The Countdown

The countdown begins....only 1 more year of grad school. YAY!

While I enjoy my masters program, I will be thankful to have a life again outside of work.

Matt has been extremely patient and understanding with me, my crazy schedule and deadlines. I am so grateful to have such an extraordinary man in my life who loves and supports me and my goals.

I realize that countdowns sometimes change, but I am praying this sticks to May 2012 as my graduation date.

What are my plans after my masters? Good question.

Simply to enjoy life, look for a new position. I love what I do, but I will be looking for a change (eventually). No one gets their masters or doctorate to remain at a standstill. Advancement is the end goal.

I look forward to no more exams, studying, and lectures. I don't mind the reading or the research, because it's stuff that I have a genuine interest in.

Graduation is the next thing to check off my list. I can't wait. :)

Sweet Pea

I love this song...

It feels like home...

August 12, 2006 I packed up my 1987 Dodge Diplomat (yes, 1987!) and jumped on I-94 toward Hoosier territory...."the region"...NW Indiana.

Valparaiso, Indiana was my destination and planned residence for the next 4 years of my life.

Well, it's April 13, 2011 and I am still here.

Last winter, I contemplated moving, but decided to pursue my masters degree at Valparaiso University while working full time instead of up and quitting my good job in higher ed for a poor graduate student life. I figured I could balance the two without distractions (a man) in my life.

Another year has passed and I am half way done with my masters, still working full time, now in a serious relationship, and actively involved in an amazing Church.

I am moving into my first house this spring (renting, of course).

My life is finally heading in a direction I have been waiting for.

Instead of waiting, I finally took control of my life.

I started my graduate program last summer, a MA in Liberal Studies with an individualized concentration in student affairs.

I met a wonderful man, who loves and cherishes me, and shares similar goals and life dreams as me. I have fallen in love...true love.

While Valparaiso, Indiana was originally intended to be a temporary thing, now feels like home to me.

It only took nearly 5 years to become home for me.

Valparaiso was a blessing in disguise...and a new home.

My guilty pleasure, go-to TV shows

I don't get to enjoy much TV these days...between grad school and work, I decided to cancel my cable.

OHMYWORD! What was I thinking?!

Here are my reminders....

1. save $
2. HOMEWORK/STUDYING/WRITING PAPERS
3. savor the time I have with Matthew
4. enjoy the little things in life more (i.e. walks with my dog)

When I do occasionally get to catch a few TV shows (thanks to Matt and HIS cable), here are my guilty pleasure go-to TV shows:

1. Bethenny Ever After (LOVE her, her wardrobe, & her wonderful little family)
2. The Real Housewives of New York (classic!)
3. The Real Housewives of Orange County (LOVE Gretchen and the gorgeous shoes)
4. Say Yes to the Dress (I just adore seeing all the wedding dresses)
5. My Fair Wedding (ideas, ideas, ideas!)
6. Holly's World (LOVE the drama & Holly Madison)

 

I'm sure I'm missing a few (Matt will remind me later). HaHa!

a great email

This morning I received an email from my sis-in-law, Lyndsay, about possibly visiting me this summer. It totally made my day. My family doesn't often visit me (being out of state). I am just thrilled to spend time with my niece, my sis-in-law and possibly my step-mom. I love visitors! Valpo is such a great place and I enjoy sharing it with friends and family.

I hope to see them all July 15-17 for a summer visit. :)

Southern Sass

To all my southern friends....I love and miss y'all.

Dreaming of moonlight and magnolias, the sweet smell of kudzu growing wild. I see fields of snow white cotton and the trees dippin Spanish moss on the bayou. I hear Sunday church bells ring, time for the Gospel and a little hymn sing, sending spirits soaring high.Then we gather round mama’s table with a glass of sweet ice tea, squash, corn bread, a mess of greens and chicken or catfish country fried. Richly blessed by friends, family, faith, a touch of God’s grace, and yes~ my mama raised me right. With sugar and spice, a whole lotta nice, oh and a little southern sass.
~Tiffany Taylor

Romans 5:1-5

Romans 5:1-5 (New International Version, ©2011)

Peace and Hope

 ¹ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.