Thanksgiving: a Time to Count Your Blessings

This Thanksgiving break showed me how much I truly have to be thankful for. I was lucky enough to come home a few days early. I spent the first few days shopping and spending time with my family. I missed them wayyyy too much to be healthy, especially my puppy (okay, she's 13 but still...). On Sunday, I went to Zumba with Patrick's mom and younger sister. I missed them like crazy! It's funny sometimes how you don't realize how much you missed something until you have it again. That night I got to see two of my favorite people from home, Liz and Michele. On top of that, I got ice cream. Real ice cream, not the frozen yogurt they give us at Pencader.

Monday, I got to see one of my best friends from home, Tori. We had a lot of catching up to do because we hadn't talked, let alone seen each other in forever! Somewhere in there I went to Target with my mommy.

On Tuesday, I woke up not feeling so hot. I had a sore throat and stuffy nose. Not cool. I ended up finally going to Forever 21 with my mommy. I had some awesome luck and found quite a few things I loved! I went shopping 3 out of the 4 days I was home so far. The next day was sure to be the best.

Wednesday, I woke up and knew I had some work to do. Patrick would be home later that evening and I was going to make chocolate covered pretzels for him. Originally, I had made some for Jason's birthday and was going to make more for Thanksgiving, but I realized Patrick actually does like them. After a year and a half of dating, I figured out my boyfriend likes something I make. So I was busy all day making them. Then, I had time to wait for Patrick to get home! Boy, did it feel like forever. He finally got home and a bit later, came over to pick me up. I hadn't been to his house since Sunday so I had yet to see Kara, Jason, Leah, or Nicole. And on top of that, his grandparents were there!! I love being around his family more than anything. Since it got dark so early, it seemed a lot later than it was, which is awesome when you want to spend all the time in the world with your boyfriend. Around 9 o'clock, we decided I was staying over and that I should get my clothes, toothbrush, etc so I could wake up for yoga the next day and be prepared for Thanksgiving. I got to stay in Maggie and Kara's room for the first time that night. It was pretty awesome.

On Thanksgiving, we were up and out of the house by 6:30. We basically had a private yoga class consisting of Julie (Patrick's mom), Kara & Maggie (Patrick's sisters), Jason & Leah (Patrick's brother and his girlfriend), and then Patrick & me. It was awesome, but definitely the hardest yoga class I've ever taken. It was very strength based and I could definitely tell I've gotten out of shape since I've gone to school. Then we headed back to the Dods' household. Matthew slept a bit late and so Patrick and I ran him over to the EHT football field for the pregame marching band show. When we got back, everyone had already left for the show so I showered and got dressed and we went back to EHT to watch the game. After the game, we stopped at Wawa for some iced coffee, yum. I got to help Patrick's mom (and grandmother and aunt) with the Thanksgiving cooking. I love being in the kitchen and being allowed to help out like "part of the family" was absolutely awesome. Dinner was amazing though I felt very sick after, and I still don't know why. I do have to say, my boyfriend is absolutely amazing and stayed in from the traditional after dinner walk to be with me because I felt terrible. He is so good to me, I couldn't be thankful enough to have such an amazing man in my life. I ended up feeling better a bit later, thank gosh. Eventually, it was time for me to head home after a long, fun-filled day.

Friday, I woke up and didn't have much to do. It was super nice out, but Patrick was at the gym so I had a bit of waiting to do. Being the awesome boyfriend he is, he surprised me with a walk on the boardwalk. We were a bit quiet, but it was such a soothing walk. When it was time to turn around (we almost got to the end of the boardwalk, so it was a VERY long walk), we went onto the beach and looked for sea glass on the way back. We got quite lucky. We got back to Patrick's house and everyone had already started on their gingerbread houses. It is a tradition for his family to make gingerbread houses the day after Thanksgiving and keep them through the holidays. I had a blast making mine. Then our friend, Cole, had people over. We got to go hang out with all of our old friends from high school. And my best friend, who, with her boyfriend, happened to set Patrick and me up, was there. I hadn't seen her in so long! I was sooo happy to get to spend time with her. I do have to say, Friday was quite the entertaining night, for multiple reasons. Once again, I stayed at Patrick's so I didn't have to go all the way home (not the 7 minutes is that far, but still).

Saturday, we went up to my cousin's house in Hoboken. She has 6 week old twin baby girls who are beyond adorable. I was the happiest girl ever getting to hold them! I'm hoping I didn't scare Patrick away too much, but he should know enough about my baby obsession not to get freaked out. It was a great day. We got back in time for my DP night that was supposed to happen around 7:30. Well, at 9:30, I still had no word on what was going on, so I headed over to Patrick's for our last night home. We watched The Changeup and then some movie about Bob, I forget the name. I didn't get home till 1, which is so weird. I am so not used to not having a curfew, because I still normally end up home fairly early anyway.

Today, I went to church with my family. It was so nice to be back in my familiar church. We ordered pizza from my favorite pizza place. Then I snuggled up to my mom on the couch and took a nap. I finished getting my stuff together and Patrick (and his dad) came to get me around 3 o'clock. They were dropping me off on Patrick's way back to the Academy. It was a nice car ride back, even though school was not the place I really wanted to go back to. It was bittersweet. After Patrick left, he texted me our new countdown: 20 days. Now if only I had a surprise up my sleeve...too bad I am not clever enough for that.

This past week has taught me how much I have to be thankful for. I have the most amazing parents and little brother who is starting to mature (minus the fact it drives him crazy I'm a vegetarian...and that he said "Go Army" the other day...he is currently disowned). I have the most perfect boyfriend a girl could ask for, and I am so thankful for him every day. I have the best boyfriend-family-in-laws imaginable, and am considered part of their family. I have a wonderful puppy who I am in love with. I have an awesome home with awesome friends. I get my education at an exceptional University. I am truly blessed with more than I deserve.

Home is where your heart is

I had a revelation in the middle of bio (maybe earlier that morning) on Friday. We weren't doing anything important in my classes Monday or Tuesday. My Thanksgiving break could start tomorrow. Why wasn't I going home?! I prayed my teacher would let us out early (she did) and promptly called my mom. For the first time, my mom was actually in the middle of doing something when I called her and didn't have more than a minute to talk. I talked a mile a minute telling her about my revelation and whether she or my dad could come get me tomorrow or Sunday. She said she'd talk to my dad and call me later. She called me to ask about buying something at the Charity league event at which she was working.Then she told me if I wanted, to call my dad to see what he says. I finally get ahold of him and he says he could probably get me Saturday morning and hopefully we'd be back by 2. He said Friday night might be a possibility but probably not. I jokingly said if he came that night, to bring my brother with him so I didn't have to drive in the dark (I had to get my car from Patrick's grandparents, silly I know but I wanted my daddy). I had a workout date with a fellow usna gf, Amanda. I was getting ready to leave, and my dad called. It was four o'clock. "I'm picking Jimmy up from school now. He doesn't want to get up early so we will be there around 6. See you soon." Oh. My. Gosh. I was so excited!! But I had a ton to pack and a workout to do within two hours! Luckily, the workout I planned was a short one. I love working out with Amanda and being with an older girl who actually knows what I am going through. Plus, she is pretty freaking awesome. I got back to my room and was completely packed by 5. I even had time to go to dinner before they got there! And then we were off.

For those of you who don't know, I've been having a kinda tough time at college. While the school is absolutely phenomenal and I've met a ton of great new people, I don't always have a blast. I am homesick quite often. I don't go out a lot because I am not a drinker and it gets old quite fast. This actually has nothing to do with my boyfriend, like most people think. Patrick has told me numerous times how he trusts me and to go out and have a good time. The sad part is, most of the time I'd rather sit in my room and have some alone time. And lately, I have been having other issues and all I can say is thank gosh for my suitemate Katie. I love her to death and she makes school a bit more bearable. I also can't say enough how thankful I am for Lauren B. She dates an older mid in Patrick's company. She has been there for me no matter what! It is so awesome to become such great friends with someone you have only actually seen in person twice. I could not be more thankful to get to know her and come out with an amazing friend, even if our boyfriends think we love each other more than we love them. (It may be true, they just aren't supposed to know...) [Wow random side note, Katie and Lauren are the names of my two cousins I was closest with growing up...] Anyway, without them, I don't know how I would've gotten through the past few weeks. I never thought I would be one to be homesick. At one point, it was so bad I was honestly contemplating transferring to a school at home. But now I am home and beyond happy:) I don't think I have ever been this happy just sitting around. And it's even not as bad as normal not to have Patrick with me. I guess I got into such a routine during plebe summer, that this doesn't seem bad at all. I can actually text him! The past few days have been pretty packed. I've gotten to eat a ton of amazing food! Yesterday, I spent the day shopping with Patrick's younger sister. I think we've come to the point where we have adopted each other as sisters. She is so awesome! And then I finally watched the Adjustment Beuarau (can't spell it?). Then today, I went to Zumba with Patrick's mom and  younger sister (and her friend). I was sooo happy to be back in Adam's class. He is the most amazing Zumba instructor and I brag to everyone about him! Then I came home for a bit and lounged around. Michele and Liz came over to hang out, which was awesome!  Michele and I went to friendly's for ice cream. It was delicious! I came home and took a nap (procrastinating my chem homework). I woke up to some worried texts/messages from Patrick because we hadn't talked all day and I didn't answer him like I normally do. I love hearing from him, even if he thinks I am upset with him.

So, being home, I have been the happiest I've been in awhile. I've spent time with my amazing family, and have seen some of the people I miss most. I am so blessed to be able to spend the holiday with my family, and that my loved ones are all happy and healthy. Now, if only Patrick could hurry up and get here...

“Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.”

Wow. This weekend was wonderful. Two banging weekends in a row is unheard of for me! Friday afternoon, my parents came down to look at the apartment complex I will be living in next year. They fell in love just as much as I did. (Thank gosh) Then we were off to my Aunt's surprise 50th birthday! It was a blast to see most of my cousins! Since everyone is getting older, it has been really hard to get the majority of us together. Out of the 17 grandchildren, I think we were missing 4 which isn't too bad at all (seeing as one just had twins and another is stationed in South Carolina with her husband). Then I spent the night in the hotel with my parents, relaxing away from my dorm.

Saturday, we went to watch (the second half of) Patrick's crew race. It was a scrimmage between Navy, Delaware, and Penn. Navy's freshman lightweights killed every piece! If I'm correct, Navy went 18 for 18 for the day. Go Navy!! But want to know what the best part of the day was? Patrick getting to come back to Delaware with me! After the race, I hung around with his mom and grandmom while everything was getting cleaned up. Then we met my family (who was buying candy to make yummy treats this winter) for dinner at a lovely Italian place. Then, it was back to my dorm!!! I never thought Patrick would get the chance to see my dorm, let alone freshman year. He got to meet most of my friends, which really meant a lot to me. He finally got to put faces with names. He happened to get mad at me once, though. I told him, after we were on our way to the dining hall, that I would've liked for him to wear his uniform. He almost turned and ran back to the dorm to change. Why the crazy dude would ever want to be in his uniform longer than necessary (regardless of how bangin he looks), is beyond me! But we had such an awesome time.

Dropping him off at the Academy was a little harder than usual. It was the first time (I think) I dropped him off when it was light out. And it was quick. I was in and out of the gate in fewer than 20 minutes. I did not like it. And in case you haven't seen my facebook, I really dislike when the Academy decides to steal my boyfriend back. But he actually loves me, not you! So take that, silly Academy. Going over the bay bridge, I got to see one of the most amazing sunsets ever. It was behind me and these beautiful clouds were in front of me. While I always hate saying "see you later", the sunset was a little piece of mind. I took it as a good sign, everything would be okay, no matter what. I got back to school safe and sound, albeit a bit tired. The weekend was well worth some heavy eyelids.

If nothing else, this weekend showed me the truth behind the quote “Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.” I have been so lucky to see Patrick fairly often. Each time I see him, I love him even more, which I didn't think was possible. I am truly blessed to be dating such a wonderful guy, who just happens to be my best friend. And, while I do have a love-hate relationship with the Academy, I could not possibly be more proud of Patrick. (and for all you rowers reading this right now, be jealous. Morrow, I know you are.)


Just for kicks, I'll post some lovely pictures of us:)

He decided to change his face last minute, thanks babe.

My Midshipman is finally at Delaware!!

Surprise kiss! I had the biggest smile on my face

Aren't your feet cold in the morning?

"Aren't your feet cold in the morning?"
"No, I wear uggs."
"You wear uggs to bed?"

This is one of the many wonderfully hilarious conversations I had this weekend when my two super amazing friends from home came to visit. Liz and Michele made a semi- last minute visit to UDel this weekend. I didn't believe they were serious about coming until last Wednesday. (And now Michele wants to come back tomorrow for another fun filled night!!)

I'm happy to say this weekend was probably the best one I've had since coming to college! Friday night, Julia and I stayed in and just had a marvelous time. We hung out in Rob and Gordy's room for a bit and decided to just do some silly things (we attempted to use "Jenna Marbles: How to make your boobs look big tricks" just for fun. And since almost our whole floor was home for the weekend, no one was here to judge. We also looked up some interesting things online with Gordy. Saturday, we went to brunch and had a lovely time. My friends were supposed to come around 4 so my day consisted of cleaning and making sure the room was suitable for guests. Michele's car broke down (though she wasn't driving here) so they were running a bit late. So I spent a lot more time on facebook and pinterest yesterday than I intended. They arrived and I introduced them to the lovely Julia. We ordered pizza and went to the George Read talent show. It was fun. I decided I wish I were black because there were some AMAZING dancers who just happened to all be ethnic. In the middle of it, Patrick called me and I ran out in the middle of someone's performance (oops). But I'm much happier he called then rather than later that night. After the talent show, we decided we were actually going to go out. Which meant I had to get dressed up. Yes, me. The girl who lives in sweats and yoga pants. Who never does her makeup or hair and has been told multiple times she is one of the guys (I don't mind at all). Then, here's the biggest surprise yet, Michele and Liz got me to take a few shots. All of my school friends were amazed! They know I don't drink at all and couldn't believe it happened. And my roommate was very upset she wasn't here to witness it. We finally were ready to go out. Us girls (sorry Rob and Zach) ended up at AEPi. They had a banging dance party in the basement. It was a good time. All I have to say is jew, vest, and hobbits. I'll leave the first two up to your imagination, but the last is hilarious. For those of you who don't know, I am 5'11. Liz is about the same height and Michele is 5'9. (see why I like hanging out with them so much?) Well, we get downstairs and 95% of the guys were 5'4 and under. Land of the hobbits. We couldn't help but laughing to see all of these extremely tiny guys. After we all decided we were tired and ready to go, we went back to the dorms. We saw Gordy in the laundry room along with Alex. We hung out for a bit (the lounge was playing V for Vendetta, love it!) and went back to Gordy's room to hang out. I ended up with one of his Concord Distance t-shirts and my friends ended up in love with him. He was a little creeped out that we found it fun just to chill in his room, but he's Gordy. Michele and Liz got him to take a picture with them but couldn't get him to stay sitting with them. Then Gordy decided he was very tired and had to be up for crew early (I get to see him scrimmage Patrick next weekend, hopefully!:). We went back to my room (a little after Julia left) and hung out for a bit. We talked and caught up and maybe did a little facebook creeping. And Michele checked her grades on Powerschool about 17 times. She and Liz were sharing Lauren's bed but somehow Michele ended up on the floor in the middle of the night. We woke up this morning very confused because my phone said a different time than theirs did. Turns out my front screen just froze a tad. I exposed them to the Pencader Dining hall (quite a lovely experience if you ask me). We went and walked around Main Street and they bought SAS cupcakes. Then we went back to my dorm and hung out. We went to the lounge and hung out with Gordy while his suitemate was giggling to himself watching TV (it is highly funny to witness). Molly came in and was exposed to my quite comical friends. Then Mrs. Rattigan came and we had to pack up the girls. Mrs. R decided to take up out to eat at Margherita's (yum) and then took me to Wawa! It was heaven! I don't think there is anything (not family related) I miss more than Wawa's iced coffee!

I've never gotten one this big before, but I might as well take what I can get! Then it was time to get dropped off (I was partially kidnapped to being with). They were on the road in a matter of 5 minutes. I had a lovely talk with my mommy right after that made me so excited for next weekend! And then only one more weekend until I'm home for Thanksgiving! Yayyyyyy!!! I didn't realize how much I missed my friends from home. As much as I love my school friends, they definitely don't know me as well as Liz and Michele do. I cannot wait for them to visit again and to hang out with them once I'm home!!! Thanks girls for making this weekend so great! Love you!

So that's about it for now. The past week wasn't eventful really (had some stress-related issues and then a chem exam) and this week should be quite boring. But I am definitely looking forward to next weekend!