30 Days of Doctor Who: Days 3 and 4

Day 3: Least favorite companion
Day 4: Favorite villain

Kelly: Sorry we are just now getting to blogging today. Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby and we were gallivanting with our friends up in Lexington. Then today was Berea's graduation/pinning ceremony/"oops hey haven't seen you in a while let's catch up" day. So now here we are.

My least favorite companion is...Mickey. Ugh. Never liked the guy from the beginning, but to be fair he does redeem himself near the end of his run. And he ends up with Martha, which is a good combination. Ooops. SPOILERS. Anyway, the actor himself was good, but his character was just...not. That's all. That's all I'm going to say about that. My favorite villain is...DALEKS. I just think they're cute. They wobble when they talk and when they're not trying to exterminate the Doctor, I think they're overall pretty harmless. Well...unless you get in their way. They're kind of a sad race too; they were all killed in the Time War and are the Doctor's worst enemy. But oh my goodness they're like a parasite. THEY NEVER DIE. Oy. And I like their voices. One thing that I love about the show is the writing; I literally sit and wonder how these writers come up with these characters and villains, like the Daleks, the Sontaran, Davros, whoever. It's freaking brilliant! How do they do it?! Ok, that's all I have to say about Mickey and the Daleks. I'm tired.

"Would you like some tea?" 

Holly: I'm just going to skip formalities, introductions, etc, and just jump right in.  Mkay?

My least favorite companion, and I think it's a bit of a stretch to even call her a companion, but she's in the second Tenth Doctor special "Planet of the Dead" and she went by the name of Lady Christina de Souza.  Which, to me, it was even a bit of a stretch to have the title "lady" precede her, because all she did was steal things.  ANYWAY, in general, she really annoyed me.  Like Kelly, I have nothing against the actress (she was excellent in Moffat's "Jekyll" series), but the character just didn't do anything for me.

On to villainy....I know I'm going to get some flack for this, but I have to go with the Weeping Angels.  As much as they terrify me, the concept surrounding them is brilliant, just brilliant.  Something as precious as our sight and as mundane as blinking is the very weapon that drives these stone menaces.  They don't kill; essentially they snatch you and drop you off in a different time period, basically "living" their victims to death.  And you can't blink. Like I said, brilliant.  Absolutely terrifying, but brilliant.  I'm afraid of them, fo shiz.

It's ok, y'all didn't need to sleep tonight anyway, right? 

On being 24

Holly: 23 was a rough year for us.  I found myself, at 23, in various up and down stages of my life: I watched my sister graduate from Berea, all the while celebrating my first (whole) year of being a Berea alum and not a college student.  We moved again, and don't see ourselves moving for a long time.  I started my first full-time job.  We allowed an alien time traveler from Gallifrey to enter our lives and take us to places we'd never imagine.  And then there were the downs: a friendship coming to an end, some difficult family circumstances that I'd rather not mention (God knows and things are great now, but will never be the same), working multiple jobs and struggling very much so financially, to the point of almost moving back home, and losing Grandpa.

I woke up at my usual time this morning, but with a bit more pep in my step, so to speak, as I am always grateful for my birthday.  It's suffice to say that birthdays are usually a lot less exciting when you still have to go to work, but I digress.  This year, I'm 24.  24 is my favorite number.  And while I'm another year older and I celebrate that and thank God for that, the day didn't go without its share of sadness.  Today also marks the one year anniversary of Grandpa passing away.  One of the things that inspired me the most about my grandpa was his faith; Jesus was at the center of his life and he lived, breathed, spoke that reality every day of his life, right until the end.  I was driving on the interstate, praying and thanking God for my grandpa, listening to K-LOVE and an acoustic version of "I Can Only Imagine" came on.  Knowing that my grandpa was with Jesus and his family, living out what I can only dream of (being with Jesus eternally), I started crying and wasn't sure I would stop.  It was a mixed moment: I miss my grandpa more than words can express, but I rejoice that he is with the One whom he loved more than anything.

24.  Another year older, and the first year without my grandpa.  I'm looking forward to being 24, and I'm open to new possibilities and opportunities.  I'm praying for clarity; God has a plan, and He knows my heart and my desires.  I'm not where I want to be, but I'm not where I used to be; God has brought me through so much and I find myself craving more time spent with Him.  I pray that God will open doors and strengthen my faith as I start my 24th year.  I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Kelly: I don't look it, but some days I do feel myself getting older. Woke up this morning with a few aches, but I woke up. God has been very good to me. This past year of being 23 years old was without a doubt one of the hardest years of my life. Some very good things happened though; I finished nursing school, graduated, moved again, took/passed the boards, got hooked on Doctor Who and started my job that I am currently holding. However, I also endured my fair share of hard times; losing my Grandpa (on this day of all days), said goodbye to an almost 10-year friendship, saw my family be (almost) ripped apart, struggled with a lot of anger and frustration and at one point or another thought about throwing my potential career away. 23 was a very difficult time, but out of those difficulties God really taught me a lot about not only His grace but showed me how much through Him I could handle. And let me tell you, I can handle a lot now. He made me a stronger, better and happier person because I got to a point where I let things fall into His time. If it wasn't for His time I'd still be holding onto a toxic friendship and a lot of other things. I'd be miserable. But today, as I sit here and write this, I am far from it.

I'm not sure what being 24 will hold, but I know God has a plan and that it will be good. And the year 2014 in of itself is already promising to be a good and interesting year. I've found myself starting to think about things I normally didn't have the time to think about while I was in school. I know it's a rubbish excuse, but being out of school really does free up so much of your time. You think about things you don't normally, you do things you used to do but couldn't (I've been READING so much more!) and you get to see and enjoy yourself more. Seriously. But one thing I've been finding myself thinking about is the idea of relationships. I'm at that point I believe in my life that God is planting a seed that could potentially blossom into either a really great friendship or something much more beautiful than that. Either way, I'm very happy. And this person knows that I'm happy he's in my life....and no I don't feel the need to constantly broadcast it all over every social media site every single day. But our relationship...is a very unique one. God is up to something, but I'm just not sure what it is yet. Anywho....yeah. A year sure goes by fast. I'm not the same person I was, thanks be to Him. I am so blessed and pleased with where I am right now. I'm thankful that this past year has taught me to grow despite of my struggles. I'm also thankful for new places, faces and experiences. 24 will be better than 23, I am determined to make it so.

The beginning of the end, part 2 (aka KELLY graduates from college!)

The last of the Korb twin dynasty has walked across the stage.  A pretty special (and chilly and wet) day! :)

Internet, TV and Wiley; first apartment post!

Kelly: And at last, this small space is starting to feel like home. The three of us are on the newly installed internet, the TV is on and Wiley is running around playing. In case you don't know who Wiley is, he's our cat. And we all love him dearly. He loves to play...and wake me or Holly up at 2 in the morning to do so. He loves to cuddle too; there's nothing like coming home from a long day and seeing that furry gray face purring. It's as if he's saying "hello. I'm happy to see you. I hope you had a good day."

Yes, that picture is him. I love him. It's like having a child. Ok, enough about him for now. The remainder of this blog will most likely include something he did. You all have been warned. Anyway, I am really starting to get into the swing of being on our own. I'm actually enjoying it. I won't enjoy paying the bills that will soon be coming, but for now I'm choosing to enjoy it and focus on my summer class. Ew. Since the subject of my class is about humor, I'm thinking about doing my project about Whose Line is it Anyway. Thoughts? Let me know! :] Ok, now I've got to do some more homework. Life never ends for a student, doesn't it? And sis just popped me on google talk. Ahh, there's never a dull moment.

Holly: I just posted an album of pictures on Facebook titled "Post-Berea".  I provided the disclaimer that the contents will include mostly Wiley and our second cat Yoda, who has not entered our home yet, but will perhaps by the end of the week (trying to settle into a routine still...).  

As it stands life is pretty stagnant for me right now.  I am still not employed, but I have my third interview for a job on Thursday.  This involves a commute to Lexington, upon which I have never driven before but have been several times.  Prayers/good vibes would be greatly appreciated as I would REALLY like to have this job.  I'll post more about it later.  Until I become employed I'm just trying to relax and rest and keep the apartment clean.  

It's sort of strange being a Berea alumni.  I graduated almost two weeks ago and it's so weird being in Berea and not having the student mindset.  I don't have to worry about homework or tests or papers or any of that stuff, and I find myself growing bored and restless at times.  Yesterday I was on campus trying to find a printer for Kelly and I was just walking around thinking "Wow, I'm done.  I'm going to miss this place." Hopefully the internet and more campus visits will help.  I need to visit people.  I miss so many Berea College people, it's ridiculous.  

I'm getting loved on by a fluffy gray purring mass.  I hope all are well.  <3

The beginning of the end (aka Holly graduates from college)...IN PICTURES!

A truly perfect, amazing, wonderful day full of happiness, laughter, hugs, and memories.  :)

I found my sign! lol

Me and my lovely friend Grace :)

sisters <3

4 years of stress, sweat, prayers, tears, and memories= totally worth it for this!

Roommates!

We did it!!!! :D

My hat!

My awesome friend Tim!!! We met freshman year at Berea.  He drove six hours to see me graduate!

My parents and two of my wonderful Biology professors

My lovely friend Ashley, a 2011 Berea grad

My crazy friend Priscilla, another 2011 Berea grad

The BEST academic adviser, Biology professor, labor supervisor, and go-to person anyone could have ever asked for!

YAY!

My unofficial cheering squad.  Friend Ray caught all of them in a candid moment.  I crack up every time! :D

Today our life began...

Kelly: I will let Holly add to this once she gets out of the shower. Anyway, today was a super exciting day. We signed the first lease to our very own first apartment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just realized...this is incredibly hard to type after having nails done. Yeah...sis and I got some fancy acrylics today just because we could! But stay tuned; move in day is on the 12th! In the meantime, heading back home to get the rest of our stuff! Enjoy the pics :D

Holly: Yay, we're big kids now!!! Sort of.  Is it too late to say "I don't want to grow up."  lol.  While we ran around and did big kid apartment stuff, this morning I worked my last hour as a Berea student.  Sort of surreal to realize that I'll never have a job this easy again.  Actually...I won't have a job this easy again.  Sad but true.  Life goes on.  I have grown close to the biology department this year, and I will miss the people terribly.  They're my second family, basically.  Anyway...two more days until the big show!  EEK!  Folks coming down tomorrow afternoon.  Meanwhile, I have to have rehearsal...apparently 235 graduates-to-be need practice in walking in lines of two.  We shall see.  o__O

Yes! It's real!!!

She couldn't resist! :D

 

Potpurri post #1

 Holly: Usually Kelly and I have a specific topic that one of us starts and the other replies to.  But today, we don't have anything specific to talk about, so...


Kelly and I's very absolute best Berea friend just became employed as of today!!!!!! She will be teaching English to little kids in South Korea and we are ecstatic for her! <3  My boss and I share a mutual LOATHING for the snow/cold/winter in general.  I absolutely adore my boss this semester so this will not be the first mention of him.  This is the first semester (I am not making this up) that I actually 100% without a doubt thoroughly enjoy and look forward to all my classes! Yes.  ALL of them.   I also happen to be graduating upon this realization.  Kind of sad.  Anyway...

I need a haircut.  Kelly does too.  Today in my Herpetology (Reptiles) course I learned about a teeny tiny toad that, when approached by a predator, tenses up, puts itself in a little ball, and tumbles down a cliff.  I am not making this up.  It's called a Pebble Toad.  Look it up if you don't believe me. 

And lastly, but most certainly not least: I received an email over Christmas break from TPTB saying that I am officially on the list of candidates for graduating in the spring! YAHOO!!!!! Four long hellacious years are almost over! :)

Kelly: For this post, I will start with a follow up of Monday's post. Early Tuesday morning I ended up sick (as in the nasty sick) from my pain medications. After this nasty sick went on for the majority of the early morning, I ended up in the ER for about 2 hours because I could not keep anything down. Yeah. Awful.

I don't want to talk about it anymore.

I am on the mend now and feeling great! Each day my mouth feels a little better, so we're making slow progress here. Enough about that; have an appointment in two weeks for follow-up and then we're sealing the deal...or just re-sealing the back of my tooth. On another note, I start clinicals this upcoming week. I will be spending the first part of the semester on Tuesdays at Shriner's Hospital for Children. If you are not familiar with any Shriner's Hospital, GET familiar. It is a fantastic service that these hospitals over the country provide. During the latter half, I will have my first evening set of clinicals at the University of Kentucky Children's Hospital. w00t. And of course on Thursdays I will be at a larger hospital taking care of sick adults on an acute care setting (we call it Medical/Surgical or Med/Surg I will often refer to it as). I write a separate nursing blog, so read all about that starting next week!! Upon doing research at work, I found out that I have Spheksophobia, or a fear of wasps.

Last tidbit to share; a friend of mine is on the news!!!!!!! I don't know exactly what he does, but I saw his debut on Youtube this morning, so I am going to share the link. He has some very interesting viewpoints...if I understood what they meant. lol. Cheers and hope everyone has a good long weekend :]

Ahmad Shuja: click here to watch it!!

An up-to-date picture of yours truly.  Holly: left.  Kelly: right.  Holly just got new specs!

First Day of Classes!!! w00t!!

Holly: Alas, Wednesday, August 24th, aka the first day of classes at wonderful Berea beloved!!!

For me, the day began at 9am with biochemistry.  I killed a wasp off of my dear roommate's desk...yep, just grabbed my notebook and WHAM! Poor dead little critter fell helplessly to the floor.  I was quite satisfied with myself...although this charade resulted in me being referred to as "the wasp killer" when the professor continued taking roll.  All I really have to say about this class is that you know it's going to be hard when said professor blatantly announces during the class (and writes clearly in the syllabus) something to the degree of "If you absolutely don't NEED this class, then don't bother."  Is now an appropriate time to say "gulp?" 

300-level (conversational...aka nothing but speaking) Spanish followed in the afternoon.  Wow, am I rusty?!?! Enough of that.  But I think that once i devote the much, much, MUCH needed time in brushing up, then I will be just fine.

Histology (or for those biologically challenged...looking at tissues all day) immediately followed.  I am so stoked about that class!!! Hey, I'm a bio major.  What can I say?  And the professor is made of pure awesome. 

The day ended with my senior seminar class at 4pm (which goes for 2 hours...drag.  However, it is only 2 days a week, so it's not terrible).  The topic is globalization and digital media technology...fascinating stuff! Can't wait to get into it more.  Bonus: I had the professor waaaaaayyyyyyyyyy back in my very first semester of college, and since he didn't manage to scare me away then, then I'm back again.  Or, a "glutton for punishment" as he so put today. 

As for now, I just got back from BME (the gospel choir I am a part of), and, I am not joking, EVERY SINGLE CHAIR WAS FILLED WITH NEW PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't you tell that I'm just a little bit excited about that? :) 

So, all in all, it's shaping up to be a difficult semester, but God has provided immensely for me since I have been here and I am confident that this semester will be no exception.  All things considering that I start my new job tomorrow and I am just ONE SEMESTER away from holding my degree in my hands!!!!!! !@#$%^&*()(*&^%$#!@#$%^&*()_(*&^%$#@!*I&^%$#@$%^&*( that's me being excited! :D

Thank you for reading.  blessings.


Kelly: Well, even though I have a less heavy class load, they're not going to be easy classes to say the least. Nursing for Children and Adults, Psychiatric nursing, Pathophysiology (study of diseases), and Black Music Ensemble, or the gospel choir that I sing in...I'm sure Holly mentioned it, so I don't want to be redundant.

I have only had psychiatric nursing, patho and BME today. Nursing for Children and Adults (you will see me refer to it often as Med/Surg), will not come until Friday. Patho is...big. It's my biggest class; there's over 40 of us. And for a school such as Berea, it's a big class. And it's only 2 days a week from 10-12. Presentations in that class will be....interesting. Each student has to do 3, and the first set is next Wednesday, so after we got done with class there was a massive b-line to the 4 rubrics for the 4 groups who will go next Wednesday. Needless to say my partner and I didn't stand a chance at going, but that's ok.

Psych nursing will be...incredibly difficult. Not physically difficult, but mentally, for me at least. I've never been in a situation where I am exposed to mentally fragile individuals. And my instructor said "prepare to be uncomfortable at times." Please send lots of good thoughts to me and my class of 18; I surmise it will not be easy for us. But my instructor is really funny...super funny actually. For now, that's about all for me; I won't spare the repeat details of BME, except that I am incredibly pumped and looking forward to this year. As a 6th semester member (garsh I'm old), it's the biggest I've ever seen it. And as a Chaplain I hopefully will try *ahem* try to remember everyone's name. Stay tuned for that one. Enjoy reading, our faithful readers. Cheers! And enjoy the funny pic of us at the end.