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.

“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

The Longer the Waiting, the Sweeter the Big, Wet, Sloppy Doggy Kiss

Okay, in reality, I think dog kisses are disgusting. I love my dog and all, but I don't need her lovely tongue on my face. It's dirty. I don't care if "studies have been done and dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths". People don't lick me. But that's besides the point. I am FINALLY home for the first time since I went to school! I am one happy clam right now. (and yes, I did just say happy clam). Sunday is my dad's birthday and my mom, brother, and I managed to keep my home coming a secret from him! It made me so happy that he was so shocked to see me. And he gave me the biggest, longest hug I've ever gotten from him, which makes me happy because I didn't leave for school on the best terms. It's amazing how one thing as common as a hug can make your night.

Along with coming home to see my amazing family, I also get to see my boyfriend's first crew race rowing for the United States Naval Academy! Not only do I get to see him in his sexy uni (okay, not everyone agrees they are sexy...) but I get watch him race against my school, which is pretty fricken sweet since one of my guy friends rows for us. In other sporting events, I would be "reppin" my Delaware pride, but since Patrick is actually COMPETING, I guess I can sport my Navy gear:) I am also hoping everything works out and he gets to finally come home! He would be so happy to come home after four months! And to wear civies again...ahhh must be a great feeling. But we'll see how that works out:)

Otherwise, not much has been new. I had a very lovely chem exam Thursday. Not my favorite thing in the world but its over now. Though my chem teacher decided not to tell us until today that our labs went out of order, so I got to write a new procedure for next weeks lab. Just when I thought I finished all my homework for the weekend...

Okay, the fact I'm sitting here actually listening to "Anchors Aweigh" shows how much Patrick is rubbing off on me. I downloaded it for a project and never thought I'd listen to it again, except at Navy events. The perks of being a Navy girlfriend...

Oh! So the dork in me is coming out...I got wayyyy too excited that I found more sweaters to take back to school with me than I remembered having! I am one happy camper!

Food for Thought: If things are meant to be, they will happen. Maybe not when you want them to, maybe not how you expect, but things always work out how they are supposed to. Just have faith. And remember, “There is no joy without hardship.  If not for death, would we appreciate life?  If not for hate, would we know the ultimate goal is love? … At these moments you can either hold on to negativity and look for blame, or you can choose to heal and keep on loving.” -EKR

chemistry: a slow and painful death

Okay. Everyone has one. That terrible subject you just can't get a grasp on, no matter how hard you try. For me, this subject happens to be chemistry. And what is worse, my chemistry professor is probably the worst professor I have (not that she's completely terrible, all my other professors are just amazing!). Well, I have my first chem exam tomorrow. The more I study, the more confused I get, which is really quite wonderful. Better yet, she moved on this week to a bunch of organic nomenclature that won't be on the test! Oh how I love getting confused. I have presently decided as long as I get a C- for the semester (the grade I need for it to count towards me major), I will be ecstatic! Luckily, I only need 2 semesters of chem to graduate and they are both 100 level classes (my bio is a 200 level class, yet I find it easier?) I don't know. What I do know is that I am NOT destined to be a chem major.

But, I will say I love all of my other classes. My ex sci professor is probably one of the coolest guys I've ever met. My psych professor should be  a comedian. And my bio professor is adorable with her quirks. I actually enjoy going to their classes. I've decided, from ex sci, that this is definitely the major I want. From psych, I decided I want to have a psychology minor. And from bio, well, I decided AP bio last year wasn't such a bad idea. Thank gosh all of my classes aren't like my chem class, or I don't know how I would survive this semester.

On a lighter note, this weekend I GO HOME!!!!!! I have not been home since I left for school at the end of August. I miss everything terribly. AND, I forgot to bring a picture of my dog with me to hang in my dorm:( I am so excited because I'm surprising my dad for his birthday, which is on Sunday. I'm a little worried because we haven't talked much since I left for school because he was very upset with my decision not to jump for the track team. Yes, it may have been a great experience, but I do not regret my choice. I would not be able to even THINK of passing chemistry. And, I am able to join the triathlon club and hopefully compete in my first race in the spring! But anyway, back to my dad. I'm hoping it's kind of a forgive and forget situation. I do think it is very funny that he keeps asking my mom if they are going to Patrick's race on Saturday so they can see me (I will actually be going from home with Patrick's mom). She doesn't know what to tell him because they don't have to go anymore since I WILL SEE THEM FRIDAY!!!!!! The crew race will be another highlight of my weekend. I will get to see my boyfriend in non-Navy attire (not that I don't find him highly attractive in his uniform). AND that means PDA is allowed! yay:) I will have to figure out how to get all of my homework done, especially if his chit is approved to go home this weekend! I am beyond excited to be around my favorite people in the world this weekend. Also, my roommate will be venturing to the crew race to watch the Mid she has been talking to. It will be an interesting story to see how her travels go. She will be meeting his family (uh-oh) along with meeting my second mother (Patrick's mom)! I am so excited. AND we get to see one of the guys on our floor race, and get crushed by, Navy. I am so excited! Uhm, have I said yet that I am so excited?! I will be home until Monday morning which is the most wonderful thought in the world!!!

Welcome to my super busy month of October!

I can't help it; I'm a sap and a proud American

Most people think I'm crazy for going away to college with a boyfriend, especially one who is a Midshipman. Today, a light was shed on how happy I really am to be dating him. All of my friends here worry about who is getting with who, what to do when they bring someone back to their room, along with a slew of other things. My biggest problem was whether Patrick was going to call while I was at our football game. I am so proud of his drive to follow his dreams, and how he will stop at nothing to attain them. I don't mean to brag, and you don't need to read on, but he is beyond amazing. He always knows how to make my day better. Though I will only get to see him about once a month, I would not trade our relationship for the world (and trust me, none of the guys I've met so far can even compare to my boyfriend).


Anyway, the football game tonight was fun for the time we were there. I had wonderful comic relief the whole night. After the game, I got to talk to Patrick for the SECOND time today! I was so excited:) I went and hung out with the guys in our dorm until Lauren came back and we ordered pizza (thank gosh!).  Then everyone started feeling sick from the place they went out to eat. I'm so happy I didn't go, though since I don't eat meat, I wouldn't have gotten sliders anyway. I went outside and kicked a soccer ball around with Alex until he felt better, which was a blast:) I also got to talk to two of the guys on my floor for a little bit today who want to join the marines. I honestly think it is so cool for people to enlist or  go through training to become an officer. It is not my calling in life and there is no one I can think of that I respect more. And with tomorrow being the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I can't help but pray and thank God for the men and women who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep us safe. And the craziest part is, they are fighting for people they don't even know.

I really am a sap when it comes to the military because it is something that is so close to my heart. I have a boyfriend at the Naval Academy, along with a cousin who was a marine, one who was in the army, and two grandfathers who both fought in WWII. My one grandfather has a crazy but adorable story from his deployment. Well, quite a few actually, but this one is my favorite. Before he left, he met my grandmother. She LOVES to dance (guess where I get it from) more than anything. While he was over seas, his leg got ran over by a jeep I believe while he was helping one of his fellow servicemen. His leg was pretty destroyed and the doctors wanted to amputate it. He refused to let them remove his leg because "his girl back home loved to dance". I am such a romantic and that story makes me tear up every time.

With everything going on in the world today, I could not be more proud to be an American. I hope everyone can take a few moments out of their day to pray for those who lost loved ones and those who are currently serving our country. God bless America <3