You Figured Me Out

Someone commented on something I said the other day. I mentioned there were many people out there doing some amazing things, and he responded "so why don't you do it?"
It got me thinking... What is it I want to do exactly? Truth is, there are so many things I want to do I cant make a decision on what do and when. Don't get me wrong, I definitely know what I want in life and how to get it... but it is the question of when.
So why do I do it? I am sure each of us want's the most out of this one life we receive:

God.
As I told one of my good friends just yesterday, He has a plan and a path for all of us. Hardships come and go while we become humbled.

Career.
For me right now, I have invested in my career. I have taken the first step and registered for the USGBC or US Green Building Council LEED AP Certification Exam. It is something Ive had sitting on the back burner for awhile now, but I am ready to move forward and take it. Then it is on to the NCIDQ... and then the ARE. And a few thousdand dollars in testing fees.

Family and Friends.
A coworker reminded me of something today that I had enjoyed once before; movies at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. This weekend, the Manhattan Short Film Festival is playing. I have to say it looks rather enticing. It is 120 minutes of short films with themes. Once the showing is complete, a vote takes place for the best/ favorite film. I have been so busy that I have not even met up with friends or classmates to enjoy the events at the museum. However, my friends and I did take some time out for a special birthday amongst us and went to try something new and fun. Pole Position, indoor go-karting. Invigorating, a rush of excitement and racing flags all around. Crashes, yelling and screaming. Best of it, a sock cap to mash down your hair while you are supporting a racing helmet which is first and foremost made with firey crashes in mind.

I have been spending a lot of quality time with my friends lately. Since I've left my old job and started a new one, I have met many new fabulous individuals but have kept up with the old too. I have even made some new friends that I would have never met before either. I am finally realizing what it means to have a life. Not that I didn't have one before, but it is different now with no classes and homework. New responsibilities, and I am certainly up for the challenge.

So now, what lies beyond God, Career, Family and Friends? I don't know exactly, but I am going to find out.

The Summer of My Life

This summer has hardly been the exotic or fabulous summer of my life that I will remember always, but I am working some accomplishments and adjustments in life. The summer I speak of is the summer of the seasons of my life. I received the parish newsletter a few weeks ago and just got to opening it up this past week.

The first entry discusses "The Seasons of Our Life"

"How ironic life can be! When we are young, we cant wait to grow up
and enjoy what we perceive to be the privileges of adulthood.
When we grow older, we look back with longing nostalgia
to the days of our youth"

It is funny because Ive recently begun to think that my life is flying by and that I am missing out on some of it's splendor. I have begun to feel old since Ive turned thirty, and I am just going to continue to grow older. I was watching an Oprah re-run the other night, and the highlight of the show was about women in their thirties. Single women and married women all discussing what life is like and what they had expected it to be by now. I have done alot of things and have accomplished alot of things, that is even some things that others have not by the time they are thirty. I have an education, a home, and a career. I play mom to a pet cat and manage to keep the lawn looking nice. I am my own super woman.
There are still many things I want to do in life and many things I want to accomplish as well. We all have these dreams and goals. The article though talks about embracing the seasons of our life, I feel that I am entering the summer of my life as part of my thirties, and when I am about 50 or so, that will be the fall, and then after 70 or so will be winter perhaps. This is my perception of the seasons, not what the article suggests. The article does suggest however, that "God offers what we need so that we can realize our fullest potential, no matter what our age might be."

With some of my recent experiences in life, writing a thesis, finishing up with school, and seeking new challenges and experiences in my career for example, I am understanding further my talents, self value and worth. The perception of myself is the summer of my life, and therefore the writing tells me that those of us in the summer or autumn should "face our many challenges in the assurance of God's sustaining graces." Although these challenges are those in making ourselves right for our eternal life, they can also be the challenges we achieve or fail with our careers, education, finances, and with life itself.

One quote from the article outlines what it is like to grow older and why we fight age:

"As the years advance, we find that they confer their gifts of
maturity, wisdom, and perspective. At the same time,
our physical nature declines, making us less eager to go on at all cost,
and prepareing us to enter our eternal home.
That is exactly why older people are so much at peace,
and find it so easy to let go, when their time arrives.
If we were forever young, strong, and beautiful,
we might never want to leave."

I Dream of Clean

I need to clean, but I have to wait until school is officially over to really dig in and deep clean. Things are a bit out of order too. As soon as school is finished, then I will definitely have more time to get organized and spic and span. I know everyone says this, in fact my friend who also completed her thesis told me today that she feels lethargic and just wants to chill, and hopes that something fun will fall into her lap. I dont blame her. I know exactly what she means, it is a huge weight lifted off of her shoulders. But Ive still got another week or so before it will be official.

On the subject of cleaning, Le Chic Chick knows... How to Clean card number 10 of 50, in no particular order of the intelligence deck.

"Work

from

Top

to

Bottom

Dust ceiling fans, mouldings, the top of your fridge and the tops of tall furniture. Work your way down to windows, sills, and mirrors.

Next, clean table tops, counters, refrigerator, ovens and sinks. Polish furniture, clean out drawers and cabinets, wipe down doors and casings. Disinfect all bathroom surfaces.

Wipe down baseboards, beat out area rugs, and spot clean floors. Finish with a good sweep, mop and/or vacuum. "

sounds like a good plan, Ill get right on that... when school is out.

A Weekend Too Short

This memorial day weekend has really gone by quickly. It seems like yesterday was only Thursday. I had a good and productive weekend, but it is nearly over. I danced, I baked, I worked on my final project for school and then I sat in the sun like an idiot yesterday afternoon and got burnt to a crisp. Today I am still working on my project. Just another week left and then I can officially graduate. The last three weeks have gone by quickly as well, it is a reality check to learn that after next weekend, it will be the month of June. I was disappointed this morning to wake up and learn that we didnt get any of the rain that was headed in this direction when I went to sleep last night. It is feeling a bit warm for the time of year and Ive had to switch on the air conditioner in the house. It was absolutely great a few weeks ago when it was about 75 or so degrees during the day and a crisp 55 over night. Now it is hot, muggy, and the sun is evil. Right now, more inclimate weather is moving in from the west. Northwest Oklahoma has had it's fair share of tornadoes in the last month. Im ready for some rain and thunder here myself.

Anyhow, happy memorial day to everyone out there - hope you had a good weekend as well.

Commencement, 2008

Yesterday was a big day. First and foremost, it was my baby Tula's 3rd Birthday! Happy Birthday Tula!!!

Second, it was the evening I have been waiting for. Commencement. It was somewhat surreal. I was thinking about it all day yesterday, but tried to keep busy with things instead. I got my sister to drive me since I told her I planned to drink heavily afterwards, so we all hopped in the car and drove to the campus. I had to go find the other graduates, as instructed so that they could line us up and send us on a campus walk to commemorate our time spent at the university and for the students who have gone before us. It was a tradition to walk and to touch the bell that was used in 1890. Many of the girls walking took their shoes off because of uncomfortable heels and pumps. The campus police officers blocked off the streets so that the line of graduates could walk in a procession.

We waited outside the building for several minutes while the wind blew. Holding our hoods, some got away with the wind and several were also chasing caps and honor cords. Whatever the weather was doing, I was excited to be there. I have earned it, and I have worked hard on everything I have done there. I have sacrificed, and have shed tears in the making. Last Tuesday I walked three copies of my thesis (on 25% cotton paper) to the archives and special collections to leave them for binding. I was thinking of this last night, and I couldnt believe that it was all done.

Finally it was time to enter, two by two we walked into commencment and stood for the entrance of the faculty, and for the National Anthem. We listened to the president of the university speak for a few minutes, and then lined up to be hooded. They announced names one by one, and we walked, smiled for the camera as the dean's placed hoods over our heads, we shook hands and were given a diploma cover. It was an exciting walk back down the center aisle back to my seat. It was a great honor to look over to the faculty and receive expressions of accomplishment.

I got to see some friends from other classes, and some good friends who traveled far to be with me last night. It was quite an evening, and I will remember it always.

Stayin' Alive

Yes, yes I am still among the living. Just dont really have alot of extra time right now to blog, clean house, get the oil changed in the car or open mail... Life is busy, and looking forward to some down time in the coming weeks.
The thesis is coming along well, two weeks until the defense. Still some work to do yet, this weekend making some changes, getting it all formatted, and adding a little something here and there. Im blogging now and procrastinating today. Just three weeks until graduation, and then time to head out into the real world.
I was on campus yesterday morning near the pond when some geese came to shore with a pack of little ones. The momma or the daddy goose was hanging out watching and warning humans to stay away with hissing sounds. The little guys were so cute I had to stop for a moment and take some pictures.

Work Hard, Play Not

Graduation is in 54 days, but who is counting?
Just a few weeks left of class, treaturous deadlines, and no sleep. Today was exciting though, I got to purchase all of the commencement gear. It seems very real now instead of just going around thinking about it. Anyway, back to work.

Untitled on the Shelf

There has been a nasty strain of the flu virus going around... I had part one of it a few weeks back, and now it is on to phase two, I guess. I had an entire weekend planned to get caught up and finished with the writing portion of my thesis. One last marathon weekend to get it so that it could be sent off to editing. I guess it is safe to say that the thesis is making me sick, literally...
Saturday, I began feeling weak, with chills and a fever (among the other yuckiness). The only thing that sounded appetizing were saltine crackers and 7-up. Luckily, my sister came to the rescue and found me crackers and 7-up. I continued to trudge on through writing. Sunday was a bit better, but still not 100%, then it hit me again last night. I sent my paper off to my friend for editing. I was just thinking how no one will probably ever read my thesis paper... It may sit upon the shelves in the library stacks for centuries to come without a page ever turned. That is ok and at least I know I have a great friend who is sitting now reading line by line, checking for grammatical errors and things that just dont make sense.
So thank you Andrea for all of your help... It will not go un-noticed :)

Congestion, Television and Architecture

So Ive been slacking on my intelligence deck posts. I know this. Life has been busy and Ive been trying several different decongestants that will help me get back on track. Ive got three cards, all to do with architecture... good times!

Ive been feeling inspired lately to look forward to something new to take on when I graduate. What should be next? I have been contemplating an MBA, or the pastry program for fun. I could officially retire the educational sector too. Not sure yet. An architectural lighting degree kinda sounds like fun too though. So we'll see where life takes me in the upcoming months. I would like to eventually dabble in new media with a design related podcast like Steph and Cliff who are fabulous podcasters for Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, and Lost, among others. I mostly listen to PP, Grey's and Heroes. (also available through itunes)... It has been awhile though because of the writers strike and season wrap ups. My dvr has been a little empty lately. The Cashmere Mafia has been a nice edition to the weekly television line up, but I am sad that Desperate Housewives has been moved to Friday nights instead of Sundays. Maybe ABC has something more exciting. Project Runway has been somewhat entertaining this spring as well. I was disappointed to see Elisa go early in the season though. I know the Hansel and Gretyl wasnt that spectacular, but overall she has more potential I think than Sweet P. I am rooting for Christian, as he is most entertaining, and I like his whole 80's sweep into the twenty first century flair, but I would be more likely to wear the clothing that Jillian produces. She makes me nervous though watching her every episode as the last one running out the door to the runway. It has been a constant for her, but I havent really been impressed with anything except the prom dress that Sweet P has composed.

Onto the deck, I believe this is card 3, 4, and 5 of 50 (again, in no particular order, just next in line):

"Le Chic Chick knows... Examples of Art Deco Architecture...

Art Deco Architecture = angular, geometrical patterns and bright colors; use of enamel, chrome, glass and plastic.

CHRYSLER BUILDING

BY WILLIAM VAN ALEN

NEW YORK, NY 1928-1930

*************************

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

BY SHREVE, LAMB AND HARMON

NEW YORK, NY 1931

*************************

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

BY JOSEPH B. STRAUSS

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 1933-1937

*************************

KIFFHOOK HOUSING ESTATE

BY J.J.P. OUD

ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS 1930

*************************

NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL

BY BERTRAM GOODHUE

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 1924"

"Le Chic Chick knows... Examples of Expressionist Modern Architecture...

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

by Jorn Utzon

Sydney, Australia 1957-1973

**************************

FALLINGWATER

by Frank Lloyd Wright

Ohiopyle, PA, 1934-48

**************************

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO

by Frank Gehry

Bilbao, Spain, 1997

**************************

NOTRE DAME du HAUT, or RONCHAMP

by Le Corbusier

Ronchamp, France, 1955

**************************

ST. ANTONIUS CHURCH

by Justus Dahinden

Wildegg, Switzerland 1966-69

**************************

GATEWAY ARCH

by Eero Saarinen

St. Louis, Missouri, 1947-1966

**************************

VITRA DESIGN MUSEUM

by Frank Gehry

Weil-am-Rhein, Germany, 1990."

"Le Chic Chick knows... Examples of Neo-Classical Architecture...

Neo-Classical Architecture = European architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries focused on severe Classicalism.

CIRCUS AT BATH

by John Wood

at Bath, England, 1754

**************************

MOUNT VERNON

by Lawrence and George Washington,

Mount Vernon, VA, 1743 - 1780

**************************

PENNSYLVANIA STATION

by McKim, Mead, and White

at New York, NY 1910

**************************

STATUE OF LIBERTY

by Frederic Bartholdi

at Liberty Island, NY 1884 - 1886

**************************

THE WHITE HOUSE

by James Hoban

at Washington, DC 1793 - 1801

**************************

BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE

by Henri Labrouste

Paris, France 1862 - 1868"

Life Long Learning Pursuit

It is nearly mid-January. Back to work, and back to school (for the final semester). I think I will in some ways miss being a "student" when it is all said and done even though I know that we in life always continue to learn. Over the holiday break and in recent days I have spent some time catching up with the Sims. I have to say that my neighborhood of mansions and fine furnishings is more than that. You have to train your Sims, and in return, they have to learn every day skills like cooking, fixing things, cleaning the litter box, etc. The small Sims have to study for school or risk being sent off to "military school." I have only spent the last several years working with the original Sims, as I have not fully traded it in for the Sims 2, which I understand is a bit more up to date, as your characters will lead a life from cradle to grave instead of being assigned adult or child status(without getting any older). Sounds like a great fountain of youth to me.

Now for our Intelligence Deck card 2 of 50 (in no particular order):

"Le Chic Knows... Education is a Lifelong Pursuit..."

" Read.

Write.

Ask questions.

Perfect a language... then learn a new one.

Play a sport. When you get good at it, get better.

Take classes.

Play chess.

Feed your mind as you'd feed your body...daily."

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!

It has been awhile since Ive posted last... unintentional hiatus, but the holiday's got in the way. Before my short vacation from school and work, things were uber crazy. I was baking cookies for friends, shopping for last minute gifts and trying to pick up the holiday spirit that was lacking because school and work.

my holiday bakes

The thesis is going rather well if I do say so myself. I have 31 days to basically wrap up the statistical analysis and writing - then it is off for the defense which is basically editing and defending the findings and writing to several professors and educators who will come back and say, "what about this" or "what are you trying to say here?" etc. Constructive criticism and tough guts. The final semester is looming.

I did get into the holiday spirit after shopping for two needy families that our office sponsored this year. It has become a tradition of the office marketing manager and I to do the shopping, as I have been doing this for three years now. I always manage to pick up on the season when I venture to the store to pick up goodies, new clothes, and basic necessities that many of us don't put a second thought to, like tooth brushes, undergarments, pajamas, socks, hats and gloves. I stayed up all night one evening to get as much of it done as possible. I had to stop early because we ran out of boxes to wrap in, and I didnt have alot of extras around the house. The office folks lended a helping hand to wrap up the remaining items the Friday before Christmas. It was fun to see all of the wrapped presents go out the door and to the organization which makes sure that the families recieve their gifts! After this, I was finally excited for Christmas. After a good nights sleep, I was ready to formally celebrate the season. I finished wrapping the gifts for my family and spent some time with Tula since she has been a bit neglected lately. She loved the catnip sticks that I got her.

Christmas morning this year was cool. We had everyone together and my brother's girlfriend came by to open gifts with us, along with Yaiyia too. We made cinnamon rolls and listened to holiday music while we each went around taking turns while opening gifts. I got some cool and exciting things.

Martini Christmas Ornaments: mom knows I love Christmas Ornaments. These were perfect! I also got some from CB2 for my friend L, because she likes martinis, cosmos, and Sex and the City too.

The Vintage Santa cake pan by Williams Sonoma. It is kinda late to test drive it this year, but next year I plan to pull it out and make something fun!

The Fortune Cookie Ornament: I just thought it was cool, and unique :)

To ring in the new year, and to celebrate my anniversary, I traveled to Dallas to spend time with good friends and family. We had a nice dinner and then headed downtown to watch the fireworks at Victory Park. It was almost midnight when we got there, so we saved some time and stayed in the car with the heater going to see the fabulous display. My husband kept asking me if I was going to take a picture for my blog... he was poking fun at me, so I decided to just watch them in the warmth of the heater instead. The show was great. We got back on the highway before the traffic got going. It was super. Today I had lunch with all of my friends and I finally got to exchange gifts with one of my best friends, L, and she totally surprised me with the Jonathan Adler fish ornament. It is ceramic, and too cute. Immediately reminded me of Tula, and I can always appreciate her impeccable taste in design, as she is a fellow designer :)

I was thinking this evening that I have not exactly set forth any new years resolutions just yet. It reminded me of one of my Christmas gifts, the Intelligence Deck:50 tips for living which is one of my most favorite things I received this year. It is a deck of cards, and it has been tempting to go through and read them all in one sitting. I decided that since it has about 50 cards in it, that Ill post one here every week. Not to infringe on the publisher of the deck, but to be inspired and to have a topic of writing or discussion. Good times. Also available, the Elegance Deck and the Strength Deck.


The Intelligence Deck, card 1 of 50 (actually the cards are not numbered, but this was the one in front when I opened up the deck):

"Le Chic Chick knows... to Appreciate the Business as Much as the Bag..."

"A lot of work goes into developing brand identity and well - crafted products. If you admire a designer or favor a particular brand, take the time to read their history. Don't just wear a pair of Gucci shoes, know how Guccio Gucci started the business back in 1921. Appreciate your purchases as well as the people who created your precious possessions."

A good tip to live by - and I do know first hand that there are lots of interesting facts behind designers, their lives, and where their inspirations came from. I know more about architects, furniture and industrial designers than I do about fashion designers, so I will have to branch out and learn more about those who clothe our soles. (pun intended...)

So to everyone out there, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a healthy and happy 2008!

Forever Fall

This is the 200th post for me. I just noticed.

I love fall, wearing sweaters and schlepping my favorite scarf around my neck. I managed to capture a gorgeous sunny fall day here in Oklahoma. Usually we dont see red leaves, they tend to go from green to brown, unlike the northern states where leaves are all shades of green, yellow, orange and red. It is something to see a little color here in the fall.

Anyway, back to blogging as life has been crazy lately and has taken me in circles really. Lots to do, yet too much to finish in one or two days or even a weeks time. I am excited it is starting to get cold outside - real cold. Winter is slowly sneaking among us, and the Christmas shopping season is in full force. Im not one to venture out into endless crowds on Black Friday so instead I ventured to the attic to retrive the christmas tree, decorations and ornaments that stay tucked away for 10 3/4 months of the year. I got a few pics of my favorite ornaments too - they are the one thing I argue that is worth collecting. Ornaments come out and are cherished for the holidays. They clutter only the tree, and the means of storage really. They dont stay out all year long to collect dust. So this is why I love them. Tula remembers the tree too. It is her new favorite place to hang out. She doesnt bother it really, just likes to sit underneath it. At least I know where to find her.

The Law and the Chocolate Chip Cookie

So today I ventured out in the bright sunshine to pick up my new glasses. They are fabulous. I had been eyeing them for a couple of years now and today, they became mine. They are bebe Schiatzie "grape suzette" color frames and they are so fabulous.
The last time I purchased glasses, I went for the black frames because you know they go with everything, yet still appealing. I had questioned getting these new ones of fear they would be too much like my friend's glasses and I didnt want to overstep her fabulous fashionista sense. But I think that all in all, these are still a bit different, so maybe they are not such a big deal, but I think they are fabulous anyhow.
Ive been procrastinating all weekend to sit down to my first legal brief of the semester. Ive read the case about three times now and I am getting it sorted out into the facts, issue, rule, and rationale. The case is Payton v. New York 445 U.S. 573 (1980). Reading legal cases is new for me, so Ive invested in a dictionary "Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms" which I might add has proven over the weekend to be a great tool for those of us who need to learn some legal jargon like "certiorari" and "tort" (not to be confused with "torte" of course). I am also entertained by some delightful chocolate chip cookies too. A great simple and traditional snack for a sunday evening while working on traditional (not so simple) homework assignments. I am sure even Elle Woods would agree.
Now I am procrastinating as to avoid housework. Ciao.

The Thesis Factory

From the looks of things around my house, on my table and in my mind, Ive been pretty busy lately. (and you know you are missing out on interesting things when you are amused by your cat, who finds utmost entertainment watching the pages shoot out of the printer too). I am proud to say though that my thesis project is well under way and heading into the Institutional Review Board sometime tomorrow to undergo the approval process. This is excellent news anyway for me, I might actually have time to watch television this weekend. Lord knows how many episodes of Oprah and Martha Stewart Ive missed out on in the last few weeks. Even the DVR recycles through them if they havent been watched within three days. I guess that is what reruns are for. I am very excited though for a couple of events that are happening soon:

1. Ms. Marvelous' birthday.

2. K Dahling's upcoming nuptials (to be discussed later).

and for these fabulous upcoming events, Ive managed to pull a few fun and fabulous things together for gift giving. The Sur La Table giant cupcake pan Ive been oohing over has turned into a birthday gift for Ms. Marvelous along with a few other cupcake parafernalia items as well. The uberfabulous "flirt apron" by one of my favorite etsy shops. This one was just too appropriate at the right time. This one (photo by etsy shop owner) features Robert Kaufman's "buttercup" from the "Sweet Tooth" collection of textile fabrics. And a couple of little things from crate and barrel to top things off with (you know, like sprinkles). The cupcake spatula which I am already a big fan of with its small cupcake image implanted within the silicone... well you get the picture. Had to then throw in the cleverly cute and wholesome use of steel supply, the cupcake cake tester. Also a personal favorite, and hopefully one of Ms. Marvelous too.

Much Ado About School

Well it is that time again... back to school. Only two more semesters to go, and another two semesters to challenge my current 4.0 gpa. I cant believe Ive made it through my graduate career thus far with a 4.0 gpa. Im proud though and I am still working on the parents to make good by their statement that they made many years ago:

"Melissa if you can make straight A's, we will buy you a new car."

It has been an interesting week, unfabulous at that even. Aside from still recovering from all of the events that occured last weekend, general irritations, not enough sleep and too much stress, (all in all a soap opera week in all of its drama and glory) I made it to school half way through the week to find that a class that I enrolled in was not available to me as I am not a certified teacher... I did however appreciate the instructor's comments and concerns that someone who has a design background really has no place in a library science course... I do have to admit that the course catalog made it appear to be a very interesting and insightful course offering. The web registration tools never stated that I was not qualified for the course either. Oh well... I dropped the class and it left me with two days of free add and drop and with not alot of choices for general electives as you might guess. I have never come across these circumstances before, but things have worked themselves out and I am now the proud enrolee (if that is even a word) in "The Constitution and Criminal Procedure" which I have learned is mostly filled by political science and forensic science majors. This will be most interesting, but I am satisfied. I ordered the book so Ill have plenty of reading to get caught up with real soon. Oh, by the way, you can get your very own "librarian pin" here.

Ten Days

I sent in the scholarship information, so now I just have to wait about 10 days to find out the results. Still no activity from others to complete my IRB form. I have notified my committee advisor and am now trying to figure out what next to do.

Does anyone out there know an online interior design student?! I need help from one or two of them. Badly.

One Week

I was winding down last night watching television and although I already knew, the Sex and The City movie is confirmed. I cannot express my excitement enough. I will be there first in line on opening night (I am planning already and the film has yet to be made)... but this is still very exciting. And while all of this is going on, I am still thinking about the things I have to do this week...

I have 2 deadlines this week

1. Mail off scholarship package by 08.01.07
a. proofread all text
b. print and bind
c. find suitable means of guaranteed overnight service
i. US Postal Service
ii. UPS
iii.FedEx
iv. DHL
2. Submit IRB form to the university by 08.03.07
a. still need instructors to provide some information
b. still need instructors to provide some information
c. still need instructors to provide some information

hold ups hold ups hold ups. this is my life. and as for mailing it off overnight, it may come down to the easiest and quickest method of shipment. Although I tend to choose USPS because I have used their overnight service before with success, but if someone isnt there to sign for it, they wait until the next day to attempt delivery again, where the others will leave a slip and a phone number to call...

can you tell I am stressing out? Good news is, once these things are out of the way, I can still have a slight bit of summer vacation.

Jeez Louise.

It just hit me that I will be turning 30 in three months. Im not ready for this. Im soooo not ready for this. I was ok with being 29-3/4, but now, its not just 29 and 3/4. Its more like 29 and 5/8ths now. Boohoo.

It nearly flooded this morning in my neighborhood. It was pouring down rain and there was super lighting when I left the house this morning. It took me just short of an hour to get to work because of the rain and the fact that when it rains, no one can manage to just drive if you know what I mean. Just drive people, its just a little rain. Ok, today it was alot of rain, but seriously.

Im just so exhausted. Im still recovering from the last few weeks of work overload. Alot has gone on, and I still feel like I need to be running all around going places, when in reality I just need to get up for work everyday, oh and continue writing my thesis. Not alot, but today the thought of flooding got to me, and is stressing me out. I feel like I need to teach Tula how to swim (I dont know if she can or not), oh yeah and get some flood insurance. Tula is going to be two years old on Thursday. I cant believe Ive had her this long. She will always be my baby though.

Ok, enough stress today - time to go relax. :)

Disappointment

The title says it all. Ive never been told before yesterday that I was a disappointment or that someone was disappointed in me. Not even from my parents, and I would expect to hear it from them first. Maybe others have thought it in the past, but to be told and to hear the words is different.

I know that I am not a good writer, but a decent one. I can draw near perfect circles and my penmanship is divine, but when it comes to formulating an idea through words, it is a different story. I struggle. I spent an entire semester writing papers every weekend. Turning them in by midnight each sunday every week. Preparing myself for what was to come next...

Perhaps others are disappointed in me, but I am by no means disappointed in myself.

Finals Schminals.

As finals week is lingering and the semester is coming to a close, I have to say that this has been the longest five months of my life! Ive managed my way through three courses, including a long literature review for my thesis (more details coming later!) and putting together two presentations for a class, and suffering through a weekend class...arggg Ill never do that again, thats for sure. I need my weekends to sleep and to catch up and do homework. And mow the lawn and tend to my red plum tree out front which is growing leaves all the way down the trunk. And spend time with my husband and with Tula, ok you get the point.

All in all though, I am satisfied, but its still not over until Friday, and even then it is still not over. I will be submitting my survey to interior designers and employers all summer long. Next semester I will be compiling all of those survey results and analyzing the statistics.... fun.

Next may I will be graduating, it is exciting to think about.