Just A Dream...

I cannot wait until I have my own house. Living in a dorm room has really made me antsy for more space. I want to decorate, paint walls, feng shui, host dinners, even clean! (My father's need to clean has rubbed off on me FINALLY.) I find myself gazing through countless photos online (thank you Pinterest) admiring all the creativity and over-all amazing-ness of having one's own place. The problem is, I am a grad student living off loans and savings accounts. But, a girl can dream can't she?

FALLing FAST

I can't believe it's already November! I'm taking my first Midterm on Thursday, which means the first quarter of my two-year program is half-way over! It may seem like a small achievement to most, but if the following weeks fly by as fast as these first five have then I'll have my degree in no time!

So far I have made the 1 hour and 30 minute drive to Oceanside every Friday. The coast is sooo much nicer than the inland area. I can breathe, relax, and spend time with my better half. I love having something to look forward to during the week. On Monday I'm usually thinking, "Only 4 more days!" When Thursday finally ends, after 6 hours of lecture, I am usually too excited to sleep because the next day is FRIDAY!

The weekend before last was very busy for my Pastor boyfriend. Our Friday was spent at Oceanside Pier setting up and taking part in a vespers programs for the youth of North San Diego County. Here's a picture of Aren and I at the beach.

While we were waiting for the kids to show up, we walked over to the pier and got ice cream at this cute little shop that resembles Big Dip Ice Cream Parlor from back home. I got Maui Wowie and Aren got a sundae (of course). The best part about our ice cream purchase was that we got a free round of golf at Boomer's Mini Golf. So, guess where we went for Saturday Night (aka Date Night)? Yep, Boomer's! Well, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Included in this busy weekend was a sermon given by Pastor Aren. This was the second time I got to hear him preach. He talked about the time when Ryan Spilborghs (Colorado Rockies Outfielder) dissed him during batting practice, which is one of my favorite stories of his. He related it all to being a witness for God and not being afraid to do so. After lunch, we geared up for what has now become a Sabbath afternoon ritual: laying out on a blanket in the park. This is the best activity! We relax, read, talk, watch all the dogs (and then I beg for a dog), and just enjoy life.

We were so excited for our Saturday evening activity of mini golf. Much to my surprise, Aren and I tied at the end of 18 holes. Aren kept saying over and over how easy the course was, but I don't think the guy should brag if he let an uncoordinated girl like me tie with him. We spent the rest of the evening in the batting cages. I took on the slow-pitch softballs while he challenged the 55mph fastballs. What a stud!

The last and final day of the busy weekend for Aren was (drumroll please.....) His First Wedding! That's right! Aren can now marry people. I wish I could have been there to see it, but it sounded like it all went well. The bride didn't run and Aren didn't mess up any names or "repeat after me's".

The weekends are great to escape, but when I come back to Loma Linda it's "back to reality." This past week was a great week of reality, however. This past week I found my internship! The thing that I had been most worried about was finally taken care of. It is truly amazing what the power of prayer can do. My job will be at the Medical Center in Loma Linda. I'll be working in a branch of HR, leading in an employee program. I am so excited for all that will come my way in this field. God gave me the perfect internship - something I couldn't have dreamed up on my own.

And, that's my life right now. I have a midterm in Biostatistics and a huge presentation on the pharmaceutical industry for Healthcare Delivery Systems. Like I said above, I'm counting down the days 'til Friday. I especially can't wait for Thursday to be over.

Side note, tomorrow is my BIG little brother's birthday! Happy Birthday to the best brother!

--Allie

Working for the Weekends

I have slowly gotten into a routine down here. Classes are keeping me semi-busy, but I do have a lot of spare time during the week. I will probably be on the look out for a job to bring in some extra dinero until my internship portion of the program begins. I find myself gravitating towards children's hospitals and other health care organizations of that nature. I'm setting up a meeting with the COO of a children's hospital in the area to explore my options.

I find myself counting down the days 'til Friday, which is when I head West to O-side. The weekends aren't too exciting usually, but they are wonderful. I get to take naps, cook food, watch football (which is ok if it's a Niners game), go to a wonderful church with wonderful people, etc. Here's a glimpse of what we get to do on Sundays.

Only 4 more days 'til Friday!

I'm a Nerd.

I am so happy to be in school! Seriously, no sarcasm here. I just got done with a 6-hour block of classes comprised of Biostatistics in Healthcare Management and Healthcare Delivery Systems - and they are awesome. I am officially a nerdy Public Health Student. Finally, I feel like I'm taking courses that I am actually interested in and that will directly benefit my future career. Win-win!

Friends have been asking for pictures, so here's what my dorm room looks like. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

The gym bag I got for free at the Back to School Bash and my badge.

My bare pantry.

Textbooks and beautiful gifts from my grandma.

More of my desk.

My roommate's side and our mini fridge.

My 'A' mug. Another gift from my grandma. So sweet!

Bathroom counter.

My closet is packed!

My desk and bed.

It's still an adjustment for me coming from PUC where I've known everyone my whole life to Loma Linda where I only know a handful of people, but I'm taking it one day at a time. These next two years will go by in a flash and I will have another degree under my belt. Hopefully it's the final step in attaining my dream job, whatever that may be. For now, I'm excited for the weekend, especially Sabbath spent in O-side.

LLU SPH MBA

Hello!

I'm writing to you from the sometimes smoggy, but mostly nice campus of Loma Linda University. I moved into the dorm this past Thursday with a little help from my slave, I mean boyfriend, Aren. The next day was filled with obtaining an ID badge, buying my books and dorm room necessities, and driving to Oceanside for the weekend. I imagine I will be over there almost every week. It will be nice to breathe clean air. I had orientation all day yesterday in this fantastic building called Centennial Complex where I will be attending class for the next couple of years. That was followed by the Back to School Bash where everything was free! I got my first LLU shirt, water bottle and gym bag, and dinner (I am in the process of creating a calendar simply consisting of events in which free food is provided).

My first class is tonight: Business Communication (which I did take at PUC, but is not good enough for LLU standards). Even before classes have commenced, I have a huge reading assignment. After almost three hours of lecture, I'll try to hit the Drayson Center and check out my first class called Yogalaties, which I'm assuming is a blend of Pilates and Yoga (both of which I have never attempted - so wish me luck).

So far it's great being down here and getting acquainted with everything, but I'm sure I won't be singing its praises once classes really get going. Graduate work is supposed to be pretty time consuming and challenging so your prayers are always welcome!

Representing the SPH at LLU.

More Later,

Allie

A Dream Is A Wish...

If you know me you know that I'm a pretty big Disney fanatic. And if you really know me, you know that I love making lists. So here is a combination of the two. I would love, love, LOVE to own the entire Disney movie collection, but I'm being reasonable and making a list of all the Disney classics I would like to eventually own. So, here's where I am at so far...

In My Possession

Up

Beauty & The Beast

Ratatouille

Wall-E

Sleeping Beauty

Enchanted

Alice in Wonderland

Snow White

Monsters, Inc.

The Emperor's New Groove

Lilo & Stich

So, as you can see I'm still missing some classics. Here's what I would like to collect over the next few years...

Yet to buy

Cinderella

Aladdin

The Lion King

The Little Mermaid

Pinnochio

Dumbo

Toy Story 1, 2 and 3

Finding Nemo

Mulan

Bambi

Peter Pan

Lady and The Tramp

101 Dalmatians

The Aristocats

The Jungle Book

Robin Hood

The Fox and The Hound

Pocahontas

A Bug's Life

Cars 1 & 2

Is this too much? Oh well, I won't be happy 'til it's complete.

Allie Hungry

Here's my bucket list on places to eat in The Valley before the big move.

After a recent trip to Loma Linda, I've realized that I will be surrounded by Home Town Buffets and BJ's for the next two years. I intend to eat as much good food as possible so as to avoid the consumption of terrible food in the future.

I have two weeks to accomplish this goal... Wish me luck!

-Brassica-

-Farmstead-

-Checkers-

-Guignis-

-Armadillos-