Worldwind!

I haven't posted in ages and I am finally in a good place where I have some things to discuss.

Since graduating in May I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.What is the next step for me? Where do I want to live? Who is going to be involved with my journey? I have had to look inward at myself and truly get to know myself better than I ever have. I had to ponder what I really want out of life. After a long stretch of time and lots of thinking, I am making the step to try to become a Regional Leadership Consultant for my sorority. The most fun I had in college was with my sisters and meeting all of the other Greeks. I don't know if I will get the position, but I am really looking forward to trying my best to achieve my goal! I love my sorority and still talk to some of my sisters from college. I try to live my life with the values of my sisterhood! Being a sorority sister has given me the chance to work through difficult situations, and learn from a variety of different types of girls! I am so excited to put myself out there and take hold of this opportunity. I have been waiting for a job where I can travel and meet new people and this is the perfect job for me!

In other news, I have been working at my part-time job and trying to make as much money as I can.Since I graduated 6 months ago, the loan payments have been coming in at a steady pace! Its not fun to see how much you owe the Department of Education but I am learning how to budget my money and trying to get my loans paid off in a decent time frame. I have heard too many stories about people that are "past the point of no return" and owe a lot more money than initially requested. I definitely don't want to be in debt for any extended period of time. Although the payments stink I feel like I am taking control of my life and trying to be more independent. I don't really depend on my Mom for anything.. besides dinner since she makes some delicious food!!

My guitar playing has been non-existence since it is out of tune and I have no time and no motivation. I got a new book and DVD so I am hoping to really get back into playing and start to play songs especially for Christmas. I would love nothing more than to be able to sing for my family and friends! I love music but I just haven't put in the time and effort yet to be able to succeed! I will get there but at this very moment I am not. I know that my writing this now I will make a promise to myself to start practicing regularly.

Other than working, a potential new job and my guitar playing, I have been trying to hang out with my friends and just take time to enjoy my time with them. I love just going for walks or coffee. Honestly, I don't really care what I am doing I just love being around my friends and enjoying their company and laughter! Its so fun to talk about old stories and just weird random things that happen each day.

In the BIG PICTURE of life, I am on my way to greatness. I knew the road would be tough but I wasn't sure how tough. I am finally getting motivated and am going to make my dreams come true. I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to and I intend to do so! I love my family and friends and really can't complain about my life because things could always be worse. I feel truly blessed each and everyday..

I really need to get back to make regular posts. Let's add this to the list of things to improve on :)

Until next time..
xoxo
Amanda

August/September usually means Back to School but not for this woman!

So its the end of August which normally indicates that its time for school but as you may or may not recall... I'm a college graduate! Its been such a great summer learning about myself and trying to see where life is going to take me.

As most of my friends are in college still or having just recently gotten their big girl or boy jobs, it has been weird to not be back at school. My college life is still really fresh. It was interesting to not have to buy school supplies and there are not syllabi anymore.

I can't believe one year ago I was fresh back from my life-changing trip to London and Ireland and then gearing up for my senior year of college. Last year was such a great time for me. I started to change my perspective on the organizations I was a part of, I started thinking about life after college and I started to see who my real friends would be post-college.

London and Ireland was the best trip I ever took. I went to London with a few classmates from my school and students from two other universities. I was ready for a new set of friends and a new and interesting culture. My first trip overseas on my own. It was eye-opening and I still keep in contact with several of my classmates.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Lately I have been seeing more of what the big picture is in my life. I'm going to get a price for a tattoo that I've been wanting for a while and I'm realizing that I need to work on not sweating the small stuff. For instance, I think it is stupid to not use things that you buy. One of my pet peeves is when people buy new cars but they don't want to utilize them. "Oh don't touch that, and please don't put your feet up the side of the door!" When I hear people say these things I think to myself... Why don't you just save your money and buy a used car and put your feet wherever you want! I believe in buying things and using them. Also I would not buy new furniture and tell guests that they can't sit on it. That's just ridiculous to me! I want to use anything and everything I have and if not I want to get rid of it so that I can let others use things I don't need.

I am feeling great and really loving and enjoying my life right now. I am so thankful for all the lovely people I have been blessed to know thus far in my life. I thank them for their continued support and love and am inspired by them. I am looking at the big picture of how my life is and what is important to me. My goal is to start to not sweat the small stuff as much anymore. I will definitely be blogging about this adventure.

I'm gonna enjoy my day off from work tomorrow. Tomorrow is my day <3

Until next time..

xoxo
Mand

My First Trip Post-Grad to MO

Last week was the first time I had been back to Missouri since moving home after Graduation. It was such a weird and exciting trip. I went out to Missouri for one of my sorority sisters weddings. I was so excited that I got invited and I knew that this was an occasion I could not miss no matter how far away I am! I did not have the money to fly, so I took a risk and took a bus all the way to St. Louis. It was quite interesting. I plan on writing a go-to guide of what to know about traveling on the bus and tips that I would tell other first time bus travelers. It was a 22 hour ride but it was worth it in the end.

I left PA at 4p.m. on Thursday and I arrived in MO at 12:30p.m. on Friday. I did manage to gain an extra hour of sleep due to the time zone difference. I read some of the way, slept a lot, and did lots of people observing. It was definitely an experience I will remember and one that I have lots of laughs from.

I went to the wedding which was in Lincoln, IL. It's a small town about 20 minutes away from Springfield, IL. In front of the hotel we stayed in there, there was a huge wagon with Abe Lincoln in the driver's seat. I got my picture taken by it! It was so big but really cool.

The wedding was beautiful. It was amazing to see all of my sisters that were in the bridal party. They all looked gorgeous and I even teared up! A rush just came over me as they came down the aisle and then when Rachel started walking, I was just in shock. She looked so beautiful and I looked at my sister as this strong woman that was taking the step to starting a new life. She was walking down the aisle to meet the man she is going to spend the rest of her life with. It was great to be able to be there and be a part of the whole celebration.

The reception was made by all of my sister because we just danced our butts off and had a great time. We all caught up on where we are in our lives and what we want to do in the future. Overall, the wedding was a great time and it was my first post-grad experience with people from SEMO. I would do it all over again and for another one of my sisters no doubt.

After the excitement and catching up with sisters, I went back to St. Louis to relax and spend time with my family. It was so nice to hang out with my cousins and just joke around. My 9 year-old cousin cracks me up and uses such big words. He was talking about conquering something and I was impressed that he knew what the word conquer meant. He is one of the first cousins that I have gotten to see grow up. I remember holding him as a baby. Its crazy and surreal.

Overall, my first trip back to MO was amazing. I got to catch up with some sisters that was much needed. I also had the chance to spend time with my brother which I loved! It was nice to see my Grandma and my Auntie Holli and the cousins. :) It was really hard to leave St. Louis. It has always been my second home and I have spent a lot of significant time there. I cherish all of my Missouri memories and I know that I will continue to go back. Every time I go back, I get the same exciting warm feeling throughout my body. Missouri has been my home at school and is a place I encourage others to experience.

So here is to the new chapter of my life! CHEERS! I am so happy even though currently I have a part-time job and not a lot of money. I am in a great place in my life and I am ready to continue to do and experience things for ME! I have had more closure on a past relationship which feels amazing and I am ready to take control of my thoughts and dreams and make things happen! I did some soul searching through my short trip to Missouri and it could not have happened at a better time.

Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda <3

The Big Picture

It's been quite a while since I have written a post, but I have finally found time to write.

Lately I have been working at Kohl's.I am finally on the schedule and I get called in on random days.It's good that I have an open schedule on most days because I am able to get more hours that I anticipate some weeks. I enjoy working there although you have the occasional demanding customer that wants double percentages off and to use their gift card, Kohl's cash and then their Kohl's Charge. Most of the time I learn something new each day or a customer is friendly and makes my day. I have worked there for so long that it's a little family there.

IN OTHER NEWS...

I have the most amazing family trip to Gettysburg! I haven't been there since I was about 8. I went with my Mom and my brother. We always have so much fun and love to travel and experience things together. We really appreciate the time we have together. This trip energized me and made me realize the true meaning of life. Life is all about the little interesting experiences that you have where sometimes you get that "AHHH" moment. I love to reflect on these moments when they occur and try to savor it.

DAY ONE
Our first day of the trip we went to Hanover, PA and got a tour of the Snyder's of Hanover pretzel factory. It was such a fun and unique experience. I got to see how all the pretzels and chips were made. There was a hanging area in between the chip area and the pretzel area of the plant that we got to watch everything from.It was as though the halls we were walking in were build into the blueprint of the plant so that we could tour the factory in the most effective way possible.We saw how they made the mini packs for Halloween and the peanut butter and cheddar cheese pretzel sandwiches. We also got to see a huge mail carrier rolling bin full of potato chips. It looked so good that I wanted to jump into it. We got two mini packs as our free sample and then spent over $10 in the outlet store and got two packs of free buttermilk pretzels. Of course before we left the factory Brandan (my brother) and I got our picture taken in front of the Snyder's of Hanover Corporate Headquarters sign! It was amazing.
Then for the rest of the day we walked around downtown Gettysburg and got to see statues of Abe Lincoln and historic buildings from Civil War. It was great to see buildings that were once battle zones in July 1863. I love history so a trip to Gettysburg is always going to be amazing to me. The rest of the night, we watched YouTube videos and told stories about fun times in our pasts. It was fun to be able to relax and not have a schedule. The three of us are pretty easy going people and we get along well!We researched places that we wanted to go to the next day and it nice to be able to explore our options on the web and relax together.

Day TWO
We woke up in our hotel and had breakfast. We gathered our belongings and we were super excited for Day 2 in Gettysburg. We had an idea of what we were going to do. We started the day off with walking downtown again and trying to figure out what we could see for free. We went to a old 16 mile railroad station that went from Hanover and stopped in Gettysburg. It was renovated and we got a personal tour from this lovely worker that told us some interesting stuff. She told us that they believe Abe Lincoln walked on their platform many years ago. There were also two entrances to the station because it was acceptable for men and women to be in different rooms. Men could stay with their wife and children unless he wanted to smoke tobacco or drink. He would then have to wait in the Men's waiting area. It was not acceptable at that time for women to buy their own ticket or to travel alone. There was a spiral staircase that led to the waiting rooms but that was removed and the room was open to make the museum bigger. We saw photos of what the place looked like before being restored. It was amazing. My Grandpa loved trains and so I relate anything trains with him. It was great that my Mom was in her glory and it felt like my Grandpa was there with us<3

We then went by the houses downtown and in particular house that is now a restaurant, you could see all of the bullets that hit the house as well as a sharp shooter/sniper window. It was cool and creepy all at the same time.Brandan and I did some wine tasting in between shopping and then we almost went to the the Schriver Museum tour that was about a young couple and their children and their perspective on the war. It was interesting to me because when you think of a war, civilians are not the first group of people that comes to mind. I would have loved to take the tour, but it was expensive! I would like to go back and be able to see it. We continued to walk around and bought some nick-knacks at some shops.

For an early dinner we decided to go across the border into Maryland. We were so close that we thought it would be great to travel to the next state and get some quality food.What we didn't know, was how quality the food would be and what a great dining experience it was! The place is called Chubby's BBQ. They are in Emmitsburg, MD. It was the most delicious southern BBQ I have ever had. I had some draft root beer that was to die for! I also had some pulled pork and baby back ribs. We got two sides and I had beans and cornbread. All of the sides besides my cornbread had pulled pork in it. My Mom and Brandan got delicious mashed potatoes :) It was sooo good. The owner was there and we got our picture with him. Besides having great service and food..They have a food challenge. You must eat two Avalanche burgers that consists of 6lbs of food and 6 patties of meat, and 6 buns. You must eat them in 1 hour and not get sick. If you complete the task than you will receive $100 gift card to Chubby's. They have been open for 9 years and only 1 small Chinese woman has completed it. She ate the burgers in 40 minutes, had two beers with the burgers, came back 1 hour later and ate some BBQ and then bought $110 worth of BBQ all in a day's work. It was so crazy to hear about this woman from the owner. We also got a complimentary sample from the chef of the Lobster Bisque soup that had huge pieces of lobster in it. I love seafood so I was in heaven. We left the place with such great service, full tummies, and amazing food. We went shopping at an outlet mall and then headed back the hotel to call it a night.

DAY THREE
Our final day in Gettysburg started by eating breakfast at the hotel and checking out. We went to the new Visitors Center where we browsed the gift shop and go to see a 3D view of the battlefield stops in Gettysburg. We also got to see old musical instruments from 1863 and even what the shells and bullets looked like and some of the guns used in battle. There was a video that showed how many people and how much time it took to fire a cannon. It's no wonder it was hard work and it was strenuous on the soldiers who has to keep doing the same thing all day long.

After the Visitors Center we headed out on the Auto Tour of the battlefields and we stopped at the hot spots. We stopped at Big Round Top where Brandan and I walked through the dangerous terrain up the hill to the top. We couldn't see much but it was a great hike! We came down and found Mom halfway up the hill. We all walked back together and then drove to Little Round Top. There was a beautiful view of the battlefield and we were able to stand on rocks and take great pictures of the area. While I was standing on the rock, I realized how insignificance I was compared to the things that were surrounding me. I felt really little but it was amazing to be able to see the battlefield and the amazing view from the rocks we were on. I loved it. I got a great picture of Brandan and I on the rocks. After Little Round Top we headed to Devil's Den. This was the stop where soldiers got caught in because it was wide open space and there was no place to hide. Soldiers were direct targets while in Devil's Den. There were huge rocks there and Brandan and I climbed all over them. I love when Brandan is around because he constantly challenges me!

So overall I had an amazing Gettysburg trip. This trip made me discover that no matter what job I have and what I end up doing with my life, I know that finding the little things in the big picture will make my life so fulfilling. I got to see historical places and I appreciate the process of history and how time had evolved. I realized I am not all that significance to the world as a big picture. I do have lots to offer the world but overall there are bigger things in the world than me and that's so cool to me!!

I know that my outlook on life may be different than others, but that is great. I want things out of my life that I think others may not really want. I'm re-energized and ready to start my new life and see what happens. I'm really enjoying the "AHHH" moments and trying to take everything I can from a situation and a negative into a positive. Its hard but so rewarding. I'm ready to find the perfect just for now job for me and I can't wait to see what is in store for me.

Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda :)

World Cup Final... and More!

World Cup with Poor Ending
So I know that this is a bit late and after the fact, but the World Cup is over and the Champions are Spain. I still cannot believe that they won that game, but there is really nothing I can do about it! I think that for most Football fans, the game was disappointing and unexciting. There was no desire or passion throughout the match. I think that the 3rd place match was more exciting than the Final. The best part was being able to spend time with Derek @ Kildare's and having fun talking and eating lunch. I'm still getting over than Spain won because of course I was rooting for Holland but I'm not as upset as I was from the Germany/Spain match. The day after the Cup was over I watched the press conference with all the FIFA board answering questions about the Cup and some of the controversies. It was my last bit of the Cup to soak up! I am now looking onward to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil!!! I do want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families and people hurt in the Uganda explosion. I think it is sad and horrible that it was while people were joining together to watch the World Cup.

In Other News...
My friends are accomplishing great things. My friends are starting their careers, getting married, getting engaged, and going to Grad School. I am so happy and proud of all of my friends' successes. I am currently working at Kohls finally! I am going to continue to job search daily, and try to think of what I really want to do with my life for now. Not forever just for now. I'm going to Gettysburg in the beginning of August which should be a great time. I haven't been there since I was about 8 or 9. I remember parts of the trip but I can't wait to go back and have a different experience than before. Also I will be going to one of my sisters wedding. I am going to order a Greyhound bus ticket to help save money and I'm going to try to hang out with some of my friends. I'll be going to STL and then go to the wedding. I'm excited because I don't know when I will get the chance to see some of my sisters and friends from MO and IL. It will be a great time and I always have fun when road trip or traveling is involved!

Even though things are going well, I know that living in PA is a temporary thing. I want to travel and see the world! I have been to 6 countries and I definitely want to see many more. I love learning about different cultures and people. I can't wait until I can go on another Europe trip! Although traveling is what I ultimately want to travel with my career, I have been able to enjoy family time. I love spending time with my cousins who are 6 and 10. They make me laugh so much and it is so nice to be a big cousin again! I love being able to see my Mom and Pat all the time and just spending quality time hanging out and chatting. It's been great to have a big family and lots of time with family and friends.

SO...
I'm going to continue to enjoy the family time I have been having and each day as much as I can. I love having a wonderful family but I know that before I know it my life may not be in PA.And as I have learned throughout college, being away from your family and friends does not mean that you are not close or you don't love them because I most certainly LOVE MY FAMILY and FRIENDS! I'm excited to see what is going to happen for me since all these amazing things are happening to everyone around me. I'm going to try to make as much money as I can right now at my job and see what happens.
I'll be sure to keep you updated on my life and how things progress. I will blog about my fun in Gettysburg and my sister Rachel's wedding when all of these exciting things occur.

Until next time.
xoxo
Amanda March :)

GERMANY WINS

Well today is a better day now that Germany has redeemed themselves! The game was super intense with back and forth goals from both teams. The last play of the match when Diego Forlan had a free kick at the top of the box where the ball hit the crossbar! That was insane. I would have been devastated by the tie! And then the extra time! I'm glad it ended like it did. Uruguay always goes out with a show. Does anyone recall the Suarez handball that ended up making the difference in their game against Ghana?!

In the end, I thought that both teams played their hearts out. Some of the German players, Lahm,Klose,Podolski, and even their coach Loew (Low in English) had the flu. Plus the rain conditions were making the ball slippery and some of the players had horrible passes and first touches.I remember rainy games and it was really hard to control the ball sometimes.

I must admit that it was a little upsetting to not even be able to give Klose a chance at beating the record that Ronaldo holds, but I understand. I know that it was Klose's decision and although a lot of people didn't agree with it, he did what he felt was best for his team. He could have been selfish but he wasn't! I have played games when I wasn't my best, and they are not fun! Sometimes you just can't play like you want to play not matter what, so I thank Klose for the amazing performance throughout this World Cup!!!

Both teams played well, but also the sportsmanship was great to see! Forlan placed the ball on the 6 for the German goalkeeper Butt. Another Uruguay player also gave a hand to Kiebling when he fell down. I have not seen this type of sportsmanship in quite some time, and especially in an important game! I really loved how the teams were respectful of one another yet they played tough and managed to challenge each other! It was a joy to watch this match.

One of the most surprising minor parts of the match was the continuous booing of Luis Suarez. My thoughts were like the commentators of the game. The people who were booing him must not fully understand the rules of Football. Suarez used his hands which is forbidden and he received a red card just like anyone else. I think that if I was out on the pitch I would have done the same thing as Suarez. He did what he had to do to prevent Ghana from scoring and ultimately winning. I know that all the true Football followers would agree that he definitely saved his time from an extra time lose and make the game go to penalties! I didn't expect the crowd to boo him throughout the whole game, but that's one of the outcomes of Football. You just never know what's going to happen, and you never know how people are going to react!

OVERALL
So today was an amazing day in Germany and of course at my house! Germany has ended this World Cup on a high note! I have recovered from the semi-final game and am so proud and happy for Germany.I know that my Mom and Stepdad were happy too since they saw how upset I was after the Germany-Spain game. I'm glad happiness and cheering was what they heard today! There were no signs of tears today.

THE FINAL
I will be watching the Final at a pub so that will be exciting. I'm interested to see how many people will come out to watch the game since the pub wasn't even jam packed when the USA played Algeria! It will be a great day and a sad day that the World Cup is over. I am going to savor the day tomorrow as much as I can!

Can't wait to blog about the Final. And of course I'll be wearing my orange for the Dutch. I'm just hoping that Paul the Octopus is wrong about his prediction, but currently he is 7 for 7. Let's hope this weekend ends on a great note and the Dutch win! Only tomorrow will tell.

Until then..

xoxo
Amanda

Sad Day in MY world of Football

Today started out like another other day. I woke up around 9 a.m. and I relaxed and watched some T.V. I greeted my Mom and Step dad and then I began to make some breakfast. I ate and then began to get anxious because of the World Cup semifinal game today. I have been waiting for this day for a week now. I tried to occupy myself by chatting with my brother and playing my guitar! Then I took a shower and by that time it was the start of the pre-match coverage!!! I watched religiously with my Germany jersey and my flag in hand. I was biting my nails and wanting the game to start!!!

After much anticipation the game started and from the moment the first whistle of the game sounded I kind of had a gut feeling that Germany was going to play on edge. I didn't expect the game to go as it did, because I thought the team that deserved to go to the Final would go! I know that unfortunately my team did not win today, but I think they were the team to beat in this tournament and today was just not their day. I think that today Spain played better and showed they wanted it more. The goal they had by Puyol was insane and there was really no way any German player could have seen him running in on the ball on a corner like that.

So although MY world of Football has ended, the Cup is not over yet. I will now be rooting for the Netherlands! I do love the color orange, but that's not why I want them to win! lol I think they(Netherlands) play better as a team than Spain. Spain normally has one player that scores, David Villa. He plants himself at the top of the 18 of the pitch the whole game and waits! I think he has had some great goals, but easy enough for anyone who stays at the 18 and is a cherry-picker. I know that you could say that about a lot of other players, but this is just my opinion based on their games throughout the Cup. I think/hope that the Final will be a mouth-watering game of Football. Either way, my life will move on and I will not be too upset about this in the future!

Before I can worry about the Final, I do get to watch Germany play once more against Uruguay in the 3rd place match. This match is on Saturday,and I hope that this match is just as intense as I hope the Final will be.

Overall, I am hoping for an impressive display of Football for the last two games of the Cup.

You may be wondering why I love the World Cup so much, and what I can really gain from watching it, right? I know that some people are sports fans and others are not and I totally get that. I mean I don't get into every sport or sporting event that is on the T.V. Here are some of the reasons that I have the World Cup and what I have taken away.One thing I do know is that I have totally enjoyed watching this World Cup. I have loved the coverage and the interactive EA sports simulation with Alexi Lalas! It was great to have such an in-depth analysis of the games.

Another thing, probably the most exciting and amazing thing about the Cup is the connection that my brother, Brandan, and I have been able to gain. We are both big sports fans, but I do not watch all the sports as closely as he does. I don't know the stats or some of the players. The World Cup is our place where he and I can come together and talk. We both played soccer growing up and throughout high school. I even played for a while in college on intermural teams and tried to start the club team :) (That didn't go so well!) Brandan and I have been able to chat and really grow through the game of Football. We both still have a passion for the sport even though we don't play anymore. I think the World Cup can bring families together as well as other people from different cultures and countries! I have learned throughout years of loving Football, that you either love the game or hate it. You either get Football or you don't. I for sure love Football!!! For those out their that get it, I love you! I appreciate that you see what Football is all about.

Even though I am disappointed that Germany will not be in the Final, I am excited to see the game. I hope it is a great game! I hope that I will be able to go to the next Cup in 4 years in Brazil! We will just have to wait and see what happens. As the Cup comes to an end, I have to keep working on the job search and dedicate more of my time to playing guitar and working out too. I have been engulfed by the World Cup and I can't wait until the next one! Thank you ESPN for the coverage and all of the brilliant commentators/ former Football players for all of your insight (whether I agreed or not! ) and for your love and dedication to the game still! We all have the love and passion for this WORLD-WIDE sport and I can't wait to see how the Cup WILL change the love of soccer in the future and how the game is played!


Of course I'll be chatting about the end of the last two games soon! I can't wait til then.

xoxo
Amanda ( Football Fanatic)

One Week Later

I didn't realize that the last time I made a post was a week ago! I have recovered from the US loss in World Cup soccer action. I am rooting for Germany! I watched them school England and had my Germany flag in hand while cheering from my living room! I am just so happy that the World Cup has had such intense and enjoyable games as well as incredible performances from known and unknown players! I have enjoyed how involved the fans from all over the world have gotten. I love the costumes and outfits!

In other news, I finally went out and bought a planner! It's a lot bigger than my SEMO one was, but now I can get busy again and be able to fill up my days with ease. I really love it. It has a beach theme and it starts on July! I have been lost without my planner! I hope that my new planner with go along with my new life, being in a transition period between my career life and college graduate. I also got some little post-its so that I can put positive words on them to motivate me and get my days started off on the right foot! I am excited. I can't wait to see what is in store for me in the near future! I'm really up for anything.

In the job search, I have been considering looking into jobs that are related to sports. I have always loved sports and now more than ever. I have been able to watch sports more in the past month than I did in the past four years of college! I love how sports can bring people together. For instance, I talk to my brother every day about the World Cup matches. We are a 1,000 miles away, but we have been able to enjoy the Cup together. We sometimes watch the matches together while talking on the phone. We call each other during the Half-time report and at the end of the games. It has been great to feel as though we are closer to each other than we actually are. I know that distance is not was defined if you and a friend, family member or loved one are close. I have been far away from my family for a few years, and I have only gotten closer to them!

In music news, tomorrow will be the anniversary of my guitar, Declan! I will officially have my guitar for 1 month! I can't believe it. I'm so glad that I bought it. I have been working on my speed going through scales. I still have a long way to go, but I really enjoy playing and just feeling like my guitar and I fit together! I am suppose to be singing at one of my sister's wedding and I would really like to be able to singing and play the guitar for it! I know that I can do anything I put my mind to so I am really excited to set this goal and complete it.

Well that's all that I have for now. Can't believe July is almost here. I will be spending time with my best friend, Tanya! I went there last year and it should be a great time. Hope that you enjoy the rest of the week!

I'll keep you updated on the World Cup and everything else going on in my life.

xoxo
Amanda

Recovering...

You are probably wondering what I am recovering from. Well I am happy to say that it was nothing too serious. I just recovered from the USA vs. Slovenia game that was an impressive performance by the US! I was so proud to be an American that day although we got robbed of a goal!! I am kind of happy that there was controversy with the game because I think it will help the US as a whole to see how powerful and amazing the game of football is. I know football is more popular in Europe but my hope is that the US will be able to appreciate football as much as the rest of the world. I am not saying that there are not tons of US football fans but I would like to hear more about football in the US besides the World Cup coverage! I have moved on from the USA's game and Germany's lose and am looking forward to watching USA match against Algeria tomorrow. I am also looking forward to watching Germany fight to continue to stay alive in the Cup! I have been able to record all of the games and if I miss the game I can go back and watch the goals since I follow FifaWorldCupTM and Fifacom on Twitter. Both of those accounts have been a crucial tool to my success and knowledge of World Cup action!!! I know I have said this before but I am still blown away. ESPN has done a fabulous job with the coverage from South Africa. I feel so involved in the tournament and couldn't ask for better coverage. It's truly been incredible.

Aside from the World Cup action that consumes my life, I have been working on a vision board based off of the book, The Secret. I have read it many times and the whole concept of the book is if you ask for something and you believe it will happen, than it will! It's an easy process in theory, but if you put something out there and don't believe it, your thoughts of negativity will overshadow your original goal. I hope that doesn't confuse you! I have included such success related to learning how to play my guitar, good health in the next year, and even committing myself to going to the 2012 London Olympics!!! I am so excited to see all of my thoughts and dreams convert from paper to reality! I think it is going to be amazing.

I am going to hopefully start to work @ Kohl's this week or next week. I officially have no money and I want to get a few items like a camera, a pair of TOMS wedges for summer!, and even a guitar book. I don't have any choice but to work to make some money. Also, one of my sorority sisters has her wedding in August and I would love to go!!! I want to be able to meet up with some of my sisters and have a great time before I have to work full-time and have some decisions to make.

My summer started off with a great run with one of my best friends Gabby. It was so great to work out with her! I had such a great time running and chatting away! I need to get back in shape and that was the start of it! I can't wait to see how the rest of the summer is going to go!! It should be a great time! Well now you are officially updated on my life! Things have been exciting and new but I have really been able to enjoy the simple things in life!!!
xoxo Mand

WORLD CUP!!!

My life has just gotten sweeter! I am able to spend my time immersed into the World Cup. I have been loving the coverage that ESPN has had. It is so interesting for me since I was in Germany four years ago for the World Cup. I managed to hang out at German beer gardens to watch the games and tried to get tickets for third place game!!! That didn't happen, but I was able to be part of the Cup! I watched the games without knowing any of the languages that were covering the games (aka German!!!) I was so glad to know the game of football since I was four, so it was great to have that knowledge.
Now four years later, June 2010, I am a fan watching for my own home with American coverage via ESPN. I have loved all the technical hologram people and the overall coverage of all the games with World Cup Live after all the games for that particular day. I can really appreciate the Cup since I was part of it in the country it was played four years ago. I think that it is not only an amazing sports event that everyone worldwide should be a part of, but that it is something that brings lots of people together. The World Cup allows different cultures and societies to communicate and to show the same passion for something...football. Everyone that attends a Cup game is bound to be a fan! It is great to be able to bring different 32 different teams and countries together for a common cause. I think the Cup is especially amazing this year due to the host country, South Africa! I think it is amazing to see all of the history and progress South Africa has made through the past 20 years! I feel so blessed to be able to see how far they have come! I love that the Cup not only allowed fans to enjoy their love of football and their country, but fans get to learn about the host country and their culture and history. It's so powerful!!!

I am rooting for Germany since my man, Lukas Podolski has done so well in the past Cup, and he did great against Australia!!! I also hope that the USA kicks some butt against Slovenia! The World Cup brings out the best in all of the football players as well as a lot of surprises!I love how the underdogs can come out on top and how players put their heart and souls into each game they play. Most of the players left their heart and the soul on the field, while others make dives to get the call they want. (Portugal)

Anyways, it has been a pleasure to watch and cheer for all the teams in the Cup. I can't wait for some of the upcoming matches in the next few days, and I hope that each team brings everything they have got!

More World Cup news and excitement from me soon.

xoxo
Amanda
World Cup Enthusiast!

Happy June! : My Train of Thoughts

It's finally June! I can't believe it and the first week of June is winding down. I have been enjoying my time in PA by attending my cousin's softball games and catching up with friends. I have been waiting to hear about an internship and have not decided what my back-up plan is. I have been trying to think different and learn how to relax and really start to enjoy my life!!! I have been enjoying the deep conversations and life lessons that I learn from my friends daily. It is still kind of weird when I hear about a lot people I grew up that are engaged or buying houses. I am in such a different place than some people. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for everyone but I am just not ready for any of that. I want to travel and see the world and have a career and then think about a partner or buying a house. I think I just have a different outlook and plan for my life and that is totally fine!

In other news...My newest idea and daily reminder is to Celebrate the small successes. I have been reminding myself how blessed I am by having obtained a college degree, having a place to crash (thanks Mom!) and how many amazing people I have in my life that are so supportive! I really need to remember that life is so short and I want to be happy. I think that the small things make my life pretty sweet and enjoyable. I really want to continue to do this daily.

This week has been busy. I have had my time on the couch full of relaxing and watching some reality shows. I have also been hanging out with a lot of different friends and just trying to help my Mom around the house. I haven't lived home this long in quite some time. I usually only come home one a year, but I like living home. My Mom is great and I missed her while I was at school. I did find out that I still have a habit of calling or texting my Mom and telling her where I am. I forget that I'm an adult and that I do not need to let her know where I am at all times. I have just gotten used to it that I like to keep her in the loop.

Weekend Plans??? I'm super excited for the weekend because I am going CAMPING! I hope the weather is warmer than it was today because I wore old winter boots out tonight! I haven't been camping since my freshman year of college. I loved it because it was such a refreshing and energizing experience. I was able to get away from TV and all of that and had time to reflect on my life and relax. I hope that this weekend gives me the same type of experience! I will definitely blog about my weekend when I get back.

Before I head out of town on Friday I am hoping that I will catch up with an old high school friend. I love seeing how our lives have evolved over the past 4 months and the past few years. It's so interesting!


I haven't played my guitar which I think I will be naming Declan from the movie "Leap Year," which was brilliant, but that is up for debate :) I need to get into a routine now. I want to talk to a guitar teacher and ask him or her where do I even begin. I'm super excited for my guitar adventure and can't wait until I can play others' songs and write and play my own!


As I continue to grow and learn during this transition period of my life, I am laughing, crying, and reminding myself how blessed I have been and am! I love my life and want to live it to the fullest. Thanks to everyone who has touched my life and vice versa.

Memorial Day until Today!

Memorial Day was great. We grilled out and I got to spend some time playing my guitar. I have only been working on the scales and getting my fingers used to moving around and am trying to spread my little hands out as much as possible. It is gonna be a long journey but my friends rock and I know that people will help me out if I just ask for help! While my mom was grilling out and I was hanging out on our back porch, I was able to hear a band that was in the Memorial Day parade. It was great to hear the music and I said a little prayer for all of the people who have given up their lives for my freedom and future. It was a great moment.

Since Memorial Day weekend is over and it's now Thursday, I have been thinking more about what I want my next step in my future to be. I have been reaching out to my former teachers and people that I know about my field and am trying to decide whether I would like to go to Graduate school in the US or abroad, or whether I would like to look for a job in the US or abroad! Decisions, decisions!!! I am excited to hear about an internship that I applied for that would be for this fall! If I get that, I may have to change my plans a little, but I am ready for whatever is ahead of me!

Until I get my big break or decide what is the best decision for me right now, I will continue to learn the guitar, started to brush up on my French and hopefully start to learn a new language, and continue to blog and to work on sample press releases and stories that I can use to add to my work in progress portfolio!

I just watched The View where actress and singer Kristen Chenoweth sang and played the guitar! She was singing a song from the play "Promises, Promises." I should really take a trip to New York soon to go and see it. I haven't seen a show in NYC in years! I love NYC and haven't been in about a year! Well I hope that can happen this summer! I'll just have to wait and see.

Today I must work out and stay focused on my future and continue to enjoy my family and friends while I can! <3

Memorial Day Weekend Thus Far

My weekend started off (Friday) with a lovely night in while my Mom and Step dad went out for the evening.Before the late hours of the evening, I went to my cousin Breana's softball game. It was such a great game, and Bre was pitching! She has several strikeouts and her team came back in the last inning to tie it up, but then they made silly mistakes and lost by one run I think. Other than her game, that was my night. Lately I have just been wanting to stay in because it helps save money which is always a good thing, and because there just isn't much going on in town.I am pretty sure that my body is still recovering from not sleeping for the past four years of my life. I am enjoying the days when I get to sleep in, but I know that soon I won't be able to do that with having a job and everything.

Saturday was a such a great day. I got to go food shopping with my Mom for our BBQ and spend some time talking to her. We had Mom and Pat's friend Bruce from work over, along with his girlfriend. We had BBQ chicken and Tandoori chicken! We had potato salad and slaw and some grilled vegetables. It was such a great time to relax and laugh. We told stories to each other, and we sat by the fire. It was a cool night so it was great to have the fire to warm us up. After we relaxed by the fire for a while, we decided to go inside and play Wii!! We did the sports fitness test and went wakeboarding! Overall is was a great night full of laughter and good conversations.

Sunday started off with my morning Irish tea and some breakfast. I hung out with my friend Megan. She went with me to look for a guitar. We went to the Guitar Center where she got her guitar last Christmas. I was just going to look and see if I could afford any of the guitars they had. I went in there a few days early with my Mom and none of the workers asked us if we needed help or anything, and there weren't many people in the store. I was a little afraid that this time the same thing would happen on this day, but that was not the case. I had the best employee help me out. He understood that I was just starting out and I wanted to save money and not spend an arm and a leg! He took me into the playing room and I told him that I wanted an acoustic/electric and that I wanted to stay under $200. The employee, Kyle, picked out a few guitars and asked me to play and see if I liked it. I told him I didn't know how to play anything, and then he taught me how to do a chord!! I was so excited. He was very nice and he didn't make me feel like I shouldn't be there or that I wasn't good enough to play the guitar. He made me feel really excited and offered good advice. In the end, I decided to buy a guitar! I got an Epiphone classic model for $100. Then I bought a soft case for it for $50 and a tuner for $20 and some picks for $4. So my total cost for all of that was $189! I also paid $4 for a two year warranty for my tuner! As I checked out, my mom texted me and told me she was going to a friend's house later. I responded by telling her that I was currently buying a guitar. I was so excited. It was a weird and exciting feeling to walk out of the store with my guitar!!!! It was all mine and I paid for it myself. I have always wanted to put music first in my life, and I have never done that. I figured now that I am a college graduate and I have started a new chapter in my life, I should put music first in my life, and pursue music a little more! I know that learning guitar will be really frustrating, but I have already had several friends be so welcoming! I have had friends offer to teach me different things and give me websites for tabs! I think that all of my friends are really excited and supportive! I know that some of my friends didn't know that I even wanted to play and learn, but I can't wait until I get better and can play songs and sing while playing! I really feel as though my dreams are going to come true. I would love to play in coffee houses with my own songs and be able to play the guitar AND sing!!!

I will be blogging more about my success and struggles with my guitar soon.I now have a guitar and am so exciting to eventually be able to share my love of music and feelings in my own songs! I want people to enjoy my playing and singing and I know that that day will eventually come with a lot of practice.

I'll try to post a picture of me with my new lover, my guitar<3 soon!

Happy Birthday MOM! (May 27)

Yesterday was my Mom's Birthday. She turned 48! She is definitely the best MOM EVER!!! She is such a beautiful person and I love her so much. She has always put my brother and myself first and I am so grateful for the opportunities that she has allowed me to experience. I cannot repay her for all that she has done for me :)

The day before her birthday I was out running errands and I bought her a balloon that said Happy Birthday Mom. She loved it and one my very best friends also got her a Mom Birthday card! It was so great. She loved it so much and it was a great kick- off to her real Birth Date!

Yesterday I gave her a card and I also bought her and her best friend ice cream.It was the least I could do. We also went out to eat for Chinese food and had some California rolls and sushi. Later on in the day, we went to Mom's friend Mandy's house and had some ribs,potato salad, stuffed clams and chips.It was quite a BBQ!! We also had cake that was amazingly good, and Mandy made sure that my mom knew her age when she put 48 individual candles on the cake. My Mom was a bit upset once she realized that it took two packages of candles to show off her age! I thought it was hilarious! We listened to 80s music and danced like crazy. It was such a fun night because we all just celebrate my Mom and had fun listening and dancing to music and playing the Wii. I got to bowl and play baseball.

Overall I would say that my Mom's Birthday was a great day. It was a busy but exciting day.I think she felt loved and I hope she relaxed and had time to reflect and realize all the people she has touched through her encouragement and never-ending support. I love her so much and I can only hope that I can be as great of a mom someday that my Mom has always been.
Love you Mom! <3

Update!

I haven't blogged in quite some time, but I finally have had time to process a little that I graduated college and am starting a new chapter in my life. This year has been a world wind and I finally feel like I have caught my breathe. I have accomplished so much this last year of college. I have moved back home for a little bit to just spend some quality time with my family and friends before I start a new and exciting chapter in my life. I am ready to see the world even more than I have in the past, and want to challenge myself. I have so much potential and so much to offer the world that I am not worried about my future. I know that everything will work out and I just need to trust that.

I had a great time on Graduation Day which was May 15, 2010. It was so great to have all of my family there. It was such an overwhelming day but it was perfect. After the ceremony I had a picnic with my family in Capaha Park. It was such a nice day. Then I went back to my room and started packing and I had my last night out on the town in Cape with my family. I got to see some people I haven't seen in ages and some friends that have been there since the beginning of my college journey. It was so nice to relax and feel accomplished that I graduated! :)

I am back in PA and just relaxing for two weeks. Then I will continue to search for jobs. I have also been thinking about Grad School still. I just want to keep my options open and truly find out what I am being drawn to right now. I don't like to limit myself or opportunities that can change my life.

I have been enjoyed my time home and have realized how much fun I had growing up in PA and in my hometown. Even though everyone thinks I don't like my hometown that is not the case. I love where I have come from, I just want to spread my wings and see different perspectives and ways of life. I think that it makes me realize how wonderful my life is and how different people can be. No matter how different people can be, I know that everyone can find common ground and that is what I love about life! There is always something that you can relate to someone!

I have made a promise to myself that I will be more present and start to blog more. I want to have a history of my thoughts and adventures.

SAC Banquet

Sorry this is a day later really, but it has been a crazy week already. Monday night was my last Student Activities Council, Student Government, and All Judicial Board Banquet. It seems as though this day would never come. I got to wear a dress I haven't worn in about 2 years. It was purple and gold(which I never wear, I'm a silver girl!) I was so excited and kind of emotional leading up to that part of my evening. It was so nice to sit by people that I have know for a few years and we have really bonded this year! I enjoyed being the President of this organization so much. I had to give a speech which I think went really well. It was nice to be able to tell students by journey being involved with SAC! I couldn't have imagined being President four years ago. My friends and I saw a flyer and decided to go to the meeting. I did not anticipate that I would have been a coordinator for 2 years and then the President. It was also nice to be able to recognize my Exec Board for all of their hard work! And finally to thank our fabulous advisor, Joanna. She never gets enough credit for all that she does. She has helped me grow as a person through our many chats. She has given me advice, helped me through hard times, and really great advisor! She has the thoughts of students in mind always! Also she has been the SAC advisor for as long as I have been @ SEMO so its been pretty cool! I remember the group my freshmen year introducing her and she used to give Kudos to someone each week, and they would get at Kudos bar! So funny.

After I gave my speech and Joanna did, we handed out the Of the Year awards which I'm so glad my old floor mate and good friend Ashley Pate won. She has been in SAC for as long as I have. She was actually one of the friends that came to the meeting together our freshmen year.

Then I got to stand next to one of my favorite teachers, Dr. Tamara Baldwin! I had her for the history and philosophy of the Mass Media and she just opened my eyes to all the research and history we have in the mass media! The class was so interactive, and fun. I didn't even know I was learning sometimes because I was just having fun in class. We got a picture together and that picture will be put on her plaque! I hope I get a copy of it too!

Next to top the night off, while Liz Vinson the incoming President was giving her little speech, she thanked me and asked me to stand up. Everyone started to clap, and the next thing I knew I was getting handed a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Ashley. I was so flattered! I really knew then that all my hard work paid off! I love SAC and I'll be sad to not be around next year, but that doesn't mean I won't harass the Exec Board! lol.

Great night to end a great successful, eventful four years of my life!!!

Best Weekend Yet!

So this weekend has been pretty amazing. On Friday, I got to relax and start on my UI 400 paper. I felt better that I sat down and processed my thoughts on what I was going to write about and put some ideas on paper. I still have to write quite a bit more, but I know I just have to get in the zone and knock it out.

Yesterday was so much fun! I got to work the Messy Morning event at the Show Me Center for my internship. It is a morning where businesses and organizations come up with craft ideas for kids. We made coffee filter butterflies. It was so much fun and the kids loved it and we had fun interacting with them. After that,I went back to my sorority house and got to meet everyone's dads. It was our Dad's Day! We were suppose to go to the SEMO softball game but we figured it would be messy with the BBQ so we just had it in our lounge. Our sister Laura's dad always comes down and Barbecues for us. It is always so delicious! I had fun meeting all the dads and just hanging out with my sisters. After that I took a nap and then I got ready for Colbie Caillat!

Colbie Caillat was amazing. Her lead guitarist Justin Young opened for her and he has such a good voice. He just played guitar and he had a guy on the keys. I loved it and he was super cute. He is from Hawaii and has dreads! They were really cool.

After Justin, Colbie came out and she is so gorgeous and super built. She put on a great show and she sounded exactly like her CD. Everyone thought that her and Justin were an item because they kept singing to each other throughout the show! I think they are and if indeed they are, I am so happy for her. Justin seems like a sweet man.
At one point in the concert, Andy the mic/guitar runner came out and started to sing, "No Woman, No Cry." It was so amazing. It sounded like the original! I really enjoyed myself and I think everyone else did too! After the show, I got to meet her for a brief few minutes. She seemed really tired and was just trying to get through the meet and greet. It was cool to stand next to a Grammy award-winning artist!!! I also got a picture with her. I can't wait to get it printed out. I had her sign my poster too.

After the concert, I went out with some of my girlfriends to Apple bee's. I had a delicious sangria and my friends and I just reminisced about the fun times we have had. It was so relaxing and enjoyable.

Today I have cleaned my room and threw away a ton of papers I didn't need. I'm working on one of my papers, and I also did my dishes. I'm gonna slowly clean up my room little by little easy day so that it would be so much when graduation day comes. I think it is a little ridiculous that if you live in the dorms that you have to move out on graduation day. In my situation coming from PA, and not knowing where I will be living, it stinks. I guess we will just have to see what happens. I'm excited to see what will happen in the next few weeks and will just try to enjoy the ride.

Blah

It's a typical Friday night and I had every intention on going out with friends but that just didn't end up working out. I decided to start on my Business Ethics paper that is due on April 30. I need to get it done and over with so I can work on other projects. I just feel really stressed about trying to get things together for wills,last minute projects, time with friends, and job searching. It is a lot of work and clearly leaves me with no time for myself really and just a chaotic time.

I have also been a bit lonely lately. I just haven't had as much time as I would like to with friends and just be think about what I want to do after graduation. I have been eating alone and just trying to get things done that only allows for me and some quiet time. It has been frustrating but there is not too much that I can do about it.

I'm getting excited and nervous about what the future has in store for me. I know that a lot of adventure and traveling is ahead. I just need to make some money in order to do that. I want to so many places in the world and now that I have been to London, I know that I can make my dreams come true.

In the end everything will work out. I just have to stay positive and really try to enjoy everything that had gone on in my life so far. I need to embrace each moment as a true blessing and learn from everyone and everything.

I have so excited for Colbie Caillat tomorrow night. I know she will rock the house for the audience. Come on, she is a Grammy Award winner. I will blog about how the concert went!!!

Stay tuned for more about my life and my thoughts about what is going on in the world!

Recap!

I have not written in ages. We just finished Greek Week this week which was so much fun. I really enjoyed seeing my sisters shine and having fun. We received the Gold Level which is fabulous for being the smallest chapter and pulling together to achieve that goal.

Also this weekend, I went through the final stage of my sorority, which means that I am a alumnae member!! It is going to be weird once I left school after graduation but I am ready for new adventures and challenges. I want to meet new people and to learn about different cultures and travel the world!!!

In other news, I want to keep everyone who has been affected by the Iceland volcano ash in my thoughts and prayers. I talked to one of my friends who is in Madrid for the semester, and she said that she cannot see the ash from where she is at. I think that the world is so unpredictable, which gives me hope for making my dreams come try in the future!

Things are finally coming to a close and its really starting to hit me. I have been having dreams about people from my past who are no longer in my life and it kind of freaked me out. I thought about it, but I think it is just because I know that after May 15,2010 I will most likely never see those people again. I think I have just being thinking about my whole college career and so that really includes everyone that I have met and came into contact with.
Just trying to enjoy the next few weeks.<3

TGIF

Today is a beautiful day in Cape. Last night was a great night.I went to a program for Minimum Standards for my sorority, and the speaker was Brent Scarpo. I got a lot out of the program. I have been going through some struggles lately or some of them have just resurfaced, and Brent made me think about my life and put things into perspective. I really enjoyed his message and his truth and honesty through the program.
Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of my amazing Grandpa Bob's death. I was only 12 yrs. old when it happened. I mean really I didn't even know my Grandpa. If he were alive I would ask him about his experiences with the FBI.He worked for them. I would also just ask him about his life and how he grew up and what times were like growing up.I think about him often and whenever I hear or see a train, I know its him. Also the same thing goes for when I see a cardinal. He was an amazing man and I wish I got to ask him those things. One thing I do know is that he loved me and I loved him! I know he is in heaven smiling because he is proud of the young woman I have become! And recently he has been busy welcoming my friends' relatives into heaven.

Aside from my Grandpa, I have been trying to enjoy the rest of my time in Cape. I keep thinking about how this is the last time for this or that. It is hard to imagine leaving Cape some days, but I know I'm ready. I'm ready for a new adventure full of trials and challenges. I can't wait to see what is ahead for me.

All I can really do right now is to live my life day by day and take things as they come! I can't wait to see all of my family in the next couple of weeks!

Cheers,
Mand

Thanks love

I just realized that I currently have one follower. Thanks Kristyn. You know how cool I am and I appreciate you!

Currently @ my radio show!

Gloomy day in Cape but I'm all smiles.

<3 you.

It's Been a While!!

It has been way to long since I've writing much, but there has been so much going on. I'm really trying to enjoy the last few weeks of my college undergraduate career at Southeast. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of. I am ready to take on the world. Lately, I've been enjoying my sorority sisters! Also, I have been busy with SAC events and planning for our Colbie Caillat concert on April 24, and our Spring Fling which is the last week of April where we have events everyday! April just started, and there is so much to do. Greek Week is coming up which will be fun to just absorb and watch my sisters shine! I told understand why older members wanted to just absorb now, because honestly with 38 days left, I am ready for some things to end and will be sad for others. I have totally gotten senioritis! This year has been so much fun! I know I thought like high school my last year of college was going to be a light load, but honestly I think I have been more busy than last year which is near to impossible!

May 15, 2010 is just around the corner, and I'm most excited for all of my family to come down to Cape to celebrate. Since my grandma got sick this semester all of us have gotten closer, and I really enjoy spending time with all of them.
It's time to savor the moments, cherish the memories and see what the future holds! Hopefully I will know soon if I will be moving to Texas or Illinois!!!

I'm going to try to blog more regularly!

Longest Week!

So I haven't been able to be on for a while because I had so much stuff going on this past week. I had I-week, meetings, papers and homework. I have been on the look out for a job and I really want to move to Texas at the moment but I'm really okay with whatever happens! I am re-energized and I just started reading The Last Song so that I can see the similarities and differences between the novel and the film! It has been such an easy read, so it has been amazing to be able to read for pleasure during school since I have never really done that before. I have a busy yet short week ahead of me, but I am ready for it. I am ready for Spring to stay and am anticipating graduation!!! I just want to know what I plan to do for the summer, but I know that something will work out. Gotta go so laters!!

Fun Day!!

Last night was so fun. I went out with my aunt on St. Paddy's Day and we have so much fun.My aunt did karaoke and I danced with her and we met some cool people and just let loose. It was interesting to see her in her element, but I loved it.Then we also saw my cousin at work and it was also nice to see him. I don't see him that often so I'm glad I got to!!

Today was amazing!We were going to head to the zoo, but it was so crowded and so we decided to check out the History Museum. It was brilliant because I got to see all of Charles Lindbergh stuff. There was an old radio and medals and newspaper articles. It was so cool to be able to see all of that history. There was also a part of the museum that had things about Old Busch Stadium and musical figures from MO. I had such a blast. It was fun to have a family day and just be able to enjoy the lovely weather and not have a care in the world. Its so nice to be able to have time with my family since they really have gotten to know me over the past 4 years. I love being able to stay for a weekend and just get away from my normal surroundings. Today was fun, but tomorrow I definitely need to get to work so next week will be a little more stress-free!! My spring break is going by so fast but I'm still enjoying every minute of it.

ST. PADDY'S DAY!!!!

It's a beautiful day in St. Louis on this St. Paddy's Day. I have been spending my day lounging and listening to Irish music! I will be enjoying some beer brats and some beer! I'm so excited to eat and just relax! I tried to call my family in Dublin, but they were not around. They are probably enjoying their St. Paddy's so much. I also need to go to McDonald's to get a shamrock shake. Last night we watched the movie "The Box" and it was quite interesting. It's based off of a short story called, "Button,Button" that I want to read to see how they used that to make the movie. I also rented "The Invention of Lying," that I have heard is quite brilliant. Its has been a movie filled week thus far but I am ready to get working on some school work. I will be working on stuff for my internship which will be great because I will hopefully hit the 100 hours mark!!! I just have 80 more hours to complete so that will be nice. I also need to work on the job search and figure all of that out. I'm just starting to get nervous about the whole thing. I won't be going back to SEMO in the fall. Its a bit hard to believe since it has been my home for the past 4 years. Its been a great time and I have grown so much as a person, but I'm ready to go and see the rest of the world!!! Wishing all the Irish lads around the globe, the best St. Paddy's Day ever!!!!
Shamrocks<3

A Little Behind

When bowling yesterday with some of the family, and it was great. Its crazy to watch my younger cousins grow up, but also exciting to be able to see how they grow up and become their own unique person. I'm enjoying being an older cousin and seeing what they are interested in and what their dreams are. It makes me want to follow my dreams more! I ended up winning at bowling. I got a few strikes and spares but my scores were nothing special. 102 & 113. I told Mom yesterday what my scores were b.c when she was part of a bowling league her average was a bit higher than my scores. I thought her score average was 121 but she was quick to correct me by letting me know its 128! Gee, I guess I know where part of my competitive drive comes from. She was not going to let me think her average was 121. She had to make sure that I gave her the 7 more points that she deserved. It was priceless. Today there is finally some sun which get me excited for spring weather and shorts and outdoor activities. I'm not sure how great at this blog business I am, but now I will have record of my history which is pretty cool! Another relaxing day of spring break!

So I just got back from an amazing weekend and it just makes me remind myself how many amazing people have touched my life so far, and how blessed I am. I had the time of my life. I was able to really relax and be myself. I had no expectations except to have fun. I opened up and met some cool new friends! I was able to enjoy myself. I have been trying to stay in touch with people more. Its only 2 months today that I will be a college graduate. I’ve been thinking about what I truly want, and I’m still not sure. I just want to be able to help people and want to have an impact on people and vice-versa. I have started to see the true meaning of life! I want good memories and lots of happiness in my life. I want to have someone to support me through my trials and tribulations. I’m going to think about what I want to do. I am loving this break from school and just some time to recharge my battery and be ready for the last 8 weeks of my college career. That’s all for now.

My first day as a blogger!

So finally I have taken the leap and decided to start my own blog. I got some inspiration from the film, Julie & Julia but I just think that I used to fill up journals and I needed to stop using paper and help save the world while getting my thoughts out.

Things have been crazy already this year. I'm at the point in my life that I will be graduating college with my undergraduate degree in just 8 weeks! It's crazy to look back and remember all of the things that I have done while at school, and how I won't be able to be a part of it soon, but I am ready and excited for a new chapter in my life.

I am ready for Spring Break and hoping that I can figure some things out.

We will just have to see what happens :)