I was inspired by a friend to write a blog about thankfulness. As we all know Thanksgiving is right around the corner and being thankful seems to be the topic of conversation at so many dinner tables on that blessed day. As I lie awake with my mind racing about everything from what I need at the grocery store to thinking about Heather's wedding plans, I can't help but be thankful for...
People who I love that love me back
sisters
ALL my family (even those cousins and the aunt who aren't technically blood but more family than I could have ever hoped for)
the most amazing parents that God blessed me with for 23 years
graduate school, even though it's hard
new friends
old friends
cell phones and text messaging
churches who broadcast online for those days we can't get ourselves out of bed
Taylor Swift songs that can always make me smile, cry, and laugh all at the same time
inspirational quotes
Cyndi's constant love, support, thoughtfulness, teaching, inspiration, kindness, and willingness to go to Walmart with me even if its the middle of the night and too cold for bugs to survive :)
gas prices going down
google from my cell, who needs phonebooks?
waking up to the smell of waffles and bacon, well maybe when I get home?
Gracie, Lane, Caden, and all the beautiful babies to come!
forgiveness
secrets between friends
the way Christmas lights make everyhouse look like a fairy tale
pictures, i love to document memories-even if they aren't my own
falling asleep on the phone
fancy dresses and the way they transform every girl into a princess
and I am thankful for where I am because it is where God has asked me to be.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Living in the Present.
It has been awhile since I have posted and I apologize. Ali is a wonderful friend that constantly keeps me on track, so after several of her postings and her asking when I was going to post next, I thought I would today. I have been incredibly busy with papers, projects, presentations, and traveling that I haven't had the chance to really sit down and share with you all what has been going on. I figured I would touch on a few things as well as some thoughts I have been having.
Since the last time I posted, grad school definitely hit me right smack dab in the face. As noted in my previous posting, I completed my first and only midterm of the semester. I am pretty pleased with my grade; however, I know that I can do better. So, I am prepping for the final now, especially because I am aware of what a good midterm/final should look like. A couple weeks ago, I conducted my very first three hour presentation. Yes, you read correctly... a THREE hour presentation. My partner, Crystal, and I had to teach a class period on hiring. I was very nervous about this presentation due to my LACK of knowledge in hiring employees to positions within a company. Of course, we were given material to study prior to the presentation, but it was intimidating to teach management professionals something that they already knew through experience from a text book standpoint. However, everything turned out really great and really boosted my self confidence! There was a ton of discussion going on with everyone sharing their experiences with the class and participating in the different activties we presented. We ended up with a perfect score, so I am pleased and glad that is all over! That same week, I had another presentation as well as a teaching observation paper and syllabus project due! Luckily, my second presentation was only 15 minutes, so it was a breeze after the first presentation. I had a wonderful partner, Cynthia, who was so great to work with and it was nice getting to know another person in my class. I really enjoyed writing my teaching observation paper because it allowed me to really apply what I have been learning in class to a specific individual and classroom situation. However, my favorite part of that crazy week was working on the syllabus project. It was really a lot of work, but it was neat to see how fun it can become by putting in a little creativity. PLUS, it was nice to see "Dr. Cyndi Munson" on a piece of paper, even if it was fake. :) Looking back, I am wondering how in the world I survived that week? WHEW!
As Ali posted below, we both had the opportunity to travel back to Oklahoma for about 11 days. Just as everyone else was wondering, I am sure you are wondering how we were able to get away for THAT LONG. Well, I'll tell you quickly. We left on a Thursday evening, giving us the entire weekend, plus Fall Break. Since Ali and I only work and go to class Tuesday through Thursday, we only missed two days of work and two classes. Seeing as how we needed to be in Oklahoma for two weekends back-to-back, it didn't make much sense for us to travel back to Nebraska for a day and a half. We have had these dates planned prior to entering graduate school, so we were well prepared and notified everyone in August. We were in Oklahoma for a beautiful wedding (Congrats BIG dove and Little Hoya!) and UCO Homecoming. These were two really great events and it was nice to be in the Great State again. It was definitely neat to be on campus during a week that means so much to students, faculty/staff, and alumni. I really enjoyed visiting with people and seeing how the campus has changed in just a few short months. I am so very proud to be a UCO Alumni and hope that I can give back what it has given to me. I also had the honor of crowning my Little Sister in my sorority, Meredith Carrick, as the 2008 Homecoming Queen. She is well deserving and I am so proud to call her my sister and one of my very best friends. Congrats again, Little! :)
And now, here we are, back in Nebraska! We've been back for about a week and a half now, and I feel as if I am in a different place than I was prior to my visit back to Oklahoma. While I was in Oklahoma, something really hit me. I think it was the reality that my life there is really over. Now, be very careful when you read this portion of the post, because it is not meant to be negative at all. Rather, that I am realizing that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I am in a place where He can work on me and through me. I am meant to be here in order to become a better daughter, sister, friend, student, teacher, leader, and woman. While I was in Oklahoma, I had the chance to visit people and be in an environment that I am so very comfortable in; however, something came over me that made me realize Nebraska IS where I need to be at this moment in my life. While ALL of my friends were so kind to allow me to stay with them and be apart of their daily routines, I realized that life goes on whether I am there or not. If you know me well, it is very difficult for me to sit still... everyday must come with a purpose. During those 11 days, I didn't have much of a purpose, besides relaxing. :) But, that was very hard... towards the end of the week, I was very anxious about getting back to Lincoln. Being in a place where I felt so familiar, yet out of place helped me make sense of all that is going on in my life. UCO is still going strong, my friends are still doing great things, and my family is well put together, even without me being there. It has been hard letting go of those very important parts of my life, yet it is at this moment that I am so thankful for my strong relationships with people and that we are able to stay connected through the phone and internet. I have realized that I cannot be there, but that if I did something right, my presence will still be there... within the things and the people I love most. So, here we go... Living in the Present.
It is truly my hope to head back to Oklahoma and bring back all that I have learned in Nebraska... about a culture, myself, and my academic discipline. I can't wait to do that, but for now, I live in Nebraska and this is my home until then. As I was facing my first week back, I realized how blessed I am to be earning a higher degree at the cost of nothing. I realized how blessed I am to have my sorority sister and best friend from college by my side while doing it all. More importantly, I realized how blessed I am to have people in Oklahoma, Ohio, DC, Virginia, Texas, Georgia and now Nebraska supporting me as I pursue my dreams. So, instead of counting down the days until I get back to Oklahoma, I am going to count my blessings in the now. I am going to Live in the Present, and be thankful for what I have today. Everyday is a new day and with each day, I am able to influence others while learning something new! This has been my prayer this week, so I ask that you pray that for me this week and weeks to come.
May we ALL live in the present,
Cyndi
Since the last time I posted, grad school definitely hit me right smack dab in the face. As noted in my previous posting, I completed my first and only midterm of the semester. I am pretty pleased with my grade; however, I know that I can do better. So, I am prepping for the final now, especially because I am aware of what a good midterm/final should look like. A couple weeks ago, I conducted my very first three hour presentation. Yes, you read correctly... a THREE hour presentation. My partner, Crystal, and I had to teach a class period on hiring. I was very nervous about this presentation due to my LACK of knowledge in hiring employees to positions within a company. Of course, we were given material to study prior to the presentation, but it was intimidating to teach management professionals something that they already knew through experience from a text book standpoint. However, everything turned out really great and really boosted my self confidence! There was a ton of discussion going on with everyone sharing their experiences with the class and participating in the different activties we presented. We ended up with a perfect score, so I am pleased and glad that is all over! That same week, I had another presentation as well as a teaching observation paper and syllabus project due! Luckily, my second presentation was only 15 minutes, so it was a breeze after the first presentation. I had a wonderful partner, Cynthia, who was so great to work with and it was nice getting to know another person in my class. I really enjoyed writing my teaching observation paper because it allowed me to really apply what I have been learning in class to a specific individual and classroom situation. However, my favorite part of that crazy week was working on the syllabus project. It was really a lot of work, but it was neat to see how fun it can become by putting in a little creativity. PLUS, it was nice to see "Dr. Cyndi Munson" on a piece of paper, even if it was fake. :) Looking back, I am wondering how in the world I survived that week? WHEW!
As Ali posted below, we both had the opportunity to travel back to Oklahoma for about 11 days. Just as everyone else was wondering, I am sure you are wondering how we were able to get away for THAT LONG. Well, I'll tell you quickly. We left on a Thursday evening, giving us the entire weekend, plus Fall Break. Since Ali and I only work and go to class Tuesday through Thursday, we only missed two days of work and two classes. Seeing as how we needed to be in Oklahoma for two weekends back-to-back, it didn't make much sense for us to travel back to Nebraska for a day and a half. We have had these dates planned prior to entering graduate school, so we were well prepared and notified everyone in August. We were in Oklahoma for a beautiful wedding (Congrats BIG dove and Little Hoya!) and UCO Homecoming. These were two really great events and it was nice to be in the Great State again. It was definitely neat to be on campus during a week that means so much to students, faculty/staff, and alumni. I really enjoyed visiting with people and seeing how the campus has changed in just a few short months. I am so very proud to be a UCO Alumni and hope that I can give back what it has given to me. I also had the honor of crowning my Little Sister in my sorority, Meredith Carrick, as the 2008 Homecoming Queen. She is well deserving and I am so proud to call her my sister and one of my very best friends. Congrats again, Little! :)
And now, here we are, back in Nebraska! We've been back for about a week and a half now, and I feel as if I am in a different place than I was prior to my visit back to Oklahoma. While I was in Oklahoma, something really hit me. I think it was the reality that my life there is really over. Now, be very careful when you read this portion of the post, because it is not meant to be negative at all. Rather, that I am realizing that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I am in a place where He can work on me and through me. I am meant to be here in order to become a better daughter, sister, friend, student, teacher, leader, and woman. While I was in Oklahoma, I had the chance to visit people and be in an environment that I am so very comfortable in; however, something came over me that made me realize Nebraska IS where I need to be at this moment in my life. While ALL of my friends were so kind to allow me to stay with them and be apart of their daily routines, I realized that life goes on whether I am there or not. If you know me well, it is very difficult for me to sit still... everyday must come with a purpose. During those 11 days, I didn't have much of a purpose, besides relaxing. :) But, that was very hard... towards the end of the week, I was very anxious about getting back to Lincoln. Being in a place where I felt so familiar, yet out of place helped me make sense of all that is going on in my life. UCO is still going strong, my friends are still doing great things, and my family is well put together, even without me being there. It has been hard letting go of those very important parts of my life, yet it is at this moment that I am so thankful for my strong relationships with people and that we are able to stay connected through the phone and internet. I have realized that I cannot be there, but that if I did something right, my presence will still be there... within the things and the people I love most. So, here we go... Living in the Present.
It is truly my hope to head back to Oklahoma and bring back all that I have learned in Nebraska... about a culture, myself, and my academic discipline. I can't wait to do that, but for now, I live in Nebraska and this is my home until then. As I was facing my first week back, I realized how blessed I am to be earning a higher degree at the cost of nothing. I realized how blessed I am to have my sorority sister and best friend from college by my side while doing it all. More importantly, I realized how blessed I am to have people in Oklahoma, Ohio, DC, Virginia, Texas, Georgia and now Nebraska supporting me as I pursue my dreams. So, instead of counting down the days until I get back to Oklahoma, I am going to count my blessings in the now. I am going to Live in the Present, and be thankful for what I have today. Everyday is a new day and with each day, I am able to influence others while learning something new! This has been my prayer this week, so I ask that you pray that for me this week and weeks to come.
May we ALL live in the present,
Cyndi
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