Thursday Thirteen!

Thanks to goofy girl for the cute banner!

I haven't done a 13 in a while...so enjoy!

Thirteen things I've learned (this came out of the interview from goofy girl!)

1. I've learned that I can do a lot of things on my own that I never imagined.

2. I've learned that I can live alone and be content with coming home to an empty house.

3. I've learned that I can be okay without a man in my life.

4. I've learned more about myself and what I like and dislike.

5. I've learned how important family is and that no matter what, my parents will always be a huge part of my life.

6. I've learned that heartbreak is not easy and that even if things don't work out, that people are meant to be in your life for a reason.

7. I've learned that I will be okay.

8. I've learned that I can get through a master's degree, work, go to school and do internship and still be alive by the time it's Saturday.

9. I've learned it's okay to lean on people when you need to because if they offer, they really do listen!

10. I've learned that sometimes a bath and music is all you really need.

11. I've learned that books can be good to just "get away" for a while.

12. I've learned that friends can make a bad week disappear.

13. I've learned that writing is a way to let things out and that even if nobody reads it, it can still help heal.

What have you learned recently?

What the heck do you say then?

5 Things Never to Say on a First Date
Posted by David Zinczenko
on Fri, Apr 27, 2007, 1:53 pm PDT

We all know that first dates are the ultimate relationship chess match. Men and women take their turns making verbal moves -- with the hopes that nobody's going to get rooked. But the truth is that first dates, very often, can be pretty far from the truth, with men and women acting as spinmeisters who do what they can to put their best faces (and personalities) forward. The stats certainly tell us that many people lie on first dates (35 percent of men say they lie about their income, and 35 percent of men also say they lie about their willingness to commit). But if the goal is to determine whether the two of you may be a good match, then part of the process is not just detecting the lies, but also knowing the best things to say-and avoiding the worst. Do that and you'll be well on your way to being the kind of person who will engage, interest, and intrigue your across-the-table mate.

Say This: What do you do for fun?
Not That: What's your job like?
Standard question, sure. But it's one that will elicit a standard answer-good people, I like what I do, blah blah blah. While most will certainly get the employment issue covered, the conversation will be more engaging-and you'll be more appealing-if you try to home in on those outside interests. Certainly skydiving, poodle rescue, or soup kitchens have got to be more interesting than conference calls and Power Points.

Say This: You look fantastic
Not That: Good to see you
It may very well be good to see her, but that greeting is about as vanilla as a McDonald's shake. Instead, it's all about conveying enthusiasm-without having stalker sirens go off. No need for standing ovations, but a simple compliment sets the tone. The tactic isn't just for men to use on women, but can be especially effective in the reverse.

Say This: Got any cool summer trips lined up?
Not That: What do you want to do with your life?
If you sound like you're an HR executive, he's going to feel like a candidate for the position you have open at the moment-boyfriend and potential husband. No matter how much he may dig you, he doesn't want to feel like he's part of some master scheme of how you see your life progressing. He won't mind talking about future plans along the way, as long as your questions revolve around you or around him-not some grand plan.

Say This: How's next Thursday?
Not That: Up to anything interesting this weekend? Want to meet up again soon?Why be coy?
Leave the game-playing for computer solitaire, and you'll come off as confident (and more appealing) by being unafraid to take the initiative. Plus, you'll strike the perfect balance-appearing like you have a busy schedule, but also eager to try a second date. This works especially well for women saying it to men, because men are so used to feeling like they have to make the first, second, and third moves before a relationship gets its bearings.

Say This: Where you headed for vacation? What's on your iPod? Read any good blogs lately?
Not That: Can you believe Sanjaya made it that far?
Current events, pop culture, and hair-boy's shaky voice all make for great conversation-starters-and of course, they can show that you're worldly, smart, and interested in other things besides your own life. But soon after talking about the world at large, you need to find a way to bring it back to the world of your dinner companion.

So what do you guys think? A lot has been written about dating lately and the struggles of first dates. Good advice? Bad advice? Who the heck cares? I want to know what you think, yes, even you who often visits without leaving a comment :)

Phantom Subscription

So....right around my birthday, I went downstairs to check my mail (and hoping someone still sends cards when you turn 25) and I found something I wasn't expecting....a Glamour magazine. Oh how nice, I thought! Someone got me the magazine for my birthday. Woohoo! Someone.is.cool. Anyway, so I started getting some cards from some friends and kept waiting for one of them to say "enjoy a year of Glamour magazine" or "I got you 1-year of Glamour, hope you enjoy" or "you should get your present in the form of 12 Glamour magazines."

Yep, I didn't get any of those. So needless to say, I have a subscription and I have no.idea who got it for me. Everyone I thought it would be has sent me a card that hasn't said a thing or had another present with it. So I thought I would be sneaky (or just plain curious and a tad scared!) and go online and see if I could look it up. The only thing the stupid website would tell me is that I'm paid in full for 1 year. So I emailed their non-helpful customer service (can you see that I was already biased?) and asked if I could know who paid for the subscription. Anyway, I haven't heard back as of yet (they say you'll hear within 24 hours and it's been at least 72--see how I am biased?!?!?!?!)

So what would you do? Just be thankful that somehow you got the magazine, ask around or just let it go? I guess it only bothers me because I want to thank whoever got it for me as I think that's a neat present and I do enjoy the magazine! Am I freaking out for no reason? (maybe I don't want you to answer that). I got another one in the mail the other day and almost dropped it (I don't know if I was thinking that perhaps I would only get 1 or what). (I am enjoying using parentheses today)))))).

So, needless to say, I have been sitting on my balcony enjoying Glamour magazines that I'm getting from someone who is a mystery at this point. I am also not following how to lose 10 pounds before the summer (I think it had the word exercise in there...I don't know I was focusing on my cookie) or the "how to find the perfect man" (hahahaha...seriously? no man is perfect and I'm done "finding." He can freakin' find me now.)

Autism

Five for Fighting & Autism Speaks…

Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song, "World",
which features images of children with autism and their
families. It is a truly moving video and was the work of Bill Shea.

When you have a moment, please visit the link below to
watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family.
They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass
this goal.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/213154

Another tag, another day

Amy tagged me so here goes:

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to blog about their seven things and post the rules as well. At the end of your post, choose 7 people to tag and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes...

1) I don't like vegetables. I'll eat some but am very picky about them!
2) I really like to travel! If I could travel all the time, I definitely would!!!
3) I talk to my parents every day (good one, Amy, I'm keeping it!!!)
4) I have had grey hair since I was VERY young hence why I get my hair done so frequently!
5) Even though I'm a social worker now, my major was German Education for a while!
6) I can't swim very well. I can do the doggy paddle and enough to get by, but if I were ever required to swim to stay alive, I wouldn't be able to!
7) I love to read. I also read really fast which can frustrate people sometimes when I am done with books so quickly!

Alright, now who to tag...I tag Carmen, Janet, Dackel Princess, Island Life, Pink Chihuahua Princess, and anyone else who reads this! (Sorry but for some reason blogger isn't letting me link to you today! I will try to fix this)

Unconscious Mutterings

Affair :: ending

Mortician :: dead

Determine :: figure out

Ignore :: stupid people

Guy :: 's are dumb :)

Crush :: soda

Garlic :: bread

Wacky :: attacky

Parent :: trap

Burning :: fire

If you'd like to play, click here!

Interview me

I volunteered to be interviewed by goofy girl and here are her questions:

1. What is your favorite color ink? I love all colors of ink. If I'm printing off my printer, I love using purples and blues. If it is ink that I'm writing with I love pink, purple, blue, orange. I love having all types of pens!!! It's fun :)

2. If you could have a free day to do anything you wanted, what would you do? I honestly would probably sleep in late and then have lunch with friends and family. I would then lounge around and catch up on reading, movies and order in pizza. It would be nice to take some time to just RELAX.

3. What color clothing do you most often wear? Do you think the color says something about you? That's a good question. I have to dress up for my internship at the hospital so I've been getting into wearing more colors. I do notice that I wear a lot of browns lately and also pink. I have also started wearing more black pants and colored shirts. Well, to answer the second half, I used to wear a lot of greys and neutral colors. I have learned to have a little bit more fun with colors and enjoy myself more so yes, I think the new colors have also brightened my outlook in life as well. Funny how colors of clothes can do that!

4. What kind of decorations do you have in your apartment? What kind would you have if you had an infinite amount of money to spend on them? I just recently redecorated as I'm sure most of you know. I have new pictures hanging everywhere. I have more colors in the apartment. I have flower pictures and also more pictures of family and friends! If I had infinite amount of money to spend, everything would be from Pier 1, Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel. I love their stuff but obviously can't have it all due to budgets (damn budget!!!!)

5. What do you think is an important lesson you've learned recently? This is a perfect question for me. Wow, what have I all learned? I've learned that I can do a lot of things on my own that I never imagined. I've learned that I can live alone and be content with coming home to an empty house. I've learned that I can be okay without a man in my life. I've learned more about myself and what I like and dislike. I've learned how important family is and that no matter what, my parents will always be a huge part of my life. I've learned that heartbreak is not easy and that even if things don't work out, that people are meant to be in your life for a reason. I've learned that I will be okay. I've learned that I can get through a master's degree, work, go to school and do internship and still be alive by the time it's Saturday. I've learned it's okay to lean on people when you need to because if they offer, they really do listen! I've learned that sometimes a bath and music is all you really need. I've learned that books can be good to just "get away" for a while. I've learned that friends can make a bad week disappear. I've learned that writing is a way to let things out and that even if nobody reads it, it can still help heal.

I think you all have learned not to ever ask me that question again.

Here are the rules to be posted in the entry :)

So if you want to be interviewed by me, please leave me a comment or send an email saying: "Interview me."
* I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
* You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions.
* You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
* Then others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions and so on.

Heather, thanks for the wonderful questions!

25

So yesterday I turned 25. Quarter Century Club or something like that. At first, I didn't like the thought of turning 25. I feel like 25 is the defining year when you are finally grown up--whether you want to be or not! It's especially hard turning 25 and feeling as though you will never find the person you are meant to be with. I know I'll get over that and will look at more positives.

I went by my parents for the weekend and had a great time! Friday we went out to eat at Uno and had a great time. Then on my actual birthday, it was more low key. My mom and I watched "The Devil Wears Prada" and I really enjoyed the movie. I had read the book a while ago and thought they did a decent job making it into a movie!

Well, I will post again tonight or tomorrow as goofy girl sent me questions to answer. Have a wonderful day!

Prayers

I know this goes without saying, but my prayers go out to the family, friends, staff, and students at V Tech. I can't imagine what they are going through and I can't imagine not feeling safe on a college campus.

I enjoyed living on campus all the years of my schooling. I enjoyed the on-campus apartments and loved walking to classes in the fall and spring when everything was so beautiful. To think that one day sitting in my apartment or sitting in a class that I would hear gun shots is just beyond me. I can't comprehend it.

I just hope that somewhere, somebody is able to learn something from this. Shootings keep happening in places we think it never could...Amish schools, college campus', even places of business. It scares me to think that we live in a world where nobody is truly safe.

So to everyone reading this post, I am glad you are here! I hope that we learn to live each day fully and not to look back on regrets. If nothing else, be glad you are alive and well.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

"The one where she freaks out"

So I get home from class last night (very happy after a good presentation and getting out 1 hour early!) to see a note in my door. Now this is slightly odd as my outside of the apartment is locked and the only people who put things on my door are the maintenance men.

Anyway, so the note was from the city SHERIFF. Yes, you read that correctly. He was kindly letting the apartments know that one of the residents was arrested on WEAPONS CHARGES and that they believe he STASHED a SHOTGUN near one of the DUMPSTERS. Oh yes and if we had TAKEN the SHOTGUN on accident thinking it was DISPOSED of, we could turn it in and not get in trouble. Oh and by the way, the person is in CUSTODY. Chances that I freaked out about this: DEFINITELY!

I do NOT want to have people with weapons around my apartment. Especially living alone. Fricken wonderful is what I was thinking! So needless to say I believe I slept with one eye open.

No I am not naive enough to think that nobody has weapons. But honestly, do I need to see it in black and white on my door when I come home LATE and ALONE? No, I really don't think so. Ugh. I just LOVE living in a big city.

April Fool's Day

No, this isn't an April's fool that I am blogging! I am actually here. These past couple weeks have been very busy and in some ways, the best I've had in a while.

I had a great, relaxing almost 5 days with my parents last week. I was able to relax, have a safe place to stay and feel loved at ALL times. It was amazing. I also managed to pick up a few things along the way.

I am the proud new owner of a PINK I-pod nano! I love it. I got that from my parents as a "cheer up" gift. I then picked myself up an I-pod player so I can play it in the house. I put it in my office so I can listen to music all day long. It's awesome. It even has a remote so when I get calls, I can pause the music and turn it on again right when I hang up :) Now that's my idea of a good plan!

My work bag was beginning to fall apart as well so I found a cute new black work bag at New York and Company. I had never shopped there before and let me tell you.....LOVE.IT. I also needed a new school bag and found a really cute light pink one at the Old Navy outlet.

This week had highs and lows. I don't talk about work on here for obvious reasons and because then my whole blog would be overtaken :) Let's just say that I am not having happy thoughts about my job and that it has been difficult to make it through the rest of the week.

I continue to love my internship at the hospital. I also met a very nice male at the hospital who wanted to go out on Friday, but I unfortunately fell asleep on the couch before he called and didn't hear the phone when he did. When I called to apologize on Saturday, he asked if we could do something this week. I, of course, said yes! It' just nice to have people to go and hang out with. He's a nice guy and knows the situation so definitely isn't expecting anything.

So, next weekend is Easter and the weekend after that, I am going to Chicago for the weekend! I am SO excited. I'm going with two friends. My supervisor at the hospital found a 4 star hotel that was having a HUGE sale on prices and was only $99 for the night! It is normally over $200 a night to stay there. I'll be sure to share pictures. I honestly can't wait. We're going to the House of Blues to see a concert that night and then will come back on Sunday. It'll be such a nice stress reliever as well. So I am pumped.

The weekend after the Chicago weekend is my BIRTHDAY. I will be 25! Quarter century club :) Alright, well I think this is long enough. Sorry it's been so long.

Have a great week. What's new with you guys????

Does she even blog any more?

You don't have to send out the search team...I'm right here! And I made it. I made it through 3/15/07. I do have to pat myself on the back. I had a lot of phone calls and cards and emails which made the day so much better than it would have otherwise been. Although there were tears and "how did I get to this place?" there were also moments of "this is the path my life is taking now." I swear, every day, I am getting smarter (okay, just allow me that moment please).

Anyway, this week I am on spring break. WOOHOO....Amy Freedom Festival....uh not quite. I still had internship on Monday and tomorrow, but I am taking tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday off work and am going up to my parents house. It's like some quiet time and relaxation and time away from everything that could normally cramp up my day.

I already have an oil change, hair appointment and hopefully an eye appointment set up. Let's just say that I am catching up on all the things I don't have time for normally. Which is wonderful because I have parents to drive me around as well. Let me tell you, I drive about 2,000 miles a month for my job. I spend my life in the car. I live in my car. So when I tell you that I have parents who will drive me around....it's not that I can't do it myself, it's that I am SO SICK of the car that I need time to be the passenger and say "did you see that?" and "ooooo look at that ugly pink house." All those things I shouldn't be doing while driving (but secretly do anyway.)

My cousin has surgery tomorrow so I will be visiting him as well. Unfortunately, there is a lot of family drama going on (I just hate drama too....save the drama for your momma), and so my cousin really needs the support.

I had ordered the other two books in the Shopoholic series from www.half.com and they already got here. Usually with media mail they take longer, but this one actually didn't take long at all so I was really excited about that.

I'm also trying to figure out my summer and fall schedule for school and let me tell you....I AM STRESSED OUT! Who knew figuring out what classes to take so that I can get another piece of paper that tells me I'm qualified for something I don't think I am would be so DAMN exhausting??? Whew, I feel better now.

Okay, I'm off to get ready for the Freedom Festival. I'll be checking in on all of you while I'm gone. Enjoy the week!

Emily Giffin

Has anyone read the book "Something Borrowed"? Just wondering if you have or if anyone you know has. I want to get the book but was wondering if anyone recommended it first. Thanks :)

This and that....

Hello! Well, goofy girl gets the book! Just email me with your address and I'll send it out. I'm going to be getting the other books in the series. So if you like the first one, let me know and I will share the others!

Secondly, this week I have been attempting to stay very busy. It would have been my and my ex's 3 year anniversary tomorrow and 2 year anniversary of being engaged. So if I don't participate in the 13 tomorrow, don't be surprised. I'm going to be keeping myself VERY busy tomorrow and then possibly slowing down for the weekend ;)

I start spring break on Friday and I'm not doing anything extravagant. I'm going to be taking next Thursday off (I don't work Fridays) and going up by my parents for an extra long weekend. It'll be nice to just be away for a while.

What are your plans for this weekend? What do you do to try to stay busy?

A free book!

Well, thanks to island girl when I returned from my weekend away, I had Confessions of a Shopaholic waiting for me from winning her free book giveaway! I am happy to report that.....I LOVED IT! I read it in one night to be honest with you. It was so easy to read and kept my attention until the end. Now, I must warn you, this is a complete chick book! But since local girl was so nice to send it to me, I thought I would return the favor by giving it away to one of you!!! I plan on getting the rest of the set as well so if anyone out there has them and wants to pass them along, let me know!

So leave a comment with whether you want the book or not and I'll pick one of you randomly. I'll have someone pick a number or something--I'll think of something :)

Nothing much else is new here. Just work, school and internship. I'm trying to plan a vacation to Vegas and trying to talk someone into going with me. People just don't seem to have the money (not that I'm rolling in it, but I have my priorities....bills? nah....Vegas? YOU BET!! Just kidding!)

Anyway, how has your week been????

Hey, what's with all the pictures?

Well, I like them and because I like them....here's another one....



So what's new around here you ask? Well, I wonder a book from Island Girl !!!! I love winning things. Also, I have been having a couple hectic weeks with class, work and internship but I'm hoping this week things slow down just a little bit for me to enjoy life :)

What's new with you?

Little McDreamy's

Okay, I'll admit it.....I'm obsessed with Grey's Anatomy. BUT not only is McDreamy, well, McDreamy on the show, look at how adorable he is holding his new little McBabies (don't judge me for writing that!) His daughter is adorable too :)

Of course she'd be beautiful.....

What a beautiful family! Shiloh is cuter every time I see her.

What do you think about this family?

Carmel says....

Hey out there, it's Carmel. So my owner, Amy, has been going through a rough time lately. I jump on her, give her kisses and even bite her (not too hard) every once in a while.

She seems to be doing much better this week though. She had a visit from her mom which ALWAYS HELPS! I wasn't allowed to come with because I was told that I had to "stay home." I hear that a lot.

Even though I don't live with Amy, I still worry about her a lot. I still consider her my owner because she always checks on me and when she comes to visit, she gives me extra treats and usually brings a new toy!!! Not to worry though because I usually destroy it in about a week.

Anyway, since I can't be around all the time, could you keep checking in on her to make sure she's okay? She doesn't post every day any more but just let her know that you care like I do. Have a great weekend!

Where did that piece go?

As you have noticed, life hasn't been the greatest lately. I hate to continue to write about, but in all honesty, it's what I think and feel most of the time--so that's what I write about. I try to just go without writing if I don't feel that I have anything "positive" to say, but I don't have to be positive all the time, right?

I've been searching for something that I think I lost....it's a piece of myself. When fiance and I broke up, a piece of me went with him. Now, sometimes I think that's okay, but other times, like now, I feel like I should have that piece back in order to be whole again. But are you ever whole again (in the same way you were before)? Do pieces come and go and eventually you will find someone who maybe has holes in places you don't and the puzzle just fits? Am I using too many analogies for anyone to understand?

Every morning I wake up and tell myself "you can do this." Most days....I accomplish that goal. However, there are some days when I go to bed thinking "what were you thinking?"

I can be self-sufficient. I have all the main things down...grocery shopping alone, paying bills, living alone. It's the emotional things that I now must deal with. I need to either realize that not all the pieces are going to be put back together or attempt to put them back.

I have a wonderful family who is more than supportive. I have parents who go above and beyond what parents should do. I have friends who would do anything for me, but sometimes all that doesn't matter. That isn't what's broken.

So I just want you to know that part of me is broken right now. I am still trying to figure out if that's okay or not.

So I continue looking at where the pieces went and whether I can put them back together. Has anyone seen my pieces?