Junior Year....where does the time go?

I'm into the first week of Junior year at Texas A&M. Wow. I'm fairly certain I didn't see it approaching this weekly! I'm taking 13 hours this semester, I've picked classes I need and my schedule looks pretty much perfect. Aside from that, I'm allowed to WHOOP! :) Day 1 was great except for the 7am wake up. It's been ages since I woke up that early and I know I was not feeling it and neither were the dogs. But, we got through the day. Shimmer and I headed off and we had a successful day in Ecology and Math. She was super excited to see our favorite math professor again! I'm hoping this will be the final time I have to face Calculus. Unfortunately, Calculus has had the pleasure of kicking my ass a few times. Today was great too except that the bus schedule is still so wonky (as it always is during week 1). We waited in the heat for quite a while and I'm honestly thrilled with the booties that came in for Shimmer. They're very well made and were super affordable. For anyone who wants some, here is the link. Today we had political science and organic chemistry 2. Organic Chemistry 2....that's a mouthful and such a scare! I won't lie because that is the one class that kind of makes me want to run and hide. The good news? I have a friend in that class and we can be study buddies. Life's always better when you have someone to cry with over the fact that organic chemistry is beating your brain in with a sledgehammer. No I'm just kidding...we're going to do our best.

I'm back in my productivity rhythm and am on top of my homework. Seems I just do very well when I have things to do and keep the occupied. The pups have been doing so well. As I mentioned I have to give credit to Shimmer for being the best worker around. She just seems to take everything in stride. New schedule, new times, new places and people and she's still as careless as ever. Just another day for the Amazing Omelette! Vengeance is being very patient. The roommate tells me he did have a temper tantrum today for a while but then quieted down. I can't imagine it's easy for him either. A whole new rhythm and he has to stay home in his crate by himself. Though, if he didn't have the desire to eat the bottom of my bed maybe he could be out...doesn't seem like that will happen for a good while though!

Tomorrow it's up again at 7am, but the good thing is I only have class from 9:10-11:10am and then I can come home and nap! Naps are good. They aren't just for kindergarten I tell you. Naps are just as effective and awesome for a 20 year old college student. It really is ironic how we protest sleep as children and when we're in college we're just all over that stuff. This picture...yup, just about covers it.

Evening Ramblings

Wow, does it feel great to be back in College Station! I've missed home. I'm by myself this week but having a great time just chilling with the dogs and having a relaxing week. My financial aid came in so I was able to take care of lots of things that needed to be taken care of, I saw two friends again already, and I'm just getting things taken care of around the house. I found out I've got 2 classes with one of my good friends and I have the same math professor this semester as I did 2 semesters ago. I also found out from my friend that my political science professor is a good one. The only class I don't know about is ecology but a friend already let me buy that book from her. So, I have a head start in one way or another for each of my classes!

Tomorrow we're having a movie/junk food/before school starts slumber thing with a friend and it'll be great to just stuff my face with stuff I really don't need though I am proud of myself for actually making a goal to have a workout schedule with this friend every week after Organic Chemistry class. :)

Friday I'll head up to campus to get Shimmer working a bit on campus before classes start again and stop by the Aggieland Market for free giveaways. (When you're in college, FREE is always awesome.) Saturday it's shopping for all the junk I'll need to survive the torture...er I mean semester and then Sunday it's just going to be playing with the dogs before it's back to work for Shimmer and back to the crate for the poor border collie puppy. :(

I'm actually quite looking forward to this semester. I feel like I'm more in the game mentally, I'm better prepared with a study plan, and Vengeance is older so I don't feel as worried about him dealing with college life either. We'll definitely have to stop by our favorite flower shop again and see our friend, Molly the border collie and stop by the coffee shop that makes the pretty designs and draws Shimmy for me in the coffee. :)

For all those who have already started your semester, I hope it's going well. For those who will be starting soon, I hope your first day is absolutely fabulous, and for those who don't have to go, enjoy your free time or I hope work goes well for you!

Here we go JUNIOR year... A-A-A WHOOP! <3

Thoughts and Lessons

1. There are good people in the world and they can be very kind.

2. No matter how hard you try to have a mature discussion with some people, some people just can't be reasoned with.

3. People care more about the little things than the big issues in life.

4. Rescuing a dog, even if it isn't yours, makes you feel good to be helping out.

5. Shimmy hates bananas but loves banana chips.

6. Getting over a fear that you've had for a few years can be done, and you feel absolutely liberated after you do so.

7. There is something to be grateful for every day, you've just got to find it.

8. I'm so fortunate to have two incredible dogs who I get to share my life with.

9. You're never too old to watch kids movies; especially during summer.

10. If it's something you can't control, try not to stress about it.

11. Rediscovering the fun of wajas is a time sucker but so much fun!

12. I'm super thankful for financial aid. Even if I have to take out grants and loans, I'm able to go to school and get the education I want.

13. As much as college sucks sometimes, as the summer ends I always want to go back. That will change in a few weeks I'm sure...

14. When you're in the company of good people it's hard not to smile.

15. Being at the beach is a feeling like no other. It's refreshing and calming.

16. People can be so amazing, if you just get the time to know them.

17. I haven't done agility in 4 months...and my next trial probably won't be until October...I miss it more than I can express.

18. I'm learning to discover the wonderful things about myself and able to accept the great person I am. Huge goal and accomplishment right there.

19. Vengeance is going to be a fairy for Halloween this year. Just because, I can make him dress up in whatever I want.

20. I have so many people who have been so wonderful to me this year. I want to do something special for each and every one of them. I'm still scheming on how to do so...

21. Happiness is creeping back into my life...and it's an AMAZING feeling. I just hope it lasts..

22. Quotes are still what describe my life perfectly.

23. My dogs make me smile everyday. I couldn't be luckier to have them in my life.

24. I am slowly discovering who I am, but I'm still not sure people will accept me for who I am and what I believe in.

25. No matter what, life goes on...

Summer Fun

Wow, we've had a pretty good summer! The dogs and I have pretty much been doing nothing but enjoying the free time. Sleeping in is on the top of the priority list. Included is trips to the dog park and the beach. We had a great time at the Reliant Dog Show this year even though Shimmer didn't play agility. It was baby's first reliant however and he rocked helping out with the frisbee demos. Future frisbee star. Just maybe...We've also made lots of trips to our friend's house and hung out to let the dogs play. Vengeance has done much guinea pig watching and Shimmer chewed several bully sticks.

I can't say I'm not ready to go back to school though. I'm sure I'll regret saying that within a few days of school starting. This semester shouldn't be too rough though. 13 hours of classes and a very nice and flexible schedule with plenty of free time for studying and club activities. I can't believe it's my junior year already. Time sure does fly. I can officially WHOOP now, which is a privilege I've been waiting for and I'm nearing the hours to earn my Aggie Ring. That'll be exciting though that's another year off.

Unfortunately we've been poor college goers this summer and have had little money. We haven't had an agility trial since April 2012 and I know Shimmer misses it just as much as I do. We were lucky enough to get to attend agility class for the month of July though. I did miss not being there tonight though. Still, better something than nothing, right?

Vengeance had is first birthday party and lots of friends over. He enjoyed his cake and ice cream as well as presents too! Shimmer has a birthday in about a month and a half! Hard to believe my best girl will be lucky number 7 this year. We'll have to have a big celebration for her as well!

I'm sure there's more we've done this summer but as of now these are the highlights. We go back in 10 days to get settled in College Station again. I'll attend some Gig 'em week events and work Shimmer before classes start to get her back on schedule with riding the bus and walking campus. And then the real work begins again...