Life with Gling

Well, this week went by rather quickly. Tuesday I had a college fair at Rend Lake, which went really well. Wednesday I drove up to the Quad-Cities for a fair at a community college up there. It was a long drive, but it was a good fair too. I stayed at a crazy-awesome hotel right on the river. It had sleep-number beds, down comforters and feather pillows. Very cool! The best part of the trip was getting to see my cousin Bill. I never get to see him anymore (I guess that’s part of growing up). He’s living with some friends in a house now, so I went over to visit with him for quite awhile. Thursday morning I checked out of my hotel, hit up a local Panera for a cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut cream cheese (my favorite) and a frozen mocha. (Muy delicioso!) I made the treck back to Greenville and got to work in time to call a few students before I had to go home. Last night was the season premiere of Alias. I won’t say what happened…so I don’t give it away anyone who reads this and didn’t see it yet. I will say though…that it sucked! I’m so mad right now…worst season premiere ever! Ok, so it was probably the best season premiere ever…but it was so crazy…and now I’m all confused…ahhhh!!! Anyway, I can’t wait until next Thursday to see what happens next. Everyone should watch Alias. If you haven’t seen it before, go out and rent the first few season…it’ll be worth your time! Ok…back to work I must go. I have to get home at a decent time tonight. I have a candle party to go to and I have to clean up the house. My parents are coming to visit tomorrow….yay!

So I’m back at work now, after one heck-of-a weekend! Jared and I had so much fun on our mini-vacation to St. Louis. (Yay for incentive money from work.) Here’s a run down of the weekend….

Friday
-Left Greenville and got to our Bed and Breakfast around 5:30.
-Totally stunned by the beauty of Lafayette Park! (That’s the area we stayed in.)
-Met our inn keeper Larry and got our things put away in our room. (Our room was CRAZY AWESOME! It was up on the top floor of a victorian row house, whith a direct view of the park. Canopy bed, fireplace, etc.)
-Drove over to Delmar Blvd. and ate at Fitz’s (the root beer factory) and shopped for a bit.
-Went to the Tivoli (old movie house specializing in indi films) and watched “The Baxter”

Saturday
-Breakfast with the other couples staying at our B and B…Southwestern quiche, hashbrowns and watermelon…yummmm!
-Forest park for the day….lots of walking, the zoo, history museum, lounging around at the lagoon, German food at the zoo….good times!
-Drove over to The Galleria for some Cheesecake Factory goodness.
-Waited for over an hour, but finally got a seat (ate amazing food and took some cheesecake to go.)
-Shopped for a bit and then drove back to the B and B.

Sunday
-More yummy breakfast by Larry….stuffed french toast with some sort of strawberry goodness inside, sausage, and melon. It was the best french toast I’ve EVER had!
-Lounged around our room for a bit before check out time. (It was raining.)
-After checking out we headed back to Delmar for some wandering around and shopping. (Went to Rag-o-Rama, a superbulous vintage store…bought some shoes and a jacket.)
-Headed over to Fairview Heights to the mall there (had to get our wedding rings checked on.)
-Shopped for a bit (I got some fleece to finish up Jared’s Cub blanket).
-We were going to go to the orchard, but it was still raining so we headed home.
-Stopped by Papa John’s in Collinsville on the way (cause we were craving it.)
-Got pizza to go and brought it back home for a night of laziness. (ie. movies, tv and pizza.)

Well, that’s about it….fun times had by all! And now…back to work…yay.

Ok, so I’m finally back in Greenville. (I’ve been in Champaign/Urbana all week at college fairs and visists.) I love my job though, and I love traveling for the college. It was a great week and I got to meet with quite a few possible students. The best part of the week was getting to see my good high school buddy, Karyn. I got to see her new townhouse and chat with her for a bit. We even got to watch Cane Toads! (Which I highly recommend!) Karyn actually got to come down to Greenville yesterday as well. She stayed over at our house, and it was so nice to have her around. I really miss that girl! If only Champaign were closer. Today I’ve been busy with visits. Lots of people were visiting today. In 30 minutes though, Jared and I are leaving work for a fantastic weekend away! (YAY!) We’re staying at a bed and breakfast in Lafayette Park (St. Louis). Lafayetteparkbedandbreakfast.com Anywho…it’s going to be so nice to get away for a few days, even if it is just to St. Louis. I’ll be sure to post about the weekend once we get back.

The weekend’s over, and along comes the work week….again. I’m excited though, because my travel season starts today! I used to think that being on the road visiting colleges and doing college fairs would get old…but it doesn’t…and I love it! I’m off to Champaign/Urbana this week. Jennifer Hanon and I are visiting quite a few high schools and community colleges and we have several fairs. I hate being away from Jared, but being out of the office is a welcomed break. Being in Champaign also means another thing….KARYN! Yay…I get to see my bestest buddy Karyn! Man, I wish I lived closer to her…or vice versa. I hate not getting to see her as much anymore, but I love that when I do get to see her…it’s like no time’s passed at all.

This weekend was good too. My fair on Saturday got cancelled (I was supposed to stay with my parents), but I ended up going to visit Emden anyway. I already had my mind set on visiting, so I did. I got to Emden Friday just in time for yummy supper. Mom made roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls and apple crisp. Yummmmm….mom food. Why is food always better when your mom makes it?! Anyway, mom and I stayed up late talking, which was good fun. The next morning I slept in for a bit and went over to visit my grandma. I hung out with her for like 4 hours. We went to lunch at the diner and had a really good time. I have an amazing grandma, and I really enjoy spending time with her….especially now. I think I appreciate it more as an adult now. Anyway, after that I went back to mom and dad’s. Mom and I went to Lincoln to shop a little bit. I bought some Cub’s fleece to make a blanket for Jared and a great new outfit for work. (Mom and I got matching brown leather jackets…they’re great!) We went back to Emden and visited some more before supper. After supper we made time for watching a new Veggie Tale, and then I had to hit the road. I made it back to greenville by 10:30, just in time to visit with Jared a bit and then sleep.

Yesterday we went to church and then had a great day of relaxing. I cleaned a bit and then we watched “Best in Show”. Awesome movie! (It’s by the creators of Spinal Tap.) It’s so silly! Anyway, I better finish this entry. I have a visit coming soon and I need to get a file ready. More later!

Thanks for this Nicole…it helped work to pass by more quickly!

1. Spell your first name backwards: refinniG
2. Story behind your name: My parents like G names (my brothers are Greg and Geof). So they had thought about naming me Gretchen (praise the Lord they didn’t!), but came up with Ginnifer instead…so that’s it…Ginny with a G!
3. How old are you: 23
4. Where do you live: Greenville, Illinois

DESCRIBE YOUR:
5. Wallet – Olive Green from Nine West

6. Toothbrush – Pink and white with one of those tongue scrubber thingies
7. Jewelry worn daily – My wedding ring, funky earrings of some sort and my right-hand diamond ring
8. Pillow cover – We have a bazillion pillows on our bed, but the one I sleep directly on is navy blue.
9. Sunglasses – Huge black plastic shades…they make me feel like a rock star.
10. Favorite shirt – My “I’m with the band” shirt or my Cub’s jersey-shirt
11. Cologne/Perfume – Happy (Clinique)
12. CD in stereo right now – The bootleg cd from the Pearl Jam concert Jared and I saw a few years back.
13. Piercings – 1 in each ear…that’s it.
14. What you are wearing now: Olive and brown plaid pants, cream shirt, olive half-sweater and my cool brown heals.
15. Wishing – That I could leave work early and go home to nap.
16. Wanting – Some chocolate.
17. After this – Sit around my office pretending to be busy.
18. If you could get away with it and murder anyone, who and for what – Ummm…still don’t think I’d do it.
19. Person you wish you could see right now – Probably my mom…I miss her!
20. Some of your favorite movies – The Notebook, Love Actually, Billy Madison, Indian Summer
21. Something you’re looking forward to in the coming month – Getting to see my parents this weekend!
22. Last thing you ate – A turkey sandwhich for lunch…with some Doritos
23. Something you are deathly afraid of – Being completely alone.
24. Do you like candles – Yes…I think I’m obsessed!
25. Do you like incense – It’s ok…I prefer a smelly candle.
25. Do you like the taste of blood – No…it’s gross.
26. Do you believe in love – Yes
27. Do you believe in soul mates – I’m not sure…I believe that I’m meant to be with Jared if that’s what you’re asking.
28. Do you believe in love at first sight – No…that’s just lust.
29. Do you believe in Heaven – Yes
30. Do you believe in God – Most definitely
31. What do you want done with your body when you die – I haven’t really thought about it…

32. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be – Jared and I want an English Bulldog
33. What is the longest you’ve ever stayed up? I pulled a few all-nighters in college…but it’s been quite awhile.
35. What’s your favorite coin – Saquajawia (I have no idea how to spell it!) because it’s worth a dollar!
36. What are some of your favorite candies – Taffy of any kind, Caramel Crunch Bars, Dark Milky Way, Toblerone…anything with the word “Godiva” stamped on it…
37. What’s something that you wish people would understand about you – I might be quiet…but that doesn’t mean I’m not listening…

38. What’s something you wish you could understand better – The human mind
39. Who is someone that you really wish was still around – My Grandpa Cox…I have so much I’d ask him about now.

R e l a t I o n s h I p s
40. Who are your best friends? Jared, my mom, Karyn, Nicole
41. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend – I have a hubby!
42. Longest relationship – Let’s see….we’ve been together for around 5 years now.
43. How many actual relationships have you been in – 1 major one, a few little one’s here and there in high school.
44. How many people have you kissed – 3
45. Are you shy around your crush – Not at all
46. Still have feelings for anyone you’ve been in a past relationship with – Just my Jared
47. Do you know what it feels like to be in love -Uh-Huh!

48. Would you sacrifice your favorite possession for your best friends – Most definitely

f a s h i o n | s t u f f

49. Where is your favorite place to shop – Value City (ha!), Old Navy, Gap, Express, Limited

50. Have any tattoos – Nope
51. What is your favorite thing to wear – I love dressing up! Give me a fancy dress and fancy shoes any day!

52. What is a must have accessory – Funky earrings and the perfect pair of shoes.
53. How much is the most you’ve ever spent on a single item of clothing – Does my wedding dress count?! If not…I bought a pair of Doc Martin’s for $300 back in high school…but I’m usually a crazy sale shopper.
54. Who is the least fashionable person you know – Probably my dad…but he’s still really cute!
55. Do you match your belt with your hair color – No…but belt and shoes MUST match.
56. What is the worst thing you’ve ever thought looked good – Last year I went through a legwarmer phase…and I’d do it again!
57. How many pairs of shoes do you own – Ummm….over 50 pairs….at least

58. What is the worst trend you see today – Ugg boots…those are hideous!

59. Do you do drugs – Nope
60. What kind of shampoo do you use – Pantene Pro-V
61. What are you listening to right now – Green Day
62. Who was the last person that called – A guy confirming my attendance at a college fair this weekend (I’m at work).
63. Where do you want to get married – Already did….in Bloomington, IL at Vale Community Church
64. How many buddies are online right now – 21
65. What would you change about yourself – I’d be more positive
66. What are essentials in your life – God, family, friends
67. If you had the power to do any one thing, what would it be? – Lower gas prices!
68. Do you send out holiday cards each year – I did for the first time last year after Jared and I were married…I’m sure we’ll keep up the tradition.

C U R R E N T
69. Hair: Dark brown (a little reddish tint), flippy and above my shoulders (it’s growing out right now)
70. make-up: Mary Kay (ha……) mascara, brown eye liner, taupe shadow, blush and some powder…oh and gloss
71. music: Like I said before…Green Day
72. mood: Crazy mad tired….I need to get more sleep.
73. time: 2:31 p.m.

Yay, hope for a weekend away is now becoming a reality. Finally! I love my job, but one tends to get quite stressed after working countless hours for weeks straight (aka New Student Orientation week and the few weeks following). We got our final head count for new students today, and it looks like it’ll be a good year. It’s so exciting to see so many new students on this campus. They’re such amazing people too. Each class is always different, and this one seems pretty special already. So many blessings! So about this mini-vacation. I have money from work that I get to use for a weekend away (because I hit my target goal for how many students I recruited). We were planning on a weekend in Chicago, but decided that our money would quickly get eaten up by gas prices. So, we’ve decided to stay in St. Louis for a weekend. Yeah, it’s not far from home, but there’s a lot of great things there that we’ve still yet to see. I just booked our room at the Lafayette Park Bed and Breakfast. It’s gorgeous and I can’t wait to stay there! We’re going September 23-25…and we’re going to relax and enjoy the city. Anyway, I was excited and had to quickly share that. And with that thought…I’m back to work!

Ok, quick post to vent…and then back to work. So last night Jared and I stayed entirely way too late. I figured it was ok because I didn’t have to get to work at the crack of dawn (because I’d stayed late last night to help with my student workers). So this morning, around 5:00 a.m…someone calls my cell phone. I didn’t get to it in time, but I’m freaking out because I figured something must be wrong. Why else does anyone call my cell phone at 5:00 in the morning?! It usually means 1 of 2 things. 1. Someone’s past away or 2. Someone’s gone to the hospital. So I look at the number and I don’t even recognize it and there’s no voicemail. So I climb back into bed and try desparately to fall back to sleep. So sleep I did until 6:45 when the same person CALLS BACK AGAIN! They hung up before I answered, so I called back. I got their voicemail…it was some guy. I politely left a message requesting that he stop calling my cell phone, and that I’m probably not who he thinks he should be calling. So back to bed I go…trying desparately once again to grasp on to my last hour or so of sleep. Which was great until HE CALLED AGAIN!!!! This time I answered on time and asked who it was. The guy on the other end was like “uhh…I got the wrong number…” I quickly responded with “yeah…you do….could you please stop calling my phone…my husband and have been trying to sleep all morning…but you keep calling my phone.” So here’s the kicker….he responds with “chill…I only called your phone once baby girl…” And then he hung up! The jerk hangs up! Anyway…point being…don’t call people’s cell phones repeatedly if you’re not sure that you’re calling the right number…IT MAKES PEOPLE MAD!

Well I’m back at the office…cause the weekend’s over. Why do my precious weekends have to fly by so quickly!? Anyway, it wasn’t a spectacular weekend, but it was still good. Friday night I made yummy chicken casserole for Jared and I. We sat around watching tv most of the night. Ah…it felt good to be a bum. Saturday morning we slept in. It was like the first time I’d gotten to sleep in…in quite some time. It was sooooo great! No alarms, no quickly jumping out of bed for work…just pure sweet sleep. Around noon we finally drug ourselves out of bed. Jared played X-Box for awhile and I baked cookies and made cream puffs. I was in charge of taking a desert to our Admissions cookout that night. The cookies turned out well and so did the puffs. Mmmmm…how I love cream puffs! The cookout was at 4:00, so we hurriedly got ready and headed over to the Ritter’s. It was a really good time. Lots of yummy food, crazy nintendo and a great game of Scategories. All in all…one great night. I’m so blessed to work with such awesome people! We headed home after all of that and crashed until morning. Yesterday we went to church and came back home to clean most of the day. I got most of the house totally cleaned, which was nice. I still need to scrub the kitchen floor, but I’ll get to that this week at some point. Well…I better get to working. Adios!

So I realize that I haven’t posted in like a week, but here I am, ready to post at last! It’s been a pretty good week, long, but good. The beginning of the week wasn’t too eventful, however, the last few days have been fun. Wednesday night Jared and I went to the Cubs/Cards game. I had gotten him tickets for his birthday. They were good seats and we had a really good time. Luckily…our Cubbies won! (Cubs win! Cubs win!) We sat next to these really cool old guys that were Cards fans, but they were a blast. After the game we stopped for a late night meal at Steak-N-Shake. We both ate chili-mac supreme and it was oh my delicious! We got home around midnight and I crashed as soon as I got to our bedroom. Last night I had to stay at work late and call students, which was actually a pretty good time as well. Our boss bought us all pizza as a reward, which made it all worth it! Today was a typical Friday, which was good. I worked a bit on my plans for travel season and cleaned up around my office. Now I’m back at home cooking supper for Jared and I. I’m making my mom’s super yummy chicken casserole. I know casserole’s aren’t always the best, but this one is! Hopefully Jared likes it too. Anywho…I need to get back to cooking. I need to get the biscuits in the oven. Have a great weekend!

I realize that I haven’t posted in what seems to be a bazillion years, but here it is, a new update. The last few weeks have been crazy hectic with work, and I just haven’t had the time to mess around online. New Student Orientation is now over and the school year at Greenville College has began once again. It’s so amazing to see so many great new students on this campus. It was even more amazing to see all of the students that I brought here. I felt like a proud parent or something! Jared started his new job this week, which was super exciting. I think it will take his boss awhile to decide exactly how Jared’s job will work, but it’s on the way. I’m just beyond excited that Jared was hired on at the college. For those of you who don’t know, he was recently hired on as the college’s web developer. So now we’re both working at good ol’ GC, and we love it. In other news, we bought our first new car together last night. It’s fantastic! It’s a Grand Prix GT2 (nearly loaded) and it’s silver. We’re taking the Taurus to the car dealer tomorrow morning, and leaving it there. It’ll be sad to see it go. That seems to quickly go away once I sit in my fancy new car! Last night I went salsa dancing with two of my friends from work. We went to a little Latin club in St. Louis, and it was a good time. I love dancing! Anyway, I can’t make this too long…I need to get back to work. I figured I better get an update posted though. Adios!