So I was flipping around radio stations because of commercials earlier, and one of our stations is already playing Christmas music. They started this past Thursday and they play only Christmas music through Christmas. Well as I paused to see what was on this station, the name of the next "song" caught my ear. It was called "A Soldier's Silent Night". It was the music of silent night playing in the background while an older gentleman read the poem of The Night Before Christmas, but with different words. Now I love Christmas and Thanksgiving (just the holidays in general), and of course there are always bad days, but I love being able to be around family, and everyone tends to have a friendly demeanor. As I listened to this song thought I got kind of sad. I can think of at least eight friends who are in the military is some form (Marines, Army, and Air Force). All are on active duty. One is serving in Afghanistan right now, one just got back from Afghanistan, one is on a world tour, and one just graduated from ranger school for the army, which means he will possibly get deployed soon. As I listened to this poem I realized that I am very lucky that as of yet, none of my friends have been hurt or worse in their line of duty. My friend Zac, who is in Afghanistan right now, I haven't heard anything about his safety from his wife in a few months (she used to update her status every time she talked to him, but not so much anymore), but I'm pretty sure he's due home pretty soon. I think the Marines only due 6 month tours, which means he might be home for Christmas.
However, I think it is important to remember all the Soldiers, Marines, and Air Men/Women who won't be home for Christmas and all the families that are missing them. We are all happy and safe because of those brave men and women. So as you are thinking of things to be thankful for and who you need to buy gifts for and how much money you should spend and who you get to see this Holiday season, take a moment to think of those who won't be home this year and be thankful for them. That's all.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
college? what's that?
So I am really excited. i am spending this weekend up in Evansville. My sorority is having their philanthropy tonight... Rock 4 Riley. I love our philanthropy. It's a lip sync contest. This year's theme is Motown (which I just found out about two days ago). All the other fraternities and sororities participate, and our new girls always do an act as well. It's always so funny. Last year was "A Pink Carpet Affair" a play off of Red Carpet. All the acts were from movies ( such as Ghostbusters and Grease). My favorite was Sig Ep who did their act from Sister Act and they all came dressed in nun habits and did this great dance. It was hilarious. I'm really excited to see tonight's.
So I have decided that I am definitely no longer a college student. Lately I have been going to bed by midnight, because half the time I have to get up early (like 5:45 or 6:15) and the other half I get to sleep until 9:30, and it's just easier to go to bed at the same time every night so my body doesn't get all screwed up. So last night, I was up until about 1:30, and I was sooo tired by like 1. When I went to bed my Greek little sister thought I was joking when I said I was going to bed. And as far as this morning goes... I woke up at like 9, tried to sleep for another half hour, and it totally didn't work. So I got up, and of course I was the only one up. There's not very much food in the house where i'm staying (a very good sign ur in a college student's home) so I decided to walk the doughnut store which is about a half mile away (maybe a little more, I dunno) eat breakfast, and walk back. There weren't very many people my age out. :) When I got back about 10:30ish everyone was still asleep so I made my way to the Student center to start working on fishbowls (which was about an hour and a half ago, and I still have yet to start).There's an open house today apparently because i keep seeing tours walk past me and lots of people with name tags.
Anyways, so it has become clear to me, that even since last year, I have already gotten out of that college schedule. it's weird being back, but nice at the same time. So that's all for now. Have a great weekend everyone!
So I have decided that I am definitely no longer a college student. Lately I have been going to bed by midnight, because half the time I have to get up early (like 5:45 or 6:15) and the other half I get to sleep until 9:30, and it's just easier to go to bed at the same time every night so my body doesn't get all screwed up. So last night, I was up until about 1:30, and I was sooo tired by like 1. When I went to bed my Greek little sister thought I was joking when I said I was going to bed. And as far as this morning goes... I woke up at like 9, tried to sleep for another half hour, and it totally didn't work. So I got up, and of course I was the only one up. There's not very much food in the house where i'm staying (a very good sign ur in a college student's home) so I decided to walk the doughnut store which is about a half mile away (maybe a little more, I dunno) eat breakfast, and walk back. There weren't very many people my age out. :) When I got back about 10:30ish everyone was still asleep so I made my way to the Student center to start working on fishbowls (which was about an hour and a half ago, and I still have yet to start).There's an open house today apparently because i keep seeing tours walk past me and lots of people with name tags.
Anyways, so it has become clear to me, that even since last year, I have already gotten out of that college schedule. it's weird being back, but nice at the same time. So that's all for now. Have a great weekend everyone!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Rolling with the Punches
So this past weekend was an interesting one for sure. Friday night I went to work at five, and as the night progressed my back became a little sore, but nothing too unusual. About nine that night I got a horrible back spasm. Basically my back tightened up in one spot and what felt like electric shocks shot up and down my back. I couldn't move for about two minutes. I ended up having to leave work early. Although I was able to move after a few minutes, I was in pain for about an hour. I got home, got in the shower to let the heat relax my back.
When I got out, I checked my email, and I had received my LSAT score while I was at work. I didn't think I was going to get it until Monday. So I tentatively opened my email, and my jaw dropped. To top off my most "wonderful" night it turns out I had bombed the LSAT back in September, a 149. The LSAT is based on a score between 120 and 180. The first time I took the LSAT I got a 158 and was in the 75 percentile. My 149 this time had put me in the 40 percentile. For the top schools I really wanted to get into, a 158 was a stretch, most of the students they let in have scores between 161 on the low end. Needless to say I was devastated.
Over the past year I've adopted a new philosophy. Everything happens for a reason, and there's no use in worrying over things in the past that you can't change. So anytime something bad happens, I give myself about 24 hours to fret and be sad about it, but then I have to move on. Obviously, there is something better out there than what I was expecting. So Saturday I went to work and worked from three til midnight, with nothing big happening. I came home and talked to dad about my options, and started coming up with a new plan. Ok, so Cornell is probably out. I'm still going to apply and they'll either accept me or they won't. I'm going to look at some regional schools not only around here, but also out east where I think I want to end up. I'll keep you updated, but for now I'm just rolling with the punches.
When I got out, I checked my email, and I had received my LSAT score while I was at work. I didn't think I was going to get it until Monday. So I tentatively opened my email, and my jaw dropped. To top off my most "wonderful" night it turns out I had bombed the LSAT back in September, a 149. The LSAT is based on a score between 120 and 180. The first time I took the LSAT I got a 158 and was in the 75 percentile. My 149 this time had put me in the 40 percentile. For the top schools I really wanted to get into, a 158 was a stretch, most of the students they let in have scores between 161 on the low end. Needless to say I was devastated.
Over the past year I've adopted a new philosophy. Everything happens for a reason, and there's no use in worrying over things in the past that you can't change. So anytime something bad happens, I give myself about 24 hours to fret and be sad about it, but then I have to move on. Obviously, there is something better out there than what I was expecting. So Saturday I went to work and worked from three til midnight, with nothing big happening. I came home and talked to dad about my options, and started coming up with a new plan. Ok, so Cornell is probably out. I'm still going to apply and they'll either accept me or they won't. I'm going to look at some regional schools not only around here, but also out east where I think I want to end up. I'll keep you updated, but for now I'm just rolling with the punches.
Friday, October 16, 2009
sunrises and migrations
So the past couple weeks I've been getting up at 5:45 twice a week to go lift weights with SBA's swim team. It is always dark when I get up and when I get to the school, but it is light when I leave at 7:15. There's a window in the weight room, and it is nice to look out the window and see light slowly creep across the grounds of SBA. I can see the sky turn pinkish-purpley before it turns blue. I don't know that I've ever seen the sun rise before this past year, and if I have it has never been so often. It is a beautiful sight that's for sure. Of course, after day light savings time goes away in November, that sight will no longer be witnessed by me. However, I will still be able to witness another site that was amused me quite a bit these past few weeks... The great migration.
Everyone else knows it as rush hour, but imagine if someone from 100 years ago saw our rush hour. I think they would think it was a strange migration of metal beasts. :) When I drive home from the school in the mornings, I get off at Canada Rd. and cross the bridge over the highway. If I look to the east I see masses of cars heading towards me, and if I look to the west, there are masses of cars heading away from me. Most of us are in these cars, so the site is not one of awe, but annoyance. If you ever get the chance though, stand somewhere where you can see the highway, and just take in the site. It's one of "wow, look at how many people there are" and "man, I glad I'm not in that migration". I heard someone on the radio the other day say that the only reason there are so many traffic jams is because everyone has to be the same place at the same time. And of course they were right, but I'd never actually thought it out like that.
Anyways. Not much is going on here. I'm working a lot... 5 to 6 days a week usually. I am earning a lot of money though, which is nice. Most of it is being saved, because i don't really have anything to spend it on, which my dad tends to remind me of every once and a while. I am sending out my first five law school applications on Monday: Boston College, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Virginia. I've spent the last week revising and revising and revising my essays for these applications, and looking over the applications making sure everything is filled out and filled out correctly. Monday I get my LSAT score by email, and I am crossing my fingers about that. That day I'll push the send button on the applications and wait six weeks to hear something. Next weekend I am heading to Atlanta for a Law School forum. I'll be able to meet with admissions officers and/or students from over 100 law schools. I also get to see my good friend Stephanie!!! I am pretty excited about it! Anyways. That's all from me. Keep your fingers crossed for my apps please!
Everyone else knows it as rush hour, but imagine if someone from 100 years ago saw our rush hour. I think they would think it was a strange migration of metal beasts. :) When I drive home from the school in the mornings, I get off at Canada Rd. and cross the bridge over the highway. If I look to the east I see masses of cars heading towards me, and if I look to the west, there are masses of cars heading away from me. Most of us are in these cars, so the site is not one of awe, but annoyance. If you ever get the chance though, stand somewhere where you can see the highway, and just take in the site. It's one of "wow, look at how many people there are" and "man, I glad I'm not in that migration". I heard someone on the radio the other day say that the only reason there are so many traffic jams is because everyone has to be the same place at the same time. And of course they were right, but I'd never actually thought it out like that.
Anyways. Not much is going on here. I'm working a lot... 5 to 6 days a week usually. I am earning a lot of money though, which is nice. Most of it is being saved, because i don't really have anything to spend it on, which my dad tends to remind me of every once and a while. I am sending out my first five law school applications on Monday: Boston College, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Virginia. I've spent the last week revising and revising and revising my essays for these applications, and looking over the applications making sure everything is filled out and filled out correctly. Monday I get my LSAT score by email, and I am crossing my fingers about that. That day I'll push the send button on the applications and wait six weeks to hear something. Next weekend I am heading to Atlanta for a Law School forum. I'll be able to meet with admissions officers and/or students from over 100 law schools. I also get to see my good friend Stephanie!!! I am pretty excited about it! Anyways. That's all from me. Keep your fingers crossed for my apps please!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
To be or not to be... Single
In today's society, it seems to me that it is not "ok" to be single. If you are, then surely you are not happy. College students and Young adults, especially women, are always on the prowl for the love of their life. Those friends who are in a relationship are always trying to set you up, or see is there are any prospects on the horizon. They do mean well, but it is very annoying most of the time.
I have officially been single for the longest amount of time, since I started dating in high school. One year. I don't know if that is an accomplishment or not, but I don't care. Last year I didn't "want" a boyfriend because I wanted to figure out what I was doing after graduation, with as little outside influences as possible. I say "want" because that was the reason I gave myself for not having a boyfriend. And now? I guess I wouldn't mind having a boyfriend, but most of the time I don't notice that I don't. Except when I go out with my friend, her boyfriend, and all of her couple friends. Then I feel left out. I am always being asked what my prospects are. "Oh you met some cute guy at work? Do you think anything will happen?" "Ummm... He lives in Germany." "Yeah, so... do you think anything will happen?" or "So how's substituting?" "It's good." "Are there any cute guys?" "Umm... I work with high schoolers." "You know what I mean.Like other teachers?" Ugh... I know they mean well, but really. Come on now!
When did our society become all about who we're with? In the 60s didn't women march for the right to be independent? Where did that go? Why do we have to be with someone to be valid? I can't say that I've always felt this way, but I think I've been seeing things differently the longer I'm single. I still want a boyfriend, I want to fall in love, get married, and have a family, but I guess what I'm saying is... why do I have to do that right now? Maybe I'm totally off on my observations, but maybe I'm not. Just something to think about.
I have officially been single for the longest amount of time, since I started dating in high school. One year. I don't know if that is an accomplishment or not, but I don't care. Last year I didn't "want" a boyfriend because I wanted to figure out what I was doing after graduation, with as little outside influences as possible. I say "want" because that was the reason I gave myself for not having a boyfriend. And now? I guess I wouldn't mind having a boyfriend, but most of the time I don't notice that I don't. Except when I go out with my friend, her boyfriend, and all of her couple friends. Then I feel left out. I am always being asked what my prospects are. "Oh you met some cute guy at work? Do you think anything will happen?" "Ummm... He lives in Germany." "Yeah, so... do you think anything will happen?" or "So how's substituting?" "It's good." "Are there any cute guys?" "Umm... I work with high schoolers." "You know what I mean.Like other teachers?" Ugh... I know they mean well, but really. Come on now!
When did our society become all about who we're with? In the 60s didn't women march for the right to be independent? Where did that go? Why do we have to be with someone to be valid? I can't say that I've always felt this way, but I think I've been seeing things differently the longer I'm single. I still want a boyfriend, I want to fall in love, get married, and have a family, but I guess what I'm saying is... why do I have to do that right now? Maybe I'm totally off on my observations, but maybe I'm not. Just something to think about.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Lost Symbol and De-stressing
So last night I finished reading "The Lost Symbol" Dan Brown's new novel. This is the third book in the DaVinci Code Trilogy. Angels and Demons was first, then DaVinci Code, and lastly The Lost Symbol. The first two caused major controversies around very religious people. Many found the things discussed, absolutely appalling. Especially in the second book. This book, is less about religion and more about science. I love the science it discusses though. I'm not entirely sure how much of it has been proven, but the stuff "proven" in the book answers a lot of questions that man has about himself and the environment around him. I think a lot of the religious people who objected to the DaVinci code will enjoy many of the things discussed. I don't want to give too much away about the book because I know my mom reads my blog, and she is just now starting it. :) I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone!
On another note... I decided to take the LSAT again. I will take it on Saturday morning. Yay for 6 more hours of mental torture. :-D Last time I got a 158 (the score is between 120 and 180) which is in the 75%. That's really good, but the schools I really want to get into have really good scores... even the lowest scores at these schools are in the 160s. I have taken three practice tests this week, in preparation I got a 163 on the first one, 157 on the second one, and 153 on the third one... EEEEEKKK!!! So I spent this afternoon working at mom's vball games, and tomorrow I am substitute teaching. So hopefully between those I'll be able to chill, relax, and de-stress. After all it's not like I NEED to take the test again. I'm doing it more to see if I can score better. I don't need to score better. I'm a communications major... I can market myself amazingly! :) Nerves... please melt away now.
On another note... I decided to take the LSAT again. I will take it on Saturday morning. Yay for 6 more hours of mental torture. :-D Last time I got a 158 (the score is between 120 and 180) which is in the 75%. That's really good, but the schools I really want to get into have really good scores... even the lowest scores at these schools are in the 160s. I have taken three practice tests this week, in preparation I got a 163 on the first one, 157 on the second one, and 153 on the third one... EEEEEKKK!!! So I spent this afternoon working at mom's vball games, and tomorrow I am substitute teaching. So hopefully between those I'll be able to chill, relax, and de-stress. After all it's not like I NEED to take the test again. I'm doing it more to see if I can score better. I don't need to score better. I'm a communications major... I can market myself amazingly! :) Nerves... please melt away now.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
5:45????
So I decided that I really need to get in shape. I went jean shopping the other day and it was one of the most awful experience ever. Trying on pair after pair that don't fit! Ugh! I've already been trying to eat better, and I've done pretty good... except the occasion that I decide to eat at work (or snack as is usually what i do. What can I say... cheese and bacon roll sandwiches are amazing!)
Anyways... So I decided that in addition to walking and such... I would go to weights with mom in the morning. Although I didn't enjoy swimming too much, I do have to admit I have never been more in shape than when I was swimming 5 days a week and lifting twice a week. I'm helping mom with the swim team this winter, and right now I'm only going to practice once a week, until they start swimming full time. But the team has also started lifting, Tuesday and Thursday mornings form 6:15 - 7:15 am. This is easier for me to do, b/c my mom can come upstairs and bug me if I don't get up. :) I'm not very good at self-motivation.
So today was the first day I went. We had to leave at 6 am. Which means I got to get up at 5:45 am. And as my Facebook status says... "since when is there a 5:45 in the AM???" But I remember from when I swam, it got easier as the weeks went on, and I'm actually looking forward to it.
Anyways... So I decided that in addition to walking and such... I would go to weights with mom in the morning. Although I didn't enjoy swimming too much, I do have to admit I have never been more in shape than when I was swimming 5 days a week and lifting twice a week. I'm helping mom with the swim team this winter, and right now I'm only going to practice once a week, until they start swimming full time. But the team has also started lifting, Tuesday and Thursday mornings form 6:15 - 7:15 am. This is easier for me to do, b/c my mom can come upstairs and bug me if I don't get up. :) I'm not very good at self-motivation.
So today was the first day I went. We had to leave at 6 am. Which means I got to get up at 5:45 am. And as my Facebook status says... "since when is there a 5:45 in the AM???" But I remember from when I swam, it got easier as the weeks went on, and I'm actually looking forward to it.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Complications
So my week has been full of complications, and it only started 3 days ago! Go figure! And here I thought exercise was supposed to be good for you. For those of you who don't know, I ran a 5k on Monday morning with no training what so ever. And I kept up with mom pretty well (who has been training for almost a year now I think) until about the last half mile when we had to run uphill... yeah that didn't agree with me. I was a tad sore on Tuesday when I woke up. Lol.
So Tuesday I worked Kids' Night. Now in general... I love kid's. I mean, I used to work at a day care while I was in college. You don't do that if you don't love kids. Kids' Night though, is a something totally separate. No server likes Kids' night, and if it were possible, everyone would ask off for Tuesdays. All kids eat free on Tuesday nights... great ploy to get repeat business. Unfortunately parents only get the minimal when their kids eat free. For example: 2 parent and 3 kids come to eat. The 3 kids get 3 kids drinks (free) and 3 kids meals (free). The parents get 2 waters (free) and 2 6oz sirloins, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream and two salads with ranch (about $20 after taxes). So we have a $20 meal for 5 people who sit their for an hour and a half because in order to get their meals free their kids have to do an arts and crafts project, and then the kids are getting their face painted, waiting for Andy the Armadillo to come around and see them, or waiting for the balloon man to come and make them something. After all is said and done, the parents leave you $3, maybe $4 if you're lucky. Now $4 is 20%, but if you only have 10 tables all night, and each one gives you $4... that's only $40, and then you have to pay tipshare and silver... and for that we're tlaking another $10 off your final walk out amount. $30 after 6 hours of work? That's not even minimum wage. Anyways... That's just a taste of Kids Night, you also have to imagine a Chucky Cheese type atmosphere with all the kids every where.
This particular night I went in and got my schedule, and my manager had put me working 6 days in a row (including that night) and he had me expoing on Sunday, when I had specifically told him,when he first asked if I would expo regularly, that I would expo any two days M-Th, but Fri, Sat, and Sun I wanted to serve, because that's when I made bank, and I was hired to Serve anyways, and he had agreed. This was the second time in a row. So after a night of fuming, and getting a $0.50 on a $50, I went to talk to him, and got it sorted out. So I felt better about that.
Yesterday, Wednesday, when I got up in the morning and checked my e-mail, I found that one of my letters of recommendation had been received as well as my Southwest Transcript. They had been received my the Law School Data Assembly Service, which is a service all law schools use. You send transcripts and recommendations to this service, they compile a report and send it to all the schools you're applying too. It's really quite nifty. Well somehow a transcript form the University of Tennessee - Knoxville had been received as well. So I called Knoxville to find out what happened. I talked to 4 different people, and they finally said, no, we have no record of you attending here, we don't know why this was sent here. So I called the LSDAS and they told me that Southwest had sent it, and I needed to call them to get it fixed. So, I called Southwest, and talked to 5 separate people up there before the situation resolved itself. It was obviously a mistake, but I was so confused as to how it happened.
So that's my complicated week... hopefully, the rest of the week is less complicated. Now... back to studying for the LSAT (which I'm taking again at the end of this month).
So Tuesday I worked Kids' Night. Now in general... I love kid's. I mean, I used to work at a day care while I was in college. You don't do that if you don't love kids. Kids' Night though, is a something totally separate. No server likes Kids' night, and if it were possible, everyone would ask off for Tuesdays. All kids eat free on Tuesday nights... great ploy to get repeat business. Unfortunately parents only get the minimal when their kids eat free. For example: 2 parent and 3 kids come to eat. The 3 kids get 3 kids drinks (free) and 3 kids meals (free). The parents get 2 waters (free) and 2 6oz sirloins, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream and two salads with ranch (about $20 after taxes). So we have a $20 meal for 5 people who sit their for an hour and a half because in order to get their meals free their kids have to do an arts and crafts project, and then the kids are getting their face painted, waiting for Andy the Armadillo to come around and see them, or waiting for the balloon man to come and make them something. After all is said and done, the parents leave you $3, maybe $4 if you're lucky. Now $4 is 20%, but if you only have 10 tables all night, and each one gives you $4... that's only $40, and then you have to pay tipshare and silver... and for that we're tlaking another $10 off your final walk out amount. $30 after 6 hours of work? That's not even minimum wage. Anyways... That's just a taste of Kids Night, you also have to imagine a Chucky Cheese type atmosphere with all the kids every where.
This particular night I went in and got my schedule, and my manager had put me working 6 days in a row (including that night) and he had me expoing on Sunday, when I had specifically told him,when he first asked if I would expo regularly, that I would expo any two days M-Th, but Fri, Sat, and Sun I wanted to serve, because that's when I made bank, and I was hired to Serve anyways, and he had agreed. This was the second time in a row. So after a night of fuming, and getting a $0.50 on a $50, I went to talk to him, and got it sorted out. So I felt better about that.
Yesterday, Wednesday, when I got up in the morning and checked my e-mail, I found that one of my letters of recommendation had been received as well as my Southwest Transcript. They had been received my the Law School Data Assembly Service, which is a service all law schools use. You send transcripts and recommendations to this service, they compile a report and send it to all the schools you're applying too. It's really quite nifty. Well somehow a transcript form the University of Tennessee - Knoxville had been received as well. So I called Knoxville to find out what happened. I talked to 4 different people, and they finally said, no, we have no record of you attending here, we don't know why this was sent here. So I called the LSDAS and they told me that Southwest had sent it, and I needed to call them to get it fixed. So, I called Southwest, and talked to 5 separate people up there before the situation resolved itself. It was obviously a mistake, but I was so confused as to how it happened.
So that's my complicated week... hopefully, the rest of the week is less complicated. Now... back to studying for the LSAT (which I'm taking again at the end of this month).
Thursday, August 27, 2009
2 months of news
So I kind of suck at this whole posting thing. Maybe it is because not much is going on. July was spent finishing up the swim season (we did awesome btw) and finishing the whole relaxing summer. :) For my Birthday I went gambling, which I decided I wasn't very good at, but it was still fun. Then I went out to dinner with my parents to Olive Garden, we even got dessert. :) The next day my parents left for Maine, and since my sister was in Florida, I had a huge blow out party! :-D OK... maybe I didn't, but I sure did enjoy having the house to myself for 5 days.
August has been spent looking for jobs and getting ready for law school applications... researching schools, studying for the LSAT (I'm taking it again at the end of September). The more I look into law schools, the more it sounds interesting, and like something I could do, would enjoy doing, and would be good at. I've looked at a bunch of schools... my safety schools, so far, are around here, but my goal is to get into one of the top schools on the east coast... Cornell, Duke, Virginia, Boston University, George Washington, etc...
I'm leaving to head up to Evansville in a little while. I want to see some friends, and it gives me an opportunity to ask my professors for reccomendations in person, as well as get the registrar to send my transcript without too much hassle. I'll be back early Saturday afternoon, I am lifeguarding a pool party in a neighbor's back yard. As far as September goes... my plan is study for the LSAT and work on applications/personal statements for universities. That's all form Memphis for me. :)
August has been spent looking for jobs and getting ready for law school applications... researching schools, studying for the LSAT (I'm taking it again at the end of September). The more I look into law schools, the more it sounds interesting, and like something I could do, would enjoy doing, and would be good at. I've looked at a bunch of schools... my safety schools, so far, are around here, but my goal is to get into one of the top schools on the east coast... Cornell, Duke, Virginia, Boston University, George Washington, etc...
I'm leaving to head up to Evansville in a little while. I want to see some friends, and it gives me an opportunity to ask my professors for reccomendations in person, as well as get the registrar to send my transcript without too much hassle. I'll be back early Saturday afternoon, I am lifeguarding a pool party in a neighbor's back yard. As far as September goes... my plan is study for the LSAT and work on applications/personal statements for universities. That's all form Memphis for me. :)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Running the show
So this week my mom and sister are in Colorado backpacking around the mountains. I went on the same trip 4 years ago, and I am sure they are being challenged, but having a blast at the same time. So since they're gone, that leaves dad and me for the week. I actually don't remember a time when dad and I have been on our own for more than a weekend. There's not much difference. Only difference is I'm making dinner every night I'm home instead of just every other Tuesday.
Since mom is gone, that takes away one of the the four swim coaches for Rhodes, which doesn't seem bad except that another one of the coaches is busy with Rhodes orientation this week, so he hasn't been at practices either. That leaves Carla and I coaching around 90 kids a day. Also, Carla's youngest son Kyle has been sick all week and hasn't been getting better, so a visit to the hospital might be on the agenda tonight for her, which would leave me to run the show at practice tomorrow. That's kinda scary since usually we have two different practices going on at the same time. I really hope Kyle doesn't have to go to hospital... for more than one reason.
Last, but not least. Work. I work Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun, usually. Last weekend, I got up the nerve to ask my boss if I could sit down with him sometime to discuss what I would need to do to be considered for a management position should one open up while I am working there (since there's a good chance I'll be there for a while). He suggested I come in early on Wed and we can sit down and talk. Hopefully good things will come. While at work on Sunday I had one of the assistant managers (who's also my friend) ask if I could help her enter guest information (also known as fishbowls). $7 an hour, I can do it from home. So yesterday I spent 6 hours watching TV and entering fishbowls. I'm hoping that'll win me brownie points, and the fact that the other assistant managers love me, can't hurt either. So we'll see what happens tomorrow. It'll be a long day.
Tonight... TRANSFORMERS 2!!!!!!! Midnight showing.
Since mom is gone, that takes away one of the the four swim coaches for Rhodes, which doesn't seem bad except that another one of the coaches is busy with Rhodes orientation this week, so he hasn't been at practices either. That leaves Carla and I coaching around 90 kids a day. Also, Carla's youngest son Kyle has been sick all week and hasn't been getting better, so a visit to the hospital might be on the agenda tonight for her, which would leave me to run the show at practice tomorrow. That's kinda scary since usually we have two different practices going on at the same time. I really hope Kyle doesn't have to go to hospital... for more than one reason.
Last, but not least. Work. I work Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun, usually. Last weekend, I got up the nerve to ask my boss if I could sit down with him sometime to discuss what I would need to do to be considered for a management position should one open up while I am working there (since there's a good chance I'll be there for a while). He suggested I come in early on Wed and we can sit down and talk. Hopefully good things will come. While at work on Sunday I had one of the assistant managers (who's also my friend) ask if I could help her enter guest information (also known as fishbowls). $7 an hour, I can do it from home. So yesterday I spent 6 hours watching TV and entering fishbowls. I'm hoping that'll win me brownie points, and the fact that the other assistant managers love me, can't hurt either. So we'll see what happens tomorrow. It'll be a long day.
Tonight... TRANSFORMERS 2!!!!!!! Midnight showing.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
no power
So we, here in Memphis, are without power and have been without power for 23 hours. We had a huge storm go through last night. We had straight line winds and it was raining so hard at one time that we couldn't see the house across the street! It was nuts man. It started raining about 4:45 and the power went off around 5. We waited for about an hour, hoping the power would come back on, but no such luck. So mom, dad, me, chels, and chels's 2 friends danielle and kayla all went out for dinner. Turns out the power lines that go to our house had a tree fall on them. It's 3:45 and still no one is out there working on the power lines. Go figure! We came back and decided we would play board games. So that's what we did. We played Blurt twice and Uno 5 times. :) Dad and mom placed first and second at blurt (respectively) both times. And then Chelsea's friend Kayla won Uno (we were keeping score). After that I took Chels, kayla, and danielle over to danielle's house (who was also without power) so they could stay the night. This morning me, mom, dad cleaned up the front yard and some other various chores. We drove around the neighborhood a few times. There are a ton of trees down and branches. A couple houses down from where I'm house sitting a huge tree fell and landed right in front of the house, but still broke some of the windows. The house I'm at is fine. :) So tonight I work at 4:30 and I gave mom and dad the key to the house so they can chill here in the A/C with the tv and wireless. :) Hopefully they'll get power on soon to our house, if not, it's lucky we have a place to stay. Needless to say it's been an interesting weekend so far.
For those of you who don't know, I took the LSAT on Monday. It was mentally draining. I was there for 6 hours. I think I did ok though. We'll see. I take the GRE on Monday. I need to look over my math for that. I think I'll do that tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
For those of you who don't know, I took the LSAT on Monday. It was mentally draining. I was there for 6 hours. I think I did ok though. We'll see. I take the GRE on Monday. I need to look over my math for that. I think I'll do that tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Answers and Softball
Yeah, so it took me a little longer to get these up. Hope no one was dying for the answers. :)
1) D
2) D
3) A
4) C
5) D
So the past week in my life has been devoted to watching the Women's College World Series. I watch it downstairs on the big tv so my parents get to watch too (and listen to me yell at the tv). Last night was the final game. Washington (3) beat Florida (1) 3 to 2 for their first championship in the WCWS. :) Both teams would have won for the first time, but Florida would have won one for the SEC for the first time in the conference history. :) It was a great game. The first two runs of each were off of missed balls and wild pitches. I was going for Arizona State because their pitcher is from Tulsa, but they lost. :( Oh well. That's my exciting moment. :)
1) D
2) D
3) A
4) C
5) D
So the past week in my life has been devoted to watching the Women's College World Series. I watch it downstairs on the big tv so my parents get to watch too (and listen to me yell at the tv). Last night was the final game. Washington (3) beat Florida (1) 3 to 2 for their first championship in the WCWS. :) Both teams would have won for the first time, but Florida would have won one for the SEC for the first time in the conference history. :) It was a great game. The first two runs of each were off of missed balls and wild pitches. I was going for Arizona State because their pitcher is from Tulsa, but they lost. :( Oh well. That's my exciting moment. :)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
LSAT Blues
So I am taking the LSATs on June 8 at the University of Memphis at noon. I signed up about two weeks ago, and got a study booklet, like the ones you get for the ACT and SAT. I had one for the ACT and I did better on it by studying from it, so I figured why not do the same thing. Well it seems like the more I study, the worse I'm getting. The points they make are helpful, but every time I do a practice set, I miss more than half. Now, it has been a while since I've had math, but that's not too good. Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on myself or something. I really like the logic games though. I think that's a plus. I also think I like them because they call them games. Lol. I've gone through 2 of the 4 sections, and I have reading comprehension and writing section left. Neither of which I'm worried about because reading comprehension is standard on all tests, and writing is writing. I'll have to argue a point of view, which I did all through college as well as growing up, thanks to my father who everytime I would say somethign at dinner made me explain why I thought that. :)
Anyways... I just needed to blow off some steam. Enjoy this logic game I am placing below. Have a good Memorial Weekend!
Eigth albums are to be played at a party. Two of the albums are country--G and H, three of the albums are dance--J, K, and L, and three of the albums are folk--M, N, and P. The two country albums are to be played consecutively, the three dance albums are to be played consecutively, and the three folk albums are to be played consecutively. The following conditions apply:
- Each album is played exactly once
- The dance albums are played after the country albums or after the folk albums, but not after both.
- Album N is played before album P and album G is played before album H.
- No two albums are played at the same time.
1. Which of the following statements must be false?
(a) Album G is played first.
(b) Album G is played seventh.
(c) Album H is played second.
(d) Album H is played seventh.
(e) Album M is played third.
2. Which of the following could be true?
(a) Album G is played second.
(b) Album G is played eighth.
(c) Album K is played first.
(d) Album N is played second.
(e) Album N is played third.
3. Which of the following CANNOT be an accurate list of the albums that are played second, third, and fourth?
(a) N, M, J
(b) P, M, J
(c) N, P, K
(d) H, J, K
(e) H, K, L
4. If album P is played immediately before album M, then which one of the following statements could be true?
(a) Album P is played first.
(b) Album P is played sixth.
(c) Album M is played third.
(d) Album M is played seventh.
(e) Album M is played second.
5. If albums K and N are played consecutively, but not necessarily in that order, which of the following statements must be false?
(a) Album N is played before album M.
(b) Album J is played before album L.
(c) Album L is played before album J.
(d) Album M is played before album H.
(e) Album G is played before album K.
*Answers posted this weekend.
Anyways... I just needed to blow off some steam. Enjoy this logic game I am placing below. Have a good Memorial Weekend!
Eigth albums are to be played at a party. Two of the albums are country--G and H, three of the albums are dance--J, K, and L, and three of the albums are folk--M, N, and P. The two country albums are to be played consecutively, the three dance albums are to be played consecutively, and the three folk albums are to be played consecutively. The following conditions apply:
- Each album is played exactly once
- The dance albums are played after the country albums or after the folk albums, but not after both.
- Album N is played before album P and album G is played before album H.
- No two albums are played at the same time.
1. Which of the following statements must be false?
(a) Album G is played first.
(b) Album G is played seventh.
(c) Album H is played second.
(d) Album H is played seventh.
(e) Album M is played third.
2. Which of the following could be true?
(a) Album G is played second.
(b) Album G is played eighth.
(c) Album K is played first.
(d) Album N is played second.
(e) Album N is played third.
3. Which of the following CANNOT be an accurate list of the albums that are played second, third, and fourth?
(a) N, M, J
(b) P, M, J
(c) N, P, K
(d) H, J, K
(e) H, K, L
4. If album P is played immediately before album M, then which one of the following statements could be true?
(a) Album P is played first.
(b) Album P is played sixth.
(c) Album M is played third.
(d) Album M is played seventh.
(e) Album M is played second.
5. If albums K and N are played consecutively, but not necessarily in that order, which of the following statements must be false?
(a) Album N is played before album M.
(b) Album J is played before album L.
(c) Album L is played before album J.
(d) Album M is played before album H.
(e) Album G is played before album K.
*Answers posted this weekend.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Week Ago Today...
So a week ago today I graduated from college. I have been an alumnae (?) of the university of Evansville for 1 week and an alumnae of Phi Mu for 3 weeks. I spent the week before graduation contemplating packing, and then doing so. My bestest cousin in the world and her son came to see me on the Thursday before graduation. After we put him to bed Erin, my best friend Stephanie, and myself went out for a night on the town. We went to Rira's and Irish pub and then headed to Fast Eddy's where we saw a few of my sorority sisters. Although we didn't plan on staying out late, it was 2am before we left. :)
Friday Erin and Gavin watched me pack the rest of my stuff away. That night around dinner time my family got into town where I got the biggest surprise. My mom called me and said she forgot which dorm was mine so could I come outside, and as I walked into the parking lot wondering just how forgetful my mom was I saw some people get out of my dad's car. It looked like my dad, but taller, and I was thinking "no way". Apparently I did this stop/go walk and said "what the crap?" but I don't remember that. :) One of my Uncles and Aunts came all the way from England to see me graduate! I was shocked! It was a great surprise though.
Saturday was graduation day. I had to be there at 12:30 where they started lining us up 45 minutes before we walked in. Once I figured out around where I would stand I walked around and saw a lot of my friends and teachers. Got pictures taken. Then we could hear drums playing, and the lines inched up. Finally it was our turn to walk in. It was very surreal and exciting. Because of the Swine Flu epidemic we all had little bottles of purell sitting on our seats with our programs. Lol. The ceremony was about 3 hours. Our commencment speaker was also not very good. It was all doom and gloom, you are all doomed, you are graduting during a receesion, you will all fail. Apparently from the sudience you could see all the graduates open their programs when he started talking. I finally got my turn to walk across stage. :) Then I got to sit through the other 400 students! After graduation, I opened my presents... I got a new laptop! Yay! It's kind of what I wanted... a lot! Then we packed my parent's and Uncle's cars with the stuff I had packed. That night we went to an amazing Italian resturaunt called Biaggi's.
The next day we headed home. 5 hours and two car accidents later (ones Chels and I saw) we made it home, unloaded my car, and then had dinner. :) Uncle Stephen and Aunt Lynne spent the weekend exploring Memphis and the surrounding area. I unpacked my clothes and such on Monday and then spent the rest of the week speculating where everything else would go. I've also been studying for the LSAT and GRE which I am taking June 8 and June 15 respectively. Friday night we all went to Texas de Brazil, paid for by Uncle Stephen. Then we walked around Beale St and along the river to see BBQ fest. Mom, dad, and Chels went home, and I stayed downtown with Uncle Stephen and Lynne and had a drink. It was so much fun. Uncle Stephen and Lynne left this morning, which was followed by my dad telling me I should unpack, so I unpacked one full box and some odds and ends. Tonight mom and I went to see Angels and Demons. It was really good.
Now Begins the summer. I have some more unpacking to do. I'll be coaching the Rhodes summer swim team with my mom again as well as working part time at Texas Roadhouse. Since I was not part of the luck 25% (possibly less) of my class to get a job, I've decided to take June to just relax. When July hits I will start actively looking for a job again. Perferably in Chicago or St. Louis, but we'll see. I'm goign to try to go see some people this summer, so that'll be nice too. :) Have a great summer everyone!
Friday Erin and Gavin watched me pack the rest of my stuff away. That night around dinner time my family got into town where I got the biggest surprise. My mom called me and said she forgot which dorm was mine so could I come outside, and as I walked into the parking lot wondering just how forgetful my mom was I saw some people get out of my dad's car. It looked like my dad, but taller, and I was thinking "no way". Apparently I did this stop/go walk and said "what the crap?" but I don't remember that. :) One of my Uncles and Aunts came all the way from England to see me graduate! I was shocked! It was a great surprise though.
Saturday was graduation day. I had to be there at 12:30 where they started lining us up 45 minutes before we walked in. Once I figured out around where I would stand I walked around and saw a lot of my friends and teachers. Got pictures taken. Then we could hear drums playing, and the lines inched up. Finally it was our turn to walk in. It was very surreal and exciting. Because of the Swine Flu epidemic we all had little bottles of purell sitting on our seats with our programs. Lol. The ceremony was about 3 hours. Our commencment speaker was also not very good. It was all doom and gloom, you are all doomed, you are graduting during a receesion, you will all fail. Apparently from the sudience you could see all the graduates open their programs when he started talking. I finally got my turn to walk across stage. :) Then I got to sit through the other 400 students! After graduation, I opened my presents... I got a new laptop! Yay! It's kind of what I wanted... a lot! Then we packed my parent's and Uncle's cars with the stuff I had packed. That night we went to an amazing Italian resturaunt called Biaggi's.
The next day we headed home. 5 hours and two car accidents later (ones Chels and I saw) we made it home, unloaded my car, and then had dinner. :) Uncle Stephen and Aunt Lynne spent the weekend exploring Memphis and the surrounding area. I unpacked my clothes and such on Monday and then spent the rest of the week speculating where everything else would go. I've also been studying for the LSAT and GRE which I am taking June 8 and June 15 respectively. Friday night we all went to Texas de Brazil, paid for by Uncle Stephen. Then we walked around Beale St and along the river to see BBQ fest. Mom, dad, and Chels went home, and I stayed downtown with Uncle Stephen and Lynne and had a drink. It was so much fun. Uncle Stephen and Lynne left this morning, which was followed by my dad telling me I should unpack, so I unpacked one full box and some odds and ends. Tonight mom and I went to see Angels and Demons. It was really good.
Now Begins the summer. I have some more unpacking to do. I'll be coaching the Rhodes summer swim team with my mom again as well as working part time at Texas Roadhouse. Since I was not part of the luck 25% (possibly less) of my class to get a job, I've decided to take June to just relax. When July hits I will start actively looking for a job again. Perferably in Chicago or St. Louis, but we'll see. I'm goign to try to go see some people this summer, so that'll be nice too. :) Have a great summer everyone!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
3 more days....
So I've decided keeping up with a blog is harder than I thought... I never have enough motivation or time to write. Oh well. This summer I'll have more time probably.
So speaking of this summer... it starts in 3 days. That's right... I am finally graduating college and I am gradating in 3 days... on Saturday. I will graduate with my B.S. in Communications and a minor in Business Administration, with honors. I'm almost positive I completed my goal of graduating Cum Lade. :-D Since the economy is not doing so good, it is really hard to find a job. I have decided to take the summer off, and have one last summer vacation. I'll work as a swim coach at Rhodes in the morning and work at Texas Roadhouse in the evenings.
I will be taking the LSATs and GRE come June. I won't necessarily use those, but it's good to have options. I'm also thinking about getting my teaching certificate. I wouldn't mind doing that (then I might be able to help with softball wherever I end up :)) I wouldn't be a teacher forever, but maybe for a few years. Who knows, mybe I would love it... like most of the rest of the family. :-P Let's see we have 8 I believe (I'm counting the mom's that home school). Although, law school has always interested me and I've been told I should be a lawyer for a long time, so who knows. I have to get past the LSATs for that one first (and from the little I've read, that test scares me!)
Well that's an update on my life. It's pretty simple. Finishing off softball this week. Btw, on that note, the Varsity beat Castle last night 3 to 2. Just to give you an idea of how cool that is. Castle is like the number one school in the state for pretty much every sport, especially softball. The last time Mater Dei beat Castle was many many many years ago. There was lots of cheering, jumping up and down, and horn honking when we got back to school. We decided to have practice today though to bring them back down from their high and get them focused on the game on Thursday.
Graduation on Saturday! Erin and Gavin will be here tomorrow and parents and sister will be here on Friday, and they're going to come watch my softball game! :) Sunday I will leave Evansville. It's very sad, but for the next few days I'll be packing and saying good-bye. I seriously don't think it'll hit me until next August, when I don't go back to school. We'll see. Have a great rest of the week everyone!
So speaking of this summer... it starts in 3 days. That's right... I am finally graduating college and I am gradating in 3 days... on Saturday. I will graduate with my B.S. in Communications and a minor in Business Administration, with honors. I'm almost positive I completed my goal of graduating Cum Lade. :-D Since the economy is not doing so good, it is really hard to find a job. I have decided to take the summer off, and have one last summer vacation. I'll work as a swim coach at Rhodes in the morning and work at Texas Roadhouse in the evenings.
I will be taking the LSATs and GRE come June. I won't necessarily use those, but it's good to have options. I'm also thinking about getting my teaching certificate. I wouldn't mind doing that (then I might be able to help with softball wherever I end up :)) I wouldn't be a teacher forever, but maybe for a few years. Who knows, mybe I would love it... like most of the rest of the family. :-P Let's see we have 8 I believe (I'm counting the mom's that home school). Although, law school has always interested me and I've been told I should be a lawyer for a long time, so who knows. I have to get past the LSATs for that one first (and from the little I've read, that test scares me!)
Well that's an update on my life. It's pretty simple. Finishing off softball this week. Btw, on that note, the Varsity beat Castle last night 3 to 2. Just to give you an idea of how cool that is. Castle is like the number one school in the state for pretty much every sport, especially softball. The last time Mater Dei beat Castle was many many many years ago. There was lots of cheering, jumping up and down, and horn honking when we got back to school. We decided to have practice today though to bring them back down from their high and get them focused on the game on Thursday.
Graduation on Saturday! Erin and Gavin will be here tomorrow and parents and sister will be here on Friday, and they're going to come watch my softball game! :) Sunday I will leave Evansville. It's very sad, but for the next few days I'll be packing and saying good-bye. I seriously don't think it'll hit me until next August, when I don't go back to school. We'll see. Have a great rest of the week everyone!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Formal 2009
Amanda and IThis past weekend was my last formal. Formal is like a prom for my sorority. :) I had the best time ever. My friend Scott flew into take me (he's from Canada). He flew in Wednesday night and hung out with me and my roommates. for the weekend. Thursday night was Phi Mu's last Floor Hockey game for the season. We were in the championship game playing Guess Who (PT Majors). This was the third year we faced them in the championship, we lost the last two games, so we went in planning to win! *Btw, for those of you who remember, floor hockey is how I broke my ankle two years ago, and my parents freak out every time I tell them I'm still playing, LOL. (love you mom)* Scott, who plays goalie for his team up in Canada enjoyed the game, he said he was surprised how agressive we were for girls, especially since we weren't wearing any pads. We ended up losing in regulation time 2-0. We were not happy. One of the girl's parents (Victoria) live about a half hour away so they come to all of our IM games, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, etc... Well the past couple games, including thi one, they brought snacks... water, capri sun, granola bars, cookies. It was just like being back in softball when I was younger and there was a list of who's turn it was to bring snacks after the game. :) I love her parents... I think that rocks. :) After the game amanda, jesse, scott, and I went back to the apartment and watched a few movies.
Scott, me, Amanda, JesseFriday was the day of formal, and Scott cooked dinner the four of us: bacon-wrapped scallops in garlic butter, ceaser salad, and mashed potatoes... mmmmm. :) As far as dates go, I obviously took Scott, Amanda took Jesse (her boyfriend), and Emily, my other roommate, tooke her 2 sisters (she's s triplet). I've never seen Emily mad, but she let one of here sisters "trim" here hair, and the sister took too uch off, and Emily was so pissed! Formal was amazing. We got our senior slide show. There was lots of dancing and pictures (all of which are up on Facebook). After formal a bunch of us went out to a local club for some more dancing, until like 3 am. So much fun.
Emily (in the middle) and her two sistersSaturday morning I had to get up and go to a softball game. I had to be there at 9:30 am. We won though. It was our first game of the season and we won 4 to 2! It was a really exciting game. There were some stupid mistakes by our team, but they made some great plays as well. That night Scott took me on a date. We went and played mini golf, we went ice skating, he took me to dinner at the Roadhouse, we went out to Rira's irish Pub, and then came back and watched Twilight. It was one of the best dates I've ever been on. :) Sunday we just laid around and watched movies all day. It was fun. Monday he left and I started getting back into my normal routine (of course not for long, since I leave for home on Wed. :-D).
Scott and IAll in all, that was a good last for me (last formal that is). We all had fun, and I think the pics prove that. I'll put some up here. I'm really ready to go home for a while though. It's been a while because I really don't count that day in February. Btw... Happy Easter Everyone!
Seniors!
My pledge class (minus half) PC '05!
Greek Family!Little-Little (Deirdre), me, and Little (Porsche)
Scott and Amanda
Me and Jesse
I'm not really sure... we did this last year, so we decided to do it again. :)32 days and counting
Can you believe it? I will graduate in 32 days! I can't believe it, so there's no way other people believe it! It's starting to get into the home stretch here. The grad invited have been sent out, and I'm starting to get e-mails about farewell parties and such. The communications farewell party is April 28 at noon. Phi Mu's Senior Send-Off is I believe the Saturday before that. We're coming to the point where all my projects are beginning to be due. My senior sem project is due in two weeks... that's when we give our presentation. My mock trial will be in 2 weeks, my last set of commercials and my final video project are both due the last week of school (so about 3 weeks). I'm past the freaking out stage and to the point where I've decided it's not worth my time to freak. I'm still nervous, but I think I'm finally to the point where I'm just gonna let what happens happen. I'm leaving tomorrow night to go home for Easter Break... I'll get about 5 days at home (it's like another SB) and I plan to get caught up on some reading, and just in general relax before the big push for the last 3 weeks of school. When I come back from break, that week is Greek Week and the week ends in Sunset concert, which I'm volunteering for, and Bike Race on Saturday, Softball goes to about 3 or 4 games a week, IM softball begins, and as far as Phi Mu things go, we've got sisterhood retreat, 3D, passdown, our last formal meeting, and an initiation. Also, there's a couple of us planning on roadtripping down to Memphis the first weekend in May for Music Fest weekend. It look slike a busy last month of school, and it is, which is kind of bad because that means it'll fly by. Oh well... I plan to enjoy it while it lasts! :-D
Friday, March 27, 2009
Some random thoughts....
So i'm in a contemplative mood today. I've got two more shifts at the Roadhouse (at least for now) and i have some thoughts on people going out to eat, and some observances. First of all, and the big one... If you don't have the money to tip your server at least 15% then don't go out to eat. The old saying, Servers live and die by their tips is true. I make $2.13 an hour, I work about 21 hours a week, which should equal $84 every two weeks, but I claim my tips at the end of the night, and the governement takes taxes out of my paycheck for those. usually my paychecks are between $4 and $7.
Wednesday I got $8 on $96 and $0 on $27. I believe myself to be a pretty good server. I feel like I'm attentive, sometimes I'm scatterbrained and will occassionally forget something that a customer asks me for, but they usually remind me, I apologize, and I get it right away. I once got a crappy tip becuase the customer had to ask for a refill. I had three other tables, and because they had to ask me for a refill (at the end of their meal, after they were done, I might add) they only gave me like 5%. People who demand perfection of their servers will usually get disappointed. I try my hardest to be the best for my customers because ultimately they decide my future, which is a scary thought. Your livelihood depends on complete strangers and you being nice to them. I think that is kind of a lesson for life. The golden rule at it's finest, treat others as you would want to be treated.
How people treat their servers. That's a different story all together. I have my share of fun and nice customers. For example, last night a man and his wife came in and we kind of laughed and joked around, and when i ran his credit card I looked at the name (I try and call people by their names when I return their card, if i can pronounce it). His name was John Johns. When I asked him about it, he started laughing, which made me and his wife laugh. It was a good way to end the night, with a good laugh.
Also, last week, I had 4 guys come in from Louisville, they were in town on business, Jerry, Joey, Mike, and I forget the 4th. Anyways, They came in right as I got closed, so when I got done with my cloisng stuff (and even during) I just chatted with them. Well this week, they came in again, and I saw them as I was checking out, so After I clocked out I went over to say hey, and they were like, can we buy you a beer? so I chatted with them again. They came in again last night, also, right as I got off, so I sat and chatted with them. Customers like that, who are fun to hang with are so cool.
But what goes around comes around, and every once in a while you get those customers who you just want to strangle. You get those people who come in and think they are better than you because you are serving them. There's a saying in the industry, if you get a compliment, then you get a cheap tip. There are exceptions to the rule, but usually if someone is like, oh you were a great server we loved you, etc... they give you 10% or less, it's like they believe the compliment is part of your tip, or they feel guilty because they can't really tip that much. Then you get the people who hardley talk to you. Before you even greet them, they're already telling you what they want to drink and eat, or they're on the phone holding up a finger. If you go out to eat, stay off your phone... that's just as rude as talking on the phone at the dinner table at home!
My biggest pet peeve, although I don't get this as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis, but it still does happen every once in a while, happen during Sunday morning shifts. Now, I am a Christian, I have been all my life. At Texas Roadhouse, you have to be able to work a Sunday shift, either morning or afternoon, because no one wants to work them. Well I can't work the nigth shift, so I work the morning shift. Family, I love you, and I don't mean this to be offensive or mean in anyway, but churchgoers are the WORST cumtomers to have! I would say about 9 out of 10 churchgoers are 10% tippers, act like they're better than everyone else, and leave you little pamphlets that say "have you found God?" I'm sorry, but just because I work Sunday mornings does not mean I am a horrible person. Like I said, i don't get that as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis. In Memphis, you'd be lucky to walk out of a Sunday shift (morning or night) with more than $30 and less than 4 flyers. In Evansville, I can usually walk out of the morning shift with at least $50 and no flyers, so that's nice.
Those are just some of my thoughts on serving. Things I've noticed and stuff. I have a lot more as well actually, but I think I'll leave those for another day. Have a great Friday!
Wednesday I got $8 on $96 and $0 on $27. I believe myself to be a pretty good server. I feel like I'm attentive, sometimes I'm scatterbrained and will occassionally forget something that a customer asks me for, but they usually remind me, I apologize, and I get it right away. I once got a crappy tip becuase the customer had to ask for a refill. I had three other tables, and because they had to ask me for a refill (at the end of their meal, after they were done, I might add) they only gave me like 5%. People who demand perfection of their servers will usually get disappointed. I try my hardest to be the best for my customers because ultimately they decide my future, which is a scary thought. Your livelihood depends on complete strangers and you being nice to them. I think that is kind of a lesson for life. The golden rule at it's finest, treat others as you would want to be treated.
How people treat their servers. That's a different story all together. I have my share of fun and nice customers. For example, last night a man and his wife came in and we kind of laughed and joked around, and when i ran his credit card I looked at the name (I try and call people by their names when I return their card, if i can pronounce it). His name was John Johns. When I asked him about it, he started laughing, which made me and his wife laugh. It was a good way to end the night, with a good laugh.
Also, last week, I had 4 guys come in from Louisville, they were in town on business, Jerry, Joey, Mike, and I forget the 4th. Anyways, They came in right as I got closed, so when I got done with my cloisng stuff (and even during) I just chatted with them. Well this week, they came in again, and I saw them as I was checking out, so After I clocked out I went over to say hey, and they were like, can we buy you a beer? so I chatted with them again. They came in again last night, also, right as I got off, so I sat and chatted with them. Customers like that, who are fun to hang with are so cool.
But what goes around comes around, and every once in a while you get those customers who you just want to strangle. You get those people who come in and think they are better than you because you are serving them. There's a saying in the industry, if you get a compliment, then you get a cheap tip. There are exceptions to the rule, but usually if someone is like, oh you were a great server we loved you, etc... they give you 10% or less, it's like they believe the compliment is part of your tip, or they feel guilty because they can't really tip that much. Then you get the people who hardley talk to you. Before you even greet them, they're already telling you what they want to drink and eat, or they're on the phone holding up a finger. If you go out to eat, stay off your phone... that's just as rude as talking on the phone at the dinner table at home!
My biggest pet peeve, although I don't get this as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis, but it still does happen every once in a while, happen during Sunday morning shifts. Now, I am a Christian, I have been all my life. At Texas Roadhouse, you have to be able to work a Sunday shift, either morning or afternoon, because no one wants to work them. Well I can't work the nigth shift, so I work the morning shift. Family, I love you, and I don't mean this to be offensive or mean in anyway, but churchgoers are the WORST cumtomers to have! I would say about 9 out of 10 churchgoers are 10% tippers, act like they're better than everyone else, and leave you little pamphlets that say "have you found God?" I'm sorry, but just because I work Sunday mornings does not mean I am a horrible person. Like I said, i don't get that as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis. In Memphis, you'd be lucky to walk out of a Sunday shift (morning or night) with more than $30 and less than 4 flyers. In Evansville, I can usually walk out of the morning shift with at least $50 and no flyers, so that's nice.
Those are just some of my thoughts on serving. Things I've noticed and stuff. I have a lot more as well actually, but I think I'll leave those for another day. Have a great Friday!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
retreat and stuff
So anyone who knows me, knows that softball is my favorite thing the entire world. When I was in my wreck and couldn't play anymore it literally tore my heart in two. I was miserable. When I came to college, and I found out there was a softball intramural, I of course wanted to play. i was kind of nervous because I hadn't thrown since my junior year, but I was able to throw the ball, not very well (obviously 2 years of not doing it will do that to you). I was so excited. The next year I wasn't able to play b/c I broke my ankle playing floor hockey. I was so mad. I told people to let me be catcher. I didn't have to run around for that, but apparently that's not allowed. Lol.
The reason I tell that story is because, now I can tell this story. Last year, when I was on executive board of my sorority, i found out that our chapter adviser was head coach of a local high school softball team. It was going to be her first year. I really wanted to see if I could help out, so I finally got up the courage to ask if she needed any help. The answer was yes! I got to be an assistant coach for Mater Dei High School Softball team. I got to coach first in JV games, and I had a blast. It was weird thought, because I was still pretty young, and I was used to playing, never coaching. I didn't speak up very much, just kind of observed. I knew all the players, but they didn't really know me. I had so much fun seeing this team do well though. The year before they had only won like 6 games. The won 15 games last year.
This year, I had planned to do it again, and so when Shelly asked, I was all over it. I did have to work this semester, so i couldn't attend all the practices. I attended maybe 2 a week starting in February. My last day at work is this Sunday, and after that I will be able to make most practices and games. We started practicing outside after I got back from Spring Break. That's when I met the other coaches. There's Shelly (who I already knew) the head Coach, Bill, the Assistant Varsity coach, Kyle, the head JV coach, and me, the assistant JV coach. This basically means I'm the lowest of the coaches, but I'm still a coach, so I don't care
This week is Mater Dei's Spring Break, and so they had a softball retreat. We went to Camp Ondessank in Ozark, IL and did some low ropes stuff and then stayed the night. We left around 9 am on Monday (I got to drive a huge van, it was like an 15 passenger with some seats missing, it was so weird), and got there a little before 11. We ate some lunch (PB&J and chips), then we headed out to the course. The first element they did was they all stood on a log and had to switch places so the weren't standing next to the same people. You couldn't touch the ground or else you had to start over. They got that pretty quickly. Next we moved to the wheel. They had to get everyone over a wheel (which turned) that was about 5 feet off the ground, and they had to stay connected the entire time. If they got disconnected, they had to start over. This one took a while for them to get. At one point we made them stop, and talk it out so everyone was on the same page. After that, they got it. It still took a while for them to do it, but they did it.
The last element the did was fun to watch. They had to get across a wire, that was about 6 in off the ground using only ropes hanging down, and once a rope was touched, it had to be continuously touched or else they would lose it. This one took a while as well, but only because people kept falling off, and they had to start over. Also, the juniors and seniors weren't allowed to talk during this time. After that, they sat in a circle and discussed the things they did that day and what they learned. Apparently last year they didn't get as much out of it, too many leaders and not enough people to step back. This year they enjoyed it a lot more.
After that we went back to the cabins, which they call tree houses. There's a picture below, but it's a cabin on stilts with one wall missing. It was interesting. Not what I was expecting at all. Of course the beds were very uncomfortable, so I didn't sleep that well, but it was great being outdoors. :) We had a campfire that night where we listened to stories, sang some songs (or therefore attempted to), and ate foil burgers, made s'mores, and roasted peeps. Lol. Of course the girls were up most of the night, and we left the next morning. Oh, and within the first 15 minutes of being there, one of girls got hurt. Kim Butts, one of our catchers, who is probably already out half the season because she is having rotater cuff issues. Anyways, she tripped (and not even overly tripped, she just kinda went down on one knee) and about 5 minutes later she came over and was like, I'm bleeding. Her leg was covered in blood, and she had a huge gash in her knee. It was so deep, it didn't bleed that much. She got to go to the hospital with Shelly and get internal and external stitches. So she had a good retreat.
I'm really excited about this season. We have a small team (only 19, minus two players, one for injury, one for grades, and so we're down to 17) so we probably won't be able to play a full JV schedule which stinks for the freshmen. Our first game is April 4, a week from Saturday (the morning after Phi Mu's formal) so that should be fun. Anyways, here's some pics form the retreat. Enjoy.
The reason I tell that story is because, now I can tell this story. Last year, when I was on executive board of my sorority, i found out that our chapter adviser was head coach of a local high school softball team. It was going to be her first year. I really wanted to see if I could help out, so I finally got up the courage to ask if she needed any help. The answer was yes! I got to be an assistant coach for Mater Dei High School Softball team. I got to coach first in JV games, and I had a blast. It was weird thought, because I was still pretty young, and I was used to playing, never coaching. I didn't speak up very much, just kind of observed. I knew all the players, but they didn't really know me. I had so much fun seeing this team do well though. The year before they had only won like 6 games. The won 15 games last year.
This year, I had planned to do it again, and so when Shelly asked, I was all over it. I did have to work this semester, so i couldn't attend all the practices. I attended maybe 2 a week starting in February. My last day at work is this Sunday, and after that I will be able to make most practices and games. We started practicing outside after I got back from Spring Break. That's when I met the other coaches. There's Shelly (who I already knew) the head Coach, Bill, the Assistant Varsity coach, Kyle, the head JV coach, and me, the assistant JV coach. This basically means I'm the lowest of the coaches, but I'm still a coach, so I don't care
This week is Mater Dei's Spring Break, and so they had a softball retreat. We went to Camp Ondessank in Ozark, IL and did some low ropes stuff and then stayed the night. We left around 9 am on Monday (I got to drive a huge van, it was like an 15 passenger with some seats missing, it was so weird), and got there a little before 11. We ate some lunch (PB&J and chips), then we headed out to the course. The first element they did was they all stood on a log and had to switch places so the weren't standing next to the same people. You couldn't touch the ground or else you had to start over. They got that pretty quickly. Next we moved to the wheel. They had to get everyone over a wheel (which turned) that was about 5 feet off the ground, and they had to stay connected the entire time. If they got disconnected, they had to start over. This one took a while for them to get. At one point we made them stop, and talk it out so everyone was on the same page. After that, they got it. It still took a while for them to do it, but they did it.
The last element the did was fun to watch. They had to get across a wire, that was about 6 in off the ground using only ropes hanging down, and once a rope was touched, it had to be continuously touched or else they would lose it. This one took a while as well, but only because people kept falling off, and they had to start over. Also, the juniors and seniors weren't allowed to talk during this time. After that, they sat in a circle and discussed the things they did that day and what they learned. Apparently last year they didn't get as much out of it, too many leaders and not enough people to step back. This year they enjoyed it a lot more.
After that we went back to the cabins, which they call tree houses. There's a picture below, but it's a cabin on stilts with one wall missing. It was interesting. Not what I was expecting at all. Of course the beds were very uncomfortable, so I didn't sleep that well, but it was great being outdoors. :) We had a campfire that night where we listened to stories, sang some songs (or therefore attempted to), and ate foil burgers, made s'mores, and roasted peeps. Lol. Of course the girls were up most of the night, and we left the next morning. Oh, and within the first 15 minutes of being there, one of girls got hurt. Kim Butts, one of our catchers, who is probably already out half the season because she is having rotater cuff issues. Anyways, she tripped (and not even overly tripped, she just kinda went down on one knee) and about 5 minutes later she came over and was like, I'm bleeding. Her leg was covered in blood, and she had a huge gash in her knee. It was so deep, it didn't bleed that much. She got to go to the hospital with Shelly and get internal and external stitches. So she had a good retreat.
I'm really excited about this season. We have a small team (only 19, minus two players, one for injury, one for grades, and so we're down to 17) so we probably won't be able to play a full JV schedule which stinks for the freshmen. Our first game is April 4, a week from Saturday (the morning after Phi Mu's formal) so that should be fun. Anyways, here's some pics form the retreat. Enjoy.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring Break Recap
Spring Break was an amazing time. I honestly can't remember a time when I had so much fun! We left on Saturday morning around 9am and drove all the way to Lake City, FL. On the way we stopped in Chattanooga, TN so I could see Rachel, one of my best friends, and I saw her house, which is really nice. We stopped in Atlanta, GA to pick up our fourth person, she was flying in from North Carolina, and we stopped in Macon, GA at Weslyean College, where Phi Mu was founded. :) Noelle, was the one coming in from North Carolina. She graduated in December, but had already planned to go on Spring Break with us, even though her Spring Break was this week, not last. She told all her professors that she was going to a wedding, and she was the maid of honor, and so she wouldn't be in class. So for anyone who read my note on Facebook and was confused, that was the 'wedding" and we just decided to run with it one night so we came up with a whole back story.
Anyways, Sunday we left Lake City around 8am and got to Key West around 8 that night. :) We went to Ihop, went to the liquor store, and went back to our hotel. We met some people staying in the room across from us and we went to their room and hung out with them until like 2 am. Monday we got up and went to the beach for the afternoon. It was gorgeous. Every once in a while the clouds would cover the sun, and it would get kinda cold, but nothing too bad. :) That night we went down to Mallory Square and Duval St. to watch the street performers at sunset. We also ate two 1/2lb cookies. We went back to the hotel, grabbed some fast food, and got ready to go out that night. That night we went down to Duval St. We hit up Sloppy Joe's where we were the youngest ones there by about 10 years. Lol. Then we went over to Rick's which is a place with like 5 different areas to hang and listen to music. We started off at the pool table, and then we went dancing. It was a great night. We all poured ourselves into bed the next moring for a few hours.
Tuesday we went to the beach again, and pretty much slept there. There were less clouds that day. That night we got dressed up, and went to the Southern Most Point, got our pictures taken. Then we went to a nice dinner. Our waiter, Kevin, was awesome. After dinner we went back to the hotel, and got ready to go out again. That night we went to the Lazy Gecko and Rick's on Duval St. Katy and I danced the night away, and Noelle and Stephy just hung out. We stayed up all night again. Wednesday morning we left for Miami. We went to Bahia Honda beach which is about half way b/t Key West and Miami. We were only there for about 2 hours, and then we went the rest of the way to Miami. We got in around 7 and checked into our hostel. Then we walked to a Chinese place, and got some food to go. We were so tired, we all just went to bed that night. We were all passed out by midnight. The next day we got up and Stephy and Noelle went to the beach and katy and I went shopping. We met them for lunch at a place called The Big Pink, and then we went to the beach for about an hour, but clouds were coming, and it was cold, so we all went shopping. That was fun. :)
That night we went out for pizza, and as we were walking back we decided that we were going to play out this Wedding thing and have a bachelorette party, so we got Stephy a crown that said bride to be and a $10 ring, and we came up with a back story, and we all had fake names and such. It was fun. So that night we went out to a place called The Mansion. We were only there for like 2 hours because it was so expensive, and pretty lame. we had more fun on the walk back to hostel because we kept running into some interesting people. So we went to bed that night. In the morning we got up and went to the beach. It was gorgeous. No clouds, a slight breeze. It was awesome. I decided to take some surf lessons. I got about 2 hours worth of lessons. it was awesome. I got up and everything. I had so much fun.
Then we laid on the beach for about another hour. That night we got dressed up again and went to dinner. No one really wanted to go out that night because were leaving at 4:30 the next morning. I was like, there is no way we're not going out our last night. So we walked down to ocean drive to a place called Wet Willie's and got some cool daquaris. Then Stephy and Katy went to bed. I went downstairs to play pool with Noelle, but while she was changing, the bartender asked if I would play him, so Noelle came down and watched me beat the bartender, and then said she was going to bed. We played another game and then I just chilled at the bar and talked to him until he closed at 2am. Then I went to bed for an hour or so.
Saturday moring we got up at 4 am and drove back to Evansville. We stopped in Atlanta to drop Noelle off so she could catch her flight back, and then we drove the rest of the way. By the time we got back to Evansville (after 20 hours of driving) we were pretty slap happy. I proceeded to put my suitcase in my room, grab a quick shower just to rinse off and then go to bed. I was exhausted. Sunday was spent doing chores: cleaning, shopping, laundry, etc... Then Monday it was back to classes. Now it's Tuesday and I'm slowly starting to get back into a routine. Spring Break '09 was amazing. I can't believe it happened, and I can't believe it's over. I keep expecting to wake up and it's still February. Lol.
Friday, February 27, 2009
an interesting night...
So let me tell you about my interesting night last night. I had work last night, and I was in an ok mood. I ended up with ten tables the whole night. Which is pretty good for a Thursday, and for about 8 of those, I made at least 20%. My lowest tip was $7.50 out of those. Of course that cheered me up considerably, and I ended up walking with $83 last night. So I came home and found my roommate's room had exploded and even ended up in the hallway. It was kind of funny. She's been packing for Spring Break for the past week. She is going to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas for Spring break with like 9 other people. They are driving. She's really excied, but because there's so many people, the packing has to be kept to a minimum. So it has been really stressful. On top of that, she had three grad school applications due this weekend, which, when I left, she hadn't started, and when I came back she had one and a half done.
For my Spring Break I'm driving to Key West and Miami with 3 other people. We're leaving Saturday morning at 9am. Anyways. I began packing last night and realized that I suck at packing... a lot. I got a ton of stuff out, and slowly filtered through it and put stuff away, but then realized I have too much stuff, but would worry about it the next day. I made a list of things I needed to remember to pack, and went to bed. About ten minutes after I laid down I had a knock on my door. My roommate came in in tears and stressed to the max. She wasn't packed, she didn't have her applications done, and she was running on about 2 hours of sleep. SHe was freaking out because she wasn't sure how she was going to get anythign done. So we went over the rest of what she had to pack. I told her to go to bed (it was like 1 am) and get up at 7, that's 6 hours of sleep, and she can pack in the morning, and fill out the applications. Then, she could work on the essays in the car since they're both similar. That calmed her down enough to go to bed.
So she went to bed, and I went back to bed. Now it had been raining for a while, and as I laid down I heard dripping on cloth, and I was like, where is that coming from? Surely my ceiling isn't leaking. I live on the first floor of a three story building. So I feel along my bed, and nothing's wet, and then I feel up by my head, and the side of my bed is wet... Excellent. So I pop out of bed, throw on some lights and look up. Surely enough, my ceiling is leaking. So I'm kind of yelling about it, and my roommate gets up and helps me shove everything under my bed out into the hall (lots of cardboard and a suitcase) and then move my bed around so I don't get dripped on. I put in a service request, and went back to bed.
At 7:05 I got up to make sure my roommate was up, and at 8:15, the Physical Plant guy came over to look at the ceiling. He told me that this was something they have been fighting since the building was built 4 years ago. Something about the joints are bad, and they were going ot fix it last summer, but it got put on the back burner. APparently whenever it rains, and the wind blows a certain way, water in the vent drips through the joints, and leaks. I just happen to have the room where the vent is. Joy to me. So that was fun to find out. So they're coming back this afternoon to see if there's anthing they can do. Until then my room has been rearranged, and I ight have to permanently rearrange it.
On the bright side. I am packed for the most part, and everything fit, after pulling more stuff out, and I am done with classes. :) All I have left is work, sleep, and then leaving tomorrow morning!!! We're meeting at Katy's car at 8:45 and heading out at 9. WE 're stopping in Chatt so I can see Rachel. We're picking up our fourth person in Atlanta around 5:30, we're going to stop in Macon, GA at Wesleyan College, which is where Phi Mu was founded (we're all Phi Mus), so that'll be cool. We'll be stopping in Lake City, FL to sleep, and then we're heading the rest of the way to Key West! YAY!!! I'm really excited, and really ready to go! Just gotta get through work tonight. :)
For my Spring Break I'm driving to Key West and Miami with 3 other people. We're leaving Saturday morning at 9am. Anyways. I began packing last night and realized that I suck at packing... a lot. I got a ton of stuff out, and slowly filtered through it and put stuff away, but then realized I have too much stuff, but would worry about it the next day. I made a list of things I needed to remember to pack, and went to bed. About ten minutes after I laid down I had a knock on my door. My roommate came in in tears and stressed to the max. She wasn't packed, she didn't have her applications done, and she was running on about 2 hours of sleep. SHe was freaking out because she wasn't sure how she was going to get anythign done. So we went over the rest of what she had to pack. I told her to go to bed (it was like 1 am) and get up at 7, that's 6 hours of sleep, and she can pack in the morning, and fill out the applications. Then, she could work on the essays in the car since they're both similar. That calmed her down enough to go to bed.
So she went to bed, and I went back to bed. Now it had been raining for a while, and as I laid down I heard dripping on cloth, and I was like, where is that coming from? Surely my ceiling isn't leaking. I live on the first floor of a three story building. So I feel along my bed, and nothing's wet, and then I feel up by my head, and the side of my bed is wet... Excellent. So I pop out of bed, throw on some lights and look up. Surely enough, my ceiling is leaking. So I'm kind of yelling about it, and my roommate gets up and helps me shove everything under my bed out into the hall (lots of cardboard and a suitcase) and then move my bed around so I don't get dripped on. I put in a service request, and went back to bed.
At 7:05 I got up to make sure my roommate was up, and at 8:15, the Physical Plant guy came over to look at the ceiling. He told me that this was something they have been fighting since the building was built 4 years ago. Something about the joints are bad, and they were going ot fix it last summer, but it got put on the back burner. APparently whenever it rains, and the wind blows a certain way, water in the vent drips through the joints, and leaks. I just happen to have the room where the vent is. Joy to me. So that was fun to find out. So they're coming back this afternoon to see if there's anthing they can do. Until then my room has been rearranged, and I ight have to permanently rearrange it.
On the bright side. I am packed for the most part, and everything fit, after pulling more stuff out, and I am done with classes. :) All I have left is work, sleep, and then leaving tomorrow morning!!! We're meeting at Katy's car at 8:45 and heading out at 9. WE 're stopping in Chatt so I can see Rachel. We're picking up our fourth person in Atlanta around 5:30, we're going to stop in Macon, GA at Wesleyan College, which is where Phi Mu was founded (we're all Phi Mus), so that'll be cool. We'll be stopping in Lake City, FL to sleep, and then we're heading the rest of the way to Key West! YAY!!! I'm really excited, and really ready to go! Just gotta get through work tonight. :)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Roommates... Ugh
I've decided I must be a really bad roommate because I have problems with all of them. Freshman year it was Hannah, and we both changed a lot over the year (expected your freshman year), and by the end of the year, her personality of playing miss innocent, even though she wasn't got on my nerves. Sophomore year, first semester, I didn't have any problems because there were four of us, and I'm pretty sure the only time all four of us were ever in the room for more than 20 minutes was when we were sleeping, and second semester, I moved out part-way through due to a broken ankle, so no serious problem arose. Junior year.... well... let's just junior year was the worst year for roommates, and anyone who knows me, probably heard me complain about it. So that brings me up to this year.
This year was the perfect plan... North Hall... 4 separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a shared living room and kitchen. My roommates, 3 sorority sisters. One is a 5th year PT major with a boyfriend who lives off-campus, so we don't really see much of her. Two is an archaeology major who enjoys hiding in her room for the most part, although she does on occasion venture out to eat with us or watch a movie or something. Three, a psychology major, and the only way to describe her is eccentric. I love this last one with all my heart, and she quickly became one of my best friends. Last semester we were pretty much inseparable. We would go out together, we were on exec together, and we would eat together. It was awesome. I was like, there is no way this can be bad (I must have jinxed myself). Now she and I have our differences, and sometimes we're girls about it, and don't say anything and just let things play out until we can't stand not talking to each other. Honestly, we haven't had any huge problems. My problem lies with our unspoken 5th roommate.
This person has become like my little brother. He is amazing, and everyday he proves to be one of the nicest people I know. I came to know him through Three. I met him at a party, and he was cool, and we talked with him for a while, and then we left. Little did I know, that he would soon become this 5th roommate. As last semester drew to a close, he and Three began texting more and more, and he would come over more and more, but I was like, whatever. Three confided in me, that she didn't really want him texting her all the time over break because she needed the time to figure out what she wanted. I'm pretty sure he did though.
When the semester began again, we began having dinner nights. One night I would cook, another Three would, and another one of our friends would. Then on Sunday mornings, he would come over and cook breakfast. We would watch movies and hang out... it was seriously like we were adults and not just kids in college (as weird as that sounds). But also as the semester picked up, her was coming over all the time. Literally every night. Three and he would go work out together, go to lunch, cook dinner, watch movies by themselves while both claimed they weren't dating. One day, this came to a boiling point, and I confronted Three about it. How this was tearing us as friends and roommates apart, how I was always the third wheel now, and how I was trying so hard to be single right now because that is truly what I need, and she was not helping. She broke down crying saying she didn't know how to be just friends with a guy (heck I still have trouble with that sometimes), and how we weren't going to see as much of him anymore.
That lasted all of 12 hours. The next day he was over again. Now my little brother has becoe one of my good friends, and last semester we would go on coffee dates and just talk about what was going on in life. We haven't had a single one this semester. I swear to you, it seems like he doesn't blink an eye with out Three's permission. Honestly, whether he or Three can see it or not, this relationship, or whatever they have, is killing him. See, he's a freshman, and we're seniors, which means next year, we're gone. His dad is going back into the active Army, and his family is moving to Germany (not that he's that close to his family, but still), and he is going ot be stuck here, with friends he used to hang out with, but burned all his bridges to, and he's not going to know what to do, and one of two things will happen. He'll go back to his old lifestyle of partying every weekend and tkaing it to the extreme, or he'll sit in his room by himself, and occasionally meet his old friends for lunch. Neither of these fates should happen to him. Here's why I think they will:
We'll take a Monday, he has class, and then he has lunch with Three, then he has more class, then he works out with Three, then they come over and make dinner, and she goes to a meeting, and he chills in the apartment until she gets back when they "do homework" by talking and being entertwined in each other (not in a sexual way, but not in a friend-like way either). Around 11 or 12 they start a movie, 30 minutes in she falls asleep. around 2 or 2:30 whenever the movie gets over, he wakes her up, they talk for another 30 minutes, she goes to bed, he goes back to his place to go to bed, and then gets up st 7:30 the next morning in order to go to an 8 am class, which he occasionally sleeps through. (and he complains that he's tired... hmmm... I wonder why).
I see this everyday. I see him bending over backwards to make her happy, and literally doing everything for Three from getting her water, to doing the dishes, to runing across campus and back for change for the copier before the library closes, to carrying her across the parking lots because she has her clippers on, and it's snowing. Everyday he grows more and more attached, and sure, she's attached, but not like him. She says one thing and then acts another way, so which does he believe, the one that makes him happy of course. It's going to hurt a lot when we leave, and I dont' want that for him.
So what do I do now? Just let it be, because honestly there's a good chance, this is too far along to do anything about it? Try to talk to her again? Talk to him... maybe he'll actually listen (doubtful)? My friend and I stood in the living room tonight for about 30 - 45 minutes discussing, in whispers, the whole situation (they were in her room behind the closed door "talking" again). We're both in agreement... they need to spend less tiem with each other. I think Spring Break will be a needed break for both of them, and I really hope Three doesn't have reception in the Grand Canyon, because I think a few days of silence between them will do them good. After that though... what do we do? Neither of us wants to lose him as a friend. But we both think it'll go straight back to how it is now after SB.
So what now? What's next in the roommate saga?
A one room apartment for me I think.
This year was the perfect plan... North Hall... 4 separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a shared living room and kitchen. My roommates, 3 sorority sisters. One is a 5th year PT major with a boyfriend who lives off-campus, so we don't really see much of her. Two is an archaeology major who enjoys hiding in her room for the most part, although she does on occasion venture out to eat with us or watch a movie or something. Three, a psychology major, and the only way to describe her is eccentric. I love this last one with all my heart, and she quickly became one of my best friends. Last semester we were pretty much inseparable. We would go out together, we were on exec together, and we would eat together. It was awesome. I was like, there is no way this can be bad (I must have jinxed myself). Now she and I have our differences, and sometimes we're girls about it, and don't say anything and just let things play out until we can't stand not talking to each other. Honestly, we haven't had any huge problems. My problem lies with our unspoken 5th roommate.
This person has become like my little brother. He is amazing, and everyday he proves to be one of the nicest people I know. I came to know him through Three. I met him at a party, and he was cool, and we talked with him for a while, and then we left. Little did I know, that he would soon become this 5th roommate. As last semester drew to a close, he and Three began texting more and more, and he would come over more and more, but I was like, whatever. Three confided in me, that she didn't really want him texting her all the time over break because she needed the time to figure out what she wanted. I'm pretty sure he did though.
When the semester began again, we began having dinner nights. One night I would cook, another Three would, and another one of our friends would. Then on Sunday mornings, he would come over and cook breakfast. We would watch movies and hang out... it was seriously like we were adults and not just kids in college (as weird as that sounds). But also as the semester picked up, her was coming over all the time. Literally every night. Three and he would go work out together, go to lunch, cook dinner, watch movies by themselves while both claimed they weren't dating. One day, this came to a boiling point, and I confronted Three about it. How this was tearing us as friends and roommates apart, how I was always the third wheel now, and how I was trying so hard to be single right now because that is truly what I need, and she was not helping. She broke down crying saying she didn't know how to be just friends with a guy (heck I still have trouble with that sometimes), and how we weren't going to see as much of him anymore.
That lasted all of 12 hours. The next day he was over again. Now my little brother has becoe one of my good friends, and last semester we would go on coffee dates and just talk about what was going on in life. We haven't had a single one this semester. I swear to you, it seems like he doesn't blink an eye with out Three's permission. Honestly, whether he or Three can see it or not, this relationship, or whatever they have, is killing him. See, he's a freshman, and we're seniors, which means next year, we're gone. His dad is going back into the active Army, and his family is moving to Germany (not that he's that close to his family, but still), and he is going ot be stuck here, with friends he used to hang out with, but burned all his bridges to, and he's not going to know what to do, and one of two things will happen. He'll go back to his old lifestyle of partying every weekend and tkaing it to the extreme, or he'll sit in his room by himself, and occasionally meet his old friends for lunch. Neither of these fates should happen to him. Here's why I think they will:
We'll take a Monday, he has class, and then he has lunch with Three, then he has more class, then he works out with Three, then they come over and make dinner, and she goes to a meeting, and he chills in the apartment until she gets back when they "do homework" by talking and being entertwined in each other (not in a sexual way, but not in a friend-like way either). Around 11 or 12 they start a movie, 30 minutes in she falls asleep. around 2 or 2:30 whenever the movie gets over, he wakes her up, they talk for another 30 minutes, she goes to bed, he goes back to his place to go to bed, and then gets up st 7:30 the next morning in order to go to an 8 am class, which he occasionally sleeps through. (and he complains that he's tired... hmmm... I wonder why).
I see this everyday. I see him bending over backwards to make her happy, and literally doing everything for Three from getting her water, to doing the dishes, to runing across campus and back for change for the copier before the library closes, to carrying her across the parking lots because she has her clippers on, and it's snowing. Everyday he grows more and more attached, and sure, she's attached, but not like him. She says one thing and then acts another way, so which does he believe, the one that makes him happy of course. It's going to hurt a lot when we leave, and I dont' want that for him.
So what do I do now? Just let it be, because honestly there's a good chance, this is too far along to do anything about it? Try to talk to her again? Talk to him... maybe he'll actually listen (doubtful)? My friend and I stood in the living room tonight for about 30 - 45 minutes discussing, in whispers, the whole situation (they were in her room behind the closed door "talking" again). We're both in agreement... they need to spend less tiem with each other. I think Spring Break will be a needed break for both of them, and I really hope Three doesn't have reception in the Grand Canyon, because I think a few days of silence between them will do them good. After that though... what do we do? Neither of us wants to lose him as a friend. But we both think it'll go straight back to how it is now after SB.
So what now? What's next in the roommate saga?
A one room apartment for me I think.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow Day at UE
We had a snow day today. The university was nice enough to inform me at 5:45 this morning. So I unset my alarms and went back to bed. Half the campus is without power, tree branches are falling everywhere, and I wasn't able to go to work, and when i called to tell them, the phone was disconnected, so I'm hoping I don't get in too much trouble tomorrow. Anyways. Here's some pictures from today!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
3pm? Really?
Now as I mentioned earlier... I love snow, but I would prefer to play in the snow, not walk through it on my way to class. As I'm sure most of you know, the Midwest has been pelted with snow and ice since yesterday morning. It started icing here around 10 pm last night, just in time for me to walk from the the gym, where I was watching IM basketball, back to my dorm in my heeled boots. Needless to say I slipped a few times. By the time midnight hit, the ground and cars were covered with a mix of snow and ice. Everyone was really excited because surely that meant there would be no school. All the schools were closed as well as many businesses. Well 8am rolled around, and no Text Messages were sent out letting students know there would be no class. 10am rolled around, and I got my computer hoping my teacher had cancelled his class... no such luck. So I got out of bed, got dressed, and walked over to class. As I walked into class I received a text messgae "The University of Evansville will close at 3pm on Tuesday Jan. 27, 2009." Perfect... my only class is at 11.... *sigh* Oh well. At least I have the afternoon to play in the snow. :) Supposedly we're supposed to get 4-8 inches... I'm kind of like I'll believe it when I see it.
Exciting things this past week. UE had Musical Madness this past weekend. Musical Madness happens every year, and how it works is, organizations sign up to participate, and get paired with another organization. Usually, a fraternity will get paired with a sorority, so everyone has guys and girls. Then each group is given a theme. This year's theme was Brother's Grimm Fairy Tales. My group was given Snow White, there was also Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, and Rapunzel. You take that fairy tale and you put a new spin on it. You write a 15 minute musical and the people from your organization perform that musical. Ours was "Snow White Gone Wild" and Snow White went on Spring Break in Mexico where she met the dwarfs, and the evil step mother sends her henchman, Hogar, to drop poisonous apple chap stick in Snow White's bag, and then of course, the prince comes along and kisses here and all is well. I was a plane going to Mexico, a random girl who throws money at Hogar and a dancer. I didn't have a bigger part, because i could only make it to a few rehersals at the end. I had so much fun though. I'm sad that it is my last one. I've done it every year, and I think this year was probably or best year. We didn't place or anything, but when they had everyone cheer for their favorite group, Phi Mu totally won! That was pretty cool.
That's really the big things that happened. Sig Ep A Go Go (which is a dance competition) is the next thing to take over my life. The theme is 50s and I'm really excited. We have our first meeting tomorrow night. Yay!!! The end for now. Time for bed.
Exciting things this past week. UE had Musical Madness this past weekend. Musical Madness happens every year, and how it works is, organizations sign up to participate, and get paired with another organization. Usually, a fraternity will get paired with a sorority, so everyone has guys and girls. Then each group is given a theme. This year's theme was Brother's Grimm Fairy Tales. My group was given Snow White, there was also Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, and Rapunzel. You take that fairy tale and you put a new spin on it. You write a 15 minute musical and the people from your organization perform that musical. Ours was "Snow White Gone Wild" and Snow White went on Spring Break in Mexico where she met the dwarfs, and the evil step mother sends her henchman, Hogar, to drop poisonous apple chap stick in Snow White's bag, and then of course, the prince comes along and kisses here and all is well. I was a plane going to Mexico, a random girl who throws money at Hogar and a dancer. I didn't have a bigger part, because i could only make it to a few rehersals at the end. I had so much fun though. I'm sad that it is my last one. I've done it every year, and I think this year was probably or best year. We didn't place or anything, but when they had everyone cheer for their favorite group, Phi Mu totally won! That was pretty cool.
That's really the big things that happened. Sig Ep A Go Go (which is a dance competition) is the next thing to take over my life. The theme is 50s and I'm really excited. We have our first meeting tomorrow night. Yay!!! The end for now. Time for bed.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Snow!
So anybody who knows me, knows I love snow! It always makes me very happy. :) So it has kind of done this dusting thing all weekend, where the snow just kinda flies around in the air, and doesn't stick to anything or ever look like it's coming down. When I got up yesterday morning to go to work, it was still doing this dusting thing, and my friend from Texas was like, "it's snowing outside" and me and Amanda were like, umm... it's just kind of flying. So it did this dusting thing all day yesterday off and on. Last night, we decided to go to 80's night at SAE (I have never understood my generation's fascination with the 80's), but Amanda and I kind of dressed up, and went over. The snow was actually starting to stick a little bit, but it was barely snowing still, so we didn't have high hopes. Neither of us go there very often, so it was the beginning of the school year all over again, but that's another story for another time. I finally got bored of SAE, and decided to go see who was at FIJI, who was having a PJ party. When I walked outside the snow was ocming down harder and in big huge flakes! It was so cool. So I walked over to FIJI and of course, I passed many drunk people playing in the snow (it was like 12:30 or 1). I walked around FIJI a little bit and so quite a few people I know who were all like, "K-Pick! Oh my god! you're out! and you came from 80's night didn't you?" It was amsuing. I stayed for a about 20 minutes, and then decided to go back home. Because it was Sunday, most of the partied stared at 8 or 9 instead of 10 or 11, like normal, so they were all dying down around 1 anyways. So I went back home and went to bed, but it was snowing the whole time. The snow was sticking more and more, and I could hear more people outside playing. At one point, a couple of friends came and knocked on out living room window to get me and Teich to come out and play, i was already in my PJs, so I wa slike, nah, I play tomorrow, but amanda went out, but they had already left to go somewhere else, so she was pretty mad. But I spent the next 30 minutes randomly looking out my window watching the snow fall and stick. We got at least a good inch, which was very exciting! Of course the sun is out this morning, but it's still only 20 degrees outside, so it hopefully it won't melt really quickly. I really need to be prodcutive today, so hopefully that will happen, but I am so happy we have snow!!!! YAY SNOW!!!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
First week of my last semester
So this week i started my last week of undergrad, and possibly school in general. It's a cool feeling.
This semester I am taking Ad Agency Creative Philosophies and this class only meets Wednesday mornings at 9. This is taught by Dr. Stankey who is wild and crazy and I love all of his classes. I am taking Senior Seminar which is M-W-F at 10. I am really excited about this one because we are put into teams and we find a company and we come up with a campaign for that company. Today we were split into 3 groups and came up with activities for the rest of the class to play that were competitive, so we played charades, thumb war, and paper football. By the end of the semester, we won't be meeting very often if at all. I am taking Media Law and Ethics on M-W-F at noon with my advisor, Dr. Shifflet. It's another Shifflet class, but I love Dr. Shifflet, and he's a great teacher. Monday nights at 6 I have Video Production, and I am really excited about it.
So those are my communication classes, and it's great b/c those first three have about 15 people in common. Wednesdays are fun. After advertising about 15 of us migrate one floor upstairs for our next class, and then after that class, most of us go to lunch, and then an hour later we all returnto the same room where advertising is and sit through Media Law. :) It really is amusing, and it's nice too, because I will always have someone around me to ask what's going on.
I am also taking voice and piano this year, both for one hour. Piano is Mondays at 2 for a half hour, and I'm no sure when voice is yet. On top of this, I am a tutor for Basic Web Production again, but I am actually tutoring a blind student in this class, so I have to attend classes with him which is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 12:15. So my Tuesdays and Thursdays are no longer free. Oh well. I get paid $25 a week to sit in a class i've already taken and play on my laptop. Woot!
Of course I'm still working at Texas Roadhouse, at least through March. I work Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sun morning. In April starts softball season. I'm an assistant coach for Mater Dei High School again. I'm pretty excited about it. Of course working makes it a little hard to attend all the pre-season practices, but I will be going to as many as possible.
It should be a good semester. I'm excited. I worked Wed, Thurs, and tonight, and I work Sun morning (all of those shifts were picked up). Tonight after work I'm going out with a couple of my girl friends to RiRa's Irish Pub. I think this semester is starting off well. :-D
This semester I am taking Ad Agency Creative Philosophies and this class only meets Wednesday mornings at 9. This is taught by Dr. Stankey who is wild and crazy and I love all of his classes. I am taking Senior Seminar which is M-W-F at 10. I am really excited about this one because we are put into teams and we find a company and we come up with a campaign for that company. Today we were split into 3 groups and came up with activities for the rest of the class to play that were competitive, so we played charades, thumb war, and paper football. By the end of the semester, we won't be meeting very often if at all. I am taking Media Law and Ethics on M-W-F at noon with my advisor, Dr. Shifflet. It's another Shifflet class, but I love Dr. Shifflet, and he's a great teacher. Monday nights at 6 I have Video Production, and I am really excited about it.
So those are my communication classes, and it's great b/c those first three have about 15 people in common. Wednesdays are fun. After advertising about 15 of us migrate one floor upstairs for our next class, and then after that class, most of us go to lunch, and then an hour later we all returnto the same room where advertising is and sit through Media Law. :) It really is amusing, and it's nice too, because I will always have someone around me to ask what's going on.
I am also taking voice and piano this year, both for one hour. Piano is Mondays at 2 for a half hour, and I'm no sure when voice is yet. On top of this, I am a tutor for Basic Web Production again, but I am actually tutoring a blind student in this class, so I have to attend classes with him which is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 12:15. So my Tuesdays and Thursdays are no longer free. Oh well. I get paid $25 a week to sit in a class i've already taken and play on my laptop. Woot!
Of course I'm still working at Texas Roadhouse, at least through March. I work Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sun morning. In April starts softball season. I'm an assistant coach for Mater Dei High School again. I'm pretty excited about it. Of course working makes it a little hard to attend all the pre-season practices, but I will be going to as many as possible.
It should be a good semester. I'm excited. I worked Wed, Thurs, and tonight, and I work Sun morning (all of those shifts were picked up). Tonight after work I'm going out with a couple of my girl friends to RiRa's Irish Pub. I think this semester is starting off well. :-D
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
"to know what you are, would take a lifetime"
My friend Zac wrote the following, and it seems like a good entry for this particular blog:
what is it "to know"?
how do we establish what is right and wrong and know the correct course of action?
one of Webster's definitions
know:to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of
this is how we most commonly use the word. Another definition given by Webster's is: to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2): to have understanding of
so by the first definition the word is used in absolute terms. if something is known it is understood fully or infallible. by the second definition it is something previouslt experienced, understood, or similar to something else known...not quite as concrete.
anyway, the reason this question "what does it mean to know something?" comes up is...
how does one select the proper course of actions in their life? they obviously must base their decisions on what they "know", be it the people in their lives, the events, knowledge of circumstances. but all of these theing come back to what we know, or more importantly, what we think we know.
absolutely nothing can be known ansolutely (kinda sounds like the phrase "never say never") So if we understand that nothing can be truely known we admit that all of our decicions are based on what we think we know. We must act on information that we choose to be correct or things that we choose to beleive. But why do we choose to beleive if we cannot be certain without any shadow of a doubt? Because we have faith. We have faith that the odds are in our favor, that the science will back up the facts, that the people we trust will come though, and that our god will be there as we were taught. Any or all of these are how we defend the choices we make from the attacks of our own minds, of our own doubts.
at some point we must act. damn the incessant voices of self doubt. we must act and truley know that what we did was right because we have faith in ourselves and everything that supports us because if we don't we will be torn apart by our own minds.
It is a new year. Welcome to 2009. A lot happened in 2008, but a lot more will happen in 2009. For starters I graduate in 4 months and 3 days. Then it's off to the real world I go complete with a full time job and a place of my own (hopefully at least). As the new year sets in, I've decided to be one of those people who makes a new year's resolution, but they are less of resolutions and more of goals. Goals for the semester, that will hopefully spill over into my life after school. I've decided to post them around my room and hopefully I will see them everydya and so it will help me accomplish them. Some of them are concrete and others are more abstract. I will post them at the end.
As I said, next up in life begins the real world. I did a lot of thinking over break, and although I had been considering Teach for America vs. getting a job, i decided getting a job would be better. I've decided that I'm going to try to avoid things that are just prolonging the future b/c I am too scared. That's all that would be. I thought long and hard about places that I wouldn't mind living and have decided to concentrate mainly in the St. Louis area, but as my mother pointed out, I should explore all my contacts b/c those might lead to something amazing. I also decided that getting a job is the priority and a dream job would be nice, but is not necessary or even necessarily attainable right out of school.
To know oneself is very difficult, and it is possible that you can go through life never knowing yourself fully. I don't want to be one of those people. I believe everything happens for a reason, whether to teach you something, or lead you somewhere, the trick is figuring out which. So that is my next step in this crazy mixed up time we call young adulthood. I've been told many times, everything will work it's way out like it's supposed to. Now comes the hard part... waiting.
"I am who I choose to be. I always have been what I chose -- though not always what I pleased." -- Lois McMaster Bujold
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." -- Epictetus
Goals:
Eat 2 cooked meals a week
Graduate Cum Lade
Send out at least 10 resumes/follow-up on at least 10 connections a month
Step out of your comfort zone when applying to jobs
Start learning how to save and budget now
Work first, play later
Reward yourself for a job well done
Have an amazing Spring break
Go to Colorado for Joana's graduation
No speeding tickets
Stress is not worth your time and energy
No drama! (Especially boy drama, they aren't worth it)
Be open to new ideas
Work out 3 times a week (work does not count)
Live, Laugh, and Love more
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