Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Taysen James
It's been a ridiculously long time since I've posted. Here's what (or who) has been consuming 90% of my time the past two months...
It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with someone you barely know...
...and even crazier how fast they grow up. Happy two-month birthday Taysen! More pictures to come...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Oh, The Places You'll Go...
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...
-- Dr. Seuss, Oh! The Places You'll Go!
As you should have figured out by now, I will officially be done with college in one (!) week. Which leads me to think of very random things...
1. Take alcohol for instance. I know a number of people who have been finished with college for a few years (or a select few who decided to skip college and go straight to the 'Real World') ... and it seems like all they do outside of work is go out and party. At least four days a week. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a night out with friends and having a couple beers, but to go out more than two nights in one week for me is about impossible. Sure, I'm still in school, and I work pretty much full-time, and I am in my early-20's, but I'm beginning to think I've outgrown the "party" stage of life. This is where those people come into play. These people who go out Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and then start it all over again. These people who get black-out drunk every time they drink. These people who spend endless amounts of money on what? A fun night that they won't remember?
2. Acquaintances. Perhaps someone you graduated from high school with, had a college class together, or a co-worker from a previous part-time job. Someone whom you've talked to maybe a handful of times, where the typical conversation goes like this:
Hi, how are you? "Good! How about you?" Good! What have you been up to?! "Not much, school, work, family, etc. what about you?" Oh the same...well it was good seeing you. "You too!" Someone who tries (or appears to try) to make plans. I'm a person who has a few GREAT friends, rather than several "so-so" friends. Sure, I know a lot of people, and I won't hesitate saying hi to someone if I see them out, but I'm happy with my few closest friends.
3. Children. Don't get me wrong, I love kids. The thing that bothers me is the mom (or dad, or both) don't live up to their titles. A lot of my friends have children, or are expecting. There is no doubt in my mind that these women will be amazing mothers, as several of them don't have dad in the picture. If you are responsible enough to have [unprotected] sex, get pregnant, and choose to keep your child, then you need to be responsible enough to care for and raise your child.
4. Travel. I want to see the world. I haven't been many places...Texas, Las Vegas, UP of Michigan, Minnesota, Chicago, Wisconsin, St. Louis and Kansas City about sum it up. I want travel to be a part of my business life. My dad has gone on business trips since I can remember, and has met so many great people. I want that in my life.
I was up until 4:30am doing discussion posts and writing papers. Right now, I've got a few lists calling my name so I can graduate by May 31st. I wonder why I continue to procrastinate so much? 9 more days...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...
-- Dr. Seuss, Oh! The Places You'll Go!
As you should have figured out by now, I will officially be done with college in one (!) week. Which leads me to think of very random things...
1. Take alcohol for instance. I know a number of people who have been finished with college for a few years (or a select few who decided to skip college and go straight to the 'Real World') ... and it seems like all they do outside of work is go out and party. At least four days a week. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a night out with friends and having a couple beers, but to go out more than two nights in one week for me is about impossible. Sure, I'm still in school, and I work pretty much full-time, and I am in my early-20's, but I'm beginning to think I've outgrown the "party" stage of life. This is where those people come into play. These people who go out Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and then start it all over again. These people who get black-out drunk every time they drink. These people who spend endless amounts of money on what? A fun night that they won't remember?
2. Acquaintances. Perhaps someone you graduated from high school with, had a college class together, or a co-worker from a previous part-time job. Someone whom you've talked to maybe a handful of times, where the typical conversation goes like this:
Hi, how are you? "Good! How about you?" Good! What have you been up to?! "Not much, school, work, family, etc. what about you?" Oh the same...well it was good seeing you. "You too!" Someone who tries (or appears to try) to make plans. I'm a person who has a few GREAT friends, rather than several "so-so" friends. Sure, I know a lot of people, and I won't hesitate saying hi to someone if I see them out, but I'm happy with my few closest friends.
3. Children. Don't get me wrong, I love kids. The thing that bothers me is the mom (or dad, or both) don't live up to their titles. A lot of my friends have children, or are expecting. There is no doubt in my mind that these women will be amazing mothers, as several of them don't have dad in the picture. If you are responsible enough to have [unprotected] sex, get pregnant, and choose to keep your child, then you need to be responsible enough to care for and raise your child.
4. Travel. I want to see the world. I haven't been many places...Texas, Las Vegas, UP of Michigan, Minnesota, Chicago, Wisconsin, St. Louis and Kansas City about sum it up. I want travel to be a part of my business life. My dad has gone on business trips since I can remember, and has met so many great people. I want that in my life.
I was up until 4:30am doing discussion posts and writing papers. Right now, I've got a few lists calling my name so I can graduate by May 31st. I wonder why I continue to procrastinate so much? 9 more days...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
Monday, March 28, 2011
First Timer
There's a first time for everything, right?
Spring Break 2011 was spent with a lot of "firsts." Like my first business trip. Alone. To Des Moines for a 2-day insurance class. On Wednesday, I packed my suitcase and took off on Highway 20. I made it (without getting lost, thanks to my Garmin) in roughly two hours. I checked into my hotel and went up to Room 213. (I'm apologizing now for the poor pictures.)
After checking things out, calling Mom & Dad to let them know I'd arrived, I quickly became bored. Luckily I was just 1.59 miles from Jordan Creek Town Center. For probably the first time ever, I didn't find much, granted I purposely "missed" a few stores. After a good two hours of shopping, I decided to get some dinner at Champps. Alone. I've never eaten at a sit-down restaurant completely by myself. And you know what? It wasn't bad at all. Except for the slightly confused look I got from the hostess when I replied "just one." I enjoyed sitting at a high-top table, watching the First Four of the NCAA Men's Tournament and sipping a Woodchuck while waiting for my dinner...which was a cheeseburger. Like my Dad said, "imagine that."
Day 1 of my "vacation" was spent in a meeting room at the hotel studying insurance terms like umbrellas and blankets. Besides an hour lunch break, I sat in the same chair for roughly 8.5 hours, drinking Orange Tea, water, or Pepsi, sucking on peppermints, taking notes and highlighting what Steve focused on, and making small-talk with my fellow classmates. Thursday night (St. Patrick's Day), I got Cheesecake Factory To-Go and relaxed in my room. Sadly, I missed Jersey Shore as the TV didn't have MTV.
I got to sleep in on Friday since I didn't have class until 1:00. Of course, I didn't sleep well Wednesday night when I had to be up by 6am, but I sleep like a rock when I don't need to set my alarm. Luckily, check out wasn't until noon, so after sleeping in I made it down to breakfast for the last ten minutes it was open. I didn't eat too much since I wanted to make sure I had a good lunch - hey, when work is paying for it, why not? :) I went back out to Jordan Creek and ate at Joe's Crab Shack. We ended up getting out of class about 5 minutes early, so I was able to be out and on the road by 5:30. Again, I didn't get lost!
Spring Break 2011 was spent with a lot of "firsts." Like my first business trip. Alone. To Des Moines for a 2-day insurance class. On Wednesday, I packed my suitcase and took off on Highway 20. I made it (without getting lost, thanks to my Garmin) in roughly two hours. I checked into my hotel and went up to Room 213. (I'm apologizing now for the poor pictures.)
 |
| I decided on Four-Cheese Pasta and of course, a piece of cheesecake. |
I got to sleep in on Friday since I didn't have class until 1:00. Of course, I didn't sleep well Wednesday night when I had to be up by 6am, but I sleep like a rock when I don't need to set my alarm. Luckily, check out wasn't until noon, so after sleeping in I made it down to breakfast for the last ten minutes it was open. I didn't eat too much since I wanted to make sure I had a good lunch - hey, when work is paying for it, why not? :) I went back out to Jordan Creek and ate at Joe's Crab Shack. We ended up getting out of class about 5 minutes early, so I was able to be out and on the road by 5:30. Again, I didn't get lost!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Baby Clothes and Sick Days
I can't focus on one thing to write about, but I'm determined to write about something, so I guess I'll continue on with My Little Things.
2. Baby Clothes.
These really are little things, and since my best friend/cousin/roommate has little Taysen in her belly, well, I've had more than an excuse to do some serious shopping.
Now, my trips to Target aren't complete without making a stop to the baby section, even though by now I have memorized where everything is located, and what the Cedar Falls Target has that Waterloo doesn't. During my upcoming visit to Des Moines, where I'll be staying just a few blocks from Jordan Creek Mall, I plan to carve out some time to check out Baby Gap...this could be trouble. Expect to see more rambling and photos about this subject. :)
3. Sick Days.
A good, true sick day is spent in bed or on the couch, in your sweats, with your dirty hair in a messy ponytail. A sick day should mostly be spent sleeping, if at all possible. A sick day should not be spent worrying about anything work-related. Forget about your meetings and deadlines, turn off the laptop, and put the BlackBerry on silent. There is a reason it is called a sick day. It means you need to relax. This afternoon is my "sick day." I am laying on the couch in my sweats and my dirty hair is up, but I'm not sleeping...yet. After having a fever at work this morning, which was established by my sweating in the bathroom and five minutes later having goosebumps at my desk, I decided to take a little break from life and go home.
2. Baby Clothes.
These really are little things, and since my best friend/cousin/roommate has little Taysen in her belly, well, I've had more than an excuse to do some serious shopping.
Now, my trips to Target aren't complete without making a stop to the baby section, even though by now I have memorized where everything is located, and what the Cedar Falls Target has that Waterloo doesn't. During my upcoming visit to Des Moines, where I'll be staying just a few blocks from Jordan Creek Mall, I plan to carve out some time to check out Baby Gap...this could be trouble. Expect to see more rambling and photos about this subject. :)
3. Sick Days.
A good, true sick day is spent in bed or on the couch, in your sweats, with your dirty hair in a messy ponytail. A sick day should mostly be spent sleeping, if at all possible. A sick day should not be spent worrying about anything work-related. Forget about your meetings and deadlines, turn off the laptop, and put the BlackBerry on silent. There is a reason it is called a sick day. It means you need to relax. This afternoon is my "sick day." I am laying on the couch in my sweats and my dirty hair is up, but I'm not sleeping...yet. After having a fever at work this morning, which was established by my sweating in the bathroom and five minutes later having goosebumps at my desk, I decided to take a little break from life and go home.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Hello, March
Today, there is something different about it being a new month but I can't quite put my finger on it. 100 days left at John Deere. 49 days until Jami's due date. I'm hoping Taysen comes sooner than that...my money is on April 8th. :)
March is a lot of things. A day closer to spring. Daylight Savings - "Spring Ahead." St. Patrick's Day. The month I finally begin my final term of college; this Super Senior is almost there! Spring Break. A trip to Des Moines to spend two days (during Spring Break) in a classroom learning insurance. A trip to Coralville four days later to see how much I learned and hopefully pass my personal lines insurance test. Spring training. March Madness. A lot brighter than February and I am ready.
March is a lot of things. A day closer to spring. Daylight Savings - "Spring Ahead." St. Patrick's Day. The month I finally begin my final term of college; this Super Senior is almost there! Spring Break. A trip to Des Moines to spend two days (during Spring Break) in a classroom learning insurance. A trip to Coralville four days later to see how much I learned and hopefully pass my personal lines insurance test. Spring training. March Madness. A lot brighter than February and I am ready.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Little Things in Life
What are they? Where do they come from? Are they really little? This begins a list of the little things in my life.
This group might be my favorite. Hands down, my favorite job was at Happy Time Preschool & Daycare where I was a teacher's assistant. In my three short years there, I got to know my co-workers, my "kids", and their families. I started in August 2006, just in time for the new school year. My first year was spent in the "Juniors" department every afternoon, where I worked with five amazing women. I cared for 40 little 3 & 4-year old's between the two classrooms. I was so lucky and got to move up to Pre-K with my new friends. The bond I created with these kids the first two years at HT is absolutely unforgettable and irreplaceable.
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| Pre-K Graduation; May 2008. |
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| Zoo week. :) |
 |
| The four of us were inseparable. |
We spent our summer making s'mores, paper fires and napping in sleeping bags for Camping Week, reading books (our favorites were Is Your Mama a Llama? and The Pickle Book), going bowling, playing in the water for Swim Day, going on picnics at the park across the street (or right outside the cafeteria), praising God at Chapel and VBS, singing songs, dancing, taking hour-long cat naps, playing, and loving. There wasn't one day where I didn't get a hug from one of them.
I got to witness a lot of "firsts." Their first loose tooth, which soon became their first lost tooth. Their first time swinging on the playground, their first time tying their shoes, reading their first book, writing their first letters/numbers, and many more. I watched them and their siblings grow, talked to lots of pregnant mommies and got to meet precious little new ones.
Of the 44 kids I spent nearly every day with for two years, a few stayed in Pre-K to strengthen their knowledge and skills before going off to Kindergarten. What was I going to do without my 5-year old best friends?
Make new ones.
 |
 |
| Celebrating Dr. Seuss week! |
Growing up is tough. You go through so many transitions and stages throughout your life that makes you really appreciate what you've had (and who's been by your side.)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Mountains and Valleys
Prepare yourself...this is going to be a very random post but I can promise you that it all serves a purpose.
What can you always find on the top of a mountain? Snow. Last week, we were under a Winter Weather Advisory and a Blizzard Warning. Schools were closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and enjoyed a late start on Thursday. My car was stuck in my Dad's garage for a couple days (I wasn't complaining) as businesses and schools closed early and opened late due to 40mph winds and a predicted 4-8'' of snow. The craziest part of the storm? It effected over 30 states including Iowa. Here is a satellite picture of the US...
Missouri Valley Conference - UNI Panthers. While the majority of the Cedar Valley was on shutdown last Wednesday, the UNI men's basketball team was preparing to take on Illinois State at the McLeod Center. Luckily, my night class was canceled so I got to sit in the L&N Transportation suite and enjoy comfy seats, a great view, snacks and cold beverages.
The second half was more exciting than the first as senior forward Lucas O'Rear suffered a fractured ankle and is out for the season. The refs must have forgotten how to call fouls on any players other than UNI's which resulted in last-minute free throws. My favorite part, however, was experiencing the evolving, student-led "Interlude" dance. The dance was created in a dorm last year and the article can be viewed here. I wonder how long it will be until it's featured on SportsCenter...
The Green Bay Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers climbed a mountain. Brett Favre was traded prior to the 2008 season and Aaron Rodgers had a rough transition into the starting quarterback spot. When somebody as good as Favre, who managed an impressive 297 consecutive starts until mid-December 2010, leaves a team, the fans aren't exactly excited for a fresh start. I think after this season, it's safe to say that Packer fans are saying, "Brett who?" The Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV and brought the Lombardi trophy back to where it belongs. (No, I am not a Packer fan, but I did cheer for them on Sunday. After all, Bryan Bulaga played for the Hawks last year.)
Cedar Valley. A surprise visit from a good friend. Last Friday, Lexi & I went to the Black Hawks game and then down to Smitty's for a couple drinks. Smitty's is this small, "hole-in-the-wall" bar in downtown Waterloo. The walls are covered in old and new hockey photos; the ceiling covered with tacked dollar bills, ranging from $1-$100. Smitty's is, hands down, my favorite bar in the Cedar Valley. You can dress up, you can wear your pajamas, you will always see somebody you know, and you can always count on having a great time. After a solid 15 minutes of yawning and trying to decide if we should suck it up or just go home (this was around 10:30)...our friend Lauren who recently moved up to the Twin Cities surprised us by showing up. :) Lexi and I made it to bar close.
So how exactly does all of this tie together? Well, it really doesn't. But it was a creative way to combine what's been going on the last couple weeks. Here's where the "mountains and valleys" idea sprung from.
At church two weeks ago, Pastor Dan continued the series of Psalm 23 and focused on the dark valley. Even in the darkest valley, on the darkest days, He never lets go. The word "valley" speaks of tough times that we all go through. Valleys are inevitable. Valleys are unexpected. Valleys are purposeful. The good news? Valleys are only temporary. They come and go as part of life. It's impossible to have a mountain without a valley. Nobody makes it through life without going through a valley. Dan stressed that for every mountain, there are two valleys. Unfortunately, in life, we are surrounded by bad days and bad moods. For every two bad events we experience, we have a positive one, or a mountain. This series has been my favorite so far, as I can find myself relating to the messages.
What can you always find on the top of a mountain? Snow. Last week, we were under a Winter Weather Advisory and a Blizzard Warning. Schools were closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and enjoyed a late start on Thursday. My car was stuck in my Dad's garage for a couple days (I wasn't complaining) as businesses and schools closed early and opened late due to 40mph winds and a predicted 4-8'' of snow. The craziest part of the storm? It effected over 30 states including Iowa. Here is a satellite picture of the US...
Missouri Valley Conference - UNI Panthers. While the majority of the Cedar Valley was on shutdown last Wednesday, the UNI men's basketball team was preparing to take on Illinois State at the McLeod Center. Luckily, my night class was canceled so I got to sit in the L&N Transportation suite and enjoy comfy seats, a great view, snacks and cold beverages.
The second half was more exciting than the first as senior forward Lucas O'Rear suffered a fractured ankle and is out for the season. The refs must have forgotten how to call fouls on any players other than UNI's which resulted in last-minute free throws. My favorite part, however, was experiencing the evolving, student-led "Interlude" dance. The dance was created in a dorm last year and the article can be viewed here. I wonder how long it will be until it's featured on SportsCenter...
The Green Bay Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers climbed a mountain. Brett Favre was traded prior to the 2008 season and Aaron Rodgers had a rough transition into the starting quarterback spot. When somebody as good as Favre, who managed an impressive 297 consecutive starts until mid-December 2010, leaves a team, the fans aren't exactly excited for a fresh start. I think after this season, it's safe to say that Packer fans are saying, "Brett who?" The Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV and brought the Lombardi trophy back to where it belongs. (No, I am not a Packer fan, but I did cheer for them on Sunday. After all, Bryan Bulaga played for the Hawks last year.)
 |
| Jordy Nelson (Packers) 40 yd catch that set up a Packers TD in the 4th quarter. |
Cedar Valley. A surprise visit from a good friend. Last Friday, Lexi & I went to the Black Hawks game and then down to Smitty's for a couple drinks. Smitty's is this small, "hole-in-the-wall" bar in downtown Waterloo. The walls are covered in old and new hockey photos; the ceiling covered with tacked dollar bills, ranging from $1-$100. Smitty's is, hands down, my favorite bar in the Cedar Valley. You can dress up, you can wear your pajamas, you will always see somebody you know, and you can always count on having a great time. After a solid 15 minutes of yawning and trying to decide if we should suck it up or just go home (this was around 10:30)...our friend Lauren who recently moved up to the Twin Cities surprised us by showing up. :) Lexi and I made it to bar close.
So how exactly does all of this tie together? Well, it really doesn't. But it was a creative way to combine what's been going on the last couple weeks. Here's where the "mountains and valleys" idea sprung from.
At church two weeks ago, Pastor Dan continued the series of Psalm 23 and focused on the dark valley. Even in the darkest valley, on the darkest days, He never lets go. The word "valley" speaks of tough times that we all go through. Valleys are inevitable. Valleys are unexpected. Valleys are purposeful. The good news? Valleys are only temporary. They come and go as part of life. It's impossible to have a mountain without a valley. Nobody makes it through life without going through a valley. Dan stressed that for every mountain, there are two valleys. Unfortunately, in life, we are surrounded by bad days and bad moods. For every two bad events we experience, we have a positive one, or a mountain. This series has been my favorite so far, as I can find myself relating to the messages.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
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