Crazy Work Stories

If you are wondering where the crazies were today, wonder no longer... they were at my place of employment. I had multiple situations today that left me with no words. As in, I kind of sat in stunned silence for awhile and pondered how people could possibly be that nutso.

Scenario One:

Phone Rings. A very apparent ghetto-licious woman is on the other line. After trying to piece together her half-English, half-jibber language, I finally figure out that "I be try-in to make a appointment fur nex Saterdey" means "I am trying to schedule an appointment for next Saturday, please." Upon looking at the calendar, I notice that next Saturday happens to be Christmas Day. Thinking that maybe she just didn't realize this fact, I gently reminded her that next Saturday is, in fact, Christmas, and that we would not be open that day. Long story short, this lovely lady begins to tell me that she works a considerable amount, and Christmas is the only day that she has off next week. Shouldn't we be able to work around this so that she may get her eyes examined? As intriguing as the idea is to skip the holidays with my family in order to ensure that Ms. ChristmasisJustAnotherDay sees 20/20 for the new year, I decided to pass.

Scenario Two:

First off, let me defend myself by saying that I am not one of those people who so ignorantly proclaim, "If you are in America, you gotta speak English. We ain't trying to learn Spanish or Chinese or something. You gotta learn English." I believe America is founded on that whole freedom concept for a reason, and while I admit it would be very nice if we all spoke the same language, this is simply not the case. BUT, that's another post entirely. To sum up, please do not think that I am poking fun at the following situation or read deeper into this than how it was intended. It was none other than an amusing part of my day.

Again, phone rings. An Asian woman is on the other line. From this point on, she will be referred to as Person A and I as Person B.

A: "Yes. I try to make appointment for Monday."

B: "I'm sorry ma'am... the first appointment we have next week is actually on Wednesday."

A: "No Monday?"

B. "No, no Monday appointments."

A. "Tuesday?"

B. "No, the first thing we have next week is on Wednesday."

A. "No Tuesday afternoon?"

B. "No, ma'am"

A. "I can't have Monday o Tuesday?"

........... and this goes on for another 5-6 minutes. In case you were curious, she has an appointment on Wednesday.

Scenario Three:

Oh, I saved the best for last! This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting pure testosterone in human form. That's right, ladies and gentleman, what can only be described as Chuck Norris' long lost brother graced me with his presence today. The man comes in and begins to explain to me what he is there for. It is apparent that something is very wrong with his eye. It is very red and bloody. After listening to his story, I learn that he had made a trip to the emergency room because of a piece of metal that had been lodged in the white part of his eye. They had then referred him out to an optometrist. After asking him all the necessary questions, I come to the last one on the list: "And how long has the piece of metal been in there, Sir?" To which he replied: "Five Days." Five Days. Five Freakin' Days. I guess I looked a little shocked by his answer because he quickly defended himself with "Ma'am, I'm a man. A real man's man. I'm hard headed and don't nothing get in the way of me and my deer hunting." Ohhhhh, okkkkk. I then entertained myself for the rest of the day with various Chuck Norris jokes that could be extracted from the situation. Because don't you know... Chuck Norris laughs at the idea of metal in his eye. Chuck Norris is physically unable to be physically unable.

Nothing like a little comical relief to get you through the work day. Here's hoping tomorrow is a little more sane, though!

Christmas Shopping for Dummies

I'll admit it. I am not good at Christmas shopping. I envy those people who can go to the mall for an afternoon & come home with all their Christmas shopping finished. I am the exact opposite. Around mid-Novemeber, I begin the grueling process. Step one is always deciding what in the world to get these special people in my life. Ideas are tossed about in my head, only to be over-analyzed and shot down as quickly as they appear. After a couple of weeks of this happening, I begin to grasp at straws. This always leaves me to hit up the tried & true: google. At this point, I can be found typing such things as "Gift ideas for moms" or "What to get a 20 something year old girl for Christmas?" into the search bar....as if some google god will magically feel pity for me and the gift that I have been looking for will instantly appear. Let me tell you.... that never happens. Instead, I am forced to beg my friends and family with this repeated question: "Can you pleaseeee tell me what you want?!?" However, if your friends & family are anything like mine, this is the answer I get: "Oh, I don't know. I don't really need anything. Just surprise me."

Just surprise me. I despise this answer. While I understand that this is the whole point of getting gifts for people, it still puts me right back to where I started. This is where I am now. I have a thousand ideas swirling around in my head, but I haven't exactly executed the plans yet.... and it's December 11th. Awesome. Due to my tardiness, I am pretty much restricted to purchasing things in store as opposed to online due to the lovely amount of shipping days that get tacked on this time of year. After work today, I will be joining the throngs of people at Wolfchase in an attempt to find those perfects gifts while managing to stay at least partially in my ever-so-shrinking budget. Oh boy, oh boy.... Here goes nothing....

Give Thanks.

I've been MIA lately. I blame it on the amount of food, family, and shopping that took place the last few days. I swear that I blinked my eyes and a week had passed. I feel like my life is flyinggg by lately. It's sort of scary. I'm beginning to sound like an old lady saying, "I feel like it was just yesterday that.... blah, blah, blah."

In honor of the big event that led to my food coma last week, I have been thinking a lot recently of all that I have to be thankful for this year, both big and small. Allow me to share.....

- free time. (I have more downtime right now than I have ever had in my entire life. In fact, there is zero stress in my life right now, and it's a strange feeling. There is no test to study for, no anticipation of what I will do in the future, no relationship to pick apart.... it's all just very chill. I do what I want when I want. I'm trying to cherish it for I will probably never have it again).

- my health.

- my parents, extended family, and friends

- my roomate, Valerie (special shoutout to the one who puts up with me on a day to day basis. We have lived together for almost 4 years now, and I recently have had to come to terms with the fact that she is growing up, getting married, and living with him instead of me. haha I really want to try to live up the next few months and not take for granted having her be there all the time!)

- Highpoint Church (helped me in more than one way this year. Every service I attend brings me one step closer to the person that I want to be. In addition, I met some pretty amazing people through a class I attended this year. SO glad that this place has come into my life, and I look forward to becoming even more involved here!)

- Acceptance to Optometry School

- The Little Things: Neutrogena Intense Moisturizing Cream, cheesecake, Harry Potter, Carmex, cardigans, gap skinny jeans, christmas lights, John Mayer, bronzer, cold weather, random acts of kindness, holiday beverages, Diet Mountain Dew, Amy's frozen meals, cupcakes, Cut the Rope, and, of course, Christmas movies. You know, the important things in life....

The Last Few Days....

Here are some things that have been striking my fancy this week:

1. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

Oh, the long-awaited movie is finally here. Book 7: Part 1 has finally made its way to a movie theater near you... or it will be as of 12:01 am thursday night (or rather Friday morning?). While I will probably not be attending the midnight showing amongst all of the hard-core groupies, (think teenagers & twenty somethings all donned up in their lightning bolt scars, wizardly robes, broomsticks, and wands. oh what a sight to behold) I will most definitely be there excited as ever at normal-people time this weekend. In fact, to honor the occasion and to make sure that I am as well-prepared as possible, I have given myself the daunting task of re-reading the entire 7th book in a matter of a few days time. I WILL finish this thing. Oh, and the inner 12 year old inside of me is so ready for the Hermione/Ron big kiss, as well as a little steamy action from Harry & Ginny. OH BOY. Scandalous.

2. Memphis Basketball

I am so pumped up about this season! Few things get me more excited than Memphis basketball!!!! I just feel like the city is transformed from the months of November - March. It's amazing how much we come together to support this team every single year. I stand behind the fact that we have the best fans in the country. I'm ready to see all of the new talent that we have this year in action. The season really kicked off last night with the 11:00 pm ESPN game against Miami. Talk about a heart attack game... The Tigers really scared me (enough to stay up until 1:30 am to watch the game on a work night. and that's saying something)

3. Gossip Girl on DVD

Spotted: Fallon spending all her free time when not consumed by Harry Potter, Memphis basketball, or pesky work catching up on every single episode there ever was of Gossip Girl starting with Season 1. Yes, I am now team Chuck & Blair. I seriously cannot get enough of the tales of the rich and dramaful. In fact, I am now narrating my own life and concluding it with the phrase, XOXO, Gossip Girl. Pathetic, yes? If only I had Serena or Blair's wardrobe, I would be one happy, happy girl.

4. GLEE Christmas Soundtrack:
Be still my beating heart! Two of my greatest loves, Glee and Christmas, are joining forces to spread holiday cheer to everyone. I downloaded the album today. If you too desire to have visions of sugar plums dance in your head, you should probably do the same.

5. Avocados

Random, no? And, yes, I did just provide you with a clip art picture of an avocado. I wanted you to get the full effect. I recently re-kindled my love of avocados the past few days as well. In fact, I have eaten two today. It hands down wins favorite food of the week.

As you can see, I've been super busy the last few days.... Oh, what a stressed out life I am leading... I hope I can keep it together...... :)

I accomplished something major this week...

What you ask?

Well, I managed to not eat out a single meal the entire week... not even Starbucks for coffee. To an ordinary penny pincher, this might not be a big deal. But to this girl? Oh, it's huge. Last Sunday, I prepared a list and went to the grocery store with a goal in mind. This time, I would not get my usual frozen meals, chips, diet mountain dew, sandwich fixings, and various plethora of desserts. This time, I was going to get lots of fruits and veggies and actually venture over to the produce side of Kroger to spend some time there. I returned with blueberries, strawberries, peaches, red potatoes, squash, green beans, rice, etc. I was ready to rollllll.

Armed with my fresh (ok, it's Kroger so let's say semi-fresh) produce, I managed to cook dinner for myself every single night this week. It wasn't anything special, but this is leaps and bounds for me. The stove and I are not familiar friends. I blame it on the mindset of what's the point of cooking for one? Regardless though, I managed to grill squash, bake potatoes, saute mushrooms, and even grill some chicken after firing some questions at Valerie. "Do I need to Pam this? Does this look done? Are you sure? Am I going to get salmonella?"

Lo and behold though... at the end of my five days of consuming only home cooked meals and water, I am down 3 lbs.... in FIVE DAYS... with no exercising.... Holy Mother of Pearl. I think I might be on to something.... Therefore, I am going to keep it up, only hopefully incorporating some gym time in there as well. I might be turning over a new leaf ladies & gentlemen... a skinny leaf. bwahaha.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

First off, I am well aware that the post below me is funky. I have no idea what happened. I tried to do it on my phone which I will never do again. It shows up just perfect on my safari on my phone but obviously it looks like a jumbled, weird mess on a real computer... Sometime I will get around to fixing it. lesson learned.

Second off, I need some help. I have a REALLY big decision coming my way in terms of school choice. As in, where will I spend the next 4 years of my life? I've surprised even myself & narrowed it down to two. Memphis or Philadelphia. Here are the pros and cons that I can think of.... feel free to chime in with others.

Memphis Pros/Philly Cons:
1 & 2. Close to family/friends. I would not be ok with being that many miles away if something happened to anyone I loved. I would also not like being able to see my loved ones only on holidays. I have never gone over three or so weeks without seeing my parents and the thought of having to do that scares me...so much so that I should probably count this one twice... so I just did.
3. I know the area very well. It would be a thousand times easier to find an apartment and work out the living situation.
4. Due to the amount of money I am saving being in state, I could live in a better place... like downtown or mud island... both extrememly nice choices.
5. Southern College of Optometry in Memphis has a reputation of being a very great school and a reputation of being harder to get into than Philly.
6. Networking - Where you go to school is where your network is. If I go to Memphis, I could have some job leads here. If I go to Philly, they will most likely be in the North.... which may or may not be a bad thing.....
7. So far, I like the faculty and staff at Memphis better. Not sure if I can really base this on three or four folks though....

Philly Pros/Memphis Cons:
1. & 2. The most obvious... I am out of memphis!! I get the chance to experience another city & another part of the country. I might never have this chance again. Will I regret it forever if I never leave Memphis? The thought freaks me out... so I'll count it twice.
3. The area in and around the school - Memphis = homeless/ghetto central.....Philly = lovely residential area.
4. New people & the chance to start over.... Don't get me wrong, I love my friends & don't know what I would do without them. They complete me. HOWEVER, most of them are moving on & doing their own thing... marriage, kids, moving away, etc. I'm scared of getting left behind in the dust. If I went to Philly, I would feel like I'm doing my own thing. and who doesn't like the chance of starting completely over... clean slate and all?
5. Philly is a train ride away from New York City, Atlantic City, Washinton D.C., Boston, Pittsburgh, and I could go on and on. This fact speaks for itself.

That's really all I got.... I realize that Memphis has two more pros than Philadelphia....But in my mind, that's not enough to write off the idea of moving away. I'm scared I would regret it either way... no matter what I do. I need a therapist. Someone that will listen to me ramble on and on, and then tell me that my subconcious screams that I should go to one or the other. I'm praying about it so I hope I get some kind of sign soon. I have to decide by Christmas. Someone help.

"don't you worry 'bout a thing"

I've been doing a lot of soul searching the last few days. It all started last weekend when I was at my parent's house. I went to church with them, and towards the end of the service, one of the women that I know in the church went forward to talk with the preacher. This woman was a student teacher in my 5th grade class... I always admired her because of her upbeat attitude. Well, after the invitation was over, it was announced that she had just found out that she had leukemia and would be seeking treatment over the coming weeks. I can't describe what came over me at this time. At first, I was just in shock... Even though I'm not extrememly close with this person, it still hits home. This is a wonderful teacher with a toddler and a baby at home... Why should this be happening to her? Then, I took note of how she was acting. Not once throughout the "im so sorry" or "we're praying for you" well wishes did she lose control of her emotions. She looked so positive the entire time, smiling and thanking everyone. I even saw her at the local Mexican restaurant after church just eating and hanging out with her family. I was just in awe. Most people, including myself, would be so overcome with sorrow about this horrible turn of events that they would wallow in self pity at home... at least for a little while. Yet, here she was carrying on her day to day tasks like all was right in the world. Now, I'm not so naive as to think that she hasn't mourned this in any way. Regardless, though, you can tell that she is not going to let this ruin her life... or even her day.

Thinking about this made me feel ashamed at the way I lead my life. I'm a huge worry wort. I over analyze everything, and, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm kind of a pessimist. What's awful is that I have absolutely no reason to be. I have the most supportive family, loyal friends, a great job, the ability to pursue my career dreams... I am literally overwhelmed with the amount of blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Therefore, I have been trying to make a conscious effort lately to stop, take a few minutes out of my day, and thank God for all that he has given me. I was reading my Bible this morning and came upon this verse: "If you make the Most High your dwelling then no harm will befall you." It's an amazing thought - to know that someone constantly has their hand upon you. There is always a bigger plan for your life than you see. I need to learn to turn everything in my life over to God, even the little things. That's something I want to change in my life... I want to be more carefree. So, I'm working on it. In the meantime, take some time out of your day and say a little prayer for the strong, amazing woman that will probably never know just how much she inspired me.

Happy Hump Day!

This past weekend, I ventured to Selmer to see my family and my high school friends. The majority of my friends are still in college/grad school & this just happened to be fall break for everyone, so it was a great reunion. I looooved high school. I had a really, tight-knit group of friends that literally did everything together. It's amazing that four years later we can still get together & pick up exactly where we left off.....

Everytime I leave Selmer after a weekend like I just had, I always end up reminiscing about the good ol' days when I had absolutely nothing to worry about besides some boy I liked or where to go after the football game on friday. Due to my reminiscing, I caught myself looking at some photos from high school and thought I would share....

The Boys - Senior Trip '06

My Cary..Love this kid!

Lindsay - high school best friend :)
Almost the whole crew... gotta love prom pics!

BFFs since age 2 and still going strong....Love Karen!

Hope everyone has a safe & spooky HaLLoWeeN weekend!

Defying Gravity

I love the The Orpheum. There is just something about getting all dressed up and going into this building that gets me all excited. This past Saturday, I third-wheeled it with the parents to see Wicked. Let me start off by saying that I have wanted to see Wicked for like four years now. When I was in NYC my senior year of high school, it was on Broadway at that time and there were billboards EVERYWHERE advertising the show. At the time, I had no idea what it was even about. However, you can bet your bottom dollar that I googled it as soon as I got home (no iPhones to help with a quick google question back then). I was so interested to learn that it was a spin-off of the Wizard of Oz because I have loooveddd the story of ol' Dorothy since I was little... even though the munchkins used to scare the bejesus out of me. Anyways, fast forward to four years later, and I can finally say that I have seen Wicked.

It was everything that I hoped it would be. I have never laughed out loud in a Broadway show as much as I did with this one! AND, I love that I knew most of the songs prior to going... although I'm fairly certain my parents and the people around me certainly wish that I had not. My absolute favorite is Defying Gravity, which is the namesake of this post. I just love the lyrics and the moment when Elphaba and Glinda are singing this together. It is just so powerful, for lack of a better word. My favorite line:

"I'm through accepting limits cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change but till I try, I'll never know. Too long I've been afraid of losing love I guess I've lost. Well if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost. I'd sooner buy defying gravity. Kiss me goodbye. I'm defying gravity.And you can't pull me down!

All in all, great night and great show! I highly recommend!

I be up in the gym just working on my fitness... well not really.

I have a problem. My problem is that I am totally, most assuredly, without a doubt unhappy with my weight. There's no denying that I could stand to lose a few pounds... and by a few, I mean like 50 lbs. I have struggled with the lose weight, gain weight fiasco ever since I started college. However, I always blamed the fact that I couldn't hit the gym regularly on the strenuous schedule that I tried to keep up. It is not easy balancing classes like organic chemistry, biochem, and anatomy with 25 hours at work and a sorority that is guaranteed to have at least 4 activities to attend during the week. That was my excuse anyway. But now, here I am, nothing to do except work, and I have created new excuses for myself. Well, I am sick and tired of claiming that I am too sick or too tired to hit the gym. I have a new-found pact with myself that I will at least do something physical every, single day. Whether it be a class at the gym (there's a lot I really want to try like Zumba, kickboxing, core ball, etc), the elliptical, or even just a walk outside, I HAVE to do something.

The biggest struggle I have, though, is with food. I don't mean that I take a bag of Cheetos, a 2 liter, and a box of cookies and gorge out on the couch. I definitely do not do that. My biggest problem is that I eat out entirely too much and that I, well, basically just love food. One of my favorite pastimes is going to a restaurant with friends... without a doubt. AND at this restaurant, I am usually drawn to what is probably the most calorie-packed item on the menu. Extra cheese? Don't mind if I do! Or....... Chocolate molten cake? Well the meal wouldn't be complete without it! Yea, you get my drift..... I recognize that I need to make a change. I need to learn to rewire my brain to think that grilled chicken breast with a side of broccoli is what I really want. (HA! yea right). Regardless, though, I have in my mind now that I need to make these adjustments in my everyday life, and when I have a goal in mind that I really want to accomplish, I am usually pretty driven to complete it. That's the plan at least.... I am so tired of comparing myself to other people and hating how I look in every picture that I take. I am starting a new challenging phase in my life next year, and I want to start it by being the healthiest version of myself that I can be. Therefore, by the time I start school next year, wherever that may be, I want to be at my goal weight. AND I am starting today!!

Dr. Cone

Nice ring to it? Hope so... BECAUSE I GOT INTO OPTOMETRY SCHOOL and that is what I will be known as in 4 1/2 years (that is to say that I don't flunk out or something tragic doesn't happen but I'm thinking positive! Just in case, I just knocked on wood). I'm on cloud nine to say the least. This is the only goal that I have ever had for myself besides marraige and children and who would have thought that the latter would be the harder one? haha. I traveled down to Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday of this week, had my interview on Wednesday, and was accepted on Thursday. It was such a quick process, but it was sooo exciting! It is such a relief to know that this is actually happening. I DID NOT want to sit out another year twiddling my thumbs waiting for this to happen so it is such a blessing that I am now officially on my way to a career. I finally feel like I am not a worthless blob with no school or activities to attend to. Well, I take that back... currently, I am still a worthless blob... BUT, a worthless blob who is headed to optometry school next year!! I applied to other schools in addition to the one in Florida. Therefore, I definitely don't want to turn my back on any other opportunities just yet. I want to be confident in wherever I go to school because, after all, I will be there for the next 4 years of my life. Regardless, I will be somewhere! So, YAYYYY!

Mr. Right

This past Wednesday night, one of my good friends Megan & I started a class together through Highpoint church. The class is for single women, and it's basically all about dating and relationships. I like to think of it as Hitch for the church going people. Supposedly, it's going to be about what qualities to look for in a guy, as well as what qualities we should build up in ourselves in order to have a lasting relationship. There is no denying that I need some guidance in this field because, let's face it, I haven't done just a fantastic job with my relationships in the past, obviously, or I would still be in them.....

Nevertheless, I was a wee bit apprehensive about what to expect from this class. It sounded like a support group to me, which I am most assuredly not into. However, now that I have been, I am so glad to be doing this. I loooove the girl who leads the study, Emily, after just meeting her once. She has such a great personality, and I really found myself hanging on to every word that she said.

The first thing that she had us do was to write down five traits that we want in a potential mate, as well as five things that we absolutely do not want. Believe me when I say that I do not have a problem doing this exercise. I think everyone and their mom has had to do this for something at some point. Usually, I stick with the same ol, same ol. You know what I mean.... funny, cute, sweet, blah, blah, blah. This time, though, I really took the time to ask myself what i truly want and not what I think I should want. Here is the list that I came up with:

The Come-Hither's:

1. Intelligent/Educated (self-explanatory.... no one wants an idiot)

2. sarcastic (notice I did not say funny. I don't need a joke teller. I know this is a weird quality to want in someone, but I honestly can't live without it. I'm a very sarcastic individual and I really like dry humor. If you have quick wit, I'm your lady)

3. Loves God (I don't want the perfect Bible-beating Christian, and I am certainly not saying that. I just want someone who believes in God and spends time in prayer. Too often in the past, my relationships have inhibited my relationship with God instead of strengthening it and obviously this is not good.)

4. Respectful & Thoughtful (Even though I am not your typical romantic girly girl, I still like to be reminded that you care even the slightest every now and then.)

5. Outgoing/Social (I don't want to take a guy out, and he cower behind me. I want someone with a big, contagious personality who can find some way to make anything fun...even grocery shopping)

The No Thank-You's:

1. Not driven/not ambitious (I don't care if your dream is to clean toilets. Just aspire to be the best dang toilet scrubber you can be and work towards that!)

2. Lazy (Ok, I know I have no room to talk sometimes... Everyone has their lazy days, and they are amazing, but if your lazy "day" is actual lazy week or lazy month, then I don't really have compassion for you.)

3. Unclean/Slob (Proper hygiene as well as taking a clorox wipe to the counter every now and then won't kill you)

4. Trustworthy & Honest (again... self-explanatory)

5. Smoking (The fact that I want my lover to live as long as possible aside, cig smoke bothers my contacts. AND I can't be all lovey dovey when my eyes feel like acid has been poured into them)

There you have it... my perfect man. Too often, I find myself settling or making excuses for why there is one quality that I really want that someone doesn't have. BUT I am done, finito, throwing in the towel... you get the point. I'm crossing my fingers that there is a smart, sarcastic, godly, thoughtful, ambitious, non-smoking man out there... and I WILL find him... just not as creepily as that sounded :)

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Oh, work stories. Everyone has them. Anyone that works with the public is always going to have some crazy stories to tell. I, myself, have had plenty of encounters at work where I am left wondering, did that really happen? I say this to tell you that I definitely had one of these "encounters" today. Here's a little replay of how this particular conversation went:

(telephone rings... I answer with the appropriate greeting....)

Man: "Ummm yes. This is ______. My daughter purchased glasses there a couple of months ago, and her nose piece has fallen off. Where do YOU get off selling such an expensive pair of glasses that can just fall apart so easily?"

Me: "Well, sir, that is a fairly common occurrence with any pair of glasses, no matter the price. It is something that can easily be fixed in store. In fact, if you would like to bring those in today, we can have them ready for you in just like five minutes time."

Man: "I live all the way in gosh darn Mississippi. There is absolutely no way that I am driving all the way there for this!"

Me: "Ok, well I can understand that. If you want to take them to an optical place near your house, you are more than welcome to. Any place that sells glasses should do this adjustment for you at no cost."

Man: "I'm not doing that either! This is your responsibility!"

Me: "Ok, well my hands are kind of tied with this matter, Sir. If you won't bring them here or take them anywhere else, what do you want me to do?"

Man: "I want you to mail me the parts to fix it."

Me: "Ok.... I can try to do that for you. But, are you familiar with performing adjustments on glasses?"

Man: "I'm an aircraft engineer...."

Me: "Ok...... So you do think you will be able to handle it? It can be kind of tricky....."

Man: "How dare you insult my intelligence!!! I will definitely be taking my business elsewhere from now on if I have someone like you disrespecting me!!!!"

(Sound of phone slamming down.)

After I got over the shock of what had just happened, I couldn't help but to start laughing. I honestly feel bad for those people who walk around so angry all the time.... I'm sorry sir but if the worst thing that has ever happened to you all your life or even today for that matter is that your daughter lost a nosepiece, then consider yourself pretty dadgum lucky! Ok, there was my venting session for the day. Now, I'm done. On a more positive note, I got another interview with a different school in Philadelphia! YEAAA. I'm a traveling machine this month!! More info to come in a later post.....

Beach, Beach, Beach!!!

Ok, so I have some news. I'm trying really hard not to get overly excited and start daydreaming about various scenarios like I always do.... butttttttt... I got an optometry school interview!! WHOOO HOOOO!!! Ok, that was me being excited, which I just said I was not going to do... but I can't help it. It is at a school in Florida between Miami & Ft. Lauderdale. Here's the story:

So, I'm at work checking my mail when I get an email with the subject line: NSU Interview Invite. As soon as I saw it, my heart immediately started beating so hard, I thought it was going to literally explode. When I get excited or nervous or scared or basically any adrenaline-type emotion, I start shaking... hardcore. So, here I was trying to control my hand long enough to click on the email.... and then there it was.... my first school interview invite. I'm fairly certain I hugged everyone within a 2 mile radius. Ok, so I know that this seems stupid to be so excited about... I mean I'm not even in yet. BUT, you have to know how little I expected this to happen so soon. I mean my application is nothing to write home about... average grades, average OAT score, average everything. I'm just your run-of-the-mill average person. Therefore, I did not expect to be bomboarded with "we want you!" emails. Nevertheless, here it was....

When I finally got ahold of myself long enough to actually read the email, I found out that I had to go within the next three weeks. HOLY CRAP! My mind immediately started reeling with how I was going to find a cheap flight, hotel, transportation, etc. By the grace of God, within two days, I had found a "cheap" flight out of Memphis and a hotel right next to the school that even had shuttle service to and from the university! Therefore, on October 12th, I will be leaving Memphis and heading down to the Sunshine State for a couple of days. I'm waiting for the nerves to hit because I'm sure they will.... probably right about as I'm having "breakfast with the dean" which is first on the schedule.... Here's a little photo of where I'm heading... Oh, palm trees on campus... bliss.

Good vs. Evil....

I'll admit one thing: I'm a list freak. I wish you knew how often I visit the "productivity" section of the App Store. I have approximately 8 to-do lists apps on my phone, all of which I seem to think I will use at some point. I am also an avid "Healthcare & Fitness" searcher. Why am I telling you all this, you ask? Well, dear, I am telling you this because there is something you should know about me. In my 22 years on this Earth, I keep denying it but it is always there, staring me in the face. As much as I hate to admit it, I am not a follow through-er. I am probably one of the most organized people you will meet in your life.... on paper. If you took a gander inside my iphone right before I go to bed at night, you would find a detailed list of what I am to do the following day, complete with wake-up time, workout time, cleaning time, etc. Take today, for example. Last night before I went to bed, as always, I mentally laid out exactly what I was going to do the following day. I was to wake up at 6:00 a.m, hit the gym for an hour or so, come home, shower, make breakfast, pick up the apartment, and head to work by 8:30 am. That way, after work, I could come home and just chill out and do some laundry while watching the Bachelor Pad. Here is what happened:

6:00 am - ** Alarm Sounds ** After I realize where I am, what day it is, and why I am getting up at this hour, I begin to have a conversation with myself that plays out something like this:

Evil Fallon: "Why the heck would you EVER set your alarm at this hour?!?" Good Fallon: "Well, I thought it would be nice to get a jump start on the day. People always talk about how productive you can be if you get up at a decent hour." Evil Fallon: "Yes, but think about how amazing it would be to sleep for another couple of hours. You can always work out and clean up the apartment tonight.... or even tomorrow." As you can probably imagine, Evil Fallon ALWAYS wins. So, therefore, I re-set my alarm clock for 8:00 am and then literally rushed to get ready and get to work. AND after work? I came home, sat on the couch, and did absolutely nothing with my life.

It always seems to work out like this for me. When I was in school, I always wrote out this nice, detailed study schedule for myself that would allow me plenty of time to finish all my tasks in a respectable amount of time. Did I ever do that? No. Instead, the night before an exam, I could be found in the check out line at Kroger holding a handful of 5 hour energy drinks and enough Mountain Dew to kill a person.

I guess I'm just trying to figure out why I do this to myself? I am a smart girl with a good head of my shoulders! Why do I have no self discipline? Don't even get me started on my work-out schedule.... Unfortunately, that's usually the first thing to go. I do feel like I have an all-out war going on in my head... There's the side of me that wants to be completely lazy and veg out and do nothing with my life, and then there's the side that has the best intentions and wants me to be productive all day every day! All I know is, something's got to give. I have to be one person or the other. I'm about to google how to be a morning person.... that's how desperate I am. I'll report with my findings.....

The Art of Doing Nothing

I recently saw the movie Eat Pray Love. I honestly don't know what I thought about it. I disagree with Elizabeth Gilbert's viewpoints on several issues, especially religion. However, I am absolutely captivated by the idea of dropping everything in your life and traveling the world. I wish I had the courage (and the finances) to do something like this... to leave it all behind. There is nothing I enjoy more than reading and studying about cultures other than my own. I would give my left pinky toe to backpack through Europe with no agenda or plans. I think that's why I DID like this movie - because of all the footage of Italy, India, and Bali. There is one scene that really stuck out to me. It was when she was in Italy, talking to her Italian tutor and some strange hairdresser man. They were discussing how Americans are so driven and feel guilty every time they take a break - like they are doing something wrong. On the other hand, Italians make time for relaxation and time to basically just be indulgent. I just found this funny because I was just griping about how I felt useless and depressed because I had a week with nothing to do. haaaaa. Maybe someday I will take a month out of my life and tour the world..... just another thing to add to the bucket list.....

Home is where the heart is....

I am reporting live as we speak from the thriving metropolitan area of Selmer, TN! :)






As much as I rag on my little town, I have found that I do love coming here. If I am in a bad mood, it instantly lifts as soon as I walk in the door. There is just something about being here with the people that I have grown up with that is really comforting. I've never had what you would consider a bad relationship with my parents, even in my teenage years. Given, there were moments growing up when I thought, "Wow, they are so naive" or "Gahhhh I wish they would just leave me alone." However, I have always been supa tight with them. I guess it comes from being an only child.... Regardless, though, my love and respect for them as of late has grown even more. Sometimes, I am in awe of how lucky I am that God paired me up with them. I hear these stories about parents kicking their kids out or not giving them money or showing them no support, and I am just dumbfounded because I cannot relate at all. If there was some kind of awesome parent award, I would be the first person in line to nominate the two I have. I have found over the years that they support me more than I probably support myself. They are the first people I call when I get good news because they always make me feel so proud of myself. Not to mention how much financial support they have given me over the years..... I have never needed or wanted for anything that I did not get. I know that makes me sound very spoiled and selfish, but they have given me everything I needed while still making me learn to appreciate and count the blessings that I have. I cannot rave enough about them & I love them to the moon and back......

Me & the Pops

Me & the madre

But Wait.... I cannot close out a post on my Selmer life without including one more huge person (and I use the term person lightly).... RILEY.

This dog is my world, and I cannot get enough of her when I come home. I'm fairly certain that she does not consider herself a pet simply because she gets treated like she is one of the family. I am just slightly obsessed with her. Don't tell my parents, but nine times out of ten I'm ready to come home just to see her... haha. As we speak, she is fighting with the computer for a spot in my lap so I suppose that's my cue to wrap this up.... I suppose this post has turned into a shout out to mom & dad... unintentional, but sometimes you gotta show a little love to the rents...and the dog :):)

Stir Crazy

So... Two posts ago, you know how I was so excited about having nothing to do for a solid year? Yea, I'm over that...and it's only been one complete week. I am just not cut out for down time. I think everyone needs a little time off now & then... time to catch up on sleep and just relax for awhile. However, considering my "vacation" doesn't end, it's actually having the reverse effect on me. I'm actually kind of starting to feel useless & depressed. I know that sounds absolutely ridiculous. Why would anyone complain about free time?!? Only me, my friend...only me. However, I have always been the type of person who will whine your ear off about how busy & tired I am...but deep inside, I'm enjoying every bit of it. Working toward something & accomplishing things is what makes me thrive. In fact, I am happiest when I have a to-do list, and I can check things off. How bizarre, right? Now, if I made a to-do list, it would go something like this:

1. shower (optional)

2. watch two discs of Entourage

3. go to the gym

4. watch three discs of Entourage

5. Feed Fish

6. watch one disc of Entourage

7. Bed

Like, how Sad is that?? Therefore, I think I need a hobby. Sometime that I can work towards....but I'm just not sure what that can be. I wish my hobby could be traveling.... but that requires mucho money, and I'm not in the best position to be blowing that right now. Especially considering I just dropped no less than $500 on applicaion fees. So, here I am.... back to square one. My hobby should be staying at the gym for loooooong periods of time, but that just sounds like zero fun. I know I should be happy and enjoy my time off for I will definitely wish I had it later... blah, blah, blah. For now, though, I'm going CrAzY.

Blog Makeover

First off, let me start off by saying that computers DO NOT like me. Sure, I can facebook and twitter and sometimes, when I'm lucky, I can even compose a few emails. Beyond that, though, NO WAY. When I have to get into settings and networks and all that crazy mumbo jumbo, I'm lost. As you may can tell, my blog has shown that. I clicked and googled enough to figure out how to put a background up for the first couple of months but that was about as good as it got...until my dear ol' friend Valerie came along :). She recently started a blog and hers looked all fancy schmancy so I thought, who better than her to teach me? So, like the good friend that she is...she took like 2 hours out of her night to help get my blog all beautified. I felt so bad too because tonight her significant other had come to hang out with her, and the entire time he was here, she was helping me with this. Backgrounds, headers, colors, fonts, pictures...you know, the important things in life. Well, now I hope to post more because I have such a lovely backdrop to compose my words on. bwaha. So, if you are reading this...Thank you Valerie!!!

Endless Summer

Long time, no see!

My life has been kind of a whirlwind the past few weeks what with taking & passing the OAT (barely...but I did it!) and running around everywhere getting together transcripts & rec letters & writing essays and personal statements....whew! My brain has definitely been going full force lately. This afternoon I am submitting my application to several schools. I'm just so exicited and consumed with the idea that in a year's time, I could be living somewhere totally different than where I am now. I have lived my entire life in west tennessee, and I would LOVE to experience somewhere else for awhile. In the meantime, I am off for the next year without a single plan or agenda except for working four days a week. I know that I am not going to know what to do with myself. It's going to be sooo nice to read all the books & watch all the movies I've always meant to get around to. AND if anyone out there is bored, do not hesitate to call because I will obviously have no excuses to turn down a night out! Needless to say, I am pumped about my time off to clear my head and give my brain a little rest. Endless summer here I come.... :):)

Basketcase No More!

Sometimes, every now and then, I'll read the last post that I wrote and think about how it's crazy what a little time can do, even a week. The last time I wrote that I was in such a horrible place mentally and emotionally, but now I am happy to report that I am moving forward! I forgot what amazing friends and family and God that I have and sometimes you need something like this to remind you why. My life has been so busy the last few days studying like crazy for the OAT. The test is the day after tomorrow! yikes! I literally cannot wait to take it. Even if I do bad, I will know that I still prepared the best I could for it and that's really all that I can do at this point.... I'm just so ready for it to be OVER so that I can get on with the fun things in life...like celebrating my best friend and roommate's engagement! I thought that after recently breaking up with someone that I would be kind of bitter and/or jealous of seeing others all lovey dovey but it really is the opposite. I am so happy for them and can't wait to start all of the planning!

What really brought me out of my bad mood slump officially was going to church this past Sunday at Highpoint. I absolutely love this place and I felt like what was being said was meant for me to hear. The main verse was from 1 Peter 5:7 ..."Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." In summary, it was all about how everything will be alright in due time. There are always going to be times when you are struggling and suffering. Life will not be easy or painless. But it is in these times that God will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. This just really hit a nerve with me because I have been so enveloped in self pity lately that I haven't really thought about why I am doing this to myself. Well, this was the moment that I came out of "the funk." I am truly blessed in so many areas of my life, and I always neglect to realize that. At that point, I decided that I was not going to focus any longer on what I don't have as opposed to what I do have, and I honestly feel a thousand times better. :) :) Keep me in your prayers this week as I take my big test!

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

I'm going through a super sucky phase in my life right now. One of those where you don't feel like yourself & nothing seems to be looking up. Of all times for this to possibly happen, Patrick (the boyfriend) & I ended things two nights ago. I suppose, in a way, it was a long time coming. The fact that we weren't fitting together perfectly has been on my mind for like 8 months now. However, every time that I tried to get up the strength to say something, the words literally wouldn't come out. Like I would tell myself when we get home tonight you have to say something or when this commercial comes on you have to say something. And I never could. Something would always stop me because I would reason with myself that the thought of being without him was worse than being with him. I realize as I type this that that was selfish of me. And obviously the fact that I wasn't 100% into it was apparent...you can't fake things day in and day out. I started being more quick to get angry and more quiet and closed off. I could tell I was and as much as I tried to change my attitude I just couldn't. Well, I guess Wednesday night was the last straw and it all boiled over. I, in true fashion lately, became overly dramatic and began to question everything about our relationship. After a few minutes of me being whiny and needy sounding, I asked if there was a future at all, and he more or less said no. As soon as he said it, I felt like the wind was knocked out of me. Even though the whole goal of me having this outburst was for him to answer the question like that, I still wasn't ready for how I felt. As soon as I walked out, I started crying and I don't think I stopped for the next 8 hours. I know that this decision was probably for the best because something wasn't working somewhere. I just wish there was some secret remedy to get over it. He was such a HUGE part of my life and I am having serious troubles coping with this. While there was next to no romance/passion there anymore, he was without a doubt my best friend this past year and a half and I lost that. The past two days I have on numerous times picked up the phone to text him something about my day and then realize that I shouldn't do that... and sadly enough, there is not a minute that goes by that I don't think of something that I want to do but now can't. I wish that I had realized that night that it was the end. This is so corny and cheesy but I wish that I would have paid attention more to the last time we kissed/hugged. Lately, I've just blown both off like it was nothing. I even got all emotional when I realized that I won't have his dang dog jump on me and lick me to death anymore. Then I think about all the places or restaurants that I wanted to try with him and never did. Or TV shows will come on that we watched together (ahem scrubs) and I can't even watch them. I know, I know...I'm a pathetic basketcase. And it takes a lot of pride for me to admit that because I want so bad to be the one in the relationship who is fine and moves on to bigger and better things right away. As I've heard 97 times, "it just takes time." Well, I suppose that I will just plaster a smile on my face and go on. This is the only time that you will hear me rant about this because I cannot keep dwelling on this...I know that. It's not healthy and will just make me a wreck. Therefore, here's to looking forward. Here's to hoping that I pass the OAT, get into a great school in a great city, and everything falls into place exactly like it's meant to be.... that's what I'm praying anyway.

Just call me Ms. No Life

Once again, I have slacked on my blogging skills. There's really noting to catch up on though because I have only been doing one thing: STUDYING.

It consumes me day in and day out and it is basically all that I think about nowadays. I take the OAT on August 4th and I'm trying to cram my brain full of every equation and reaction that I possibly can. Needless to say, at 12:00 pm on August 4th I will either be one VERY HAPPY girl or one very depressed one. I just have so much riding on this test that I can't think about it or it freaks me out. Therefore, I don't think. I just study. You can just call me hermit for another 3 weeks. Hopefully, life will get a little more exciting after all this.

Let Freedom Ring

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

I'm a HUGE holiday person. As in, if I'm not observing the holiday that is to be celebrated, then I feel that something is wrong. That's why I am slightly depressed that I have no 4th plans. I want to be magically transported to the lake or to the beach where I can sit with my butt in the sand as I watch fireworks shoot up over the water. Is that just too much to ask?! I suppose so because here I am in Memphis with absolutely no plans. Sad Day. Maybe I will illegally buy myself some fireworks and shoot them off, eh? I kind of have a slight obsession with fireworks. They enchant me. Give me a sparkler or sit me in front of a firework show and I am mesmerized.... which is odd because I am terrified of fire. hmmm. Life's mysteries. Anywho, HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! :)

Oh, Weddings

This past weekend, I attended what can only be considered the first of MANY, MANY weddings down the road. I am finally at that age where all of my friends and classmates will be strapping on the ol' ball and chain and taking the plunge. I'm torn between wanting to be so happy for them and having an out right panic attack. I, myself, am nowhere near marriage. I am entirely too immature, both emotionally and financially, for that sort of thing at this time in my life. In fact, I can't even pay rent without the help of my parents. However, here I am feeling like I missed the bus somewhere that read "destination: marriage and kids." I am only 22 years old...and only a week into 22 at that! Why should I feel like this? I shouldn't. I was thinking about this as I was browsing the internet at work on Monday. I came across this review for a book that caught my eye. I forget what it was called but it talked about the "late bloomers" in marriage and the benefits that they achieved from it. It said that in order to be fully happy with yourself and your future hubby that you have to have a solid relationship with yourself...and that throughout your entire 20s is when most people find this. Well, that made me feel better. I am certain that I am not 100% confident in my own skin, and, on top of that, I haven't achieved everything in life that I want to achieve. I'm still way too selfish to devote myself fully to a family. I have an education to get, places to see, and experiences that i have not yet lived. I'm sure that I will (hopefully!) get there eventually, lord willing and man willing I suppose! ha. In the meantime, I really cannot be happier for my loved ones diving into marriage-ville. I looove weddings! Everyone is so happy and the atmosphere is just great. I'm glad I love them because it looks like my wedding attending is far from over.

Chocolate Wasted

Last night, I went with the boyfriend to see the new movie Grownups starring a pretty all star team of comedy legends: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, & Rob Schneider. I went into the movie with the absolute lowest expectations because of what I had heard from Valerie and her boyfriend. They saw it a couple of hours before us and absolutely HATED it. Hearing this, of course, I questioned whether we should see it considering the bad review. However, Patrick's face kind of fell when I suggested something else, so therefore, what the heck...we went. AND.....drumroll please...... it actually wasn't half bad. I'll give it to Valerie & Jon though, it was a very cheesy movie. It definately has the stupid comedy bits that have you questioning your immuturity when you laugh out loud. Despite this, I thought that all of the actors' chemistry was really good. They were constantly ribbing each other and putting each other down and that's what made it hilarious. I know this movie isn't going to win an academy award or anything and to be honest, I see more people hating it than liking it. If you are an Adam Sandler fan like me, though, then go see it. In high school, when girls my age were lusting over Josh Hartnett, Paul Walker, and Justin Timberlake, I was ooh-ing and ahh-ing for Adam Sandler. haha. (don't get me wrong - the others aren't half bad either - By the way what happened to Josh Hartnett? ha) I have yet to walk out of a Happy Madison production just straight up hating it and it's all because of the easy laughs that Sandler always brings. Overall, I give it a B. :)

crazy lady = me

warning: depressing thoughts ahead. So, I've been thinking a WHOLE lot recently about life, death, heaven, sickness, etc. For some reason, over the last few months I have turned into quite the hypochondriac and I'm not even kidding. In fact, I just googled hypochondriac and I literally have all of the symptoms: the fear that minor bodily symptoms may indicate a serious illness, requiring constant reassurance that you are healthy, and repeatedly researching medical conditions on the internet. check, check, and oh yes check. It all started back in January when I got an abnormal report back from the lady doctor for showing abnormal cells.... and then it all went downhill. I have never been like this in my entire life...in fact, I was one of those kids who would ignore feeling sickly until my mother absolutely made me go to the doctor. Now, if I think about all the potential diseases and statistics for getting them, I actually start freaking out. In fact, it has gotten so bad that I can't even watch House or read medical articles in fear that I will have a genuine panic attack. The sad thing is I recognize that this is going on and that I sound absolutely absurd, but I still think them anyway in the back of my mind. I'm really, really hoping that I snap out of this soon & begin to count my blessings that I have been this healthy so far in my life. I just have to preoccupy myself or I get caught up in thinking how I could ever have the strength to deal with the situation if something ever did happen to me, my parents, or family & friends. AND then I feel bad for thinking this because I should be trusting God because he already has a plan laid out for me. SO see..... this is how messed up I have been lately. I need to get a grip....and hope that this scaredy cat phase passes SOON. Has anyone else ever felt like this?

No worries, I'm back!

So.. it's ummm been awhile. ha. BUT, this time I have an excuse...I was on vacation. whoop whoop. The familia and I went to the New England area from Saturday to Saturday of this last week and I cannot rave enough about how awesome it was. Boston is such a nice city... unlike the majority of the ones I have been to in the past. It was so unghetto... if that even makes sense. There were no slummy, oh-my-god-get-me-out-of-here areas that I encountered and I felt completely safe and comfortable the entire time. Don't get me wrong. I love Memphis and will be the first to admit it, but let's face it. We got the ghetto and we got it good. As soon as I load some pictures of the week, I shall share.

Another thing I noticed throughout my time is Boston is how freakin' fit these people are. You cannot walk a single block without somebody whizzing by you running or biking or rollerblading or SOMETHING. I was in awe. Here I am panting up the subway stairs and here these people are taking them three at a time. Needless to say, the last time I saw someone run past me in downtown Memphis was when someone had stolen their purse.... (baha sorry another Memphis dig...I'll stop I promise). ANYWAY, I was so inspired by the physical fitness around me that I trotted right in to the nearest Nike store and purchased some new running shoes and shorts hoping that this would be the motivation that I needed to start running and exercising regularly. I joined a gym a couple of months back, but I get sooooo bored so easily and after a couple of days of being good and going I start making excuses and slack BIG TIME. Therefore, I think I am going to start running outside (I always enjoy it more this way) and then doing some weight machines and classes at the gym. The official start day for this new work out pledge is tomorrow morning so I hope that I can high tail it out of bed and hit the pavement!

I wanted to try the shoes out today, however, so about an hour ago, I attempted to run outside. Just a little heads up for you folks living under a box: it is H-O-T outside. OMG. My running extravaganza has got to take place in the morning before the mid-day heat kicks into full gear. I got up to half a mile in the 99 degree weather before I thought, "Who am I trying to kid?" and walked, sweat pouring, back to my apartment. Hopefully tomorrow plays out a little better than today. Whew. Wish me luck....On the plus side, I love the shoes! :)

red velvet, banana, peanut butter, OH MY.

about two weeks ago, valerie & i discovered what is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in Memphis - Gigi's Cupcakes:

if you have a sweet tooth but at all, then this is seriously the place for you. it's probably a good assumption to say that i am obsessed. this could be the inner fat kid inside of me (not even really inner anymore! ha), but i look forward to one of these bad babies after work! val & i even have their menu on our fridge, and we mark off the ones that we have tried - need i say more?

just take a look at these and tell me that your mouth is not watering right now?!?

you can thank me later. in the meantime, check out their spring/summer menu:

http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/docs/SpringMenu.pdf

you shall not be disappointed. happy cupcaking!

Dear Diary,

well apparently i'm not a good blogger. i'm determined to do better with this thing. i can't give up after just one post. i really hope it's not going to be like when i was a kid and tried to keep a journal. i would start out so good like "dear diary, i am going to write in you every day & tell all my secrets to you." ......and then the rest of the book would be blank.

i noticed on the last post that i gave no background information about myself. i'm not going to sit here and write out my own little biography because, let's face it, who cares where i was born, what my childhood was like, or even what my major was. i figure that over time all that information will come out in its own little way. as for now, just know that i just graduated college and i am trying to see what my way will be in this world. i currently work at an optometry office as i plow through countless oat books and write countless personal statements and essays in order to hopefully land a place in optometry school for fall '11. optometry school has always been my dream since i was all of 11 years old. for some reason, that's all that i have ever wanted to do. therefore, im taking a year off from the whole school thing and setting about to make this dream a reality (excuse the cliche).

i've always enjoyed writing. in school, give me a paper to write over studying for a test anyday. when i get to a keyboard, i seriously could write all day. i also love to read. in the last year or so, an anatomy or biochem textbook was my bedside reading material. however, now that that time in my life is behind me, i've started to pick up reading for pleasure again. i've always been the type that could start and finish a book in 2 days time because i usually CANNOT put them down. i will read anything - chick lit, murder mystery, biographies, history, dramas, religion, literally ANYTHING. i don't think that there is a book, or movie for that matter, that I will turn down. therefore, i will probably blog a lot about my latest book or movie.

i'm also a HUGE fan of tv on dvd. my roommate valerie & I have been hooked on purchasing television series for years now. the favorites: grey's anatomy, desperate housewives, gossip girl, the o.c., one tree hill, friends, reba, house, scrubs, and I could go on and on. we can seriously sit for hours watching disc after disc of the latest addiction. most recent goal: to watch every episode && the first movie of sex & the city before going to see the new movie together. that's why we are the only females in the world to not have already seen it. i swear i can think of no better day or night to fill than sitting on the couch and watching this show. i love these girls...and yes even miranda for the comical relief that she brings ;)

i guess that's enough of my rambling for one day..... until next time (I SWEAR!)

Officially a College Grad!

I cannot believe today arrived. It seems surreal to think that it has been four whole years since I began college. I feel like it was literally 2 months ago that my parents dropped me off at my dorm for the first time. Part of me was so happy that it was over. I will never miss the all-nighters & stress that comes hand in hand with being the queen procrastinator that I am. However, I will, and already do, miss the experiences that I had while on this campus - fraternity houses (please don't let me be caught dead there now - been there done that), nights downtown, sorority formals, basketball games, homecomings, etc. I was looking back through my old photo albums on facebook and got all nostalgic thinking of the friendships that I had made & the things that I had done. There is no denying that it will really hit me hard once the Fall semester starts and I'm not there complaining about my schedule and that I have Mrs. so-and-so for a Biology class. Regardless, though, I am so excited about this next phase in my life. I feel like, or hope rather, that the next few years are going to be the most exciting of my life. I intend to make them that way. You are only in your 20's once and I want to really slow down life & start appreciating and savoring the freedom that I have right now. That's basically the entire reason I started this blog. I know I don't have the most exciting life in the world. In fact, it's probably one of the most boring if I'm being quite honest. However, I'm doing this for me. I want to be able to read this or show my kids this years and years down the road and be able to recall the important times in my life and to see them right there in pictures. I love reading other people's blogs (yes, I'm a creeper), but I never dreamed of writing one of my own. Well, suddenly today I had an ah-ha moment and realized that I DO want to start one. Therefore, here you go.... My life starting out in the "real world." Even if I don't have one follower, I am perfectly fine with being the only person that reads this :)

ANYWAYS....back to today....Graduation was about as long and boring as one would expect. It's always promising when the speaker says, "And today we will be awarding the most degrees in the history of the University of Memphis!" Well, oh freakin joy. That is just dandy. Oh, and it was. I completely zoned out by about the 235th name. It was just my luck that the College of Science was the VERY last college to be announced. I was 452 out of only like 475 names. Therefore, I had about 2 hours to create scenarios in my head of the various ways that I could trip or embarrass myself as I walked across the stage. Thankfully, I made it across without falling (which believe me, that is quite an accomplishment for me ESPECIALLY in heels). All in all, great day as an official alumna of the U of M. AND the ribs at Rendezvous post-graduation certainly didn't hurt things either.

Here are some photos from today...Which are all blurry for some reason? I am VERY disappointed in the quality of all of them - even the up close ones. I have no idea what was up with my camera. Hopefully, my parents got some better shots.

My wonderful parents & I pre-ceremony.

Gettin' that diploma.

AND that's the only pictures that are worth anything at all...if that tells you anything. Aghhh Oh well, I know i was there & that's all that matters!