On Monday, August 23rd I will attend my 19th first day of school!
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 19 years of my life in school... this is insane!
But really, I guess this is pretty exciting because there are only 2 more "first days of school" because 4th year is a lot of working for free, no classroom stuff.
Second year of pharmacy school... Oh my gosh, What was I thinking? I'm a little terrified! LOL But on the plus side, we aren't the babies in the building anymore, we have a fresh young P1 class to take that title from us. I'll also be busy with APhA-ASP because I'm serving as secretary this year. This task has been pretty fun so far and I'm looking forward to what this year will hold for my office. Another plus is seeing all of my friends! My wonderful friends will be back in Searcy very soon and that's always a happy thing. Oh I'll also have some buff arms from the 50 pound pharmacotherapy book that I'll be lugging around.
Some not so good points: loss of sleep :-( a lot of stress :-S the Harding dress code... dresses below the knee? looks like I'll be wearing jeans all year... lol
I'm re-visiting the idea of our family blog because of our up-coming addition! Isaac Matthias will be here in early December and I have pictures and updates to share with family. I'll also be posting about Catholic "mom" stuff that I find interesting. Stay tuned!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Small town thoughts...
So, I was sitting in Pizza Hut the other day with my mom for lunch when some things came to my attention... everyone knew us. Several people had stopped by our table for a chat with either my mom or with both of us. Everyone was in a good mood and so friendly.
After lunch, I went back to the pharmacy for a little work time... and the realization hit me again there but with a stronger force. All of these patients were coming in and they were all so cheerful and friendly. They would all greet my dad- by first name of course- and then proceed to ask about me and my sister. Then, he'd point out that I'm back and all grown up. He'd joke a little about the fact that I'm not getting out of school fast enough for him. Then, he'd tell whoever it was about Heidi's twins. If they stuck around long enough, he'd show pictures for sure!
This is the environment that I spent the first 17 years of my life in. There are a few things that are funny about my realizations. The first funny thing being the fact that I've forgotten how it feels to live somewhere that everyone knows you. Yes, sure, there are draw backs because of the whole "small town gossip" thing... but I've found that the easiest way to avoid this issue is to simply not do anything that people would have a reason to talk about... unless of course it is a good thing! ;-)
The second funny thing is that really is no place like home. For example, when we would go out to eat in Jonesboro, even after living there for 4 years myself, and Eddie his whole life, there was still the likelyhood that we could go the whole meal with out seeing a single person that knew us. It did happen on occasion though.
Also, in Searcy, no one knows us! Imagine being a tourist in a town you live in. That's kind of how it feels here. Searcy is small too. I mean people notice new people here and they tend to stare if they can't figure out who you are.
Let me just tell you a little difference in working at my dad's small town pharmacy verses the chain experience that I've had in Jonesboro. Put simply, in the chain pharmacy, people hate us! We're obviously the enemy in any problem that they have in their life or health care system. Maybe not the enemy, but the most accessible outlet for their frustration. I think this is because they think that if they show their behind, most likely I won't be the one to wait on them next time, or if I am that I'll forget. But no, I will most likely wait on you next time because you come in at the same time and I just happen to always have that shift... oh and I WILL remember!
One of my favorite differences is knowing who you know in Sharp County. I know that's probably not an advantage to everyone, but I think it's pretty darn cool to go get my oil changed and bill it to my dad or to have a restaurant make something special for me that's not on the menu (i.e. my grilled turkey and cheese and Cajun fries) because we've eaten there about 10 times a week for the last 10 years of my life.
It's pretty cool to deal with traffic in Sharp County too. I mean, if traffic is bad- by the smallest chance- people are nice and let you out and take their turns at stop signs. I will say that people in Jonesboro generally do that too. In Searcy, no one will let you out. People will run you over when you are walking in and out of Wal-Mart. Don't get me started on the Searcy Wal-Mart experience.
In small town life, there just isn't that kind of hostility in everyday life. And can I just say... it's simply wonderful. I realize I'm partial to my hometown (that I so didn't appreciate enough when I lived there) and that people that are from Searcy would probably say the same things about their hometown... but I'm actually to the point of excitement about moving back. This summer, going back and working at the pharmacy, has been a good experience and has given me a renewal on my determination to get this school thing done. It'll be cool to go put my Highland Rebels t-shirt on and go cheer on Eddie and his team, hopefully that he gets a job at Highland anyway... but I guess we will see! :-)
These are strictly some thoughts that I have about my own experiences. In no way do I want to offend anyone. I'm simply saying that I miss home. :-)
After lunch, I went back to the pharmacy for a little work time... and the realization hit me again there but with a stronger force. All of these patients were coming in and they were all so cheerful and friendly. They would all greet my dad- by first name of course- and then proceed to ask about me and my sister. Then, he'd point out that I'm back and all grown up. He'd joke a little about the fact that I'm not getting out of school fast enough for him. Then, he'd tell whoever it was about Heidi's twins. If they stuck around long enough, he'd show pictures for sure!
This is the environment that I spent the first 17 years of my life in. There are a few things that are funny about my realizations. The first funny thing being the fact that I've forgotten how it feels to live somewhere that everyone knows you. Yes, sure, there are draw backs because of the whole "small town gossip" thing... but I've found that the easiest way to avoid this issue is to simply not do anything that people would have a reason to talk about... unless of course it is a good thing! ;-)
The second funny thing is that really is no place like home. For example, when we would go out to eat in Jonesboro, even after living there for 4 years myself, and Eddie his whole life, there was still the likelyhood that we could go the whole meal with out seeing a single person that knew us. It did happen on occasion though.
Also, in Searcy, no one knows us! Imagine being a tourist in a town you live in. That's kind of how it feels here. Searcy is small too. I mean people notice new people here and they tend to stare if they can't figure out who you are.
Let me just tell you a little difference in working at my dad's small town pharmacy verses the chain experience that I've had in Jonesboro. Put simply, in the chain pharmacy, people hate us! We're obviously the enemy in any problem that they have in their life or health care system. Maybe not the enemy, but the most accessible outlet for their frustration. I think this is because they think that if they show their behind, most likely I won't be the one to wait on them next time, or if I am that I'll forget. But no, I will most likely wait on you next time because you come in at the same time and I just happen to always have that shift... oh and I WILL remember!
One of my favorite differences is knowing who you know in Sharp County. I know that's probably not an advantage to everyone, but I think it's pretty darn cool to go get my oil changed and bill it to my dad or to have a restaurant make something special for me that's not on the menu (i.e. my grilled turkey and cheese and Cajun fries) because we've eaten there about 10 times a week for the last 10 years of my life.
It's pretty cool to deal with traffic in Sharp County too. I mean, if traffic is bad- by the smallest chance- people are nice and let you out and take their turns at stop signs. I will say that people in Jonesboro generally do that too. In Searcy, no one will let you out. People will run you over when you are walking in and out of Wal-Mart. Don't get me started on the Searcy Wal-Mart experience.
In small town life, there just isn't that kind of hostility in everyday life. And can I just say... it's simply wonderful. I realize I'm partial to my hometown (that I so didn't appreciate enough when I lived there) and that people that are from Searcy would probably say the same things about their hometown... but I'm actually to the point of excitement about moving back. This summer, going back and working at the pharmacy, has been a good experience and has given me a renewal on my determination to get this school thing done. It'll be cool to go put my Highland Rebels t-shirt on and go cheer on Eddie and his team, hopefully that he gets a job at Highland anyway... but I guess we will see! :-)
These are strictly some thoughts that I have about my own experiences. In no way do I want to offend anyone. I'm simply saying that I miss home. :-)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Here Lately...
To my loyal readers,
I'm so very sorry that you have had to go so long with out hearing from me. Lucky for you ;-) Eddie is working and I found just enough time to share some things from our life with you. HAHA Lucky for you! ;-)
So the first thing to talk about are Eddie's crazy busy work hours. Just so ya know, the boy worked for almost 27 hours straight yesterday. The most frustrating part is the fact that it doesn't have to go like that. With a little better management there's probably no reason for them to work more than a 15 hour day max. But, let me tell you, these Oil/Gas field billionaires didn't ask my opinion on it. If they had, you know I'd have more than just that for my input. LOL
Moving on...
I'm such a nerd. Something about new school supplies makes me really excited. It's been a secret that I've kept to myself for a little while. However, the new colored-clear pocket- binders at Wal-Mart drew me in the other night. I couldn't help myself. I bought all that I would need for this semester and the dividers too! Then... THEN! I proceeded to come home and print out my title pages to go in the front pockets. I mean really... who does that in JULY?! I know I'm nuts. Oh and to top it all off, yes, world, I, Greta, Harding P2, have already ordered my textbooks. Terrible, I know. This obsession with the beginning of school has always been inside me since I was 6 I think. lol... rest assure though, about the 3rd week in September, I will begin my countdown for Christmas break.
Maybe I should go back and read an earlier post I made about being happy in the moment. Maybe this has just been one more way that I have been wishing my life away. hmmm, too deep for this late in the night, I think I'll sleep on that.
Decorating...
So, after a year in the house, I've decided that the main parts are almost perfect... well perfect for us. But, there are still a few areas that need some "designer" attention. The guest bedroom has some old bedding that I used in college. It doesn't really flow with the new things that I've gotten for the house. So I'm thinking that room deserves a little attention. Also, the office/guest/Eddie's "man room" (no, its not big enough to be all of these-lol) is a disaster. I need to add some storage for Eddie's hunting things and my scrapbook stuff that I leave in there. The rest of the house only needs a few minor touches here and there and I'll be posting pictures soon of the progress that I make. To the left, you can see my most recent purchase. I little piece of artwork. I know, a little strange and quirky. But I really kind of love it. It might be my most favorite thing so far. I know, I know... I'm a little weird. lol
The plan...
Back to Eddie's working situation. We now have a career plan for my dear husband. It only took him 24 years to come back to the idea of coaching/teaching. Which is wonderful! He'll be so great at it. Finally, he will have a real reason to be telling me about all this football stuff. It feels so good to have a plan. I don't know if you've noticed or not but I'm an organizer and a planner. Luckily, he's not too far from applying for jobs. He'll start applying in February probably- at any school within driving distance. So this whole mess with the wonderful gas field company is simply TEMPORARY! Which again, I'm looking forward to the future... but I don't think we could survive this if we didn't...lol.
What's the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger?" Pretty darn accurate for the last year. Its just His way of showing us that He's in charge and he wouldn't give us any challenge that we couldn't handle. Life truly is a wonderful gift.
I'm so very sorry that you have had to go so long with out hearing from me. Lucky for you ;-) Eddie is working and I found just enough time to share some things from our life with you. HAHA Lucky for you! ;-)
So the first thing to talk about are Eddie's crazy busy work hours. Just so ya know, the boy worked for almost 27 hours straight yesterday. The most frustrating part is the fact that it doesn't have to go like that. With a little better management there's probably no reason for them to work more than a 15 hour day max. But, let me tell you, these Oil/Gas field billionaires didn't ask my opinion on it. If they had, you know I'd have more than just that for my input. LOL
Moving on...
I'm such a nerd. Something about new school supplies makes me really excited. It's been a secret that I've kept to myself for a little while. However, the new colored-clear pocket- binders at Wal-Mart drew me in the other night. I couldn't help myself. I bought all that I would need for this semester and the dividers too! Then... THEN! I proceeded to come home and print out my title pages to go in the front pockets. I mean really... who does that in JULY?! I know I'm nuts. Oh and to top it all off, yes, world, I, Greta, Harding P2, have already ordered my textbooks. Terrible, I know. This obsession with the beginning of school has always been inside me since I was 6 I think. lol... rest assure though, about the 3rd week in September, I will begin my countdown for Christmas break.
Maybe I should go back and read an earlier post I made about being happy in the moment. Maybe this has just been one more way that I have been wishing my life away. hmmm, too deep for this late in the night, I think I'll sleep on that.
Decorating...
So, after a year in the house, I've decided that the main parts are almost perfect... well perfect for us. But, there are still a few areas that need some "designer" attention. The guest bedroom has some old bedding that I used in college. It doesn't really flow with the new things that I've gotten for the house. So I'm thinking that room deserves a little attention. Also, the office/guest/Eddie's "man room" (no, its not big enough to be all of these-lol) is a disaster. I need to add some storage for Eddie's hunting things and my scrapbook stuff that I leave in there. The rest of the house only needs a few minor touches here and there and I'll be posting pictures soon of the progress that I make. To the left, you can see my most recent purchase. I little piece of artwork. I know, a little strange and quirky. But I really kind of love it. It might be my most favorite thing so far. I know, I know... I'm a little weird. lol
The plan...
Back to Eddie's working situation. We now have a career plan for my dear husband. It only took him 24 years to come back to the idea of coaching/teaching. Which is wonderful! He'll be so great at it. Finally, he will have a real reason to be telling me about all this football stuff. It feels so good to have a plan. I don't know if you've noticed or not but I'm an organizer and a planner. Luckily, he's not too far from applying for jobs. He'll start applying in February probably- at any school within driving distance. So this whole mess with the wonderful gas field company is simply TEMPORARY! Which again, I'm looking forward to the future... but I don't think we could survive this if we didn't...lol.
What's the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger?" Pretty darn accurate for the last year. Its just His way of showing us that He's in charge and he wouldn't give us any challenge that we couldn't handle. Life truly is a wonderful gift.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Summer... so far...
As I have said, most of my summer has been spent driving and working. It has been mostly been the same for Eddie too. However, we have had a moment or two to spare for some fun. Being in Jonesboro 3 days a week has gotten me some time with the nephews--- which I love! I miss them all the time, but I feel I haven't missed as much as I will once school starts back. I enjoy the moments I get with them. They grow so fast!
Also, since Eddie was supposed to work on the 4th, I figured I might as well too. But, Eddie lucked out and was only on call. I went to Jonesboro to work and when I got off, Eddie was able to meet me in Cherokee Village at my dad's for our 4th of July/ Dad's birthday dinner. It was good and I'm glad we got to do that. Heidi made ribs and we had strawberry shortcake for dessert. Yum! Got to watch the boat parade, they did a helicopter fly over which was pretty darn cool, and the fireworks of course!
We finally found our pool! It has been the best investment ever! If I'm not at Walgreens or at Dad's store, then I'm laying in or beside the pool reading! That's my idea of the best kind of day. Eddie finds it boring so if he is off we have to find something to entertain him but... our back yard is now a paradise for me.... and Bruce Wayne!! HAHA
We celebrated our anniversary too. Eddie got a new bow from me as you have already read about. He got me a pair of earrings! YAYE! He did good! We celebrated the next day because he was working of course... but that's just how life goes these days.
Also, since Eddie was supposed to work on the 4th, I figured I might as well too. But, Eddie lucked out and was only on call. I went to Jonesboro to work and when I got off, Eddie was able to meet me in Cherokee Village at my dad's for our 4th of July/ Dad's birthday dinner. It was good and I'm glad we got to do that. Heidi made ribs and we had strawberry shortcake for dessert. Yum! Got to watch the boat parade, they did a helicopter fly over which was pretty darn cool, and the fireworks of course!
We also had the opportunity to help with Vacation Bible School at St. James. It was a new experience for me! It was a fun experience, for sure! I helped with the skits that the Youth Group kids put on for the little kids. It was way fun and I had some good sports help me out. One of my girls dressed up like a clown everyday that week and she had such a good attitude about it. I was really thankful she was willing to do that.
Last weekend we were all over the place. Eddie was off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday we made a trip to Branson for a little shopping time. I had fun. I'm not sure how much Eddie enjoyed it. I'm sure we will be going back and going to the amusement parks next time instead of shopping. Haha. We also went to Russellville to go to our friends' engagement party. Kaci is in school with me and her fiance has become friends with Eddie. We had a good time meeting their family and friends. I can't wait for their wedding!
That's about it for now. I think the pool and my lounge chair is calling my name-- Eddie's asleep still soooooo... lol... I'll take advantage of this opportunity. I hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer!
Monday, June 28, 2010
New purchase
I just wanted to share with you one of the best things I've ever bought: the NOOK! It is the reader from Barnes and Noble. I'm loving it. I know I haven't figured everything out on it yet, but so far it is all good and it can only get better when I really know its full potential! HAHA I totally recommend it!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Thursday, June 24, 2010
New beginnings? Or just life as we know it now?
Hello, faithful readers ;)
I was looking through my recent posts and the title of my Blog, "New beginnings..." and it occurred to be that my title isn't exactly accurate. I feel that after a year of being married to Eddie, living in Higginson, and my first year of pharmacy school over with, that this is just simply "Life." I assume that once school is over and we make one more BIG move to Sharp County, that there will be some new beginnings to write about then: Being a pharmacist, living back home, Eddie will have a different job, possibly some babies in the mix--- 3 years from now of course! But for now, I will simply be talking about our life together and the adventures that we can get ourselves into.
It is a basic concept to be happy in the life and moment that one person is in at the present. However, I think it is hard for some people to manage it. I've been around people my whole life that seem to never appreciate something in the present. I look back and can see how their attitudes have influenced me and how I was unfortunate enough to miss out on some of the most glorious moments of life because I was in such a hurry for the next thing to happen. The phrase, "I just can't wait (-to finish high school and move away. -for Spring Break, for Summer Break. -to get into pharmacy school. - to get married and move. etc...)" shouldn't be in one's vocabulary. I mean, it is just fine to look forward to something. But, if you're always looking so far forward that you miss the stuff in the now, what's it all worth anyway?
This is just a few thoughts while I'm thinking about the last year and all of the new things in our life. Life is simply wonderful and the best part is appreciating the small things that make one happy.
I was looking through my recent posts and the title of my Blog, "New beginnings..." and it occurred to be that my title isn't exactly accurate. I feel that after a year of being married to Eddie, living in Higginson, and my first year of pharmacy school over with, that this is just simply "Life." I assume that once school is over and we make one more BIG move to Sharp County, that there will be some new beginnings to write about then: Being a pharmacist, living back home, Eddie will have a different job, possibly some babies in the mix--- 3 years from now of course! But for now, I will simply be talking about our life together and the adventures that we can get ourselves into.
It is a basic concept to be happy in the life and moment that one person is in at the present. However, I think it is hard for some people to manage it. I've been around people my whole life that seem to never appreciate something in the present. I look back and can see how their attitudes have influenced me and how I was unfortunate enough to miss out on some of the most glorious moments of life because I was in such a hurry for the next thing to happen. The phrase, "I just can't wait (-to finish high school and move away. -for Spring Break, for Summer Break. -to get into pharmacy school. - to get married and move. etc...)" shouldn't be in one's vocabulary. I mean, it is just fine to look forward to something. But, if you're always looking so far forward that you miss the stuff in the now, what's it all worth anyway?
This is just a few thoughts while I'm thinking about the last year and all of the new things in our life. Life is simply wonderful and the best part is appreciating the small things that make one happy.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Scrapbooking
Back in December, I decided that I needed a hobby for my time living here in Higginson. So, with all my wedding photos, scrapbooking it is! I'm proud to say that I have finished our wedding album with a week to spare before our aniversary. I'm excited for the things that I have learned about this little hobby. I do enjoy it! I got a Cricut a few months ago and that has opened up so many doors. I only have to cartriges, so I can't imagine what more I can do when I get more. I've also found that I enjoy making cards too! Those are sort of a quick way to do something creative but not such a big committment like a whole scrapbook. Oh well, here are some of the pages from our wedding book... ENJOY! Also, I'm still learning so tips are welcomed!
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