Well, well, well... it's been awhile, Blog. Sorry about that...life has been kind of a whirl wind (as usual). So let me catch you up with a brief paragraph then we can dive into the purpose of this post.
Isn't that how we usually do things anyhow?
To begin, I ended up working at a high school all semester with students who had disabilities as a personal aid. My student had autism and a mental disorder, but was very high functioning and self aware. Even though that job tested my nerves on many occasions, the lessons I learned from him, as well as my co-workers and other students, really made a difference in my life and my future career. I am now done working there because I OFFICIALLY start nursing school January 14th! FINALLY! I have jumped through many hoops and have flown by the seat of my pants...but I made it. My mother is also cancer free! And my best friend's mom is as well! That's about all of the news I have from the last few weeks...
Oh! And I moved. I have a lovely two bedroom apartment that actually allows cats. So that's an upgrade from living with my dad and dealing with that drama on a daily basis!
Now to the purpose of this post.... a "Reflection on the Year", as I fondly called my title in Latin.
2012. Definitely not the year I expected it to be... Last New Year's Eve I rang in the New Year with strangers and friends and copious amounts of champagne. I said to myself that this would be the best year... and it was...but it also came with some sadness.
This year I had moved into my apartment in Brookings, picked myself up and furnished my place, waitressed my ever loving ass off, and fell in love with a man who became my best friend, and my biggest heart ache later on in the year. I traveled some, learned I liked scotch on the rocks and Harleys, and survived many a stupid antic while drinking. I moved three times in total, switched schools, switched jobs four times (due to the moves and seasonal nature of the jobs), and met many incredible people. I also cut some toxic people out of my life.
Many smiles, many tears, and joy and stress came out of this year. I feel like despite all of the crap that happened, that the good and time alone really made me grow the most I ever have in my adult life.
So for the upcoming 2013 year, that I am grateful to be experiencing, I will not make a resolution list. I will make a commitment to be healthy and look at the good things in my life. I am embracing the joys of the good things to come with my school, and am excited to see who else I will meet in this year. As cliché as it sounds, everything happens for a reason. I am sad and excited to see this year go, and to move one step closer to the person I want to become both in mind and body.
Happy New Year to you all, and may you have a lovely and healthy and happy 2013!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Hipster Glasses and Inspiration
Today I felt lazy, and wore my hipster-esque glasses to my job, and then actually typed on my Mac at Starbucks. Now I feel like a real college kid.
Anyhow, being that I work with an autistic student at the high school, I was extremely humbled today by something he said:
"These are the best two days of my entire life because I could remain calm and I have learned a lot."
What? Best day of your life? And you're at school? I mean Sunday I was at the Packers/Rams game and got to see my former high school marching bands in a set of seats that were so close to Aaron Rogers I could see his muscles... I mean those kinds of days are days that go down in the books folks. (seriously, it was freaking awesome and I will have to post pictures.) But my student was happy just to be able to control himself and his emotions, and spend some time doing group work without feeling overwhelmed. I realized then how often I take my health (both mental and physical) for granted. It's amazing how much this kid has taught me since September, seriously. I am reminded every day both by him, and other students at this high school how blessed I am and was to receive a great education and have friends and be able to walk and drive... it's insane.
On a separate note...I may have found a house...I really really hope I can move into it!
OH! And hilarious story from weeks ago... I had a friend from high school who is a Graphic Design major who had to photograph the contents of my purse for a class she is in where she was supposed to "explore a space". Needless to say the Jack Daniels zippo from an old flame (haha no pun intended), beer coozie from the local zoo, fork, and safety glasses made me realize that if anyone went through my purse they would be like, "THIS GIRL IS STRANGE....and yet extremely prepared...." haha
ANYWAYS--- This was a lame post but don't take your blessings for granted!!! <3
Anyhow, being that I work with an autistic student at the high school, I was extremely humbled today by something he said:
"These are the best two days of my entire life because I could remain calm and I have learned a lot."
What? Best day of your life? And you're at school? I mean Sunday I was at the Packers/Rams game and got to see my former high school marching bands in a set of seats that were so close to Aaron Rogers I could see his muscles... I mean those kinds of days are days that go down in the books folks. (seriously, it was freaking awesome and I will have to post pictures.) But my student was happy just to be able to control himself and his emotions, and spend some time doing group work without feeling overwhelmed. I realized then how often I take my health (both mental and physical) for granted. It's amazing how much this kid has taught me since September, seriously. I am reminded every day both by him, and other students at this high school how blessed I am and was to receive a great education and have friends and be able to walk and drive... it's insane.
On a separate note...I may have found a house...I really really hope I can move into it!
OH! And hilarious story from weeks ago... I had a friend from high school who is a Graphic Design major who had to photograph the contents of my purse for a class she is in where she was supposed to "explore a space". Needless to say the Jack Daniels zippo from an old flame (haha no pun intended), beer coozie from the local zoo, fork, and safety glasses made me realize that if anyone went through my purse they would be like, "THIS GIRL IS STRANGE....and yet extremely prepared...." haha
ANYWAYS--- This was a lame post but don't take your blessings for granted!!! <3
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Hello World, It's Been Awhile...
Well Well Well... I've been MIA for six months. My apologies, dear readers, for life has done a complete 180 since then.
I shall give you a brief update on what has happened, and some of you whom I speak to on a regular basis have already endured my "WTF HAS THIS WORLD THROWN AT ME" rants. It seemed fitting to start up this blog again after a dear friend of mine asked me what happened to this blog. (Oh, and it's raining and windy, and my Mumford & Sons Pandora radio account is blasting in my new living quarters. Thus, the setting is perfect.)
Since April...
1) My waitress job? Yeah...I quit that. And in an epic manner. Not quite as epic as Mark in RENT singing and dancing about, "I need to finish my own film, I quit", but still epic for a woman of my age. Anyhow, that place has been on the verge of disaster for a long time, and in June, I finally got sick of the harassment and crazy antics. The executive chef there was entirely toxic and was (for lack of a more "classy" term) a total f*$%ing asshole. So one afternoon shift, I had enough. I stood up for myself and said, "This is my last day. I'm sick of the crap." and walked out. It felt amazing. Now I am not suggesting you all do that; But in my circumstances? It was perfect. I celebrated immensely from that. Afterward, I began working for a short period of time at a Chiropractic Center which I loved.
2) Alas, I am single again. I really don't want to talk about that, but se la vie, right?
3) I moved back to where I came from. Was it because life got hard? Was it because I was single? Was it because I couldn't afford it anymore?? None of those things I am happy to say! I got accepted into an amazing nursing program near my hometown at a very well known hospital. AND they are going to pay for most of it. Definitely a win/win situation when you're my age and not tied down to anyone. So I packed everything in one U-Haul, and my best friend and dad's girlfriend came and got me. I have never felt so much emotion telling people good bye. Especially my little apartment, my friends, and the town as a whole. But! Atticus (my cat, in case you forgot) never got caught in my apartment with me! He currently resides in the basement with me at my dad's house, and is still a very happy and loving cat.
So since I came back, as I said, I am in my dad's basement until I figure out life again (I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY OWN PLACE AGAIN...*cough cough*). I also worked a few weeks for a Fruit and Vegetable stand, got paid in cash, and met several...characters along the way. Now I am an assistant to a student at a local high school who has autism, and every day is a challenge. I am also taking classes online until nursing school starts in January.
Oh PS-- that Physiology final I had been having a heart attack over? I only missed two questions on the whole thing. Heck to the yes.
SO, that is a brief update. Of course a lot more happened, but I will try to keep up with this now.
I missed you all!
<3
I shall give you a brief update on what has happened, and some of you whom I speak to on a regular basis have already endured my "WTF HAS THIS WORLD THROWN AT ME" rants. It seemed fitting to start up this blog again after a dear friend of mine asked me what happened to this blog. (Oh, and it's raining and windy, and my Mumford & Sons Pandora radio account is blasting in my new living quarters. Thus, the setting is perfect.)
Since April...
1) My waitress job? Yeah...I quit that. And in an epic manner. Not quite as epic as Mark in RENT singing and dancing about, "I need to finish my own film, I quit", but still epic for a woman of my age. Anyhow, that place has been on the verge of disaster for a long time, and in June, I finally got sick of the harassment and crazy antics. The executive chef there was entirely toxic and was (for lack of a more "classy" term) a total f*$%ing asshole. So one afternoon shift, I had enough. I stood up for myself and said, "This is my last day. I'm sick of the crap." and walked out. It felt amazing. Now I am not suggesting you all do that; But in my circumstances? It was perfect. I celebrated immensely from that. Afterward, I began working for a short period of time at a Chiropractic Center which I loved.
2) Alas, I am single again. I really don't want to talk about that, but se la vie, right?
3) I moved back to where I came from. Was it because life got hard? Was it because I was single? Was it because I couldn't afford it anymore?? None of those things I am happy to say! I got accepted into an amazing nursing program near my hometown at a very well known hospital. AND they are going to pay for most of it. Definitely a win/win situation when you're my age and not tied down to anyone. So I packed everything in one U-Haul, and my best friend and dad's girlfriend came and got me. I have never felt so much emotion telling people good bye. Especially my little apartment, my friends, and the town as a whole. But! Atticus (my cat, in case you forgot) never got caught in my apartment with me! He currently resides in the basement with me at my dad's house, and is still a very happy and loving cat.
So since I came back, as I said, I am in my dad's basement until I figure out life again (I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY OWN PLACE AGAIN...*cough cough*). I also worked a few weeks for a Fruit and Vegetable stand, got paid in cash, and met several...characters along the way. Now I am an assistant to a student at a local high school who has autism, and every day is a challenge. I am also taking classes online until nursing school starts in January.
Oh PS-- that Physiology final I had been having a heart attack over? I only missed two questions on the whole thing. Heck to the yes.
SO, that is a brief update. Of course a lot more happened, but I will try to keep up with this now.
I missed you all!
<3
Friday, April 20, 2012
A Mess of a Post
There are always moments when I want to write a lot more on this blog, but when I think of those times, I am usually in "rant" mode, and I am sure not only you, but my mother, would not appreciate some of the strange and sometimes foul things I want to scream at the top of my lungs when life gives me lemons. But regardless, I need to update this a lot more.
Excuse me from the beginning because this particular post is going to be kind of a hodge-podge of stuff.
One: I have realized that waitressing just makes me want to rip my eyes out sometimes. I recently worked a cocktail party. Didn't get out of work until 3:30 am. Yes the tips were amazing, but was it really worth being in the same dirty work clothes that long and getting hit on by fifty some year old men?...ok the money was worth it. But still.
Two: School needs to be done for awhile. I'm about ready to go bonkers. I can see many are in my same boat because I am seeing, "UGH I WANT SUMMER", "I NEED A JOB", "I GOT ACCEPTED INTO __________", "BLAHHHH FINALS", and finally my personal favorite, "F$%& SCHOOL" posts all of the internet. I too am feeling many of these things and am ready to burst trying to finish out the semester strong.
Three: I have been baking a lot more lately, and also cooking. If anyone is interested, message me because I may put up a cooking post now and then, depending on the response it gets. It won't be some saucy newly married blog or single living "kiss the naked chef" post, but I have made some pretty amazing things that are cost effective and good for one or two people (which is all I am, and my boyfriend and I are these days...that is one or two people... ha).
Four: I still have not gotten caught with the cat in my apartment. I consider this a major win.
Five: I have discovered that you start to gather people in your life that are just stupid and mean for the sake of being on a power trip. Now as an adult you see these people as being dissatisfied with themselves and you quietly diagnose them with some basic psychology term you learned in a college class years ago, am I right? But every now and then you wish you could go back to your grade school days and give them a swift kick in the balls. But now that is called "assault". Damn.
Six: My garbage disposal is broken which is an issue for number four that I posted... if I am unable to be Rosy the Riveter on this one and fix it myself, I am going to have to play an extensive game of hide and seek between my cat, myself, and the repairman....
Anyhow-- I have company coming this weekend. I need to keep cleaning.
Have a great day <3
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
A Political Post with a Twist
Let me begin with a quick update on my life...
The spider mentioned in my previous post was never to be seen again... I am still wondering if I will encounter him and his brethren when I do my Spring Cleaning in this upcoming week...
Work has been about the same... day in and day out we have been busy, and had some difficult customers, but all in all life is good there!
School has presented some difficult decisions to be made... I am reapplying for SDSU's nursing program for next spring, but have also been considering a degree in dietetics to get done a little faster. HOWEVER-- life has shaken itself up again and I have been presented with an awesome opportunity to move back home and attend OSF in the Spring... For now I am accepting my spot there, but I have to reevaluate the situation in December when my lease is up. If I would have heard about this in December, I would have been gone... but I have had an amazing time this semester. I have made many friends, figured out a lot about myself, and started dating someone amazing... I guess we'll wait and see what happens!
Ah I feel like I should be kinda cheesy and mention Tim... I started seeing him Superbowl Weekend. He is a lot of fun! Sunday we were out on his Harley all day. A little chilly, but definitely amazing.
Onto the real meat of this post--
I cannot stand some people on the internet that are minorities or extreme liberals being able to say anything they want and claim freedom of religion and speech EXCEPT TO WHITE CHRISTIANS. As soon as we open our mouths, either in agreement or a simple statement, we are shot down. I was actually told today that I should feel responsible for the destruction of Native American cultures. Believe me, I feel bad that they were oppressed and taken over. Same as I feel bad at the destruction of Muslim and Hindu Cultures in the Dark Ages, and the destruction of the Jews just 70 years ago. However, I did not raise a gun or a spear. I cannot be responsible for something they did. If I was-- I would be carrying the weight of the Holocaust, the infiltration of Africa, the Crusades, and Hiroshima. I am sorry that white culture has brought issues over the years, but so has everyone else. The Mongols suppressed my people, and King Edward the First killed my ancestor, William Wallace. Should I hold that over someone's head for something that occurred in 1305?
I just wish some people would think before they throw out hypocritical comments. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.
End rant.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Infiltration Of My One Bedroom Apartment
Please forgive me for being the most inconsistent blogger known to mankind. Or at least I feel like it. However, being a waitress, going to school, keeping up with a kitten, a boyfriend, and making it alone certainly causes me to be a little spacey when it comes to this.
Today was rather a typical day, except for 72 degree weather!!! That was amazing. I took a moment in the parking lot of my job to take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air and sun for all of two seconds before walking into what I would later find out as the lunch shift from hell. Money is good, but everyone was bonkers at work. I am happy my customers were more patient than usual.
Side rant-- Waitressing has taught me a lot regarding people. I will have to have a separate post to encompass my good and bad thoughts regarding this.
Anyhow, my day continued with class, and afterwards, my first run outside since first semester... let me tell you people, I felt like crap both emotionally and physically after that. My body clearly has not liked my break from exercise (two weeks, I admit with some serious shame) and the increased intake of delicious foods, scones, and beer... It really yelled at me (my body that is) during a Hot Flow session at my yoga studio... Let's just say, two weeks of no stretching, tight muscles, and a 110-115 degree room is a big recipe for disaster... Hopefully I can get back to a normal routine and feel better in the next few weeks!
But on to the title of this post...
I find that living alone has posed some very interesting, and rather stupid issues that living with family or friends seems to not encounter. Post-shower tonight, I was running to my laundry room to get my sheets from the dryer (is there seriously anything better than fresh sheets???) and was just about in my bedroom when I found a GINORMOUS, SCARY, ASSASSIN-ESQUE spider hanging out on my wall! Ok, so the spider was really small in all actuality... but of course, there is no man around. And I found that holding my kitten, Atticus, up to the spider only caused him to look confusingly at me and not understanding that he should be attacking the crap out of it! So I sighed and decided I needed to take matters into my own hands... Grabbing a tissue in my hand, I closed my eyes and rammed the tissue against the wall randomly a few times... when I removed the tissue, THERE WAS NO SPIDER. I felt a crawl and spazzed out for a bit while my kitten looked confused. Now there is a spider on the loose, probably looking for revenge, craving my blood, and ready to multiply and take over my apartment... Usually I do not freak out this much over bugs, but it was just extra creepy this time. Not sure why, just was.
Anyways, I am going to make some tea and (cautiously) study in my apartment until bed time... I hope I don't encounter any more spiders tonight... Especially knowing Atticus is completely useless with bugs. At least I know I am safe from toy mice.
Good night all!
Today was rather a typical day, except for 72 degree weather!!! That was amazing. I took a moment in the parking lot of my job to take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air and sun for all of two seconds before walking into what I would later find out as the lunch shift from hell. Money is good, but everyone was bonkers at work. I am happy my customers were more patient than usual.
Side rant-- Waitressing has taught me a lot regarding people. I will have to have a separate post to encompass my good and bad thoughts regarding this.
Anyhow, my day continued with class, and afterwards, my first run outside since first semester... let me tell you people, I felt like crap both emotionally and physically after that. My body clearly has not liked my break from exercise (two weeks, I admit with some serious shame) and the increased intake of delicious foods, scones, and beer... It really yelled at me (my body that is) during a Hot Flow session at my yoga studio... Let's just say, two weeks of no stretching, tight muscles, and a 110-115 degree room is a big recipe for disaster... Hopefully I can get back to a normal routine and feel better in the next few weeks!
But on to the title of this post...
I find that living alone has posed some very interesting, and rather stupid issues that living with family or friends seems to not encounter. Post-shower tonight, I was running to my laundry room to get my sheets from the dryer (is there seriously anything better than fresh sheets???) and was just about in my bedroom when I found a GINORMOUS, SCARY, ASSASSIN-ESQUE spider hanging out on my wall! Ok, so the spider was really small in all actuality... but of course, there is no man around. And I found that holding my kitten, Atticus, up to the spider only caused him to look confusingly at me and not understanding that he should be attacking the crap out of it! So I sighed and decided I needed to take matters into my own hands... Grabbing a tissue in my hand, I closed my eyes and rammed the tissue against the wall randomly a few times... when I removed the tissue, THERE WAS NO SPIDER. I felt a crawl and spazzed out for a bit while my kitten looked confused. Now there is a spider on the loose, probably looking for revenge, craving my blood, and ready to multiply and take over my apartment... Usually I do not freak out this much over bugs, but it was just extra creepy this time. Not sure why, just was.
Anyways, I am going to make some tea and (cautiously) study in my apartment until bed time... I hope I don't encounter any more spiders tonight... Especially knowing Atticus is completely useless with bugs. At least I know I am safe from toy mice.
Good night all!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Blue Rondo à la Turk and some other Famous Daves
Today is the first day of "Spring Break" here... Funny calling it that because it's 43 degrees out and there is still snow on the ground... Anyways, today (amongst the craziness) has really had me thinking about the upcoming summer and how excited I am for it! It will be weird to think I am not going to be living at home for the summer, but I think this is a good thing. Amongst all of the working and potential school work, going home and doing things I sort of took for granted will be a mini-vacation for me.
I just keep thinking of the warm summer evenings closing at Eli's, going to band practice, playing ultimate frisbee, seeing DCI shows, going to concerts, swimming in the lake... ahh the memories go on. I am excited to recreate these and experience the new!
READY FOR SUMMER!
PS: Wondering about the reference to my title of this very short post? I am listening to Famous Daves (my first marching band show), and Dave Brubeck composed Blue Rondo, one of the songs featured on the piece.
I just keep thinking of the warm summer evenings closing at Eli's, going to band practice, playing ultimate frisbee, seeing DCI shows, going to concerts, swimming in the lake... ahh the memories go on. I am excited to recreate these and experience the new!
READY FOR SUMMER!
PS: Wondering about the reference to my title of this very short post? I am listening to Famous Daves (my first marching band show), and Dave Brubeck composed Blue Rondo, one of the songs featured on the piece.
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