looking back

I was just journaling for my scrapbook about my graduation. I wrote a "short story", feels that way atleast. I think it turned out pretty good and is blog worthy. Keep in mind all of this happened nearly a year ago...but I just finished writing it so...I hope you enjoy my glimps into the past.

Graduation

I spent nearly three years at University of Phoenix working on my master’s degree in school counseling. The program started with a zero credit class called portfolio. If you passed this class you were allowed in the program. There were a couple of people in the class that didn’t start the program with us, so I’m guessing they didn’t pass. The class started late October 2005 and ended mid December 2005. Because our portfolio class was so small they had to run another portfolio class before we started classes for the actual program. We started classes in February 2006. We had a small break but I still consider October 2005 my starting point.
University of Phoenix is very big on learning teams and group work. We had to split ourselves up into learning teams. For the most part the learning teams did not mix with the two portfolio classes. We stayed fairly segregated. We even sat on opposite sides of the room for the basically the entire program. My learning team started out with five people: Anne, Michelle, Joe, (I forgot her name), and myself. However, (forgotten name), dropped the program after the second class. A couple of classes later Joe moved to California. Other than a few strays we took in (and got burned by) our group stayed at three. I was able to build good friendships with Anne & Michelle. Our lives changed quite a bit during the time we spent together. Michelle bought a new house and had a baby girl, Vivian. Anne also bought a new house and her dad came to live with her. These are just a few of the major life experience I had the opportunity to share with them. We have committed to getting together at least around our birthdays to catch up, if not more often. (I hope it is more often.)
May 17, 2008 was University of Phoenix’s graduation. If you were close to completing your program then you were allowed to participate. Only 5 of us out of 17, decided to take part in graduation: Me, Anne, Michelle, Tara & Larry. Funny I just realized that those of us who participated were all on the same side of the room and those who didn’t were on the other side. J The actual last day of school was July 23, 2008, my 30th birthday.
I figured that since I was earning my masters and turning 30 on the same day that we should celebrate in style. I also decided that since my family would be here for graduation and it is way too hot in July that we should have the graduation/birthday party in May. We had the party outside so that we could play games like volleyball (my favorite), croquet & Mexican Golf. The party was at Seastrand Park which is just up the road from our house. In Vegas the month of May can either be nice and warm or extremely hot. Unfortunately on May 17th it was extremely hot! (The following weekend it was cloudy and cool. L) Gratefully, lots of friends came out to celebrate with me despite the heat.
My house was packed graduation weekend. I had mom & dad in the empty room. Audree, Sean & Austin were in the guest room. I was going to put Craig and his family out in the backyard in our tent, but they ended up not being able to come due to lack of funds. (That’s 3 graduations you have missed Craig, you owe me big!) Fran was going to be on an air-mattress in the living room, or something like that. However, she was too sick to come. (We all know she hates crowds, that may have had something to do with her absence as well.) A surprise guest was Chad (my other dad) and Belva. They got a hotel room at the Cannery. I sent him and invite to the grad/b-day party, not because I expected him to come (he lives very far away) but just so he knew what was going on. It was a major shock (to say the least) when I found out he was going to come for my graduation. It was a great gesture on his side. It was very nice of him to come, especially all that way.
The day was a great one. There are some things I would have changed (all my family there, cooler weather, & start the party later), but all in all it was a great day. Many thanks to all of those who were there giving your love and support.
I want to give a special thanks to my mom who has always supported me in everything I have ever done. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how hard it must have been for her to listen to me talk about going to college. She never once brought up the fact that we couldn’t afford to send me to college. She never once burst my bubble with the reality of the situation. I didn’t think about the money when I was making my plans during high school or even my first year of college. I don’t know how it got paid for but it did and I am grateful. Student loans paid for the subsequent years, which I’m also grateful for, but hate paying on. Thank you mom for believing in me and for giving me the strength and confidence to believe in myself!
I also want to give a special thanks to my hubby, Neal. Shortly after we got married I started taking classes at the community college. Before we were even married a year I decided I needed to go back to school full time; which meant I would only be working part time. Neal completely supported my decision, not only mentally but monetarily and physically. I talked about getting my masters a little bit before I actually went back to school, but no great discussion was had on the matter. I was contacted by U o P, went in and talked to them and signed up for the program. I told Neal that I was going back to school and on which day I started. I signed up for the school without even discussing it with him! Even I’m shocked. However, I knew that Neal would stand behind me and support me without even having to ask him. For almost three years Neal put up with me and my busy hectic ornery self without (much) complaint. He always has my back! He is always willing to support me and make sacrifices for me while I am constantly trying to change and improve. Thank you Honey for always being there for me and for being my rock!

It's our anniversary

This past Thursday was our 10th anniversary. Wow, I can't believe it has been ten years! I know some of you have been married longer and are thinking 10 years big deal, but think back to your tenth year. Didn't it seem like a really long time? The past ten years have been full of smiles and tears. We have been through much, both good and bad. We have changed and been able to accomplish many things. It wasn't always easy, but it was alway worth it. I look forward to the next ten years.

We both had to work Thursday so we were not really able to celebrate. However, Neal did send me flowers atwork. They are beautiful. He had them put in red roses to represent him and white tulips to represent me. Tulips are my favorite flower & roses are his. We didn't do anything special after work we just spent time together.

We did our real celebrating yesterday (Saturday). We went to Red Lobster for dinner and then we went to the Cirque Du Soleil performance at the Mirage. It was called "Love" and all the music was from the Beatles.

They did some really amazing thing. I held my breath a number of times as well as ohh and awwed. There were also some times where I was thinking umm this is kinda boring, get back to the action. I'm glad that we went. It wasn't quite my thing, I prefer Broadway productions, but a great experince. To be honest we probably never would have picked that show except for the fact that we got discounted tickets, but it is always good to broaden your horizons.

On another note:

Last night when we were driving down to the strip something was strange but it took me a while to put my finger on just what it was. Then all of the sudden it hit me, none of the Casino's were lit up. A few had their name lights on but that was all. Usually the whole building is spot lighted. Neal then noticed that the lights on the freeway were also off. It was a very Erie feeling. I could actually see the stars in down town Las Vegas. The glow of Las Vegas is usually so bright that you can see it all the way from Bullhead City AZ (no joke). BTW Bullhead is over 100 miles from Vegas. We happened to take the elevator down with a maintenance worker. He said the light were out in most major cities around the country to bring attention to global warming. When we got out of the show the lights were back on. I wish I would have taken before and after pictures so that you could see what I'm talking about. Trust me though, it was kinda creepy.

Last night was definitely a memorable night, for many reasons.

Crash Landing

I had a bad day yesterday. It wasn't the typical "Monday's suck" day, it was much worse. I couldn't figure out why it was such a bad day and why I was reacting so strongly to pretty much everyday stress. However, this morning while driving (& praying) to work I had a moment of clarity.
Last Friday after work I headed over to the temple. After spending two hours in the house of the Lord, I left feeling rejuvenated and re-energized. (See Special Day...10 years in the making for full details). On Saturday I cleaned my house (for 7 hours) and did some shopping. It was a very busy and productive day. At the end of which I was totally worn out but quite satisfied with what I had accomplished. On Sunday, I went to church and then that night I went to a youth fireside. I had a good day, heck I had a great weekend. I felt good about myself and I was spiritually feed, full in fact. I was on some sort of cloud or bubble or something.
I was still riding my high as I drove to my training Monday morning. I was feeling very happy and grateful. Then at the training I was board, because of the repeat of information from previous trainings. And then the lady I was sitting next to was not very computer literate (it was a computer training, obviously). I have discovered I don't have much patients for people with little to no computer skills.
Anyway, after the training I hurried back to my school so I could make the department meeting. At this point my high was falling, but in a hang-gliding fall to the ground type of way. However, during the meeting we were talking about how due to budget cuts we are going to lose 2 counselors next year and what that meant to our caseload and other obligations & responsibilities. At this point I feel doom and gloom completely overwhelm me. I'm stressed and overwhelmed with what I have on my plate this year! How am I ever going manage next year? My fall back to Earth is no longer soft, slow and gentle it is now a fast spiraling tail spin back to reality.
My moment of clarity that I had this morning testified to me that I had spent the last 2 1/2 days in the world but not of it. However, upon returning to work I was THRUST back into being part of the world. My weekend of peace had made me unprepared to handle the stresses of my life. I felt like crying. I just wanted to curl up in a ball, in a dark hole somewhere far far away. Today was a bit better of a day, but I'm still feeling the burn of my crash. I'll get over it, unfortunately.
I miss my bubble!

Food Find

Okay I have to admit I feel kinda silly blogging about this, but it is just too good to keep to myself.

As many of you know I go to Weight Watchers. At the end of every meeting the leader gives us a food find. This is low point food (the lower the points the better) that he thinks we will enjoy. The foods vary from carbs & sweets to "real" food. Well about two weeks ago my leader, Matt, gave us the best food find ever. Well next to Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt (I'm extremely addicted to their frozen yogurt). I have been going to Weight Watchers for 2 year so saying that it is the best ever is saying something. I have received a lot of food finds and nothing compares.

So hopefully you are thinking "okay Annie, just tell me what it is so I can hurry and go out and buy it". Okay don't laugh...it hamburger buns :-) I know silly, right? But hamburger buns, even the whole wheat kind are at the very least 3 points, which in my book is a lot, especially considering that hamburger meat is a high point food as it is. However, Matt the genius that he is, found a hamburger bun that is only...get this...1 point!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that? I didn't. My jaw hit the floor when he told us that. This is freak'n incredible. I told you it was almost as good as Golden Spoon. These fabulous hamburger buns are made by Natures Own, Whitewheat. I have included a picture to help you find them. They had whole wheat buns also but those where 3 points. The buns are white in color so nobody will know that you are eating "healthy" food. How awesome is that? They also make 1 point hot dog buns.



I know I am way too excited about buns, but I just can't help myself.

p.s. I found mine at walmart but I'm pretty sure Smith sells them also.

Special Day...10 years in the making

On Friday I went to the temple. I set a goal at the beginning of the year to attend the temple at least monthly. I regret to say that I didn't make it last month. However, I feel I a have a fairly valid excuse. Having a fever for 4 weeks, in my book, is a good excuse.
By the way I am feeling much better. I had blood work done and everything came back normal. So whatever my body was fighting was gone by the time the blood work was done. I'm just glad to say that I feel good and I'm back to normal.
Before I go on with my original topic I thought I would update you on one other thing. I while back (near the beginning of the year) I blogged about my disappointment with my weight gain. I just wanted to "brag" that I have lost 8 lbs as of this last Wednesday. I was hoping to do better, but then again I was sick for a month. Being sick sure is a handy excuse, it will get you out of just about anything :-)
Anyway back to the temple...Shortly after I arrived I realized that the date was March 20, 2009 and that ten year to the day (March 20, 1999) was the day I took my endowments out, in the very same temple. It was an amazing discovery, to me anyway. It made me smile and think way back to my first time there. I cannot believe it has been 10 years. Time has flown. I love the Las Vegas temple. It is my temple :-) It is where Neal preformed his first temple work (baptisms). It is where Neal proposed. It is where Neal & I took out our endowments (10 years ago). And it is where I go as often as I can to feel closer to my Savior & Heavenly Father. Friday was a great day! There is only one thing that would have made it better; Neal being there with me. I left the temple with a smile on my face and a lighter heart & a bounce in my step. (This is normal for me, but it seemed magnified this time). I called my sister, Audree, on the way home from the temple and she said I was hyper & I was. I just felt energized. I can't wait to go back!

Something GOOD to Read (part 2)

Jamie asked for more information about the book I recommended so I decided I would type out the description on the back of the book

When a young soldier name George Ritchie landed in an Army hospital with
pneumonia, he had no idea of the uncharted journey he was about to take.
Days later, barely comprehending his own death, he stepped out of the physical
world and entered eternity.
In this riveting and detailed story, Ritchie describes a series of "worlds"
he visited-- some hellish in their separation from life, some glorious in their
heavenly brilliance. But overshadowing all was his longing to stay in the
blazing presence of Jesus.
Stunning and memorable descriptions make this one of the most amazing
accounts of life after death ever written. This glimpse into the realm
beyond can change forever your understanding of the world beyond our own.

This isn't the type of book I would normally pick up off a shelf, but it was recommended to me. I was lent the book about two months ago but took a while to get around to reading. I wasn't sure I would like it, however, I finally picked it up to read. I'm glad that I gave it a chance. If it's not your type of book either, step outside the box and give it a try.

Something GOOD to Read

I wanted to recommend a book. It is a quick read. Its entertaining as well as thought provoking. It has changed the way I look at things, so I thought I would share it with you.

Return from Tomorrow

by: George G Ritchie & Elizabeth Sherrill

If you do read the book let me know what you think.