"May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor"

Hi friends! First off, I have to say thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to the tremendous amount of support + love I've gotten from you about this blog recently! How precious and uplifting you are! You are all magnificent!

Now to head on in to said challenge, I regretfully admit that I cannot give you a picture today. Why? Because day 4 is "a picture of your favorite memory." Luck would have it that my favorite memory is of my wedding day (duh) and my favorite picture from the day is prominently displayed on the top of my blog. Go ahead and look, it really is a marvelous picture of me and my love ending out our fairy tale day.

Now for what I really want to say. I finished The Hunger Games trilogy. It is fabulous. From start to finish, each of the three books are excellent, and I promise once you start you'll be sucked in completely. I definitely was. Let me set the scene for you:

The first novel takes place in futuristic North America which has now become Panem. Panem consists of 12 districts and a powerful capitol appropriately called "the Capitol." Each year, for punishment over an uprising of the districts against the Capitol years ago, each district holds a lottery which chooses 2 of its teenage citizens (one male, one female) to go to the Hunger Games. What are the Hunger Games? A gladiatorial competition where each competitor must fight to the death--with the last one standing as victor.

And that's all I'm going to tell you.

Except that its much better than I can make it sound. Suzanne Collins is absolutely brilliant and terribly captivating. Her characters are vivid enough that I feel like I'm right there with them, and as I've mentioned earlier, have caught myself both dreaming about them and praying for them.

Here's something that might sway a few more of you--I would easily say it dominates the Twilight series. Yes, I said that. I loved Twilight, but I loved The Hunger Games much more. Plus the heroine, Katniss Everdeen, makes a much better role model for the "young adult" target audience than did Bella Swan Cullen. Not to mention the classic love triangle that's involved has a lot more depth. Move over, Edward Cullen, there's a new sheriff in town and he bakes...need I say more?

My only problem is that I'm left trying to follow up that trilogy, when nothing compares. Most certainly open for reading suggestions, folks!

Please keep praying for me on the teaching thing, I'm still unsure of what's best.

XOXO,
Hannah

Habits.

Hi! It has come to my attention as of late that people are still reading! YES! So, for you, I will continue to post. And a little for me, of course. Because I've already mentioned I'm slightly narcissistic and enjoy talking about myself. For starters, its day 4 of my "photo challenge" and time to post a picture of my worst habit (or something like that)...I bet several of you share it...

Ahh the ever-present silent killer. I do a lot of stressing. If I have nothing to stress about, that's ok, I'll just create something. I am honestly always stressing about something...a test, something in a book (yes, I'm serious), not answering the phone fast enough, not getting my routines choreographed on time, money (duh), the list goes on and on and on. I'm about to laugh because I currently feel like I've got nothing to stress about. And then I remember: I'm trying to decide whether to take another GACE and which one to take, and Peeta has been hijacked (book), and I have a test Monday + a midterm Tuesday that I've not begun to study for...all of these things come flooding back and the heart rate rises. Typical. Don't worry-I've already calmed back down for now. Not much else to say about that, its just part of the "challenge" so I had to do it.

In other news, I'm currently considering a teaching come back. Why? Because the proverbial grass is not necessarily greener on the other side...sometimes its a dull shade of brown. That was a bit too dramatic; I like my job, don't get me wrong, but it pays less and I get significantly less holiday time (no more furloughs though!). Doesn't matter much now, but when the little Lipseys arrive things like that will be important! I'll probably not make my return as a FACS teacher (though I'm not turning my back to that altogether), but I would really like to be some sort of English/Language Arts/Reading teacher. Given my revulsion for poor grammar/spelling + love affair with literature/reading, I think it could be a marvelous match. But it requires much prayer and consideration before acting impulsively. Granted I can't be too impulsive given that no jobs will open until August anyway, right? Still, it will affect all nursing plans if I decide to seek a teaching job and will also affect plans at my current place of employment...and I'm not sure I don't want to just stick around and see what happens there! See that stress I was talking about?! It causes me to want all the answers NOW even though none of this regarding teaching or nursing school can happen until August. What I am asking for are your prayers/input. I got a precious fbook message today from a teacher-friend I taught with last year, and it was exactly what I needed to hear. Your opinions matter and really help me weigh pros and cons for my decision(s). Of course I need your prayers too. Though He already knows the decision I will make, I most certainly need him to reveal it to me--I didn't listen last time I was career-choosing, and I know that will make all the difference. Just a little faith.

So people at work think I'm a giant book nerd. Which is 1/2 true. I have been a giant book nerd as of late. I suppose there are worse things I could be though, right? Last night, without thinking, I found myself praying for one of the characters in my book because he was in danger (can't tell more in case someone has taken my cue and decided to read it.) Ridiculous! Given my difficulty separating novels from reality, I should probably practice self control and not read quite so much. When hubby readjusted me in my sleep last night I told him to "share the bread" because I was dreaming I was in the arena in the Hunger Games. Ha! It cracks me up and scares me a little...if I'm not careful I turn into a complete hermit with characters from books as my only friends!

Well, the time has come to close up shop for the day...go to bed early and save Teen Mom 2 for tomorrow. Have a good hump day, friends!

XOXO,

Hannah

TV blog

Hi, friends. I'm exhausted or I would write more, but keeping with the photo challenge theme, I am at least bringing you pictures from my 2 favorite shows. It technically asked for a picture of the cast from my favorite show, but I only watch 2 and they're both my favorites.

Grey's Anatomy

I put the original cast up, because the show was best then. However, I have to admit that I'm loving new Cristina, and I do love Lexi+Mark & the new Callie-Mark-Arizona baby thing. But I really, really, really miss Izzie...and George a little. Mainly Izzie, because she was a hot doctor version of my neurotic-emotional self.

 Teen Mom 2

I loved Teen Mom 1 and 16 & Pregnant, but I think this season is my favorite! I love watching how family dynamics shift (nerdy FACS point of view) when the babies come home from the hospital and real life continues. If you're curious, Leah is my favorite.

Best blog ever, right? Sorry for the brevity, I'm really sleepy and more than that I'm really absorbed in Catching Fire (2nd in The Hunger Games trilogy--I still say you should read it!). On another note, I'm/we're  currently entertaining other potential career paths for me, and I would appreciate if you'd pray with us! I'd also appreciate any input you might have on the GACE English (7-12) test, Middle Grades Language Arts, and Middle Grades Reading. If you haven't guessed, I may head back to the education world. More on that later, I promise, I just want your feedback and your prayers!

XOXO,

Hannah

Study Break? Please.

Its me again. No pictures this time, but I needed a mini study break and facebook is all Super Bowl-related, so I'm not really interested in that. What I am interested in, though, is reading, and since I finished 5 really good books this week, I thought I'd share. The first book I read was The Justice Game, and while it was good, it was your run of the mill court room/crime drama, and paled in comparison to the other 4 I enjoyed.

Next, I read a Amanda Hocking's Trylle Trilogy, and I'm a bit ashamed of this. Why? Because it's about Trylle, which is a nice word for trolls. Now, fantasy books are usually not my style, and had I known this trilogy was in fact about trolls, I wouldn't have bought it. However, I bought book #1, Switched, and fell in love with the characters. The trilogy is categorized as young adult fiction, but there are some steamy scenes that I'm not sure I'd want a "young adult" of mine to be reading! All this to say Amanda Hocking is good. She has to be to keep me engaged in a book about a secret troll community, which convinces me to buy both the second and third parts of the series. The best part is the books are only $2.99 each on Kindle/Nook, so you can enjoy them for cheap. For more info on the trilogy and the author, click here. She has several other books out, including a zombie romance, but I'm not quite bold enough to venture into that yet.

Now, I'm working on The Hunger Games trilogy. I read the first installment (The Hunger Games) and fell in love with Peeta and Katniss-the main characters-instantly. Suzanne Collins (author) is a genius! The Hunger Games was incredible and I was easily persuaded to buy the 2nd and 3rd books.  I'm currently reading Catching Fire (the second book) and on the edge of my seat to see what happens! Once I finish this test tomorrow I'm sure I'll be fully engaged and hopefully finish both the 2nd and 3rd books this week. I'll give you more details once I do--I hate to recommend them blindly even though I've heard nothing but good things.

I've been so engaged in these books this week that I'm having dreams about them. Not always a good thing, but I say that to let you know that each of the authors/books I mentioned above are good enough to suck you straight into the story...what more could a reader ask for??

XOXO,
Hannah

Day 2

Hi, again! I've got a loooooooooooong day of nothing but studying ahead, so you get a morning blog. I really have too much to do, so I give you Day 2: A picture of a person you have been close with for awhile.

Alex and I, Edward Cullen-faced on my wedding day. Totally inappropriate. Do you know how hard it is to limit "a person you have been close with for awhile" down to just one person? Also, I'm trying not to use the same pictures over and over again, so I had to check through all of the other days and make sure I wouldn't need to pull this out again. So, Alex and I have been close for "awhile." Awhile being since her freshman year/my senior year at UGA, but we got a lot closer once I graduated and left. Not sure why/how that is. If you don't have one, you need a BFFAEAEAE (thats short for best friend forever and ever and ever and ever) like Alex. Our friendship is terribly low maintenance and easy, and exactly how friendships should be. We see each other when we see each other, and we only talk when we want to. There's no need to have "life updates" or talk for 2.5 hours on the phone every week, and we both like it that way. Guilt-less, easy friends. Additionally, Alex is the straight shooter of straight shooters, which is exactly what I need in my life. Tell me like it is! Perhaps one of my favorite things about my dear friend is the fact that she's from Thomasville and intends to move back. "We get to be friends for the rest of our lives!" That's perfect! Fortunately/unfortunately she's got quite a few years of pharmacy school before she does make it back, but I'll take what I can get and start a countdown the day she starts pharmacy school! That being said, she is very dedicated to her school/future and would want me to hush the rambling and study like her all day. Love you, BFFAEAEAE!

XOXO,
Hannah

Exhaustion.

Hey friends...if any of you are still out there reading this?? I'm past the point of exhaustion. I am, for the first time, working a full-time job + full-time school + part-time job + wife, and its hard to handle. Three cheers for folks who can manage to balance all of these things at one time on a regular basis! For those of us who can't, we just muddle through one day at a time and pray for March to come bringing A's and a 5 month break from school to sort our lives out. I miss ranting to you and expressing myself to you, but I'm struggling to have time. Really struggling. My body has straight up shut down this weekend, I'm sick (sinus nonsense, for the 4th time this season), and I have zero time to study the entire cardiovascular system and get the required amount of sleep. All that to say, blogging has taken a back-seat. Now I realize this is justified, but I'm not ready to give up my blog-adventure yet, so I've found a much simpler way to blog everyday without much thought (kind of) and keep it, hopefully, some what interesting. Holy run-on sentence! I found this little facebook photo challenge on a friend and fellow-blogger's facebook, and decided to bring it to the old Life Exaggerated blog. Of course I can't get the picture for said challenge to load, so here's a list of what's on it, day-by-day. Feel free to tell me if this is a stupid idea, you won't hurt my feelings, because I'm here to entertain myself, but also you, and if you hate said photo challenge then my job is unfinished. And I don't like unfinished business. Even at the one job I don't get paid for!:)

Facebook Photo Challenge

1. A picture of yourself with 15 facts.

2. A picture of you and a person you have been close with for awhile.

3. A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

4. A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have.

5. A picture of your favorite memory.

6. A picture of the person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

7. A picture of your most treasured item.

8. A picture that makes you laugh.

9. A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

10. A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

11. A picture of something you hate.

12. A picture of something you love.

13. A picture of your favorite band or artist.

14. A picture of someone you couldn't imagine living your life without.

15. A picture of something you want to do before you die.

16. A picture of someone who inspires you.

17. A picture of someone that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

18. A picture of your biggest insecurity.

19. A picture of you when you were little.

20. A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

21. A picture of something you'd like to forget.

22. A picture of something you wish you were better at.

23. A picture of your favorite book.

24. A picture of something you wish you could change.

25. A picture of your day.

26. A picture that means a lot to you.

27. A picture of yourself and a family member.

28. A picture of something you're afraid of.

29. A picture that can always make you smile.

30. A picture of someone you miss.

It's going to be a long, photo-tastic 30 days, folks! Without further rambling, I give you Day 1!

A picture of me & 15 facts. Now, I know this isn't just me, but I feel like its the whole me, because without that little cutie to my right, I'm not me. And why would I put a picture of myself on any day except the absolute best day of my life? Without him that day wouldn't have been the absolute best, so there was no way I would cut him out of the picture. So that's the picture of me.

1. I have absolutely no idea what I want to be when I grow up. As usual, I'm always up for suggestions, and maybe after reading this list you'll know me better and have some.
2. Despite what I said in numero uno, I have a bachelors of science in education & am currently working on my associates in registered nursing. I'll probably end up doing something random, totally unrelated to either.
3. I am, without a doubt, completely addicted to my kindle. I'll need some sort of 12-step program should it ever cease to exist. Think I'm kidding? I've read 5 entire books since Monday.
4. I'm constantly nervous and nearly every doctor I've ever seen (including 2 gynecologists) have suggested I take anxiety medication. Too bad I'm too stubborn.
5. I am completely obsessed and in awe of the human body. I could read about it and especially see pictures (of the inside, of course) all day long. I am also continuously frustrated by how science-y people deny the existence of God. The intricacies of your body alone should be enough proof.
6. I, along with my hubby, love listening to National Public Radio. We're self-proclaimed nerds.
7. I love lists! This blog contains two, and that fact alone is almost enough to give me the boost I need to start studying. Almost. Of course, the best part of having a list is crossing things off, which is more difficult on here.
8. I also love calendars, which are kind of another type of list. Filling in our calendar at the start of every month is definitely a highlight of mine!
9. I grew up terrified of dogs, and I'm still a little jumpy around them. I don't want to be, but I can't help it.
10. I'm a terrible communicator with children. Even though I work with young ones at dance and tutored kindergarteners, I tend to talk to them like they're much older than they really are. I've gotten better since working in kindergarten, but I'm still not awesome. I'm hoping if we ever have babies they're 12 years old when they're born. Hubby agrees.
11. I think band directors and band programs are under-appreciated. Yes, I realize this is because I married an ultimate band nerd, but I had no idea how much time and effort those teachers and students put in. I'm so proud. 
12. I/we want to have little Lipseys running around one day, but definitely not yet. We're still children ourselves and have a lot we want/need to do before we bring them into the world. I know they say there's "never a good time," but I know there's a better time than now. I've said it before though, I want boys. 
13. I love teaching dance, but I really miss performing myself. There's nothing better than being on stage or on the field and at least getting to pretend everybody's watching you. 
14. I have the best support system I could ever ask for. By that I mean my friends, my old family, my new family (in-laws), and especially my beloved. I could not ask for more...except that they all move a wee bit closer to us!
15. I love my Lord and the church He brought us to be a part of. I've said it before, but please visit us! Its truly a remarkable place and God is there in every service!   

I'm sure that was thrilling, and I don't blame you if you shut-down and quit reading. The cardio system awaits!

XOXO,

Hannah

Forgive me

Slacker blogger becomes more of a slacker every single day! First and foremost:
I got a job!! For more than 3 days! Apparently my phone voice is supreme and I got hired on! I'm excited and happy to be a contributing member of both society and my household again. Praise the Lord! Unfortunately, though, my body is hating my new schedule. Here's what it looks like: Monday & Tuesday: work 8am-5pm, then school 5pm-8:30pm, Wednesday work 8am-3:30pm, then dance 3:45-6pm...WHOA! Thursday and Friday are average workdays, 8am-5pm. Its surely not unmanageable, but it is a huge adjustment considering that last week I was sleeping in until 10am and not doing anything all day until class. I am happy, though! I was busy busy all day at work today and I love to be busy--makes time FLY by. Better still, since I'm working downtown and get an hour lunch break (so much better than working in the public school system!)  I got to have lunch with one of my favorite people in the entire world: Granny Jan! For those who don't know, she's actually Tyler's great aunt, so getting to spend time with her one on one was quite a treat...if you knew her, you'd surely understand. To be brief, I would love to be GJ when I grow up...or at least a lot like her, I'd settle for that.

Aside from the corporate world, I was pretty decent in the biology world today, too. And by that I mean I successfully completed my lab and I wasn't the last person to leave class for once(I prefer to think I'm thorough)! We did slide staining, and while its probably pretty boring to you (and me too, if I were truly honest), I was quite proud of my little slide-staining accomplishments. Even if I did find TONS of bacteria on the sample from my mouth--further confirmation that the tickle in my throat is more than just a tickle. Oh, and yesterday in A&P, I held hearts in my hands. Unfortunately they came from cows & sheep instead of humans, but they were still cool. I wish I were smart enough to have gone to med school of some kind...mainly because I am beyond fascinated with the human body and would love to explore the real deal. I'd pay it forward and donate my dead self to an A&P lab, too! I digress, all that to say I'm also loving school even if my eye lids are always heavy.

Sunday, our dishwasher started smoking out of nowhere and a screw fell out of my computer. What a day! We're now hand washing our dishes and computer shopping this weekend. My getting a permanent job is surely further proof of the Lord's sovereignty!

Speaking of the Lord, we started a community group this Sunday & I'm also very excited about that! It digs deeper into the message from every service, and I think Tyler & I both are really going to love it..plus we eat, and you can never complain about that. The group is made up primarily of other young couples and I find that to be a relief, seeing as I'm always desperately seeking friends. I'll try to keep you updated on that--on Wed-Sun when I actually have time to breathe/blog.

I almost forgot! I've started reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and it is so good. Its the first of three (yes! I love series!), and a light read, but I don't want to say more than that to avoid spoiling it. Only $5 on kindle, and worth more than that, I would say...course I'm not to the end yet, so hopefully it won't disappoint and I'll continue to feel that I got a good deal. Still working on Sybil, too, but The Hunger Games is on my kindle which is just a lot easier to take to work in my purse.

Well, this was supposed to be about a paragraph long, but luckily I'm a narcissist so you get a short story. Still looking for a Feb 18-20 visitor!:)

XOXO,
Hannah