Uncommon Grounds

"Keep America a Christian Nation."

2009-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

I babysit for three different families, and they all live in the same general direction. I take route 43 up to route 14. To paint a better picture, route 43 is a windy, two-lane, get-stuck-behind-someone-slow-you're-screwed, kind of road. Each time I drive this dreadful road, I see something new and interesting; like a structurally appealing house that I never noticed, roadkill that is bigger than the one last week, or a patio that the Tavern at Twin Lake is building. But, despite all of these new findings, the church on the left hand side caught my eye first. They have a sign near the road that reads, "Keep America a Christian Nation." I have never wanted to spray paint over something more in my life. Each time I pass this sign, I think of some clever, witty remark that I could paint in neon green, over the black that I cover the entire picture in.

Ignorance is something that I have a horrible time dealing with; and to me, that sign is a display of the type of people that enter that church. America is supposed to be a land of diversity, yet each day I am faced with hate toward anyone that "isn't one of our own." What is our own? The man from Georgia that flies the confederate flag and doesn't have any front teeth?

I read in the news today that a Christian group is boycotting GAP for their new commercial that includes all religious holidays. ARE YOU SERIOUS? When I read that, my heart sank and fell onto my purple-striped rug. It boggles my mind that people have the time to protest a corporation for embracing all types of people. Is that very Christian-like?

I am not a very religious person, because I do not necessarily believe in all of the rules that certain religions put into play, but I do strongly believe in the freedom of religion (or lack thereof). Isn't that one of the reasons that America was founded? And now, different religions are scrutinized for disagreeing with the greater populous. I know that I am just a dreamer and I picture a place where all can be accepted, but at the very least it would be nice if people didn't protest other people being accepting.

I hope that the generations to come can make this problem a little less of one, but until then have a Happy and Merry Chrismahanukwanzakah!!

"Nobody wants to live forever, and if they do they're crazy."

2009-11-05T16:34:00.001-08:00

(One of the oldest women in the world.)

I never realized how important a living will is until recently. It's a scary thought, death. I don't want to think about getting into a horrific car accident or becoming terminally ill, but it happens to people everyday, and everyday these people's families are left with the difficult decision; "life" or death? It's a hard decision to make for someone, live longer on a feeding tube or die sooner with less pain?

What is the definition of life anyway? Google tells me it is the experience of being alive. So what if you can't experience being alive? Is that life? I've been in the sunshine state of Florida all week, but my Grandpa can't experience anything that the sun has to offer. Instead, he lays on his air mattress (because he has bed sores), gets fed a liquid diet of soup and pudding, mutters a few "me too"s and "bye bye"s, and sleeps. At times he looks comfortable and at others he doesn't. I want so badly to shake him and for him to snap out of it, but I know it can't happen.

He was 6'4" and about as funny as they come. He had a sense of humor like I have never seen on someone 55 and better and had more zeal than I have at 20. He is definitely where I got my fire from because he was always making change around his community. Crossword puzzles were his specialty and his engineer mind was never at rest. He could run circles around me and beat Venus at tennis and Tiger at golf, all the way up until his first stroke.

His feeding tube came out yesterday because he would not have wanted it in the first place. Watching my mom and grandma make that decision was not easy. How do you decide someone else's fate? My grandma was called an executioner by her own son, and that was not easy to hear either. I can't understand why people are so selfish. Life is meant to be lived, not vegetated away. He is a great man and he lived a healthy life. He is remembered by many and has made a lot of change in the world around him. I hope he is comfortable, and that is about all that we can hope at this point.

"Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. Every time I look in the mirror, I get better lookin' each day." --A song frequently sang by the man I am proud to call Gramps.

"I don't even know what drugs are"

2009-11-04T05:52:00.001-08:00

As I have probably stated before, I babysit. My most long-term family consists of a 5-year-old red-headed little boy, a seven-year old girl that can slip into a 15-year-old mindset, and two wonderfully quirky and accepting parents. I love this family, and their kids I sometimes talk about as if they were my own. I fit in here because there is no judgment being made and whether or not I get drunk on the weekends is never a concern, as long as the little rascals are taken care of.

It was a typical Friday after-school routine: get kids off bus, walk kids up driveway, feed snack, talk about school, and so on. During the "talk about school" portion of the day, Lily pulls out a pretty red ribbon that flaps so beautifully in her hand. She shines it over my way and it reads "Drug free 24/7 365." Lily holds it proudly, then her pride-filled face transfers to a bit of confusion.

"I don't even know what drugs are," She states as she seemingly regrets being so prideful about something she didn't really understand. Then from the background I hear, "They are making you promise not to do drugs when you don't even know what they are?" This statement is coming from the bedroom of the most understanding and accepting mother out there. (Read her blog, and find out for yourself why I think so highly of her... chagrinandbearitall.blogspot.com)

This little exchange of words made me think even more about the drug education system in our schools. Being a future teacher, it bothers me that schools are letting children make these promises that they don't even realize they are making. A drug, according to the true definition is, "any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function." I am wondering what kind of promise the DARE program hopes to get out of 2nd grade children; that they will never drink coffee? eat too much sugar? take the medications their doctors prescribed them? What is it that DARE is looking for?

It is proven that the DARE program is not working and has no affect on whether or not a child is going to use drugs in the future, so why not present the facts? I am not saying that there are not drugs out there that are definitely scary and life-threatening, but instead of using scare tactics, why don't we have a little faith in the children of our nation and tell them the truth. "Just Say No" is not realistic and has proven this throughout the years. Good try Nancy, but the truth is, people are curious, and by not telling them the whole truth it makes them want to experience it and find out for themselves.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (ssdp.org), takes a "Just Say Know" approach. Why don't we teach about the actual drug, what it does to your body, how much is too much, the addiction level, and so on and so forth. Why don't we get rid of what doesn't work and try something new. Worst case scenario, it'll turn out just like our current DARE program, unsuccessful.

A Day of Rememberance.

2009-05-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the 39th anniversary of May 4, 1970. It tends to be a pretty important day around here, but my recent feeling is that it is not important enough. I found out that the marble memorial at the top of the hill is only 7% completed. 7%? Disappointment. I have a lot of pride in my school most of the time, but I feel as though their efforts for May 4th are lacking. I am in no way speaking of the citizens of Kent or the other people that come out each year for the commemoration, but I am speaking solely of the University itself. Next year is the official opening of the May 4th Visitor Center. Forty years later is better than nothing I guess.

Each year on May 4th I think about the abuse of power that took place that day and the four people that were killed as an example of it. It gives me the chills to walk around the candle-lit, individual memorials of where the four students fell. Why weren't more Kent students there to feel this? Disappointment.

As I sat in the commons today watching all of the speakers reflect, I became reminded once again of how important this day should be. The speakers were wonderful and full of emotion. The grass was covered by blankets filled with students, faculty, staff, community members, family members, and those that feel the need to remember May 4th each year. As I looked around, I was satisfied with the number of people that were there, but where were all of the students? Classes were canceled during the hours of the commemoration, so where were all of the students? Kent State University consists of approximately 22,700 students and I'd say about 150 of them, and that is a generous estimate, gathered their blankets and dedicated their time. Disappointment.

After the commemoration, the Kent State Anti-War committee organized a march from the commons to Sheetz, stopping at the ROTC and recruitment buildings. The reason Sheetz was the culminating pit stop is because of their greed that has become apparent in the city of Kent. The corporation already has a store on Maine Street, across from the Acme plaza, and now wants to build another store two miles up the road, smack dab in the middle of downtown Kent. Mind you, Kent's "downtown" is mostly comprised of local businesses, bars, and the river overlook. No place for a corporate giant. In these building plans that Sheetz presented, many zoning laws were being broken, so the city of Kent turned down their proprosal for a second Sheetz in Kent. Instead of taking the loss respectably, they decided to sue the city. This is the reason that we graced Sheetz with our presence. There were about twenty-five of us that made it to the Sheetz parking lot and argued with the Portage County Sheriffs about our right to peacefully assemble, especially when we are paying customers. Again my question seems to be, where was everyone? The city of Kent, citizens and students, all love to go down to the river on a warm summer day to escape the responsibilites of life for just a moment. If Sheetz is able to build, the river will be robbed of its quality and serenity. So why were there only twenty-five people standing in the bays trying to save our small town appeal? Disappointment.

My hope from this blog is that someone will read it and decide to stand up for what they believe in, in honor of May 4, 1970. It saddens me that the people have lost their passion. Nobody fights for anything, if everything is handed to them anyways. People do not care unless it direcly effects themselves. Why is this? Very few people do things out of the goodness of their hearts anymore. What ever happened to looking out for your fellow man? Chivalry is dead. Yet again, another disappointment.

Whose streets? Not Sheetz.

Where do we go from here?

2008-11-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a week!!

Thursday, Gwen, Chris and I left for the 10th annual SSDP conference at the University of Maryland. We arrived pretty late and we were too exhausted to stay up and party, so we met some people and went to bed. Friday we lobbied our congressional representatives, which was amazing. I felt like I was really making a difference for a cause that is so important. Friday night got a little crazy, it was a true definition of a Hotel Party! The night manager, Nancy, was awesome and partied with us all night long. I met some super awesome people that I hope to stay in touch with. Saturday was a little rough because of the night before, but we made it through. Sunday we did some chapter training and got a lot of ideas on how to make our chapter grow. We left UMD Sunday night and got back home around 11:30. It was a really inspirational weekend.

Monday was the Tom Gabel show. CRAZY. That is all I really have to say about it. Because of Against Me!'s status on the celebrity charts, I do not think that they will every be able to have a show like that again, but Tom Gabel brought back what a real show should be. Even after the whole crowd rushed the stage and his guitar got unplugged, he still kept strumming and singing to the off pitch cue of the audience. It was hands down the best show of my life.

Today is Thanksgiving, and I have so much to give thanks to. I have been realizing lately how truly lucky I am. I have a very supportive family, a loving boyfriend, and the best friends that I could ask for. My mom is especially amazing, and would do absolutely anything she could to help me out. Tonight will be filled with some drinks, guitar hero, and good company.

This weekend is my last weekend at Damon's. I felt like this day was never going to come. :D

The rest of break should include lots of math homework, decorating and cleaning the homestead, getting ready for tabling next week, shooting some photos for my group project, and a little relaxation. Just what I needed.

We'll see what's in store.

2008-11-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend Chris, Gwen and I are headed to Washington D.C. for the annual SSDP conference. I am excited, but not excited at the same time. I'm sad to leave the snow, my friends, and my kitten. I am excited to visit Gallaudet (which I really hope we do), talk to our Congressional reps and swim. I have a lot of homework to do this weekend, so hopefully I'll get it done.

The fight broke out again, and I am so sad that it did. Straight happiness can't last for too long I guess right? I feel like things are getting better, but I hate that someone has interfered so much without even knowing it. Why do I let people mess with my happiness way more than I should? I guess I just want everyone else to be happy, so I do what I can to make that happen, no matter how it makes me feel.

In 3 weeks, fall semester will be over and Christmas break will be beginning. The first day of break happens to be my birthday, for which we are having a "song themed" party for. It should be a rockin time. The next day is a day of solidarity for those who are being convicted from the Republican National Convention protests. I want to let them know that people appreciate their cause and are backing them up. The rest of break is going to be filled with hot chocolate, movies, fun winter time activities, family visits, and much more relaxation time. I can't wait to start a fresh semester. It's not that I'm doing badly this semester, I just have a lot to get done before the end.

I hope we get to D.C. safe. The weather is starting to get frightful.

Through all these years, we've perserviered

2008-11-12T21:21:00.000-08:00

And we rock because its us against them, we found our own reasons to sing, and its so much less confussing when lines are drawn like that, when people are either consumers or revolutionaries, enemies or friends hanging on the fringes of the cogs in the system,its just about knowing where everyone stands, and all of a sudden, people start talking bout guns talking like there going to war, cause they found something to die for start taking back what they stole sure beats every other option. But does it make a difference how we get it? Well do you really fucking get it? No....

Best band ever! I've loved them for so long, and they are still number one for me. Even though people say they have sold out, no other songs make me as happy as theirs do. There will never be another band that we sing along to as much, turn up as loud, or go fucking nuts at shows for.

As for Tom Gabel, I cannot wait to see what you have planned for us at the Grog Shop by yourself. I hope that this does not mean the end of Against Me!

Happiness comes in many forms.

2008-11-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

This is my kitten, Bleecker. He is just about the cutest cat that you will ever meet, and I am glad that we ended up with him on accident. He is living proof that everything happens for a reason! ha.

I do not think that I have been this happy in a long time. I am quitting my job this week for the reason that I basically just cannot take it anymore. I hate the feeling that I am just some employee and that I am completely unappreciated. The management there could care less about your well-being or any aspect of your personal life, they just want the restaurant to be your number one priority. At nineteen, work should be one of my last priorities. It might be different if I was not in college, but I am!

I have been applying for numerous amounts of jobs, none of which put me in a restaurant setting. I have been working in that business for far too long. I've gotten a few responses, so I guess we will just see how it goes.

I am getting more and more excited for next year, but at the same time I do not want this year to end. I have been taking guitar lessons from Christopher Wallis, and from what he tells me, I am doing pretty good. I want to start playing the violin more frequently, and I hope that Christmas break will be my time to do that. I want to learn Eleanor Rigby really badly, but the sheet music is impossible to find. I guess I'll have to learn it by ear.

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect, it means that you have looked beyond the imperfections."

cluttered closet.

2008-11-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

That is how I have been feeling lately, like everything is a cluttered closet.

Sometimes I feel like nobody in this world is honest with me, not even myself. I do not understand why there is a need for lies or misleading truths, just say what it is that you want to say, and somehow it will work itself out. Love is such a tricky thing. Sometimes I wish that it never got to me, but most of the time I am so glad that it did. I guess that is what it does to you.

There is something I cannot put my finger on.

I feel like I'm never going to get good enough at ASL to teach students. It scares me. I love my major and I am doing really well but I feel like every time I go to speak to a deaf person I forget how. Is that how I will be in the classroom? I sure hope not!

Barack the vote is what I have to say about yesterday. I think it is really incredible that the majority of our nation has gotten over the race issue and finally picked what was best for our country. We are in a place in history where race shouldn't matter. It shouldn't have mattered a long time ago, but it always seems to find a way to sneak up on us. I do not think that Barack's presidency should be judged upon being the 1st black president, but upon being the 44th president of the United States. I hope that America will do that for him.

to my favorite on-line follower...

2008-09-18T14:15:00.001-07:00

I love that you can say whatever it is that you want to whoever it is that you want, but yet you give no way that anybody can respond to your comments.

so here is what i say to you...

i'm not sure who it is that you think you are, but you misread my blog. i am not saying that if you eat meat you are stupid, i personally did not like the commercial. deal with it. I wish I could say that I was sorry that my personal opinion effected you so much that you felt that you had to insult me, but I'm not sorry. If you don't like my opinion.. don't read my blog because it is full of them.

that is my response to your unwarranted comments.

Oh, and for someone that is so open minded, you might want to change the name that appears after you leave your ridiculous comments, because it doesn't make you seem very open to anyone.

the first second i have free...

2008-09-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

I have been ridiculously busy lately. With 18 credit hours, working 35 hours over one weekend, and trying to actually hang out with the people at school again, it's been really hard.

My classes are amazing this semester and there isn't one that I really hate going to. My sign language and intro to Deaf studies are my favorite. They are both super interesting and I've been working really hard on getting better at signing. I just can't wait to start my career and make a difference in children's lives.

The house is going really well actually. There have been a few bumps in the roommate road, but nothing to fret about. I just rearranged my room today, and I like it a lot better. The neighbors are really nice, but I wish we would hang out with some of them more often, but who am I kidding... I don't really have time! We are trying to get an intramural kickball team started because it would be a fun way to get everyone together at least once a week and get a little exercise.

Well, it's Thursday so I'm going to go drink a little wine.

Meatatarian...

2008-08-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

gross!

I am so disgusted with all of Wendy's advertising for this 'meatatarian' bull shit! I mean come on, you can't think of a better advertisement? The only people that are going to be really into this are the ignorant ass holes that cannot open their minds and try new things, like vegetables for example, and the people that are 300 lbs because all they eat are baconators because they are brainwashed by Wendy's gross advertisements.

So how about this meatatarians, when you gain 800 lbs from saturated fat and have a heart attack from all of the shit you are putting into your body, I will still be able to walk on my own and my heart will pump on it's own as well. I like being able to walk on my own.

Eat that Wendy's.

I am bedless...

2008-08-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Aside from my bed, I'm moved in. I cleaned the kitchen up today and tried to find places for everything, because we've accumulated so many things. Monika and I are going grocery shopping today! :D I can't wait to start cooking here. It feels weird to be in my own place, not a dorm, but an actual place to live where you have your own bathroom and kitchen. I am actually excited to go back to classes, I'm getting bored.

that's all.

I like to make lists...

2008-08-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

1. I get the keys to my house in 2 days... (hopefully)
2. I hate people that don't know how to tip. You order top shelf liquor, huge meals, and run me around like a chicken with my head cut off, and then you leave me six dollars on a seventy six dollar check? Thanks but no thanks.
3. I am almost finished with packing. :D
4. This is my last week of tutoring, which makes me kind of sad.
5. I need to start a resume. I want to apply for some tutoring jobs around Kent for a little extra cash and experience.
6. My job and I have a love/hate relationship. And last night it was more on the hate side.
7. I only work 2 days next week. :D
8. I cheated to get a schedule that I want. But shh, don't tell anyone.
9. I am realizing how much I am going to miss my pup pup. We have gotten pretty close this summer and it's not going to be the same coming home without him running to the door and kissing me.
10. My boyfriend is a sexy musician and I'm sure he did super at his show.
11. I need to see everyone before I leave... which is wayyyy soon.

that's about all. I'm going to go eat an english muffin. mm mm mm!

Peace.

I'm done with you since you're done with me.

2008-08-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Why would you act like you cared to be friends again if it was just a bunch of bull shit. I don't buy it. A phone call doesn't have to take more than 5 minutes, and being too busy to hang out is one thing, but being too busy to shoot someone that you "so badly want to be friends with" a five minute phone call is a completely different story. Like I said, I've worn my attempts dry.

This summer has been strange. I've grown closer to people I didn't expect to, grown apart from people I didn't expect to, and reunited with people I didn't expect to. I should have learned by now to expect the unexpected, especially with me. I can't say no and I am more than willing to let people back into my life. My blessing and my curse.

Let's break down the next week and a half, cause it's insane.

Tomorrow- I work at 10 then tutor at 6. Later that night I'm hanging out with Jordan cause we haven't seen enough of each other this summer.
Thursday- I am tow pathing it up with Brit Shaw. I might head out to Kent that night, I'm not really sure. I really would like to get some packing done though.
Friday- I have to call to see what day we can get our keys! :D yay. I work at 5.
Saturday- I would like to hang out with little Christopher during the day so I can wish him luck for his show, which everyone should go to because I can't :( and then I work at 5.
Sunday- I'm getting my hair done and going over my Nonna's, then I work at 4.
I do not have my work schedule for the week below, or my tutoring schedule.
Monday- Dentist appt. at 11, dermatology appt. at 2:45.
Tuesday- I have to pack pack pack in between tutoring and work most likely.
Wednesday- Chris' mom's surprise birthday party.
Thursday- I have another doc appt. ugh.
Friday- my aunt is helping me move my bed and shit in! :D
Saturday- the official move in day.
Sunday- landlord meeting.
Monday-school!

oh my goodness. I am tired just thinking about it!!! I'm so glad I requested the whole move in weekend off. I most likely would have had a heart attack if I didn't.

Christopher is going to come over tonight and we are going to craft. :D

The End.

FEEL THE BURN...

2008-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today Brit and I went on a 13 mile bike ride. woo. It feels so good to get some exercise daily and be outside. I feel better about myself and I have a lot more energy.

Chris and I went to Kent today. I guess it's a different experience for me than it is for him. When I walk onto Kent's campus, i get excited because I know that I have so much fun there and that I fit well with everyone and that this year is going to be so amazing! But, if you've never gone to school in Kent, going back to school probably wouldn't be very exciting. I was pretty pumped though.

17 days and counting til move in. I'm not nervous about living with Chris. That question has come up a lot lately, and to be honest, if we didn't live together this year, we probably would never see each other because I'm taking 18 credits and working 3 days a week, and he's got his own life too. I think the fact that we are so honest with each other washes my nerves away as well. I have nothing to hide, when we fight we don't really fight we just figure things out, he gets along with my friends, we are living in separate rooms, and I get to see him whenever I want. What is there to be nervous about? If something happens and we decide to break up, we're adults and we can handle it.

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/remi%2Bgaillard/video/x5ppy6_foot-2008-remi-gaillard_fun
I stumbled on this video... it's pretty crazy! Kinda long, but entertaining!!
Enjoy. Peace.

Hawaii is where the heart is...

2008-08-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a weird couple of days I guess. I have been looking into places to live after college, and I have a lot more options than I thought. I know I have a long time to figure all of this out, and I'll probably be in school for another 4 years, but it's a big decision so I guess it's never too early to start looking into it. Some of the places I was looking into...

Hawaii- Hawaii Center for the Deaf and Blind.
It seems like a really awesome school, but they also seem very selective of their staff. I'm up for the challenge though.

Tennessee- There are 3 different schools in Tennessee. I really love this state to begin with. I think it is absolutely gorgeous and I would love to live by the mountains.

South Carolina- South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. I really like South Carolina's climate, and it isn't a ridiculously far trip home to visit my family.

Pennsylvania- There are 4 schools that I wouldn't mind applying to in PA. There are 5 schools total, but one is an oral school, and that would mean that all of my ASL classes would have gone to waste.

North Carolina- There are 3 schools in North Carolina that look amazing! The weather is the same as South Carolina, so I wouldn't mind that, and it's a little closer to home than South Carolina.

New York- I cannot believe how many deaf schools are in New York!! It is ridiculous. I wouldn't mind living in New York either, as long as it's a little outside the city.

Massachusetts- There is a Deaf school in Boston which would be awesome to live by. I love Boston!

AHHH.. so many choices!

That's really all I've been up to lately. I keep packing for Kent because I don't want to have a million things to do in 3 days. I think I'm going to do some more of that now.

Have a great day!

dial-up? not happening.

2008-07-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

As I've probably already mentioned, I'm staying at my aunt mary jo's house and watching her annoying dog, and she has dial-up internet. This is the reason that I haven't been writing blogs very much lately because I do not even want to attempt to use her internet. I have patience with some things, but that is not one of them.

I have a pretty hectic next couple of days, so we'll see how I time that out. I ordered my comforter and my desk from walmart.com the other day, so those should be coming in soon. I am so excited to move in. There is only 3 weeks left, and these next three weeks can't go by fast enough. I cannot wait to get back to Kent!Here is a picture of my desk and comforter, if anyone was interested in seeing! ha. It was a pretty good deal, the desk was almost $70, which is a completely reasonable price for this type of desk, and the comforter was $40. I like the comforter a lot because I can do a lot with it. I can't wait to get back to Kent.

I have been wasting so much money in gas lately because my family is having me do ridiculous things for them because all of our relatives are in new jersey except for me, so I am everyone's gardener/ animal sitter/ garage remote hider/ house looker after, and I cannot wait until it's over!!

Tutoring is going really well! I feel like Emma is really catching onto things a lot more quickly and that she is memorizing her facts easier with the tricks that I have taught her. Tutoring her just reinsures me that teaching is really what I want to do with my life. It also excites me even more that I'll be an intervention specialist, so I will get more one-on-one time with the children than a regular ed teacher would.

That's all for now. Pretty boring, I know.

Oh, and did I mention that I can't wait to get back to Kent?

the screen is much too big.

2008-07-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

It's funny, because I think things might get back to normal soon, but then again I know that they won't. I hate not knowing what's going to happen in the next couple of weeks, but I'm accepting the fact that surprise can be a good thing.

Tonight I work. Then I have plans to play guitar hero late into the night with a dear friend of mine.

The dog is annoying. One of the most annoying dogs I have ever experienced in my life. Pit Bull? JOKE! Not even close, unless you categorize pit bull as having a tongue that moves a mile a minute on any part of your leg or arm or face that is not covered by clothing, and an incontrollable bladder. I can't wait until my aunt comes home, that is when I will have one good night of sleep.

I forgot what a great movie Matilda is. Watch it!

oh the weather outside is frightful...

2008-07-24T07:46:00.001-07:00

no, that's a total lie! the weather outside is beautiful!!! I wish I could enjoy it just a little more.

I'm tutoring today, then I have to go to Aunt Mj's to take care of her dog, then I'm off to Chris' to have dinner with his family.

Maybe I'll go on a bike ride later.

yo... check it.

2008-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

and by check it, i mean check it out...

unscrewamerica.org is an awesome website.

http://www.coxar.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
^this website is just plain funny.

sketchswap.com is also really cool. it's interesting to see what people come up with.

If you couldn't tell, today has been a terribly uneventful day which has led me to stumbling upon all of these awesome websites. I worked, made a little bit of money, came home, and now I am procrastinating on cleaning my room.

I am going to start packing for Kent today.

I needed to put it into writing or else it's not going to happen.

Enjoy.

Never ceases to amaze me...

2008-07-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Chatting with old friends makes me realize the person that I really am.

I am not like most girls.

I can't handle the shit that they bring around and the drama that they try to stir up. I exile myself from that, and maybe that's why I haven't made more of an effort to start old friendships up again. Why do I need to be the one that does all the work?? I've done what I can and if that's not good enough, then I guess that's just too bad.

I am too caring.

Don't tell me you want to drink your life away over someone of the opposite sex. That kills me, more than you'll probably ever realize. I hate to see people that I know get hurt, whether or not we are close anymore. All I want to do is help, and I can never draw the line as to where I can no longer do anything.

It's way too hard for me to let go.

I don't like to let anyone leave my life, no matter how they treated me when they were in it. It's definitely more of a curse than a blessing. I take too much shit from people and I let them walk all over me, just so that our friendship can stay intact. I know this about myself, yet I can't seem to shake the habit.

Today was a pretty uneventful day. I slept over Chris' last night because I was way too tired to drive home. We ate lunch at his Grandma's house and now I'm home procrastinating on getting in the shower. Later I am hanging out with Jessie, I think we are going to craft, which I need right now because I haven't done anything very creative in far too long. I might go see the Dark Knight again later, but that is all up in the air.

Chris and I saw the Dark Knight the day after it came out, and it was absolutely incredible. Heath Ledger does such an amazing job that I honestly don't think the movie would be half as good without him. It's such a shame that he can't be here to see how many people appreciate his extreme dedication. It was suspenseful, action-packed, and full of unexpected surprises. It was probably the best movie I've seen in a really long time.

As I said in my last post, I got my hair chopped off... but I want it shorter. It's like an addiction, and I can't help but keep cutting more and more off.

I move into my town home in a little over a month, which I couldn't be more excited about. I just can't wait to be back in Kent with the people that make me happy all day long. I miss it there so much!! I really hope that everyone gets to experience college the way that I have, because I have had the time of my life and I am so lucky to have met the best people in the entire world on the best campus in the U.S. (corny, I know, but true.)

I start making tips again this week, another thing that I am super excited about because it sucks to not constantly have cash on you.

And that's about it.

Peace,

Angel

"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."

-Gandhi

Update...

2008-07-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

So, the past few days have been pretty amazing!!

Wednesday- i bought my new computer, which I am typing on now. I'm excited to know that my computer won't crash anytime soon!! :D

Thursday- Chris and i left for Cedar Point. It was a really fun, but exhausting day. We also watched The Who's Rock Honors on VH1 which was really stellar. The Flaming Lips put on an awesome performance, and so did a lot of other bands. I am really shocked that The Who can still rock so hard, even if they are that old.

Friday- SOAK CITY. It was so much fun! I haven't been to a water park in far too long. They have this slide called the Speed Slide, and it is so ridiculously crazy!!! It has 3 different steep drops on it and you literally get air when you slide down this thing. It was nuts.

Today we came home and I'm getting my hair cut soon!!

I also downloaded a lot of new bands that I really like today. Here is a list of a few:

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!

The Kooks

Mischief Brew

TV on the Radio

Hot Chip

Foals

Albert Hammond Jr.

Check em' out. They make me smile.

Well, I'm off to get my hair chopped in a little bit.

Peace,

Angel.

i miss the independence.

2008-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

So I've been pretty busy lately with the new job and cleaning for when my parents came home and entertaining guests. I can't really go into a rundown of everything that happened over the past few days, so here are some pictures to summarize...

Chris' birthday party went really well. I think everyone had a pretty awesome time, at least I did. It was super fun having everyone from Kent here, it was probably the most fun I've had at home all summer.

I really like my new job. The people there are really nice and it's nice to have a little change of scenery. I can't wait to start making tips again, I feel really broke.

I'm glad that my parents came home because I have a lot less responsibility around the house, but I really can't wait to move out. I'm so excited to be able to leave my room dirty if I want to and clean out MY fish tank the way I want to and basically just be an adult and do adult things without my mom yelling at me constantly. If I can find my clothes in a pile of mess, why not let me do it? It's my freaking room!!! UGH. But anyway...

I might buy a Mac.
I am broke.
I had a really fun week.
I can't wait to move out and sit on our sweet new couch. (at least it's new for us)
I miss my friends.
I can't wait for Cedar Point this weekend! woo.

and that's an update on me.

Peace.

im dying with anticipation...

2008-07-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

I HATE WAITING FOR THINGS... and what I've waited for all week is finally almost here!!

Little Christopher is playing a real live show tonight.Gwen and Bailey are finally arriving!! OH how I've missed those girls all freaking summer!!!
Tonight should be a blast, and tomorrow as well. It's already been an interesting day considering there are mice in my house again!! We knew that there were some that live in our basement, but they never usually come upstairs, but today I was walking into the kitchen and saw a little gray fur ball underneath the fridge. He ran up underneath the stove and disappeared. Then, I was in the sun room and a heard a plop on the floor and looked down and a little brown guy was staring back at me. He fell from my mom's hanging flower basket then ran up onto the end table. I ran and got a cup and a magazine and picked him up and took him outside. A little part of me wanted to keep him cause he was so freaking cute!! But I knew that he was better off outside.

That's my crazy day so far.
“You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”
-Gandhi

Enjoy the weather!
-Angel

maybe i shouldn't be writing this either...

2008-07-09T17:11:00.001-07:00

I have come to the realization that I second guess myself to the fullest!! I know that I am a semi-smart girl and that I can make good decisions on my own, but I always blame myself when something goes wrong, even if it isn't my fault, and anything that I think I should do, I also think I shouldn't. Why is that? I used to be pretty impulsive, and there is a part of me that is still that way, but there is a bigger part of me that uses white out on the impulse.

I secretly love to sing, but I would never even think of letting anyone hear me.

Why do I feel like I'm wrong when I know that I'm right? I need to stand my ground. I want to stop using the white out and go with my first draft.

That's all.
Angel

The Not so young and the restless,

2008-07-09T12:55:00.001-07:00

Little christopher is no longer little.
Howie fell in love i think.
I am in anticipation of Thursday and Friday.
I am NOT in anticipation of cleaning for Monday.

I cannot even express in words how much I miss being in Kent. This upcoming year is going to be close, if not the, best year of my life!! I have the best of friends, and my boyfriend all in the same great little city. I can honestly say that I've never felt out of place when I've been in Kent. Everyone there is so different and accepting and it's just an awesome place to go to school and I am really glad that I get to experience it with such great people.

Aren't they precious?

Anyway, It is a beautiful day outside and I think I'm going to go take little Howie on a walk. So that is all I have for you for now...

and by request,
Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
-Gandhi

Enjoy your day,
-Angel

it's that kind of week.

2008-07-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

This week has the potential to be pretty exciting!

Monday- 1 year anniversary.
Tuesday- Chris' birthday and my first real day at my new job.
Wednesday- ughh.. nothing. (cleaning)
Thursday- Chris has a show and my friends from school are coming in.
Friday- Chris' 20th birthday party at my house.
Saturday- my friends leave :( and i work
Sunday- i work again.
Monday- my parents come home... so a lot of cleaning up before then.

I did a lot of cleaning today actually. I cleaned the fish tank, vacuumed, did a load of laundry, wiped the counter tops, and an assortment of other things. Staying here on my own makes me realize how hard it's going to be to keep a house constantly clean. I hope that I don't stress myself out about it like my mom does. She cleans all the time, and never takes time to relax.

Well that's about it for now, my laundry is done and I desperately need a shower!!

-Angel

I'm just lucky i guess...

2008-07-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

I really am lucky. Although I get upset that a lot of my friends have screwed me over, I always forget how awesome my family is. I don't think that anyone has a bond like my aunt and I do, and I couldn't be more grateful for it. I don't know what I would do without my Nonna around. She truly holds the family together and I couldn't ask for a better person to fill her position.

Last night was my cousin Marisa's graduation party. It was a lot of fun, as are all of our family parties. My entire family gets too hammered to remember what they did the night before, and it is always fun filling them in. I wasn't able to stay very late cause I have a dog to tend to and some other problems surfaced, but I had a lot of fun while I was there.

As the summer flies by, I get more and more excited to go back to school. I can't wait to get out of this town where everyone pretends to be friends, and return to the town where they really are my friends. I think some of my home friends never understood why I didn't come home a lot during the school year, and the question is why would I want to? There was barely any drama at school ever, and we all lived together. At home, it is the complete opposite. It's sad because there were people that I used to be really close to, and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss them, but I am also sick of putting in all the effort. I consider myself a pretty decent friend, at least that is what I have been told, so I guess I am wondering why I constantly get stepped on. Something that I have come to realize is that it doesn't even matter anymore. I would rather be really good friends with a few people than fake friends with a bunch. I can't wait to go back to school and hang out with all of the Verder girls, and meet new people this year. Kent is such a great place to live and I can't wait to go home!!

I'll leave you with this...

An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

-Gandhi

Four the last time...

2008-07-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

I had a really awesome fourth of July! I met a lot of new people, drank a little, and hung out with my dog a lot. (ha.) Fireworks did not keep my attention. We were too far away to hear the booms, and I think that's why. My trampoline net broke, bummer, but to counter the downfall, we did play a lot of jenga! I kept the house clean throughout the night, so the mess left for the morning wasn't too bad and I tackled it as soon as I woke up.

On a different note, I had orientation at my new job today!! I really think I am going to love it there. It is such a change of pace from my other restaurant and I cannot wait to get to know the people I work with. I already do know one person I work with, but maybe I'll get into that later.

Right now I am watching Harry Potter, which I can honestly say has not gotten old yet. I feel like I am never going to enjoy watching "grown up" shows and that the Family channel will always have my heart. I haven't decided if that's a good thing, or a bad thing, but as for now it hasn't affected me yet.

I'll leave you with this...
"Be the change you want to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi
I feel like everyone has heard this quote at least once in their lives, but not enough take it seriously. Today we were talking about voting, and whether or not a vote really counts, it's worth a shot because there is no other way to change our president, who will make such an impact on our world, whether it is positive or negative.

-Angel.

New at this.

2008-07-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

I'm new at this whole blog thing, but I figured I'd give it a shot.

First thing is first, I finally quit my stupid job. It hasn't really set in that it is really over because I have been there for so long. The last time I drove out of that Friendly's parking lot was one of the best feelings ever. I felt like I was going to be stuck there for the rest of my life, considering everyone else who works there has been, so I'm glad I got out when I did.

My parents are out of town right now, and it is kind of weird because I have lived on my own already, but it was in a dorm, and a dorm just isn't the same as taking care of a house and some pets. I feel paranoid that I don't lock the doors when I leave or at night and that something is going to happen to the house. We live in the safest neighborhood ever, but I can't help but get nervous.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and although I'm not very patriotic, I am excited for everyone to come over here and hang out. I feel like I've been getting closer to people that I have fallen out of touch with, and it is such a good feeling. Megan, who used to be my best friend in the world but we stopped talking for about a year, just contacted me the other day and suggested that we hang out again. It's nice when people finally realize what they have done wrong and are ready to put it behind them and move forward. I have a really hard time letting go of people who were important to me in my life, so to start hanging out with some of the most important again, I couldn't be happier.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!