I'm back in Auburn! I'm in my apartment, and I absolutely love it--it's huge compared to where I've been before! It's a nice complex, with lots of families, so I feel pretty safe. My dad gave me the OK to stay. :) I miss my family and friends, obviously, but I'm excited for this year and all the things I'm going to do and learn.
Speaking of school, there have been a few red tape issues to get through, but I'm back in my office, my classes are scheduled, and I'm working on my syllabus. Cross your fingers that I get a TEC room so that I don't have to lug a TV cart all over the building. The only real problem I'm currently having is that they ordered the wrong edition of my book, so I've got to figure out what to do about that. My first week will be a little insane, so I can't say how reachable I'll be, but I do have to have five office hours, so that means I'll likely be on the internet from 12:30 to 3:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
On the agenda for next week:
--figure out how to put together my shelf and coffee table
--get everything hung up
--assemble thesis committee
--sweet talk my way into the creation of thesis hours so that I can drop one of my classes
--successfully convince 50 freshmen that my comp class will be buckets of fun
--successfully navigate the transit
--start reading for comps--50 books in 7 weeks.
--send in my plan of study
--start mini-prospectus
--craft abstract for PCA (it's due during comps, so I'll forget if I don't do it now)
--talk to Joanne about research
--figure out how to research my thesis with everything coming from interlibrary loan (our library doesn't really support pc research)
It's back to the whirlwind, but I can't wait!
Choice moments from move-in day:
--My dad corrals a kid in the parking lot to help move boxes and pays him 12 dollars. Later, his cute four year old sisters shows up and asks to be paid too. (She came upstairs once, asked Monita and I what something was, and then left.) Daddy gave her a quarter.
--My dad continually marvels at the fact that BD is so big and tall. This tickles Monita quite a bit.
--My mom brings me my tie from Terranova's, saying she was worried I would need it. Instead of asking her where I would use it in a city without a Terranova's, I ask her if she's saying I'll be a waitress again soon. She says, "You never know." Later she explains that she meant working on holidays.
--My mother and I go buy groceries at 8:30 at night to avoid the welcome week crowds; instead, we see the cream of the crop of Auburn students and she is horrified. "You mean they come to class dressed like that?" Yes, Mama, we don't have a dress code.
Yesterday my mom called to tell me how she'd moved the televisions around in the house and to let the dogs talk to me. I miss you too, Mama. :) If you see my mom, give her a big hug for me. Maybe even crack some jokes and throw out some sarcastic comments so that she feels like Josh and I are still around.
Wahoo! I'm so happy you're back in your old environment. And I'm glad you gave me your schedule so maybe I can add my name to the list to talk to you! I miss you! I will call you soon when everything settles down...somewhat! I love you and can't wait to hear your voice!
Thanks for the "look out" for Jim. I'll tell him where you are. Sounds like you are in DEEP! Enjoy, this actually is the fun part of life!! Hope to see you soon Cori the girl!
Where are you living down there? I hate I didn't get to see you before you left!! I'm not sure what a PCA is in Literature world....but in my world it means the patient is getting a pain medication pump (of course you probably unfortunately remember that). Funny how an abbreviation can be used so many different ways!
Just to add to the chorus, I loved The Dark Knight. It was all I wanted it to be--from start to finish, which includes the trailers. (Watchmen! Terminator: Salvation!) I want to see it again before I make any real pronouncements on it, but the entire time, I was thinking, "I can use this in class!" And, of course, Heath Ledger as the Joker was amazing. You completely forget about the actor playing him and just go along for the ride. We all said that we wished we'd seen more of the Joker! Of course, I geeked out a little bit, but no one made fun of me. (Feel free to do that here.)
Small update:
--I'm finally done at Terranova's. It's a great relief, but I'll miss some of them a lot. However, I picked a good time; all of my server people are jumping ship for school/better jobs.
--I've got the girls most of this week, and then Friday-Monday. Christy and Doug are taking one last vacation before school. He really needs it. For those of you who don't know, Doug is one of the maintenance managers over at the airport, and he was right there when those terrible things happened at the air show. He was pretty shaken up, obviously, and needs a little time off. So I'm staying for four days. This is also about a week before Violet starts kindergarten, so I might go a little insane after four days of "How long until kindergarten?" She's very worried about getting there on time and on the right day.
--Josh and Meaghan broke up. It's very sad around here. My poor little brother. Basically it came down to wanting different things at different times. They're trying to be friends and leaving it open until they're both done with school.
On a happier note, I'm really excited about teaching this semester. I finally might have gotten everything figured out.
Admit it, it was all of us. You have to be really commited to love our family...On another note, give Josh some love from his cousins here. It's probably for the best as he embarks on his new exciting stage of life.
So sad about Josh, but Staci might be right. We're a little hard to love as a group. :) However, it probably is easier to have no ties, so he can focus on school.
...things are pretty much the same. I'm looking for yet another job on top of the ones I already have to make ends meet. My mother is trying to pay me for doing things around the house, but I've explained to her that it's the same as just giving me money, which isn't going to work for me, so...it's back to looking again. My problem is that I'll only be here for six more weeks or so, then I'm off to school again. My ideal job would be to type at home, but that's hard to get into. I thought about typing papers for the students at UAH and Calhoun, but I'm not sure how the logistics on that would work. How would I get paid? Any and all help/input is always appreciated.
So, what's been going on? Last Sunday night, services at Capshaw lasted approximately 20 minutes. Why? The power blew. It's been happening a lot around the area; the summer storms and dry lightning are getting a lot of the transformers. Christy and Doug's house flickers all the time. Anyway, it was a strange service. David said it was about 85 degrees in there (I couldn't see it from my seat) and we all sat there fanning the entire time--even all the older people, who are usually so cold that we keep the heat on until April. Norm had to give the invitation from the window so that he could see his Bible. It was too bad that Maggie missed it. (She was at Gooch Lane with Matt.)
Speaking of that, my Maggie has a serious boyfriend. I'm so excited for her. It's Matt Lewis, if you know him. I just love him, and he fits in really well with her family, which is important for her.
I got to go to Chattanooga and see my family a few weekends ago. It was so great to see them; it does my soul such good to be with them. (As someone explained to me, I could see some of them all the time if I would just do my PhD at USF.) And I got to see my cousins and Baby Julia! I missed Ginger and the girls, but maybe next time. I hear cuteness abounded while they were there, though.
As for work, I've gotten comfortable in the kitchen. I work in the kitchen on Friday nights for a lot of reasons, one being that it's guaranteed money. It's not as much as serving, but I don't have to give any of it away. It's much different from serving--higher pressure, lots of noise and confusion--but I really enjoy it. I'd work back there all the time if it paid more. I still serve on Saturday nights.
The girls are still going strong. We go to their friend Anna's on Thursdays and hang out with her so that the girls can go swimming. She stays by herself, but can't go out back without an adult around, so she asked me if we could come over. It works fine for me, because the girls get so tired that by the time we get back, all they want to do is take a bath and chill out! It's a great thing for Violet, because she's turbo-charged all the time lately. Last week, Ivy was at camp, so Lily, Violet, and I ran around a lot to make up for what they were missing. We had a big time--movies, shopping, eating out, the library--but I think their favorite day was the day we washed my car. We ran back to my house so that I could take a shower (it was really hot that day) and they played Rock Band with Josh and Meaghan.
I'm still waiting to hear back from the professor I want to chair my committee, and if she says yes (fingers crossed!) then I have to sweet-talk some people to create thesis hours for me so that I can drop a class. I had too much going on fall semester, and I only realized it at Carey and Cristine's wedding last weekend. I was telling everyone what I had planned, and they flipped out--and kindly reminded me that I could take thesis hours to pad my schedule. This stuff is all really confusing sometimes. Also, I still haven't gotten a book order list, so I've got to email the office about that or my students will be bookless all year--or stuck with CED, which matches nothing I have planned. I hate that book. Anyway, here's hoping everything gets done like it should!
It sounds like a lot is going on, but it's really not. I had to wait a month just to have that much to say!
Man, sounds like you've got a lot going on. I understand the working thing. It's kind of frustrating to work hard and a lot and you feel like you have nothing to show for it cause it all goes to bills. UGH! One day we'll all be finished, have good jobs and not have to worry about making ends meet. That's what I keep telling myself!!! So we never discussed SEASON 5 of One Tree Hill... what did you think about it?? I can't wait for next season! :)
OH MY WORD I KNOW. he was amazing!! :) I was so glad he was on it. And I said through the whole season I wanted Jake to come back...I'm REALLY hoping he does! :) Part of me wants Brooke and Lucas to get back together, but I really like Lindsey so I want things to work out for them! I'm so glad Nathan and Haley worked things out...and I LOVED her new song in the last episode! It was wonderful. and little Jamie is the cutest kid ever. I'm totally naming one of my kids James Lukas! :) haha.
Milicent is awesome and I think she and Mouth are PERFECT for one another! :) Maybe they'll let Chase and Brooke get together, bring Jake back for Peyton and then Lucas and Lindsey can be together! :) only in a perfect One Tree Hill world!!! hahahaha
Well, let me just say, I'm terrible. I still haven't had a chance to get it. I will see if Carla can get it for me on Sunday, and then when I see her I'll text it to you. I'm sorry about not having it for you! Love you too!
Hello Cori! do you remember me from when you came down here to c Baby Julia and The Andrews and Staci??? well Its me Makenzie the little girl who was there.... I found you.. I loved meeting you!! well talk to you ltr
It seems like no time at all since I came home, but at the same time it seems like I've been here forever. I'm sure that makes sense to no one but me, but at any rate, I'm ready to get back to school. Not much has been going on since I last updated, but two months seems a long time to go without writing something. So, the Mathis family update, bullet-style.
My dad:
--has bought himself a motorcycle. For those of you who are interested in that type of thing, the only thing I know about it is that the painted parts are red. The rest is shiny, and my dad thinks it will save on gas. He insists it has nothing to do with a midlife crisis. We'll see. As of now, we're all calling him Easy Rider and he and my mom are shopping for accessories. They're also watching Wild Hogs whenever it comes on.
My mom:
--is doing pretty much what she always does. She got an assistant librarian this year, and that's working out wonderfully. April's great, and my mom doesn't have quite as much on her plate. The superintendent has also made all of the assistant principals take over textbooks, so that's helped. She had some minor surgery today, but she's doing great. I will say one thing--the outpatient people at Crestwood aren't my favorite, but the nurses took great care of her.
My brother:
--got into culinary school in Nashville, and should be leaving around the same time I am. He's so excited, and Calhoun has lost all appeal (if it ever had any). He has some poor excuses for teachers this semester. They never have class; it seems one gets canceled every week. All of his teachers are adjuncts, though, so that explains a lot.
--He and Meaghan had their one-year anniversary. We'll see how stuff goes when he moves away and she stays here, but it's looking like she's pretty permanent. I like her a lot; she's gotten Josh to come to church (more than once) for the first time in a few years. She seems open to it, so that's encouraging.
As for me:
--I'm doing exactly what I was two months ago. I'm really not that exciting. Just trying to pay bills and get things situated to go back to school.
--I'm registered for classes; I'm interested to try some different things this year, and Fiction Writing should be cool.
--The restaurant is slowing down, and I've had to start working in the back one night a week to make sure that I make a fixed amount of money each week. If things don't pick up though, I'm going to have to get another job and just work at the restaurant on weekends. I'd really hate to quit; we aren't open on Sundays and they're really great about working with my schedule. People are making good money at Bridge Street, though. Even though I'm super tired of being a waitress, it's enough to make you wonder if you should change jobs. Josh is even thinking about it. Meaghan already got a job in an office; if all my people leave, I'm definitely going to look elsewhere.
That's about it! Violet graduates next week from preschool, and Ivy graduates from fifth grade at the end of the month, so I'm going to have to go look for presents soon. Don't forget Mother's Day! My own mother refuses to accept a gift, so Josh and I are going to have to get creative, I guess.
Two things: I'm glad Ivy is graduating from fifth grade. I keep being told by people here that 5th graders don't graduate. Crazy talk! And it makes me irritated at them because I definitely did. Also, Uncle Glen getting a motorcycle is a whole other ball of wax to be addressed at a different time. The most exciting part is that Josh has been going to church! Yea!!!
Your dad and a motorcycle? I don't know that I like that combo. I am certainly not sure that I want your mother on the back of that thing. I will be praying for her constantly. Tell Josh good luck and same to you in school.
Wow, I feel like I've missed a ton. I miss you terribly, and I feel wierd not having talked to you in a while. I will call you either tomorrow night or this weekend after work. I have a ton to tell you, and I want to hear your "stories". I will call you soon! I can't wait to hear your voice! Love you dearly! Tell everyone that I said hello!
Cori the girl...glad to read that your life is whizzzzing by just like everyones! Don't know any of the people that you talk about, but I love you and I'm glad to hear that you and the people in your life are trudging on, doing well! Enjoy your summer, hope the work situation pans out just like you want. Take care and come see us when you can, we sure miss you!
Your dad - I'm voting for an age crisis, and it doesn't sound like your mom is helping. :( Glad your mom got some help, which she seemed to desperately need. Yeah for Josh into culinary school (I'm jealous!), and even better that he seems to have some interest in God! Good luck in school (in the Fall??), and hang in there. This job will help you appreciate school more! :)
going to bed. I think of you all so often. We make a good pit stop if needed. Warning....if you go up there you'll only fall in love. He's a cutie. T would love the company I'm sure. More later. Hugs
I don't care that it was 40 degrees outside today--I fully support spring coming early this year. I like chilly weather, but I really miss my flip-flops. I spent years living in them, and for the few months I'm not stuck wearing sensible work shoes--however cute they may be--I'd like to luxuriate in my flip-flops and jeans. I'm especially excited about it because I spend most of my week with those awful restaurant Crocs on my feet.
So, update...things have been pretty steady lately. There have been upsetting/irritating developments in and around my life, but for once I didn't cause them, so I'm dealing. I'm not a huge fan of my job (it creates most of the drama) but it pays the bills. Even better, I'm fully dedicated to finishing school and getting a real job, doing something I actually enjoy. And isn't that the whole point of jobs like mine?
I'm working on finding the good--and there's lots of good. I spend two days a week or so keeping Violet during the day (and Ivy and Lily after school), which has been a lot of fun. They're getting so big, and I'm not sure how to deal with it. Ivy's 11 already, and she's going to be quite the moody teenager. We're getting the preview right now, and it's enough to make you pull your hair out. I feel so sorry for putting my mom through that drama. She assures me it will end soon. I hope so--the other day Ivy cried because I asked her if she wanted me to braid her hair. She used to beg me to braid it. Apparently, now it means I hate her hair. I need a translation book. :) Ivy just made the Scholar's Bowl team, so we're having fun with that. I'm getting used to what I call the "walk-throughs"--Ivy walks through the kitchen, calls out a question, and expects me to answer it before she leaves the kitchen. She's convinced that I should have retained all my Scholar's Bowl useless knowledge.
Lily's 8, and she's just so smart. They were all always smart, but Lily kills me. She's reading books that my seventh-graders had excerpted in their lit books. Then again, this is the kid who picked up Tom Sawyer last year because it looked interesting. When it's just us for whatever reason, we usually just sit in a chair and each read our books. (Violet thinks that's boring, naturally.) I've finally found someone to bond with over Anne of Green Gables. I'm so excited!
Violet...well, she's still a mess. She's 5 now, and still convinced that she and Josh are having a secret love affair, but she's okay with Meaghan being around. Violet makes me tired, but in a good way. She's constantly talking--and it's not always to me. She and her dolls carry on long, drawn out conversations. She's my movie girl. Once every couple of weeks, I'll bring over a movie and she'll make up the living room like it's a theater (she loves to pretend) and we'll spend part of the afternoon discussing why Sleeping Beauty's dress couldn't have been purple if there was going to be a problem between pink and blue. She's incredibly curious and creative. Unfortunately, that sometimes leads her to be an incredible liar--we're working on telling the difference between telling me what happened at school and totally making things up.
Anyway, that's the majority of life now. Hope everyone's doing well!
Come to Florida! You don't even have to justify wearing flip-flops. Aunt Doris passed away yesterday. I discovered Sunday when we went with Granny to visit Aunt Doris for the last time, Granny might be the strongest woman I know.
ummm, OTH was AMAZING...but I am SO angry at Haley for being like that with Nathan and then mad at Nathan for not just telling her already. I hate Nanny Carrie. What a dirty dirty girl!!!
