Things I love/don't love August 2011

Sorry, bloggies, I've really been MIA lately. I moved back into school August 4th and since then have been incredibly busy. I've been busy RAing it up, doing a crapton of homework, sitting in classes, working on my fitness and spending time with my friends. Ohhh, the college life. So, I decided that my first post back would be things I love August 2011 since well August is almost over.

1. Being back at Catawba...while some people would disagree, this place just has something about it that I love. I love it even more now that I am an RA...and I am so excited that I still have two more years here. But, I am also sad that I only have two(and slowly decreasing) left years here. It's something about being part of this community...I thrive on that.

2. Being meat-free. At the beginning of the summer, I had a realization that the doctors have done(or are currently doing) what they could/can for my body and while I was feeling good, I wanted to feel great. I knew the next step needed to be mine so I slowly started cutting meat out of my diet. I am currently only eating chicken about once a week....and lemme tell you...I feel FANTASTIC. I have more energy, I don't feel disgusting after every meal I eat, my bodily functions are normal every day(not just some days) and I have loved exploring some veggie options. While I do miss meat on occasion, I DO NOT miss how it made me feel. That is kind of my motivation to keep me from eating it.

3. The treadmill. I have been working out like a crazy person lately but I am using it as a stress reliever. I am actually proud of myself because I get this mental block when it comes to running on the treadmill...I know I have the endurance to run...but I just want to quit. I am slowly starting to gain milage while falling in love with using the treadmill. Helpful hint to those who struggle:talk to yourself silently...it works wonders.

4. Newman's Own Fair Trade Organic Kcup coffees. I love my Kcup coffee maker...it's amazing. I also love these specific Kcups my momma bought be before I came back to school. Probably the best tasting coffee I've ever had and it's organic and fair trade....cant get much better than that!

5. Organic Peanut Butter. It's amazing. Please try it. But be warned, you might eat half the jar in one sitting and have trouble buttoning your pants.

Things I don't love:
Earthquakes and Hurricanes....both in one week. Thankfully, where I am at in North Carolina was safe from the hurricane, but most of the East Coat was not. Lots of prayers headed their way as they continue to prepare and experience Hurricane Irene.

here we goooo.

Tomorrow morning I am making the haul back to Catawba. Wahooo. I am actually a lot more excited than I have been for the past two weeks. I think because it is finally real...my car(and my momma's) is all packed up and we are ready to go.

And in a little bit, we are going out for ice cream...one last time. I know, my name is Ashley and I have a problem.

But anyways, since my summer is officially ovaaa, it is time for some reflections. This summer has been...uhh, kind of weird..

It started with my dadda being promoted to Major. Way to go Pops! Major Acken has a MUCH better ring to it than Captain Acken =) I have been to a few of these promotion ceremonies in my lifetime and this one was honestly the best. All of my dad's colleagues that we receiving such high honors and are almost at the end of their career in the next few years or so. Their speeches were so inspiring. They were all SO thankful and grateful for being able to be a part of their job and the fact that they have been given the chance to use their gifts to the best of their ability. It is so nice to hear people being happy and PROUD for the work they have done for the past twenty-thirty years. So cool...

It then went on to my baby brother's graduation. He also goes to college in the next coming weeks. I am so proud of his accomplishments and cannot wait to see where the future takes him. Helllllo computer major who is going to run the world someday? Haha...seriously though, he is gonna do some amazing things and I cannot wait to see them.

I then worked for LeadershipNOW and you can get a full re-cap here. I have processed a lot more of the experience and realized how much more I got out of it than I originally thought. First off, the youth I worked with are in a demanding generation. They are expected to succeed, to be perfect, to attend college, and to perform well(in whatever it may be). However, they also have almost everything they could ever want right next to them. They can search anything on the internet, reach anyone with their cell phone, play people on video games all over the world and start reading a new book with the touch of a download. Think about it....I also keep reminding myself of Jacq's quote-You can love people, and you can lead people but you can't always change people. 

All of the in between times of my summer was spent babysitting and spending time with some of my best friends. I also discovered the Vera Bradley outlet store...ekk. And I visited one of my mentor turned best friend and her family at their new house in Maryland.  I couldn't of spent my extra time any better. Adorable loving children who remind you the meaning of life plus friends that continue to guide and love you through life. 

And tomorrow, I will go back to school to start RA training and begin my junior year. So here begins one more new journey in my life....and hoping that family, friends, God and of course ice cream continue to be an important part in it.