So.
I have been a bad blogger.
Very veerrrrry bad blogger.
I wanted to blog everyday in December as a gift to my "readers" and post all of my cute DIY projects and favorite Christmas traditions, but sadly, that didn't happen.
Anyhow. I figured I'd share with all of you what I got for Christmas.
The best gifts I got this year are not tangible.
1. Love - Even though I know my family loves me all year round, it feels like they love me just a little bit more on Christmas.
2. Reassurance - Whenever you think you aren't going to make ends meet, somehow you find a way to do it, even if you have to sacrifice Christmas money for rent.
3. Joy - I spent almost a whole 24 hours with my family (excluding my brother because he's with his dad) and no one raised their voices, it was fantastic. It made me happy. It almost didn't seem like a family gathering since no one got angry at someone else.
4. A little hard to describe - Something inside of me has never been more sure of my future than now. At some point in my day, something just clicked and I have never felt peace like this before. Something just feels so right about all of my decisions right now, no matter how bleak it looks right now (loans, debt, poor grades), everything will work out just right.
And, the tangible gifts.
1. A cookie press - so I can start working on my house-wife skills.
2. Spice rack with free refills for FIVE YEARS! - Again, so I can work on my house-wife skills.
3. Deathly Hallows Necklace - someone knows that I love Harry Potter!
4. Card games - I love to play cards with people!
5. Target Gift Cards - Now I have 85 Target dollars to spend and not feel bad about it!
6. Perfume - I am appreciative even though some of it gives me a headache.
7. Money - nothing wrong with getting some dough...even if it is paying January rent.
The one downfall, well, not downfall but bummer part of Christmas is that I didn't get to spend at least a part of my day with the Boyfriend. He went to north for the weekend to visit both sides of his family. I get to see him tomorrow though, so all is okay. I just want my Christmas kiss, and whats wrong with that? Nothing!
I would love to write more but how often does one get to hang out with their sister, drink apple cider and watch Chopped without the burden of worrying about homework or work? Lemme give you a hint...not often!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
I'm working on something!
So, I'll give you a couple of clues and you can try and guess what I am working on!
1. It has pages that you turn.
2. It's not a story, well, not a conventional story.
3. It has pictures, but is not a picture book by definition.
4. Foodies would love it...
Can you guess what it is?
Click on this link to see a picture answer!
1. It has pages that you turn.
2. It's not a story, well, not a conventional story.
3. It has pictures, but is not a picture book by definition.
4. Foodies would love it...
Can you guess what it is?
Click on this link to see a picture answer!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I'm sorry, so sorry.
So, it's been a loonnnngggg time since I posted last and I am very sorry (although I doubt I have that many readers).
I've been working too much, not reading enough and doing homework. It's true, you have to choose between having a life and having excellent grades when you are in college. I just wish that I could do ALL the fun things, buy ALL the fun things and get good grades and not have to work so much...wouldn't that be a dream?
Anyways, I thought the "librarian thing" would fade, but it's been over a month and I am still super excited about doing it. I mean, I hope I would be since I turned in my application to UW-Madison!
Because of personal things, I'm not sure whether or not I want to distance learn or be on-campus. There are only certain MLS opportunities available via distance learning at UW-Madison and there are quite a few more opportunities available on-campus. I know which one would be better academically and for my future...but I'm still torn. I guess I have a little while to figure that out. At least, from what I understand, I do.
I'm planning my last semester right now and am having trouble fitting all the classes I want to take into my schedule because some of them overlap in times. Get this, one of them is called Conflict Management. It looks like that class will be beneficial.
No matter how hard I try, I am always going to be a procrastinator. I plan study dates for the library and what I will do at the library on these dates but I don't end up doing any of what I have planned on these dates until the assignment is basically due. I try to plan on having things done a week before they are due and it never works...ever. I need to find a way to trick myself into believing that assignments are due a week before they are actually due. Help?
Anyways, I must get back to reading Ruth Hall by Fanny Fern...joyful.
I've been working too much, not reading enough and doing homework. It's true, you have to choose between having a life and having excellent grades when you are in college. I just wish that I could do ALL the fun things, buy ALL the fun things and get good grades and not have to work so much...wouldn't that be a dream?
Anyways, I thought the "librarian thing" would fade, but it's been over a month and I am still super excited about doing it. I mean, I hope I would be since I turned in my application to UW-Madison!
Because of personal things, I'm not sure whether or not I want to distance learn or be on-campus. There are only certain MLS opportunities available via distance learning at UW-Madison and there are quite a few more opportunities available on-campus. I know which one would be better academically and for my future...but I'm still torn. I guess I have a little while to figure that out. At least, from what I understand, I do.
I'm planning my last semester right now and am having trouble fitting all the classes I want to take into my schedule because some of them overlap in times. Get this, one of them is called Conflict Management. It looks like that class will be beneficial.
No matter how hard I try, I am always going to be a procrastinator. I plan study dates for the library and what I will do at the library on these dates but I don't end up doing any of what I have planned on these dates until the assignment is basically due. I try to plan on having things done a week before they are due and it never works...ever. I need to find a way to trick myself into believing that assignments are due a week before they are actually due. Help?
Anyways, I must get back to reading Ruth Hall by Fanny Fern...joyful.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Exhausted or Procrastinating?
I've been so tired these past few days, well, I'd say weeks, that I can't tell if I am procrastinating or if I am really that exhausted that I can't muster up the energy for some reading, analyzing and writing. I would like to do my homework but without energy, I don't really have a lot of motivation. I haven't quite gotten into any rhythms or routines yet. My weeks are still too crazy and my schedule still varies from week to week so I can't even get into a routine to watch one television show.
I need to focus more on school so that I can raise my cumulative GPA, it isn't awful but it definitely isn't where I would like it to be. I want it to be above 3.0, which isn't too far away but I have to work a little harder this semester than in semesters past.
I've been relying heavily on coffee, Diet Coke and other caffeinated beverages/energy drinks to keep me awake and focused but I think it's all catching up with me this week. All I want to do is sleep so I might take the day off of work on Friday to sleep in. I could really, really use it.
I guess I did have a little bit of motivation tonight otherwise I wouldn't have posted a blog post. (I wish there was a better verb to use but there really isn't.) If only I could have used that motivation for reading some Melville or working on my Foundations of Mass Communication paper. Oh well, I guess.
On another note, I've been doing grad school research. I'm thinking about UW-Madison or UW-Milwaukee. They both seem like they have decent MLIS programs and the plus is that they offer distance learning programs too. I'm still a little unsure about what steps to take first but I've got an advising appointment next week. Hopefully my adviser has some helpful grad school knowledge. I should start talking to my professors about letters of recommendation.
Growing up is hard and confusing. And, frankly, quite tiring.
I need to focus more on school so that I can raise my cumulative GPA, it isn't awful but it definitely isn't where I would like it to be. I want it to be above 3.0, which isn't too far away but I have to work a little harder this semester than in semesters past.
I've been relying heavily on coffee, Diet Coke and other caffeinated beverages/energy drinks to keep me awake and focused but I think it's all catching up with me this week. All I want to do is sleep so I might take the day off of work on Friday to sleep in. I could really, really use it.
I guess I did have a little bit of motivation tonight otherwise I wouldn't have posted a blog post. (I wish there was a better verb to use but there really isn't.) If only I could have used that motivation for reading some Melville or working on my Foundations of Mass Communication paper. Oh well, I guess.
On another note, I've been doing grad school research. I'm thinking about UW-Madison or UW-Milwaukee. They both seem like they have decent MLIS programs and the plus is that they offer distance learning programs too. I'm still a little unsure about what steps to take first but I've got an advising appointment next week. Hopefully my adviser has some helpful grad school knowledge. I should start talking to my professors about letters of recommendation.
Growing up is hard and confusing. And, frankly, quite tiring.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
MLIS
MLIS stands for Master of Library and Information Science. I am going to obtain one of these degrees and be a librarian. Just though y'all should know.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Word the Day!
Word of the Day: prolix.
1. unduly prolonged or drawn out : too long
2. marked by or using an excess of words
prolixity - noun
prolixly - adverb
I learned this word today while reading some work by Plato. He was talking about Socrates...well, technically Socrates was speaking. The gist of the quote is, 'I'll try to be short but that probably won't happen.'
1. unduly prolonged or drawn out : too long
2. marked by or using an excess of words
prolixity - noun
prolixly - adverb
I learned this word today while reading some work by Plato. He was talking about Socrates...well, technically Socrates was speaking. The gist of the quote is, 'I'll try to be short but that probably won't happen.'
A Little Bit of Thinking
Lesson of the day: once you start thinking about one deep thought, they just keep coming. The worst part about it is that I don't know how to articulate everything that I am thinking. The downside of that is that I am a writer - or I want to be at least.
So today, I was sitting in class and really wanted to know what time it was. I couldn't check my phone because it was off and would have made too much noise if I turned it on and the clock is in the back of the room. In the back of the room facing the back of our heads. The only one who can see the clock is my professor. That got me thinking about how much of a time driven society we are and how that is all we are ever really thinking about. We are racing time to go somewhere and where is that somewhere? We race the clock but where is the finish line? Is the finish line a "big kid" job with a salary or is it graduating from high school, maybe even college? I also started thinking about how I should have been more focused on learning from my professor than worrying about how rude I'd look if I turned around to look at the time. It's a small class and it would have been pretty noticeable if I turned around and looked at the clock. I should have faith that my professor wouldn't keep us there past the designated time but I just wanted to know how many more minutes were left.
Another thing I thought about today, that was provoked by a discussion in class, is that you could be selfish for doing good for other people. You can never really have altruistic motives when you do good. This is why I hate Oprah but feel like I am a good person when I make a sacrifice for someone else. I guess I am a hypocrite but at least I admit it, right? There is a difference between me and Oprah, I'm not a famous rich person who can put my name on anything and sell it like crazy. Sometimes I wish I was but unfortunately I can only influence people close to me on what to buy and what to read. I wish I could give a few hundred people Magic Bullets or books or cars but I can't. I can't afford it. Does it make me a bad person if I don't give them a car?
I think I am getting a little off topic though.
If you're doing good just so you will be judged positively when you die, then aren't you being selfish because you have ulterior motives?
I really like my History of Rhetoric class. Well, for now anyways because the Greeks are really interesting and have a lot to say about rhetoric and art and justification and etc.
So today, I was sitting in class and really wanted to know what time it was. I couldn't check my phone because it was off and would have made too much noise if I turned it on and the clock is in the back of the room. In the back of the room facing the back of our heads. The only one who can see the clock is my professor. That got me thinking about how much of a time driven society we are and how that is all we are ever really thinking about. We are racing time to go somewhere and where is that somewhere? We race the clock but where is the finish line? Is the finish line a "big kid" job with a salary or is it graduating from high school, maybe even college? I also started thinking about how I should have been more focused on learning from my professor than worrying about how rude I'd look if I turned around to look at the time. It's a small class and it would have been pretty noticeable if I turned around and looked at the clock. I should have faith that my professor wouldn't keep us there past the designated time but I just wanted to know how many more minutes were left.
Another thing I thought about today, that was provoked by a discussion in class, is that you could be selfish for doing good for other people. You can never really have altruistic motives when you do good. This is why I hate Oprah but feel like I am a good person when I make a sacrifice for someone else. I guess I am a hypocrite but at least I admit it, right? There is a difference between me and Oprah, I'm not a famous rich person who can put my name on anything and sell it like crazy. Sometimes I wish I was but unfortunately I can only influence people close to me on what to buy and what to read. I wish I could give a few hundred people Magic Bullets or books or cars but I can't. I can't afford it. Does it make me a bad person if I don't give them a car?
I think I am getting a little off topic though.
If you're doing good just so you will be judged positively when you die, then aren't you being selfish because you have ulterior motives?
I really like my History of Rhetoric class. Well, for now anyways because the Greeks are really interesting and have a lot to say about rhetoric and art and justification and etc.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Follow the Money
Lesson of the day: people will do what they have to do to make money.
In class last night, we talked about how people will sell you something, even if it's against the rules, just to make money. The big example we used was guns. Private sellers can sell guns to people without going through a background check. They can also sell guns to people who the gun isn't meant for.
It sucks that people are willing to screw other people over just to make money. I get sick of buying and selling textbooks at school because they are so expensive and students really can't afford that all the time, even if they get financial aid money.
I know that it is way too idealistic to think that one day we'll all follow a standard moral ethic and do things the "right" way but it is never going to happen because lots of people are selfish. This is just something that I've been thinking about since class last night. I really don't have that much more to say about it other than it sucks that people are willing to break moral ethics or laws just to make money.
In class last night, we talked about how people will sell you something, even if it's against the rules, just to make money. The big example we used was guns. Private sellers can sell guns to people without going through a background check. They can also sell guns to people who the gun isn't meant for.
It sucks that people are willing to screw other people over just to make money. I get sick of buying and selling textbooks at school because they are so expensive and students really can't afford that all the time, even if they get financial aid money.
I know that it is way too idealistic to think that one day we'll all follow a standard moral ethic and do things the "right" way but it is never going to happen because lots of people are selfish. This is just something that I've been thinking about since class last night. I really don't have that much more to say about it other than it sucks that people are willing to break moral ethics or laws just to make money.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Driver's Paranoia.
Lesson of the day: breathe.
I am a seriously paranoid driver and sometimes I think my car just might explode while I am driving down the road but it hasn’t happened yet. Today it was raining and I hate driving in the rain. I really, really hate driving in the rain. I prefer to drive in snowy weather than rain.
Today it was raining when I left Menomonie and my car was not cooperating for a while, or at least I didn’t think it was cooperating. What I believe it ended up being was that the road conditions were bad. Not any standing water but potholes and junk. I think the source of most of the noise today was the tires not connecting with flat or smooth road. The tread on my front tires is also a little low but still okay, so that also contributed to the noise.
Like most times when bad things happen, I called Boyfriend and freaked out. I tried to keep my cool and breathe but it just didn’t work out. He told me to drive and pretend that nothing was wrong with my car, which ended up being the case anyways, and I ended up making it home safe and sound.
If I didn’t call Boyfriend, I probably would have gone to some service station and paid for some sort of service or repair that I probably don’t need…or didn’t actually need just to drive back to Duluth.
So, what I’ve learned is, you have to breathe.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Last First Day.
Lesson of the day: you get older and you just have to deal with it.
I started my senior year of college today and it was so bittersweet. I love going to school and learning. If I could do it for the rest of my life, I would. I'm sure I would change my mind if I actually went to school for a few more years though. I guess I am just not ready to think about what I am going to do after I graduate from college. (If you've been reading my blog over the past six months you can see that I am somewhat indecisive.)
I only had one class today and it is the class that I am most excited about, Children's Literature. I would like to get into publishing someday after I graduate from college and since I love children's literature I figured that would be the best area to go into. After all, there are 30,000 new children's books published each year.
After my one and only class today, I worked for six hours and it sucked because the bookstore/school store are super busy at the beginning of the semester and some people can be so stupid. It's days like these that make me not a people person. It should get better in a week or two though (hopefully).
It's rough to think that in nine months my roommates and I will be going our separate ways and doing new things. Kelsey already has a job lined up and the other two probably will be doing something equally as awesome. I at least know where I will be living after I get done with college, so that's a good thing.
I don't know if I am going to enjoy Wednesday's classes as much though. I have volleyball in the morning and right after that I have American Renaissance. Not sure how the PE class will go and the American Renaissance is my least favorite period for literature. I also work six hours again tomorrow, boo!
I started my senior year of college today and it was so bittersweet. I love going to school and learning. If I could do it for the rest of my life, I would. I'm sure I would change my mind if I actually went to school for a few more years though. I guess I am just not ready to think about what I am going to do after I graduate from college. (If you've been reading my blog over the past six months you can see that I am somewhat indecisive.)
I only had one class today and it is the class that I am most excited about, Children's Literature. I would like to get into publishing someday after I graduate from college and since I love children's literature I figured that would be the best area to go into. After all, there are 30,000 new children's books published each year.
After my one and only class today, I worked for six hours and it sucked because the bookstore/school store are super busy at the beginning of the semester and some people can be so stupid. It's days like these that make me not a people person. It should get better in a week or two though (hopefully).
It's rough to think that in nine months my roommates and I will be going our separate ways and doing new things. Kelsey already has a job lined up and the other two probably will be doing something equally as awesome. I at least know where I will be living after I get done with college, so that's a good thing.
I don't know if I am going to enjoy Wednesday's classes as much though. I have volleyball in the morning and right after that I have American Renaissance. Not sure how the PE class will go and the American Renaissance is my least favorite period for literature. I also work six hours again tomorrow, boo!
Friday, September 2, 2011
You See, the Problem With Freshman Is...
Lesson of the day: be on the lookout for freshman and their parents.
I work at the school store on campus so I get to deal with lots of students at the beginning of the semester and the Fall semester is terrible because all the freshman are moving in and getting situated. They don't know what they are doing and neither do their parents and sometimes what they need to do is painfully obvious but they are clueless.
I had one mom today come in and ask if she could buy textbooks in our store. She was literally five feet away from the multiple shelves of textbooks that we sell. I could not believe it. Another parent asked if there were any other books that we might be required for her son's class that we were hiding in back. The question that really bothers me is the, "Can my son (or daughter) return this stuff if I buy it on my credit card?" Our answer is no unfortunately because it goes against our PCI credit card compliance. If they really wanted to pay for their student's books they should charge them to the student's student account and pay that off because they can make the returns without the parent present. I hate when the parents think we are trying to offend them by not letting them break our rules.
There are plenty of parents who are very kind though and appreciate what we do for them. So, I guess it's not all bad during the first few busy days of the new school year.
I feel like I had it "together" more when I was a freshman than some of the freshman that I've been running into. "Did I ask stupid questions like that?" or, "I hope I didn't look like I tried that hard." Some of the freshman are going to be just fine on their own but their are some freshman who still need someone to hold their hands every time they walk out of their dorm. It's time to grow up, kids. You aren't going to be living at home anymore and you are going to be out off college before you know it so start learning to do things on your own.
I know that I still needed help with some things but I am slowly taking on more and more things that my aunt used to do for me. For instance, I file my own financial aid paperwork and take care of my own health insurance. There actually isn't much that my aunt did for me that I don't do for myself now...other than my taxes. I still have issues with that.
I work at the school store on campus so I get to deal with lots of students at the beginning of the semester and the Fall semester is terrible because all the freshman are moving in and getting situated. They don't know what they are doing and neither do their parents and sometimes what they need to do is painfully obvious but they are clueless.
I had one mom today come in and ask if she could buy textbooks in our store. She was literally five feet away from the multiple shelves of textbooks that we sell. I could not believe it. Another parent asked if there were any other books that we might be required for her son's class that we were hiding in back. The question that really bothers me is the, "Can my son (or daughter) return this stuff if I buy it on my credit card?" Our answer is no unfortunately because it goes against our PCI credit card compliance. If they really wanted to pay for their student's books they should charge them to the student's student account and pay that off because they can make the returns without the parent present. I hate when the parents think we are trying to offend them by not letting them break our rules.
There are plenty of parents who are very kind though and appreciate what we do for them. So, I guess it's not all bad during the first few busy days of the new school year.
I feel like I had it "together" more when I was a freshman than some of the freshman that I've been running into. "Did I ask stupid questions like that?" or, "I hope I didn't look like I tried that hard." Some of the freshman are going to be just fine on their own but their are some freshman who still need someone to hold their hands every time they walk out of their dorm. It's time to grow up, kids. You aren't going to be living at home anymore and you are going to be out off college before you know it so start learning to do things on your own.
I know that I still needed help with some things but I am slowly taking on more and more things that my aunt used to do for me. For instance, I file my own financial aid paperwork and take care of my own health insurance. There actually isn't much that my aunt did for me that I don't do for myself now...other than my taxes. I still have issues with that.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Rush!
There are four "free" days until class starts, and I say "free" because I work the next three days and only have Monday off to recuperate before classes start. I am so excited for class to start! I should have been reading this summer in preparation for class though because I am going to have so much to distract me from homework.
Today the freshman moved in and the craziness started at 8 this morning with all of the upperclassmen drinking in their yards holding up signs saying derogatory things about freshman and freshman girls. Since I work in the bookstore they all came in to buy their textbooks and other things they need for college and dorm life. You would think that they are the same thing but they aren't always the same thing.
Oooh, oohh, oooh! Some good news for the day is that my boyfriend accepted a full-time job today and he starts in January. It's so exciting!
Today the freshman moved in and the craziness started at 8 this morning with all of the upperclassmen drinking in their yards holding up signs saying derogatory things about freshman and freshman girls. Since I work in the bookstore they all came in to buy their textbooks and other things they need for college and dorm life. You would think that they are the same thing but they aren't always the same thing.
Oooh, oohh, oooh! Some good news for the day is that my boyfriend accepted a full-time job today and he starts in January. It's so exciting!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Urgent Care?
So, the lesson I learned last night on my late night trip to Urgent Care is that you should not go alone. Or, you should just self diagnose yourself and go to Walgreen's and get Benadryl and allergy meds before you waste over three hours.
Another good idea, bring a book when you go the ER or Urgent Care...although, with my luck, there wouldn't be any wait if I did that.
Last night I got to Urgent Care and there were some obnoxious teenagers in the parking lot whistling at me and yelling something about my car. It couldn't have been anything good because I drive a 1996 Chevy Cavalier that is dinged up but loved. I shrugged it off and continued on.
The hospital security guy asked me how my night was going. Obviously if I'm going to Urgent Care it isn't the greatest, right? I guess it was nice that he asked though.
The worst part is yet to come though.
The lady at the check-in desk made me wear a mask to cover my nose and mouth since I have "flu-like symptoms." So, I looked like a fool in the waiting room itching away at my legs and coughing up a lung but it gets better. There was a woman and her little girl there waiting to be seen too. The little girl appeared to be healthy but the mother was not. She threw up into the basin thing she was holding which also set my gag reflex off and I threw up too. So I was the freak in the mask, scratching away at my legs and throwing up into trash bins.
I waited forever, too! Urgent Care sucks and they don't make it seem so urgent either. If it's going to take longer than an hour they should come up with a new name for Urgent Care...just saying.
Next time I am going right to Walgreen's and getting ibuprofen and Benadryl..and bringing a friend to protect me.
Another good idea, bring a book when you go the ER or Urgent Care...although, with my luck, there wouldn't be any wait if I did that.
Last night I got to Urgent Care and there were some obnoxious teenagers in the parking lot whistling at me and yelling something about my car. It couldn't have been anything good because I drive a 1996 Chevy Cavalier that is dinged up but loved. I shrugged it off and continued on.
The hospital security guy asked me how my night was going. Obviously if I'm going to Urgent Care it isn't the greatest, right? I guess it was nice that he asked though.
The worst part is yet to come though.
The lady at the check-in desk made me wear a mask to cover my nose and mouth since I have "flu-like symptoms." So, I looked like a fool in the waiting room itching away at my legs and coughing up a lung but it gets better. There was a woman and her little girl there waiting to be seen too. The little girl appeared to be healthy but the mother was not. She threw up into the basin thing she was holding which also set my gag reflex off and I threw up too. So I was the freak in the mask, scratching away at my legs and throwing up into trash bins.
I waited forever, too! Urgent Care sucks and they don't make it seem so urgent either. If it's going to take longer than an hour they should come up with a new name for Urgent Care...just saying.
Next time I am going right to Walgreen's and getting ibuprofen and Benadryl..and bringing a friend to protect me.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Shout Out!
Lesson of the day: advice from someone who was recently in your shoes is so helpful and gives you some piece of mind.
Sibby Tibby Aibby Cibby Yibby, you rock! (I think I got that right, right?)
I've written off Eat Pray Love as a silly-old-lady movie but I may have to see it now since someone shared a great quote from that movie.
It's nice to hear from someone who kind of knows what you're going through and has already been through it. My biggest fear about getting a job is not being qualified for a position but I guess it's not up to me to be the judge of that. Thinking about it now, a lot of jobs have training - your degree isn't going to fully prepare you for any job.
Sibby Tibby Aibby Cibby Yibby, you rock! (I think I got that right, right?)
I've written off Eat Pray Love as a silly-old-lady movie but I may have to see it now since someone shared a great quote from that movie.
It's nice to hear from someone who kind of knows what you're going through and has already been through it. My biggest fear about getting a job is not being qualified for a position but I guess it's not up to me to be the judge of that. Thinking about it now, a lot of jobs have training - your degree isn't going to fully prepare you for any job.
TEASER revision.
Marissa walked to the end of the dock and stuck one of her big toes into the water to test the temperature. After a few moments of debating if it would be warm enough, or cool enough she walked back to the beginning of the dock and took her t-shirt and shorts off. She slowly inhaled and exhaled while counting backwards from three.
Three.
The hair on the back of her neck was starting to stand on end, her nostrils were flaring and her knees started to shake.
Two.
Marissa bent her left knee forward a little, like a runner preparing for a sound off whistle. She looked at the end of the dock and out to the lake and she brought her chin down to chest.
One.
Marissa looked back up and then bolted down the dock and pushed her body off into the water.
Splash!
Marissa swam downward to the bottom of the lake until it felt like the water was crushing her body.
Just wait, be patient, she thought.
Friday, August 19, 2011
"You're an Adult"
So, pull yourself together. You shouldn't be up all night crying. You shouldn't be so afraid to be alone at home. You should grow up. You should figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life.
FALSE.
I've been told all of the above and don't believe it.
The list can go on and on and on but it doesn't have to. It's okay to be scared when you're an adult. Adults can cry, you don't lose your tear ducts when you're an adult. You just can't cry like children do, uncontrollably or in public about not getting candy or something of the like. It's okay to not know what you are going to do this time next year - it might make you uneasy but it is okay.
I've been alone just about every other night for the last few weeks and this past week has gotten pretty interesting. Our neighbors seem to be showing their true colors and things are getting a little scary after dark...and wee early hours of the morning. So, it is okay for a 21-year-old adult female to be a little anxious about being home alone, even a little scared.
The one that really gets me though is that I am "supposed to know" what I want to do with the rest of my life and truth is, I hardly know what I am going to do in the next six months let alone the rest of my life. I mean, I know I will still be in school but I really don't know what I am going to do after graduating from college but I am excited to find out...and a little freaked out about what I'm going to do to support myself. You know, like a job.
Is having a "big kid" job really a identifier of a successful person? I hope not because I don't know when I will have one. I'll probably take the first one I am offered though and I'm not saying that I'm not going to try either. I just have lots of ideas about what I want to do. I'd like to get into publishing for a while but I'd also like to do a little bit of teaching. I might like to do editing and writing or maybe even get into producing. Or, another crazy thought, go back to school for a new degree. All big ideas that I'm not sure about yet. I have the rest of my life to find a job that I love, or at least like enough to go to everyday.
Now that I am embarking on my senior year of college, all of this is becoming more real to me. "Growing up," find a job, graduating....not in that order though, I guess.
FALSE.
I've been told all of the above and don't believe it.
The list can go on and on and on but it doesn't have to. It's okay to be scared when you're an adult. Adults can cry, you don't lose your tear ducts when you're an adult. You just can't cry like children do, uncontrollably or in public about not getting candy or something of the like. It's okay to not know what you are going to do this time next year - it might make you uneasy but it is okay.
I've been alone just about every other night for the last few weeks and this past week has gotten pretty interesting. Our neighbors seem to be showing their true colors and things are getting a little scary after dark...and wee early hours of the morning. So, it is okay for a 21-year-old adult female to be a little anxious about being home alone, even a little scared.
The one that really gets me though is that I am "supposed to know" what I want to do with the rest of my life and truth is, I hardly know what I am going to do in the next six months let alone the rest of my life. I mean, I know I will still be in school but I really don't know what I am going to do after graduating from college but I am excited to find out...and a little freaked out about what I'm going to do to support myself. You know, like a job.
Is having a "big kid" job really a identifier of a successful person? I hope not because I don't know when I will have one. I'll probably take the first one I am offered though and I'm not saying that I'm not going to try either. I just have lots of ideas about what I want to do. I'd like to get into publishing for a while but I'd also like to do a little bit of teaching. I might like to do editing and writing or maybe even get into producing. Or, another crazy thought, go back to school for a new degree. All big ideas that I'm not sure about yet. I have the rest of my life to find a job that I love, or at least like enough to go to everyday.
Now that I am embarking on my senior year of college, all of this is becoming more real to me. "Growing up," find a job, graduating....not in that order though, I guess.
TEASER!
Marissa walked to the end of the dock and stuck one of her big toes into the water to test the temperature. After a few moments of debating if it would be warm enough, or cool enough she walked back to the beginning of the dock and took her t-shirt and shorts off. She slowly inhaled and exhaled while counting backwards from three.
Three, two, one.
Marissa bolted down the dock and pushed her body off into the water.
Splash!
Marissa swa
m downward to the bottom of the lake until it felt like the water was crushing her body.
Just wait, be patient, she thought.
Marissa’s toes grew together like duck feet and her fingers webbed together.
Three, two, one.
Marissa bolted down the dock and pushed her body off into the water.
Splash!
Marissa swa
m downward to the bottom of the lake until it felt like the water was crushing her body.
Just wait, be patient, she thought.
Marissa’s toes grew together like duck feet and her fingers webbed together.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
I've been stumbling through websites and other blogs dedicated to directing English majors in the right, well, some, direction after they graduate. One of the websites I visited today laid out some skills and abilities that I should leave college with. Or, should be able to leave with if I participated well enough throughout college.
Ability to organize thoughts, ideas and materials.
Ability to analyze texts and interpret their meaning.
Ability to argue positions effectively.
Ability to analyze the written word.
Ability to write in an articulate manner.
Ability to research and explain the results.
Working knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
Ability to be a creative thinker.
Ability to critically observe the world around them.
Ability to effectively communicate by listening to and questioning data.I'm going to challenge myself to prove each and everyone of these.
What Ten Things Can You Do With an English Degree?
Slow Day at Work.
It's another slow day at work so I have plenty of time to peruse CNN and Time online. I've decided to share some interesting articles with you...yay!
From omnivore to vegan: The dietary education of Bill Clinton
Who knew Bill Clinton was a vegan?
Would You Pay to Use Your Debit Card?
I'm going to say no but I probably can't really fight it if I have to end up paying for it.
Threat to David Letterman on Muslim Forum
Hey Dave, you might want to sleep with one eye open for a while. I like watching your show!
Remember the 1990s?
I certainly do and I'm glad they are coming back!
Watching Television Reduces Your Lifespan Greatly.
Does sitting in front of your computer count?
From omnivore to vegan: The dietary education of Bill Clinton
Who knew Bill Clinton was a vegan?
Would You Pay to Use Your Debit Card?
I'm going to say no but I probably can't really fight it if I have to end up paying for it.
Threat to David Letterman on Muslim Forum
Hey Dave, you might want to sleep with one eye open for a while. I like watching your show!
Remember the 1990s?
I certainly do and I'm glad they are coming back!
Watching Television Reduces Your Lifespan Greatly.
Does sitting in front of your computer count?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Rollerblading.
Lesson of the day: wear long socks when rollerblading. I have the cuts and blisters to back this advice up.
I went on a four mile rollerblading adventure today and it was awesome. Very tiring, but awesome. Considering I am sick I did very well. I would love to be able to do it more often but I am usually just too tired to do anything after I get home from work.
I got to spend some wonderful time with a wonderful work friend! Yay!
What a good night, yay! My roommate is coming home tonight too!
I went on a four mile rollerblading adventure today and it was awesome. Very tiring, but awesome. Considering I am sick I did very well. I would love to be able to do it more often but I am usually just too tired to do anything after I get home from work.
I got to spend some wonderful time with a wonderful work friend! Yay!
What a good night, yay! My roommate is coming home tonight too!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
How Am I Supposed to Breathe?
Lesson of the day: you can't breathe very well if your nose is constantly plugged with snot AND you try to drink enough liquids.
I have had a severe thirst for water today, well anything to drink really, but I tried to drink a lot of water today. I got sick over the weekend and now I am quite miserable, well physically but not emotionally. I didn't get enough sleep last night because I kept waking up to blow my nose and drink something to calm my throat down.
The worst part is that today at work I had to work in the cooler, which probably didn't help my recovery at all. I had to work in the cooler because another girl at work, who we will call Jan, is also sick. She looked pretty perky today and barely sniffled. I, on the other hand, had tissues flying out of my pocket to catch booger and drank plenty of water to keep my coughing to a minimum. I hate to complain about it but it just drives me nuts. I mean, we could have both done half of it each. What's done is done though. I just want to get better and be able to breathe when I drink water.
That's enough of that though....on to something else.
If my roommate isn't home, my friends are busy or I don't feel good, I usually entertain myself with YouTube videos, Netflix and Facebook. Today as I was perusing YouTube I stumbled across one of thee most adorable proposal videos ever. The video itself is actually edited pretty well too. All around, just a good vid.
Also, I thought about going for a walk this evening but the weather started to get pretty nasty after I ate dinner. Have you ever heard of a Special Marine Warning? Well, apparently, I experienced my first one today (at least to my knowledge). It seemed a little windier than most normal thunderstorms and it seemed a little eerier than normal too. To say the least, I lost my motivation for a walk even after it stopped raining/storming.
I have had a severe thirst for water today, well anything to drink really, but I tried to drink a lot of water today. I got sick over the weekend and now I am quite miserable, well physically but not emotionally. I didn't get enough sleep last night because I kept waking up to blow my nose and drink something to calm my throat down.
The worst part is that today at work I had to work in the cooler, which probably didn't help my recovery at all. I had to work in the cooler because another girl at work, who we will call Jan, is also sick. She looked pretty perky today and barely sniffled. I, on the other hand, had tissues flying out of my pocket to catch booger and drank plenty of water to keep my coughing to a minimum. I hate to complain about it but it just drives me nuts. I mean, we could have both done half of it each. What's done is done though. I just want to get better and be able to breathe when I drink water.
That's enough of that though....on to something else.
If my roommate isn't home, my friends are busy or I don't feel good, I usually entertain myself with YouTube videos, Netflix and Facebook. Today as I was perusing YouTube I stumbled across one of thee most adorable proposal videos ever. The video itself is actually edited pretty well too. All around, just a good vid.
Also, I thought about going for a walk this evening but the weather started to get pretty nasty after I ate dinner. Have you ever heard of a Special Marine Warning? Well, apparently, I experienced my first one today (at least to my knowledge). It seemed a little windier than most normal thunderstorms and it seemed a little eerier than normal too. To say the least, I lost my motivation for a walk even after it stopped raining/storming.
Monday, August 15, 2011
All of a sudden...
...I am really excited for the next nine months to be over with. I just want to graduate and move on with things like, for instance, a "big kid" job.
Hmmm, can someone hurry up and please invent time travel that works?
Hmmm, can someone hurry up and please invent time travel that works?
Don't Judge a Town By It's....
Lesson of the day(weekend): don't judge a town before you've been there for more than a few hours. More importantly, each city in Wisconsin is different.
I visited my boyfriend in Marshfield over this past weekend and it wasn't too bad. Marshfield may not be the most exciting town but it isn't any less boring than my hometown and it has a free zoo, some public pools and a Target! All wins if you ask me.
I never thought I would say that I would be alright with living in Wisconsin. I'm have Minnesotan blood and I always thought that meant I would explode if I stayed in Wisconsin too long. I was there for four days and nothing awful happened. Well, I caught a cold but I don't necessarily think that is Wisconsin's fault. The boyfriend's air conditioner works way too well and can keep the apartment super chilly so now I am cursed with sore throat, stuffed nose and double ear infection...sounds great, doesn't it?
I did have a fun time just chilling with Boyfriend in Marshfield. We went out on Friday night with some of his co-workers to Crabby Dave's for some food and then to the Swamp for the Swamp Monster Challenge. The Swamp Monster Challenge is a 64 ounce fish bowl with ten shots of liquor and I am proud to say that wrestled the Swamp Monster and won. I have the t-shirt to prove it.
We also spent a lot of time doing nothing on Saturday. We were in bed almost all day except for the two times we left the apartment. Once to get Jesse's car and some ibuprofen and then again for the World Buffet. Mmm, all-you-can-eat Chinese food!
It was a pretty darn good weekend. I couldn't really have asked for a much better weekend.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ten Reasons!
So, today was good and let me tell you why.
1. I got paid at midnight! Woohoo!
2. I got to fill up my gas tank today.
3. I bought toothpaste and body wash. (So there is this trend...where all the good things are related to the first thing).
4. I went out to dinner with two good friends at Old Chicago.
5. I got a shake at DQ and it was riDQlous.
6. I got a new pair of shorts that look awesome but I am experiencing buyer's remorse...so maybe it isn't sooo good.
7. In less than 24 hours I get to see my boyfriend.
8. I got a nice hot latte this morning.
9. ZUNE PASS AGAIN!
10. The sun was out and the humidity was low.
1. I got paid at midnight! Woohoo!
2. I got to fill up my gas tank today.
3. I bought toothpaste and body wash. (So there is this trend...where all the good things are related to the first thing).
4. I went out to dinner with two good friends at Old Chicago.
5. I got a shake at DQ and it was riDQlous.
6. I got a new pair of shorts that look awesome but I am experiencing buyer's remorse...so maybe it isn't sooo good.
7. In less than 24 hours I get to see my boyfriend.
8. I got a nice hot latte this morning.
9. ZUNE PASS AGAIN!
10. The sun was out and the humidity was low.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Broke? Not for much longer!
So, today is my last day of being broke. Well, I get paid tomorrow but I could still be broke after that...it's not the last day ever that I will be broke but it'll be a good day to get paid.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Heavy Lifting.
Lesson of the week: lots of books in a box can be heavy. One book isn't so bad, unless it is an accounting book but eight or more in a box can be super heavy.
This past week I worked a full 40 hours lifting, unloading and re-packaging textbooks. So, it was like 40 hours of exercise in one week which may sound nice but I am/was so sore and tired. I got a chance to sleep in today which I didn't really take advantage. At least I woke up on my own and not to an alarm. I definitely deserve a massage after a week like that.
I got plenty of scratches, nicks and bruises to show for my hard work. I also ruined one of my t-shirts. Who know that people walked on pallets of boxes with dirty shoes?
Next week I am going to have a much easier work schedule. I work food a few days and have a register shift. Yay!
So, today, we are going to the beach to relax and then out to the Grandma's Sports Garden to party!
ciao!
This past week I worked a full 40 hours lifting, unloading and re-packaging textbooks. So, it was like 40 hours of exercise in one week which may sound nice but I am/was so sore and tired. I got a chance to sleep in today which I didn't really take advantage. At least I woke up on my own and not to an alarm. I definitely deserve a massage after a week like that.
I got plenty of scratches, nicks and bruises to show for my hard work. I also ruined one of my t-shirts. Who know that people walked on pallets of boxes with dirty shoes?
Next week I am going to have a much easier work schedule. I work food a few days and have a register shift. Yay!
So, today, we are going to the beach to relax and then out to the Grandma's Sports Garden to party!
ciao!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
I Love My DSi.
Lately I have been really close with my Nintendo DSi because it is a free activity and I am very, very broke. I love my DSi for that very reason. I have four games but they are great, entertaining games. I have Drawn to Life, Final Fantasy III, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Animal Crossing!
The "game" that I really want is 100 Classic Books. It has 100 classic books that you can read right from your DSi, or whatever Nintendo DS handheld that you have and you can buy it for as cheap as sixteen dollars! It's crazy! Some authors included are Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen and Stevenson....and that is only a few!
The DS also has a camera...that I love to dork around with and take pics. Some of the latest pics off of my DS to follow.
I would consider my DS to be near the top of my favorite/most beloved items that I possess. It was a very thoughtful anniversary gift from my boyfriend. :)
The "game" that I really want is 100 Classic Books. It has 100 classic books that you can read right from your DSi, or whatever Nintendo DS handheld that you have and you can buy it for as cheap as sixteen dollars! It's crazy! Some authors included are Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen and Stevenson....and that is only a few!
The DS also has a camera...that I love to dork around with and take pics. Some of the latest pics off of my DS to follow.
I would consider my DS to be near the top of my favorite/most beloved items that I possess. It was a very thoughtful anniversary gift from my boyfriend. :)
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| My brother and me hanging out at the Basilica Block Party. |
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| Some more dorking around at the BBP. |
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| Harry Potter and a root beer float. |
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| Michael Franti at the Basilica Block Party..a little washed out. |
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| My cousin hanging out at home. |
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| At one of my brother's soccer games that I was able to attend. He is number 17. |
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| Cure your ravings...on mine and Kelsey's adventure on the lake walk. |
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Rent, boo!
Lesson of the day(summer): Saving money for rent sucks! I mean, I know my landlord has to make money somehow but $375/month for rent is a little steep when some windows won’t open, the shower pressure is low and the kitchen is kind of dinky. Although, I will say that this kitchen trumps the last kitchen we had.
I feel like I am always working but there is nothing in my bank account to show for it. I worked at the theater as often as I could get on the schedule when I was home and I didn’t spend any of my own money while I was home -well, not much of it. I’ve been working at the bookstore almost everyday for the last two weeks so my next paycheck will be pretty nice. Hopefully it will be big enough that I can pay my roommate back and my boyfriend back. They both lent me money for rent this summer, which was very generous and VERY appreciated.
I have to make twenty dollars last for ten days. Hopefully I can do it. I’ll be eating lots of Ramen and pasta for the next ten days. I can’t wait to do some real grocery shopping after I get paid. Mmm, I can almost taste real meat and fresh vegetables. I’m thinking about starting a raw diet, just eating fruits and vegetables. Although, I really like my burgers and steaks. I just get so sick of feeling gross after I eat macaroni and cheese and other boxed, processed food products.
ciao!
I feel like I am always working but there is nothing in my bank account to show for it. I worked at the theater as often as I could get on the schedule when I was home and I didn’t spend any of my own money while I was home -well, not much of it. I’ve been working at the bookstore almost everyday for the last two weeks so my next paycheck will be pretty nice. Hopefully it will be big enough that I can pay my roommate back and my boyfriend back. They both lent me money for rent this summer, which was very generous and VERY appreciated.
I have to make twenty dollars last for ten days. Hopefully I can do it. I’ll be eating lots of Ramen and pasta for the next ten days. I can’t wait to do some real grocery shopping after I get paid. Mmm, I can almost taste real meat and fresh vegetables. I’m thinking about starting a raw diet, just eating fruits and vegetables. Although, I really like my burgers and steaks. I just get so sick of feeling gross after I eat macaroni and cheese and other boxed, processed food products.
ciao!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Bucket List.
So, I recently watched the Bucket List again. It's a good movie about friendship and doing crazy amazing things.
So I got to thinking about my own bucket list and what kinds of things might be on it. (It kind of helped for story ideas too)!
So here mine is, in no specific order really:
1. I want to see the sky in the southern hemisphere. It's different than the one I've seen for 21 years.
2. I want to float in the Dead Sea. There is enough salt in the water where it doesn't take much to float!
3. I want to watch a volcano erupt - from a safe distance.
4. I want to scuba dive in Australia. It's a beautiful country surrounded by beautiful marine life.
5. I want to visit Harry Potter film sights. It's one of my favorite book series and movie series! Also, Rupert Grint is a babe.
6. I want to go to Disney World. I've never been and would love to go. Every kids dreams of it!
7. I want to ride the London Eye (ferris wheel in London) at night. It is spectacular and the view would be amazing. Also, I would be in one of the coolest cities in the world.
8. I want to make a wish in the Fontana di Trevi, or better known as the Trevi Fountain.
9. I want to have a by line. I would love to have anything I write published.
10. It might be crazy, but I want to meet Neil Patrick Harris.
They might not be the craziest things like skydiving in some foreign country or climbing a mountain, but I do think they would be fulfilling life experiences.
6. I want to go to Disney World. I've never been and would love to go. Every kids dreams of it!
7. I want to ride the London Eye (ferris wheel in London) at night. It is spectacular and the view would be amazing. Also, I would be in one of the coolest cities in the world.
8. I want to make a wish in the Fontana di Trevi, or better known as the Trevi Fountain.
9. I want to have a by line. I would love to have anything I write published.
10. It might be crazy, but I want to meet Neil Patrick Harris.
They might not be the craziest things like skydiving in some foreign country or climbing a mountain, but I do think they would be fulfilling life experiences.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hi-Ho, Back to Work I Go.
Lesson of the day: work is boring (and hard) when you've only had three hours off sleep. My room is on the top floor of the house so it is a treat to sleep in when it is 90 degrees outside, probably inside too.
I am back at the school store working now for the rest of the summer. It should be nicer than working at the cinema. Although I do love getting to see movies for free, half-off concessions and a pretty chillax schedule...I need to make some money.
So, I'm sitting at work (having a chair is soooo nice) and I am surfing the Time Magazine website since it is my favorite thing to do that is work appropriate. I'd rather peruse Facebook and do some online shopping but Time will have to suffice. I came across a very interesting article about childhood obesity and whether or not their parents should have custody of them. Should Parents Lose Custody of Their Extremely Obese Kids?
Although I don't think children should be taken away from their parents for extreme obesity I do think there should be some sort of intervention to help kids lose weight in order to prevent health problems. Parents need to learn how to teach their children about eating right and exercising. I feel bad for toddlers who weigh more than 100 pounds because they aren't healthy and they probably suffer from bullying as well.
In some cases it may not be the parents fault. It could be a lack of physical activity at school due to no recess or physical education classes.
I just thought I'd share that article because I found it interesting.
On to other things...
I have lost four pounds in the last four days. It may be water weight but I already feel a little better. I can button a pair of shorts I haven't been able to wear since last summer....so I guess that is some sort of progress, right?
And now that I have a somewhat normal work schedule I can make a somewhat normal workout schedule. My goal is 20 pounds by Christmas so that I can gain it all back over the holiday. That gives me just under five months...four pounds a month shouldn't be too hard. My problem with dieting in the past has been that I expected noticeable results right away. Hopefully I don't get discouraged if the results aren't immediate.
Anyways, tata for now.
I am back at the school store working now for the rest of the summer. It should be nicer than working at the cinema. Although I do love getting to see movies for free, half-off concessions and a pretty chillax schedule...I need to make some money.
So, I'm sitting at work (having a chair is soooo nice) and I am surfing the Time Magazine website since it is my favorite thing to do that is work appropriate. I'd rather peruse Facebook and do some online shopping but Time will have to suffice. I came across a very interesting article about childhood obesity and whether or not their parents should have custody of them. Should Parents Lose Custody of Their Extremely Obese Kids?
Although I don't think children should be taken away from their parents for extreme obesity I do think there should be some sort of intervention to help kids lose weight in order to prevent health problems. Parents need to learn how to teach their children about eating right and exercising. I feel bad for toddlers who weigh more than 100 pounds because they aren't healthy and they probably suffer from bullying as well.
In some cases it may not be the parents fault. It could be a lack of physical activity at school due to no recess or physical education classes.
I just thought I'd share that article because I found it interesting.
On to other things...
I have lost four pounds in the last four days. It may be water weight but I already feel a little better. I can button a pair of shorts I haven't been able to wear since last summer....so I guess that is some sort of progress, right?
And now that I have a somewhat normal work schedule I can make a somewhat normal workout schedule. My goal is 20 pounds by Christmas so that I can gain it all back over the holiday. That gives me just under five months...four pounds a month shouldn't be too hard. My problem with dieting in the past has been that I expected noticeable results right away. Hopefully I don't get discouraged if the results aren't immediate.
Anyways, tata for now.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Magical Fairy @ the Basilica Block Party.
So, yesterday we spent the day in Minneapolis at the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary and listened to some awesome music. While we were killing time in between acts, we collaboratively wrote a little story, sentence by sentence...and here it is!
Once upon a time there was a fairy in the woods. She had lost her magical stone and was in search for it. Then she had to call for her fairy friends to help her find it. She looked everywhere for it, but couldn't find it. So she called the magical stone making company which was closed because of labor day. Then she said, "this sucks," and sat under her magical flower. A firebird at her magical flower. The fairy doesn't take crap from anybody so she challenged the firebird to a duel. "Connect four," yelled the fairy and the heated rage began. The firebird had lost and said, "best two out of three?" But the fairy doesn't like that idea. The fairy got angry and set her minions after the firebird. Feathers and black smokey fumes were in the air, and with a final squawk the firebird expired. After the debris had vanished the minions had seen something mystical and stone like.
It may not be the most beautifully written story but we were very entertained while writing it.
Once upon a time there was a fairy in the woods. She had lost her magical stone and was in search for it. Then she had to call for her fairy friends to help her find it. She looked everywhere for it, but couldn't find it. So she called the magical stone making company which was closed because of labor day. Then she said, "this sucks," and sat under her magical flower. A firebird at her magical flower. The fairy doesn't take crap from anybody so she challenged the firebird to a duel. "Connect four," yelled the fairy and the heated rage began. The firebird had lost and said, "best two out of three?" But the fairy doesn't like that idea. The fairy got angry and set her minions after the firebird. Feathers and black smokey fumes were in the air, and with a final squawk the firebird expired. After the debris had vanished the minions had seen something mystical and stone like.
It may not be the most beautifully written story but we were very entertained while writing it.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sometimes a Girl has to Run.
I started something new today! I hope you like it!
Sometimes a Girl has to Run.
Michelle Samson packed up her belongings into 1989 Chevy S-10 the night before her wedding. The only things she left behind were a white wedding dress and a note on the fridge for her sister Julie to find in the morning or when she went to the fridge for something to drink in the middle of the night.
Julie called it a night early and was fast asleep in her room. Lucky for Michelle, Julie was a deep sleeper.
Michelle read the note one more time to make sure it said everything she couldn't say to her fiance or sister in person. She stuck the note back on the fridge with the magnet her and Julie got on their trip to Las Vegas. She switched the light off in the kitchen and went out the apartment door and locked it behind her. She hadn't been in the hallway for more than ten seconds before James, her neighbor down the hall, cracked his door open.
"Cold feet?" He looked at the back of her and waited for a response.
She stared down the hall for a few seconds, hoping that he would go back in his apartment if she didn't answer him.
"Well?" He shut the door for a moment to undo the chain and then propped his door open a little further.
"Something like that." She turned towards him and leaned against the wall.
"Come in for a drink?"
"I don't think so. I should get moving." Some hair fell into her eyes and she pushed it back behind her ear with her left hand.
"Don't you think he'll want that back?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That giant diamond on your finger." James pointed at the ring she had on. It was perfect, a ring any girl would dream of. "He might want it back."
"Oh, I guess. I didn't even think, but, I should go." She rubbed her forearm with her hand and started to turn and continue down the hallway.
"Want to talk about it?"
Michelle turned back towards him and stared him in the eyes for a few moments. "What do you keep your bar stocked with?"
"A little of everything."
Sometimes a Girl has to Run.
Michelle Samson packed up her belongings into 1989 Chevy S-10 the night before her wedding. The only things she left behind were a white wedding dress and a note on the fridge for her sister Julie to find in the morning or when she went to the fridge for something to drink in the middle of the night.
Julie called it a night early and was fast asleep in her room. Lucky for Michelle, Julie was a deep sleeper.
Michelle read the note one more time to make sure it said everything she couldn't say to her fiance or sister in person. She stuck the note back on the fridge with the magnet her and Julie got on their trip to Las Vegas. She switched the light off in the kitchen and went out the apartment door and locked it behind her. She hadn't been in the hallway for more than ten seconds before James, her neighbor down the hall, cracked his door open.
"Cold feet?" He looked at the back of her and waited for a response.
She stared down the hall for a few seconds, hoping that he would go back in his apartment if she didn't answer him.
"Well?" He shut the door for a moment to undo the chain and then propped his door open a little further.
"Something like that." She turned towards him and leaned against the wall.
"Come in for a drink?"
"I don't think so. I should get moving." Some hair fell into her eyes and she pushed it back behind her ear with her left hand.
"Don't you think he'll want that back?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That giant diamond on your finger." James pointed at the ring she had on. It was perfect, a ring any girl would dream of. "He might want it back."
"Oh, I guess. I didn't even think, but, I should go." She rubbed her forearm with her hand and started to turn and continue down the hallway.
"Want to talk about it?"
Michelle turned back towards him and stared him in the eyes for a few moments. "What do you keep your bar stocked with?"
"A little of everything."
Summer Update
Lesson of the day(month): writing feels good, even if there is no "real" point.
Last night I sat down and wrote in a journal for the first time since Freshman year of college. It felt awesome. I loved it. It's true, writing frees the soul. I just wrote and wrote and wrote. I guess I had a lot on my mind. Like, what to do after I graduate from college. The plan I came up with is to go back to college. I guess all I've known for the last 18 years is school and what better way to continue with my life. I want to learn more things and to be honest, I don't feel like I am ready for the real world and getting a real job where I have to work 8-5 everyday except weekends and government recognized holidays.
Also, I picked out a birthday card for a friend last night and thought, "Man, I should get into the greeting card business." Seriously, if you think about it, they have to make a huge profit. Paper and ink can only cost so much and they can sell a card for 5 dollars! I just have to come up with some cute sayings and learn how to design a card or two. How do you get into that business though? Where do you go?
And another thing I had on my mind was traveling. My sister left for Washington D.C. this morning with the high school marching band. I've been so jealous of her since I learned where they were going this summer on the trip and even more jealous of her after I saw the itinerary. I wish I could have tagged along. Maybe I'll keep her itinerary for ideas later.
My boyfriend and I just "celebrated" our five year anniversary. It's incredible to think that it has been that long. It feels like it's been a lot longer than that though. Seriously, it feels like it was just yesterday that we had our first date. That could be a little exaggeration, it kind of feels like it could have been just a year ago. We're actually going to celebrate later this week(tomorrow) since he is in Marshfield, WI interning at Marshfield Clinic. He's honest and perfect and very ambitious and best of all, he loves me too!
My cousin is a very talented athlete and she is very modest about it. She doesn't like to be the center of attention very often, unlike the stereotypical only-child. We spent last weekend in Duluth watching her and her team play in a tournament and although they didn't do as well as they would have liked it was still fun to watch because you can tell she has learned a lot since she started playing about 7 years ago. It makes me really want to start playing in a softball league. I wasn't the best player in high school but I really enjoyed playing and I think I really would like to again.
Summer is cruising right on by and before we all know it, school will be here again. Most people want the summer to pass by as slow as possible but as for me, I want it to put the pedal to the metal and speed on by. I cannot wait for school to start again. I am very, very, very excited for my Senior year of college. I am going to be on the Deans List once, at least that is what I am going to try and do. It's totally possible, right? My roommates and I have a nice house this year and we all get along so well. It should be a blast!
I've been doing a lot of online shopping in the last week for various things like purses, shoes, laptop accessories, jackets and the like. I don't have a whole lot of money to spend on these things so it is better that I do it online because I am less likely to purchase something if I can't touch it first. When school starts again I should have a little more spending cash. So, for now, I am going to keep a wish list of items that I want to buy...or get as gifts. *hint hint*
Toodaloo!
Last night I sat down and wrote in a journal for the first time since Freshman year of college. It felt awesome. I loved it. It's true, writing frees the soul. I just wrote and wrote and wrote. I guess I had a lot on my mind. Like, what to do after I graduate from college. The plan I came up with is to go back to college. I guess all I've known for the last 18 years is school and what better way to continue with my life. I want to learn more things and to be honest, I don't feel like I am ready for the real world and getting a real job where I have to work 8-5 everyday except weekends and government recognized holidays.
Also, I picked out a birthday card for a friend last night and thought, "Man, I should get into the greeting card business." Seriously, if you think about it, they have to make a huge profit. Paper and ink can only cost so much and they can sell a card for 5 dollars! I just have to come up with some cute sayings and learn how to design a card or two. How do you get into that business though? Where do you go?
And another thing I had on my mind was traveling. My sister left for Washington D.C. this morning with the high school marching band. I've been so jealous of her since I learned where they were going this summer on the trip and even more jealous of her after I saw the itinerary. I wish I could have tagged along. Maybe I'll keep her itinerary for ideas later.
My boyfriend and I just "celebrated" our five year anniversary. It's incredible to think that it has been that long. It feels like it's been a lot longer than that though. Seriously, it feels like it was just yesterday that we had our first date. That could be a little exaggeration, it kind of feels like it could have been just a year ago. We're actually going to celebrate later this week(tomorrow) since he is in Marshfield, WI interning at Marshfield Clinic. He's honest and perfect and very ambitious and best of all, he loves me too!
My cousin is a very talented athlete and she is very modest about it. She doesn't like to be the center of attention very often, unlike the stereotypical only-child. We spent last weekend in Duluth watching her and her team play in a tournament and although they didn't do as well as they would have liked it was still fun to watch because you can tell she has learned a lot since she started playing about 7 years ago. It makes me really want to start playing in a softball league. I wasn't the best player in high school but I really enjoyed playing and I think I really would like to again.
Summer is cruising right on by and before we all know it, school will be here again. Most people want the summer to pass by as slow as possible but as for me, I want it to put the pedal to the metal and speed on by. I cannot wait for school to start again. I am very, very, very excited for my Senior year of college. I am going to be on the Deans List once, at least that is what I am going to try and do. It's totally possible, right? My roommates and I have a nice house this year and we all get along so well. It should be a blast!
I've been doing a lot of online shopping in the last week for various things like purses, shoes, laptop accessories, jackets and the like. I don't have a whole lot of money to spend on these things so it is better that I do it online because I am less likely to purchase something if I can't touch it first. When school starts again I should have a little more spending cash. So, for now, I am going to keep a wish list of items that I want to buy...or get as gifts. *hint hint*
Toodaloo!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wish List!
Lesson of the day (that I have known for a very long time): If I had all the money in the world I would spend it at Barnes and Noble. I love love love LOVE that place! I went there today and stumbled across something that I want now but unfortunately do not have the balance in my checking account to purchase. Sad day!
Wanna know what it is?? Or, should I say, what they are! Barnes and Noble Leatherbound Classics! Below are just a few that I would really love to have. There are too many to choose from really, it's outrageously awesome. So, if you are looking for a gift for someone who enjoys reading and likes pretty things, this would be a darn good choice.
Wanna know what it is?? Or, should I say, what they are! Barnes and Noble Leatherbound Classics! Below are just a few that I would really love to have. There are too many to choose from really, it's outrageously awesome. So, if you are looking for a gift for someone who enjoys reading and likes pretty things, this would be a darn good choice.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Fingers crossed.
Today is Thursday the fourteenth of April. What a great day, I guess? I mean, my meeting with my professor went well; she loves my new research paper topic and is very happy that I am much happier with the topic. I can’t believe that I only have two weeks to finish it, which I guess is a whole week longer than I originally had
before she pushed the due date back a week and a day. I am so very thankful for that.
In other news, as many of you probably know, UMD Bulldog Hockey brought home an NCAA Frozen Four Championship title! How exciting is that?! I work at the school store and it has been just chaotic the last few days. We are getting giant shipments of championship merchandise daily. We sold over $20,000 of merchandise in just four hours at the ceremony at Amsoil Arena on Wednesday night. Unreal! What a good deal for the store
though, right? And what a good thing for the hockey program at UMD!
There are 29 days between me and the end of my junior year at UMD. I am so excited, nervous and sad all at the same time. I am getting old, well older. Not gray old but “damn, I have to be more responsible” old and it is a scary time in my life where I can really only be sure of what is happening right at the moment. I can’t even be sure of what is going to happen tomorrow. All I can do is hope and pray that things work out in the end, right?
I have been working on getting a summer job too so that I can stay busy and not have too much down time to get sad and lazy this summer. The job hunt isn’t going very well right now though but hopefully it will turn around. I did get asked if I wanted to learn something new at the bookstore, so maybe there will be more of a summer job opportunity there. Hopefully, fingers crossed.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Uncertainties of Summer
Lesson of the day: try to commit to a plan.
I am in between a few options for summer employment, none of them are looking too good because I cannot commit to any of them yet because I am uncertain if I will really get any of them. I can get a few hours at the bookstore over the summer, might be interning at the office of Al Franken or I could always go back to the Buffalo Cinema.
I want to be in Duluth during the summer so working at the bookstore would be supreme but my boss doesn't have enough hours available in the first half and I am uncertain of my availability and will not be certain until I hear back from the office of Al Franken and another internship that I applied for.
Growing up is hard, especially when you have so many decisions to make all at one time and you can't make any of them until one of them is decided for you. Bagh!
Oh well. Maybe I can be in college forever.
I am in between a few options for summer employment, none of them are looking too good because I cannot commit to any of them yet because I am uncertain if I will really get any of them. I can get a few hours at the bookstore over the summer, might be interning at the office of Al Franken or I could always go back to the Buffalo Cinema.
I want to be in Duluth during the summer so working at the bookstore would be supreme but my boss doesn't have enough hours available in the first half and I am uncertain of my availability and will not be certain until I hear back from the office of Al Franken and another internship that I applied for.
Growing up is hard, especially when you have so many decisions to make all at one time and you can't make any of them until one of them is decided for you. Bagh!
Oh well. Maybe I can be in college forever.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sorry guys.
I hope I didn't psych you all out too much with that post about promising to post at least once a week. I really really really wanted to. I just posted part of a story and hope to post more sometime this week. Please forgive me, I beg you. And I guess I wouldn't be too upset if you didn't.
This spring semester is ridiculous. I have SO much reading to do, I easily read two hundred pages a week. I am really enjoying this semester so far and it's half over. Let's hope I enjoy the next half while I am writing a few research papers. I have have three 10-12 page papers due near the end of the semester. Why did I do this to myself?
So, anyways, I hope you enjoy the first few paragraphs of the story I'm working on. Hope to hear some feedback soon.
This spring semester is ridiculous. I have SO much reading to do, I easily read two hundred pages a week. I am really enjoying this semester so far and it's half over. Let's hope I enjoy the next half while I am writing a few research papers. I have have three 10-12 page papers due near the end of the semester. Why did I do this to myself?
So, anyways, I hope you enjoy the first few paragraphs of the story I'm working on. Hope to hear some feedback soon.
FINALLY!
I finally got around to posting a story, or at least the beginning of one. Hope you all like it!
The gold and orange leaves tumbled across the concrete while six men in black suits carried the casket that Jordan James’s body would lay for eternity from the church doors to the hearse that would take him to his eternal resting place. Jordan’s obituary said he died in a car accident at the fault of a drunk driver but many people in town were skeptical.
Jordan was the starting goalie for the New Hope Hawks. Recruiters had been knocking on his door left and right and showing up at every home game for weeks. His father had been pressuring him to pursue any of the offers but Jordan didn’t want to.
“Jordan!” Jenny was panting as she ran towards Jordan to catch him before he got to his car.
Jordan looked back at Jenny for a moment and then continued to walk to his car.
“Why did you blow me off on Saturday?” Jenny could hardly catch her breath. “You didn’t answer any of my calls yesterday either. What gives?”
Jordan stopped to let Jenny catch up. He took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled and then turned around to look at Jenny. This was the first time he noticed how her bangs fell in front of her eyes and how she pushed them aside from her eyes. “I didn’t feel like going out after the game.” He put his hand on her shoulder and said, “I didn’t know what to say on Saturday but it’s hard to be sociable after you lose a game.”
“I don’t care about that.” Jenny turned and started to walk away from him. She’d heard the excuses a thousand times.
“Jenny, stop.” Jordan dropped his bags and started after her. “Will you please stop? Come talk to me?”
“You keep fucking up!” She looked away from Jordan and shook her head. “I got to go. Maybe I’ll call you.”
Jordan went back to his bags and picked them up; they felt like a few bricks were added. He got in his truck and sat in the driver’s seat for a moment. He turned his car on and left the lot, on his way home he turned off and circled the block that Jenny lived on a few times to see if she was home. Her car was there but he didn’t get the guts to stop and talk to her. “Damnit,” he thought.
Jordan parked his car in front of his house. All the lights seemed to be on and there was an odd car in the driveway. He sat in his car for a few minutes before gathering his bags and going in.
“Jordan, is that you?”
“Yes ma.”
“Jordan, will you go upstairs and clean up? We have company.”
Monday, February 7, 2011
Just another Monday.
Lesson of the day: Mondays suck!
I get up at 6 am on Mondays so that I can be at work by 7:30. I shouldn't complain because there are plenty of people out there, college students included, that don't have jobs who really need them. I am thankful that I have a job it just sucks getting up so early.
Also, we haven't had a working dryer at home for over a week and a half so I haven't done a whole lot of laundry. The roomie and I are currently at the laundromat now - it's a pain. I should have never taken having a washer and dryer at my house for granted. I appreciated not having to leave my house to do laundry.
I am working on a presentation for my Victorian Literature class with a group of me and two other people. We were supposed to meet today and be productive. Instead, we met and were not productive. We present on Wednesday and haven't really got anything put together except the outline. I'm nervous that it isn't going to meet requirements or that it might be embarrassing.
I am very uninspired lately - so I haven't really been writing any fiction. It makes me sad. I REALLY want to start writing some children's fiction but that would take some effort to learn the style and stuff. Sheesh, I used the phrase "and stuff," it must be a Monday.
Alas, I should get back to homework and laundry.
Adieu.
p.s. This is probably one of my favorite Super Bowl commercials this year.
I get up at 6 am on Mondays so that I can be at work by 7:30. I shouldn't complain because there are plenty of people out there, college students included, that don't have jobs who really need them. I am thankful that I have a job it just sucks getting up so early.
Also, we haven't had a working dryer at home for over a week and a half so I haven't done a whole lot of laundry. The roomie and I are currently at the laundromat now - it's a pain. I should have never taken having a washer and dryer at my house for granted. I appreciated not having to leave my house to do laundry.
I am working on a presentation for my Victorian Literature class with a group of me and two other people. We were supposed to meet today and be productive. Instead, we met and were not productive. We present on Wednesday and haven't really got anything put together except the outline. I'm nervous that it isn't going to meet requirements or that it might be embarrassing.
I am very uninspired lately - so I haven't really been writing any fiction. It makes me sad. I REALLY want to start writing some children's fiction but that would take some effort to learn the style and stuff. Sheesh, I used the phrase "and stuff," it must be a Monday.
Alas, I should get back to homework and laundry.
Adieu.
p.s. This is probably one of my favorite Super Bowl commercials this year.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Swing of things.
I sincerely apologize to all of my blog readers (I know the number of you is small but I fantasize about my audience being in the thousands) for not posting anything in the last 18 days. It has been a rough, crazy, wild and overwhelming time, to say the least.
I just started Spring semester a few weeks ago on the 18th of January and our work schedule at the bookstore on campus has been just a little haywire. The last two weeks I have either been in class, working, eating or sleeping. It didn't leave a whole lot of time to do any blogging or fiction writing. My class schedule and work schedule are normal now and I should be able to find some time for both, should being the keyword.
I have some plans for other fiction pieces that I wrote. I want to make Madden a longer story and develop the characters more and have more things happen to them, I realized that you really don't get to know any of the characters too well other than the main character, Madison. Who knows, maybe it could become my first novel - or novella.
I may want to start trying to write some children's books and in order to really share those they need to be illustrated and put together. I was thinking about using some sort of digital painting/drawing program to do that. I just wish I didn't have actual assignments to worry about all the time. I just want to start doing stuff and by stuff I mean writing and publishing stories. The best way to get better and have a chance at actually making money from it is to just put it out there and hope for some circulation!
Wish me luck!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Writer's block.
I have a seriously bad case of writer's block. I have been trying really, really hard to finish a story or come up with a new one. I looked up story generator after story generator and tried generating multiple different stories but none of them were fruitful.
I need Margi Preus. She had my creative writing side inspired every Tuesday and Thursday last semester. Who knew a few weeks without her and my creative juices would run dry? I certainly didn't. I thought she had got a great, big ball rolling but somehow that ball stopped and I want it to move again but I'm having a hard time pushing it.
I sort of felt like I was cheating myself and my readers by using a story generator since they weren't my original ideas. I didn't come up with them on my own or magically stumble upon them going about my day in the normal way like I am supposed to. My best stories have come from personal inspirations or problems.
Hopefully, as the semester goes on, I'll get my creative juices back.
I need Margi Preus. She had my creative writing side inspired every Tuesday and Thursday last semester. Who knew a few weeks without her and my creative juices would run dry? I certainly didn't. I thought she had got a great, big ball rolling but somehow that ball stopped and I want it to move again but I'm having a hard time pushing it.
I sort of felt like I was cheating myself and my readers by using a story generator since they weren't my original ideas. I didn't come up with them on my own or magically stumble upon them going about my day in the normal way like I am supposed to. My best stories have come from personal inspirations or problems.
Hopefully, as the semester goes on, I'll get my creative juices back.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Broke.
Lesson of the day: "that purse isn't worth it, I only have two hundred and some dollars in my bank account." I feel broke, I am broke.
I am a college student. In high school I would have felt rich but now I don't. I have textbooks to buy next week and a balance on my student account that I need to pay off. It's just not fair that you can't just rent your textbooks or have a class set of them like you did in high school.
I have been wanting a new purse for a while now but have not been able to rationalize the purchase. The purse I carry now says, "Look at me, I'm a 16-year-old girl!" I need something that says I am a "young", sophisticated adult. I just wish that the purses that said that didn't have such a big price tag. I also wish I could buy all the books that I wanted, but that can't happen either because I have to buy textbooks. How crummy.
The good news, I have thirty-six hours at work next week. I'll probably be able to buy a purse when I get paid next, yay! It'll be my birthday present to myself.
I am a college student. In high school I would have felt rich but now I don't. I have textbooks to buy next week and a balance on my student account that I need to pay off. It's just not fair that you can't just rent your textbooks or have a class set of them like you did in high school.
I have been wanting a new purse for a while now but have not been able to rationalize the purchase. The purse I carry now says, "Look at me, I'm a 16-year-old girl!" I need something that says I am a "young", sophisticated adult. I just wish that the purses that said that didn't have such a big price tag. I also wish I could buy all the books that I wanted, but that can't happen either because I have to buy textbooks. How crummy.
The good news, I have thirty-six hours at work next week. I'll probably be able to buy a purse when I get paid next, yay! It'll be my birthday present to myself.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Fluff.
I keep having this dream that my boyfriend comments on my blog saying that all of my posts are "fluff" and that I need to write something more meaningful.
Is it true? Do I need to have a "meaningful" blog? As long as my blog fulfills my need, isn't that enough? Since I am having this dream, there must be something missing that my subconscious is trying to tell me. Well, I want this blog to be an outlet for my fiction, my "lessons" and just a place where I can write. Haven't I done that?
I wish I could dream up a story and write a great, American novel. Probably won't happen anytime soon unless I start writing "meaningful" blog posts so I stop having this "fluff" dream. Maybe I should go on a LONG vacation and keep a diary - or has that already been done? It's just an idea though, I guess.
Maybe I could drive around the country visiting other colleges and sneak into classes and write about it. I wish someone would just pay me to sit down and brainstorm and write unfinished stories. That would be the life, kind of. It would also be nice to be published in one way or another.
I know what I need! A mentor, someone who will coach me through writing a novel. Someone who will keep pushing me when I don't think I can keep writing. Someone who will help me to come up with ideas to keep the story rolling.
One can dream I suppose. If you know of any novel writing coaches, let me know.
Is it true? Do I need to have a "meaningful" blog? As long as my blog fulfills my need, isn't that enough? Since I am having this dream, there must be something missing that my subconscious is trying to tell me. Well, I want this blog to be an outlet for my fiction, my "lessons" and just a place where I can write. Haven't I done that?
I wish I could dream up a story and write a great, American novel. Probably won't happen anytime soon unless I start writing "meaningful" blog posts so I stop having this "fluff" dream. Maybe I should go on a LONG vacation and keep a diary - or has that already been done? It's just an idea though, I guess.
Maybe I could drive around the country visiting other colleges and sneak into classes and write about it. I wish someone would just pay me to sit down and brainstorm and write unfinished stories. That would be the life, kind of. It would also be nice to be published in one way or another.
I know what I need! A mentor, someone who will coach me through writing a novel. Someone who will keep pushing me when I don't think I can keep writing. Someone who will help me to come up with ideas to keep the story rolling.
One can dream I suppose. If you know of any novel writing coaches, let me know.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Blank page: the writer's worst enemy.
A sort-of-lesson of the day: the blank page is hard to turn into something else.
I've been having a hard time posting on my blog lately because I am having a hard time turning the empty space in the new blog post page into a "real" post. This is also true of my fictional writing. Even though I have some stories started it is hard to finish the stories and some just aren't good enough to share.
So, in order to get out of this rut, I am going to just post whatever I think of. I am going to think of a word or phrase or song and just write about it. We'll see how that goes, maybe I'll develop something else for my blog. A new direction, perhaps? Is there direction now??
My new years resolution: defeat the blank page. And how will I do this? Starting a blog with word of phrase three times a week, hopefully! Sheesh, already setting myself up for a miniature failure.
Here's to 2011!
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