Friday, September 30, 2011

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!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list.  Thanks!)
~I'm happy because...
I'm feeling considerably better!

Today is payday! 

Today is my short day at work!

Because I was feeling bad on Wednesday, I spent the evening at home with my boys so I got to spend part of their birthday with them after all!  I usually visit my mom on Wednesday evenings.

I got an 84% on my Anthropology Exam!  It brought my grade down from an A to a B but I'm ok with that - there's still time to bring it back up.

I found 2 more people for my Government study group!  We each cover one chapter and share notes from the texbook and lectures with one another.
*****
Sadly, my betta fish passed away yesterday.  He seemed fine when I went to bed Wednesday night but was dead by morning.  I know it sounds kind of ridiculous but I miss him!  I had him for 3 years and 3 months.  I lit a candle for him yesterday.
***Note:  this is not my fish!
*****
I thought I just had allergies and the beginnings of a sinus infection but Tuesday night I realized I had a fever which lasted through Wednesday and finally broke on Thursday.  Maybe it was just a cold.  Still have a stuffy head but I'm feeling considerably better now and slept a good portion of yesterday. I didn't miss any classes or work even though I wasn't feeling great so I'm sure my body needed the extra rest.  My boys were very sweet, they curled up with me all day.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Happy 5th Birthday, Baby Boys!!!

Yes, these are old pictures.  Please forgive me!  I've been dealing with major allergies this week and what I suspect is a sinus infection so what little free time I have is spent zoning out and doing as little as possible.

Today is officially Chico's 5th birthday.  I'm not sure what day Shiver's is but I do know they were both born the same year and around the same month and day so we celebrate them together.  Coincidentally, I got them both on Thanksgiving weekend in different years.

Wednesday's are agonizingly long for me.  Because my babies' special day lands on a Wednesday, I was planning to celebrate with half of their goodies on Tuesday and half on Thursday.  I gave both the boys a new toy with a squeaker in the middle yesterday, which I thought they'd love.  They tend to be very picky about what they'll play with but these toys fit all their requirements -- small, lightweight and a squeaker.  They were excited for all of about 2 seconds and then they had no interest whatsoever.  Hopefully they just need to get used to the new smell or something and these toys will become their favorites.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful Baby Boys!!!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Not too much happening this weekend -- just lots and lots of homework.  I did go see The Help with my mom yesterday which was really good.  Everyone told me I'd enjoy it and they were right. 

And because I have nothing else to talk about, I decided to do another meme.  Yes, it's an easy out.  But it's this or nothing so take your pick...

Week Number 285

1)  Today, whose mouth needs to be covered with duct tape?

I live next to a row house and one of the families who lives there thinks they need to be out in their yard every.waking.moment.of.every.single.day.  I wouldn't mind this so much but they also seem to think they need to be very LOUD!  It doesn't matter the weather, they're out there in their postage stamp sized yard making tons of noise.  I wouldn't mind it at all if their mouths were covered in duct tape.

2)  You are a zookeeper, and one day a shady-looking man brings in what he calls an "exotic animal."  This animal is in a wooden box with small air holes on the top and the box is stamped DANGEROUS.  He throws a picture on your desk and you look at the strangest creature you’ve ever seen.  Describe it, and tell what you’re going to do.

The head is shaped like a horse and the body is that of a lizard.  I call the local news, end up on talk shows and become famous.  Eventually, I sell the animal which I name after my boys, Shiverchicos, to a zoologist and am a multimillionaire.  I never have to work again and live happily ever after. 

3)  Share three good things about your life right now.

--My baby boys, Shiver and Chico.  I heart them so much!
--School.  For the most part, I'm enjoying it.
--My mom.  I appreciate her more now that my dad is gone and I realize that she'll be gone one day too.

4) Show and Tell.  What comes to mind first when you see this picture?  Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
I don't really have a story but it kind of reminds me of life in general.  The reason I say that is because there's a turn in the road and you can't see what's just ahead.  I'm not particularly religious but I do believe in God and I like that Jesus is in the trees right there.  All you have to do is look for him.

Friday, September 23, 2011

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 fullinstead 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!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list.  Thanks!)

~I'm happy because...
I saw Our Idiot Brother last night!

I'm probably going to see The Help this weekend!

I've gotten good grades so far this semester!  And my partner and I got extra credit for answering all the questions correctly on an in class assignment for Communication.

I got around to visiting almost all of you this weekend!

I won another one of Katie's giveaways!  And even better, she still let me have the prize even though I was waaaaaaaaay overdue in getting her my info.

I played hooky yesterday and spent the day with my boys!  No school or work but I did have some things to take care of.  Oh well, they can wait!
*****
I was supposed to post this on Wednesday for Summer but totally forgot.  Oops, sorry Sums!  September 21, 2011, was National Myositis Awareness Day.  Summer suffers from Dermomyositis.
She asked everyone to post this on Wednesday to raise awareness.  We had the sweetest email exchanges (that I saved) on the day of my dad's services and she helped me feel better so I knew I had to do this for her.  If you'd like more information on this horrible disease, please check the website listed on the ribbon.  And then go visit Summer and say hello!

Monday, September 19, 2011

What I've learned this semester

1.  Business Communication - Encoding:  Sending a message
Decoding:  Receiving a message and trying to understand it

2.  Elementary Algebra - 32÷[2+(20-18)x3] = 4

3.  Cultural Anthropology - Chimps have oral sex

4.  Communication - Communication is the processing of messages from one person to another.  Communications is mass media.

5.  State and Local Government - "The Water Pipe Analogy":  At the top of each pipe are various valves where money comes in from a variety of taxes.  It pours into the state bucket which pours into other smaller buckets such as Health and Welfare, Medicaid, corrections, etc.  If you raise or lower the valve (taxes), it has an effect.  If you lower the tax, you have less money unless you raise taxes elsewhere.  Taxes can be raised in 2 places for 1 purpose.

Aren't you glad I share my wealth of knowledge so you don't have to go to college too?  Think of all the money you're saving!  LOL

Friday, September 16, 2011

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!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list.  Thanks!)
~I'm happy because...
It's FRIDAY!!!

I saw a rainbow on Monday!  Didn't see the rain, just the rainbow.

I had fun at Art in the Park!

I got some cotton candy!

We had slightly cooler weather yesterday!

I attended a class to learn some better study skills!

I won't have to take my first math exam when everyone else does!

I flirted with a cute classmate on Wednesday!  It's been awhile so I didn't even realize until after the fact that we were flirting and that the guy was the one who initiated it.

My math professor suggested earlier this week that anyone who was struggling could potentially move into an easier class and to just email her for more info.  So of course I emailed right away.  She told me to go talk to some guy who I guess is the head honcho over the math department.  I went to the his office yesterday to ask about switching over and he checked my stats.  He immediately told me that I didn't want to switch and I immediately told him that yes, I did!  I explained that I never took the assessment test like I was supposed to and just chose that particular math course out of the ones being offered.  Apparently, since the class isn't for credit, I didn't actually have to take the placement test yet. 

He explained that he really didn't want to move me just yet because of the progress I've made so far.  I told him I didn't feel like I was making any progress at all and that I was just struggling along.  But then he told me that as far as progress goes, I'm in the top 20-25% in the class.  If I continue along the way I've been going, I have a strong chance of passing the class and moving up to the next one.  However, I won't be ready for the first test in time because I still have too much to learn.  Basically, I'm finally at the starting point where everyone else in the class was at when they tested in for placement.  If I'm still doing poorly after the first exam, then he'll consider moving me.

At first I was kind of pissed that he wouldn't move me.  But after thinking about it for awhile, I felt a little better.  It's nice to know that someone thinks I'm progressing, even if I don't really see it myself.  The guy was really nice, at least.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Is It Friday Yet?!

I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately.  I haven't been home much and when I am home, I'm tied to the computer doing homework.  Even work has been busy and it's only going to get busier as the semester continues.

I went to Art in the Park with my mom this weekend.  We usually go every year.  As we climbed onto the shuttle bus, I remembered that last year I sat next to a girl who was going to my school and she helped me understand how financial aid works which was a big help.  Because of her, I was able  to get a much larger pell grant.  I didn't buy any art but I did score some cotton candy!  YUM!!!

Coreen from Velvet Over Steel recently mentioned she remembered that I'd posted my first day outfit and books last semester. I told her that I'd had a request for them and she asked me to post them again for this semester.  So here they are!
Folders and notebooks.  I tried to find corresponding colors for each subject.
One of my books came in shrink wrap without any cover so it's in a notebook.  The things on the left are called Bar Charts and contain additional info you might not find in books.
I forgot to get the jeans too.  The shirt is too big but I like them roomy.  You can't really see it but it's bright pink and also has the school mascot on it.  Those boots are one of the new pairs I bought.

Friday, September 9, 2011

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!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list.  Thanks!)

~I'm happy because...

I managed to pick up all the chicken my neighbor threw into our yard before my boys noticed it!  She likes to throw food over the fence for them.

I got my haircut yesterday!

I'm going to Arts in the Park this weekend!

I went grocery shopping this week and now my fridge, freezer and pantry are full!

I lost 3 pounds! 

No one used my debit card after I accidently left it at the gas station!
*****
This has been kind of a hard week with missing my dad.  On Tuesday, I had to run a few errands.  The first place I stopped, I stood in line behind some guy who looked very much like my father did from behind.  He was about the same height and weight, wore similar clothing, his hair and skin coloring were about the same - everything!  I didn't get to see the guy's face though.  When I first saw him, I thought to myself, "There's my dad!"  But then I remembered it couldn't be him.

A little later on, I ran into an acquaintance at the grocery store.  I last saw her just after my father first learned of the cancer diagnosis.  She mentioned at that time that her own father hadn't been doing well and the doctors feared he had lukemia.  Turns out her father is just fine and doing much better these days.  We talked for at least a half hour, maybe more.  She told me about her first husband who died when she was just 34.  I knew she had been married before but didn't realize the first hubs had died.  So sad!  I talked about my dad a little bit and started crying.  I think seeing that man earlier in the day and then talking about him with my friend just made it all kind of come back to me that he's really gone.

Wednesday night/Thursday morning, I dreamed about my dad.  I don't really remember much about them other than it was a series of dreams where he kept popping up.  He was dead in the dreams but I kept seeing him when no one else could and he was trying to make me smile by doing different things.  This is the third time I've dreamed about him since he passed on. 

Most of the time, I feel like I'm dealing with his death really well, but every once in awhile it just hits me and makes me sad.  My dad used to say he was going to outlive us all and I truly believed him.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Animals Galore!

This is the second installment of Melissa's guest post.  You can read her first one here!  This is the last of the guest posts unless someone else decides they want to do one for me. 
♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ Hey guys – sprinkles is heading back to school and will be quite busy with her course load, plus her part-time job so I offered to do a guest post.  And because I’m so awesome, I offered to do two!  This is my second one.

Now because I’m not really familiar with most of sprinkles followers, I thought you probably wouldn’t want to hear too awful much about me, so I decided to just entertain you instead (hopefully anyway). 

So, courtesy of Cheezburger.com, I present some silly pictures for you.  

Friday, September 2, 2011

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!  (This isn't a blog hop so please only link up if you've participated by posting your happy list.  Thanks!)

~I'm happy because...
Three people joined me for Half Full Friday last week!
 
I won two giveaways!
 
I got a 100% on my first test this semester!  It helped that it was open book.
 
I have a three day weekend!  WOO HOO! 
 
I took my dad's beagle on a fundraiser dog walk and we both had fun!
 
So far this semester, my homework load isn't quite as bad as it was last time!  It's still the beginning of the semester though so I'm sure it'll get busier!  Mostly now, it's just been a lot of reading.
*****
For the most part, I'm feeling better about school now.  I realized that I just needed to change my perspective and that I'm very lucky to be able to attend college.  The only class that I'm really struggling with is math but I found another tutor and am going to contact him for more information.  (The first one never got back to me.) 
 
The one girl I was excited to see in my first class apparently does remember me.  We had to do a class project together so I casually mentioned that I didn't think she remembered me from last semester.  She said my name and I told her talking to her now was like talking to a stranger.  She didn't really have anything to say to that and we haven't spoken since so I've chalked it up to us not being as good of friends as I thought we were. 
 
The one friend I talked to the most last semester saw me on campus and said hello before I even saw her.  We couldn't visit as we were both on our way to the next class but it was good to see her and I'm hoping we'll run into one another again when we both have more time.  We have similar majors so we may even have classes together in the future.
*****
So far, work is ok.  Last week we pretty much did nothing but sit around and play on the computers.  This week has been busier and I'm actually happy about that.  I didn't mind playing around on the computers but I felt kinda bad about getting paid to sit around and do nothing.  It's still a little boring, even with people coming in for tests, but it's only for a few hours a day so it's not too bad.  My boss and coworkers are all pretty nice.
*****
Last weekend, I took my dad's beagle for a fundraiser dog walk.  My dad used to walk Scamp almost daily but now that he's gone, the dog doesn't get out much except for the back yard.  He walked soooooooo slow and had to sniff every single little thing which kind of annoyed me because I had to get home to finish up some homework.  But then I remembered that he doesn't get many walks and felt bad so I let him take all the time he needed.  Unfortunately, I only got one picture of him and it isn't exactly the best.  Oh well!
 

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