The First Day

Tuesday was my first day of class. I had an absolute blast. I love all my SCS friends and teachers. They're great. First class was World Religions...we're going to have two field trips; one to a Hindu temple, the other to a Jewish temple. I'm really excited about learning the different religions in the world. After WR, we went to lunch at Pizza State!!! YUM! :) For those of you who don't know, Pizza State is a buffet close to SCS and the University...it's $6 (with student id) all you can eat Salad, Pizza, dessert pizzas, soup (usually like chicken noodle), and sodas! Not a bad price at all. So Eric, Taylor, Mike, Andrew, Josh, Britany, and I went...it was nice having another girl there...usually it's just me and the guys. After lunch, we had John & His writings. It's gonna be a super intense (it's a Senior level class!), in depth study of John's writings (obviously, hence the name, lol). Then I had a 3 1/2 hour break in which Larry, Mike and I caught up on all the happenings over the summer (Mike's wife is expecting, Larry's wife and kids and his new ministry, my cruise...etc). At 7, I had Church Leadership. There are four students in the class, Mike, Andrew, Joshua (not Josh from lunch, different Joshua), and me...so we are having a seminar-type class...all of us with our laptops sittin' around a table just talking and discussing leadership. I realllly liked it...though I was a little outta my comfort zone because I had to talk and answer questions (and I'm not a talker in a class setting---hard to believe, I know). I have a TONNNN of reading to do...

Monday I'll have Survey of Religious Education for the first time...excited to see what we'll be doing and who is in my class.

'till next time,

I love Fall 2009.

:) I love the first day of school. I love the newness and freshness of starting a new year (or semester), new teachers, new friends. I love the first page of a spiral notebook. I love new backpacks, pens that you have to scribble for a second to get the ink flowing, and choosing 'your seat' for the duration of the semester (look at me using a big word like duration, lol). I love the nervousness in my stomach as I walk into the building, wondering who is going to be in my class, and the excitement of friends I know who will be there with me. I love the expectations of what the semester has to hold. I love that I'm only at SCS this semester!!!! :) I love that I'm one step closer to graduating. :))))))))--that's a really REALLY REALLY big smile. haha). I love SCS. I love the teachers and the faculty---I love that they pray for us, care for us, send us cards when we're sick. I love that they treat us with respect.

I love that I'm taking awesome classes this semester: Survey of Religious Education, World Religions, John & His Writings, and Church Leadership. I love that I already know of at least one friend in my class. I love that my friend Hollie will be teaching a class there this semester and I love that I'll get to see her at least two days a week because of it.

I love that every sentence of this blog started with the words "I love."

Books of the Bible

I can't get this outta my head...we've been singing it EVERY week at church....and it's soooo catchy. I was in the Son Harbor (elementary age) class today & we sang it twice...and I think I've listened to it like 20 times tonight. so I'll share it with you. And we'll all know the Books of the Bible. :)



or, if that link I just posted above doesn't work, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixMvFdeo-F0


Happy Singing, Friends!

New Browser

So, my dad told me about a new browser...you know, like Firefox or Internet Explorer? It's called Google Chrome. and I like it. I just downloaded it, so I haven't really had a lot of time with it, but it seems like it's running faster than Firefox and you can choose the font you want.
Only problem I have is I can't figure out how to bookmark the blogs I read where I can see if someone's updated or not, without clicking on the actual blog itself. Oh well.

Till next time,

Carnival Conquest, August 2nd-9th, 2009

Obviously, I don't do too well with updating my blog---as you can see from my previous Ohio posts, I never finished... SO, this vacation, I took a journal and made myself write what I'd done during the day and now I've just typed it up and am going to post for your enjoyment. :)

Vacation Day 1 (Sunday---boarding)

Today we slept in until 730! This was a treat for me because I’m normally not only up, but at Oso by 730…and today I didn’t actually get up until about 8:10! :) We had some breakfast, packed our stuff, and got a shuttle/taxi to the cruise terminal. We pulled up at the perfect time because they had just opened the doors…there was hardly any wait because we were so early. Yays! :)

On the Lido Deck (9), they had a buffet waiting for us. We ate for a bit (I had two desserts!), took a tour of the spa and the gym, and then were allowed into our staterooms. Ours had two portholes, and Kasey and I just sat and looked at the water for a good 20-30 minutes. We had to do the mandatory life boat drill, where Bill entertained everyone (mainly by asking the crew members if he threw me over if the cost of my ticket could turn into a tab at the bar for him). There were two (cute) guys there who were on their phones, taking pics together. They posed for a pic and Bill was like “facebook picture” and the guys were like “Yeah.” LOL. I think I’m going through facebook withdrawals. Haha. The rest of the day we pretty much spent exploring the ship. It’s SO BIG!!!

Dinner was yummy…I had a steak—but only ordered it because it came with macaroni and cheese. BEST MAC and CHEESE EVER!!! The waiter (Kris) said it was made with Cheddar, but it tasted like sour cream or cream cheese or something. Now it’s 11 o’clock and we aren’t out partying---in our jammies, watching Garfield. Lol!

Vacation Day 2 (Fun Day at Sea-Monday)

We slept until after 9 today!!! :) I LOVED that. I totally slept like a baby…well not a baby because they wake every few hours…I fell asleep when the lights went out and woke up when the alarm went off. We went to a talk about where to get the best shopping deals on the different islands and were given coupons for a free charm bracelet (and then at every Diamond’s International after that we got a free charm!). After the meeting, we laid out for about a half hour and then went to lunch with mom and bill. Now we’re listening to the Taylor Swift music video channel (they’ve shown three songs in a row!) and are going to take a nap. :)

After napping we laid out for another 30 minutes or so, swam in the pool and went down the slide. We came back to our room to get cleaned up for formal night and Kasey and I both ended up wearing dark blue floor length formals and silver shoes. Lol. We went to the show before dinner, which was okay. It was really LOUD. It basically told a story about Mary and Sam who meet on a dating website, fall in love, and get married. The show ended right as dinner was beginning. I had lobster for the first time…it was okay. Not as good as everyone says it is…

After dinner (and changing outta formals and into jeans), we watched a movies (“Express” is what I think it’s called) on the outdoor theatre. It was really good and I want to rent it when we get home. It reminded me of the Lierman’s since they are living near Syracuse, New York, and the movie is about a football team from Syracuse.

After the movie, we went to the 11:45 comedy shoe…Carl Faulkenberry (??) was his name, I think. He really was not that funny. I got back to my room about 1am, and passed out.

Vacation Day 3 (Fun Day at Sea-Tuesday)

I just woke up. It’s 10:30am! I love sleeping until I wake up. The water outside my porthole is very blue---and choppy! I can feel the boat moving up and down and hear the water outside….ahh….

Today I laid out in the sun, went inside for lunch and to sign up to win a raffle, then back out…then inside to not win the raffle…and back out. It was a very lazy day at sea, but I am exhausted still. The show tonight was of a guy named Ron Jeffrey, I believe. He sang “Motown” music. I was surprised that I actually knew most of the songs….then I began missing Audie! A lot of the songs she’s sung before, either in the car or up at the building or, Mr. Tim’s ringtone when he calls her…”You are the sunshine of my life…” :)

After the show, we went to dinner and discussed shore excursions. We, okay Mom, decided we would explore Jamaica and Grand Cayman, and would use Cozumel for excursions. We decided that the four of us would go Ziplining and the six of us would go on a Submarine. SO EXCITED!

TOMORROW’S JAMAICA, MON!!!!!!!

Vacation Day 4 (Jamaica!--Wednesday)

Today we went to Jamaica, mon! :) It was definitely NOT how I expected it to be…the city was soooo dirty! I couldn’t believe it’s such a popular tourist town with all the dirtiness.

We started out going to the City Center Mall, which was really like a big flea market…a lot of small family owned shops with souvenirs. We were able to bargain quite a bit though, which was nice. We hadn’t been there but 5 minutes, and my Grandpa bought a hat & a shirt that should’ve been $60, but he got it for $25. lol. It was one of those cute shirts that looks Hawaiian, but it’s really Jamaican. We spent a couple of hours there, then caught the ‘Hot Spot Shuttle’ to Margaritaville. Had my head not already been hurting, I think I would’ve enjoyed it, but it was really crowded and loud. I dead have my ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise,’ which was really yummy, but I passed on the margaritas. I thought it was really funny that they sang ‘5 O’clock Somewhere’ right at 12:30 (‘…it’s only half past 12, but I don’t care…it’s 5 o’clock somewhere…’). Maybe that’s one of those “have to be there” moments.

After lunch, we headed to the beach. B-E-A-utiful!!! :) The sand was more like itty bitty rocks and the water was clear. I was in water up to my chin and could look down and see my pretty, teal, pedicured toes. So pretty (the water…well, and my toes ;) ). We spent an hour or so there, then headed to the ‘Twisted Kilt Irish Pub.’ My grandpa liked the name, so we went and they shared cheesecakes and we all had sodas.

One thing I noticed at the beach was about every 5 minutes, a plane would land…an airport must’ve been close by, though I never saw it. I was just very impressed by the number of planes flying in and out.

Also in Jamaica, they drive on the left side of the road…SCARY! LOL. I am definitely NOT used to that. Several times I almost screamed. Haha.

We got back to the ship around 430, showered, and watched Marley and Me in our room. Then we went to a magic show (which I thought was lame), dinner, then out on the Lido deck for movies! I LOVE watching movies outside under the stars and a beautifully full moon. We caught the last 20 minutes or so of High School Musical 3 (<3!) style=""> Tomorrow we will be arriving at Grand Cayman Island at 7am. We’re going in a submarine! How cool is that???

Vacation Day 5 (Grand Cayman Island--Thursday)

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVED Grand Cayman Island!!! It was sooooo beautiful (and clean too!!!)!

We took a tender from the ship to the dock where we decided to shop for awhile before our submarine excursion. I found a super cute peachy-orange skirt that I can’t wait to wear. :)

At 1045, we met with our tour guide to take us on the submarine! It was WAY cool (I took 165 pics just on/of the submarine!). We spent 45min-1hr under-water, though it felt like just a few minutes. We got to see two different shipwrecks as well as a bunch of coral and some small fish. :)

We had lunch at Margaritaville again, mainly because we all (except Kasey) had wrist bands from Jamaica for free 9oz margaritas. I hadn’t had one before, and learned that I don’t like them at all--too sour…so mom got two. Lol. We shopped a little longer, then headed back to catch a tender to the ship….at the same time as everyone else. It looked like it was going to rain, but it waited until we were back in our rooms to do that. I was so exhausted when we got back, I took a 2 hour nap! I sooooo love naps! :)

Tonight was a formal night, so we got all dressed up and Kasey and I went and took a whole bunch of pictures (at least 8-10 per background and we did 3 backgrounds), then met mom and grandpa for dinner (Bill hurt his foot and John was sleeping). I had a very interesting Cinnamon, Pumpkin, Squash, Yam, and Cheddar Pot Pie. It was okay…though if it’s on the menu again, I’ll probably NOT get it again, lol. ;)

The highlight of the dinner was when the waitstaff danced to FloRida’s Low…they had us all stand up and dance and Grandpa not only clapped and danced, but he got Low too…LOL….

Vacation Day 6 (Cozumel--Friday)

I WENT ZIP LINING!!!!!! I kept telling everyone that zip lining was the one excursion I really wanted to do…and I think everyone, myself included, thought that I was going to chicken out…but I didn’t! :)

We arrived in Cozumel @10am and our excursion left at 1030. We took a quick taxi ride to Fly High Adventure Park where we were strapped up, briefed, and sent climbing to the top of the first tower. I was really excited about it, and not nervous, until we got to the second level of the tower…and still had one more to go. It was a looong way down. Lol. We went through the course twice and I think there were 8 lines, so we zipped about 16 times. The first one I just looked straight at the guy waiting at the next tower for me and prayed to myself. By the 3^rd one, I was ready to go.It was such a rush…I can’t wait to do it again.

After Zip Lining, I had probably the BEST ice cream sandwich in my life…it was Eskima brand, and it had vanilla ice cream, but it was a really really yummy, more vanilla-y ice cream! :)

We took a tour of the wildlife sanctuary they have on their property and saw some turtles and monkeys and a couple of other animals. Most of them were rescued from severely dangerous environments, but are doing better now.

We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping…but not by Kasey and I’s choice. All we’ve wanted to do this whole trip is lay on a beautiful white-sand, blue-water beach and relax, but Mom & Bill wanted to shop, so we shopped as well. We spent 1hour and the beach in Jamaica and that was it. :( I’ve had a realllyyy good time relaxing this trip, but am a little antsy- - - ready to be back at church, excited about Leadership Summit - - - and babysitting…I miss my kiddos. Tomorrow I plan to lay by the pool, nap, and lay by the pool some more.

After dinner, John, Mom, Bill, and I stayed up until after midnight playing Dominos. I decided to get a slice of pizza in between rounds and on the way back to the table, I slipped in a HUGE mess of ice cream. I skinned my knee (I can tell a bruise is forming) and tore up my big toenail. I guess I was a little emotional because I sobbed over my messed up pedicure. LOL.

Audie had told Jenny when she went on her cruise that she takes dry erase boards to stick on their doors. Well, our doors didn’t have enough metal for them to stick, so we’ve just stuck them in this little box outside our door. Today, we had a note that said, “Hello and have a great day from your friendly neighbors.” Kasey and I were excited about it and we’ve been back and forth all day today. The friendly neighbors are 3 couples from College Station, Victoria, and LaVernia (near San Antonio). I’ve yet to meet them face to face, but maybe tomorrow…

Vacation Day 7 (Fun Day at Sea- - Saturday)

Today is a sad day, as it’s the last full day. L I spent the majority of the day lounging in the sun. I went to a past cruisers party, which was boring…basically 45 minutes of listening to them say thanks for coming, come again. There was also a Walk for a Cure for the Breast Cancer Society that we participated in. We walked 10 laps (1mile) around the track. So far CCL (Carnival Cruise Lines) has raised over $950,000.

At dinner, the wait staff sang a song that was so depressing. It was basically a we’ll miss you, come back soon song, but it was sad…we all wanted to stay…

Well, our bags are packed (and actually picked up already), the alarm is set, and I’m going to bed.

Until Next time,