Connecting the Dots

In my U101 class this week, we watched Steve Jobs' 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University.

I love this commencement address.  I didn't really know too much about Steve Jobs until he passed away, but I feel like in this speech, we see and hear a side of him that most people didn't know.  He makes many points in the address that I really love, but may favorite is what he says about connecting the dots.  I never tire of hearing stories about how a rather insignificant moment or experience leads to greater things and sometimes the direction that one's life takes.  Steve Jobs makes it clear though that you can only connect the dots looking backwards.

I recently had a "connect the dots" moment.  I won't go in to too many details, but awhile ago, I was questioning my career path.  I wasn't sure if working at a university was really what I wanted to do and I wasn't really sure if I was even good at my job.  However, as someone who follows and trusts God, I didn't sense Him leading me in a different direction.  I just felt really stuck, but tried to remain faithful.

Over the past week the tutors I work with have been turning in their Intent to Return forms - aka - do they still want to work here next semester.  I've amazed at the number of students who are planning to come back and what they have shared about their experience.  They are loving it!  It's so so humbling and it's been a sweet reminder that I'm where I need to be at least for now.

Sometimes where we are is more important for others than it is for ourselves.  I realized that a bit this week.

Comfort Food and Dinner Time

One of the things about my childhood for which I am so fortunate is that most nights a week, my family and I sat down together for dinner at home.  I don't think I completely appreciated it at the time, but now that I'm older, married, and will hopefully have a family of my own soon, I really see the importance and beauty of having a time to connect, unwind, and share a meal together.

I love to cook! (I think I've mentioned this before!)  And I really love to cook in the fall.  There's just something special about comfort foods and eating something warm and savory when it's cool outside and of course, nothing beats the smell of apples, cinnamon, or pumpkin baking!

One my favorite new comfort foods and new favorite recipes is Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs from one of my favorite blogs Everyday Occassions.  It's not too hard and so delicious.  A few weekends ago I spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon making a double batch.  So if you are needing a quick, delicious, and impressive recipe, give this one a try and let me know how it goes!  To see this recipe on the blog, follow the link and search "Meatballs" in the search bar.

Homemade Meatballs 
Ingredients:
1 pound of ground beef (I've also used "Meatloaf Mix" - beef and pork - and it's delicious!)
2 slices of bread
2 cloves of garlic
Fresh parsley, chopped (I've left this out and haven't noticed much of a difference.  When I did use it, I used about 2 Tbsp)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp milk
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste

Food Processor Method:
Begin by cutting or tearing break in to cube.  In food processor, put garlic and parsley. Pulse until finely chopped.  Add parmesan cheese cut into 1-inch cubes if not already grated.  Pulse until fine.  Add break in small batches and pulse.  Add mixture to ground beef (in separate bowl).  Add egg, milk, salt, and pepper.  Then mix with a fork, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.

By Hand Method:

Tear bread into small pieces.  Add grated parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.  Add eggs and milk. Mix together.  Add mixture to ground beef.  Mix with a fork, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.

Form into balls with an ice cream scoop and place on a baking sheet.  Cook meatballs under a high broiler on high for 7-9 minutes until just browned on outside or cook meatballs at 425 for 20 minutes (I sometimes get scared of the broiler!)

We serve these meatballs with angel hair pasta and Classico Sweet Basil sauce.  

Bon Appetit!

An Unexpected Getaway

This past week my husband attended a conference in Atlanta and I was fortunate enough to be able to tag along.  Since his new role started in January, he's had to do a bit more traveling than he's normally had to do.  Compared to a lot of people and their careers, it's really not that much and for that we are thankful.  In the spring he went away about 4 times and this fall he has about another 3-4 trips, including the one he just took.

During the spring, I was never able to join him because my schedule already had some important things set in stone that I couldn't miss, but his trip to Atlanta was planned far enough in advanced and my schedule was flexible enough that I could make some arrangements to be able to join him!  We were both so happy it worked out.  I've had a crazy and somewhat challenging month so it was great to get away, have a change of scenery, and just take a little break.

Because Steven was in the conference for the majority of the time and we were close to one of the big malls, I got to go shopping!  I do enjoy shopping but after awhile it wears me out and it certainly did during my time in Atlanta.  Fortunately Steven got out of his conference early every day so we got some extra time together.

Now we're back and I'm starting to take advantage of all things fall!!!  My favorite season!  I've gone a little pumpkin crazy with putting a few around our house and stocking up pumpkin goodies today at Trader Joe's!  Just love this time of year and looking forward to enjoying it more! :)

So thankful for this guy!

24 hours

I had really, really bad day this week.  Probably one of the hardest days I had had in almost a year.  Those days are just the worst.  :(  There were a lot of tough and frustrating situations, but I also could have handled things better.  One of my good friends was kind enough to listen to me and empathize with my situation and my sweet husband listened, hugged, but also provided some wonderful perspective.  His words helped me remember that we all, regardless of who we are and what we do, have 24 hours in the day.  What a comfort that has been this week!!!  It's become somewhat of a mantra to me as I have felt like I've been pulled in all different directions.

Remembering this and focusing on this has also helped me rethink my priorities.  My first priority is God, my second priority is my husband, and then comes everything else!  Everything else is fleeting. Everything else doesn't matter if you're priorities aren't taken care of.  You won't be your best self.

So take your 24 hours, do your best, work hard, but most importantly take care of yourself.  In the end, everything will be okay, everything will work out, and if doesn't, then it wasn't meant to be.

Labor Day Weekend

I love Labor Day Weekend!  Since the last few weeks of August are always SOOOO busy with school getting started, a 3-day weekend always comes at the perfect time!  What a difference just having one day off makes!

Last year over Labor Day, we went up to Pennsylvania to meet our first newborn nephew for the first time (crazy to think how much he's grown in a year!!!), but this year we kept it low key and it was perfect since we had busy weeks at work, were getting over colds, and had not been sleeping well.

The Saturday of Labor Day is always a fun day because it's full of college football from morning to night.  It was nice to be unbiased watching some of the games and try to forget the heartbreaking loss Carolina had two nights before.  On Saturday night, we went to Pearlz Oyster Bar in the Vista with two of our good friends.  We had never been there before and were surprised at how much we liked it!  My husband and I really love seafood and were really impressed with all the options.  We didn't try the oysters, but are already planning to go back and we'll definitely try them then!

On Monday, we spent the day on Lake Murray on my in-laws boat.  It was a beautiful day and my husband impressed us all with his waterskiing skills!  I'm perfectly fine just being a spectator.

It was so nice having a short work week and having another great weekend, especially one that included a Gamecock victory!

Catching my breath!

Oh my goodness!  The past few weeks have been a whirlwind!  As the title of this blog says, I finally feel like I'm catching my breath.  I won't say things are slowing down, but things are becoming just a *bit* more manageable.  I can focus on one thing without having 5 other things running through my mind!


It has been really great having the students back.  I've loved seeing the tutors that I supervise, some of the students we led in our church's college ministry, and getting to know the students in my class.  USC will have their first football game in a few hours and that brings a whole other level of excitement to campus and our city!


I realized the other day that I am "senior"...sort of.  I'm starting my 4th year in my job and my 3rd year as a U101 instructor.  That has been kind of neat to reflect on because I've noticed lately how much more comfortable I am with aspects of both  my job and teaching.  They haven't necessarily gotten easier...each new year definitely brings it's own dynamic and set of challenges, but I've noticed I know how to respond better...I know what to expect...for the most part I know what works and I've tried enough things and realized what doesn't (but again, still learning!).  The credit for all of this simply goes to TIME!  Through trying and failing and learning, I've become more comfortable...similar to my years in college.  I loved coming back for my sophomore year because things weren't new anymore.  I knew where to go and knew how to handle things.  I still had a ton of growing to do, but time and experience definitely played to my comfort and confidence! 

Hard, but Good - The College Edition Part 2

The other day I shared some reflections on the lessons I learned in college.  I have a few more to share and these are probably more of my favorite!

Hard, but Good #4 - I used campus resources
My #3 lesson was that I struggled and had some tough times in college.  What helped me get through those various circumstances was using some of the resources that abound and are oftentimes free on a college campus.  When I struggled in classes, I went to a tutor or Supplemental Instruction or even scarier, I went to my professor's office hours!!!  Professors can be intimidating, but they are also human and they have their jobs because they want to help students and see them do well.  If you are really stuck with your course material, step out of your comfort zone, believe the best (what's the worst that could happen?!), and get your questions answered by the ones who know best.  Think too how it could pay off for you in the future.  If professors start to get to know you, they'll be more inclined to serve as a reference for you in pontential jobs or maybe share different opportunities that fit your strengths and goals.  As someone who does write a lot of recommendation letters, I know this is true!

In my role as Coordinator of Tutoring, I wish students would take more advantage of all the resources they have before them (I even wish I utilized more of the resources at my college!).  Don't just see a tutor or use a resource when you are trouble; be proactive about using them so you can stay ahead and grow.

Hard, but Good #5 - I got involved
Getting involved in college is often what makes it such a special and significant time.  This was true for me and many others I know.  I dabbled in a few different things before I found my niche so it's okay if it takes you a year or so to find where you really want to invest your time.  In college the key is quality, not quantity when it comes to getting involved.  The two most significant outside the classroom activities/experiences I was involved in were Cru, a campus ministry organization, and being a Summer Orientation Leader.  These two experiences really set the trajectory for my life.

Through Cru, I grew a ton in my faith and through that developed values and convictions that have driven almost all of my decisions and the way I live my life.  I even spent a few years working for Cru and formed amazing friendships and had incredible, life-changing experiences and opportunities.  Through being a Summer Orientation Leader, I realized I wanted to work with college students and being part of their college experience.  I even learned about the University of South Carolina and it's commitment to first-year students and ended up coming to grad school AND working here!  I also learned a ton about myself through that position and met some amazing people.

Hard, but Good #6 - I didn't date in college
Okay, please do not read this the wrong way...I am NOT against dating!!! :)  In college or at any time!  I LOVE love!  We need more of it in the world!  Did I want a boyfriend in college?  Absolutely!  I also think it's awesome that couples who did meet and date in college have those years as part of their story.  However, as I look back on the years I was single, I am so grateful I had that time to be challenged, to learn more about myself, to try new things, to learn how to make decisions on my own, to be independent.  And now that I've been married to my husband for almost year, I am even more grateful; he's my favorite example of God's perfect timing and plan. :)

So there you have it!  And sorry to end on a sappy note!  College is such a wonderful time and one that will (hopefully) provide tons and tons of memories, lessons, experiences, and friendships that will last your whole life!