Hello, Halo

You guys are pretty much never going to get a real post-year blog-down.

In my last blog, I alluded to some decisions that some people may not be happy about, and promise to eventually elaborate, so here we go.

I have decided that since I hate school (like, pure, unadulterated hate) it is weird to continue. Why would you do something you knowingly hate? Especially when you know the outcome isn’t even that good? So, I have withdrawn from classes for the semester, with the exception of my internship, which is worth some credit hours. I am working as much as I can and saving up some money for, well, who knows what, at this point. Next semester, I am going back to DMACC to finish up an associates degree (I’ve come this far, I may as well get SOMETHING for it) and am going to continue with YSS in order to get certified as a Prevention Specialist. I know there are some people who think this is a huge mistake and that college is the answer to all life’s problems. But hey, guess what, little secret… It’s absolutely not. If someone would have told me in high school that I didn’t have to go to college, I wouldn’t have! I hate it! Every tiny thing about it makes me unhappy. I love to learn, but it’s not like I can’t read on my own. I know plenty of successful people who didn’t go to college and are still able to make a living and be happy. There is simply no reason to do something that makes you so unhappy.

So, that’s that. I know there are people who think this is a mistake, but quite frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.

Aside from my school decision, things have been going quite well. I was recently promoted at work (officially, anyway, since I’ve been doing the actual job for about a year), I started dating a boy (who I believe to be very cute), started looking for apartments for next year, bought a car, got insurance, made some new friends…

This isn’t a terribly detailed blog, but this is the first time in a long time that I’ve felt so content and so happy with where I am and where I’m going.

For the record, I hate flip flops.

Quickie update, but still no post-year-blog-down.

Things have been going. Have had some ups and downs this month, involving family, friends and my car. So, I love my car… but this cool thing keeps happening where HUGE pieces are breaking, and I’m not so cool with that. Today, my car is in the shop. Tomorrow, I get it back for the low, low cost of several hundred dollars. Awesome.

So, people have been talking about new years resolutions etc, so here we go.

1) Blog more. Or at least blog more without the first sentence being ‘So, I haven’t written in a while..’
2) Make more lists
3) Avoid getting punched in the face
4) Figure out something artsy fartsy that I’m capable of doing
5) Avoid getting severely burned
6) Not tell coworkers that I hate them
7) Avoid getting stabbed
8) Keep the crap in my car to a minimum
9) Avoid falling 15,000 feet to my death

So, since one of my resolutions is list-making, here is a list of random stuff.. but I’ve decided not to number it, so deal.

- I have been COOKING lately. And ENJOYING it.
- I look frikkin CUTE in an apron
- Apparently, lying and being a bad person means you get extra hours at work and/or whatever the hell else you want
- I’ve started painting my Cyclops toe again
- I’ve made some definite plans concerning my life and where I want it to go. I’m sure it will piss some people off, but, it’s my life, so they can just deal with it. It’s weird to do something that doesn’t make you happy (more details on this later)
- I’ve decided to set Kyle Riabko free. He is clearly too busy for a girlfriend… other than Steffi D, who I’m pretty sure he’s still with.
- I’ve also decided to concentrate on Boots Factor. He’s coming to Des Moines, soon, so hopefully he’ll realize how in love we are.

Things are mostly good. Things are mostly coming together. I’m mostly pretty happy.

Ok, so… it’s been awhile.

I didn’t do my annual post-year blog-down.  For that, I apologize. Eventually, I will at least do a series of pictures, but I’ve been busy and and lazy and haven’t been terribly interested in reading through past entries, especially, since I really, really roffed it this year as far as writing goes.

With that being said, allow me to fill you in on the past few months.

I worked a TON. As I recall, I worked about 16 days in a row at about every Walgreens in this area. So, that was balls, but did supply a pretty nice paycheck at the end. I went on a really great first date immediately followed by a really, really, really great holiday break at home with my family. I spent a ton of time with my family, as well as Tk and her (our) family. Kevin and Melissa’s wedding was absolutely beautiful, and Melissa looked radiant, stunning and every other phenomenal adjective you can think of. Kevin was possibly the most hansom man I had ever seen. The reception was fantastic (for details on that, you can probably check out Adam Peter’s youtube page.. I’m pretty sure he’s got video from the night).

This year was possibly the best Christmas. Instead of my brothers and I having two seperate Christmas’s (one with each family) we had one giant one. Everyone got really great gifts that were extremely well thought out, including (not that I’m bragging ;] ) a frikkin cute purse I bought for my sister in law, some fantastic clothes for my brothers, and the entire Series of Unfortunate Events for Tk. Oh yeah. I am THAT good.

Also, this year was the first New Year’s Eve I have ever actually done anything. Becca, Ms. Lisa J, Jeremy and I went to a few bars, followed by a bit of gambling. Lisa and I sang a riveting version of Mmmbop which was only surpassed by the phenomenal rendition of Manic Monday, performed by Becca and I. There are probably videos of that somewhere, too. I must say, it was a really delightful evening.

Following New Years, I enjoyed an exhausting weekend with my nieces and Tk. We shopped, we swam, we ate too much spaghetti. I’m glad I got to have the girls for the whole weekend, even if I was exhausted by the end of it. They are getting so old! I’m glad I’m able to do special things like weekends out of town with them… Although, I probably won’t be doing that again for while…

School started up again, and I’m a bit bummed that I had to cut my credit hours. But, it’s the only way that I would’ve been able to work enough to pay the bills. I also started an internship with Youth Shelter and Services working with teens who struggle with addiction. The first few days were… less than awesome. I was able to get through it though, and actually, am really enjoying it now.

I think that’s everything… so, there’s that.

Oh, and last weekend I was arrested. But no bigs. ;]

OK ok ok ok ok ok ok ok…. I’m back.

Sorry everyone. What a strange, unneccessary hiatus. But here I am now. I know you missed me.

Ok, that’s all. Guess when I’ll blog again… the winner gets a mix cd!

For those of you are come in direct contact with me on a daily basis, I just wanted to apologize. I haven’t been myself lately. I’m trying to get it under control, but it’s proving to be a bit harder than I had hoped. It’s kind of weird this time, actually. Usually, something sets me off to make me feel this way. Either family stuff or friend stuff or stuff stuff, but this time it seems to be none of those things.

Actually, things are much, much better right now than they were this time last year. I’m settled into an apartment with good friends, I’m doing better in my job than I was last year, for the most part, I’ve got my emotions more in check, and, get this, I’ve actually made friends. I know, weird, right? I can’t believe it either sometimes.

So, all in all, things are going great. Except they don’t feel so great. I’m pretty sure I know what changes need to be made in order for me to feel better, but, as you all know, I don’t always do so hot with change. So, in the mean time, I’m trying. Also (directed mostly at mom, dad and tk), there’s no need to worry. This isn’t like it was last year, and I’m doing everything in my power to make sure it doesn’t turn into that.

Uuuuugh, I suck at this! I keep the worst blog around, I’m pretty sure.

There isn’t a lot to update you on, except that I went to see Hanson again this weekend. It was a lot of fun… not the best show I’ve seen, but it was still fun. Steel Train is my new love, so that’s cool. HelloGoodbye is kind of lame, though.

Anyhow, here are a couple of observations I’ve had over the last few days:

1) Mono-tonal bleach blond hair is super ugly. Hair that is pretty much white? No no, let’s figure something out, guys.

2) Leaving your laundry in the washer for four days at a time is frikkin gross. And it makes the entire laundry room smell like mildew, so if you could move it, that would be great. Kthx.

3) College is my least favorite thing I have ever done. Except perhaps total my parent’s car.

4) It is ok to think your professor is hot, but for the LOVE OF GOD, girls, PLEASE stop giggling at his jokes! He’s not THAT funny! AND, he’s married!

5) Hanson is way hotter than I remember.

6) I get rulllll grouchy after only getting three hours of sleep.

7) Beer? Not as gross as I remember.

8) I have the coolest nieces on the planet.

9) I have rediscovered my love of Every Time I Die. And you should probably go watch ‘Shit Happens’. Ok?

10) I make a really good pirate/bitter beer/ where the wild thins are face

11) I would so much rather just post lists than real blog entries…

I’m thinking about starting a video blog, what are your thoughts?

So, it’s been awhile. Sorry about that.

School started and things were going okay. It’s been busy, but my classes are interesting, with the exception of Adolescence… I really hate that class. It’s kind of like taking 7th grade sex ed. Which was fun when I was in 7th grade, but you know.

So, readers, what have you missed out on? The weddings, school starting, some work drama, some school drama, some tooth drama…

So, I’ve had a toothache for a few weeks, but I thought I was just being a wuss, so I ignored it. As I was eating a granola bar one day, a piece of my tooth came out. Gross. So I went to the dentist and was told that I need a root canal. I couldn’t afford to have them do it, so I made an appointment at University of Iowa Dentistry. I was told it would be $190, which is something I could pretty easily afford right now. The earliest I could get in was September 16th, which was three weeks after my original dentist appointment. So, I went up last week, waited around in the dentist’s chair, had three or four different dentists come in to talk to the student who was supposed to be doing the root canal. At the end of it, I ended up having to have my root canal done by a grad student… and ended up paying several hundred dollars more. At the end of the root canal, I asked the dentist what the hell the problem was.

Apparently, in a normal molar, you have 3 roots and 4 to 5 canals. In my molar, I have 1 root and 1 canal. I would think this would make it easier to do a root canal, but apparently not. So that was fun.

School has been making my head explode. Anthropological Theory is ridiculous. I cannot wrap my head around it, no matter how hard I try. Well, maybe if I try harder… it’ll probably be okay. Linguistics is going alright, too, other than the fact that Hopi language makes ZERO sense to me. Rachel is in that class with me though, so she keeps me sane. Along with Ryan. Haha, dude says the coolest things.

I’m considering my options as far as school goes. I’ve got an appointment with my adviser next week to come up with some sort of graduation plan. I’m relieved to know what I actually want to do, but I’m so bogged down right now. I don’t feel like I’m accomplishing anything. I hate school. I was always told that I would be one of those kids that flourished when they got to college, but I’m not. I always thought I was smart, too, but apparently I’m not. I have a really hard time retaining information, and concentration? Forget about it. My concentration sucks. Even when I’m doing stuff I like to do, it sucks. Which leads me to believe that getting a degree is impossible.

Well, I’m off to try to concentrate on homework, but it probably won’t go very well.

I’m attempting to be a better blogger. It’s easier during the school year though, because I’m always looking for something to distract me from homework.

I had a really nice visit home. Very relaxing. I had to move all my crap from the front porch up to Matt’s old room. Of course, I couldn’t just MOVE stuff, I had to go through all of it. And you know me… when I go through stuff, I go through ALL of it. Oh boy, I found some treasures. Some real gems. I found a really cool picture of me and Tk at the old house on High Street. A picture of my laying across Marci, Trent and Jon. A love letter from my boyfriend when I was 14 ( and ohhhhhhhh man, was it ever good! ). All of my year books from high school and elementary school (the ones from Junior High are mysteriously missing..). OH! And a really wonderful picture of Danielle and I. We’re wearing our Student Counsel sweatshirts (that are entirely too big for us) and we both have really nice triangle hair. Danielle is wearing a spectacular pair of glasses. I also found home made Pokemon cards and some pogs. Yes, pogs.

Time spent packing here in Ames was not near as much fun. I threw away three garbage bags of just.. stuff. Weird stuff, too! How do I accumulate so much junk? I’ve still got some packing to do before Wednesday, but it’s coming together fairly fast.

Nothing too new to tell you about. I have actual hang-out-type friends now, which is a weird feeling. But EXTREMELY relieving. This past year has been so weird. I really like to go out and have a good time, but it’s been hard meeting people and making friends. I’ve had a really good time hanging out with everyone though. Friday, I was even feeleing rather brave, so I gave my phone number to the cute bartender. I was a little tipsy though, and deffinitely wasn’t looking my cutest, so I doubt he’ll call. But, we’ll see.

Becca moved up to the area last month. I haven’t seen too much of her, but more than I have in the past 9 months. It’s been so good to have her around! I hope she’s adjusting well… this area sucks when you first move. I’m feeling better about living here, for the most part. Right now my main concern is money. I’m not going to be able to work as much as I did last year, especially if I want to graduate in two years. So, who wants to finance that? C’mon… just do it.

I’m moving in with Danielle and Jake this week, which is SO relieving. Look, I love Carrie and Brandon. Truly, I do. But Jesus Christ. I am so tired of the coming and going of other roommates. Especially, since apparently it’s totally reasonable to move in without telling the tennents who LEGALLY LIVE HERE. What the hell! I’m excited that the sink won’t smell horrible, that the door will be locked when no one is home, that there won’t be pop cans every where and I will be asked if it’s ok to party… especially when I have to work balls early the next morning. I will admit though, that I’ll miss hanging out with Brandon and Carrie.

Since my school schedule is so ridiculous, I may have to pick up a second job. Tiffany, Asima, Jessica and I are only available evenings, so there is no way I’ll be able to get the hours I need. I’m thinking about trying to waitress a few days a week, but we’ll see. Maybe I’ll just have to take out extra loans. I think that’s what is stressing me out the most right now… fear of having to work two jobs while going to school full time. But, we’ll see.

Until next time!

I’ve just realized how very long it has been since I’ve updated. I’ve been a terrible blogger.

It’s been a really pleasent summer, for the most part. I’ve worked a lot, but I’ve done some really fun things, too. I took some time off work to come home and hang out with my family, without feeling rushed. The problem with taking time off to come home, means working 8 and 9 days in a row. It’s cool though. It sucks while I’m there, but then I come home and reap the benefits. Thus far, I’ve gotten tattooed, had free meals, slept in, saw movies, read books… It’s been nice. Really nice.

I feel like I’m finally making headway with school. It felt as though I was never going to finish. But, I’m getting where I need to be. I got my major changed (which you knew), and I got my minor officially on the books. Perhaps I will even get into the classes I need before the end of summer! I’m trying not to get too excited about that one though. It’s interesting to think about where I’m going. When I graduated, I wanted to teach. Then I wanted nothing to do with teaching. Then I wanted to write. then I wanted to do both… Now I think I’ve finally figured out. For now, anyway. Guess what? My tattoo artist mentioned a sleeve. And I said I didn’t think so… as I might be working in the school system. Really? I’m thinking about a career? A career! Not just an ok job! Weird, huh?

Now that I have the required blogger stuff, I just need to say that I am absolutely livid right now. Fuming, really. Furious beyond measure. Nothing I should probably blog about, but still… it helps to be able to express my anger to something other than this empty living room.

I’ll try to keep a better blog! I promise!

Not a whole lot to say. Finals are done, school is out, and I can’t help but wish I would’ve done a little better this semester. I didn’t do badly, i don’t think, but there is defintely room for improvement. I got my major changed and a new advisor who isn’t absolutley useless. Actually, she’s extremely sweet and very helpful, so that’s a weird change. My new major, you ask? Anthropology. My new minor? Human Development and Family Services… and possibley english. Not entirely sure what I’ll do with that.. maybe be some sort of career or college counselor for high school students? Ah, who the hell knows?

This has been the week from hell, as far as work is concerned. There has been SO MUCH DRAMA and (what seems like) so little work getting done. Ugh. But, I have more than 24 hours off now. After working 6 days in a row. Preceeded by 1 day off and another 6 days in a row. I’ve got two long breaks coming up, and a week off in June, though, so I’m trying to keep my eyes on the prize.

Last week was my neice’s birthday. I feel so old! And, this used to really irritate me when people would say this to me, but I remember so vividly the day she was born. Baliegh was in a REALLY bad mood. She said she didn’t feel like sharing her parents and she felt like there were too many babies, anyway. Ha. Hopefully I’ll be able to make it home next week and spend the day with her. I miss them so much. Today at work, a little girl came in who looked EXACTLY like Leah. She as holding her ear and whimpering, but not really crying. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Leah and Baliegh all night because of it. I can’t wait to see them again. I’m hoping that I’ll get to be that eccentric Aunt who comes and goes, often with weird useless presents that everyone loves, at least for a little while. I’d love to bring them to Ames for a weekend, but I’m not sure it’s such a good idea right now… never know when my roommate is going to throw a party…

So, other than being a little homesick, not much is new. I was so tired and frustrated at work last night, I went into the bathroom and cried for a few minutes. However, after that, I felt much better. I guess you just need a good cry every now and then… perhaps I’ll watch a big chunk of Grey’s Anatomy tomorrow. Or PS: I love you… I hear that’s good for crying.