College Orientation

I saw a UNT orientation sign today while driving to Chicken Express. I am rarely on that side of town, and I knew that it was my golden opportunity to grab a yummy bite. I honestly don't think I have had it since I have been married. Shocking, right? (Martha and Candace used to find 3 to 4 boxes in my room at a time.

Anyway the orientation sign reminded me of my orientation at TWU. I don't remember much, but I am sure I was super excited. I loved college! I do remember meeting my friend Beth. That was nice to have someone buddy around with in the midst of people that I did not know. She also was an English major, and later on we ended taking a few classes together. I remember going in to the big computer lab and getting my account set up. The guy helping me was cute. (I only remember the important stuff, eh?)

That night we were assigned to a room in the big tall dorm building. Looking back, that must have been super awkward rooming with someone I had met 5 minutes prior. The next day we were given t-shirts to wear as we were herded around campus looking at the different buildings. It must have been super hot because I remember sweating so much. It was also so obvious because it was a gray shirt, and I had major sweat stains. Gross, I know, but I do sweat a lot regardless of the temperature.

When I see large groups of students touring the campus, I always smile because I remember what it felt like to be entering the world of college and being able to do whatever you want. Sounds a bit grandiose, but I think that is how I felt.

Around the kitchen table

Since getting married and moving to a place that I can call my own, I have learned that I really enjoy cooking. I didn't really cook that much growing up because my mom always did. My sister really liked to bake, but I never found myself in the kitchen much. I occasionally remember baking cookies. I would get all the ingredients out on the island table and talk to myself pretending that I was on a cooking show.

I love having a meal ready for Anthony when he gets home from work. This is one tangible way that I can show him that I love him. Although I don't do this every day, the satisfaction of making something and giving it to someone you care about and yourself is really a great feeling. If it turns out that way it supposed to, that is even better!

Anthony and I have a phrase above our kitchen table which says, "The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table." Although I was usually the one who wanted everyone else to finish their food faster, I recognize now that had my family skipped the actually sitting down together we would have missed a lot of the bonding time that helped solidify our family. For me, this phrase doesn't just apply to eating at the table. We love to play games around the table, too! Anthony bought this game called Farkle this last week while we were in Michigan. I bet over the course of the week different family members and us played at least 20 games of Farkle. (I definitely recommend buying this game. You actually only need 6 dice and the rules, which I am sure you can find online. It is also a great game for just two people.)

Having friends and family gather around the table for food or games or both is such a sweet time. Enjoy it!