As previously stated, I believe everything in my life is finally in its place. That is an amazing feeling in and of itself, but the things (individually) that are in their said places also make me happy daily. It's just one big happy circle. (I'm paraphrasing that, but thanks to Ben for quoting something like that last night.)
The only thing that is irking me is work. For a number of reasons. All of which I will not get into. If you want to know, just shoot me an email.
On to greater things.
These last few days have been so productive. I've gotten everything done for school (with the exception of applying for financial aid, which I'll do tomorrow), got my taxes done, started some laundry... you get the picture.
Tomorrow is going to be very fun for me. I have to get up waaaaay too early, but it is going to be worth it. Stella Bella Boo has a basketball game at 8am on the far end of Edwardsville. That means I have about a 35 minute drive to get to the YMCA to see her play. This is the reason my alarm clock is going to be going off way too early. It has been too long since I have seen my girls (I think Christmas was the last time). It sucks, but the time does fly by, and everytime I try to make a date with Stella, she tells me "Let me check my schedule". That statement started at the age of 5. Anyway, I got myself a new camera this past week. I missed my old one so greatly I finally caved and bought a new one. It's nothing fancy, but it will allow me to take pictures again. If you know me, you know how much I love my pictures. I will absolutely be taking my camera to the game tomorrow morning. After the game, I plan on making a trip out to the STL to my (almost) new diggs, my cousin Beth's house. Then it's probably back to finish up some laundry with the 'rents, followed by some Wendy Kniepp time. There aren't very many things as fun as Wendy Kniepp time, fused with Jess and Rami as well. It's pretty much entirely just going to kick butt.
So now that you know my plan for tonight and tomorrow, I'm off to put that into action. Have a great weekend!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I'm overwhelmed
Starting this coming Monday, I'll be enrolled full-time in a program that will allow me to obtain my bachelor's degree- in 16 months.
Pretty cool, right?
I'll be attending Fontbonne University, which is a Catholic school based in St. Louis. They have an OPTIONS program for students that are over the age of 23 and work full-time. There are five degrees to choose from. Based on my background in English, I have decided to pursuit the Bachelors of Arts in Corporate Communications. During a quiet dinner tonight at work, I whipped out the three books I received today when i turned in my registration form (and money). I read all of my preliminary materials, and started in on the nitty gritty stuff: the first two chapters of my textbook. I won't say that the topic of communication is at all foreign to me. In fact, I believe I am a pretty good communicator. But the topics are pretty interesting in the way they are presented within the book, which is great, because I was really hoping not to be bored.
For the next eight weeks, I go to class on Monday nights only. Afterward, I begin classes two nights per week. And that extends through the length of the program. Then I'm done. After a review of my transcript, I believe I will only have to take two or three extra classes to fill a few general ed requirements, but I can take those at a community college and save some money in the long run.
All I really want to say about this is that if anyone would have asked me six months ago if I would be this close to a degree, I would have said there wasn't a chance. Cool thing is that, within the last 2-3 months, it seems as if everything in my life is really falling into place. And to be honest, this is just the icing on the cake.
I try to be thankful daily for what I am given. On rough days, this is not close to easy. But on days like today, I am seriously overwhelmed by God's grace and what he has bestowed upon me. Likewise, I hope you all can see what you've been given and be thankful for that as well, even on the bad days.
Good day! And I'll certainly keep all posted on this busy life I've got going!
Pretty cool, right?
I'll be attending Fontbonne University, which is a Catholic school based in St. Louis. They have an OPTIONS program for students that are over the age of 23 and work full-time. There are five degrees to choose from. Based on my background in English, I have decided to pursuit the Bachelors of Arts in Corporate Communications. During a quiet dinner tonight at work, I whipped out the three books I received today when i turned in my registration form (and money). I read all of my preliminary materials, and started in on the nitty gritty stuff: the first two chapters of my textbook. I won't say that the topic of communication is at all foreign to me. In fact, I believe I am a pretty good communicator. But the topics are pretty interesting in the way they are presented within the book, which is great, because I was really hoping not to be bored.
For the next eight weeks, I go to class on Monday nights only. Afterward, I begin classes two nights per week. And that extends through the length of the program. Then I'm done. After a review of my transcript, I believe I will only have to take two or three extra classes to fill a few general ed requirements, but I can take those at a community college and save some money in the long run.
All I really want to say about this is that if anyone would have asked me six months ago if I would be this close to a degree, I would have said there wasn't a chance. Cool thing is that, within the last 2-3 months, it seems as if everything in my life is really falling into place. And to be honest, this is just the icing on the cake.
I try to be thankful daily for what I am given. On rough days, this is not close to easy. But on days like today, I am seriously overwhelmed by God's grace and what he has bestowed upon me. Likewise, I hope you all can see what you've been given and be thankful for that as well, even on the bad days.
Good day! And I'll certainly keep all posted on this busy life I've got going!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
things that preoccupy my time
Today is much better than yesterday. I've gotten a ton accomplished in the last few mornings, and hope to accomplish even more tomorrow. Then I can take a break.
Also, you may notice my increased effort of correct punctuation and capitalization. I'm doing that on purpose.
On a day-to-day basis, I will write down lists of things, such as: music I would like to try; things I need to do; things I want to do differently or better; and so on. Because i had a semi-breakdown yesterday, at work I wrote several lists. Mostly things I need to do more often to focus on myself and keep ME happy, as opposed to being available to everyone at anytime.
My point today is really the lists. It does sounds silly when I think about it: I write several lists daily. A lot. Most are not detailed and some really have no point. However, my mind is constantly going and I do NOT like to lose a great idea- it must be written down. I carry a full-size notebook with me pretty much every place I go. I encourage you to do this as well. Make sure you have a pen!
My last bit of list advice is my favorite part of writing a list: insert random things into your lists that will make you laugh. At the end of the night when recapping them, seeing something silly written in the middle of things you need to buy at Wal-Mart will at least get a smile. And sometimes the smile comes when you're exhausted and just don't think you can smile anymore that day.
On a day like today, however, I have not written a list. (Okay, I have added onto the lists from yesterday, so maybe I'm stretching the truth here a little.) Most days are not too busy for lists. However, when I get super funny links in my email, it's hard to worry about a list. Here's what I received this morning, with a message that read, "Have fun wasting several hours".
http://www.fmylife.com/ (Thank you B!)
And as stated, I hope you all have fun wasting several hours of your own time on this website and writing really long, useless lists. Good day!
Also, you may notice my increased effort of correct punctuation and capitalization. I'm doing that on purpose.
On a day-to-day basis, I will write down lists of things, such as: music I would like to try; things I need to do; things I want to do differently or better; and so on. Because i had a semi-breakdown yesterday, at work I wrote several lists. Mostly things I need to do more often to focus on myself and keep ME happy, as opposed to being available to everyone at anytime.
My point today is really the lists. It does sounds silly when I think about it: I write several lists daily. A lot. Most are not detailed and some really have no point. However, my mind is constantly going and I do NOT like to lose a great idea- it must be written down. I carry a full-size notebook with me pretty much every place I go. I encourage you to do this as well. Make sure you have a pen!
My last bit of list advice is my favorite part of writing a list: insert random things into your lists that will make you laugh. At the end of the night when recapping them, seeing something silly written in the middle of things you need to buy at Wal-Mart will at least get a smile. And sometimes the smile comes when you're exhausted and just don't think you can smile anymore that day.
On a day like today, however, I have not written a list. (Okay, I have added onto the lists from yesterday, so maybe I'm stretching the truth here a little.) Most days are not too busy for lists. However, when I get super funny links in my email, it's hard to worry about a list. Here's what I received this morning, with a message that read, "Have fun wasting several hours".
http://www.fmylife.com/ (Thank you B!)
And as stated, I hope you all have fun wasting several hours of your own time on this website and writing really long, useless lists. Good day!
Monday, February 23, 2009
wow
just.... wow.
so today my father was at the wrong end of a semi-breakdown (on my end). not the way i prefer to start a morning.
since then, i've gotten a lot accomplished. (yay! and go me!) thing is, i'll probably be doing the same tomorrow. but i've already gotten the frustration out of my system, so tomorrow should pass without problem.
i will say that even with all i've accomplished today, my daily list of crap still has a lot on it. (of course, some are irrelevant. i put random things on there to put a smile on my own face when i recap at night.)
also, when returning home this afternoon to grab my things for work, i had realized i had not read my daily passage for today from my awesome book. (some of you don't necessarily know about this book. perhaps i'll fill you in sometime.) the topic for today was "losing control".... to which i laughed hysterically.
life is funny. especially mine when i make it. =)
so today my father was at the wrong end of a semi-breakdown (on my end). not the way i prefer to start a morning.
since then, i've gotten a lot accomplished. (yay! and go me!) thing is, i'll probably be doing the same tomorrow. but i've already gotten the frustration out of my system, so tomorrow should pass without problem.
i will say that even with all i've accomplished today, my daily list of crap still has a lot on it. (of course, some are irrelevant. i put random things on there to put a smile on my own face when i recap at night.)
also, when returning home this afternoon to grab my things for work, i had realized i had not read my daily passage for today from my awesome book. (some of you don't necessarily know about this book. perhaps i'll fill you in sometime.) the topic for today was "losing control".... to which i laughed hysterically.
life is funny. especially mine when i make it. =)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
holy hockey goal batman
(you all know i write from the heart and about what i really feel- with a shot of humor. this is no exception.)
gotta get this out of the way- the title of this blog contains a few of my favorite things: hockey (let's go blues!), hockey goals (let's WIN blues!), and batman (who is my favorite comic book hero). and now onto the blog.
i have a few loves of my life: music and sports. they pretty much top the list of... well, anything for me. needless to say, every day consists of listening to music and at least trying to catch some of sportscenter (on espn) or trying to watch a game of sorts.
most mornings i actually do catch sportscenter. at times, i really REALLY love sc. just give me the highlights of the games i want to see (and some of those i don't), the sports-related news stories, and the top ten of course.
the past few weeks, sc has not been making me very happy. i mean, please DO break the news that michael phelps took a bong hit at a party. but please DO NOT talk about it for two hours straight, because i really do want to see some highlight reel.
also, is it a shock to espn that yet another baseball player admits to taking steroids? because in the line of love for sports, i would say baseball comes in third for me. (hockey takes the number one spot, while football comes in a close second.) and i'm not really shocked that a-rod, at one point in time said "me? steroids?! never!" and then turns around and says "well.... i mean.... there were those texas days.......", which will probably one day take us to "i only did steroids through 75% of my career, but, hey, everyone was doing it".
i don't need espn to report, in an expansion of the previous thought, on the fact that we FINALLY have the name of a-rod's cousin who shot him up with steroids that he really had no idea as to what they were. what am i going to do with his name? end up saying "really? you're dumb. you shot a famous baseball player up with 'roids and that's your claim to fame". that's about the extent of my thoughts on him.
and, finally, i do not need a brett favre-inspired, eight-hour-long version of sc. because then it really is no longer SPORTSCENTER. it's a brett favre tribute. and he retired last year as well. is the third time a charm? well... let's say he comes back. let me tell you what's going to happen. he won't relive those glory favre days. he'll play for a year. then he'll retire. isn't that what just happened?
i am not saying these stories aren't important. they are. but sportscenter is supposed to give me highlights from all sport happenings the previous day. not pick one news story and block out all other sports/players/games, etc. so, i've been a little down on sc lately, because i liked it when they gave me what i wanted.
in the past few days, they have been redeeming themselves.
i've gotten a great couple days full of top ten plays. did anyone watch the lakers-golden state game last night? i don't even really keep up with the nba. (i prefer ncaa ball.) but when i got home last night, i flipped on the tv and the game was on. and i felt the energy on that court and couldn't turn it off. kobe had a couple of great blocks (the one i thought would make the top ten did not, but another did) and the game was pretty close up until the end. i also hope that rachel caught the highlight from the suns-clippers game, where shaq makes a dunk, then does that infamous "nice job hand" stare. then afterward they show that kid from the clippers who, after a made free throw, stares at his hand. then the shot goes to shaq, who's cracking up on the bench. it was absolutely priceless.
during the months where there is no football or baseball, sportscenter's top ten usually consists of only nba/ncaa shots. but today was super cool, because number one in the top ten was a sweeeeeeeeeet nhl goal by the capitals' ovechkin. this kid is pretty much amazing. (in the video they refer to him as the "greatest hockey player in the world".) it's pretty impressive. watch closely, though, because the super impressive part is when he passes the puck along the boards- to himself. here's the clip.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3917680
how sweeeeeeeeet was that?!
in closing, espn has now redeemed themselves.
gotta get this out of the way- the title of this blog contains a few of my favorite things: hockey (let's go blues!), hockey goals (let's WIN blues!), and batman (who is my favorite comic book hero). and now onto the blog.
i have a few loves of my life: music and sports. they pretty much top the list of... well, anything for me. needless to say, every day consists of listening to music and at least trying to catch some of sportscenter (on espn) or trying to watch a game of sorts.
most mornings i actually do catch sportscenter. at times, i really REALLY love sc. just give me the highlights of the games i want to see (and some of those i don't), the sports-related news stories, and the top ten of course.
the past few weeks, sc has not been making me very happy. i mean, please DO break the news that michael phelps took a bong hit at a party. but please DO NOT talk about it for two hours straight, because i really do want to see some highlight reel.
also, is it a shock to espn that yet another baseball player admits to taking steroids? because in the line of love for sports, i would say baseball comes in third for me. (hockey takes the number one spot, while football comes in a close second.) and i'm not really shocked that a-rod, at one point in time said "me? steroids?! never!" and then turns around and says "well.... i mean.... there were those texas days.......", which will probably one day take us to "i only did steroids through 75% of my career, but, hey, everyone was doing it".
i don't need espn to report, in an expansion of the previous thought, on the fact that we FINALLY have the name of a-rod's cousin who shot him up with steroids that he really had no idea as to what they were. what am i going to do with his name? end up saying "really? you're dumb. you shot a famous baseball player up with 'roids and that's your claim to fame". that's about the extent of my thoughts on him.
and, finally, i do not need a brett favre-inspired, eight-hour-long version of sc. because then it really is no longer SPORTSCENTER. it's a brett favre tribute. and he retired last year as well. is the third time a charm? well... let's say he comes back. let me tell you what's going to happen. he won't relive those glory favre days. he'll play for a year. then he'll retire. isn't that what just happened?
i am not saying these stories aren't important. they are. but sportscenter is supposed to give me highlights from all sport happenings the previous day. not pick one news story and block out all other sports/players/games, etc. so, i've been a little down on sc lately, because i liked it when they gave me what i wanted.
in the past few days, they have been redeeming themselves.
i've gotten a great couple days full of top ten plays. did anyone watch the lakers-golden state game last night? i don't even really keep up with the nba. (i prefer ncaa ball.) but when i got home last night, i flipped on the tv and the game was on. and i felt the energy on that court and couldn't turn it off. kobe had a couple of great blocks (the one i thought would make the top ten did not, but another did) and the game was pretty close up until the end. i also hope that rachel caught the highlight from the suns-clippers game, where shaq makes a dunk, then does that infamous "nice job hand" stare. then afterward they show that kid from the clippers who, after a made free throw, stares at his hand. then the shot goes to shaq, who's cracking up on the bench. it was absolutely priceless.
during the months where there is no football or baseball, sportscenter's top ten usually consists of only nba/ncaa shots. but today was super cool, because number one in the top ten was a sweeeeeeeeeet nhl goal by the capitals' ovechkin. this kid is pretty much amazing. (in the video they refer to him as the "greatest hockey player in the world".) it's pretty impressive. watch closely, though, because the super impressive part is when he passes the puck along the boards- to himself. here's the clip.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3917680
how sweeeeeeeeet was that?!
in closing, espn has now redeemed themselves.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
happy days
today was surprisingly happy.
i got to sleep in (because i just didn't set an alarm) and my body really needed it. it was well worth it. afterwards i had to do some running to tie up some loose ends with the car and ended up catching up with a friend. this meeting was... well, it was informative and fun (while it had the potential of being really akward). and i'm so glad there was catching up to be had.
my boss also gave me the blessing to apply for the bachelor's program and said we'd work something out if i get accepted and can start in a few weeks. i'm completely excited, worried, rushed, anxious, grateful, and praying this works out for me.
that's it for today. things are good, but i have a lot to get to. have a great wednesday!
i got to sleep in (because i just didn't set an alarm) and my body really needed it. it was well worth it. afterwards i had to do some running to tie up some loose ends with the car and ended up catching up with a friend. this meeting was... well, it was informative and fun (while it had the potential of being really akward). and i'm so glad there was catching up to be had.
my boss also gave me the blessing to apply for the bachelor's program and said we'd work something out if i get accepted and can start in a few weeks. i'm completely excited, worried, rushed, anxious, grateful, and praying this works out for me.
that's it for today. things are good, but i have a lot to get to. have a great wednesday!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
new.... everything?
been an up and down and back up and back down day today... and i'm super happy it's soon coming to an end, because i'm tired and have too much on the docket for this week.
today i have been super down about school. i just feel like ever since i left the english rhelm, i haven't been myself education-wise. while an english (and secondary ed) major, it was never an issue to study. i loved the material being taught, and i understood it. i loved writing the papers, and i had a great time thinking critically about pieces of literature.
sometimes i'm not sure why i changed my mind. my feeling that i'd get overwhelmingly upset at tenured teachers who didn't care about students consumed me. i really should have been thinking about the good i could do for kids (or adults, or just anyone i could teach) as opposed to the negative. alas, such is life.
when i did change my mind about teaching, my professors at mckendree (and the provence's) were surprised. i was met by a lot of "but you'd make a great teacher" sayings.
what's the bottom line here?
i work well with people. no matter the age.
i've got two different people pushing me to finish a degree right now: one happens to be my awesome manfriend ben, the other my great friend (and confidant, among other amazing things) roxanne. rox is studying to be a high school counselor, and when i have education questions, she's the first i think of.
i've recently emailed her discussing (and questioning) my options concerning a degree... and rox delivers. i was happily greeted by an email with lots of helpful links and opinions. i've checked into a program at a catholic school in st louis (fontbonne) that will allow me to obtain a communication/english focused bachlor degree in business. (the exact degree is in corporate communication.) i've gotten some feedback pretty quickly... and the course begins in about 2 weeks. frighteneing. but i'm (very) quickly checking into it, and if things can work out... i could have a bachelors by the end of next summer. how very cool is that?
anyway, my parents are some-what hesitant with this head-first jump into a program. (i believe they're thinking more about the financial end of things at this time.) i've just got a lot to figure out (and subsequently do) in the next few weeks if this is going to happen.
i'm really excited and say THANK YOU to rox. and ben gets just as big of a THANK YOU for everything he does as well.
i'll keep you all posted on what's up with all of this.
and today i got some awesome cds. you can read about them in my music blog.
i hope to not skip anymore days in blogging, so here's to hoping i'm back tomorrow with more to say!
today i have been super down about school. i just feel like ever since i left the english rhelm, i haven't been myself education-wise. while an english (and secondary ed) major, it was never an issue to study. i loved the material being taught, and i understood it. i loved writing the papers, and i had a great time thinking critically about pieces of literature.
sometimes i'm not sure why i changed my mind. my feeling that i'd get overwhelmingly upset at tenured teachers who didn't care about students consumed me. i really should have been thinking about the good i could do for kids (or adults, or just anyone i could teach) as opposed to the negative. alas, such is life.
when i did change my mind about teaching, my professors at mckendree (and the provence's) were surprised. i was met by a lot of "but you'd make a great teacher" sayings.
what's the bottom line here?
i work well with people. no matter the age.
i've got two different people pushing me to finish a degree right now: one happens to be my awesome manfriend ben, the other my great friend (and confidant, among other amazing things) roxanne. rox is studying to be a high school counselor, and when i have education questions, she's the first i think of.
i've recently emailed her discussing (and questioning) my options concerning a degree... and rox delivers. i was happily greeted by an email with lots of helpful links and opinions. i've checked into a program at a catholic school in st louis (fontbonne) that will allow me to obtain a communication/english focused bachlor degree in business. (the exact degree is in corporate communication.) i've gotten some feedback pretty quickly... and the course begins in about 2 weeks. frighteneing. but i'm (very) quickly checking into it, and if things can work out... i could have a bachelors by the end of next summer. how very cool is that?
anyway, my parents are some-what hesitant with this head-first jump into a program. (i believe they're thinking more about the financial end of things at this time.) i've just got a lot to figure out (and subsequently do) in the next few weeks if this is going to happen.
i'm really excited and say THANK YOU to rox. and ben gets just as big of a THANK YOU for everything he does as well.
i'll keep you all posted on what's up with all of this.
and today i got some awesome cds. you can read about them in my music blog.
i hope to not skip anymore days in blogging, so here's to hoping i'm back tomorrow with more to say!
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