"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future." - Alex Haley

WINTER BREAK IS AMAZING.

That is all. I don't want it to end... it's just been one of the best breaks. The couple of weeks I've had so far beat out the majority of Summer '07. I've been able to hang out with my family a lot and see lots of friends... so it's been a good time! I've also reconnected with someone I saw a bit over the summer... and I'm happy to say things are really going well with him. :-)

I got my grades back, and while I'm not happy overall, I DID get the "C" I needed in A & P... so I'm thankful for that! Here they are:

Nutrition & Health - A (what I expected)
Data Management - B (thought I was getting an A... boo!)
Health Measurement and Evaluation - B (was hoping for an A, but expected this)
Cognitive Psych - B (what I expected)
Anatomy and Physiology - C (THANK YOU)

So... a 3.0. Not terrible, but it's the worst I've done so far at college. Also, my 4.0 in my major has dropped, and I'm really bummed out about that. I think it's now a 3.75. Again, not terrible by any means... but I'm just disappointed. I really want to graduate cum laude, and I need at least a 3.5 QPA. I have a 3.35 right now, so let's hope within the next year and a half I can bring that up! I'm confident I can... I'll just work my butt off even harder than I have!

I saw "Juno" yesterday with my mom... it was AWESOME - you all should definitely see it! I also saw "Enchanted" last week... it was cute, too!

So... that's my life right now. I'm pretty happy... and I just don't want the 11th to come anytime soon... hope all is well!

"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves." - Helen Keller

- E

"I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done." - Marie Curie

Why, hello. It's been awhile & I apologize!! The past month has been so busy & overwhelming! LOTS has happened. Here are updates:

Classes
They're over!!! They ended today & I couldn't be happier. I have had so many projects, papers, and exams... and I'm so over it. Finals are next week, of course, but that's actually going to be relaxing compared to all that I've had to do! Some good has come out of all my hard work, though! The only class where I'm completely done (no final) is Nutrition and Health. I know I have an "A"! I'm very happy about that :) A & P never got any easier (and I'll be studying for that final the longest), but I did get to dissect a fetal pig... oink. It was actually pretty cool.

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was great. Such a nice opportunity to see family... it's definitely my favorite holiday! We went to Charlotte, and I just had a great time... LOVE my family!!

Social
Everything's going well... friends are doing great... love them all! I did break up with Perry within the past month. I... wasn't really happy, and I know he saw it coming. He's a good guy, but it's probably for the best that we aren't dating. It was definitely emotional, but like I said.. probably for the better.

General
Winter break starts a week from tomorrow!!! I CAN'T WAIT! Yay. Oh, and I did end up going to Bodies on my own... it was so awesome & I definitely recommend it.

So.. now I'm on duty & Steve and I are going to hang out for a bit. Hope everyone's doing well!

"Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them -- and then, the opportunity to choose." - C. Wright Mills

- E

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

Ew. I have Anatomy and Physiology lab in 40 minutes.

It's seriously the last place I want to go to right now! This week has been superbusy, and I haven't gone to sleep before 3 am. Most of my major projects are done, so maybe I'll break the curse tonight... and I'm just exhausted!

We ended up NOT going to the Bodies exhibit - just to the Science Center. It was still a really good time, but I'm definitely going to be heading to Bodies at some point before May! Anyone up for it? We had our last horse show for the semester on Sunday at Bethany. I originally drew Abby - the same 14.2 hand Appaloosa I drew last semester - and our coach was not having it! She told the officials that I shouldn't have to be on a 14.2 hand horse, so they put me on Danni - and she's 17 hands! I did pretty well - 4th out of 6, but it was definitely my best ride at a show yet! So I was happy.

I was not so happy, however, when I got a flat tire on Sunday. Yep! I have no idea how it happened, but it did.... good news, though: I already got it fixed on Monday! Whew. Not a good time...

Don't really have much more else to say... oh, Happy 19th birthday to my little brother! Love him.

"The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Castaneda

- E

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus

Hello everyone.

It's Friday & I'm glad. This week - while not as busy as last week - was hectic in its own way and I'm glad it's practically over.

I registered yesterday and I'm in all of the classes I need except for one (but I'll get signed into it). I'm taking 12 credits: Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab, Biostatistics, Intro to Study of Disease, and Child and Adolescent Development. Fun, right? Hopefully it will be. I was going to take 15 credits, but I realized that after this next semester, I will only have two major courses and two minor courses left to take (one of each in each semester). So... that means I'll need two extra liberal studies in both semesters senior year... so I'm not going to take anymore classes than I need to right now!

I'm pretty sure Steve and I are going to live together next year. I'm hoping it works out, anyway. We found an apartment right across from campus that's two bedrooms, fully furnished, washer/dryer, and all utilities included. Price? $300/month. That's amazing - and cheaper than the residence halls! We are really hoping we get it... I've emailed the landlord (because it's only one apartment and not part of a complex) and he said that he'll put me down on the list of parties that are interested and let me know what's going on before winter break. There's really no reason that Steve and I shouldn't get it. We're both going to be seniors, we're both responsible, we're friendly..... so why not? Let's just hope it works out!!

Wednesday night I went to Eat n Park with Kim... it was so nice because we really haven't been able to see each other/catch up since high school! I can't believe she's a senior at GCC... but it was really great to catch up. Afterwards, I rushed to the restroom because I had about three cups of coffee, and as I rushed to take off my coat, I heard "plop." I looked down, and there was my phone. In the toilet.

Yeah.

So, Jaime and I went yesterday to Radioshack and I bought a new phone. It's pretty nice, nothing too special, but it's fine. Unfortunately, all of my numbers are gone :( So if you read this, please send me your number in some way. Thanks much!

I'm going to see the Bodies exhibit at the Carnegie Science Museum tomorrow and I can't wait. There's a lot of controversy around it, but I think it's a wonderful opportunity for the public to see what is usually only seen by medical professionals. I'll definitely write a review.

Renee took pictures of me with Hanna yesterday at the barn. I'll post one on here! My lesson on Tuesday went pretty well. I was the only one in it, so Amy put Hanna on a lunge line and I just worked without reins. It was pretty amazing. Hard, but I was able to eventually do a posting trot without holding onto the reins (or anything else at all, for that matter), and it was such an incredible feeling!

Well, I'll write more Saturday night - have a great weekend!

"The love for a horse is just as complicated as the love for another human being...if you never love a horse, you will never understand." - Unknown

-E

“People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Post 20 things you want to say to people.

2. Do not say who these people are.

3. Never discuss it again.


1. We've been such good friends throughout college & I'm so glad you're in my life. I know I can come to you with anything that's on my mind and you're not going to judge me for it. Thank you.

2. I've known you for years and years... and we were close growing up - especially in high school, but not as close as I wish we had been. We've had some really good times and I'm glad we still see each other every so often because I don't want to let our friendship fall apart!

3. Our friendship did fall apart. And over something very, very stupid. I think we're slowly picking up the pieces and trying to mend things... and I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'm glad we're not at the same place we were a few months ago.

4. I never thought that when we met last year that we were going to become so close... we've shared some great times and I've learned to love tea more because of you!

5. A lot of misunderstanding went on between us. I don't think you gave me a fair chance to say anything to defend myself. We haven't talked for some time now... and I don't know if we ever will. It's a shame, because I miss you. I hope you're happy nowadays.

6. You make me sick. I've never really liked you, and the fact that you're fake to the world confuses me and further makes me more disgusted. That's really all I have to say.

7. We really just met this year, but I already know you're a friend for life. We keep each other sane and help each other through rough times. You're a great person - don't change a bit.

8. You're my hero. You've gone through so much in your life, and I don't think you'll ever realize just how much I look up to you. I love you.

9. You're my biggest fan. Which in turn makes me your biggest fan. You have so much to offer the world, and I know it's all going to happen when you get a little older. I love you.

10. I absolutely had the wrong impression of you when we first met. But I love you and we always have such a good time together... even though we don't get to see each other nearly as often as we'd like!

11. You're an asshole.

12. I don't really know what happened between us. A couple of years ago, we became such good friends. And now, I barely get to see you and when I do it doesn't even seem like it's the same and it makes me sad... what happened?

13. This is to two of you. I really had high hopes for both of you, and you let me down. I feel like I can't really trust you with responsibilities and that's really frustrating. I'm glad we're friends and all, but I've learned a lot about your characters within the past few months.

14. You make me want to be a better person. I can accept criticism from you and know that it's only because you want me to excel in all that I do... and I thank you for it.

15. You've been one of my best friends since elementary school. I love how we can see each other after months and pick up right where we left off. I miss you right now, but I know I'll see you soon enough!

16. We've known each other our whole lives, practically. Sometimes I feel like we're so different, but it's very, very clear that we're very much alike! I don't get to see you all that much, but when we DO get to see each other, we have the time of our lives. I know we'll always be here for each other - love you!

17. You need to get over yourself.

18. This is another one to two people I know. You guys are awesome. I love you both a lot and I know you make each other very happy - and it makes me happy, too! I'm so glad I'm close with both of you and that we've been able to get to know each other for the past year and a half.

19. I admire you. I think you're brilliant and I've learned so much from you.... thanks!

20. We're friends. I value our friendship & I'm grateful for it.

“Truth has not special time of its own. Its hour is now -- always and indeed then most truly when it seems unsuitable to actual circumstances.” - Albert Schweitzer
- E

"A sobering thought: what if, at this very moment, I am living up to my full potential?" - Jane Wagner

Wow - lots has happened in one day.

Our building dynamics are about to change - a lot. I'm pretty sure two of our staff members are leaving. Which means there will be two of us left. That's huge. And I'm still in a state of shock -- especially because our staff is wonderful (always has been). But for different reasons, I'm pretty sure they're leaving and it's definitely going to be an adjustment.

Anyway... Perry IS coming up on Saturday and I'm happy about that. It should be fun!

I also found out some...interesting (for lack of a better word) news about an ex last night. Not that I care about what has happened, but it's just weird. Wish I could give more details on here, but it's not my place -- just ask if you want to know!

Today has been really long... and it's not even close to being over! I went riding this morning and volunteered at the barn for awhile. Now, I'm waiting for Jaime to call so we can grab lunch and then I have night class. Once that's over, it's smooth sailing till the weekend!

Not much else is happening...I just want a nap!

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." - Fredrick Douglass

-E

"October is a symphony of permanence and change." - Bonaro W. Overstreet

So on my busiest day of the week, I still found time to do a quick blog. Amazing!

I'm not nearly as angry as I was in my last post (for those of you who know me, you know that I rarely stay mad for very long). I'm still not happy with the job - and other reasons that I won't list have added to why - but Steve and I had a long joint floor meeting with both of our wings, and we made it clear that we're both sick of the lack of respect and that we were going to start cracking down. Results? Things have been better.

The past weekend was busy, but fun! Hana came to spend the night on Friday and we had a great time. She came to the WVU horse show with me on Saturday and it was fun (as usual), and it got even better because I placed 4th out of 7 people! That's the first time I've beat more than one person/came in last. Haha...so I was pretty excited over that. I messed up in front of the judge and I was pretty sure I had put myself in last place, but then I guess I got it back together so quickly that it impressed her...? I'm not sure, but I'm definitely not complaining!

This week has been pretty hellish. A lot is due and I feel like I don't have enough time to complete everything. And it's not just schoolwork. Or CA stuff. Or equestrian team-related. It's everything.

HealthFest.
Nutrition and Health booth.
Surveys/code book for Data Management completed.
OctoberFest.
Health Measurement and Evaluation marketing campaign completed.
Cedar Point fundraiser.
Volunteering at SHEC.
Plus more.

The good news is that one of the big days is over! Yesterday was HealthFest, where I helped to run 3 different booths for 2 different reasons (Nutrition and Health & PPHA). It was a little crazy, but actually really fun and everything ran smoothly. I just have so many other things to do...like, my day today started at 7 am, and it won't end till 10 pm. Well, that's partially true. My activities/commitments won't end till 10 pm. And then I have homework and studying. This is my life! For once, I put my foot down though this semester... I've been having trouble with a particular group project in a class where I've been staying up very late to complete parts of the project because nobody else has taken the initiative to get things done. However, another part is due soon and I've made it clear that either we're all staying up late together, or someone else needs to do it because this week is NOT the week for me to be taking on group projects on my own.

That's why they're called "group projects."
I wish some people understood.

I'm just overwhelmed -- happy, but overwhelmed. And this weekend the Equestrian Team is working at Cedar Point as a fundraiser, and yours truly is driving. Did I mention that we have to be there at 8:30 am? For an 8 hour day? And then I have to drive back? Cedar Point is roughly three hours away. I'm not the only one driving, of course....but after this week, all I'm going to want to do is relax. Guess it can't happen till Sunday!

I also hope I get to see Perry at some point this weekend. I'm not going to be up for driving to Pittsburgh, that's for sure. So I hope he comes up here... anyway, that's another thing stressing me out.

Blah. Enough for now -- I'll update more later & I hope you're all doing well.

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams

-E

"When angry, count to four. When very angry, swear." - Mark Twain

Well, when I said I would be blogging more often, I didn't think it meant a few hours. But I just felt the need to vent quickly. I was talking with Steve in the hallway (because we're having our floor meetings together tomorrow), and I realized that one of my bulletin boards had been written on. Here's the thing: I wouldn't care about it if I had all the time in the world to do bulletin boards. However. I do NOT have all the time in the world, the boards take a few hours to do, and it PISSES me off when people just write shit on them because they think it's funny.

I'm so sick of this job. I mean, I like some of my residents, but the job isn't fun for me anymore. It's not even like it's boring -- it's just taking up so much time and I'm bothered by things that I don't have time to be bothered with. I was really looking forward to this year because everyone seemed so cool. And most of them still are. But it's the few residents wiping info off of CAs' boards, tearing stuff off/writing things on bulletin boards, etc., who are really making this year hard for me. It's just a matter of respect, and it's so frustrating that some college students don't grasp the concept. I know that my freshman year, NOBODY thought of taking things off the boards or screaming things down the hall at 2 am or 8 am.... none of that is necessary, yet some people feel the need to do it.

I'm just angry. It takes a lot to get me angry, and folks, I'm there. I give respect to my residents, and all I want is to get it back. That's all. I'll keep you posted.

"Is there no sense of respect of place, persons, nor time in you?" - William Shakespeare

-E

"Blogs are a real force... they're not just for geeks anymore." - Carlos Watson

Shame on me.

I haven't written in slightly over a month and I am so sorry! Life at SRU has been crazy this semester, and it's not slowing down anytime soon.

Classes have been really busy. I'm still not liking Anatomy and Physiology... and let's be honest: I probably never will. But it's going okay, as are my other classes. I'm just so busy all the time with projects and assignments. It never seems to end!

Perry and I just celebrated 2 months & I'm happy! :)

Equestrian Team is going great. We've had three horse shows and I placed fifth in one and sixth in two. Oh well - we still have three more this semester and I'm gonna work hard for the blue ribbon!!

CAing has been tough this semester. I do love my floor, but it's the little things that are getting to me. Examples: the fact that I have a concert every day in my room, but my music isn't on...thanks, neighbor! * Showers breaking and flooding the bathroom that has no central drain * Residents posting pictures on Facebook of themselves drinking * etc.
I really hope I can be an RA in the Ivy next year because this whole CA thing is getting old...

Life generally has been okay. I feel like being busy is good, but sometimes I'm too busy for my own good. I'm just involved with so much (and I love all of it), and I find that any free time I have is usually devoted to sleeping. It's okay, though. Next semester will be a lot less stress and hopefully my senior year will hold even less stress for me!

One good thing about being busy: I can't believe I already had midterms. This semester has flown by... let's just hope that it stays that way (for A&P and my sake!)!! I promise I'll start updating daily...

"Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

-E

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." - Ambrose Redmoon

Things have been a bit stressful at Rhoads, but I'm so thankful to have a staff where we can all support one another in times of need. So things are better now!

Perry and I have been dating for a month now...and it has gone by so quickly! I'm happier every day...

I'm going to a taping of the Hines Ward Show today with Amanda!! I can't wait. And then, I'll be home for Rosh Hashanah till Thursday evening.

And the weekend? I'm spending it with Perry and my family!! I'm excited to see what's in store...

L'shana Tova!

"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." - Aristotle

-E

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust

Hello, world.

It's been awhile, and I apologize. This year has started out crazy and busy, and I'm relaxing now (although, not really, because I'm on duty). Here is what I'm faced with this year: 15 credits (plus a lab), being Co-Captain of the Equestrian Team, being Treasurer for PPHA, being a Peer Leader for FYRST Seminar, being a CA, and being a Peer Assistant.

So if I don't update nearly as often, please don't hold it against me!

As crazy as everything is, life is so good right now. I feel as though I've been redeemed by G-d in some way... like, "Here. You had a pretty shitty summer, so...have a busy year, but let it be good."

And it is good.

My residents are wonderful, and I've had no problems thus far. I've started becoming really close with a few of them, but I've done a good job of keeping my distance as a CA. They seem really excited about programs, and I have a good mix of upperclassmen and freshmen.

Classes, although very busy (did I mention I already have three group projects underway? And we just got done with our second week!), are pretty interesting for the most part. Well, except for Anatomy and Physiology. I think I will forever dispise that class -- no matter how many times I take it. Anyway, I'm trying to keep an open mind...so hopefully things will become more interesting in there. I think Cognitive Psych and Data Management are my two favorite classes right now. I didn't think Data Mgmt. would be because it's...well, it's an 8 am. Enough said. Nahhh, just kidding. But really, for an 8 am it keeps my interest. I'm excited to do my own study and analyze the results! Cognitive Psych is so interesting...I learn something new in every class and it really gets me excited! Haha... Along with those two and A&P, I have two other classes: Nutrition and Health and Health Measurement and Evaluation. Nutrition and Health is an interesting class, but I feel guilty about EVERYTHING I eat when I'm in there. Even healthy stuff! For example, the question was asked, "How many of you eat the skin on an apple when you eat it?" I, along with many others, proudly raised my hand (thinking: hmm...skin on apples = fiber). Well, the answer from my professor was, "Hm...well, you know when they use pesticides, that's EXACTLY where they spray it on..." And then she went on to explain that if we are going to eat veggies and fruits (which we should, as part of our daily diet), then they should be organic.

Well, okay. But that wasn't the question! It wasn't, "How many of you eat the skin off of NON-ORGANIC, PESTICIDE FILLED apples?" *sigh* Anyway, it IS a good class and I really do like the professor...I've had her for three other classes AND she's my advisor. It's just funny to be in class with her because she REALLY loves nutrition and seems to genuinely get upset when she sees that the majority of us eat processed food.

Oh well! Moving on... Health Meas. and Eval. seems like it's going to be a tough course. Our group project is designing a whole health education program. My group's topic is on Asthma. It shouldn't be too bad... but it's going to be a lot of information/research!

We had our two Equestrian Team info meetings, and the official meetings start this Monday. We seemed to have a lot of people who are interested, and I hope it all goes well! My lessons start Tuesday and I can't wait to get back into riding... I mean, I rode a little bit during the summer, but it was before Cherokee died...and so... well, it'll just be good to ride again.

Perry and I have been dating for almost a month now, and when we saw each other last weekend, we...... *drumroll please*...... became official! Haha...it was actually very exciting, and I really like him. We.. in Jaime's words... just fit. It's great. He'll be here tomorrow and will be spending the night. I'm looking forward to it!

Hmm...what else? I've been spending time with my love, Jaime.... it's been fun, as usual! And so, like I've been saying... everything is going really well. I miss my family, but I talk to them often and I'll be seeing them soon for Rosh Hashanah. Hope you all are doing well! :)

"Son, if you really want something in this life, you have to work hard for it. Now quiet! They're about to announce the lottery numbers." - Homer Simpson

-E

"Living on campus makes it your world." - Zac Goodwin

SO. I finally have a bit of time to rest and catch all of you up on what's been going on. All freshmen moved in today, and it seems like a good portion of my floor is freshmen. I like it that way, I think, because they seem to listen to/respect me more. My residents seem really cool and I hope they get involved with floor stuff!

I'm on duty, so the rest of the CAs took the freshmen to the pep rally tonight. We have a full weekend of events for the freshmen and then classes start Monday! The author of the book freshmen had to read, Shackleton's Way (about the explorer Ernest Shackleton), will be speaking tomorrow, and then there's a whole bunch of activites planned. I feel confident that this will be a good year. I may be speaking too soon...but.... great staff? Cool residents? Hm...let's hope for the best!

"Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all." - Sir Ernest Shackleton

-E

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

We finally officially ended training! Tomorrow we're volunteering, but all the lecturing is over...and I'm so glad.

Everything's great here...I still love my staff and more residents are moving in.

I miss a certain someone a lot, but we'll see each other soon enough. This waiting time in between is not so fun, though!

It's almost two in the morning...I'm really out of it and should get to sleep, but I'll update again soon.

"When you feel alone, just look at the spaces between your fingers, and remember that in those spaces you can see my fingers locked with yours forever." - Anonymous

-E

"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." - Ryunosuke Satoro

Sorry I haven't updated since I've been back; I've been so busy! I am so happy up here... and it's good to be back. Training has been taking up most of my time, of course (9-5 every day... eek!), but I've been able to enjoy myself as well.



I LOVE my staff. Steve, Travis, and LeShay are just such awesome people and so genuine. Unfortunately, LeShay was only here for one day of training because she had to get her wisdom teeth out, but Steve, Travis, and I have spent lots of time together and I know LeShay will fit right in when she comes back! I can tell we're going to be like family (aka the teasing from the guys has already started!). Melissa is going to be a great coordinator as well. She's sweet and easy to talk to. I think it's great we're already tight as a staff... it will really make this year go smoothly.

Perry came up to visit two nights ago and surprised me with roses! We had such a good time... and I can't wait to see him again. I think it's safe to say we're dating... and we're taking things one day at a time. He makes me really happy and I hope things work out. He's in Pittsburgh, so it's feasible. It's just that these next couple of weeks are so busy. It stinks, but I'm hopeful that things will work as they should.

I like my room in Rhoads and I've started working on doortags and bulletin boards. I've already had five residents move in (out of 54!) because of band and sports. Still quiet though, and that's always a good thing! Everyone else will move in next weekend.

Overall, things are great here. I miss my family, but we're so busy that it's hard to think of much else other than CA stuff. It's cool being a returning CA - I like being there to help the first years! I'll update more in the next couple of days.

"Our Rhoads staff might be small
But our spirit overrides it all
We know we'll do well with our mascot - the car
Who will lead us on the path to success
It won't be too far!" - Travis, Steve, LeShay, and myself (during CA training... our cheer!)

-E

"Live as long as you may. The first twenty years are the longest half of your life." - Robert Southey

Happy 20th birthday to me!

VERY exciting.

Well, it WOULD be more exciting if I wasn't heading back up to school in about 9 hours....and if I didn't start CA training at night.... ah, well. It's okay. I had a great dinner with my family, went to the movies with Perry (!!), and finished the night off with Elysa, Becky, and Laura. SO. Even though tomorrow will be a hectic day, tonight was a fine birthday celebration!

I feel lucky to be where I am in life, and that in itself is the best birthday present I could have!

Next post will be from good ol' Slippery Rock.

"One of the signs of passing youth is the birth of a sense of fellowship with other human beings as we take our place among them." - Virginia Woolf

-E

"Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway." - Mary Kay Ash

So. Four days until two big things happen.

1. I go back to SRU for a fun ten days of CA training. I know intentions are good, but some of those sessions were tough to sit through the first time around. I can't even imagine what training will be like now that I've already done the job!

2. My 20th birthday. Not that I'll get to celebrate. Well, that's not true. There's a big dinner for all CAs on the 15th.... so I guess THAT will be my birthday dinner! Not bad, not bad...

Am I packed at all? Nope...so I should probably get on that. I'm going out tonight...and then it's down to business for real!

"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." - Steven Wright

-E

"I've got to admit it's getting better / It's a little better all the time" - Paul McCartney

So, it's 4:50 am, and I need to be getting to sleep...but today was awesome. And it could have been a disaster, but it wasn't...and that makes me SO happy.

I had a picnic to put on today. Mother Nature, however, had other plans. She provided a tremendous torrential downpour. I freaked out and thought I would need to cancel. But thanks to my family's generosity of letting me use our house for 20 people, it turned out to be a success. People came right at five, and stayed long past 11 pm. I believe the last of my guests left around two thirty. TWO THIRTY! That's incredible. I worried that there was going to be a lull of activity that would send people home, but as these picnics promise: there are so many people meeting others for the first time that there are always stories to share and talents to show off! Catchphrase, Charades, and Mao ruled a lot of the night, and it was just perfect. No drama, no worries...just fun.

People who said they would bring things did, and that made things so much easier. There was so much food and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. And you know, the majority of us (minus my little sister and her best friend! haha) were between 19 and 25 and not once was alcohol or any drugs mentioned (as in: "Hm...anyone have some vodka?"). It makes me really, really happy when we all can remember to have fun without the use of either of those. In a weird way, it gives me hope. That's odd, isn't it? But that's the only way I can describe how I feel. I guess the whole night was refreshing. I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in a long time...and it makes me remember that I really need to keep in touch more. I had forgotten how much fun we used to have together, and tonight was a nice reminder of all the good times.

Anyway, I'm on this "natural high" where I'm just so thrilled that something that could have turned out disasterous didn't (and in fact exceeded my expectations), and maybe that storm was just a blessing in disguise. I've had a few of those, I think, recently...and tonight was when I recognized one almost right away. That's awesome.

Thank you to everyone who came & made the picnic fabulous, and many, many thanks to my family. You all really saved the day.

"Only you could turn a picnic inside and still have it be awesome." - Jim H. (a guest as he was leaving)

-E

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." - Guillaume Apollinaire

New Mexico was fabulous.
Just incredible.

The atmosphere is very laidback and it's one of those places where moments happen that you know you'll never forget.

My aunt = a great hostess. Enough said!

Oh, and the green chile there? Amazing.

The trip did what I thought it would for me. I'm relaxed, happy, and at a complete peace of mind. I went salsa dancing a few times, met some very nice people, listened to great music, and just had a fantastic experience. I know my aunt would love if I came back for grad school, but I'm going to have to see if UNM has a public health program (Pitt is still my number one choice so far!).

I just can't believe the trip is over...it went by so quickly, and each day we were so busy. I'm glad to be back only because I know I have so much to do in the next week before I go back to school!

I leave you now with a poem that I saw in the Indian Arts Museum:

I am the earth at my feet
and the rain that softens it
and I am thankful

I am the clay in my hands
and the shapes they craft
and I am respectful

I am the story in my mind
and the prayer in my heart
and I am wiser

We are one moment
in a tradition everlasting
and we are honored

-E

"Time tells the truth." - Fortune Cookie

North and South Carolina turned out to be a blast... and exactly what I needed. I've been back home since Saturday, but I leave this morning (literally, my dad will be waking up in about two and a half hours to take me to the airport) for Santa Fe. I'm so excited (and I just can't hide it? Haha, I couldn't help myself...). My mom is there already, but when she leaves on the 4th, it will be just Aunt Harriet and myself.

I feel like this will be a cleansing period for me. Aunt Harriet is really into yoga/exercising and healthy eating. Those are the two things I'm deficient in. I will hopefully pick up some of her habits and bring them back here. I can't believe I go back to school in just fifteen days. What happened to my summer? Of course, I'm not feeling negative about it at all; I'm glad it's almost over. It just flew by...seem like yesterday that I was loading all my stuff in the car to go home!

I'll have a lot of work to do when I get home, but it's okay. I can't wait to get organized and just be back up at Slippery Rock.

If I'm able to update from Santa Fe, I will. Otherwise, you'll hear from me in a week!

"The only thing you can carry with you on your travels is your heart. Fill your heart with good things and good things will follow you for the rest of your life." - Scott Murray

-E

"The pleasantest things in the world are pleasant thoughts: and the great art of life is to have as many of them as possible." - Montaigne

So apparently you can't make certain blog entries private. It's a little frustrating, but I can go to another site to make my own private entries. That address will not be disclosed. Sorry. I've realized that I do need my own privacy because censoring myself isn't really helping me. I just need a place to truly vent knowing that nobody will be reading except for myself.

North Carolina has been wonderful. It's exactly what I needed and I'm finding that certain situations from my recent past have only crossed my mind a few times. And when they do, I quickly realize that I don't need to bother myself with worrying about -- what, other people's problems? Yeah, I've done too much of that lately for my own good. Well, I don't need to go further about that!

I've been able to see Ben's friends (well, I suppose they're mine too!) and hopefully will see them again! I find it's fascinating that we can go more than a year (or three) without seeing one another and it doesn't matter -- it's like we pick up where we left off. We're going to South Carolina tomorrow for a couple of days. Then, we're back in Charlotte till Saturday. I'll update. :)

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest." - Elie Wiesel

-E

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi

Well, this is it. My first public post on my new site. I didn't think it would feel this liberating (can technology make you feel liberated?!), but it does. Regardless of what has happened in the past, I've moved on. I'm going to North Carolina till the 27th tomorrow. If I get a chance to update this, I will. Otherwise, you'll just have to wait (I say that as though people are already reading this)! I'm hoping to come back with a clear mind, a positive outlook (okay, I guess I usually have one, but I mean...returning to that state of mind), and relaxed.

"Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible." - Cherie Carter-Scott

-E