Holy WOW!

I can hardly contain myself as I'm sitting here at work. This week we had to turn in for my Marriage & Families course a three-page paper on three different love theories that our book presented to us. I studied the theories and then I took what was in the book and my understanding of it, and wrote how I felt about them. Well, the professor received it today and read it today...graded it as well...what was supposed to be a three-page paper turned into 5 pages for me. I know, I went over but I felt strongly about each and so I went into details about why I felt the way I did. Here's what the professor emailed me as a response...

"Emily,
Just a note to let you know that I received your WA#1 paper and it is one of the
best I have seen (not only in this term, but overall). The mix of academic and
personal insights was right on target. Well done, very well done.
Dr. Dunn"

btw...I got 50 out of 50 points. I've never gotten 100% on a paper before. I'm awestruck, and am excited as well, its quite obvious to me, I'm taking the path thats near and dear to my heart.

I just continue to pray that God will use me in the field that He so desires me to go in life.

Its official

My leave has been approved and returned to me for the end of this month...9 glorious days at home! I seriously CANT wait!

Annnnnd, I just got free tickets to a hockey game for tomorrow night! WOOHOO its gonna be like a sports weekend! Hockey tomorrow night and Super Bowl on Sunday! YAY

I just wanted to share with you that it is a beautiful sunny day down here...

Current conditions as of 1:53 pm EST

Fair
Feels Like: 55°
Barometer: 30.07 in and falling
Humidity: 34%
Visibility: 10 mi
Dewpoint: 27°
Wind: N 5 mph
Sunrise: 7:28 am
Sunset: 5:55 pm

Fair is an understatment!!! Its beautiful out here, I've got the windows open and the fan on. Absolutely beautiful!! hows the weather where you are?!?!

Hey!!

Sorry I haven't updated in a few days...I have been busy with homework, and there really hasn't been anything to report. We are compiling the last of my paperwork together and then it will be sent to San Antonio. Now its just the waiting game...cue jeopardy music :-D

On a happier note, I've bought my plane ticket home for next month!! I will be home 22 February til 1 March! I will be in town to see one of my best girls get married (I'm soo excited for Kara & DJ!) and the new Ace Hardware's grand opening...the store opens up tomorrow...keep my family in your prayers, its still a stressful time for everyone!

Zeke and I are doing well...enjoying life on our own with Champ. Nothing else really to report! Love you all!

Neck update!!!

Ok, went for my last medical board evaluation appointment today...well neck appointment that is. After today they will now begin compiling all of the administrative along with doctor findings into a packet to send to San Antonio for a decision on whether I am fit/unfit for duty and if I am unfit how much money the Army will offer me. Below is a chart of the range of motion that I currently have in my neck compared to normal.




The foreward FLX is taking my chin and bringing it as forward as possible to my chest. The N=45 means the normal degrees is 45...I can take mine to 43..not too shabby

The Extension is taking my head all the back to look at the ceiling...the norm is 45 mine was 48.7 WOOHOOO!

The L Lat Flex is taking my left ear and putting it onto my left shoulder...the norm is 45 mine went to 37.3

The R Lat Flex is taking my right ear and putting it onto my right shoudler...the norm is 45 mine went to 40.

the L Lat Rot means turning my head as far to the left as possible...norm is 80 mine is 60...yeah not so hot

the R Lat Rot means turning my head as far to the right as possible...norm is 80 mine is 62.7 not so hot either...

So, thats where I am at in the Medical Board Evaluation process...stay tuned for further updates!!

*Have you hugged your hero yet today?*
*Have you thanked a service member or verteran today?*

If I had 5 billion dollars....

Here is where the money would go...

1 billion would go to: John & Kandy


1 billion would go to: Mom


1 billion would go to: Dad


So that leaves me with 2 billion left...

11,000 would pay off my car...


25,000 would go to my dream car...


Don't forget roughly 15,000 in student loans and credit card payoffs (really overestimating)


From there I would pay 475,000 for this house...








which means I've only spent $526000.00 thus far...guess we better fill that house...its got 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths...so far I have one bedroom full...lets find 3 more beds!!!

heres one bedroom set...for $1200.00,which includes; 5-pc. Bedroom Set--King

Chris Madden for JCPenney Home Collection. Woven cane accents and distressed antiqued white finish. Constructed primarily from solid wood with molded resin shaped decorative elements. Assembly required. Bed measures 68½"H at it's tallest point. Bedroom set is imported.

5-pc. sets include headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

King bed measures 83x87¾x62"H.



More to come later on!

Another year gone by

Christmas was amazing! It was the first holiday I've had with my family since Christmas 05...I missed Russell though. Dad surprised me at the airport with John, what an amazing feeling to have the 2 most important men in my life there as a surprise...of course, I cried. Dad choked up John was smiling from ear to ear...it was beautiful!!! I embraced them both, and the only thing I could manage to blurt out was..."what are you guys doing here?!" hehe I was beyond words...what can I say. The drive back to Genoa was non-stop chattering...and then once we got to John and Kandy's house, Kandy and Jackson were sitting in the front window watching for us...I waved and smiled from ear to ear....anyone who knows me or even just sees my desk will know that Jackson is my world. I never even comprehended that I could love my nephew so much. Christmas Eve was AMAZING...Dad and I fixed dinner ilke back in the old times, we even made a meat and cheese tray like Grandma always did! Too beautiful, Dad even went to church with me that night. Man it was so nice to be there....There was nothing but open arms waiting for me there. I got a huge hug from Mrs. Merritt who welcomed me home. Pastor Dan, and cherished friends of mine all were awaiting hugs. I sat about 3 rows back from Jeff(we hadn't been face to face in almost 2 years now) I was so scared. We finally made eye contact after communion when I was walking back to my seat. I couldn't help but smile...hes always held my heart and at times I didn't even realize it. Christmas day wasn't as good as Christmas Eve, mom and I fought on and off...I dont agree with some choices she doesn't agree with some of mine, we're so alike that we butt heads, its inevitable. But I got to spend so much time with family and friends that day that it was just wonderful! This was by far the best Christmas EVER! My heart resides at home and Zeke, Champ, and I count the days til we can return home for good.

I've started what will probably be my last term of online-schooling through the Army. I'm taking World Literature and Family Relations...I'm very psyched for Family Relations...it will greatly help toward my degree but also towards what I want to do in life....work for DCFS. One of my first assignments I've seen is that I have to keep a daily journal about a life-change we want to make (the teacher suggested stop smoking, quit swearing, eat better foods.) Mine is going to lean more towards the eating better foods but its going to be a bit more complicated as I want to step up eating better and exercising...all in all I want to step up my weight control. I'd like to shed some pounds and feel better about the way I look...stay tuned for updates on that!

As far as the medical discharge goes, its still chugging, I'm rounding up the last of the paperwork that has to be collected and turned in! Thank goodness...I'm mentally ready to go home, I just pray that it doesn't affect the way that I work. I refuse to get short-termers disease before I even know my out date! I have another appointment towards the discharge this week with occupational therapy...I hear they will test in depth the range of motion that I have and have lost due to this injury. I'll let you know how that goes, the apt. is on the 10th. I've added in some of my favorite pictures from Christmas...hope you enjoy!