Bubbly Moments

MIA Much?

2011-11-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

Hey Friends!

I've abandoned this blog... and started a new one :) Check me out here!

Be Ready and then Some!

2010-09-18T19:18:00.000-05:00

A few things to check off my bucketlist:

Sit in the driver's seat of a firetruck.
Hold the Jaws of Life.
Hold a fire hose.
Wear turnout gear.
Ride in an ambulance, sirens, lights and all.
Take a spin on a gurney.

Yep, just a regular week at work!

Jack on a Saturday

2010-09-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I made a new adventure... to Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. I'm a whiskey girl. I find it funny, because my mom likes wine, my dad likes beer, and I like liquor. Odd.

Jack on the Rocks

My former boss, Ruth, is a squire there at Jack's and often frequents that lovely place. This time we went in honor of Jack's birthday. Let me just say, it gave me a greater appreciation for what I drink. It's also made me love it even more. The entire time I toured there, all I wanted was a whiskey sour. It was fun to see the wood that became charcoal, how three ingredients can have such a high proof... fun stuff like that. It was even neater to see the barrel-houses where they store all the whiskey. It was amazing to learn the history of the distillery, learn the difference in between Gentleman's Jack, Single Barrel, and the good ol' No. 7. I'd love to know what the 7 stands for, by the way.... ,maybe it's for Jack's many girlfriends.

It was a great time to be had. I completed my trip with Jack Daniel's t-shirt (I just couldn't resist) and just had the barista at Starbucks complement it... too bad it didn't get me a free pumpkin spice latte.

Me, Ruth, Diane, Brent, Chance, TK, Rachel, Scott and Shep in front of the original distillery office.

The two ladies (aka Shep and TK) thinking on Jack's grave.

TK playing checkers with Jack

This was for TK

You're So Selfish

2010-08-31T22:01:00.000-05:00

I'm coming clean with y'all. The number one thing about myself that annoys me to high heaven is I get selfish in conversations.

Seriously.

Whenever someone asks me how I'm doing, how's my week been, etc., I answer their question. And leave them hanging, forgetting to ask them how their life's been. Selfish.

I've only realized it lately. How sad and miserable is that?

For example, I'm all caught up in the fact that I can't find my Raybans or iPod charger, while one of my closest friends tells me that someone she was interested in is pursuing other roads and is heartbroken to say the least. How bad of a friend am I?

Or a coworker who asks me about life and I go on a rant about how my mind's going to mush. And do I ask him about his life? Only 5 minutes later when I realize that I was (shock) selfish and didn't ask him the same question back.

It's not like it's a repetition thing, just doing the "good thing." It's the honest thing. Since they cared enough to ask me about my life, I should ask them about theirs. It's the honest, right thing to do.

Just a random thought from me to you :)

Back to the Real World

2010-08-27T00:50:00.000-05:00

Well, it's started. I'm officially back into the swing of things with school and such. I'm refusing to take more than 12 credit hours from here on out because of all the lessons I learned from last spring. I also didn't realize last spring just how much side work education majors get.

It's a semi-ok semester from what it seems. Of course, I've only just started as of this week. So things could change. But when my art teacher tells me that I have 2 minutes to draw Medusa's Bad Hair Day, I think things will be just fine. What's amusing (but really not because I remember being in their shoes) is the new students at Athens that have 104329823 goals to achieve. For example, background checks, TB tests, meeting with advisers, staying afloat and not drowning in work. Some haven't even decided WHICH degree they want. A guy was telling me he either wants biology or elementary... and I thought, "buddy, those pre-requisites are completely different!"

On top of school, there's still work at Camp. I'm super excited though, because next week, I have training for Be Ready Camp. Be Ready is held by the State of Alabama, where 6th graders come and learn how to be proactive in a national emergency. At the end of the week, we simulate a disaster where they triage, treat wounds, rescue, etc. I'm so excited for it! I loved working with the middle school kids I had this summer, so this is a treat to me.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

Dear Summer,

2010-08-01T13:16:00.001-05:00

I really don't want you to end. I've had so much fun and don't want fall to come around.

This is hard to say because I LOVE fall. I love the smell, the colors, the change of season. I love going to my little college with leaves falling all around me. Yet, you've been amazing this year and it's safe to say that you're my second favorite... maybe even vying for my only favorite.

You see, I've met so many great friends at my amazing, spectacular job. We've had the best weekends ever by going downtown and going... broke. Or going down to the river making fun of all the people that are parking there and, well... we'll let that one be.

I'll miss the nights of telling kids to be quiet and get to sleep... the odd peacefulness of the lake... resetting kids on flight sims because they're taxiing way.too.fast... getting free popcorn at IMAX...

You see, you've been very good to me, dear Summer... the weeks are winding down, you've passed by way too fast. Now friends are leaving and going back to their schools; I, too, start school in a month... and even though technically you don't end until September, it feels like you're leaving now.

Star Wars and Free Tickets

2010-07-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

I have to say that my number one annoyance about working at a place with a museum is asking for a hook up to cheap (or free) tickets. Or trying to get a discount for their kid to go to Space Camp. I know I have the coolest job ever (even though I'm so tired I forget how excited I was when I got it) and that I work at a neat place.

But I really CANNOT get you free tickets to Star Wars. I can't even get my family free tickets. And I refuse to let people to take my family passes to get discounts. So don't ask.

Ever.

Granted, Star Wars IS really cool, I'll hand that to you. I'd much rather take my kids to that exhibit that go operate a simulator. Even though I'm not a Star Wars nerd by any means whatsoever, it's neat to look at. But I still won't buy you tickets. You can buy them yourself.

So don't ask. Ever.

The end.

Call Signs

2010-07-17T10:47:00.002-05:00

I've failed to tell about my call sign. It's Jitters. Yes, Jitters.

As in, too much caffeine.

The day I got it was the first day of training. Some people already had call signs, but we had half an hour to knock out a few call sign "omni omni vortex"-ing. I was one of the first to go up. I really had nothing to tell about myself. That is, until I mentioned that I can't go without coffee, coke, or chocolate. And then... someone yells Jitters. It clicked.

There's also a Starbuck, Flash, Shadow, Shimmy, Tag-a-long, Maestro, Shep, Trailmix, Speedo, Judge, just to name a few. We have some really weird call signs at AC, I won't lie. But the stories behind each one is awesome.

AWOL

2010-07-11T10:49:00.000-05:00

The last time I blogged was... months ago. I've had 70+ hour work weeks and the last thing that I've thought about is my blog. Until now, that is.

I feel like the summer is winding down but we're not even a month into summer. I took the summer off from school because I was just burnt out and didn't want to look at a book, Microsoft Word, or Blackboard for a very long, long time. Sadly, I had to register yesterday for fall semester so that I don't lose insurance. I have to re-take 2 classes, then added on Art Connection and Children's Literature.

The funny thing is that I've ignored my blog because I've been burnt out on this, too. It took watching You've Got Mail to get me to realize that I've have a blog, am stuck at 28 followers, and feel like I'm doing nothing with my life. Yesterday was the first time that I actually cooked in months too. I've been in this funk lately where I am just apathetic about what I used to do. Sad right? So I hoped that changing my blog up would inspire me, which it did. Slightly.

I had my 21st birthday last week. It's so weird being completely legal now. I don't have to worry about people checking IDs and such, I can throw it in their face and not be concerned.

But now, I'm going to finish You've Got Mail and dream about New York at Christmas. I love Tom Hanks. 'Nuf said.

Busy Busy Bee

2010-06-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

I've successfully completed training for Aviation Challenge. It was no small feat by any means, just so y'all know. I'm completely exhausted from it... and that could be due to crawling through the woods for 3 hours Friday night and a bunch of water training. BUT it was the best week I've had in a LONG time :)

I'll be honest, I was really missing Space side the first couple days because I already have my buddies there and knew what to do. So learning a new thing, making new friends/coworkers... kinda scary.

I've met a bunch of new people that are here to be counselors this summer. I've been somewhat disconnected from the world. I had a heart attack when they sounded the sirens for the Mach 3 kids that were doing a completely realistic mission. I felt like I was transported back to the 1940s the minute I heard it.

I flew flight sims, attacked enemies, learned land survival... but... here's the best part... I watched Top Gun. Ahhhhhhhhh... granted Tom Cruise was a little more attractive then than he is now.

Needless to say, I'm tired. I pick up my first AC team today which will be mega fun :)

Check Six

2010-05-28T20:46:00.000-05:00

Starting on Sunday, I'll start cross training for another camp at the Rocket Center. While I'm so excited, I'm really anxious at the same time. I won't lie, I'm a super girly girl. Y'all know that.

Now, I've really been looking forward to this coming week for the past 8 weeks... now I'm nervous. Strangely enough though, to me, it feels like home. There's planes and hangars which is what I grew up around... it's a by a lake, trees everywhere, and even though there's an interstate less than a mile away, it's super peaceful down there.

Anyway, so this weekend I part with nail polish, pretty watches, and blow driers and become one with camo, ball caps, and bdu's. And yet, I'm excited :)

My Summer To Do List

2010-05-15T17:42:00.002-05:00

Get tan
Get natural blonde highlights
Watch all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls
Turn 21
Read novel after novel
Relax

What's your summer to do list?

In the past month...

2010-05-10T09:17:00.000-05:00

I've had teams come and go. I've seen all sorts of kids...
I've worked over 60 hours a week and I LOVE it.
There's never a dull moment in my life.EVER.
I've made some great friends and tend to hang at their place til all hours of the night (even when we have to be at work at 6am.)
Cute men galore.
I'm ready to train for Aviation Challenge... there's nothing better than wearing BDUs in 90 degrees and humidity. No really, I'm excited.
I'm going blonde from the sun. And getting lots of freckles.
I HAVE been reading everyone's blogs. I'm so excited for everyone's new events in y'all's lives.
I finished the semester on a sour note but it's ok... I can always retake classes.
After working at camp, I don't want to teach in a school environment. I love love love the non-traditional classroom setting. The thought of being in one room with standards to meet drives me nuts. But we'll see what happens...
Finally, I am not that white anymore as I was in the above picture... thank goodness.

A Rant About... Facebook

2010-04-06T21:26:00.001-05:00

To whom it may concern:

www.facebook.com

No, I won't join your group about you losing weight when I don't really even know you. Nor do I care to read about it in every stinkin' status you post to the point that I hide you from my feed. I don't care about how much you ran, downward dogged, swam, or biked. Got it? Awesome.
I don't care about how much you miss your Brocky or Pumpkin, etc. I'm sure your man loves how demasculate him in your status. Oh, I'm also sure he loves your clingy status.
That's great you have a new tat but really? Tinkerbell? On your shoulder blade? Let's think outside the cliche' box, shall we?
Make up your mind about your relationship status. You either are together or you aren't. To me, there's no such thing as "it's complicated."
Statuses every 5 minutes? Really? Even Twitter considers that annoying.
Don't complain about your missing dog when you're on Facebook all the time. Clearly you don't miss the poor thing that much if you aren't out searching your tail off for your "best friend."
If no one comments or likes your status, it clearly is not that "cool or neat."
Don't give long winded, complicated statuses either!
How can you possibly be a fan of 104 different pages?! GOOD GRIEF, CHARLIE BROWN!
No one is interested in your drunk pictures- especially with a keg. I mean really, we're NOT in high school anymore.
Finally, little children... aka 15 year olds I do not know at all... don't add me as a friend. We might have gone to the same high school, but I still don't have a clue who you are!

The Dixon Ticonderoga

2010-04-05T19:34:00.000-05:00

This is a completely random post but as I was about to start doing homework with my Dixon Ticonderoga, courtesy of my boss, I had a flashback to a presentation we had in training at work.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Dixon Ticonderoga.

See this isn't just any pencil... it's the perfect blend of graphite and clay... Now I could go on, but only Redbull can do it the right way. She's only slightly obsessed with these pencils. When she taught, she'd lend these to her students. Lended... and in borrow. Thanks to her, I now know the real reason it's used on standardized tests, the ACT, and the SAT. I also have sort become attached to it. It does have the perfect eraser.

And no, I'm not sucking up. And no, I do not know the point to me blogging about the Ticonderoga.

Just a few suggestions on what NOT to say to a teacher...

2010-04-03T22:23:00.000-05:00

Your job is so family friendly- it's a great job for a mom.
You must have it easy breezy.
Your degree is so simple to get!
You're off at 3pm. I wish I had it that way at my job.
You don't take your job with you wherever you go.
Who the heck are you to judge my parenting?
Why aren't you babying my baby?
Why did you give them an F?
My child would never hurt a thing...
You don't get paid a lot do you?

Now. I've heard all these quotes and then some... and I want to put my reaction to each line but I resisted... y'all can do that yourself :)

2010-04-01T14:33:00.001-05:00

i am alive! i am! i am!

I've been absent for about 11 days... I have been exhausted every single day. I completed my intense training on Tuesday to my uttermost depression. I was so so so so sad. But-

I came away with an award for having the "Right Stuff", an award we give to a certain member of teams for having what it takes to be an astronaut (based on the book and movie.) It's pretty much the TOP award given. I was really shocked. I thought someone else was getting the award until my boss said, "she's the perfect blend of elementary teacher and rock star." I went blank. Honestly blank. And then I had to give a speech when I was on the stage. Yikes.

I loved my team, I love love love love my job. I love that I'll also be training for Aviation Challenge and Day Camp. I love that tomorrow I get to go in and help design shirts for this summer. I love it all.

And now, I'll leave you with some awesome pictures :)

Since I've been gone...

2010-03-21T08:32:00.000-05:00

I've been going to 12 hour training days at the Rocket Center. You read that right. 12.
I'm so excited to start this job already.
I could tell you anything about space if you asked me to, down to what goes in the external and solid fuel tanks on the shuttle.
I've been getting behind in school and will attempt to rectify that today.
I get to wear a flight suit that's bright blue
I made a kid go nuts unintentionally last night with my Space Camp shirt. We talked about our favorite simulators and the Star Wars exhibit.
I've been learning how to operate the simulators (oh so fun.)
We've talked about registration, homesickness, kids on behavior medications, special needs, and issues that happen in the pre-teen age.
We've discussed everything under the sun (no pun intended.)
Finally, did I mention I'm ready for this job to start already?

Team America to the G

2010-03-13T09:57:00.000-06:00

Stressed, yes. Worth it, yes.

2010-03-12T23:01:00.002-06:00

I'm officially a Space Camp graduate. I also think I'm the youngest one in the group.

My group is great. We've already gone from 14 to 13 people... the training is hardcore and there's never a 100% pass rate. Talk about added pressure.

I am so glad to be working in a positive but nonetheless exhausting new working environment. I stress exhausting by the way because that's what I am. Our trainer is awesome. I know that I'll be able to handle these crazy shifts but man am I tired.

We're getting a Star Wars exhibit in June to the museum which is definitely neat but it's not free to the staff of the museum (bummer.) It will also get in the way of teaching to the little chilluns about Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the STS program (I'm already speaking the lingo!) but I love a good challenge like that. I won't lie, I'm a little on the stressed side. I'm basically taking a semester-long course on the Space Program in what lasts less than three weeks. Our group has already talked about having study sessions, teaching in the museum at midnight (no joke), and pulling each other along for the ride. Easy? No. Teamwork? Yes. Some people don't want to do it, but I sure want to keep this job, as do others in the group, so we're going for it.

The best part is that I've developed a love for rock climbing, even with my massive bruise from the wall on my arm. What's even better is that we found out we can climb it when we're not on the clock whenever we want. How cool is that?

Stream of Conciousness

2010-03-10T05:16:00.002-06:00

Oh goody... I've been up since 3:50 and am facing a very long 12 hour day for my first day on the new job. I'll be screaming for either a Coke or a nap by 10am. Guarantee it. Wish me luck though, not that I believe in luck anyway. I'm planning on taking at least one decent photo... who takes photos on their first day at a cool job anyway? Oh, me.

I went there yesterday to drop off my other two letters they need before they consider my application complete even though the recruiting leader said she'd give me until the end of training since I had such short notice. Whatever, I am a woman who can complete a mission in a short amount of time. That is, unless it's homework and lesson plans... then we're talking a whole other game, Ethel.

By the way, I should warn y'all that I'm probably typing at a rate of 30 wpm and am in my own zone. So if this sounds like rambling, it is. I'm not much of a morning talker, persay, but I'll type. And that's a fact.

Anyway, y'all have a great day and I'll post pictures tonight! That is, if I'm alive. In the meantime, I'm just gonna keep hearing "Unstoppable" play in my head nonstop... I love that song.

2010-03-08T17:13:00.000-06:00

I'm finally catching up on the pictures from last night's Oscars... is it sad that I relied on my peeps on Facebook to see who won best actress? Congrats, Sandra, by the way. I personally thought you were amazing in The Proposal, and no, I haven't see The Blind Side yet.

Speaking of The Proposal, I nearly fainted when I saw Ryan Reynolds' yummy pictures :)

Anyway, this weekend was my last at Jason's. I thought I'd get out of there without any tearful goodbyes. Which I did. But I didn't get away without a shortcake to the face and a couple gallons of very cold water dumped on me. I hate how easily I can be tricked into things.

Yes, I will miss my coworkers. They got me good. Really good.

Best Night of My Life

2010-03-07T15:23:00.002-06:00

I kid you not, best night of my life. I've had Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker stuck in my head ever sine.

Roll Film

2010-03-05T11:07:00.000-06:00

Untitled from Lauren Bice on Vimeo.

Here's some of Rascal Flatts' performance from last night :)

If you listen carefully, you'll hear they're singing "God Bless the Broken Road." My camera was so low on battery that I used my phone to film it. I had to pick the battery power... good pictures or waste it on video? That's what I thought. Anyway.

I'm off to get Mexican food to celebrate the new job :) I'll be back with pictures this afternoon!

Adios, Voice

2010-03-05T01:07:00.000-06:00

I just want y'all to know that my voice... is gone.

I think I yelled, hollered, and sang for a solid two and a half hours.

I do have video, but ever since I changed my Edit Post page, I've lost my video button. Which means I have to go to Vimeo and upload, tag, get the embed script come here, put that in the HTML... and heck, let's just be honest. It's 1am and my patience is wearing thin with my deader than dead camera with the pictures of my new future husband (and the rest of the band.)

Suffice it to say, me and my voiceless self are calling it ~~morning~~ a night. Maybe everything will be up tomorrow. Maybe.

Meanwhile, I'm going to bed humming Summer Nights. Hey, just because I'm voiceless doesn't mean I can't hum :)

Drumroll, Please

2010-03-03T22:03:00.002-06:00

Congratuations, Hannah @ That [Officer's] Wife... you're the winner :) All I want to know is if they even have a Target where you are? Jk. Send me your info, dear, and it'll be on it's way!

I want y'all to know that my drawing consisted of me writing names on seven different index cards, mixing them up, and counting by 5s to 100. Yes, that's sufficient I think.

Meanwhile, tomorrow night I'll be seeing Rascal Flatts in concert :) woohoo! It's a sold out concert and only the radio stations are giving away tickets now. I'm not sure why, but it's thrilling that I have a ticket to a sold out concert...

I'll let you know how the concert goes!

Houston, We've Landed... a job

2010-03-03T13:38:00.000-06:00

Good NEWS!

I got the job!!!!!

Alright, so I know I was mysterious. Here's what it is. Camp Counselor at Space Camp! As in, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, one of the seven wonders of the world.

I kid you not, I drove by there today and looked at the Saturn V and thought, "I want this job SO bad... how cool would it to be to work at a place with a giant rocket?" And now I know... it's very cool, indeed.

Can We Say Overwhelmed?

2010-03-02T11:17:00.002-06:00

UPDATE: Ok, God, really? Thank you so much. Two of the three professors I wrote replied back this afternoon and are completely willing to help me out with my classes. I want to cry right now. All I can hope for is this job :) keep me in your thoughts!

I'm just a tad overwhelmed. My interview this morning went superbly well. The lady said I'm a really good candidate. Here's the hitch: school. Ohhhhh school. If I'm hired, I start training next week.The training is everyday, Monday through Friday for three or four weeks, during which I have school.

So I'm hoping that my professors at Athens will work with me and let me do stuff by distance if I'm hired at this place with rockets. These are a lot of ifs, mind you. I want this job so bad though because it would look so good on my resume.

I was driving home today and I just started thinking. As in, over-thinking. When I think too much, it gets bad. Really bad. I just kept thinking about group projects, papers, how I'm already behind in my technology and media class, I have to make at least 85s on my tests in training, what about mentoring... etc. I tell you what, it still has not stopped. My mind is going freaking nuts.

Hopefully things will all work out, right?

A Post Full of Clues

2010-03-01T18:11:00.000-06:00

Alright, alright. I'm still trying to find a fair way to decide who my winner is. I promise :) I'll know by the next post.

I've had an eventful weekend! I decided that I no longer want to be at Jason's Deli. We're about to have a BIG mix up in management, and truth be told, one of the part time managers (who will soon become permanent full time) and I do not get along at all. Not even five minutes with him and I really want to pull my hair out. And that's saying something. The General Partner is moving to Indianapolis to open a new store and everything is going haywire from there. But yesterday confirmed my feelings when I was doing a bunch of catering stuff and Mr. Drives Me Nuts walked up and tried to mess it all up. Grrr...

I guess it was a good thing that yesterday morning I put in an application to work somewhere this summer that has rockets (clue #1)... let me just say that I was NOT prepared when my phone rang today with an unknown number. Of course I screened it. I'll admit that I screen a lot of calls. But it's different when I have a voicemail, too. So I listened. I'll admit I was scared. I thought some foes of my life got a hold of my mysterious new number and blocked themselves to leave me something... yes, it does sound paranoid. But anyway.

Clue #2

Turns out it was someone from said place-that-has-rockets who was very interested in my application and wanted to interview asap. Gulp. I am very ecstatic. Training would start the 10th... as in next week. Another gulp. But the big gulp is the fact that I have to swim 25 meters, and I won't lie, I haven't swam 25 meters lately... or ever. But that's a secret that I'll work on at the gym with the old ladies. Unfortunately, my distaste in their locker room etiquette is no secret. I often find myself wanting to yell, "for goodness' sakes, Myrtle, put your clothes on NOW!" But I have etiquette in that department, at least. What was I saying?

Oh yes, so I have an interview tomorrow morning at 9am, transcript and one letter of reference in hand. I have to get the other two letters before the end of my training, if I'm hired. So keep me in your thoughts because I really really really want this job! It would look SO good on my resume :)

Clue #3

And hang tight, because I'll have the winner of the Target gift card announced soon!

Ready? Ok!

2010-02-25T08:56:00.000-06:00

Mkay, so I was thinking to myself... hmmm... what would be a good giveaway? I mean, what would really have me written all over it. After watching American Idol and seeing Alex Lambert's horrible mullet, I sort of want to give away a haircut. But y'all don't live near me and my hairdresser was way overbooked last time I went in (don't get me started on that), so I've had to rethink and go back to the drawing board.

The idea popped into my head though when I went to my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE store ever a couple days ago. What store? Target, of course. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. It was probably my favorite visit ever. For one, did anyone else know that Giada de Laurentiis has her own line with Target?! I literally said, "hot diggity damn!" when I saw it. My dear friend Jessica laughed and said we were too young to get excited over stuff like this. I mean, really. I will get happy over anything she cooks, wears, or designs. She's like my idol. Giada, that is.

Anyway. Recoursing. Comment over the next 4 days (I'll be working all weekend, that's why I'm giving such a long time) on this post and we'll see who gets a $30 gift card to Target in honor of my 300th post!

Get happy! And don't try on rings at Target. Just sayin'. That's a whole other story for another time.

One post away....

2010-02-22T22:12:00.000-06:00

from 300 :)

In the past year and a half (wow!) I've written this much and went from 1 follower to 25. I couldn't be happier. I'll have a contest for whoever decides to post on #300, too. Just a little heads up.

On that note, it's the beginning of a bittersweet week. I'm wrapping up all 10 days of my field experience with a class that I couldn't love more. I'm in the pursuit of a job there, it'd only be part time but it would definitely help out in the car payment area.

Oh! Speaking of, my new(ish) car and I are getting along perfectly. Okay, I've driven it whenever my dad's been out of town but she is officially mine. Her name's Chloe (the Civic) and the fact that I get around 30 mpg in the city makes my life happy.

In the meantime, I'm trying to persuade my dad to make my 21st birthday gift a weekend at the beach. Yes, I am aware my day of birth is four months away but hotel rooms seem to go fast in Destin during the summer... not sure why...

So keep checking your Dashboard (or stalk, whatever your preference may be.) I'm still thinking about what to give away!

Bloggy Award

2010-02-20T08:17:00.001-06:00

Thank you, Angela for my award!

And now for me to list six things I'm a master at (this will be hard.)

going to Target with every intention to buy one thing that's at most $15 and walking out spending over $50 every.darn.single.time. I'm such a sucker for that place.
Baking. I love to bake. Give me anything and I can easily make it GF. Of course it's really simple, just substitute GF flour. Anyway!
Being up to date on all the news. Seriously, people just come to me for the news (what does that mean?!) And no, by news, I do not mean the latest gossip in the workplace.
Fashion 911 tickets. Okay, so I'm not exactly Stacy and Clinton, but I can call fouls on fashion in a heartbeat. Yes, it is in my head, I don't say it to the person (although sometimes I think they need to be told.) It's sort of bad that my mom can figure out what I'm doing just by my face. I've been doing this since I was a kid and still do it. #1 pet peeve in fashion? Wearing hose with open-toed shoes. Every time I see it, I want to gauge my eyes out.
Sense of humor. I definitely have one of these. Of course, it might not always be quite on par with everyone else. My dad and I were "cut from the same cloth" because we always laugh at the same thing. I'm also known to go into fits of laughter over something and end up on the floor. One time, I cracked a co-worker up when we went to see Couples Retreat and laughed at a part no one else was laughing at. I don't remember what it was, but clearly it was funny to me.
Reading. I love me a really good book. I have a ton of favorites, but tend to gravitate toward Nicholas Sparks, Candace Bushnell, Lauren Weisberger, and Sophie Kinsella. I like fun books, not serious books. Although on second thought, Nicholas Sparks is sort of serious...

Anyway, those are six things I'm a master at! I'm passing on this award to a few of my favorite blogs :)

Meg @ Through the Roses
Hannah @ That [Officer's] Wife
Faith @ Faithfully Yours
Ashley @ {Let Go, Laughing}

Not Me! Monday

2010-02-15T09:50:00.002-06:00

This morning, I did not tear up when my dad drove off with my car to go trade it in for his new car. Yes, I am excited about getting his Civic (aka Chloe) but that doesn't not mean that I won't tear up when my first car is gone for good.

I am not excited that I got my ~~21st~~ 22nd follower this morning :)

I am not irritated that I woke up at 7 on the one day I had to sleep in, either.

I definitely have not been pigging out on Dove's chocolate nonstop for the past week, on top of everything else I haven't eaten that has sugar in it (~~Coke~~.)

What did you not do this week? Write your own post and go to MckMama's page and put the URL for everyone to read.

Valentine's

2010-02-14T11:52:00.000-06:00

Even though to me this is the most commercial holiday there could ever be, I wanted to share how fun this holiday has been for me.

I've been doing field experience this last week at one of the schools around my house and I love it. I was majorly hesitant working with kindergartners because they have a majorly high level of energy, and let's be honest- I don't. But they've grown on me. Big time. So much that I get really sad when I think about how I only have six days left with this amazing class. I really felt special on Thursday though when one of the kids brought in a Hershey's bar for me. It melted my heart and gave me a sugar high all at once. Of course, all the other kids couldn't be outdone and I had to use my Target bag to bring my goodies home. It still melts my heart thinking about it :)

Then, because I did the gift swap that Katie held, I got a gift from Alyssa. Boy oh boy, I was excited for all of it! Especially my chocolate and cups! I got the picture frame that matches the cup, by the way :)

In fact, I think I'm sort of in love with this holiday. I noticed I have three cups that are Valentine's related (remember this post?) and I got carried away last week in Target's section (ooodles of chocolate, teddy bears, hearts, and roses.) Needless to say, it's been a very fun Valentine's Day, even without a boyfriend.

A Little Too Close to Home

2010-02-12T22:55:00.001-06:00

In the past week, more pain has been put on the Huntsville area than ever necessary. We had a shooting in a middle school last week, in a town that was ranked as the second best place to raise your kids. All because some kid was obsessed with a gang and was a wannabe.

Then today, a professor at UAH (where I went my first year of college) flies off her gasket just because she didn't get tenure? Tenure. Permanent job security. You kill three people and injure three others because you didn't get tenure. It just doesn't make sense to me. Tenure was created for good reason, and I'm all for it. But I am sick of seeing people expect it to be given to them just because of the length of their employment.

I won't lie, I really honestly thought that one of the engineer students went crazy because UAH has a crazy program there that is really tough. I thought a student had his fill and decided to go take care of it once and for all. But a professor? It's just... crazy.

So just pray for the area because we need it.

One of my friends put this in his status tonight and it put the money on how I'm feeling.

I have witnessed the best and the worst of public education and society in general in the past week. Unspeakable violence. Parental failure. Abuse of tenure. Schools and teachers that truly educate their students and schools that employ degreed babysitters. I saw only the good last semester and ...it is good for me to get the reality check I knew was coming, but that doesn't keep it from hurting.

2010-02-08T13:11:00.002-06:00

I confess- I read people.com more than I read the news. However, I'll also confess I did a double take when I saw this picture. I thought this was Adam Lambert with a guy and a girl. But I was taken back when the person on the end (see red arrow) was actually... a ~~girl~~ guy. I hate when guys wear outfits that are more feminine than my own! Semi-cute top though. Apparently tie-dye is the trend for spring.

Dreams are the Topic of the Day

2010-02-08T11:12:00.000-06:00

Clearly, last night was the night for women to have weird dreams, since Hannah had one and so did I.

First off, I had a dream night before last that when I went to get my gloss treatment at my salon (which will happen in real life next week) they were mixing this horrid, horrid orange color to permanently put in my hair. Lord knows I flipped because all I though about was that I would look like Bozo for sure. I'll spare a picture because clowns freak the crap out of me and this is a no clown zone, ok? Actually, I thought I would look like a regular customer we get at Jason's that looks like a clown. She really does. But I'll stop before I go further. Needless to say, for me, that was a nightmare. My #1 asset to me is my hair.

So last night, I dreamed about field experience. This would probably attribute to this event beginning tomorrow morning. I had the same teacher I had in the fall (we're back on the dream) and we had our girl talk. Only I got a nasty phone call from the certification office at Athens regarding the fact that my observing professor couldn't get a visitors pass because I gave one to the very cute maintenance man the night before... okay... I'm not sure what's the weirder dream, but I always have odd dreams. My friend tells me that I have the most realistic dreams she's ever heard of... I'm an odd one.

My town

2010-02-08T00:16:00.000-06:00

Taking cue from MckMama, I thought I'd introduce y'all to my town.

No pictures are included yet... be patient!

My town has less than 40,000 residents. It's right next door to Huntsville. Almost everyone in the town is an engineer (no joke... okay, slight exaggeration) since we're located near the second largest Research Park, Redstone Arsenal, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Yeah... we're kind of a smart town. If only Huntsville City's School System had these smart people. I digress!

Yes, Madison is a small town. I love the downtown area even though there's nothing to do. We have two Publixes, a second Wal-Mart is due to be built in 2011, and we have a Chick-fil-a... oh and, we have a STARBUCKS. Heck yes, that does put us on the map, thank you.

But our town is bursting at the seams... there's one very overcrowded high school, two middle schools, and a few elementary schools. In fact, a couple of the schools are named after a shuttle (Columbia, Discovery) and there's even more in the area like this. The school where I'm doing my field experience is Endeavor... nice, huh? I think we had some brainiacs on the school boards. Again, I digress.

Needless to say, Madison is growing quite a bit. I expect a Super Target to be built in the city limits in the next few years at the most. Another high school is to be built by the 2011-12 school year. And maybe we'll even see a 2nd Starbucks!

The one where Jeffrey Donovan comes to mind

2010-02-04T16:27:00.001-06:00

I'm having one of those days that every person looks forward to- sitting around on the couch, pigging out on everything and anything unhealthy for you, drinking a coke (or Sierra Mist in my case), watching the Frasier season you Netflixed (yes, I just made that a verb), and taking a two hour nap. This nap had me feeling hazy for a good 20 or 30 minutes. When I woke up, I thought it was 7:30 on a Friday morning and I had class in 30 minutes.

Then I went through the classic thought process... did I go to work? I don't think I went to work? What about Grey's? Did I see Grey's? No.... well.... shoot... what's today?... oh yeah, it's still Thursday. Anyone else ever have those thoughts? I kid you not, everytime I take a nap, this is how it goes. But I knew I still had stuff to do but couldn't remember for the life of me what it was exactly that I had to do.

Opening Ruby reminded me... ahh yes, emails about field experience and tutoring, looking at cars because mine's been declared terminally ill (poor Maggie), having work at 5, and picking up dad at the airport after that. Oh vey. Only then did I walk away from my computer to the freezer for Peet's and then to the coffee pot for a nice, strong brew.

The fact that I work this weekend is frustrating. I, personally, want to see Dear John this weekend.It's so hard to not tell people what happens in it because I'm a bookworm and read the book last summer. Some people haven't read it yet. I don't understand why people read a book after they see the movie. For me, it annoys me to no end when I do that because I like to imagine the characters and such. When I read Dear John, there's no way that Channing Tatum popped into my head. I dreamed about Jeffrey Donovan or someone like that.... speaking of, is anyone else addicted to Burn Notice like I am? It's not as bad as Grey's but when Michael and Fi got together last week, I was happy.

That's another that I tuck into a Thursday night that I clearly didn't miss.

The Trials of a Cell Phone, Part 1

2010-01-28T13:37:00.001-06:00

Today I had my phone lock up up on me for the third time this week. It's never done this in the entire 9 months that I've had it until now. I can only be patient for so long and reset the phone until the moon shines.
So, I had to call AT&T and ask "what the heck?" and get it solved once and for all. Part of me hoped that they'd say I just needed a new one and that they no longer sold my type and that I would just have to get a different one. Sadly, that just wasn't the way it would go.

I got acquainted with my techie, Sharon, and we shared laughs about coworkers who steal our pens, and solved this phone issue once and for all. I, personally, have never heard of something called a master reset. However, that is the "solution" to the problem according to my lovely cell phone company.

Of course, this help didn't come without the bombarding of questions such as:

have you dropped your phone recently?
taken a dip in the lake with it? (really, lady? it's freezing here.)
dropped the phone into the toilet?
any other kind of possible damage?

I still laugh about the lake question. And it's really not that much freezing here, but it is cold for the South. I regress.

Sharon and I hopefully fixed the phone. She's going to check up on me tomorrow. Now that I think about it though, I should have asked her to connect me to the advertising department so that I could speak my mind about all these gosh darn map ads. Enough with Luke Wilson telling me about the map! I, of all people, definitely know about the map!

Helping Neighbors

2010-01-27T10:38:00.001-06:00

I finally have a couple random minutes to share a quick post with y'all before I have my Teaching Kindergarten class.

If you haven't helped with the Haiti disaster relief but feel a tug to do so, I encourage you to give some form of help. In church on Sunday, they showed a 7 minute video filmed by Churches Helping Churches and it was... emotional. They took up a special offering and raised over $11,000 in that short amount of time. Can you believe it? I was awestruck.

I guess for me, it's hard to see people hold such a hard heart against Haiti. Yes, I am aware that even though they are 90 miles away from the US, their government doesn't like us at all. But that doesn't mean that we should treat them the same way. It was eye opening when one of my managers said that they deserved what they got. What must it say about your character if you can say something that hurtful? I don't think anybody asks for a disaster like this, especially a natural disaster.

Anyway, if you haven't helped Haiti, please help them. And even if you do not have the monetary sources, at least think of them and don't take things for granted.

Ruby

2010-01-22T12:28:00.003-06:00

Sunday, I sat down with Dad to order a new computer for myself. As much I heart a Macbook, I had to face the fact that I needed a new computer on the fly (sorry, restaurant terminology) and didn't have the the cash for what I desperately wanted. Thank goodness for dads that get massive discounts on Dells, right?

I was, however, dismayed it wouldn't arrive until next week. That is, until I was driving home from school this morning and dad called to tell me look on the porch when I got home. I guess Mr. UPS had to call and get permission to leave it since nobody was home.

SO! I now have my pretty red laptop (it's gorgeous) with a webcam (how exciting!) and haven't put it down since. I love it!

Without further adieu, meet Ruby.

yummers

2010-01-17T22:39:00.000-06:00

My number one confession: during awards season, I stalk E! Online. I salivate over the dresses. You know you do it too, ladies (and men... maybe?).

But of course, I really swooned over this photo. I know I'm definitely NOT the only one.

Gerard Butler is one handsome fellow, don't you think?

Simply Love

2010-01-12T07:57:00.000-06:00

I told y'all this would happen. The day I start classes, I get overwhelmed.

Right now, I'm searching for a new (used) car. My car is on the fritz really bad. I'm searching high and low- Chattanooga, Birmingham, you name it, I'm looking. Although, I'm sort of picky (Honda Accord or Civic.) My parents have a Honda and Toyota and I love them. So anyway, that's where my time's going when I'm not doing homework.

BUT.

Katie is holding a Valentine swap for all of us crazy bloggers. Click the picture above (or her name) and go sign up!

The Witty, Funny God

2010-01-05T22:16:00.000-06:00

Two blogs in one night. I know, this NEVER happens. Except rarely. Let the juices flow, right?

I've been thinking a lot lately. Maybe it's my weekly counseling sessions that get me thinking. I'm not sure. I've been thinking about how mischievious God is lately. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's downright annoying. Annoying would be how he gave me this chronic disease that will not go away. But back to tonight's topic: being single.

Oh, sure, I could list the great things about being single. But lately, there's been the part of me that wants a boyfriend. That's right- Ms. Proud to be Single isn't so proud these days. Actually, I take that back. I am proud to be single because it means I haven't settled. But then there's the side of me that wants someone around. Cue God.

So God's thrown me curveballs. Managers that hit on me. Ungodly men that are handsome as ever. Kind of like the whole "Let's see what Lauren does when man candy comes her way." Yeah. Very funny, God. Very funny. Because the truth is that while I am, regrettably, shallow I also know that looks aren't everything. It's all about his character, personality, beliefs. Not just what he dresses like, how he does his hair, and the way his eyes make you melt. No, it's not. And boy, I wish it was like that. So when I see these girls that have it easy and have handsome, strong men, I do get jealous because I haven't had that someone around yet. But then I think back on the men that I've dated and have ditched and think, "no, I had it. I was just a shallow girl who was afraid." Ouch on the honesty. This change in me came a couple weeks ago.

Remember the post about independence? Well the night that I wrote that I had this very... awakening... dream. Ironic, no? It was my Ex. The Ex. He came to me at a restaurant and said "let go." And I woke thinking... wow. And to be honest, it wasn't just me that was thinking that. I prefer to not dream about the masochistic, Mr. Macho idiot of a man (sorry.) So I really started thinking deeply about what it really meant. Do you know what I would have given to have Joseph around to interpret the dream? Only, I really didn't need him to tell me, I already knew what to do. And so I did it. I (finally) let go and realized that I no longer had that stomach flipping reaction everytime I closed my eyes and thought about him. I could only do it because I knew that it wasn't him talking to me- it was Him.

What's even more amazing is my reaction to a picture of him and his new young girlfriend (who's in high school.) All I did was laugh. That was really all I could do. Was it hard? Yes. Was it easy? Definitely. It was hard to see that he's moved on but at the same time, it was so easy because his character was loud and clear in the picture.

But I know that this didn't happen because I decided to have this movement. This was all God, showing His power and his funny sense of humor. It's made me question myself and regret throwing a guy to the curb just because he was my height and not the tall dark handsome man I've imagined; I didn't go for his hysterical personality or his quirks. This new revelation is not a New Year thing, that's for sure. It's definitely a chapter in my life that I really cannot appreciate enough.

So God, You're funny and downright witty. I can only hope that I have the patience I desperately need to sit and wait for the one who's worth it.

The Good Kind of Chills

2010-01-05T20:19:00.000-06:00

I'm sure everyone's seen or heard about this, but Brit Hume sorta gave me the chills with this. Not the bad chills, the good ones. I really only get my news from Fox (I mean, Bill Hemmer is pretty easy on the eyes; plus they're not all brain washy with their news) but this was a wow-ser. What kind of guts does it take to go that far? I mean, in a good way kind of far. I agree w/ Hume wholeheartedly. There's nothing worse than seeing a legend go down the drain as far as his family is concerned. It definitely makes you think about whether or not the fame is worth it all.

Every Girl's Cure for Depression

2010-01-04T21:06:00.000-06:00

Alright- tonight was the semi-annual event of "Lauren's in a depression so it's time to raid Sephora." Indeed. (Tonight's depression is thanks to the purchase of books that will aid in this brained beauty's education on all things regarding elementary education.)

Personally, I'll be honest with y'all- Sephora is SOOOOOO much better than Ulta. I went into Ulta yesterday to look at a Smashbox tinted moisturizer an acquaintance raved about. I looked at Ulta and saw the price was the exact same as Sephora. So I thought to myself: I can either buy this here or I can get it online AND get freebies and an EXTRA freebie since I'm a beauty insider. You gotta work it when you can, peeps. And so, I did.

And I love it.

By the way, if Sephora gets the urge to make me a spokesperson, I would not complain a bit.

Until then, I will hopefully blog again sometime this week. Seeing as school starts Wednesday (ugh) and I have to get crackin' at 6 in the morn... oh forget it, of course I'll blog this week ;)

One of my Favorite Things

2010-01-02T09:35:00.001-06:00

Last night, I made an excursion to go see a friend. The trip itself will be revealed with Not Me Monday, so you'll have to wait a couple days. But on this trip, I had to go through Tuscaloosa (hometown of the #1 college football team in the country- I can't bring myself to say what team though.) Anyway. So I stopped at my favorite place in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD... Starbucks. While in line, I saw the Valentine stuff they had out (really, Christmas just ended, people) and my heart leaped for joy at the sight of this mug. I decided I had to have it.

Therefore, I would say one my favorite thing(s) in the world are... Starbucks mugs. They're always so cute and happy, I can't resist. I became hooked on them a few years ago (not sure exactly when, per say.) It all started with my pink flower mug that was my favorite. Then there is the Halloween mug that has a funny face on it. There's the traditional mug that has the classic Starbucks logo on it. And don't even get me started on the thermoses. My new favorite is the double walled stainless steel that I got- while is was as expensive as a motherlover, it keeps my coffee hot for at least 2 hours.

Notice my favorite mug in the background that is now a pen holder because it cracked and can't hold cafe anymore.

So of course, when I saw this mug last night, I had to have it. It's not an option of whether I need it, people. I have to have it. I should just tell my friends to get me the girliest mugs they can find at Starbucks when they ask what they should get me.

By the way, I really think I should tally up how many times I said Starbucks.

2009

2009-12-31T23:25:00.003-06:00

A recap (of sorts.)

Adios, 2009!

January

I found a traveling bone in my body. Had a blast at Faith's birthday partay!

February

My sister and I visited the Chocolate Crocodile and learned the ins and outs of chocolate (at least what I didn't already know.)

March

Family trip to Chattanooga. A visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, Clumpies Ice Cream, and Lookout Mountain was a must.

May

Sister had a recital (a very good one, at that.) I finished up my spring semester and got the great news that I could start at Athens in the fall.

June

Summer 2009 began; I started my last math class (ever!) and when I wasn't busy working and doing logarithms, I tanned at the pool.

July

The big 2-0 rolled around!

August

Faith and I took a roadtrip south to Birmingham to see the David Crowder Band! Lots of fun, lots of memories!

September

Let the buckling down begin! I found myself overwhelmed with classes but it definitely settle down.

Quit working at Gymboree.

Found a new independence in myself.

October

Oy vey. What a month! A lot of tests came with in many different forms and these hurdles have made me who I am today. I found myself excelling in school though :)

November

Nashville :)

Faith and I roadtripped (again), saw our favorite stars, visited Opryland, and relaxed before the end of the semester came to us!

December

Got a laugh because my mom informed me of a disagreement between my great aunt and grandma. I guess grandma didn't get the message of my change of major. Love that my great aunt reads my blog :)

Finished off the end of the semester amazingly!!! I can finally say I am d-o-n-e with Calhoun!
Had my Facebook account hacked (thus ended up with a new number.)

Hola 2010!

Independence

2009-12-27T23:22:00.000-06:00

I want to know something: what is wrong with independence? According to some people, it's a bad thing. I'm not one of those girls that has to have a boyfriend around all the time. I'm very self-sufficient and happiest when I don't worry about what so-and-so is doing a what not. Explaining to others who feel that I "have to have a boyfriend" drives me up a flipping wall. That's why half the time, I don't even bother explaining it. Tome, yes, a guy can be worth it, but when I have a million other things to do, why the heck even bother?

Last night I had a frank discussion with a male friend on Facebook about it. And I ended up getting very, very mad- no, frustrated. He's one of those guys that loves to have a female around. So because he's that way, he doesn't understand my way. Grrr. He doesn't understand how I am happy being single and don't want to run to the altar the minute I graduate from college. Ummm, hello. I would like a to have a crazy life before I settle down at 22. It drives me nuts when I see people do that. I used to want to do that, until I hit reality and realized that I have the entire world before me.

So when my friend told me that he knows that I want someone around for that "comfort" I wanted to fly to his undisclosed location and tell it to his face: I'm a self-sufficient 20 year old who is a year and a half from graduation, wants to go somewhere far away that's new and exciting, travel and see the world, and not settle down until I've done my happy little dance and shaken all my dreams out.

Why is it that some people do not see it like this? Why do some people settle? Why do some people feel like they have to have somewhere around or they'll die? Why? I do not get it at all. I know the company is amazing, trust me, I know. But I have dreams and I don't want someone to come along and try to crash my party (if you know what I mean.)

But you know what really got my blood boiling? When I was told last night that I swat men away from me before they get a chance to get close. Now that, my friends, was true. My comfort zone is very different from how it was 2 years ago, let me tell you. I'm very uneasy about trusting and commitment, but that's because of things that I've experienced that were somewhat out of my control. So when a guy shows up out of the blue, keeps texting me until I answer, or gets mad because I don't feel like talking... I really do shut it down. Fast. Faster than a racecar. To me, all the above said actions throw off the clingy vibe and make me run to the hills.

So if I met an amazing man who knew how to respect when I want space, didn't bug me until I answered his 25 texts asking "why aren't you texting me?", and really honestly was stable and supportive at the same time... then we might start getting somewhere and I just might feel comfortable enough to let my guard down.

So am I the only one who has these issues? I highly doubt it. But the truth is that I have dreams that I don't want bursted. If I want them bursted, I'll do it myself. If I want a relationship, I'll just have to sit and wait because I haven't found what I want yet.

Agree or disagree?

2009-12-23T23:03:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all my readers :)

p.s. I'm on a Snoopy kick ever since I saw "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and realized that Snoopy and I are mirror images of each other. Except he has fur and I don't.

Not Me! Monday

2009-12-21T10:33:00.001-06:00

On this lovely Christmas Monday, it is time to confess about what I did not do this week. Thank you, MckMama, for this free therapy session; thankfully, I have no one to mess with my feminine products and leave them strewn around the bathroom :)

This morning, I am definitely not raging like a lioness whose cubs have been messed with. After beginning exit counseling for my loan at Calhoun, my warning sensors started going off when I saw words such as repayment begins July 15, 2010 since I am not graduating with my bachelor's until December 2011 and was told that I would not be repaying a dime until July 2012. Ha! I therefore did not just call the D.o.E. loan services to clarify only to be told that yes, unless I filled out a deferment form, I would be expected to pay up. I nearly screamed. Clearly, my community college's financial aid office needs to get their act together because I, clearly, am about to hit the wall big time. So thankful to be done with that... institution.

I did however, not make solid As and Bs this semester while taking 14 hours, 10 hours community service, 3 days of field experience, and faced a slew of projects. Whew! This gives me so much hope for next semester :)

I'm also not dying of anticipation for Christmas because my dad's making me keep mom's present a secret. Definitely haven't already rubbed it in her face that I know what she's getting :D

Hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Reality Bites

2009-12-17T12:54:00.000-06:00

You know what sucks? Reading the newspaper while waking up and seeing a big headline that teachers are slated to be laid off in the 2010-11 year. Yeah, that really makes my morning. So I've started the long process of thinking where I should go to teach. Alabama is dead broke; honestly, it's pitiful to see how broke the state is. I have two years until graduation but I'd love to have a job lined up somewhere in Summer 2011. That's a lot of hoping though.

Anyway. Now that the semester's over, I'm working out again. So far, I've lost 3 pounds, which I like a lot :) However, I almost lost my breakfast this morning when I walked into the locker room and all the older ladies who were done with the water aerobics class were changing. Apparently, they don't believe in being modest in the dressing room. I understand you have to strip to put on clean, dry clothes, but really ladies, don't sit there in your birthday suit for 30 minutes talking about your upcoming 70th birthday. It's... disgusting.

The Semester is Over and Out

2009-12-15T19:11:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy to be done with Fall 2009. While I stressed it (a lot) I've passed ALL my classes. Whew. 14 hours sure wasn't easy, but it was easier than I expected.

I've secured a solid A in my Biology class, which makes me soo happy. I realized that in my sciences, I've made a B and 2 As. I just don't know what I made in my other science yet.

Needless to say, I'm relieved and ready to sit on my rear end and not do a thing. Except working out and working at the Deli.

Next week, Faith and I are kicking the break off in the right way by making yet ANOTHER trip to Nashville :) super happy about that!

How to Write a Paper

2009-12-07T20:49:00.000-06:00

My friend tagged me in this on Facebook and I had to share it! It's so stinkin' true!

1. Sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a well lit place in front of your computer.

2. Log onto Facebook (be sure to set your chat status on away!). Check your email.

3. Read over the assignment carefully, to make certain you understand it.

4. Walk down to the vending machines and buy some chocolate to help you concentrate.

5. Check your email.

6. Call up a friend and ask if he/she wants to go to grab a coffee. Just to get settled down and ready to work.

7. When you get back to your room, sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a clean, well lit place.

8. Read over the assignment again to make absolutely certain you understand it.

9. Check your email.

10. You know, you haven't written to that kid you met at camp since fourth grade. You'd better write that letter now and get it out of the way so you can concentrate.

11. Look at your teeth in the bathroom mirror.

12. Grab some mp3z off of kazaa.

13. Check your email. ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR YET?!

14. Online chat with one of your friends about the future. (ie summer plans)

15. Check your email.

16. Listen to your new mp3z and download some more.

17. Visit your friend on the other floor and ask if she's started writing yet. Exchange derogatory remarks about your prof, the course, the college, the world at large.

18. Walk to the store and buy a pack of gum. You've probably run out.

19. While you've got the gum you may as well buy a magazine and read it.

20. Check your email.

21. Check the newspaper listings to make sure you aren't missing something truly worthwhile on TV.

22. Play some solitare (or bubbleshooter!).

23. Check out bored.com.

24. Wash your hands.

25. Call up a friend to see how much they have done, probably haven't started either.

26. Look through your roommate's book of pictures from home. Ask who everyone is.

27. Sit down and do some serious thinking about your plans for the future.

28. Check to see if bored.com has been updated yet.

29. Check your email and listen to your new mp3z.

30. You should be rebooting by now, assuming that windows is crashing on schedule.

31. Read over the assignment one more time, just for heck of it.

32. Scoot your chair across the room to the window and watch the sunrise.

33. Lie face down on the floor and moan.

34. Punch the wall and break something.

35. Check your email.

36. Mumble obscenities.

37. 5am - start hacking on the paper without stopping. 6am -paper is finished.

38. Complain to everyone that you didn't get any sleep because you had to write that stupid paper.

39. Go to class, hand in paper, and leave right away so you can take a nap.

One little thing they forgot- reading blogs :)

Not Me! Monday

2009-12-07T12:07:00.001-06:00

What a week it has been. Since it's time for the semi-annual freak out that occurs all three semesters a year, I'm taking to the time to ~~procrastinate~~ blog about what I didn't do this week*.

Last week, while I was in the Christmas spirit and had time to shop after a fantabulous haircut, I braved a store downtown to get mom a gift. The owner was from England and I felt like I was in England. However, when he was showing me "fantastic placemats" (his words, I don't know why I went with it. Who wants placemats for a gift, anyway?) I looked down and realized that my Oxford was not, ahem, unbuttoned across the bosoms. Yes, I pulled a Janet Jackson. My blouse decided it didn't want to act ladylike. I quickly tried to fix it and was informed by Mr. Britain that he noticed it but didn't know how to inform me of my wardrobe malfunction. The rest of the time was extremely awkward and Mr. Britain couldn't even look at me. Whoops! I honestly thought it was really quite funny.

While in biology learning about sharks (on our last lecture day, thank goodness) I wasn't shocked when Mr. Raccoon Man said, "well I guess females should stay out of the water around that time of the month." I was speechless, my professor was dying of laughter at my expression, and when I finally found my words, I didn't tell Mr. Raccoon Man that he was the most sick man I've ever met. He tried to convince me he was being scientific but I didn't buy it. Lordy.

Hope y'all are having a great week!

*this weekly event is hosted by MckMama herself.

The Pitfalls of SEC Country

2009-12-05T21:39:00.002-06:00

*warning: if you are a die hard Bama Fan, read no further*

I want you all to know a deep, dark secret of mine. I hate Alabama. As in, THE University of Alabama.

Gah.

Just put a gun to my mouth. That's what it's like to live in this great state between August and December. It's a slow suicide that's quickened in the last week of November. Y'all might have heard of something called the Iron Bowl...

So, here's my true feelings about football. I used to love it. That is, before I moved to Alabama. Now, I detest it. I love Auburn, that's my team. But Bama fans make me tick. They're... well, nevermind. I'll just leave you with this picture:

But the good news is that I've found my future husband ♥

Breathe

2009-12-02T13:03:00.001-06:00

I have two major projects down, two weeks left in school, and 4 finals until break. Ahhhhh.

I really am not stressing finals since some are just tests and some are just open book. So technically, I'm already in vacation mode. Tomorrow is my last biology lecture and I'm sort of sad because I love that class! Yesterday, we somehow got on the topic of end of the year parties in the woods and covering ourselves in poop. Don't ask, I honestly don't remember how we got there. But my day got grossed out when my friend asked if I found my gift in my bag. I had no clue what she was talking about. Apparently, she triple dog dared one of the guys in our lab group to put the worm we dissected in my purse. Thankfully, they put it in a glove. Very disgusting. My poor Vera Bradley :(

All I know is that when I'm out for two weeks, I plan on laying around and watching tv the entire time. Maybe. That is, when I'm not working.

Not Me! Monday

2009-11-30T10:16:00.003-06:00

On this edition of NMM...

I am not about to fall asleep in the library while trying to write my research paper.

No way, Jose.

And it's definitely not likely that I'm writing other things, like my Not Me Monday entry.

So, readers, I'll use this to my advantage: what do you think about English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in our schools? Do you agree or disagree with it?

I need a drink

2009-11-27T06:25:00.001-06:00

Okay, my dreams have always been wacky. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I've always been this way.

I dreamed of Jason's twice. That's one too many. Or two. The first time, I was working two positions at once. The big Bama vs. Auburn game just ended so we got slammed and were short staffed. However, that did remind me in my sleep that we have a lot of catering today. Oh joy. THEN I dreamed the second time that I was an hour late to work due to me seeing an ex, catching up, and reuniting. Um, that one woke me up for good with a fast heartbeat and wanting to scream what the heck. Sometimes, I really hate to dream about work.

Another dream was that I visited a new church and the pastor made me stand on the stage behind him the entire time. A guy with autism sat next to me and was talking very loud. I was miserable.

I was teaching Sunday School again with that psycho social climber Michaele Salahi that snuck into Obama's party the other night. She and I were teaching the five year olds and I got way too much pleasure pulling the rug out from underneath the woman that took over my class to begin with. Then reality snuck in and I realized I was stuck with this class forever and ever. Ugh. But I did get some pleasure out of it, at least.

Yes, I have very... strange dreams. I probably should see someone about these dreams, but some of them are far too amusing

It's time to get crackin'

2009-11-24T14:32:00.000-06:00

Every semester, the last couple weeks are always so completely stressful for me. My three months of procrastination catches up with me and I start busting it. I also start to do things that I've put off.

For example, buying a bookshelf. For months, I've been wanting one. For some reason, when the floor of your room is what you call a bookshelf, things get crowded and stressful. So yesterday, I finally got a bookshelf. Let me say, it's nice not tripping on books. The only reason I got one was because my dad gave me his old printer and my desk had no room. Or the floor, for that matter.

Assignments. Ugh. I put off assignments, I'll admit that. So of course, when I have two Word documents opened and 5 tabs opened on my Firefox browser, my computer flips out. Not pretty for the PC or the owner, let me tell you.

The good news is that I'm grateful for having a website where I put all my assignments and lesson plans so that I don't waste paper and have to drop off multiple binders at the College of Education for when they look at my portfolio.

Procrastination at its finest, people. I'll never let my students know, though.

In Reflection

2009-11-18T18:06:00.000-06:00

Today I finished all three days of field experience that I needed for my semester. Whew. And next semester, I'll need ten. Needless to say, I really really miss it. I loved the class I was in even if I did feel compelled to take a nap at noon. Yes, noon. They don't tell you how much energy you need when giving the schpleel on what to do, what not to do.

Anyway, even though I know that people are running the other way from their degree by now, I'm running closer to it. These kids seriously cracked me up.

Not Me! Monday

2009-11-16T18:27:00.000-06:00

It's time again for Not me! monday! Click on MckMama's page to see what she didn't do.

Last night I totally did not tell my former manager that I liked him... a lot. I really don't feel embarrassed about it either. I just feel embarrassed about how it all came about. Oy vey...

What did y'all not do this week?

I ♥ this...

2009-11-15T09:06:00.001-06:00

and this

Yes, he is on a very tall bike. With no helmet, by the way.

And then there was this...

and this

by this time, Faith was hyperventilating to the extreme because this is Brad Paisley. See here...

Faith Almost-Sort-of Meets Brad Paisley from Lauren Bice on Vimeo.

Of course, if it was Keith Urban who came out, I would be doing the exact same thing.

Oh wait, I did. Along with Carrie and Reba.

I had to use Faith's pictures of these three because mine came out horrible.

Yes, it was quite the time to be had by all who participated. I'm very excited for next year though because I am so going to next year's ceremony come hell or high water. But I can wait, because we're going to Brad Paisley's concert February 5th. Oh yes..

My Heart's Been Stolen by a City... and a Mac

2009-11-13T17:25:00.002-06:00

My heart has been stolen by Nashville. There's something about that city that just... gets me. Faith and I went there on Wednesday to get a glimpse of the rich and famous. While we were there, we also went everywhere, from Franklin to Opryland to Vanderbuilt to Green Hills to Downtown back to Franklin. It was the most fabulous time of my life. I had wonderful chances to play with my camera and discover all of its marvelous and fun settings. The only time it let me down was when we were actually at the red carpet for the CMAs, and that's understandable given that the lights were all funky.

I've never been to Opryland and it was gorgeous. I want to go back next month to see their Christmas Spectacular up close. And let me just say- that thing is huge. I thought Disney World resorts were huge... and the Grand Floridian is huge. But you'd never expect Opryland to be so... huge. Well, I didn't, at least. It was so so so so gorgeous in there.

We went to Greece. I mean, Centennial Park. The Parthenon was gorgeous and the perfect opportunity for playtime. Faith and I got some hilarious pictures such as this.. ok apparently my computer does not want to cooperate. Which leads me to Green Hills.

I. love. this. place. We went to the mall there which I love and adore. I wanted to go to the Apple Store to play with a Mac because I'm seriously going to buy a Macbook Pro in the next couple months (and yes, there is one in Huntsville, but I could mess with salespeople I'd never see again.) I've had enough with the crappy PC I have. There's no love between us anymore. We're like lovers who've lost their flame and realized that we're not meant to be together. I digress. I'm sure y'all don't want to hear about my horrible relationship with my Toshiba. So as I said, I played with a Macbook Pro, fell in love, and realized I don't have any patience in me when it comes to waiting for toys like this. I realized then that no matter how hard I try to deny that I am not like my father, I am. Depressing thought. We both love the thrill of the hunt, of having a new toy to play with that costs more than an arm and a leg... until I realized that while my dreams are possible, they aren't around in a quick snap. Again, I digress!!!! I'm a little ADD today.

Anyway. So we finished there at Apple and then attacked Cheesecake Factory. No trip to Nashville should ever go without a trip to Cheesecake Factory- or Whole Foods. And then we ventured downtown... but that's post for another time.

I seriously need to put down the p.o.s. before I throw it across the room to never have a computer again. At least until I can afford my Mac. In the meantime, this will just have to be my background.

Euphoria

2009-11-12T09:25:00.002-06:00

Ohmygoodness. Yesterday was AMAZING times infinity. I got some great pictures and saw some of the hottest names in country music. Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Pickler, Reba McIntire, Brad Paisley, The Judds, Taylor Swift and... Keith Urban. I thought I died and went to heaven.

Unfortunately, I am on the school's computer so I don't have my pictures but you can bet that I'll put some up later today! Needless to say though, this is going to be a tradition.

Monologue (la la la)

2009-11-09T18:33:00.002-06:00

Can I just say I love this girl?

In the Pits

2009-11-08T19:49:00.000-06:00

If I were going to be honest with you right now, here's what I'd say: I'm really apathetic right now. Yet at the same time, I'm anxious about tomorrow. The thought of a ton of blood work is very nerve-wracking to me. The thought that I had not only one incurable disease was crazy, but my liver has no cure either. So imagine my thoughts, now.

I wish there was an easy cure for celiac. Take a pill and you're cured. If only. I wish that I really didn't have it. I wish that people understood everything that a person with celiac feels. To be honest, it feels pretty dumb to say, "oh I can't eat that, there's gluten in it." I cannot count how many blank stares that I've had when I say that. I guess that's why I gave up and have been eating a regular diet.

I won't lie, the night that I was in horrible pain a couple weeks ago, I knew what it was. There was no lying. I'd never been in that type of pain, ever. I still get those pains occasionally. I'm blessed however. My doctor has celiac and has personally looked at my ultrasound results to see everything going on. She hasn't handed them off to someone else to look at. Her nurses know that this isn't just a disease. This is a chronic disease I will have the rest of my life. There is no cure at all, whatsoever.

As more people are getting diagnosed, it's becoming more well-known, but that doesn't mean anything to me. Sounds harsh, but it's true. People who don't have it just don't get it. They don't know what it's like to have to try and catch everything. They don't have a clue as to how expensive it can be. Then there's a people who switch to the gluten-free lifestyle because they're hippies and such, so when people hear about me, they assume I'm a hippy. Wrong. In a way, these people have diluted the seriousness that should be felt towards this disease.

I'm sure I sound like I'm rambling, which I am. I just want this to go away. To make matters worse, I have so much stuff to do between now and the end of the semester, which is a little over a month away. This disease has made me apathetic. The entire past three months have made me way too apathetic.

However, the phone call from my doctor briefly, thankfully, snapped me out of it and made me realize that I am killing myself. Really, I am. I have this disease that old, obese people get (or alcoholics.) Not me. At least, I'm not supposed to have it. But I do. Which has in turn made me resentful and anxious.

What I want to do is run away. Run away from this town. From this life. From school. From work. But I can't. I want a vacation where no one will bug me. Not my thoughts, computer, phone, siblings, no one. Just me. Again, not happening anytime soon. I'm becoming such an introvert these days. I used to be an extrovert. I'm tired of running into my past. I want an outlet. I've been close to deleting my Facebook because I'm tired of seeing emo/mushy/loveydovey/pitiful/attention grabbing statuses. It's such an annoyance. But at the same time, I'm on there a lot. But I'm not even doing anything.

On top of all this, I thought the water was under the bridge with the church but I was wrong. No one was bugging me, I've been getting back on track with my relationship with God, and wham... over. My dad was told to pass me a message and to call so-and-so back. right off the bat, my reply was... no. I'm so done with that. So completely over it. Then again, I'm obviously not, because it's just making me mad again.

So if you could just pray for me to have peace tomorrow, that'd be a great start. I'll update tomorrow if I know anything, which hopefully, I will.

Love,
Lauren

Medical Mess.

2009-11-06T08:56:00.000-06:00

I'm at a loss for words right now.

After being in such severe pain last week, and a visit to the doctor, I had ultrasounds done yesterday on my abdomen and pelvis. The doctor's office just called a little while and told me that I have what looks like a fatty liver. I have to get a whole panel of tests drawn on me first thing Monday.

I asked if this is all tied to Celiac and... it is.

So.

My life is officially 100% turned upside down. I've been in denial to myself and binging on wheat/gluten, but now not only are my intestines involved, my liver is too. I just want to cuss/cry/scream. I'm researching everything right now to the best of my ability and what's more likely to be in an obese middle-aged human is in me, a 20 year old who isn't obese at all.

Lovely. I'm going to need so many prayers and support right now, for my mentality, out look on life, frame of mind, not to mention my insides.

Better. Much Better.

2009-11-03T14:52:00.001-06:00

Just when I thought that it was impossible to love Barnes and Noble anymore than I already do... it is possible. I just thought I'd browse and see if they had Crazy Love for giggles and grins, which they did. But it gets better. You can click on a simple button and the local store will hold it for you. Ah, now that's love for a bibliophile. So instead of paying for shipping and such, I can pick it up on my way to school. Now I can see what it's all about at Bloom.

In the meantime, I was at my favorite coffee place in the entire world this morning (I really wish we had in a Peet's in the Dixie State though) and guess what kind of cup I got? Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! is all I could hear. Of course, that might also be due to my siblings, who are on a Charlie Brown fest and watching that show a lot lately. There's something about Snoopy that cracks them up. I digress. So I got my joy out of my latte while trying my best to ignore the very annoying man who seems to need a lesson in keyboarding. There's something about hearing a man pound the keys (literally) with his two index fingers that is rather obnoxious when I'm trying to study ~~the Pottery Barn catalog~~ biology. I mean really, I wanted to tell him to chill out.

While on the topic of chilling out, I myself am trying that technique. It's... a work in progress. Like Mr. Tapper- I just took deep breaths and looked out the window for at least a few minutes each times he was getting to me. I've been trying it a lot lately. Like I said, work.in.progress.

And finally, I am leaving one of my browser tabs opened on Apple's site. I'm really in desire for a Macbook but right now, looking at the site will just have to do. I fall more in love with it everyday. Silly PCs. I 'm ready for a non-moody computer.

A break.

2009-11-01T16:27:00.000-06:00

All I want right now is a break. I don't know why, but lately, I just... want one. I'm so burned out, I feel like the Little Train That Could. I have no inspiration for anything. No zest. Nothing. I think a combination of school, work, and Satan trying to grab a hold of me is all just taking it's toll.

I'm putting myself through counseling again to try and get a flame lit in me. I've been so angry for the last few weeks that it's starting to take it's toll on me. I've thrown my health against the wind and have been binging on wheat and gluten like you wouldn't believe. This binge resulted in massive stomach pains that sent me to the doctor on Thursday morning.

I'm burnt out on my faith. I haven't been to bible study in the past few weeks because none of it was processing in my mind and I ended up just sitting for two hours thinking about my week. The good news is that while I am totally 100% burnt out on ministry work regarding children, there's a spark in me that finally wants to read Crazy Love. Even though Satan wants to get a hold of me, I'm fighting him. I've found a church that's to my liking.

The unfortunate part of all of this is my spending habits have gone downhill. Before this twister of the past few weeks started, I was finally getting control of when I should swipe my bank card and when I shouldn't. However, it'd be nice if Target refused to admit people who are stressed out... I find myself losing control in there. Bad.

While I am very much burnt out on school, I'm excited about registering for Spring 2010 in the morning. Full time education classes, 15 hours, but I'm excited. Which is good. However, in the mean time, I really need to start thinking on a policy to write my thesis that is a two year process that Athens State is kind enough to break down for me. Not to mention my other research paper for environmental science that's about transmittable diseases.

While last year I hated Christmas time with a passion, I'm actually excited for it this year. Phew. It's a good sign when I'm excited about Target doing a full-blown Christmas section the day before Halloween. Now, in a couple weeks, it just might be a different story. But I regress.

Needless to say, I am burnt out. I want a vacation oh.so.bad. I'm going to Nashville for a day though next week that I am very much looking forward to.

Beauty Pressure

2009-11-01T08:09:00.001-06:00

I'm preparing for my mentoring time tomorrow and this is the video that my school wants me to show the girl I work with. We're working on self-esteem and I think this can be a lesson for all of us females. It definitely makes you think twice.

HELP!

2009-10-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

My blog needs an uplift!!!!! I'm not helping it at all whatsoever. Does anyone know anyone who could help me out?

Dose of Optimism Needed

2009-10-20T12:47:00.001-05:00

I hate technology right now. I've spent the past 20 minutes trying to change my avatar on Disqus to no avail. It refuses to change my picture. So so annoying...

I'm avoiding homework like the plague right now.

I finally found out what Etsy is. I've been curious since Ashley's been talking about it and I LOVE it! I think some Christmas shopping will be happening there.

After lusting for the quaint shop MckMama mentioned here, I've been dying for a place like that. Turns out that a store opened up less than a mile away that has my curiosity stoked. It's called Nina's Place and I think it's time for a little exploration :)

The school I'm supposed to be doing field experience at has yet to let me know what the heck is going on. I've left two messages for the asst. principal. So either the secretary doesn't have her act together or the asst. principal doesn't have his act together. Therefore, I've emailed the coordinator at Athens State to give her a heads up.

I really need to become more optimistic. These days, I'm the one who is feeling like Paris Gellar.

Not Me! Monday

2009-10-19T12:46:00.001-05:00

I just want you to know that I haven't ~~been too lazy write~~ forgotten about Not Me! Monday at all whatsoever. Nope, Not Me. Since MckMama is having a giveaway and all, I wouldn't write a Not Me for the first time in what seems like forever just to enter her NMM contest.

Saturday, I didn't want to walk out of work because I was so irritated with the world. It didn't help any when my co-worker that took an 45 minute break for one cigarette suggested to me that I go see a psychiatrist for a bipolar disorder. I did not resist telling her that just because she had it didn't mean I had it and I just said, "thanks for the suggestion, but I definitely am not bipolar. I just have a lot on my plate", smiled, and walked my big mouth self away.

I really didn't throw a pity party when I saw a girl from one of my history classes with a ~~huge~~ blinding 3 carat rock of a diamond on her ring finger last night. Never. I love being single so much that I would never ever feel pitiful for myself.

I totally did not apply for a job last week with Delta Airlines just for the heck of it. There's no way on earth I would do that. Ever.

I did not get mad on Friday when I read Nicholas Sparks' newest novel. I have a life and don't get too involved with storylines and who dates whom, etc. Never. Not in this lifetime.

I was not asked TWICE this week if I am expecting. Yeah. You read that right. I know I've put on some weight recently, but really people? Asking if someone is preggers when you're really not sure is a no-no. Besides, I layered my work shirt w/ a long sleeved one, so it didn't made me look... larger than normal.

Finally, I did not make a friends list on my Facebook for all the people I do not want to talk to on the chat application. I definitely did not name the group "Paris Gellars." I have to laugh at my creativity for that one.

What did y'all not do this week?

Pessimism in the Heart Department

2009-10-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

I realized last night that I officially need a life.

I've been reading Nicholas Sparks' newest book, The Last Song.

I love it.

In fact, I love it so much, I hid out in my car at my sister's dance lesson just to attempt finishing it. I got to the end and I finally had to call it quits so I could go to work. The epilogue was left, so I figured I'd finish it later.

But at work, I kept getting irritated with how the last chapter ended. I was like, "really?!" I'm trying to not reveal the situation in case I have a reader that actually wants to read it. I hate when people spoil endings for me.

So last night, I rushed home so I could crawl in my sweats and finish reading the epilogue. And finally, the tears flowed, and I thought "thank goodness."

I think that even though I've become very pessimistic in the heart department, I rely on books like this to at least keep me happy. I know it's Nicholas Sparks, but whatever.

It's a contest on which one is my favorite novel now. I'm gonna have to think on it.

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-10-15T10:23:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Hannah for nominating me for my creativity :)

when it comes to shampoos, I tend to go for the sexiest name and prettiest smell. Example: last night I bought Herbal Essences' Long Term Relationship that smells like raspberries. Point proven.
After all these years of coffee drinking with milk, I've realized that I prefer my coffee black- no cream, half and half, skim milk, sugar, Splenda, you name it. But I still love my lattes (that's espresso though.)
You'll know that I'm procrastinating when I have my face in a book. This time around it's The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (sooo... good.)
I have quite the sense of humor. It might not show sometimes, but it's always somewhere in me.
I'm addicted to reruns of Frasier on Lifetime. I'm getting annoyed though because they don't show all the episodes so I don't have a complete clue on what's going on.
I'm finally weeks away from being done at my community college and I am so.excited. I love my foundations of education class at the university I'm transferring to but I love that we get a month off for field experience even more :)
I love love love love Italian food. Love it! Whether it's risotto, pasta, garlic, wine, or freshly grated Parmesan cheese, I can't get enough of it. And I don't eat Parmesan that doesn't have the authentic stamping on the outside. I'm a snob.

I tag Meg, Ashley, Faith, S, Erin, and Renee to do this! Congrats, girls!

2009-10-11T15:09:00.001-05:00

Did you know that the "Angles" swept my poor Red Sox today?

Yes, Angles. Not Angels.

Trends

2009-10-11T08:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I did a little retail therapy. I've fought the shopaholic side of me for quite some time now and when I do get the urge to shop, I drop in at Target.

BUT, I let myself free yesterday and stopped in at Ann Taylor, thanks to my mom saying, "want to stop in at Ann Taylor and see what they have?" Why yes, mommy dearest, I do.

So. I might have wanted to buy everything in the store. Maybe. But that's just a rumor. While perusing the store, I've discovered the must haves of the season:

black heels
tights
a cute skirt

And bam! You're officially in the trends for fall. Lord knows I love it. I feel like a sexy teacher now. My reason for dropping a Ben Franklin and then some was that I needed some cute stuff for field experience so I look a little older than a student (more professional, too.) My inner Audrey Hepburn didn't know what to do with herself considering jeans and a t-shirt are what I wear on the weekend, jeans and a knit top on the weekdays. So when you hand me something that has polka dots and tweed?! Lord have mercy.

Unfortunately, Ann Taylor doesn't like me to copy their images. So click here and see a look I could die for. Or this.

I hate being broke sometimes.

As if my life couldn't get any crazier...

2009-10-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

You know what the downfall to taking fourteen hours of courses is? Less blog time.

Sure, I read blogs, surf Facebook, and read the news. But for some reason, I need to actually think for a flipping second to blog. Who knew, right?

The good news is that my school week is over. Finally. Alleluia. Now that I'm in week seven, I've finally adjusted my schedule, figured out when I absolutely need to wake up, and figured out the time that it takes to get from here to school in the fastest amount of time possible.

I'm finally done with my second speech (informative.) Now matter how many times I practiced, I got flustered. Not sure how I did, but we'll see.

I'm almost past the half-way point of school.

I have a lesson plan due on Tuesday. No, I do not have to present it, but I'm planning on teaching fractions.

I was very tempted this week to change my degree to secondary education (english.) After seeing that this load of 16 hours of science and 12 hours of math wouldn't count to anything, however, and that I'd need at least 4 more English classes, I said "~~hell~~ heck no" and moved on my merry way, continuing my way into elementary.

I love my education class. It might be one, but I love it.

Today I plopped myself in Books-A-Million and looked at their children's section. For the record, though, I want to put out my opinion that Barnes and Noble is a BAGILLION times better. Seriously.

I'm so glad that I've found a volunteer opportunity. An added bonus is that I'm with it for the next two years and don't have to keep changing around every semester. I love the kids that I am working with for now. In a couple weeks, I'll have an individual child who(m?) I will mentor for the next however many years. Love it.

I lived on the wild side last weekend and went out on a Friday night at 1130. This girl is breaking out, let's just say that. Tomorrow night is bowling w/ a bunch of people from work and I'm pretty excited.

What I'm not excited about is my test at 8frigging30 in the morning on Saturday. Ugh!

I think that's all for now, I'm not sure. I have a couple research papers that I need to start writing sooner or later and start field experience in a couple weeks, too. As if my life couldn't get any crazier...

Oy with the Poodles Already!

2009-09-30T20:45:00.000-05:00

Really people, I need some help.

Majorly.

But I'm loving how I'm getting back in touch with the origins of my email address, Facebook URL, Blogspot URL, Twitter, etc.

OH! Yes, I hated my "new" URL so much that I went back to gilmore07.blogspot.com. I felt naked, lonely. Alright, not really; at least not the naked part. But I didn't feel like myself. So I changed it. Again.

Anyway, I found myself cracking up at Cat Kirk, Le Chat Club, all the town hall meetings, and I'm not even done yet people. I watched it last night, on a Tuesday, and it felt so right. I miss my Tuesday night Gilmores. It was like old times.

So I will now go back (again) to my Gilmores, preparing myself for more Kirk-isms. Anyone remember which season the lost eggs was in? You know, when there was the egg hunt in the town center and Kirk lost them all?

While we're at it: What's your favorite Kirk moment, my fellow Gilmores?

Bracebridge Dinner

2009-09-28T17:02:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I have been l-a-z-y. No, I do not have an alibi, as much as I wish I did. I've watched six Gilmore Girl episodes (season two is officially my favorite) today. Six. I have not studied at.all. Gah!

I have a biology test to do by Wednesday. A math assessment due tomorrow. And have I touched any of it? No.

But, I have brushed up on my favorite lines of Gilmores.

I also went and did my volunteering this morning. That was rough. There's something about helping a middle schooler whose reading skills are worse than my sister's that is really... emotional. All I kept thinking was who's taught this kid? How did he pass? did I mention it was emotional?

I have decorated the house for fall. I washed some towels. And... that's pretty much it.

Oh, I also discovered that I have a hold on my account at Athens State because they don't have my UAH transcript. Grr. But I also got my school assignment for field experience and am really happy that I'll be at a Madison city school.

I found out that I'm taking my APTT at Alabama A&M. I'm praying for safety big time. I called the ACT people to see if I can change it and the girl claimed that Athens isn't holding the test in October which is a lie because Faith is going to Athens. Just shoot me.

I'm going back to my Gilmores now!

How He Loves

2009-09-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

I will be the first to admit that I am not a perfect person. At all. In fact, if I knew the perfect person, I'd tell y'all. I mean in a fictitious way, I'd have to say Derek Shepard hands down, but he's a cheater and cheaters are bad in my book, not to mention that he's fictitious. But back to all seriousness.

My rant about my church seems to have struck a chord, or so I think. Not in the way that I would prefer, either.

After feeling downright victorious the other day, I still feel threatened. Sunday night I had a missed call and voicemail from the assistant pastor in charge of Sunday School and had the most serious tone saying to call him back. My stomach literally lurched. I called back Monday morning but he was away and didn't call back so I figured it wasn't serious.

Or so I thought.

He called this afternoon during my nap and left a message to call him back. I thought I'd save a few minutes and just talk to him face to face tonight at church and get it over with.

Well, he said we "needed to talk." Serious. You know, like the one you get in the middle of a parking lot one October evening and get dumped by a serious boyfriend. Sorry, that was me. But that was the tone he held. Oy. We're meeting tomorrow over coffee at 3 "to talk."

My fear is that instead of getting ditched by a boyfriend, I am getting ditched by the Sunday School committee and losing the Sunday School class I love so so so much. Do not get me wrong, I respect this man so much. He's amazing and doesn't go blabbing to others how much of a sinner you are. He knows what he's doing.

Then my mind thinks that maybe this is about parents I unintentionally ticked off on Sunday morning when I said that their daughter was talking way too much and was interrogated on why I wasn't doing something about it. Excuse me, it's not like I've worked with children for 8+ years and am an education major for Pete's sake. All I really honestly wanted to say was, "well if you were picking up your child for the past 4 Sundays and not your nine year old daughter, we would've had this conversation a month ago." Instead I had to fake a smile and say, "yes it is the same little girl she keeps talking to but today she had 6 warnings to stop talking and yet still continued to talk."

But back to my worrisome post.

I've been asked if this meaning could be about a good thing. Uh. That's a negative. I had this guy for my Bible teacher in my senior year of high school where the inside joke of the class was a "happy birthday!" Yes, we did anything to get out of class. I think we held six birthday parties in one quarter. Trust me, this was not a "happy birthday!' moment.

But then, there really is nothing I can do at all. If I've stepped on people's toes and offended others, so be it. I seem to remember writing that I refuse to back down. This is my blog, after all. But it does not mean I have a cold heart over it. To be honest, it's stressing the living daylights out of me.

Yet, amazingly, on my drive home from my Financial Peace class where we learned how to kick creditors behinds, my new favorite song by the David Crowder*Band came on. It was what I needed for my worries. It reminded me of how much God is still there no matter what happens. He is our ultimate Pastor. He is in charge of everything that is going on, even when I want to control everything so bad. He is the hurricane and I am that tree that is bent over, helpless.

Gosh I could really go for another DC*B concert right now. By the way, I highly recommend their new cd to y'all.

So just pray for me tonight, that God would lift this burden off my shoulders and that I would take this as a lesson in life.

the one in which I show my love for pumpkins

2009-09-20T23:15:00.002-05:00

I love autumn. There's lots of things about it that I love. For example,

leaves changing colors
cooler weather
pumpkin spice lattes
sweaters/sweatshirts
having a perfect excuse to drink something warm
season premiers of my favorite tv shows (show of comments from those who saw The Office)
the smell of pumpkin candles
pumpkin bread
pumpkin farms
a sign that change is coming

I'm really missing the fall season up North. Boston was gorgeous this time of year...

It's Back!

2009-09-11T23:05:00.002-05:00

Oh I'm so excited! My favorite of all favorite shows is back on the 24th!

Whistleblower

2009-09-11T09:32:00.002-05:00

On this anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, I hope y'all will remember our troops and the families of those who have given their lives for our country.

In the meantime, I'm wrestling with myself about writing a post that would be scandalous and show the true colors of people that are acting foolish. I'll be thinking really deep about it today and about the consequences of what could happen. However, I am a very honest person and not willing to hold back something that needs to be said.

So, I could be back tonight with a very revealing post on my thoughts regarding organized religion.

Success!

2009-09-10T22:00:00.003-05:00

I have made it through most of my week. I am so glad. I really still want a shirt that says "I Rock" for the days when I feel like I'm gonna die.

I was looking at my to do list and most of it is checked off! Intro speech? Check. Resume? Check. Woods for Biology? Check. TB negative? check! Found my hairbrush? check. Paycheck? Heaven's yes, check that. Gas? Yes. So I'm feeling better.

Only for it all to rain down on me next week.

As I thought, my brother took off with my hairbrush. He hid it in the quiet room of the house, the little sneak. The only way I got it out of him was threatening no chocolate or "banana pink stuff." It's amazing how fast that worked.

I still have no clue where my iPod charger went. I'm borrowing my mom's.

The woods were so much fun today. I recorded the information down, along with three others. We measured trees and got attacked by mosquitoes. But hey, that's what happens in Alabama. I love this class the second time around!

Normally

2009-09-08T23:45:00.002-05:00

In a normal world, I would have been in bed 2 hours ago. However, I'm not.

This semester has me nuts but sane at the same time. If I didn't have great friends at my schools and work, I'd be screaming.

I put in 35 hours at Jason's Deli this weekend. That is, if I did my math right. Yes, I'm a little tired.

I bs'd an introductory speech this morning.

Typed a resume really fast (it was easy since she didn't want anything not related to kids.)

Just finished my introduction for the College of Education.

Have a project due Friday for Biology.

Go to the woods on Thursday for my Biology class.

See if I'm TB positive or negative Thursday morning (I think I'm in the clear as I look at my arm right now.)

Try to find my paddle brush that has completely vanished since yesterday morning... I blame my brother.

Try to find my iPod charger too... I've been lacking in my music lately.

Get my paycheck tomorrow and get that deposited.

Pray that my remains from my loan come so I can fill up my savings account.

Get gas in my car.

Ok, I need to stop. This is my midnight ramble that is also my to do list. Bedtime.

The One in Which I Criticize the Diva

2009-09-02T12:34:00.005-05:00

My regular readers should know that I am in love with Vera Bradley. Yes, I am a fan of it on Facebook. So sue me. Of course I saw this picture and wanted to snatch this purse out of the screen. It's gorgeous, don't you think, Meg? I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm practically a prostitute for it... but pretty darn close. Minus the favors part.

Only with my luck would I see if after registering on Live Text with a $94 access code. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. $94. Flipping outrageous if you ask me, thankyouverymuch.

I could write a letter to Santa now to ask for the purse nicely or just a stocking full of $20 bills. But instead, I'm thinking of writing Calhoun and begging on hands and needs for my remaining loan money because I really desperately truly need it. It being the money, not the purse. Do I sound desperate enough here?

In the mean time, I haven't told y'all about my newest BFF in ED 301. *read the sarcasm between the letters BFF.* In my opinion, anyone who comes to class in a dress that is strapless in September in the middle of the day will not be my bff. For heaven's sakes, this is an education class. The rest of us "normal" people are in jeans, Chacos, and t-shirts. Now, there are other reasons I am not fond of her... whenever anyone asked a question, she would answer it before the teacher. By the fifth time I wanted to tell her to can it fast before I canned it for her. This is also the girl who had a temper-tantrum about not wanting to work in an elementary school because she is going to get her masters and teach in a college. We all need to start someone, sweetheart. I kid you not when I say all the elementary majors gave her a dagger that could kill when she complained about this.

I told my two REAL friends today that I would love to know what she'll wear to field experience next month. With what she's wearing... it could be interesting.

As I was saying. I want the purse above, however I am a poor white girl. ED 301 will be an interesting class this semester.

Amen.

Thoughts from a Procrastinator

2009-08-31T09:18:00.002-05:00

where do I want to teach?

why does my room magically go from clean and organized to messy?

my hair is getting longer!

I wish I could Audrey Hepburn's attitude.

I should not work on Mondays.

I'm a chocolate addict.

I love Twitter.

what do I want to do this Friday night since I'm off?

I wonder what school I'll do my field experience in?

WHY does school feel so stressful?

Should I get another book to read? No... that will distract me.

Recap!

2009-08-27T14:49:00.002-05:00

My first week has been a plethora of emotions. Attitudes such as exhaustion, exhilaration, frustration, and confusion have all been felt by me in the last couple of days. But. I just realized that I have a 4 day weekend (yippee!)

I've been given the ok on my background check. Although I realized that I put my LAST name as my first name and vice versa on my registration. However, they had my license number and Social Security number so I'm good.

Foundations of Education is not what I thought it would be at all. It's straight up hard. Sometime between now and Tuesday I have to write an essay on the Conceptual Framework of Athens State's College of Education. Ay carrumba.

Oh, and I woke up this morning to an email from Disney saying they need people to work next year. I thought, "are you kidding me?" If I was a different major maybe. But being an education major, I have to observe every semester (next year I'll be student teaching.) So it won't work out.

That's just a recap. I'll write a longer post sometime this weekend.

Day 1

2009-08-25T12:28:00.002-05:00

Well, to put it mildly, the first day back in the trenches of school has gone superb. That's right- superb!

Yes, I am just a tad worn out at 12:30 but that could be due to my waking at 6, running around getting ready, and being on campus at the time when normally I'm waking up.

My class are superb. Well, for what I expected it's superb. Speech isn't great, but it's speech, and everyone has to take it. Plus, my instructor is a Brit and his accent is divine. I love a good accent. He's really funny too, and is really random like me. Plus he can't think straight- again, he's like me.

Biology 104 will be much better this second time around. I already have my materials (yay!) and he's easy in my opinion. Plus, we get to take field trips to the wilderness. Love it!

Tonight is environmental science. We'll see how that goes, but so far, I think I feel a little better about my impending semester :)

Parent vs. Teacher

2009-08-24T13:30:00.002-05:00

It's already happened. I've had a parent send me an email about a rule in Sunday School. It wasn't a nice email either.

I sent a letter home with the parents saying that we cannot do bathroom runs in class. We have an hour and a lot of material to cover, projects, etc. I have fourteen kids who are four and five years old. Yesterday, we cut it really close to the one hour mark without a bathroom break.

Now, mind you. I said that the kids can go BEFORE they come to class. You know, have a parent take them to the bathroom. That would help me and the other teacher out a lot.

The previous teacher and I had an incident a few weeks ago where a little girl didn't tell us she had to go and wet herself. We talked the parents and got everything straightened out. Or so I thought. This parent has claimed the child was afraid to come to me. What?

I understand where she is coming from regarding kids holding their bladders. I've held off replying to it because it's really struck a nerve with me. I have taught this class for two years. I've worked with little kids since I can remember. However, I also know that they can go before class or after class.

If I see a kid dancing around and acting like they're going to go right there, yes, I will take them. I make exceptions. But does she know how hard it is to stop your lesson and take 14 kids to the bathroom?

So. Any parents out there who want to give suggestions?

Broken

2009-08-23T15:56:00.002-05:00

Normally I get sick of a song really fast. Most likely because it's overplayed on the local radio stations. For example, I loved The Fray until everyone else loved them and they were played at least once an hour. Now, I can't stand them.

But I've loved Broken by Lifehouse ever since I first heard it last year. At the time, I was going through a major rough patch- broken family, a rough break up. The words were ointment for my deep, deep emotional wounds. Lifehouse just came out with a new version of the song and I love it more than the original song. It's even more moving.

As I look at the next semester, I know that there is only so much I can do until I get to the point where I freak out. The song just reminds me that there's Someone bigger than me overlooking the next 4 months and that I can only do so much.

On that note, I got more surprises dished on me this weekend. Like my APTT (not to mention the cost,) a pre-test, and seeing my classes' blackboards. Not good, not fun. I'll be honest, I'm scared of screwing up this semester. I'm working thirty hours next weekend and I have a gut feeling I'll have to slash it, which will drive me nuts. Add in church, a bible study I really want to do, 14 hours of school, and... i feel hopeless.

My emotions have been a roller coaster in the past couple of weeks, as you've read.

But I will rock it, even though right now I feel hopeless... and broken.

2009-08-23T15:34:00.003-05:00

Since Meg's tagged me, I suppose I shall indulge y'all on my seven things that I cannot get enough of!

Coke. As in Coca-Cola. I need it. Actually, need is an understatement. The funny part is that I prefer coke from a can. It doesn't taste the same if it's in a bottle or out of a fountain. But I'll drink it anyway as long as it's coke. And no, not Diet Coke
Music. I have to have my music. Actually, more like my iPod. I listen to it when getting dressed. Blowdrying just isn't the same without some Britney Spears, ya know? When I blog? I listen to music. Cleaning? Music. Driving? Yeah, I think you get my drift. Lately I've been reminiscing my pre-teen, boy band obsessed days. The days where you argued with another girl on whether Nick Carter was hotter than Justin Timberlake.
Vera Bradley. I think this is an obsession like no other. It has my mom worried. The only reason I'm excited about field experience (besides the fact that it's exciting being in a teaching program) is because I got a Vera Bradley lanyard for my ID. oh yes. I informed my mom that her Mighty Leaf black tea was my Vera Bradley.
Starbucks. Whether getting a latte or mocha, coffee cup, thermos, or new water bottle, I love that place. It only tickles me more that I drive by one every Wednesday on the way to Athens. Gotta love Starbucks.
Target. oh target, how I love you. So much. Whether I need a new shirt, shoes, workout gear, makeup, something to decorate my room... there's always something there I have to have.
Bare Escentuals makeup. Love it. Don't love the price tag.
Twitter. I love it. I think it's fun and exciting. Plus, it's not like Facebook. I used to be way annoyed w/ it but we're getting used to each other.

I Will Rock.

2009-08-16T18:27:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking about my up and coming semester that starts in 8 days. Well, actually 9.

And it will be stressful. But I will rock it. So my schedule might look like this:

Not included is work and field experience.

But I will rock its socks off.

Because I'm cool like that.

Even though I will most likely have days where I'll be in yoga pants, ponytail, and coffee in hand wondering if it would be better to run off to Italy with all $50 of mine, I know that I will rock it.

Sure- I might just break down in tears sometimes. But it's only one semester. Fifteen weeks, 120 classes. Ahem.

Dear Fall '09. I will kick your... butt.

I'm a Fighter & Survivor

2009-08-14T20:33:00.003-05:00

Tonight's been a whirlwind for me. I skipped the gym because I was lazy, but now that they're closed, I need a really really really good workout. Here's why:

It's donned on me that a year ago I was a very happy go lucky girl who thought she was super blessed. Little did I know that God would take me on quite the adventure that has made me into the woman I am today. I can't believe that all started a year ago. It seems like a life time but also like yesterday at the same time.

Anyway. Tonight I was helping my sister with her homework and feeling frustrated because she wouldn't concentrate to save her life. She's been home sick for two days and has major catching up to do.

While she was writing away, I thought for giggles and grins I would check my Athens email. Well. I was not prepared.

I had 16 unread emails.

One of which was from my advisor.

Which said that I needed to apply for field experience and get fingerprinted. [insert four letter cussword here... anything that starts with a d, s, or if necessary, f, will do.]

um. what? That was my thought. After the cussword of course.

I went into major panic mode. MAJOR. But I felt this peace come over me. A little peace, at least.

So I registered for field experience, picked a county and two city schools as my preference, and ASU will go from there on my address, schools that have open postions, etc. I honestly thought, why is this so stressful?

Then it donned on me: I'm a junior. In an actual program. Not taking prerequisites (ok some, but still.) I'm not in community college full time anymore. I'm also in a teaching program which will shape my future.

Yikes.

A couple came in work last night and since it was dead, we actually got to talk. When i told them that I was an elementary education major they told me right away that Tennessee needed teachers. Wow. They were blessings in disguise.

To sum this up, I feel like I've survived a major battle in the last year. I'm still stressed. Will always be stressed. Do I like it? No. Is it worth it? Yes.

Not Me! Monday

2009-08-09T21:31:00.005-05:00

Thanks to MckMama, I have somewhere to tell about what I did not do this week. Click here to go to her weekly carnival and see what she didn't do.

This week, I did not want to put up a sign to tell my customer's at Jason's to get off their phones before I rung them up. How rude can they be?

I did not have a blast and a half with Faith Friday night, especially when we went back to get her phone.

Speaking of Friday night, Faith and I didn't ask a complete stranger if he wanted to sit with us. And he and I are not Tweeting each other back and forth about silly stuff, like crayons and Anchorman (as in Will Ferrell.)

I did not almost fall off the elliptical at the gym today when two stud muffins walked in the room.

I did not tell mom that a frappucino just isn't the same without whipped cream after working out (I ordered the lite one.)

I didn't breathe a sigh of relief when I got my grade for Sociology- a C. How sad is that? And I didn't write all the answers to my math final down on my formula sheet that I could use. Even though everyone else didn't do it too. Lastly, I did not take 5 minutes on my physical science final because it was so easy breezy.

What did y'all not do this week?

What Does That Make Me?

2009-08-08T23:10:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking deep... and this can always lead to bad things. But sometimes good.

Ever since last night (and I'm still working on that post) I've been thinking about forms of worship. Yes, you wouldn't think this could be such a big deal, but it can be, sadly.

The church I go to sings from hymnals (well right now it's in the bulletin) because that's what the pastor believes in. He has his reasons. We're not "contemporary" at all. Not even a little bit.

Then last night, there was this odd feeling at the David Crowder Band concert. I was awake during worship, not yawning my jaw off. Does that sound horrible or what? But seriously, it really got me thinking.

If it's from the heart, isn't that all that matters? Isn't that what God wants? Just praise over what He's done, created, his power? Do we have to apply theology to worship too?

What if a song on the radio hits me more than a 200 year old song? What's that mean to some people?

I mean, it's all about what suits people. Our church isn't young and spriteful. There's a range of ages; lots of families, elderlies, couples, very few singles... ahem. It's just in the back of my head now that the range has been opened. There are churches that hold my beliefs but have a different form of worship.

Now I know Huntsville is nowhere near the size of Birmingham. We don't have ginormous churches. Especially not ones where you can see the steeple from the interstate. But I couldn't help but think how amazing it was that this huge church most likly had a very humble beginning. It was most likely small at one time. But it's HUGE! I've personally never seen a PCA church this big. I even told Faith that I never knew the PCA had a church this big. Seriously.

So that leaves me thinking...? Where do I go from here? It's one of those, "Dear God, what now?" moments. Do I belong at Westminster? Again, where do I go? What do I do? I had this phase in December but once again, it's here in my heart. It's like it's in there going hello? You are a big girl now.

Along those same lines is the dating life. The guy my hairdresser tried to fix me up with and I were texting a few minutes ago and he asked if I had any men. I said no. I really had to think on the answer to the why? I was asked. Honestly? I haven't met the one I'm supposed to be with yet. Yet.

Oh What a (humid) Night!

2009-08-08T08:23:00.006-05:00

Be prepared: it's long.

Last night was the funniest night I have had all year long. And it's August. So that either means I'm way boring... or just don't hang with the right people to have SUCH a funny night.

Let's start at the gas station where Faith and I met. We meet there and I was going in to the ATM to get money to give her for gas. The ATM was out of money. Would someone tell me what ATM machine at a Pilot right off I-65 is out of money??? Anyway. We're walking out and some guy goes, "hey sweet stuff." I'm thinking what the... and look to see a black guy smooching at me. I later figured out a name for him- Sebastian. As in the crab in The Little Mermaid who makes kissing faces.

We get on the road.

Made it to B'ham in an... hour. What the heck? But Faith gets on I-20. I wondered what she was doing but she looked at the directions, not me. She said something about exit 17 and Atlanta. I was confused, but went with it. Then when we were going away from the city, she said "I think I'm going to pull over because I've never seen anything called Briarwood around here." I told her that when I looked at the map, Briarwood was on the south side of town. We pull over. Then we realized we have no map. No GPS. Nothing. Now, I always knew there was a good reason that I pay $15 a month for internet on my phone (no, Facebook, Twitter, and Fox News don't count.) This, ladies and gentlemen, was it. I googled. Surprise! Not. But it would give me directions. So I typed in map. And it said, "would you like to download the Google Maps Application?" Um. Is it free? YES! So I did. Punched in Acton Rd. and voila! We were good.

We got there by 6. Six. Getting lost was included in that time frame. We were going to go to a restaurant called Veracruz but we found out they were closed. So we went to the BBQ place next door and Faith caught up with her best friend. 7 rolled around and off we went to see DCB.

We got there and were surrounded by high schoolers. Disrespectful ones at that. I've never stood on a pew, let alone walk on or around one. When the kids in front of us did it, I wanted to be like, "HEY!" Yes, we know I will be a mean teacher one day. Thankfully some guy came on the stage and gave three rules to the kids. I mean the audience.

The band was AWESOME. In fact, I think awesome is an understatement. Here is David singing.

a little bromance never hurt anyone.

On our way back to the car, we walked by the bus. I took this as photo opportunity at its finest.

So! We head back home. Once we were north of the city, we pulled off the interstate for a pit stop. Faith went to grab her phone... and it wasn't anywhere to be seen. I called it and we couldn't find it. She feared the worst- we left it at Briarwood, which was a good 20 miles away. We hit the road again! I was feeling mighty adventurous. We get back there and charged the car up the hill. One issue- we forgot about the speed bumps. But trust me, we found them alright. I mean, after we flew over the bump. These people that were still talking in the parking lot looked at us like we were crazy. Then again, we are.

Faith stopped her car in the middle of the road and we ran to where we took the pictures. The stage crew was loading up the truck and I ordered Faith to charge ahead so they wouldn't look at us. I called it, saw something light up, and yelled that I found it! I looked at where it was and it was a mere feet away from a tire of the semi truck.

Phew.

After we found the phone, I was craving chocolate. We hit up the McDonald's at the bottom of the hill. Only for some reason, the less than professional manager was in the midst of yelling at one of his employees about how dumb he was for letting a lady pull away with food without paying for it. I was looking at the guy like hello? I'd like to order now. Finally, I got some attention and got some food. Then I didn't see the machine in front of me to swipe my plastic. I seriously said, gosh I wish Jason's had this!

So now I'm thinking about contacting Mickey d's about their less than satisfactory service. Maybe they'll see this. Who knows.

Anyway, so we got home in one piece. No Sebastians to be seen. No Clampetts. Just me talking to stay awake.

Oh! And we met a really cool guy at the concert. I noticed a guy a couple pews behind us just chilling and reading. I had a laugh because it looked like me; in a man's body. But where was I? Oh. I told Faith to ask him come sit with us. So he did. And we got to know him, switched Twitter usernames with each other and went on our merry way. Dagummit, I didn't get a picture of him. I fail.

The end.