Jazz, Mary and Martha

Jazz is staying with me because of WW3 (Streak vs. Mason). Streak nipped Mason's face, but ultimately lost the war...he is being sent to his grandparents house in Robertsdale and Jazz is with me in Auburn.

Jazz is a pretty athletic dog...maybe that is why we get along so well. We run together, play tug-a-war, etc. Everyone knows that I am a neat freak when it comes to my trailer in Auburn. However, since Jazz has been here, it looks like a disaster area (i.e. Toys are EVERYWHERE!).

There have been a few things he and I both have had to get used to though since his arrival.
A.) We have had to get used to eating schedules. My dogs aren't very fond of this, but it is good for J-Man.
B.) We have had to get used to compromise in the morning. If he doesn't have to potty that bad, then he isn't allowed to wake me up! However, if he needs to go bad, he usually nudges me a lot or pulls the cover off me (not my favorite way to get up).
C.) THE ULTIMATE ISSUE we have had to get used to is Mary and Martha. Mary and Martha are my two Djungarian Hamsters. While I am working on homework, Jazz chills infront of their mansion and just watches...every now and then he will whine for them or bounce on the table they are on. This is his thrill. I took one out and let him sniff it. It is phenomenal!! He doesn't want to hurt them. He is just curious. It is almost as if he is their protector...bouncer or body gaurd. It is quite a funny site!

We have to get through some of the transitions still, but Jazz has been an absolute joy to me, Twinky, Lady, Mary, Martha, and (yes, even) Brad.

Jogging 101-Day 29-34

Friday
We did our Indian Run in the Coliseum since it was cold. It wasn't too bad, but I didn't feel good.

Monday
We ran 3 miles outside on the track. I was sick, but I made record time of 24 minutes.

Wednesday
We ran the ramps today; but since I went to the doctor the day before and was told I have bronchitis, she told me to walk the ramp trail.

Friday
The class ran the loop around campus. Since I was still sick, she cut the loop in half for me and another sick girl.

Monday
We ran 3 miles outside on the track. I was in the front pack after two miles, but then I started coughing ferociously! My ribs have hurt ever since! She MADE me walk the last half mile.

Wednesday
Since it is cold outside and because of my episode on Monday, she allowed me to run inside the Coliseum while everyone else did the ramp trail. I did 5 laps (1 mile) and 8 stadiums...which translates into more than the other group had to do. I came outside to meet back up with them looking like a wet rat.

Jogging 101-Day 27-28

Wednesday
As our teacher promised, we had a ramp it up Wednesday. This meant we ran up and down the ramp, jogged to the next ramp and repeated this pattern on all three ramps of the Coliseum. We did this whole loop twice before jogging around the Coliseum two times and walking around once. It doesn't sound that bad until you have run up the ramps a couple of times and your legs aren't totally under you anymore.

Friday
It rained hard so class was canceled.

Monday
It was freezing cold outside, but we ran at the track anyway! It wasn't too much fun. We ran three miles and sprinted the last lap. I ran my three miles in 24 minutes...which isn't bad, but not world record pace...ha! The only problem with running outside today is my throat burned, my hands went numb, I sweated (which made me freeze when the wind blew even harder), my ears hurt, and my head felt like it was going to explode. I'm going to go get winter jogging clothes to be totally prepared for this so it doesn't happen again.

Wednesday
I am sick...I have a swollen and sore throat AND my ears hurt. It feels like an ear infection is on its way, but I have an extra Z-pack that I'm going to start taking today. Anyway, it was even colder today! It was 30* at 8:00 in the morning! She decided since it was so cold we would go in the Coliseum to jog. We did the Indian Jog for one mile and then jogged one mile at 75%. It wasn't too bad, but I still don't feel good.

Gamer's Rot

A few days ago, Amy and I were playing DK and I noticed my thumb was sore, but not like it gets sore when I get gamer's thumb. I looked down at the tip of my thumb and noticed the skin was peeling back and it looked like a fungus on my thumb. We have invented a new term for this. It is called "Gamer's Rot". It hurts, but not quite as bad as gamer's thumb! :)

Are these monsters going to eat me?

On Saturday, Brad, Mrs. Christi, and I decided to go to Opelika in the afternoon to get Mrs. Christi some flowers from Lowes and me some books from B*A*M. Before we left Roanoke, we stopped by one of Mrs. Christi's friends house to drop off some food for a funeral. When I was on my way out, I walked toward a fence and saw two HUMONGOUS dogs running straight for me! They had to have been as tall as my waist. When they got close, I thought I was going to be eaten for sure, but I wasn't! They stood up next to me...almost knocking me down (they stood up higher than me) and commenced to licking me all over! They were the biggest babies--two huge Great Dane monsters that had no intention of eating me.

Whew...what a relief!

Harry Potty?

As everyone knows, I love Harry Potter. Bret conveniently started calling it Harry Potty about a year ago when I brought home Harry Potter Scene It-which no one loved! Anyway, I was working on some things on my computer when all of a sudden Amy says, "That's SCARY!"

I said, "What is?"

She said, "You're sitting there quoting the movie, Erin! You are saying all of their lines-word for word!! That is what's scary."

Apparently, I know the movies and books inside out and need to break up with them for a while. What's next? Am I going to be told I can't watch Pride and Prejudice? Now, that's a scary thought!

Jogging 101-Day 25-26

Friday
It was very overcast. The weather channel said it was supposed to rain in the morning. So, she cancel class after she took roll. No fun run!

Monday
It was pretty chilly outside today; so, she decided to take us inside to the Coliseum. We did our stretching and then she threw a surprise at me! She said, "I JUST want you to run for 35 minutes." This would be the longest "time" we have run in class! I ran at a slow pace so I wouldn't have to stop and walk/rest. At the end when she told me to finish out this lap and I would be done, I noticed I had a bit of energy left. I was surprised that I wasn't winded or wasn't having muscle aches. I sped up and finished with plenty of energy. We ran somewhere around 3.5-3.7 miles. It was a good run considering I haven't run since Wednesday. Despite my doubts, It was actually fun! It makes me run on my off day; however, I have a blister and my right knee hurts a bit from the run today...so I better not unless both are healed by tomorrow.

Good running today...STAY TUNED IN FOR WEDNESDAY. SHE PROMISES TO GIVE US A "RAMP IT UP WEDNESDAY"! :)

Jogging 101-Day 20-24

I am starting to condense my posts about jogging.

Day 20-Monday
We ran 2.5 miles at the track without stopping. She told us to run it at a pace where we wouldn't have to walk/rest.

Day 21-Wednesday
We had our midterm, which turned out to be a couple of paragraphs about our experience in the class.

Day 22-Friday
Fun Run Friday--We ran our usual loop around campus. I saw a couple of friends and had a few tell me they saw he chugging along. I finished some where in the middle in the pack...which is better than last. The hardest part about running around campus is the hills!

Day 23-Monday
We ran 2.5 miles at the track. We did this a bit differently. We jogged 2 laps at a good pace (.5 mile); walked 1 (.25 miles); jogged 2 laps at a good pace (.5 mile); walked 1 (.25 miles); jogged 2 laps at a good pace (.5 mile); walked 1 (.25 miles); and sprinted the last lap (.25 miles). This should equal 10 laps and 2.5 miles. It doesn't seem hard, but after jogging hard and already marking 2.25 miles, it is hard to sprint that last one! My teacher really does remind me of a female version of Coach Hammond.

Day 24-Wednesday
No Class

Jogging 101-Day 19

Today I found out our class days have names: Monday Madness, Winded Wednesday, Fun Friday...

Friday's are hardly fun! Today (Friday), we jogged around campus ~2.5 miles. [Side Note: I was so proud of everyone for making it under 30 minutes! I'm the biggest cheerleader.] She pushed us today to jog the whole thing hard. After going over a million hills on campus, your legs get tired! I made it...jogging just as hard she wanted... I cannot describe how my legs feel right now. The closest description I can give is jello with a hint of pain. Even if I am sore every time I leave class, weight loss is in sight. I have lost 4 pounds within the last two weeks. I don't know what I would do without this class.

Oh, and by the way...in my biased opinion, I have the best jogging instructor at Auburn University. She actually cares and wants us to continually push ourselves. This is the kind of teacher I like to have! I'm very fortunate. ...hard day, but I'll survive!

Jogging 101-Day 17-18

Monday
I almost died today. I wasn't feeling well, so I took two advil and two excedrin. Man, I felt great for a while; but when I got to the track, I realized I took that medicine on an empty stomach. We sprinted a 400, walked a 400, sprinted a 400, walked a 400, sprinted a 200, walked a 200, sprinted a 200, walked a 200, and jogged the last two 400s. I thought I was going to throw up the whole time. When I got home, I broke into my cabinets and started chowing down on a Zone bar. About 30 minutes later, I still felt bad, so I ate another. An hour had passed and I still felt bad. I drank a protein shake for lunch and went to class. I still felt a little nauseated, but I felt better. After dinner that night, I started feeling much better. However, my nausea did revisit me on Tuesday. Needless to say, I will no be that stupid again...or will I?

Wednesday
Last night, Amy and I decided to play a Donkey Kong Country 3 marathon. I felt great and was on this emotional high from the games. When I woke up this morning, I hit rock bottom. I didn't think I was going to be able to pull myself to the track. We were supposed to do relays today, but it is a good thing we didn't because I am not fast at all! She decided to do the same as Monday: sprint a 400, walk a 400, sprint a 400, walk a 400, sprint a 200, walk a 200, sprint a 200, walk a 200, and jog the last three 400s. The only difference is we added another 400 at the end. This may not sound like a lot, but after sprinting a total of three 400s, your energy is spent! I met a girl named Keira and jogged with her at a good pace...it was a good, but agonizing run!

Gamer's Thumb

Amy and I have been playing some serious Donkey Kong Country 3 lately on her Super Nintendo. Oh what fun... When I play, I get very into what I'm doing...everyone knows how intense I can be. We were so excited while we played that the remotes would make this cracking noise from the pressure we exerted on them. I finally told Amy that my thumb was KILLING me and I would need to stop soon. She said, "You always have the weirdest injuries." She titled my injury "GAMER'S THUMB".

Now you know what that pain in your thumb from playing to many video games is called...

How about that for a medical term, Bret?

Dear Grandmother...

I wrote this letter to Grandmother yesterday afternoon. It isn't my typical light-hearted story, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it.


Dear Grandmother,

This letter has been in progress for over a year. Please forgive me for not writing it sooner. Today, I found a picture of papa and you with the rest of our family. When I took the time to look at it, a whole flood of emotions poured out—years of things that should have been said along the way, all piling up behind a wall of indifference. Why is it we fail to express the things in our hearts to those we care about deeply? I don't think I've told you I love you enough and I'm one of the luckiest people alive to have had someone like you to influence me.
It's such a pity I wasted away the treasures of my youth. Had I realized what a valuable possession I had while growing up, I would have savored it all the more. So much was lost because I didn't take enough time or effort to listen, talk, ask, and appreciate. Those things I do remember are such wondrous gifts that mean more than anything…no one can take them away.

I remember so many things like the first time I went to the basement in your house-that was real adventure. I remember the big tree out front, the millions of chairs on the porch, the smell of freshly cut wood in papa’s workshop, the many times I sat with Dad on the tractor, the first time I rode the four-wheeler, the holiday dinners, the fear of the outhouse, the many sets of deer antlers hung for visitors to see, the endless amount of stuff in cabinets, the high ceilings, the Mexican Cornbread, the snake in the barn, the never-ending fields bordered by old fences, the B-B guns and dead birds, the traditional skeet shooting, the half pieces of gum you kept in your car, the ongoing attempts of drawing water from the well, the infamous hopscotch playing, the beautiful corn twice as tall as me, the old and faded pictures of family and friends, the irreplaceable knives papa made, the day you rode my bicycle, the hot muggy summer afternoons, and so many other excellent memories.

But most dear of all, the thoughts that flood my mind the most, are of smiling faces, laughter, family, friends, good times and bad jokes, happiness and a carefree spirit, talk around the dinner table, conversations on the porch, stories made sweet by the passage of time, hugs and hands held around the table in prayer, the warmth of being with people who would always love you. Most of all, I remember the love between you and papa—a love that rarely showed itself outwardly in superficial ways, but a love that screamed and surged through the respect and concern that was shown toward each other.

I also remember the changes—the trees planted and now growing tall, things uprooted by hurricanes and the old house being torn down, my siblings growing through their childhood only to show their own children in what seems a few years later, older faces growing more wrinkled, bodies growing tall and strong-others weak and frail, times of innocence and a world gone crazy, and the crops booming before the leaves begin falling.

When I think of all that has passed, something so wondrous and special has slipped by—never to be redone. A time has passed that cannot be relived, and I am glad I was there to experience the best parts. Thank you grandmother…
For the longest time there was hardly a day to go by that I didn't think of papa. Now, sorry to say, because of everyday life it's not that often that I think of him; but when I do it is with great respect and envy. He was the best man I've ever known. He carved a life of honesty, integrity, and hard work. He built and left a legacy that I hope will stand through my generation. I am ashamed by my own life when I think of his and how he overcame so much hardship. The same fires that melt the wax of others’ lives purified the insignificance of his to leave a legacy of honor and nobleness.

I have always thought of papa as strength and integrity and of you as laughter and love. You laughed at the things in life that I took too seriously. You laughed at yourself to show me that we are indeed funny creatures. You laughed to show me that life isn't so bad after all. Thank you for laughing but most importantly for loving the way you do—often times in silence and toil, in firmness and fairness, in not complaining or fussing, but in a compulsive, quiet reserve that just keeps on wanting, hoping, and praying for the best in us.

I hope I've conveyed a little of what I feel through this letter. It is important, and I’ve been too long in the process of telling you. You deserve to know that you have meant so much to me. I hope to one day share these things with my own children (which will be quite some time from now) and tell them about all the wonderful things their great-grandmother and great-papa did.

Thanks so much, grandmother. I love you.

Your youngest grandchild,

Erin LaJune Henderson

Rivers Langley Quote for the Day...

Rivers Langley is a genius guy in one of my English classes. He has a very unusual way of thinking of things. I told you that because the quote will make more sense knowing this.

In my Technology, Literacy, and Culture class, we were discussing Brave New World and how the idea of children, mother, and father are profane words. Rivers then brilliantly chimed in, "Well, to be quite honest...in the western world, kids are like pets."

After he said this, the whole class erupted with laughter. He said, "Let me finish though. For example, in Africa, kids are put to work as soon as they are able. Here in America, we wouldn't think of such a thing. I stand with my statement that we think of kids as pets."

Quote for the day: "Kids are like pets."

Chewbacca

Last week on Wednesday, Amy introduced me to the wonderful world of trivia at Shakey's...SO MUCH FUN! I am awful at most of the trivia, but it is still fun to try and make up stupid answers for those you don't know.

This Wednesday, on our way back, I had to pull out of the parking lot quickly and I screamed, "HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS!" Amy said, "Where in the world did that phrase come from?" I told her that Brad had said it came from a movie like Star Wars or something. She said, "Uhh, no. I know those movies and that is NOT in it."

I then realized it was from Jurassic Park...that makes sense! Amy and I continued the discussion about if it would have been said in Star Wars, who would've said it? She said Han Solo would be the only one she could imagine that could say it. I then brilliantly said, "WHAT IF CHEWBACCA SAID IT?" We laughed for a minute and then continued to try and imitate what he would sound like. Neither of us were very good at it, but it was very funny.

Jogging 101-Day 13-16

Friday-Day 13
We met on the corner of Samford and Donahue to run the tiger paws around campus, but our teacher didn't show up because of an emergency with her husband. We left...

Monday-Day 14
We DID meet at the corner of Samford and Donahue to run the tiger paws. This is 2.3 miles...and everyone on campus stares at you like you are crazy when passing them by. I never noticed how big and HILLY campus really is. I finished alive and well.

Wednesday-Day 15
We had a syllabus quiz on blackboard, so we didn't go to class. I did, however, jog two miles on my own at my trailer. I'm getting into the swing of things and enjoying jogging once again!

Friday-Day 16
We had our time trials today for our midterm today. I was in the middle of the pack and lapped 5 people once and 1 person twice. However, when I finished, I was next to last. I saw that group of 5 girls turning in their time sheets and leaving. The other girl finished about two seconds behind me. I was just dumbstruck...I had no idea how this happened. As I was filling out my time sheet, she asked how I felt. I told her I felt like I had lapped several of the people who finished before me. She said I did. Later in an email, she told me that my grade would be good because of my honesty and that we would do time trials again in groups because of this dishonesty. I didn't rat anyone out, but I was a bit bitter toward those "cheaters".

Just One of Those Days

I have never understood the phrase, "It's just one of those days," until yesterday. I woke up to the horrific smell of Lady's diarrhea UNDERNEATH my bed...that location makes it easy to clean up. I had to move my bed, box spring, and mattress to get to it. When I got done, the smell was still there so I opened the window and turned a fan on in front of it to try to make the smell disappear! After doing this, I tried to move my bed back, but it was being retarded and not going back together correctly. I ended up (later that day) having to move EVERYTHING in my room so I could move my bed farther out to fix it.
After I met with my jogging class in the Haley "Research and Learning Center," I tried to go out the FIRE emergency exit. It was almost very embarrassing. Then, it started to ran on me as I was walking to the transit stop...guess who didn't have an umbrella or rain jacket! Nice...
When I got home, I was so caught up with my homework that I lost track of time. I barely had enough time to get my books, etc. together! I grabbed my Camelback water bottle and filled it with some punch...sounds yummy, right? I put the dogs in the kennel, grabbed my drink and tipped it up to drink some of the juice...I DIDN'T ON SCREW THE TOP! It got all over my clothes and on the kitchen floor--luckily I wasn't on the carpet!
I started walking toward the transit stop and noticed the remaining punch in my bottle didn't taste quite right. I figured it was from the water that had dried inside it while in the dishwasher. So, I swished it around right before getting on the bus and noticed it had 2 inches of suds in it! THERE WAS SOAP STILL IN IT FROM THE WASH...THAT'S WHY IT DIDN'T TASTE RIGHT!
When I got to my important class, I sat down in the room thinking the day is just going to get so much better, but NO! As I was taking notes in class, I leaned down to see something closer on my paper. I then realized the girl in front of me smelled like throw up...upon discovering this, the smell became amplified for the rest of the class period and made me feel so nauseous. I know what you are thinking...move...but I couldn't move because we have assigned seats. If I get sick again, I'm going to be soooooooo MAD!
Later on that night, some friends and I went out to eat at Locos...yummy! I kept mis-speaking, but finally ordered a water--trying to be cheap, but the water tasted funny. I didn't want to say anything because no one else had a problem and I had just drunk about 1/4 a cup of soap already, so it could've just been me! However, (later on) I realized no one else had been drinking their water either! I finally asked everyone and they said it tasted like rust--that's why they hadn't drank any of it! Just to compare, I had downed about all of my glassful...and those glasses are BIG at Locos! Needless to say, I ordered sweet tea...
I never fully understood why people said, "It's just one of those days." Now, I OFFICALLY DO!

Jogging 101-Day 12

We met in Haley Center to have "class" today...interesting that we have a lecture about jogging! Anyway, she told us to meet in Haley 3224. If you have never been to Haley (in her case), this can be quite confusing! Some of us got there early and went ahead and sat down in the classroom. All of a sudden, a flock of Spanish Phonetics students came in...apparently, we had the wrong classroom...awkward! When she finally shows up and gets up to the right room number, she tells us we are going to be running the tiger-paws around campus...equaling about 2.3 miles! I haven't run all week...I'm going to die! I am actually going to jog some this afternoon so I won't be in THAT bad of shape tomorrow!! Pray for me...

Jogging 101-Day 11

I was sick on this day with a stomach bug and didn't get to go to class...:( I think I got it from Mason. My teacher told me not to worry about it and it wouldn't hurt my grade...SHE LIKES ME--shhhh! So, nothing really happened today!

Jogging 101-Day 10

When I got to class (in the Coliseum), our teacher came in enthusiastic like always and said, "Alright, I've got some pretty cool stretching to show you today. John, could you come up here and demonstrate?" John got up there and demonstrated alright! I asked, "Does this require you to have a lot of rhythm? It sure does look like it. A little bit I can deal with, but a lot, I might be in trouble!" The type of stretching was like a rhythmic skip.
She laughed and told us to try it. When Shannon was on her way down, I shouted, "Come on Dorothy, follow the yellow brick road." She couldn't even finish because she started laughing so hard.
After our stretching, we jogged one warm up lap, sprinted two, walked one, jogged two at 75%, walked one, jogged two at 50%, walked one, jogged one at 75%, and walked a cool down lap. This is twelve laps or 2.5 miles. Hey, I may not be able to move very much after class or breathe, but I sure am getting in shape!

Roaches-Nasty little buggers!

If anyone knows me, they know I am terrified of roaches! If a roach lands on me, I start stripping (not consciously). If a roach runs infront of me, I scream and jump away. Well, the last two nights, Amy and I have had to deal with TWO different roaches.
Night #1-I was sitting in my new recliner (donated by the Jane and Tom Foundation) doing my homework when Amy SCREAMS at the top of her lungs. It scares the fool out of me. Amy was on top of the coffee table behind me. I looked like the exterminator with a shoe both hands. We got that one but with much effort.
Night #2-I was in the floor folding clothes when the roach FLIES across the room infront of me. OMG, I was freaked. I popped up and ran to get a shoe while calling for Amy. I told her it was her turn, but she would budge...she was kneeling on top of the bar stool--which wouldn't help since it could FLY! I was scared of it because it COULD fly, so I ran for a bottle of Raid. I was getting closer and closer to the corner it was in when Amy screamed. I jumped, tripped over my clothes in the floor and fell into my laundry basket. Luckily it was big enough for me to land in. I only have a cratch on my knee, but knowing that the roach is in its grave makes it worth the battle wound!

Jogging 101-Day 9

We met in the Coliseum today to "add a little flavor". I stretched everybody and had to lead everyone in "It's GREAT to be an AUBURN tiger! Yea for me!! Alright, now back to the jogging. She said we are going to shake things up a bit today. In order, lets go for 1 walking warm up lap, 2 sprinting laps, 1 walking lap, 2 seventy-five percent laps, 1 walking lap, 2 fifty percent laps, 1 cool down lap.
After the first two sprinting laps, I asked my running buddy, Shannon, if it felt like she had swallowed fire. MY WIND PIPES FELT LIKE THEY TOOK AN AWFUL VACATION TO HELL!!!!!!!! They burned so badly. Then my stomach started getting cramps in it! I am NOT....let me repeat NOT a sprinter!
It got better as time went on, but that may be because we could run slower. Who knows? When we got finished, she said, "Alright guys, great job! Now, let's take it inside to do some stadiums."
She only made us do two with twenty push-ups, but I'm still exhausted. I guess I'm getting in shape and will appreciate it later, but for the moment, I feel like I'm on my way to an early grave!

Clayton--"The Ashamed Vern"

Okay, so the only word Brad could find to describe Clayon is Vern. He said, "That about sums him up, right?" Anyone who knows Clayton, knows he is always an interesting character. Well, for the last couple of years he has been looking for LOVE. This past weekend while talking to Brad, MY BOYFRIEND told Vern that if he could get a date and kiss her by the end of the weekend, then he would give him $20.00. I had no idea about this and was so embarrassed by Brad's actions. Clayton send me a message on facebook saying he found a date and was ashamed by making the bet and couldn't do that to her. Oh, this set me on fire...I was excited, embarrassed, and a little frustrated with my boyfriend too.

#1. Good for Vern for seeing how stupid he was.

#2. Brad didn't know Vern took him seriously.

#3. Both of the boys are in time-out!

#4. I now have to $20.00 for keeping my mouth shut. There's nothing wrong with a little blackmail, right? :D

Well, Vern finally got his first date even if it did come from the pressure of a bet!

All of Breckenridge

Saturday--not in great detail
I woke up early to take a shower and get ready. Then, Kelly and I made some coffee and sat on our balcony (cold) for a bit to watch the sun rise into the sky. There is nothing like it. :) After breakfast, our morning session, and small groups time, we grabbed our lunch to go.
Now, here is the second time Kelly and I got separated. As we were going to board our vans to go to the rafting place, Isaac, a guy in my small group, wanted to talk to me about some things dealing with my summer jobs...so, I rode in that van. When I got on, I looked behind me and Kelly was no where to be found! We found each other when we got there! :)
We rafted the Arkansas river (Browns Canyon)...ask Kelly about it. We both had fun, but it was Kelly's first time. Therefore, her side of the story may be more interesting! We met some great people while rafting! People on our raft included: Kelly, me, Jessee, Josh, and Chris. I kept forgetting the river raft guides name. You would think it's convenient because it is my own name. (jk) She was pretty amazing though! During the second rapid (called the widow maker), the Adult Ministries director, Larry, fell into the river. Our raft rescued him, but it must have been pretty scary because he was pretty terrified--his eyes were the size of softballs!!!! We got back later than expected this night, but the directors were pretty awesome and laid back about it. They just rearranged the schedule for the next day.

Sunday--not in great detail
We got up later because we were exhausted. When we did eventually forced ourselves our of bed, we made our way to breakfast which was in our small groups. I keep talking about small groups and mentors, etc. I am in the business group and my mentor is Dan Rexroth. He is the CEO of John Knox Village. It is a 430 acre retirement home for about 1,600 adults. He has about 1,000 employees and is a very busy man on his chuch district...now national level. He is amazing, but hopefully you will get to hear me talk about him more later.
My mentor spoke this morning and did a phenomenal job! Obviously he has had to speak in front of people! Our small group sessions were about the same too...absolutely amazing. Kelly's mentor is Marshall Duke "The Duke Man". To find out more about him, you can visit www.fusion.nazarene.org. Oh yeah, be sure to ask Kelly about her being volunteered to participate in the service that morning.
During the afternoon, we had about 6 hours or so for free time, lunch, and dinner. About 50 yards behind our lodge, there was a hiking trail. Kelly, some new friends, and I were going to go hike a bit during our break, but Kelly couldn't go because she hurt her foot. I was a few minutes late meeting them and thought they had left me. So, I went by myself for about 45 minutes and decided to turn around because it was getting more and more secluded and I was by myself. I decided to jog down the mountain and guess who I met up with! My "hiking buddies" I thought had left me. I turned around again and went up with them a ways, but turned around yet again after about another 30 minutes because I had already gone up once. When two of my friends got back, Chris told me Becky Bennet's arms turned yellow and she lost all feeling. They had gotten scared about her arms so they found a road and hitch-hiked down the mountain. (They were trying to make it to the very top.) She was put into the hot tub when she got back and gained the feeling in her arms again by the time the service started.
During the service that night, I had been nominating everyone to participate...I thought it was unfair to volunteer others and not volunteer myself. So, I did and it was fun! Man, it was a fun night.

Monday--not in great detail
We had our last session (Woodie Stevens) and small group discussions; said our sad good-byes; loaded our vans; said our sad good-byes again; walked into the airport. We ran into Becky Bard then Captain K while in there waiting...which was very cool. We hung out and then said our sad good-byes yet again. On our plane, I felt a strong reason to talk to the man sitting next to Kelly. He turned out to be from all over the place but has a home in Pensacola, FL as well as in CO. Pretty cool fact: He used to fly for United and American Airlines....SO HE FLIES FOR FREE!!! We chatted and played trivia against one another for about 30 minutes. It goes a bit deeper than just that, but I would rather leave it as more of a personal story than commercialize it. :) We got into Auburn around 11:00...now, time to start our new time back at home. I will definitely miss everyone and the country there, but all I can say is that it's great to be back in "Sweet Home Alabama".

Jogging 101-Day 8

Long story...Over the weekend, I took Clare with Brad and me to a birthday party to give Tera, Mom, and Dad a break. While we were gone she drank EVERY DROP of her sippy. The baby was thirsty...what was I supposed to do? Tera usually gives her watered down juice...they didn't have any juice; she also gives Clare watered down, sprite, etc...as long as it's clear. The only thing they had was Mountain Dew (which now I know is a NO NO). I watered it down 3/4 of the way. Clare had a rough night sleeping, but they also told me it could've been something else to have caused it too. I haven't drank a soft drink in 5.5 years, so excuse me if I don't know the side effects.
Well the next day I was helping Dad move a recliner into the back of his truck, I stepped on a piece of glass (from a preserves jar that Tera dropped on the ground) that went into my foot about a fingernails length. I fell to the ground and pulled it out. It bled, bled, and bled more. It still bleeds when I put pressure on it.
Okay, all of this background to tell you this. I couldn't run on it (barely walk) on Monday, but she gave me participation points for hobbling around the track. I walked 6 laps on a bum foot...which I think is pretty good skippy! :( MORE GOOD NEWS: I jogged 1.25 miles on my foot today (Tuesday), but I'm starting to get shin splints from offsetting the weight from my bum foot. Oh well, can't win all the time...

Jogging 101-Day 7

Alright, by the end of the week everyone is tired and just wants to relax, right? If not, I'm the only one...and that's okay. I get to the track tired from school and travel from the previous weekend when this man shows up and says, "TJ can't be here right now. She is having some transportation trouble. So, I'm going to fill in for a bit." Then he continues, "I think we will start off with 4 jogging warm up laps."
I was thinking, "ARE YOU FLIPPING OUT OF YOUR MIND?? When we get done with this what are we going to have to do? 4 WARM UP LAPS? That sounds more like a complete workout to me!"
When we got done with the four laps and a cool down lap. He said alright we are going to do 4 200 meter sprints with a 200 meter walk in between. This was not good news for me! I'm not a sprinter! Even when I was in shape I was a distance runner...and they usually run slow! :)
This was all we had to do for the day, but it took a toll on my body! BUT, THE GOOD NEWS IS...I'M ALIVE!!!!

Jogging 101-Day 6 for Class 5 for Me

I had to skip class on Friday to go to a Nazarene Leadership Conference. Therefore, I didn't get to jog with the rest of the class. I was dreading today because I haven't done any kind of jogging in a whole week! I was hoping for some kind of variety today-like sprints, relays, races, etc. We were showed how to do another form of special stretching--calling it 'special stretching 2'. It involved LUNGES! AHHHHH...my butt kept catching cramps while jogging our 2 miles. I feel so lucky to have done it without stopping since I've been out of practice for a week! However, my Achilles Tendon was about to murder me. When we finished, do you know what she came up to me and said? I like your spirit. My goal for you is for you to be running 4-5 miles each class by the end of the semester. WHAT? I need some guidance as how to not be competitive. However, my family cannot give me this advice...oh well, I'll just have to suck it up and continue to write about it until you bury me at the end of the semester! :)

Colordado Air-August 31

Alright, I haven't run since Wednesday...so, I'm suffering for that! Did you know that the air is much thinner in CO? No, I mean MUCH thinner. If you walk up a hill, you'll be out of breathe. Even though you don't really sweat, you CAN'T breathe! I decided to go hiking and invited some friends to come along. When I got down to the lobby (a few minutes late), I thought they had already left me. I really wanted to hike in CO...so, I went by myself. I was about 30 minutes or so into my trip and it got more and more secluded. The seclusion scared me a bit because I was by myself so I went back. I was almost back when I ran into the group: Kris, Becky, and Clarissa. I decided to go back up even though I had already been. I walked with them for about 30 more minutes and turned around because it was getting harder for Clarissa to breathe. I too was already tired from previously hiking, so I went with her. I COULDN'T BREATHE! It's absolutely awful. As we descended down the mountain, it got easier and easier to take a deep breath. We finally met up with an elderly man--a hardcore hiker. He told us he keeps an O2 tank so he can get adjusted and that it's dangerous to hike up to the mountain unless you have gotten use to the atmosphere. NOW we know...take it slow! Becky and Kris continued up the mountain until Becky's arms turned yellow and lost feeling...to date she still has her arms! :) Needless to say, we weren't very smart about it! I guess you could call us a bunch of airheads!

Happy Birthday Niffers Style

I forgot to mention that the excitement OR embarrassment didn't end with the ketchup incident on Monday night! Kelly gave me a sweet card with my IOU gift in it when we got through eating.
When our waitress got back with our change, she noticed the card and said, "Oh my goodness, I didn't realize it's your birthday. What's your name?"
I said, "Erin"
She said, "How old are you going to be?"
I said, "21"
She said, "Do you like cheesecake?"
I said, "Are you kidding? I love it!"
She said, "Hold tight! I'll be right back."
When she got back, she and the other waiter/waitresses were about to sing happy birthday to me...but does she stop with just those people? ABSOLUTELY NOT! She continues to make an announcement to the ENTIRE restaurant that Erin is turning 21. So, what does she do then? She gets everyone in Niffers to sing happy birthday to me! I think I was three different shades of red during the song. I was the object of everyone's stares for about the next 15 minutes or so while we were there. Great "embarrassing" experience and definitely humbling!

I fell for IT!

Amy, Kelly, Lauren, and I went to Niffers on Monday to celebrate my birthday! Yay for me!! It was the first time I had ever been around Lauren and I was nervous it would be awkward. However, it was quite the opposite...we clicked immediately. Alright, so we are sitting around the table talking and Lauren starts to put salt on her napkin to stop her cup from sticking to it...wow, I had never heard of that before! Cool!
Then, Amy chimes in what the Treadwells call the squirrel voice..."Hey! Did you know that if you put salt on ketchup it heats it up."
Being a former Chemistry major, I'm thinking no I didn't, but that's mighty cool! What did I do? Yep, you guessed it...I got a plate; put this huge pile of ketchup on it; and put a large amount of salt on top of it. I waited intently for the ketchup to melt but nothing happened.
Amy says, "You don't feel it?"
I said, "Well, no. I wasn't trying to feel it. I was watching it."
So, I put my hand over it and told her I didn't feel anything. She told me to get closer to it. I did, of course. Do you have any idea what little miss innocent did? She hits my hand and the ketchup flies EVERY WHERE!! Oh my, how can this be? I don't fall for these things...but apparently I do now! Happy birthday to me!!!! :)

Jogging 101- Day 4

Alright, so the weather started out beautiful...there was a breeze, the sun was hidden, and the temperature was ideal...later is a different story! We did our "special stretching" and walked a lap to loosen up first. Then, she challenged us to run 2 miles (good pace) without stopping. [I'm not in any kind of 'shape' to do this, but you know me...competitive and love a challenge.] On my last lap, she said you're doing great. I love your determination. After we finished and walked our cool down lap, my calves started cramping, but my teacher being the awesome lady she is, helped me stretch it out.

Jogging 101-Day 3

Well, the weather was ugly and we ran around the Coliseum inside the outside part. :) This is a distance of 1/4 of a mile per lap. She actually taught us how to correctly do our 'special stretching' first...guess who she made LEADER OF THE CLASS!! AHHHH!!! Then we walked a lap; jogged 5; sprinted our last; walked a cool down lap. This equals 2 miles total. Alright, after jogging, we went into the gym part and ran 6 full stadiums of the entire Coliseum. During our breaks from stadiums we did 10 boy push ups...this equals 60 total. Then we did lunges around the entire Coliseum! Alright...Kyle, BEGINNERS?? Needless to say, I haven't been able to walk very well since.

Joggin 101-Day 2

Okay, so this class is supposed to be easy, right? We were in the Coliseum today. We walked a lap; jogged 4 hard for speed; and walked another lap...this equals 1.5 miles total. I jogged hard and was tired at the end, of course. I thought we were ready to go when finished, but NO! We went into the Coliseum-gym part-and ran down and up each set of stairs twice--this is called doing stadiums! BEGINNERS JOGGING?? WHAT THE CRAP!!! Kyle, I don't think I got your teacher. AND if I'm still fat after this semester, I need to go to the doctor and get some kind of check up-BRET!! By the way, Mom, can you get Dad to get me a wheel chair for this weekend? WOW, my legs hurt!

Jogging 101-Day 1

Day 1- To give you a little background, I had previously talked to Kyle. He told me they would make us run a mile at the track to do our assessment. No problem...or so I thought. When we got there, she was super sweet and nice. We did our 'special stretching' and walked our warm-up lap. Then, she throws out a bomb for those of us NOT IN SHAPE!! She said we will be running two miles today. My jaw hit the floor and I suddenly felt sick. I did it without complaining, but not without stopping for an occasional walk or two. This was the day she singled me out as one of her favorites...DON'T ASK ME WHY! It might have to do with the amount I talk. :p Anyway, I survived my first day of Jogging 101!!