Earth

Last night I went to see Disney's new movie "Earth." I have not quite figured out how to get a video from online and put it here, but here is a link to the movie's trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qicARYcTe6w

This movie was amazing! I promise, you won't have see anything like it before. It takes you through one year on our earth, following a variety of kinds of animals - how they migrate, live, hunt, survive, and so much more. The shots of the land, water, and sky were breath-taking, at times. I just sat there, watching, not being able to wrap my mind around how one God can make so many various types of landforms and animals, all working together on the same planet. There really is a circle of life. And, the hardships that these animals go through happen every year; as humans, we do not always make it easier for them either. I found myself wondering, "How does a bird fly? How can a baby whale swim thousands of miles at a time? Why do these animals hunt the way they do?" We really are blessed to live in a place where natural beauties can be brought to life. It made me stop and remember that everything God made is precious in His eyes. From every blade of grass, to every snow topped mountain peak; from every ant, to every polar bear. Our earth is a true gift. Go see this movie...you'll walk out of the theatre wanting to travel, wanting a pet baby polar bear or baby elephant, and having a better understanding of how we all evolve together.

We're from Texas AMC!

Oh my goodness at how crazy my past week has been! I went to Houston for Amanda's wedding (which was amazing, and I will post about later), came home on Sunday, unpacked and repacked, and headed to my grandparents' house on Monday to make a trip to Aggieland for my grandpa's 50th A&M reunion. I've always found it very special and cool that my grandfather and I's class years are 50 years a part ('59 and '09). We already have such a strong bond, and this fact only adds to it.

I had a blast hanging out with true "Ol' Army" Ags! Their stories, memories, and reactions to changes on campus were hilarious and heartwarming. It was great to be back on campus and share in this experience with my grandpa. These men were what A&M used to be all about. They were the core of the university. They really have left a legacy. Looking thru their old pictures, demerit copies, outfit items, and documents was a great glimpse into their campus life.

As any Aggie knows, the 50th reunion class is the special guest at that year's Muster ceremony. Muster has always been one of my favorite Aggie traditions. This year was even more memorable and special because it was my "senior" Muster, I was with my Aggie grandpa, on the floor of Reed Arena, and Dr. Gates was back to make the keynote speech! (This link will take you to Bobby's speech: http://www.dailymotion.com/dougkeegan/video/15223462) Each year at Muster, I get some tears in my eyes as those names on the roll call are read. It is, without a doubt, a solemn event. But, I am reminded of a bigger picture by Muster. I am reminded that at Texas A&M, I am a part of something much bigger than myself. It is a feeling of pride that cannot be felt by standing on the "wood" in Kyle Field, cannot be felt by giving a hearty "Howdy" while walking to class, cannot be felt by entering the MSC or even just hearing the three playings of Silver Taps. Muster reminds us that our Aggie spirit is always alive. That we are Aggies even after we have left College Station, when standing during the entire football game and attending Silver Taps is not required anymore. I am so blessed to have gone to a university where I am and will always be respected and remembered. It's not a church or a small group of my closest friends and family...it's a college, a university, a school, where I am respected like that. I have lost some of my "obsession" with A&M that I had when I walked onto campus before I'd even graduated from high school. I'm ready for the bigger and better phases of my life. But, my blood will always be a shade of Aggie maroon. It takes a most sacred event like Muster, that you can't find anywhere else, to remind me that A&M has helped shape who I am today. I still matter because I am an Aggie. It is a shame that students walk that campus and don't feel any ounce of that pride, that they leave campus with a diploma and never look back on the family that Aggies make. If you are an Aggie...I hope you take some time to reflect over your good times in Aggieland. You have a blessing somewhere in your life because you chose to be an Aggie.

The Final 100

Today is (officially) 98 days until the wedding day! So, on Thursday, we hit the 100 day mark, and yesterday was our first day to encounter double digits in the countdown. What a milestone that felt like! We'd been waiting for that 100 day mark to come around for about a month now! I can't believe we are 14 weeks from the wedding. Looking back, it has flown by and dragged by, all at the same time. Steve and I laughed last night at how long ago it seemed that we were only 100 days into our engagement and the countdown still read at 265 days. We've come a long way. We have so much planned. We've learned so much about each other and grown closer. When we first got engaged, it was the most wonderful feeling in the world! I still think back to it when I'm daydreaming and relive it in my mind over and over; I still get giddy and so happy. I relive that feeling whenever I see someone new has gotten engaged. And, I have loved the process...having a fiance, people asking me about the wedding, and doing all the (fun) preparations for it. But, I think now that we are, approaching - if not already in - the final home stretch...I am tired of being engaged. We both are. We want to be MARRIED! We are ready for it all...no more good-byes, together more than on the weekends, coming home to each other, everything. We are ready for it all! It gets harder and harder to say good-bye, knowing we're so close to what we've worked so hard for. But, it is coming...it will be here before we know it! We are going to enjoy these last 98 days of being engaged, as much as we can. We are focused on the prize at the end of this race: together forever. Where else could we want to be?

Interviews, Life, and a Bachelorette Weekend

Soooo, whenever I have good stuff to update on here, I never do. I wait until it all accumulates, and then I end up with a super long post. I will do my best to give you a brief update!

The week after spring break, I had my first real job interview! It was for a school here, in Denton. It went really well, a good first interview. And, I was glad to get my feet wet in the "interview pool." There were 3 parts to the interview process at this school: initial interview w/ principal, teach an actual lesson to a class, interview w/ grade level team the principal thinks I'd be most suited for. I have gotten thru the teaching a lesson part...I taught a lesson on adjectives to a 3rd grade class. One of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life! They said I did a good job and it'd be a couple of weeks before I heard about a grade level interview, so we'll see! I also had my screening interview w/ Lewisville ISD and passed that. Principals and I are now allowed to contact each other. I ask you to please be prayerful with me about getting a job and it being where the Lord thinks I need to be to do the best job and reach the best children.

Subbing has been moderate lately, not too busy, but not too slow either. It's okay, though, because on my days off, I have been looking at the small stuff for the wedding: favors, gifts, beverage napkins, garters, unity candles, etc. I could go on forever!

I was in Austin this weekend for Amanda's bachelorette party! I had a lot of fun. We took a boat out on Lake Travis, hung out in the hotel, and went out on 6th Street for a bit. It was fun to get to know some of the other bridesmaids better, spend time with my Amanda, and get dressed up! I can't believe she's going to be a WIFE in less than 2 weeks! I can't wait to go to Houston week after next and start the wedding festivities!

I'm trying really hard not to stress (and clench my teeth at night because of it...my TMJ has been acting up a bit). But, planning a wedding and searching for a job wouldn't put anyone's mind on overload, right? ;-)