Christmas down south

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all!!! It has been awhile and it has been a CRAZY couple weeks! We'll back up a couple weeks til the beginning of break.

I flew home on the 19th of December.  Good quick flight, which ended in a minute wait on the airplane for a gate.  That definitely annoyed me, especially since I had plans, which ended up being canceled, little did I know it wouldn't be the first time of the break.  After the parents picked me up, we took off on the the 4 hour drive to pella.  We spent Saturday night and Sunday morning in Pella (seeing the new baby and watching the kid's Christmas program).  Then it was back the 6 1/2 hours home.

I was home Monday and Tuesday.  But during those days the craziness begin.  We started hearing the first words of the blizzard, so the decision was made to leave on the 23rd instead of Christmas day.  So, while I was home I got to have lunch with Sam and go to a basketball game and that was the extent of it.  So on to the trip

On the 23rd we went to the airport in the cities.  We had all been surprised that we had gotten 10 people switched to a different flight and while there we found out why, they overbooked the flight.  We all made it with the last two making it just as they were closing the doors.  We made it to New Orleans, found our hotel, had some cajun food at Mulates and then walked around a bit. 

The 24th brought us with less options of things to do than we hoped  because of the holidays, but we found a tour to take and we shopped, and walked around.  The only downfall, we got rained on.  Here is where I will tell you about my injuries of the trip (it makes me laugh) The night before we were laying there trying to sleep and my cousin scratched me majorly so I got up to make sure it wasn't bleeding and then went back to the bed.  Once there I realized she had taken my pillow so I was trying to get it back...I saw it and reached for it just as she was going to give it to me leading to an elbow in the jaw.  It hurt bad, but was quite funny and led to a fat lip.  It was really fat right afterwards, but morning it was barely noticeable.  But it made me laugh.  Then on Christmas Eve, my uncle had told my brother they should race up the escalator.  He declined...I said I would.  so off I took running up the down escalator (it was a really long one believe me) IT was going well until I was almost to the top and my legs were burning and I managed to trip.  It wasn't horrible but I was left with a swollen knee (its still a little swollen lol) but it didn't hurt bad.  But now I can say I ran up the down escalator and in flip flops lol. 

Later that day we took the plantation tour.  It consisted of driving to a plantation, seeing what it was like, eating supper and then we went out to the bonfires.  No one in my family had any clue as to how big this bonfire thing was.  The story behind it is that they build these bonfires on the levy of the Mississippi on Christmas Eve to light the way for Papa Noel to bring presents to the Cajun children.  There were about 120 bonfires lit and they were big, usually they are more ornate but the bonfires almost got cancelled for the year due to excess rain.  It was still kind of cool to see.  There were fireworks, bonfires.  It honestly felt like 4th of July on Christmas Eve. 

On christmas, we didn't do much because nothing was open.  Went to the casino, Harrah's for awhile to look awhile and I did do a few slots (first time gambling ever) came out 2 dollars ahead lol.  But it passed the time.  other than that we just hung out and played cards.Well since we're almost to cruise day, I'll update about that tomorrow since this is getting really long! Later!

Christmas Tree

Hey all, I think I will just continue my break (oops) and update quick since I won't have a chance to update for a week or a little more.  Under 2 weeks til the cruise!! WOOT!! This weekend, lets see...I have studied studied, studied, taken too long of a break, watched the newest harry potter movie (I had watched the first 5 out of curiosity of what they were like over thanksgiving break haha), went tanning, went to panera (to study of course), and last night went to Red Lobster with friends (Yummy).  It was a good time and always nice to have the study break. Well, I thought I would put up the pic of my TINY christmas tree that I  have in my room.  Its small, but it works.

                                             

So thats the little bit of Christmas spirit in my room.  I at least have something though!! This week is going to be LONG!!!  Theres 2 tests (Biochem and Physio) and tomorrow morning we have a required hour and a half meeting/lecture at  7:30 am and then on Thursday I have a meeting at 7:45 have class til 4:40 and then have to study for a test the rest of the night.  Oh and the tests on Tuesday and Friday, are at 7:30 am so i have something every day this week at 7:30 except Wednesday which is when I am at Walgreens all day.  Its going to be busy, but I'm sure it will go fast and then theres a 2 week "break".  Well, I better get back to work...I am going to have to leave campus again today cuz i forgot to bring the movie back while i was out and about!! I knew I was forgetting something at the time :( Oh well.  There might be 1 more post before Christmas and there might not.  So if not Merry Christmas!! (but I'll probably get 1 post in when I'm at home!)

Its Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!!!

Well winter is here.   There is a coating of snow on the ground and it is still coming down (along with sleet).  Hopefully it won't be too messy of a drive tomorrow  (Wednesdays are my 1 day a week in the pharmacy).  It shouldn't be TOO bad, but we'll see. Since, its been so long I have a lot to catch up on.  I have some pics to show you what I'm up to as well.  :) 

First, Thanksgiving break.  You know a little about it.  Got a little time in to relax...got to catch up with a bunch of people, saw New Moon and The Blind Side (highly recommended, I would probably pay money to see it again). I spent a lot of money shopping, ate some good food.  I definitely wasn't ready to get back to work by the end.  I had a couple of projects going which were fun.  I made my own Christmas cards, didn't have time to make them from everyone but it was still fun.  I also made turkey cupcakes.  They were cute and yummy.

I also survived the first week of school.  Its going to be an extremely busy quarter.  Tests start next week.  We start off with a bang with both physio and biochem.  It'll be a busy weekend, but a bunch of us are planning on going out for supper so that will be fun :)  I can't believe next week is the last week before christmas...it doesn't seem right because I don't have finals, we just got back from thanksgiving, and this is the first there has been snow on the ground.  But that also means its only a little over two weeks til THE CRUISE!!! AHHH! so excited, it still seems so far away, but I know its not.  I fly out of Chicago for home a week from saturday.

This past weekend I went to Pella for our Christmas.  Since Kent and Dea won't be going on the cruise we got together.  It was fun.   Busy, and I'm a little behind on my studying now, but it was totally worth it (even the extra 10 hours in the car).  It was a lot of fun and good to play with the kids etc etc. The next time I see them there will be another Breems in the bunch :) The sad part is, I have no idea when I will get to see them....I am SO busy and considering how behind I got after going home the first weekend of the quarter, I can't see how I can do other weekends.  If anyone ever wants to see me again, you better come visit :) But it was a lot of fun and I miss everyone already. 

 

 Ava with chocolate on her face and one of her new necklaces

the kids with their new table and chairs

 

Tessa loved the new easel they got to share

Well thats the overview of the last 2-3 weeks.  Hopefully everyone is now up to speed.  I was going to put up pictures of my little christmas tree, but my camera isn't letting me upload the pic right now so it will have to be later.   But hope everyone is doing well and surviving the snow :) Love you all!!!

Mixed Emotions

So many mixed emotions right now.  I knew the fact that my aunt passed away wouldn't set in til I got to the visitation/funeral home/home and til I had a lot of time to think about it. Like I said there are so many mixed emotions.   I am happy I'm through 1st quarter of school. I am happy I am home.  I am happy I get a break.  I am happy I got to see my whole family.  I am happy that my aunt is no longer suffering.  Its been a rough six weeks.  As much as I wish I would have been able to come home and see her before she died, I am glad that my last memories of her were when she was doing something she loved (being at the state fair).  The only thing am sad about was that I didn't even have a proper good-bye that day.  I was in a hurry cuz I had to make it back to P-burg for an appointment and she was on the phone.  But, it was while she still able to get out and it was while she was doing so-so.  I don't have the memories of the horrible condition she was in the last 6 weeks.  She had an amazing testimony and had an amazing outlook on life.  She was always optimistic and she ALWAYS trusted the Lord.  She was a firm believer and there is no doubt in my mind that I will see her again!!!!  I am SO glad I got to spend the summer with her. My mom said to one of my cousin's best friends that Sue was like a second mother to both her and me (ironically we both lived with her for awhile) and its true.  Shes just so caring and she truly is always putting others in front of herself.  Its been a tough week and there will be tough days ahead, but we have comfort and we have hope!! 

Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 1:
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

My aunt was actually buried in my hometown's cemetery. So while people were still standing around talking, I was walking around and I walked over to my grandpa and aunt kathy's grave and then to Jon's grave and especially by Jon's grave I was just thinking WHY? why does God take such young people from us and why do we have lose the people we love.  But at the same time we know that God give trials to those  he loves, and that He will help us through those times.  I also know that those I have lost have it SO much better than us! They are in heaven, worshiping with the angels, and in the presence of God! (how awesome is that?!?!) Well, I am going to curl up in my bed with a movie so I can get a lot of sleep and be rested up for an awesome time catching up with friends tomorrow!!! Sorry this is so long, as you can tell I have a lot on my mind.

The home stretch

Well, here we are.  This coming week is my last week  of classes of my first quarter of pharmacy school.  After that its 1 down 12 to go.  :( Blah.  but 4 of those are when I am on rotations so if we look at it without that its only 8 to go (which sounds a little better).  But in the immediate future, there are 5 more days of classes and 4 days of exams and then its back to the land of nothingness (which I am excited for).  I might have a long drive back because I might stop at my aunt and uncles place, then I may stop at Target Ridgedale to see whoever is working and say hi.  We'll see what happens: such as what time I get done with exam and if I'm packed before I leave.  I can't say I've really done anything since last post so I really won't have much else to say.  Tomorrow I'm going downtown to have coffee with a couple high school friends.  I'm excited for that.  Sad that it ends up taking like a half day, but hey thats alright.  I've been taking it easy this weekend anyways.  I've gotten some stuff done, but caught up on sleep and just chillin as well.

Thanks to everyone.

First of all, Happy Halloween everyone.  Halloween many times is thought of as a horrible holiday by Christians, but honestly it can just be good fun.  Its fun to dress up and get candy  :) I, however, did not do anything exciting. Elizabeth, this year definitely was not near as fun as last year!!  There was a Halloween fest on campus last night that the school puts on for the kids, and I was originally was going to go.  But, I figured it would be better to sleep (take a nap) cuz I had a headache and I want to stay caught up on sleep with all the crud going around.  Definitely can't afford to get sick this time of year.  We have 2 weeks left of classes, 2!!! Then a week of finals and then I'm coming HOME! I'm ready to come home for a bit and i'm ready to RELAX!! Since I do have a week, I would absolutely love to go to either NW Iowa or Sioux falls for a day to see people but I really don't know if that will happen.  Maybe I'll be able to make it work, but we'll see what the plans are when it gets closer.

Now to the title of the post.  I feel like its overdue, and I've probably hinted at it a little at times (before some people knew about the blog), but I want to really stress it now.  I've thought about it a lot the last couple days (probably when I should've been studying).  I really just want to thank everyone for believing in me when I would get down and start to lose faith in my self.  Thank you for reassuring me after my many rejection letters. Thank you for believing in me. Its been a long road and I couldn't have done it without you guys.  All of the times people reassured me that my hard work would pay off, the shoulders to cry on when I thought I didn't get in again, and the joy that people shared with me when I finally got in.  (I could hear it in people's voices how happy they were for me and you have know idea how good that feels) I'll never forget when I moved into my aunt and uncles house this summer (I technically started staying there for  the summer after I got the job and then found out about school) and my I would hear my aunt on the phone and she would literally tell EVERYONE who had a clue who I was that I got in.  Most importantly, thank you for the prayers.  I was starting to wonder if pharmacy was really what God wanted me to do, and I was so confused and I didn't know where to go.  I knew its what I wanted, but its just such a long grueling process I was starting to wonder.  And then on July 10 (yes I remember the date haha) I got the phone call and it was definitely an answer to prayer.  I thank God for each and every one of you and the part you have played in my life.

I guess, I should get back to studying and make all of you proud now :) I can't tell you how glad I am for the extra hour of sleep/extra hour of studying tonight! YAY! This week is another CRAZY week.  I have physiology quiz monday, calculations quiz monday, biochem test on Tuesday, and Calculations FINAL on Thursday (the class is set up different than others so if i get a good enough grade on that first final, then I'm done with the class :) Not going to be a whole lot of time for sleep the rest of the weekend/week, but then we get a little bit of a break before finals with only 1 quiz before finals start.  Well, thats all I have for tonight. Have a great week!

Fall is here

Well, fall finally came.  We had a couple days of absolutely gorgeous weather.  The past 2 days have been very dreary, I wish we had the weather from the beginning of the week again, but at least its not winter yet.

I guess you're probably wondering whats been going on here.  Lets see here. Oh yeah...the last time I posted it was the week from well yeah.  I survived the week.  I didn't do good on those tests but thats a different story.  This week hasn't been TOO bad but the next month will be terrible.  I only had 1 test this week which was a nice break.  Last weekend wasn't too exciting, almost everyone I hang out with was gone for the weekend.  So I got some studying done and watched a couple movies.  I finally saw "The Proposal" it was a great, clean movie.  There haven't been many of those lately.  Last night I went out for pizza with a bunch of people from the frat and it was a lot of fun.  First of all, Giordano's pizza! YUMMY! If anyone wants some good chicago pizza, i'll go there with you! Its so good.  I love it! (even if it is ridiculously bad for you).  It was an amazing break from campus and studying.  As for this weekend, lets see....tomorrow night I'm going out for supper with some people and tomorrow morning I'm going to be helping out at the health fair with a poison prevention booth for APhA-ASP (American Pharmacists Assosciation-Academy of Student Pharmacists) which is another organization I'm involved in.  It should be fun, I'll only be there a couple of hours so it shouldn't be bad.  Then its back to the books.  Well, I think thats all the info I have.  I know my life is not incredibly exciting.  Thats what happens when you're in grad school. :)

Oh and side note.  Update on my aunt: shes still hanging in there, which not to be selfish, but if anything does happen it will be harder for me to make it home from here on it, so thats kind of annoying, but oh well I guess.  Its not up to us, its up to the Lord.  I'll find a way if I need to...it may not be extremely convenient, but thats the way life goes.