"Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days?

Always a bigger bed

to crawl into

Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything?

And everybody believed in you?

It's all right, just wait and see

Your string of lights is still bright to me

Oh, who you are is not where you've been

You're still an innocent"

-Taylor Swift

So October was a long month. 19 days of school, 14 exams. Not exactly my idea of fun. But we all survived, and I learned a few things:

1. I can handle more than I thought. Even at its worst, I am still doing what I want to be doing, which is an incredible blessing that not everyone can be thankful for. (But, if we never have a month like october again, I will be totally okay with that).

2. No matter what life brings, balance is a must. However, it is much easier said than done. Often, my loved ones get pushed to the wayside because of the stress of exams and ambitions. I'm learning that when that happens, I only end up frustrated and distanced, and it is never really worth it. I think this is an ongoing battle for most, and those that find some sort of balance are happiest. I'm slowly getting there :)

3. Teamwork is also a must. I am not sure what I would do without my classmates sometimes. For instance, a few weeks ago, we had to take PVS impressions on manikins for our removable partial dentures class. Basically, this sort of impression is nearly impossible to get off of a plastic mouth with no saliva. It was frustrating, and all of us were fed up and struggling. My friend nick handed me his plate with his dentoform on it (basically what you screw the plastic mouth to and then put a face over to simulate the patient). His impression was stuck so he said "Here, hold this and PULL." It didn't work. So Billy jumps in and says "We just need more people." He grabs the plate as well and before we know it there are SIX people pulling from one side or the other:

Naturally, Anna took pictures. And the best part was, after a few minutes (literally) of tugging, the impression came flying off and all of us went flying in different directions. It was hilarious. So even though the day was frustrating and basically a wash for most of us, we had fun and got a laugh in. Which is basically why I could never survive dental school without my classmates.

4. When I start to lose sight of my center and what is truly important, God tends to remind me. The other day, I was driving home when I witnessed an act of kindness and love that honestly brought tears to my eyes. I was driving down Wisconsin Avenue on my way home from school when I saw a man on the ground in the middle of the road, near the divider. He was older, frail, and a little rough looking. And he was struggling. As I was processing the situation and panicking he was going to be hit, a dark, sleek SUV going the opposite direction stopped. In the middle of Wisconsin Ave. Put the car in PARK. In the middle of Wisconsin Ave. Did I mention it was rush hour? If you are from Omaha, imagine Dodge at 5pm (only you can turn left on Wisconsin). Tampa friends- imagine Dale Mabry, but 2 lanes rather than 3 or 4. Busy. Bustling. Road-Ragers everywhere. Additionally, this particular part of Wisconsin Ave is a little bit rough. most people drive through trying not to look around or stay too terribly long... Anyway, the SUV stopped and out-stepped a well dressed sleek looking man, probably in his 30s. He picked the man up from behind, and then put his hand out, stopped traffic, and walked the man to the other side of the street. No one honked. Every car stopped (and not simply because the light was red, it had since turned green). It was amazing. Before I even realized it, my eyes were welling up. SUV-Man did not have to stop. No one else did. I am honestly not sure I would have had the courage to. I have no idea how long the fallen-man had been in the road. But SUV-man stopped, and made the rest of the road stop in doing so. It was so incredible and moving. There IS still good in the world. People care for people they don't know. And God has a way of reminding us all to love our neighbors as ourselves.

5. I seriously can't wait for August 13th, 2011. I thought I was excited 15 months ago. Now I am downright ecstatic and I still have 9 months of being patient. We took engagement photos 2 weeks ago- I will be sharing as soon as I get them! I booked a DJ, so if all else fails there WILL be a party :). A bridesmaid dress is IN, another is ordered, and 5 more are being decided on :). One shower is planned, another has a date, and another is in the works. All 3 in different states! I love my family and this long distance wedding thing is really not so bad at all. I'm working on save-the-dates, a florist, and little unique ideas to make the whole thing truly ours. Matthew is continually supportive and occasionally gives an answer other than "whatever you want, babe." While some brides might rejoice in this response- I quite frankly can't stand it. This isn't MY wedding. It is OUR wedding. What he wants matters too -unless of course it is green and red tuxes (Matthew's fraternity colors) for the groomsmen. Then its my wedding and no green and red allowed- but only then! Its an August wedding- green and red? really?!? Then, of course, he snickers and says "I just love to see your face when I do that!" At least he's entertained?? Needless to say the entire process has been entertaining and both of us just can't wait.

So now that we are in November, I'm focusing on balance, relaxation, and peacefulness. Im slowing down and trying to enjoy life outside of school while keeping school under control. only 4 tests all month so I'll let you know how that goes... :).

Sorry for the long update- go do something fun before its freezing and there is snow on the ground (its in the Milwaukee forcast- ewww). Have a good week!