Famous Last Words: Week 5

Geeze, February, where did you go?? I know it's a shorter month, but still. I can't believe it's almost over, and that it's almost March...isn't March when we have spring break??

I'm already almost halfway done with my novella (at least according to word count). We're scheduled to finish them before spring break, which just seems nuts to me. But I'm glad, too, to have such big project completed and out of the way before we're barely halfway done with the semester. Everything after that will seem like a piece of peanut butter cake.

And still, I'm enjoying my writing! (I guess I should, since that's my major, and later possibly my profession...) I like this story better than my novel from last semester. I feel like I connect with the character better; probably because I gave her a little sister like mine, and although she has the ability to turn into any reptile, she lives in a "modern" world on a magical country—unlike my novel, where the character was taken from this world and ended up in a completely new, magical place. That was harder for me to write, because I had to create an entirely new world. And, well. I'm not God. It was like trying to create this...

(Map of Tolkien's Middle Earth)

(Tolkien's balrog) 

Versus trying to create something more like this:

(The Hogwarts Express) 

Not to say the world of Harry Potter wasn't new in itself, but in my story, there are more elements of the real world that make it easier for me to make connections. 

I'm sure this doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but I get it. 

On another note, this writing has really made me want to reread Harry Potter... something I frequently long to do, but resist in order to make time for new stories. 

Sigh. Decisions. Book struggles. My to-read list grows every day. 

I wasn't super thrilled with my story for this week (in this class). Nothing really stuck out to me in the stories I read...at least, not in the sense that I found a new story I wanted to create from them. Maybe it was just because I've been so focused on my novella because that's something I'm pretty excited about. 

Maybe this is just a lesson to write more of my milestone before I write my story for this class; then, maybe, I won't just be itching to get back to writing my novella while I'm trying to think of a simpler short story.

That gives me an idea, though...I could write my stories from the perspective of characters in my novella! That might be fun, and it would give me a way to work on my novella (not directly, but some character development or scene setting) while writing a fun story for this class! Ooh, how writing makes my brain work. Thinking doesn't do much for me, but if I start writing it down, thoughts come clearer. 

I won't bother to talk about History of Journalism or my Health Promotion Evaluation class. Because...because.

Dance class, though! I wish I had a picture of our class dancing. It's an enjoyable class, if I'm not totally swamped by the time I get there. Our instructor, Rose, is great. She knows how to make it fun but teach us at the same time. She's also super pretty and enjoyable to watch. She was totally made to be a dancer. 

Things are good.  :)  I'm excited it's Friday, and my classes and work are going well. I can't complain! I want to find a venue soon, and that's a little frustrating, but I know it will work out when it needs to. On a random note, I've got the super-munchies. I want to eat everything. And no, I'm not high, and I also shouldn't be PMSing, so I don't know what it is. (I'm sure you wanted to know that.) 

Here is where I would insert a funny "eat everything!" meme if I could find one labeled for reuse, or knew how to create my own.

Thoughts and Comments

I feel like I really get the most out of a comment when someone makes specific references to my story. Someone mentioned a description of one of my characters, Leah (by name), and described the moment Leah came home, and how well she thought it worked with the story. She explained that it worked because it depicted a real-life situation in detail, and then went on to describe how it reminded her of her own family.

That's another thing that sticks out to me; when a person adds something of their own to the comment they make, rather than simply regurgitating information about my story or introduction. This commenter told me how it related to her own parents, and that helped me see how my story related to real life, and I was also assured that my view of the situation wasn't uncommon.

It's nice to hear people say, "How cool that you did this!" or "I loved your cake!" but when they give me a tidbit of (just an example) their own engagement story, or a little advice on taking trips to Disney or something, that gives me a reason to read it. Of course, I'll read all of them, but it's easy to skim something when it basically just repeats what you wrote.

I think I've done a pretty good job at commenting on others' stories and introductions. I usually end up asking the person a bunch of questions that come to mind, whether about their personal life or their reasons for different things they did in their writing. However, sometimes when nothing really sticks out to me in a story, it can be hard to come up with something to say that isn't simply regurgitating the facts about their story in compliment-form. In times like these, I try to think about what I would have done differently, and offer it, or think more about the formatting.

Storytelling Week 5: Mindy Heller Fails

"I'm sorry, Mindy, but you're failing this class.”

Mindy Heller dropped her head into her hands, stifling a sob. She looked up at Professor Higgins helplessly. "But how? I just don't understand—"

"Mindy, it's really not worth discussing any further. After all the emails, and phone calls, I'm spent. I'm sorry. You need to up your game if you want to make it in this class." His stiff salt-and-pepper mustache frowned at Mindy, and she sighed.

"Yes, sir." She picked her yellow backpack off the floor and left his office, shoulders sagging.

That week, Mindy took her study sessions into overdrive. She stayed up until two in the morning reading Professor Higgins’ notes, reviewing key terms, and looking up extra information online about reptile anatomy.

When Monday rolled around and Mindy went to the computer lab to take the next online quiz, she logged in with confidence, sure she would ace this one.

When she finished, she said a prayer over her grade, left the lab, and went right back to her books, prepping for the next quiz.

But on Tuesday night, Lily received an email from Professor Higgins.

She had failed the quiz.

His email blurred before her as tears welled in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mindy. You might consider dropping the class.”

Mindy’s breath caught in her throat. But I’m trying so hard! she thought. She didn’t understand what else she could possibly do.

But she studied harder, even when the next test material hadn’t been announced. Mindy read her Zoology II book like it was the Bible, carrying it with her on the bus, to other classes, and to bed.

(Study time!)

I have to prove him wrong, she thought. I’m not a failure.

March rolled around and Test number three was on its way. Over the past month, Mindy had received a C on two homework grades and another D on a quiz. Nothing seemed to be working, but she was determined to make this test count—even if there was barely any way for her to pass the class now.

Because his class was online, and it was an upper-level class, Professor Higgins hosted all his quizzes and tests in the computer lab monitored by TA’s. Now, every time Mindy handed over her ID card, her stomach churned. The alien-like glow of the computer screens made her want to vomit.

But she knew this material.

Mindy clicked and read, clicked and read, and typed and read and clicked for an hour and a half, double-checking her answers before the TA announced the end of the test session. Only a few of the questions had stumped her, but she was positive all the others were correct. Taking a deep breath, she logged out, collected her ID from the TA, and left.

No sooner had she left the building than her phone pinged with an email. She held it close to her face, shielding her eyes from the sun.

It was Professor Higgins.

“Mindy, I would highly suggest you drop my class before it goes on your record. The last test did not help to improve your grade. My apologies. Best, PH”

Mindy’s breath caught in her throat.

How had he already collected the test grades?

Tears filled her eyes, and she rushed to a nearby bench. She wrapped her arms around her legs and wept softly into her knees.

“I’m not a failure,” she mumbled. “Mindy Heller is not a failure.”

“Mindy?” a voice chirped in front of her.

Mindy glanced up, where a tall, blonde woman with bright red lip stick stood in front of her. “Yes?” she asked, sniffing.

“Are you Mindy Heller?” The woman was smiling.

“Yes…”

“I’m Professor Higgins! Your Zo teacher! Since the class is online, I rarely get to meet my students, but I’m glad I ran across you! Your essay was superb!” she smiled encouragingly. “It’s nice to see something so well researched and thought-out. I could tell you put a lot of effort into it.”

Mindy’s brow crinkled. “You’re Professor Higgins? But I thought…” Mindy thought of the stiff man with the mustache, telling her she was failing. “I thought Higgins was a man?”

The woman laughed. “Oh, well I hope you don’t still think that! I know there's another Higgins on campus, though…why, were you looking for me?”

Mindy’s eyes widened as a realization dawned on her. This was a big campus. If there were two Higgins, there could be two Mindys. Even two Mindy Hellers.

“So…I’m not failing your class?” she asked hesitantly.

“Goodness, no! You’re doing excellent! I don’t see any reason for you not to finish this semester with an A, Mindy.”

Mindy smiled, standing. “Thanks,” she said. “But I think there’s another Mindy around here the other Higgins might need to talk to…Something must've gotten mixed up with the online systems.” She pulled up her email, squinting against the sun.

“Well, it was very nice to meet you!” Mindy’s Professor Higgins said, walking away. She twisted and called back, “Keep up the good work!”

“Thanks!” Mindy smiled to herself. “Will do.”



Bibliography: Turkish Fairy Tales, The Patience Stone and Patience Knife, by Ignacz Kunos (1913)

Author's Note: The original story tells of a young maiden working home alone, when a bird flies in and tells her, "Your fate is with the dead." She tells her mother about the experience, and her mother warns her to lock the doors the next day. But, the bird slips in through the window and tells the girl the same thing again. This happens three times, frightening the girl and the mother until the mother stays home with the girl, but the bird never returns. Then, three girls come and ask the young maiden to go out with them. She does, and a magic wall grows out of no where, separating her from her friends and her mother. She weeps, then the next day walks through a door in the wall to a palace, where she finds a corpse with a note that reads, "fan me every day for forty days, and then I will wake and the palace will be yours." So the maiden does as the note instructs, and on the fortieth day, another girl comes in. The maiden asks for her to take over for a moment so she can refresh herself, but when she returns, the body has awoken and taken the other girl for his wife, thinking the young maiden must be his new cook. The maiden laments her troubles to a stone, and it bubbles over as she weeps about her lost mother, her work in the palace, and now the girl who tricked her. The prince walks by and overhears her, and then makes sure she gets justice, taking her as his true wife.

From this story, I took the idea of a bad omen (you're failing the class) that was sort of "mistaken." At the end of the original story, the bird flies by and sings about how lovely the maiden's new life is. So I wanted to do the same with my story, sort of twist what the character thought was a bad omen into a mistake.

Reading Diary Week 5: Turkish Fairy Tales, Part II

Turkish Fairy Tales, by Ignacz Kunos

The Patience Stone and Patience Knife: I like the eerie foreshadowing in this story! The girl is told that her fate is with a dead person (three times by a bird), and her mother is finally so scared for her that she stays home with her... which makes me wonder if the mother will die now. I like the Twilight Zone sense of foreboding. I might base my story off of this one, and maybe just modernize it a little.

At the end of the second part, I was surprised to find that the maiden had "found her fate," instructions to earn a palace, on the body of a dead person. I was expecting her to lose someone close to her.

Toward the end, the young maiden laments all her troubles to a "patience stone," and as she describes how she was given a bad omen, separated from her mother, and deceived by the Arab girl, the stone bubbles up and bursts because it can't handle all the injustice and anguish. I like the idea of using an inanimate object to sort of take on or symbolize the events in a character's life... and even do it literally, like in this story. Maybe my character will have a necklace that grows heavier and heavier as she faces more troubles, and eventually it's too heavy to carry... (that kind of reminds me of The Pilgrim's Progress, actually.) 

(Patience Stone)

At the end, the bird that delivered the "terrible omen," flies in singing happily about how the  maiden has found her kizmet. I also like this idea; to use something that was symbolized something negative to express something positive at the end of the story.

The Imp of Well: I love this quote, and the word choice: "Nearby lived a woodcutter who, besides his poverty, had nothing but a most cantankerous wife." The "besides his poverty" is funny because most people don't view poverty as something you own, or "possess," like you would a wife (in those days), but to phrase it this way draws attention to it in a clever way, rather than simply saying, "He had nothing."

At first, it bothered me that I didn't know who this first-person omniscient narrator was, but I think it works for the story, kind of like C.S. Lewis did the Narnia (I think it was first person, occasionally, like this one). "Whereon a great uproar ensued, and how either escaped with their life is more than I can understand."

Reading Diary Week 5: Turkish Fairy Tales, Part I

Turkish Fairy Tales by Ignacz Kunos's

Fear: "The youth, binding a rope round his body, dived to the bottom of the sea. There he discovered that the Daughter of the Sea (Deniz Kyzy) was shaking the vessel. He fell upon her, flogged her soundly, and drove her away. Then, appearing at the surface, he asked: 'Is this fear?'"

One thing I'm not a fan of in old folk tales and fables is the general lack of description. I understand that the stories were usually told to teach a lesson, and it helps that they're short, but I feel like a descriptive tid-bit here and there would be helpful, to put the reader in the story. With this story (and I just used this paragraph as an example), I feel like I'm floating on the outside of the story, watching it unfold from afar, rather than being in it. Again, I guess that's the difference between folk tales and novels, but I think the same principles can be applied. I've read novels that feel "far away" and I've also read short stories that put you in the story very well.

I was kind of surprised at the ending to the fear story. Surprised, and a little disappointed. I was wondering how the author was going to find something to scare the youth at this point, which was good suspense, but then it fell flat. To me, a bird flying out of a soup bowl is startling, but I'm not sure it's fear. Maybe if the author had described the youth's reaction: heart racing, frozen, whatever, it would have seemed "scarier," and made for a more satisfying ending.

Wizard Dervish: In this story, the author tells of three separate times one of the characters turns herself and her husband into an object so a witch can't find them. But it happens three times in a row, each with the same pattern and the same outcome. Usually in fables, the last one is surprising or something... but this just seemed monotonous.

This story also has a very odd ending, with not much satisfaction. He starts with one wife, then ends up with another...which I guess was the dervish's plan all along? Maybe? It just sort of... ends. So one thing I want to be sure of with my writing is to satisfy the readers at the end of the story! Bring it all back together, draw some ties in.

(The man who ends up with two wives, sort of. And is also an oven, a pond, and a garden.)

Learning Challenge: Happiness/Grateful Blog

Today, I decided to blog about something that made me happy each day, and something I am grateful for.

So this is Day One:

Happy: Today, my dad got a call from Amy Cakes saying that she's willing to trade floor cleaning/sealing (my dad's business) in exchange for our wedding cake and groom's cake! So of course, I'm really excited about this. Her cakes are awesome, and I'm extremely grateful for this!

(One of Amy's cakes)

Grateful: This morning, my step mom brought me some leftover chili, so I didn't have to make or buy my lunch, which is always great.


Day 2: Jan. 20, 2016

Happy: I'm happy I get to see all (well, most) of my PW friends in capstone today! My major classes have consisted of the same group of people since Intro, and we've grown pretty close.

(my Professional Writing class at our end-of-semester pizza party) 

Grateful: I'm grateful my roommate (and best friend since kindergarten) Kessa sleeps like a rock. I get up at 5:00am, and I have to walk through her room to get just about anywhere in the house (kitchen, bathroom). If she wasn't such a sound sleeper, I'd feel even more guilty every morning for all of my walk-throughs.

Day 3:

Grateful: I'm so grateful I was able to find my history book online, so now I don't have to pay $60+ for it! Otherwise, I probably wasn't going to buy the book, and just... do a little worse.

Happy: I get to graduate in December! I'll have to motor through the next year and not let myself fall behind or get discouraged from completing three summer classes... but come January, I'll be free of school stress. Hoorah.

(This will be me again. In a little less than a year.)

Day 4: January 22, 2016

Grateful: As believed, God has given me another story idea (for capstone)! Novel and novellas are a little tougher to outline, but I've learned to trust that God will help my creativity right when I need it and just when I've forgotten about it (usually). 

Happy: As I was sitting in bed on Friday night (I won't share how early it was, but let's just say parties everywhere weren't even getting started), about to read, Josh called me and asked me to be spontaneous and drive up to Edmond to see him. And so I did! And I'm horrible about spontanaety. I have to have my routine, and I like a plan. So I'm proud of this small step.

Day 5: January 23, 2016

Grateful: The reason I hadn't already planned to visit Josh over the weekend was that I was low on gas, and didn't really have it in my budget to get more, unless I wanted to dip into my school money, which I did not. But, Josh offered to fill my tank, which was very sweet and generous of him! (Especially considering neither of us are exactly rollin' in dough at the moment. haha) So, I'm very thankful for that, and for him.

Happy: We toured Noah's Event Center in OKC, and I loved it! I got excited just walking through the place. It may not be our final decision, but it was nice to see a place that I liked, where I could see myself getting married.

Day 6: January 24, 2016

Grateful: The girl who lived in this house before me (one of my friends) left all her towels, so I don't have to get any yet!

Happy: My pastor (who doesn't do many weddings) agreed to do our wedding! I was so excited, I gave him a hug on the spot. I couldn't imagine anyone else marrying me and Josh; this is the church we've both attended and grown in the past three years. AND my little sister got baptized!

(Ella's baptism. She swam to Coby.)

Day 7: Jan. 25, 2016

Happy: My little sister got a safety watch she can make phone calls on today. She's seven, and she's called me three times this evening, asking what times she could call me in the evenings, and then later to read me a book my dad bought her yesterday because she thought I would like it. I most definitely did. It's the cutest thing.

Grateful: I'm grateful for my writing professor, Mel, who continues to make class enjoyable. He opens up to us, and lets us open up to him, and going to class is always fun.

Day 8: Jan. 26, 2016

Grateful: For having my bike to ride to class. It's so much faster!

Happy: Ella left me a voicemail with the story There's a Wocket in my Pocket. She said, "It's a rhyming book, so I think you'll like it." And then read me the whole book over the phone.

 

(The book) 

Day 9: Jan. 27, 2016

G: Josh is so patient...in lots of ways with me, but today, he stood there in the grocery store for a good ten minutes while I picked out a facewash. 

H: I finished my history work tonight! and did not wait until tomorrroooow.

Day 10: Jan. 28, 2016

G: That none of my carelessly-left items were stolen! I left my keys in my front door, left my phone on the water fountain in the library, then left my keys again in my bike! I've lost my mind. 

H: I get to see Josh tomorrow!!!

Day 11: Jan. 29, 2016

H: I got to spend the afternoon with my man, even if we are on our way to Lawton...

G: His mom took us out to eat, so we didn't have to figure out what to have for dinner (since we were staying at my mom's house, who is always out of town and therefore has no groceries.)

Day 12: Jan. 30, 2016

G: I got to work at LuLu's and make some grocery money! It doesn't sound fun, but I love working at the coffee shop where I met my man. It was my first job, and it's always interesting, if not fun.

H: Ella has a stomach virus and won't eat anything but popsicles, but I offered to bring her her favorite, a blueberry LuLu's bagel with strawberry cream cheese (but jelly since the doctor said dairy would make her sick), she actually got excited! And then she actually ate it!

Day 13: Jan. 31, 2016

H: Our church has a horse-lovers small group! Uhm, yeah, must join!

G: I was able to pay for all my groceries (almost right on the dot) with my LuLu's earnings, and I got to go for a beautiful, hour-long walk around campus! I love walks and sunshine.

Day 14: 2-1-16

G: Dad and Dana brought me a quiche, so I didn't have to rush to make lunch before dance! (I'm noticing a pattern with food in the grateful category... and money...)

H: Hugging my dad when he brought me the quiche. 

Day 15: 2-2-16

G: I finished my outline for capstone! This is almost more relief than gratitude... but right in time for class! (Just before I had to leave for class; I finished the assignment early.) Yes. 

H: I asked Josh what I should do for a workout, and he said, "Do jumping jacks. With a little booty shakes." It made me laugh. He's such a goob.

Day 16: 2-3-16

G: God reminded me in my writing class today to speak only words that build others up. This is something I've been praying about; to remember to shut my mouth when it's unnecessary to speak. I don't have to say something smart-allecy every chance I get.  :p 

H: People in dance talked to me today! Usually, I stand there awkwardly while other people who know each other chat before class, but I chit-chatted today, too. 

Day 17: 2-4-16

G: Dana brought more food and some rent money for me at work!

H: Talking about my Valentine's plans with Josh. I don't care what we do, but I want to make it special for him this year. He's always doing something for me. I'm excited to turn it around!

Day 18: 2-5-16

G: Dana brought me more food and stuff to return at target for the money... parents... they're really sweet. Can't keep them from helping, and I really am grateful for that.

H: Josh found a pair of shoes that I've been searching for for months, and on sale! He got them for me because I couldn't when he found them. I looooove them!

Day 19: 2-6-16

H: I tried on wedding dresses today! This was the first time... and it felt weird, at first! I told Kessa, "I don't feel old enough to be trying on wedding dresses..." but it was fun! 

G: Kessa got to come with me! I thought she'd have to go to dance, but she had time, and then Dana came, too. I didn't get to try on the dress I thought the shop would have, but they said they could order a sample one for me to try on soon! 

Day 20: 2-7-16 Super Bowl Sunday!

H: My parents love Josh so much. Dad actually said the other day, "Man, I miss having Josh around..." Right now, Josh is at my parents' house helping my dad organize the garage and hang a chandelier while I'm at my house doing homework... sounds odd, maybe, but he's part of the family, and has been for a while now. I wouldn't have it any other way.

G: For the constant support of my family and friends. I know through this wedding process, they'll be by my side, and do their best not to stress me out or push their opinions on me. I have the best family, and the best friends. 

Day 21: 2-8-16

Grateful that the wind wasn't as bad as I expected it to be on my bike. It was pretty brutal, though! I just seemed to be heading the right direction at the right time for most of the day.

Happy that I worked up the gumption to work out when I was tired. I was pretty swamped after the Super Bowl (even though I only went to bed like... an hour or so later than usual?). I talked myself out of my usual 9:30 workout class, then by the time it started, I had talked myself back into it! If I just walk out on the floor, I can do it. And it made the rest of my day feel a little more productive, since I just wanted to lay around anyway. 

Day 22: 2-9-16

G: I had a good text conversation with my mom! I hate phone calls, and hers are usually long, so I'm not a huge fan, and then I don't usually give the conversation the attention it deserves because I just want to GET. OFF.the.PHONE., but we had a pretty substantial conversation over text, and, well, I thought it was pretty fun.

H: My workout! I got the "rush" I used to get after a long run... I was pretty drained afterward, but in a good way. I felt high and a little lightheaded at the same time. That sounds bad, but it was like a workout high mixed with the fact that I needed to eat something. Anyway, my body felt like it had done a good job, and I "enjoyed" it. Haha

Day 23: 2-10-16

G: I'm so grateful my parents taught me the value of money when I was young! I started a Financial Peace class tonight in preparation for our upcoming marriage, and a lot of the stuff in the first lesson were elements I've had engraved in my brain since I was six or seven. I'm a saver by nature, but I know a lot of it comes from good guidance.

H: I heard there's going to be a new Harry Potter book?!?!?! Whaaaaat?! I'm pretty sure I'll be in the middle of three summer courses and wedding planning when it comes out, but will that stop me from buying it at midnight and reading until I fall asleep? I think not. And I just realized that's the first and only time I'll be able to do that! I read the rest of them when I was in 8th grade, after my brother had been the one to attend the midnight releases. He even won a costume contest (earning him the book for free) at one of the releases. 

(My brother Grayson as Harry. And... yes. That's me lurking behind him. This was before any of the movies came out, so he and my mom devised this costume solely from descriptions in the book.) 

Day 24: 2-11-16

G: I got 2,000+ words written for my capstone! My goal is to have 3,000 done before Monday (preferably Sunday so I can celebrate V-day stress-free) and then have 2,000 left to write before Wednesday. It's going pretty well, so I can probably knock out another 1,000 tomorrow, and if not then, I'll probably have time Saturday. Yay! 

Oh, also grateful that I bought potatoes over the weekend... because I had a major potato craving today and you can bet I ate one of those suckers for lunch (with chicken and kale). Well, I ate half, and then an hour later decided I needed the other half. And then for dinner made bean dip and ate that. ALL THE CARBS. Yum. Grateful I had the carbs I was craving!

(Yes. I am one of those people who takes pictures of her food. This is my potatoes and kale.)

H: Just thinking about seeing Josh this weekend and spending time together, cooking for each other... it sounds cheesy, but it does make me happy! And so did my walk/talk in the sunshine today...and the guy at the HUFF who thought I "stole" a smoothie sample!

Day 25: 2-12-16 

H: We watched ourselves dance on video today...and it was kind of hilarious. It was fun to laugh at ourselves.

G: That I didn't have to dance in class Friday. It was video day, so we just watched ourselves dance. I could use the physical break; I usually go from CrossFit, to rushing home to eat, to biking to class, to dancing... and it's tiring.

Day 26: 2-13-16:

G: I'm grateful for the "discipline" I'm living in now that is preparing me for the future (Hebrews 12). Sometimes I'm dissatisfied with living like a college student--counting the price of groceries, determining if I want to go somewhere bad enough to spend the gas, putting school above fun. But I'm grateful my parents let me work for so much of what I have on my own, because I know it's preparing me for a day when I won't always have my parents to lean on! 

H: That I was able to make Josh smile when I said, "Bummer... you won't be home in time to watch the Kentucky game." He knows I don't like sports, but I specifically looked up game times this weekend (he likes Kentucky) so that I could watch one with him. Turns out, he hasn't been watching the Kentucky games lately because they aren't doing well, but he was really happy just knowing I cared enough to look it up. And that made me happy. 

Day 27: 2-14-16:

G: Josh knows me and agrees to my weird date request like exploring the fancy grocery store next to his house. (It's like a Whole Foods, but it's not.) I just wanted to wander around and oogle at all the different health foods, and he tagged along patiently. And he found the perfect color paint swatches as examples for our wedding colors! 

(Our wedding colors)

(Don't see this at a normal grocery store. We've tried Walden Farms calorie-free ranch dressing before... I'm not sure why... but this is coffee creamer. Not going there.)

(My dad used to buy this cereal all the time! It's healthier, and we would eat it with low-sugar chocolate milk... actually really good. Josh bought some and we chowed on it that afternoon.)

H: I decided to spend an extra night in Edmond so I didn't have to leave my fiance that night. He would have been home alone anyway, and getting up early for a Monday morning is nothing if you get to spend more time with the one you love!

Day 28: 2-15-16:

H: My grade for my first milestone in Capstone! 99, with positive comments! And my professor asked if I wanted to read my first few chapters in his novel class today. Big honor, in my book.

G: That I didn't have to read the whole thing out loud! We did popcorn reading, so I didn't have to read solo. I get nervous reading out loud, so that was helpful. And he was very complimentary, so that was a nice ego boost for the day!

Day 29: 2-16-16

G: I'm ahead on my work for capstone! That alone makes me...not stressed.

H: The sunshine! I'm so happy the weather isn't frigid anymore.

Day 30: 2-17-16

G: I didn't get hit by the train...after I was stupid enough to ride my bike across the tracks as the bars were lowering. I mean, it was pretty far away, but still...

Oh, and Josh gets to go to Key Men! The cost ended up being a lot less than he thought, and I know he really wanted to go. It's a great opportunity for him to connect with other guys in the area. 

H: Getting to hug my little sister, even if it was through a car window.  :) 

Day 31: 2-18-16

G: I have a Target gift card (from Christmas?) from my aunt, so I bought PEANUT BUTTER today!! (And some other groceries). I've been eating Peter Pan that someone left at our house, and I'm just not a fan of the not-natural peanut butter... it's too sugary, and I can taste it. Which, although I'm kind of icked-out by it, still sometimes makes me eat more. And then I feel sick. So, anyway...free groceries- and natural peanut butter!

 

(That sucker is in the trash! Because, no, I cannot just throw away peanut butter, even if it's not the kind I like. Not at the rate I eat it.)

H: I can't think of something that specifically made me happy today... but I am happy. My life is good. I've got a volunteer banquet at church tomorrow I'm excited about, and my writing is fun. I'm just happy.   :)

Day 32: 2-19-16

G: For our amazing volunteer banquet and awesome church! The barbeque was delicious, and even when the power went out, we all had a great time! I know they really appreciate the volunteers, and I'm so glad our church is so close even though it's getting so big! I pray that never changes!

(Pastor Adam speaking/praying before we break ground)

H: That they did the Lip Sync battle! Watching it made me laugh more than I have in a while... it was definitely hilarious. 

Day 33: 2-20-16

G: My parents helped me do my taxes (grrrr, rip brains out) and game me the space/materials to wash my car! Boy, did it need it.

H: I did the partner WOD with Kristyna (and I almost never make it to Saturday workouts), and it was fun! The camaraderie and competition was even more intense since she was counting on me and I was counting on her! And afterwords, we got to talk about how we both love editing. I workout with her almost every day and I had no idea! 

Day 34: 2-21-16

G: For my church family. I attended by myself today, but I never felt alone once. I even hung around the lobby to work on my milestone (which I completed even more of later!). And for a random babysitting job! It's always nice to earn some extra cash. 

H: Josh bought me Girl Scout cookies! :) Samoas and Tagalongs!

Day 35: 2-22-16

G: That I enjoyed my workout yesterday. My motivation has bee lacking, and I needed a good sweat session. And that we have a God who speaks to us, up close and personal, who gives so much grace!

H: To see Anansi and Brer Rabbit as story options this week!

Day 36: 2-23-16 

H: My one-to-one with Wes was really fun! ...and now I want to be a professional tree climber! We talked about CrossFit, how he's building what's basically an adult playground in his backyard, and how a palm tree is actually not a tree, it's a grass.

 G: For my healthy body, and that I've had the privilege to grow up eating well and exercising. I was educated more than most kids in that realm. 

Day 37: 2-24-16

G: For my time with my horse small group! I'm so glad I took the time to meet with them, because it was such a joy! Just to talk with other horse-lovers about God, our men, jobs, school, life... it was great. 

H: Hugging Ella through the car window  :) 

Day 38: 2-25-16

H: Talking to Josh at the end of my day about libraries, and how wonderfully overwhelming they are, and books, and my new tree-climbing obsession, and just laughing with him.

G: For Grandma's, Mom's, and Dana's help with the wedding garage sale! And for my best friend who apologizes (unnecessarily) just for not washing her dishes before she left for class--and who tells me to eat cookies.

Day 39: 2-26-16

G: That Grandma paid for Josh and I to go eat somewhere when we got to Lawton. It was late, we were tired, and I don't know what we would have done for dinner otherwise.

H: Having an "easy" day in dance! It was a small class, and we just did abs, ran through the basics really quickly, and stretched. 

Day 40: 2-27-16

G: For working at LuLu's, and all the generously-tipping customers! It's such a fun shop to work at, and I just love the place. 

(Lu Lu's Coffee & Bagel--if you're ever in Lawton, stop by!)

H: That my mom and I finally got to go on a walk together, and the weather was beautiful!

Day 41: 2-28-16

G: That this felt like a long weekend. At least, it didn't feel as unfulfillingly short as some weekends do. And I needed that. (Doesn't everybody, always?) And for all of the support surrounding The Open at our gym. Our members are awesome, and so are our coaches.

H: That I got my first chest-to-bar today!! And successfully completed 32 of them during my first Open workout ever!

Day 41 Feb. 29: 

G: I'm grateful I have spring break to finish my novella, and I don't have to validate all the open scores for our gym! It takes forever.

H: Running during the WOD today was actually fun! I wanted to just keep running for the whole workout. For the first time in a while, it felt fast and enjoyable!

Day 42 March 1: 

G: For the beautiful weather and that I finished my milestone...and that I'm enjoying writing this part of my book! And that my grandmother gave me a whole roast to take home!

 

(My grandma cooked the meat; I did the rest!) 

H: Ella gave me her storybook to read, and it was so cute! I loved the story she wrote, and it made me happy to know she wrote it for fun, not for school!

Day 44 March 2: 

Grateful that Kessa found my ring that I left on a shelf in our bathroom! She actually ran into my room, knelt next to my bed and held it out like she was proposing. If one of us had knocked it off or I'd woken up and realized it wasn't on my ring holder where I usually put it, I would have freaked!

I was happy that my PW class seemed to enjoy when I read Ella's story for them. I know it'll make Ella feel special when I tell her my friends loved her story, too. 

Day 45 March 3: 

I'm grateful for Mel. And that Eli was home so he could send me a picture of my shopping list that I forgot. And for Josh wanting to be there for me during my mini mental breakdowns. 

(Thanks, Eli!)

Happy: I got to eat lunch with Ella today at her school! She loved the "special room" we ate it. It's the cafeteria for the older kids, and the walls are painted like an ocean landscape. I still think it's kind of weird that you eat alone when you visit someone at her school, but I'm glad she enjoyed it. I also made my own peanut butter today, which was a ton of fun!

 (My homemade peanut butter)

Day 46 March 4:

I'm grateful that I have food, that I finished my myth story, that I went to Milik's recital (because it was really fun to see him play!) and that the weather was beautiful!

I'm happy to have my best friend to chit-chat with. And again, seeing Milik perform made me happy, reminded me of our high school friendship.  

Day 47 March 5: 

Happy: I found my wedding dress!!! (At least, I'm 99% sure I did.) and overall, had a great day with my mom! We got Cool Beans coffee, found my dress, ran some errands at Aldi, Big Lots, and Hobby Lobby, had Thai Delight for lunch, checked out Stash, browsed Natural Grocer... I'm thanking God it was just a fun day, because my mom and I don't see each other very often, and we have a tendency to argue.

(my Cool Beans coffee)

 (My mom's sashimi and my curry)

(The back of my dress!)

I'm so grateful for all my mom did for me this Saturday! Helping me pick out a dress, paying for the dress, running my errands with me, buying me lunch...

Day 48 March 6:

I'm grateful for the help of my fellow volunteers in The Kitchen at church! The frapps got way too crazy today, and Ali and her dad Ryan jumped in no problem!

Happy: Again, writing my book! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having!

Day 49 March 7:

Grateful and Happy that I get to work from home today! Which means sleeping in (a little)!

Day 50 March 8:

It was so much fun decorating the house for Kessa's 21st birthday! 

I'm grateful I got to work from home again today, and that it rained so that I was in the mood to write (and got a lot done) and did lots of other homework. 

(I love the moody weather!)

Day 51 March 9: 

I talked to Josh for about an hour on the phone...about nothing. And it was fun! You're probably thinking, "duh, he's your fiance," but I really hate talking on the phone, and since we've been dating for so long, our phone calls are mostly just kind of the same-old same-old now. 

I'm grateful I had an extra hour to do my homework because my dance teacher couldn't make it to class! 

Day 52 March 10:

Grateful my health test was easy (100%!) and it didn't rain when I walked to or from class!

I was happy to hear that Josh is excited to tour venues this weekend! I'm having trouble enjoying the venue-search myself.

Day 53 March 11:

Grateful for another fun day with my mom- venue shopping, and she took us out to dinner (and dessert I didn't need at The Cheesecake Factory), and that she stopped to talk (calmly) to me when I got upset. 

Happy: The waitress told me, "I like you! You eat everything!" I thought it was pretty funny. And true. 

Day 54 March 12:

Josh and I played "football" in his backyard, and I cracked up! We always do when I play a sport. I'm ridiculous. But it was a lot of fun, and the weather was nice! 

I'm also really grateful for his hospitality (he's always ready and willing to jump up and buy groceries as long as I'm cooking! And I like cooking for him.) and I got to sleep in, and the turkey/sweet potato recipe I made was delicious!

(Quinoa stirfry and sweet potato turkey deliciousness!)

Day 55 March 13:

Grateful: Josh's mentor Jon and his wife Lonnie invited us to their church and then took us out for lunch afterwards. They're really sweet, and Lonnie was so fun. I'd never been to Red Rock Grill, and it was delicious. We got "something chocolate" for dessert!

(Something Chocolate at Red Rock Grill) 

I'm so happy I met a man who doesn't judge me for eating half of this. (Or at least if he does, he does it in good humor.) And then later, when I say, "cheesecake sounds good..." who immediately says, "Let's get cheesecake!" and then further tolerates me eating two and a half (small) pieces, plus a few Girl Scout cookies! Not to mention, he watched a really lame romcom with me, too. Josh rocks.

Day 56 March 14: 

I'm grateful for gorgeous weather, finishing my 2,000 words I aimed for, Kessa letting me use her Amazon account to order a new computer charger, having the house to myself, Aaron posting the WOD when my computer died, Chelsey judging my 16.3 score, all the box's spirit and camaraderie, and the escape I find in my writing and reading. 

I'm happy Kessa and I got the TV to work so I could watch movies while my laptop is dead! It helps to plug the yellow cord into the yellow outlet instead of the orange one...

Day 57 March 15:

Sigh. So happy to hear that Josh decided to study for the DAT again. I don't know where it'll lead, but lately I've been a little worried about our future, and concerned that we didn't have enough direction. So I'm happy he's decided to take this step. It's hush-hush, though; he's only telling me and his sister!

I'm so grateful the Lord keeps his promises--that He has a plan for us, that He will provide, and that He KNOWS what he's doing!

Day 58 March 16:

I really am grateful Josh is helping so much with the venue search. It's exhausting; I couldn't do it alone!

I loved getting a little sun on my shoulders and the idea of Spring Break next year with Kessa...we're hoping to take a beach trip together!

Day 59 March 17: 

I'm grateful my old boss's phone call (that I was dreading returning) was short, and that my new box is understanding about my mistakes at the job!

I loved laying out today, definitely made me happy. And I started thinking about a job as a dog trainer... exciting! 

Day 60 March 18:

Grateful my mom shared her dinner with Josh and me.

Happy: Baking apples with her! 

Day 61 March 19: 

Always grateful for LuLu's, and this time for Laura mopping the floors and closing the register! Also grateful for a great dinner at Dad's (brisket!) 

Happy: I loved spending the evening with my dad and Dana, and Ella gifted me a horse as an early birthday present (the horse used to be mine). We also played board games!

Day 62 March 20: 

Happy being at Victory Family Church with my man and getting to spend the day with him hanging out, running errands.

I'm grateful that he goes grocery shopping with me and that I had a free Chipotle burrito! 

Day 63 March 21: 

So grateful Krisyna did The Open workout with me, because I had no other chance to do it, and I needed a judge. Plus, that workout would suck to do solo!  (55 Deadlifts, 55 Wallballs, 55 Calorie Row, 55 Handstand Pushups!)

I'm just happy I got to the first handstand push-up in the workout! And being back with my PW friends after Spring Break. 

Day 64 March 22: 

Happy: I scrolled through my Facebook to check the date of our engagement, and it made me really happy seeing the photos and posts of congratulations, and just remembering how excited I was that first week. 

Grateful again that Josh is searching for venues while I try to get some school work done!

Day 65 March 23: 

I'm grateful I know a trustworthy computer guy and that I don't have much homework to stress over while my laptop is in the shop!

Happy: I loved sitting on the back porch tonight in the nice weather, reading my wedding book and talking to Josh. Also reading earlier in the day (The Name of the Wind) in the sunshine on a bench on campus!

Day 66 March 24: 

Happy: I loved watching Harry Potter with Ella tonight! I got to babysit her while my parents went out for their anniversary, and I knew I could get her hooked on my favorite series if I told her about Dobby! She spent the whole movie (Chamber of Secrets) trying to figure out who was petrifying everyone!

(Ella watching The Chamber of Secrets while we chow on Thai)

I'm grateful Ryan and Craig will be doing prequalification calls at my work and I'll just be the one organizing them! 

Day 67 March 25: 

I'm grateful my computer isn't busted up too bad. I'll use less than $200 from my emergency fund to fix it. 

Happy visiting with Josh and his family at BJ's!

Day 68 March 26: 

HAPPY: I loved The Open workout! I got to judge Ryan and cheer him on, and he did the same for me. I had to give him a death glare when he told me to do 9 reps in a row, though...but I did the reps! And I really enjoyed mine and Josh's walk to Firehouse, and our conversation.  :)

So grateful Josh helped me with my computer, and that he's patient, and for my awesome gym/job. 

Day 69 March 27 Easter:

So thankful Kessa let me borrow her dress, and that Dana made us all brunch!

(My roommate's dress)

Happy: Loved seeing everyone, seeing Ella, chilling on the couch, just relaxing and gaming with the family!

Day 69 March 28:

I'm happy thinking about everything Josh does for me. He's always eager to meet my needs, and it's so sweet. And I'm grateful I didn't have to make my lunch today...leftover Easter eggs! (deviled, yum)

Day 70 March 29: 

I'm grateful my Tuesday/Thursday class is one I can skip. Just wasn't worth it today. 

Happy: I went for a walk, and a cat just ran up to me from someone's porch! It was so sweet. 

(The friendly kitty)

Day 71 March 30:

So grateful I'll be taking Mass Comm Law in the summer and be done with it!

This stormy weather makes me pretty happy...and I'm glad I'll get to have Mel as a teacher again next semester! It'd be weird not to have a class with him, actually...

Day 72 March 31:

Grateful my haircut was in my price range, and that it turned out just how I wanted! And oh, for that head massage during the shampoo...I almost fell asleep. I'm so happy about my new hair, and the nice weather to sit outside and do homework in, and that I got to workout with Thurman this morning!

Day 73 April 1st:

I'm grateful I got to leave Chianti and finish homework before bed... Happy...I'm not sure. It was a weird day. I guess my workout made me happy that morning?

Day 74 April 2:

I'm happy being at Lu Lu's, and grateful for that mini job! Also grateful that I got a poem written for our Alice in Wonderland radio play!  

Day 75 April 3:

I'm grateful my dad changed my oil for me and that my grandma bought me groceries!

Happy: Going to the medieval fair (finally; I've never been) with my brother and seeing all the puppies everywhere! 

My brother (left) and two guys fencing at the fair (right)

Day 76 April 4:

I'm grateful I got most of my health project done—more weight off my shoulders! And that God has given me the time and resources I need to do it. I was really excited when I saw that Alice was part of the reading list for this week! Josh told me I should be a nutritionist today, too. That made me happy, to know he thinks it's something I'd be good at.  :)

Day 77 April 5: 

Happy: I got to lay out and do a lot of my homework in the sunshine! 

I really am grateful for all the wonderful people in my life—I'm surrounded by people who want to reach out and be my friend even when I'm...me...and distant. People at the box, in my PW class, my coworkers, my awesome horse small group, and the best roommate ever!

Day 78 April 6: 

I'm grateful I got to spend a whole day outside...with horses! And that Tammy made it possible for me to go. It made me happy when I got to lead one of the horses, no rope, no halter. It was just a great day overall.  :) 

(This was me after a day with horses—very happy, very sunned)

Day 79 April 7:

I'm grateful my dad came and looked at a rental house with me so I didn't have to go alone, and he brought me Disney movies to watch this weekend. :) I was happy when I found out my little sister wanted to watch the third Harry Potter when I babysit her tomorrow!