I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas Already

Last night Mom and I went to see White Christmas at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia!! It was a slightly early birthday present. Can I just say...AMAZING?! It was as good as the movie if not better. The actors were amazing singers and dancers. The costumes and sets were just wonderful. It was such a great show to see live and in person...oh yes and from the 5th row! It even snowed on the audience at the end.

If you have the opportunity to see it, GO! It was such a great time.

I'm so thankful for my family. It has been wonderful to spend so much quality time with them this break. We've started decorating for Christmas and still have a ways to go. I love this time of year.

Peace!

Crepes and Car Rides

Today was just fabulous.

I mean it started out way too early after a midnight showing of New Moon. I had to go to a campus committee meeting with some union people and high ups to discuss the smoking policy on campus. I'm not going to discuss it because it was the low part of the day.

But then I got to go out to lunch with my mentor Linda. She's a grandmother and just the lovliest woman. She is so full of youth and spunk. We went to this cute little diner for lunch. She paid which was so sweet and we did a little goal setting worksheet together. She also bought me a little name jewel thing. It's so cute.

After a brief oral presentation in French class, Becca, Sarah and I headed out into Lancaster. We dropped Sarah off at her interview for an internship then we ran some errands. After her interview (which went well!) we went into the city for crepes at Rachel's. SOOO good. I picked up the pottery that Mom, Janet, and I painted two weeks ago. Looks fabulous!

Overall a good night.

I'm so blessed.

Every Blessing You Pour Out

This week did not look promising as of Monday.

But it turns out that when things don't look good, they are wonderful.

After a fabulous weekend of singing and dancing my heart out:

I knew that I was going to be dealing with more schoolwork now that ACMO has mostly ended. Well I was correct. Tests, papers, getting all of that stuff back. Sheesh.

But....it seems that nearly EVERTHING was filled with a huge blessing.
1. I got my French test back. With a curve, I got a 98.5! After my professor offered to see if he could get the prerequisite removed from a French Phonetics class he is teaching next semester so I could take that.

2. I got my Psych paper back. My partner and I made a booklet for parents to demonstrate the material from the book. Our last paper, which was 10 pages and chock full of good info only got us a B. This paper...52/50 and a note saying it was the best in the whole class!

3. Because of budget cuts and funding being taken away, it looked like my paid job with Students Working Against Tobacco was going to be cut for next semester. Not only will I still have my job, but I was voted in as the new president last night.

4. Because I thought I was losing my job, I applied for one at the Provost's Office. I interviewed Monday and found out yesterday that I got the job!!!! I start after Christmas break. I will be kept on the Provost's team until I graduate if I so choose. Which means I will have a steady job throughout college.

5. I lead care group last night. My mentor Jenn has lead a Job class at the seminary for years now. So I used the notes that she gave the class, a song that she incorporates in, a reading she uses, and I presented an amazing care group lesson on Job.

This week has truly been a blessing to me. I am heading home this weekend just to take a little break from everything. I am sure that seeing my family will just seal off this week as a great one.

Peace.
Alyssa

I Would Choose my Family if I was Given the Choice

God loves families.
I just truly know this in my heart.
Yesterday, my mom came to hear me perform in the showcase. It was so great to spend some time with her (and our friend Janet who came with). We visited Janet's grandkids in York, painted potter at Pottery Works, and ate at Isaac's before the show. It was just great to be with them.

At UCF today, lots of parents were there. It was just great to see so many families together, worshipping God.

I know that God was so happy yesterday and today as we used our gifts to praise Him.

Wardrobe Malfunctions

So tonight was the dress rehearsal for the ACMO Showcase. Our first performance is tomorrow. I was feeling sick before and really didn't know if I could get through the entire run but I was going to try my hardest.

During "Omigod You Guys", first my scarf came off. Then, when I went to say loudly, "TWO...THREE...FOUR" I yelled it in my drum major voice. The cast was laughing and I thought they wouldn't be able to sing. Finally, when I went to jump on the back of the girl in front of me for the final pose, I didn't take into account my dress. So when I went to jump up, I fell off and my shoe flew off. I believe some choice words were said.

Needless to say, I believe that God was laughing pretty loudly. He was saying, "Sheesh, that girl needs a lesson in gracefulness." I am just thankful for His blessings and gifts!!

Peace,
Alyssa

Harvest Blessings

So I know that there are some people who wake up and can sense that it will be a bad day.

I admit, once in awhile, I'm one of those people.

But what I love is when you wake up and you know it is not only going to be a good day, but a good week. That's how I felt this morning.

I have a very busy week ahead. My showcase performance is Friday and Saturday so we have rehearsals every night this week. Yet, I know it's worth it.

So as I walked to the gym this morning, in the brisk fall air, I couldn't help but be thankful to God that I am blessed with so many things.

I hope and pray that everyone else has those moments too. When they can see the beauty that surrounds them and that lies within themselves.

Peace.

Alyssa

Oh and here's a picture from this weekend's holiday festivities.

I think we both look pretty good!