And my least favorite holiday has come and gone.

I am quite a scrooge when it comes to Christmas, but as always, I make it through with minimal distress. This year was very different and very mellow. I actually enjoyed the visits with family, and nothing destructive happened at any gathering. Lovely. I got a lot of nice stuff, but nothing too big. It's getting to the point where I don't even want or need anything for Christmas. Just the company of those I love is enough for me.

Anyhow, the new year is so close. I can't help it. Every year I make a nice little new year's resolution. This year I have a couple. The thing is, I don't make unrealistic promises. Rather, I really think about where I need to make some very necessary changes in my life, and I make them. For the most part, I make them work too. Hopefully this year brings some fresh air I desperately need. And it should because a lot of new experiences await me.

This past year has been filled with more adventure, sadness, happiness, and maturation than any other year. I've loved, been loved, lost someone I really loved, and gained some amazing friends. The relationships I have valued have not disappointed me, and my amazing friends have only moved closer to my heart. I feel like a lot of the toxic people have been removed from my life. In my daily life, I am genuinely happy and fulfilled with the people surrounding me. That was a big step for me. Then, I look at all I've accomplished this year, and I honestly could not be prouder of myself and my dedication. I went to Spain and have more memories and cultural knowledge than ever. My independence has grown more and more. After everything happening, I feel content. I am happy. There are only a couple things missing, but hopefully those will fall into place soon. Have you ever sat down or relaxed and your body finds the absolute perfect position? You don't want to move, you don't want to get up, and you can sit back and savor every bit of life around you? Well, here I am. I am in my perfect position and I don't feel like moving right now. So, all that's left to do this year is to sit back and breathe in the life around me until the new breeze of 2008 picks up and carries me away into a new year.

"People universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you’re fortunate enough. But that’s not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world to look for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don’t, you will leak away your innate contentment. It’s easy enough to pray when you’re in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments." –Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love

Poison kisses in the rain

I can't believe it is already so close to Christmas. So, like other breaks I have been playing hermit. I have finished one book, and I have three more I want to read before break is over. It looks like I will be getting much more quality reading time this break too.
For some reason, this whole year has been filled with disappointments. They keep coming and coming, and this break it seems like I am really getting hit hard with them. Apparently, 2007 has not filled her quota on disappointments, so she's trying extra hard to make sure she gets her last few in before the new year. I hope 2008 doesn't even have a quota for disappointments or I may not make it through. I am constantly working hard, trying harder, and swimming upstream all the while. I can't wait to reach land and relax for awhile...this hard work better pay off at some point. I just feel like in every single area of my life, I am not getting anywhere.
In other news, I went to some bars last night with some friends, and although it was fun, it still doesn't beat a good book, a glass of wine, and a comfy chair. I suppose I enjoy getting intellectually drunk rather than dancing like a moron drunk. Oh well.
I believe that is all I feel like writing at the moment. My bed looks inviting, and frankly, I've had enough of today...

"We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude."

I ate floam yesterday.

So, honestly, I do not understand the point of study days. Call me a dork, but I would much rather go straight from classes into final exams. The stuff is fresh in my head, I am in productive mode, and then I would get done way faster. But no, we have had study days since Friday, and by now I'm stir crazy and I have completely wiped my brain of all information. Now I am trying to jam it all back in there, and it is not working because procrastination is ruling my life.
Today I got inducted into a lovely little honor society which forced me to leave my room. I have only left once on Friday this entire weekend until today. I have been being a hermit and sleeping at least 10 hours per night. Sure, it sounds great. I am getting my body back to being happy. However, I would much rather do that after finals are over and everything is out of the way.
Well, the lovely Flyers beat Louisville (ranked #11) yesterday. It was quite exciting. However, today my Steelers lost to the Patriots. Looks like they are going to have an undefeated season. Bummer. And it wasn't even on regular television. So, I had to go to Bdubs and then Champps to watch it. What is that? I love watching football from the comfort of my couch. But what is even better is actually being at the game, and I get to be there next week! Yes! I cannot wait!
The past couple of months have been full of bad news and sad stories. Just a small reminder to make sure people know you care about them. And be careful. Be thoughtful. Be loving and caring and genuine. Who knows when everything can be taken away.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same"

101 Dalmations...NO SILLY! 101 Posts!

Welcome Christmas, Welcome December. Reasons why I am loving December? My LSAT is over. My applications will be completed soon. The busiest and most stressful semester yet will be finished soon. I get three whole weeks of pure relaxation!
So, this past week was supposed to be super easy and calm, but no. Professors do not believe in easy and calm in my life. Rather, hectic and difficult are important qualities for my life to have. But, like always, I'm getting through. Really, what else can you do? You can indeed surprise yourself with what your mind and body can handle.
We got a lovely little snowstorm, and no matter how much I hate the cold and snow, I have to admit that it is one of the most beautiful things mother nature gives us. The first snow is always the most beautiful too. Although, I would have preferred that my car not be buried under it. I had to scrape it all off today while the wind blew the snow right back in my face. Thanks a lot Snow Miser.
Tomorrow is the last day of classes, and believe me, it could not have come soon enough. Then I'm off to Columbus to visit my family for the weekend. It is very necessary, and I am really excited to get there. I try to make it a point to see them as much as possible, and it's been way too long for me since I've been there last.
Well, there's a little update, but I should be getting some rest. I'm still fighting off this preschool cough/cold thing.

"Many can rise to the occasion, but few know when to sit down."

Wedding Dance First As A Couple FUNNY Baby Got Back

This could be what I am going to do for my first dance. This is great!

Music is my boyfriend!

Well, Thanksgiving was a culinary success of course! I am really really missing the amazing food now. I had tuna-nuna casserole tonight along with my last piece of blackberry pie. Yes, my last reminder of Thanksgiving is in my belly! So sad, let me tell you.
So, this week has been interesting. I have been waking up super early to get used to waking up early for the LSAT on Saturday. I am anxious, excited, and nervous for the LSAT to be over with. I really hope I get a good score. We shall see though. I feel prepared, and I feel like I have worked my butt off. This week, however, is all about staying healthy, getting enough sleep, and relaxing. I'm treating my mind and body super well this week. If only I could give this much time and attention to myself every week.
Next week will be a long, dragging week since it's finally the last week of classes. The last couple weeks of the semester always go so slow, and this semester is no exception to the rule. My finals should not be too bad, but I really want to pull all As this semester so my GPA gets higher and my transcript looks wonderful. I cannot believe I'll be entering my last real semester of undergrad in what...6 weeks! How crazy. It's starting to get bittersweet, and I'm starting to think about things as my last time of doing something. I also get a little freaked out when I begin to think about leaving Dayton knowing I won't be coming back. Weird. At the same time, I'm ready and excited to see where I'll be spending the next three years of my life. Woo hoo!
The first real snow happened over Thanksgiving. I didn't even know it was coming; it surprised me when I woke up. Someone could have warned me. Blah. And to think, I didn't even bring a winter coat or winter shoes home for break, and it snowed. Thank goodness every time I go home, I am bombarded with gifts, and my gifts this time fit the weather perfectly.
The other day in my one class we were talking about environmental, population, natural resource, and other problems around the world. The one fact that really blew my mind was that each day, some people in the world live on only 1.3 gallons of water. In the U.S. when we flush the toilet, we use 1.6 gallons. How insane is that?! Also, a lot of people in the world live on $2 a day. Next time you get a Starbucks coffee, think of all the people who only have that for one day...and you are just buying a coffee. Be aware of waste in your life. No one needs waste or clutter, and I guarantee you'll feel better when it's gone.
Well, Project Runway is on now. I must watch and sleep.

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed." -Gandhi

To Do: Blog About the To Do List Blog

So, I just happened to happen upon a really neat blog. It's www.todolistblog.com. As an avid to-do list maker (yes, I have a daily to-do list every single day), I feel as though this is really cool. The book looks really interesting too. Check it out!
Anyhow, the week is halfway over, thank goodness. I am kinda dying. It's one of those weeks where I feel as though I'm trying so hard to swim above the water and keep moving forward, but I'm just treading water, my head going under at some points. At least I hopefully don't have to work tomorrow, and I definitely have Friday off. I need it...badly. I also need to get home soon for break. I am just so excited to have Thoryn coming because I know I'm going to have a great, carefree couple of days with him.
The LSAT is in two and a half weeks. I am kind of freaking out, but it really hasn't hit me yet. All my letters of recommendation have been turned in. All that is missing from my applications is my Dayton transcript and my LSAT score. Crazy. I keep getting excited for next year, but at the same time, I keep getting slightly scared. I get to live alone, perhaps in a different city. This sounds exciting, but at the same time a little scary. I'm just anxious to see where I'll be. Who even knows at this point.
Life just keeps twisting and turning...I have no idea what's around the corner.

"Television is the first truly democratic culture – the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what the people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do want." –Clive Barnes

That's a lot of tubas!

So, today was quite the eventful day. I went to classes, and of course those were less than eventful. But afterwards, Erin, Amanda, and I went shopping because Erin and Amanda needed shirts to wear to our party tomorrow night. Erin drove, and of course, she hit a parked car. Haha. That was the fourth immovable object she's hit in her time. She's my idol and hero. If I only I could hit as many non-moving objects as Erin does.
The other interesting event is that our toilet overflowed today in our apartment. I mean, overflowed as in the sense that our entire bathroom was flooded. Great. At least no one poo-pooed in it. It just overflowed because it has the flu. Poor sicky little toilet. Don't worry, it's fixed now.
So, I have 5 projects due next week, and most of those projects are group projects. Which mean they will definitely come down to the wire. I'll finish up most of them this weekend, I hope. Otherwise, I have all my homework done for the next 2 weeks. It's crunch time for the LSAT, so I need to start putting all my time and energy into studying for that big test.
Good news is that Thoryn is coming to visit next weekend. I really am excited to see him, and he's staying for 5 days, so it will be a nice long visit. Woo hoo! A nice reward after many weeks of hard work.
I am getting very anxious to go home for Thanksgiving. I really do need a break and some good home-cooked food. Today I ate shells and cheese for dinner. I definitely am lacking in the motivation to cook department. Oh well...as long as I keep surviving. That's all that matters.
Well, I'm off to watch a movie and sleep. I need sleep so much. Last night the roomies and I played some Family Feud and What the F*uck? drinking games. Let me tell you, no more drinking on Wednesday nights for this little girl. It's not even that I drank a lot or that I was hungover today. It's more like the lack of sleep is hurting me. And I need to start really taking care of myself because I do not want to be sick for the LSAT.

"Regardless of whether there is such things as heaven or hell, it is preferable to do good deeds."

Preschoolers should cover their mouths while they are coughing!

First, there's my lovely Halloween costume. I enjoyed my suspenders a lot. I may wear them random other times. It was a good one, and I'm totally using that hat during the winter here on campus.
Second, I finished all my law school applications finally. Now it's crunch time for the LSATs. I will study after I'm done with my lovely blog post.
So, tonight I am going to a semi-formal with my roomies. I am excited because it's basically a high school dance all over again. Haha. YES! I get to relive all those wonderful high school years...yeah right. I wouldn't go back if you paid me a million dollars. The main point of tonight is that Erin is finally turning 21. I've been waiting for this day since I decided Erin was my friend...which was over two years ago. I am super excited for her! Last night I even taught her the quintessential drinking games: kings, screw the dealer, and quarters. She luckily already knows beer pong. Tonight will be fun!
So, the weather is getting colder which means soon I will become a horribly crabby girl from the coldness of the north. One day I'll get out of this cold.
Well, I'm off to work out (even though I may cough up a lung while I'm doing it because my preschools tend to cough all over me every day) and then study for the LSATs and then get prettied up for tonight. Woo hoo!

"Everything happens to everybody sooner or later if there is time enough." –George Bernard Shaw

I don't bite...I just like to nibble a little...

Monday, Monday, Monday. I hope this week goes fast. I hope the next 6 weeks go fast because then my semester will be over. I always feel bad wishing away days and weeks because before you know it, time has completely passed you by. That's the thing about life - you always expect it to get better, so you wait around for when everything falls together like it should. Does that really ever happen? Or when it does, do we even realize it? I'm thoroughly convinced that life is always this hard, always this annoying, always this long, and always this busy. I am accepting this and moving on. Until I am retired, I will be working my butt off. The end.
Anyhow, this past weekend was parents' weekend here. It was a ton of fun. I am really happy with my relationship with my parents. They are parents still, but now they are even more. It's really like having two besties around for the weekend. Except they go to bed slightly earlier than my other besties and won't drink out of beer pong cups. Haha. I like getting older and being more in control of my own stuff. I guess the weirdest thing about this weekend is the fact that we have no clue where I'll be next year. It's a big mystery.
Speaking of where I'll be next year, my applications for law school are almost done. I will send them all out by Wednesday...I guess those will be my Halloween present for myself.
I got my lumberjack costume in its entirety now. All I need are some kind of pair of boots which I'm sure I'll be able to borrow from someone. I just want to wear my suspenders. And I'm glad I am not dressing like a slut. I just read an article from Newsweek about younger and younger girls dressing suggestively for Halloween. There are literally 5 and 6 year-old costumes that are french maids and pirate wenches. Lovely, huh? Let's just keep reestablishing those gender roles earlier and earlier. I was looking at some pictures online of friends' costumes, and I saw one girl who was a Deal or No Deal girl. She just wore a dress and carried around a numbered suitcase. I thought that was super easy and super clever. Oh well, I'm a lumberjack! I can deal with that decision.
Well, it's off to preschool for me. Lovely.

"When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self." -Confucius

Ask and you shall receive.

This is only my second blog post in October, and October has almost come and passed. I have been so crazy busy this month. Midterms, birthdays, LSAT studying, law school applications, and even more! Not much has changed. Still working at preschool, still being productive and all that jazz. I finally narrowed down my law school search to 6, that's right, 6 fabulous schools that are as follow: U of Dayton, U of Pittsburgh, Duquesne U, Columbia U, George Washington U, and U of Maryland. Woo hoo! I am incredibly excited, and I can't wait to figure out where I'll be spending the next 3 years of my life. I am anxious to see where I get in too because a couple of the schools are top notch.
So, Halloween is right around the corner, and I am quite upset because there is nothing Halloween-y on television. How about no Hocus Pocus!? I think I may have to buy it this weekend because a year without Hocus Pocus is a year I don't want to see. I have my Halloween costume all figured out. The suspenders are my favorite part of my fabulous lumberjack costume. I missed Halloween last year, and this year I will make sure I celebrate Halloween the way the ghosts and ghouls want me to.
Well, I am super super sleepy, and I have planned to skip my first class tomorrow, so I should get some extra shut eye. Night all. I promise I won't leave you hanging for long again.

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." –Louisa May Alcott

Busy as a Bee!

It has been so long since I've had time to write anything. It's been a crazy life, and I've been living it. School picked up a lot because we finally hit midterms. I had 4 midterms last week, and we only had 3 days of classes. It was insane. Also last week I made a lil visit to Columbus for Saturday. It was fun. Then Sunday my much anticipated Maroon 5 concert was absolutely amazing. Maroon 5 is now able to do what they want to do because they are headlining, and it was incredible.

So, the biggest news is that on Friday I turned the big 2-1. It was all I've ever dreamed of and more of course. I had an amazing weekend at home with all my favorites. However, it went way too fast. I don't have any motivation to start doing schoolwork again at all. Instead of getting rest, I had a super packed weekend. Today I am exhausted, but it was worth it. I celebrated for 4 days, but now I am done celebrating finally. You only turn 21 once though, so you have to make it a big celebration!

I took the practice LSAT on Saturday, yes the morning after my 21st, and now I'm waiting for the results to see if I should apply to upper level law schools or not. I really hope I did really well. It was hard, but I was expecting hard so it's not like I was surprised by the hardness of it at all. We'll see what happens. I'm anxious.
This week actually shouldn't be too bad at all for me. I feel like I actually have my life under control at least for now. I just am much more mellow now than I've ever been in my life. I don't know why...I have a couple theories though. I think the biggest is that since we've lost Ryan, my life was thrown into perspective a lot more than it ever has been. I take everything with a grain of salt, especially when I know it won't matter in the end. I think my friendships and relationships with certain people have been strengthened a lot, and I'm happy. I know I have made it clear, but once again, I have the greatest group of friends anyone could ever ask for.

"Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever." -Isak Dinesen

Why We Fight 4/4

The final part of the documentary.

Why We Fight 3/4

The third part of the documentary.

Why We Fight 2/4

Part two of the documentary.

Why We Fight 1/4

The first part of a great documentary about American military and defense. If you have an hour and half or even just a little time, watch these.

1,2,3,4 Tell Me That You Love Me More

Tomorrow is my first exam, and I have only studied for maybe 15 minutes. I should be studying now, but hey, this is so much more important to do.
This past weekend was fun. I got a much-needed dosage of Amanda Joe and Mountain Dew and Coldstone on Friday night. Saturday night was pretty relaxing and fun with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Sunday I went shopping and bought two very nice pairs of pants and the Steelers won! I can't complain, at all.
This week is going fast already. I know, it's only Monday, how can I tell. However, this weekend I am going to visit one of my besties, and I'm super excited, so I know the week will go fast. Not to mention I have tons of work and I have preschool duty all week.
Tonight I had a very fun experience at Coldstone. Mere, Rach, and Erin dragged me there. I was sitting in a chair waiting for them to order because I wasn't getting any ice cream. I have no money, and I didn't want all the calories. Some guy walks up to me, sets his ice cream on the table I was sitting at, and asked me if I wanted to share his ice cream with him because he got too much. He got another cup and spoon, and I got some free Coldstone. The best part is that he didn't even sit down or try to talk to me or ask me for my number. He gave me the ice cream and said goodbye. He was nice enough. What a perfect man.
Other than that, life is hectic and busy. I'm just excited for this weekend away, the next weekend for the Maroon 5 concert, and the next weekend for my birthday!!! Woo hoo! October is going to be FABULOUS!

"What makes life so difficult? People." –An Affair to Remember

after 100 times its still funny!

Please, take 4 seconds out of your day to watch this.

Something soothing, something good...

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Pile of Stuff

Well, the weekend is officially over for me. I had a good one. I got to sleep in, have fun, and eat some good stuff. We celebrated Cow's birthday with a lovely dinner out and some mini golf and cupcakes and chocolate doughnuts. I accidentally bit Amanda Joe's finger when she tried to feed me a doughnut...why? Cuz I'm a lil piggy. I played basketball this weekend too. I'm still sore. I get a little too spastic and competitive. Oh well though.

Tonight I studied some more for my LSATs. It's super hard. I guess I still have time to study, but I'm super nervous, and I swear whenever I'm done with the 6 hour test on December 1st, I will be completely brain dead. That night will be purely celebratory. I've already decided.

Anyhow, my Steelers won again today. YES! So, all in all this weekend has been just grand. I get to visit my Rachel in two weeks, and I get to see Maroon 5 in three and go home in three and a half. Then the semester is half way done...time is racing by.

"I’ve dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me over after, and changed my ideas; they’ve gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind." –Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights

Eggo Monster!

Life has picked up drastically, and I am busy literally every minute from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Every second is scheduled in my life; I may even need another planner to fit all my stuff. I even have to schedule social time. Goodness. However, it will all pay off because I am graduating a year early and hopefully entering law school in Fall 2008. The weird thing is even though I'm so busy, I am not stressed out...at all. Very interesting considering all that's on my plate right now.
So, college is good, but I'm kinda ready to move on. I have my closest friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life, and other than that, I think I am perfectly ready to move on. Getting drunk every weekend isn't fun anymore for me. And I never was one for hooking up with random people like everyone seems to be obsessed with. Who knows. I'm just excited for a challenge because high school definitely was not, and honestly, college hasn't been too big of a challenge academically for me either. Law school promises to make me work really hard and challenge my brain a lot. Being the nerd that I am, I am super excited to actually be tired from thinking.
Preschool is going really well. I truly enjoy my job a lot. The kids are so sweet. I was talking to my mom before about how we have such a lovey, touchy-feely family, and when I'm at school I don't get the random hugs and cuddles I get all the time at home. So, all the random hugs and love from the lil kids have really saved me a lot. I enjoy every single one, and I think it really is a big reason why I'm not as stressed as I could potentially be.
Other than that I've been happy. And being happy is important. I guess if anything is bothering me, it's probably the fact that I'm kinda ready to move on. But since I'm doing that, I have no complaints. :)

"I don’t believe that good things come to those who wait. I believe that good things come to those who want it so bad, they can’t sit still." –Ashton Kutcher

Jason from Laguna and Bubba Sparxx? A match made in heaven.

So, I have found my new guilty television pleasure. I'm pleased to announce, Celebrity Rap Superstar! It is honestly a great show, and if you can catch it, please do...if only for a good laugh.
My preschool teacher career has begun, and it's off to a great start. The only problem I am going to have is disciplining the kids. I want to be their friends, but I have to correct them if they break the rules. I put my first child in the "think-it-over" spot today. Congrats to me.
I really don't have much more to write...I have a ton going on, but nothing I feel like writing about. Just busy busy busy all the time. Work, classes, internships, friends, etc.

"I guess that’s all forever is. Just one long trail of nows. And I guess all you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked up about the last now or the next now."

I need this train to break down...

After a weekend with family, I feel refreshed and at peace to start my semester all over again. The past three weeks have been a complete whirlwind, and it just hasn't let up on me. I got to visit Ry, hang with my family, go on a two hour motorcycle ride, and eat some good food. I also got to get some amazing cuddle time with multiple amazing, important people. It felt good to just relax. A hug for me is the best medicine for any problem.
Anyhow, I guess the reason I decided to write was because everything seems to be going slightly downhill around me for everyone I know. First it was Ry, and now I've heard two other sad stories. I just got another one tonight. My heart just keeps breaking and breaking. Is this also part of getting older? How to deal with grief and horrible surprises. It's hard to deal with. Really hard. My thoughts are with everyone who's having hardships. I feel horrible about everything.
Tomorrow I start my job as a preschool teacher...good luck to me. I just hope everything calms down and everyone finds some peace.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts,
And we are never ever the same." –Flavia Weed

Crank That Soldier Boy

So, I was trying to show my roomie the dance to Crank That, and I happened upon this hilarious video of three preppy guys trying to Crank That. This is hilarious. If you haven't seen the right way it's done, please feel free to compare. As always, Enjoy!

My first wonderful college weekend of the year.

Ahhh...It's one o'clock, and I am still in my pj's. I have had a waffle for breakfast, I have caught up on my news, and I have read one chapter for one of my classes. I slept until 11, and I stayed in bed until at least 11:30. Life doesn't get much sweeter. Granted, I have a lot to do today to be productive, but I have all day long to do it. How great.
Anyhow, this week was one of constant meetings, classes, and sorting out my life. Now that all of that is done, I can dive right into my job, internship, classes, and friends. A routine will start forming shortly, and I will begin to feel more at home. I better, anyhow.
So, Dave Matthews Band was amazing as usual. I just love his shows - it doesn't get much better than Dave. Mere and Rach were tons of fun. I think I inhaled enough second hand smoke to last me for awhile, considering I was coughing all the next morning.
The weather here has been unbearably warm. The heat index is soaring, and the humidity is killer. It was supposed to break last night, but I haven't been outside today to know if it actually has broken a bit. I feel so bad for people on campus who have no air conditioning. Yuck. The campus actually opened the Rec for people to sleep in if they wanted. Also, most Dayton public schools were canceled or got out of classes early on Thursday and Friday. You know it's really hot if schools are getting dismissed early.
Luckily, it did not flood here though. A lot of Ohio areas are in a state of emergency, including some areas pretty close to here. I don't know what I would even do if we flooded. So much damage would be done.
Well, I'm off to be productive. Wish me luck!

"August belongs to those who love the splendor of sunsets, and who secretly dream of dancing barefoot by the light of the moon." –Inspirations Daily Calendar

Can I get a tattoo of an acid trip please?

School is back into full swing yet again. Today was the first day of classes, and I have to say I feel a lot better about everything because I am starting to be busy and have some direction. So far the classes are good, but I still have to make it through tomorrow.
Tomorrow, however, is going to be a blast because Rach, Mere, and I bought Dave Matthews concert tickets for Cincy! I am super excited because he's the best. Also, I am going out on a school night...risky for me.
It's weird to be a junior now. I'm an upperclassman, but I still feel kind of like a freshman going to classes. What is that? Isn't this stuff supposed to get easier? Goodness.
I'm still missing Ry a lot, but I am realized he is with me always. We put a poster of "Footprints" up in our apartment in the living room. It was his favorite, and every time I look at it, I am flooded with feelings of Ryan. He's always on my mind, and he's always in my heart.
I'm missing my family and some other people from home a lot, but I'm so happy here with my friends that I am back to finding a nice balance between the two.
I have decided that I am going to work my butt off to try to get into Columbia University Law School, even though it's the 6th hardest school to get into in the US. Like my sister said, I'm the 6th smartest person in the world so it shouldn't be hard. Haha. If only it was so easy.

"I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it..." -Marilyn Monroe

I am not a good goodbyer...

Well, it's off to school once again. Leaving this time is almost as hard as leaving the very first time. I am kind of dreading being away from my family, especially after what happened with Ry. It's rough, and I've been having some really rough days. Hopefully my friends at UD will help me out a lot. I am pretty sure they will.

As soon as I get back to school, I begin to work and study. Yuck. I guess now I have to start setting markers of things to look forward to. That always helps get through the long weeks. Usually I am always looking forward to the weekends. Weekends at college are the best, and I am totally excited about them.

Today I had to say a few hard goodbyes, and I have discovered that I really stink at saying goodbye, especially to people I really care about. I am the blubbering crier. Goodness gracious, just what I've always wanted to be.

Tonight as I was saying goodbye to T, the wind was blowing. Only it wasn't a warm summer breeze; the chill of autumn has begun to sweep through the trees and around me. So, tonight I said goodbye to T and goodbye to summer. But what a spectacular summer I've had.

"Goodbyes make you think, they make you realize what you’ve had and what you lost and what you’ve taken for granted."

Sometimes life is unfair...

Yesterday, everyone lost a little piece of themselves when my cousin passed away. It's hard enough when someone is gone, but to know that his life ended at only 18 year just makes everything worse. I can't imagine what my aunt, uncle, and cousins are going through without him. I can't even imagine my life without him, let alone theirs. Ryan was the sweetest, smartest, and overall the most genuine person you could imagine. He was going to Miami of Ohio on a scholarship, and he wanted to become a doctor to save lives. Please let this be a lesson to everyone: be careful when you are drinking. Know your limits. Don't push it. It's not worth it. That one more drink can affect your own life and hundreds of others, as Ryan's unfortunate death has proven. Please keep my family in your prayers and thoughts. Rest in Peace, Ryan. I love you.

Death is nothing at all.

It does not count.

I have only slipped away into the next room.

Everything remains as it was.

The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.

Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no sorrow in your tone.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.

Let it be spoken without effort

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was.

There is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well.

Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.

Brandon, Ryan's little brother, made a website for Ryan. Here it is: http://www.freewebs.com/aslongasyoulovme/index.htm

Praying, Hoping

Usually my blogs are goofy and light-hearted. Today, that is not the case. We got a call this morning at 5 from my aunt telling us that my cousin, who is only 18 and about to start his freshman year of college, was being rushed to the hospital. He was drinking with friends. He started puking then passed out. At some point (we don't know how long his friends waited), they realized he wasn't breathing anymore, and they called an ambulance. He is now in intensive care on a ventilator. The doctors say it looks bleak. Please if you read this, keep him and my family in your prayers. And please, be careful when you are drinking.

"That which does not kill us, makes us stronger."

Walk it out...awwww snap!

Today has been so boring because I have not been managing my time well. I got so much done this weekend that I had absolutely nothing to do today. I worked out, packed some more, and went through my desk in my room. Now I have absolutely nothing at all to do. Honestly, this is ridiculous. I will probably spend the rest of today reading...but that's a good thing. Once I get back to work and school, I won't have any time at all to read.
I have been talking to everyone from UD, and I am getting so excited to get back. Even though there are definitely some people here I will desperately miss. I guess I get to go back to balancing everything. Fun.
I just finished a book the other day, and it was a great book. It could easily be one of my favorites ever. It's called Brothers and it's by an author named Da Chen. It perfectly mixed fiction with history to make a great story. I really enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it!
Nothing else has happened at all in my life. Que aburrido!

"Along with the idea of romantic love, she was introduced to another - physical beauty. Probably the most destructive ideas in the history of human thought. Both originated in envy, thrived in insecurity, and ended in disillusion." -The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison

Jake Brown falls 40+ feet LIVE on ESPN X Games XIII BIG SLAM

This is absolutely insane, and if you haven't seen it yet you need to. Please watch his shoes just completely fly off. And he got up and walked off, even though he did go to the hospital. These guys are insane. I would hate to be the competitor to go after him.

Sometimes it's better to just keep your mouth shut.

Ever watch Mean Girls? You know the word vomit? Well, I tend to have that. I guess mine isn't quite word vomit because before I ask the question or make the statement, I usually think about it for awhile until it creeps up to my lips then flies out. Usually when I ask these questions, I don't get answers I like. I should probably just stop asking. But can I really live without knowing the answers - even if they are answers I don't want to hear? Dang word vomit.
So, this week has been pretty nice and relaxing, but somewhat boring. My sister hasn't been here, so I've been lonesome. Tonight she comes home though! I am very excited. I am also very excited to show her my new shopping purchases because there have been many this week. Lovely.
Last night I got to go to Sarris chocolates and the strangest thing ever happened - the sundae I got, the sundae I always get, was too much chocolate for me, and it was making me sick. I couldn't even finish it, but I usually scarf that baby down in five minutes or less. It was a sad, sad day in Ashley history.
Another news announcement. I ran over four miles today! Woo freakin hoo! And that was at eight in the morning going on five hours of sleep. Imagine what I could do when I wasn't a sleeping zombie. I still don't like running though. Oh well.
Well, wrapping up, I just want to say I'm still happy. And this summer coming to an end has been overall an amazing one. I have had so many great experiences, not to mention rekindling some great friendships. It's been a good one: a really, really good one.

"Life’s like a movie, write your own ending, keep believing, keep pretending. We did just what we set out to do. Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers, and you." –The Muppet Movie

I have a new title...yes, I am a press secretary now.

Life is really picking up, and I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed. I mean, I understand I only have two more weeks of summer left. But I thought those two weeks would be filled with ice cream and swimming pools. However, they are being filled with packing, internships, and appointments. The two slow summer weeks I had envisioned are now replaced with two hectic weeks. I actually will be happy to get to UD because life will slow down a little once I settle in...well, hopefully.
Anyhow, I have gained the title of press secretary for a city council campaign in Beavercreek, Ohio. I am quite excited just for the experience. We shall see how everything goes, but at least it gives me one internship under my belt. Now, I just have to find a job and an internship for the summer. Oh, not to mention I have to take the LSATs in less than a year.
Ok, on to better things. Yesterday I bought a super cute dress that I am very excited about. Now, I just have to find a place to wear it. Anyone want to take me out somewhere fancy? Then I also got to use my Spanish yesterday as well. My dad's friend has a guy from Mexico working for him. They came over to work on our garage, and they stayed for dinner. So, I got to talk to the Mexican named Chewy during dinner and help translate. My parents were pretty impressed I think. And I did a pretty good job. Another goal was reached this morning. I went running on the usual 4 mile run we go on, and I actually finished all 4 miles without walking or stopping. I am so proud of myself! There's all my new, exciting updates on life. How exciting!
I am getting overly excited for UD, and I started sorting everything to start packing today. I'm insane, but I love packing early. I have to go through everything to decide what I need to buy though, so two weeks is definitely a good time to start I think. And two weeks is really going to fly by.
Also, an update on the pink doughnut from the Simpsons' movie posters...I still haven't found the thing. But I'm still looking. Tomorrow I am taking a trip to Doughnut Connection. Wish me luck!

"Doing easily what other find difficult is talent; doing what is impossible for talent is genius." -Henri-Frederic Amiel

The Simpsons' doughnut has been following me...and I want to eat it...NOW.

So, something quite random and amazing at the same time happened Friday night. Yes, I was offered a free trip to New York City with a friend, his brother, and his mom. Of course I said yes! I got to add to my travels this summer.

I have only been to NYC once in my life, and I barely remember everything, so I had a great time this time. I am now an expert on subways and just traveling in general from being in Spain for all that time. I felt very confident about what I was doing...imagine that.

Anyhow, everything was absolutely amazing. It's NYC - how could it be anything less? My friend showed off his driving skills by actually driving into the city. I give him major credit for that. He only almost hit one guy, a guy who was doing the pedestrian shuffle. If you want to see it, ask next time you see me. We braved the subway (yucky, dirty, stinky, confusing place). We saw all the typical tourist stuff. We ate NY pizza and cheesecake and deli sandwiches and hot dogs. My friend ordered tongue at the deli, so of course I tried that. It had no taste, but the texture was quite interesting. I felt like I was chewing my own tongue. Oh, and the fact that the taste buds were still on it made it pretty gross. We took a horse and buggy carriage ride through Central Park which was a lot of fun. Then, my friend and I went to see Columbia University because I really wanted to see it. I am in love. I want to go to law school there so badly. It is absolutely gorgeous, and you can't even tell you are in New York. I honestly, truly am in love.

The craziest part was driving home. It took us 9 hours because we had car trouble, and we got lost. By the end of the ride, all four of us were completely stir crazy and laughing at absolute nonsense. The whole trip was a ton of fun, and I'm really glad I got to go. It is definitely one of the highlights of my summer.

So, I only have about two more weeks before it's back to Dayton. I am getting excited, but I have so much to do. I think my summer travels are over now. It is pretty sad. If I had all the money I could ever want, I would travel everywhere. I absolutely love traveling I have decided. Hopefully, I will be able to continue this traveling streak into the year. But for now, it is sunshine and relaxing to get ready to get back to the grind of college life.

"I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps. To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap. These little town blues are melting away. I'll make a brand new start of it in old New York. If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York." -Frank Sinatra

I'm so lucky lucky I'm so lovely lovely...

My smoker's hack is almost finished, thank goodness. I have lived with this stupid thing for five days now, and it is about time for it to leave.

The last couple of days have been relatively uneventful. I have been able to see a couple more friends. I have cleaned and straightened up and done laundry and even a little bit of cooking. I guess while I'm not working, I'll have to perfect my domestic skills.

Last night I hung out with a friend I have known since 6th grade. It was so much fun, but it really hit me that we are really growing up. He was telling me about his plans with his girlfriend, and I just couldn't believe we were at that age already. It's weird to think about...so I won't think about it anymore.

Also last night a group of people asked me to take their picture on Mt. Washington with the city in the background. It was a really pretty picture. Anyhow, the people were super nice, and I got a nice compliment...they told me I was a good photographer! That has never happened to me my entire life. I'm always the girl who has a picture with every one of her fingers in it. Lovely. So, it was nice to hear that I can actually take a nice picture now. I am growing up. Haha.

Today I went to the library to fill up on books for the three weeks I have to kill before heading back to school. The librarian had the same birthday as me, and she asked me to join her book club because she could tell I was a reader and she wanted someone my age in her club. I was so disappointed that I couldn't do it because I'm never at home. I really, honestly would have loved to be in a book club. Perhaps I can start my own in Dayton. Is it sad that I am looking forward to life after college partly because I can do things like book clubs because I'll have enough time? Does the word nerd come to your head when you are reading this?

Today ended up being a rainy day. I know it's bad, but I kind of hope tomorrow is a rainy day too. I would love to sleep in, read, and work out...just relax all day. I am loving being a complete bum right now.

Oh! My friend from Turkey told me yesterday that apparently while we were in Barcelona, there was a movie being filmed with Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson. I missed it. He sent me pictures, and I don't know how I could have missed an entire movie set on Las Ramblas, but I did. Please see the picture above to see what I missed. Woody is on the far left and Scarlett is the blonde in the middle. And now I'm bummed about it. I am Miss Obvious.

"There is only one way to be happy by means of the heart – to have none."

Jet lag is not a friend of mine.

What a lovely Monday I have had. What a lovely three days back home I have had. I have been able to lay around and sleep. I have been able to get some sun and spend time with family and friends. I even got to see Harry Potter today (which stunk by the way...don't waste your money).
I have no reason really for writing. Just feeling like it, and also just getting back to the blogging.
So, I went on a nice long motorcycle ride yesterday with my Daddy. It was wonderful to get back on the bike again...I missed it a lot. I don't even want to think about how much I'll miss it when I go back to Dayton. Anyhow, this weekend is a bike rally in Morgantown, and I am taking my own bike following my parents on my Dad's bike. I am super excited that my Dad is letting me drive myself there! And a real bike rally! Yes...I am truly a biker chick now. :) How wonderful!
I also have learned after returning home how amazing it is to have friends and family that care about me so much. I had pieces of birthday cake from birthdays that I missed waiting for me when I came home. I also got texts and messages from a ton of friends welcoming me back home. Honestly, I am one happy and lucky girl.
Right now is time to relax and enjoy every moment left in my summer.

"Spend your summer days like shiny dimes."

me encanta mi casa.

So, I actually did not get to blog from Spain. Probably because blogging takes so long it would have cost me an extra 20 euro or so...and euros and dollars do not exchange prettily. I learned that over there.

What can I say about Spain? Probably too much. It was different. Mostly different in a bad way, but in some good ways too. I missed so much - people, food, customs, little things in life. For instance, my parents brought me a peanut butter and jelly to the airport...because they do not have peanut butter. I live on peanut butter. The Spanish guys were pigs and jerks and horrible. I made friends from around the world: Turkey, the Netherlands, Dublin, Dominican Republic, Australia, Canada, Morroco, and the UK. There are way too many funny stories from meeting people. Oh, and apparently my name over there is completely unknown and original. Everytime I met someone, they would tell me what a beautiful name I have and just fuss over it the whole time. The food was interesting to get used to, but once I did I loved it. Oh, and it stinks to come home and not be 21. It was really nice to be able to drink wine with dinner or sangria with dinner. I tried so many new things. I ate a baby pig; like literally, the pig's leg was sitting on my plate. Haha. Believe that. And I liked it. A lot. My classes were horrible. I hated every minute of them. The weather was nice the entire time we were there; we never had one day of rain at all. Imagine that, 4 and a half weeks and no rain. I saw some beautiful scenes and places. My Spanish is much better. I have picked up a kind of Castillian Spanish accent (they lisp a little bit), and I can roll my r's when I am speaking. Imagine that. Just for the rolling r's this trip was worth it. I have stayed in nasty nasty hostels. I have danced with Spanish boys in Spanish bars. I have made a complete fool of myself, but I've also had intelligent conversations in Spanish. This trip has made me a much more well-rounded person. BUT it's SO good to be home.

So, my host mom smoked so much that right now I sound like I'm dying because I basically am quitting smoking and getting used to fresh air. There is so much I want to tell people, but I can't even talk because I don't have a voice. How sad. Haha.

Well, there will be more to come later, but I just had to update at least a little. I have never been happier to be in America in my entire life.

"You can never do enough insane things. You have to drink life." –Benjamin Lebert

You are refreshing, and I will miss you!

This is my last post in the US for awhile. Finally, the time has come...it came so quick!!! I'm excited, but I'm also nervous. It's weird to think as soon as I get there, I'm going to have to start speaking Spanish. I feel so rusty that I don't know how that will go down.
I'm going to miss everyone here, but this is going to be an experience I cannot pass up. It's weird though because as soon as I get used to home, I leave. Then as soon as I get used to Spain, I'll come back. Then I'll get used to being here again, and I'll head back to school. My life is that of a nomad, for real.
Well, this is super short and super boring, but nothing has really happened besides loads of packing. I'll be writing hopefully a couple of times from Spain. Hasta luego amigos!

"Con tu adios te llevas mi corazon."

Charlie The Unicorn

Thanks to a lovely friend who came to visit, this is my new favorite pointless youtube video. Enjoy!

La Casa Blanca

So, my passport still never came. Therefore, we had to travel all the way to Washington, D.C., this great nation's capital, in order to stand in a long line of people to figure out why I never got it. We arrived at 6:45 a.m. The line was already about 50 people long, and the agency did not open until 8:00 a.m. Coffee and cinnamon rolls helped us survive in line. After 2 hours we finally got to see someone, and she said, "Oh, your passport has already been sent out. FedEx has it, and I can't stop FedEx." Our trip to D.C. was pointless at this point. But then, hey, I've never ever been to D.C., so we decided to turn it into a little vacation and do some sight-seeing. We saw the White House (my future humble abode), the Washington Memorial, the Smithsonian, and a bunch of other stuff. It was absolutely gorgeous, and today I fell in love with the city. Maybe there was a reason we randomly had to visit...

Well, the next couple days are going to fly by. I can't believe Spain has come so quick!!! I still have lots to do, and for a non-procrastinator, I have procrastinated packing a lot. Oops!!!

I think this post deserves a couple quotes to close from my favorite person (haha).

"It is white." — President Bush after being asked by a child in Britain what the White House was like, July 19, 2001

"People say, how can I help on this war against terror? How can I fight evil? You can do so by mentoring a child; by going into a shut-in's house and say I love you." —President Bush, Washington, D.C., Sept. 19, 2002

"See, free nations are peaceful nations. Free nations don't attack each other. Free nations don't develop weapons of mass destruction." —President Bush, Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 3, 2003

"The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our number one priority and we will not rest until we find him." —President Bush, Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2001

"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority." —President Bush, Washington, D.C., March 13, 2002

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." —President Bush, Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004

want more good quotes? check out http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blbushdumbquotes2.htm

Spain?! Just bring those to Uniontown!!!

I am now recovering from an amazing long weekend...in fact, my last whole weekend here for awhile. So...here goes the update.
I left for Dayton on Thursday, and it was so nice to relax and see some good friends for a couple of days. However, the campus is so different when it's summer because there is no one there. For goodness sakes, there were parking spots everywhere in the ghetto! I got to go to the Rec more times in one day than I had the last semester at UD. I ate some good food, caught up on every one's lives, and slept in. YES! I miss Dayton, and I'm really excited to go back in the fall.
So, last night was my going away party with most of my friends from here. It was so much fun...a great way to be sent off. I played my first game of flip cup with the help of my mensa, J. He is one of K's best gay guy friends. He was incredibly nice, and he taught me all I know about flip cup. I did really well for my first time. Then there were a couple random guys that came with A and M. They were pretty hilarious. They talked about all the time they spent in jail and getting fines. Interesting. It was most definitely one of the funnest parties I've been to. I love mis amigos!
Today I got to ride in the Mustang with the top down for the first time. It was lovely, but my hair is completely in knots as I type, and it was in a ponytail. Crazy. Other than that, I should be napping right now, but I chose to write a little bit. Now, I shall nap.

"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator. But among those whom I love, I can. All of them make me laugh."

No, seriously, don't eat the worm.

Today was yet another adventure in my sister history. Aro decided it would be a great idea to go give blood today. I definitely did not want to, but when I got there I felt super guilty and gave in to the pressure. So, we go through the whole giving blood thing. Aro got done first, got up, and walked over to the snack area. I was still pumping out the red stuff. I look over at Aro and she's slumped between her knees then goes into a huge jerk and flips backwards over the chair and comes about 2 inches away from slamming her head into the floor. And I couldn't get up to do anything because I was still giving blood. It was honestly one of the scariest things to watch...even though I've seen it a ton of times because Amanda's really good at fainting. Then, I had to be in time out after I was done giving blood because they thought I'd faint like my sister, even though I've never fainted in my entire life. The sisters were sitting in the little cots eating cookies and drinking juice, waiting to get out of time out. Lovely. At least we saved some lives. :)
Other than that today was quite boring, besides the fact that I could not calm myself to keep still. I don't know what was going on, but I woke up at 8:30 and never stopped bopping around after that. I cleaned, did laundry, worked out, and just paced the house. I got my hair cut today. It looks exactly the same. Oh well.
Tonight is super boring, but tomorrow I get to go visit my friends at UD. I am really excited because it will be like a mini vacation for me. I get to talk and hang out. I will have nothing to do besides enjoy everyone's company. I'm happy for that.
Ok, enough is enough. I'm going to go find something to do to keep me from dying of severe boredom.

"I’d rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." -Steel Magnolias

muffins

Last night we were playing games, and one of my friends decided to start doing an impression of this. This is hilarious, but my friend is even funnier. :) Have fun with this; I'm sure you'll be quoting it all over the place after you watch it.

It's doggie style. We don't have to go outside or anything.

Well, I just got back from the movies to see "Knocked Up." It was actually really hilarious. I laughed out loud several times, and it was all from dialogue...except when "Ben" decided to dance...that was pure facial comedy. Anyhow, I recommend it for sure, especially for a rainy summer day when you need some good cheering up.
In other news, today was my last day of work for the entire summer. This is amazing! I know I have two weeks of doing whatever I want whenever I want, and I don't have to set an alarm tomorrow-that's the first time this entire summer! It also means that I have only two weeks until I leave for Spain. YES! I am getting super antsy and excited.
The last day of work was bittersweet. It's always hard for me to say goodbye to people and places. Yes, I'm one of those types of people. I just find it hard because every time I say goodbye I feel like I'm closing another chapter of my life that I will never be able to go back to. Even though it was hard work, and annoying work, I still learned a lot and I mean, it was my summer home for 4 weeks. I got to see how the interesting half lived, and whenever they had problems I found myself humbled because I have been so lucky to have so many good things in my life.
Last night I went out on my motorcycle for a ride. I ran out of gas on the most country road you could ever picture in your head. Oh, and I was wearing my shirt that says "Without me it would just be aweso." So, that worked out even better for me. Haha. Every time we go out on the bikes it is some kind of adventure.
I suppose that's a quick enough update for now. Time for me to relax and sleep...for as long as I want!!!

"Someday, I know there will come a day, when we’re older. And we’ll meet again, at a reunion or a wedding. And you’ll smile and say something nice like 'you look great' or 'I heard about the baby.' And I’ll smile and say something like 'I hope you burn in hell, Asshole.'"

Nothing lasts forever...

Finally, I got a night I really, truly needed. K was in town tonight, and thank goodness she called me. I needed a night like that. We went to Barnes and Noble, had intelligent conversation, drank coffee, and looked at all the books. We talked about life, and every time we get together we find out we are at exactly the same place in our lives. It's refreshing to have someone so similar, but with little differences. We are both extremely content with every little thing in our lives. And I am the best I've ever been, at least that's what I think. I feel so completely happy without anything added. It's nice, really nice. Hopefully it stays like this for me for awhile.
I got out of work an hour early today! Thank goodness! And I only have 3 more days at work. It is not the place for me, sorry guys.
Other than that, life is the same...but wonderful! :)

"The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well." –Joe Ancis

I don't think I could ever live in L.A.

So, I was watching some mindless television this evening, and a new show on the E! channel came on. Being too lazy to change it, I began to watch Sunset Tan. The first thing I see is some woman bringing in her elementary-school aged daughter to get a tan for her school picture. The mother seriously told the cashier that last year her daughter was pretty pale in the picture, so this year she was going to make sure she looked prettier. So, the cashier tells them that the little girl should get the same tanning treatment that Lindsay Lohan gets. After spending $1,200 on tanning stuff, the little girl is ready to be tanned. She is ready to go in to get spray tanned, but she looks at her mom, and says she doesn't want to do this. Her mom asked her if she wanted to be pretty, and then said that she didn't have a choice she needed to be tan or she wouldn't be pretty. Come on people. First off, a young girl should not be looking up to Lindsay Lohan. She is in rehab for a second time, and she does not act the way anyone should want his or her daughter to act. Then, to tell your daughter she has to be pretty in her pictures and that entails tanning? How can we expect women to get further along if we constantly put such a high price on beauty and tanning and being like celebrities who aren't independent, intelligent, strong women? How can you honestly shove your daughter into a tanning bed then a stall to get sprayed even though she asked you not to? Since when should an elementary-aged child be worried about being tan enough for her school picture? Elementary pictures were always the fun ones - you blink, you squint, you have food in your teeth, you sneeze, your hair isn't combed - that's the beauty of those pictures. They aren't supposed to be glamour shots. I don't remember ever being judged by my elementary school pictures, and I sure don't remember a competition for the prettiest girl. Beauty standards are completely off in this situation. The mother is wrong, and she is setting her daughter up for a mindset of completely low self-esteem. We should be moving forward. We shouldn't be putting each other down. Everything starts with how you raise your children. Why should we have more Lindsay Lohans running around town with their spray tans and party girl antics?

"I'm not going to deny the fact that I've tried pot. I hated it." -Lindsay Lohan

Whose house? Run's House!

I've officially decided that Rev. Run's family is my family. Honestly, the way everyone acts in that family is pretty much how it is around my house. And his two daughters are exactly my sister and me...exactly. Anyhow, that's my favorite show right now since Idol and Grey's are over. I could watch re-runs of Run's House all day long, and I do whenever it's on.
I learned something interesting about myself the other day at work. I learned that I am not scared of spiders, bugs, or snakes. However, I am really weird about slugs. I honestly freak out when there is a slug on me. I think it all goes back to the fact that I have a phobia of stickers. Because slugs stick to you, and even if you try to fling them off, they still stick to you. I bet you I'd be really scared of leeches. Ewwww...sticky things.
Well, this weekend was actually a lot of fun. I hung out with a bunch of different friends, including one from UD. It was really nice to have someone from college to hang out with for a change. It's like high school friends and college friends all have different experiences and jokes with you, so it's nice to have a balanced mixture. Then I went to Columbus for my cousin's graduation party. It was super weird that he's graduating because I still feel like I shouldn't be 20. I'm happy for him, and I'm happy he's going to Miami because I will hopefully get to see him a little bit.
While I was at the grad party, some lady asked me what grade I was in. She said, are you going to be a senior next year, or a junior, or a sophomore? Honestly, people, do I look that young?! Could I actually be 15 years old? You know, I understand I'm short and I do look young, but is it really that bad? I'm going to be carded until I'm 40 at this rate.
I also realized at the grad party that I only have two more years of messing around and having fun before it's actual real life stuff. It really scared me a little bit because I don't want to grow up. I never think the fun will end, but one day it will, at least in the sense of fun I have now. So, I have decided to take advantage of everything I can do fun now. I'm going to do everything I can do because I'm not in the real world yet. I feel like now I've been wasting time being way too worried about the future and being way too serious about everything. Now is the time to let loose and do all the crazy things you'll never be able to get away with again. I think my summer has finally started with this new outlook! Haha.
This week I work 52 hours. Yipee! It's my last week of work though. I can do it, and the paycheck will be amazing. Then I'll only have two more weeks until I'm in Spain. Woo hoo! I really can't wait.

"College is something you complete. Life is something you experience. So don’t worry about your grade, or the results or success. Success is defined in myriad ways, and you will find it, and people will no longer be grading you, but it will come from your own internal sense of decency…love what you do. Get good at it. Competence is a rare commodity in this day and age. And let the chips fall where they may." –Jon Stewart

cats in your stuff doing things

This is absolutely hilarious. Thank you J and Aro for finding this and enlightening all of my blog readers. Enjoy, but I know you will! This video comes with a guarantee of satisfaction.

And it's two bare feet on the dashboard...

Today it finally actually felt like summer. The weather was hot and sunny, I got to have the whole day off, and I got to see some amazing friends. You know, I hate to keep repeating myself, but I honestly think that right now I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for. They are just above and beyond anything. And they all make me so incredibly happy. Most importantly, however, I can be me around them...and I finally know the real me! Yes!! It's like the friends from home have high school memories still, but all the high school drama and stupid stuff has gone away. So, it's just smooth sailing and memories from here on out I think.
Well, today I got a new bathing suit!!! I was really excited, and it's super cute. And then I got to finally ride my motorcycle. It felt so good being back on it again. I missed my little bike so much. Now I'll have to ride it more often since I only have three weeks until Spain. Then I'll only have three weeks when I come back. This summer is already flying by, and now I'm getting sad that it's going so quick because I honestly do have some amazing friends here that I would love to spend more time with. College life is so completely not permanent, and sometimes that takes a toll on me. Oh well. College life is fabulous all at the same time too.
Well, work tomorrow then a nice visit from another great friend. I must get some rest.

"It is good to be without vices, but it is not good to be without temptations." –Walter Bagehot

Chris Daughtry - I walk the line

In light of the American Idol season finale, here's my favorite performance ever! Enjoy.

So...I have this thing for Joe Perry...that's why I'm excited for the Idol finale

Wow...I just wrote an entire post, but it got lost in cyberspace. How sad. This is the first time this has ever happened to me. Wow. Ok, well here I go all over again.
So, Joe Perry is hot and amazing...but he sang with freakin Sanjaya. Honestly people, can I please have something I like without Sanjaya being involved because he's such a stinker. Remember on Latin night when I wanted someone to sing in Spanish and Sanjaya did? Well, tonight is like that.
Today I read an article in the newspaper that compared women to cats and men to dogs. Apparently women are like cats because we shed and we are picky eaters, and men are like dogs because they eat whatever is in front of them and slobber all the time. I don't know what the writer was trying to do - maybe SHE was trying to be cute or funny. All it did was make me mad. First, the writer is obviously intelligent and educated. Second, the writer was a women - a professional woman at that. You would think she would have the decency to not stoop to the level of comparing the genders to animals. Do we really need anymore of that crap? I think not. And you shouldn't get that from a newspaper; it's already everywhere else. I am thoroughly convinced the only differences between the sexes are physical. All the other differences are socialized. Socialization is a huge part of every facet of being human, let alone becoming gendered. How dumb.
On a lighter note, in fact, on a light green note...if you are a John Mayer fan like I am, you should check out his Web site. He has a blog, and he is one of the only famous musicians to actually write his own blog. And you can tell it's his. Just like his lyrics, his blog is funny and weird but intelligent and thoughtful. You'll like it, I promise. :)

"There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound." –Diana Cortes

I would never wish bad things but I don't wish you well...

It is so late for me, and I am incredibly exhausted. However, I had a yearning to blog, so here I am.
I watched American Idol tonight. I don't like Blake, but he's definitely going to have a career, and I'll probably have his album. I really like Jordin, and I think she deserves to win. Hopefully she pulls it out. She did absolutely amazing tonight...especially in the last song. I don't know how big of a career she'll have, but she is a great singer for being only 17 years old.
So, I was thinking today...this is always interesting and this time is no exception. There are quite a few people who had a really big impact on my life at some point that I don't talk to anymore. So, then I thought, if I died tomorrow, would those people come to my funeral? In fact, would those people even find out in time to come to my funeral? Because some of them I am completely not in contact with anymore, but still, they held a really important part of my life. Then I thought, wait, if they died tomorrow, would I find out in time to go to their funeral? Or would I even go to their funeral? Life is funny. Really funny. It moves so fast, and to look back sometimes messes with perception completely.
Another thing kinda hit me today as well. I was outside sitting and talking. We were talking about normal things...Spain, family quirks, our jobs. Then we were talking about the future for a little bit. I was thinking big. I was thinking about a really amazing beach house in the south or living in Europe or somewhere far away. Then I said something about it, and she replied in a ho hum, "ok whatever you say" kind of way. At first I was completely upset because how can she dare to not think what I do is amazing and great! But she didn't mean it in that way. I realized that no matter what I do, they will be happy and proud and love me through it all. It wasn't about me having too big of dreams, it was the fact that even now, I am just fine in their eyes. If I live in Europe they'll be happy, but if I live in Finleyville in a mediocre house they'll be happy too. That makes me happy. I have free reign with no expectations, well no expectations within reason. Whatever I want for me, my family wants for me too.
Maroon 5's new CD came out today. Do I have it yet? No. Will I have it tomorrow? I better dang it. I sampled it, and it sounds completely incredible! It will probably be my summer CD. Do you ever realize that music can create a perfect time line of your life? That's what is so special about music. Out of anything it can easily take you back to the exact moment, the exact feelings, the exact essence of any part of your life.

"Sex appeal is 50% what you've got and 50% what people think you've got."

Like you mean it like you mean it like you mean it like you do...

I'm in Carrie Underwood mode. The title is from one of her songs in case you wondered.
So, this weekend has been a fairly decent weekend considering I've been working all weekend. Friday night I went to the Pirate game with two lovely old friends. I had fun. J caught a foul ball over my head. Pirates won. And there were fireworks. Who can beat that, honestly. Today I worked all day then T came over and we hung out. Quality time. Goofy fun. I make a fool of myself every time I hang out with him. It's kind of ridiculous, but refreshing that I have friends I can actually be me -weird, unedited, out there me-around. It makes me happy. I just cannot believe how lucky I am to actually be at a place in my life where I have friends who are just completely amazing. It makes me really happy. I just get a good feeling when I think about all of them.
Anyhow, I officially leave for Spain in four weeks. It's going to go so fast. I have lots to do and lots I want to do before I go. I talked to G today, and it doesn't look like we're going to be able to see the running of the bulls. All the hotels and hostels are booked there for it. Oh well. We both decided we might enjoy visiting a different city, perhaps on the coast, for the weekend. Maybe do some shopping and laying on the beach. That sounds much better to me than watching stinky bulls chase people down the street.
I dunno what else to write really. No big news. No exciting things. No strong opinions to write about today. So, there was a nice, short, sweet update on life.

"Unless it’s mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it’s a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life – love shouldn't be one of them." –“Dream for an Insomniac”

Today is a great day already!

It's raining!!!!!! Usually I don't like rain, but when you work outside and have 52 hours of work this week and need a break to be normal for a day, I LOVE YOU RAIN! I have the whole day off; yes, the entire day. What am I even going to do? I don't know what to do with myself, so I decided to blog. Haha. I think I may go shopping, or to a movie, or rent some movies...or I'll be productive and start booking hotels and hostels for Spain. Who knows.
Anyhow, I was reading an away message, and the lyrics in it looked really familiar. I couldn't figure out why, and then it hit me. It was a Julie Roth song. Haha! I just thought that was kind of ironic and interesting. Maybe today will end up being a little weird instead of so great.
Well this was a nice, short, happy little entry. I miss my friends from UD a lot!!! And hopefully I'll get to see some of them before I leave for Spain. By the way friends, my friend from here is going to throw me a going away party I do believe, so if you love me and want to come, you are more than welcome. I'll let you know dates when I know.
Well, enough for now. Have a lovely rainy Wednesday!

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain."

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain...

So, today is my first kinda day off in 6 days. Even though I have to go in for four hours this evening, I have the day off. I never realized how important a day off is - no, not to relax, but to get stuff done. I have so much to do for Spain. Last night I was thinking about all the stuff I have to do and I became a little overwhelmed. So, today I get to make a massive list of stuff I need to bring and things I need to do. This list could go on forever.
Well, I'm working 52 hours this week. You know, it's really not too bad. Besides the fact that I'm missing two different parties this Saturday night, I could do this every week. Well, maybe I shouldn't talk until Sunday, after I've actually worked the entire week. However, as of now, I feel alright with the hours. I only have 2 more weeks to work after this one. Then I'm taking off 2 weeks before I leave. I need that time to get myself prepared.
Anyhow, the other night I fell asleep at 9:30. I am being such a bum because there's really nothing else to do. Well, wait, I shouldn't say I'm being a bum. I've worked out pretty much every day since I've been home from Dayton. It feels great to have time to really work out. Hopefully I actually keep this up into next year. ES, if you are reading this, you have to make me work out this next school year. :)
Idol is on tonight; there are only three contestants left. It's weird that next week will be the finale. It goes by so fast every time. Also, the season finale of Grey's Anatomy is on Thursday. I am pretty excited!! Then, after next week, I'll have absolutely no shows I need to watch. That's when you know summer really begins - reruns.
I need to start taking time to look for internships for either the fall or winter or next summer. I really, really want to get one with a professional sports team. I think that would be absolutely amazing!!! We'll see. I'm going to start to look into it now. The early bird gets the worm.
Well, this is sufficiently long for really not saying much at all.

"Personally, I think if a woman hasn’t met the right man by the time she’s 24, she may be lucky." –Deborah Kerr

Whoa! That noopy is flying!

So, I don't really have much to say. Just thought I'd write a lil sumthin sumthin while I had a day off of work. My back is super sore from working...stupid manual labor. I don't know how my daddy did it for about 20 years now. Crazy.
Summer hasn't picked up at all, except that although a couple good friends are leaving tomorrow, a couple more have come home from college. Good stuff.
Lala...my sister and I are both at our computers side by side clicking away. I am usually playing solitaire, and she is usually frantically checking away messages. If you are wondering how I'm spending my summer, this it is. Working and clicking.
At least yesterday at work I got to talk to an old man who knew UD...he was like "Ohhhh the Flyers! That's a good school!" That made me happy.
Ok enough boredom for now.

"True friends, True hearts – That’s all you really need in life." –Uptown Girls