Soap Box

Ok, so now that football season is here, I have a moment to get on my soap box for just a second about the whole issue that always comes around in my house this time of year. The Arkansas State University vs. University of Arkansas issue, that is.

First of all, lets point out that there is no ASU vs UofA in any sport. The only time we will ever play each other will be when Arkansas doesn't have a choice and we get matched up in a tournament.

I suppose that you could call this a "little brother," syndrome. But here's the deal. Once brothers grow up and they're in adulthood, really, at that point, whats the big difference besides the fact that one is older and maybe a little bigger?

The fact is, there are several colleges in Arkansas. Arkansas State offers as many opportunities and advantages for students as UofA.

Don't get me wrong either, I'm a home-grown Arkansan and I watched and heard about the Hogs growing up too. However, I did attend ASU by my choice and I am proud of the college that I attended. I am a fan of their athletic program (good and bad). Honestly, I just get sick and tired of hearing about how inferior my school is and the fact that it gets neglected by the majority of the state. Even other alumni of ASU will sport a Hogs plate, or drive 5 hours to a game across state before staying in Jonesboro to support ASU. That's pitiful! If you like the Hogs so much, why didn't you go there?! I feel that goes for anyone who attended a university and cheers for another. I mean seriously, why be like that- Because you definitely paid that athletic fee every semester!

You can certainly be a fan of both! Just, please, don't hate on ASU because you think you're better. Fans like that are the exact reason that I am even ranting about this. I'm glad you support the Hogs! I used to cheer for both. To quote a loyal Hog fan: "Man, I'm excited that ASU is playing Auburn, they're going to get killed!" this is the sentence that began a football conversation, no one had said a word and this was his first thought. So I have a response for those who would agree with this fan: "I'm an ASU fan and a fan of ANYONE that plays the Razorbacks!" Does that make you happy? That you would turn away a fan? I guess your school is so BIG and WONDERFUL that you don't need anymore fans, that's good, because you've lost one. 

Ok, that's enough of my football commentary (Eddie would be so proud). Most people already know that I feel this way and that most of family does too. If you're a die-hard Hog fan and I hurt your feelings, I'm ok with that because if you're that die-hard and you know me well enough to be reading this 1. You already knew I felt this way, 2. You've probably hurt mine along the way too. So let's all hug and be friends! :-)

Sooooo... HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!

The photographer that did our wedding just posted this on my facebook. Emily Anderson is her name, let me know and I'll get you her info. She was great! Also, take note of my cake and flowers too. I had wonderful people to work with when planning the wedding and would love to pass their names on!

House decor... oh what an adventure!!! Seriously!

To the left you can see my new place mats with my mix-n-match dishes that we got as wedding presents from the Grapevine in Ash Flat.  I love, love, love my dishes.  I have blue, red, orange, and brown pieces and she can order you just about anything.  I'm still collecting pieces.  My place mats were a recent purchase from Steinmart (my mom's fav) in North Little Rock.  I put the arrangement together.  We went to Pottery Barn ($$) for a little inspiration and then bought what we could at Hobby Lobby of course!

I have such a wonderful aunt (really I have many aunts, but for this purpose, only one in question, but they are all wonderful!).  So so so very wonderful!  I guess this is my shout out to my aunt Shirley.  She agreed to come down a couple weeks ago and believe it or not, we sewed my new curtains! True story!  She brought her sewing machine down and we went to town!  This is her ripping out a seem that I think she did about 3 different times. -Like I said, wonderful aunt.

We cheated a little because we started with plain chocolate brown panels from Target and then added the fabric that I found at Handcocks in Searcy to the bottom. 

Bruce was very helpful as you can see.  Both of them kept trying to make their nest on the fabric we were working with.  That is the bottom of one of the panels that we put in the kitchen.

This is the guest bedroom, basically finished.  New bed spread from Wal-Mart- you try shopping in Searcy and see where you end up!- we made the pillows with our fabric that was left over.  Now for a few accent pieces and wall decor.

Next on the home decorating list:

1.  Our builder, such a genius, put the light in our kitchen way too close to the window/wall.  So therefore, its a tight squeeze to sit on that side of the table when it is under the light.  I've given up and moved the table out from the window where it should be.  Now, if only I could figure out how to move the light out too so people won't hit their heads and it would look normal.  This issue is the air vent that should've been where the light is and the light where the vent is.  DUH!  I'm not sure this will be an issue I get resolved, I'll probably just pass it on to the next owners :S But I would love to have any suggestions!

2. End-tables... I wish that would get checked off already, it's been on my list for a long time!

3. The office.  Oh, Lord, does it need help!

Shout out to my dad...

I was just sitting here studying a little pharmacology, listening to my iPod to avoid distractions, and a favorite song came on that one rarely hears anymore, and its on my play list.  So, I thought I'd share this little string of thoughts with you all. 
The song was "Achy Breaky Heart," by Billy Ray Cyrus.  Now, we've all heard a little bit about dear old Billy Ray lately because of his famous daughter.  But let's recap shall we... "Achy Breaky Heart," came out in 1992.  I was 5.  Ms. Karen, my babysitter from birth til kindergarten, practically, listened to country music and my parents hated country.  But, because I was with her more of my waking hours than I was with my parents, she had some influence on my music preference at age 5.  At 5 years old, this was my absolute favorite song of all time.  I could sing the whole song and danced to the video on CMT.  Keep in mind, my parents hated country, still do.  Anyway, my dad used to work at the pharmacy at Wal-Mart.  From time-to-time he'd bring us special stuff that they used for display in the store.  One night, to my absolute surprise, my dad walked in with a life-size cardboard cut-out of BILLY RAY!  (side thought:  I wonder where Billy Ray sat in my dad's truck, you think he got the passenger seat? lol)  They used it by the display of his tapes.  Now, is that love or what?  A man who hated country, brought in a life-size image of mullet and all Billy Ray Cyrus.  That thing was in my room for quite some time.  A gift from my quirky, quiet dad.  The same dad that sent me to preschool with my stirrups (stirrup pants, you remember those) on the outside of my high-tops.  The same dad who sent me to kindergarten with my fluorescent pink Benadryl back pack (at least none of my classmates could read yet!).  Just when you think he's not paying attention, he goes and surprises ya.  So this is my blog shout out to my wonderful dad, who doesn't even know what a blog is, much less that I have one.  HAHA

Another Chapter...

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

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.  :-)

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.