Closer and closer...

So things are really coming together lately!  I have an apartment all set and ready with cable/internet and utilities.  Essau has a stall that will be waiting for him a few weeks after I move in.  Mom and dad rented a U-Haul truck that we'll be taking over the mountain.  This is really going to happen.  Not that there was ever any doubt, but all of these things make it that much more real!  I'm really excited about a new city, new friends, and furthering my education. 

I'm trying to see as many of my friends as I can this last month before I head West.  I bought a camera for my computer and will be setting up Skype, so if anyone wants to video chat, please let me know!  Familiar faces will be a wonderful pick-me-up so don't hesitate! :)

On another note, things are also beginning to come together for the wedding.  I have contacted a photographer that I am 90% sure we will be using.  I am touring a reception location today with my mom and have contacted another.  I have looked at wedding invitations and have put together a rough budget.  It's so exciting to see things falling into place and I have no one to thank but God.  He has truly blessed me in so many ways and I am incredibly thankful.  I know this transition is going to be a big one, filled with some difficult times and a few challenges, but I am confident that God will get me through it and that I will have a blast along the way. 

Photo Shoot with the "Nephews"

Yesterday was a LONG, busy day.  One of my many activities included a little photo shoot with Chris and Sam's dogs.  They have a Yorkie (Gunther), an Australian Shepherd (Bumpkin), and a Pit Bull (Bug).  I had not seen Bug since he was a puppy, so I wanted to come see him and try out some action shots on my new camera.  Boy did they turn out good, I am so excited!  View the complete album here or you can see a few below. 

Summertime and the livin' is easy

So Summer has been going pretty well so far.  I've been riding a little more, more leisurely than anything.  Ivan continues to improve and his muscles are getting stronger every week!  Essau and I are enjoying our light hacks and also had an awesome trail ride with Crista, my dressage trainer, the other week!  There will definitely be more of those this summer! :)  I have been running three times a week in preparation for my very first 5K on June 12th (Race for the Cure).  Other than riding, running, and occasional lunches with friends, I have been scrapbooking, reading James Herriot, and taking pictures with my new camera.  I am taking photography classes every Wednesday in June to learn the ins and outs of said camera.  After these classes, I should have a fairly good understanding of how to take some awesome pictures!

As far as Tennessee goes, I now have my apartment set and ready to go.  I will be moving the last weekend in July/first weekend in August, with Essau coming the following week or so.  I am excited to register for classes, learn more about my research topic and start this new chapter in Knoxville!  For the time being though, I'm just hanging out, relaxing, resting my mind, and soaking up everything I love about my life here. 

Graduation

This past weekend was incredible!  Saturday morning was the large University Graduation Ceremony in the RBC Center.  It was an awesome sight to see with all of those red gowns!  The speaker, Charlie Rose, was very good and the ceremony itself, though very long, was enjoyable.  The vet students kept the crowd laughing with their decorated mortarboards (including one with a live hamster in a cage with a wheel) and inflated palpation sleeves.  The Animal Science Ceremony was at 7:00 PM in the McKimmon Center and was also very nice.  There were 89 graduates and we all gave a mini-speech, thanking our family and friends and sharing our plans after graduation.


Sunday was my graduation party.  After church, Justin and I went to my parents' house and finished cleaning up, decorating, and preparing for the 55 guests that would show up for a cookout celebration.  It was so nice to have so many friends present, representing all areas of my life (school, church, barn, family).  It was a blessing to have all of my grandparents there and to see my friends interacting with each other.  I cannot begin to describe how appreciative I am for the love, support, and encouragement that my family and friends pour out daily.  It means the world to me! Thanks to everyone who came for your generous gifts, and the priceless friendship that we share!!

Undergrad...check!

My very last final exam of my undergraduate career is now completed!  It was biochemistry...a 17 page exam (2 pages of structures, 3 pages of multiple choice, and 12 pages of fill-in-the-blank).  I am just glad it is over and I can breathe now!  I am very excited about graduating this weekend and about my party on Sunday.  My Grandmamma & Grandaddy are (hopefully) coming down as well as my Grandma Jan!  It will be so nice to have them all with me on such an exciting day.  I am looking forward to seeing lots of friends at the party too! 

It will be very sad to leave NC State.   It has become a way of life.  I will miss the bricks, the buildings, professors, animal units, and especially all of my incredible friends.  We are all parting ways to go on to new chapters in our lives all over the country.  I have many friends attending vet school in various states, but a lot of them will be staying in Raleigh.  I know I will keep in touch with them and will definitely visit when I come home occasionally from TN. 

I want to thank all of my friends that I have met while being here at State.  Yall have really made these past four years of my life incredible and I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without you all.  I am also very thankful for such amazing professors in the Animal Science department that made learning fun, taught me so much, and helped me figure out my interests.  Thanks also to my family who continue to support me every day and to my wonderful fiance for the endless love and encouragement. 

Surprise!

As if I wasn't already convinced...I have the most incredible fiance in the entire world.  He dropped by today around 3:00 "just to see me" and showed up with a dozen red roses.  No special occasion, just "because I love you."  How sweet!  I spent most of the day working on history for my exam tomorrow and he just made my day so much brighter :)  What an amazing guy...I think I'll keep him!

Welcome

Welcome to my very first blog! I created this blog to keep all of my friends and family informed of my adventures, experiences, and journey throughout graduate school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am currently 3 exams away from graduating from North Carolina State University with a BS in Animal Science. Hard to believe. I'm excited about sharing my thoughts throughout this next chapter of my life and hope that you will enjoy my stories!!