Don't Settle For Comfortable

I love Georgetown.

2011-07-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

I've neglected my blog for the past several weeks, but I'm back -- with only 18 more days in Northern Virginia. I can't believe this summer is almost over! It's just about time to move into my new apartment (!!) and start working at the Daily Iowan again.
I'm loving my job at USA TODAY even more than I initially did, so I'm definitely going to miss walking in to the gorgeous building every day. Lately, I've been doing a lot of writing for both the USA TODAY College website and the magazine division. Late this summer and early this fall, my work will appear in about 5 magazines. This will definitely be the highlight of my journalistic career thus far; we print 100,000 copies of each issue!
I'm definitely becoming stronger in creative writing, compared to the writing I do in news articles, but I can definitely see the overlap from my reporting experience.
But my time here isn't all work. Today, I went to Georgetown and met up with my good friend from school, Kelly. She was here for a couple of days with her dad so we had lunch and did a little shopping. And I definitely had to refrain from swiping my debit card at every store we walked by. Anthropologie, Madewell, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, are you kidding? I want to live in Georgetown.
I made out pretty well with a new pair of jeans and a shirt, both on super clearance! #internbudget #poor #needisaymore?
It was nice to see another familiar face, though. I've been lucky because I have seen several people from school and home this summer. But I am definitely pretty home sick and ready to be back in Des Moines and then Iowa City.
While this experience is something I'm definitely very blessed with and have benefit from, I can't wait to see my best friends and family every day.

Oh. Did you know it is National Ice Cream Day? I didn't, but I must have a sixth sense because I wandered in Ben and Jerry's today and got a Half Baked milkshake. Best thing I've eaten all summer.

Week 4

2011-06-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is a little late, but I had the best weekend ever.
Not to be all mushy, but my boyfriend, Sam, came to Virginia to visit me and it was probably the best three days I've had in a long, long time.
We were extremely touristy and saw all of the sights that D.C. has to offer and probably walked around 20 miles in 3 days. My legs are still recovering.
I will always be in awe of the monuments, especially at night. We spent a lot of time just sitting and talking in front of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial -- one of my favorite memories of this summer, so far.
I also fell in love with the Georgetown area. We met some Daily Iowan alums who live and work in the area at a local pizza place. So delicious. We downed an authentic Italian pizza in about 10 minutes and then proceeded to Georgetown Cupcake, which is the muse behind the TLC show, D.C. Cupcakes.
Sam wasn't impressed, but I'm now obsessed with that bakery. It had almost every flavor of cupcake you could think of and I had a hard time deciding which one to stuff my already full belly with. I decided on white chocolate raspberry. YUM. We waited until we got back downtown to eat them and by that time the frosting was a little melted, but I am planning on making at least a few trips back across the Potomac for some of that cakey goodness.
I have 38 more days in northern Virginia, and while I am homesick pretty often, I am still loving my job. I am learning so much, things that I would never have the opportunity to learn in Iowa and on a smaller scale.
Today, I sent a freelancer a business outline for a piece we are commissioning. I got to essentially write and propose all aspects of the plan, including deadline and the rate, so that was definitely a different experience. But I love being in charge of things and I really appreciate that my bosses trust me with so many things.
And while I am still getting used to not seeing my work published the day after I write it, like I am accustomed to when I am in Iowa City, I'm looking forward to the end of the summer when several of our issues are published. We print 100,000 copies of each issue we produce, so it's a little nerve wracking that so many people will read my work, but it is work that I truly enjoy and I get to write in a more conversational and punchy style, which is definitely my niche.
I'm trying to come up with a few story ideas to pitch to the editors of the print edition of USA Today. It's awesome that the management of the company is so open to letting interns explore so many different areas of the field during our time here, so I'm really hoping to earn a couple of bylines in the newspaper.
I'm realizing that I can definitely see myself settling down in this area. There are things that I miss and appreciate about Iowa, like the hospitality and friendliness of people -- east coasters aren't known to be the most accommodating -- but there is so much more room for better opportunities in this area of the country. And there is definitely more to do. The Newseum alone could entertain me for days, as Sam and I quickly found out.
But if I wanted to live comfortably in this area, one of the most expensive in the country, I likely chose the wrong profession. If only I had a strong enough voice to win American Idol. At least then I could afford the pent house on Pennsylvania Avenue that I was eying.
I suppose I'll settle for living vicariously through the famous people I interview, but at least I'm doing what I love. And that's what matters.

You win some, you lose some. And in this case, I lost a dog.

2011-06-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

I. Love. My. Job.
I look forward to going to the office every day. I don't mind waking up a little after 7 a.m. in order to have time to make an almost 90 minute commute from Fairfax to Tysons Corner. I enjoy the work I do. This week, I did some writing about hangover cures and grilling out. Both of which will be published in magazines at the end of the summer!
And next week, I'm going to interview and write a story on a shark attack survivor for our outdoor living magazine. Since I left the Daily Iowan for the summer, I've missed writing a lot, so I'm really loving getting back into it.
All of you should check out the USA Today College website. I do a lot of updates on the site and we are working on some exciting plans to expand our news coverage and overall content! I've definitely learned more about marketing in these past 3 weeks than I ever have before.
Tomorrow I start working on some projects for the person who runs social media for Gannett all around the country. Since I practically got this internship through my Twitter account, I'm very interested about how the company runs their accounts.
But not everything is going as well as I have hoped.
My mom called me as I was on my way home from work on Tuesday evening and told me that she and my dad had to take my 12-year-old dog, Sunny, to the vet and put her to sleep. While I knew this was coming for some time, it's still very hard to lose a pet. And it's especially hard to lose one that I had since the second grade. She was a part of our family, often giving us something to laugh at when she would lay on a coffee table or fall asleep on her back with all four of her legs up in the air, so she will definitely be missed. This is the first time in my life when I don't have at least one dog, so it could take some time to get used to. Plus, I really hate cats and we have two at home. Ew.
But on the bright side, my boyfriend, Sam, will be here in one week! Not only am I excited to have him around for a little more than three days, but I am ecstatic to see a familiar face. And I'll finally get to go to the Newseum. That in itself may be the highlight of my weekends in D.C.

Week 1: Check

2011-06-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

I have successfully completed my first week in Virginia and USA Today.
My days are taken up with my work in the magazine and USA Today College divisions. And I have the best internship ever, as far as I'm concerned. Why? Let me count the ways.
1. I could live in my office. And not because I'm overworked. Because it has so many amenities. A gym, a hair salon, a convenient store with Starbucks, a huge cafeteria, basketball courts, a volleyball pit, and a nurse's station are just some of them.
2. I get my own cubicle and brand new Mac desktop computer. Seriously, this thing is sweet. I sit in front of it all day and never get bored. Macs may not be a big deal to a lot of people, but compared to my piece of crap laptop that sounds like a small jet engine taking off every time I turn it on, this is a substantial improvement. Do you think I can convince them to let me keep it at the end of the summer? Hmm...
3. My colleagues have some pretty impressive resumes. To name a few, they have worked for the NFL, Politico, USA Weekend, and the Washington Post. This gives me hope for my future, whether it is staying with USA Today, which would be awesome, or working for another national media outlet. The cost of living is pretty astronomical out here, but I know the benefits outweigh it.
And although I love my job, living so far away from home has been a little harder than I initially expected. For instance, it's Friday night and I am in my pajamas, blogging, emailing my internship coordinator, and singing along to my Kate Voegele Pandora station. Even though this is probably what I should be doing -- I'm exhausted -- I can't help but wish I was with my friends from home.
But there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and that light is the fact that I am going sightseeing in D.C. tomorrow! I can't wait to be all tourist-y and take a hundred pictures and then be annoying and post them all over Facebook with captions like, "White House!", "Lincoln!", "SOME OTHER OLD GUY OMGZZZ!"
That's all I've got for now. I'm off to commence my night of eating Samoa ice cream and reading Water for Elephants.

Allie Goes to Washington

2011-05-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that my first flight/traveling alone experience could've gone smoother. (More smoothly?)
I'll start off by letting you all know that I did make it to Virginia safely, but this did not come easily.
First, I dropped my 35 pound suitcase on my big toe and started bleeding while checking my luggage. This is only the beginning of my luggage problems.
After an hour and 10 minute flight delay because of rain in Washington, the plane finally took off. But not without me feeling like I was on a roller coaster. There was a lot of turbulence during the whole flight and I was sure we were going to crash. However, all of the other passengers seemed relaxed and I was sure they were far more experienced in flying than I am, so I just gripped my copy of Water for Elephants and tried not to think about the fact that I was 4,000 feet in the air without anything underneath me.
After landing in Washington, I ventured my way over to baggage claim. Thank you, United Airlines, for screwing up the claim number and causing me to walk back and forth in search of my bags for a good 40 minutes. Apparently, announcing that my bags will be at the first claim station really means they will be at the fifth one.
By this time, I hadn't eat for over eight hours and I was starving and exhausted. But I had to catch a cab to George Mason University in Fairfax, where I am living this summer. My cab driver didn't really know where he was going, so once we found campus I just had him drop me off at a random building because I had no idea where my housing was. Turns out that I was about 100 yards away from my room, but I took my total of about 100 pounds of luggage and wandered around campus for over an hour. And one of my suitcases doesn't have good wheels so I had to push it for a few yards, leave it, go get my other one and bring it along, and repeat. I looked like a complete disaster, but managed to (sort of) hold back my tears until I made it to my room. Thank you to those random students who carried my bags for a little while for me. It must have been pretty obvious that I was a helpless outsider. And once I said I am from Iowa, they just nodded in confirmation.
I still have yet to unpack the majority of my clothes because I don't have any hangers for my closet. I can't even get to a Target or a grocery store because apparently the shuttle doesn't run during the summer. I'm stranded. I still have to figure out how to get to the Metro so I can get to work on Tuesday morning, but I'm trying not to freak out about that yet.
I managed to find the campus convenience store so I got the necessities: paper towels, toilet paper, Honey Nut Cheerios, and bananas. Just count this as part of my summer diet plan. Discredit the fact that I ordered in pizza and cheesecake last night. Give me a break, I was upset, lonely, and starving. It didn't hold a candle to Gumby's back home, though. Reason number 1 why I am missing Iowa City.
But even after all these struggles, I know I am so blessed to be given this opportunity. I start work on Tuesday and can't wait! My nerves are kicking in, but I know this internship will be a great experience.
P.S. If you want my address to send me sustenance in the form of baked goods, email me.

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.

2010-12-25T13:46:00.001-08:00

As I write this, I am half listening to Home Run Derby with my dad. If this is any indication as to how exciting my Winter Break has been so far, I think it's understandable why I am going back to Iowa City tomorrow afternoon.
During my time off, I have cooked, slept, and shopped. I made a pretty delicious HOMEMADE lasagna, but that is sadly my greatest accomplishment in almost two weeks. I also got my grades back. Three B's, a C (I officially hate Psychology), and I passed Pilates (it was a pass/fail class), so I guess that's not bad for cramming for every single exam and pulling papers out of my you know what 18 hours before their due, but I still wanted to hibernate with a big bucket of cookie dough when I found out I didn't get any A's this semester. No need to rub this in, by the way. I'm pretty bitter and WILL cry if you make fun of me. The good news is I'm done with my Gen Eds, so no more math or science classes EVER.
I count this Christmas as an overall success. I've had a good time with my family and got some decent gifts. Also, I found out that my new roommate speaks English! I swear I'm not racist, but if your Chinese suite mate overflows the toilet and floods half of your room, wouldn't you be relieved, too? I thought so.
The official countdown to my 20th birthday begins now. 24 days more days until I am no longer a teeny-bopper. GET EXCITED.

Thankful

2010-11-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
I've always been a fan of the Holidays, but I've been especially excited for them this year. Maybe it's because I appreciate downtime a little more. Maybe it's because I appreciate the little things more. Or maybe it's because I appreciate a home cooked meal a little more. In any case, I'm thankful that it's Thanksgiving.
I know this is a cliche, but I'm going to make a list of things I am thankful for this year.
1. My family. I have the best parents ever. My dad is seriously the nicest person I've ever met and would do anything for anyone and that's something I've really come to appreciate. My mom always supports me in my education, my goals, and my dreams. She has always encouraged me to work hard and accomplish everything that I set my mind on. Whenever I'm feeling down, I know my mom will help motivate me to persevere and I will always love her for that.
2. My friends. I'm thankful that I have stayed close with most of my friends from high school. They know where I come from and have been loyal for years. These are the people I grew up with. They know me. They know what I'm about and yet they still put up with me. They understand that I over analyze things and get stressed out too easily, but somehow can always talk some sense into me. I can reminisce with them, but I still know that they will be in my life in the future. I'm very thankful for all of my friends in Iowa City, too. Especially everyone I have met at The Daily Iowan. I can relate to everyone there because, for some reason, we all enjoy putting ourselves through mass amounts of stress on a daily basis. But I don't really consider my time in the newsroom as work because I always have so much fun with everyone. Also, I always have someone to watch Hawkeye games with, and because a lot of my friends from home are Clones fans, I appreciate watching a football game without being heckled the whole time.
3. Twitter. This may seem like a strange thing to be thankful for, but I really like Twitter. I love being able to follow multiple news outlets and keep up with current events right as they happen. It makes staying updated so much easier, especially because of the Twitter app I have on my phone, which I am also very thankful for. Love my Droid.
4. College. I love being a college student. I know I complain about tests, uncomfortable living situations, and student loan debts, but I am so blessed to be able to attend college. It's opening up so many doors for me and there is no way I would be happy if I wasn't in school right now. My degree and journalism experience are going to allow me to be successful and independent afterwards. This is a preview of everything else that will happen in my life and if I continue to be as excited and determined as I am now about my future, I know big things are waiting for me.

Ok, that's it for now. I have to get ready for Black Friday shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center at midnight. Please don't trample me on the way in, folks.

Hugh Grant's accent is the highlight of my night.

2010-11-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

I hope you aren't judging me because I'm in sweatpants and watching the Julia Roberts movie marathon on Lifetime alone a Saturday night. Not that it makes any difference to me, obviously, because I just told you about it. But still, I don't need any condescending remarks and I'm trying to avoid my reading assignments that I am way behind on.

"Could I stay a little bit longer?" -Julia Roberts
"You can stay forever." -Hugh Grant.
Melt.

My mom visited today. I love my mom for these reasons:
1. She drives four hours to come see me whenever I want her to.
2. She is giving me a car next semester so I can actually go to Target by myself.
3. She makes the best salsa ever and knows food is the way to my heart.
4. She always lets me pick the restaurants we eat lunch in.
5. She also loves all things New York, Royalty, Coffee, and Hugh Grant-related. Just like me.

I really wanted to go home with her today, but I have school and work this week. If I didn't have stories due, I probably would've left and ditched all my classes. I am in desperate need of a vacation and am so unmotivated lately. There may be a small level of homesickness involved, but only a little. I don't admit that easily, so don't hold it against me. I miss sleeping in a normal sized bed and eating full meals. I haven't been out of Iowa City since August, and I need a break. And my mom makes green bean bundles wrapped in bacon for Thanksgiving and I. Can't. WAIT.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I can't believe it's less than two weeks away. Mom and I went to the mall today and there were Christmas decorations everywhere. I swear, the Holidays get earlier every year. But, this inspired me to make my Christmas/Birthday list, so now I'm getting pretty excited. For the last week, all I want to do is curl up, wear sweaters, and drink apple cider. That is what I plan on doing over break. Feel free to join, I can make enough cider for everyone.

"I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her."
Dammit, Julia. You got me again.

Go Hawks!

2010-10-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

How about them Hawkeyes! To any of you that missed yesterday's epic win over then undefeated Michigan State, I feel bad for you. The game restored my faith in this season and I thoroughly enjoyed cheering the boys on. The weather was beautiful and we played extremely well. My favorite parts, though, were storming the field afterwards and, get this, TOUCHING RICKY STANZI'S ARM! I don't care if that's creepy, I love football players and that was the highlight of my weekend (other than seeing my best friend, but is he a D1 quarterback? No. Sorry, Logan.) I would've taken a picture, but of course the lack of service I get in Kinnick Stadium sucked up the minuscule amount of battery power I had left. Timing could not have been worse, right?
That reminds me, I'm sure everyone has heard about Iowa admitting to violating NCAA guidelines about recruiting new athletes. If not, here is the article.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101031/NEWS/10310353/Register-exclusive-U-of-I-violations-tied-to-Ashton-Kutcher-Demi-Moore
While I can see why this is a rule, it's a little ridiculous. Ashton Kutcher is not in attendance for every single football game, so I doubt a player would really use this as a reason to go to the UI. Unless it was me, but I'm no college athlete. Even though athletics are a very important part of a college or university, I think the recruiting process might be becoming a tad too intense. Sports are meant to be fun. They're games and I think the general public forgets that at times.
I need to finish watching Titanic and then force myself to study for a Psych midterm, but I want to take this opportunity to remind all of you to vote on Tuesday! I'm baking brownies for the reporters in the newsroom since we all have to be there all night. Jealous? I thought so.

Allie Wright...author?

2010-10-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling the urge to write all day long. Yes, I wrote a DI article and a news brief, but I have been itching to just sit down and sort out my thoughts. I just got home from the newsroom after an extremely long day, so I'm using this as a way to unwind. And to distract myself from watching a girl go through labor on 16 and Pregnant. Why am I watching this? I don't care if it's a miracle, child birth is gross and these kids need to start watching the Avoid the Stork commercials.
I have been feeling a lot less stress about the DI lately. I am starting to think I am improving and managing my time a lot better. Today, for example, I was assigned a story at 5:30 p.m. and cranked it out by 7:30 p.m.! That is a record and you all better read it tomorrow. It'll be on the front page! Is it sad that I sort of live for that now-a-days? Nah, I'm a journalist.
Tomorrow morning, I have my first appointment with my Journalism school adviser. I'm supposed to pick out my second area of concentration and classes for next semester. HA! Like that is going to happen. I still have no idea what I want to do. If anyone has any suggestions, I am welcoming them with open arms. Sometimes I just want someone to tell me what to do so I can stop making all these decisions. I know I love journalism and I know I love to write, isn't that enough?
I've decided to add writing a book to my bucket list. It'd be great if I could write a book, make a bunch of money, and then be able to do freelance journalism for the rest of my life. If there are any publishers out there willing to fund my project, I AM INTERESTED. Who knows, maybe I'll be the next Julie Powell and my blog/book/life will be made into a major motion picture starring Amy Adams. Or better yet, Blake Lively. In my mind, I am a 6 foot, 130 pound bombshell and don't you tell me otherwise.

P.S. I'm still going strong with my vegetarianism! Except for the Garlic Chicken Lean Pocket I had earlier, but that doesn't count. Lean Pockets don't come sans meat, I checked.

Beef. It's what's for dinner, (But not for a while).

2010-10-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Big news. I am no longer a carnivore. Shocked?
Friday night as I was eating a gyro, I got the sudden urge to throw up. I'm not really sure why this came about, but I kept picturing little baby lambs and it started to bother me. I've never been one to think about how animals are affected to give me a delicious meal, but it just hit me.
I've decided to become a vegetarian for a few other reasons, too. I want to see if I can actually do it. I'm the kind of person that wants what they can't have, so this will be a big challenge for me. Also, I'm trying to stop myself from gaining weight (I've been feeling a little chubby lately) and cutting out fat from meat will only help me with this goal. Unless I overindulge with carbs to compensate for my lack of meat intake, but let's just hope that doesn't happen. I refuse to give up my skinny jeans.
I haven't decided if I want to make this decision permanent, but so far so good. I've been eating more fruit and drinking a lot more water. However, grocery shopping was a little big of a challenge. I had a hard time finding frozen pizza without meat on it.
Sooner or later, I'm sure I will have a huge hankering for a cheeseburger from Hamburg Inn. I will not tell myself no to that. I am from Iowa, after all.
Note: I almost couldn't tell that my Boca burger last night was not real meat. Almost.

Never a day off.

2010-10-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy, to say the least.
Midterms are the U of I's way of making my life miserable. I hate being tested over things I won't ever need to know again. I've started to feel like an actual college student, though, in regards to my sleeping/ eating habits. NOT GOOD. All that I have in my cupboards right now is bread, mandarin oranges, and hot chocolate mix. Thank the Lord my parents are visiting on Saturday. Nothing is better than loading up the cart when my parents are footing the bill. I'm actually excited to see my parents. They wanted me to come home tomorrow, but that was a definite no-go. Why go back to Adel when they can come to me? It's just logic.
I have a new goal. I want to go to Scotland next fall to study abroad for a semester. I pitched this idea to my mom last night and she said she supports it, so now I just have to figure out the details and start saving some cash. I'm thinking about going to Edinburgh. It's so historical and beautiful and even though I've always wanted to study in London, I think I'd really like being in Scotland. It's only an hour flight from Edinburgh to London, so I could definitely spend some time there, too. It's going to be expensive, but I don't want money to stop be from taking advantage of an amazing opportunity like this. I think I'd regret it later if I don't go.
I need to start my Interp. of Lit. paper now. The only reason I am willing to work on it is because I am using on of Shakespeare's poems as a source. Fun fact: I plan on getting a Shakespeare tattoo.

I'm lame and stayed home on a Friday night.

2010-09-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Never in my life have I been more excited to stay home on a Friday night. Some of you may think I am lame because I am in my pajamas, doing laundry and homework on a non-school night, but I do not care. I HAVE to be productive this weekend, because I never get anything done during the week. Today a girl at work (at T Spoons) asked me how I handle having a job on top of working for the DI and I didn't really have an answer for her. We'll see how everything works out come next week, when I have my first exam of the year. (Has anyone taken Elementary Psych? How are the tests?!)
I turned in my application to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication today. I'm like 98% sure I'll get in, but you never know. My GPA isn't what it should be, but I think my experience will cover for that. I can't wait to actually take some journalism classes because I think I need some formal training on reporting on news stories. So far, it's almost all self-taught and I think I could get a lot better after some classes.
Today I got to interview two third party candidates for the Iowa governor race, Eric Cooper, a Libertarian, and David Rosenfeld, a Socialist. I was pretty nervous because I'm not exactly the most politically-minded person in the world, but I think I held my own pretty well. It was interesting to hear about some political parties that don't get as much publicity as Republicans and Democrats, and I'm glad I can give them some exposure. I felt like a real journalist today and that's a feeling that I am really growing to love.
Here is something that may or may not offend half the people that read this blog. (So three people.) I don't understand why people are still going home all the time when they are in their 2nd year of college. Maybe it's just me, but I really have no desire to go back home until Thanksgiving. I swear, I don't hate my family, it's just that I have my own life here and I don't really think it's necessary to leave Iowa City very often. On the other hand, though, I think I left half my ability to show any kind of emotion at home when I moved back here last month. I really don't care about much other than the DI and school this year. I'm not sure if this is good or not, but at least I'm focused.
Anywho, I need to start reading Frankenstein. Let's be real, though, I'm going to fall asleep by page 5. Good night!

Stress and stupid running backs.

2010-09-09T21:45:00.001-07:00

I am convinced that I have an ulcer and allergies. I'm stuffed up, my eyes are red and itchy, and I have been having weird stomach pains/heartburn for 2 days. This could be stress related, or due to the fact that I eat pizza 5 times a week. Either way, WebMD doesn't lie and I plan on taking the ol' Cambus to Student Health sometime next week.
Is it even possible that we only had a four day week this week? It's still only Thursday. This week went by so slowly. Maybe that's because I literally did not have time to eat/could not sleep for most of it. I had a somewhat stressful week at the DI. Thanks a lot, Tom Harkin, for not showing up to your speech on Sunday and forcing me to pull a story out of my a-, well you know. Needless to say, I wasn't very happy because I didn't get to eat for 9 hours and my preferred maximum amount of hours between meals is 4. I learned my lesson, though, and now bring Lean Cuisines/PB & J's to the newsroom on days when I have stories due. Yeah, I know I talk about food all the time, you don't have to say anything about it.
Speaking of food, I made my first real-grown-up-without-my-mom grocery shopping trip last weekend. Ok, I admit it, my mom put the money in my account. Baby steps. I still had my own cart and bought vegetables and stayed on budget. HyVee's sample day should be a national holiday, by the way. The old lady that asked me if I wanted ice cream with my pie is my new best friend.
Hawkeye football season is in full force and I LOOOOOOVE it! Want to know something interesting/frustrating? Brandon Wegher got two, count them TWO girls pregnant and is now red-shirting this season. Do you KNOW how badly I wanted to print that in the DI?! I love Wegher as much as the next Hawk fan, but TWO?! Wear a rubber, homeboy. Technically, this has not been confirmed, but why else would someone give up his spot on the #9 ranked team that has been projected to make it to the National Championship? Dumb.
Great, now I'm mad and I feel like I might actually be able to sleep tonight. Maybe not though, because I'm so excited that Rachel is coming to town tomorrow night (YAYYYY!) and the Iowa/ISU game is Saturday. Inevitable ADM reunion/awkwardness commence.

Fun fact: Did you know that "Iowa" means yes in Arabic? Now you do.

I can never think of a catchy title...

2010-08-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Can someone please explain to me why they stopped making Seinfeld? I've been watching it before bed this week and I can't stress how much I love this show. Also, I really want George Costanza to be my new BFF.
In other news, my first article for The Daily Iowan was printed today. It's about UI providing new laptops for first-year medical students for the first time. While this probably won't win me a Pulitzer Prize, it's still pretty cool. I like seeing my name in print, it gives me a lot of satisfaction, which is why I know this is what I should be doing with my life.
I had my first day of classes today. Yes, on Tuesday because my schedule is AWESOME and I have NO CLASSES ON MONDAYS as a SOPHOMORE. Sorry for the caps, but I need to stress how amazing it this semester really is. I haven't officially applied to the Journalism and Mass Communication school yet, so this semester I got to take whatever I wanted. I'm taking World of the Beatles. Yeah I know, you're jealous. I don't blame you.
Less than 2 weeks until Hawkeye Football!!!!! I thought I saw Adrian Clayborn outside the library today, but it wasn't him. Good thing I held back from striking up a conversation, that would have been more awkward than when I mixed up "Ok" and "See you later" while talking to one of my friends this morning and just said "Say" instead. That happens to me way too often.
I best be getting to bed. I have lots to do tomorrow, including covering Taste of Iowa City. I'll be interviewing restaurant vendors and asking how much they spent on the food that I will be eating my weight in. I feel like being the Food and Culture beat reporter for the DI will not be good for my waist line.

Never be content to crawl when you were born to fly.

2010-08-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am no longer an intern and I'm sort of sad about it. I had a great summer working for the Dallas County News. I made a great new friend with another intern, I got to do so much more than I expected to do, and I'm incredibly thankful for the awesome experience. I got a lot much needed positive feedback on my work, so that gave me the confidence I needed to know that this is what I should be doing with my life. Now it's on to the Daily Iowan. Wish me luck!
I'm moving back to Iowa City in 3 days. Hopefully, it will be permanent. I can't imagine coming home for another 3 months next summer and having to answer to my parents and find a job and miss my friends again. I want to be completely on my own starting on Wednesday. This year, I'm coming home even less than I did last year. Allie is growing up...scary.
Tomorrow, I'm going to Iowa City for the day because I have my first Daily Iowan meeting. I'm not sure if I will get my first assignments, but I'm pretty nervous/excited to be a reporter this year. I also get to see my two best friends from school, Kelly and Nicolette. I can't wait! I have missed those girls so much all summer, we always have so much fun together and this year is going to be awesome with them and all of our other friends. I wish I could move into Mayflower tomorrow and get settled, but I'm not moving until Wednesday. I still have to say goodbye to a couple of people and I don't want to pay for 2 extra nights for early move in week.
I'm relieved that I don't have as many goodbyes to say this year, because I don't handle them very well. I plan on having formal goodbyes to my two good friends from home, because those are the people that I have stayed close with and truly matter most. Now that I think about it, it's just a see you later, but I'm sure a few tears will be shed. On my part, naturally.
I may have said this before, but I have a good feeling about this year. I learned a lot last year and this summer, so I think this is going to be my year. Hopefully, it will give me enough material for my column. Stay tuned!

Feel free to call me Allie Tatum

2010-08-07T19:45:00.001-07:00

It's Saturday night and I am in sweatpants, reclined in my chair in the living room, and watching Step Up on ABC Family. Who says I don't know how to have a good time?
I have big news, and I mean BIG. I got an offer to be a free lance columnist for the Dallas County News during the school year. My editor said that he wants me to write about my experiences in Iowa City, being away from home, and life as a student. Sounds easy enough, right? My life isn't as exciting as most, but I think I can think of things to ramble about once a month. I get to have a title for the column and everything and this will give me more material for my portfolio. Writing for two newspapers will no doubt keep my busy this year, but I'm hoping I can improve my time management/writing skills through that.

I am so ready to be back in Iowa City. I'm ready to always have my friends with me, especially since I'm living with one of my best friends this year. I'm ready to start my classes and get settled and started on working for the Daily Iowan. I am pretty nervous for the DI, though. I fear that I won't be good enough or smart enough to compete with the other staff members. I'm afraid that I won't be able to handle the negative criticism that I will get during my time there. I know I need this experience to learn and become a better journalist, but I sort of feel like I won't love journalism as much as I do now if I am constantly under a huge amount of pressure. I get stressed out extremely easily, if you haven't noticed. I have 2 story pitches due by the 15th, so if those go well I think my nerves will settle down, but we'll see how it goes.

I'm not looking forward to saying goodbye to a few of my friends, though. I don't handle things like that very well and I've grown apart from a lot of people in the last year, but I have a good feeling about sophomore year at Iowa. I feel like it will be great. I'm going to make sure it is.

Oh looky here, Channing Tatum has his shirt off. I gotsta go.

Mmmm mac 'n cheese pizza

2010-07-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have exactly one month until classes start back up again and less than a month until I move into Mayflower! This summer has FLOWN by, no joke. I've been keeping pretty busy with my internship (which I still love, by the way) and my DMACC class, but that ended on Tuesday (thank you, Jesus). I'm officially a sophomore in college and that is so weird to me. It seems like yesterday that I was still in high school. Ok, enough of that mushy junk.
I've discovered that I really like photojournalism, enough to consider making that my second major. I take a lot of pictures for the Dallas County News and the publisher said I have "an eye for photography", so maybe I should go with it? First I need to save about $1500 for a Canon with a big lens so I can zoom in on people that I wish to creep on. Muahahaha.
I also really enjoy writing columns. Mostly because I get to rant and ramble and no one can argue with me because it's in the paper and my picture is beside it and it makes me look legit. So far I have written about the World Cup, social media, and college (which will be printed tomorrow). Hopefully, I will not run out of material any time soon. I'm really going to miss working at the DCN after this summer. My editor is patient with me and I feel like I have really improved in my writing/interviewing/computer skills since the beginning of the summer. I have also become really close with one of the interns and we are thinking about living together next summer in Iowa City. Today we ate Greek food at Olympic Flame in downtown Des Moines together and chatted and it was lovely. I really like making new and good friends.
I have already dropped one of my classes for the fall semester. Partly because I was starting to stress over my course load, and partly because it was Human Sexuality and did not count as a Gen Ed or a core course in the journalism program so I figured I shouldn't waste my time and money taking it. I kept my World of the Beatles class, though, because who doesn't want to spend a semester learning about Sir Paul? I know I do.
I'm making a trip to Iowa City on Friday to attempt to find a job. I have applied to a few on-campus jobs online, but I figure it can't hurt to apply to some off-campus ones in person. Also, this will be a good excuse for me to stop by Hamburg Inn and Mesa to cure my cravings for pie shakes and mac 'n cheese pizza.
Well, this was short and sweet but I must be going. I feel like watching a movie/eating for the rest of the night.

My Bucket List

2010-06-10T21:22:00.001-07:00

My friend Cassie read me her bucket list a few days ago and it made me realize that I don't have one, so here it is...
1. Go to London. I really want to study abroad, but if that doesn't happen, I just want to travel there a few times in my life. Actually, I'd love to live there.
2. Adopt a baby from Africa. Which brings me to this...
3. Get married. Ok, I'm a girl. Obviously, I want to get married. However, right now I don't want to get married until I'm around 26 or 27. I hope this doesn't change when I find someone who actually wants to put up with me for the rest of my life, but I should probably snag them while I can. Oh, and I want to get married at Kinnick Stadium.
4. Meet a famous journalist and ask for some advice. I don't know if I've mentioned that I LOVE Tom Brokaw, but I do. He's great. And a former Hawkeye. And has the greatest voice ever.
5. Move out of Iowa. Iowa was an alright place to grow up, but if I stay here for the rest of my life, I have a feeling that I won't feel as though I have fully succeeded. East Coast, here I come.
6. Go to the Olympics.
7. Sing karaoke. I love singing, but I'm not very good at it. However, I feel like karaoke bar standards are pretty low, so I could get away with it.
8. Go to the World Cup. I love soccer, and soccer players, and soccer fans, so I feel like this would be my scene.
9. Be published in a national publication. I'm aiming for Newsweek, Time, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, or People right now, depending on what type of journalism I end up doing as a career after college.
10. Own a Range Rover. I just really like them.
11. Be happy. I feel like this could be a life long journey.
12. Realize that happiness is in the journey, not the destination.

It hurts to sit.

2010-05-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

I would just like to share how much I LOVE my internship at the Dallas County News. I get to write, interview people, do photography, layout design, photo editing, and essentially anything else I want to learn about. I went to Woodward Granger's graduation ceremony on Saturday night and took pictures. I felt pretty professional with the huge camera and whatnot, but it was a little awkward because I didn't know anyone there. However, I had fun. Those photos, along with my first article, will be printed on Thursday. I love being published. I still need a paying second job, but this internship has just made me realize even more that I want to pursue a career in journalism. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. This is the one aspect of my life where I am pretty confident in my abilities to succeed. Let's just hope this keeps going through college.
I finally went to the beach today with Cassie and Melissa and I got pretty burnt all over my back, forehead, nose, legs, and butt. I hate being naturally pasty. It takes forever for me to get even a slight tan. Oh! To the girls that were staring at me at the beach, I do not care about the scars on my stomach, so you shouldn't either. Don't whisper to each other and watch me as I walk by. Thanks.
I'm going to go watch Dear John because I'm awesome and have nothing better to do tonight. Peace out, little nuggets.

Mixed Feelings

2010-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

It's summer and I can't decide whether or not I am happy about it. Yes, I am excited that I am done with classes for awhile, but my DMACC Environmental Science class starts on Tuesday and I will be there twice a week for 5 hours at a time. I know it should be easy, but at least at Iowa I am not stuck in the same building for more than an hour at a time. (Takes ADD medicine.) I do have a few friends in that class with me, including my high school Physical Science teacher, so I feel pretty good that I can get a study group together if need be. If I don't pull of an A in a DMACC class, I'm quitting. Oh yeah, I got my grades back for second semester. Part of me is disappointed, and part of me is content. My GPA is slightly better than first semester, but I should've done better on a couple finals. They brought my overall grades down, but they were my 3 credit hour classes, and I did really well in my 4 credit hour ones, so it evens out.
Guess what else summer means? Beach weather. Which equals swimsuit season. Which equals Allie not eating the rest of the ice cream in the freezer. My sister has been complaining about my "embarrassingly pale skin" ever since I came home last week, so I figure I better lay out a little. However, I'm Irish, have my grandmother's skin, and burn super easily, so a tan does not come without some hard work.
Did I mention I am not a Metro reporter for the Daily Iowan? I'm pretty excited about it. 3 stories a week, get your subscriptions in now! Mom, I'm a real journalist! Also, on Monday I got hired as an intern at the Dallas County News. It's unpaid, but I couldn't pass it up. The publisher asked me if I would be interested in writing my own column about things my age group is interested in. Umm.....YES! It has the possibility of being syndicated around the Midwest, too! I'm geeking out here. I've been trying to get the internship approved through the career center at Iowa this week, so hopefully that goes through soon so I can start. I really, REALLY miss getting my work published, it's been a year and I'm itching to get some writing done.
My parents are a little concerned about the whole earning money thing, and I guess I am too, but I couldn't say no to some awesome experience like this which will undoubtedly help me out in the long run. I have been applying to some places for nights and weekends, but so far no luck. Oh well, it'll work out.
By the way, who watched Grey's Anatomy tonight? I've watched it since the end of the first season and holy shizz was tonight's episode intense! I'm a total TV junkie and was at the edge of my seat/texting Rachel/looking at people's Facebook statuses and Tweets all night. Yes, I realize I have no life. No need for judgement here, people.

I have ADD...

2010-05-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

I can't decide whether or not the fact that Iowa's finals are at least a week after every other college is a good thing or a bad thing. I'm looking forward to be done with the class aspect of school, but I'm not looking forward to moving home at all. I'm laying in my bed in Waukee right now attempting to study. If this blog is any indication, it is not going very well. I have two finals on Wednesday and one Thursday. I'm not as stressed as I was last semester, but there is still time. Usually, my panic attacks don't start until the day before something important happens. Sort of like last week before my Daily Iowan interview. I had a sick feeling all day and had almost convinced myself that I did not want the job anymore, but after the interview I realized it was all out of my hands and I did my best and if they don't want me, I'll be disappointed, but it's not worth stressing over. I should probably control my stress now, because I'm sure it'll take a toll in 20 years, and no one likes wrinkles and gray hair. I'm heading back to Iowa City tomorrow morning to study/spend time with my friends. I'm going to miss everyone. I'm sure I'll be a mess come Thursday night when I have to say goodbye to them.
Hilary's graduation party was last night. It's still weird to me that I graduated a year ago. It went so fast and I felt sort of old around all the high schoolers at her party. I don't remember how many people I talked to about Iowa and finals and my summer plans, but whatever, I guess it's good that people care. Or pretend to care, same difference.
I had an interview at the YMCA yesterday morning. I'm pretty confident that I'll get that job, but we couldn't fill out paperwork/confirm anything because I didn't have my social security card. My mom says I never had one, but I'm pretty sure that's something everyone gets when they are born. Oh well, I'll get a replacement and then hopefully I can start working. Allie needs money, badly. Also, I want to keep really busy this summer. I plan on working at Aerie a little over the summer, too. Partly for the money, mostly so I can keep my American Eagle discount.
I HATE STUDYING. I suppose I should go back to going over my astronomy notes. More than likely, I will be asleep in the next 10 minutes. Peace out, little nuggets. (I am a fan of Chelsea Handler if no one picked up on that "nugget" comment.)
By the way, I LOVE Betty White. She's adorable and I want her to be my best friend.

I'm in a writing kind of mood.

2010-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Sorry, I've been busy. Ok, maybe not THAT busy, but I haven't really felt the need to write down the events of my not-so-entertaining life. I am currently working on my last paper of the year. How weird is that? In less than three weeks, I will be a sophomore in college. That's so crazy to me. My sister is graduating this year and it seems like that should still be me. This year has FLOWN by. Everyone told me it would, but I didn't realize it would go this fast. I have started to send things back with my parents when they visit and that is such a weird feeling. My closet and shelves get emptier from week to week. While I'm pretty excited to move out of Burge and not have to eat Marketplace food anymore, I would really like to stay in Iowa City for the summer. However, when I talked to my parents about this yesterday they said I would have to pay apartment rent on my own and that is something I'm not quite ready to do. I suppose I'll just have to endure one more summer in the 515. Not that this is the WORST thing in the world, I get free food and laundry. I'll just miss the Iowa City atmosphere and being on my own and my friends that I have made here. Oh, and Hamburg/Mesa/Which Wich. It's a wonder I don't weigh 200 pounds after this year. Thank goodness there is more than one Panchero's in the DSM area.
I have been trying to figure out my job plans for this summer. I have an interview to be a day camp counselor at the Waukee YMCA in two weeks, so hopefully that works out. I'm also taking Environmental Science at DMACC. Any more science classes at Iowa would definitely not help my GPA, which is still not where it should be. OH! I'd just like to point out that I have the most legit schedule EVER next year. I'm taking World of the Beatles, Elementary Psych, Pilates, Elements of Art, Human Sexuality, and Interpretation of Literature. I don't have any classes on Mondays and only one on Fridays. It's ok, you can be jealous. I can't take any journalism classes until the spring since I haven't applied to the program yet and I got to register before all of the seniors so I got to choose whatever I wanted. Why, you ask? Long story short, I signed up for a Statistics tutor last semester, not realizing it was a program for minorities/underprivileged/first generation college students and I got in because neither of my parents went to four year colleges and I am considered less likely to succeed because of this or something? I don't know. I do know, however, that I am milking this for all it's worth and hoping for these bomb registration dates for the rest of my college career.
I need to finish this paper.
PS. The Elton John concert was AWESOME and I LOVE HIM. Things I do not understand: Why are all the good men gay or taken? Ponder that and get back to me.

21+ Ordinance in IC.

2010-04-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here, eating Wheat Thins and procrastinating/skipping astronomy lecture, like I do, and I want to discuss the new 21 only bar ordinance that was passed yesterday by the Iowa City City Counsel. I found out from reading a Daily Iowan headline on Twitter. There was an immediate response from my classmates here at the University of Iowa, all of which was bad. As you might be able to guess, students are not too thrilled about this new law, which will go into effect on June 1st. Anyone under 21 is kicked out of the bars at 10 pm. Sally Mason, the president of the university, said that she supports this change because she wants to "attract more serious students" the this school. While I can see her point, Iowa is on of the top ten party schools in the country, one must also consider that overall interest in this school could drop significantly. Don't get me wrong, Iowa is a great school, but will it really stand out against other Midwestern schools now that it doesn't have the 19 and over downtown incentive? Iowa has it's reputation for a reason, lots of students do come here because of the night scene. I'm sure some bar owners are not that pleased with this law, either. Even though it is illegal, underage people do bring in a lot of money to downtown Iowa City. With these consumers not allowed in the bars anymore, businesses will, without a doubt, suffer. Food establishments like Mesa Pizza and Panchero's could also see a difference in business, since those are two main spots for food after bar close. While I do see the benefits of having this new ordinance, like increasing the level of respect for the University of Iowa and not having it seen as only a party school, I think Iowa City as a whole will take a hit. However, the use of fake IDs will most likely rise, so maybe there will still be a decent amount of underage drinking. I'll be interested to see what happens in the coming months.

25 Things That Bother Nicolette and Me.

2010-03-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Nicolette and I are chatting on Facebook and she told me she has to make a list of 25 things that bug her for a class, so I decided to help her.

1. Roommates.
2. Roommates that fart all the time.
3. Puke on the futon/carpet/bed.
4. Ziplock baggies full of hair taped to the shower.
5. Flat Snookie poofs.
6. Phones in the toilet.
7. Jon and Kate Plus 8
8. EAHHRRRRR!
9. Toothpaste in the sink.
10. Unattended dorm rooms that are left unlocked.
11. The Disney channel that is ALWAYS ON.
12. Bugs flying around the dorm because people won't take out the trash.
13. Hospitals.
14. Sluts.
15. People that never leave.
16. People that won't speak.
17. Practice essays.
18. Class.
19. Running out of pokey sticks.
20. Being on the Cambus driven by a driver in training.
21. Bus drivers that drive past the stop and make us walk an unnecessary distance.
22. People that don't clean after themselves. ever.
23. People that forget their friends once they are dating a crazy person.
24. The lack of parking in Iowa City.
25. Staples on the floor.

Don't judge us.

THE SUN IS OUT!

2010-03-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today was SO beautiful and it's going to keep getting better! Can anyone say 80 degrees on Thursday?! Love my life.
I just got back from a press conference thing for the new Iowa men's basketball coach, Fran McCaffery. He seems like a cool guy. I feel sort of bad for not going to many games this year, but it was so hard to support a team that could not win. Plus, Lickliter looks like my uncle and it freaks me out a little bit. Next year, I'm going to go to more games. I feel like it's only up hill from here, and I don't want to be one of those people that only hop on the bandwagon when we are winning. You know one thing I miss about high school? Basketball games. They were my favorite thing ever, next to open campus when I could LEAVE.
I went to rhetoric this morning, but I really struggled through it. It's two hours long and I haven't felt the best all day. I'm just sort of achy and my back has been super stiff, so sitting in a desk listening to people talk was not the way I wanted to begin my day. Needless to say, I skipped my astronomy class. (Don't worry, Mom. I got the notes online and I improved my test grade from last month AND I'm sitting pretty with a high B in the class. No need to call and threaten to stop paying tuition...again.) I don't plan on skipping any more classes this week, but we'll see what happens. Friday isn't looking good on the whole being a good student thing that I should have learned before the second half of second semester.
Does anyone watch "Life Unexpected"? If you don't, you're not missing anything. I turned on the CW because I thought "Gossip Girl" was on, but nay, not 'til 8. This show is seriously dumb. One of the actors is the gay guy from "Dawson's Creek". It's all down hill after working with James Van Der Beek, apparently. I don't understand this plot. All I got is that someone cheated on his fiance with her sister? I don't know. I just want "Gossip Girl" to come in so I can bask in the sexiness that is Nate Archibald.
A couple of hours ago, I looked at my calendar and I realized that I will only be in Iowa Cty two more full weekends. This weekend is Easter, April 16th is the Elton concert (a little over 2 weeks SQUEEE SO EXCITED!), May 1st I'm going to Ames, and May 8th I'll be home for Hilary's graduation party. This year has FLOWN by. I can't believe I'm almost a sophomore in college. Maybe this would be a good time to figure my life out? Nahh, I'll do that when I'm a senior.

Obama forever!

2010-03-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

As you have probably heard, the president gave a speech in Iowa City today. I was lucky enough to be picked to get tickets! As soon as the event was announced, though, Obama's critics were in full force. My Facebook page was covered in socialist and communist comments. "Did you have to pay for tickets just like we have to pay for other people's health care?" No. Tickets were free. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but I hope people are doing their research before they establish their opinions and bashing others for their beliefs. No plan is perfect. Republicans wouldn't be able to pass a flawless bill through Congress, either, so I think there should be a little more respect given to the Obama Administration. The people that are bashing the new universal health care plan are probably the same ones complaining that Obama hasn't done anything while he has been in office. I believe that the benefits of this new health care plan outweigh the negative aspects of it. No one should go broke just because they are sick. I think everyone needs to look at the big picture and realize that the health care system needed reform.
President Obama is truly a wonderful speaker. He relates to the audience so well and is very charasmatic. He seems like he could be your best friend. I have a lot of respect for him because I think he is extremely down to earth and I like that he puts his family before anything else. His speech helped me understand what will happen in the next four years, in regards to the health care plan. He also thanked Iowa for being there from the start of this movement.
Sometimes I feel like some people only support Obama because he is such a pop culture icon, but he really is an excellent leader and he has my full support. I really wish I would have been old enough to vote for him in 2008.
Basically, my point is that I think Republicans and conservatives should stop bashing on Obama just because he is a Democrat and look at the big picture.

Procrastination at its finest.

2010-03-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

I have about ten other things I should be doing right now, but I feel as though I should update you guys (I realize that no one reads this, just go with it) on my life. Today was the first day back after Spring Break. The only thing that kept me sane was the GORGEOUS weather. Iowa City is so wonderful when it's sunny and warm out. This week is yet another midterm week for me. I was supposed to give a speech today, but it got pushed back 'til Wednesday. Awesome, I would've gone to bed much earlier last night if I had known that. I also had to turn in an annotated bibliography for the same class. I think I'm the only person I know that had two big assignments due right after Spring Break. I have an astronomy midterm on Wednesday, that should be interesting. I think I'm a little slow when it comes to math/physics/science. Either that or my lack of interest just blocks any bit of information from seeping into my brain. Also, I'm working on my historical interview for my cultural journalism class. Basically, we get to pretend we are a journalist and are interviewing another famous journalist about how their experiences relate to a current event. I made myself seem pretty legit. I basically wrote about how I would like my life to end up. This includes a Master's from NYU, Peace Corps, Newsweek/Rolling Stone, Taylor Lautner, adopted children, Pulitzer Prize. See what I mean? Legit.

Spring Break was pretty fun. I went to Kansas City with Nicolette, my roommate for next year. We just ate at some really good restaurants, hung out with her friends, and went to a Bon Jovi concert. By the way, I have a big new crush on Jon Bon Jovi. That hair! I now know why middle aged women were all dressed up and throwing themselves at him. I was only home for Saturday night so I hung out with my boys Jeff, Spencer, and Quintan and watched Monster's Inc. Yes, I know, I'm cool. Adel on a Saturday with Disney movies. This is my life and I have no shame. Ok, maybe a little. Sunday, my mama took me back to IC. It's so great to be back, even if this week is a little stressful.

OH! I'm sure you have heard that Obama is coming to IC on Thursday to speak about the new healthcare bill. I signed up to be eligible for tickets. I really, REALLY want to go. This is just another reason my school is awesome. We get Lupe Fiasco, Girl Talk, The Temptations, Ricky Stanzi, and BARACK OBAMA. I'm staying here forever. I'm going to start praying that my phone rings tomorrow with someone calling to tell me I got tickets right now.

Elton!!!!!!!!

2010-03-08T12:43:00.001-08:00

Big news...Elton John is coming to Des Moines on April 16th!!!
Bigger news....I'M GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mom, I don't care what you say. I'm buying tickets. No, I do not have a job.
Katie and I are planning a road trip back to the ol' DSM since we have both been dying to see him forever. I seriously can't wait. That right there gives me the motivation to get through this week. I have a midterm tomorrow night and 2 papers to start.
You know what I hate? I'll tell you. I hate that I make stupid mistakes on assignments. This morning, I got my Rhetoric paper back and I guess I didn't include a bibliography so I got knocked from a 90 to an 85. klah;wgpoahgaiogh SO PISSED.
I realize that bibliographies are an important part of college papers, but in this case it didn't even cross my mind because we had to attach the news article we analyzed and I figured that sort of counted. At least I know that it was an A paper, even if I didn't receive that grade.
Spring Break is in 4 days! I will be driving down to Kansas City with my future roomie, Nicolette right after classes on Friday. I'm so relieved/excited that I don't have to spend the whole week in Waukee/Adel. It doesn't even matter that we will be studying/writing papers all week in KC because I will not be in Dallas County!!!!
Oh! Other good news. Matt Nathanson AND Girl Talk are coming to IC in April/May. I don't care that I am going to 4 concerts within 2 weeks of each other and will be broke..I'm so psyched. These things give me something to look forward to, especially since the week after Spring Break is going to be insanely stressful. I have a rhetoric paper due that Monday, an astronomy midterm Wednesday, and my huge journalism paper due Friday. Wtf, Iowa? I've had either a test or paper due or both for the past 3 weeks. Give me an f-ing break!
I visited Logan in Dubuque this weekend. It was soooo good to see him, considering it had been over two months since we've hung out. We didn't do much, just played Tiger Woods PGA Tour on xbox and made our special pancakes and talked, but it's exactly what I needed. I met some of his friends and they were really nice. It sort of made me wish I had gone to a smaller school. Don't get me wrong, I love Iowa City and the University of Iowa is where I need to be education wise, but it's definitely a lot harder to become closer with people than it is where Logan goes. Hopefully, I get to drive up there again sometime before the semester is over.
Nicolette and I signed up for housing for next year. H455 Hillcrest holla! I'm so thankful I will have a roommate that can carry on a conversation.

I hate snow.

2010-02-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

I really, REALLY need a car here. I would like to be able to visit my friends/go home/or just go to Target without having to find a ride or take the bus. The bus to Coralville creeps me out a little bit, especially at night when sketchy people are staring at me. Plus, I hate having to plan my trips according to bus schedules. Also, I HATE Iowa weather. I had plans to go visit Logan this weekend, but the snow stopped that plan. I sort of wanted to go home last night, too, (I know, totally unlike me, but I have a bunch of laundry to do and I don't want to use my Hawk Dollars on laundry when I can use it on food at Late Night Burge. No judgements, please) but my mom didn't want me on the roads because of the storm. So I'm stuck in Iowa City working on homework all weekend, which is probably for the best because I have a Rhetoric speech due on Wednesday, a Journalism midterm exam on Thursday, and an American Cultures paper due on Friday. Plus, I have to keep up on all of my reading AND I have to do my weekly Astronomy assignment. I even went to the lounge and read and studied on a FRIDAY NIGHT, last night. (Yes, I'm proud, too.) College is HARD. I think I tend to be too hard on myself about my grades and stuff, but I'm still not used to not having to try for the grades I get. Yes, I knew that college would be harder than ADM(what a joke), but it's a little more intense than what I at first thought.
Another thing that is making this weekend lame is that three of my friends went home. UGH. I was invited to go to Kansas City with Nicolette, but I'm going there for Spring Break and I felt like I should save money. So this is what responsibility feels like? Since I don't have an income this semester, I'm even more conscious about what I spend money on. My friend Taylor and I are going to venture out to Target in Coralville in a couple of hours because I really need some food and other random stuff. I even made a list. I'm such a grown up.
My good friends Cassie and Melissa will be here one week for today!!!!!!! I can't wait. I love them. Melissa is going to be one of my roommates next year, so I'm going to introduce her to everyone and train her not to get raped. After the week I'm going to have this week, I'll definitely need some friend time.
Is it bad that I'm almost dreading summer? Don't get me wrong, I'll enjoy a break from all the homework and tests, but that means I have to go home for three months. If summer is anything like Winter Break, I'm never going to Adel ever again. I need to find a full time job to keep me occupied and less likely to stab myself in the eye.
I need a hair cut. I have split ends. Should I grow my bangs out? I sort of want to cut them and have them go straight across, but I'm afraid I'll resemble the 5th grade version of myself and no one needs to see that.

Finally back in IC.

2010-02-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

I would just like to remind all of you how much I. hate. snow.

My grandma died on Thursday night. I can't say that I was surprised, though. She was 92 years old and had really been going downhill for the past few months, but when my mom called me I got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I really, REALLY hate death.

My parents came to Iowa City on Saturday afternoon and dropped Hilary off for the night. We weren't exactly sure what the plans were or how bad the weather was going to be, so she packed enough for a week and took over my room. It's a good thing my roommate decided to go home this weekend because she couldn't have made it to her bed. Mom and Dad ended up picking us up on Sunday, though, because the storm was coming. It's a good thing they did because dorm life is definitely NOT for my sister.

North English, Iowa fits every stereotype of a small town that there is. Surprisingly, I'm not saying this as a bad thing. Everyone waves at each other when you pass them on the street. I went to buy pop for the visitation yesterday and a random dude in a huge truck waved at me. It's a very welcoming feeling, even though a lot of people would think this is weird. Also, anyone would do anything to help someone. People shovel out their neighbor's sidewalks and driveways without even being called. Our family stayed at my Aunt Pat's neighbor's house while we were all in town. That family is some of the most generous people I have ever met. They brought out tons of food and told us to stay as long as we needed to because of the weather. I felt right at home and had a lot of fun just hanging out with my family. It was really comforting, considering the reason we were in town was to remember my grandma. I know she would've wanted us to enjoy ourselves and not be sad for the entire weekend.

Maybe it's not death that I hate, it could just be the whole process of visitations and funerals and awkward small talk. I hate getting that look of sympathy from my grandparent's friends that don't even know my name or which Best (my mom's maiden name, not an adjective) kid I belong to. My cousin, Kelli and I had a strategy. Don't make eye contact. It seemed to work pretty well. The 5 cousins just sat on the opposite side of the funeral home as our parents so not many people made an effort to initiate a conversation. Occasionally, my Uncle Ed would call my cousin Andrew over, he took over the role as Best grandkid delegate and we appreciated that.

Our family isn't really the best on showing emotion (the only person I willingly cry in front of is Logan. He got a phone call right after I heard the news on Thursday night just so I had someone to cry to.), so when funeral time rolled around, I wasn't too excited. My mom wrote a piece about how my grandma was 46 when she had her, the same age my mom is now. That's insane. She was a saint. We found out from my great-aunt that Grandma almost had her tubes tied after my Uncle Dan, but decided she couldn't after a mom and three kids died in a car accident. I guess everything really does happen for a reason. My sister wrote about all the memories we had with Grandma. Every single one of us lost it. I was trying everything to control myself. I was biting the inside of my lip so I could focus on the physical pain, rather than the emotional, but that didn't last long. I tried to think about something else, ANYTHING else, but I saw my cousins crying and couldn't handle it anymore. I thought about writing something, too, but I don't know what I would've said. The pastor really captivated who she was. She was caring, hospitable, and patient, to say the least. I sort of wish I knew her better, though. I feel like there was more to her than she let us see. She didn't get married until she was 29, that was super late back in the '40s, and worked in New York City for a while. She must have been pretty independent. Maybe that's where my mom and I get it. I wish I could be more like my grandma.

So now I have to play catch up. I missed 5 classes because of all this. Wish me luck.

I can't think of a title.

2010-01-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

I am officially sick of this weather. I'm from Iowa, so I'm used to being miserable for about 3 months out of the year, but it's different when I have to go out in it multiple times a day and freeze half to death. Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. My friends and I have just been watching a lot of movies and working out a lot because we're too scared to go out and do something in fear of getting hypothermia/falling on the ice and spraining an ankle. It pains me to look down at my Uggs because they are covered in sand and I won't be able to salvage them. Late birthday present, anyone? Last night, I went over to Hillcrest to hang out with my friends Kelly and Nicolette, but there was no way I was going to walk all the way there, so I took the bus. I wasn't aware that there was a torrential downpour outside until I left Burge and of course I didn't have my umbrella with me. I had to stand out in the rain with no form of shelter from the shower and OF COURSE the bus was 10 minutes late. I saw one of my friends when we finally got on the bus. He asked, "You get a little wet?" While my verbal response was, "Uhh..yeah", the answer in my head was, "I LOOK LIKE A WET DOG!" I feel like that would have caused other people to notice my scurviness, though, so I refrained. Good thing I had my hair in a braid, otherwise my awkward semi-wavy/straight/frizzy 'do would've made an appearance and no one likes when that happens.
By the way, I feel like I've taken on the motherly role for my friends. Last night, I had to wait up until 2:30 because two of my guy friends from high school were downtown and needed a place to sleep. Obviously, I would rather have them crash here than drive home at that hour and risk certain death. I made them up a bed and everything. Mike even said, "ok, Mom" when I told him to have fun and be careful and to call me later. Who knew I had a nurturing side to me? I'm a multi-faceted woman, let me tell you.
Today is Sunday. That means I will be reading for my classes, working out (if we're lucky), eating, and watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E!. I love that family.

P.S. Happy Birthday to my little sister! She's 18 now. Scary.

Ice=Misery/Good Stories

2010-01-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently, there was an ice storm last night. I didn't realize this until I stepped out of the cave (basement of Burge in which I live) and attempted to walk to my 9:30 Accelerated Rhetoric class and completely biffed it going down the stairs onto the walkway between Daum and the Chemistry building. I'm serious, it was epic. My feet flew out from under me and I came down HARD on my left elbow and butt. My elbow has been sore all day and I'm pretty sure there will be a bruise in the morning. Luckily, I don't think anyone saw this happen. I laid there for a few seconds before I realized my jeans were probably getting all wet, so I hopped up and went back inside to make sure it didn't look like I peed my pants. Much to my surprise, it did not, so I ventured out again. Since I have the best luck in the world, my class was all the way in the EPB, which wouldn't be a bad walk on a normal day, but there was NO WAY I was going to make it down the hill on the west side of the Old Capital without falling at least 3 times, so I took the bus. I still had to walk from the Main Library, though, and almost fell into a Chinese guy. Maybe I should've worn boots instead of my moccasins. After Rhetoric, most of the ice had melted, but it was just as bad because everything was covered in a slush mix of sand, ice, and mud. Delicious. I tried to avoid it as much as possible, but to no avail. I was FREEZING and I'm used to this weather. Not like these wimps from California that were confused about the hail that was coming down on us while we waited for the bus from the Main Library. Wanna hear a funny story about that bus ride? Well, here you go. We were all packed like sardines on the bus and were about to turn onto Jefferson from the IMU stop, but the Bionic bus in front of us was stuck on top of the hill. All but about 7 of us got off the bus because they were afraid of being late for class, but I was just on my way back to Burge to get some lunch and wasn't going to trudge up the hill on foot, so I didn't get up. After about 5 minutes of waiting, our bus tried to make it up the hill. We were almost there, and then got stuck. The driver was pressing the gas pedal all the way down, and we were just sliding a lot and then started to go backwards. The driver yelled at all of us, "Go back and put weight on the back wheels!" So we ran and sat at the back of the bus. No change. One girl yelled, "We're going to DIE!" and another assured her we were safe, considering we were in a giant metal box with wheels and we were only going 1 MPH. Iowa students are smart. We had to slide all the way down to the IMU parking lot and then we gunned it and made it to the top of the hill. We clapped, it was pretty exciting. A five minute bus ride took me about thirty five and I was starving by the time I got to the Marketplace. Side note, snow/rain/hail/wind ruin hair and makeup. Be prepared for me to look significantly worse tomorrow.
I quit my job today. I just decided I should concentrate on my classes this semester. I only have four, but they are going to take more work than my classes from last semester and I need better grades. Basically, I just can't buy coffee as often and I should be ok with the money situation. I should just start a proofreading business.

I'm BACK!

2010-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

I got back to Iowa City about 4 hours ago and it's great. I just got done unpacking. Oh boy, I didn't realize how many clothes I have. I need to go buy more hangers soon. A dresser would have been a great addition to this room. When I got here, the first thing I did was plug in my new air freshener and light a candle. I really hate that musty smell that happens when no one has been around in a while. My roommate is nowhere to be found, but there are still 2 days that she could pop in, so I'm not too worried about it. Although, I wouldn't be opposed to having my own room this semester or having one of my good friends move in. I think they fixed the heaters over break, it's about a million and two degrees in here, so I had to open a window. I don't know why it's so hard to find a happy medium between negative 20 degrees like it was before break to now, but not much I can do about it. Ugh, I need to go get toothpaste, too, I can't find the one I thought I brought. By the way, the Iowa men's basketball team got their first Big 10 win today! It was only by 3 points against Penn State, but a win is a win and we need those right now. I miss football season.
My parents and I went to see Avatar in 3D last night. Just so you know, I look GOOD in those glasses. My dad kept singing Buddy Holly songs, he thought it was amusing. I was pretty fascinated with the fact that if you looked at the screen without the glasses on, everything is blurry. That kept me entertained throughout the previews and the first ten minutes of the movie. Here is my review....I thought the plot was sort of confusing. This is what I got out of it. Jake Sully, a paralyzed ex-Marine, has a twin brother that was involved with scientific research/exploration on a planet called Pandora. The twin dies, so Jake is recruited to take over his position, even though he has no training about Pandora or it's natives. There is some sort of bed/travel machine that Jake and the other scientists lay in and it somehow sends them into a different reality where avatars live. At first, they are just collecting plant samples and observing the planet, but Jake is spotted by a really big, scary animal and loses his group. After trying to survive on his own for a few hours, he gets attacked by some crazy looking dog/wolf things and a girl avatar comes to his rescue. They end up becoming friends and she teaches him the ways of being an avatar. He keeps going back and forth between being a human and an avatar and when he tells the scientists what is happening, they encourage him to become closer to the avatars and to try to convince them to relocate themselves, because their central location is on top of a major mineral deposit that is worth millions of dollars.
That's all the farther I got. My mom got bored and wanted to leave. The special effects were cool, though.

It was either this or doing something productive.

2010-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe I should change out of my pajamas. It's one in the afternoon. I woke up three hours ago. Nahh, I prefer to lounge and watch soap operas. Soon, I will move on to Grey's Anatomy reruns on Netflix.com. Yes, I do pay every month so I can watch them when I have nothing better to do. Or when I do have something better to do, no big deal. All my friends are back at their schools, so it's just me, myself, and Patrick Dempsey for 4 more days.
I got my wisdom teeth taken out on Friday. My face doesn't resemble a Cabbage Patch doll quite as much as it did a few days ago, but it's still larger than usual. The left side is strangely bigger than the right, and it looks super awkward. I've given up on taking my Vicodin, since the pain isn't as bad as it was at first. I've just been taking Ibuprofen, instead. I still can't open my mouth all the way and eating is somewhat of a challenge. I chew with my front teeth as much as I can and then proceed to swallow the food almost whole. I'm not so sure how great this is for my digestive system, but I couldn't handle anymore pudding.
I finished the book, Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks yesterday. I highly recommend it if you like books about relationships. It's a fast read, I got through it in a week, but I didn't read it every day so it's more like a 3 day thing. The movie comes out on February 5th and I can't wait!
The highlight of my day today is going to Aerie to pick up my paycheck. I'll probably go shopping, yes, again, because I have nothing better to do.
By the way, did I mention I'm thinking about joining a sorority this semester? Well, I am. This may come as a surprise to some of my friends because I always said I would never even consider it. Now that I'm in school, however, and see that they are actually pretty cool, I'm not as opposed to them as I once was. It's a great way to meet people and stay involved. Also, it helps with networking for a job after graduation. I'd do informal recruitment at the end of January and one of my good friends is doing it with me, so that makes it easier. So far, ADPi and Delta Zeta look good to me, but we'll see what happens.

I swim for brighter days, despite the absence of sun.

2010-01-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

9.more.days. That's what I keep telling myself. I really want, or rather need, to get back to Iowa City and school and my friends. This break was seriously like being in high school again. If you know me, that's the one thing I hate most. Between drama with friends, cutting off communication in general with people, boredom, and having to answer to my parents again, I want my independence back. At this point, I'm ready for the homework, lectures, work, and exams if it means I can get away from all this. One of my best friends keeps telling me that I need to "rid myself of all things Adel". As hard as it is, she's right. Most likely, I'm not coming back for Spring Break and maybe I won't come home until May. I need to move on, because the people here hold me back from greater things. I want more for my life and I'm not going to succeed if I keep concentrating on things that aren't the best for me or my future. The title of my blog is "Don't Settle for Comfortable". Well, two days ago I realized that's exactly what I've been doing. Ironic, right? Maybe I just needed this past semester for transition, but this semester will be different. No more putting my faith in other people. Even my best friend has let me down. It's all me, now. Not everything about Winter Break has been bad, however. I've become closer with a few people and it's been nice hanging out with my family. I also discovered I'm a pretty good bowler on Wii and there aren't even bumpers!

Anyways, I've been doing alright on my resolutions, so far. I'm reading the book "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks and it's wonderful and I'll probably have it finished by Saturday. I worked out yesterday and I felt great and plan on going again in an hour or so. The only thing that would stop me is the insane weather conditions, but I'm going a little nuts being cooped up in the house all day, so I might have to stick it out.

I'm getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow afternoon. I really, really hate medical procedures/surgery. My friends from school and I were discussing this and decided that we were going to be the people that wake up during surgery and feel everything but are paralyzed and can't scream to let anyone know. Yeah, these are the things I think about.

2010-01-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

In honor of the New Year, I figure I should consider making a resolution or two. Normally, I don't even bother because I know I won't accomplish it. However, now that I'm in college, I think I should try it. Here are some of my ideas, so far....

1. Get in shape. I know, typical, but now that I'm not playing soccer anymore and I don't have a coach barking at me to keep running, I should probably get my butt the the gym more than once every 2 months.

2. Read books regularly. I always go into Barnes and Nobles and see all the books and I always have the notion to actually read one or two. Well, this year I am going to do it. And not just the Twilight series, either.

3. Study more/get better grades. I never had to try in high school, so this first semester at Iowa was a bit of a shock, and my GPA shows that. No, I'm not going to publish what it was, but I cried when I found out, if that is any indication.

That's all I can think of for now. They're all realistic goals, I think. Except for getting in shape, that will be a challenge. If you all don't know by now, I really REALLY like my friends, Ben and Jerry. Ugh! That reminds me, I left them in Cassie's freezer last night. Might have to venture of there later to rescue them. I realize that I make myself sound fatter than I actually am. If it's any consolation, I have actually lost weight since school started. So ha!

Merry Day After Christmas

2009-12-26T10:33:00.001-08:00

It's the day after Christmas and all through the house, Michael Jackson is blasting (RIP), coffee is brewing, and I am getting ready for my annual day after Christmas shopping trip. This year, I'm dragging along 3 of my closest Atown girlfriends, Cassie, Melissa, and Lyndsey. It's already guaranteed we'll run into at least 10 people we know. Jordan Creek is a pretty hopping place, you know. Maybe I'll convince them to see a movie with me. I really want to see Avatar. My cousin said it's awesome and I'm a James Cameron fan (Titanic is my favorite movie OF ALL TIME). Plus, I've never seen a movie in 3-D and I really want to see if those glasses look good on me.

I want to love you, P.Y.T, pretty young thing! Sorry, it's catchy.

Anywho, I recently discovered the movie "Shakespeare in Love", and oh boy did I love it. I'm a sucker for my boy, Will Shakespeare and Joseph Fiennes, who plays him, is pretty sexy in the movie. Ben Affleck plays the actor that plays Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, and he is also a nice little piece of man candy.

Final grades for this semester should be posted early this week. Prayers are appreciated.

Side note, I really REALLY want to study abroad. I'm an avid reader of my fellow Hawkeye, Brittney's blog (Brittney, if you happen to stumble across this post, Hi!) and she is going to Germany soon. JEALOUS. I have always wanted to go to London, but since I took Italian last semester, I've been considering going to Rome, or maybe Venice?, I don't know. Donations are now being accepted.

I should probably acknowledge that I had a very nice Christmas, yesterday. Hilary woke me up at 7:30 AM, though, even after my very clear instructions to pretend I'm not alive until after 9. Are we still 8 years old, people? I'm in college. I need SLEEP. Anyways, I made out pretty well with gifts. I got a super cute coat, a printer, Bare Minerals set, some money, a jug bank thing that counts the counts as you drop them in (I was entertained by this for a solid 10 minutes, no joke. I'm up to over 10 dollars!), and some other random stuff. At first, we thought we were going to be snowed in all day, but some guy came and snow blowed (is that the correct past tense? I have no idea. Moving on..) the driveway for us so we made our way to Urbandale to my Aunt Kid and Uncle Ed's house. Only part of the family could make it, but we had fun playing Wii and I discovered I'm good at bowling. My arm is sore, though. Maybe I should work out? Nah, it can wait 'til 2010. My cousin Kelli (Hi, Kelli!) got me the book Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. If I could cook, I would cook my way through Rachael Ray's cookbook and write a book and become super famous and have an actress like Blake Lively play me in a movie. Too bad I mess up Easy Mac and Blake Lively is 100 times prettier than me. I can dream, right?

Christmas Break

2009-12-23T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in my living room watching Jay Leno play with penguins and a reindeer. Exciting, right? I thought so, too.
I've been home from IC for over a week now and it seems like a lot longer. Earlier today, I could not remember what day it was. How can it only be Wednesday? The fact that tomorrow is Christmas Eve is the only thing keeping me sane right now. Tomorrow night's church service is the first one in our church's new building, so that's cool. I'm really hoping that this storm isn't as bad as the weather dudes are making it sound. If I am snowed in this house for more than a couple hours, I'm going to freak out. At least we're only going to Urbandale for our family Christmas dinner this year. Being stuck in North English would be worse than being stuck in Waukee.
I miss my Iowa City friends. Everyone here either has a significant other or works all the time. Newsflash: You're girlfriend is around all the time and I haven't seen you in months. Maybe you should make time for me?!?!?! I haven't had a boyfriend in a while, but I'm pretty sure I would make time for the people that were in my life before and not just push them aside. It's starting to get on my nerves. I like how there is no drama in Iowa City and no one knows everyone else's business.
Anyways, I've gotten a few of my grades back and I did pretty well, but it's annoying that I actually go to class, study, and turn things in on time, yet still get worse grades than people that are too hungover to function 80% of the time. Next semester should be better though, because I'm taking 4 classes instead of 6 and I'm done with math forever. That in itself is a morale booster.

2009-12-02T18:14:00.001-08:00

My mouth hurts. I have to get my wisdom teeth out over Christmas break. Can't wait to spend half my break hungry and in pain.
If anyone loves me at all, they will buy me tickets to the Elton John/Billy Joel show in KC in February. I'd make you cookies or something in return. Correction, I'll buy you cookies because Lord knows I can't bake. That's something I will be working on this weekend though.
I need to buy a new phone cord. Target didn't have them and they had a dumb guy working there that was no help at all.
I feel like I'm being a little whiny, so sorry about that.
What's with everyone being obsessed with Taylor Swift? Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but I liked her two years ago. Now she's beating out MJ (RIP) for Artist of the Year and getting nominated for Grammy's. I don't really agree with that.
Rudolph was on tonight! I can't wait for Frosty. I love Christmas, except for the cold weather part. I need to get some better gloves. Maybe a hat, too. Nah, my head is an awkward size and hats don't fit right.

2009-12-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling pretty unproductive this week. That's probably because I don't really have anything to do. All my friends have tons of tests and papers due, so I have been rubbing it in a little that my night last night consisted of eating a sleeve of Oreos and watching One Tree Hill and Gossip ls? Girl. Maybe I should get a head start on studying for finals? Nahh.

Tonight after work, I'm going to the men's basketball game. It's free and I'm pretty sure that's because it'll be on TV and it doesn't look good to have an empty student section on ESPN.

I would just like to say I'm sorry for all the people that had to see me this morning. I hadn't showered in 2 days and looked like a complete scurve. No worries, though, I'm clean again. Gross, I just found shampoo in my ear.

Yesterday, I had a new idea. Maybe I'll go to law school after I graduate. Stop laughing.

IT'S BREAK!

2009-11-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

It's finally Thanksgiving break!!!!! I don't think I can explain how excited/relieved I am about this. Last week was stressful and felt like finals week for some reason. Plus, for some reason I've really been missing my friends from home lately and needed to see them.
Last night, I spent the night with one of my best friends from high school at Grandview in Des Moines. It's a cute campus but so tiny. Complete opposite of Iowa and definitely not for me. Everytime I visit one of my friends that goes to a small school, I feel better about my decision to live in Iowa City.
I convinced my parents to let me get an apartment next year!!!! If anyone knows my parents, this wasn't a very easy task, but they said that if I could afford it, they wouldn't say no. I sign the lease right before Christmas break and the loan people said my loans should cover it. I feel like I'll actually be saving money since I won't need a meal plan and can cook for myself. Also, I'll have roommates that actually speak so it'll be totally worth it even if it is a little more expensive.
I'm going back to working at Aerie this week and over Christmas break. I work on Black Friday from midnight to about 4 am. I can't decide if I'm going to pull an all nighter or try and take a little nap before I go. I'm not a night person at all so this should be interesting. The 40% discount is totally worth it, though.
By the way, have I mentioned how much I love Christmas? I'm getting really excited. Like, more excited than usual. All I want to do is drive around with a big Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks and look at Christmas lights while listening to Lite 104.1 Christmas tunes on the radio. Plus, my break officially starts at about 4:15 pm on the 14th and then I'll be heading back to Atown. You know what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving? That I don't have to wait around campus until that Friday for that last final. Hallelujah.
I saw New Moon on Friday at midnight. Sweet Lord, Taylor Lautner is FINE. He put on 30 lbs. of muscle for that role and boy, does it show. Girls were literally squealing when he ripped off his shirt. Yes, I may have been one of them, but seriously, I couldn't help myself. Ok, I'll stop drooling now.

I can never think of a good title.

2009-09-21T19:56:00.001-07:00

I've been doing some serious slacking, lately. Here's the low down on my life....

I'm all settled into my new life at college. I love it so much but the stress has finally kicked in. I got a job at the University Bookstore so I don't feel as guilty for eating out all the time. I had to turn down a second job because I realized I need time to actually do my homework, which has seemed to be piling on in the last couple of weeks. For the most part, I'm still liking my classes. Italian is really time consuming, but it's fun to say I know some of the language. I've realized that even though my Stats class is boring, it relates to journalism a lot. We cover some of the same stuff in that class as we do in my Social Scientific Foundations of Communications class. I have my first big paper due on Friday in that class. It's only four pages, but compared to the one page ones I've been writing for my seminars, this one is a doosey. I've also started to work at KRUI a lot more. Currently, I'm on the air for the Wilco show promotion. On Sunday, I'm going in to record a promo for some kind of PSA. I'm really glad I got involved with KRUI because everyone there is really cool.

I've had friends visit me for two weekends in a row. First Logan and then Rachel so it was great seeing them. Logan will probably be back for Homecoming, too. I'm not going home until next month, but I'll be ready. I miss my bed and not having to wear flip flops in the shower.

I'm a Hawkeye!

2009-08-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, I've been living in Iowa City a little over a week now and I love it! The freedom is awesome, I love doing my own thing. My classes have started out pretty well. I'm a little nervous for my Stats class, but I'm getting a tutor so I don't fall behind. My NY Times seminar starts tomorrow and I can't wait! There are so many opportunities here, compared to Adel. I have access to so many different resources and everyone is very helpful in making my first year at college a successful one.
I'm finally all organized and settled into my dorm. My parents got me a really comfy futon so my friends can stay with me. I really, really miss my friends from home. I wish I had a car here so I could visit them on the weekends but nay, I'm stuck. I'm going to Ames in a few weeks to stay with Rachel and see a bunch of friends from high school, so that'll be fun. Not exactly sure how I'm getting there yet, but I'll figure it out.
Not much going on tonight, yet. I'm eating at the Burge Marketplace with my friend, Emily, and then I might hang out with my friend, Katie. I might throw in a little Italian homework in there, as well. We'll see, though.
Btw, my address is 100 Burge 2030 Iowa City, IA 52242. Feel free to send me a letter or some cookies.

Update

2009-08-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

So, I'm being super cool tonight and watching 'Roseanne' with my parents and working on my AlcoholEdu class for Iowa. Awesome. 1 week and 6 days until I'm free!

My beagle, Rosie, died yesterday. She was my birthday present when I was in kindergarten. We had to put her to sleep. She was 13 years old (that's 91 in dog years!), and she wasn't doing well at all. I broke down at work, that's how sad I am. She was a good dog and I'll always love her. I wish she could have held on until I moved so I wouldn't be reminded of her as much. I feel bad for Sunny, our other dog. She looks pretty lonely. We've been taking her for a lot of walks and she is going to start to go to doggie-daycare soon. Today, my mom took her to the groomers. Apparently, Sunny bit the chick in the boob. She must have had good reason because Sunny is seriously the least aggressive dog in the world so this lady must have been crazy. Go Sunny!

I've been keeping pretty busy, lately. I've been getting lots of stuff for my dorm and I think I'm pretty much all set. I just need to get a futon and stock up on food, but I'll do that when I get there. I've been trying to update my wardrobe, too. Also, I need to find some man-candy posters, i.e. Michael Phelps, David Beckham, Zac Efron, for my walls. I've been trying to spend a lot of time with my friends before we all leave. Mostly, I hang out with Logan. We went to Adventureland on Tuesday and to dinner at Spaghetti Works last night. I'll definitely miss him the most next year.

I better get back to working on my Alcohol class, ugh.

The future starts now...scary.

2009-07-21T20:47:00.001-07:00

I'm moving to Iowa City 4 weeks from tomorrow. I started thinking about it and what if everything I want for my life doesn't happen? What if all my dreams won't ever be reality? I have met tons of new people that are also going to Iowa and we all have huge aspirations for our future. What happens if they never come true? My biggest fear is to not be happy. I'm scared of not being good enough. Yeah, I was successful in high school, but ADM is tiny and not too competitive. I don't feel like I'm prepared enough for life outside of a small town. I've always been so excited to move on to bigger and better things. Don't get me wrong, I still can't wait to move and be independent, but I'm starting to get really nervous. This is probably normal for everyone that is going into their first year of college but still, I usually don't get intimidated by stuff like this. Well, maybe I do, just not to this extent. Real life is sneaking up on me and I just want to know that I will be successful. Failure isn't an option for me.
Another thing I have been worrying about lately is keeping in contact with my friends from high school. We all say that we will stay in touch but in reality, we can't promise something like that. I've spent time (more than once) with about 4 people from my class since we've graduated. Granted, I've always had a small group of friends, but I don't see it ever being the same after we go to our separate schools. I already can see things changing with one person, in particular. I feel like I have nothing left for me in this town.

Short and Sweet

2009-07-07T13:30:00.001-07:00

I MOVE TO IOWA CITY 6 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!!

:)

RIP MJ

2009-06-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting in my living room watching CNN coverage on Michael Jackson. Even though I wasn't born yet when he was in his prime, I'm really sad about his death. He was one of the most naturally talented performers of all time and really set the stage for future music. People can think what they want about his personal life, but no one can take away from the fact that he was one of the best entertainers in history. Basically, my point is for people to stop making stupid comments about little boys because he was never convicted of anything!

Anyways, I had a pretty good week, other than my insane sunburn that inhibited me from moving for a couple days. I went to Nitefall on the River on Thursday and saw Carolina Liar, one of my favorite bands. They were so good! The show was downtown at Simon Estes Amphitheater, a perfect spot and the weather was excellent. Success.

Last night, Rachel and I went downtown to the Des Moines Arts Festival for the free Gavin DeGraw concert. I've always liked him, but wasn't really a huge fan or anything. It was free, though, so we went. I was pleasantly surprised and really entertained! His voice is so pure and he was so good live! Again, success.

This night, on the other hand, not so successful. I am so bored and there is absolutely nothing to do. Well, I guess I could be taking my sexual harassment online class for Iowa, but that is boring and tedious. Maybe I'll hit up Redbox and have a date with Ben and Jerry. They never let me down.

I'm a lobster...

2009-06-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Life has been pretty good, lately. I had orientation in Iowa City last Monday and Tuesday and it just confirmed my feelings that Iowa is definitely the place for me. I met a lot of cool people and signed up for some classes that I'm really excited for. I'm taking Italian, Social Scientific Foundations of Communications, Elementary Stats and Inferences, an Online class that is supposed to be super easy about different resources around campus, and 2 first year seminars; one about the New York Times and one about grad school. I can't wait!
Yesterday, I went to Saylorville Lake with my friend, Rachel. We laid out for about 3 and a half hours. It was so hot out! We didn't realize, however, that the heat index was over 100 degrees until we were driving home. Ugh! I got fried and now it hurts to move, but my soccer tan lines are almost gone!
I'm so bored. I went to the mall earlier but I forgot that the money I deposited wouldn't all go in until tomorrow so I only got a couple things. Lame. I was going to go to the baseball game tonight but it is so stinkin' hot that no one is going. Looks like I'm staying home tonight. Awesome. There isn't even anything good on TV.

Awesome Friday Night.

2009-06-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Yet again, I am home on a Friday night. The most productive thing I've done since I've gotten home from work is take a bath. At nine, I'm going to watch 20/20 because Adam Lambert is going to talk about his sexuality. I love him, he is so incredibly talented and I am still a little disappointed that Kris beat him in AI. Although, I did read a really interesting blog that explained why Kris won, rather than Adam. Some of the reasons were as follows...(I am paraphrasing, mind you.)
1. Kris sang songs that were more popular and relevant to voters, such as "Heartless". Adam sang mostly over the top songs like, "Play That Funky Music".

2. Danny Gokey came in third place, so it is likely that his followers switched their loyalties over to Kris because he had a similar, more family-friendly style.

3. Even though it shouldn't matter, Adam's sexuality definitely played a part in the results. American Idol is still considered a family show and it is to be expected that some people are not tolerant of a gay man winning and being a role model for their children.

Even though I love Kris, (he is SO CUTE), I think that Adam is the better entertainer and if he ever performs in Iowa I will surely be there.

I sort of went off on a tangent there, but there is nothing better to do.
On Monday morning, Zach and I are going to Iowa City for orientation. I am super psyched! We won't be back until late Tuesday night. The first day, I'm pretty sure we take some tours and seminars and stuff like that to get the feel for the campus. Parents are encouraged to go but I told mine not to because I want to get used to doing things on my own. Plus, there isn't really a point because they went on my visit with me in the fall and it'll pretty much be the same. On Tuesday, we get to sign up for our classes. I'm shooting for the earliest to be at 9 AM and to either be done by noon on Fridays or have the day off, entirely. I know, I know, big expectations for a lowly college freshmen, but I can dream, right? I'll let you know how it goes.

I've come to expect the unexpected.

2009-06-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

If everything happens for a reason, I want to know the reason things happen. This week, the most unexpected thing EVER happened and I don't know what to think. I'm not going to go into detail but WOW. I can't even say that I'm that upset about it because I'm not. Actually, it's made me really happy. Happier than I have been in a while. I wish things weren't so complicated but in other ways it's not. This probably makes no sense but my mind has been spinning. One of my friends told me my life would make a good sitcom and he's definitely right. I would watch it.

I'm getting better about keeping up with this thing. Go me!

2009-06-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Good news! My parents decided to buy me a laptop so I am currently writing this on my brand new HP Pavilion! I'm super thankful and way less stressed about money than I was. I bought myself a new cell phone instead. I still have to buy football tickets and my books for this year but that's not a big deal. Orientation is a week from tomorrow! It may seem strange that I'm this excited about signing up for classes but it finally makes it real that I'm actually moving away soon! Don't judge me.
I just got home from work about an hour ago. Usually, we aren't open on Sundays but there is a thing called Bike Ride Adel that we sponsor or something so I was paid to sit and watch drunk people dance to a band attempting to sing '80s music for 6 hours. Worst rendition of "Rocketman" by Elton John I have heard in my entire life. It was nice weather, though, so it could have been much worse.
Now I'm bored, though. I'm thinking of heading over to RedBox to rent "Revolutionary Road" and stay in for the night, but if anything better comes along I'm all for it. I should probably go running but it looks like rain. Another good reason to procrastinate working out for one more day. I should get a trainer.

It's Summer!!!!

2009-06-04T07:44:00.001-07:00

Well, it's actually been summer for a couple of weeks now, but soccer just ended on Tuesday so I'm officially free! I'll miss soccer but I'm ready to move on and focus on college and the summer, rather than going to practice everyday.
Lately, I've been super stressed about money. In less than two weeks I have to buy my football season tickets at Orientation. I've decided not to buy basketball season tickets because everyone that I have talked to say that I won't use them and it's a waste of money. I also have to buy a laptop and books for college. Gross. Note to anyone reading, don't let me spend money!!!! I used to have two jobs but last month I quit my job at Aerie because of scheduling conflicts with my job at Cool Beans. I make more at Cool Beans, anyways. Plus, I spent more money at the mall because I got a sweet discount and I was there all the time. Also, driving from my house, to Adel, and to West Des Moines a few times a week was sucking all the gas out of my tank so it'll all even out.

Has anyone been watching I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of here? I saw a little bit of it yesterday and after about 7 seconds I wanted to punch Speidi in the face. I hate people that are famous, yet have ZERO talent.

I'm out, our boys' soccer team made it to state so I'm going to cheer them on! Good luck, boys! (Even though I guarantee that none of the players on their team read my blog.)

2009-05-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

I finally graduated from high school on Sunday! It still hasn't hit me though. I feel like I still have things to do at the school. It's a relief, though, to be done with something that I've worked on for 13 years. I'm so ready for a new life in a new town with new people.

On the plus side, I got a scholarship at the ceremony. Only $1000, but it helps. Now I just need to save save save my money until I move to IC. Also, I need a laptop. Donations are appreciated.

Sorry if I sound cynical

2009-05-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here is an essay I wrote for my Advanced Composition class. I'm pretty proud of it, I got a 99 percent. Let's discuss.

Dictionary.com defines love as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. Love is something that is incessantly dreamt about and searched for by multitudes of people. George Sand once said, “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” Love is, quite possibly, the one thing that makes life worth living. In spite of this, like everything else in the world, love is not perfect. William Shakespeare is known for his beautiful and timeless sonnets, plays, and poems. In his poem, “Fair is my Love,” Shakespeare writes about how his significant other has many flaws, yet he still loves her.In the poem, “Fair is my Love,” Shakespeare talks about the woman who holds his heart. The reader can come to the conclusion that he truly loves her, but she is not the ideal lover who doesn’t have any obvious faults. To support this point, Shakespeare writes, “Fair is my love, but not so fair as fickle;” (L1). In this line, he is saying that his Love is worth having his love and affection, but she changes her mind about her intentions with him and is, most likely, inconsistent in her love for him. This is a common problem with lots of people that are in love. How does one really know that his or her boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife is loyal to him or her and shares the same feelings? Undoubtedly, Shakespeare was struggling with this dilemma while writing “Fair is my Love.” He depicts this by writing, “Mild as a dove, but neither true nor trusty;” (Shakespeare L2). His Love is easy-going and pleasant, like a dove, yet Shakespeare is skeptical of how faithful and devoted she is to him. It is hard to believe that someone can know that he or she will be dedicated to another person for his or her entire life. Passion and obsession are often confused as true love. The energy and excitement of the first stages of a relationship may convince people that they are in love when in reality, love needs lots of time and effort in order to blossom. Love at first sight does not exist. It is plausible to have a deep connection with another person right away, but not true love that will last a lifetime. To support this point, the poem states:Brighter than glass, and yet, as glass is, brittle;Softer than wax, and yet, as iron, rusty:A lily pale, with damask dye to grace her,None fairer, nor none falser to deface her. (Shakespeare L3-6)William Shakespeare compares his Love to glass. This suggests that she is easy to break, as is their love. He believes that no human can compete with her beauty and temperament, but on the other hand, no one has more faults than she. It is probable that Shakespeare is drawn to the woman because of her faults. She is mysterious and that is what keeps him wanting to be with her. Sometimes people are afraid to end a relationship in fear of being alone, even if that means fighting with their companion or wounding their own heart even more in the process.William Shakespeare’s love for his Love is unwavering, unlike the woman’s affection for him. To prove this point, Shakespeare writes:Her lips to mine how often hath she joined,Between each kiss her oaths of true love swearing!How many tales to please me hath she coined,Dreading my love, the loss thereof still fearing!Yet in the midst of all her pure protestings,Her faith, her oaths, her tears, and all were jestings. (L7-12)Shakespeare’s Love professes her love for him often and says that she is afraid of losing him, yet everything she declares turns out to be a joke and is untrue. This confirms the belief that the object of William Shakespeare’s affection is not dedicated to him. Shakespeare was probably confused about his relationship with the woman because she would profess her love to him by inventing stories to convince him, but it was all false. In all likelihood, the woman did love, or at least was fond of, Shakespeare once, but it did not last. The poem supports this idea by saying, “She burn’d with love, as straw with fire flameth;/ She burn’d out love, as soon as straw outburneth;” (Shakespeare L13-14). The imagery of Shakespeare’s Love being compared to a fire signifies that the love she felt for him burnt out. Fire does not take long to quit burning and it requires two components, oxygen and tinder. Without these things, it will quickly extinguish itself. William Shakespeare’s relationship with the woman clearly lacked a spark and burnt out. He began to be suspicious about the woman’s exact feelings toward him. To exemplify this suggestion, the poem reads:She framed the love, and yet she foil’d the framing;She bade love last, and yet she fell a-turning.Was this a lover, or a lecher whether?Bad in the best, though excellent in neither. (Shakespeare L15-18)Shakespeare believed that the woman was deeply in love with him at first, but he started to figure out that it did not last. She tried to convince him that their love was still alive, but Shakespeare realized that his Love was a lecher, or someone who does not act in an appropriate manner, especially in sexual behavior. Obviously, this had a huge effect on their relationship and the love they once shared was no longer in existence.William Shakespeare is a world-renowned poet and is still known as the best author of all time, according to Shakespeare A to Z (Boyce vii). In the poem, “Fair is my Love,” Shakespeare is cynical about love, with good reason. The woman he loves constantly lets him down and no one should have to live with that pain. Love is a great thing, but it is something that should not be rushed into or hunted for fear of being alone. True love does exist, but not in the case of Shakespeare and the woman he writes about.

(insert title here)

2009-04-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Prom was this weekend and it was a BLAST! I went with one of my best friends, Logan, and he rocked a powder blue tux. I had my doubts but I have to say, I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. My dress was a charcoal grey so it sort of went together. I'm glad I went with him because we didn't care who we danced with and we could just goof around and have fun together. I'm so thankful to have him in my life. We talk about everything and we know that we are always there for each other. Senior Prom was a lot better than Junior Prom. My legs were super sore for dancing for three straight hours. I'm pretty sure I was more tired from that than after a soccer practice.

Two days ago, I found out that I no longer have a roommate. She texted me and told me she isn't going to Iowa anymore. I understand why but it's still frustrating because we have become friends and had figured out all the details for next year. We had the same orientation and everything and now I have to do this with a whole different person. My mom called the University yesterday and now I'm going to be paired up with someone random. This could potentially end badly. I hope I don't get some sort of drug addict...

Soccer has been going relatively well, except for the fact that we are 1-3, which is totally ridiculous. We haven't been playing well lately and there have been a lot of injuries. I have shin splints and it hurts everytime I play. We have a tournament this weekend so I need to continue to ice as much as possible and load up on the Ibuprofen (my wonder drug), so that my legs feel at least a little bit better. We'll see how that goes.

No complaints

2009-04-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Life has been pretty good lately. I've been super busy with scholarships, getting ready for prom, working, soccer, and graduation stuff so it's almost distracting me from thinking about moving. Almost.
I'm just going to have fun for the last 23 days of school. How crazy is that?!
This season of soccer has been the best one yet. The whole team has so much fun together and we all have a strong bond and determination to win. We won against Des Moines North in double overtime on Thursday night. There is no reason we should have had to go to overtime, we are a better team than they were but I think we came in overly confident. However, we pulled off the win with some excellent intensity. I love my team :)
Btw, I am now addicted to everything Twilight. Don't judge me.

When in doubt....FUTBOL!

2009-03-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Spring Break was last week and I went to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico with my youth group. There were about 35 people total and we took 2 15 passenger vans and a Ford Flex. The car ride was a whopping 25 hours each way and needless to say I was VERY carsick about 80% of the time. Dramamine is the best pill ever invented. We stayed at a Holiday Inn in Weslaco, Texas, about 3 miles from the Mexican border, which made me feel a little safer since there has been some violence and drug problems lately. I didn't feel too unsafe, we mostly left before dark just to be on the safe side but Progreso is a relatively safe town and there are tons of tourists so it's no big deal. There was only one shooting and I was in Texas at the hotel that day because I had the flu. Huge bummer because I'm never sick. I seriously don't remember the last time I was sick besides the occasional cold. I feel a lot better now, but I still have a cough that is really annoying when I'm at soccer practice. Oh yeah, soccer started yesterday. It hasn't been too bad. I'm a little sore but nothing like last year. I'm pretty sure the weightlifting I've been doing at school has helped a lot. Anyways, my trip to Mexico was way fun and I learned a lot. It's always good to be reminded about everything I have compared to the poverty-stricken people there. I hung out with my buddy Jesus (hey-suess) a lot. He's the son of the pastor from our sister church. I really had a connection with him three years ago and was psyched to see him again. Turns out, we have the same birthday!!!! That made my week right there. I love him and miss him a lot. Hopefully I can go back next year or sooner because three years was too long of a wait.
I need to go shower, I'm gross from practice.

School is lame!

2009-03-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in Advanced Composition class. I should be writing my Literary Analysis, but I'm not. What a shock, right? I'm writing about self worth and how it relates to "A Hunger Artist" by Franz Kafka. We read four stories in class but that was the only one I found even a little bit interesting. If I get caught writing on my blog instead of this, we have to turn in our essays by Tuesday. They have to be five to six pages, too. Oh well, I thrive under pressure.
I'm pretty sure I didn't get the Daily Iowan Scholarship. Boo. I didn't expect it, but that was the scholarship I really wanted. I'll just apply for a job there when I get on campus. I have four years.
Our boys' basketball team lost on Monday. We had the lead for almost the whole game but then got behind in the fourth quarter. I cried. Don't make fun, it was sad. I loved going to those games.
I signed up for orientation at Iowa this week. Hopefully, I will get the first session in mid June so I can sign up for the good classes that don't start at 7 am. That wouldn't be good and I can't afford going to Starbucks everyday.
I'm way excited for my missions trip to Mexico. We leave in nine days!!! More about that later...

Update.

2009-02-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

Again, sorry for the lack of updates. I've been slacking.
Nothing too important has happened in my life lately. I have yet to hear back from my Daily Iowan scholarship and part of me doesn't even want to know. It stresses me out to think about whether I got it or not. My parents told me that I can go to IC to meet my roommate and spend the weekend there anytime but she has to convince her parents since she is from Chicago and it is a little bit of a drive. Hopefully we can meet up soon!
This weekend has been especially lame because I have done nothing. Last night I went to bed at about 9:30. How lame is that?! Tonight will most likely follow that trend. To top it off, two of my friends are at a concert at People's Court that I REALLY wanted to go to. Plus, they texted me and rubbed it in. Thanks, Logan, thanks a whole lot. You better be bringing me a t-shirt.
This morning, to raise money for my Mexico missions trip during Spring Break, I helped rearrange furniture for the Superintendent's kids. It was a lot of work but it was a lot of fun. Those kids are so cute!
By the way, I'm psyched for my missions trip. I've been praying we can actually go because the borders aren't very safe right now but I have faith that we will be fine. I miss those kids! It's so rewarding to help the people there. Some of my friends think that missions trips are lame but I guarantee that they are more fun then going to a resort. Well, maybe not more fun, but a way different kind of fun that will actually make me a better person rather than just give me a good tan. I burn anyways so this is a win-win situation for me!
With everyday that passes, I want college more and more. I'm positive that I won't be sitting alone and bored on a weekend in Iowa City. I'll have my friends with me 24/7 and that sounds amazing right now. Adel is boring. I know that I shouldn't be "wishing my life away" but this is getting ridiculous. I don't feel like I'm doing anything here that means anything or that is benefiting me in anyway. I've decided that if my parents want to see me next year, they can come to IC. I have nothing to come back for. I will only miss 2 people from my school and they have already said they will come visit me so I'm all set. In some ways, I feel more connected to the people I have met that are going to Iowa with me then people that I have known my whole life.
On Monday, our boys' basketball team is playing in the substate final against Norwalk. I can't wait! If we win, we're going to State. I love this team so much, they are so fun to watch. I get so into it and I'm really surprised that I haven't lost my voice from cheering so loud. I want to win so badly!!! Good luck, boys! :)
I promise that I'll be more devoted to this. This time I mean it.

Maybe there is some good left in the world.

2009-01-25T13:40:00.001-08:00

After church today, my sister and I went to McDonald's to grab a quick lunch. I pulled up to the window to pay and the cashier told me that the person ahead of us had paid for our meal. I guess there was a chain going. I was pleasantly surprised about this and asked how much the next car's bill was. It was only $2.12! Saved me over 5 bucks, woo hoo! That brightened my day. Apparently, people can still be generous these days. There is hope!!!!!

In other news, I got my prom dress today! Well, I didn't actually get it, just picked it out and paid a deposit. It's expensive but also very pretty and fits really well so that's how I justify it. Now, I just have to work my hiney off to pay for that, my trip to Mexico for Spring Break, and anything else that comes up. Oh well, you only get one senior year, right?

I have a few minutes until I have to go to class.

2009-01-23T10:31:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting in Mrs. Weem's computer lab right now. I was sneaky and snuck in a sandwich. I'm so incredibly happy that today is Friday. This week has been super stressful on me and it feels like I've only gotten a few things done. One of which is my Daily Iowan scholarship. Woo! I'm pretty excited about it. Today I made copies of the newspaper articles I am submitting and I think they are some good examples of my writing. If I got this scholarship, I will literally jump up and down for an entire day. I don't want to get my hopes up though. I worked really hard on it and I have some good credentials but I'm not sure if they will be enough. We'll see, I guess.
Tonight, I'm going to the basketball game. I love watching the boys play. It's so fast and exciting and they jump really high. I 100% prefer it over girls basketball. Sorry ladies, but it's BORING! So is girls' soccer, too though so don't feel bad. Tomorrow I work, then I'm going to do some shopping, then going to Buffalo Wild Wings for my sister's birthday. Happy Early Birthday, Hilary! You're growing up so fast, haha!
I've gotta go, the bell is going to ring and I have to pretend like I know what I'm doing during Chemistry. Today, we are doing something with Bunson Burners so let's pray I don't burn the school down, shall we?

I'm an adult!

2009-01-21T14:40:00.001-08:00

So, I haven't been on here in a few weeks. Sorry about that, I haven't been very motivated and sort of stressed out. My 18th birthday was on Sunday. It just so happened to be my golden birthday and golden it was. Overall, it was one of the best birthdays I've had. I spent most of the day with my buddy, Logan. Yet again, he proved to me that he is one of the few people I can always count on. We went to get his haircut and then went to Olive Garden because my parents gave me their gift card. Thanks, mom! It was delicious. I highly recommend the Chicken and Shrimp Carbanara. After that, we went to my house and waited for Andy to show up and we went to the Anberlin/Madina Lake/Between the Trees/Camera Can't Lie concert at People's on Court Avenue. Excellent show. New favorite band...Between the Trees! Although they aren't very well known, they were the best live. Look them up. I plan on going to another show there next month...We the Kings and The Maine. I'd like to think my music taste is improving and I love that venue. Not too big, not too small, and the mosh pits didn't make me feel like I was going to die. It was a great day and it feels good to be legal.

Today at school, we had Career Day. Not many of the options interested me since I already know what I want to do with my future so the only one I chose was graphic design. That was really interesting and I've considered pursuing that along with journalism but I don't think I'm artistic enough. I'm more technical. Other than that, I went to a Social Media Specialist session. That was interesting. I had never heard of that before but apparently it's where you go show companies how to use MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs effectively to promote their causes or products. I had to sit through the funeral director and teacher sessions also. I know for certain that those careers aren't for me.

This month, I'm writing an editorial for my newspaper class. It's going to be about how people should stop complaining about Obama being the president. This isn't the end of the world like so many people have tried to tell me. This is history, people. Stop being so ignorant. Even if you don't like him, you need to support and respect him. Being the leader of the free world isn't easy by any means and no one is perfect so deal with it. Most likely, he is going to be in office for the next 8 years. Let's face it, if Bush got re-elected, Obama will. This country needs to come together and Obama is the man that I believe can help us do it. So suck it, haters.

No Title

2008-12-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

This blog is going to consist of a lot of random thoughts. Here goes...
1. If anyone ever needs a power anthem song, check it "Gives You Hell" by All American Rejects. Always works for me.
2. 3OH!3 is also good music to rock out to, always gets me in a better mood. Although, I can't always understand everything they are saying. They are borderline techno but still very fun. I'm listening to them right now.
3. I have to work today, I really don't want to but I haven't gone for my last 2 shifts. Last Sunday I was sick and yesterday they cut my hours. I wasn't disappointed, even though my bank account might be.
4. After work I'm either going to come home and work on some scholarships or go to my friend Andy's surprise party. It's going on right now but I might go around 7. Andy, if you are reading this...HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY! I didn't spill the beans!
5. One of the scholarships I'm applying for is pretty much awesome. It's for the Daily Iowan newspaper from the University of Iowa, which I want to work for anyway. It's for $4500/year AND they give you job. I want it so bad but I'm afraid it's going to be super competitive so my essay has to be killer.
6. 2008 is almost over and I don't think I could be more excited about it. I went through a lot this year. Heartbreak, college stress, losing friends, and trying to figure out who I really am. 2009 is going to be awesome. I guarantee it because I'm moving to Iowa City!!!!! Doesn't get much better than that.....

Christmas

2008-12-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

This year was my last Christmas that I am totally at home. Next year, I'm moving out and I'll be home for break and such, but it won't be the same. Luckily, it didn't disappoint.
I remember when Hilary and I were little and we had to literally drag Mom and Dad out of bed so we could see what Santa got us. They always went all out on the whole Santa thing. Dad used to write us a Santa letter because we couldn't recognize his handwriting and it made it more legit. They always took the dogs outside and made it look like reindeer had been walking around and Dad would track snow in so we thought Santa was there. This year, they were dragging us out of bed. Teenagers need their sleep too, ok?
I got some pretty good loot this year. A digital camera, Micheal Phelp's book (who know he could write? I guess he's more than just a great body), an Iowa shirt, gift cards, some cash, Grey's Anatomy Season One that I have to return because I just bought it for myself on Ebay, oops!, and some sweet body stuff from Lush from my cousin, Kelli. It smells awesome AND it's eco-friendly. Or, as my Aunt Pat likes to say, echo-friendly.
Which brings me to my next topic, forced family fun time...
We went to Grandma's house like every year but this year Grandma wasn't there. She had to stay in the nursing home because she is really sick. She was coughing and had a temperature. It sounds like pneumonia to me but I'm really hoping it's not. It was really, really sad to see.
My cousins and aunts and uncles are always funny. Much to my disappointment though, Uncle Ed didn't pull out the "I've got a kitty" routine. There's always next year.

This year has gone by so fast....thank the Lord.

2008-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve!

So I have some good news and I have some bad news.

Let's start with the good, shall we?
I passed all my finals! Chemistry was by FAR the most difficult. I missed 36 out of about 75 but Mrs. Vasto puts a triple curve on it so I ended up with a C-. Good enough for me.
Also, I'm going to Grandma's for Christmas tomorrow. I'm sort of excited because there is always good food and I gain 16 pounds. Good times. And my cousins always have funny stories. I hope Uncle Ed breaks out the "I've got a kitty" routine.

Bad news.....eh, that's not that important right now. Bottom line though, forgiveness isn't always as easy as some people think it should be. Especially if they are the ones I need to forgive.

Forgive and Forget

2008-12-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

I'm doing better. I realized I just need to let it go because it's not going to change. I've been really stressed lately so I definitely need to learn how to prioritize better. I got a stress zit a few days ago so that was a wake up call. Now only if someone wasn't ignoring me.....humph.

Everyday I am more and more ready for Iowa City. I have started to make some friends from the University of Iowa--Class of 2013 Facebook Group. They're all so nice! I can't wait to meet all new people. Now I just need to find a roomie.

I should be studying for my finals, but I couldn't care less. Probably not the best attitude, I know. I should be ok, though. My new least favorite book is The Red Badge of Courage. SO BORING! I have to read it for my American Lit. final but I have zero comprehension of everything I have read so far. We'll see how that test goes.

I just can't wait for break. Food, friends, family, and the best part.....I'll be half done with senior year! :)

This Was Over Before It Ever Began.

2008-12-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

I keep doing the same thing. Over and over again. I don't think I'll ever learn. I want to prove myself wrong so badly it hurts. Or rather I want someone to prove me wrong. Prove to me that I can fully trust another person. This year it seems like a lolet me down in one way or another. I am very thankful that I have regained some of my old friends and those friendships are better than ever but sometimes I regret rekindling a few of my friendships.

On the up side, old NSYNC music always makes me feel better.
My preteen years sure are missed.

Frustration

2008-12-03T14:21:00.001-08:00

I need to vent.

Today, I skipped my first class because my mom didn't want us out on the roads because it snowed last night and the road reports weren't sounding very good. So she called the school and let them know that Hilary and I would be in when the roads clear up. Apparently, the secretary hung up on her. I figured they understood and it was no big deal. Wrong. The principal called my mom and told her that Hilary and I would have to make up double the amount of time we missed because it's considered an unexcused absence after first hour. I got to school right as third hour started because I wanted to make up the least amount of school as possible, or even none at all. Hilary and I got called to the office and were assigned two detentions each. This makes me so mad! Would you rather have us risk our lives just to go to one dumb class? We both have good grades, get our work done, and never skip for no reason. I don't think ADM High School is worth dying for. I could be wrong though, apparently.

I think the administration just uses the power the have in the wrong way. They need to see other people's sides to the story and not just go by the book. It's Iowa, people. Obviously the weather isn't always going to be good so they need to learn to work with us. If this happens again, mom better just tell them I'm sick. It will avoid all this unnecessary drama.

My desire to move to Iowa City just keeps getting stronger and stronger.

A Very Uneventful Saturday

2008-11-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

10 years ago…
1. I was in 2nd grade. Those were the good ol' days.
2. I was 7.
3. I had my first crush.
4.I went to daycare.
5. I played soccer, and still do!

5 Things on Today’s "To-Do" List…
1. Find something to do.
2. Make an attempt on my Chemistry homework.
3. Try not to eat all the Thanksgiving left-overs.
4. Clean my bathroom. Ew.
5. Not much else.

5 Snacks I Enjoy…
1. Cereal
2. PB&J
3. Cheesecake
4. Brownies
5. Chips and salsa

5 Things I Would Do if I were a Millionaire…
1. Pay for college
2. Start a Roth IRA
3. Go to London
4. Buy a BMW
5. Go shopping.

5 Places I Have Lived…
1. Adel, IA
2. Waukee, IA
3. Soon to be Iowa City, Iowa, woo!
4. That's
5. All

5 Jobs I’ve had/Still have…
1. Barista at Cool Beans
2. Aerie
3. Baby sitting
4. Student
5. That's all

5 People I’m tagging…
I don't know how to do that yet, I'm new to this.

Happy Black Friday!

2008-11-28T08:15:00.001-08:00

Today is Black Friday. However, I work at the mall, so we call it Green Friday. Well, I'm supposed to. To me, it's still Black Friday on account of I have to work later. Guh. They won't even let employees buy anything today since it will be so busy, lame!

Yesterday confirmed my past realizations that Thanksgiving is one of the most boring holidays, at least in my family. I got up early because it is impossible for me to sleep in since I wake up at 7 AM every morning for school, then I watched as much as I could stand of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I'm really not a fan of anything Broadway, so their little street performances tend to get on my nerves. Then I watched a Lifetime movie and some other random junk on TV. The meal was good, but it only took me like 15 minutes to eat, then I took a nap. Mmm naps. That was the highlight of my day.

While it is good to get a few days off school, my break has been very uneventful. I have to work today, tomorrow, and Sunday. I need money. My stupid car payments are sucking me dry, not to mention Christmas shopping. I now know why everyone gets so stressed around the holidays. I also have a Chemistry assignment to do. It was assigned about three weeks ago and its due Monday. Guess who hasn't started. Yours truly. No shocker there.

On a lighter note, I love Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. One of the few bands that my sister and I agree on, so thanks, sis. If you haven't listened to them, I highly recommend it.

Numero Uno.

2008-11-24T15:33:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to start a blog for awhile now. It's the "in" thing to do and I figure it'll enhance my writing abilities.

I'm in my senior year of high school, thank the Lord, but it still doesn't seem like it. I feel young. I know, I know, I AM young, but I've had to make a lot of big decisions lately. It's weird. I'm not sure I'm ready for this. College life is rapidly approaching and even though I can't wait, I'm scared to leave the bubble I call high school. Adel is such a comfort zone where everyone knows everyone and in Iowa City I'll just be a number, not a person.

Somedays I just want to leave and forgot 95% of the people here and completely start over, and sometimes I want things to stay the same forever. I'm scared of failing. I'm afraid of not being the best. Not that I'm the best, because I know I'm not, I just don't want to be the worst at something.

However, I know I will learn things in Iowa City that I could never learn at ADM. The feeling of wanting to leave almost always trumps my, um, what's the word...uneasiness. There we go.

Also, recently I've realized that life can be taken away at any second and I should enjoy it and not wish it away. A recent ADM graduate died last weekend. He was so young. It was so unexpected. His death has really put things into perspective for me, and I hope for others in town. I hope his death isn't only grieved for the next week. I hope we can learn from it and never forget. I don't want to have any regrets with my life. I want to take advantage of every oppurtunity. I think that is what I'm most scared of, missing out.

Anyways, enough of this depressing talk. I'm off to hang out with one of my oldest and best friends, Rachel! I love her. We have so much fun together and I can talk to her for hours about anything. I know I will always have her to count on. Too bad she's a Cyclone. :)