Server Dreams!

I can tell that I've been working too much when I start having server dreams. My usual one is that I keep walking past all the tables that have menus but that I haven't had time to say hello to yet. Then I go back to the kitchen and it takes be 20 minutes to gets drinks for one table! I keep thinking "why is it taking me so damn long to get these drinks?" I feel my blood pressure raise and the temperature in the room increasing, then my manager comes up to me and says, "Bobbe, you know you have all the tables upstairs too right?"

If you haven't seen to movie Waiting you should really check it out especially if you have ever served before. There is a lot in that movie that is too close to the truth. Work last night really reminded me of it. A cook didn't show up for work so management was really pissy, steaks were being over cooked at almost every table and cook times in general were over 45 minutes. We had to comp off at least 5 tables entire meals and offer free desert to half a dozen other tables. It was just pure hell. I was closing and since it is spring break, all our older (better) servers are on vacation. Our very young staff tried hard, but there was yelling, crying, and lots of foul language. All we could do after work was grab a beer and laugh about how upset we get over tables that will be out of our lives in 45 minutes.

I was reading mommak's blog today and she said that she gave her bull shit instructor the middle finger during a warm-up exercise and it made me laugh. When I deal with a table that is just over the top rude, I usually find a way to put the check down, pick up dishes, or wrap up food with my middle finger just so slightly pointing in their direction!

Just a word of caution, it isn't smart to piss off someone who touches your food!

It's Been a Hard Weekend

I went through something this weekend I hope no one has to go through in their lifetime. A good friend of mine is suffering from depression and she is acting out in ways I will never understand. Her inward pain is so deep that she needs to inflict her pain outwardly. This cry for help was not ignored. Her mental recovery will be long and tedious but she is lucky to have so many people that love her and want what is best for her.
With her mother in town for a few days, my role as "deciding adult" is taken care of. It isn't on my shoulders anymore, I don't have to decide what is best for her, I get to be the friend that listens and provides a safe environment for recovery. I can't tell you how scared I was and now how relieved I am that I did the right thing and that she will be alright.

Where Do I Find the Time?

I've been working so hard to financially "stay afloat" that I barely have time to even sleep! Let me just fill you in on my typically week.

• Monday 7:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. teaching the Comets over at the day care. Come home and try to either walk, run, or do sit ups until it's time for my night class. Artist Management class from 6-9p.m. and then I come home and do homework until my eyes don't stay open anymore.
• Tuesday/Thursday 9:40- 11:00 a.m. I'm in Copyright Law class desperately taking notes. After that class I usually go home and do homework, clean, nap, or run errands. Then I'm back at school for my accounting class at 2:40 which is really a joke because I think I would get the same grade whether I went to class or not. After that torture I stay on campus and do home work for my night class. Tuesday nights I have Public Relations class and on Thursday nights I have Media Writing. Both classes require a LOT of writing.
• Wednesday/Friday 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. I'm back with the angels making paper puppets or cotton ball snow men. Once I leave there I usually ran home to change and go to Outback for job #2 of the day. I usually stay there until about 11 p.m. I, of course, crash the second I get home.
• Saturday and Sunday should be relaxing but not for me! I work a double both days and try to wake up early to squeeze in some homework.

Yes staying busy keeps me more focused, but it also runs me crazy! Spring break is in two weeks and I keep hearing about all the wonderful places everyone is planning to go. White sandy beaches and beautiful blue water....While I told me boss at the day care and Out back that I can work every day that week! :o( I'm hoping that I can make some extra money while everyone else is having a well deserved vacation. It will all pay off eventually...Right?

Stand Back Up

I know I put song lyrics on here all the time but I'm a musician and I can't help but see my life in songs. This song jumped out at me because I feel like there are people that don't expect me to make it out here. I feel like they support my efforts but they are just getting ready to console me when I run home with my tail between my legs. I don't care if I have to take out three loans and go into credit card debt, I'm not going home. And for those that find it easy to pick on a girl when she's down I only have this to say:

Artist/Band: Sugarland
Lyrics for Song: Stand Back Up
Lyrics for Album: Twice the Speed of Life

Go ahead and take your best shot, Let 'er rip, give it all you've got,

I'm laid out on the floor, but I've been here before,

I may stumble, yeah I might fall, Only human aren't we all

I might lose my way, but hear me when I say, I will stand back up,

You'll know just the moment when I've had enough,

Sometimes I'm afraid, and I don't feel that tough, But I'll stand back up,

I've been beaten up and bruised, I've been kicked right off my shoes,

Been down on my knees more times than you'd believe,

When the darkness tries to get me, Theres a light that just won't let me,

It might take my pride, and my tears may fill my eyes, But I'll stand back up,

I've weathered all these storms, But I just turn them into wind, so I can fly,

What don't kill you makes you stronger, When I take my last breath,

that's when I'll just give up, So,

go ahead to take your best shot, Let 'era rip, give it all you've got,

You might win this round but you cant keep me down,

cause I'll stand back up, And you'll know just the moment when I've had enough,

Sometimes I'm afraid and I don't feel that tough, But I'll stand back up,

You'll know just the moment when ive had enough,

Sometimes I'm afraid and I don't feel that tough,

But I'll stand back up.

She talks about darkness not getting her down. Darkness is her depression, her own ego and her fear. I won't let those things beat me either. Some days the fear of money gets to me so much that I literally freak out. I never even had a credit card until I got out of college because I didn't want to have debt. Now I'm seriously thinking about taking out another loan just so I don't have to work THREE jobs! Katie and I are already looking at much cheaper apartments for next year, hopefully that will help. I can finally turn in my in-state tuition request (had to be living here eight months first) so that's one more thing that should help.

I changed my room around today. For anyone that knows me that is a good sign. It is a "rebirth" and a huge effort to have a different outlook. My hands are still throbbing from moving my heavy bedroom furniture by myself. I was going to go to the gym this afternoon, but I think I've lifted enough for today!

My New Awesome Friend

Ms. Jessica is from Memphis, Tenn. and lives in the apartment complex in front of mine. I love it because I get to see her just about everyday. She and I met at Outback, she is a server as well, and we hit it off right away. Ever since I went back to work after Christmas we have been talking, and as of three weeks ago, we are inseparable. Bad news is, she will be moving back to Memphis this summer to finish dental school. I know she and I will do the best with the time we have, but I've started to lean on her so much when Katie, my roommate and only real friend, was highly involved with her band and was never here. This is a little bit about her.
"My name is Jessica, and I am 20 years old. I've lived in the 'Boro for a little over a year. I'm not taking any classes this semester, I'm working instead. I'm a pre-dental major, and I'll be done with school in 2012. I have a puppy named Camille, she's really sweet. A lot of work, but still sweet. I work at Outback Steakhouse as a server and Pottery Barn. My family still lives in Memphis, and I'm moving back there in June. The 'Boro is great, but I want to be closer to my family, and I have to go back for dental school anyway. I plan on tearing it up my last few months here! "

Last night she was my wine partner and we fell asleep watching "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Tonight I'm working for her so she can have a Valentine's date with her boyfriend. I hope you can check out her site and say a little hello.

Valentine's Day

I haven't met a man yet who has done Valentine's Day like the men in the movies do. I know it is a Hallmark holiday, but I still like it. I was supposed to have a dinner date last Saturday that was going to be close to a Valentine's date, but by the time he and I got together, it was past dinner time. Sunday night he met a few of my friends and I realized that there are some people that you just can't put in the same room together. Last night we had plans to see each other one last time before he went back on tour with Bon Jovi. I was excited to have a Valentine's date....but no. We watched Law & Order until he fell asleep around 11:30. I got a few hugs, but not even a kiss! I have to say I was disappointed. If I ever said anything to him about this he would just say, “well you could have taking any kisses you wanted.” He misses the point. I don’t want to have to take anything. Here is the question though. I know him well enough already to know that he is just the kind of guy that is really honest and doesn't play games. I would not have been there if he didn't want me there. BUT I also know myself well enough to know that that just isn't good enough! He and I joke about this. He said "How close do you expect a relationship to be to perfect?" I said "97%" Is that outrageous? Are my expectations just too high? Even though I know he cares about me and I know that in his mind things are right on course for a new relationship, but if he doesn't act or react the way I expect my "future husband" to, what do I do? He is older than me and won't change his ways and I don't have time to train him anyway. So does that mean I have to walk away? I always walk away. For once I'd like to actually just date and not over think all this! I guess I’m just not built that way.
It's fucking Valentine's Day and I got a shit load of candy, cards and even flowers from my comets (that's the name of the three year old room) but not even a "Happy Valentine's Day" from Bon Jovi guy. He does have a name, but I think he'd prefer if I didn't use it. I sometime feel bad for guys on this holiday, but I think it is really simple. Just get some flowers, a nice card and give her a damn kiss and you'll be set! Anything beyond that is awesome but not necessary. We just want to feel special! Girls do have some obligation today. My first long term boyfriend, Dave, and I started dating right before Valentine's Day so I couldn't get him anything really lovie dovie so I got him a six pack of beer with a red bow and Camel cigarettes attached to a card. He loved it! (What does that tell you about him??? )
Anyway I think we need to remember what this holiday is about. I asked my comets what we were supposed to do today and after a few very WRONG answers (which included dressing up like batman and blowing out candles on a cake) we finally got to the RIGHT answer. Today we are supposed to tell the people close to us that we love them and appreciate them. So, I love all of you that read my blog and truly care about my success out here. I really don't know if I would wake up some days without you. This is what this gay ass holiday should be about (but flowers would be nice too).

Week Three with the 3 year olds

Working with three year olds has proven to be very entertaining. In my class of 18 kids and just us two adults, things do tend to get a little crazy. Mondays are usually the worst since the kids have been at home and away from our rules. The percentage of time-outs is higher and nap time is usually extended due to bad behavior. By Friday though, the kids are sharing more, using their words to express feelings, and generally saying "thank you" and "excuse me." It is also very clear why I can't get over my cold.

On Monday, Nathan was in time-out at the teacher table. He was fake crying so we paid him no attention. Finally I did happen to look at him and I saw the most disgusting thing I think I may have ever witnessed. His head was inches away from the table and he was pulling long strings of snot out of his nose and making a pile of it on the table. When I called his name to get him to stop he looked up at me with snot falling out of his nose and gliding off his fingers. I nearly said "What the Hell are you doing you nasty kid?" but instead I calmly told him to get a tissue and never play with his snot again! I had to then clean him and the table.
If that wasn't enough, we have a delightful young girl named Nicole. I guess her parents have decided that verbal skills are not that important. All she knows how to do is point, grunt, and cry. We are constantly telling her to use her words to express her feelings because without them we can't help her. Well she woke up from her nap but stayed face down on her mat. She started crying and grunting but we had no idea what the problem was. Finally I picked her up to try to calm her down and I realized what the problem was. She had forgotten to get up to use the bathroom. This wasn't just number 1! So I had to find some clean clothes and clean her off. I was so grossed out. When my nieces were younger I had no problem changing even the dirtiest of diapers, but I guess since these kids are not related to me and since they are at an age that this shouldn't be an issue, I'm completely grossed out. Even when the kids call me in the bathroom to help them wipe after a messy number 2, I am somewhat disgusted. I guess this is motivation to not stay in childcare my whole life.
They do have their moments when they completely impress me though. Last Friday I was the head teacher and everything went so smoothly. We talked about manors and sharing. I complimented the kids whenever they did anything well and I wrote notes home to their parents about their successful day. When the afternoon teacher came to take my place, the kids all hugged me and said they loved me and would miss me. I left with a very big smile on my face. So this job has it's moments of disgust and pure love, but I still would never make this my full time career.

Life Isn't

Life isn't about keeping score.

It's not about how many friends you have

Or how accepted tou are.

Not about if you have plans thei weekend or if you're alone

It isn't about who you're dating, who you used to date, how many people you've dated,

or if you haven't been with anyone at all.

It isn't about who you have kissed,

It's not about sex.

It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have,

Or what kind of car you drive,

Or where you are sent to school.

It's not about how beautiful or ugly you are,

Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to.

It's not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, or brown

Or if your skin is too light or too dark.

Not about what grades you get, how smart you are, how smart everybody else thinks you are,

Or how smart standardized tests say you are.

It's not about what clubs you're in or how good you are at "your" sport.

It's not about representing your whole being on a piece of paper and seeing who will "accept the written you."

LIFE JUST ISN'T

But, life is about who you love and who you hurt.

It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully.

It's about keeping or betraying trust.

It's about friendship, used as a sanctity or a weapon.

It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, .amybe heartening.

ABout starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.

It's about what judgments you pass and why.

AND WHO YOUR JUDGMENTS HURT

%3

Love vs. Companionship

I remember the first time I brought a boyfriend home to meet my grandmother. I was a sophomore in college and Dave had been my boyfriend for nearly eight months. Nana and I never got along when I was growing up, mainly because I had a temper and she wanted me to be just like my two skinny blonde sisters. But that day she sat me down and asked me if I was serious about this guy. At the time I really thought I was. She said to me that I was at an age that I needed to date a few men at a time. To her that means allow them to take me to dinner or a movie, but nothing physical. At the time I thought she was nuts. I wanted to have one boyfriend and not worry about it anymore. I didn’t want to look any longer. But she was right! Every man I have chosen to have a relationship with, whether long term or short, brought me closer to understanding myself and what I want in a future husband. I have been blessed to have remarkable men in my past and I hope they know what gifts they have brought to my life.

But relationships do end! There is a distinct moment when a decision must be made about the future of the relationship. When a couple first meets, they start to learn all the surface level information. Then they spend a tremendous about of time together because they are still learning, still laughing, and still wanting each other. Things haven’t become routine yet and there most likely hasn’t been a fight. But eventually you peel off a few more layers and either find a more wonderful partner, or you find what I call “red flags.” “Red Flags” are signs I’ve already learned from previous failed relationships. For example, being controlling, overly jealous, untrustworthy, unmotivated, negative or uninspiring. When I see these red flags I usually try to ignore them at first because they aren’t important enough to end a relationship over. Eventually though, those little things eat at you and multiply. Then you must be honest with yourself and your partner, and stop things before people get really hurt. That’s hard sometimes because the comfort and friendship is the hardest to give up. To not have someone to call before you go to bed every night, and to not have someone care when you get off work or even if you’re sick. Yes, it’s hard to give that up…but that’s not love….that’s companionship. I don’t know a cure for that except to busy yourself with things that make you proud of you. I speak from experience. I have put a man through hell, because I couldn’t let go of his friendship and he didn’t want to let go of his love for me. It wasn’t until recently that I finally told him he was right, that we couldn’t be friends. I hadn’t been fair to him and all I could do now was walk away and let him build a solid loving relationship with someone else. When we were in junior high we could remain friends with Ex-Boyfriends, but too much hope and trust is put into relationships at our age, and therefore it’s usually too painful to remain friends. My point in all this is that we can’t allow a partner to stay in our lives merely because we don’t want to be alone. Be honest with yourself and respect when others are doing the same.

I Want them to know their Mother

On August 4th, 2000 I decided to write my to-be-children a letter. I wanted to write about myself at age 20, so that I can remember what I knew I could do at that age and to encourage them to see what they can do. I've decided that I want to write another letter, since so much has happened since then. These are a few highlights from the first letter.

I have picked your names and I envisioned your births. My body after twenty years is energetic, carefree, and full of passion. I dream all that I can and execute all that I dare. I'm at a rest stop in my life. I have the tools to complete my journey, an apartment, a car, excellent education, and support from both you grandparents and my lovely friends, but I have a long quest ahead of me. At this point I have plans to complete my undergraduate in music education at Towson, and then go on to graduate school in the Tennessee or Boston area.
I wish I could tell you that I have already met your father and that I have known him for years. I wish I could tell you we are already thinking about you, but it seems as though I am having a hard time finding a man that is living up to our standards. I decided to write this letter for a few reasons. I'd like you to understand your mother, and I want to remember how I was when you reach this age. I'll rememeber that you are adults, not children. I'll remember how independent I felt and how confident in my dreams I was. My one goal for you all is that you will never back down from your dreams.
My dear children...I give you all of me. Every smile I smile is given to you to ensure your life-long happiness. Every tear I cry, I cry so you will cry one less. Every time doors are closed in my face I will fight to make sure they are open when you cross through them. Every harsh reality I experience, I welcome it to prolong your innocence. Every note, rhythm, melody, and song I produce will be inspired by your tender heats. Promise me you will love and respect each other long after I'm gone. Promise me you will support and counsel one another and more than aything, promise me you will follow your dreams!

That was actually the very condensed version! I can't wait to write another chapter to this letter. I think it's important that my children know how it felt to move out here and how I actually succeded without too much heartache. I only wish I knoew what my mother was thinking when she went to the convent!

My First Day with 3 Year Olds

Yesterday was a crappy day here in Tennessee. It was rainy and absolutely nasty. I made it to the day care at 7:30 in the morning and the kids were wide awake and ready to go. The teacher I am replacing was there walking me through the day. We have 18 kids total in the class and these kids range from absolutely adorable and pretty horrible. There were two that I knew immediately would be a problem, Mr. Locus and Ms. MaKayla. They fight with the other kids every chance they get and unfortunately I think the other kids have been allowed to constantly wine so there is a huge scene every time misbehaver happens. I know that I will be a bit tougher on these kids than the last teacher, but I have know doubt they will love me for it.
I was there five hours yesterday and I found that everything we did took more time to prepare than the actual event. It took us 30 minutes to get ready for morning snack, then 20 minutes to prepare for circle time, 45 minutes to clean up for lunch, and 45 minutes to settle down for nap time. That's two and a half hours just getting ready for things! I guess I'll get used to it, but I really felt like the time flew but we hardly accomplished anything!
Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved every second of being with these kids. They remind me to look at the world in a much more creative way. You can't just ask 3 years olds to stay quite, you have to give them something more interesting to listen to. I enjoy the challenge and love the affection. Wednesday I will be there the full 8 hours so I wonder how I'll feel about things then. :o)

My addiction

During my winter break a friend recommended that I rent a season of the show 24. I knew my sister was really into the show so I figured it was a good choice. Little did I know that I would become addicted to Jack Bauer! I rented the forth season thinking it was the first and got through all 24 episodes in two days. I ran out to the movie store in the middle of the night to rent the first season. Three days later I was back to rent the second. I'm now half way through the third season and the fifth season just aired last Sunday. I think I'm going to wait for the fifth season so come out on DVD because it's a lot easier to watch the show with no commercials. If you doing know anything about this show you are really missing out on what I think is the most innovating shows on television.
My sister is a huge Survivor fan so I bet she knows what it's like to actually have dreams about the show (or maybe that's because I watched so many episodes in one day). What other shows are you addicted to?

Wasted

I got this CD for Christmas and I can't stop listening to it. The first track is called Wasted. I want you all to read the first verse and chorus...I love it.

Standin' at the back door, she tried to make it fast. One tear hit the hardwood it felt like broken glass. She said sometimes love slips away and you just can't get it back, Let's face it. For one split second she almost turned around but that would be like pouring rain drops back into a cloud. So she took another step, said I see the way out and I'm going to take it. I don't wanna spend my life jaded, waiting to wake up one day and find that I let all these years pass by...Wasted.

This is the second song on the CD and in some ways it's even better.

Don't Forget to Remember Me

18 years have come and gone For momma they flew by But for me they just drug on We were loading up that Chevy Both tryin' not to cry Momma kept on talking Putting off good-bye Then she took my hand and said Baby don't forget Before you hit the highway You better stop for gas There's a 50 in ashtray In case you run short on cash Here's a map and here's a bible If you ever loose your way Just one more thing before you leave Don't forget to remember me This downtown apartment sure makes me miss home and those bills there on the counter Remind me I'm on my own And just like every Sunday I called momma up last night And even when it's not, I tell her everything's alright Before we hung up I said Hey momma, don't forget to tell my baby sister I'll see her in the fall And tell mee-mal that I miss her Yeah, I should give her a call And make sure you tell Daddy that I'm still his little girl Yeah I still feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be Don't forget to remember me Tonight I find myself kneeling by the bed to pray I haven't done this in a while So I don't know what to say but Lord I feel so small some times in this big ol' place I know there are more important things, but Don't forget to remember me Don't forget to remember me

This is one of those CDs that you can just put on repeat in your CD player. I wake up, get ready for school/work, and even fall alseep to this CD. It's worth investing in.

Where Do I Even Begin?

I know it's been a long time since I written in my blog, but I decided to take care of a few things before I posted some updates. Since I've last posted, some awesome things have happened. Going home for Christmas taught me that I truly adore my mother. I spent most of my time with her and literally loved every second. We went out to eat, went shopping and stayed in to watch Lifetime movies. I even got to spend some quality time with my Nana, which I usually avoid (since our history isn't the greatest) but I actually enjoyed listening to all of her stories.
It's becoming more and more obvious to me that I belong here. Yes, going home and visiting is nice, but I'm making it work here. Monday was AM's birthday and just calling didn't feel like enough. She and I usually go out to brunch or go out for drinks, and not being there to share the day was a little sad. But again, I really feel like this was the right move.
The first day of the Spring semester was Tuesday and I actually had friends on campus! I ran into at least seven people that I knew from work or other classes and for the first time I didn't feel so lonely and friendless. That's important to me since I have ALWAYS had plenty of friends. I guess it just takes while. My self esteem is getting back on track and has helped me relax and make better friends and get more stuff done. This is what I have accomplished in a month.

1. I was granted Candidacy! So now I'm able to in enrolled in upper division classes like copyright Law, Artist Management, PR communications, Media Writing and Accounting. What a spring semester this will be!
2. I finally got another job! I will be starting some time next week at Small Wonders child care center as a teacher in the 3 year old room. I'm so excited to work with kids again.
3. For my PR class we have to find a nonprofit agency and represent them this semester. My duties will include providing them with Press Releases, Privacy Release forms, and any other basic PR work. I called the Domestic Violence Program here in Rutherford county and I have a meeting with them tomorrow to discuss the PR direction we will taking with their company! I'm completely thrilled!

I'm starting to feel like a completely different person. I'm becoming...Excited about school and the career it will lead me to. Every class I sit in this semester I wonder if this is the field I'll really take an interest in ( except for Accounting). I can't wait until Monday night when I have my Artist management class and if you have any Copyright questions, my professor literally wrote the book on it. We will be briefing cases this semester and will be treated like first year law students.

With Katie living with me, my new job and no more car payments, I really think I'll be ok financially. In May I could work full time at the Day Care and full time at Outback...Then I'd make some serious money. So...I think the stressful and emotional adjustment period is coming to a close and now I'm just thrilled about why I'm here and I literally run home to do homework. That will probably wear off though.

I did it!

CANDIDACY! To receive candidacy, recording Industry majors have to complete four core classes, at least 65 credits of gen. eds., and receive a C or better in College Algebra. The department then takes the average to the four classes, plus the Math and average of gen.eds. to create one number that is used to compare all candidacy applicants. They accept only the top 20% of those students into the program. If you do not receive candidacy the first time, you are recommended to retake either the math or some core classes to boost your overall score. Most people that I have met in my core classes were there retaking the class.
I was able to apply for candidacy this semester since I have now completed the math, core classes and gen. ed. requirements. I was contacted yesterday by the dean of the department congratulating me on receiving CANDIDACY! :o) So I did it! All the social opportunities I passed up to study and all the note cards I took with me to work just to study, paid off! I guess I knew it would, I was just worried about how well all the other candidacy applicatants did. If their score was higher, than I wouldn't be in the top 20%! So...it's a good holiday now. I can relax and enjoy my time with friends and family.
I finally did all my Christmas shopping yesterday. I wish I had more money to spend on my family...But I just had enough to buy one thing for everyone. I know it isn't about how much you spend, it's about being together...But I like to make people happy. Well Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I Have a Roommate!

Things have gotten VERY tight financially, so I've filled out about ten different job applications at local hotels to be a front desk clerk a few days a week. I thought that would be an easy day job that I might even be able to get a little reading for school done. I have my first interview tomorrow for Fairfield Inn, which is across the street from my Outback job! I'm keeping things really local. Wish me luck, receiving this job would be a nice note to end on before I fly home.
I also have acquired a roommate! Katie had put a deposit down for an apartment with a friend of her's from home, and was scheduled to move in January 1st. Well last week her friend decided she won't be able to afford the apartment and wanted her deposit back. It was hell trying to get the money back and Katie didn't have enough time to find another option for living arrangements. So, my dining room is now her bedroom! We have moved my guitar, keyboard and microphone back into my bedroom and rearrangement the kitchen table to allow room for her bed and dresser. There is, surprisingly, enough room! I have a huge closet, that I now share, as well as space in the bathroom. She has already bought all kinds of things for OUR place. I drew up a little contract that I asked her to sign that just said she would pay about $200.00 a month towards the rent payment and other bills. I couldn't charge her half, since she lives in the dining room! But it will really help me financially and with Bailey. So it looks like things are going to be ok!
I do have some bad news though. A really good friend of mine from home, Kateri, needs your thoughts and prayers. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer this fall ( I honestly can't remember what kind) and they have been doing multiple tests and procedures. I received a message from Kateri last night that said her mother wasn't doing well. Her mother is just the kindest women I've ever met and it just breaks my heart to know what this family is going through, especially during the Christmas season. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Exams Completed!

All weekend I have been working through 100 math questions in hopes that I would be more prepared for this final. I have never been very good in math but my test scores did get a little better each test. But still I need an 85% to keep my B. How good do you think your college algebra skills are? Check it out at, then you can check the answer key at http://math.web.mtsu.edu/course_materials/1710_reviewsheet.html http://math.web.mtsu.edu/course_materials/1710_answerkey.html

Last night I got together with a few of the "smart" people in my history of recording industry class to study for our final. We went over everything until 2:30 in the morning! I was VERY prepared for that final. I ended up getting a B in that class and a B in my Mass Media class. Today I took my survey of Recording Industry final and my teacher graded it for me and told me that I have a B in his class as well. So now I just need to know about my Audio of Media class and my Math class. I'm still worried about the Math though.

But.....it's OVER! My first semester at MTSU is over. In about 7 days I find out if I can go on and take upper division classes in the recording industry program. Keep your fingers crossed!

The Semester is Almost Over

Yesterday was our last day of classes for the Fall semester. I have two finals in Monday and Tuesday and one on Wednesday. I think I have really been over doing myself though. I work everyday, go to school, study for exams, and constantly search for another job. I was contacted last Friday to interview for a position I was really interested in. It is a publicist position at a small independent music label called Dualtone. I was really excited and spent the weekend rewriting my resume and practicing what I would say. Tuesday at 3 pm was my interview time and I looked AWESOME. I was having a great hair day and I looked professional but trendy. The office was right on music row across the street from Sony/BMG headquarters. I walk in and met two gentlemen that work there and was told that the woman who was scheduled to interview me had to go to the hospital that morning due to complications with her pregnancy. I was so upset but I understood. So now I'm waiting for my interview to be rescheduled.
I think all the stress has finally gotten to me physically. I was so productive this past week getting everything in order for next semester and my flight home for Christmas that now my body needs a break. I went into work last night for my 7th shift in a row and my stomach was quite upset but I thought I could work anyway. My first table ordered a bloomin' onion and the smell made my stomach turn and I knew I could not stay there. My boss was really great and let me go home. Katie came over with medicine and Kassi dropped off some sprite on her on her way home from work. Finally around 3am, I finally got to sleep and by the time I woke up today I was feeling much better. Thanks to the help from a few friends.
Today I have just been relaxing and doing reviews for exams next week. I might do something low key this evening but I intend to be asleep early so I can continue to study tomorrow before I go to work.

What a Crazy Few Weeks

Let me start with my 4 am drive to the airport on Thanksgiving Day. I was a little nervous about how crazy the airlines would be, but BNA was it's usual quiet peaceful self (though it was 5 in the morning and only crazy people travel this early). So I take my time to the terminal gate and even stop and get a huge cup of hot chocolate since I learned last time that a cup a of coffee on an empty stomach can be painful. Once I arrived at the gate I took my seat next to another girl my age, two seats away from the only other young person in the room. Everything seemed fine until it was about 10 minutes before we were scheduled to board and BNA employee came over the PA system telling us that our flight attendant wasn't here and they were in the process of finding their back-up. Ok, fine not a big deal. Thirty minutes later we hear that there is no back-up flight attendant and they have to call another employee in, soon after that we were told that the flight was canceled and we had to chose another flight. It was now 7 am and all 25 passengers had to get back in line and individually plan another route to Washington. I couldn't believe it! There was a young woman with her two boys ages 18 months and 2 and a half years. The boys had been entertaining us all up to this point but were out of patients. She was allowed to reschedule first due to her young boys but while they were at the counter the boys lost it. The mother was told that she had to fly through Chicago and catch another plane on to Washington. That is just too hard with young boys. The mother was losing patients, the boys were wining, and then she gets a call from her husband in Iraq, but doesn't reach it in time and misses the call. She finally took a step back and sat down to regroup. I was so impressed with her composure, I would have lost it! After about 45 minutes of trying to reroute everyone, a flight attendant was found and we were back in business. I was arrived in Washington 3 hours later than expected and quickly took a shower and headed over to Mommak's house.
I was so excited to see my nieces since the last visit home was just an adult function. We played and had wonderful appetizer and causal family conversation. I started to feel how much the morning had effected me around 4 pm and just HAD to take a short nap. I woke up to dinner being ready and I could smell the fired turkey and stuffing. Mommka makes awesome stuffing. After dinner my mother, aunt, and grandmother left and "the kids" were left to play cards and finish off the wine. I have to say this was the most relaxing Thanksgiving in recent history, but it felt too safe. It felt like we were on our tip-toes and tried not to offend each other, it was a little odd. I slept downstairs with my oldest niece and in the morning AM and left to have lunch with my mother and grandmother.
Later that afternoon my best friend Jessi came all the way up from southern Maryland to see me and be my driver for the weekend. That evening we went to John's house (the medical school student from New York that I've known since 5th grade) to have drinks with he and his cousin and then went on to a bonfire. We really had a great time but if you walked away from the fire you were freezing!
The next day I was in a wedding and Jessi went with me since I had no car and knew no one at the wedding except the bride. Though I hated my dress, the day turned out ok. The reception was at a really nice place and I played with the kids most of the time. Jessi and I had planed to go to Baltimore that night but we were just too tired from our long day. So instead we stayed home with Mom and watched movies on the Hallmark channel. Jessi went home and Mom went to bed but I stayed up until about 2 in the morning watching back to back Law and Order. I really miss cable! The next day Mom and I decorated her apartment and lounged around until I had to go to the airport. The trip home was much less eventful than the trip to Virginia thank goodness.

Puppy Sitter

My very trust worthy puppy sitter, Katie, is unable to watch Bailey this weekend. I understand that Katie has plans, but Bailey really loves her and I just don't trust anyone else to stay in my apartment and be with Bailey. So the hunt for a good doggy hotel was on. I must have called ten different places Sunday and they were all full for Thanksgiving and Christmas! So last night I was a work asking friends if anyone wanted to make an extra 50-75 bucks by watching my "daughter" Bailey. One of my managers jumped at the offer and refused any money. He has a one and a half year old rat terrier and thinks that the two of them will get along really well. So tomorrow night after work I have to give her over to him and sleep alone. :o( It actually makes me a little teary eyed! I know Bailey will be fine but I'm not really close with this guy and I just worry that she'll get lose and get hit by a car or something. I know I will be calling everyday to check up on her! This will also be the first holiday I don't have her with me.