I'm on here again... Robert might worry he's created a monster. I just have to say I am sooo excited today.  I am a nutrition coach for an elementary school as part of a grant on of my professors is working with.  I don't get paid, I am strictly a student who volunteered to help.  I had grand dreams of transforming the children in the school to vegetable eating machines, who didn't just eat vegetables, but loved them.  After a year of working with it, and having many days of anger, frustration, fears, and tears, I have begun to feel that fulfilling feeling that can only come from success...even thought it is a small success.

I implemented a program I called the "Golden Apple" there that I based off of their "Golden Tennis Shoe" program already going at the school.  The idea is that the kids could gain points for doing food related activities or writing projects.  I had mentioned prizes at the beginning of the school year, but let's just say participation was very, very low.  It was low, that is until today.  About two weeks ago I had the PE teacher post a poster in the lobby next to my "Nutrition Corner" that showed pictures of the prizes and listed the leaderboard of those who had earned their small amount of points.  This week I went in to pick up any papers from my box and it had SO many pieces of papers with drawings of fruits or vegetables, recipes, and ABC's of fruits and vegetables.  I also have a place to do my parent classes that I have had in the works for months.  My first Tasty Table was even performed at the school last week and it feels SO good to have things actually going.  I feel like I'm doing what I was sent there to do.  I had abandoned my dream of starting a school garden there, but after 6 months of trying to push myself (and others) I realized it just wasn't the best time, but maybe the next nutrition coach can make it work.  Even though I let that go, now I feel like the other things being done are starting to succeed with more time to work on them.  

My biggest lesson learned: Even if you have a LOT of good ideas that can make a difference you really have to think about what is achievable with the people around you.  Also, sometimes a few really good and well executed projects are more easily achieved and successful than a lot of great ideas that you won't have time to do well or effectively.

So this is officially my first blog... Robert has done the ones prior to this.  The deal was simple. If I wanted to change the background, I had to make a post.  So here it goes.

Life has been rather hectic this semester and graduation can't seem to come soon enough.  At least what appear to be my two biggest projects are done now.  Still between Andy Anderson's anatomy class and my advanced micronutrient class I have a LOT of learning to do.  The other classes don't seem to require as much brain power. I just need to get all my hours and try to keep my GPA up.

So far in my anatomy lab we had just been studying the bones and not looking at the cadavers.  Tonight was the first night when those bags were opened and the smell of stalled putrefaction was allowed to fill the air.  (Thank goodness  they hit the switch that circulated fresh air in and attempted to suck the foul-smelling air out.)   I must admit it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but still, looking at a dead person is not exactly ideal before coming home and trying to sleep. All-in-all I just think I will have trouble with memorizing the muscles... not where they are, just keeping straight where they originate and insert.

Robert and I are still waiting to hear back from graduate schools.  Frankly, I believe he has a better shot than I do, but we'll see if anyone is interested in the skills I have to offer.  We did hear from Case Western Reserve University, but the official letter hasn't come.  So we will wait for the final say, but the preliminary seems to have been passed easily.  They make a pretty compelling offer, but we'll see what the other schools have to offer us and make our decision then. Let's just hope they do so soon.  I am ready to make plans for the summer and fall and to know what direction life and our Heavenly Father are taking us.  Patience has never been a very good virtue of mine (that's generally Robert's forte), but I am working on it.

My grandaddy is approaching the end of his life.  It has been good and difficult (bitter/sweet) at the same time, as well as a time for reflection.  He has been separated from his eternal companion for nearly 20 years and it will be a great reunion I am sure when they can finally be together again, never to be separated again.   I think this is something he has looked forward to for a while now.  Still, for those whom he is leaving behind it is more of a struggle.  I worry mainly for my mom and uncle, but they have accepted what is to come, which is a big part of beginning the necessary process of letting go and of grieving. My prayers are with them every day, but I rejoice in the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that we have the opportunity to be with our families for all eternity.  How blessed is the Plan of Salvation that we can return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and live together in our families.  Grandaddy, though you may leave us here, we will see you again.