Dana Delynn

Okay, so I'm not canceling this account, for use that I can write comments to people. But I wont be posting anything in here. I have really come to like my blogspot and the options in there. So if you wanna keep up with my life you can go here:

http://danadelynn.blogspot.com

I've decided to close out this and myspace in a week or so. I'm wanting to use just one blog, and I've decided to use blogger, it's more targetted for people in their upper 20s and so on. I'm hoping to get a good community of youth workers and teachers by using it that I can bounce ideas and thoughts off of. We'll see what happens. I'm excited about it. Here's the link...

http://danadelynn.blogspot.com

Oh, and my throat hurts, a lot. Today has been the best day so far, I'm super hungry right now, so I might try getting some food down. The surgery only took 20 minutes, then an hour or more for me to wake up from the anesthesia. My medicine is disgusting.

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and haven't been feeling well today. I'll be going to bed in a few minutes after I post this. Pray that tonight's sleep will make me better 'cause I can't be sick going into this.

I have to be at the surgery center at 8:45 tomorrow morning. I can't eat or drink anything after midnight. The procedure should only take about 30 minutes. I'm praying that God will be with the doctors through this procedure and there will not be any complications. It's very rare these days for anyone my age or older to get their tonsils out, the recovery will be a lot harder for me because of my age.

The biggest thing I am nervous about is the anesthesia. They had to gas me my senior year to get veniers on my teeth and I didn't handle it well at all. I hate getting gassed, I don't like the feeling at all. It took them a while to calm me down for them to continue giving the anesthesia to me.

Alright, well here I go. I'm gonna go get some sleep. I feel really bad right now, my throat hurts pretty bad. I'm hoping its all in my tonsils so they'll cut that out 'cause I don't need any more soreness than what I'll be going through afterwards. Thank you all who have already been praying. I don't think I've ever been so nervous about anything, I'm almost in tears I'm so nervous.

Goodnight.

For the first time, it's white out side, and I don't like it. Usually I'm sooo excited when it gets icey and white outside. But this time? No. For one, it's not enough to play in, so it's not ufn. It's just enough to ruin travel on the roads...so what does this mean? Possible postponing of finals. I can't do that! I have a dentist appointment back home on Monday morning then surgery to get my tonsils out on Tuesday. I can't afford this weather. Actually, my finals, one of them my teacher is leaving Friday to go out of the country, so that will probably just be canceled. My other one...well I should be working on my notecards for that right now. If class is canceled tomorrow then my friends and I are planning on calling our teacher and convincing her to email us the final and let us email it back 'cause it's practically an open book test anyways since she is letting us bring in notecards for the test. My problem...I've been finishing a project that I need to turn in. If no one is there tomorrow or Friday to open the education building...hmmm I don't know what I'll do to get it turned in. I can email in half of it, but the other half is my student's work that I've been doing at the elementary school the past couple of months. All I'm doing is praying that this weather lets up and the ice starts melting. I can't believe that I'm actually wanting this icey white ground weather to go away. Wow, I'm surprised.

Things are already getting better. I woke up content this morning, no harsh feelings, no anger, no sadness, just me knowing that I got quality time with God last night, and I'm happy. I woke up at 8 so I could exercise this morning, but my head isn't in it. I've got a lot of homework to work on before tomorrow with leaving for Nashville. Tomorrow I can't do homework 'cause I've designated it to studying it for my last chance this semester to pass the practice PPR so I can take the second test to get certified to teach.

So last night was good. I got ready for bed, grabbed my Bible, my journal and my lessons for Good News Club and Small Group. I wrote my prayer out in my journal, read my Bible, went over the Good News Club lesson and Small Group lesson. I'm really excited about our lesson in Small Group tonight. I hope it goes as well as I'm excited for it. It kinda stinks with the time limit we have 'cause I want to do more than one activity with it, but it'll still be good.

God, I thank you so much for always being here for me, I know it's gotta be frustrating watching my faith/commitment fluctuate, it's frustrating for me to go through it. How nice it would be to be protected from all sin and not have this problem. Hopefully this is another lesson I can take and grow from. Father God, thank you.

Now I've got 2 hours before class and I need to get around and work on a lot of homework.

Oh and I almost forgot! I'm really starting to get into this Christmas mood. I've been listening to Christmas music for a couple weeks now, and I changed my live journal completely last night to make it as Christmasy as possible. Hope you like it! :)

I'm tired of running. I have been so stressed and in a poor mood for a while. It mainly started Friday, due to me being a girl, but it hasn't gone away, and I can't remember the last time I've been this moody and for this long. I know that once I finally break down and go to you and spend more time than usual with you then I'll start to get better. But for some reason I'm running away. I feel unworthy and I have been crabby to almost everyone I come in contact with. Friday we leave to go to Nashville for the Youth Specialties Youth Workers Convention. I'd like to get over this slump before then 'cause I see myself breaking down and dealing with everything at once, as usual. I want to overcome my fear to face the things in my life that need to be changed, but I get that nudge that says, "keep running away, it'll be okay." And I know thats not you God telling me that. I know you are waiting with arms open wide. So God, here I come, all a mess, and I'm sorry. I've got this messed up image thinking that life will be better once I'm out of school and done with having to deal with pointless classes that haven't helped me, but I know in reality that things will only get harder. I am where I am so I can become stronger and face things after this. I don't even want to face things now. I am so lucky to have a loving God who is here for me even when I refuse to go to Him first even when I know its the best thing to do. God, there is a lot of work for you to do in me. A lot of things I need to change and learn. Lord, I'm still resisting, but I ask that you embrace me and break me down. Lord help me.

They've got a Bible edition of Mad Gab. I saw it online last week and have been trying to find a store that carries it. What I saw online was the travel version of the game. So I called Family Christian Store to see if they had it, and they do, the full version for $29.99. I've got a coupon for $25 off my entire purchase at Family Christian. So it'd cost me $22.50. I don't think I can validate that right now. I did have fun talking to the guy who was helping me though. I had to be put on hold for a few minutes, so he was very nice with his southern accent carrying on a conversation with me. We talked about the game and about Christmas music, I think he is the first guy I know that enjoys Christmas music this early. I am impressed! I might try another Christian bookstore in Fort Worth and Mardels to see if they have the travel version of Bible Mad Gab. Hmmm.

Oh! And I'm loving this cold weather! Too bad I don't have anymore hot chocolate. I might just have to have a cup of my Yogi Throat Comfort Tea. Mmmm.

It really stinks living over here in the dorm in Fort Worth. Yesterday was fun, I got to spend most of the day with Melanie and Beth. But today, I haven't seen or talked to anyone. I've cooped myself in my room. I woke up at 9, then went to Best Buy at about 10 (so I have left my room) got back at about 11 and worked out 'til 12. Since then I've spent the last 5 hours infront of this dumb computer and it's driving me insane. I can't wait until January where I'll be living in a town where I know people I can call up to hang out. So I'm trying to get myself psyched up to clean my room and work on my final project. I'm just really sad and lonely right now and I can't stand it.

Theres a number of reasons I'm trying to get fit. The main one...it just makes me feel better. I was finally able to find the work out dvd I researched online. Best Buy is now my store to get work out dvds, they've got a wide collection.
So I tried out my new work out this morning. It's got 5 different 10 minute work outs. Each one seemed much shorter than that today...'cause it was new. I even did the beginning one twice...for a nice 60 minute work out. I feel great!

This video came with a 7 Day Body Bootcamp Meal Plan and Dos and Dont's. I figured I'd share the Dos and Donts.

"DO'S"
*Do drink more water. The range, depending upon the individual, age and activity level is ideally between 60-128 ounces of water per day.
*Do eat every 3 hours, 5-6 small meals a day - No Skipping OR Snacking!
*Do eat two complex carbohydrates per day (preferably at breakfast or lunch), combining them with a protein soursce.
*Do feel comfortable going out to eat: choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish or turkey, and request that it be grilled, baked, poached or steamed, with sauce on the side; have a large salad with non-fat or low-fat dressing ont he side; drink 2 large glasses of water before your meal; make sure to say no to cheese, butter, or any type of white sauce; choose brown rice or plain baked potato instead of bread; and stick to sampling other people's deserts rather than ordering your own.
*Do try to plan what you're going to eat each day and what you need to bring with you, the night before - avoid making poor meal choices or going on food binges because of lack of planning.
*Do take bottled water, healthy snacks and essential nutrients on trips away from home (including when you're traveling to and from home in your car).

DONT'S"
*Don't try to make up for skipped workouts or overeating by going crazy with your cardio - your body doesn't work that way and you wont see any real imporovements by needlessly exhausting yourself.
*Don't consume simple sugars, sweets, white flour and processed foods (whenever possible).
*Don't include processed foods containing hydrogenated oils and fats in your diet.
*Don't overdo it on salad dressing - stick to 2-3 tablespoons of low-fat or non-fat dressing, and always have a restraunt bring it on the side so you can see how much is being used.
*Don't eat 2-3 hours before going to bed.
*Don't drink more than 1 beverage with caffeine a day. (Drink Green Tea instead).
*Don't drink any sodas of any kind!
*Don't eat more than one protein bar a day, try to keep the sugar content in any protein bar to less than 9 grams, and keep it to 1/2 a bar at a sitting.
*Don't consume more than 20-30 grams of fat per day, and limit your saturated fat to 10% of your total daily intake.
*Don't set unrealistic expectations for yourself - this will only frustrate and de-motivate you.

My new workout I'm doing is great...it has really stepped up my work out intensity...it's:

10 Minute Solution: Kickbox Bootcamp

Yesterday before youth group Michael came up to give me a thing of French Bread! It was soooo sweet. I had posted a while back how much I was craving bread...so I got some! That was one of the sweetest and nicest things someone has done for me in a long time...(Tim didn't like it too much when I said that...sorry Tim). It was just very thoughtful and unexpected. Thank you so much Michael!

And....another cool thing.
Last night when I was leaving Carrollton there was a lady sitting on the corner of Frankford and McCoy with her car in the Left lane of McCoy at the stop light.
I had seen a couple people stranded on the side of the road, and have always wanted to stop and help...and then feel guilty for not...so I passed by and pulled into the church parking lot and walked over to her. I asked if she needed to borrow my phone, but said that she had just called someone and that they would be coming...she thought she had just ran out of gas. She thanked me for stopping and checking and I went on my way. Only regret...I wish I asked if she wanted me to stay and wait with her until her friend got there. Oops...maybe God will give me another opportunity. It did make me happy that there was a time that I could stop. I don't feel safe stopping if theres a man pulled on the side of the road...and I don't usually feel safe stopping at night...but the fact that she was sitting on the corner of our church property I felt pretty safe...plus I prayed the whole time I was walking up to her.

Theres my excitement for yesterday. Thank you God for the opportunity and for a good friend like Michael!
(The bread is almost gone...I shared half of with with the jr. high girls...and have been munching on it...had some for breakfast even!)

1. Worked out for about an hour.
2. Presented my 1/2 block project.
3. My suite mate smiled and said hi to me. (I think she might have only done this once before with all the times I've tried.)
4. I finished my computers as a classroom tool binder.
5. I only have details of one project left to do and one more project.
6. I have figured out what days I am going to use my absences.
7. I listened to Christmas music.
8. I spent time with Jesus this morning.
9. I ate a Lean Cuisine for lunch, and it was good.
10. I bought more groceries at the convenience store on campus with my meal plan card.
11. I got in contact with a friend from Elementary when I was in 2nd and 3rd grade.

Well now I have about 6 hours to do 4 projects. I worked out this morning...did 20 minutes of cardio hip-hop then did my 54 minutes of Fat Burning Pilates. I'm feeling pretty good. Yesterday I listened to Christmas music for the first time this year. Melanie and I were trying to waste time inbetween classes so we listed to Christmas music and worked on some homework. Now I need to force myself off the computer and go read the chapter that I'm supposed to present on Monday. Maybe I'll turn on my Christmas music again. :)

Oh! My family is coming to Dallas tonight. Dad is going to First Saturday and Mom and Katelin are coming along. So I think we've decided that I'll meet them in Dallas and stay at the hotel with them. Then it's off to the church retreat tomorrow.

I am craving bread sooo much right now. I've actually been craving it for a while. I've been waiting for the school to get loaves of bread into the not-so-convenient-convenience store, but I haven't seen it yet. Maybe by the last week of school I'll get a loaf of bread. Mmmmmm, maybe I can eat some this weekend.

Why is it that you don't realize how many things you need to do 'til its time to do homework?


Good news! I got the top high score on the snow boarding game last night at Main Event. I even beat Tim!!! :)

I had work today! I got to work at the Stock Yards again in the RV office. I got to drive the golf cart all over the Stock Yards 'cause the only lot that was still open was across the place...which was fun. I got to drive a couple customers over there 'cause they didn't know where the lot was. I stayed pretty busy all day. Had enough time to work on my notecards and start on a little more homework. Tomorrow should be slow at work 'cause theres only about 10 more spots open. But anyways...so the exciting part of work today...

While I was watching TV I heard a little rustling...so I just turned up the volume 'cause I didn't want to freak myself out. Well, while I was watching one of my shows I saw something move in the corner of my eye...to look over at the cubbard next to the fridge that the TV is sitting on...and out of the little crack in the cabinet was a cute furry little grey head. I jumped sooo much and so did the mouse. Then about a minute later I saw something else move in the corner of my eye to look up and see the mouse climbing up the black cord in the corner of the office...again I jumped...even BIGGER this time, and so did the mouse...so much that he fell to the floor. THEN a minute later I saw him scurry across the wall to behind the fridge. I had enough at that time seeing the furry little creature 3 times within less than 5 minutes. So I called the Event Coordinator cell phone and told Brandy what happened so she could get ahold of Rex or any man to come in and get the critter out. Rex went to get some mouse traps...so with my luck...when I show up to work in the morning...I'll probably have a trapped little furry friend waiting for me when I get in.

LOL, and i just noticed that my little smilie icons look just like my furry friend. :)

I feel like it's been a while since I've written. I'm kinda tired of writing long paragraphs. Here's whats going on in my life:

* Girls Retreat was great
* I passed the content part of the TeXeS
* Now I just need to pass the pedagogy part of the TeXeS and graduate college
* I am going in with my parents on a cell phone family plan - I'll get more minutes than having my own
* Dad is coming in for First Saturday and I'll get my new phone
* I should be switching banks tomorrow
* I'm working at the Stock Yards again in the RV office Friday and Saturday
* I started working out again, 2 days in a row now, tomorrow makes 3
* The mornings are early, but I am feeling healthier
* I don't like not being able to talk on the phone right now
* I am looking forward to small groups tomorrow when I get to be around people and talk (besides in the classroom)
* I am really enjoying the weather, I wish it'd get colder
* I was surprised that Rosa Parks lived this long, I had no clue she was still alive until yesterday when she died
* I am still struggling with not letting my mind wander, it's really hard right now
* I should do all my homework that is due for the rest of the semester, I know what it is and how to do it, so why not finish things early and eliminate the stress of getting it done
* I would feel pretty good if I could do that, but I need the motivation
* I still need to write a lesson plan for lab tomorrow
* My 4 kids in lab are already getting on my nerves, maybe I'm just testy right now
* I am happy I am not stressing out about lab like other people, so I'm not doing too bad
* Now I really need to get to my homework
* I want to spend some time with my Savior
* And then go to sleep early

I owe Tim a big thanks for helping me figure out what to do with the cell phone situation. I've been thinking about it and researching it almost nonstop for the last two days. It's been pretty stressful. I don't like not knowing what to do in situations. Another thing that this cell phone deal affects is my banking account, which I am happy it does. I haven't been happy with Bank of America for a while now. Their charges are rediculous and I stress when my account goes under $500 because I'll get charged for not having the minimum balance. Do they really think people have the money for a charge if they can't keep the minimum balance? So it's time to go to Compass Bank. Plus, they wont charge me for checks and I'll get free ATMs anywhere...they reimburse you for the charges other banks have. Then I'm probably going to get the same phone plan Tim has. It'll be $50 a month, which means I've gotta work more to cover that and gas. Which also means that I'll be even tighter with my money spending. Which I'm good at doing. I don't have a problem telling myself I can't buy something. Wow I'm glad I already paid for my contacts last week that I need to pick up tomorrow. I am so easily stressed over money 'cause I don't have it. I talked to my dad tonight about the plan and he said okay. He said that if I need money they will help me out, but he wants me to be responsible with my money. I told him I don't just go out and buy things for fun, that I am frugal. I really do think it'd be good for me to have the responsibility of paying for my own phone, having my first bill. I am definately scared to do that, but it's about time, I'm 22. I've been pretty lucky not to have one bill yet to pay. I'll probably be changing banks within the next couple of weeks. Mom and Dad will be switching plans which means mine will be cut off within the next week or so...and then I am going to try to go as long as I can without a phone...I think it'd be a good experience for me as well as Dad thinks so too. And then when I start going nuts I can finally sign up to have a phone.

On another note, I've been drinking hot tea lately. I bought a variety pack of Lipton early on this semester when I wasn't feeling well, and then this weekend I bought my favorite tea...Yogi Throat Comfort at the organic food store with Debra. I really like that tea. I drink it mainly for the sweet after taste and it makes my throat feel better (what its named after). I also like it 'cause I don't have to add anything to make it taste better. I don't add anything to my lipton tea either, although I'm sure it'd taste much better if I did, but I don't have sugar, so I drink it "black" if you may with no sugar.I'm drinking Cinnamon Apple right now which smells wonderful and tastes good, but could use some sugar. But then again, that would be an expense that I am not willing to do, so I'll just stick with my non sweet tea. :)

Please help me through this time. Give me peace and patience. Continue to help me grow, let this not take me back a step from where you've brought me. Let this be a trial I can overcome and strengthen from. Lord, I'm tired of trials right now. I know they wont stop for a while, I pray that you give me the strength and endurance to persevere because right now I am running thin. I know that things will be wonderful in your timing, I pray that you show me how to handle these situations. I know one thing for sure, it stengthens my prayer time, for which I am greatful. Lord I ask for your hand of protection over my heart and mind.

I'm glad I can see things in my life...but its kinda disappointing finding things out. I realize that all my insecurities about having to pay for my own cell phone are because I have been spoon fed my whole life. I have never had to lift a finger to get what I have. My parents have always taken care of me, and dad said that they will continue to take care of me this year, but would like to see me pay for a cell phone if I really want/need one. I think dad is trying to get me to realize do I really need all these minutes to just talk to friends...or do I really NEED a phone. I don't have a land line. Theres a phone down the hall for everyone in the dorm to use, but thats not of much use for me. I guess I could start using that number...if I can find out what it is. I'm just scared of having to take care of myself. I don't have much faith in myself. I've always been taken care of, hadn't had to do anything on my own. I'm spoiled. You'd think that with how careful I am with my money I'd be okay to pay for a cell phone, but it's my lack of money that worries me. I know that if I ask God to provide for me he will. Tim said to look into the prepaid phones...which I am. 'Cause the cheapest plan I could find on regular phones is the plan Tim has and he said it's about $57 a month total. Which...if I don't work much in one month then I'd be in trouble if I can't make a payment. At least with a prepaid my phone will just be cut off...it wont be any harm on my credit or anything. I don't know. I need to pray about it and sleep and just let my Savior comfort me.

I totally upset Katelin tonight. Dad ticked me off while talking to him about the cell phones and towards the end of our conversation he said that Katelin wanted to talk but I was too upset and angry to hold another conversation right after that. So I called her back and she cried on the phone to me because it really hurt her that I wouldn't talk, in turn making me cry. I feel so bad doing that to her. I told her why and she was understanding. She really wants me to move back home and Mom and Dad have really pushed for it too, but I've had to do so much growing this summer trying to cutt myself off...and maybe picking up this bill will help do that more. I think I should just go to sleep and calm down. Now I just have this cell phone deal on my mind and want it figured out. No fun!