Episodes from the negative file

Lately, a lot of sad and unfortunate things have been happening to people in my life, people I love and I cannot help but feel discouraged. People are hurting in this world and that is something that will never change. Times are tough and good people are often hurt in the process. Others go about life with little to no thought of others and that really bothers me.
I know all I can do is continue to work hard myself, try to help people in the best way I can and ultimately pray. I pray for my family and the families that I know who are under hardship financially, mentally, physically and spiritually.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Episodes from the literature file

So, as many of you know I LOVE to read. I can sit and devour books. This love started in childhood around 4th grade. I would check out tons and tons of books from the library. I especially love historical fiction and my favorite historical fiction author is Philippa Gregory. My favorite she has written so far is "The Other Boleyn Girl", the story of Mary Boleyn, mistress to Henry VIII and sister of Anne Boleyn (my favorite historical figure hands down).

I recently finished Philippa's newest novel, "The White Queen", the story of Elizabeth Woodville the wife of Edward IV. I literally could not put the book down and raced through half of it in one night. The series is about the Cousin's War, the War of the Roses, York vs. Lancaster. It centers on the rise and fall of King Edward IV and his regent Elizabeth and includes the story of the "Princes of the Tower", the two young boys who after being held captive in the Tower of London vanished never to be found again. Stories abound as to what happened to them. They were murdered by their uncle, died of natural causes, etc. Philippa explores the theory that Richard the younger of the two, was in fact not really Richard but an impostor. The story is fantastic and reminded me how much I love historical fiction.

Tudor England and the English monarchies have always been my favorite things to study and read about. I cannot wait to devour more in this series and more about these fascinating people.

Episodes from the memories file

So on Monday night after a very long, long day I attended a surprise party for one of my RAs, Emily Sell. While at this party and hanging out with some of my other residents I ended up laughing so hard I was crying, doubled over, and had stomach pains! This is one of the many reasons why I love my job so much.

I can sit and hang out with my students for hours just talking, watching a movie or laughing our heads off. How many people can say that? I get to live the college life but not have to go to class or do any of the homework, how sweet is that? Yes, my job requires that I enforce discipline which is hard to do and is really busy at times but I would not give up the memories I have made or the lives I have been able to be a part of anything. Here are a few of the top memories:

• Table 9 at John & Taryn's wedding
• Emily Sell's surprise party (peasant voice anyone?)
• My surprise party last year
• Each year at SLR
• Laser tag with the RAs (MAD hall dominating Carlson)
• Jazz Fest
• My office hours and the random people who come by to visit
• 1:1s
• Movie nights a plenty
• Junior/Senior and tearing up the dance floor

Episodes from the organization file

So, we all know that I LOVE to organize. I could sit all day and sort and file things so imagine my happiness when one of my favorite shows, Jon & Kate Plus 8 (I do not want to hear the crap about their issues right now, I love the show) did a show on organization! The episode centered around Kate having a professional organizer come in and organize their basement since it has become a holding spot post move. First, they sorted through everything into categories and purged unnecessary items. Next, they evaluated what storage features they needed. Finally, they pulled out one of my (and Kate's) favorite tools: THE LABEL MAKER!

Britt and Aubz brought the label maker into my life as a birthday/Christmas gift last year (do they know me or what?). Most people are probably laughing right now and saying "Really Alicia, you love the label maker that much?" YES! I love being able to label items. Organizing for me is cathartic. There was a quote on last night's show that pretty much sums things up for me: "In a cluttered world, my mind is cluttered". This is so true. Throughout my life stress has been a main theme. I do better when I can sit down and organize my thoughts, tasks, and projects before I tackle them. It just helps me to focus and get things completed.

Now, granted I do not have a household of 8 children but I do have three positions, that involve a dorm full for residents who need me, a family that relies on me a great deal and just day to day life. I hope I can stay as organized as a mother of 8 when I have a family someday but for now I will continue to organize myself and helps those around me by using the gift that God has given me for organization

Seeing this episode last night really made my night after a really LONG day now off to label something......:)

Episodes from the Saturday files

Saturdays.....oh how I love you!

Saturdays to me are such an awesome thing. Nothing beats a day full of possibilities. Most of the time I start the day off by sleeping in. This is a luxury that I look forward to all week. When I do get up (as I rarely set an alarm) I take an extra long shower and then settle in the living room with a cup of coffee. I might watch some tv (usually food network or E!) or read my most recent magazine that has come in the mail.

I will sit down and work on some projects I might have whether that be a residence life thing or something I have been meaning to get done or run errands. I usually spend the night with friends or watching a movie.

So as you can see the theme of my Saturdays is relaxation and me time. Well, off to enjoy the rest of my Saturday and I hope you all get to as well.

Episodes from the Fall file.....

Oh how I LOVE Fall and all it represents. Leaves crunching, brisk air, sweatshirts, bonfires, and all things pumpkin!

I love going apple picking and taking pictures. There are other times of the year that I like but there is something about Autumn that makes me feel cozy and warm. Some of my favorite memories are during this time of year and when it is over we have Christmas!!!!

Here are some pictures of Fall so that you too can share my love:

Episodes from the relaxation file

Happy Labor Day to one and all! In true celebration I have taken the entire weekend to do exactly what I want to do.

Saturday, I hung out with my brother and just relaxed. Yesterday, Kara came to visit me and celebrate her birthday. We did what any good female would, we partook in some shopping. I got to AMAZING pairs of work shoes for what I would have paid for one (thank you Bogo time at Payless). The one pair I would not have normally purchased however when I was walking around the store with them on I felt like I was not wearing shoes at all! We also had Starbucks (yum!).

Today, I decided to continue the theme of doing nothing. I played some Wii, watched some Gilmore Girls, and plan on doing some reading later before a movie nightcap. All in all a good weekend despite a last minute change in plans.

I hope everyone gets to just enjoy themselves today like I have because I know I needed it and I bet others are there do too.