Cassi Lee

Posted my roomies senior pictures on my other blog! Congrats, Cass!!

Trust

A favorite of mine right now. As life changes, it is soothing to remember that we CAN trust Him.

30 Day Challenge: Day 30

This is it! The final day of the challenge. What a fun month this has been. I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge and give this challenge a try. Would totally recommend it to anyone who likes writing at all. I found another 30 day challenge that I plan to do at some point, but will be taking a little break. Without further ado, my final post...

Day 30: Your highs and lows of this month

This month = March

This one is actual pretty tough for me. I don't really remember tons of super highs or extremely lows. My life is filled with random fun experiences and every day mundane activities, but not many crazy highs or lows. I'll do my best...

• Spring break in Texas! -high
• Studying for first half of break -low
• Seeing "my girls" again -high
• GORGEOUS weather -high
• Overwhelming school load -low
• Crazy roommate adventures -high

I realize that's a short list, but I am really drawing a blank. Thankful to have a fairly even keel life. 

And that's a wrap! I made it through the entire challenge in just slightly over the pre-alloted time. YAY! Glad to have accomplished this challenge and love being back in the blogger world. Goodbye for now!

Never A Dull Moment

"Well, there's some good news and some bad news," I informed Kristiana when she got home this evening.

Cassi sat over on the barstool, already laughing.

"The good news is, you still have somewhere to sleep tonight. The bad news is, you lost an oven mit," I informed her as I pulled the singed and almost burnt in half oven mit from behind my back and we all burst into laughter.

Yep, for the first (and hopefully only) time in my life, I lit the oven on fire. Cassi and I were trying to broil nachos for dinner and I had pulled the tray out to add more cheese. As I went to slide the pan back in, the oven mit slipped out of my hand and onto the heat source. I quickly opened the drawer in search of another mit, but before I could get to it, the original mit burst into flames. "What do I do?!" I asked Cassi as I frantically switched the oven off. I raced to open the door and window to prevent the fire alarm activating while she grabbed a cup of water and tossed it on the fire. Two and a half cups of water later, the fire was out and Cassi and I were laughing hysterically on the kitchen floor. I retrieved the burnt oven mit and took it outside to cool. Thankfully, no alarms went off and no fine was charged. No permanent damage was done, except to the poor oven mit.

The Casualty

*side note: the nachos still tasted great!

Lately

Busy. That's how things have been around here as of late. Fun busy, gross busy (school), just plain busy. Fortunately, and unfortunately, I never let school or work keep me from having fun. Here are just a few of the things that have happened in my life over the last week/week and a half:

S.A. Talent Show

David performed with the Kaleb Stock Band for the school talent show, so big sister decided to go show some support. The theme was a Gala Event and people were encouraged to dress up. Some did, some didn't, but we decided to join the formal crew. The talent was FANTASTIC. So glad Dave was playing so that I didn't skip and miss out on such a good time.

Phenomenal Devotions Weather

I know I mentioned something about this in one of my earlier posts, but I cannot get enough of this amazing weather. Check out these views I've gotten to enjoy:

My favorite!!!!! 

Not so beautiful, but for some reason I found this jet stream interesting...

The Circus

Sunday, March 18, I had my first experience at Barnum and Bailey Circus. Nathan Lewis and I got to experience "the greatest show on earth" in downtown Chattanooga. Definitely some cool stuff. Plenty of acts that would make a mother nervous.

Apparently lots of other people thought the circus sounded fun, too

The "strong man" --he's the one laying under that board with all the women on top of it...

And yet another picture of the strong man

This trapeze artist was crazy! Ever tried the monkey bars? This guy did them with his FEET way up high in the air.

The elephants!! Yay!

At one point, there were three motorcycles riding around in that sphere with a girl standing in the middle

The Grand Finale

Barnum and Bailey! Thanks for the fun time, Nathan!

SM Packages: SENT!

I have deep respect and appreciation for all the people who mailed me packages while I was in Ethiopia. Not only because it was better than Christmas to receive them, but also because I now realize they are a major pain to pack. It's almost as if the Post Office is trying to discourage people from mailing packages overseas. After squeezing everything into a Flat Rate box, one must write down EVERY item in the package, how much it weighs, and approximately how much it costs. Let me tell you, I definitely guess on the weights and costs!. Then they must be taped as though they need to survive a natural disaster, and then they must be addressed and sent on their way. We're talking hours. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who mailed me packages!! And get ready for some package love, Dani and Karissa!!!

Lookout, Tchad, here I come!!!

SM Convention at Cohutta Springs

Every year, all of the Adventist schools (well, most of them) Campus Ministries teams get together to share ideas and brainstorm. This year was SAU's turn to host. After months of prep, we all headed out to Cohutta for the retreat. Presentation preparation and driving back to school for an exam were stressful, but overall it was fun to connect with the other schools and listen to inspiring messages. I came back slightly exhausted, but also slightly refreshed. Funny how those two went together. Only took a few pics, but here they are...

The drive to Cohutta was BEAUTIFUL. So pretty. 

This picture does not even BEGIN to do the sunrise justice. It was gorgeous.

Peaceful Cohutta. No cars coming and going. No classes. So nice.

It's been good times. More fun/stress/adventures/routine to come before this crazy semester is over. 5 1/2 weeks and counting. It's bittersweet for sure. So ready to be done, but sad to say goodbye. Savoring these last days before everything changes yet again. Who knows what the future has in store??

30 Day Challenge: Day 29

I'm finally back! CrAzY, busy weekend with Campus Ministries retreat. (will post pictures later)

Only two days left of this challenge...

Day 29: Goals for the next 30 days

• Be a better student (I can dimly see the light at the end of the tunnel...)
• Be more consistent with my morning devotions 
• Finalize summer plans
• Make more memories with my soon-to-be graduating friends
• Read another just-for-fun book (that's a lofty goal with my recent trend)
• Exercise more often
• Find time for annual spring "banquet"
• Eat healthier
• Less computer/phone game time
• Savor more walks/bike rides in this beautiful weather

So little time, so many wonderful things to accomplish. Tune in tomorrow for my final 30-Day Challenge post...

30 Day Challenge: Day 28

Day 28: Something that you miss

The first thing that came to mind when I saw this question was not a something, but instead someones. There are many wonderful people and places that I miss, but the first ones to come to my mind were "my girls" and their Momma.

Friends since I was 2002, the Sexson girls are like sisters to me. Not only are the girls the cutest in the world (no bias whatsoever), but they are also beautiful on the inside. Although they are still young, these little ladies already have hearts for Jesus and are so fun to be around. I LOVE watching them grow and mature into young women.

Their Momma, Kim, is one of my best friends in the whole world. We view the world through a similar lens and value many of the same things. This lady gets me more than most people. I love being her friend and learning from her walk with God. Visiting her a few weeks ago only made me miss her more.

Living in Georgia has been wonderful, but I sure do miss the people we left back in Texas. So grateful for phone calls, texting, and airplanes.

I love and miss you Kim, Mickynzie, Brenna, and Shaylee!! (and all my other fantastic Texas friends)

30 Day Challenge: Day 27

Today was beautiful. Not just sunny beautiful, productive beautiful. Deep cleaned most of the apartment, baked banana bread muffins, and packed SM packages. My to-do list is still miles long, but it felt good to accomplish something. Now onto my blog challenge before I crash...

Day 27: A problem that you have had

Probably the biggest problem I struggle with is my tendency to worry. I'm type A, slightly OCD, and LOVE to plan. These can be beautiful qualities, but they also lend themselves to worry. Trusting the unknown, especially when it comes to my future, is extremely difficult for me.

Along with these perfectionist tendencies comes an intense desire to please people. I read into what people say to me, being overly careful not to hurt/offend anyone in anyway. Sometimes it can be slightly ridiculous.

So yep. I'm not proud of this problem I have, but it's a legit one. When I'm spending consistent time with Jesus, I worry a lot less. And the older I get, the better it gets.

There you have it. Now I'm off to bed. I won't have Internet for the next several days and probably won't be able to post on time, but promise I will keep writing them on the scheduled days.

10 Things (and a bonus)

Today was "one of those days." Not a bad day, just one that took some perseverance and a pep talk from the Momma. So before I collapse into bed tonight, I decided to post 10 things I'm thankful for that happened today, in spite of the rough patches that tried to steal my sunshine.

1. Beautiful morning for outdoor devotions

2. Lunch with my cousin and roomie, during which Whitney discovered a colored quarter!!

3. Robin Eggs: Multi-purpose candy. A tasty treat and gorgeous lipstick all at the same time!

4. A phone conversation with my wonderful mother. I love you, Mom!!

5. Heart stickers!!! Put one on each hand to add sunshine to my day.

6. Campus Ministries love. My family in the Student Center. That place was hoppin' today, and it was so fun to say hi and exchange hugs with some of my favorite people.

7. A conversation with a lively, outgoing 3-year-old in the Village Market. Got to share one of my heart stickers with her. She was ADORABLE.

8. STUDY BREAK to beak Coconut Cream Pie for a friend who broke his ankle. The pies turned out less than fantastic, but the break was great.

They look pretty, but don't be deceived...


9. My incredible roommate. She always puts a smile on my face when she comes "home." Thanks for all the laughs, pretty lady!

10. Amazing weather. Went on a speed walk to get some exercise and savor a few minutes of this blissful season.

Bonus: I realized I had used #6 twice, so here is a bonus one...

11. Goofy roommate "dance parties." These mainly consist of two roommates, struggling to focus on school, blasting 90's and 2000's hits and "dancing," either around the room or in our perspective seats. We look ridiculous, but it makes us laugh. Haha!

Some days are hard to push through, but when we stop and think about the blessings in each one of them, we realize how fantastically blessed we really are. Now I just need to work on remembering that during the bumpy spots... Funny how research projects and upcoming presentations can muddy that perspective. 

Hope everyone reading this is having a great week and takes the time to think about all the little rays of sunshine God sends your way to brighten your day. 

30 Day Challenge: Day 26

Day 26: What kind of person attracts you

I'm assuming this question means romantically attractive, so that's how I'm going to answer it...

The first physical traits I notice and find attractive would be the smile and sometimes eyes. Physical attraction is only a small part of what attracts me to someone, though.

Personality and character are way more influential in the attraction process in my book. A guy who is laughing and smiling all the time will catch my attention much sooner than someone who has perfect teeth or chiseled muscles (although neither of those are a bad thing...).

I'm attracted to guys who love life and live it to the fullest. Guys who are thoughtful, hardworking, and involved with the people around them.

At the very top of my list is passion for God and a connection with Him on a daily basis. When God is central in someone's life, it shines through. And that is the most attractive thing you can experience in a person.

There you have it. My brief, simple summary of what I find attractive in a guy.

30 Day Challenge: Day 25

Day 25: Someone who fascinates you and why

People in general fascinate me! I love learning about people's lives and what makes them tick. How to pick just one? (Noticing a theme here? I have a terrible time picking favorites) I love people watching at school, the airport, church, etc. Even more than that, I love talking to them and hearing their unique story.

For the sake of this blog, I'm going to have to choose my Dad, Pete Weber. I know it's cliche, but it's true. He fascinates me. For my entire life, Dad has prioritized his family above everything but God. We have never questioned where we fall in his priority line up. At the same time, he excels at his job. God has blessed him with numerous promotions and he thrives at whatever he does. Our landscape around our house always looks impeccable, AND he finds time to help around the house. On top of all of this, Jesus is always first in his life. No matter what's going on, he starts his day with Jesus. AND he is hardly ever stressed. It amazes me. When I think about all he does, it blows my mind. How does he do it all? Dad's life goes to show that a relationship with Jesus is a critical part of a successful life. Yep, Pete Weber fascinates and amazes me. I hope to grow to be more and more like him as the years progress...

*Note to Mom- it was a toss up between you and Dad. You both fascinate me, but you get written about more than he does. LOVE YOU!

30 Day Challenge: Day 24

Day 24: Your favorite movie and what it's about

Not possible to pick one. I have several old classic favorites and simply cannot choose between them. So here are my favorites, limited as much as possible.

Father of the Bride 1&2

These movies entered my life when I was only about 6 or 7 years old, and have been favorites of mine since then. The first movie is about a father's reaction to his daughter's engagement and the way he deals with the situation leading up to her wedding. Steve Martin is HILARIOUS, and the family dynamics remind me of mine (as much as fictional family can).

In the second movie, we view another milestone through George Banks' (the father) eyes: pregnancy. He is known of his inability to cope with change, and this movie is a perfect sequel to the original.  Steve Martin and Martin Short are hysterically funny and make this movie one of my all-time favorites.

Anne of Green Gables

Okay, really. Who DOESN'T like Anne of Green Gables? I'm sure there has to be someone out there who isn't her biggest fan, but I certainly can't relate. More childhood favorites, these movies never get old. I love all three of them. They follow an orphaned girl from childhood to motherhood, and are beautifully done.

Little Women

Poor David has been subjected to the "torture" of watching this movie countless times throughout his life. The rough life of a little brother... I think I could nearly quote this movie I have watched it so many times. A classic tale of 4 sisters and their mother, surviving the Civil War and the changes it brought. It is a timeless movie and will always be one of my favorites.

Even as I picked these movies, I realized there are so many other classics that have a special place in my heart. It's tough to choose. But if you go off of frequency of watching and place in the heart, these would have to be at the top. What are some of your favorites?

Wait for it...

It happened. I finally got so busy I forgot to post. So, I'll be posting two in the morning. Oh well. Life is beautiful.

Week in Review

Transitioning back into school has not been the easiest thing in the world for me. I love having fun WAY too much, and feel as though I've been drowning in research. Thankfully, I am surrounded by fantastic people and have gotten to have plenty of good times sprinkled throughout the stress. Here are few of my week's highlights:

Yellow Deli study time with the Roomie

By the time this picture was taken we were already on the highway, almost there. And yes, that's 5:09 AM.

Trying to look awake at 5:15 AM

BEAUTIFUL weather

Biking to class

Studying outside on a blanket in the grass

Cristy was so sweet and brought Cassi and I cold tea while we were studying

SM Packages!!!!!!!

I LOVE buying stuff for SMs. I know what it was like to get packages while serving and have a hard time controlling myself when buying for current SMs. Now to get it all boxed and sent... 

Olive Garden dinner with my former piano teacher

Every spring, my piano teacher from high school comes to visit her best friend. She always treats her former students who are at Southern to dinner at Olive Garden. So sweet!

Hail storm

This picture doesn't really show much, but we got a quick, but intense hail storm Thursday night. Decent sized and LOUD.

My New Love

I am in LOVE with this stuff! I don't really like licorice, but this tea is amazing. It actually has flavor, unlike many other teas I've had in the past. Thanks to Miss Cristy for introducing me to it!

Great week. These are only a few of the fun things that filled my week. School isn't always fun (okay, hardly ever for me), but I am blessed.

30 Day Challenge: Day 23

Day 23: Give pictures of 5 guys who are famous who you find attractive

Since the days of "Little Women..."

Christian Bale

More recent appreciation:

 Jude Law

 Chad Michael Murray

Those guys are pretty good lookin. But the two most famous, most handsome men I've ever seen are the two I've saved for last:

 Pete Weber

 David Weber

I know you are thinking "It said 5 FAMOUS guys and these last two aren't famous," but in my world, they are as famous as famous gets. And I personally think they're way better looking than the 3 above them, because I've seen them laugh and I've seen them cry. I've seen the soft hearts that they have for Jesus. Yep, they are definitely the best looking men I've met!