What a fun weekend it has been! So fun in fact that I forgot for a minute that I am a college student with a paper to write and various other assignments to work on. I need to hit the books today!
Anywhoo, amazingly great cookout Friday night at some friends' house, and with 2 of my closest bff's there, it was sure to be a good time. Saturday I got my hair did, and packed a beach bag to head to a fabulous pool party that lasted until the wee hours of the night and even into brunch this morning. That Hannah girl throws a mean party, not to mention cooks a kickarse waffle.
Quick update, I lost 1.5 lbs in my first week of weight watchers. A small feat, but I am insanely excited about it! The results will be motivation for me to keep at it and get even closer to my goal. Woohoo!!
This week is going to be INSANE! I am dogsitting for not one, but 2 families the end of the week. The good news is that I will be forced to get some dog walking exercise. YEsssss!!
I need to get my nose in the books. Fun times!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hit me with your best shot!
I am so excited that I can't stand it! My BFF Extrodinaire has set us up with the hookup of all hookups. We are going to see Pat Benetar next weekend! As a HUGE fan of the '80's hits, of course I love Pat Benetar and all of her girl-power songs! I can't wait to scream along all of the lyrics and raise a glass in honor of one of the greatest singers of all time!
In other news I have traded in my coloring books for a walkie talkie this week and am helping out at a video shoot. It is an istructional video that teaches dances and crafts for vacation bible schools all over the state. I do anything from setting up equipement to getting release forms signed and even picking up lunch. Its been really nice to do something different, and the spare money for the 'ole savings account is always helpful.
Weight watchers seems to be going well. It was tough to count points this weekend, but I made good choices and am back on track with counting this week. It looks like I will have some good workout time to put in this week also. Lets hope this week's weigh in shows my results.
In other news I have traded in my coloring books for a walkie talkie this week and am helping out at a video shoot. It is an istructional video that teaches dances and crafts for vacation bible schools all over the state. I do anything from setting up equipement to getting release forms signed and even picking up lunch. Its been really nice to do something different, and the spare money for the 'ole savings account is always helpful.
Weight watchers seems to be going well. It was tough to count points this weekend, but I made good choices and am back on track with counting this week. It looks like I will have some good workout time to put in this week also. Lets hope this week's weigh in shows my results.
Friday, July 11, 2008
C is for COME ON!!
I got a C on that Astronomy Midterm that I was so excited about. I have come to have that letter of the alphabet as it is a reminder that I am so horribly terrible at Science courses. I have to be honest though, Im just glad its over and I didn't fail. Whew!
What a week it has been. Definitely ready for the weekend, although I did take a small job tomorrow working for a production company so I wont have the day completely off. Chris and I are going to do something fun and check out the Uncle Dave Macon days festival which looks like it is going to be a great time. Among many other festival-y things we will take in some live Bluegrass tunes (my fave) and drink a few cocktails while taking in the undoubtebly interesting people watching. I love that stuff!
I am also meeting with a coulple who is getting married in just a few weeks and have employed me to help them with some wedding coordination. I am excited to hear their plans and help them get everything organized and ready to go. I love weddings!
Raise a glass, ITS FRIDAY!!!! (my favorite thing about that phrase is that is has NO C's in it)
What a week it has been. Definitely ready for the weekend, although I did take a small job tomorrow working for a production company so I wont have the day completely off. Chris and I are going to do something fun and check out the Uncle Dave Macon days festival which looks like it is going to be a great time. Among many other festival-y things we will take in some live Bluegrass tunes (my fave) and drink a few cocktails while taking in the undoubtebly interesting people watching. I love that stuff!
I am also meeting with a coulple who is getting married in just a few weeks and have employed me to help them with some wedding coordination. I am excited to hear their plans and help them get everything organized and ready to go. I love weddings!
Raise a glass, ITS FRIDAY!!!! (my favorite thing about that phrase is that is has NO C's in it)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Get your Goal on!
It sure has been a while since I have blogged...geez! I have decided that I need to put my thoughts on "paper" as this is one of the most exciting times in my life. So much is going on and I would love to capture it, while at the same time conveniently keeping my friends and family up to date on my crazy life (above the garage).
Soooooo, quick update....classes are going well. The assignments never end! I seem to always have a quiz, discussion, reading, or lab due just about every day. And tomorrow I have my midterm in my most difficult class and seem to be scared out of my wits about it. It has been YEARS since I took a midterm, and I am so overwhelmed with information that I even dreamt about astronomy last night. I have had my notes with me for a while now and I actually feel pretty prepared. But that doesnt seem to ease my nerves. But alas, a mere 10 hours from now it will be almost over. Breathe in, breathe out. New topic before my heart beats out of my chest!
Goals, I definitely have 'em, and definitely have been working hard at checking those bad boys off. But I have been recently inspired by a friend who is taking a proactive approach at being goal oriented. So in the spirit of being the best ME I can be, here they are in print. And also in the spirit of giving myself some much needed praise, I will also include those set at the beginning of this year and already acheived. Thats right, go me!
~ Start a savings account (havent had one in about 10 yrs) and start a $1,000 emergency fund.
CHECK! I actually am now up to $2,250 since 1/18. :)
~ Enroll in classes at Columbia State and work toward a degree in social work
CHECK AGAIN! Halfway through my first sememester.
~ Sucessful carreer change from corporate world to being self employed (and even have insurance)
CHECK AND CHECK! I am now gainfully employed as a full time nanny, personal assistant, and still manage to get various babysitting, acting, and wedding coordinating jobs.
~ Lose 10 lbs
~ Get organized (this is a process and will take time)
So I have lots to work on and big changes to make. I feel like I am on the way to being the best that I can be and a happier and more confident self. I am excited to share my progress and always enjoy any tips and ideas for reaching these goals. Im very lucky to have great people in my life that encourage and inspire me.
Off to study a bit more before I finally hit the hay.
Soooooo, quick update....classes are going well. The assignments never end! I seem to always have a quiz, discussion, reading, or lab due just about every day. And tomorrow I have my midterm in my most difficult class and seem to be scared out of my wits about it. It has been YEARS since I took a midterm, and I am so overwhelmed with information that I even dreamt about astronomy last night. I have had my notes with me for a while now and I actually feel pretty prepared. But that doesnt seem to ease my nerves. But alas, a mere 10 hours from now it will be almost over. Breathe in, breathe out. New topic before my heart beats out of my chest!
Goals, I definitely have 'em, and definitely have been working hard at checking those bad boys off. But I have been recently inspired by a friend who is taking a proactive approach at being goal oriented. So in the spirit of being the best ME I can be, here they are in print. And also in the spirit of giving myself some much needed praise, I will also include those set at the beginning of this year and already acheived. Thats right, go me!
~ Start a savings account (havent had one in about 10 yrs) and start a $1,000 emergency fund.
CHECK! I actually am now up to $2,250 since 1/18. :)
~ Enroll in classes at Columbia State and work toward a degree in social work
CHECK AGAIN! Halfway through my first sememester.
~ Sucessful carreer change from corporate world to being self employed (and even have insurance)
CHECK AND CHECK! I am now gainfully employed as a full time nanny, personal assistant, and still manage to get various babysitting, acting, and wedding coordinating jobs.
~ Lose 10 lbs
~ Get organized (this is a process and will take time)
So I have lots to work on and big changes to make. I feel like I am on the way to being the best that I can be and a happier and more confident self. I am excited to share my progress and always enjoy any tips and ideas for reaching these goals. Im very lucky to have great people in my life that encourage and inspire me.
Off to study a bit more before I finally hit the hay.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Musical Diversity
I write this while slightly delirious. Have put in 42 hour in 3 days and am starting to drag a little. Thank goodness for Starbucks! Seriously, that is my nutritional staple as of late. Its all worth it...at least that is what I am telling myself!
Ive decided how much I like Carrie Underwood. It seems as though women in country music are trying to find their unique identity among a sea of performers. For example, Grethen Wilsom is the redneck woman, Martina is angelic both vocally and in her tear-jerking/thought-provoking song choices, and we all know Miranda Lambert is a cigarette smoking boyfriend killer. Now, these are obviously not personal reflections of the artists, rather there "character" in the biz. It seems as though Carrie Underwood hit the scene and quickly was adored as this beautiful young reality show graduate who wasnt scared to sing about jesus. I mean, just looking at her you cant help but say "awwwww!" Just when you thought her halo coulnt shine any brighter she blindsides you with a song about destroying a mans car for cheating wtih a white trash skank. ZING! Where the heck did that come from? You couldnt help but see her in a different light. And then after polishing off her wings she flew straight back up into good graces with her flawless rendition of "how great thou art!" Whoa! But dont get too comfortable with her "All American Girl" Image because now she is getting drunk and married in vegas with a guy whos "Last Name" still remains a mystery (not literally, songatively). She is like the "Alias" of country music. Each single is like a new episode and you never know what character she is going to play! Kudos to her people for their amazing choices in song selection and for keeping fans guessing. And a special congrats to her hair stylist...her extensions are absolutely fabulous. Seriously, look at that picture. Have you ever seen anyone with more perfect hair?
Jerry Seinfeld comedy show tonight. Realllllly looking forward to a night off and some good laughs.
Ive decided how much I like Carrie Underwood. It seems as though women in country music are trying to find their unique identity among a sea of performers. For example, Grethen Wilsom is the redneck woman, Martina is angelic both vocally and in her tear-jerking/thought-provoking song choices, and we all know Miranda Lambert is a cigarette smoking boyfriend killer. Now, these are obviously not personal reflections of the artists, rather there "character" in the biz. It seems as though Carrie Underwood hit the scene and quickly was adored as this beautiful young reality show graduate who wasnt scared to sing about jesus. I mean, just looking at her you cant help but say "awwwww!" Just when you thought her halo coulnt shine any brighter she blindsides you with a song about destroying a mans car for cheating wtih a white trash skank. ZING! Where the heck did that come from? You couldnt help but see her in a different light. And then after polishing off her wings she flew straight back up into good graces with her flawless rendition of "how great thou art!" Whoa! But dont get too comfortable with her "All American Girl" Image because now she is getting drunk and married in vegas with a guy whos "Last Name" still remains a mystery (not literally, songatively). She is like the "Alias" of country music. Each single is like a new episode and you never know what character she is going to play! Kudos to her people for their amazing choices in song selection and for keeping fans guessing. And a special congrats to her hair stylist...her extensions are absolutely fabulous. Seriously, look at that picture. Have you ever seen anyone with more perfect hair?
Jerry Seinfeld comedy show tonight. Realllllly looking forward to a night off and some good laughs.
Monday, April 28, 2008
The light at the end of the tunnell
First, a much needed update. After work Friday I happily packed my bags and practiced feverishly to get me and Heyzues ready for the bus ride. As we pulled into the parking lot where the bus awaited my cell phone rang. OH, a call to tell me how happy they are that I would soon be on my way? Nope, a call to say there are no sick kids. Thats right, no sick kids. A good thing, of course. But that meant that my services were no longer needed. Heyzues and I were a little dissapointed, but ice cream cheered me....ahem....HIM right up! It all worked out well though because I was able to work Friday and Saturday thus saving a vacation day and making some extra cash over the weekend.
So, I have decided to make some huge changes very soon. Its been a long time in the making, but it is quickly approaching and I am now starting to get a wee bit nervous! I tend to be a person of structure. I have had at least one steady full time job for the last 7 years and at times have even worked an additional part time gig to supplement. As a result I have never made a rent or car payment late and I also live credit card free. (insert back patting). I mean not to brag, just to set the stage. So as I take the plunge and give up my stable good-paying job with benefits (ok my heart is starting to pound as I type) I am relying on my money management skills to get my through the next few years (gulp) on a less stable mix of nanny jobs and part time admin/personal asst work. But lets not focus on the negative, because this is one of the most exciting times of my life. I finally found what I want to do as a carreer and I decided to take life by the horns and go for it. I have so much passion for my area of study and so much faith in myself that I know this is going to be great! The last few months have been literally exhausting. I am working 2.5 jobs to save as much as I can for my safety net, and 13 hour days like today make for a long week,. If I can make it until the end of this month I will be home freeeeeeeee! I must admit, I am more than lucky to have the opportunities that I have to make extra cash. I think being this busy leaves little time for me to have a complete and total panic attack about the whole thing (breathe Laura). I have a tendancy to feel a bit overwhelmed and burnt out lately. So starting today the theme is grateful. I have wayyyyy too much to be grateful to complain about anything. I have a great family, great friends, an amazing over-the-garage abode, a car that gets me from here to there, a savings account that shows me why all of the extra work is going to pay off, a new laptop, beautifully painted toe nails, and the coolest puppet in the universe. Just to name a few. Yep, I am one lucky duck.
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
Wow, the more I type it, the more real it becomes.
So keep positive thoughts, prayers, energy forcefields, cheese curds, or whatever you choose coming my way. Oh boy, my day starts over again in just 8 hours. I better get some rest!
So, I have decided to make some huge changes very soon. Its been a long time in the making, but it is quickly approaching and I am now starting to get a wee bit nervous! I tend to be a person of structure. I have had at least one steady full time job for the last 7 years and at times have even worked an additional part time gig to supplement. As a result I have never made a rent or car payment late and I also live credit card free. (insert back patting). I mean not to brag, just to set the stage. So as I take the plunge and give up my stable good-paying job with benefits (ok my heart is starting to pound as I type) I am relying on my money management skills to get my through the next few years (gulp) on a less stable mix of nanny jobs and part time admin/personal asst work. But lets not focus on the negative, because this is one of the most exciting times of my life. I finally found what I want to do as a carreer and I decided to take life by the horns and go for it. I have so much passion for my area of study and so much faith in myself that I know this is going to be great! The last few months have been literally exhausting. I am working 2.5 jobs to save as much as I can for my safety net, and 13 hour days like today make for a long week,. If I can make it until the end of this month I will be home freeeeeeeee! I must admit, I am more than lucky to have the opportunities that I have to make extra cash. I think being this busy leaves little time for me to have a complete and total panic attack about the whole thing (breathe Laura). I have a tendancy to feel a bit overwhelmed and burnt out lately. So starting today the theme is grateful. I have wayyyyy too much to be grateful to complain about anything. I have a great family, great friends, an amazing over-the-garage abode, a car that gets me from here to there, a savings account that shows me why all of the extra work is going to pay off, a new laptop, beautifully painted toe nails, and the coolest puppet in the universe. Just to name a few. Yep, I am one lucky duck.
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
I am going back to school
Wow, the more I type it, the more real it becomes.
So keep positive thoughts, prayers, energy forcefields, cheese curds, or whatever you choose coming my way. Oh boy, my day starts over again in just 8 hours. I better get some rest!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Heyzues' first big trip!
Well, my blonde haired puppet and I are taking our show on the road! Heyzues and I are gonna load up on the bus tonight and make our way to Lebanon, MO where our crazy antics have been called upon to cheer up sick children at a hospital there. Heyzues has never been on a bus, so I am sure he will enjoy this new adventure. But this trip isnt all fun boys and girls. We have a lot of rehearsing to do before our visit! Who is this mystery puppet, you might ask? A few years ago my bffs and I headed to BellBuckle, TN for a good ol' fashioned arts and crafts fair. Being the performer that I tend to be, I just had to try them out! Before long a few people had come by to see the impomptu puppet show! I made them sing, dance, sneeze, yawn...anything I could think of! It was so much fun, but alas there were windchimes and lawn statues still left to see. So when I moved along, my bffs cleverly purchased one for me and even hid it for me for months until Christmas! How excited was I to open the box and see that synthetic smile and felt eyes staring up at me! He would have no other name that Heyzues, as his hoodie reads "GOT JESUS?" I love that little puppet, and even dressed him up as a pirate this past Halloween! He is the perfect addition to this exciting weekend, and I have no doubt that he will provide hours of laughter and entertainment for all of the sick children. I anticipate this being a truly inspiring trip.
So, I put my 4 week notice in at work this past Monday. Wow, what a weight that has been off my shoulders. Its amazing how quickly news spreads in such a small office. Everyone wants to know why I am leaving, where I am going, what I will be studying, etc. Everyone seems so happy and excited for me, its a great feeling! I am reminded on a daily basis that I am doing the right thing. The idea of wearing a cap and gown literally gives me goosebumps! I just have so many positive things going on right now and that I am very grateful for. Yep, life is good! (Heyzues nods in agreement)!
So, I put my 4 week notice in at work this past Monday. Wow, what a weight that has been off my shoulders. Its amazing how quickly news spreads in such a small office. Everyone wants to know why I am leaving, where I am going, what I will be studying, etc. Everyone seems so happy and excited for me, its a great feeling! I am reminded on a daily basis that I am doing the right thing. The idea of wearing a cap and gown literally gives me goosebumps! I just have so many positive things going on right now and that I am very grateful for. Yep, life is good! (Heyzues nods in agreement)!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
What ryhmes with defibrillator?
I have had the song "bleeding love" in my head for days. I find myself breaking into the chorus at the most random times. And it is almost always accompanied by eyes closing and popsinger-esqu hand motions. So I have been singing it around the house, and when I go to do laundry at the house across from the garage. Until finally its germs were so contagious that the girl across from the garage couldnt help but join in! And this opened up a discussion about just who gruesom a song that is. Veins and bleeding...(jerry seinfeld voice) whats the deal with that? So we decided that this, and other songs, have been inspired by the new trend of hospital shows. ER and Grey's Anatomy have caused such gory songs. And as we laughed hysterically at our clever find, we both burst into song about how love shocks like a defibrillator (pause as we think of something that ryhmes) and I cant wait to see you laterrrr! Stay tuned for more songs about blood, guts, and other life saving tools.
Its administrative professionals day. If you have an administrative professional in your life, please recognize them. Where would all the pipe smoking millionaires in this world be without their trusty assistants? I was lucky enough to receive flowers and a little ceramic turtle from my boss. I have named him Timmy the turtle. He's chilling with me as I type. Super cool turtle that Timmy is. And being that this joyus holiday falls on a Wednesday, we should combine the names and call it "Hump and Administrative Proffessional Day!" Pure genius! Make a card for that, Hallmark!
I got the sweetest email today. I have been pretty darn sick the last few weeks with terrible allergies that turned into a nasty sinus infection that turned into antibiotics that have made my stomach so sick. With 2 jobs, various babysitting gigs, and a social life I feel like I haven't the time to sit home and wallow in how bad I feel. I'm no saint, I definitely have my whiny times. But a lady from work commended me, and who doesnt like a good old fashioned compliment you didnt even ask for? It went a little something like...
"That’s just it....you don’t complain....you are just about the toughest person I know. I know you’ve had some hard times, but you’re a good example of someone who uses those experiences to turn things around....you don’t let yourself wallow in it. That’s kind of like a big deal, ya know!"
Wow, what a great day this has been so far already! Timmy, flowers, and one of the nicest emails Ive received. Yeah, life is pretty great!
Its administrative professionals day. If you have an administrative professional in your life, please recognize them. Where would all the pipe smoking millionaires in this world be without their trusty assistants? I was lucky enough to receive flowers and a little ceramic turtle from my boss. I have named him Timmy the turtle. He's chilling with me as I type. Super cool turtle that Timmy is. And being that this joyus holiday falls on a Wednesday, we should combine the names and call it "Hump and Administrative Proffessional Day!" Pure genius! Make a card for that, Hallmark!
I got the sweetest email today. I have been pretty darn sick the last few weeks with terrible allergies that turned into a nasty sinus infection that turned into antibiotics that have made my stomach so sick. With 2 jobs, various babysitting gigs, and a social life I feel like I haven't the time to sit home and wallow in how bad I feel. I'm no saint, I definitely have my whiny times. But a lady from work commended me, and who doesnt like a good old fashioned compliment you didnt even ask for? It went a little something like...
"That’s just it....you don’t complain....you are just about the toughest person I know. I know you’ve had some hard times, but you’re a good example of someone who uses those experiences to turn things around....you don’t let yourself wallow in it. That’s kind of like a big deal, ya know!"
Wow, what a great day this has been so far already! Timmy, flowers, and one of the nicest emails Ive received. Yeah, life is pretty great!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
What a Whacky Weekend
For those of you that know me, you know that I have the whackiest of families. We are always coming up with weird names for things, and there is never a shortage of goofiness when one of us around. It gets even worse when we get together. Case in point...this weekend. It was a beautful day in Warsaw IN where a few of said crazies were able to meet for a short but exciting visit. After a lunch of delicious food and crayon throwing, we headed to the park. A beautiful day at the park with my 3yr old nephew whom I absolutely adore! What could be more fun than swinging and climbing by a cute little lake? Streaking, thats what could be more fun! Now, crazy as we may be, we are certainly not tasteless enough to go running nude through a public park. But showing a little buttcrack (which happens to be my favorite word currently) aint never hurt nobody! So that we did, and I laughed until I cried. Keep in mind we were the only ones at the park, so it was a private show, but a hysterical one at that. Now before you dismiss me and my family as classless nincampoops, imagine for a moment if you will how funny it would be to be swinging in the park and have your crazy sister run past you with her pants a touch too low. I think we all had more fun in the park the child we brought!
Mom and Dad, thank you both for raising me and my sisters with the sense of humor we all have come to know and love. For showing us that words like "awakward" can be hillarious, and that putting a 12 pack box of pepsi on your head is enough to bust someones gut. I am eternally grateful for your commitment to instilling core values such as "face the facts, farts are funny!"
I have intended this blog to be an inspiring tale of a girl who is about to go back to school and get her degree. But what fun is that? Stay tuned for more meaningful blogs.....
Streak on blog buddies, streak on!
Mom and Dad, thank you both for raising me and my sisters with the sense of humor we all have come to know and love. For showing us that words like "awakward" can be hillarious, and that putting a 12 pack box of pepsi on your head is enough to bust someones gut. I am eternally grateful for your commitment to instilling core values such as "face the facts, farts are funny!"
I have intended this blog to be an inspiring tale of a girl who is about to go back to school and get her degree. But what fun is that? Stay tuned for more meaningful blogs.....
Streak on blog buddies, streak on!
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