just wanting it to end...

...My undergraduate degree that is! I discovered that I only need one more class (abnormal psychology) and then I can officially graduate!! Only downside is the professor who teaches it during fall and winter semesters won't grant me an independent study with her to take it during spring so I can graduate in June. Major stink-factor there. She also won't allow me to take it concurrently with the pre-requisite for the class because she relies heavily on that pre-requisite during her class. I cried in her office. Bad thing to show my weakness, but I'm hormonal mess this week, so it's allowed. The only option she gave me is to talk to another professor who has taught the class before years ago, but she also impolitely informed me that its been years since he has taught it and more than likely will not grant me the independent study either...meaning I must take the class in the fall. To take the class in the fall, I must either register for full time status and find a place up here or live on campus; or only take that one class and bunk up here for a couple of days during the week so I won't have to drive a billion miles. It's all so stressful and confusing. I just want to be able to start my graduate studies. I'm burnt out from this degree. I'm ready to start the next chapter in my life. Everything else is lined up...now I'm just waiting on a piece of paper telling me I can move on.

2:42 am...waiting for McDonald's

Good morning world! Yes, I know...it's wayyyy to late, or early to be talking to you. I am trying to be a good fiance and get some homework done so I can spend my time with my hunny instead of planting my nose in a book. During my roomie homework session tonight, we decided to hit up mcdonald's breakfast when it started, so here I am, biding my time and it got me thinking...Who eats McDonald's breakfast anyway besides college drunks and the morbidly obese? I thought about looking up the calorie, fat, sugar and carb content, but I and my better judgement chose not to. Ok, I guess I best be going now...back to the books!!! Nice food for thought for the day though...if you can call it that.

GLEE: the essence of my summer

You've all seen the Fox TV series, GLEE. Its music and presence is everywhere. This summer I got to be a part of a GLEE Tribute at the Bon Ton Room. It's a liberating experience. I have always wanted to perform here. The venue is gorgeous. Small, but that means it's intimate and personable. Being a part of this GLEE show has let me break out of my singing shell. I am singing Gives You Hell by All American Rejects. Sung in the show by Rachel Berry, at her ex-boyfriend Finn for a glee club assignmnt on the word "Hello," but she only "emphasized on the first syllablul of the word." :) This song has some heart to it as well as sass. It was hard at first to feel so angsty and ruthless, but I've acquired it pretty well! This show has become the number one thing to do in Jackson this month, and I am uber proud to be a part of it. Being a part of this amazing cast is the highlight of my summer. I have found my summer family once again and it feels wonderful to feel so close to people. For those who have come out to see the show and support the arts, thank you so very very much. If you're reading this and would love to see it, 517-787-6733!!! Thanks world for reading!

oblivious me.

ys...I said, oblivious me. I wasn't paying attention this pay period on how much money I actually had in my bank account. I over drew by $8.00. $8.00 isn't a lot, but it's the fact that if I overdraw, my bank takes out $30.00 as a fee. I really don't have that $30 to give them. I had started saving money for an alignment for my car because it desperately needs one. so, I had to take what I saved and transfer it over so I had enough. I hate being broke. I honestly don't know how I am going to save for car expenses, a wedding for God knows how many people (200 is from me), school, and a study abroad trip I want to take. (believe me, I'm really wishing that I could cut the guest list down to about half! ...but no joke, those are mostly family...and the important ones too. It sucks being a kid from a divorced family.) I am definitely looking to God the next few years to help me put money in the right places.

aahhhh summer time!

For the last four years, summer has meant a summer show. This year, it's a tad different. I'm still doing a production, but this time around, it's just singing and choreography...aka the GLEE Tribute. It's nice not to memorize lines, but it's bittersweet knowing that some friends are doing a different show and I won't be seeing them everyday. Being at rehearsal this past week has opened my heart again to music. I love music year-round, don't get me wrong. But getting to do a summer production is the highlight of my year. It's performing on a stage infront an audience. It's doing something other than studying or creating projects. I love what I do in the summer and I'm so so so glad I'm doing it again!!!! This year, with GLEE, each of us in the show is performing a solo. This time, I get to sing, "Gives you Hell" from the All American Rejects. It sounds phenominal. I may also get to sing a duet with my vocal coach, which would be fantastic. All in all, I'm just stoked that even though I had spring classes, it's not stopping me from doing something I love!!!

Remember this day...May 6th, 2010

Because it's the day I got engaged!!!! That's right people, this woman is becoming closer to legally being off the market!! Remember that ring I posted a couple of months back? Well, that ring is now on my pretty little finger! It's beautiful. The proposal was fantastic, I couldn't be more thrilled to be marrying the man of my dreams!!! I will definitely post all the details and trying to explain to my father in another note, but I just had to get this off my chest. I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!

Break time

I've been sick for the last few days. I had tonsillitis and ear aches. I hadn't been to work, or school since Tuesday. It's been nice to be on a break before I have to buckle down and study like mad for finals. I have a short list of things to get done, but that short list has many A's, B's and C's to each thing. I'm sounding very repetitive, but I just don't feel like touching any of it. Senioritis is kicking in like mad. It's the end of my 4th year, I SHOULD be graduating. BUUUUUTTTT I'm not. And I'm ok with that. I'm just starting to get ancy now that class is winding down and summer weather is right around the corner. Just letting the world know!!!

so close!!!

Registration for fall semester is only a couple of weeks away, which got me to start thinking about the classes I need to take. I made out a little plan for fall, and realized, this lay out is what I'm going to need to do until I graduate. First off, I need to take a computer graphic design class before/as I am applying for my BFA program. I will be taking an advanced photography class, an independent photography class (which will total the 18 credits I need for that.) I also have three more classes of advanced art to take, thus filling in those 9 credits and a spot per semester. Finally...I have decided to try to add a Psychology minor onto my degree. With taking a psych class this spring, I only need 11 more credits for that minor. well, I'll get 9 out of the way if I do a class per semester. But that also means that I will have to take a 5th class again somewhere (most likely winter) to keep on track for graduating in December. But overall, I am glad that I have this outline to work from. It means that I'm slowly running out of classes, meaning I'm slowly going to actually graduate!!!!!! It's a nice feeling.

Homeward bound...kinda?

So, our trip in florida was AMAZING!!! Everything went off without a hitch. Until tonight. Our flight was delayed due to a storm in New York. Our plane couldn't land up there to drop off its passengers, thus delaying its trip back to Florida and delaying us! We found a second flight that was leaving to Atlanta at the same time so we switched. it had gotten delayed for about the same thing until 9pm. At 9 ish, we hear over the intercom that the plane we were to use arrived safely but we couldn't board or leave because the pilots had hit their limit of flight hours and thus delayed us to 11pm departure. about 30 minutes ago, another voice came over the intercom saying that that flight is coming in but will be a tad late and we can begin boarding at midnight. woohoo!! they comped us $25/person on our next flight, and $10/person in food vouchers (that we couldn't use because the food vendors were all closed!!!!) This flight has been a nightmare. they won't comp us a hotel because it's weather related, and they won't comp us to business class because if they do it to us, they have to do it to everyone. blech....

...what's new?

I never seem to write on this darn thing outside of procrastinating writing papers! Hmmmm. I want a Mac. A Macbook Pro to be exact. The one I found at bestbuy.com is 15.5ish inches and all the good stuff that I can't remember, and it's in the $1600 range. To me, that doesn't seem all that bad compared to the first time I looked at a Pro and I had sticker shock from over $2000. I really really want that computer. Mine in all appropriateness....sucks. It's been overheating (thank you Toshiba!) and shutting down atleast twice a day. It's favorite time is when I'm in the middle of writing a paper and had been in the middle of an "ah-ha" moment and hadn't hit 'save'....yea, it's done that a few times. I still owe $900 from my camera, so I won't be able to purchase the computer yet, but mark my words, it will be mine by the end of the year. (Also take note, that it is February, which most likely means I'm going to ask for money around Christmas to give myself a buffer.) Alright, I think I'm done blogging for now. The rest is very pessimistic and I don't feel like reading about being down in the dumps. Peace!!! :)

here's the ring I fell in love with yesterday

 

I found what I wanted!

Nearly a month ago, Derek started talking about how he found out that he could exchange his ex's engagement ring at Zales and sort of use it as a down payment on a new ring, with some stipulations. I thought it was a great idea. He suggested we find a Zales and look around. So, after dinner, we were off to Bay City. When we got there, I only found one ring that I liked. I got home and looked up reviews on it. Every single one of them had diamonds fall out of the sides!! I'm sorry, but I don't want to have my ring in the shop half my life! He came up again the next week, and we were celebrating V-day early. He actually asked me if I wanted to go ring gazing some more. I said sure! But, how we timed out dinner and our movie, it didn't work so well and we never went. I was a little bummed, but I kept looking online for anything I would like. A few days ago, I decided I had never looked at Medawar Jeweler's before and wanted to check it out. I finally found what I was looking for. So last night, I asked Derek if we could pop in to Medawar here in Jackson. He said sure. It took me a while to find what I had found online, but it was there! I tried it on and it fit perfectly. (its a sign, I just know it!) It was originally over $2000, but on sale for $1600! Now, mind you, the diamond is a little small for my taste. No, really, the diamond looks too tiny for the ring setting, it needs to be bigger. But everything else on it was perfect. It even came with the wedding band. The lady gave me all of the information on it, and her card. We left there with me nearly crying because it is possible that I can actually find what I want!

blogging finds its way into paper writing time!

Here I am, yet again...procrastinating with homework. There are so many other things I would rather be doing than Environmental Event logs for Geography. One would most definitely be go to sleep. Another may possibly be searching for the perfect ring. Mind you, I was able to find the perfect ring...but it has a not-so-pretty price tag that Derek wasn't so willing to pay! (I wouldn't expect him to) OOH...baby names. I love dreaming about baby names. Trying to figure out what would go with his last name. Day dreaming...that sort of thing. I may be more at terms with the fact that I am not getting done with school for another two years but that doesn't mean I won't stop dreaming!!! :) I would also rather be watching Glee or Greek. Anything besides this stupid log!!! Although, the article I'm writing about is pretty interesting. Scientists were able to videotape an underwater volcanic eruption occuring! They've never been able to do that before, and the footage is sweet! http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/12/18/volcano.underwater.explosion.pacific/index.html#cnnSTCText <--put that into your browser and check it out! Ok, I guess it's back to work!!!

please keep voting!!! We're so close!

My Favorite Photo (I've Ever Taken) 2 Brickfish

sunny beaches...here I come!

Derek and I are taking our first big trip together...to FLORIDA!!!! I am so excited, I can't wait to go. This is a big step in our relationship. Our first trip together will test how we travel together, how well we communicate driving in a totally unfamiliar setting. It's also going to simply test our relationship. Not in a bad way, but relying only on one another and doing something solely as a couple. Yes, I know relationships are usually couple oriented, but here, we have others around such as family and friends that offer advice and can be a little nosy and help guide us through life. This trip is just he and I. I'm nervous yet excited at the same time. I'm ready to see how we handle stressful situations just the two of us, how we work together as a team in the airport. There's always something exciting about the unknown. Another thing that I am excited about is getting me ready for this trip. By me, I mean my body. I’ve sort of let it go. Not to the point where I am fat, because I eat right most of the time, but I have been crazy busy and haven’t had time to exercise, and my stomach is a little flabby and my jeans are fitting a lot tighter. Well, this semester I have signed up for a “guts and glutes” class at the Ryder Center to get my tummy and booty in shape for bikini weather. I am also going to try to hit the gym one or two other times during the week (that is if I’m not working and if Derek isn’t up) to simply run on the treadmill. I know I know…running on the treadmill…that’s it? Yes. I don’t totally feel comfortable doing all those other exercises by myself, mainly because I don’t know what I’m doing and running doesn’t involve anyone else but me. But hey, one step at a time right? At least I’m making an effort to go to the gym. Besides, I paid $16 to do the G&G 2x a week so I better get my but there! All in all, I am excited to see what the next few months have in store for me. Better body, better relationship should equal out to an all around better year, right???

vote!!!!

My Favorite Photo (I've Ever Taken) 2 Brickfish

Talking to God

It's a new year...and I'm already slacking.   I'm supposed to be moving back up to Saginaw tomorrow.  Trouble is, I've only done one load of laundry all day and have been reading this blog.  I found her blog a few days ago, and her photography intrigued me.  So naturally, I randomly decided to read all of her blogs. From the beginning.  Boy oh boy was that a challenge.  Not because it was difficult reading, but because her first blog was dated around 2006(?) and I was determined to read them all.  I know it feel s stalkerish, and I’ve realized that.  But at the same time, reading someone’s blog from that far back is almost, if not more, interesting than reading a book. 

This lady, Sara, has two kids and she lets her life be an open book about her trials and accomplishments within her family.  She also has a great grasp on God and making sure her kids have a great grasp as well.  It’s a good thing to read about because so often these days too many people are afraid to let others know that they have a relationship with God.  I, myself am struggling with that relationship.  But toss two kids, a husband and 2 jobs on top…things can become muddy.  Reading some of her smaller blogs has put a smile on my face to see how God shines through the most imperfect moments of someone’s life.  If she ever reads my blog, she’ll probably think I’m nuts!!  But I would love to let her know that I think making sure her kids have that relationship early on is amazing.  When I have children, I want them to know its ok to talk to Jesus whenever they wish. 

      On the subject of God, my pastor had written and published a book called Eden.  I was lucky enough to get a copy and started reading it as soon as I went on break.  I absolutely loved it!!!  It’s a great read about this scientific group who head to Siberia to unearth a perfectly preserved mammoth only to discover the Garden of Eden.  There are great story lines and plots with in the book and my favorite is about a 30ish year old named Liz who had fallen away from God once becoming  a scientist.  She was programmed not to believe anything without proof, and slowly but surely she was seeing less and less proof of God.  She really started questioning God again when she fell into a cavern unharmed, when she should have died.  She is my favorite story line because she’s like me.  I want to believe in God, but there are so many times in classes where what the Bible says and what studies show don’t add up, which then make me question things.  I’m getting better at just believing because I should, but there’s still a little piece of me that always wants to ask, “Why.”

        I guess that’s all for now.  I’m going to actually check my clothes in the dryer and maybe put some of them into my suitcase!!