Half Full Friday -- On A Saturday!

I missed posting yesterday -- sorry! Still getting used to school and the overwhelming amount of homework.  It's all good though!

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you?
For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list.

~I'm happy because...

I got to talk to two friends from high school that I hadn't talked to in years this week!

 

We had beautiful weather a few days this week!

 

Melissa was kind enough to do a guest post for me!

 

My homework load isn't quite as heavy this weekend as it was last weekend!

 

I got a free cappuccino yesterday!

 

I found a slightly closer parking lot to my classes!  It's cut 5 minutes off my 20 minute walk to class every morning!

 

There was no major damage done to my car by the guy who hit me! 

Source:  weheartit 

Yep, someone hit my car.  I was parked out front of the place I volunteer.  Someone commented that there was a guy trying to parallel park and he'd hit the car in front of him at least twice.  I knew I had parked out there so I ran out to find out what was going on.  The guy continued to try to park and almost hit my car again.  Finally he gave up and drove around the corner to park instead.  He told me he didn't mean to hit my car but he never actually apologized for it.  The damage was minimal - just a few small scratches.  The fact that he couldn't even be bothered to apologize and didn't seem to think it was a big deal that he'd hit my car really ticked me off.  I told him I needed his insurance info and it turns out the car apparently wasn't even his - no wonder he didn't seem to care!  I made a police report and contacted the insurance company. 

Source:  weheartit

I'm really enjoying school a lot and have made a couple of friends.  I'm just amazed at how unprepared some of the students seem to be.  Like in my psychology class - there's this guy who sits next to me who never takes any notes.  At the end of class, he always asks me what the next assignment is and when it's due.  He missed one assignment completely and missed class today so now he'll miss another assignment.  Someone asked me today what his story is and said she didn't think he was all there.  She thought that because we always seem to sit next to one another in class that maybe I knew him.  I don't but I do wonder why he isn't taking advantage of the education he could be receiving.  He's an older gentleman so I'm pretty sure mom and dad aren't paying for school. 

My boys don't seem to know what to think about me going to school.  I spend my days off doing homework which they don't appreciate.  They think I should spend every free waking moment paying attention to them.  They've been clingy lately and I think it's because they aren't used to me being gone.  I did get some pictures of them with my new camera but haven't had much time to figure out how to upload them yet.  I really need to do that because I want to see if it's any better quality than my old camera. 

Don't forget about Pip and Bunny's big race!  It's coming up really soon and you don't want to miss out.  I don't know Bunny so I'm rooting for Mr. Pip all the way.  He may be small but that doesn't mean he can't hustle!  GO, PIP!!!

I may have another Guest Post for Monday, just waiting to for her to send it.

Wordless Wednesday

Guest Post #1

When I initially asked for guest posters, no one volunteered.  But then I calmly asked asked Melissa at A Gracious Calm and she was gracious enough to agree.  (See what I did there?  Aren't I clever and original?  lol)  I know not everyone likes guest posters so I apologize in advance.  However, I didn't want to have a silent blog for several days/weeks while I'm getting used to my new life.  I was ovewhelmed with homework this weekend and haven't had much time to visit Bloggyland and there's just no way I could've taken the time to come up with a decent post for you.  So mega-HUGE kudos to Melissa!!!

Please give a warm welcome to Melissa and then hop on over and visit her by clicking the link above!  I told her she could post on any topic she wanted to so she chose children.

Source:  weheartit

Hi everyone, so sprinkles is taking a much needed break from blogging because of her busy schedule now that she’s back to school, so I have agreed to do a guest post for her.

I had a post I already wanted to do up, something that’s kind of important to me, but something that can also cause issues when talking to people about as some people are *really* passionate about this subject.

I don’t want kids.  I don’t even really like kids.  I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately.  Mostly because the issue of birth control and the freedom to control my own reproductivity has been on my mind.  I find it odd that a 14-year-old could have a baby and many will congratulate her on her new bundle of joy, but if a grown woman has given it thought the last 15 years and has decided to not become a mother, that is a sin above all.  I mean, why did I even get married if we weren't going to have kids?  (If you’re not familiar with sarcasm, that last sentence was sarcastic.)

I don't hate kids, I honestly don’t.  I just have no particular feelings of 'warmness' towards them.  Most women, when they see babies, they "ooh" and "aah" over them.  If I even think about them at all, it's just "Oh, a baby" and I carry on my way.  They're like every other person I don't know - they're just a person I don't know.  I care about them in the same benevolent way I care about all human beings - but it doesn't extend beyond that.

I have no maternal instincts, no desire for children and no desire to alter the relationship that my husband, Derek, & I have.

Children change everything.  And for some people, that's great.  Not for me.  I used to babysit a lot in when I was in high school and I actually get along with children great, as does Derek.  Still don't want them though.

The only problem I have is the reaction I get from some people when they hear I don't want kids.  I'm married, nearly 30, both my husband and I have good jobs - so the next natural step would be to start a family.  I've been told that not having kids is selfish, that I won't be a fully matured adult until I procreate and the ever so famous, "it's so much different when they're yours".

Here's the truth - I don't want children, so telling me that I'm a selfish, immature person won't change my mind.

I'm not selfish.  I'm not immature.  And I am a fully grown adult.  One that is capable of making decisions that are as important as this.  I have known I don't want children for a very long time.  I have to be honest, even when I was a kid I didn't even really like kids.

It's a lifestyle for most, but it's not a lifestyle for me.

Half Full Friday

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you?

For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list. 

~I'm happy because...

I go skool now!  I started on Wednesday.

I got my books the day before school started!  I ordered all but one online because they were cheaper (even with shipping) and I was so worried I wouldn't get them in time, especially with the holiday on Monday.

I had fun with my friends this past weekend!

I kinda somewhat figured out my new camera, I think!  Now I just need to read the booklet to figure out how to download the pictures. 

My mom gave me a loaf of excellent homemade bread!

I got a prize in the mail from Katie's last live giveaway yesterday! 

Source:  weheartit

Sooooo...school.  I woke up at 6:20 AM and the first thing I said to my chi's was, "Today is the first day of the rest of our lives!"  And that's truly how I felt.  Got ready with just enough time to stop and treat myself to a cappuccino before I headed out for the big day.

Parking was a nightmare!  I ended up having to park at literally one end of the campus and walk to the other end.  My book bag was sooooooooo freaking heavy and I had to keep stopping to readjust it so I could continue on my merry little way.  Luckily my friend bought me a book bag with wheels so I'm going to use that next time because the one I used the first day has bruised my shoulders.

My first class was Introduction to Theatre.  I didn't really get a sense one way or the other about the professor.  She seemed nice.  We have to go see two plays and read 6 others.  It was kinda funny because the professor said we can't text or use laptops in that class.  And a little bit later, she caught someone texting.  She totally called him out on it.

Next, I headed off to American National Government.  The professor was funny and managed to keep us engaged.  I liked him a lot.  You have to be participate in class, whether you want to or not.  He gets right up in your face and asks questions.  I think I'm going to enjoy this class but I also think it's going to be a lot of work.

The third class was US History.  I sat next to a really nice girl named Marissa.  Hopefully I'll get to know her better so I'll have at least one friend on campus.  Someone had told me the professor is the govenor's daughter.  I'd believe it, she looks just like him!  I don't think she's taught for very long.  She talked briefly about her background and what we could expect out of the class before going right into teaching.  I was sooooo bored and kinda zoned out for a bit.  Hopefully it'll pick up and I won't snooze through the semester.

I had an hour to kill before the next class (which was just across the hall) so I sat down for a bit and tried to absorb the events of the day.  I took this opportunity to munch on my coconut m&m's.

Finally, it was time for Psychology.  OMG, there are 250 students in that class and it was jam packed in there!!!  The professor is hilarious and kept us entertained.  She told us up front that she's very hardcore.  And she appears to be!  She wanted to know what rumors we'd heard about her and told us to go visit www.ratemyprofessor.com.  I'd never even heard of that website before!  Then she invited us to ask anything we wanted to so, since she told us she's a big fan of Twilight, someone asked if she's a vampire.  WTF?!   There will tons of research for this class. 

There's a deaf person in my psych class.  I'm not sure who it is yet but there was a woman sitting in front of the class doing sign language.  I found myself watching her more than listening at first because it was so interesting to see the expressions she made while she signed.

I did check out that website once I got home.  I read good and bad about three of my professors and nothing but bad about the fourth one.

So that was my first day of school in a nutshell.  And I get to do it all over again today!

Source:  weheartit

Wordless Wednesday

Swimming In The Rain

We've had almost nonstop rain since last Thursday and it's supposed to continue at least through Tuesday.  I hope it clears up at least a little bit.  Tonight it was rainy and foggy - not good conditions for driving to my mom's house for dinner.  Plus, my boys don't like to go out in the rain. 

Source:  weheartit

The next time you read my blog, I'll have started school - my first day is Wednesday.  I'm excited and overwhelmed all at the same time.  I went to the campus on Thursday after my interview to take care of a few things and the thing that struck me the most is that they aren't very new student friendly.  Everyone there seemed to think I should just automatically know how everything works.

I didn't ask for any specific kind of parking pass so they gave me a general pass.  I really should've looked into it further beforehand because when the dude showed me the map of where I could park AFTER I bought the pass, I didn't see anything anywhere near any of my classes.  The closest spot was what the dude said was, "Only an 8 minute walk to class."  Um yeah, if you don't have a bad hip, maybe!  So I'm kinda freaking over the whole parking situation.

Source:  weheartit

I soooooo need this!

 I already have homework.  I have to write up a paper stating my name, student number, major, why I'm taking the class and what I hope to gain from it.  And provide a picture.  I'm half tempted to say that I'm taking the class because it's one of the core classes and I hope to gain an A+ from it.  I'm pretty sure that's not what the professor is looking for though so I guess I'll have to come up with something else...

Source:  weheartit

Me and the new camera are not getting along very well.  It just doesn't wanna work very well for me.  I read the book and I still can't really work it.  I took it with me on Saturday to a get-together and a friend showed me what to do and it worked great for her!  Took it home and I still have no clue what I'm doing.  I just wanted a simple point and shoot camera and it's frustrating that I can't figure the stupid thing out. 

I've had request for a picture of the outfit I wore on the first day of school, school supplies, my new shoes (which will be part of the outfit I wear that first day!) and the fresh cut flowers that have stayed bloomed for so long.  And of course, there will be pix of my pups!  If I can figure out how to use the stupid camera...

Source:  weheartit

Half Full Friday

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you?

For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list.

~I'm happy because...

My fresh cut flowers from at least three weeks ago are STILL blooming!!!  (I'm not sure what kind they are, only that they're pretty.)

I got a new digital camera!

I had not one but TWO interviews this week!

I won a giveaway hosted by Life With Dogs!

I'm getting together with friends tomorrow!

I got a new pair of shoes yesterday!

I got several compliments on the shoes I wore to my second interview!

Source:  weheartit

So...my interviews!  The first one was on Monday at a real estate office.  The woman conducting the interview was extremely nice and it felt like I'd known her forever.  I really liked her.  But -- she asked if I'd be willing to drop my classes or take them at night instead.  I told her I'd be unable to do that this semester because school starts next week.  However, I'd consider it for future semesters.  She then asked if I'd be be interested in filling in here and there once in awhile if they were ever shorthanded.  I told her yes. 

When I got home, there was a message from her saying that my schedule wouldn't work for them but that the owner was "enthusiastic" about keeping my information and calling me if they were ever in a bind and needed someone to cover a shift or two. 

Wednesday afternoon, I got a call from the State Bar.  I'm sure everyone already knows what this is but just in case someone doesn't - basically, that's where every lawyer in the state gets their license.

The first call I got, they asked me what my availability was.  They were already aware I'm attending school because the job was posted on the college website.  When I told her my schedule, she said that it  wouldn't coordinate with what they were looking for.  A little while later, they called me back and asked to set up an interview.  I was really surprised but also very excited!

When I walked into the building, I was extremely nervous.  Once we started the interview, it all faded away.  The lady was soooooooo nice!  She didn't ask a lot of questions which in my past experience has always told me that they aren't interested.  But...she made a comment to the effect of, "It's amazing what people will tell you if you just let them talk!"  I think I did most of the talking during the interview.

I made sure to provide her a copy of my class schedule and she didn't say anything about it.  I explained that times/dates will likely change in the future and asked if that's something they would be able to accommodate and she said yes, to a certain extent.  I should find out probably next week whether or not I got the job.  In the mean time, I'm going to send her a thank you card and keep my fingers and toes crossed.

Source:  weheartit

So yesterday I got my loan proceeds. After my interview, I drove to the school to buy a book (the rest I ordered online!), get my parking pass, yada yada yada.  Afterwards, I went to Walmart to have the oil in my car changed. While waiting, I went to purchase some batteries.  And what do you know - next to the batteries were the digital cameras!  I know I shouldn't have done it because I'd spent a sh*tload of $$$ already yesterday but I did it anyway.  There was a guy there just finishing up helping someone else when I walked over so he helped me find one.  I told him I wanted one that I could just shoot and point, nothing fancy and that it also had to be fairly inexpensive and provide decent quality pictures.  He recommended one that was $99.00 - not the cheapest but nowhere near the most expensive.  Haven't had a chance to really look at it yet or play around with it.

Wordless Wednesday

Untitled - Because I Couldn't Think of A Good One

I have the first job interview of the year this morning.  I almost half way hope it doesn't work out just because I don't know what my work load with school will be like.  On the other hand, I could really use the money.  I just keep telling myself that whatever happens is for the best and not to worry about the future too much.  If I worry about it, I'll become overwhelmed and hold myself back.

Source:  weheartit

My father surprised me last night when he asked to look at the next semester's classes when they become available.  Because he's a senior citizen, he'd only pay $5 a credit.  He wants to take a few astronomy classes.  This surprised me because initially, he didn't seem overly supportive of me going back to school. 

Source:  weheartit

Did you hear the big news?  It's going to be one wild time in Blogville so you don't want to miss it!  It's a little unclear who challenged who exactly but Mr. Pip and Bunny will be racing on February 5th for the title of World's Fastest Dog.  I don't know Bunny but my boys are personal friends of Pip's so we're rooting for him all the way.  Be sure to mark your calendars for the big day, it's going to be "The Match of the Year!"

Half Full Friday

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eyegirl originally started in June 2009.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us.  So by participating, I'm deciding to see the glass as half full instead of half empty; I'm choosing to concentrate on the positives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  The Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that.  They're a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.  I'm determined to find something good in each day.  Are you?

For the next week, I'd like to challenge each of you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  Be sure to link up here once you've posted your list.

~I'm happy because...

~KS is a total ROCK STAR and came through for me once again with an UH-MAY-ZING cover letter, even though she's insanely busy with her new job!

My new haircut turned out really cute!

I'm absolutely LOVING high speed internet!

I also love my new blog layout!

I finally made tacos yesterday after craving them for a week or so!  And I have leftovers! 

The fresh-cut flowers I got a couple of weeks ago are still in bloom!
 
I have a tentative lunch date with a friend on my first day of school!
 
I won vanilla and dog toys from Katie's most recent live giveaway!

Source:  weheartit

Sadly, not a single one of you volunteered to guest post so it's gonna be awfully quiet here on the home front for a little bit.  This is how I'm thinking it'll all go down:
 
My schedule is M-W-F from 8:40 AM to 1:30 PM.  Monday the 17th is a holiday so I won't actually start until Wednesday the 19th.  I'll do a regular post on Monday, prepare my Wednesday post in advance for you and then do another post on Friday to talk about my impressions of the first day of school.
 
And after that?!  I'll take a short break from posting until I get back into the groove of things. It'll be good to have a set schedule again but it's going to take some getting used to since it's been over a year since I've had one, plus I'll have all that homework to do.  I don't know how much time that will all take up but I want to be sure I'm not spreading myself too thin because I really want to do well in school. 
 
I'm not going to quit blogging altogether though, I enjoy it too much!  I've made some wonderful friends from it and I'd miss you all so much if I stopped.

Source:  weheartit

I've decided for the time being that I'm not going to do Blog of the Week anymore.  I'm not sure if I'll bring that feature back or not.  It's time consuming and I have other things to focus on for the time being.  I might just do it once in awhile if I come across a really amazing blog that I adore.  I'm not going to count it out for good quite yet, I'm just going to take a break from it for a little while.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy New Year!

It's the start of a new year, new decade and a new month.  I hope everyone had a very Happy New Year!  I ended up staying home with my boys which was exactly what I didn't want to do but it turned out not to be so awful.  I've done it before and will probably do it again.  What did you do?

Source:  weheartit

Later today I'm getting my haircut.  It's been awhile and I'm ready for a new look for my new life.  And then just before I start school in a couple of weeks, I'll color it.  It's time for a change and this will be just one of many!

Source:  weheartit

Speaking of school, I'm thinking I'm going to take the first week or two off blogging.  Just until I get into the swing of things.  That doesn't mean I won't be visiting and commenting on other blogs because I just might.  I have a feeling I'm going to be very overwhelmed the first few weeks of school and I don't want to have anything else to worry or think about until I get used everything and get myself into a bit of a groove.

So with that said, would anyone be interested in doing a guest post for me?  It can be about anything -- how much you love your dog, your own college days, a favorite vacation or even just random ramblings.  Come on, you KNOW you want to!  You know you do!!!  So leave me a comment and I'll get back to you.

Source:  weheartit

I'm just loving DSL!  I've found my time online cut in half of what it was before and I rarely have to wait for a page to load now.  And I love being able to watch all the videos I want.  The best part - the phone won't kick me offline now when it rings!  Actually, the best part was really that I could set it up on my own without any assistance from anyone else.  I'm not exactly the brightest bulb in the bunch so if *I* could figure out how to hook it up, you know it had to be super easy! 

Source:  weheartit

Much thanks to Amber @ Zany Dezines for creating my new background.  She was very nice when I freaked out on her because it wasn't exactly what I wanted and got it fixed for me.  I won this pre-made background awhile back and figured the start of a new year was as good as any time to get it installed.  She did a great job! 

Almost forgot!  I won these SKOY cloths recently from one of Katie's many giveaways!  Big props to her for allowing me to use her picture.  I received four cloths -- pink, purple, green and blue.  Haven't used them yet because I need to wash them first.