Making Your Mark

Mixings and Movings!!

Soooo... I realize that I have fallen off the radar lately so please allow this post to serve as an update on the mixings and movings of Me:)

Miss Tennessee was a great experience. An experience in itself. I personally feel like you have to really be determined into making being 'Miss Tennessee' your life in order for your hard work to pay off. Not to say that I did not work hard- because I certainly did but its a whole different ballgame when the competition has endless amounts of help and monetary support. With that said, I think it is clear that my experience at Miss Tennessee is something that I am extremely proud of. I left with no regrets and that was my goal all along.

In other news, I am trying to get things situated for yet another school year. The only difference?? This will be my last year at Middle Tennessee State University. I am deeply saddened to realize that my days on the Blue Raider campus have become numbered. It brings tears to my eyes to reflect on how much I have gained from this intimate community of classmates, sisters, and friends.

I was always told to enjoy my high school days because they are "the best years of your life!" Maybe this sentiment holds true for some or it could be that the people who spoke those words did not attend college, but for whatever reason-- college has definitely been the highlight of my life. It has been in these years that i have grown momentously as a person. I have learned more life lessons here than in all my primary & secondary school years and I have blossomed into a person that I am sincerely proud of.

It has been within my time here at MTSU that I have studied abroad in Spain (and been able to pursue my love for Spanish), get to dance on ESPN at a college football game, gained 120+ sisters for LIFE, encountered obstacles that have made me stronger and shared experiences that i will FOREVER hold close to my heart. Once again, the word sadness could not possibly address the amount of loss that I am beginning to feel for my college home. This is the place where I have come into my own and been able to fully make mistakes and be completely responsible for picking up the shattered pieces and putting them back together.

It is times like these that I wish there was a remote control for life so that I can press 'Pause' and linger here a little longer. I know that no such remote exists, unless you reside in the movie 'Click' with Adam Sandler, but it makes me desire to fully grasp the last remaining months that I have here and make every moment last.
I know this next year, just like the past 3, will fly by. I am nervous about my future because an ending always means having to begin again and new beginnings are always scary. I guess I will just have to break out my highest heels, in the hopes that I may walk a little slower and be fully available to take in every single senior second.


Stay tuned for more on the Chronicles of Callie!!


XOXO
Callie

1st Annual 5k Run/Walk for Autism Speaks!!

Hey everyone!

I am hosting a 5k run for Autism on April 16th in Warren County. It is in the Morrison community which is only a 45 minute drive from Murfreesboro. April is Autism Awareness month and all proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is the national organization that funds Autism Research.

Autism effects 1 in ever 110 people and is the most rapidly growing neurological disorder. It is the most prevalent disorder and yet it receives less than half the funding when compared to other disorders and diseases. This is an important philanthropy that needs to gain more awareness. If more money is not raised to go toward autism research then a cure or treatment will never be found. The number of cases continues to increase each year and it is becoming an epidemic.

I have 2 younger autistic cousins and so I have seen its effects firsthand. Please take the time to come and participate in our race. Even if you are not a runner, then you can walk it or spread the word for our cause. Your help and support means more than you possibly know. Please pass this information on to everyone you know and especially those that you think would be interested in participating. If you have any questions then you can contact me, Callie, at missmtbr@gmail.com . You can also contact Darlene at (931) 808-0621 or Ashley at (931) 273-2313 for more information.


"Even though I cannot speak, it does not mean that I have nothing to say." -Autism quote

Speak Now! (for Autism Awareness)


Thank you!
Callie Durham

More from Spain!

Sorry that I have not been able to blog- I am sure you can imagine that I have been CRAZY Busy!!
I have had a few requests as to what to blog about so here it goes...

What do I miss the most?
What I miss the most is definately TV programs in English. Whenever I do have a minute to relax- I would like nothing more than to be able to watch an episode of This season's "So You Think You Can Dance" -p.s. Mom! you better not be deleting any episodes from the T-Vo until I get back (lol). I also Really miss the food. My senora is so thoughtful & she really takes notice of the food that I like & she makes them more often, which is a definate plus but on the downside she barely cooks her meat & I cannot force myself to eat any meat that is not cooked well done. I start gagging at the sight of pink meat.

What is my senora like?
Well for those of you who don't know- a 'Senora' is what they call our host mother. My host mother aka senora's name is Josefina Hernandez. She is 72 years old (& it is her birthday on Monday), she has 1 son & 3 daughters. She also has a few grandkids. I have only met one of her daughters once (she was very nice) & I see one of her granddaughters quite a bit. She is very nice, I see her more because she goes to the art school in town and I pass it on my walk to school everday. My senora is great- I could not have asked for a better senora. It is seriously like living with your grandmother. One night, I was asleep in my bed & she saw that i had not pulled down the blinds before going to bed so she pulled them down & when she did the noise woke me up (my bed is right beside the window and the wooden blinds are loud) so when she saw that she had woken me she pulled my covers up around my neck, leaned down & gave me a kiss on the cheek & said "Buenos noches bonita" -which means "Goodnight Pretty":) She is so sweet. Last night she went into this deep conversation about why she hosts students. She is divorced and her kids are grown so she said she gets lonely in that house by herself so she enjoys having someone to cook for & eat with & talk to. She said she feels like we are her "hijas de un otra hombre" aka "kids from another man". I am blessed to have her as my senora.

What do I like the best?
I like... feeling accomplishment when I can actually get out what I am trying to say (in Spanish) & having someone actually understand and respond to me.
I also love our weekend trips to other places. It has been a wonderful opportunity to see so many breath-taking things.

Now, I have to go study because I have a test tomorrow, but after it is over with, I get to start my long weekend!!! Yay:) I am going to Valencia & Barcelona!

XOXO
-C

P.S. If you want me to answer any other questions just post them in a comment below:)

Madrid

So.. I went to Madrid this past weekend. Madrid was pretty awesome. I went to the Museo del Prado (which is the #3 best art museum in the world behind The Guggenheim- don't think I spelled it right, and the Lu in France- don't think i spelled that right either haha!) Anyways.. I also went to the Museo de la Reina Sofia, Sofia was royalty and it is a more modern art museum. I went to The Plaza Mayor and my hostal was right beside the Puerta del Sol. It was SO Hot in Madrid!! It is only an hour south of Segovia but the temperature difference was crazy. We went to a park called Parke Retido where they have a small lake/large pond in the center and we rented a row boat- it was neat. We also went to the Palace in Madrid- It was awesome, we weren't supposed to take pictures, but I turned my flash off and was able to snap a few lol. We rode the metro (which is the subway), it was interesting... you had to keep your hands gripped on your belongs the entire time you were in certain parts of Madrid because it is known to have some really bad pick pocketers. We also went to a Bull fight- i am glad that I went so that I am able to say I have experienced it but I did not enjoy it. I was unaware of the fact that the Bull dies every time. It wasn't even a fair fight. People are basically paying money to watch various men slaughter various bulls. I felt sorry for the poor bulls. (I have to stick with my fellow Tauruses;) I am not sure what everyone wants to know about Spain or what i am doing so please comment if there is something in particular that you want me to blog about. I have to go for now, but I will post more later.

XOXO
-C

Espana!!

Spain is GREAT!! It is SO beautiful here. Being in Europe makes me miss Tessi (my German friend) and lucy (My Dutch friend); it just seems like it isn't really Europe without them here lol. The food is definately a transition for me. It is not really that my Senora is making food that I have never heard of, but moreso that the food tastes different here. My stomach seems to never really be full and it is at least a 15 minute walk to my house from school. It is true- My Senora does not speak a word of English, but it is really good for me because I can already tell my Spanish is ever so slightly improvng. It is extremely gorgeous here but so different and definately an adjustment:)

XOXO
-C

Hey Everyone!!
Just a little shout out for my Mom... Today, as some of you may know, is the first day of early voting so Everyone get out and do your part. Re-elect Darlene Bryant Trustee!!! Please tell all your friends and family. Your support is greatly appreciated!:)

XOXO
Callie

My Long Over-due Blog

New Developments

I had not realized how long it has been since I have last blogged. I know I don't have a huge fan base or anything but a few people have mentioned to me that they love having the opportunity to read by blogs and feel as if they are being included in my life and I love hearing that. So each of my blogs are now dedicated to each and everyone of you, my dear friends and loving family, who actually read what I have to say. I love all of you guys. Now that that is out of the way, I have a few new developments to address in my life. As some of you may already know, I had another seizure in January. It was scary, as was the last one. It never fails in scaring my mother to death, but after many doctors appointments we were educated on why my seizures occur. It begins with me getting too stressed out. The stress takes a toll on my body. My body begins being impatient and my heart doesn't pump my blood fast enough so oxygen is in short supply to my brain which triggers a fainting/seizure episode. Another development since my last blog is that Phil and I have split for good. I went through a really rough patch in my life, with the seizure and stress and everything piling up before my eyes. I am still getting through it but it is not without those rough days and I know I would be in a deep and dark depression if it were not for the generous support from my wonderful friends and family. I honestly would not be where I am today if it was not for you. Another development is a more planned one and that is my Super Hero Mom's re-election. 2010 is an election year for the residents of Warren County and I hope everyone knows all the wonderful things that mom has been doing for the office of Trustee. She deserves a re-election so that she may continue to bless our community. (I will post another blog about her election soon!) One other new adventure that I will be embarking on in the near future is my study abroad in Spain. As I have mentioned in a previous blog, my minor is Spanish so it made sense to take advantage of an opportunity to study abroad this summer by going to Spain and living with a host family. I am thrilled about this new adventure in my life and I will being using my computer to blog about my experiences and keep in touch with everyone here while I am in Spain! So I will also be blogging about that soon! Well I guess that is all for now. I should really go do some Spanish homework ;)
Hope you and your loved ones are doing well!
XOXO
Callie Baby

P.S.
We are studying Global Warming in Physical Science right now and a classmate sent me this picture that I thought was funny. Enjoy!!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays everyone!
I absolutely Love this time of year, but I also hate the weather! Its cold enough to make you miserable but not cold enough to at least have snow to enjoy. Well... today campus flooded- what a shocker! Hahaha, I swear the storm drains on campus must be the size of a dime or nickel or some kind of small coin. On my way to my late class tonight, the wind was blowing SO hard that it flipped my poor little umbrella inside-out (it did not stand a chance against the wind and the rain)! Then I get to class and there is a note on our classroom door that says "Class is canceled today". I mean don't get me wrong most people usually love class getting cancelled, but for me, it had been such a big ordeal walking in that miniature storm to get to class that I had to then just turn around and walk straight back into it. Needless to say, I put on my sweats and a tank top the moment that I got home because my clothes were soaked through from the down pouring rain. Ugh! But on the bright side (I have to look at the bright side in order to keep myself from going crazy lol) I am almost done with classes for this semester and I have never felt so relieved. WITHIN the past week, these are the assignments that I have had due: Presentations, Projects, Papers, Revisions, Storyboard, Composition, Tests, Quizzes and Labs. Can you see why I would be on the verge of losing my mind? :) Taking honors courses is definitely harder than I thought that it would be, but I'm learning a lot from them and that is what matters most. I have decided to continue taking honors courses in an effort to graduate with an honors degree. But what I really cannot wait for... is for this semester to be over so that I can get back home and spend time with my friends, family, & Phil. There is nothing more wonderful than being surrounded by all of your loved ones around the holidays. Please pray that I make it through my finals week! Thank you!
L-O-V-E
-C

Yay its Fall! :)

I am thrilled that we are now into the month of October!!! Fall is my favorite season and I cannot wait for the leaves to change colors. We have been experiencing amazing weather this past week in Murfreesboro and I have been so busy with classes that I haven't had the opportunity to just sit outside and enjoy it. Hopefully I can do that soon :) Here are my two most recent articles from the MTSU newspaper- Sidelines.


H1N1 virus affects Rutherford County schools
By Callie Durham

Middle Tennessee Medical Center has confirmed over 5 cases of H1N1 – or swine flu – since the virus came to Tennessee.

“We encourage everyone to continuously wash their hands and stay clean in an effort to prevent spreading germs,” said Angie Boyd Chambers, public relations director for MTMC.

As a result, H1N1 virus has caused the Murfreesboro community to become more health conscientious. Chambers said anyone that has flu-like symptoms should stay at home and rest. If the condition does not improve, a physician should be consulted.

“If you are diagnosed with the flu, you should stay at home for 24 hours after the fever has broken before going out and participating in day to day activities,” Chambers said.

Becky Jones, attendance specialist at Barfield Elementary School, said she has experienced a considerable number of absences due to the swine flu.

“I’ve actually been out with the swine flu myself, but I would estimate that around 25 to 35 children have been absent due to swine flu suspicion,” Jones said.

“Our school has been keeping a close eye on the subject and we have a great nurse here who calls any student’s parent immediately after they have begun showing any signs of the swine flu.”

Melissa Davis, a manager of Bath and Body Works at Stones River Mall, said the swine flu is not only playing a role in local schools and hospitals, but also with local vendors. Davis said she has seen an increase in her sales due to the H1N1 virus.

“Many of the local schools have begun requiring or urging their students to carry sanitizers [on their person] due to swine flu cases,” Davis said. “There has been a definite increase in sanitizer sales.”

The university’s Student Health Services Web site shows a convenient list of the common signs and symptoms of the swine flu, like “difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worsening cough.”

The site also provides information about how the virus is spread and shows steps to avoid contracting swine flu.

For more information, log on to the Health Services Web site at mtsu.edu/healthservices.



Ribbon cutting welcomes students to new KUC Grill
By Callie Durham

The Keathley University Center officially opened its newly redesigned Grillee on Sept. 10, garnering mixed reviews from students.

The new KUC Grille features the old standbys of Burger Studio, Quiznos, Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A.

“I like that it is more spacey and open, and it seems like there is more seating,” said Ryan Skelley, sophomore media production major.

A few students liked the new changes, like sophomore video production major Matt Raby.

“I like being able to get unlimited refills on my soda pop,” Raby said.

“I think it’s a lot quicker and it seems easier to get your food,” said Adam Cunningham, junior electronic media production major.

“I think there is more space and a wider variety of foods, but the negative is there is no Starbucks and smoothie place anymore,” said Keaton Payne, junior exercise science major.

The biggest complaint from students was over the loss of Starbucks and smoothie stand. Part of the redesign replaced the coffee shop with Einstein Bros. Bagel.

“I’m not a fan of the new KUC,” said Kayla Poss, junior music business major. “I’m very upset they no longer have smoothies.”

MTSU sophomore biology major Joseph Ricard said he feels the change was for the worse. He said he would like to have access to smoothies.

“It’s ugly and I don’t like it,” said Shina Yates, sophomore psychology major. “I also don’t like that people who have regular cups are coming in here and stealing drinks from the drink fountain.”

Yates also noted that prices seemed higher. “I just like how it used to be.”

Construction on the KUC Grille began over the summer and the refurbishment was completed in mid-August.

“I don’t like how they moved the island that used to be in the middle and had the drinks and sushi on it behind a counter,” said Ashley Carmack, junior early childhood education major. “Now you have to wait in line for it and it takes forever. And I don’t like that there is no longer the Starbucks and smoothie place in there.”

The new Grille area offers more seating and a mall food court style with new menu and restaurant choices.

“The only thing that I don’t like is that they took out the back door entrance, so now if you come in the back door of the KUC then you have to walk all the way around,” said David Barnes, junior exercise science and physical therapy major.

C.J. Eke, a freshman mass communications major, said he would have liked Aramark to alter other things than just the décor.

“I’m a freshman, but I already know that the food needs to be a lot cheaper,” Eke.