Softly Call the Muster...

Being an Aggie is one of the best decisions I ever made.  Growing up, I knew I would attend one of the two universities I had heard so much about - Texas A&M or University of Texas.  Which would it be?  I applied to both, and received my UT letter first.  At the time I didn't know which school I wanted to attend, but when I got my UT letter with the stamp "accepted", I was disappointed.  That told me something.  About three weeks later (around late-October, early-November...I can't really remember but I do remember telling everyone at a football game), I got my letter to A&M.  I was over-the-moon excited.  While I don't remember all the details, I remember the feeling.

Being a First-Generation Aggie, I had no idea what to expect of this school.  I remember learning about traditions at Fish Camp, getting lost around campus, and meeting so many new people.  Maybe my love for Aggieland is the reason I have decided to turn getting a degree into a 10-year and 3-degree process. ;)  Aggieland introduced me to my dreams, showed me my passion for serving others, gave me my best friends, and sent me off into the world with a host of endlessly good memories.  Despite everything Aggieland has given me, the greatest experience I have had at A&M is Muster.  I cannot think of a more appropriate ending to such a tragic week in American history.  Today is a day I think all of America should take a page out of the Aggie Handbook.

The idea behind Muster is that you are honored at the time of your passing.  When a former student passes away, s/he is remembered at Muster as friends and family answer "Here" on the roll call when that person's name is read.  Today, I will answer "Here" for those who have left us this week from Boston and West.  While this week has reminded me that there is evil in this world, it has also inspired me by showing the graciousness and hope of humanity.  As a friend's Tweet so perfectly put it, "Days like these showcase a few psychos and countless heroes".

For all of those who have been sent home to our Father this week and this year, I answer "Here".

Wisdom-filled Weekend

1. Worry About Yourself

My bestie sent me this video, and the advice is perfect.  We should all do a little more of this. :) 

2. 10 Things I Hate About You

This movie came out and was an instant classic in the Hodges home growing up.  Words of wisdom that come from this movie were quoted on a regular basis (and continue to be today). 

1. "I know you can be overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?" 

2. "What are the two house rules? Number 1: No dating 'til you graduate. Number 2: No dating 'til you graduate." (Daddy's favorite)

3. "My fenders don't really whip me into a verbal frenzy."

4. "Whoops!?!? My insurance does not cover PMS!"

5. "You're 18. You don't know what you want, and you won't know what you want until you're 45." 

There are so many others. :) 

3. '09 is an "Old Ag"

Today, Jack and I were at the dog park, when Jack made friends with an Old Ag.  I started talking with the older gentlemen and he asked me what year I am.  I proudly responded, "'09!"  He seemed surprised and goes, "Oh, you're an oldie, too!"  While I didn't ask him his class year, I assume it is the 60s.  There is a huge difference between 60-something and '09!  When I asked my bestie when '09 became old, she replied "When the 2017 shirts came out!"  Doh!  Getting old is rough.  ;)

Sunday "Cant-Live-Withouts"

7:27am.

That's what time I woke up this morning.  On a Sunday.  Why?  No idea.  I didn't exactly go to bed early last night, but I'm still up.  I guess that means I have to be productive today (and possibly take a nap later). 

Due to the early start, I have some definite "Cant-Live-Withouts" that I figured I'd share.  Enjoy.  :)

1. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

I first heard this song on several trailers for new movies and fell in love with the sound.  After searching and discovering the song, I fell in love with the lyrics.  This band is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.  In true Tracey fashion, I set this song to my alarm (it begins "I'm waking up") and get a real kick out of it starting my day.

2. Mocha Mint Coffee with Bailey's Irish Creamer

This is my all-time favorite coffee.  At Christmastime when it comes out, I stalk up for the year (my freezer is full of it).  I'm also a coffee-creamer connoisseur.  I especially love special creamers for each time of the year so my current favorite is Bailey's Irish Cream.  Combine the two and it's pure Heaven. 

3. Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

My apologies for not taking a picture.  To make up for it, I'll list out the [very simple] recipe.

1 chopped banana
handful of chopped strawberries
a couple spoonfuls of vanilla Greek yogurt
a handful of ice
some low-fat milk

Throw it all in the blender and mush to your liking! :)

4. Kindle Fire 

As a self-proclaimed tech-guru and a researcher focusing on technology, I'm always interested in the newest toy.  Currently, I really really really want a touch screen monitor to attach to my laptop (dare to dream).  Anyway, as an avid reader, I live by my Kindle.  I am always reading two books for fun, one on my Kindle and one hard copy.  I equally love both forms.  This morning, I was enjoying (or trying to enjoy) my latest Kindle book read (The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I'm 25% through and wouldn't recommend it as of right now). 

Growing Up

Tracey Quote of the Week: 

"I am the calmest person in my world these days.  Something is terribly wrong." 

You've probably noticed that the blog has a new, refreshed, updated look!  More importantly, most of the pages are updated as well.  After a conversation with my mama yesterday, I came to a very important and critical realization: I. am. growing. up.  When did this happen and how?  I'm not sure.  But I know it has happened.

Over the past week, multiple times, the quote above has come out of my mouth.  I used to think I was bat-crap crazy, barely functioning in society, and struggling to make people understand me.  This week, I've decided that I am one of the calmest and most easy-going people I know.  Things that used to drive me crazy, make me freak out, and drive everyone else bonkers about my personality have eased.  I am now the person uttering calming influences to the people around me.  What the hey happened? 

After explaining all the situations this week that would normally have driven me crazy to my mom, she looked at me and said, "wow, I'm impressed that you didn't freak out, too.  Those sound like optimal Tracey-freak-out moments."  I simply looked at her and replied, "well, if I freak out, that's not going to help matters.  I might as well stay calm and trust that it will all work out fine."  This is when the realization hit.  

Silver Linings of the Week:

I was asked to speak to a student organization.

A student I've been helping with writing wrote me a Winnie-the-Pooh card.

A friend brought me an oatmeal, chocolate chip cookie.

I got invited to present at a conference in July.

One of the sweet babies in my intervention study told me I was his favorite teacher.

I got to enjoy a Friday night off with a girls' night!

Three of my oldest and dearest friends sent me texts.

Life is good this week.  :)