Following HIS Lead

a switch a roo: alombardi.wordpress.com

2007-10-23T14:12:00.000-04:00

in my attempts to change the look of the blog..i did some playing around on wordpress and liked the ease and features over that of blogger.

so you can now find "following His lead" here

be sure to change your sidebar links :o)

grace & peace,

alisha

2007-10-18T13:23:00.000-04:00

"oh yeah, the hammock is on the deck..."

-anonymous

under construction

2007-10-16T13:28:00.000-04:00

in attempt to give the blog a make over..i'm trying a new template with more pics...

its a work in progress.

so please bear with me.

the weekends...

2007-10-01T12:31:00.000-04:00

now that i'm a fulltimer, my weekends are full of relaxation and fun.

2 weekends ago, thanks to the aggie game on Tursday, Valerie and I were able to attend night church on Saturday and then take a fun trip to Houston, where we made a stop in IKEA for my birthday comforter: I purchased a red and pink one and Valerie spontaneously decided it would be fun to have matching ones being that we're bunk mates and puchased a green and lime green one.

and then saw Once in this crazy hidden movie theater in some business district...and then we ate some yummy PF Changs.

it was a great day.
after our fun festivties in Houston we had to get back for AWANA. We are Sparks leaders: I work with the sweet kindergarteners and Val manages the 2nd graders. those Kinders are so sweet and precious...they are too cute!

This past weekend we celebrated Mom and Dad's 50th at the Burleson's house with friends & Wii! we had some yummy mexican dishes and dips and delicious homemade chocolate cake and banana pudding! I bet Val in baseball and then she knocked me out boxing. Mom tackled bowling. they are rvery excited to get their own system in a couple weeks for Daddy's official bday.

On Saturday I babysat and then Andrew and David came over since they were in town for the game. We played some 42, talked and had Mr. G's for dinner. Yea for college friends..we did find out that 80% of the Helena boys are working at Champion Forrest, how cute is that? roommates together :o)

Me, Tracy, Didi and Val went to a later showing of Across the Universe after our company headed home...I'd rate the movie about a 7 out of 10. it was pretty long and there were some parts that were just random and uneccesary. after AWANA, Val and I saw The Kingdom..it was good, pretty graphic/violent in some parts..it was bittersweet. The sad, depraved state of our world was vivid-some parts were very heartbreaking to watch.

on a pleasant note, I had wonderful fun with my bunkmate yesterday afternoon as we prepared our food for HOPE group tonight...cavatinni and homemade tiramsu..its going to be wonderful.

okay...back to work for me!

Mission Hapy Birthday Mom!

2007-09-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

So if you happen to see or talk to my mom this week..don't forget to wish her a

happy 50th birthday!

Sunday was her birthday, and we decided to make it special...high school style. We woke up Sunday morning bright and early to hang the banner I made Saturday and to "decorate" the yard....

We also "hit" her car at Central...I was able to give some of the balloons back!

Then Val and I headed to church and after church we went back to the casa for some birthday lunch grilled by my daddy..it was Dee-licious!

Mom didn't want a cake for her birthday....she wanted a bowl of cookie dough!

So...happy late birthday mom...you don't look a day over 30 :o)

I love you tons and am very blessed to be your daughter!

Birthday 2-5

2007-09-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

My birthday fun actually got to start on Friday night...
Val let me open my presents early..I got some pretty awesome gifts from her..like an official Dunder-Mifflin shirt, fun games and Dr. Pepper jelly beans!

we waited 1.5 hrs to eat at Texas Roadhouse...and we only waited that long because it was my birthday. She did not make me ride the bull..and even made sure that even though the waitress knew it was my bday..she didn't make me ride. Dinner was delicious. Afterwards, we came home and watched some of Season 3 of the The Office. and Andrea Carney came to town..yea..not for my birthday, but it was great to spend time with her..so Val and I went to Yell with her and her sister who is a freshman this year.

Saturday I got to sleep in...whoo hoo! My wonderful roomies got me breakfast and my wonderful parents did this:

Yes..a poster-size picture of me at 4 yrs old was sitting on our porch with 25 balloons in my truck! I loved it..and its now in my room :o) not so much the balloons.
The rest of the day was spent hanging out. I ran a few errands and then headed off to babysit for the game.

After the game, the real fun began. Val and Andrea made my guitar hero cake.
And then it was Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution.

I love me some Guitar Hero.

It was a great 25th birthday..thanks to all my friends and family who made it extra special!

Match Support Specialist

2007-09-15T22:41:00.000-04:00

okay, so i know most of you are waiting for pictures and a recap of the big 2-5 last weekend--tomorrow!

so I work for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas; specifically Brazos Valley.
If you are unfamilar with our organization click here.

My job is basically encompasses the last part in our organizational model: Match Support Specialist. I'm the gal who makes sure all of our matches are going A-OK.
I make Match Introductions i.e introducing the Big (volunteer) to the Little (child & family).
I conduct follow-ups and get monthly and quarterly updates via the phone, email and in person.
I am responsible for maintaining our site based program--instead of meeting 3-4 times monthly (thats community based). Bigs will meet weekly in the Little's school for lunch.
I handle all match closures & evaluations.

My day to day activities include emailing Bigs and calling families to set up Match intros and get updates, meetings and mail outs.

I'll be playing catch up for about the next month.
On the upside, I started the week with 101 matches in "My Queue" with 70 overdue and as of today there are 104 matches and only 49 overdue!

So far its really fun getting to talk with parent's and Littles hearing how great the matches are going. On the downside, i'm still trying to get in a routine..so the blogging has been a little bit sub-par, but its my goal to keep it up!

okay...pictures will be up tomorrow-late afternoonish.

Coming soon to a blog near you....

2007-09-08T13:07:00.001-04:00

so my awesome momma was getting on to me about how my blog has gotten dull & boring with no updates about my super crazy life..

so the primetime line up for this week will include

*a post (in multiple parts) about my awesome 25th bday

*a post telling yall about my new job & what I do

*fun stories about community & why College Station is a pretty rad place to be

okay..get ready!

peace out faithful readers,

alisha

adulthood

2007-08-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

so earlier this summer i made the leap up from my A&M leather 5 yr old wallet, to a fancy pants, quasi pricy adult wallet complete with a place for a checkbook.

then i bought expensive sunglasses that came with a warranty and a special case...definitely a step up from "sheek" Target brand.

...my initial steps into adultness

later in the summer came the letter that said despite my enrollment in school, i would no longer be covered under my parents health insurance, but i was more than welcome to take out a plan on my own with Scott & White.

Then began the search for "other options"..aka time to be for real about being an adult..cause 25 was coming soon!

so I applied for 2 jobs.

by August 10th, I was hired by Family Link, a private Christian foster/adoptive agency based out of Austin. Its contract work, i mainly am responsible for conducting Home Study Interviews for potential families in the process of getting licensed to foster or adopt kids from CPS.

Then, August 13th , I received a call for a interview with Big Brothers Big Sisters in College Station...THIS was the job i really wanted. my first real adult job complete with an interview, benefits, great starting salary, etc. so we prayed. drove to Austin. the interview went fine, i was pleased with how everything went..i mean it was my first real life interview..i even went and bought "business professional" like clothes..because when in the past 2 years have i needed them? yeah, i havent :o) at the end of the interview they told me I would hear a yes or no by the 31st, but hopefully before.

August 24th was my last day of work. There has been no mistaking the Lord's hand in all this. I finished and submitted my invoice to Family Link to get paid for my first home study on Monday. Because officially this week..i was technically unemployed.

AND THEN, yesterday I received a phone call that went something like this

"Alisha, we would like to thank you for applying with us at Big Brothers Big Sisters and we would like to hire you for the Match Support Specialist in College Station..."

WHOOP.

I'm so excited. I start Friday.

Praise the Lord.
Thank you Jesus.
Answered prayer.

And HE gets all the glory for this process.
Man..all of this is good and full of HIS affirmation and hand working in my life and many others who have been praying and trusting and I can't help but give a shout out to my amazing roommate Valerie, who with her big heart and desire to see good things for me, sacrificially served to get me into adulthood from job searching for me while i couldn't to driving me to Austin.

The next week is gonna be super busy..with balancing this new job, trips to Austin and school.

there ya go..25 will be here in 10 days! and i think i'm ready to be an adult :o)

its a small world after all...

2007-08-22T15:50:00.000-04:00

Well, friends.

I was given our first assignment for my online marketing class..introduce yourself to the class.

so i put the basic information....name, where i did my undergrad..what i'm pursuing in grad school...hobbies, career plans, where im from & current residence...

and...now, i just received an email from my prof...and he's an Aggie, class of '85!

i love being an aggie :)

thanks & gig'em,

alisha

back to school

2007-08-19T22:11:00.000-04:00

this semester, my back-to-schoolness has been really strange...cause it's been not normal. no new student orientations, no meet & greets, no on-campus jobs...its kinda sad, i'm missing my classmates and the beauiful fall campus at ECU...but on the bright side,

its hopefully my last semester...thats right folks, i will have my master's degree in 4 months-CRAZYFACE!

so my online marketing class at ECU starts tomorrow, as long as my financial aid comes through..pray that the people at Wellsfargo get my paperwork processed quickly.

confessions: i was extremely non-productive on my field experience portfolio, meaning its now crunchtime, meaning, ideally i want to get them in before mid-terms in October!

I have a week til classes begin at TAMU, i'm a little nervous, bigger school so that might mean tougher classes..who knows?!? i've got Policy in Higher Education Administration and Development of the Spanish Language, should be fun.

thats about it...the job situation is still kinda up in the air. my prayer is that the Lord's will be done...more on that later..cause i just realized i never posted about my first REAL job interview in Austin with Big Brothers Big Sisters...more on that later.

happy schooling,

alisha

Our Lord, the Great Provider

2007-08-08T17:12:00.001-04:00

okay..so i just had to share this coolness.

My job this summer at the daycare has been a little more stressful than i imagined. The flexibility of my hours and inconsistency of tasks really threw my attitude, habits & mental stability out of whack. I've been praying long and hard about what to do come the school year, because i have to work & I want to do well in school and I just didn't know what i was suppose to do.

So, after some more prayer. I called up the bus barn-and they could hire me back. Good news. so then i have the issue of the daycare? I sit down with my boss & well, there had been a lot of miscommunication and so i needed to pray and figure out where the Lord wanted me. I know the Lord wants glory in my grades, He wants me to spend time with Him, He wants me to not worry and be stressed out and last honor my financial responsibilities.

More prayer. His answer was to not do the daycare and I would trust that He would provide because with only driving those yella-dogs, i would be on an pretty tight budget. Then came 3 openings: 2 part-time & one full time. I submitted my resume. now the waiting.

Today I gave my official resignation at work. It went better than I couldve asked! (thanks for the prayers mom!). still nervous, because I'm still waiting, right?

And then, heres the cool part: 2 hours later, I had a phone interview with the Christian foster/adoption agency i applied with & I'm hired-headed to Austin tomorrow and Friday for training and hopefully starting home visits Monday! While I can't depend on this job as steady income, (its technically "contracted"), I will be able to breath easier every month. PLUS, I'm really excited about getting to be part of meeting needs and giving precious children loving homes! Man, I'm definitely excited about this ministry because ever since i can remember, i've always wanted to be a foster/adoptive parent..but what an opportunity this is: to be there first hand!

okay. thats it, back to cooking some dinner!

grace & peace, lish

um...its 4:40 (you had to be there)

2007-08-06T13:01:00.000-04:00

so this weekend was a wonderfully fun reunion...
Ms. Ashley Rodenberger is now Mrs. Ashley Pagenkof...yes is was a lateral name change :o)

Our little gang slumbered it up together in William's two bed/one bath apartment in Irving for the festivities in Aledo...it was definitely a fiesta!
7 people & one shower definitely equals tardiness

Justin..Hannah's fiance received his stamp of approval from us ladies.

I don't know how *;)* but we seemed to be the rowdy table at the Rehearsal Dinner..it was great having everyone together..catching up, reminescing & joking around, stuffing our faces with queso, tortillas & fajitas at Pappasitos

Micah and Hannah played & sung beautifully at the ceremony
Eric & Will were the best, most hansomest ushers in salmon.
Amy, Kayla & I strutted our stuff in the House Party...making sure not to fan our Japanese props :o)
And Ashley was a beautiful bride.
At the reception we danced the night away with the fabulous DJ stylings of Clayton Shepherd...by the end of the night our hair was up and make-up sweated off..and the cake was amazing..i think the best wedding cake i've sampled!

with us all growing up, being in the adult world..it seems our only chances of getting together are weddings..luckily, we have another one coming up in December..and with Amy catching the bouquet, who knows?!

raising the bar....the new at&t

2007-08-01T21:39:00.000-04:00

ok, so i've a working number.

yea-my number didnt change..so you can still reach me at the same number!

i have my doubts about the life of my "new" (old & falling apart) phone, but for right now, it will have to suffice...duct tape & all. really i'm not complaining...on friday they told me i would have to pay full retail price (meaning about around $120-200) to have a working number & now I reactivated my line for free.

but, I wouldnt be opposed if you (or anyone you know) has a cingular phone that they aren't using & would like to donate to me, that will last for another 2 years...send it my way :o) i would be so thankful.

and again..if you havent sent me your digits...shoot me an email or facebook msg !

sheesh.....

2007-07-30T18:30:00.000-04:00

this will be a pretty random post, because well...i don't have much time, but my readers deserve something...so

first: thanks for all who participated on interactive blog reader day. keep your eyes open for another poll! and by the way, my favorite adventure happened a couple weekends ago..Val and i journeyed to San Marcos to kyak on the river, then we headed to austin to watch Michael Moore's new documentary Sicko and then we ate a delicious dinner at Macaroni Grill, followed by dessert at the Cheesecake factory...it was a near perfect day!

moveing on,
apparently, bad things happen in 3s...
well, i just had a pretty exhausting week-which adds up to more than 3 bad things...

weekends are suppose to be relaxing right...well, while i did have fun this weekend with Libby and old college friends (am i old enough to say that?)..i think i need another weekend to get over the craziness!

for those of you that did not make the facebook group or email list...my newly upgraded phone was stolen on before i left for arlington on Friday. sad face. But, PTL, i found out today I can bring in another phone and reactivate my old line for free...and super cool Valerie has a mom that has an extra cell phone, which she graciously letting me use for the duration of my contract. cross that frustration off my list..

i can't believe the summer is almost over.

school will be starting back up..and well..i'll be buckling down to writing those 5 essays i think i mentioned earlier this summer..ya know, the ones i was suppose to finish this summer..yeah well, my major deadline is December.

i'll be driving those yella-dogs again in the fall..

okay..more later, its the little sister's bday today..so i gotta go bake!

2007-07-21T22:07:00.000-04:00

my bunkmate returns tomorra and we officially become roommates. whoop!

im excited.

readers' input!

2007-07-19T17:17:00.001-04:00

its interactive blogtime my friends.

your mission (should you choose to accept it) is...to answer the following question:

What has been your favorite adventure so far this summer?

And by adventure I mean any trip, activity, event or time spent outside of ordinary work or school..even if you absolutely love your job :o)

i like to move it, move it

2007-07-17T21:51:00.000-04:00

so i think this summer can be generally titled "the summer of moves".

i currently am in the processing of rearranging because my previous roommate has moved out and my future roomie is movin' in.

thankfully, i think i have everything i want in my room for the next year in the parameters of the master bedroom..in total disaray!

needless to say, i think val and i are going to have a pretty cool set up...a little office, a little living, split up by the bedroom. PLUS, we have roofing tin on our wall..thats right so we can display our totally rad magnet collections and leave fun notes to each other in letters!

all this rearranging is taking place beneathe our ghetto ceiling fan of whose switch has been ductape covered because we can't use it until Friday when the electrician comes to replace it...

our handy-dandy selves tried to fix it sunday and blew the circuit in our room...whoop! PTL that Val didnt electrocute herself. i'm glad we're not silly girls :)

pictures/virtual tour will soon follow..be ready for them up on our new house blog (1014foster.blogspot.com).

for now, its back to arrangin', movin', shakin' & organizin'.

wander down to the right

2007-07-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

..if you notice on my Blogs I Read list, there is a new addition!

Bananas Foster is our new HOUSE blog!

with the upcoming school year, and our oh-so-busy-crazy schedules, we thought it would be good to have a roommate blog to stay connected since meals & roommate bonding is a bit hard to find time to do with 5 girls who are in school/grad school & working.

the hope is that everyone will post once a week..(i think one of our weekly chores is going to be to come up with a topic)..so we'll see!

give us a couple days and i'm sure there will be quality reading about the happenings in 1014 Foster Ave

delightful dipping...its not what you think!

2007-07-16T10:51:00.000-04:00

no..i'm not talking about the gross tobacco dipping that baseball players & cowboys do..i'm really referring to the thing that makes eating so enjoyable...

..DIPS and not just some fancy appetizer, but pretty much any liquid-type to cover a food.

Whoever can up with this art form of eating, was a genius, especially for types like me..or can sometimes be considered picky..

through the phenomenon of sauces & dips, any ordinary food can be made EXTRAordniary!

strawberriesas alone = yum
strawberries +chocolate or +whipped cream = DEE-licious!

theres your classics: ranch, barbeque sauce, ketchup & honey mustard, queso, avocado
the food: spaghetti'os & grilled cheese, broccoli & cheese, cookies & milk

what are your favorite dipping combinations?

some of my favs are:

potato chips & ranch
oreos & peanut butter
french fries & cane's sauce (yes I know i'm a heathen for liking Cane's)
chocolate & fruit

a picture journal of my "summer vacation"

2007-07-06T17:01:00.000-04:00

Day 2 of the Canton Young Filmakers Workshop..did you watching my award winning performance as the old lady & the Mayor of Cantown?!?? (in the previous post)

yea..fun in the sun at Perdido Key Pensacola, Florida...we applied sunscreen almost every 30 minutes..proudly spending two days in the sun without getting severely burned..no skin cancer for us!

Lambert's cafe...home of the famous flying rolls...yes they really chunk them at you!

reliving childhood vacations to the beach: go-karts. and sadly my kart was slow..i came in second!

Fun in New Orleans..yum beginets!

heres what i've done all week...

2007-06-29T21:19:00.000-04:00

i'd like to thank the academy first...my family...friends...:o)

some mississippi introspection

2007-06-26T11:27:00.000-04:00

so i'm live from brandon, MS. i'm on vay-cay!
we drove in last night/this morning at 2am..
everyone's gone for right now and i thought this would be the perfect time to update somethings ive been on mind my mind lately...that i know are eager to leave the brain! so here's a serious post..

i love that life is an adventure. that i've learned to keep plans in the back of my mind..of knowing what i would potentially like to do with my life, but knowing full well that is all the Lord's and i've been given TODAY to glorify HIM.
it makes me excited that life is an incredible adventure and challenge-that i'm a messed up girl in need of Christ, but with Him NOTHING is impossible.

God is great and gracious. This community is a blessing. Last week, on Thursday, I had a really busy day..I had to open at the daycare, and then immediately babysit 3 girls (who are quite a handful) and then after that go to the bank so I could go to SuperWalmart (urgHh) for work..come sitting the motorbank, I was give out: stress and it seemed my to do list was just getting longer..this story does have a point....so in the midst of making a deposit at the ATM, I drove off and left my check card in the machine...yes thats how tired I was! BUT praise the Lord, the couple behind me, followed me into the SuperWalmart parking lot to return my card to me...who does that? i mean not that they would have tons of access to a load of moolah, but still...i was so overwhlemed with gratitude and awe..only the Lord couldve orchestrated that.

So Valerie got a slackline for her bday. in a nutshell: its like a tightrope except done with webbing. sunday after the rain, we set it up in the parental's front yard. and the Lord really taught me something. You see, the trees werent the best for setting it up at the height we needed & the wet grass made the webbing slippery. anyways, as i was attempting to balence on it with my left leg the whole contraption was shaking almost uncontrollably. Val was spotting me, and she kept saying "committ. put you other leg on and committ." so I tried, knowing full well that i wasnt putting all my weight on my legs, i still wanted the security of the ground. and what happened? i fell off, got wet and snapped my foot on the webbing, breaking my baby toe. And the Lord was saying "i need you to committ..all the way". not like a get saved, but a give Him all parts of me. I've ended up in a rut of complacency which for me is really easy to do without routine and my independent self which i know is sin. my daily schedule is always changing so its been hard for me to the time to the Lord He deserves. sin. i give some of me, but not all and its hurting me..and my broken baby toe is a sweet reminder to spend time with Him. i confess my schedule & pride is a sin and i want more intimacy.

following this honesty, I want to talk about communication. I think in the multimedia world we live in, its easy to fall into the trap of not confronting and trying not to communicate well. our culture is one of people pleasing and not "stepping on toes" which is so harmful and deterrmental to relationships. Biblical communication requires grace and truth, its about preserving love-real honesty that betters all who listen. I know i'm not the best communicator. I naturally flee from confrontation, but i'm learning that its not a bad thing and i can communication in a way that expresses my hurt/anger/frustration in a way that is not hurtful, angry or disrespectful. communication invovles having grace, patience & love from beginning to end including words, meaning, tone & volume. Communicate in a way that serves-that bring listeners closer to Jesus.

okay..that wraps it up..my plan is to be at the film workshop by noon..can i do it? maybe! more fun posts this week about making movies & the beach.

alisha

yeah for pictures

2007-06-19T16:05:00.000-04:00

okay so the aforementioned birthday pics: (in no particular order)
me, the birthday girl & her cake, Valerie & the birthday castle & party people in the kitchen...

this is my sad face-as you can see i was SUPER disappointed..because for the 3rd time I have attempted to fly in the go-cart and the weather has been bad...maybe i'm not supposed to spread my wings....but it was a fun trip..my grandpa is a trip..we walked around downtown Wharton, ate at the Grand Buffet where i impressed my family with my mad chopstick eating skills & then had cake back at grandpa's while watching the US Open.

way behind...

2007-06-04T16:22:00.000-04:00

my apologies faithful readers...it seems a full time job where i actually do work & playing hard this summer has taken away from my updates. i never dreamed i would become a blogger that hardly updates this thing...

its been a busy month..i did give you the update on the muddy buddy...

so memorial day weekend we planned to go out to lake bryan & ride bikes..but due to rain our plans were thwarted...and that became the theme of the week..due to the rain we couldnt do ______...but i watched a bunch of movies, relaxed, played some 42 with the parents. the next weekend I headed out to Waco/Meridian for a reunion with the one and only Libby Leatherman. We camped it up at Meridian State Park complete with grilled hotdogs, Dr. Peppers, 2 thunderstorms, the longest walk ever and quality conversation. man i love that girl!

what else do i also love?
Living Hope.

I've been regularly attending since the move back & am going to join-i love this community. its refreshing, honest, and home...I went to Hope Group for the first time last week. We helped at the food bank & then headed over to the Palermo's house for dinner and Bible study and it was an awesome time to think about our mission field and sphere of influence in our daily routines & lives.

This past weekend Val and I took a little roadtrip out to San Antonio. Her aunt had free tickets to Fiesta TX;...her aunt's cooking was amazing, enchiladas, guacamole, rice...mmmm & a little cake to celebrates val's bday. Saturday morning she cooked us eggs & pancakes with coffee, orange juice & fruit..and then we headed off to the park. overall..we had fun, but for the most part it was frustrating..2 of the big rides we rode were broken..we waited for 2 hrs on one & 1.5 on the other AND got stuck while we were ON the ride!!! boo.

Yesterday was Val's 22nd bday. i'll post pictures when i get my camera back. good times: balloons, streamer, fajitas, icecream cake, friends & a birthday crown.
Valerie & I built a cake...yes built. A castle cake. It was an experience. I never want to be a professional cake maker.

This weekend my family is headed out to my granpa's...hopefully I'll have some pictures if we get to do the power parachuting..its like flying a go-cart in the air....anyways..i was suppose to do it at christmas but the weather was never good enough.

me, Val, my sister and one of her friends are taking my 13 yr old cousin to Schlitterbahn in two weeks..we're way excited; more on that later.

other fun summer things:
we attended free float night at sonic
ultimate frisbee
jj's sno cones
tuesday morning pancakes
lunch & doogie howswer, md.

okay..well, I have to get ready for work.
hopefully i'll start updating this more frequently...but mo promises :o)

muddy buddy = success!

2007-05-22T17:33:00.000-04:00

i was going to wait until i was able to post a fully storyline of our adventure in austin this weekend, but unfortunately the pics on the website still arent up and andrea hasnt emailed us the before shots we took before the race...so i'll post some pics & give yall the low-down.

let me just say it was AWESOME. it consisted of 5 legs of which val & i alternated running & mountain biking to checkpoints where there were obstacles that included a balance beam, cargo net/inflatable slide, mini rockwall, a bar weave & last but not least a crawl/swim through a ginormously deep, thick mud pit.

with andrea, jocelyn & katie's help on Saturday night, we complied our costumes for the contest..we decided to be beauty queens..wearing the most spectacular 80's dresses ever, complete with tiaras taped to our bike helmets and official sashes that read "Miss Muddy Buddy '07".
we woke up bright and early sunday morn at 5am, got dressed, ate breakfast and drove out to johnson city for the race. after walking almost a mile to registration, we barely made it for the contest & unfortunately lost to the abiguously gay duo....maybe next year we'll get the adventure road atlas...

finally, at 8:45, the gun for wave 9 went off and val was off on the bike & i was running! from there we switched after each obstacle (which means I ran 3 legs & biked 2) & finally, after practically carrying the bike up a mountain on leg #4, we arrived at the pool of mud...there was no escaping! due to the tiaras atop our helmets, we were forced to army crawl through the mud, under the cargo net to the finish line..every inch & crevis was covered in mud...really dripping with mud! i have never been so dirty in my entire life....

was it worth it?!? HECK YES!
hopefully i'll get some more pictures up soon.

this was after we had been rinsed off a bit...can you believe how muddy we were?!? :o) every kid's dream!

life unconnected

2007-05-17T17:17:00.000-04:00

now that school is over, i'm really enjoying the sabatical from "being connected" and feeling like Donnie (my laptop) was attached to me. but with vacationing away from my inbox, work & all things facebook, my poor blog readers have been left with nothing to keep them busy to read at work.

a lot has gone on in the past week..and it feels as if i've lived 2 weeks in 1...Final Review came & went..quite an exciting day spent with Val's family! I moved Val & Britney into their sweet new pad at the Enclave, and I'm officially living at Foster-whoop!

On the flip side, i've been sick-or rather coughing since Friday. I went and saw the dr and have meds, but they really dont seem to be doing anything...and i'm pretty sure i overdosed on something this morning..its been a long/rough day & i really havent done anything productive except make breakfast.

This weekend is the dualthon/partner race "MuddyBuddy" Valerie & I will be competing in in Austin. We're super excited.

anyways, more to come later when i'm feeling better.

alisha

i smell like baby.

2007-05-07T17:54:00.000-04:00

so, I'm back working at the daycare.
man i feel old.
my babies I had in the infant room (my very first room) are graduating this week...it was pretty funny though when I was getting on to some of them and they looked at me and said "how do you know my name?!?" & I responded with "I used to change your diapers!"

sometimes its hard for me not to feel a little bit lame about going back to my first job when i'm really qualified for more challenging work..but I was really encouraged after talking with Ken. He was so excited to see me & loves having me there...just to be at the center..whether floating or in a room or in the office...because he knows my heart and passion--that i want to the kids & staff to see Jesus. I'm gonna be a more behind the scenes kind of gal, trying to make the center more efficient...yes its quite a task i have!
this (daycare) is definitely a hard environment to work in, and after being there an hour i could see the burnout & frustration on all the teachers faces--and the Lord has graciously given me the patience to love aggieland despite the hard times, to love on the kids, and have a godly attitude. and i will continue to pray for more as the summer & semester continues.

man, i've missed kids.
and today i got to play with some really sweet ones.
i love it...taking care of kids...mmm, good times minus the baby vomit & poo.

grace & peace,
alisha

Ps are good

2007-05-04T10:12:00.000-04:00

I'm back, i've been back since Monday and been bumming around..i cant officially move into the house until around the 12th and i dont start work until Monday...

in other news...I passed all my comps so far...theres one class left needing grading & i should hear back in a week or two...i'm excited-the Ps mean i actually learned something :o) ptl

alisha

terminado

2007-04-26T16:12:00.000-04:00

all my papers have been turned/resubmitted...:o)

i'm officially done with my first year of grad school..finishing with an A- gpa.

i'll be rolling back to CS in 3 days.

crazy.

north carolinain fashion faux pas

2007-04-23T18:55:00.000-04:00

now that spring has finally sprung out in the eastern part of NC..ive taken notice to some interesting fashion...

so apparently its perfectly acceptable to wear your swimsuit at anytime of the day as "unmentionables"...at first glance, i thought lots of ladies were headed to the pool, to tan...etc, but oh no..swimsuit top with a tank is normal....really-are you that worried about a tan line?!?

the second is the new style of longer tops..which i really like by the way, but i do think its unacceptable to wear those tops as dresses....or without leggings. sheesh!

good grief..we need some modesty ladies.

put some clothes on!

our faithful Father

2007-04-21T23:28:00.000-04:00

comps are over.

classes & work are done.

3 more papers to complete by friday.

tyron has sold.

my prayers have been answered...the checklist is getting smaller and my count down has reached the 1 week status!

the past 2 weeks have been a bittersweet time for me. i find myself eager to be back in Texas, yet sad to be leaving some really special friendships.

i'm so encouraged by what the Lord has done in my heart/life this season...its been challenging, a lot of struggle and reflection and questions beyond measure, but a time of growth and learning. i love how the Lord works..because its not how i would do things & if i tried, i would screw it up, but i love that His plan is always better, greater than anything i could ever dream up...i mean..really-i moved to North Carolina for less than a year to pursue a graduate degree? so not on my "to do list"....:o)

im glad that following Jesus requires risk and is an adventure..because it makes me trust and depend on Him when I'm lonely, when school is so overwhelming i need to cry & when I'm sad to leave my wonderful friends from MAIS--a community, my make-shift family.

ptl our God is good.

grace & peace,
alisha

my little brother

2007-04-11T17:55:00.000-04:00

tony is in qatar for debriefing..

because of his job, we won't get very much info, but he'll be heading into baghdad and be there for the next 6-9 months

please pray for his safety & protection.

alisha & donnie

2007-04-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

12 hrs a day is way too long to be at a computer writing.

If i got paid for the hours ive logged...i could probaly take a cruise.

me & my laptop do not have a healthy relationship..

he does not bring out the best in me...he brings out the cranky-tired alisha.

but sometimes, he does bring out the smart alisha..my paper grades have been pretty good this semester.

i do not get excited about spending time with Donnie the Dell...thats his name. I figured if we were going to be spending so much time together he at least should have a name...

usually our time together starts out as a staring war...and i lose & begin typing/writing

so, thats where i've been for the past week & where i'll be until april 19th when I turn in my final paper for the semester...after that i still have comps & final exams..but at least i wont have to spend most of my day typing away alternating between panera bread & the coffee shop.

happy writing to me.

all smiles

2007-03-30T19:59:00.000-04:00

i will miss some things in Greenville.

let it begin

2007-03-29T16:12:00.000-04:00

mark your calenders.

my countdown has officially begun.

in 1 month..or 30 days or 4 weeks..or 720 hours or 43,200 minutes

my wonderful momma be be here to move me back to the great Lonestar state.

whoop.

until then, posts will be few and far between as i finish up school.

to bean or not to bean...

2007-03-28T11:24:00.000-04:00

..my new study digs.

turns out there is a coffee shop with free internet & a pretty good choice in music, 5 minutes from my place out in the boondocks!! im excited. while the house is wonderful, its hard to get studying done without a proper work space...but thanks to my new find, no more procrastination or going to the library.

this morning i am enjoying a wonderful cup of joe & chocolate muffin as i read a report about the internally displaced Kurds in Turkey, for my 2nd decision-making exercise: applying the wealth of information i've learned about international conflict to a real life situation...we'll see if i can pull a B.

happy writing to me!

grace & peace,
alisha

Master Spies

2007-03-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

okay. DC proved to be a wonderfully good time, full of some really great stories & laughs.
Monday we made the 5 hour trek up to washington to meet up with some friends...needless to say because of timing & phone issues, we didnt get to see any of my friends, but val's friends were super cool & fun, so that made up for it.

upon arrival, we parked and took the metro into town to meet up with Didi & Nikki..that didnt work out so much, so we grabbed dinner at union station, along with some yummy gelato and then headed out to college park to stay with val's leadershape friend karol. let me say..one funny gal.

on tuesday, we finally got up around 1030 and eventually made it into town to have a late lunch. the plan was to meet Didi after their capitol tour at 2:00. finally at about 3:00..i "talked" val into walking down to the Lincoln memorial..so we walked the mall...all of it..

finally at 5:00 Didi calls us. no they were not taken hostage at the capitol bldg, the tour was 2.5 hrs and then they wanted showers-(LAME)..little did we know that this was the beginning of a very confusing & frustrating 2 hrs...so Didi was staying close to the capitol..on C street, between 2nd & 3rd. val & i didnt have a map-BUT we've gotten through all our travels with just a trusty atlas...we've not been lost, and we both have a good sense of direction..so we can get to 3rd & C easy breezy..we arrive at 3rd & C and we're like "i dont think Didi & Nikki are staying at the Department of Labor"

so we're on the phone, walking, on the phone..by this time, i've taken over on directions cause i dont want val to yell at didi..

turns out, a genius designed washington DC and theres TWO 3rd streets...we were in the wrong quadrant...and apparently, it was our fault because we were the dumb ones without at map-even though we were not lost...
FINALLY, we made it to didi's friend's house..which was really awesome & got to hang out with fun geographers..we journyed together on the metro..val & i were meeting karol & candance for dinner and the geographers were going somewhere else for dinner...
back in maryland:
karol & candance are hysterical..val and i laughed so much with them...funniest part of the evening was when at tgifridays, karol pulls out my check card from the bill which has my photo on it and comments "you were a bit heavier" (mind you i just met her 24 hrs before)..then candance proceeds to scold her like a little hispanic girl in spanish..which just makes the whole thing funnier because val's going "hey guys..she knows spanish..she can understand you...."

Wednesday Karol skipped worked and we checked out University of Maryland (Go turtles!) and the coolest part of the trip: the International Spy Museum. Val and I were both recommended for future covert missions with the agency, so if my academic career pursuits dont pan out, i have a lead with the CIA :)

that pretty much ends the fun in DC
more to come about the rest of spring break..but im not allowed to post until at least 2 papers are finished..or at least started...so stayed tuned.

grace & peace,
alisha

back from break

2007-03-18T11:03:00.000-04:00

its been a wonderful week.

I just got back from dropping off val at RDU and am procrastinating in starting my school work.

this week has been my first official break from everything. at TAMU, every spring break was action-packed filled with mission trips, working full time or traveling nonstop. we have rested this spring break and it has been a-mazing!

there are so many funny stories to write about, i dont even know where to begin...it will probably take a couple of posts...the travel adventures of me & valerie can not be contained in just one blog post.

first, we watched a ton of movies..i think our last count was in the double digits, some favs include the ultimate gift & bridge to terebithia

second, we slept a lot..like i'll admit our average was about 12-13hrs of sleep a day if not more ...not completely collective..but yes, we were bums-but isnt that what spring break is for?

thats all for this post..i've gotta get back to the piles of school work i have. soon to come: recount of DC including the Spy Museum & Dept. of Labor.

grace & peace,
alisha

i have the world's best professor.

2007-03-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

Dr. Daneri is worth every penny i've spent in loans for grad school.

Its professor's like him that make grad school a wonderful experience.
Its classes like today that make being in Greenville bearable and bring a smile to my face.

So this professor graciously created this course for me & another MAIS student this fall. orginally it was a undergrad class over the Spanish Conquest & Imperialism, but he changed a lot of the course material and adapted it & made it graduate level so we could receive credit. He knows his stuff...he makes class so interesting...like i really feel bad when i havent given very much time to the material because i feel like it does him a disservice.

But not only does he give us great lectures, but he really cares about the 4 of us taking his class-he gives us academic advice, career advice...he's like a life coach. And today he topped the charts: every Tuesday before class starts we usually chit chat about whats going on, how the week is shaping up, etc, etc. so today i mentioned how im stressed about moving & the roommate situation and he offers to help me move...how awesome is that? it amazes me that this man (who is agnostic) exudes so much kindness and hospitality. i mean, he in no way had to offer, but here he is giving me his cell number, telling me that he teaches at 2, but could help anytime after 3 on Friday...just call or email him...he is the greatest.

i wish i could give him an award. i want to call the chancellor and tell him what an amazing faculty member he has in the Foreign Language dept.

three cheers for Dr. Juanjo Daneri!

grace & peace,
alisha

transition, flexibility, &....stress

2007-03-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

please pray for me...my headache seems to be growing with every passing minute.

the Lord is faithful.
our Lord is the Great Provider, Comforter, Peace.
the Lord is in control.
the Lord wants good things for me
He is dependable.

these are the things i've been repeating to myself since yesterday
as i write this post in the middle of my room, the door is closed, and boxes are scattered about-half full and empty as i pack up "in hiding" for yet another move in between trying to get some writing assignments done. the good thing: well, im an excellent packer..ive become a pro. this will be my 8th move since May 2005, double digits would've been more impressive, but 8 is still significant.

be thankful for lovely, caring, godly roommates...tell these roommates you are thankful for them.

its hard to love my roommate right now.

pray that my non-confrontational-self will have strength and courage to communicate my actions in love and respectfully over the next couple days. im scared, you know me..i avoid confrontation at all costs..im a sissy.

i am thankful for Christ and the power He gives me.
i am thankful for loving church members who graciously are letting me live with them.
i am thankful for spring break coming next week.

grace & peace,
alisha

Juice Plus+

2007-03-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

with work being pretty slow these days & not the ideal study environment..i get to post sometimes multiple times a day & about random things.

so i've been on Juice Plus+ (thanks Mom!) for a month now..and while i havent notcied any super significant changes, I am sleeping better and my nails are breaking less.

Below is my first project I did for my technical & professional writing class: the purpose was to take an expert article and revise it for a general audience.

Here's to my academic side of life...cheers! unfortunately, you cant get the full affect of my article..the clipart wasnt able to accompanying the info...

Tired of apples & oranges?
Not getting enough fruit and vegetables?
Consider trying JUCIE PLUS+.

JUICE PLUS+ is a dietary supplement that gives you your full recommended servings of fruits and vegetables everyday and has been proven to decrease the risk of diseases, like cancer and heart disease, diabetes and stroke in healthy adults. JUICE PLUS+ comes in two capsules, an Orchard Blend and Vegetable Blend that you take once a day. The following information discusses the issues surrounding fruit and vegetable consumption and explains how the fruit and vegetable supplement JUICE PLUS+ can lead to a healthy life decreasing your risk of disease.

The Problem
Many surveys have found that the recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables, which happens to be five or more servings daily, is rarely met. Fruits and vegetables are a huge source of nutrition, and that’s not just a cliché, your mother did know what she was talking about when she nagged you about vegetables! Doctors and scientists are finding that normal over the counter vitamins and supplements don’t necessarily provide the need nutrient levels found in fruits and vegetables. The single or individual doses of nutrients, like a zinc pill or vitamin C supplement or multivitamin, like Centrum, don’t take into consideration the chemical reactions with the antioxidants (or chemicals that help with chemical reactions taking place in the body that are found in actual fruits and vegetables) that are already in the body. JUICE PLUS+ is different in that breaks down fruits and vegetables providing the body with the exact nutrients found in fruits and vegetables so the body is able to react better as JUICE PLUS+ capsules mimic actual fruit and vegetables.

The Average Joe
Joe wakes up every morning at 6:15am. He has to be out the door by 7:05 to catch the metro into the city to be at work by 8am. He breakfast consists of a bowl of cereal and cup of coffee At work, there are usually low-fat muffins, donuts and coffee at any hour of the day to snack on. He takes lunch around noon, at the corner sandwich shop or at a restaurant usually with clients. Throughout the day, he has a couple caffeinated drinks to keep him alert through meetings and is back on the metro around 5:30pm. Once back at home, if his kids don’t have activities, it’s a home cooked dinner at 7:00pm, followed by dessert with some decaf, so he’ll be able to get to sleep after the evening news.

This could be described as a normal day for a majority of Americans, give or take a few details...Sound similar? In this situation, Joe has only three or four opportunities to get a serving of fruits and vegetables.
Americans are on the go all the time. 8-5 businessmen, stay at home moms, teachers and even doctors don’t have time to eat healthy 24/7. The Average Joe doesn’t meet the fruit and vegetable recommendations of 5-8 servings everyday; we are a fruit and vegetable deficient society, even when trying our hardest to be healthy. With constantly being on the go, working, having to eat out a lot because of work or busyness, maintaining family and social life, eating healthy usually falls to the wayside due to the conveniences of fast food, frozen and box dinners, and microwavable foods. While these are quick and easy solutions, needed micronutrients are lost in these processed foods saturated with preservatives, sugars and fats increasing the risks of diseases that with time hurt us more than we realize. The solution: Juice Plus+.

The Study & the Data
A group of about 60 healthy men and women were selected for a 14 weeks cross-over experiment to monitor the effect of the fruit and vegetable supplements. The subjects were divided into 2 groups; one group received the dietary supplement pills and the other group a placebo. At week 7, the groups switched pills. All participants maintained their normal dieting habits. All participants gave blood and urine samples before and after the trial period to monitor and evaluate the levels of beta-carotene, vitamin E, folate (vitamin B) and vitamin C, and selenium, (a mineral that protects the cells and immune system). All these are essential nutrients in maintaining a healthy body and preventing heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke.

Apples, oranges, pineapples, papayas, cranberries and peaches were juiced and concentrated into a powder to form the fruit pill supplement. For the vegetable pills, carrots, parsley, beets, broccoli, kale, cabbage, spinach and tomatoes were juiced and concentrated. These fruits and vegetables were chosen for their high and rich levels of vitamins and minerals. Also included in these capsules were other essential vitamins and minerals including zinc, magnesium, chromium, thiamin and riboflavin, found in basic multi-vitamins. In the process of turning the fruits and vegetables into capsules, the fruits and vegetables are juiced and dried into powder form so none of their nutrients were lost.

Each participant was instructed to take the supplement pills everyday for a period of 14 weeks: 2 fruit pills in the morning along with breakfast, and 2 vegetable pills later in the day with either lunch or dinner. The participants on the placebo followed the same schedule as well.

Results showed that the participants when looking at dietary habits, the participants still did not meet required fruit and vegetable servings, yet those that took the fruit and vegetable dietary supplements (JUICE PLUS+) had higher levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate in their blood samples after the trial period. These increased levels were reported to reach levels that have minimal risk for certain types of cancer and heart disease. It is important to note, that all the trial participants were healthy. If you are considering to take JUICE PLUS+, then it is advisable to consult your doctor first as there are small risks that may occur increasing your beta-carotene intake, specifically with smokers.

Conclusions
JUICE PLUS+ will decrease your risk to diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke. These tiny little pills provide you with all the essential vitamins and minerals in 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables. While actually eating fruits and vegetables is preferred, the reality is that doctors and health specialists know that most people can not consume the number of servings recommended everyday due to the fast pace society we live in. Consequently, taking a supplement like JUICE PLUS+ is a great way to get the nutrients and stability we need for a healthy, long life –and the results are in JUICE PLUS+ works!

References
Kiefer, Ingrid et al. Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2004; 23 (3): 205-211

so for more information, you can get in touch with my
mom, she's a Juice Plue distributor!

shout(s) out Part Dos

2007-02-28T10:23:00.000-05:00

Monika Wojciechowski (pronounced Wa-chow-ski). its Polish, and i think she simplfied the "jcie" for us Americans). Monika is one of the Asst. Directors I work for at the International House. She makes work great. apparently, she thinks i'm a bit bossy..but its all in fun--me bossy?? This semester I have gained a plethora of work information and experience from her. I like her a lot. She is very talented and great to work under. If I could, I would totally be her personal assistant. And unfortunately, i don't have a picture of Ms. Monika.

My mom deserves a shout out these days for just being a wonderful momma. She is a wonderful friend and i am really lucky to have someone so special in my life such as her...soon we will be able to hang out and do momma/daughter things together. only 2 months!!

Trisha Campbell is another special friend who is very dear to me-who sadly i dont have a picture of! We met through Upstream, I was her awesome Upstream leader and she was my little freshman..and now, she is all graduated and preparing to be married! I'm so excited for her and this new season she is entering into and am so blessed by watching her trust the Lord. She is always quick to keep up with me, giving me an encouraging note that says "I'm praying for you!" or giving me the fun news about her upcoming wedding.

shout out(s).

2007-02-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

relationships are extremely important.

we were made for relationships & community. first and formost, is our relationship with the Father, Creator, Almighty. then comes our family..not just blood-but those people who put the something special/little things of greatness into your everydayness.
i think all too often we forget this and take for granted how important people really are to us & how much we need them. I think as we dig down into the routine of oursevles-the people that mean the most to us dont get those gold stars and ribbons they deserve for the little things they do. The Lord has really impressed that upon me lately. not only do i need to intentionally love and rejoice over the people who invest in me, but i really need to be intentional & selflessly be apart of my friends/family lives..even if i dont live in a 50 mile radius of them.

so, hopefully over the next couple of days/weeks i'll be blogging about some people that are important to me and know how to do friendship well.

[and this is not to say that if your pic doesn't make it on the blog that youre a bad friend :)]

if you dont know Valerie, you should.

she is one cool gal and amazing friend.
i love her to death.

what makes val so cool?
well to name a few,

1. if there was an "American Car Singing Idol"..hands down the winner is Val.
2. she has Sr. boots
3. she knows everything!
4. she's a professional recommender (at McAllister's)..for real, go to McAllister's with her and she can tell you exactly what you should get-i've never been steered wrong.
5. she's like a CareBear (...most of the time)-always sincere, caring & genuine. she listens, prods & is intentional .

Next is the oh-so-talented Mr. Eric B. Lee (and yes, the picture was stolen from facebook...)
what can I say? eric is gifted at many things. He's an extraordinary person.
He..
1. can build 3-D cookies
2. plans amazing parties
3. is wonderfully gifted in all the arts (theater, music, etc.)
4. cook delicious meals
5. is one of those guys you wish was your big brother-because he's sincere, honest, sensitive and reliable & open-all those great qualities that "truly amazing/ideal" big brothers have.

lastly, theres Fran.
Francesca DiMarco is one lovable Italian.
She is one of my favorite people here in Greenville.
Kind and hospitable like i've never seen before. The world's best host, right up there with Tracy Smith.
Fran is an encouragement to me & makes me laugh all the time and she has a sweet new pad.
Its been great hanging out with her and I will miss her when I leave Greenville.

man's best friend

2007-02-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

so i'm completely bored today..nothing to work on so i'm going for a record 2 posts in one day...inconceivable!

meet "Packer" the soon-to-be-newest addition to the Lombardi clan.

its true, they're getting a 2nd dog! Boots its definitely gonna be jealous!

With the addition of the 2nd dog, I asked Mom if they're turning into those animal lovers who treat their pets like their children because their kids are all grown up...but they said no....my jury is still out ;o)..i mean they both are pushing the big 5-0 this year..

whats the word??? empty nest???

just kidding.

i think packer is adorable & cant wait to play with this cute pup!

down with Carmike Cinemas

2007-02-22T08:15:00.000-05:00

so since i have a bunch of free time at work maybe i'll blog..

it is quite surprising to me that my first post dedicated to the horrible movie theater in town is coming now, when i've been in greenville for 7 months and have had many a problem and frustration with this theater...after taking my management class i have a keen eye for HR problems

i don't think i would have such a big problem with the way management or how the theater is run except for the fact they take advantage of the fact theres no need for improvement because they are the only theater in town...

Greenville is labeled the largest, AND fastest growing city in Eastern Carolina and their cinema is the only one around a 50 mile radius.
It is a 'college town'.
You would think they would cater to these statistics...nope. they offer 4, sometimes 5 (only if its a new, popular release) showings 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 & 9:00, give or take a few minutes...& they only open 30 minutes before the first showing & no theres not a purchase with your credit card inside..(thats way to hightech!) so that means long lines, especially on Saturdays-i have to leave an hour before the movie starts to catch the previews!
I still haven't figured out the target audience for the scheduling of movies, so I really can't describe it, but an example of its randomness
Stranger than Fiction was in the theater for only a week, while Night at the Museum has been playing since Christmas. Facing the Giants was released 2 months after its original release.
Bad experience-So I get all excited about the new Will Farrell movie..cause it looks really good & I love books, etc. etc and so the week it comes out I check the listing...not showing; no big deal, it will probably come out later, so it finally shows up on the movie times & i plan to go see it before i leave for thanksgiving (which is just in a week...i show up-its gone! GRRRRR
The customer service is horrible. The employees know [fleeting generalizations] nothing, & the theater is run inefficiently.
Most every time I go see a movie..which is almost once a week. There is some problem-with the movie, a dirty theater, the times, or ticketing whether it happens to me directly, or I overhear a problem with someone else & the popcorn is yucky...
Bad experience-Children of Men comes out and for my Friday/Saturday studying break/reward I plan to go see it..so Friday morning I look up the times 1:20 & 4:10. I head up to the theater (which it takes about 15 mintues to get there..and i know this is lame, but thats one of the farthest places i travel to here in greenville)..and stand in like for 15 minutes, and posted on a 8.5 x 11 piece of paper in Times New Roman 14 pt font says "Children of Men" will not be showing until Tuesday due to theater remodeling...GRRRR, you think the bad story would end there..so the next week rolls around and i've caught up on all my reading and homework, so I call on Wednesday thinking I could catch the 4:00..so I call this time & they proceed to tell me that is still not showing, should be up and running on Friday. Friday comes & I had planned to see another movie that had come out..so when I'm at the theater, it says that Children of Men is still showing so i make sure that the times arent going to change for Saturday and am looking forward to a 2 movie weekend..head up to the theater early on Saturday and what do you know...they are no longer playing Children of Men...double GRRRRR.
I have come to learn that "opening nation wide" doesn't necessarily apply to Greenville.
Breach, hasn't been released & doesn't look like its coming any time soon..sad day...I don't get to see any of the good ones..but I'm sure Stomp the Yard will be playing long into the summer, along with Norbit & Ghost Rider.

on the upside, apparently theres another theater being built, but i don't think i'm gonna be around when it finally opens.

So unless I give up going to see movies-i can't boycott Carmike.

hmm..

2007-02-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

so i wrote another post that i thought about posting, but its sitting in my draft box, because i really dont know if its public worthy...but in leiu of what happened in class tonight..i think it might just stay in the draft box or just get deleted...anyways..the setting for my dilemma is this:

tonight in class there was definitely a heated discussion about a topic that takes a little too much time to go into (orientalism..just google or wiki it) anyways, comments were said, some people probably said too much too passionately and some comments could have been clarified better as to not hurt feelings/offend or disrespect the guest professor..who i think got a little more than she bargained for...back to class, many left frustrated, worried and a little irritated. my point: discernment or discretion. As educated adults, we, you would think should know when and how to comment on something that is appropriate and intelligent has compared to something that is irrelevant or inappropriate...needless to say..this has left me wondering if my "frustration" in my draft box..my venting session put to paper, really needs to be shared or if it shall remain just an outlet of my feelings...

my conclusion: after rereading everything i wrote in the "draftbox article" & processing my thoughts today & tonight, i realized while I feel my opinions and thoughts are valid, clear and applicable & appropriate-..it doesnt live out ephesians 4:29 well. while I was in Columbia a couple weeks ago, Danny & Laura's sunday school teacher taught on the foundation of communication...and that was his princple verse "do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, only that which is edifying to others, that it may give grace to those who listen". that has stuck so close to me these past weeks....which I will admit, that last week, I was not walking well in it..more than once my filter was off & I was responding with "I didn't mean it like that...did i really say that?"

anyways, thats all
and no, i'm not gonna tell you what i wrote about-quit being nosy

grace & peace,
alisha

long run numero dos

2007-02-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

so i just finished a 10 mile run in less than 2 hrs...

...and now i cant move-stratch that, i move like an old lady.

now im gonna curl up under the warm blankets and read my lovely book on liberation theology.

cheers.

alisha

the search ends

2007-02-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

So after many weeks of searching and waiting, browsing & debating whether i give in and order online...the last of the Christmas moolah was spent today on this wonderful pair of girly crocs! yeah for Great Provisions outdoor store. you made me one very happy gal!

3 cheers for Banner....not

2007-02-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

got a little story for ya ags...

Everybody says change is a good thing right? Well, I would say yes, except if you are an 100 yr old university.
So when computers, record filing and admissons programing got big, ECU customized their own program, ECUMVS to meet all their computing needs, then they created the onestop.ecu.edu to meet the needs of expanding technology to accomadate registration, parking permits & forms of online paymen, etc.....well, in 2006, the wonderful administration at ECU decided that everything was outdated and we're moving to a new system...BANNER. All we as students and faculty heard all fall semester was how wonderful Banner is, how easy, and efficient and amazing Banner is, Banner is going to revolutionize the campus-all we need is Banner...yeah yeah yeah.

So January rolls around, slowly and gradually systems are being edited, redisgned and changed to run under Banner (and nobody is jumping for joy) The general consensus at least in our offices is that "we hate Banner" and heres the great climax of my story: guess what happens...security breach!
yes the world had access to over 65,000 persons personal data- here's a snippet of from the press release sent out almost 3 weeks AFTER it happened.

"It was a result of making a series of modifications to our systems to transition away from the use of Social Security numbers as unique identifiers on a portal on our web site that allows staff and students to perform a number of tasks such as purchase parking permits, check course availability and examine job openings.”

Personally identifiable data was potentially accessible by unauthorized users from Jan. 22 through Jan. 29, officials said. It included names, addresses and Social Security numbers. Credit card numbers for 21 individuals are believed to have been viewed, and those persons are being notified by telephone in addition to receiving letters.

Other information, such as parking data, automobile insurance information, job applicant data for faculty and administrator positions, student judicial incident reports, student housing records and graduate program application information, also was possibly viewed.

The vulnerability was discovered when an ECU student, who had been using the portal, unintentionally viewed a screen that contained names and other information. He reported the
situation to university police and the web site was secured within 15 minutes of
the initial report.

That means my info was possibly available to the world for a week straight...unbelievable...Banner is awesome! Luckily, I have not been contacted, nor have received the aformentioned letter, but I will be keeping a close eye on things. I'm reminded of those citibank commericials..ya know the one where like an old lady is talking but really shes a man lifting weights because of identity theft..anyways.

Thanks & gig'em Banner! [sarcasm included]

runnin' running

2007-02-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

today i did my first "long run" for half marathon training.
i was really excited and proud of myself,
i ran 6.5 miles in 1.5 hrs.

the big day is April 28th...i think i'll be ready.

the long promised post

2007-02-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

the Lombardi Latest....

well, its about 2:30pm on Thursday and all my papers (for this week) are completed, I still have some reading to do for class, but i've got 4 hrs..so I thought to myself.."why dont I take a break and blog?" because I know all my faithful readers are anxiously awaiting to read about all the cool, important things going on in my life right now :o)

my spanish research is underway..can i tell you how cool interlibrary loan and the worldcat is? I mean ive always known what they are, but acutally using them-for example, getting one of only 3 copies of a book that is located in Spain, for free!..thats pretty amazing...not that im using that specific book..all the ones I'm looking at are in like minnesota or illinois, not so exotic, but still-my professor has a book that there are only 2 copies of in the entire world.

Let it be known that I began laundry last night, and if you know me very well you know that I love to fold clothes, but absolutely despise putting them up...so im very pleased to announce that there are no clothes (dirty or clean) scattered about my bed, dresser, chests, floor or desk. All clothes are in drawers and on hangers-gold star for me!

Since its been a little bare photowise at alombardi.blogspot.com Ive included some random pictures from break [of which I know I never got around to posting about after my first week] & fun changes for me (ie..my straight hair and studious glasses)

so after christmas tour de texas in a nutshell: from college station to denton, traveling all around the Metroplex to austin and la grange and everywhere in between, I had a great time getting pedicures with Libby (notice the design on big toes) , iceskating with caley, dinner & scavenger hunt with friends for New Year's and the most awesome wedding after party ;o)

most of you that read this are on my email list, but by if for some chance you did not know, my dad's quadruple bypass surgery last Friday went amazing and he is at home recovering. I haven't talked with him in a couple days..everytime I call he's sleeping, but mom says he's doing good and walking regularly! please keep him and mom in your prayers.

the countdown to Spring Break has begun..because well in officially a month from today, one of my most favorite people in the universe is coming to see me..yea for inclusion into my North Carolinan life! So far Dad and Mom are the only ones to see me in my new environment. not that Greenville is a booming, way exciting metropolis, but at least the new Sheetz will be open by then..plans possibly include the beach and roadtripping to DC.

Another big development these days is my whereabouts come May..after much prayer, consideration & even completing my homework assignment on it, I've made the decision to come back to College Station as long as TAMU accepts me as a non-degree seeking student..which I've gotten the go ahead, im just waiting on paper work now. Dont know the when or how, but i'll get there sometime :o) it will be great to be back in Texas!

So there ya go..i shouldnt have to post for another week..content and photos..2 points for me!

grace & peace,
alisha

stay tuned

2007-02-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

i am alive and kicking..and made it back safely from columbia...

HOWEVER since it was a "No school weekend" I am completely swamped and almost drowning in all my school work.

a real post is coming faithful readers, just be patient..i've got some stuff to blog about!

so until then,
have a wonderful day!

alisha

short lived..

2007-02-01T17:33:00.000-05:00

within 2 hrs the snow was all gone..and the day completely wet...what a disappointment!

the rains are suppose to continue for awhile...oh well.

snow

2007-02-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

so all of you in Texas wont think this is a big deal..
but its snowing! and its coming down :)

study break

2007-01-31T18:13:00.000-05:00

im in for an exciting weekend in Colombia, SC relaxing and visiting friends from dear Aggieland, The Stillers, so i'm trying to get the majority of my work thats due next week done, so I wont have to scramble on Sunday afternoon when i get back...because I am bringing no school or work with me..I repeat: I will NOT be doing anything school or work related for the days I'm in SC!

Right now the list includes:

finishing my decision-making exercise titled "What should I do in May?"
writing some of my response paper on "The Pope's Original Intent" for Spanish
reading at least part of my articles for Spanish on Tuesday
tackling a bit of Project #1 for English: taking an article written for an expert audience and rewriting it for an average one
writing up my summary over the presentation I attended last weekend about Children around the world for my multicultural discourse class

Ive been chilling here at Panera Bread (yea free wifi) since about 430..so i thought i deserved a small break.

Dad goes into the hospital tomorra for exploratory stuffon his heart..basically to decide how many bypasses they are doing on Friday...unless the Lord uses his supernatural powers and clears his arteries [and i don't say that sarcastically..because i honestly believe he could!]
its nervewracking and scary being so far away..i wish i could be there with mom through all this, but im finding peace. please keep us in your prayers..it will be a long and painful recovery according to the nurses.

okay..back to school

grace & peace,
alisha

i'm a big kid now...

2007-01-25T15:59:00.000-05:00

well, I've officially just applied for 2 "REAL" jobs..like submitted resumes and cover letters and have references, etc. one is at TAMU, the other is in Austin and i'm working on applying for one at UTA.

anyways...my expectations? real low..i'd be surprised if i'm really considered....theres no sense in getting my hopes up..

theres this other job in NYC..Queens to be exact, it looks pretty cool, a lot of the stuff i do now, but i don't know if theres enough adventure in me to move up to the city.....

its a glasses day...or week

2007-01-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

philippians 2...

14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...

a lot of times, I catch myself not acting my age...becoming like a whiny 3 or 4 year old, grumbling about my job, overexagerating, and frustrated at school work because its more "busy work" than i'd like...and its definitely worse when i don't feel good..like the past 2 weeks.

prayer requests:

-that i get better, whatever it is that ive caught

-for a different perspective at work

-comfort...in any form

grace & peace,

alisha

24

2007-01-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

knowing that jack bauer will be saving the world for another 2 seasons after this sixth season, kinda makes 24 lose its edginess and the plot is just an exagerated chase scene with character cliffhangers from week to week....

not that the 4 hour season premiere was a disappointment, but it didnt hold my attention like the episodes last season when i really didn't know what was going to happen.

anyways, anyone want to take a stab at who's gonna die and who's in on the conspiracy this season?

:o)

grace & peace,
alisha

in the news....

2007-01-14T22:23:00.000-05:00

so last night 2 churches in Greenville were set on fire and at least 2 others were broken into.

i drove by Memorial and there were still fire fighters at the scene today around 1pm, the church was pretty much destroyed by the fire and it was heartbreaking.

The newspaper reported that the sanctuary was not harmed, but from just passing by, i don't think that was the case-extensive burning was on the roof and steeple tower...

The fire at the other church, Unity Free Will, was contained to a couple Sunday School classrooms. All 4 of these churches were less than 2 miles of each other, and about 2 miles from where I live. my prayer is that staff and members of these churches respond in love, as Christ commands and Paul writes, in the midst of their anger and hurt.

the overwhlemingness of a new semester

2007-01-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

so its only going on day 3 and im at the point that i feel like i have way too much on my plate.
i know through, and only through HIS strength will i survive.

i should read the play that i have due for my lit class tomorra, but its 10pm, im exhausted from being on campus since 7:30am and have no desire to 1. read a play and 2. read a play in Spanish.

so heres what i'm going to do: fix me some dinner, & go to bed, wake up early & spend some time with Jesus and then tackle Cervantes. something tells me that doing that will contribute to a less overwhleming and exhausting day.

i dont want to complain.
i want to be positive and productive.
i like school.
Jesus brought me here.
this is what im suppose to be doing.

pray that by the end of the week i'm not in tears.

greace & peace,
alisha

back east

2007-01-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

sadly, im no longer home in Texas..but the sooner i finish out here the sooner i'll be back!
its quite unbelievable that my semester starts tomorra, im totally not ready for it thats for sure.

hopefully tomorra at work wont be incredibly busy and i can write the promised account of the past weeks on holiday and what the next semester is going to look like.

until then,
alisha

a whirlwind break

2007-01-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

so my break is slowly coming to an end..but definitely jam packed with fun the last days im in town.

a much more in depth narrative of christmas & new yr and my fun in TX will follow soon..but probably not until later in the week...

stay tuned faithful readers.

peace & goodwill,
alisha

first week recount

2006-12-17T23:43:00.000-05:00

okay..so i need to preface this with..i havent been in the habit of taking pictures, so unfortunately there is no documentation of all the fun i had this week.

Day 1 - Tuesday
arrive at IAH with my awesome new/ghetto fabulous 7.99 suitcase bought at goodwill and sewed up backpack because the jackson intl airport ate it at thanksgiving.
Tracy and Val were my escorts home to college station complete with signs including "italian hot mama", "blue baker express", and "welcome to the promise land prodigal daughter".
On arrival to CS we picked up my sister and headed to the Blue Baker...mmm
i wasnt feeling well after my flight so i stayed up until 10pm waiting on my parents to come home from their bible study christmas party..but i couldnt make it.

Day 2 - Wednesday
woke up and went running
then i showered and valerie came and picked me up to take me to see Mom at work.
After visiting with mom we went to lunch at Potbelly (my first time there and I enjoyed it)
Next was my dentsit date with my sister, then we met up at the movies to see The Holiday with Tracy, Didi and Valerie. Great flick.
I got a haircut after the movie and then rushed home to see my dad before him and mom headed off to the nursing home.
The rest of the night was dinner with some random aquaintances & fun with Val, Didi & her fellow graduate students celebrating the end of the semester.

Day 3 - Thursday
We (Val & I) slept in..bunk beds are really fun when sharing them with your best friend and then headed to Brenham to tour the Blue Bell Factory. After a delicious cup of icecream we visited my former stomping grounds and then headed back home for dinner with the 'rents.
After dinner we went to Tracy's for a bit and then got desert at chilli's (and it was yummy) and then headed back to the casa to hang out.

Day 4 - Friday
I got to hang out with Marla in the morning, had breakfast at blue baker and then chilled at the dorm with Val for a bit before heading to Houston.
after lunch & a shower I drove into Htown to see Micah and a couple of the Helena boys (Andrew & David). We ate at Johnny Carino's and then headed back to Andrews for 42..we had a great time.

Day 5 - Saturday
drove back to College station, grabbed lunch at mr. g's with Mom and Caley and then Val and I headed to Austin for a surprise..those plans fizzled out unfortunately, so we ate dinner on 6th street and browsed the REI, then headed back to CS to chill for the rest of the evening

Day 6 - Sunday
Today was a good rest day. We..or I should say Val didnt wake up in time for Central's service so we went to Living Hope at 11am and then ate lunch at wing's n more before she had to leave for jackson. after our tearful goodbye (not really...totally being silly) I worked on our families christmas puzzle for the afternoon. We to evening church and then got to hang out with one of my favorite gals Ms. Magan Porter..and that brings me to now.

Tomorra I'm headed back to houston to pick up my brother and then we're going to our grandpa's for the day for some fun..be looking for the pictures...

thats all.

peace & goodwill,
alisha

Mission accomplished

2006-12-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

school is now officially over.
the mgmt test wasnt too bad & i got $130 bucks back for the textbks...which makes up for spending 3 hrs a week bored out of my mind in class for the past 12 weeks.

while this (completing this semester) isnt a huge accomplishment or grand feat, having a semester under my belt does make me feel a little more grown up. i think surviving through my next semester though will be the big test-managing 12 grad hrs (6 hrs in spanish!) and 25 GA hrs will be quite the task...

anyways, my plane leaves in 18.5 hrs.
i heart school & my 4 week break!

peace & goodwill,
alisha

i've been tagged....

2006-12-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

so apparently i've become part of the game begun by Living Hope bloggers...The way it works is i'm suppose to share 5 things you dont know about me...which is a bit hard, because all of you know me very well, nor am i very "mysterious"...but i will try to come up with things that arent well known about me and then, I get to tag 5 more people who have to do the same...and thus the sharing never ends...so

1. when I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with a small, mild form of cerebal palsy. Apparently, there is a spot on my brain the size of a pinhead that is dead, which caused me to not walk right. I had surgery, was in physical therapy and wore a brace until I was about 5. I remember it was not fun...especially having to wrap my huge cast in trashbags for bathtime. Miraculously, I surpassed all the drs. expectations and in the end my parents said enough to the drs, the Lord healed me, so I could be a "normal" kid again. So today, there are no symtoms..except when my body is really tired, and then only I am aware of them.

2. i love learning. being in grad school is a lot of fun for me. (yes, i've done my share of complaining about the work load) BUT i really do like learning new things. while my research papers were tedious, reading through all my articles was really insightful and interesting. i love gathering information...which probably contributes to my love for books. basically, im a closet nerd. i think i would be perfectly happy if I could go to school as a career...discussions, aquiring knowledge and reading, writing, critically thinking & anaylzing...

3. i would love to be in a band for a little while. You know-the staple girl singer?..thats what I want to do. i think it would be so fun...new places every night or so, concerts, bus rides, roadies, groupies.

4. I've never been kissed, yes like the movie, but in fact totally, 100% true. hopefully, by the Lord's gracious will, the one and only lips that will touch mine are going be the man I marry, whoever he is. i'm so thankful for the protection the Lord has placed over my heart throughout my life of singleness. its a wonderful gift I have to give from the Lord.

5. I love playing 42. I learned how to play at A&M, typical of most aggies. We'd play all the time, Micah carried them in his car. Tracy frustrating everyone with her designs & silly team names, table talk-good times. The strategy, competitiveness, risk, chance -a great game..we'd teach someone, just so we could have a 4th if we were short a person. Helena House rules, as they were known: no low except on force..really the only one we religiously followed. oh how i miss those nights.

okay..so now you know a little more about me. I tag valerie and ashley r (maybe they'll get back into blogging), micah james, william and sarah seefeldt

have fun!

grace & peace,
alisha

MAIS

2006-12-09T10:16:00.000-05:00

so last night we had an end of the yr party with all the kids in our program & neighbors & classmates.from left to right (front to back):
katy & tia...my two closest friends
carrie (who will be helping me with my spanish next semester), sjiyah (our sweet international student) Francesca (the host and "crazy" Italian) me, lu (a really cool international that was in one of our classes..we plan to hang out more next semester), alex (one of two guys in the program..you see he's quite out numbered) and andrea

it was a great night complete with homemade salsa, drinks, some free catering from a yummy local bakery/deli in town, and desserts galor!

last night we all realized just how much we really like each other and now are planning to be real friends next semester and get together more often.

all the people in my program are wonderful, quirky in their own ways, but truly we've got ourselves a stellar group!

grace & peace,
alisha

they are finished.

2006-12-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

my papers are done...at total of 33 pages.

one submited by email..the other one is being dropped off tomorra.

saturday & sunday will be spent studying for mgmt.

im on a plane tuesday.

its cold here in greenville, the high is suppose to be 30 tomorra.

good night moon.

grace & peace,
alisha

not on my favorites list

2006-12-04T16:05:00.000-05:00

i do not heart the city of greenville...

i got towed today.
granted i was not parked in a labeld spot, BUT there was no sign or indication that towing was enforced...and when i got to where my truck was suppose to be, there was another car there...ugh.

so for my last week in greenville..im resorting back to the faithful bike..even though the winter weather has arrived.

i'll be looking into a better parking pass too for next semester.

isnt it ironic..dont you think?

2006-12-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

so unfair..

i hear its a blistering 28 degrees and quasi snowing in Dallas..and whats the weather like in Greenville, NC?

windy, raining, and a high of 80 degrees

boo.

(11 more days til i cross the TX border-can you tell i can't wait?)

back to reading research...

lish

by the way...gig them aggies.

2006-11-27T16:57:00.000-05:00

WHOOP!

how 'bout those ags??

let the countdown comence

2006-11-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

15 days til i leave for college station....mark your calenders for December 12th!

34 Things I'm Thankful for...

2006-11-22T16:05:00.000-05:00

I know its a day early, but i leave bright and early tomorra for RDU to head to Mississippi til Monday...out of Greenville, no school, quality time with the best friend for 4 days..whoop!These are in no particular order...

1. grad school
2. mom & dad..that he's alive!
3. a duplex close to campus
4. Becky at the International House
5. Tia & Katie..good Greenville friends
6. wool socks
7. the Lord's sovereign hand at work in my life
8. books
9. Valerie-i heart you
10. McAllister's & Panera bread
11. Greenville Public Library
12. Netflix
13. refinement & sanctification
14. wireless internet
15. Eric Lee & his wonderful listening ear
16. understanding professors
17. a church that speaks truth
18. Claudine Blakey...for flying me to mississippi for Thanksgiving
19. those who flew me home in October
20. Caley & Tony..the coolest sibs ever-i miss yall like crazy
21. cold weather..even though i complain occassionally (in conjunction with #34)
22. Jesus & the cross..for saving me
23. the rec center
24. parking spots on the street
25. Tracy..especially the calls & cards
26. sweaters & scarves
27. cell phones & email
28. Laura Stiller..for always bringing an encouraging word
29. grandma thorne's recliner
30. sunny days
31. Abbie Struc and her emails
32. Libby..i don't know what i'd do without my bff
33. Christmas break is almost here & I only have one more research paper to write
34. hot chocolate & quilts

inside my head

2006-11-17T20:28:00.000-05:00

lso these are just somethings going on inside this brain of mine..most of the time its good for me to get'em out, cause it helps me sort through them...

lately, ive been convicted about my motivations; whether or not the choices i make glorfiy Him, or if im really just trying to serve myself, and then theres those middle ground feelings of knowing that it pleases Him and doing it, but only doing it because i know its right-the "it" being anything-these are the ones that happen more often than not.

its a huge struggle and (preface: these next few statements are in no way to excuse my poor choices or cast blame..because it all ultimately lies with me and my faith)

with a lot of innerward searching and prayer, ive learned that my-we'll call it lack of motivation- affects the Body, but at the same time, when the Body isn't "being the Body" i hurt and that is contributing to this valley i can't seem to get out of. so then this brings the circle around back to me, and i have to ask, what in my life is hurting the Body? its a hard place to be in, is all i can say. humbling and breaking, rough & tough.

moving on..loneliness.
this is something that i don't understand and it plagues me.
i almost feel like i don't even have control over it, the slightest thing, usually not even related to anything will make or break my week. the past 2 weeks have been horrible-i was depressed, homesick, ready to throw in the towel with school, miserable to the point that i didnt want anybody to have to listen to me complain so i kept up "face"...this week started with a long and emotional & frustrating conversation and it ended up being a decent week. its like i need to find the breaker box on my emotions and just turn the loneliness one off-cause it seeps into everything.

my mind loves a good game.
my schedule doesnt help my circumstances.
theres duality and uncertainty in what im passionate about and desire to do.
satan he's a trickster.
this battle im in is constantly one over my emotions and trust.

to end on a good note-the Lord has answered a long time prayer: i think i've found a "close" friend! we're hanging out this weekend and are really excited..cause she's been praying for the same thing :)

thanksgiving will be 100% refreshing and wonderful..4 days of no school and then im flying home 2 weeks later...whoop!

thats all.
grace & peace friends,
alisha

doxology

2006-11-15T11:43:00.000-05:00

Oh, the depths of the riches of the
wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgement,
and his paths beyond tracing out!

Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?

For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen

romans 11:33-36

2006-11-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

so im not as smart as i thought...so its back to normal...

bear with me...

2006-11-01T17:30:00.000-05:00

so im going for a new look..and im still trying to figure it all out...

ive gotten the inspiration from sander & whitney & the stillers blogs...

hopefully it will be done and how i envisioned it soon....

grace & peace,
lish

2006-10-31T14:15:00.000-05:00

so i have this site meter on my blog..so i can see how frequently and sometimes who is actually keeping up with my blog and well, i feel bad because lately, or this past week, many have visited alombardi.blogspot.com but theres really nothing blogworthy to post about-unless you guys want me bouncing my research off of you for feedback, and well, i wouldn't wish that upon anyone...granted, my topics are interesting: the development of cross-cultural education for my communications class and how education has been globalized and its implications for the future for my global issues class.

the next three weeks are going to be insane for me...getting these 2 15 page papers written on top of all the readings and notes i still have to do for my classes & i still have a midterm essay & another paper to write!!...my goal is to get everything done right before thanksgiving, turn everything in when i get back and then im home free til the12th when its back to TX for the next 3 weeks...whoop!

in another news,
my "boss" has returned, so its back to the GA room with little to keep me occupied.
ive started making christmas presents....cant tell you what they are or it would ruin the surprise for those of you that read this and get presents from me.
fall weather is quite beautiful here, the trees at snail's pace are changing but the temperature is almost perfect...

anyways, thats all for now...for all you regular blog checkers...you can slow down on mine :)

grace & peace,
alisha

beautiful maker

2006-10-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

You spread out the skies over empty space
Said, "let there be light" to a dark and formless world Your light was born You spread out your arms over empty hearts
Said, "let there be light" to a dark and hopeless world Your son was born
You made the world and saw that it was good
You sent your only son, for you are good
What a wonderful maker, What a wonderful saviour
How majestic your whispers, And how humble your love
With a strength like no other, And the heart of a father
How majestic your whispers, What a wonderful God
No eye has fully seen how beautiful the cross
And we have only heard the faintest whispers of how great you are
you made the world and saw that it was good
you sent your only son for you are good
what a wonderful maker, what a wonderful Saviour
how majestic your whispers how humble your love
with a strength like no other and the heart of a father
how majestic your whispers, what a wonderful God
you made the world and saw that it was good
you sent your only son for you are good
what a wonderful maker, what a wonderful saviour
how majestic your whispers, how humble your love
with the strength like no other and the heart of a father
how majestic your whispers,what a wonderful God
how majestic your whispers, what a wonderful God

I think of this song as i sit here work looking out the window, watching the colorful fall leaves fluttering and move with the brisk, cold, North Carolina wind. it was a cold 40 degrees this morning as i headed to the office with a scarf and gloves-the outside gloriously chilling my body to the core, yet a wonderful reminder that He is the one that commands and directs the earth and everything in it-He causes all things to work together and declares them good. He feeds the birds and showers the grass with rain..my fears and confusion have no place because He is sovereign.

where to go?...but to my knees

2006-10-23T22:40:00.000-04:00

there is no comfortabilty in Christ. so why, when things spin out of control and then slow down and seem getting back to "normal" am i surprised when im hit by something else?

Friday Alisha's "time-table of life" was ripped apart; my plan shred, my pride crushed by news that was bittersweet, reflecting how i so easily take the reins and not let the Father lead, how i walk in confidence of self, when humility and trust should be put on.

i found out on Friday during my spring advising that i will be able to graduate in December 2007, (that i knew) but the other news was that I can come back to TX and take summer school and won't have to return to North Carolina. What i thought was an indefinite time away is now ending in 7 months. if i take summer school in TX, I will graduate in Dec taking a class online in the fall, able to work full time wherever the Lord takes me-and that is the new prayer. where does the Lord want me to go?

There are a lot of thoughts and things i want to write about this but for now im going to bed, more will come soon faithful readers, i will not leave you hanging...

grace & peace,
lish

#1 Grad assistant

2006-10-19T16:50:00.000-04:00

i sent & received a total of 57 emails today between the hours of 10am-4pm...the joys of the technology age we live in...

i think im doing a pretty swell job while the director and asst. director are gone for 2 weeks. i seem to be much more productive and have really enjoyed getting to work without feeling babysat....

grace & peace,
lish

sad day.

2006-10-18T10:58:00.001-04:00

only in North Carolina can you go into a gas station and there isnt fountain Dr. Pepper and then you leave and go to Wendy's and you have to order Mr. Pibb....

such a let down.

A weekend with Mom

2006-10-16T18:40:00.000-04:00

Friday Mom and I headed to the North Carolina State Fair and filled up on turkey legs, the ferris wheel and their famous fried Coke...yup, deep fried coca-cola, quite the experience. The overall general experience wasn't as "backwoods/redneck" as I thought it would be, but there were a far share of sketchy characters in participation. The weather was gorgeous and our hotel was one of the nicest ive ever stayed in. Before heading back to G-town, we grabbed a slice of cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory and came home and vegged on the couch..watching (and I know I shouldnt admit this) 8 hours of Lost, Season 1.

Sunday we went to church and then I was tour guide for the afternoon, walking downtown and through campus. We caught a movie, One Night with the King (a movie on the story of Esther), that afternoon and then came back home.

It was great to have my mom around and im pretty sure she enjoyed getting to see where my "new home" is.

grace & peace,
lish

texas

2006-10-05T12:10:00.000-04:00

so this has been a long post in the making...

i started this on Thursday morning to write about the shane and shane concert i went to Wednesday night, then i sat down again Friday afternoon to write about the precious time i had a south knoll that morning and now the weekend has passed and that deserves a post for a number of reasons, so i'll start from the beginning.

shane & shane was good for a number of reasons-their love for college station speaks closely to my love for coming here-the remembering how far ive come and from where..not just physical sense but spiritual as well. one of their last songs really expresses what my constant struggle has been with the Lord, the doubts of who i am and what im doing. its a constant mental battle for me to know im in the Fathers hands and not cursed because He has already overcome...i feel the lyrics should be shared because well..they speak for themselves:

embracing accusation
father of lies
coming to steal kill and destroy
all my hopes
of being good enough
i hear him saying
"cursed are the ones who can't abide"

he's right
halleluiah
he's right
the devil
is preaching
the song of the redeemed
that i am cursed and gone astray
i cannot gain salvation

embracing accusation

could the father of lies
be telling the truth
of god to me tonight?
that if the penalty of sin is death
the death is mine
i hear him saying
"cursed are the ones
who can't abide"

he's right
halleluiah
he's right
the devil
is preaching
the song of the redeemed
that i am
cursed and gone astray
i cannot gain salvation

the devil's singing over me
an age old song
that i am cursed and gone astray
sing the first verse so conveniently
over me
he's forgotten the refrain...

JESUS SAVES

"Cursed be anyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them"

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us"
- Gal 3:13

Thursday was spent with Dad running errands, went to the movies, fed the ducks and ate dinner with the fam..nothing spectacular but definitely quality...mr. eric b. lee deserves a shout out..i always enjoy hanging out with you :) i know youre not, but im sure glad youre still in the CS!

Friday morning i experienced one of the most precious times in my life and will forever keep it close to my heart & memory. i went up to South Knoll Elementary to visit my old class and teacher friends..while on the playground, about 8-10 of my Head Start kids (now grownup kindergarteners) spotted me and ran toward me with arms stretched wide for hugs, screaming "Senora Aliiiisha!!!!", almost tackling me to the ground, chattering a mile a minute with questions and stories, so incredibly excited and happy to see me...another wonderful homecoming moment :)

that afternoon-after a great lunch with micah, me and val set out on a short roadtrip up to austin to see the beautiful Andrea Carney & Jocelyn Brackin. Friday night was an evening of catching up, great encouragement, laughter and one of the most thought provoking movies ive ever seen, which would take a whole long post to write about if i was even going to begin to describe it and discuss my opinions about it, but it would be a very long tangent, so i'll just tell you the title and you can google it "Jesus Camp". Saturday morning we ate a classic austin breakfast at 11am at kirby lane with jocelyn which was delightful and fun, then we headed off to Tyler to visit Val's mom & aunt and uncle, who (the aunt & uncle) are the funniest relatives i've met in a long time...we were laughing the whole day! im back safe and sound in college station, chilling until Thursday when its back to NC!

so theres the past week. my time at home has been refreshing and great, sprinkled with great catch up time with friends.

grace & peace,
lish

CS Blackout 2006

2006-10-04T08:18:00.000-04:00

yup thats right faithful readers, i was able to experience the awesome power outage in the Brazos Valley last night-what a great welcoming-but really it was a fun night back: dinner & hanging out with some of my favorite girls: Tracy, Didi and Val

Clearly, im back in College Station. I'm here spending some time with my dad as he recovers from his heart attack. Praise the Lord my professors & job are flexible enough that i was able to come to Texas for a week. The Lord is faithful to provide, comfort and heal-all glory and praise goes to Him!

If youre in CS, gimme a ring, i'd love to see ya :o)

grace & peace,
lish

great expectations

2006-09-24T20:46:00.000-04:00

theres comes a fine line with expectations.

To expect too much is to have a sentimental view of life and this is a softness that ends in bitterness. Flannery O'Connor
Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. William Congreve
What you have made me see," answered the Lady, "is as plain as the sky, but I never saw it before. Yet it has happened every day. One goes into the forest to pick food and already the thought of one fruit rather than another has grown up in one's mind. Then, it may be, one finds a different fruit and not the fruit one thought of. One joy was expected and another is given. But this I had never noticed before - that the very moment of the finding there is in the mind a kind of thrusting back, or setting aside. The picture of the fruit you have not found is still, for a moment, before you. And if you wished, if it were possible to wish - you could keep it there. You could send your soul after the good you had expected, instead of turning it to the good you had got. You could refuse the real good; you could make the real fruit taste insipid by thinking of the other." C.S. Lewis
Rarely do the followers exceed the expectations of the leaders. Unkown

EXPECTATIONS:
are they good or bad? should we set high expectations? so quality and excellence is maximized or should we have low expectations so they are easily met and attained? or should we have no expectations at all so we're not disappointed or left wanting?

i don't have the answers to any of those questions, but too many times i feel like i've set too high of expectations and im left feeling failed and disappointed, then comes the thinking that if my expectations were lowered, i would be much happier; but would i???
thinking about my expectations in school, with work, in friendships & relationships and church, leads me to the other side of expectations, thinking about what the Lord expects out of me and in searching Scripture, the Lord expects/wants excellence, my best, complete and utter dependence [Prvb 31, Eph 4, Gal 5, 1 Peter 4, James 3, Hebrews 11 and many others]. He expects me to live a holy life, seeking His face, proclaiming His name to the ends of the earth, loving others with His eyes and compassion, pouring out grace and truth, surrendering, losing my life.

are my expectations for others a personality flaw/weakness? am i setting myself up for constant disappointment? how do i remedy this without feeling like im selling out to mediocrity or settling? my constant desire is to please the Lord and magnify Him "living a life worthy of the calling".
my prayer is that my expectations are founded in biblical truth and not selfish desire so at the end of the day its not about me.

grace & peace,
lish

such a sap...

2006-09-20T21:25:00.000-04:00

so in light of the previous post, i probably shouldnt have just watched the new TAMU promo video..and nor should i be telling all the masses that read this blog, but yeah i'll admit it, it brought a tear to my eye..but i think thats cause my homesickness has been really bad lately...

so there ya go..and A&M video almost made me cry.

grace & peace,
lish

the stars at night are big and bright....

2006-09-20T21:15:00.000-04:00

i miss my Texas.

down for the count...

2006-09-14T17:16:00.000-04:00

well..it shouldnt surprise me the day i write about not having anything exciting happening...something happens.

so i dont know if ive mentioned this but since the middle of August ive been donating plasma twice a week and have saved up a nice little travel fund. well, my money earning scheme has now been put on hold for 8 weeks due to "infiltration". my arm swelled & looked like there was a golf ball under the skin.
for the not so faint of heart, i'll hopefully be posting pictures of the quite large bruise that im going to have due to the "injury".

needless to say, no more plasma donating until my red blood count is back up in two months.

Thursday morning before work post in the computer lab

2006-09-14T09:44:00.000-04:00

so its been a couple days since a post. nothing too exciting has been going on. ive been working on a post about culture, but every week theres more stuff to think about and so its not quite ready for posting...but soon! i had my first quizzes in mgmt and did as well as i thought i would, which wasn't great. theres just something about "business" and my brain that just dont connect...its like learning a foreign language, or harder! needless to say, more time will be devoted to studying those chapters.

work has been picking up; we have World Community Day coming up next week on Tuesday and the Int'l House has a huge part to play in that...basically is a world awareness day educating campus on countries and cultures-there are a ton of people coming out from Peace Corps volunteers to the Passport Agency and International awareness non-profits. I'll be helping out with the Study Abroad table and helping escort our "visitors" around-it should be crazy, but fun!

church is going well. i'm getting involved with the worship team. most likely im going to be doing female vocals. the way its set up is we have 2 bands that alternate weeks. and then i'm also going to be put on the nursery rotation-yea for babies! the "series" we've been on in big church has been about being overwhelmed. its been encouraging to hear and apply practical truths to the stresses that come up in my life, because i forget so easily that im not in control and totally have the strength to endure. in small group we've been expanding on the sermons as the kickoff isnt until the 24th. claude, our leader usually asks a question and facilates the discussion.

thats all i got. still alive & kickin' in greenville-the fall weather has been glorious, a little rainy, but the temperature divine!

grace & peace,
lish

do i look 24????

2006-09-08T21:25:00.000-04:00

a huge thanks to all who made my first birthday far from home special!
i loved all the phone calls, emails & ecards, cards and facebook msgs

the pigtails are for you william!
my birthday celebration was fun, me & some people from class went to chili's, very enjoyable and glad i didnt spend the whole night at home!

im so blessed by all of yalls friendships!
grace & peace,
lish

the Industrial Revolution and globalization

2006-09-05T17:03:00.000-04:00

People keep asking me what grad school is like..and all i can tell them is its a lot of reading, so i thought i'd give you a glimpse of my everyday life:
this is an exerpt from

Conditions of the Working Class in England by Frederick Engels, 1845

Since capital, the direct or indirect control of the means of subsistence and production, is the weapon with which this social warfare is carried on, it is clear that all the disadvantages of such a state must fall upon the poor. For him no man has the slightest concern. Cast into the whirlpool, he must struggle through as well as he can. If he is so happy as to find work, i.e., if the bourgeoisie does him the favour to enrich itself by means of him, wages await him which scarcely suffice to keep body and soul together; if he can get no work he may steal, if he is not afraid of the police, or starve, in which case the police will take care that he does so in a quiet and inoffensive manner. During my residence in England, at least twenty or thirty persons have died of simple starvation under the most revolting circumstances, and a jury has rarely been found possessed of the courage to speak the plain truth in the matter. Let the testimony of
the witnesses be never so clear and unequivocal, the bourgeoisie, from which the jury is selected, always finds some backdoor through which to escape the frightful verdict, death from starvation. The bourgeoisie dare not speak the truth in these cases, for it would speak its own condemnation. But indirectly, far more than directly, many have died of starvation, where long-continued want of proper nourishment has called forth fatal illness, when it has produced such debility that causes which might otherwise have remained inoperative brought on severe illness and death. The English working-men call this "social murder", and accuse our whole society of perpetrating this crime perpetually. Are they wrong?
[…]
Every great city has one or more slums, where the working-class is crowded together. True, poverty often dwells in hidden alleys close to the palaces of the rich; but, in general, a separate territory has been assigned to it, where, removed from the sight of the happier classes, it may struggle along as it can. These slums are pretty equally arranged in all the great towns of England, the worst houses in the worst quarters of the towns; usually one- or two-storied cottages in long rows, perhaps with cellars used as dwellings, almost always irregularly built. These houses of three or four rooms and a kitchens form, throughout England, some parts of London excepted, the general dwellings of the working-class. The streets are generally unpaved, rough, dirty, filled with vegetable and animal refuse, without sewers or gutters, but supplied with foul, stagnant pools instead. Moreover, ventilation is impeded by the bad, confused method
of building of the whole quarter, and since many human beings here live crowded into a small space, the atmosphere that prevails in these working-men's quarters may readily be imagined. Further, the streets serve as drying grounds in fine weather; lines are stretched across from house to house, and hung with wet clothing.

just one slelction of the 300 pages (and thats no exaggeration) of reading i had for this week-it by far has been the easiest to read through,
anyways...ive gotta get back to writing.

grace & peace,
lish

Psalm 111

2006-09-04T21:20:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord.

I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord, they are pondered by all who delight in them
Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works; giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever-holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning gof wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

I confess lately ive forgotten. ive been caught up in other things and the Lord is patiently waiting for me to get a clue. 3 separate times today i read "be still and know the Lord..", think He's trying to tell me something?
In my initial mental preparations for moving, what i thought it was going to be like, what the transition was going to look like, etc. i imagined this huge "shift", a profound, clear, obvious change into something better, and perhaps cooler. The summer was this constant readiness for something else, excited that there was a physical time it was going to start and take place. And tonight the Lord has taken hold of me and put me face to face with His consistency, steadfastness and faithfulness. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Gently and lovingly, He's taken me in His arms and said remember. No matter what house im sitting in, or what campus im attending school, its still a daily surrender of myself to glorify Him in my body.

While North Carolina is exciting and different, most everything in my life is still the same. I still constantly battle waking up in the morning, being a single gal in North Carolina stinks as much as it did in Texas, the Holy Spirit is still convicting and teaching me more intimately everyday, i have school/work responsibilities, the list goes on and on. As I sit back and think about all those expectations I had, I find myself feeling silly, wondering why I thought it was going to be so different.
The words of the psalmist speak such truth and reflect the current state of my heart.
Following Him, fearing Him will lead to understanding and wisdom in the places Im confused; seeking Him daily,reverently will answer the whys and hows i have about my future and relationships.

thats all i got for now.
God is good, all the time, His love endures forever.

grace & peace,
lish

Tropical Storm Ernesto

2006-08-31T22:26:00.000-04:00

so apparently theres a tropical storm hitting...and im in the middle of it.

work at the Honors office & other important news

2006-08-30T12:44:00.000-04:00

so work at the honors program office is a bit more "formal" than the international house, but i think im going to enjoy it; John, my immediate supervisor is quite the professional. i have my own desk (well, i share it with the other GAs, but i'm the only one that works on Wednesdays) and the work is fairly simple, I just do whatever John or Dr. Bassman, or the other advisors tell me to do. I'll be working 9-2 every Wednesday so that will give me plenty of time to start readings for my classes and catch up on news. Today I answered the phones and arranged some activities for when our elementary school kids come to campus.

the plasma donations have been going well, except the fact that my veins are weak..so it kinda looks like im a drug addict, because i've been poked so much!

i guess life in greenville is almost routine. im slowly getting to know the people in my classes and building relationships at church. but as a whole, the loneliness has crept up on me, seeping into the little things-that, at the end of the day make it feel like its been a bad day. i havent "lost it" yet, you know the just-need-to cry-&-start-&-then-cant-stop? so i guess thats a good sign, but there have been a couple nites where probably given 5 more minutes i couldve. Its a weird feeling i carry around..cause ultimately i think its loneliness, but im surrounded by people all the time, and am interacting with them. and its not a not wanting to be here, because i really am enjoying the work and the classes, while i complain about all the reading, i am excited about it all. so, needless to say, i think its just typical moving to a new place, but for some reason it feels different than all the other times i've been away from home and friends.
anyways, keep me in your prayers..ive gotta get back to working....

grace & peace,
lish

grad school full force

2006-08-27T17:06:00.000-04:00

my first week of grad school is over and i already have quite a work load, and i've only been to 1 class!
Friday night was spent with some chinese and mgmt. i read til my brain was mush..you know the point where youre reading but the minds isnt processing anything that your eyes are reading? i got about 75% done, which i was happy with.
Saturday was spent at the beach, Atlantic Beach, close to Morehead City; we took a group of 30 exchange students & got some surf boards and i had my first surfing lesson! the surf was pretty flat, which means no good. unfortunately, the East Coast so far is not my favorite. While, beautiful and cool, I had a horrible allergic reaction to something during my time there and finally today, the rash for the most part has gone away.
After church, I set up camp to finish up mgmt for my first class tomorra night and then started in on global issues..the class that will consume most of my time looking at the syllabus.
Work at the international house is slowly picking up. Until the middle of october, I will be manning a table 2 days a week from 11-1 at ECU's rudder fountain/msc breezeway equivalent recruiting students to study abroad. and then there will be other various projects that i'll be working on.

In other news, I've started a Bring Alisha Home Fund. and its not what you think....:)

This fund is my savings for airplane tickets for my visits back to the great state of TX. So if after prayerful consideration, the Lord leads you to give, or for some reason you have a tree that money starts growing on, or youre at a loss as to what to do with the extra income youve ended up with..please make checks payable to Alisha Lombardi and include BHAF in the memo line :) cash and all major credit cards are accepted as well :)

thats all for now, this study break is coming to an end.
its back to globalization...and hey..i'll include an interactive/educational part for all my faithful readers.

Please give me your own definition of what globalization is.

grace & peace,
lish

INTL 6105-global issues

2006-08-23T23:49:00.000-04:00

i completed my first day as a grad student; it was definitely weird walking around on-campus, not knowing anyone, not being familiar with campus, etc. i miss my aggies. the howdys, the long treks to class. and the only thing people have to respond with when they hear im from Texas is "yeah, UT was named the #1 party school.."

tomorra the fbi comes to our office, im volunteering at the winterville watermelon festival, and im going to donate plasma for the second time this week.

thats all from greenville.

grace & peace,
lish

so faithful

2006-08-18T22:48:00.000-04:00

i am so blessed by our great God. His unfailing kindness and provision never cease to make me stand in awe of Him and praise Him for His faithfulness to me, when I, at so many times feel like im failing Him.

Being in Greenville, He has provided housing, a church home and work, and slowly friends. Not only did I get a GAship in the International Affairs office working with the international exchange students, on top of that I have been given another part-time GAship working with the MAIS Honors program.

As for my church home, I went to small group this week and loved it. I felt like I was amongst friends and at home. There was good discussion and deep fellowship with one another. Tomorra Im going serving with them helping students move in. Discovery (thats the name of the church) is a small church plant here in Greenville that really focuses on community and service, being the Body to the people of Greenville. Ive already met a girl that wants to meet and practice Spanish with me, and another girl who is eager to be workout buddies...its such an encouragement to me not to have to hop around for a couple weeks, but really begin to invest.

Brandi, my roommate will move in this weekend and i have orientation, that i get to go to with the a minister's fiance, who is a grad student like me.

Thanks for all the prayers friends, i've felt them and the Lord has steadily been answering them.

grace & peace,
lish

all official

2006-08-16T20:11:00.000-04:00

well, ive got my ECUOnecard..thats what they call the id cards.

I started work today and helped all the new internationaal students get moved into their dorm rooms. it was a lot of walking, tomorra shouldnt be as tiring, but it will definitely be a long one since its orientation stuff all day; but it will be very informative for me, seeing as i kinda feel like an international myself.

anyways, classes start in a week. i think the international affairs office will be pretty fun, the staff is real laid back-already we've been joking around with one another, so im looking forward to being there.

thats about it,

grace & peace,
lish

me & hgtv

2006-08-09T21:10:00.000-04:00

so back in july while i was in jackson, there was a day when val was at her film workshop and her mom had turned the tv on to HGTV. so when i got up, i grabbed a book and made myself comfortable on the couch. i didnt bother turning the tv off, it wasnt too loud, and i was content to read...well, after like 3 hours i was hooked. there are so many interesting shows and cool things to do/try...anyways....that being said...

i wish i had a before picture so you can really envision the hard labor put into the new dresser...the stripping, and scrapping and sanding and more scrapping...so i started this project Tuesday afternoon and viola! Wednesday night its complete...i could totally be on Trading Spaces :)

i know it looks like something out of some kid's room or a nursery but i like it..a lot actually...im very tempted to redo my other one so it will match, but i havent decided...anyways,
thats all ive got.

grace & peace,
lish