A Blessing

An hour and 24 minute conversation with my mom.... truly a blessing.

"Thank you, Lord, for those times."

Azalea Trail Run

Fred and I began running together not too long after we got back from Christmas break. Running was something that I really wanted to do. It ended up that Frederick was feeling the same way. So we committed to run four days a week, every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. I will admit that there were many days that I tried to talk Fred out of running, and there a few days that he did not want to run as well. But together, we stuck with it.


After about a month of running, I proposed that we run in the Azalea Trail Run. This year, they were introducing a 5k run. "Perfect," I thought. As March 27, 2010 came closer, I printed off the forms, filled them out, wrote a check, and mailed them in. It was on at this point. We were officially doing this! Spring break was a challenge. We both decided to actually take a break from everything, including running. Not so smart... but we ran the Tuesday and Thursday back from Spring Break.



And then Saturday finally rolled around. We both set our alarms for 6:00 a.m. I ate a little something for breakfast, took a quick shower, and headed over to Fred's place to pick him up. He drove downtown, and we figured out where the start was. We ran into Brian Himes before the race started. After a much needed bathroom break for the boys, we lined up and waited for start. Then... we were off.

The run started off slow... and a lot of dodging people was involved. Fred decided that he was going to stay with me the whole way since we "were doing this together." I was not expecting to run the entire way. But Fred asked how I was doing at the 2-mile mark, and I was feeling fine. I asked him NOT to let me quit, and he agreed. The last turn of the trail was a killer! My breathing shifted to my stomach, and I was getting winded. But Fred said with a stern voice, "You're not quitting." "Yes sir," I replied, and we carried on. We both crossed the finish line at 30 minutes 55 seconds.

I was just so excited that (1) we both set a goal and met it, (2) we ran the entire way... although I was the only one in question, (3) we did it together on a gorgeous, early Saturday morning.



The rest of day was just as great as the beginning! We picked up our shirts (and numbers) after the race, and decided that the game plan was going to be: clean up and brunch at Waffle House. Waffle House totally hit the spot for both of us. We then went back to his place and spent sometime outside in the sun reading Calvin and Hobbes.

I had to work from 2-8 p.m., but it went by rather quickly. Almost everyone that came through my line was pleasant. Fred picked me up on break for Sonic run, and then back to work for another 2.5 hours. I drove back to my place after work, and he picked me up from my car to take me back to his place for requested macaroni and cheese and Star Wars. We called it a night after the movie went off. But wow! It was really a great day.

Spring Renewal

It is officially spring. Nature is in its glorious stages of transforming from dead-cold-dormant-drab to bright-colorful-warm-life. I love it! And this death to life/cold to warm theme has been relevant to my life this past weekend.

Last week was honestly one of the worst weeks that I have had this spring semester. For some reason, I tend randomly to slip into "stupid mode" from time to time.

Stupid Mode (noun): A period of time where all ability to think, reason, remember, associate, and execute things is temporarily gone. (aka - I lack common sense as well as reasoning/communication skills.)

This "stupid mode" usually lasts for about 1-1.5 weeks, and it can drive me up the wall! It just happened to land on a busy week this time. (See previous blog below.) I turned in my computer applications program in time (with MUCH thanks to Fred). My briefing on Tuesday went well... until it was pointed out during question/answer time that my winds on three consecutive forecast were unthinkable... just not right with the positioning of my surface low. And, about 3-4 (out of the 5) sea level pressure/thickness chart frontal placements... they weren't so hot either. And, following the guidance of the model diagnostics that said, "The NAM model was moving the system too fast"... the positioning of the surface low, the fronts, and my graded forecast sheet was wrong wrong. My second graded briefing grade of 83 was an improvement from the first grade of 74. This just blew what little bit of confidence that I had left.

The rest of the week drug along. Wednesday was long and tedious, full of class, forecasting, church, and an ill-mood. Thursday was nothing but a great mental debate. After tentatively planning for a roommate trip to Destin, Florida with my geta, Ashley, a boatload of responsibility came banging on my door. I had a list of nearly 7 things that I had to get done... all before leaving for the beach at 9ish am on Friday morning. It was just impossible to get it done in that time frame, go, get back, get up the next morning at 6am, run, and work, and maintain my sanity. So I finally had to break Ashley's heart and tell her that I just could not go this weekend. Let me tell you. It sucked having to do that... big time!

Friday was like "boom-boom-boom" non-stop: Wake up. Laundry. Run to Mitchell Center. Print out homework. Run back to get laundry. Change. Class. Check mail. Turn in tutoring time sheet. Check on registering for summer class. Stop by bookstore for graduation invitations. Quickly eat. CHILI. Back to Mitchell Center. Print off synoptic notes. Work on SeCAPS thank you's. Help Fred edit a paper due at 5pm. Then... things slowed down around 4:30pm.

(Whine whine whine... I know. What a sob story. But bare with me...)

But Saturday, Saturday was the turning point. Saturday was a very busy day as well, but it was a good kind of busy, an accomplished kind of busy. The Azalea Trail 5k Run was at 8:15am. Fred and I have been running 4 days a week since the middle of January. It was a commitment that we made together and executed together. There were a lot of days that we did not want to do it, but we kept each other in line... and it paid off! It was great to run the entire 5k! Fred and I went to Waffle House around 11am. We hung out for some time before I had to go to work at 2pm. Then we met up again after work to watch Star Wars. With both of us being tired from a long day, we called it quits around 11pm. It was an amazingly great day.

Sunday was another absolutely gorgeous day. Sunday school was great. Dr. Nixon did a great job of explaining the last portion of Romans 7... struggling with sin. It was much needed. I have not been feeling close to God (or anyone else) recently. I have just been 'going through the motion' of things, or so it seems. And all of my wrong doings have been nagging at my heart a lot in the past couple of weeks... along with the lack of motivation to set aside time to speak with God. It was relieving to realize that Paul, a strong Christian, had his daily battles with sin. I love it how Paul states that "The one thing what I say I will not do, I do it. And the one thing that I say I will do, I do not." I find myself doing the exact same thing throughout the week. And if such a strong Christian man, someone that longed for/listened for God's guidance on things... if he still struggled with sin and with staying true to his word, that makes me feel better about my current status (not saying that I'm excused for my actions, but relieved that I am not alone in my faults). Nixon's words (paraphrased), "Feeling convicted of sins is proof that God is working in your heart. The closer that you are to Him, the more sin in your life should upset you."

Sunday afternoon was relaxingly busy. Fred and I played tennis for nearly two hours, and I got some much needed sun in the process. After cleaning up, we worked on maps until I left for Sunday night services. During the short fellowship portion of the service, I caught up with a few beloved church members. Mr. Bob and Mrs. Tommy always hug me as I walk by, always ask how I am doing, always ask about my family. Mr. Bob made me sit by them last night. Mrs. Joyce, this little lady, has such a strong voice and always says hello. Mrs. Lillian, another little lady, knows people from back home and usually pulls me aside to talk on Sunday mornings about how I am doing, about home, about this and that. She is a joy to talk to. And Mrs. Leesha Ratcliffe is always so nice. She always speaks and has been praying for my dad and his health issues recently. It is just great to have a close knit church family to look forward to seeing every week.

The night finished up with an intramural men's softball game (The Terribles) and watching Fred beat Mass Effect 2. It is entertaining to watch Fred and other friends play. They have fun playing, despite the fact that they have lost the first two games to a 10-run rule. From dramatic catches from the right fielder (Fred), to amazing hits from Brian Himes, to repeat out by Brent, watching Corey Bunn miss throws to first base as 3 guys from the opposing team manage to make it home, to watching our guys score runs... it's worth the time! I drove Fred back to his place after the game and watched as he destroyed the last enemy of Mass Effect 2.

So all in all, things are better. Hopefully I am leaving this valley of stupidity/disappointment. With this transition from crappiness to accomplishment, from stupid to more thoughtful, a renewed view of my identity in Christ, a goal (that I have already begun working on), a closeness with those in my life, and time to hang out with those that I want to be around. Things are on the up and up.

Breakin' Back into the Old Routine

Funny how things go from 0-60mph in no time flat. I knew what was ahead of me when I left for Spring Break, and now it is time to execute.

Today:
*Class at 9:05am
*Lunch/hang out in room until 11:45pm
*(threatened by USA campus police for a 500 buck ticket for momentarily waiting in handicap parking for Fred...)
*Mitchel Center 1628 - Computer Applications 12-5pm.... working on Project 3 that is due tomorrow by 5 pm. Let me correct myself, "12-5pm.... teaching myself how to computer program with the help of Fred, Brian, and Matt." Hmm, do note that the teacher's name was not mention. Now isn't that ironic??
*Rest of day: cook, prep for tomorrow

Tomorrow:
*Briefing Day. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 60hour forecast. 8-2pm. Twenty minute briefing at 2pm, followed by questions until 2:50pm.
*De-briefing courtesy of Dr. Blackwell
*MC1628 to finish computer apps project by 5pm.
*Followed by running
*Followed by LOST

Wednesday:
classes, tutoring, CHILI, church, homework

Thursday:
classes, OKC Verification Briefing, CHILI, running, homework

Friday:
undecided

Spring Break Update

It was brought to my attention today that it has been a while since I have updated,... so here goes.

Spring Break: Huh? Say again? Spring break? ... it flew by so fast that I guess I forgot it even happened. After weeks of planning, studying, test taking, computer programming, (you get the point) etc, spring break was MUCH needed. Time to kick back, relax, ignore everything, and catch up on rest was just what I had on my agenda.

It began Friday afternoon when I hopped in Fred's mustang and headed to Perdido Key for a beach afternoon followed by THE best steak. The beach was not quite what we expected: extremely breezy, very chilly, and sand particles constantly on the move. We tried to make the best of it while we were there. As the temperatures dropped, we decided to leave for Coach-n-Four. The steak was not disappointing! --So thank you, Fred, for a great afternoon and dinner.-- I was dropped off after we got back to Mobile in order to pack and go to bed early.

Saturday was work from 7:30am-2:30pm, rush back to the room, load up, and help Fred finish things up at his apartment. We left for Panama City, Florida... for a few days of nothingness and solitude. Despite the chilly temperatures, Panama City was wonderful. Sunday morning services at Emmaus Methodist, yard work, fishing off the dock... for sticks, slow-easy going mornings, lots of LOST and great food, and watching the boy play Mass Effect 2... these were the highlights. I hated to leave Wednesday, but gratefully Fred drove round trip to bring me back to Mobile on Wednesday.

My first catch of the day... a blooming leaf.

And he's got the net.

The bait... shrimp to the left, crickets to the right.

"Majestic!"

His big catch of the day.

It was at this point that I loaded up and headed to DeKalb, Mississippi. Home. Wednesday was not the most enjoyable day for numerous reasons. But things evened out by Thursday afternoon. A lot of time was spent with my mother and father. I ended up working at the Messenger the majority of Friday afternoon to help my mom out. Half of the day Saturday was spent outside in the woods. My father gave me a grand tour of our property and all of the boundary lines. Climbing Rock Candy Mountain at scary inclines on a four-wheeler was worth it. The rest of the day was spent with my mom at the house... visiting my aunt/uncle's new house, running, washing my mom's car, and watching "The Wedding Date."

The last few hours at home consisted of riding to church with the little sister and her boyfriend, Sunday school/worship service at DeKalb Baptist Church, lunch at home, packing, goodbyes, "helping" Jessica pick out material in Meridian, and finally making the trek south on Hwy. 45. Praise God for a break!!

Sunlight

The last few days in Mobile have been filled with gorgeous sunlight. I do not know what the deal is today, but it has just totally captured my every-wondering thought. After much thought, there are a couple of solutions:

1. My association with sunlight.

Here is how my brain works: Sun = summer. Summer = freedom. Freedom = perfection.
Summer is my favorite time of the year. Although it is the first of March, I know that spring is oh-so close, and this means that summer is not far behind. Those few months where the daylight lingers for the majority of the day, where jumping into bodies of water is so refreshing after being in the heat, where exploring new places and relaxing are so prevelant... those few months excite me to no end!

2. The warmth.

It has been an usually cold winter, especially for those of us on the Gulf Coast. Cloud cover, rain, and cold winds have been the routine with every gulf low influencing the weather. But temperatures are on the warming trend this week! I can feel that warm sunlight against my clothes and skin, despite the chillly winds blowing in my face. I would much rather be warm than cold anyday... everyday.

3. Sunlight and life.

Things die in the winter due to cold temperatures associated with the sun being location so far away from the earth. But spring... blessed spring... brings warmer temperatures back into the picture. Plants begin to flourish. Flowers and other shrubs begin to bloom. Photosynthesis gets its act together once again, and the green becomes the dominate color of the outdoors. (Oooo, I love it.) One of the most beautiful sights is seeing the brighter, lighter green side of leaves against a deep, dark blue sky as the wind whips the leaves out of their normal orientation. Life (in the scientific aspect) would not exist without the presence of sunlight.

4. A deeper connection with light.

Maybe it has something to do with the One that created it and controls it?

• From Genesis 1:3-4, "The God said, Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good..."
• From Joshua 10:12-14, "Then Johsua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: 'Sun, stand still over Gibeon: And moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped till the people had revenge upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel."

Maybe it goes deeper into the Light that exposes?

• John 1:4-5 says, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." And again in the same chapter, verse 9, Jesus is referred to "the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world."
• John 8:12 states that Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He wo follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Maybe this light has already been instilled in our hearts, our souls... that we know who He is, what He's done, and how we are to react to this truth?

• Romans 1:19-20 says, "Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse."

SeCAPS... the beginner stages (the real deal)

And so it began... Wednesday. February 17, 2010. Mitchel Center - Coastal Weather. And the putting together of the programs.

Let me fill you in. We had to put together 160 programs this year. This means that we had to run off 160 copies of 11 or so pages, assemble them in order (realize that there were errors on 2-3 pages, throw them in the trash, copy off 160 more... geez), punch holes in 160 sets, then finally bind them. Needless to say, it took forever! I was there from 3-8 pm, but other dedicated friends were there an additional two hours.

The outcome: The programs looked great! The cover was awesome. The hardwork definitely paid off, and those little booklets were lovely placed in every single goodie-bag for attendees to have. "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!" could have probably been heard 40 miles away when everything was done.

SeCAPS... the beginner stages

Case Studies and Music

Music is necessary for working on Case Studies. How else can you stare and draw on the same sheet of paper for hours at a time? Music gives you the chance to move (ever so slightly... we're talking head-bobbing, pencil tapping, and the occassional arm waving), keeps you focused, and releases frustration at the same time.

So tonight is a "case study" night. I've currently been working on maps since 8ish. A lot of good music has been pumping into my ears over the last few hours... great music actually.

"We live in a beautiful world. (Yeah we do, yeah we do.)"
"It's a beautiful day! Don't let it get away."
"Woah! Is there anyone out there? Is anyone there? Do the people really care?"
"It's amazing. So amazing. It's amazing. It's amazing."
"I've got to keep quiet, quiet. Don't let it all come undone. If I dare open my mouth, it'll just be to bite my tongue, to bite my tongue."

But I would like to share this one, in its full entirety, with you. Why? Because people today are so willing to give up on love when things get too rough, too tough, or when things don't turn out the way you wanted them to. So listen up! And don't give up on love.

"Don't Give Up" by Sanctus Real

I heard you say you would love for a lifetime

Now you complain a lifetime just doesn't feel right for you

Another casualty of casual love

Another soul out of place, a heart that gave up

Why do we break the promises we make?

Are we living for ourselves?

[Chorus:]

Don't give up on love and throw it all away

Don't give up on love and let it fall away

When did it become so easy to run from your pain

Don't give up on love and throw it all away

I heard you say you can't change a stubborn heart

I can relate 'cause that's how I feel when I talk with you

Why should it take losing everything

to realize it might be time to change?

[Chorus:]

Your restless heart won't win 'cause you take but you don't give

And you'll keep moving on until you learn what love is

Don't give up on love and throw it all away

Don't give up on love and let it fall away

Don't give up on love

Don't throw it all away

Weather Briefing...

It is my turn to provide the daily synoptic briefing tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
This week's forecast city: Albany, New York.

After all of SeCAPS, all of the freak-out sessions, all of the stress, all of the worry, and then all of the smooth-ness, all of the success, all of the hard work and planning go according to plan... I have a problem. A stupid, non-sense, but very real problem. Fear is creeping back in. I am wanting to fall back into routine and have a freak-out session about tomorrow's briefing. "Even after watching God take care of MONTHS of planning and scheduling and then making it happen in complete SUCCESS?" ... yeah, I know. Sounds pretty stupid.

How can I come off of high to simply let worry and fear wipe away (a) God's faithfulness and (b) my trust in Him? (Please tell me because I would really like to know.) So tonight before I fall to sleep, I am giving God control of everything tomorrow: map analyses, forecast sheet and maps, presentation, word choices, and answering questions. Because "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able..."

A Happy 23rd Birthday

The day began with work at 7:30 a.m. I met two other people that shared my birthday while at work, one of those being a very cool little kid. He was so enthusiastic that we had the same birthday. Just before leaving work, I was told to go over to the floral department to get "something." It just happened to be turtles attached to four balloons from my mom! When I came in the room, I noticed that my Geta (Ashley) had a little something for me on the table: a cake and a card.

I quickly changed clothes, and Fred and I went for a run. After we were finished, plans were made to watch a movie at his place. He offered to make dinner, so I freshened up and headed to his place. He made chicken, rice, and green beans... it tasted great. We turned on a movie and relaxed. Now Fred doesn't usually get up during a movie, but he kept going to kitchen. I ignored it the first one or two times. But the next time, I turned around to ask what he was doing. He then walked to the couch, paused the movie for a "quick intercession," and made me walk toward the kitchen with my eyes closed. There was a cake and a lit candle in front of me.... sweet boy. We both got a piece and finished the movie. Needless to say, it was a great day.

Snow! ... In Mobile??

Yes ma'ams and sirs! Last Friday (Feb. 12th), it began snowing around 10 a.m. It started out as a rain/snow mix. I didn't even know it was snowing until Fred called me and said, "So I guess I don't have to tell you that it's snowing?" I rushed to the window and realized that it was. We made plans for him to come over to my place. After running around and throwing on clothes to go outside, Fred drives up and yells, "Get in the car." We take off to the Intramural Fields to meet up with Brian and his crew. The snow is coming down in chunks at this point! Although it only lasted for approximately and 1.5 hours, the memories will last forever.

Snowball Fights...

You Know It's Been a Busy Day When...

You Know It's Been a Busy Day When...

1. You have only gone to the bathroom twice since 7 a.m.
2. The only food you have consumed is a bowl of cereal, a protein bar, four pieces of chocolate, and about a half cup of gatorade on 13.5 hours.
3. Your brain can't focus on one thing.
4. You jump/scream at any loud sound.
5. You shove food down your mouth the second you come into contact with it.
6. Crying over anything is a very real temptation.

The Next Few Days

The next few days can be summed up with one word: BUSY!

Contents on the Plate:
* SeCAPS Prep
* Computer Apps Homework
* Synoptic Test
* SeCAPS - the main event

Can I get an "Hallelujah" when it is all done and over with??

Crazy Times

It seems it's always the crazy times.
You find you'll wake up and realize
It takes more than your saline eyes
To make things right.

Sometimes I wish that everything was always brighty and sunny, warm, and easy-going. I wish that there was not deadlines to be met, homework and studying to be done, work to go to. But then Reality, with its dear friend Responsibility, stops by for a visit and says "Hello."

Looking back at the past, I would not change all of the hard times that I have gone through. They are the reason that I am who I am today. They have grown me as a person and as a Christian. Many of these instances confirmed my faith in God and drew me closer into His arms. It was not fun going through all it, but it's amazing to see how they affected my life.

One instance keeps popping into my mind. It was a few months ago, and some things were really bothering me. It ended up weighing so heavy on my mind that I could hardly control my emotions. I had been praying about the issue because I knew that God was the only One that had control over it. I was at work that Saturday morning and was struggling to put a smile on my face while holding back the tears. I got through work and decided to go get some groceries. On the way to Super Target, I broke down. I must have looked like a fool because I was literally crying out to God. I finally grabbed my phone and put it to my face, to make it seem like I was not talking to myself in the car. I let it out... all out... just poured out my heart to God. It's not like He didn't know how I felt to begin with. After I was sick of crying, I shut up. I just sat there and listened. And He spoke. He comforted. He told me trust Him. I just kept hearing this "Trust Me."

This is an on-going battle though, a constant fight between worry and trust. It is my biggest downfall. I can conjure up scenarios. I can plot every possible outcome. And then I can worry like nobody's business. If I would only realize that NO matter the circumstance, He will ALWAYS be with me and will NEVER give me more than I can handle. And the fact that He uses crazy times to make me realize just how much I need Him, can't handle life without Him, draw me closer to Him... I am grateful for all the heartaches, necessary or not.

To Run or Not to Run?

The effort to run and continue running has began many times for me but never stuck. Jan and I used to walk at least five times a day at home. When I moved to Mobile, I had this desire to start running by myself and stick with it... but it did not last. Then a year ago, my roommate, Miranda, invited me to run with her and Fred. Another guy, Brian, ended up joining this 3-day-a-week running club. We were dedicated for a while, running at 8 am. But after Miranda hurt her ankle, and Brian got sick, Fred and I tried to keep the routine going. Winter came fast, as did cold temperatures, and we stopped running. Fred and I tried it again last semester, but the cold and a busy schedule prohibited it from happening.

But... but the desire to start running again came up recently. Fred and I ran 2-3 times around the intramural fields until temperatures outside started to plummet. Impressed with what we had done so far, Fred came up with the idea that we can run on the inside track in the student recreation center. We did! Whenever we got the chance, we were there.

So a game plan was worked on, and we made a commitment: We will run every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon. This is the second week staying true to the commitment, and it is exciting! I am sick this week but will continue to run (or walk/bike) on the days that we agreed to.

I am so excited about it that I plan to sign up for the Azalea Trail Run 5K or 10K on March 27, 2010... it depends on well I continue to increase my endurance. But this is a goal that I intend to keep. We shall see.

Stinken Cold

Common cold- a respiratory disorder characterized by sneezing, sore throat, coughing, etc., caused by an allergic reaction or by a viral, bacterial, or mixed infection.

WARNING:
This content contains an ample amount of whining... not advised for the joyful at heart.

I hate a cold... hate. I know this is a crude way to convey how much I hate a cold, but think about Hitler's opinion of the Jews. It generally starts with this slight pain in the back of your throat. This was the case late Friday morning. I felt those tell-tell signs of a cold about to get its act together in my body. This slight throat-pain progressed into the "scratchy" throat portion of the cold cycle. This is when I decided to declare war against it. Zinc lozenges, along with vitamin C, were thrown into my mouth. But the pain was still there Saturday morning when I woke up for work.

I contemplated calling in sick to work for three reasons: (1) I really did not want to aggravate my throat to point of pain by speaking to a 100 or so customers that came through my cold Winn Dixie line on a cold day, (2) I could try to throw off the cold by resting the entire day, taking the morning easy, and (3) the time that I was to be at work would be put to working on my case study maps. But alas, I went to work anyway. The rest of the day consisted of running with Fred (probably not the smartest choice), drinking orange juice, and taking it easy the rest of the night.

Sunday morning, my head began to pressure up. And after blowing my nose, it was evident that this nappy cold was winning the battle. So I popped a Claritin D pill and took more zinc and vitamin C. I did decide to run again... I decided did not push myself. By the time that the Superbowl was over (GO SAINTS!!!), the Claritin D was wearing off, and pressure began to return. I went back to my place around 10 pm, debated on taking another Claritin D, but decided that I would just go to bed.

I propped my head up to help my nose from becoming stopped up. I woke up around 11 pm to look at my phone, blow my nose, and try to fall asleep again. "11:40 pm" is what the phone read the next time I popped awake. This continued the rest of the night. I saw "1 am," "2:40 am," "3 something am," and finally "4:50 am." It was at this point that I had enough! I marched myself out of bed, went to the bathroom, blew my nose, ate a little something before taking the last Claritin D. After returning to bed about 10 minutes later, my nasal cavities were more open, and I went right back to sleep.

I will probably repeat the process above for the next night or two. I will probably complain about pressure-build up and a stopped up nose. I will probably develop a bark within 2-3 days. Ugh. I HATE A COLD!