Catching Up

Reading status:  almost done with book 3!!  Stephanie Meyer is an amazing author.  She writes so that the reader feels like they're living in the story.  I feel like Bella and that I'm experiencing all of her emotions.  It has been pretty cool living her love story throughout the books and I am excited to see what happens in the end.  I haven't read the 4th book and the first of two movies for that book comes out in November so I really have no idea where the story goes or how it ends!!  I should know in a week or two :)

Mom and Dad got back from the Caymans on Saturday.  It sounds like they had a nice, quiet time with lots of relaxing, reading, and snorkeling.  Justin also took a little trip to Delaware to help load a bunch of Holstein heifers onto the world's largest livestock ship to be sent to Turkey.  He seems to have enjoyed it a lot! 

My last week was SUPER busy in the lab (extending into Saturday...ugh).  I am now finished optimizing my primers and am ready to start testing real samples as preliminary data.  So that's good!  Jessy and Kim are working really hard to finish up their theses so they can defend and graduate by August.  It's nice to be able to watch them in this stage because that is where I'll be next Spring. 

Kim and I went to Scott's for dinner last night (my Sunday school teacher) where we had fresh hamburgers (from his uncle's cows) and all the fixings.  That was one of the best burgers I've ever had (sorry Dad)!  We had a great time talking to Scott and Wendy, her grandparents, and all of their kids.  It was very relaxing and comforting being around such a loving family.  It's nice not to spend the evening alone in the apartment. 

Justin and I started a new book for our video chat book dates.  The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman had been recommended to me by many different people, so we decided to try it out.  We took the assessment and figured out our top three love languages (which happen to be the same, just in different rankings).  I love these books because they create conversations that we would not otherwise have and allow us to discuss things we've never even thought about.  I feel so comfortable talking to him about everything and it is a great way to enjoy time together even though we're apart.  It's at these times that I feel closest to him despite the distance, when we're sharing our deepest thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

This week should be pretty busy in the lab again, but next Monday is the 4th of July (meaning a 4-day week) and the following weekend I'll be in Raleigh!!!!!  Not that I'm excited or anything...

Ok, I'm hooked

Just as an update...I finished Twilight tonight :)  I'm going to Books-A-Million tomorrow to buy them all because I am hooked!  I can't believe I finished it so fast, which tells you it must be amazing considering my lack of enthusiasm for reading...until recently.  I also bought the DVDs from Walmart :)  I saw the trailer for the new one (first of two for the last book, like in Harry Potter) which comes out November 18th.  I will not be one of the crazies who watches it at 12:01 AM on opening day, but I am very excited about seeing it.  I will have them all read by then for sure :)

Kim and I had a girls' night tonight.  We went to dinner at Jason's Deli, had milkshakes from Chic-fil-A, and then went and saw Something Borrowed.  It was really good! 

Justin went home today to spend some time with his family.  Louise posted pictures of him, Amber, and Erica with their dad as well as all their kids.  It was really great to see everybody together in the pictures, but I was a little bummed I wasn't there with them.  But I am glad Justin will get to spend Father's Day with his dad! 

Also, Mom and Dad arrived safely in Grand Cayman today (sigh).  I know they'll enjoy their week and everyone here who knows what we're missing will be wishing we were with them.  Justin and I have been talking more about honeymoon destinations and Grand Cayman currently sits at the top of our list :)

120 boxes of floss...really?

Ok, so I just don't get that Extreme Couponing show.  I mean yes, I understand that coupons can save you money and I know many people who take advantage of "double days" to save them even more.  What I don't understand is why these people have to buy HUNDREDS of items?  Is it just to impress the world enough to land a starring role on the show?  Or is there some rule that the coupons only work when you buy large quantities?  It just blows my mind that these people have literally stock-piled any non-perishable item (many of which they don't need or use).  I mean these people build rooms onto their homes to store all of their stuff.  I saw one lady who built a room to store her COUPONS!  And they devote at least 35 hours per week getting things in order and figuring out exactly how their shopping splurge will go.  That just seems insane to me.  I think I use a coupon here and there when it is for something that I am already going to buy.  I don't have the rule where I only buy things that are on sale.  Why would you go the grocery store multiple times a week to buy just the things that are on sale?  Seems like a waste of time to me. 

Well, in Uther news...I have been infected with the bookworm...Perhaps I am finally turning on the gene that my mother expresses so abundantly, but whatever the case, I am really into reading lately!  I "read" The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown on the way to and from Charleston for Chris and Sam's wedding and LOVED it!  I really love all of Dan Brown's books!!  Then, after seeing the movie and loving it, I read Water for Elephants in...get this...THREE DAYS!  That is completely unheard of for me!  Jessy lent me that book and just gave me the first in the Twilight series.  I opened it today and 128 pages later realized it was getting late!  It is such a peaceful feeling to get lost in a story, in another world for a bit.  It is a very cleansing feeling and really helps me to "escape" from the stresses and busyness of grad school.  So I'll probably have this one finished by next week :)  Luckily there are 3 more after it, so I should have plenty to read over the next few months!  Any other really awesome book suggestions would be gladly accepted :)

On another note, Justin and Tim moved into their new apartment last weekend (what will be Justin and my first "home" once we're married).  I have been given the tour through video chat and it looks nice.  Definitely a mansion compared to my little bitty abode :)  Justin also ordered a new bed which should arrive on Thursday.  It is the exact same as the one I have been sleeping on the past 8 years or so.  It is a premier pillow top orthopedic mattress and my back and I are in love with it :)  I'm glad Justin will get to enjoy the wonders of that mattress now too! 

Things are INCREDIBLY busy in the lab.  I have been going 100 mph all week doing all kinds of lab work.  I don't really see things slowing down much either.  The most annoying part about the recent weeks has been my dreams, which consist of exactly what my days entail.  I spend the whole night dreaming about doing lab work and wake up thinking I am actually doing it. I have to constantly remind myself that I am not actually in the lab and that whatever I am doing can wait until I get to the lab.  I thought dreams were supposed to be the ultimate escape!  Someone needs to have a serious conversation with Mr. Sandman...

Even when the rain falls

The past week has gone by very quickly, though the days themselves seemed to drag on.  Last weekend, Jessy and I went to Cookeville, TN to teach at the TN 4-H Sheep Conference.  We taught high schoolers on Friday night for a few hours, going more in depth into sheep reproduction: estrous cycles, hormones, male and female anatomy (with heifer tracts for them to dissect), embryonic development, gestation, parturition, and advances in reproductive technologies.  They seemed to enjoy it.  Saturday morning, we had younger kids (middle school) that came in 3 rotations.  I led the discussion for that, with a little less detail and a little more general stuff.  Jessy and I then cleaned up, got in the truck and headed back to Knoxville to go to Becca's baby shower.  That was fun and there were a good number of people there (mostly from the lab).  That took place at Kim's house and once everyone left, she and I cleaned up a bit before getting ready for the rodeo.

The rodeo was in Blaine, TN which is right on the way to Bean Station (where I frequent to visit the slaughter house).  Kim had a great time, but it was definitely a culture shock to her.  I was under-impressed with the performance of the exhibitors.  My mom would say "the cows won".  It was a good rodeo though, with plenty of events and a hilarious clown guy who provided many laughs and tears at one point from laughing so hard. 

Memorial day was pretty enjoyable.  I got to go ride Essau in the morning which was so pleasant!  I went into work for a little bit to get some stuff done and then relaxed the rest of the day.  The rest of the week was full of slaughter house trips, reading papers, lab work, and staying busy. 

Jordan came into town yesterday (Saturday) morning since she was at a workshop in Gatlinburg all week.  We went to the barn to ride Essau, toured the campus, had Menchie's, watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, and ate at Dead End BBQ.  I think she enjoyed her time here.  She left early this morning to head back to Raleigh. 

Justin and I just finished our book this afternoon, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.  I really enjoyed it and recommend that everyone read it.  It can help relationships whether you are single, engaged, or married.  It has brought up so many things that people never think about, but are absolutely true.  There are lots of examples that help explain the concepts and there wasn't a chapter we read where one of us didn't relate to what was being discussed.  We both have a copy, so feel free to borrow it!! 

I've been thinking a lot lately about this time next year.  With everyone finishing school and so many people moving in and out of my apartment complex, it just makes me think about when I will get to finish and move.  Justin and Tim are moving into their new apartment this Friday, which will be the apartment Justin and I live in once we're married!!  I am so excited to get to see it in July when I head home for a 3-day weekend.  Even with so much more ahead of me, I catch small glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel and can get a little bit excited about graduating, moving back home, getting married, honeymooning, and settling into my new life!!  Justin and I have been looking at/talking about furniture lately which also adds to the excitement.  I found a table I love and we've looked at a few different beds and couches.  It's crazy to think we're actually going to get married one of these days!  For SO long it has been something that was so far down the road, but now we are less than a year out!!!  I guess now I can really start booking things and getting a little more serious about wedding planning since I'm in the "normal" time range.  There's a countdown on this blog now that will keep you up to date, but I will still just be counting down the months until it's less than 1 month away :) 

This Tuesday starts a Bible study/book reading group with my Sunday school class.  We'll be meeting at Barley's Taproom, a local pizzeria/pub where we'll discuss a chapter from a book each week (whichever one we decide to read).  I'm pretty excited about it! 

On a random note, here are two incredible songs that I have been playing over and over.  Enjoy!

Science is Cool

It's crazy to think about the things that are going on in these little bitty tubes when I'm in the lab.  I can grind up a piece of tissue, add some stuff, spin it through a filter and voila!  I have RNA!   Then, I can mix that with some other ingredients and make DNA!  I can then add a little of this and a pinch of that and amplify one particular piece of that DNA.  It all makes perfect sense in a book, drawn out with figures and I understand how everything works.  What blows my mind is that it actually happens in those teeny amounts of liquid right before my eyes.  We're talking about 25 microliters of stuff (equivalent of perhaps a drop of water).  I can't tell the difference in the three different clear liquids, but they are completely distinct!  And we've created machines that can tell the difference. 

These processes remind me a lot of faith.  I know that this stuff is really in this little drop of water.  I can't see it, but I know it's there.  This also adds some fuel to the creation/evolution debate.  I believe science.  I know it is there.  I know how some of it works and I know that a lot of it is still a mystery.  But you cannot tell me that all of those intricate little processes were not divinely created.  There's no way that all of the different aspects of science just happened to be.  They are way too cool, way too programmed, and way too detailed not to be created by God.  How cool is it that we started out clueless about how we work, how things on Earth work, and how life exists and then slowly but surely began to figure it out?  Science has itself evolved just in its understanding of the world.  It's so funny to look back at some of scientists' speculations about why things worked the way they did.  But if they didn't ask those questions, we never would have figured out how things really work!  I just think science is really cool in that regard because we're always learning new things and expanding our knowledge. 

There's my spiel for the day.  I'm going to Cookeville, TN tomorrow with Jessy to lead the TN 4-H Sheep Conference.  We'll be heading back to Knoxville Saturday around lunch time to go to Becca's baby shower.  Then I'm taking Kim to her very first rodeo.  It's in Blaine, TN which is on the way to Bean Station.  It'll probably be pretty red, but should be a good time.  She's going all out and I let her borrow a pair of my boots for her to wear.  She's pretty excited to play dress up :)

What's New?

Well last week was exciting.  I drove to Charleston, SC on Tuesday afternoon for my brother's wedding.  Mom and Dad had brought Grandmamma and Grandaddy down a few hours earlier and Justin decided last minute to drive down too!  It was great to see him again so soon :)  We went out to dinner at Ye Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe (pronounced shoppey by our family) with Grandma Jan too.  Afterwards, we went to see Chris and Sam's new house in James Island, SC.  Her mom, grandmother, and uncle were there as well as her friend Katie.  It was great seeing everyone and spending time together as a family. 

On Wednesday, Justin and I spent the entire morning in bed watching TV in the hotel.  We were enjoying being lazy and just doing nothing.  Grandmamma, Grandaddy, mom, dad, Justin, and I went to lunch at a restaurant very close to our hotel and then got ready for the wedding.  I was the photographer, along with my dad, and got to spend some time with Sam before the wedding started.  They had it in Grandma Jan's backyard on the "Steps to Nowhere" which are brick steps that lead down to the marsh.  Grandma Jan had arranged some hydrangeas for where they stood as well as around the garden and house.  She also arranged Sam's bouquet which was Iris and Stargazer lilies.  The ceremony was lovely with family and some friends.  Other than the minor bump in the road (Sam not having Chris's ring), it went very smoothly.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a toast, watched them sign the official documents, and then had the "reception" at a seafood restaurant downtown called Coast.  That was delicious (don't worry people, I haven't changed my taste all of sudden... I had chicken caesar salad...hehe). 

For dessert, we went back to Chris and Sam's house for the wedding cake he had made.  Funfetti on the bottom layer, strawberry on the top two, covered in icing and nerds...with a little stuffed pig and dog as the wedding toppers.  It was very unique and interesting, but totally them.  It tasted pretty good too (with a little extra zing/crunch of the nerds).  We all woke up Thursday morning, had our hotel continental breakfast, and then everyone hit the road (in 3 different directions).  I enjoyed the trip and it was especially good to see Grandma Jan, Uncle Kent, and Aunt Trish (I didn't get to Charleston this past New Year's).  I also enjoyed seeing Chris and Sam in their new place and on their special day.  Their wedding just ignited the "I'm ready to get married" fire that Justin and I are feeling.  Soon.  It will be our turn in about one year...  Pictures from the wedding are here.

So I have finally begun progress on my research.  This week is packed each day with lab work.  I am currently working on some things that have to get done before I can do my actual experiment in the Fall.  These techniques are very tedious and take a while, but they are not hard and it is somewhat peaceful being "in the hood" and just doing my thing.  I am foreseeing a lot of busy weeks ahead of me.  Now that my days are consumed with lab work, I will have to spend nights and some weekends working on reading papers and writing my literature review.  That is difficult because when I come home, I want to relax.  I want to leave the lab where it is and not take it home with me.  I guess I will just have to find some motivation and push through. 

Today, Dr. Edwards and I were talking and the whole topic of career came up.  (Warning: this may be slightly unorganized with a hint of venting...)  So when people meet me, they generally ask what I'm studying.  When they hear animal science, their first response is "Oh you want to be a vet."  I say no and then they always follow with, "Oh.  So what do you want to do with a master's in animal science?"  You know, that's a really good question!  And as of right now, I have no earthly idea.  When I came into UT in the Fall, I was going into this with the intention of continuing with a PhD so I could become a professor at a university.  A few months in, I realized that research is not for me.  My brain does not naturally think that way.  I don't question how things work or what would happen if you changed X, Y, or Z.  I like to learn a subject or master a technique.  I like this for two reasons 1) I love to learn and 2) I love to teach people what I have learned.  It is such a rewarding feeling to explain something to someone and watch the light bulb go off.  I love to see people progress and take what they have learned and apply it.  So I love to teach.  But you can't teach college students without a PhD and I don't think I'm interested in teaching high schoolers or younger.  I don't really know. 

Another problem (which is not really a problem) that I have is that I enjoy so many things.  There is not ONE occupation or field that interests me above and beyond all others.  Because I love learning so much, it really doesn't matter what it is I'm learning, I generally enjoy it.  This makes it very difficult to narrow down a career.  I enjoy lab work and could see myself working in a lab.  I also enjoy working with animals, but have no strong drive to do vet school (though I know I would absolutely love vet school).  I would probably love physical therapy (another 4 years of school) or being a tutor.  I would love being a photographer (with some serious training).  So many things interest me, but none are pulling me towards them.  I feel no drive or calling to do any single thing yet. 

When I talk about this to people, I generally get two different answers.  The first being that I don't need to know.  I don't have to have things figured out or worry about what I will do with my life.  I should just live day by day, learn what I can, and be content with where I am.  In many ways, that is how I feel.  I would call it blind faith.  I have no idea where I'm going, but I trust that I will get there some way or another.  I guess I have worn out all of my frustration on this subject, so it doesn't really bother me much anymore.  On the other hand, I get the answer that I need to be thinking strongly about what I want to do so that I can get the experience I need to be the most marketable person for that particular job.  This also makes sense because it is important to have experience that will aid in getting a job.  My problem is that I don't know what job I want, so I don't know how to equip myself with the tools I need.  I feel like I should just run in to the shed and grab as many as I can in the hopes that I'll pick up the right one. 

It is not a fun position to be in.  I don't like not knowing, but at the same time I am ok just trusting.  It is hard when Justin and I are thinking/planning about where we might be going once he graduates.  It is hard because while he will have a clearly defined job, I will not.  Maybe by then I will have a better idea of what I want to do, but I will have to find somewhere to do it in whatever city we end up in. 

What I am clear of is this:  I want to finish this degree.  I want to go back to Raleigh, get married, and start my life with Justin.  I want to find a job that I enjoy, that has a purpose, and that I can be proud of.  I want to work with people and help people.  I also want to eventually start a family.  Other than those things, I just don't know.  I am so confused about this that I can't decide whether or not to be upset about it.  I really do feel like I am living by blind faith.  I just hope some day my eyes will be opened and I will figure out what I am supposed to do.  Until then, I will keep going and see what happens. 

Sorry if that was a lot, but I needed to get it off my chest. 

Let the Good Times Roll

Do you like the new look?  Justin re-did the title design for me while he was in Knoxville for the week!

Well wow.  A lot has been going on since my last post!  On the Thursday before Good Friday, I flew to Raleigh.  Upon landing, Justin picked me up from the airport and we then went to a party with a bunch of his vet school friends.  They were celebrating "halfway to DVM" as they had just finished all of their final exams for 2nd year!  I got to see a bunch of friends that I had not seen in a while and we made mega-smore's in a fire pit.  Friday, I met 3 of my 4 bridesmaids for lunch at Village Deli.  It was awesome to catch up and I was really happy to see all of my girls chatting and getting to know one another.  (I feel like it's always a bit awkward when you show up as a bridesmaid to a wedding and don't really know any of the other bridesmaids) 

It was gloomy and rainy all day...which was beginning to make Justin and me nervous for our planned engagement photo shoot the next day.  After lunch, Justin and I went to the barn so I could ride in the 4:30 lesson.  I decided to ride Eli because I had been craving a good, lazy, easy ride (Essau tends to be slightly more work than, say a Quarter Horse).  Eli was such a good boy and I had a great time riding, jumping cross rails, chatting with the girls, and catching up.  I spent some time loving on Ivan while I was there and he just makes me smile :)  After a sprained ankle/fetlock, he is going to start getting back into work very soon, so hopefully I will be able to ride him on my next trip to Raleigh.

I texted our photographer, Annie Harrison, that evening to inquire about the weather situation.  She was a little weary about how wet the ground would be and decided we'd get in touch in the morning.  Low and behold, it was still rainy/overcast in the morning and things were not looking good.  The weathermen LIED (big surprise), and the sun wasn't supposed to come out until 2:00 PM.  I told her that we would like to try if at all possible since I had no idea when I would be in Raleigh next.  With our fingers crossed, Justin and I got ready (my ring cleaned, painted nails, ironed all outfits) and around 3:00, she said "let's do it!"  We had our pictures taken at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC.  It was absolutely gorgeous and the clouds made for some nice shade in which to take pictures.  We were really pleased with how the pictures turned out and our photographer is AWESOME!!  She is full of energy, jokes, and smiles and we just love her.  Here they are!

Justin and I drove back to Knoxville Sunday after church and lunch with my parents.  He spent the entire week here with me because he had a week off between finals and his one week of selectives.  Last week was my very last week of classes for this semester!  I was at the lab/classes for most of the day and he got to be lazy and chill (a much deserved break for him!).  It was really awesome to come home and him be there (a foreshadow of married life).  It's also just really nice to have someone in my apartment to talk to.  Even with my kitty, it can get lonely. 

We got to attend an Animal Science banquet on Tuesday evening where I won a scholarship.  Wednesday, the most insane storms came through Knoxville and we endured a lot of rain, the most lightning I have ever seen in my life, as well as ping pong ball-sized hail.  Both of our cars took a nice beating and will hopefully be fixed soon!  I took Justin to some of my favorite restaurants around K-ville including Calhoun's, Wasabi, Trio, and Menchie's.  We also ate at a new burrito restaurant on Market Square with Kim and Jessy and enjoyed Rita's for dessert. 

Following Dr. Edwards's advice, Justin and I began reading Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray.  We have only read 4 chapters and are already loving it.  It is a guide to understanding the opposite sex and points out the differences between men and women.  By understanding our differences, it is easier to communicate and become closer.  The chapters we have read have already sparked some great discussion that has brought a little bit of clarity and insight into each other's way of thinking, feeling, and expressing emotions/stress.  I would highly recommend it for any couple and hope it will continue to give us a better understanding of one another.

Aside from the crazy weather, it was an incredible week.  I am now finished with classes and only have one final exam on Wednesday!  Tomorrow is my first meeting with most of my committee and I am hoping that will be very productive.  I really hope we can all agree on what I am going to do so I can start doing it!  I need to keep busy this summer, so I will gladly take a laundry list of tasks from them. 

Justin left today and, as always, it was not easy to see him go.  I am very much looking forward to a time when we are together and don't have to part ways at the end of the weekend.  I know this past year (and especially this past semester) has flown by and I hope and pray that the next one will as well.  Justin will be working with USDA all summer and I will be busy doing research, so hopefully that will keep the time zipping past. 

On a random note:  my brother is getting married in less than 2 weeks!  He and Sam, his girlfriend, decided to tie the knot and applied for a marriage lisence last week.  They recently moved to James Island, SC (just outside of Charleston) where they are now living in their first house and are working new jobs.  I will be heading to Charleston for the wedding in my Grandma Jan's back yard on May 11th.  I'm happy for him and hope the wedding is everything they hoped for!