Day 3, Idaho: Fairs, fairs, fairs...

I got to spend some time in Oregon yesterday. It felt good to be in Oregon again. I had a fair on the border of Oregon and Idaho. I was a little bummed about this fair because all my friends were at Nampa Christian's fair. But it's fine I made new friends... Kind of. I met a admissions counselor for Broadview Univerisity and he makes me look shy and quite. My goodness, he was yelling at the students and running around like a crazy person. It was very entertaining to watch. 

The fair ultimately went well but I was not feeling to good. My stomach has been acting up agian. Or maybe you are thinking "Courtney, has it really stopped?" I was in pain for half the fair, luckily I am a great actress just like Ashley so I can pull off the I-am-feeling-great attitude. Right Ashley? :) 

After the fair I went to Walgreens to buy more meds, plus NO TAX! And I went to the gas station so I wouldn't have to pump my own gas like here in Idaho. You guys, I look like an idiot at a gas station when I have to pump it myself. I just stand there with a blank stare in front of the pump. The reason the put pictures on those things is for me. Gosh, I am such an Oregonian. 

After the fair and walgreens I drove back to Idaho and talked with my doctor. He is a little worried about my tummy because of the distention I am feeling. Imagine you ate the biggest meal of your life and you are completely full. That's what it feels like and looks like. I am walking around like I permanately ate a Thanksgiving dinner. It's not always painful but it can be quite uncomfortable. We are going to check on this when I get back. For now, pain meds and heating pads. 

Right now I am sipping a not-so-good pumpkin spice latte and sitting in my booth for the BIG fair. :) I am keeping positive attitude for today. I already showed up way to early (hence why I left to get the coffee) but it's fine. I get a little me time to Blog to YOU! Anna from Whitworth is here early as well so we chatted for a little while. And Jenni from Concordia will be right next to me for this fair, which I am excited about. She is so sweet and nice. Plus, she loves Ashley, and really if someone loves Ashley then how can you not help but like them. Today's fair goes from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm... Positive attitudes! So glad I showed up at 7:00 am.... 

Idaho is keeping me busy. Tomorrow I have six schools but for the first time no fairs! And I would just like to say I do enjoy fairs. I know it might sound like complaining, but this blog is to relieve stress and relate to those who understand. It's just we all know how fairs can exhaust us. It is a great feeling getting back to your hotel room after a long fair, putting on your sweats, grabbing your dairy free/gluten free ice cream, and watching 3 episodes of Parks and Rec. Can I get an Amen? 

You know what I wish I had right now? And encouraging bible verse. If you read this blog today and have my  cell phone number, could you send me one? I think today is going to be a little harder than usual and it is a big day. My steroids are kicking in and my stomach is in pain. I miss home and I miss you guys! And if you are sending a bible verse you might as well send it to the whole team. I am sure we could all use a little pick me up! 

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. I will see you soon! Half way through Idaho!... Well kind of...

-Courtney 

Day 2, Idaho: Keep on your Toes!

This whole day I kept thinking to myself "Well, it's a good thing you left when you did!" 

I have just finished visiting 6 schools today... And boy am I tired but I have to keep moving! I have a fair in two hours. 

Currently, I am sitting at Red Robin. Finally I get to eat! My stomach has kind of been a pain today. It doesn't want to feel well. Silly stomach. Work! (Jordan, maybe it was those almonds!) but other than that I am feeling well. I got some really good rest last night, unlike the four hours from last night. And yesterday I was able to go grocery shopping to buy healthy snacks and some meals. Sidenote: found the BEST Gelato... So good it's called Talenti. 

The six schools went alright. Some better than others, but Idaho.... I just can't seem to get the students here excited about Corban unless they have already heard of us. It's so weird. And I had 3 counselors kind of forget that I was coming. I love seeing their panicked faces as I look at the Corban poster hanging on the wall. Classic. It always seemed like I had just left in time too because I arrived to every school exactly when I needed to. Thank goodness! 

Well, half my chicken wrap is done and I want to head back to my hotel to charge my phone and see if I can relax a little bit before this fair. I hope all of you are doing well on this Monday. 

Happy travels! 

-Courtney 

Day 1, Idaho: Let the Adventures Begin!

Why hello there! Shocker, Courtney is already on the blog... 

So right now I am sitting in the airport waiting for my plane to board for Idaho and already I am exhausted. :) Yesterday was my roommates birthday and I stayed up till 1:30 am. Oops. I met Sarah at Corban at 6:00 in the morning. "Good job, Courtney your now running on 4 and a half hours of sleep," is probably what you are thinking. Yep... 

Packing was fun. It made me feel like an old lady. Do you know how hard it is to think about medications? And where the heck do you pack 30 needles? In your checked luggage that's where! With all my fun medications I was having to think of "what ifs". If I lose one baggage, will I survive? The answer is... Hopefully... :) don't worry about me guys, I GOT THIS. laugh with me. 

Isn't Sarah the best? She drove me to the airport so early in the morning and we had amazing conversations about different cultures and how they operate. You know, normal stuff. Those people in Iceland... Am I right, Sarah? :) Thanks again Sarah for spending your Sunday morning driving me to the airport! I owe you one! 

So, Idaho. How do I feel about Idaho.... Well I think we all know it's not my favorite. (Because that belongs Bend, I miss it already) I did not have such a good time last year. But this year I am trying to go in with a good attitude. If I don't then I already know Idaho won't be fun. It's barely the middle of my travel season and Idaho will not ruin it for me! 

There are some things I am looking forward to. For one, to be on my own. Your probably thinking "um... What... Well, don't worry Courtney you are getting what you ask for." I know we get lonely but this will be the first time I am on my own since the hospital. Everyone has been monitoring me (which isn't bad, it's just all the time.) and I think it will be nice to get away for a while. Now, I promise to check in and make sure I am letting people know how I am doing physically and emotionally but it will be nice to get a break. I haven't been on my own in a while. It's some good "me" time. 

I am also looking forward to my hotel. I have a kitchen and I am staying in one hotel for the whole trip. This means it will be much easier for me to monitor my eating habits. Some of you know what happened in Bend, but I over ate and did not have self control over what I was eating. I just got so excited for food! Well, because I did that my second night contained a lot of stomach pain. Not repeating that again! So I am very thankful for my kitchen where I am going to make intelligent decisions. 

Sidenote: Jordan, I ate a crushed up almond yesterday and I am worried... Haha, OH NO!

My plane is going to board in five minutes so I better sign off. I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying your travels. Hang in there! Can't wait to see you! 

-Courtney