So There You Go

I'm Getting Really Bad About Posting!

2006-11-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

I just want to take a moment to brag that I got flowers on Thursday. No reason, just I love you flowers. My boy is so darn cute!! They and a very sweet card were waiting for me when I got home from volunteering Thursday night. I'm a lucky girl for sure!
We are officially ready to start snowboarding. Our bindings are on, our snowboards are waxed and we have all necessary accessories (including helmets of course)! I can't wait!! 5 more days then I'll be cruising (albeit very slowly) down the mountain. Jenny and I are going to use a free lesson Saturday morning since we did only go the one time. It certainly can't hurt! I'm a little nervous about going 5 days in a row. I'm going to be super sore I'm sure, but hopefully it will be ok!
I can't believe this semester is really almost over. I mean, I've been wanting to get it done with since it's been kind of stressful. But really, that means I only have one more semester. That's craziness! I might have to enter the real world soon. Scary!
Back to homework for now!

Hot Lips

2006-10-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I found some chapstick in my coat pocket this weekend. I have no clue where it came from and I don't know if it is mine or not. I use it now.

Overdue, I know

2006-10-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

I started to write a post last night, but then got sidetracked in a big way. At 10 o'clock my roommates and I decided that to start our week off right we needed to go out and get wasted. Yes, on Sunday night. It was craziness. We had a lot of fun though. There were some random people out. A man with only one hand was chasing us around the bar. It was strange.
It has been rainy and cold here today. A huge change from this weekend when it was super nice outside! I hope tomorrow the sun is at least out, but I am thinking it might still be dreary.
This weekend I'm baby-siting from Friday to Sunday for Peyton and Parker. I'll go straight there from REI on Friday. I'm hoping Saturday night I'll get a lot of homework done. I have to work all after noon at REI so Jenny is going to watch the girls for me. My goal is to work on stuff after they are in bed. We'll see if it actually happens!
School has been really busy lately. I feel like it is just never ending. I am looking forward to snowboarding over Thanksgiving break. That will be nice. I'm going to be sad not going home that week, but that's ok. it will also be nice to be here and not have anything to do since Chase and his family will be gone so I won't be baby-sitting.
Jenny bought Lucy a little outfit. It's really cute and she sat for several minutes while the three of us snapped pictures of her. It was funny. You'd think she thought she was a model. She is currently in her kennel though because she can't stay out of trouble.
Bill and I are trying the dating thing again. So far it is going really well. Not much else to report really. Off to pretend to do homework for a while, then early bedtime for this girl!

I Listen to Country for a Reason!

2006-08-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Halleh, I will preface this by telling you that you may be offended by what I'm about to say. I'm currently watching the VMA's with my roommates in a state of shock because these people are so weird! They just keep getting weirder. Seriously since why do they think they are so cool. It's to the point of complete cheesiness. For example, Puff Daddy just wasn't cool enough so we had to go to P. Diddy, but now it is reduced to just "Diddy". Are you kidding me? And what's with the overkill from Snoop Dogg? Drinkin' his juice and who knows what. I can't handle it. It seems to be a constant battle to just out do each other. This is why I prefer country. There isn't the constant pressure to one up the next guy. It's just about making good music. So that's my two cents.

It's a Crazy World Out There!

2006-08-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today on my way to work I saw a car labeled "Student Driver". Now you may be asking what is so exciting about that? Well my friends, it was a Mustang convertible. Seriously what 15 year old needs to be learning to drive in a Mustang? I found this situation absolutely ridiculous. I couldn't hardly believe my eyes. When I took driver's ed, cars were not nearly so exciting.

Complicated

2006-08-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't updated in a while. Things have been super crazy around here between moving, company, working, etc. The new house is growing on me. There are still some kinks to work out, but I think I'll enjoy it. Lucy LOVES the backyard, so I suppose that's good enough for me.
I realized now why I don't update that often. I can't ever think of anything to say when I sit down to do it. What is going on in my life that is essential to tell everyone?
I have been talking to Bill a lot this week. I miss him. I can't decide if I miss actually dating him, but I do miss spending time with him. I have no regrets about the decision I made because it was what I needed at the time. Sometimes I do wonder what it might be like though. Either way I've made my bed and now I will lie in it.
School starts in a week. Scary. Two more semesters. I might actually have to enter the real world soon! Part of me hope this year goes fast, part of me hopes it takes its time. I'm sure it will fly by as school always seems to do.
I talked to my step-sister today. I wish I got to see her more often. When I think about it, I really only see her and her family like 3 or 4 times a year it seems. Well, being out here it seems like it anyway. Part of the reason I can't ever decide where I want to end up. Can I really be far from home? Oh life. Why must you be so complicated?

What are the odds? Seriously!

2006-07-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on my dramatic (okay not really, but kind of) life. Jenny and I went to the Rockies/Cardinals game Monday night. It was a good time although the Cards put on a sad showing. Well we are getting in line to get tickets and I hear someone say my name. I look around rather confused and guess who I see. No, really just guess. Bill. What in the world? Of the thousands of people there what are the odds that we would see each other not once but twice that night. Freaky. The confrontation wasn't awkward at all so that was good. I wasn't sure how it was going to go at the wedding, but now the pressure's off. I just can't believe of all people I'd see there it would be him. Of course Jenny and I had a good laugh about how I nearly fell apart because as you all know I'm still not over him. Yeah right. So this is my life. One random thing after another.

Miss Universe

2006-07-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight while I was baby-sitting I watched the swimsuit portion of the Miss Universe Pagent. I found it fascinating that although a few of the countries on there have a different view of what is beautiful and what a woman's body should look like, all of the contestents were of American standards. For example, don't Mexicans like their women to have a little junk in the trunk? And don't Swedens like their women almost a little husky? These women were all skin and bones, several of them grossly so. Then these poor girls were parading about in their suits and the girl from Ethiopia looked really uncomfortable. I was really surprised that some of the countries allowed women to be doing such things (ie India). It was all just very fascinating to me.
Tomorrow starts my hectic two weeks. Everything that is happening is exciting, but it will be hectic nonetheless. Monday through Thursday I watch Chase as usual. Tomorrow night Jenny and I are going to the Cardinals/Rockies game. Wednesday night I'm watching Peyton and Parker overnight. Thursday night is Kaci's bachelorette party. Then Friday morning Chase, Steph, Jill and Ryan will be here. I'm sure we'll be busy, then I have to move. Almost as soon as they leave, my uncle is coming into town for a couple days. After he leaves I think I'll FINALLY be able to catch up on some sleep.
I watched Chase tonight. Things are really starting to get better with him. Don't get me wrong, we still have our moments when we disagree, but things are looking up. James and Kelli continue to grow on me as well. I'm feeling much better about my decision to stay with them this fall and not work for Tom and Denise. I'm going to miss Logan and Lauren a ton and hopefully I'll still get to see them periodically, but as far as job security, I feel like staying with James and Kelli is a better idea. They invited me to go on the lake and go waterskiing with them this weekend. I had to turn them down since I will have guests in town and the wedding is that day, but I really want to go with them sometime. I think it would be a lot of fun!
School starts in less than a month. What is that? I'm ready to get going and get done, but at the same time school is school and I'm rather enjoying my summer freedom. I feel a lot less busy on a day to day basis.
We went to see our house today. I sure hope those boys clean up well! You can definitely tell it's sophomore boys living there. I'm excited for the yard for Lucy, but I need to fix a couple things which will involve a trip to Home Depot I'm afraid. We'll see how that goes. I hope I'll like the room I got. I'm really excited to move into it! I hate that it might take a little longer than normal to get completely settled with people in town, but that's ok.
I ought to be off to bed now. Best not to start the week tired!

2006-07-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church we sang some really good songs. I liked all of them and we even sang Amazing Grace which I don't think gets sung at churches enough. I wish we could sing it every week. It's things like that that make me excited for next Sunday.
Jenny and I went to dinner at Kaci and Scott's house last night. They're both just so nice. I'm excited for their wedding. They're so cute together.
I seem to have developed a cold over the weekend. Shitty. I hate colds in general, but I hate them twice as much in the summertime! I got it from the baby I watch Monday through Thursday. I'm hoping it will be short-lived. Yuck.
I read on CNN today that Money Magazine named Fort Collins the top city to live in in the United States. I definitely have to agree. Fort Collins is a great place to live. Also a great place to raise kids.
So I thought I had a lot to say on here, but I've found myself with nothing left. Perhaps later I'll come up with more!

Let's All Have a Moment of Silence

2006-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm in mourning. I just got rid of a whole bunch of bras, underwear and FLIP FLOPS. It was very hard for me to part with my shoes and I didn't get rid of as many pairs as I should have, but I felt that getting rid of any at all was a feat in itself. Baby steps are the key here. I'm trying to downsize a little in preparation for the big move coming up. Not that I can really get rid of that much stuff, but any little bit counts. I'm also working on getting rid of crap in the refrigerator. I'm going to try to buy as very little food as possible between now and then.
Poor Lucy had a minor crisis this morning. She still has a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out yet and somehow it started bleeding. I was on the phone with my mom and she jumped up on the couch next to me, blood dripping everywhere. It was gross. I had to rinse her mouth out and keep her in the sink for a few minutes until the bleeding stopped.
On another frustration station note. Something I've been thinking about blogging about for a while now, but never got around to it: my thoughts and feelings. I hate when people tell me what I'm thinking or feeling and then don't believe me when I tell them they're wrong. This is no one in particular, multiple people do this. They claim my face says it all. I'm beginning to think I need a new eyebrow shape, a face lift, some wrinkle cream or some other fix for my face because apparently it is making faces that I'm not thinking. It is so frustrating because then people get all upset with me because I'm supposedly thinking something that I honestly am not thinking. Perhaps part of the problem is that I'm also a complete daydreamer and my mind wanders ALL of the time. I can't focus on just one thing, there has to be other thoughts running in the background. I don't know why people I assume I'm lying to them. It isn't like I'm constantly going around telling lies. I don't know, it's just really been getting to me lately. It feels like people always assume I'm thinking the worst. Am I really that bad of a person, that people feel like I'm always thinking about things about them? Am I that out of touch with reality that I don't know what I'm thinking or feeling? Finally, an example of a conversation to illustrate my point.
Bill: Are you ok? (referring to our breakup)
Me: Yes, I'm fine.
Bill: No, you aren't. I can hear it in your voice.
Me: Yes I am! (And the honest truth is I am fine, in fact not once have I regretted my decision!)
ARRRGGG!! What he heard in my voice was exasperation that he drunk dialed me in the middle of the night and I was stupid enough to answer!

Childless and Loving It!

2006-06-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight baby-sitting has been particularly frustrating. The baby is on strike. He refuses to sleep. I was talking to my friend Eric earlier and he said all this baby-sitting probably makes me want to have a baby soon. I informed him that it was quite the opposite. I don't want kids for a looooong time. I mean yes eventually, but I could not handle this day in and day out. I like to be able to go home to the baby I can stuff in her kennel when she's bad or if I have to go somewhere and not worry about it. I couldn't handle being tied down like that! I tried to watch Fever Pitch tonight, but couldn't because I kept having to attend to the baby that was supposed to be sleeping.
So, update on the Bill situation. First, he drunk texted me, which wasn't so bad. I offered him a ride home because I felt bad. He refused, thus I thought that was the end of it. Well, then I get a drunk dial which I answered because I was afraid he changed his mind about the ride. BAD IDEA. He was convinced that I was "not ok" and that I couldn't live without him. I wanted to hang up on him. I got an apology email today for the text messages, and he didn't even remember the phone call. Lesson learned: screen his calls.
I ate a giant apple cinnamon muffin earlier this evening as a snack/half of dinner. It was rather tasty. I haven't had a muffin in quite some time. It motivated me to look into making the banana nut muffins I have mix for in the cabinet. It's a shame they're so bad for you!

Christmas in June?

2006-06-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

So today in church I had a random thought that I really wished it was Christmas time. I started thinking about past Christmas's and family traditions and what not. One of my favorite things to do on Christmas Eve is go to the midnight church service. There is a lot of singing and I see so many people from my community worshipping together and warms my heart (yes, yes I know that sounds corny!). I love that I get to go with loved ones as well. The first couple times my mom went with me, then this past year Ryan went with me. Perhaps I should start a Christmas countdown! I just don't think it will come fast enough!
I'm baby-sitting tonight. The parents finally gave in to the "cry it out" theory of putting their baby to sleep. I'm quite excited about this as I've been basically doing it for the past couple weeks out of exasperation anyway. Now at least I don't have to feel guilty or nervous about getting caught! I think they will be glad they did it because when I let him cry it out during the day he takes MUCH better naps.
I'm starting to get a little nervous about the inevitable situation of seeing Bill again. I hate it when things are awkward! I kind of hope I don't see him until Kaci and Scott's wedding because at least then there will be lots of people there! For those of you that don't know the current situation, we had been emailing back and forth, but then he sent me a text message that said "GOODBYE" in all caps. I took this as he didn't want to talk to me anymore. It makes me sad because I thought we'd at least be able to be friends that could chit chat at parties and what not without awkwardness. Apparently not. And I really hate leaving it like this, but I don't feel like contacting him will help my situation. I guess I'll just chalk it up to a lesson learned.
Coming up rather quickly is another trip to Iowa. This time I'm roadtripping with Emily, Cristina and possibly Katie to go to Jaclyn's wedding. It will be a short trip, but I'll take any trips to Iowa I can get! I need to get on the ball and figure out what I'm going to get Jac and Caleb. I have a rock that I randomly put in their bed (long story) that I'm going to paint, maybe some stamps and I need something else.
It's hard to believe that in less than a week it will be July. The summer as usual is flying by. Then it will be my LAST year of classes. Can't wait for that! I would love to be a career students, but at the same time I'm ready to start making money and settling down.
I think those are all of my random thoughts currently. Sorry for the randomness, but I write them as I come!

Iowa

2006-06-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well after a long trip home, I back to good old Colorado. I really enjoyed my trip home and both my mom's party and my internship were a success. I learned a ton at the hospital I spent 7 days at. The OT I followed was really good and challenged me to come up with answers on my own which was great. I got to give a couple visual and psych tests to patients which was exciting. I also did manual muscle testing which tests arm strength on a few. It was great to actually do this stuff on patients instead of classmates to see what it is like in real life. I also found out right before I went home that I'll be doing my first 12 week internship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN which is very exciting! I think I'll see a lot of really cool stuff up there. I still need to set up my second one, but I'm hoping that perhaps I'll be able to get in at a hand clinic in St. Louis. I need to call them in the next few weeks to see if any of them will take students. If those don't work out, I'll have to find a hand clinic somewhere else, not sure where yet though!
My mom's party went really well (she turned 50 yesterday). They surprised her at work on Friday and I was in on that too so she thought that was all there was and didn't suspect a thing for Saturday night. When she got home her first words were "You can move out!" to me. It was funny. Then she asked if Becka and I bothered to clean the house, which we informed her that in fact we spent the day cleaning. It was great. We had a really good turn out and I think everyone had fun.
I'm trying to get myself into routine now that I'm back. I hate those first couple days after you travel when you're trying to get back into the swing of things and you're all disoriented. Hopefully I'll get pulled together after today. I have the thank you's written for people that helped at my mom's party already and did a bunch of other random things I needed to get done. I need to unpack one last suitcase, then that will be done as well. I have a whole list to get through yet though which includes grocery shopping and cleaning the bathroom and mopping the kitchen floor. I'm hoping that I'll get it all done this week!
Jenny is dragging me to a random meeting thing in Denver on Wednesday. I don't really want to go, but I suppose it won't kill me. I already informed her however that I won't be going to the retreats that this meeting is all about. It's supposed to help you learn to build better relationships and a bunch of other random things like that. Well, not that she wants to go to these seminars either, but Liz asked her to go and we all know how well she says no to people! We'll see how it goes. Hopefully it isn't too painful!
It is weird to think that I have less than a year left of living in Colorado. Time has really been flying by out here! I'll "graduate" next May and I'm sure my parents will move me back to Iowa then so they are only making one trip out here. I think I'll probably go home close to then as well and volunteer at the rehab center in Burlington. That is my current thought at least, subject to change of course! But I don't know where'd I'd work for just a month anyway since I'd really only have June. At least if I do some volunteer it'll be better than being a bum for a month....although thinking about it, it doesn't sound so bad... Scary to think that in only a year and a half I'll be entering the real world. Not fun! :)
Well those are my current random thoughts. I'd really like a nap, but I don't think I'm going to get one unfortunately. Perhaps I'll just work on going to bed early tonight!

It's Been a Crabby Day

2006-05-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, one of those days that you are crabby and you know it. It just started bad. Chase was already napping when I got there at 8 am. And his mother wonders why he doesn't sleep well. Probably because you won't get him on a structured schedule! Grr...so needless to say things were all messed up and he was crabby the rest of the day which was rather frustrating. Then my mom was making me mad. I am planning to stay at a hotel in Omaha next Thursday so I can get home at a decent time on Friday. Well she kept calling and saying "I found this hotel on Travelocity. Oh what about this hotel." This kept going and I tell her I don't care, just pick one. Well, then she's like well no I'll let you do it. Grrr!!! If I am doing it myself then quit calling me and pestering me. I also have to get new tires for my car and she was doing the same thing with them, which I ultimately have to do myself as well. It was really annoying.
Well, I suppose the important news in my life is that Bill and I are no longer. We broke up Tuesday. He was serious, I wasn't. It wasn't working. I thought things were going to be bad between us at first, but then he pulled it together and I think we might be able to become friends. I'm hoping anyway because he is a great guy, I just don't think he's "The One". Now my big dilemma is whether or not to go to the soccer game on Sunday. I can't decide which way to go. It would be easiest not to go, not because I'd see him, but because I don't want to see his family and friends. Would it be bad not to go?

Emotional Crash

2006-05-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

So Jenny and I just watched Crash. I am now in a quiet, sad mood. It was a rather depressing movie! There were a few turn arounds, but for the most part it even ended sad! It fits with my mood recently. Sometimes I just get down and then things fall apart. I'm hoping for a turn around though, so we'll see.
Today was a great day of hanging out with Jenny and Lucy. It was nice to be relaxed and not have school stuff hanging over my head. I am hoping this is how my summer will continue!
I've decided that my favorite place to be kissed is my forehead. I feel like it is just the place to kiss people you really care about. It is amazing how it can make you feel better when things are going wrong.
I'm getting really excited to go home in a couple weeks. It has definitely been too long. I am missing it for sure! I can't wait to see everyone and party Midwestern style! While I'm there I'll be doing a fieldwork as well which should hopefully be fun!
Sorry for the short post, but I'm quite tired and ready for bed!

Busy Bee

2006-05-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

I've been informed that I've been an update slacker lately so here it is! I feel as though I've been a slacker in many areas of my life currently and I'm ok with it! I keep telling myself that I need to get down to business about these finals, but so far no luck. I have done a few things which is something I guess, but so far nothing substantial.
I was laying in bed last night thinking about something random. The Witness Protection Program. I was thinking about all the people I've met in my 23 years of life (yes I know, I'm old!) and thinking about how I'd obviously never know if someone was in the program. Have I blogged about this before? I know I've thought about it before and discussed it with people. It just fascinates me. I can't ever figure out if going into the program would be worth it or not. I mean if you are married or have kids you can take them with you, but that's it. Is it really worth giving up your family and friends to maybe be safe? I almost think I'd rather take my chances and hope that I could spend some precious time with my loved ones. The down side would be that perhaps they would kill my loved ones and not me which would be even worse. What do you guys think?
I feel like I've been so busy recently and there is no sign of it letting up anytime soon. I don't know why this is. There just seems to be a lot going on right now. And this whole going home for two weeks is going to sneak up on me and it makes me feel even busier.
We are signing a lease tomorrow for our house next year. I'm excited to have it over with and not worry about it anymore. I like the house we picked. It's cute and it has a great backyard. It is a little expensive, but I'm hoping that in the end it will be worth it.
Also tomorrow is a sex toy party thrown by one of my classmates. I'm planning to go, but I don't know how long I'll stay. Not that I don't think it will be fun, I just feel like I've been gone a lot this week and I'd like to be at home. We'll see. I did already inform Bill that I will probably not be purchasing any items! :)
Friday Bill and I are getting sushi. Friend, I'm sad that you didn't like it. I was unsure the first time we went, but then I started craving it so we are going again. I think it might be like beer and wine, a taste that grows on you.
Saturday I'm hoping my best friend Jenny will go shopping with me in Denver. I have a few random clothing items I'd like to look for and what could possibly be a better way to spend my time than SHOPPING with my BEST FRIEND? Hint, Hint: Jenny I really want you to go with me! :)
After all of this fun and excitement finals will be upon me and I really will have to buckle down and study. Good luck to those of you who will also be taking them! And to those of you who aren't....I'm jealous!

Wind = Stale Bread

2006-04-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

So today Logan, Lauren and I ate our lunch in their backyard. Logan being the stubborn eater that he is, took a long time to eat his sandwich. We had been out there about 25 minutes or so and he wanted his sandwich cut into bite sized pieces. The bread on his sandwich was all dried out! I couldn't believe how fast the wind had made it stale. It was craziness! I had a lovely mornng with them at the park. I really enjoy those kids. They remind me that in fact I do want to be a mother someday!

I know, I know....It's been a while.

2006-04-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

It seems as though things have gotten really busy around here. Sadly, it doesn't feel like they are going to let up anytime soon. The next four weekends are pretty much booked. I hate that feeling. I mean I'm glad I have things to do, but I really enjoy just relaxing at home too. I guess the last weekend of the semester I will be at home, but I will need to devote substantial amounts of time to studying for finals. I can't wait for summer to come! It will be nice to just hang out here and not have to worry about school and have it hanging over my head. This weekend Jenny and I are going to learn to snowboard. I'm terrified to say the least. I've heard a fair amount of horrer stories. Helmets are a must! There are several bars at the ski resort we are going to so I suppose if it comes down to it I can just hang out and drink and really what wouldn't be fun about that! :) Not this weekend, but next, I am meeting my mom and Alan in Nebraska to hang out for my birthday. I'm very excited to see them! It will be a nice little road trip. I played flag football on Sunday and I am still sore today! I can definitely tell I'm out of shape and not used to being beat up anymore. The second team we played had some rugby players on it, which of course I got stuck blocking because everyone else was scared of them. It definitely made me want to play a little rugby. Like one game would be suffice. With all of my favorite players. That would be the best. Well I need to stop procrastinating and actually look into some homework. This next week is going to be crazy!

The Countdown is On!

2006-03-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Counting today, there are exactly 7 days until my spring break. I can't wait! Hell week has officially started. I have a rough draft, a big paper and a really hard midterm all on Monday, then I will be pulling an all nighter Monday night to study for my midterm that is Tuesday afternoon. It will all be over Wednesday at 3 though, then I can offically enjoy having some time off from school. I can't believe how fast it has gone!
I've come to the conclusion that geese do not go south for the winter, they come west. There are geese everywhere! And if that wasn't enough, there is nasty goose poop covering yards and sidewalks. I don't mean a little here and there, I mean EVERYWHERE! Yesterday when I was walking to class I had to cross the street because there were about 10 geese on the sidewalk in front of me. It was right in front of the Pi Kapp house and while I'm sure it would have been a good story for them to tell at their meeting, I did not want to be known as the "girl who got attacked by geese on the sidewalk". I'm sure it would not have been talked about as long as "those girls who played strip pool" however so that did give me some comfort. :)
I think the living situation for next year has been pretty close to finalized. The plan is for Jenny, Cristina and myself to live together. I'm really excited because I think the dynamics will be great! Not only that, but we've all unofficially agreed that we'd like to live in a house instead of an apartment so I can't wait for that! I think it will seem like a castle compared the tiny place we live now.
Saturday is date # 3 with Bill. I refused to call the first two dates, insisting we were just friends, but Saturday we are doing dinner and a movie and I don't think I can live in denial anymore. I enjoy spending time with him and we never run out of things to talk about which also means no awkward moments so that is good. I'll keep you updated!
I leave to go home in just over a week! I'm really excited because it has been a REALLY long time. This is the longest I've ever gone (9 weeks) without a visit. Luckily I still talk to my mommy almost everyday on the phone!! I am sad that my Jill has to work most of the weekend but I think we are going to try to go all out on Friday night so that should be a good time. Then after my great trip home I get to come back and see a couple of great friends here which I am superexcited about! I think I may even get to go skiing with them on Friday which would be fantastic. I wish I didn't have to baby-sit the rest of the weekend and miss out on Halleh time, but hopefully she and Jenny will be able to come visit me some.
Well the time has come for me to get ready and go be a nanny. Hopefully it isn't too stressful today. Sometimes Chase gets a little cranky and then we butt heads. Until next time folks!

Full Moon (I wish we were at the one in Kirksville!)

2006-02-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

I think the full moon really has an effect on people. Several of my classmates and I are having bad days. Then after class I talked to Jill and she too is having a rough day. Why else would we all be having crazy things happen?
You know what really makes me cranky? When I am literally walking out the door to go catch the bus and some salesperson is on the otherside and won't leave, causing me to miss said bus even after I have explained that I need to go to class. Then I proceed to drive to school and because it is snowing have to drive around for 20 minutes to find a parking place and walk 3 blocks in the snow to my building. Yes, this happened to me today. Arg.
My dog has relapsed on her potty training. Talk about frustrating. She went for a week with no accidents and was really good. That is no more. She pees everywhere! Today I was training her and told her to lay down, she partially does and next thing I know she is peeing on the floor right in front of me! What is up with that?!?
The 4 month old I baby-sit is really starting to wear on me. He cries a lot for no reason which I HATE. If it was my baby (or in any of the other families I baby-sit for that matter) I would be able to just put him in his crib and let him cry until he falls asleep when he is tired. It wouldn't hurt him. He's not in pain, he isn't wet or hungry, just tired and thus he will fall asleep when he is done crying. Besides, it's good for his little lungs.

I got the following from a forward today and quite enjoyed it. Some of the statements are a little strong, even for me. I do however agree with majority of them in at least some form. What is our country coming too?

Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks back:

I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.

I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason. That is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?

I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.

I have the right "NOT" to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off. When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling, it is the Law of Probability.

I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!

My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.

I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines.

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business.

We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations.

I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.

I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.

It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say "NO!"

I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!

I am sick of "Political Correctness." I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be "African-Americans"? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.

And if you don't like my point of view, tough. DON'T PASS IT ON.

2006-02-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

I feel like an elephant is sitting on my shoulders. They, along with my jaw, are where I carry my stress. My shoulders are tight and my jaw won't stop popping/locking. I really need a hug.

T minus 43%

2006-02-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the world as we know it. Ok, ok perhaps it isn't that drastic. Sadly it is close though! Lucy has punctured my computer power cord. My new one is on it's way from Dell, but I fear it won't be here before my computer dies. I think in the long run it will actually be good for me. I need to not be so addicted/depended on my computer/the internet. I should give it up for Lent. Hahahaha. No that won't be happening. But really I should limit myself to only using it for school purposes for a week or so. Scary! I'll have to think about it.
I'm extremely tired this week for some reason. Can't wait for the weekend to catch up on some sleep! I was getting quite frustrated when I was baby-sitting today. The 3 month old I watch is getting to the point where he won't nap without being held. His mother isn't helping the situation. It's annoying because I could be using the time that he is asleep to get some much needed homework done, but instead I'm forced to waste it watching tv because I can't put him down. Arg. I have the week of the 20th off from him, which will be nice to have some time to catch up on some stuff, but I will miss him!
Alright, I know this is short but we are down to 38% now and I need to be productive anyway!

2006-01-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of said trouble-maker!

I know, I know...It's been a while!

2006-01-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel like a new mother. I haven't gotten an uninterupted night of sleep since I got Lucy. It is getting better though. She is finally starting to figure out this potty training thing. I am beginning to think she is stubborn though as opposed to just not knowing. Yesterday she took herself to the bathroom all afternoon and evening. Now this morning it is like she is just refusing. Hopefully that goes away soon!
I am job hunting currently, something I don't really enjoy, of course who does? I interviewed with a family last night and I think it went well, but I won't know for sure for a few days. I need to tell the family I baby-sit for now if I'll be able to watch them on Fridays or not. I'm so torn! I hate stringing them along, but I need to make sure I'm working enough and making enough money! Perhaps I'll talk to her today and see how much time I have.
I keep having dreams that end up with me waking up crying. I don't like it. The other night I dreamed that my grandma died. It was really sad. I woke up and couldn't remember for a second if she was still alive or not. I hate that feeling! Then I remembered that I'm not grandparentless yet. Very coincidentally she called me that morning, which is crazy because she rarely calls me. It certainly made me feel better! Then I had a dream about a friend I haven't talked to in a very long time and I was sad because I miss her.
I committed to keeping two little girls (3 years and 6 months respectively) for a whole weekend in March. If that won't be good birth control I don't know what will! I'll have them Friday to Sunday. I'm sure it will be fairly easy because they are good kids and hopefully I'll make quite a bit of money!
Sometimes I wonder where I actually live. I live in Colorado, where it is supposed to be snowy and cold. Really that means it will be at least mid-40's all winter. It was 70 this weekend, and today it is supposed to be 60. I love it! I wish I didn't have to baby-sit this afternoon so I could take my little hellion out for a walk and wear her out!
Speaking of, I need to get her back out of her crate. She was making me mad so I put her away for a bit!

I Got Served

2005-12-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, and by a three year old no less. He taught me how to play basketball and definitely made more shots than me by far. It was quite amusing. He would say "No, Lindsay, like this!" and "You have to use two hands." Lucky for me the only other witness to this was a one year old that was busy playing with her "kitties", which she takes EVERYWHERE. I enjoyed playing with him though, even if I was being shown up!
This morning some strange man was pounding on the neighbor's door and shouting at him. Things are really getting out of control over there. There are constantly people pounding on the door and no one ever seems to answer. Also, I'm quite certain there is a secret knock to get in. I've heard it a couple times, then the door magically opens. Who really does that this day and age? My theory really is that people are after the one guy for money or something. It's so strange!
I realized today that I don't have the phone number of one of the people riding home with me Tuesday. This really creates a problem, but I know she has mine so we'll just assume she'll be calling me! I had to ship a bunch of my Christmas presents home Thursday, so we'll for sure have room. After seeing how full my trunk was when I went home for Thanksgiving I wasn't sure we'd fit everything in! I wish I could get my shopping finished! I still have more than I'd like to have left! Hopefully I get it all done in time!

I'm trying to avoid studying...

2005-12-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Time started: 8:13 pm
Birthday: April 19, 1983
Siblings: no real ones, just two step-sisters
Eye color: brown
Shoe size: 9 and a half or 10 depending on the shoe
Height: 5' 4 or 5"
Innie or Outie: Innie
What are you wearing right now: jeans, Truman Alumni t-shirt, black Truman homecoming sweatshirt
Job: nanny
Where do you live: Fort Collins
Righty or lefty: Righty
Can you make a dollar in change right now: actually right now I think I can
Who are your closest friends: If you are, you know
Did you send this to your crush? no
Best place to go for a date: good question, somewhere original
Favorite place to shop: Target, lots of stores at the mall, Hobby Lobby
Favorite Pants: my star pants that my mommy made for me
Favorite color: purple
Favorite Number(s): 4 and 19
Favorite Boys Name: I'm not having boys thus I don't have any picked out :)
Favorite Girls Name: Jadyn, and perhaps Kylie
Favorite Animal: Horses ( I can't wait until I can afford to have one!) and dogs
Favorite Drink: smothies, and fruity alcohol drinks :)
Favorite Sport(s): rugby
Favorite Fast-Food Place: Taco Bell and Wendy's
Favorite Month: I am partial to April, not only is it the month my birthday is in but it is spring time and almost the end of the school year!
Favorite Movie: I couldn't name just one....there are too many!
Favorite Juice: Orange or pineapple
Favorite Finger: hmm odd question....probably my thumb because it is very functional
Breakfast: anything with eggs...i love eggs!
Favorite cartoon character: Dora....I watch her all the time now!
Have you ever...
Given anyone a bath: yes, I have four nieces and nephews!
Smoked:yes but I'm done with that now...I did it 5 times too many
Bungee jumped: not yet but i want to!
Made yourself throw-up: never successfully
Gone skinny dipping: yes as a matter of fact I have
Eaten a dog: I'm going to assume hot dog and in which case I have
Put your tongue on a frozen pole: no, i saw the Christmas Story movie!
Loved someone so much it made you cry?: yes yes
Broken a bone: not so far!
Played truth or dare: yeah we used to play that all the time at slumber parties!
Been in a physical fight: never for real...just wrestled sometimes
Been in a police car: nope and i'd like to keep it that way
Been on a plane: yep, I like to fly!
Come close to dying: I'm going to go with yes...I've been in some scary situations!
Swam in the ocean: yep 2 of them!
Fallen asleep in school: I'm the queen of falling asleep in school but not here!
Ran away: no, it was never logical living out in the boondocks where i live
Broken someone's heart: i like to think not, but probably
Cried when someone died: oh yes
Cried in school: yeah when i was little
Fell off your chair: i don't remember any specific times but i'm sure i have, if nothing else i'm sure i have when drunk
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call?: yeah
Saved AIM conversations: no, i'd never go back and read it anyway
Saved e-mails: yeah i have a ton saved
Fallen for one of your best friends?: well, no...i don't know...
Made out with JUST a friend?: yes many times
Used someone: i like to think not but i think everyone does once in a while
Been cheated on? nah
What is...
Your good luck charm: i don't really have one....i'm not superstitious like that
Best song you ever heard: i think my favorite song changes every month
Stupidest thing you have ever done: How could I ever choose the stupidest? There are oh so many...
What's your room like: cozy or crowded...depends on how you look at it
Last thing you said: I asked Jenny why she was taping the Amazing Race
What is beside you: couch pillows, remote control, cell phone
Last thing you ate: meatloaf and it turned out quite well if I do say so myself
What kind of shampoo do you use?: Pantene Pro-V
Best thing that has happened to you this year: I graduated from Truman! (and by that I mean I no longer have to take classes there but I really miss all my girls!)
Worst thing that has happened to you this year: my grandma died
Have I had...
Chicken pox: yes
Sore Throat: yes
Stitches: once in my foot
Broken nose: No and hopefully I never will!
Believe in love at first sight: Not love, maybe lust
Like picnics: yes but I don't go on nearly enough of them!
Like school: I like my grad school classes because they actually apply to what I'm going to do for the rest of my life!
What schools have you gone to: Mediapolis Comm School, Truman State, Colorado State
Eat a live hamster for $1,000,000: depends on how desparate I am
Who was the last person that called you: Emily
Who was the last person you slow danced with: You know, I almost automatically answered Ryan, but really I think it was Jeremy Gabeline when I was at karaoke
What makes you laugh the most?: lots of things make me laugh
What makes you smile?: again...lots of things!
Who is the last personYou Kissed?: David Kerr
You yelled at:probably Jenny for fun
Who broke your heart:I don't really know that my heart has really been broken
Who told you they loved you: probably my mom when I talked to her on the phone this afternoon
Is your loudest friend? I'd have to go with either Devin, Chase or my Friend when she is drunk :)
Do you/Are You...
Do you like filling these out: sometimes when they have good questions
Do you wear contacts or glasses: neither!
Do you like yourself: usually but I tend to make myself angry
Do you get along with your family: yeah I get along great with my mom!
Stolen anything over $50: If I have it was from a rugby girl and it got returned
Obsessive? haha yes!
Compulsive? not usually
Anorexic? NO! I love to eat!
Suicidal? no
What are you listening to right now? Amazing Race
What did you do yesterday: Took a final, baby-sat, studied for another final
Hate someone in your family: not usually
Gotten any awards: I've gotten a few in my life
What car do you wish to have? a Mercedes
Where do you want to get married?: My hometown
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? Oh there are quite a few things
Good Singer: not really but I sure like to do it!
Have a lava lamp: nope but I wanted one when I was in high school
How many remote controls are in your house: quite a few!
Are you double jointed: nope
What do you dream about: Random weird stuff!
Last time you showered: this morning
The last movie you saw at the theaters: I honestly don't remember! It's been forever!
Scary or happy movies: depends....I like both!
Chocolate or white: depends on my mood...I could really go either way
Root Beer or Dr. Pepper: Dr. Pepper usually
Mud or Jell-O wrestling: Mud...I wish I got to do it more often!
Vanilla or chocolate: again....depends on my mood
Skiing or Boarding: skiing but I'd like to try boarding!
Fall or winter: Fall for sure
Silver or Gold: silver
Diamond or pearl: diamond...especially on a very important finger
Sunset or Sunrise: sunrise because I don't see it very often!
Sprite or 7up: Sprite
Orange juice or apple juice: orange
Cats or dogs: Dogs but cats are ok too
Coffee or tea: coffee....it's a new addiction
Phone or in person: in person
Are you Oldest, middle, youngest or only child: haha funny question....most definitely an only
Indoor or outdoor: I like to be outside when I can
End Time: 8:45 pm

SNOW!

2005-12-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

It has finally snowed a significant amount here and we are due to get quite a bit more before it's over. It makes me laugh because it isn't really snowing that fast but people are acting like it is a blizzard and we will be homebound by morning. I however do not believe this, but in fact if I don't have to go to class due to the university being closed I sure won't be complaining! We have to do presentations in my class tomorrow and two of my group members are commuters from Denver. I sure hope they make it! I don't know what we'd do if they didn't. I'm sure something will be figured out though and I won't fail!
Today when I was getting ready to leave to go back to campus and our doorbell rang. I opened the door, expecting to see the UPS man or something of the sort. No, in fact it was a Mexican man of about 40 years of age. He proceeded to ask me if I'd seen Mark, one of the guys that lives in the apartment next to us, because he'd been trying to get a hold of him for a while. I informed him that no in fact I never see either of them, but I was pretty sure they still lived there. He was polite and cordial, but the whole situation was quite strange. My only conclusion is that it was our neighbors little Mexican drug buddy. To add background information, when the door of Mark's apartment opens, the stench of marijuana literally wafts out. It is insane. So, what other business would this man want than drugs or money? And why is it that I can't not live by druggies?

Hangover From Hell

2005-12-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, that about describes my day. I like to think that really I have a touch of the flu. I've thrown up three times now, which is very unlike me. I seriously hope this doesn't carry into tomorrow! What is with my body and its delayed puking anyway? Why can't it puke the night I actually drink like normal people? Instead it apparently enjoys making me suffer when I'm sober!
As I sit here and watch this 40th Anniversary of the Academy of Country Music show, I can't help but think about the differences between country singers and your typical pop, rap or rock singer. I mean they have just as much money as the other singers and lead similar lifestyles, but somehow can still remain to stay out of trouble and remain more down to earth. Their marriages actually last, they rarely have problems with the law and the just seem so much more genuinely nice.
I took Logan and Lauren to McDonald's yesterday. I again felt like a mom and it's scary because some people just assume I am their mom and I could be! I can't ever get over the weirdness of that. I definitely admire mom's that can juggle multiple children in public that's for sure! I don't know what I'd do if they weren't well behaved! Well really I do, I wouldn't take them out in public!

Things Are Crazy in the Midwest!

2005-11-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

So, everyday I read my hometown newspaper online to keep up with what's going on, who had a baby, who died, who got arrested, etc. I must say there are crazy things going on right now! Two murderers broke out of the prison just south of town (read about it on CNN.com!), my friend's little sister got in trouble, a rehab counselor was murdered and there's tornadoes everywhere. Things are a mess! You can't say that nothing ever happens there!
I've been getting really frustrated lately with my classmates. Everyone wants to be spoon fed and have all these due dates extended and what not. Let me tell you, they'd never last a week at Truman. I just want to yell at them to grow up and act like they are in grad school not high school. For example, today we talked about experiments in our research class. We went over confounding variables and assigning participants to groups and what not, which is what we have to talk about for an assignment due tomorrow (that we've had for 2 weeks) and in the assignment it's called "internal validity". Now we had a substitute professor and he didn't come right out and say "this is internal validity", so several people in my class think we haven't talked about it and obviously we need an extension. I piped up and said, you guys that is what we just talked about! Look at your notes (and notes being notes our professor email to us to print off)! Good grief! I'm so glad we have a break SOON!!

My Bossy Bovine

2005-11-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

So, today I talked to my mom and she informed me that my cow and fat calf are going to the sale barn. I was confused because before she had told me that only my calf would be sold this fall and the cow would be sold in January. She then proceeds to tell me that my cow has to go now because she is too bossy. Apparently she won't let any other cows eat on her side of the bunk and she pushes them around. I had a good laugh at this. My cow is getting sold because she can't behave. Haha. That's my girl! Remind me to never misbehave at home, I don't want to get sold to the butchers!
This afternoon I was watching an old school episode of Family Feud. We're talking from the 1970's. Their clothes and hair were really funny. Then the first topic was "Things Women Do to Make Themselves More Beautiful". The number one answer was to diet, which I thought was probably close to what it would be today. The next answer was pluck their eyebrows, which I thought was funny, but probably still normal for today. Then the next two answers were to wear curlers and wear a girdle. I found these quite humerous because if you even mention girdle these days people think you are crazy. It definitely dated the show!
I'm getting excited to go home for Thanksgiving. I don't really feel like I've been home since I moved here since the wedding kept me from actually being at our house at all the weekend I was home and the trip was so short. It will be nice to see my dog and my step-sisters and nieces and nephews! I'm a little excited about the drive too oddly enough. I am looking forward to listening to music and what not. I usually don't mind driving so it shouldn't be bad. I was thinking though that I might try to leave around 7 or so. The drive should take me right around 12 hours and I'll lose an hour so if I leave then I should get to Jill's about 8:30 local time. Just in time to head to karaoke. I want to leave as early as possible because I'll be getting antsy that last hour and I figure the earlier in the evening I can get there the better off I'll be. We'll see though, that's really early!
My best friend is planning to cook me a good dinner on Friday and I'm super excited! I'm told she's even making cherry crisp. Yum! Can't beat that!
The family I baby-sit for offered to up my hours a ton if I stay with them next semester. They really don't want to find someone else. I told them that I would if they could give me enough hours. I wasn't going to because I could make more at a real job probably (it's debatable given taxes and what not), but I really love the kids and if I could stay I'd like to. We'll see how that works out.
I guess I should now look into homework. It is 6:00 and I've already eaten dinner, talked on the phone and done a bunch of other random stuff in effort to procrastinate. I miss you guys!

Doesn't Anyone Listen to LeAnn?

2005-11-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I've thinking about people being judgmental of other people. Why does it always seem like the people who are supposed to be so Christian and so religious, are the most judgmental? I find that I'm more comfortable with people who aren't, for lack of a better term and not that I condone it but, Bible Thumpers? I just feel like these people are constantly looking at me and judging what I'm doing wrong and what a horrible person I am. Is it because people that aren't "Bible Thumpers" (again, sorry, lack of a better way to describe it) are also doing the same things I am (drinking, going out, random making out, etc)? I just feel like, if you are so Christian, then why are you so judgmental? Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I and anyone that isn't really religious, aren't judgmental, I'm just saying that these supposed religious people are more so. I don't want to name any names, but if you ask I can fill you in. Does anyone else feel this way? Am I the only one? And you know what else I don't like about these people, while I'm on the subject? They go all over the world and frighten people into converting to Christianity, disregarding the fact that the poor people have their own religion. Arg. Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian, but what right do we have to travel around the world and practically force people into Christianity? I hate talking to one of these people and seeing the contempt and pity in their face when we talk about religions of other people. So the moral is, think twice before you judge, especially if you are a Christian.
As LeAnn Womack says..."It sure ain't Christian to judge a stranger!"

Sweet Home Iowa?

2005-10-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

So I got to talk to my good friend Jill tonight. It's always bittersweet though. I mean don't get me wrong I love Jill and I love talking to her and I wish I got to do it everday (which I would get to do if she'd hurry up and move out here!), but it just reminds me of how much I miss home. I love Fort Collins and I am having a blast out here, but there is just something about home that always makes me miss it. I always feel like the movie Sweet Home Alabama was written about my life. Should I just assume that is how I'll end up? I can really see the whole thing playing out, right down to going back to the country boy at the end. I don't know how I feel about this. It literally changes everyday. Arg I hate being torn and I hate those random homesick feelings that pop up every now and then. I wish I could just fast forward five years and see where I am, then rewind back to now and enjoy the ride. At least I get to go to Kirksville in a couple days, that should feel a lot like a trip home! I'm very lucky to have my best friend here with me otherwise I think this weekend would be an awful tease.
I met a lot of cool people on Saturday. I went to a party where I didn't really know anyone all by myself. This independence thing is really starting to come around. I was literally the youngest person there. I felt like a baby! Oddly enough, random making out doesn't go away when you get old, just so you know. I thought once you left college, or at least once you hit 30, you got past that. Evidently not. There was no making out on my part anyway, but there was a cute guy there that I kind of liked. Hopefully I'll see him again sometime! He wasn't even really my type, but I thought he was cute nonetheless which I found interesting. Do I really even have a type? Oh the questions of life...

Strangers...not always bad...

2005-10-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

So I had a wonderful weekend back in good old Iowa. It was so great to see my mom and all my friends. I have definitely been missing them! The wedding was great and I had a fabulous time! I can't believe Steph and Chase are actually married. i mean it isn't like they weren't already living together and seemed married, but now it is actually permanent. Scary! On my flight from Chicago to Denver, I sat by a lady that was going home from visiting her sons who go to school there. One is my age and the other is a freshman. We had a nice talk about her sons, me and my schooling, her divorce, my parents, my roommmates, Ryan, her friends that basically made over her whole house and just life in general. It was one of the best talks I've had in a while and we didn't even exchange names until the plane had landed. She made me feel a lot better about a lot of things and it was nice to have a completely unbiased ear to talk to and I think she felt the same way. I got off the plane just feeling at ease with life and I love that feeling. She gave me her name and contact info, so if I ever go down to Colorado Springs I can look her up. I just might really do it. Random I know, but I really enjoyed our chat.
Now that my adrenaline has left me, I'm quite tired. I think it is making me emotional, which I hate. I definitely plan to work on catching up on sleep this week. Too bad I have a lot of stuff to do!

I Blinked and Suddenly It's Fall!

2005-10-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

So I was on campus today and realized that it is in fact fall. The leaves are changing, it is getting cooler and the winds are changing. Oddly enough I am enjoying the change. Normally I'd rather just have summer stay, but I am excited to experience my first Colorado winter! I really don't think it is going to be as bad as the midwest. It certainly won't be as bitter at least. And I'm told the snow melts not long after it falls, which means fresh snow and not the dirty, nasty stuff we are used to at home.
I'm feeling pressured to get every done that needs to be done before I go home this weekend. I know I'll get it all done, I just feel like there's so much to do! I'm very excited though. I haven't been home in a while, so it will be great to see everyone, even if I only have the weekend. I wish I had time to go see my grandma though. I guess it will have to wait for Thanksgiving. It did occur to me that I should at least call her sometime soon!
Well the time has come, I need to actually skim some reading for tomorrow morning's class. Happy Fall!!

Randomness

2005-10-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to start with, I'm a slacker! That's right. I don't think I've really done any homework since Tuesday. I hope I don't fail out of school! I feel like I should be working much harder. However, Audra and I talked and decided that perhaps it was because we came from Truman and are coming directly from undergrad that it seems easy. We really did have to work a lot harder at Truman than a lot of people I talk to that went other places. Also, a lot of people in my class (of 60) are older and didn't come directly from undergrad. I think 14 of the 20 people in my block took at least one year off and most of them are between the ages of 26 and 33, one is in her 40's! This probably makes the work load seem a lot harder to them. I know I wouldn't find it easy after being out of school for so long!

My other random thought is that I'm ready to get married! We went to Bed, Bath and Beyond today and I can't wait to register for my wedding presents. I can't wait to have a house and set it all up and decorate it. I can't wait to be called someone's wife and to be able to say "my husband". I can't wait to wear the beautiful white dress and have all my friends and family there. *sigh* Someday my prince will come.

Speaking of prince's, Cinderella comes out on dvd next week! That and the Little Mermaid are two of my favorite Disney movies. Not that I don't love them all, but I especially love those two. I can't figure out if the Little Mermaid has come out on dvd yet or not. I'm hoping I didn't miss it! If anybody knows, get back to me!

I conquered the box!!!

2005-09-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today in class we did activities (occupations if you will) to observe and reflect on their meaning. It was great! I decided to try my hand at woodworking and created a little wooden box. It was fantastic. I had problems getting it nailed together though, so that took a long time, but I did it! I felt very accomplished because I did it all myself and didn't have anyone do any of the parts for me. I considered giving this box to someone as a gift, but I just can't part with it. It was hard to make and I want to just admire it all the time. I told my friend I was going to take it to class everyday and set it on the table beside me, so I can just look at it. We decided however that this may be deemed a little strange by my peers and thought it best not to actually bring it to class. Don't be surprised someday though when I have a picture of it posted somewhere!

Tacos, Scrapbooks and Mothers, Oh My!

2005-09-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a shopping expedition. My day started out with a very frustrating experience on Walmart.com. I was trying to send my pictures there to get developed, but things weren't going well, so I just gave up so I could leave and go to a couple garage sales. I didn't find anything great at said garage sales, but it was fun to go nonetheless! Then I remembered I could do 1 hour photo at Target. It was wonderful. For only a penny more per picture, I can support Target and not have to deal with Wal-Mart. Amazing! I was quite excited about this because this means that perhaps soon I'll be able to avoid Wal-mart altogether. Of course I'm still trying to figure out how to quit grocery shopping there without spending lots of extra money as they are the cheapest I've found. So, after dropping off my pictures I went to Hobby Lobby. I think scrapbooking is going to take over the world! There is just so much stuff!! It's craziness. After looking through everything for a good hour (and by everything I mean just the scrapbooking stuff), I purchased some things to work on my Colorado book. While I was there I saw a mom and daughter walking arm and arm around the store. The daughter looked to be close to my age and it just made me think of my mom because that is something she and I would do. It was a bittersweet moment! It made me smile becaue I love my mom, but sad because I sure do miss her! After Hobby Lobby I was getting hungry for some lunch and there was a Taco Bell in the little shopping center I was in. I have been meaning to go there for quite some time so I can get taco sauce packets to put in my quesadillas and I figured this was as good a time as any. I walked in, thinking that it was probably going to be expensive here, so I decided I could just get a taco or two to hold me over until I got home and could eat some already paid for and not by me food. I looked at the menu and low and behold, it is a lot CHEAPER than home, the 'Ville and everywhere else I've eaten Taco Bell. I found this to be quite exciting and I allowed myself to get a whole meal, for which I only paid $4.04 for, including tax. It's a happy day! After eating I stuffed taco sauce packets into my purse and felt like a little old lady stealing rolls or something. It made me laugh. So, needless to say I came home in a much better mood than when I left. I love Fort Collins!

Grrrr!!!!

2005-09-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

I'd like you all to know my current frustration. I went last night to the Larimer County Humane Society volunteer information session. I have decided I'd like to be a foster home for animals, since I can have them here, but I don't know where I'll be after this year, so I don't want to commit permanently yet. Unfortunately the meeting was full, so they weren't letting anyone else in. This was disappointing, but I wasn't too broken up as I figured there would be one next month and then Jenny could go with me anyway. Then they inform us that they won't be having another meeting until DECEMBER! That's forever away! After this information, I was frustrated and started looking online at other options. There are many dog rescue leagues, so I thought I'd try to be a foster home for Golden Retrievers, which I would like better than the humane society (where I would have mostly little kittens) anyway. Well, the girl emailed me back and said everything sounded great, but I don't have a fenced in yard and that is a requirement! Arg. So now I'm still looking, but feeling very defeated and frustrated. Jeesh. I'll keep you updated on my progress, but I'm not feeling good about this having the outcome I want!

I'm a Soccer Mom!

2005-09-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well, no of course I'm not really a soccer mom, but baby-sitting today sure made me feel like it! I got there and the little girl (Lauren, age 15 months) was already taking her nap, so I had some time to write a letter and watch a little Full House on the side. Then just as I was putting my computer away and getting ready to wake her up, we could go pick up her brother (Logan, age 3 yrs) from preschool, I heard her yelling, so yay for not actually having to wake her up and have her be crabby. I went up and gave me the sweetest, cutest smile ever, which I loved. Of course it could have just been because her diaper was full! Then I loaded her up in the family minivan and set off. At this point I really felt like a true soccer mom. It was crazy! Then I got there, got her out and went in to pick up Logan. Making me feel even more mommy like! Then when we got home I got them a snack and hung Logan's artwork up on his bulletin board. So, this whole time I felt like a mom and I wasn't sure how I felt about it! I definitely think I'm NOT ready for kids quite yet, but I do rather enjoy the ones I baby-sit!

Sadness

2005-09-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

So I had three random sad moments today and I've only been up for 2 hours! I was watching tv and I realized that every approximately every 7-8 years of my life I have lost a grandparent. The first when I was almost 7, the second at 14 and the third at barely 22. I didn't really like this pattern as I'd like to think that my remaining grandma will live for a long time still. So, we'll see how that works out!
Then I turned off my old cell phone for the last time. It was really depressing because it means the phone number I had for almost 6 years is really gone. I almost cried because it represented a chapter in my life that has closed. Quite sad indeed.
On the way to the post office I was hit with a bit of homesickness. I don't normally get homesick, but occassionally when I'm feeling emotional already (which if you read the first two paragraphs you'll see that I was ) it pops up. Luckily I am trained in handling such awful feelings and I can snap myself out of it fairly quickly!
So this has been my day so far. Hopefully it will get better this afternoon!

Thoughts of Yesterday

2005-09-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am quite enjoying biking around Fort Collins. I think I have already biked more here than I did in my four years at Truman. It's nice because it's fairly flat, there are bike racks everywhere and there are bike lanes on busy roads. All in all, it is a very bike friendly town. I can't wait to check out the trails!
Last night I went out with a bunch of girls from class. Thursdays a great night to go out, but of course here they don't hold a candle to the fun I had at Dukum every Thursday. One absolutely great thing about bars in Fort Collins, is the smoke in the bars. There is none! There is no smoking in public places, which means I don't come home smelling like an ashtray when I got out! Can't beat that! That should be reason enough for everyone to come visit!

I Finally Caved

2005-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. I finally caved and created a blog. Something I insisted I would never do. Such is life I suppose! I don't currently have much to write about other than I'm glad tomorrow is Wednesday! I think Wednesdays are my favorite of the basic 5 workdays. I only have a lab from 8 to 9:40, then the rest of the day is mine to do whatever I want. Can't beat that, right?