Spring Quarter

I really had a great spring break. We played a lot of tennis, went to the Y, BW3's, went out to eat, saw Monsters vs. Aliens, went laser tagging, and had some family gatherings in between. Dad turned 50 and my Aunt Cindy came down for his surprise party! She is always the life of the party and is the very reason why I play tennis. I love her!

'Spring' quarter started yesterday and it snowed Sunday night. These are both things that fall under my list of things I don't like: school and snow in the springtime. Things weren't looking so good.

Then I get to Eng201 and the teacher is unpleasant. (I don't know what to call teachers in college..instructors, professors..) Her name is Patricia Herb and you never know what these people are going to be like until you go to class. I don't want to be mean, but there is a skit on SNL or Mad TV and there is a person named 'Pat' and no one knows if it's a guy or girl. She was pretty masculine, but that isn't the point. I decided to switch teachers because she was so strict and just not fun. I know that there will be times when I'm just going to have to deal with it, but not if I can change it. Now I am taking the same class with a nice lady, Deborah Hysell, who is funny and pleasant. Most of us had the wrong text book because the book store told us the wrong one and someone said "we'll never get the books now..they never get things in on time" Deb was like "yes we will because I am bitchy!" It was hilarious and unexpected, yet comforting at the same time. It's actually going to be taught 'hybrid' online though. This means open book tests ;)

So now my first class will be Math103 where I will spend 3-4 hours every Monday and Wednesday sitting at a computer trying to quickly get through it and finish early. I HATE math with a burning passion. There is a guy in there who thinks it's fun to always make comments when you come and go..but you have to pretend laugh to make him feel good. Also, he is bad with personal boundaries at times too. One time he was helping me and was like rubbing my back. Not to mention the same 5 songs are quietly played in the background over and over and over again. I like to do schoolwork in peace and quiet and not be annoyed with bad country or a perverted man. To add another complaint to the fire, I'm a recovering germ freak. These computers have mysterious gook and grime on the keys and mouse..I always carry Germ-X and actually have wipes that I would use before I got on the computers, but I don't want to look like the germ freak I am. This was always on my list of reasons I have always disliked school, right next to it smells bad. I know what you're thinking, 'must this girl complain about everything.' The answer is yes, but mostly just on here so that I can vent.

I did run into Travis Hayes though! I was just walking down the hall and noticed that someone sitting around the corner had the same shoes as him. Sure enough, it was him. It makes me happy to run into people at school that I went to high school with. Especially Travis because we still hang out and talk all the time.

After math I walk to the other side of the campus for Speech with Phil Martin. He could really use some of the masculinity Pat had and he could give her some feminine tips. He is quite a character. I don't know if any of you have seen the movie "Stewart Saves His Family" but he is a lot like him mixed with Jim Ford from church, mixed with David Bromstad from Color Splash on HGTV. Do you ever do that? You meet someone new and then you just think of other people you know that they remind you of. I hate speech almost as much as I hate math. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully Mrs. Lingenfelter prepared me well enough. I enjoy writing the speeches, but not delivering them. Americans fear public speaking more than death! Jason Artrip is in there with me, but I was actually hoping that no one I knew would be in there...haha.

Then I have another online class, Microsoft Word...haha! People my age have been using it since we were in 5th or 6th grade. It's needed for practically any degree and this is my last quarter that I can just do general classes. I don't know what I want to do and it seems like everyone else has their major and are in the zone. I'm envious of these people. I'm also really tired of people going through a list of careers and asking me "how about this, this, this or this, are you into this?" If I knew we wouldn't be having the conversation. Go read the "My shit is a mess" post for more on that. Plus, will an associates degree really do me any good? On the news they said that people with bachelors are even having a tough time out there. They said the best thing is to go to a technical school for all out experience. With my associates, I may be able to afford a cardboard box to live in, so that's something to look forward too.

By the way...I don't have anything against masculine women or feminine guys. Just throwing that out there. I wish I was more feminine, but I can't even control eyeliner when it's in my hand. I also just shouldn't be judging them. SIGH, I do that sometimes in my head- judge people. Bad, bad, bad! Also, I don't think I believe in gay marriage. I think my brother Brandon came up with this idea one time: "Feminine men should just date/marry a masculine woman." If you think about it, it does make sense! As they say though, 'you can't help who you love.' Plus, I love Ellen...her show will brighten your day.

Love at first spit wad

"Miss You"
Blink182

[Brad's part]
Hello there,
the angel from my nightmare
the shadow in the background of the morgue
the unsuspecting victim
like darkness in the valley
we can live like Jack and Sally
if you want
Where you can always find me
and we'll have Halloween on Christmas
and in the night we'll wish this never ends
we'll wish this never ends

I miss you, miss you

[My part]

Where are you?
and I'm so sorry
I cannot sleep, I cannot dream tonight
I need somebody and always
this sick, strange darkness
comes creeping on so haunting every time
and as I stared I counted, the webs from all the spiders
catching things and eating their insides
like indecision to call you and hear your voice of treason
Will you come home and stop this pain tonight?
stop this pain tonight..
[Together]
Don't waste your time on me
you're already the voice inside my head
I miss you, miss you

So, this is NOT a very pretty song if you read some of the words, but it became our song in 2004 when we started dating. We use to sing it on the phone to each other all the time and we still sing it sometimes. Today is our 5 year anniversary. Brad had to work all weekend though, so we are going out this Friday.

We became friends in 6th grade, but we never liked each other before then. I thought he was just a stupid attention seeking boy and he thought that I believed I was above him because there was a school named after me. (my great grandpa) haha. He was constantly getting into trouble by Ms. Mikus and a lot of the time it was because of things he was doing to me. For example, he would 'gleek' on me with his spit, spit spit wads in my hair, make a 'snow storm' by rubbing his hair really fast making his hair gel just flake all over my desk, one time he even pushed me into Ms. Mikus when I was talking to her..."Brad, out in the hall!" We'd play basketball at recess together all the time, when he didn't have a noon room. Sometimes I would take 'voluntary noon rooms' to hang out with him in the library. My mom would record our school programs and sure enough you'll see Brad behind me messing up my hair for every hand gesture we had to do. with a big grin on his face. I'm sorry, but I have to bust out bits and pieces from the old diary a bit for this blog because it's all Brad and the beginning of our friendship. Apparently I knew everything at 12 and 13..

February 11, 2002
My boyfriend is Brad Young since January 18, Fri. at 1:18 in the hallway going to the 5th grade spelling bee. He is the best boyfriend anyone could ever want in my opinion. Brad carries my lunch tray, brings me my coat, lets me play basketball with him, gives me his booster tickets. I always tell him "I will still like you if you don't do these things for me" but he says he likes to for some reason. When I try to take his tray or give him booster tickets he will say "that's not lady like." My friends keep telling me to brake up with him just because he is a class clown.
February 19, 2002
Yesterday was Brad and mine 1 month Anaversery. My friends are mad at me because I play basketball with Brad instead of playing with them, but I don't care. He is so sweet. I would rather have Brad a nice funny, caring, cute boy than any popular boy. That's how much I love him.
March 3, 2002
I keep thinking about telling Brad I <3 style="font-weight: bold;">March ?, 2002
Bad news is I had to brake up with Brad, that was hard. But I'm glad I did once Zach Efaw told me Brad was going to stay with me till Easter to get his gift. Bad excuse, he told me only to get him a card and he'd get me one. I don't think he would wait for a card. He likes Jessica Hoover. He hurt me, but I'll live. I will admit I am jealous of Jessica. He started out as a great boyfriend, but ended up being a jerk! He's telling everyone he broke up with me. Lie, Lie, Lie, use, use, use, he's no good and I thought he was sweet. I think I still have feelings for him, just a little. Today he forgot and walked towards me and turned back around. Now we don't even talk to eachother at all. I want to be friends atleast. Everything I look at at school reminds me of him and even when I got home and saw Zelda, our favorite video game. I cried. Bye Brad the best boyfriend I'll ever have with the saddest ending. (Wow, I'm dramatic)
July 20, 2002
Today I might play b-ball with Brad. He's moving to Cleveland with his dad to have a fresh start. I will tell him good luck and what a good friend he's been to me. I'll miss him. 7th grade won't be the same without him.
August 9, 2002
I played b-ball with Brad, it was fun. He let me win twice. Afterwards I wanted to buy him something at the dairy, but he said no. Then he walked me to the Lunts. I tolled him he didn't have to but who can tell Brad not to do something. I like him again even though I tried not too. It's imposible not to though. I had a dream that I kissed him. If I were older I would, but I'm only 12. I called him yesterday and we talked for 3 hours. He likes me! I know I'm only 12, but I know what love is and when I heard he liked me my like turned into love. (...pahahaha)
10-11-03
I was talking to Brad on aol and I told him I thought he had 3 personalities. He said I was right and asked what they were. I told him you have the one at your dads which is all an act, the one here which is conseded, and I think the third one is the real you. Nice, caring, funny, outgoing, listens, and gives good advice. Then he said yeah but I'm not like that much. Have you ever seen me like that? I told him once or twice but I liked that side of him. He asked me if he should start being himself. I told him it was up to him, but I like that side and if thats who he was be it. He said thanks for the advice :) We have alot of respect for eachother nowdays. Its cool.

Oh my..my entire diary is full of Brad stories. It goes on and on back and forth between "I love Brad" "Once again he proved to be a jerk!" "He's a great friend"

He's been my friend since we were 12 years old and now he's my best friend. We've been through so much together. Something I've learned is that relationships are really hard sometimes and things happen that cause a lot of heartache. We have a lot of respect for eachother and that's how it always should be. He's grown up a lot in these 5 years and so have I, but there is always room for improvement. That 12 year old ornery boy that carried my tray, now opens the car door for me. I could talk forever about memories and stories, but I think I've already said too much. haha.

Bottom line-Every girl deserves a gentleman.

Nothing to say

Tomorrow is my last day of winter quarter! Some aspects of my life are looking up! Goodbye winter, hello spring! It is about 68 degrees outside. Earlier I had to write MY LAST essay for Eng114 while listening to the birds chirp and watching the sunshine. It was extremely hard to concentrate. Tomorrow I just have one final and I am done for a week. That week is going to be filled with tennis, jogging, working, more tennis..teaching people to play tennis so I have more people to play with. This weekend Travis, Kurtis, Brad, and I are going to play doubles. I'm really excited. I'm going to be outside almost everyday being active. LOVE IT!

I should probably be studying right now, but instead I'm blogging. I'm just waiting until Brad wakes up so we can, you guessed it, play tennis! Then we're going to my brothers house to watch Lost tonight. It's a tradition. We've been going over there for 3 years now every Wednesday night when Lost is in season.

Kings of Leon - Use Somebody ~I cannot get this song out of my head! I love it :)

Brad and I don't hang out nearly as much as we used to lately. Things keep coming up. The car he bought needed a new clutch so he took it to a guy that someone recommended from work. The guy not only ruined Brad's car, but he also took parts from it. It was supposed to be done the first day he took it, but 2 days later the guy wasn't answering Brad's calls. So he just showed up and a bunch of guys were sitting around his car drinking. When they saw him they all kind of got frantic and the guy said 'it'll be done in 40 minutes.' It wouldn't even start...He already paid him the $125 and only got $30 back because they guy totally went immediately and bought drugs. Then he has the nerve to say "thanks a lot, I fixed your clutch for $90.." What a dead beat! Brad is taking him to the small claims court or something like that. A mechanic is going to check his car out and give an estimate on how much all the damage is going to cost. The lady who sold Brad the car agreed to testify that the car was fine before. They have pictures and everything. Then people were saying that this 'mechanic' was going to be outside waiting for Brad to get off work so he could fight him. haha. WHAT A MESS! Did I mention that Brad's car before this one caught on fire?! Yeah..he has the worst luck ever.

I wish I had something exciting to talk about, but I don't.

K, bye.

Fearless!

Taylor Swift is coming to Ohio 3 times for her 2009 Fearless Tour! I'm so excited! I told Brad and we are going to get tickets (hopefully on the floor) as soon as they are available. Yes, Brad is going. Every time "Love Story" comes on the radio I crank it and sing along and even he joins in sometimes. hehe. We are planning to go to the one in Columbus on July 17. I haven't been to a concert since Avril Lavigne in the 7th grade! I even wrote about it in my Diary...

April 16, 2003

"Yesterday was the bomb! We went to see Avril Lavigne in concert (coolest rock singer in my time, just for when I'm older to remember) Our seets were on the floor, well like standing. First there was this stupid band called GOB. They were horrible!! Then Simple Plan, they rock just not as much as Avril. Then after like 2 hours she came out...TRY TO SHUT ME UP TOUR...It started with Sk8er Boi and we were all jumpin', it was great! I sang all her songs beginning to the end. She's my hero! Sorry Elvis, but your daughter is a B****! Ne way so two guys got in a fight and they were like cussing. Then there was this girl that really looked like Avril beside us, it was sweet!! I'll like never forget this concert!!! I have the best parents in the world and I will love them till the end of the universe!!!"

I still remember that concert like it was yesterday. I am just as excited now as I was at 13! As I'm writing this I'm blaring Taylor Swift's cd and singing along. I have 4 months to learn every single word to every single song on her first album and this album. Piece of cheesecake. I love them all!

Taylor has totally taken Avril's spot as my fav female singer. Avril's 3rd cd, although I bought it, is just not good. It's like she's getting older, but singing songs that are for bratty 12 year olds that are growing up to fast. This is just my own opinion. Plus, she isn't as good of a role model for younger girls nowadays.

After we go to this concert, I'm totally blogging about every detail. I haven't written in my old diary since October 2003 or any journal for that matter. I think having a journal is a really good idea. It's hilarious to look back and also therapeutic at times. My mom gave me my diary in 2002; "To my beautiful daughter with love from mom- For all your thoughts and dreams" I love writing, but it's so much faster to type =)

Totally getting a cute pair of cowgirl boots for the concert! I cannot wait! AAAAAHHHH

I'm only up when you're not down
Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground
It's like no matter what I do
Well you drive me crazy half the time
The other half I'm only trying to let you know
That what I feel is true
And I'm only me when I'm with you

WHOA!

I realize that it is just the beginning of March and we will see snow again...but this breath of spring is wonderful! Where has it been all my life?!

A few days ago Brad and I played tennis for the first time in '09.It was chilly, but we had to play at least 1 game. By the time we finished my little elf ears were freezing and I couldn't feel my left hand. Then we played 2 games yesterday after having a picnic lunch! We took a walk and even did a little jogging. (I'm super sore) I love spring!Today is just as beautiful. That's all I want to do now. Be outside.

What else is new...I saw Changeling. I don't really like Angelina Jolie as a person, but it was a pretty good movie. Okay, I don't even know her, but I'm just judging her on one thing: going after a married man and stealing Brad from Jen. Not only has it changed the way I view Brad Pitt, but now I just think she is slutty. Anyways I had to cover my eyes and plug my ears a couple of times (because I'm 10) There were parts that were really disturbing. It was based on a true story. This women went through so much and is so strong. I wish they had more background to the real story in the special features, but of course not. All they had was commentary and the making of the movie. C'mon. I'll give the movie a 8 out of 10 though. Not that this matters, my family just always rates movies after we watch them.

In other random news/thoughts; I've been listening to a lot of Taylor Swift lately, more like constantly. I rearranged my room again, but am still not pleased with it. I'm thinking about doing something with my hair, but I want to keep growing it out so I don't know. Our internet is being difficult and won't post this blog which makes me feel the need to complain...it wouldn't be as big of a deal if I didn't have online classes. I've called them 3 times in 2 days and keep getting "we'll come check it out." I haven't seen them. Everyone is getting laid off and it's terrible. Police officers and firefighters are getting big cuts too and I think that it's crazy. They only save lives...no big deal. Lucy crapped in the basement for the 3rd time...anyone want a dog? Brad got a car. It's a 1992 standard Ford Escort GT. It's a pretty color. He took us for a spin yesterday and is very proud. I'm still skeptical because it's small and doesn't seem very safe, but other than that I'm happy I don't have to drive all the time.

I'm not sure why I wrote this random boring blog. I'm just giddy about this weather!

I'm walkin' on sunshine...WHOA...and don't it feel good!

Nineteen

I would like to start with a question: How old do you think I look? Be honest.

The residents at work were very honest and hilarious as always. When my mom asked, Genie didn't even hesitate and decided on "16" (she knows I drive) Alta shouted "10!" (she's silly) and Bob decided "14." I know I look younger than nineteen, but when you are young it isn't as flattering as when you're old and people say you don't look it. See what I'm saying? This could be very good news though. Maybe when I'm a 50 year old woman, I'll be looking 40. Anyway, I believe you're only as old as you feel. I'm totally playing tennis until I'm unable to swing a racket. As for now, perhaps if I wore more make-up and had a shapely body maybe I would look my age? Ooooh well. It doesn't bother me too much. Well, the lack of a shapely body kinda does. It makes me feel even more less of a woman. Why are women so hard on themselves. Am I still talking?

Moving on.

I had a great birthday! I spent most of the day with Bradly until he had to work. He had me open presents right away. (If you're reading this, chances are you saw pictures on FB) His mom got me a card that plays "I like to move it, move it" and a gift card from Wal-Mart. She also called me and sang 'Happy Birthday' on the phone! That was really awesome. Brad got me a new mirror for my room since my Aunt Cindy's dog, Gracie, knocked it over when I let her and Uncle Lou stay in my room for Christmas. It was no big deal, but I definitely needed one and I'm glad Brad thought of it. He also got me the movies Devil Wears Prada and Music and Lyrics. We both like to exercise, so he got me some special exercise shorts and wrist/ankle weights. He made me a card, but decided not to give it to me because he said "it was terrible." I love making people cards and doing crafts, but Brad thinks it's 'gay' for guys to do that. Then we ordered a large , hand tossed, chicken alfredo pizza from East of Chicago. I can smell it now...heavenly. It was a very nice afternoon and he, as always, was very sweet.

After I left Brad's I met my parents at work. We decided to eat at Ryan's (the rolls alone are enough to get me there) and planned to go shopping so that I could get some clothes or something. By the time we ate and got groceries it was 8:30 and Lost starts at 9. I was not about to miss it for the first time in my life. What a privledge to share my birthday with Lost! Five minutes into the show my godfather called...which don't get me wrong was very nice...but I totally missed 5 minutes of the show. I didn't particulary enjoy the episode anyway. My only comfort was the surprise cheesecake my mom made at work for me and the residents.

Saturday Brad and I went out for lunch and to see a movie with Marissa and Katherine. First we went to Wal-Mart to buy cheaper candy to sneak in. (Who doesn't?!) Then we watched Confessions of a Shopoholic. Brad was very excited about this. (NOT, his turn to choose next time..hooray for weird Sci-Fi movies..) I thought it was cute. One part in particular was hilarious. You'll just have to see it. We ate at Applebees afterward. It was mm mm good. Then Brad told the waitor it was my birthday so I got some helium baloons around my wrist. I have a little car, so it was a challenge to say the least. haha. Always a good time with M&K. Then Brad and I went to Cody and Ashley's house so that I could kick their butts in Peanuts. (I get last each and every time)

Then yesterday there was a baby shower for my cousin Lauren. There was a good turnout and everything was very nice. After that we had a family get together at our house for my birthday. As soon as I got home my dad said "you should go upstairs." I was thinking 'what did Brad do now?' (17th he decorated my room, 18th he decorated our entire living room, kitchen, and stairway while we were all sleeping) I went upstairs slowly, looking around to make sure no one was going to jump out at me. I get into my room and it looks like there was a person under my covers. I was like who is this?? Then I pull back the covers to find.........19 beautifully wrapped presents with a card on top for Baloo. My mouth dropped. I almost cried a couple times. I had no idea. Each and every gift was thought out and so perfect. Yes, it was the work of Monkey and Kat, my sistas from another motha who happens to be my Aunt who happens to be my second mom. They told me they got me Charlie for my birthday and they weren't lying. Two amazing gals right there.

Everyone made it except for Shanon and Adriana because they were both sick =( Again, there are pictures on my FB. I love my family and we always have a great time. Mom made up a couples game. The first thing we had to do was each think of a question. For example: Who would your significant other say was the most inspirational to them? What is their favorite past time? If they could travel with you anywhere in the world, where would they want to go? You get the idea. Then we would take turns answering. The girls would all answer what they thought and then the guys would have to guess which one they said and vice-versa. It was a good time. Everyone matched every single question except for mom&dad and Jason&Toni I think. Before that, Cody bought firework stuff in North Carolina so we went outside to launch them. It was FREEZING, but fun to see Cody so excited. I told Cody and Ashley that I wanted seashells for my birthday since they just got back from vacation. MUST have been nice! They picked some pretty ones, that's for sure. Brandon and Lisa made me a card that said "For your birthday we wanted to get you a gag gift...but you already have Brad!" HAHA. It even had a silly picture of him. They also got me 2 really awesome t-shirts from Aero. (I'm hard to shop for, but they got it right on)

I'd have to say that the best gift I got was being with everyone I care about the most. LOVE LOVE LOVE =)

Note to self: don't neglect blogging or else you will punish everyone with the longest blog ever.