even finished in fairly good time. It was honestly an experience that is hard to put into words. I loved it, yet it was one of the most painful things I have ever done. I do not want to ever do it again, but I can't wait for the next one. The best part about it was doing it with one of my best friends! I know for a fact that I could not have finished without Mary Lindsey there beside me...she is a great encourager. She recapped it also on her blog with a few pictures, so check it out. Also, kudos to Chris for being such a great race day supporter!

As far as how I feel...SORE...like someone has beaten me with a baseball bat from head to toe with a few blisters on my feet! Not to mention that Saturday (the day before the race) I slipped on the icy stairs at my apartment, landed on my hiney, and bounced down 4 more stairs. I have a shiner of a bruise to show for it with a nice knot along my lower back. Needless to say, I feel a bit bummed up right now, but am hoping by the end of the week I am going to feel recovered.

I found my motivation throughout the run in an interesting light. My great grandmother, affectionately known to me as Nee, passed away on Friday night. Her funeral was Sunday afternoon. I literally left the finish line, went to the car, and drove home to Aliceville just in time to take a shower and go to the church. I had a wonderful relationship with Nee, lots and lots of very fond memories, and feel like such a lucky girl to have had a close relationship with my great grandmother. So I guess I kind of dedicated running the race to her! I ran to the finish line with the mindset that my family was cheering me on from home, and they were waiting on me to get there so that we could celebrate her life together. And while my heart was sad yesterday, it is nothing less than filled with joy for Nee that she lived 92 wonderful years, is no longer suffering from the woes of growing old, and is with her Maker in heaven.

Needless to say, my Valentine's Day was filled with reasons to celebrate!

not much to say...

2010-02-06T20:23:00.001-08:00

There is not much to blog about lately. Nothing has been going on except for the same old daily routine. Quite honestly, I am feeling quite bogged down in this routine, even tired of it if I may say so. It is cold, it is rainy, and school is relentless. I feel as if I may possibly GO CRAZY before April 30th (last final EVER!)....not even joking.

Let me try to find something a bit more uplifting to speak of. The Mercedes half-marathon is officially 1 week away!! That's right... one week from tomorrow. I'm excited (I think??). The race begins at 7:00 AM next Sunday morning. As I was reading on the website earlier tonight it suggested that you be at the race NO LATER than 6:00 AM. That is terrible! What is the harm in a leisurely afternoon start time?

In other news, the friendly folks at the Harrison School of Pharmacy finally got around to finalizing our rotation schedules. For the whole year everyone gets one 5-week vacation block that is randomly assigned. Mine just so happens to be the first block! So now instead of my first rotation starting on May 17th it does not start until June 21st. I do kind of feel relieved that I'm going to have some extra time to move, get settled, be in a wedding, etc. My last rotation ends on April 22, 2011, which happens to be my birthday and will officially mark the very last day of pharmacy school!! Not a bad birthday present, huh?

Sorry for the not so fun, inspiring, uplifting post. Here's to hoping for warmer...sunnier...and happier because I'm getting closer to the end....days!

I really want these.....

2010-01-12T15:49:00.001-08:00

plates
and these...

mugs

They are from Pottery Barn and I'm obsessed!

Fun Things Have Happened Lately

2010-01-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Confession...I love to read other people's blogs, but I very much dislike blogging myself. I really have to be in the mood, and that doesn't happen too often. But here's the mood, so let me hurry before it's over.

Christmas was wonderful, as expected. I feel like it was too long ago now to go into a lot of details. I am always so sad to see it come and go.

Right after Christmas I went with some of my favorite friends from Aliceville to Sips-n-Strokes in Tuscaloosa. It was a blast, and I must say that I was very proud of my outcome. My first attempt at this painting thing over the summer didn't go so well, but I thought this time was much better. And those who know me at all are aware that my artistic ability is not my forte. But I'll let you be the judge. My finished product is actually hanging in the guest bathroom at my parent's house as we speak. I had so much fun, and I highly recommend it if you have not been yet.

the whole group

my painting half way through

the finished outcome (think nice thoughts)

Tracy, Haley, Maria, and me

For New Year's it was off to Lake Martin with yet more of my favorite people! We went to Libby's parent's house and had lots of fun. To bring in the new year we went to a "local" spot called Colonel Tom's. Let me just say that this was interesting...place and people included. Not your typical young crowd, but it made for a wonderful memory! The rest of the weekend we ate lots of good food, played cards, played catch phrase, and watched some football. What a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of 2010.

Shelby and me

most of the group at Col. Tom's

This past Tuesday, Courtney, Mary Lindsey, Alley and I went to see the movie, "It's Complicated." If you have not seen it, please go!! It was so hilarious and well worth it. I just laughed and laughed.

I have now been back in school for 3 days just trying to get back into the routine. And..... it's the LAST SEMESTER before I start my rotations!!! It is a little bittersweet. Not the school part, but definitely that I only have four more months to live in Auburn. As much as I've complained about being here for so long, I know I am going to miss it so much once I move. So, here's to making the most of my time in Auburn until the end of April. Happy 2010!

oh yes, and....

2009-12-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

Only 3 more days till this girl comes to AL for a week! I am anxiously waiting to see her.

"workin' nine to five, what a way to make a livin' "

2009-12-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

Do you all know that song by Dolly Parton? Well I certainly do thanks to the days of Chi O rush songs.

Well, it's more like 8-6 for me these days. That's right...at CVS. Tomorrow will mark 2 weeks since I have been finished with finals, and since then I will have worked a total of 84 hours. That's normal for most people, right? So what's the big deal? But think about it like this. I'm still at student so, I SIT at school for hours a day. I STAND at work for hours at a time. Let me just say that my legs and feet have had a rude awakening. I leave work aching all over, and I am tired.

Enough complaining. I am thankful for my job, especially at this time of year when so many people are struggling to provide Christmas for their families. It's nice to have a little extra money these days (and a few more intern hours). Plus, when work is over tomorrow I am off until after Christmas!

Only 10 days til Christmas...

Book Review

2009-12-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

I love to read!! But, during school I don't get to read as much as I would like...at least for my pleasure anyway! Since I have been out of school for almost a week I have been reading a book called "The Help." The book is by Kathryn Stockett, and I absolutely love it. It is a very different book from any I have read. Set in Jackson, MS, it is about the relationship between white women and their "help" (black women) during the early 1960's before integration had taken place. If you are looking for a good read I would definitely recommend it. I don't think you will be disappointed!

"I believe in Auburn and LOVE IT"

2009-12-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

"When we heard of the Auburn fans chanting at the end of Fridays game "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger" we knew there was something special about the excitement around this football team. The Tigers have everything we are looking for in a New Year's Day team. They are a tough, exciting team, extremely well coached and...have what might be the best fans in college football." -Jim McVay, Outback Bowl Pres./CEO

WAR EAGLE!

update...

2009-12-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

So, this is week 2 of training for the half marathon. Let me just say that things got off to a rocky start last week. Beginning week 1 of training the same week as Thanksgiving is not exactly the best timing. But, this week has been better, and I have stuck to my schedule pretty closely. Although, the chilly temperatures around here lately haven't done a lot for my motivation. I hate to run when it is cold. You know how everything gets chapped...your lips, face, hands, etc? Oh well. Get tough, right? That's what chapstick and lotion are for. The longest run so far was 4 miles, so nothing too exciting yet. Longer distances are on the horizon!

On another note... yesterday I had my last final and am done with school until January 6th. Yes! While I am very excited about this, I am mostly excited that next semester is THE LAST ONE!! I can hardly believe it.

Happy Thursday!

It's official

2009-11-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

I am officially registered to run the Mercedes half marathon in Birmingham on February 14, 2010! I am very excited, but at the same time there are moments when I wonder what I have gotten myself into. I have my 12-week training schedule all lined up, and now all I lack is printing it out and posting it on the refrigerator. If I've done my math correctly, my training should begin the week of November 23rd...just in time for the holidays!!

I will keep you posted on my progress!

Happy Halloween from Harrison

2009-10-29T08:14:00.001-07:00

I cannot take credit for the pumpkin. It is Tracy's creation, but I am really impressed with her skills. Harrison is flattered that his face was chosen for the pumpkin!

Happy Halloween!

weekend at the farm

2009-10-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

Shelby, me , Libby, and Allie

This weekend I went with my friends to Allie's farm in Newton, MS. We had such a blast riding horses, relaxing, catching up, etc. It is so hard for us all to get together now because we are so spread out....part of growing up I guess. Anyway, lots of stories (never a dull moment with this group) but for now just a picture of the girls. The boys were off doing "boy" things.

stalling on the zip line

2009-09-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Let me explain....

This weekend Tracy (my roommate) and I made our way to the booming metropolis of Union Springs, AL to have a "break" from Auburn. You know, as much as I love the place, sometimes it is nice to get out of that little bubble. Tracy's sister and her husband live there, and they are out of town, so we decided to take up residence at their house for the weekend.

So about the zip line. Tracy's brother-in-law built a homeade zip line over the lake in their back yard. Now let me preface by saying that this is no puney little zip line. I wish I had pictures to do it justice. You climb a ladder about 30 feet to a plat form... Sit on a piece of board....and take off!! You "glide" across the lake about 100 yards to the other side, land on a grassy bank, climb another 30 foot platform and "glide" back to the other side. Well I decided today that I would be brave and I did it! This was a really big accomplishment for me considering that I am EXTREMELY afraid of heights. Anyway, the point of the story is that I take off nervously across the lake anxiously awaiting my arrival to the other side when all of a sudden....about 20 yards from the bank...I STOP! Completely! No where else to go... Just hanging out on a little board over the water. Tracy says she is coming for me on the golf cart with a fishing pole so she can reel me in! In the mean time it starts to rain and thunder...no big deal. Long story short, I managed to pull myself to the bank, and Tracy and Harrison (my dog) arrive to give me a ride back home. It was memorable to say the least!

Happy weekend and War Eagle!

Big Jim

2009-09-24T11:24:00.001-07:00

This is my maternal grandfather, Jimmy Adams. Affectionately known as, Big Jim. Not only was he my grandfather but my favorite person in the ENTIRE WORLD. It has been one year today since his funeral. It has been a hard week...a lot of reflecting about how congestive heart failure suddenly took him from our lives on a Monday night, September 22nd, 2008. I remember every detail. He was only 70 years old.

It would take me all day and night to tell you why I loved him so much, so all you need to know is I did. Oh, he was just the most fun!! One of the things I feared the most after he died is that I would forget my memories of him. I haven't yet, and I trust that the Lord would help me to preserve these precious memories until I see him again in heaven one day. I have found my strength in my amazing grandmother who has been a solid rock for our entire family. She has a trust in the Lord that I strive for every day. We have made it through all of the "firsts" without him. So, what's next? To keep trusting that this is all in the Lord's perfect plan, and to be so thankful that for 22 years of my life I was the granddaughter of one of the most fun, inspiring, and godly men on earth, my Big Jim!

and the verdict is...

2009-09-15T18:16:00.001-07:00

Tuscaloosa! Yes, that's right. I never thought I would ever say this, but starting in May I will be a resident of Tuscaloosa where I will do my 4th year pharmacy rotations. It really hit me when they posted the regions that I will only live in Auburn for about 7 more months. I LOVE this place with my entire heart, and after living here for six years it will be hard to move on. But I am also thrilled for a change of pace.

That's all for now. I need to get to some studying so that I will still have a reason to move to Tuscaloosa in May.

On Pens and Needles Because.....

2009-09-14T18:01:00.001-07:00

I am patiently waiting for the wonderful Harrison School of Pharmacy to let me know where I am going to be living starting in May for my rotations. It was supposed to be today, but of course the website where they post the information was "down" all day. We'll see what tomorrow holds...I'll keep you posted!

ML's Bach Weekend

2009-06-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated Mary Lindsey's last hoo-ra with all of the girls before she becomes a married woman!! We had so much fun in Birmingham. We talked, giggled, went bowling, watched ML open all of her lingerie (and yes she modeled it for us), went to dinner at Cocina, went out on the town, and just had a great time being together. I cannot believe the wedding is less than 2 weeks away! I am so excited about the big day. ML, what a great weekend....you were a FUN bachelorette!

the whole group

the Bachelorette

dinner on Friday night

CVS

2009-06-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing that working at CVS provides for me (besides the realization that I do not want to work retail when I get out of school) is A LOT of entertainment. Here is my funniest story from the weekend.

Yesterday a nice African American gentleman came up to me at the counter asking if he could just buy two weeks worth of his diabetes medicine. After looking at his profile I found that he just had his medicine filled on May 21st and it should last him for a whole month. I decided to probe a little deeper to find out exactly why he was already out, so I asked him if the Dr. had increased his dosage. This was his response (imagine it in African American ebonics)...."Well I went to a birthday party last weekend and I ate too much birthday cake and my sugar has been real high, so I've had to double up on my pills." Trying so hard not to burst out into laughter I kindly gave him a few pills to get him by. There is never a dull moment!

Happy Monday!

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-06-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

So I've been putting off blogging for some time now. I must confess I haven't wanted to blog at all because I feel like I don't have a "big event" to document. Plus, I'm pretty sure no one is sitting on the edge of their seat dying for me to update my blog. But it seems that I've finally convinced myself that it is okay that I really don't have anything to say and that no one really cares about reading my blog...so here I am. I'm sitting with my coffee and Harrison, two of my most favorite things, just typing away.

I'm feeling extremely worthless and lazy these days, and I will go so far as to confess BORED!!! I want to kick myself for even letting it cross my mind. You see, I have longed for days like these for months. And what am I doing now? COMPLAINING. I tell myself at least ten times a day to "get a grip!" Today marks four whole weeks that we have been out of school and just two short months until we're back at it again. I must ENJOY every moment!

I am working this summer at CVS, but the days and hours I am working are erratic and unpredictable. For example, I worked on Monday but not Tuesday, Wednesday, or today, and I am working this weekend. I have also been informed that I will be working almost 40 hours next week....whoa, what a big girl! Needless to say it is a bit hard to plan to go out of town because of these crazy hours.

There are a lot of fun things happening soon....I like to think of this as the calm before the "wedding storm." I will definitely have a few "big events" to blog about soon!!

FREE

2009-05-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

So today is the "big day." I am officially finished with my second year of pharmacy school, and I am a free woman...for three months anyway. It feels GREAT. I have sadly wished my life away since last August, and I am tired of living test to test. Of course, now I wish time would creep along at a snail's pace. As I know that it will not, I plan to enjoy every minute of my LAST SUMMER EVER. Can you believe it? Finally at 23 years old this is my final "summer." Next year at this time I will be about 10 days from starting my rotations (and my last year of school).

Now for a quick reflection on my semester....I now can look back and truely see how the Lord had His hand over my life. The times that I was completely and totally overwhelmed with no way in the world to get it all done is when He would reveal himself to me the most. He taught me the true meaning of TRUSTING in Him. My favorite verse as of late is Isaiah 49:16 The Lord says, "See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." I am there on His hand, and He never forgets about me. He never forgot about me throughout this whole semester, and he will never forget about me in the future. All of this said, I can take no credit of my own for successfully making it this far in pharmacy school! I am blessed!

Now here's to a wonderful summer....some work at CVS, A LOT of wedding festivites, time with friends, and reading my People magazing whenever my little heart desires!!

weekend in Aliceville

2009-04-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

My weekend was very enjoyable. How was yours? I went home to Aliceville. After a miserable week of school last week it was nice to get a little time with the fam. My brother, Jim, plays baseball and his team played in the first round of the state playoffs on Friday. I made it home just in time for the game! At home after the game we had birthday cake to celebrate my birthday last week.

Mary Lindsey also had her first round of wedding showers this weekend, so of course this was the primary reason for my weekend trip. It was a kitchen and recipe shower, and it was lovely. I had a fun time getting to see some Aliceville folks, and I am getting really excited for all of the upcoming summer wedding events! Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.

a few of the bridesmaids with ML

another shot from the shower

Mary Pat singing "happy birthday" to me

Limoge Box

2009-04-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, April 22nd, was my 23rd birthday. It was a wonderful day despite a lot of studying. It started yesterday morning by Mary Lindsey and Courtney waking me up sing "Happy Birthday" with a cake and candles. After we got home from school at lunch time I sat outside to soak up some beautiful sunshine while I studied for my test that I had this afternoon. I also got sweet calls from my closest friends and family.

But my favorite part of the day by far was one of my gifts. My grandmother, Net Net, gave me a beautiful limoge box! For those of those who do not know, a limoge box is a french antique collectible. Net Net has collected many over the years and now has a beautiful collection displayed throughout her house. My mom also has just completed a nativity scene collection of limoge boxes and it is absolutely beautiful. It includes Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, an angel, the wise men, and a donkey. I am excited to start my collection to have for many, many years. I am also thankful that I am finally to the age that I can appreciate gifts such as this. As you can see in the picture the limoge box is an owl. The significance of the owl is that I was a Chi O at Auburn and the owl is Chi O's mascot. Perfect!

While to some of you this may not seem like an exciting thing, I am thrilled about my gift. If I have sparked your interest in limoge boxes in any way, google it and see what you find!

I CAVED

2009-04-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have done it....as you can see I have delved into the world of blogging hoping that it might help me to express my creativity (those of you who are near and dear to me are laughing out loud right now). Honestly though, I have become the world's best blog stalker recently, so why not have one of my own. My personal favorite blogs are the ones with cute kids and babies. I love to look at their pictures. Fortunate for me, you will find none of that here. Although, an occasional picture of Harrison, my dog, may appear. I will hopefully be able to give you a glimpse of my life as I make my treacherous journey through the HSOP (Harrison School of Pharmacy) and such. Stay tuned for more as I try to figure all of this out.