Beginning of the End

Today I had advising for my last fall semester.
Today I had a legitamate discussion about what I am going to do "when I grow up."
Today I got handed paperwork to apply to take my state liscensure and national certification tests.

THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING. I  AM WAY TOO YOUNG!

It is so crazy to think back to where I was three years ago. to see how God has shaped me, changed my life, and the people in it. Everyone says they can't believe how far they have come, but I definitly saying now, I cant believe how far I've come.

Seriously I can feel the anxiety of this next year right as I type.

This next year is all about preparing for the biggest changes in my life (in terms of jobs etc). I cant help but wonder if I really am ready for this. Am I, little ole country girl from the middle of nowhere east texas, be ready to take on the "real world"?

Of course my plans have changed a thousand times since I started school. At first I wanted to be a physical therapist, then wanted to drop athletic training all together, then decided physicans assistant school was the way to go, then decided I wanted to be an athletic trainer in a high school, and now I am set on being an athletic trainer at the university level.
I love the people who a leading me along my way in this profession. After a discussion with one of them, I think the best path for me might actually involve a masters degree. Being a graduate assistant at some university, getting my masters in something, and gaining two years of working experience before jumping out in the "real world." I didnt want to at first, I think in a sort of arrogant way, wanting to prove that I could do great things without my masters. But, now that the idea has actually been presented as something that I could really do, I like it.
I could get my masters in education, work at the university level, and be able to teach while being an athletic trainer. I would get to work with people younger than me and have that sort of mentor relationship. Thats what I love about athletic training. Not only do you treat these athletes physical needs and injuries, but you are there with them everyday, developing a relationship, and in some way or another, making an impact on their life.
I feel like this is my calling. To care for and love on people. I will continue to pray for guidance in this year to come. It's going to be a crazy one. I am so excited to see where I might end up.

I dont usually procrastinate...

Well, actually, I do.
I dont get things done unless they are due.

Today has been a full day. Class till 12, ATR till 2, games from 3 to 8, and then homework from 9 to 12...
...and now I write a blog. :)...

Know how I was talking about how things never go my way and yada yada yada. I have now learned that when I worry bout things going my way is when they dont. I should have known this a long time ago, seeing how I have been an athlete forever, but I guess it just never stuck.

My last two outings have been fairly decent. Held the #15 ranked school to no earned runs, and threw a no hitter today (vs a pretty weak team...but still, no hits.)
I just hope that this late night homework exhibition doesnt wear me out too much.
Biggest games of the season coming up on saturday.

You know one thing I am thankful for? Text messaging. With it, I can talk to my brother or sister whenever. because of it I can still be a part of their lives even when I'm away. Techonolgy is growing, but I am thankful for the simple text message.

ashley

Do all of these posts have to be titled? What if I cant put a few specifc words to what all I am going to write about, or if I dont know what I will be writing about prior to writing?

You know those days that you have planned out in your mind, and then they don't go at all like you thought/wanted them to? Yeah, I hate them too. They always seem to happen to me on game day. When I feel like I'm going to go out and dominate and do well. Get to the field, start the game, and one thing happens, or something doesnt go just right....BAM. Gone. Nothing goes the way it was supposed to, and you are three steps back from where you started.

That was today, once again. I feel like I might be losing my spot, but then again I dont. We only have three pitchers. How could I "lose" my spot when its inevitable that I will get playing time. I have these expectations for each time I play, and I guess recently I just haven't been living up to my own standards. I guess I'll just "forget" about it. Throw the ball.
I'm always in that position. Quit trying so hard. Have confidence in yourself. You dont have to prove yourself.
I think I try to prove myself to myself more than anyone else.
I'll get another go at it in the next few days. I just have to remember that this is a silly game that I play while I spend my time here on earth; to be thankful that I have been given the talent that I do have; and to use the oppurtunities when given to reflect Christ.


I can't believe that I am so close to being done with school and out in the real world. Im so thankful for the oppurtunities that I have been given here at my school. I get to do what I love, and still work in the field that I love. I even get to experience both sides. I hope that when I do get a "real" job that I can build genuine relationships and in some way or another show the love of Christ. That's yet another reason why I want to do what I am doing.

In the end, its all about loving people and showing the love of Christ.
I have to remind myself this somedays.


You know what I dont understand, but am totally guilty of. I dont understand why people become so addicted/dependent to facebook. I mean, yeah its cool to keep up with people, but have you ever made yourself not log on for a full week? I have. All of a sudden, I find all this empty time that would have been spent on facebook reading about people who I dont talk to or havent seen in years. It amazes me the time that I spend on facebook, but I cant stop. I got so so much more done when I didnt log on. I dont know, just wondering I guess.
And then again, what about the time that I am going to spend on the blog, writing things that most people have no care in the world about. Why do I spend my time writing? Its the same as if I were on facebook.
Theory: maybe people do anything they can to get away from the things that they have to do. I mean, college kids use facebook as a "study break," when in reality they havent even started studying. I check my facebook over and over again on my phone during long softball trips.
Is it to combat boredom? I dont think so...

I really dont knnow. Just know Im part of the vast majority who get on more than once a day, or who stay logged on for hours.


Well, after thinking through all that, I guess I should use my time wisely.
Going to do the homework I wish I could do this weekend.

Going to Victoria tomorrow till late Sunday. No homework time, really...

ashley

--Oh one thing before I go. Name of the blog: Soli Deo Gloria- To God be the Glory....b/c all that I do is because of Him and his love for me. He deserves all the praise, not me.

Brand New

I'm not sure that I will be faithful to this, or if I will ever figure enough out abotu it to make it look good, but I have set it up and will try :)

I want to use this to record whats going on, show Gods plan unfolding, and at times help get things out of my mind.

either way, it will take me a while to get use to this, but until then, God Bless :)