Wish You Were Here

Is It Possible?

2011-05-27T21:58:00.001-07:00

Is it possible to be happy and sad at the same time? That's a stupid question considering I am living proof of it. For the past couple weeks I have been feeling this way. One minute I am over the top happy and the next I could just break down and cry. Boy, do I sound bi-polar right now or what?

I feel like I'm at that point in my life where I need to figure out what direction I want to take. Where I want to go, who I want by my side, what I want to be doing. To be honest, I am freaking out. Slightly. Since this is my blog and all, I feel as though I can share with you whatever I want. A part of me wants to spill all my emotions on to this computer screen while the other part of me wants to keep quiet and keep things to myself. I'll choose the latter.

For now, I will just keep swimming...

Words to live by

2011-05-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

(via pinterest.com)

Things I Am Currently Drooling Over

2011-05-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

If you would like a new site to get addicted and obsessed with, I suggest you walk on over to pinterest.com!

Give It Your All

2011-05-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.

- William James

Why We Should Think Like 6 Year Olds

2011-04-28T20:09:00.001-07:00

During my field experience I had to interview a student about a science misconception. The misconception I chose was that rain falls from holes in the clouds. This is how the discussion played out:

Me: "Where do you think rain comes from?"

A: "Up there"

Me: "What's up there?"

A: "God"

Me: "What do you think rain is made of?"

A: "Tears. They are his tears when he is crying"

Cute? Yep.

Today, Tomorrow, & All That Stuff Inbetween

2011-04-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

I still can't wrap my head around this thing we call life. It's silly, isn't it? One day we are wishing we could be grown ups and the next day we are wishing we were 8 years old again. I am at the day where I'm saying where in the hell did the last 4 years go?

Today I completed my last college assignment. Wait, what did I just say? Today I completed my last college assignment. Ohhh, ok, gotcha. I student teach next Fall so am not offically done, but done with all the pointless assignments-tests that I didn't study enough for-projects that I left to do till the night before-pretending to like my professors so they will like me kinds of things. Tomorrow will be my last class on campus. It's a bittersweet feeling that is for sure.

But why am I feeling like this? There were multiple times where I would have rather been in the middle of a desert than at this school. I pondered transferring schools more than once because I thought I couldn't stand another day here. I couldn't even tell you all the late night, cry my eyes out episodes I had because I was homesick. But here I am, telling you that I am going to miss it all.

Stay tuned for more holy crap I'm almost an actual adult posts!

Enjoy

2011-04-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat
today, enjoy the
sunlight today, mix good cheer with friends today, enjoy it
and bless God for it.

-Henry Ward Beecher

A "Latte" Studying

2011-04-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have never been one to study. Nope. I cringe at the thought of sitting with a book in my lap for hours, re-reading content over and over. My major, Elementary Education, is not one to have very many tests throughout the semester. But oh boy, when finals come around, we have tests. Since we only have tests during finals, I am not use to studying. Therefore, I don't want to study.

Sure, I've tried sitting in bed, no tv/music/computer, but somehow I end up diagnosing myself with ADHD. I've tried sitting at the library, but end up people watching (something I love to do and consider myself good at). Today, I decided to switch things up and head to Caribou. The main reason being I had a gift card and didn't want to go to the library. I was there for 4 hours. It was perfect, if you can even associate that word with studying? I had a nice mixture of people watching/studying/drinking my latte/and taking the ocassional phone break to check facebook, email, and twitter. Why I have never studied at a coffee shop I have no clue. It was cozy, quiet, and warm. If only I wouldn't have realized this "study secret" my last semester of college....

2011-04-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

"Aunt Carrie, come play with me"

Let Me Help You (And Me)

2011-04-25T10:16:00.001-07:00

The Calm Before The Storm

2011-04-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday night. My weekly to-do list is made. My backpack is ready for tomorrow. My breakfast is planned out. But one thing that isn't ready, is me.

This week might actually be the worst week of my college "career". Well, aren't I full of positivity? Geesh. But in reality, 4 big assignments and 3 finals, yikes! Like always, I can't totally blame my professors. I mean, I have known about these finals all semester. I've had 2/4 assignments for a couple weeks now. It's always fun to blame other people though, right?! I admit, though, that I work better under pressure. When I know that I have to get something done, I do it. I'm not one to start a project, complete half of it, and come back to it later. I'm a sit down, turn on Pandora, and git-er-done kind of gal.

Here I go. No umbrella, rainboots, or ugly yellow rain jacket. Bring on the storm!

Rewind

2011-04-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

On days like today--sunny and cool--I think back to the days of playing outside all day long, only coming inside to use the bathroom, and ending the night with dirt filled nails and messy hair. Being one of the only girls in the neighborhood and growing up with three older brothers, I balanced my time between playing with barbies and playing in the mud. What I would give to go back to those days.

I played with my next door neighbor the week he moved in. Ever since, we probably played together every single day until my family built a new house (when I was 17) and we moved. We would have sleepovers, play kickball, swim in my pool, we did everything together. To this day, I talk to him weekly. He is one of my best friends and we know each other in and out. It was one of those friendships that I thought would fade once I went to college. It didn't. When he went to college two years later. It didn't. And I believe it never will. Again, I am reminded that friends will come and go, but there are always those few special friends who will never leave your side.

Now Hiring!

2011-04-20T20:13:00.001-07:00

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives me lemons, I freak out. I am probably the worst person at making decisions, even if it's deciding if I should wear my hair up or down. It's slightly pathetic.

The opportunity to help me is out on the table people. I am now hiring for a "life decision maker" for me, myself, and I. Job duties include making all decisions for me, big or small, and doing this in a timely matter. With the economy the way it is, it's either this or working at McDonald's. Feel free to leave a comment and your resume. Thank you for your interest.

Switcheroo

2011-04-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

After being back on campus today, it's safe to say that I much rather enjoyed being a teacher than being the student.

Food For Thought

2011-04-17T20:20:00.001-07:00

I can't make this stuff up

2011-04-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

During my 4 weeks in a kindergarten classroom, you can only imagine the stories and comments I heard coming out of their little mouths. Some hilarious, some quite sad, and some plain strange. Here are a few that I can remember.

Student: "Do you have a baby?" Me: "No, why?" S: "You look like a mom" M: "How old do you think I am?" S: "44"

S: "Can Katelyn talk english?" M: "Yes, why?" S: "Well she has brown skin" M: "It doesn't matter what color skin you have, you can speak any language you want" S: "Oh, well I thought all brown people couldn't speak english"

S: "Miss S, can you have a baby?" M: "Sorry, not really at that stage in my life right now" S: "Well I want you to have one so you can bring it tomorrow since it's your last day"

S: "I have a headache. I think I have Beiber fever"

As I point to a quarter I ask "can you tell me the name of this coin?" S: "Big heads?" M: "What about this one (dime)?" S: "Little heads?"

S: "Who are those girls?" M: "Those are my roommates. I live with them" S: "Can I be your roommate?"

When I was saying goodbye to them for the last time they kept asking for things of mine so they could remember me. They wanted my name badge, bracelet, even my pencil. One girl asked if she could have my perfume because I always smelled so good.

The end

2011-04-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

My last and final field experience before student teaching is officially over. Getting up at 5:30am every day is over, driving an hour there and back is over, and seeing 23 smiling faces every morning, is over.

I think back to the Sunday before it all started. I was dreading the four week experience like no other. My mom told me multiple times to change my attitude (something that I am continuously working on) and to "knock it off". Sometimes you need to be talked to like a 5 year old to make you realize you are acting like a 5 year old.

I remember that first morning when my alarm went off at 5:30. Pretty sure I said a few choice words before stumbling to the shower with one eye open. Getting in to the car full of 3 other crabby friends didn't help my cause either. We arrives in Faribault and walked in to the school. "Only 19 more days to go" we all said.

When I walked in to meet my teacher, my immediate fears and nerves washed away. He was tall, dark, and handsome to say the least. As the kids started to arrive, I realized that they were different than kids that I had previously worked with. No, these kids weren't white, middle-class, come from a good background. No, these kids were ELL (english language learners), their skins were beautiful shades of browns, tans, whites, and their clothes were worn. I was in for a new dose of reality.

As the weeks went on, I learned more about myself as a teacher and person than I ever thought I would. My teacher was AWESOME and made me feel so great after I taught each lesson. He gave me feedback as well as a few smart remarks to keep the fun going such as "maybe you should try singing and dancing a little."

The staff at the school were incredible. All the kindergarten teachers ate lunch together and every Friday we would go out to eat (sorry waistline, it was only for 4 weeks. Deal with it). I thought numerous times over the course of those 4 weeks that I wouldn't mind going to work every day if it meant going to that school, having that staff as my coworkers, and teaching those little kids.

Another life lesson has been learned. Have an open mind. I dreaded this clinical more than anything and look what happend? I had the best experience and am now wishing it wasn't over.

La La La

2011-04-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

I swear I wouldn't be able to run half as long as I do if I didn't have an I-Pod stocked with full on dance music. I am always surfin the web for new tunes to work out to. I thought I would "spread the wealth" and share a couple of my finds. You're welcome.

Far East Movement: Girls on the dancefloor

Travie McCoy: After midnight

Flo Rida: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Jay Sean (ft. Lil Wayne): Hit the lights

Nelly & Keri Hilson: Liv tonight

Flo Rida: Touch me

Pitbull: Give me everything

LMFAO: Party rock anthem

It's Crazy

2011-04-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever look back in the past and look at where you have been and compare it to where you are now? Do you ever think back to your past views and opinions and wonder why you ever thought like that? On my runs is when I usually think about what I want to blog about. This mornings run was no different. It's crazy to think that....

my freshman year of college I thought I was going to pass out when trying to run 1 mile. Now I am less than 2 months away from running a half marathon.

I use to think that all children who spoke spanish should only speak english when they enter school. Now I think that these children should learn english but still be able to speak spanish, whenever they please. It is part of their culture and who are we to take that away from them?

I moved to this town 4 years ago and in one month I will be moving away. I am beyond excited for the next chapter in my life but will miss this town (ehh, maybe).

come next December, I will be a job hunting, bill paying, full on adult. Woof.

as organized and clean as I think I am, my room/bathroom/whole house is a complete disaster. Thank goodness the boyfriend is coming this week...gives me a reason to clean.

no matter how great and easy going your life can be, there will always be times of craziness. It's in those times where we realize that life is unexpected, exciting, and worth living for.

I Turned Out Ok

2011-04-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

I am odd when it comes to remembering things. I could tell you the smallest of details about something that happened yesterday, but I couldn't tell you about my high school graduation. One thing I certainly don't remember is learning about the word characteristics in kindergarten. After teaching in a kindergarten room for 2 1/2 weeks now, I have realized how this "grade" as changed dramatically since I was in it. All that I can remember from kindergarten was coloring, getting messy in the sand table, and playing "house". My how the times have changed. I am teaching a 3 week science unit where children are learning such words as cotelydon and hypocotyl. I taught a math lesson today about 3-D shapes. My students have independent reading time for a minimum 15 minutes a day. These kids get only about 15 minutes of "free choice" because there is just not enough time in the day to fit in all the academics. What happened to kindergarten being a place where you learn the alphabet, numbers, colors, counting, and how to write your name? What happened to kindergarten being a place where you learn to share, socialize with others, and raise your hand? As much as I am impressed with the amount of stuff my class knows, they are still children. They need time to play, explore, and be creative. With all the state standards and testing, teachers aren't using their full side of creativity because they can't stray too far away from the curriculum. My cooperating teacher does a great job of noticing when the kids need a break. For example, today the kids were a little out of control, so to get some energy out, he opened the door and had them run to a nearby boulder and back. It was just a quick way for them to be kids and take a break from being students. I'm certain that in kindergarten I couldn't tell you the plot of a story, what the table of contents are, or how to count backwards from 30, and hey, I think I turned out ok.

Burnt Out

2011-04-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

I have always been told that I am creative, but lately, when I sit down to write a post, I come up with nothing. I could talk about how incredibly charming my kindergarten class is, or how I found another ringworm on a little girl today, or how I tried French Vanilla coffee this morning and cringed when I swallowed it? But how exciting would those things be? Any ideas on what I should write about?

2011-03-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end.

life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best out of it,

without knowing what's going to happen next. delicious ambiguity...

- gilda radner

Jobs, Where Art Thou?

2011-03-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

It's been on my mind lately about where I will be able to find a teaching job once I graduate. Like I've said before, I am willing to move it means getting a job. I found an article that listed the 5 "Hot Spots" for teaching jobs. They are:

1. Nevada/Las Vegas
2. Florida
3. North Carolina
4. Georgia
5. Arizona

Only one of these sounds appealing to me right now, but, I'll just keep that thought to myself : )

Thank you

2011-03-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

To the person that most people usually hate, I thank them today.

Half-Marathon Update

2011-03-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am exactly (ok, in 10 minutes) 2 months away from running my first half-marathon. Last week I had NO motivation to train. Between getting up at 5:30 and coming home to do lesson plans, I felt I had no extra energy to run for an hour. Yesterday, I kicked my butt in gear and took my run outside. It was my first run outside since the fall and I couldn't have felt any better. Something about running in the fresh air makes it seem so much "easier" than running on the treadmill with the same scenery for an hour. I am at about 7 miles during the week and will have my long run on Saturday (8 miles). Better charge up my I-Pod!

How to deal

2011-03-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

We all know that girls love to be overdramatic and immature about stuff. It's reality. It's just "in our DNA". But how do you overcome that?

Living with other people is always a challenge. Well, for me anyways. Different opinions, different ways of going about things, different ways of expressing how you feel. But what do you do when you have that one person who just doesn't understand. Doesn't understand that I have to get up at 5:30 am every day and physically (and mentally) can't go out till 2:00 am. Doesn't understand to the point where she has to put her feelings on facebook about me. I immediately want to respond back, change my status, turn into that high school girl I use to be. You know, the one who was immature and put all her emotions on facebook and then it would turn around bite me in the butt? Do I confront them? Do I write a note? Do I text them? Or do I ignore them?

I am soooo not one to confront a person. But I soooo wish I was. Why does she have the right to walk all over me and me not say a thing? So, my question for you, how do you deal with roommates when an issue comes up?

A little bragging

2011-03-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Remember a couple weeks ago when I was second guessing myself about being teacher? Well, that is all out the window. I swear, I am happiest when I am doing my field experiences. There is something about making a difference in a child's life that makes me so happy. You say you want examples? Well here you go.

1. Yesterday, a little boy was struggling with writing his e's. He made them more like this @. Just one big spiral. So, I sat down with him and showed him the correct way to write it. Today, I was circling the room, checking in with each student, and I got to the little boy. I looked down at his paper, and in fact, he wrote all the e's on his paper, perfectly. I was SO proud. Gave the little boy a high five, told him how impressed I was, and moved on to the next student.
2. A little girl came up to me yesterday, hugged me, and told me she loved me. Cute? Yes!
3. Being asked everyday if I'm going to be there tomorrow, and when I say yes, they cheer.
4. Simply making the kids laugh. Hearing their little giggles kicks my bad mood goodbye.

The little things

2011-03-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day of a 4 week field experience in a kindergarten classroom. When I found out who my teacher was, I instantly became nervous. I have never taught or been in a classroom with a male teacher other than when I was in 1st grade.

It was a dead giveaway that this guy was going to be adorable. I mean, come on, a MALE kindergarten teacher? Melts my heart. Throughout the day today, I would catch myself in awe at the little things he would do for his students. He would randomly walk up to a student and ask how his/her day was going, he would say the words "babe, hun, sweetie", and my favorite little thing was at the very end of the day. This was a time he called hug/high-five/handshake. The students would line up and say their goodbyes to him for the day. "Goodbye, have a great night kiddo" were words that I often heard. The kids ran to me after and I thought about how a small hug might be so meaningful for them. In my college courses, we talk often about family neglect and how we need to communicate with each child everyday, because we don't know if they are getting that sense of "love" at home or not.

Think about it. What if we did something little everyday? How might that make the world a better place? A simple smile or deed might change someones day around. Just something to think about...

I think I'm sick

2011-03-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

I'm no doctor or anything (I'll leave that job to my dad), but, I am pretty sure that I have a case of post-vacation depression. Do you think you might have it, too? Symptoms include: looking back on your vacation and getting mildly pissed off that you still aren't on it, looking forward to your first day back in the real world and again, getting pissed off, and last but not last least, realizing that you are no longer with the people that made your vacation spectacular.

I am willing to admit that I want to act like a 3 year old and lay on the floor, kick my legs, throw around my arms, and scream till my voice gives out. It also doesn't help that for the next four weeks I will be getting up at 5:15 and driving to Fairbault, MN. Can you tell how much I love my life right now? Ugh. Sign me up for retirement.

2011-03-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

After ignoring the fact that this picture was taking during Christmas, and it is now March, it depicts exactly what I am going to do when I am home for Spring Break. Kick my feet up and relax.

Let Me Introduce You

2011-03-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

to Curly Girl Designs

Hello Up There

2011-03-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

What do you do when things don't go as planned? Lately, it seems like I just can't catch a break. One bad thing after another is happening and I don't know how to handle it. A part of me wants to believe that "everything is happening for a reason" and another part of me is thinking that the big man upstairs is a wee bit cranky. What I have learned about myself in these situations is that, in fact, I need to let myself freak out. More often than not, I go to my bedroom, lock the door, and just cry. As psychotic and dramatic as that sounds, it's a way for me to just let everything out. After I cry myself a river, I take a deep breath and try to turn the negative into a positive.

Today was what we call a day from hell (to put it as nicely as possible). Even though the prayers that I have been saying are not being answered, I trust that my life is going as planned...that is according to the previously mentioned "big man upstairs." I constantly remind myself that even though I think my life is so bad, so rough, so not going my way, there is always someone else who has it worse than me.

What do you do when things don't go as planned?

+++++++

2011-03-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

Giggles, smiles, and a garbage can

2011-02-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

My weekend trip to Duluth was both great and blah. Literally, blaaaaaaah. Saturday morning around 2am I woke up, and stayed up, until 6am with my head in the garbage can. I was bummed since I wanted to devote all my energy to my darling niece Kendall but was so afraid of getting her sick. The rest of the weekend was very low-key, something I didn't mind at all since my life has been go-go-go lately. I got to spend some quality time with my sister-in-law, Jamie, which was much needed. It made me realize that I need to spend more time devoting myself to relationships within my family. I think it's something everyone needs to do because when you get down to it, it's your family that is always going to be there at the end.

Miss Kendall has changed so much since the last time I saw her. She is a movin, groovin machine!

She didn't seem to mind one bit that I didn't feel good. Oh, wait, she probably didn't know, huh?

I loved every second with you Kendall Rae! Auntie looooooooves you : )

Take a seat

2011-02-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

Why yes, I will take all of these please!

Common beauty questions...answered!

2011-02-22T17:47:00.000-08:00

1. Should I use the same shampoo and conditioner?
Not necessarily. Feel free to mix and match---just choose formulas with the same goals.

2. How often should I clean my makeup brushes? And is it okay to use regular hand soap?
Wash them once a month. The detergents in hand soaps are harsh and can strip the brushes. Instead, use a drop of baby shampoo to create a little lather, rinse, and air-dry.

3. Is it bad to pick off my nail polish?
Yes. It is actually harmful to your nail bed when you peel it off, because you can also take off a layer of the plate, which causes the nail to become thin or crack.

4. My hair always ends up flat by the end of the day. Help!
Flip your head over, shake out your strands, then spritz your roots with hair spray.

5. Is there anything that can make my hair grow faster?
Sorry, Rapunzel, but it's not possible to speed hair growth. But a diet rich in zinc and biotin keeps strands healthy and less likely to break.

{via Cosmo}

Quote lovin'

2011-02-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

My wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence when you are in doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, and love to complete your life.

On second thought...

2011-02-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

It's offical. Australia for student teaching is a no go. I'm bummed, mad, upset, and just plain blah. I was really looking forward to being out of my comfort zone (as strange as that may be) and pushing myself. And not to state the obvious, but, LIVING IN AUSTRALIA FOR 6 WEEKS! The coordinator said that there just wasn't enough people interested. There had to be a minimum of 6 and there were only 3 students who signed up. Although I am bummed, and the opportunity would have been ah-mazing, I have no control over the situation.

I don't know what it is about this semester but I have been second guessing myself like no other. Do I really want to be a teacher? Do I want to deal with the politics? Do I have the patience to work with children all day? Am I "smart" enough to be a teacher? What if I don't find a job? What else do I have to fall back on? I hope this is a normal feeling that I am having. And if not, then, crap.

Dear Carrie

2011-02-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

15 things to make you happy

1. Exercise

2. Eat breakfast

3. Speak up

4. Do less

5. Focus on making memories

6. Go outside

7. Hug it out

8. Face your challenges

9. Say something nice

10. Be grateful

11. Set a smarter bedtime

12. Savor your snapshots

13. Laugh

14. Give love, recieve love

15. Smile

{via Glamour}

Another cake-less birthday

2011-02-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Another cake-less birthday has come and gone. Is it wierd that it really bugs me that I didn't have a birthday cake? Am I 5 years old? Anywho...my birthday weekend was great. Had a couple minor setbacks but with a change of attitude I'd say I had a great 22nd birthday!

Friday afternoon Aaron and I headed to St.Paul for the night. We ate an Italian restaurant and then headed to our 1st Minnesota Wild hockey game. It was fun watching 2 former Moorhead Spuds play each other. Aaron got a kick out of yelling "Go Spuds!"...I just sat there shaking my head! It was a great "birthday getaway"...the company wasn't too bad either : )

I must have missed the black memo

These two lovely ladies, also known as two of my bestest and dearest friends, drove down from the cities for the evening. The dang weather was suppose to get bad overnight so they could only stay for dinner. After hearing the news that they couldn't stay over, I was bummed/mad/sad/angry, but what kind of friend would I be to get mad over something they have no control over? I am sooo thankful and blessed that they came and got back safely!

I am woman, hear me complain

2011-02-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

I am crabby. I am hurt. I want to go home. I want my mom to come here and make everything better. I want to punch a hole in my wall and then proceed to punch my neighbor in the face for being so flippin loud. I want to be sleeping. I want my homework to be done. I want school to be cancelled tomorrow. I want mother nature to stop PMS'ing and just be nice. I dislike mother nature very much for making my boyfriend leave early. I hate that the best tasting food is the worst for you. I am sick of giving so much yet getting so little. I wish the world was smaller so everyone I loved was within arms reach. It really erks me when people decide they want to get into the turning lane at the last second. I want to yell at people when they whistle while they walk..like..SHUT UP.

Ahhhh, I feel so much better.

Happy Birthday

2011-02-17T13:03:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday to Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Bay, Paris Hilton, oh, and ME!

This weekends forecast looks like fun with a chance of more fun. Aaron is coming up today, tomorrow afternoon he is treating me to dinner in St. Paul along with a Minnesota Wild hockey game (will be my 1st!), and Saturday, two of my best friends are coming to celebrate along with friends here at school.

I love birthdays. I love reflecting back on 22 years and seeing where I have been. But most of all, I love celebrating with my closest friends : )

The 5 Most Annoying Types of Facebook Relationship Updates

2011-02-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

1. "Sorry women of earth, the most amazing man EVER belongs to me. Love my hubby!"
- You do realize that every woman thinks she has the most amazing man ever, right?

2. "Stuck doing the dishes again because *someone* is too busy watching TV to help"
-Perhaps a face to face chat would be more beneficial?

3. "Thanks baby for always being there. Thanks babe for knowing how to make me smile. Thanks babe for reminding me that true love exists. REPOST IF YOU LOVE YOUR SOULMATE!!!"
- Uhh...I would hope you love your soulmate?

4. "I'm the luckiest because I get to wake up to significant other's name beautiful face every morning."
- Your partner is great, but I'm happy with my sleeping arrangment's thank you very much.

5. "Now I know what Phil Collins was feeling: 'I wish I could just make you turn around, turn around and see me cry. There's so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why."
- Chick, just call your ex?

{via Glamour}

This is what I do in my spare time...

2011-02-12T16:43:00.001-08:00

Project #1

Step 1: Take any picture frame. I had this one lying around so I decided to "jazz" it up.

Step 2: You could use fabric, magazine strips, colored paper, etc. to place in picture frame. I chose to draw a design for mine.

Step 3: Place paper in picture frame along with a picture. Hang and love!

Project #2

Step 1: Buy any kind of stencil(s), decorative paper (or fabric), 12 x 12 frame (however many you need), and white spray paint

Step 2: Spray paint the stencil(s) using the white spray paint

Step 3: Put paper (or fabric) behind stencil

Step 4: Put paper and stencil into frame. Hang and love!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Always remember, in your busy life, find time to do things that you enjoy (even if it means being a "responsible" student and putting off your homework)!

What do you do in your spare time?

Uff Da?

2011-02-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

The constant reminder of me growing up is everywhere. I am turning 22 a week from today and graduate in less than a year. I tend to stress about littles things, but when it comes to big things, like what I am going to do after graduation, I feel it is necessary to freak out. Especially when the job market for your career is, to put it nicely, crap.

"Where do you want to teach?" is a question that I never thought I would get asked so often. My answer seems to surprise some people. I don't care where I live. Well, I do, but not really. Make sense? No? Let me explain. Do you ever think about all the cities in the United States? All the cool places you can live? There are many factors that go into moving somewhere brand new. Such as your relationship with your bf/gf, how far away you want to be from your family, and most importantly, if you will have a job.

I love Minnesota. I really do. I love that we have all 4 seasons because if you are like me, and need change, it is the perfect place to live. I love being close to my family, especially my nieces and nephew. I LOVE going to the lake on the weekends. But again, think of a-l-l the other places there are to live in this country. Maybe I'm just going off on something that makes no sense but it all comes down to this. I am willing to move away from home and start somewhere I new. Even talking about this makes me excited for the future and where it will take me.

A New Addition

2011-02-09T20:05:00.001-08:00

Notice anything new on the blog front? I came across a running blog that had this mile counter. I did some clicking and got it added on my blog (underneath my picture)! It will be fun to see how many miles I have been running when training for the half marathon this May. Speaking of training, it is still going well. Sure, I have my days where I think "why in the heck did I sign up for this?" and I have days where I could run forever. Either way, there is no turning back!

PS-Feel free to comment on there : )

Dear Marcus

2011-02-09T18:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Marcus,

I can't believe that you are 6 years old today! I still remember the day that you were born. I was so excited to become an aunt, mostly because I was the first one out of my friends to become one. How lucky was I?! As you started growing up, you started calling me "Re-Re". I loved when you called me that (and wished you still did). My favorite thing to do with you is to have "Carrie Days". You are such a smart, fun little boy to be around and I enjoy treating you to those days! Happy birthday to a boy who I love very much!

Love, Aunt Carrie

2011-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

- Audrey Hepburn

Vent

2011-02-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

This semester has been crazy, to say the least. School is taking over my life slowly, one day at a time, causing me stress and crabbiness. I must say, though, that I am better at managing at my stress (is that even possible? I don't know). I stay organized, which seems to help, by making "to-do" lists in my daily planner. I have also been known to make more than one "to-do" list in a day. Some may say I'm a "to-do" list freak, while I look at it as being an overachiever. I have to be good at something, right?

With that said, I feel as though some people don't understand how big a deal school is right now and how much work I do everyday. There has not been one day this semester where I haven't had homework or done something school related. Yet, no one knows that except for my classmates and roommates. If I hear or read one more thing that sounds like this:

"When are you coming home?"
"Why haven't you came to visit?"
"You aren't coming home till THEN?"

I might slightly freak out. I am doing the best I can people. Work with me!!!

Raise your hand if you have a social life

2011-02-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

This conversation took place at 8:30 on Monday morning. My professor knows that this semester is tough for us so every class period she asks how we are all doing.

Professor: How is everyone doing this week?
Everyone: Stressed
P: I understand, it's a lot to take in right now. These first couple weeks are busy. Raise your hand if you have a social life.
E: Hands are not raised.
P: This is how it is going to be until after your first year of teaching. This semester will be tough, busy, and stressful. Student teaching will be tough, busy, and stressful. And your first year of teaching will be tough, busy, and stressful.
E: Oh gee, thanks!

This is what I have to look forward to, huh? Nerd alert will be in high gear I guess!

Your choice

2011-01-20T20:17:00.001-08:00

Fall in love or fall in hate.

Get inspired or be depressed.

Ace a test or flunk a class.

Make babies or make art.

Speak the truth or lie and cheat.

Dance on tables or sit in the corner.

Life is divine chaos. Embrace it.

Forgive yourself. Breathe.

And enjoy the ride...

Fighting tempation

2011-01-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

It has been over a week now and my training/no eating out/eating healthy/no pop is going great. Sorta. I have done the above mentioned things but not without fighting off a few temptations and urges. Just to name a few:

Not buying a snickers bar (for only .97!!!) at Target today

Turning down 3 invites for going out to dinner

Smelling the ever so amazing smells of LeeAnn Chin, Chipotle, Noodles, and Jimmy John's as I walk to my car after working out and not driving to any of them

Seeing any pop commercial on tv (It's sad that I miss that burn in my throat after taking the first sip of a coca cola) and not driving to Kwik Trip to buy one

Not your average bookshelf

2011-01-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

You might live in Minnesota when...

2011-01-16T21:49:00.000-08:00

If you have ever refused to buy something because it is "too spendy"

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there

If you have worn shorts and parka at the same time

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches

If you know how to say Wayzata...or Mahtomedi

If vacation means going "Up North" for the weekend

You measure distance in hours

You know several people...who have hit a deer more than once

You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit

You think -10 degrees is "a little chilly"

I've lived in Minnesota my whole life. There are days where I love it and days where I wonder "why in the heck do I still live here?". Nevertheless, it's home.

A couple favorites

2011-01-16T20:20:00.001-08:00

If I could live a double life I would be going to school for interior design as well as elementary education. Here a few design details I envy:

Love lamps that make a statement and add color

I will have a wall in my future (very future) house that looks like this. The contrast between the green and white is to die for and I am in love with the shelving which can be used to display frames, art, books, magazines, or whatever your little heart desires. How neat would this be in a kids room to showcase their books?

There are 2 things that catch my eye in this picture. The wooden beams and windows. Mm mm mm!

Tickled Pink

2011-01-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

The pink curtains add height and fun to this room (and how cute is the design?)

I love the contrast of the white walls with the pink furniture and accents complete with a touch of green

This delicate, simple look gives this space a girly yet sophisticated vibe

Hello, mate!

2011-01-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

This is what 6 weeks of my life MIGHT look like next Fall:

Queensland, Australia!

My favorite

2011-01-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

My favorite time of the day is right now. Why? Because I get to change into my PJ's, crawl into bed, turn on the tv (if it's 10 I'm obvi watching Chelsea Lately), and catch up on facebook/blogs I follow. What's your favorite time of the day?

Headaches, Birthday Parties, and Shin Splints

2011-01-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

This is what my life has come to. Just kidding, but sort of not. After day 2 of no pop I have had the ever so painful caffiene headache. Grr. Oh well, I think I will survive (maybe). I was invited out to Applebee's tonight for a birthday party and turned. it. down. because I gave up eating out. A girl responded with "you can order a salad" and I said "honey, if you take me to Applebee's I will take full advantage of 1/2 off apps, come on now". Working out has been going well although I've realized I'm a rule breaker, in a good way. I'm sorry but I can't just lift one day or only run 2 miles, I need to do more than that or I feel like I'm not doing anything at all. The shin splints are in full force. Lovely, just lovely. The joys we go through to get back into shape. Ugh. Ever wish you were one of those girls born skinny and eat whatever they want and yet they still stay skinny? Yeah, me neither. That would just be too easy.

Run, Carrie, Run!

2011-01-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

I just signed myself up for the Fargo 1/2 Marathon in May. I have always talked about running a 1/2 and am happy that I literally just forced myself to push the "Pay Now" button when signing up a couple minutes ago. I am excited to start training and get back into shape (one of the reasons I am doing this). Follow along with me as I blog about the ups and downs of training. Also, a little motivation along the way always helps (hint, hint...).

Be...

2011-01-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Be bold. Be thankful. Be quiet. Be original. Be spontaneous. Be punctual. Be a star. Be y0ung. Be loving. Be loud. Be random. Be adorable. Be unique. Be daring. Be ob-nox-ious.

Be yourself.

The waiting game

2010-12-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

I do this every Fall. Somehow I think it's ok to not workout and that I will magically maintain my "Summer" body. About a month ago I realized I was slipping back into my old ways (mostly due to being busy with school but I have learned that is not an excuse). I started getting back into the routine of going to the gym everyday after class and have cut back (severely) on drinking pop. I am down to one a week now which use to be one or two a day, yikes! I am still feeling large and in charge as my roommates and I jokingly say and I feel that running 5 miles a day is not doing anything to my body. 5 miles, like really, how is that not doing anything? So blog world, any suggestions on how I can get back that Summer body I so longingly am in search for?

Dear...

2010-12-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

School,
Although at times I do seem to enjoy you, these are not one of those times. I am tired of homework/projects/studying/tests. If you would like to hurry up so I can move on with my life that would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Irritated Student

I'm A Big Kid Now

2010-11-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

It's all coming real. All too real. My life will change in 13 months as I will be graduating from college. Another chapter in my book of life will be wrote and later looked back on as a memory. I seem to have a problem, if you want to call it a problem, of thinking back to when I was little. To the days where my biggest dilema was which barbie I wanted to play with or what I wanted to eat for snack. After my mind has somehow came back to the reality of today, I find myself getting sad. Getting sad because for so many years I always said "I can't wait to be a grown up" and now I want time to s.l.o.w. down. Can I take that back? No. So I have decided that I need to have a better outlook on things. Yes, it stinks that in 13 months I will no longer be in college but I feel like this next chapter in my life will be as great as this chapter.

Life moves fast and I didn't notice this until I found myself talking with my mom and dad today about what I'm going to do after I graduate. This crazy rollercoaster called life will surely take me somewhere unexpected and I am ready for that. I think. Wait, I know. I know because when I was in Pier One Imports the other day all I could picture was my future house and how I am going to decorate it. I know this because when I was in a 3rd grade classroom for 3 weeks I could see myself being a teacher and that my friends made me very happy. Lastly, I know this because whether I want to grow up or not, I will. In 13 months whether I want to or not, I'll be saying, "I'm a big kid now".

In another life

2010-04-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

I often wonder why I am going to school to be a teacher when there are so many other things I could be choosing as my career. Like....

1. A baker. I am obsessed with shows like Ace of Cakes and Food Networks Ultimate Showdown. Wouldn't you feel like the coolest person ever if you could make this?

Ok so maybe not that exact cake, but, you get the idea.

2. A fortune cookie writer. Anything with a quote on it I will stop and read. I have kept my fortunes over the past couple years. Slight obsession? Yes. But I honestly believe that each fortune cookie I crack open was meant for me.

3. A furniture tester. Someone has to make sure it's comfortable, right?

4. Chelsea Handler's assistant. The lady makes me laugh even when she doesn't talk. That's pretty impressive.

What I've learned

2010-04-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

On May 4th I will have finished my junior year in college. Can you say HOLY CRAP? I never knew college could open up my eyes as much as it has. When I think about my life, my morals, my attitudes, and most of all, my experiences here, it's nothing like I thought it was going to be.

I think of all the different people here. I often wonder why we all chose to go here and if there is a reason for all of us being here at once. I have realized that there are so many people that have it worse than me, that have bigger problems than I do, and that struggle far more than I could imagine.

College has made me more thankful for what I have. I know that I am very blessed and my financial worries are nothing compared to others. I know now that unloading the dishwasher at home isn't so hard and that it's the least I can do to help out.

I have such a better appreciation for time, friends, and memories. I know that college will come to an end and that I need to make the best out of every situation, even if it isn't the best situation. I am tired of telling my friends to just have fun and who cares about little stuff but maybe it's a little bit of my purpose here on earth. I just want everyone to have fun and enjoy our time together because college doesn't last forever.

Easter weekend

2010-04-07T13:36:00.001-07:00

Mauer laying on my dirty clothes (or should I say, overflowing dirty clothes)

Kendall, Marcus, and I after church. Notice Marcus giving Kendall bunny ears.

Marcus and I at church.

Marcus and Mallory at an Easter egg hunt

If it wasn't for these 2 I probably wouldn't come home as much. Sorry mom, dad, Brian, and Alissa!

Tradition

2010-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

This year, the Easter Bunny somehow got my address and sent me something in the mail, early. I immediately felt sad. I thought, it's not Easter? Will I still have a basket? Will I still get to look for my basket?

After talking it over with the Easter bunny, I was told that it won't happen again. Not that I was complaining about getting something early, but I realized how big of a role tradition plays in my life. I use to get so mad at my parents because they were too traditional and "old school". Now that I am older, I see how important and exciting tradition is. It gives us something to look forward to and something to follow.

So, Santa, you better come down that chimney on Christmas Eve and eat the cookies and drink the milk I set out for you!

One of those nights

2010-03-31T23:31:00.001-07:00

It's one of those late nights where I am tired but don't want to sleep. Allow me to ramble some random thoughts...

1. Saw the movie The Last Song tonight. I read the book and to my suprise, wasn't overly in love with it, but did enjoy it. The movie was great, could have gone without Miley Cyrus' acting, or lack thereof, but it was definately a tear jerker and made me want to hunt down a 20-something man from Australia. Pronto. Just sayin.
2. I got SUPER GREAT AWESOME FANTASTIC news tonight! I got into my Blocks for school. Long story short, I had to apply for Blocks to continue my el. ed major. After this year, they are redoing the whole education program so if you didn't get into Blocks this semester, you would have to take the new Blocks plus some extra classes aka put you behind. But, I got in..WOO HOO!
3. Going home tomorrow and can't wait. I am due for a good mother-daughter talk, hanging out with my nieces and nephew, seeing the Kirb miester, and sleeping in the comfort of my own bed. Oh, and maybe, if I'm lucky, some good home cookin ; )

Week 1, check!

2010-03-28T13:01:00.001-07:00

Week 1 of my relay training is now in the past. Only 8 more weeks to go!

Total miles for week 1: 20.2

I am a brunette, right?

2010-03-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

I ran out of perfume a couple days ago so stopped in to Victoria's Secret yesterday to test a couple out. After spraying about 5 different scents, they all started to smell the same. Crap. Well, that's not even the dilema. I sprayed this lovely scent directly. into. my. eyes! After rubbing them 23,984,783 times, I looked around to see if anyone had just witnessed my act of stupidity. I am a brunette, right? I guess we all have "blonde" moments.

Come on people!

2010-03-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Since coming to college, I have had a recent pet peeve that has been bugging me like crazy. It may seem odd to you, but in fact, it makes me shake my head. I hate when people don't walk on the right side of the sidewalk. It's like a road people, I walk on my right, you walk on your right, and we are fine. When people walk on their left side, and don't move, I almost just want to have them hit me so I can say something. Anyone agree?

Day 1

2010-03-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Let's git er done!

Is it...

2010-03-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

summer yet?

What I deserve

2010-03-02T12:13:00.001-08:00

I have this tendency to put other people before myself. Make other people happy, please them, even if it makes me unhappy. I have been doing this for as long as I can remember and realize that it's unfair to me..I deserve to be happy, too.

Lately I have been doing what I want to do. It's hard, it's really hard I should say. I don't like the feeling of someone being mad at me for choosing the wrong thing. But I need to do what I want to do or else I am going to live a life full of regrets and no one wants that.

So now that I am 21, cheers to living my life the way I want to live it--no regrets.

Like mother like daughter

2010-03-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Birthday reminder

2010-02-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

It was Marcus' 5th birthday yesterday and for those of you who don't know, Marcus is my nephew and godson. I remember when Marcus was born and my brother turned to me and said, "I'm a dad". My brother, telling me, that he is a dad? This couldn't be. And wait, now another brother is a dad? What is going on here!

I remember growing up and trying to picture myself in high school and now I'm almost a senior in college. I remember growing up and trying to see myself driving and now I am almost 21 years old. I remember making fun of my mom for being so organized and now I have a color coded calendar with me every where I go.

I would have never imagined that having a nephew and two neices would change my life so much (I hope this isn't about to get cheesy). But really, I wouldn't go home so much if I didn't have Marcus and Mallory to hang out with. I LOVE being able to take Marcus out for "Carrie days" and I LOVE being a girly girl with Mallory. I could be in the crabbiest of moods but those kids will change my day around. Then we turn to Kendall. I could sit and hold her 24/7 if I could. Bottom line...I love being an aunt.

One tired little girl

2010-02-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

You are never too old...

2010-02-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

to play a joke on someone using a whoopie cushion. AND to laugh at it.

Too cute for words

2010-02-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Mallory singing her version of the Vikings song

a look into the future

2010-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

The days just drag on when you don't have anything to look forward to. I often times look forward to the little things such as getting in a warm building, eating, or crawling in bed for the night. I do though have some bigger things I am looking forward to....

January 28th: going home for the weekend
February 4th: going to Duluth to spend time with baby Kendall, Chris, Jamie, and my best friends
February 6th: Christina's birthday
February 12th: girls weekend at my lake
February 17th: my birthday
February 25th: going down to Omaha to spend the weekend with my brother!
March 4th: the start of my spring break!

Can't wait!

black and white

2010-01-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

If only it was that easy. Black and white. Peanut butter and jelly. Cheeseburger and fries.

I could choose to either A) sit in my room, dwell on my current situation, not focus, not care about anything or B) think positvely, have a good attitude, focus on present day things, and live day to day.

I choose B. I can honestly say that 2+ years ago I would have chosen A because it is easiest. But I don't want to take the easy way out about this. I know what I need to do, I know what is best for me, and I gosh darnit I am going to be happy.

I wish life had a handbook. And maybe it does, maybe it's the bible, but I don't have time to read the whole bible right now. I need answers. I need them now. But then again, maybe I don't need them now, maybe waiting is the answer. Waiting to see what will happen, waiting to see who will come along or waiting to see if I made a mistake.

Life is a one big ?

who let the dogs out?

2010-01-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

I simply love them.

hi-ho, hi-ho, it's back to school i go

2010-01-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am back in Mankato and ready (or so I think) to start school on Monday. It was quite the workout loading and unloading everything..I feel as though I returned with more stuff than I had brought home (mostly clothes, go figure). I am eager to get back into the swing of things and have a feeling this is going to be a great semester!

One *highlight* of my week was getting a new car. My old one really liked to act up and I often joked that it had a "ghost" in it because one minute everything would be working and the next it wouldn't!
That's about it--nothing too exciting to blog about.

Goodbye 2009!

2010-01-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

2009 has come and gone and it is time for a fresh slate. In 2009, I became an aunt, ran 1 5K, 2 10K's, and 1 marathon relay, got accepted into my Pre-Primary classes, went to Disney World, and visited my grandparents in Washington. Although I have some great memories from this past year, I do have some memories that aren't so great. So let's raise our glasses and cheers to a better year in 2010!

I am....

2010-01-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

an auntie again! Kendall Rae Stavenger was born on December 23rd in Duluth, MN. I was so happy I could be there when she arrived!

love

2009-12-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

love is:

crazy
awesome
confusing
sad
wonderful
cold
comfortable
hard
pure
frustrating
happy
tough
real
romantic
soft
busy
patient
warm

For The Best...

2009-12-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

oh happy day

2009-11-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

So many things to be happy about right now...

1. I got into my pre-primary block of classes!!!! Only 25 people get in out of a program of probably a couple hundred people. I can't tell you how relieved and happy I am, oh, and a little proud of myself : ) Such a good feeling.

2. I will be an aunt to another niece soon and I can't wait! I love being an aunt more than anything and am so excited to see Chris and Jamie's little girl.....you know Jamie, we will be in Duluth this weekend....hint hint..... ; )

3. It is almost Thanksgiving break and let me tell you, I could use a break.

busy & lazy...is that possible?

2009-11-02T17:50:00.001-08:00

Life has been a bit hectic lately so I've updated you with pictures. It seems like I just started classes and now I'm already working on final projects. It is a bit overwhelming but I am trying to be organized and get stuff done one thing at a time.

The pictures are from my weekend in Duluth with friends, trip to Oregon to see Chris, and Halloween.

I am going home this weekend (BIG YEAH) as Alissa and I are putting on a baby shower for Jamie. I haven't been home in a long time so am really looking forward to it. Chris comes to visit on the 19th and will be here through Thanksgiving! Can't complain about much right now..life is good.

I Miss..

2009-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

sleeping in a twin bed.
getting picked on by my brothers (oh wait, I still do).
playing outside all day and coming in when it starts getting dark.
swinging on the swingset down by the river.
getting up on Saturday mornings and playing FM soccer.
playing SEGA in the basement.
traveling to hockey tournaments on the weekends.
opening a present from my mom the night of a dance recital.
having the words "don't tell mom" being told to me.
theme birthday parties.
playing 4-square at recess.
living in a cul-de-sac.
climbing into the way back of the car when my mom didn't buy me something I wanted (or I thought I needed).
living in a big, full house.
throwing my clothes down the laundry chute.
never having the ball thrown to me if my brothers were playing catch.
eating pop-ups.
piano lessons.
when it was just me, Brian, Chris, and Eric.
being a kid.

One Of Those Posts...

2009-09-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

....where I am going to play catch-up!

About a week I went to a Twins game with a couple friends. We ended up leaving in the 7th inning when we were losing 11-1...not the best game of baseball I've ever been to!

Last weekend we moved into our new lake cabin. It was so nice to be at the lake since I hadn't really been there much this summer. We got everything moved in and it all looks great! Marcus and Mallory were there so that was fun to see them. Mallory LOVES Mauer, she will run around chasing him and will even "meow" after he does! Funny little story---I asked Marcus how soccer was going and he responded by saying "it is just SOOOO un sational"...oh the things a 4 year old says!

Still.

2009-09-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

I still think about it. It crosses through my mind daily when I least expect it. I wish I didn't think about it. It distracts me, makes me sad, and it can and will cause me to cry.

Everyone around me goes on with their lives as though it never happened. What about me? What am I to do? Should I just pretend it never happened? Is that fair?

Organize. Plan. Procrastinate.

2009-09-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm in my 4th week of school and things are finally starting to set in that this is going to be a loooong semester. Everything is seeming to be due AT ONCE and it doesn't help that I am going to be busy these next couple weekends.

I am a natural born organizer. I make to-do lists daily, sometimes even hourly, but still find myself procrastinating. I somehow think facebook and tv are top priority over all else. This needs to stop.

This weekend I am going to the lake cabin and just know I will be busy or will not want to do homework. So, I am planning ahead for next week and getting everything done tonight! We'll see how that goes....

Happy

2009-09-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

I love having a new friend. One that you know you are going to be friends with for a long time. One that you have everything in common with and one that is going through the same things you are. Such a good feeling : )

Just Hug It Out

2009-09-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today I was walking on campus and noticed a guy holding a sign that said "Free Hugs". At first, I'm guessing I thought what most people thought, and that was, "that's really weird, whose going to go up to a stranger and give him a hug?"

As I walked to class I started thinking of reasons why someone would offer random people a hug, or why someone would want a hug from a stranger? I kept thinking of countless times where all I needed was a hug, all I wanted was a hug.

Hug. A 3 letter word that can make a difference. It can calm somebody, make someone feel better, it can say hello, and say goodbye.

Although today I didn't need a hug, maybe someone else did. So, even though I have no clue who that kid was, I want to thank him for making somebody elses day brighter.

What To Do, What To Do

2009-09-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

I hate making hard decisions.

Off To School I Go

2009-08-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today marked the second week of school for me. One word to sum it up so far: overwhelming! Although I had summer classes it's still hard to get back into the swing of things. I must admit though, I'm already feeling less overwhelmed and my stress level is going down (I'm sure it won't stay this way forever though).

I am enjoying my classes so far, but one that I am suprisingly taking a liking to is my Children's Literature class. The downside of this class is that we have to read a book a week (some of the books include Charlotte's Web, Coraline, The Golden Compass, and Harry Potter). I guess I just like this class because every week we get into small groups and discuss the book more in depth. It makes you realize that no matter what book you read, you are going to learn and take away something from it.

PS--I'M A JUNIOR...AHHHHH SCARY!!

This Or That

2009-08-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have this ongoing battle in my life that I can never seem to get over.

If I have long hair I want short hair and when my hair is short I want it long. Currently I am trying to grow my hair out. I want to be able to curl it but can never seem to curl it "cute" enough when it is long but I think maybe, just maybe this time I will be able to do it.

I'll let you decide. What look do you like best?

"Are You Comfortable Being Seated In An Exit Row?"

2009-08-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

We have all been there, or sat there I should say. We all silently cheer to ourselves when we realize that we get that little extra leg room to stretch. The flight attendant comes around and asks each passenger if they are comfortable being seated there and to look over the airplane brochure so they know what to do in case of an emergency.

Does anyone really know what to do during an emergency on a plane? Has anybody thoughtfully read the instructions and made sure that they know exactly what to do if a plane is, per say, crashing?

....or do we think, "It couldn't happen to me"