What comes before death....Plague 9!!!

Oh, what an interesting, fun, challenging, growing month it has been since my last post. I’m sure that you have been on the edge of your seats just waiting to hear what I have to say, so without further ado…..

Between now and my last post tons has happened. OSU football won three games and lost to Texas. Balloon boy was lost, but later found in a closet…his parents have now pleaded guilty to the hoax (crazy world we live in). The sad reality of the Ft. Hood shootings took place. Taylor Swift won entertainer of the year at the CMA’s; let’s be honest, she swept the show (whoo Tay Tay!!). The health care bill passed through the House of Representatives (not sure how I feel about this one, but thankfully this isn’t a political blog). Finally, maybe the biggest news of them all, Kappa Delta Sorority at Oklahoma State University won Freshman Follies (props to you guys because I don’ think KD had won a show in at least nine years prior to this).

Some exciting things have happened in my life as well.

-OSU Homecoming: I drove 10 hours with three of my friends from the Institute to make it back for my first OSU Homecoming as an alum. Being back in Stillwater for walkarounds was a blast and totally worth the ridiculous amount of time we spent in the car. I got to see almost everyone that I was hoping to and at least say hi and give them a big hug (if I didn’t see you, don’t feel bad about this comment…you’re one of the ones I failed to see J). Showing off my university to friends that don’t know anything about OSU was a fun experience as well. Blast of a road trip that allowed me to put into perspective how blessed I was during my undergrad as well as how blessed I am to be at the Institute currently.










































-Institute Homecoming/Powderpuff football: Possibly the most fun, organized event here thus far. Four teams comprised of pretty competitive girls; boys filling the roles of coaches, trainers and mascots. Team name: Plague 9. Cheer: What comes before death?! PLAGUE 9!!! (reference to the 10 plagues that came upon Egypt in Exodus J)We lost in the finals. I relived my football frenzy days from college and pulled my back while playing…definite sign of old age. Worth it…every minute!!!

-Parent’s Weekend: Mom and Dad Rother came up to Shady B last weekend…it was an absolute blast. In true fashion, they were the center of many of the weekend’s laughs. Basically, every ridiculous story from my childhood was disclosed to my friends here (thankfully, they haven’t disowned me yet…I gave myself two months to prove myself before introducing the rents…J). In all honesty, it was a phenomenal weekend where Mom and Dad got to see for themselves a little bit of what I’m actually doing here. They got to meet my friends and hear about what we’re learning from their perspectives rather than just mine. Hopefully, they left with a little better insight and understanding as to what I’m doing with my life here and how God is at work in all of our lives.

-Silver Dollar City: If you get the chance to come to Branson near the holidays, do it. SDC is claimed to be one of the top 10 places to go for holiday décor or something like that…I vouch for it. I got to go with my K-Life kids a few days ago, and it is gorgeous. Word on the street is that there are four million lights. It’s awesome and totally worth attending.

-Hoedown Throwdown: I’ve now attended two of these…the most recent was a 16 year old birthday party, and I must say: it was an absolute blast! Caller Bob, the 65 year old DJ, inevitably used me as his demonstration dancer throughout the night and referred to me as Vana White. Hysterical. Truth of the matter: I’m a better two-stepper today than I was yesterday. Also, all the work/time that I spent learning Hannah Montana’s Hoedown Throwdown this summer: definitely worth it!! Thank you Kathleen Tucker!

Here’s just a quick update into what I’ve been doing the past few weeks. I’ve only been here a little more than two months, and I can’t believe how close I have become with the people here. Legitimately, these people are shaping who I am and who I am becoming. I wish that all of my worlds could collide and meet one another…maybe one day (like if I get married!!!). While I’m making great friends here, I am realizing how many great friends I have outside of this place. It has been a challenge keeping up with everyone, but I cherish the times I get to chat with each of you. Looking forward to Thanksgiving break and the opportunity to catch up and see some of my friends from home and school. A real update on what I'm learning coming soon! And remember…what comes before death….PLAGUE 9!!!