2013.. I'm Still Here

Well, the new year came and went. The world in fact did not end! Big surprise there. I didn't suspect it would happen so soon anyway. I still think we have a global warming crisis on our hands, but no one seems to care/want to do anything about it. I think it should be a law to recycle and those that don't should be fined! I do love this winter though, it feels more like a freezing, damp, fall instead of snow blizzards and freezing rain.

We even had thunderstorms last night which is kind of strange in January. We still have a few months of the season left, so we shall see what it will bring. It is what it is, right?

I rang in the New Year with a few close friends of mine: Renata, Melissa, and Melissa's boyfriend, Junior. It was a lot of fun. We danced in a crowded pit stanking club and it was worth every penny. I would party with those folks again in a heartbeat. I had so much more fun than I did last year; with worrying about being trampled on downtown. I will never go downtown for new year's again... it just isn't worth it to me. Large, sweaty, crowds of drunk people scare me. I don't like them, I'm sure they don't like me.. so it's best to avoid the situation all together I think. :)

I will admit when midnight rolled around and my two beautiful friends had someone to kiss.. that was a little awkward for me. But, then Melissa turned to me and gave me a little peck on the lips so it was all good. Hahaha. I did meet someone that night. A friend of Renata's boyfriend- and he seemed pretty cool. (I won't mention his name lo siento). Who knows if anything will happen with that, either way... I am always up for meeting new friends to hang with so it's all good to me.

I don't make New Year's Resolution lists anymore because I think they are just pointless. Mine would go far past the boundaries of this blogger with all the physical, emotional, and financial changes I would like to make/see happen this year. It all boils down to one common denominator: ME. I am the only one that can make these changes come through. I can't blame the economy (well, in some aspects I have every damn right to), but overall I need to change my pessimistic attitude. Because after all, 'negative things happen to negative people' right? That seems to be my long running case after all. I am going to change it.

This year I am going to write more, be creative, feel more, think more, take more risks (in the spring I am going to enroll in improv classes at a local theater) it was a xmas gift from my aunt and my mama. :) I am going to aim for my dreams even if they appear unattainable now.. what is life without dreams? What is life without trying to better yourself in all aspects? These are things I need to do, and for whatever reason... this year.. I feel like I am actually going to do them.

As mentioned in older blogs, I don't really like Xmas. Too many memories with people that are now gone from my life plague me during this holiday. My friends and neighbors kept my spirits and my family's spirits extra high this time around. I want to thank you all (you know who you are) my mama's friends, and the 'neighbor families' for being so understanding and thoughtful. I don't know if you read this, but I am giving you a shout out anyway! :D Thank you for making this season a fun one, instead of one trapped in memories that bring bittersweet tears.

To my amazing high school and college gurls- thank you all for your amazing gifts this year! You have outdone yourselves and I feel terrible I was unable to reciprocate with some of you. :/ One day, when I actually have a job/career I will be able to splurge more on Xmas. But this year, was not that year for me. :( It's that whole.. 'oh crap, you bought me something? now I feel like a total dick because my cheap ass has nothing for you' syndrome. Not a fun feeling at all really. Not at all.

I am still emo as ever, but I have a better outlook on things some days. With intermittent interviews here and there I see some hope. Whether these companies deem me 'good enough' or 'worthy enough'  for their particular positions is really on them. I know I am qualified with a go- get em' ready to learn attitude. If I don't convey that in interviews... well, that's on me.

Change, change, change, is my 2nd middle name for 2013.

Here goes everything! :)

2013.. I'm Still Here

Well, the new year came and went. The world in fact did not end! Big surprise there. I didn't suspect it would happen so soon anyway. I still think we have a global warming crisis on our hands, but no one seems to care/want to do anything about it. I think it should be a law to recycle and those that don't should be fined! I do love this winter though, it feels more like a freezing, damp, fall instead of snow blizzards and freezing rain.

We even had thunderstorms last night which is kind of strange in January. We still have a few months of the season left, so we shall see what it will bring. It is what it is, right?

I rang in the New Year with a few close friends of mine: Renata, Melissa, and Melissa's boyfriend, Junior. It was a lot of fun. We danced in a crowded pit stanking club and it was worth every penny. I would party with those folks again in a heartbeat. I had so much more fun than I did last year; with worrying about being trampled on downtown. I will never go downtown for new year's again... it just isn't worth it to me. Large, sweaty, crowds of drunk people scare me. I don't like them, I'm sure they don't like me.. so it's best to avoid the situation all together I think. :)

I will admit when midnight rolled around and my two beautiful friends had someone to kiss.. that was a little awkward for me. But, then Melissa turned to me and gave me a little peck on the lips so it was all good. Hahaha. I did meet someone that night. A friend of Renata's boyfriend- and he seemed pretty cool. (I won't mention his name lo siento). Who knows if anything will happen with that, either way... I am always up for meeting new friends to hang with so it's all good to me.

I don't make New Year's Resolution lists anymore because I think they are just pointless. Mine would go far past the boundaries of this blogger with all the physical, emotional, and financial changes I would like to make/see happen this year. It all boils down to one common denominator: ME. I am the only one that can make these changes come through. I can't blame the economy (well, in some aspects I have every damn right to), but overall I need to change my pessimistic attitude. Because after all, 'negative things happen to negative people' right? That seems to be my long running case after all. I am going to change it.

This year I am going to write more, be creative, feel more, think more, take more risks (in the spring I am going to enroll in improv classes at a local theater) it was a xmas gift from my aunt and my mama. :) I am going to aim for my dreams even if they appear unattainable now.. what is life without dreams? What is life without trying to better yourself in all aspects? These are things I need to do, and for whatever reason... this year.. I feel like I am actually going to do them.

As mentioned in older blogs, I don't really like Xmas. Too many memories with people that are now gone from my life plague me during this holiday. My friends and neighbors kept my spirits and my family's spirits extra high this time around. I want to thank you all (you know who you are) my mama's friends, and the 'neighbor families' for being so understanding and thoughtful. I don't know if you read this, but I am giving you a shout out anyway! :D Thank you for making this season a fun one, instead of one trapped in memories that bring bittersweet tears.

To my amazing high school and college gurls- thank you all for your amazing gifts this year! You have outdone yourselves and I feel terrible I was unable to reciprocate with some of you. :/ One day, when I actually have a job/career I will be able to splurge more on Xmas. But this year, was not that year for me. :( It's that whole.. 'oh crap, you bought me something? now I feel like a total dick because my cheap ass has nothing for you' syndrome. Not a fun feeling at all really. Not at all.

I am still emo as ever, but I have a better outlook on things some days. With intermittent interviews here and there I see some hope. Whether these companies deem me 'good enough' or 'worthy enough'  for their particular positions is really on them. I know I am qualified with a go- get em' ready to learn attitude. If I don't convey that in interviews... well, that's on me.

Change, change, change, is my 2nd middle name for 2013.

Here goes everything! :)

And So It Is....

Time to write, time to think, time to do a lot of things with this here blogger.

I am currently unemployed at the moment. It is not the best position to be in, but it could be a lot worse and sometimes I forget that. I've been laid off twice this year and just trudging along through it with my head barely above chin level some days. 

Why is it so difficult to keep a damn job these days? It's outright unacceptable. There are families out there struggling to keep their homes and what are the banks and the big wigs doing about it? From the ground I don't see much changing. Homes are in foreclosure, parents are losing jobs (either laid off or fired), this shouldn't be happening. What happened to the days of yore when we had a thriving economy where jobs were plentiful and accessible to anyone of any background?

We need to get back there somehow. I hope President Obama can aide us in this venture, I have hope that change will happen, but it just won't happen for some time yet. I know people are impatient. I am impatient. Believe it or not, I had plans after college, there were things I wanted to do, places I wanted to live, and independence I couldn't wait to gain.

What is that quote? Life is 80% what happens to you, and 20% what you take from it and do with it. Maybe it's wrong, but what does it matter? Things are thrown at you, and you have to adjust or come up with an alternative plan and move on from there. Recently, I applied for unemployment insurance and I hope I am accepted. I answered a key question incorrectly in the application process and was paid 2 DAYS AFTER I was laid off. I'm not sure how much it complicate things, but from the looks of it, I will either be denied or delayed to receive my claim benefits. I have an 'appeal interview' coming up next week, and I am going to plead my case to the best of my abilities. After all, I worked for this money at companies and jobs that I didn't 'LOVE' by any means. Still, I busted my ass, showed up to work with an eager attitude, and this is what I get in return? Fancy that. 

I hope IDES can work with me on this, but we'll see. There are procedures I'm sure they have to follow on their end. I am only a number as far as they're concerned. Mistakes happen, I learned from this one and need to come up with a quick solution. Sometimes that is the best way to learn about life and about yourself, you need to fall on your face, scrape up your knees, trudge through the mud and then wash yourself off and hit the ground running all over again. 

Well I'm running, hell, I'm sprinting full speed ahead in to the unknown and I'm not looking back. There's part of me that thinks the universe is trying to tell me something here... maybe I am not in the right field I need to be in. The tarot card lady at my Mom's birthday party did say I need to 'do what I love'. Well, that's a great question. What do I love? 

I'm an Aquarius, this in turn means I love a lot of things. I need to narrow down this list and really hone in on what makes me tick. I won't lie, I prefer something in the creative field, but I'm not patient enough to live the life of a poor artist/writer/whatever. I want an income and I want it NOW.  I have had a summer job at the very least every year of my life since I was 15 years old. This is no joke. Both of my parents raised me with a good work ethic, because they worked their asses off to provide for my sister and I. 

This is something I strive for. I don't give up. Yes, I get emo,bitchy, cranky, whatever... but that's because I'm hard on myself. I over analyze and want to improve everyday.  When I step out of an interview I continually ask myself 'what did I say that would convince them to hire me?', 'Would I hire me?', 'Would you?'. I run this back and forth and back and forth again in my head. When I am rejected from the position (which happens more often than not) I ask them why I wasn't selected. The generic response? 'You didn't have enough experience'.

What the hell does that mean? Does that mean I didn't come across as confident enough to you? Does that mean you didn't like my attitude when I walked in? (I made you laugh, didn't I?), Does that mean you already passed judgement on what my qualifications are based on my previous positions because they had nothing to do with this one? I do my damndest to play up what I have and how it can benefit whichever company I am applying for at the time. What more do these folks want? My kidney? Well take one.. I only need one anyway!!!

Just kidding about my kidney. I would like to keep all of my organs intact thankyouverymuch. 

Lately I have been thinking of getting back in to theater again. :) I would love to take some acting classes, but without an income to pay for them... I don't see that panning out very well. Maybe with some Xmas/birthday money from relatives I can save up and plot something. I need to let the steam off, get all of my frustrations off my chest. I think if I can learn to be someone else for a day it would benefit my psyche. Seriously. 

And on that note... I'm done for today. 

Back to job apps and square one it is. 

(I should go in to acting, those folks are never guaranteed a gig... look at my past, NEITHER AM I). 

And, that's all she wrote. 

And So It Is....

Time to write, time to think, time to do a lot of things with this here blogger.

I am currently unemployed at the moment. It is not the best position to be in, but it could be a lot worse and sometimes I forget that. I've been laid off twice this year and just trudging along through it with my head barely above chin level some days. 

Why is it so difficult to keep a damn job these days? It's outright unacceptable. There are families out there struggling to keep their homes and what are the banks and the big wigs doing about it? From the ground I don't see much changing. Homes are in foreclosure, parents are losing jobs (either laid off or fired), this shouldn't be happening. What happened to the days of yore when we had a thriving economy where jobs were plentiful and accessible to anyone of any background?

We need to get back there somehow. I hope President Obama can aide us in this venture, I have hope that change will happen, but it just won't happen for some time yet. I know people are impatient. I am impatient. Believe it or not, I had plans after college, there were things I wanted to do, places I wanted to live, and independence I couldn't wait to gain.

What is that quote? Life is 80% what happens to you, and 20% what you take from it and do with it. Maybe it's wrong, but what does it matter? Things are thrown at you, and you have to adjust or come up with an alternative plan and move on from there. Recently, I applied for unemployment insurance and I hope I am accepted. I answered a key question incorrectly in the application process and was paid 2 DAYS AFTER I was laid off. I'm not sure how much it complicate things, but from the looks of it, I will either be denied or delayed to receive my claim benefits. I have an 'appeal interview' coming up next week, and I am going to plead my case to the best of my abilities. After all, I worked for this money at companies and jobs that I didn't 'LOVE' by any means. Still, I busted my ass, showed up to work with an eager attitude, and this is what I get in return? Fancy that. 

I hope IDES can work with me on this, but we'll see. There are procedures I'm sure they have to follow on their end. I am only a number as far as they're concerned. Mistakes happen, I learned from this one and need to come up with a quick solution. Sometimes that is the best way to learn about life and about yourself, you need to fall on your face, scrape up your knees, trudge through the mud and then wash yourself off and hit the ground running all over again. 

Well I'm running, hell, I'm sprinting full speed ahead in to the unknown and I'm not looking back. There's part of me that thinks the universe is trying to tell me something here... maybe I am not in the right field I need to be in. The tarot card lady at my Mom's birthday party did say I need to 'do what I love'. Well, that's a great question. What do I love? 

I'm an Aquarius, this in turn means I love a lot of things. I need to narrow down this list and really hone in on what makes me tick. I won't lie, I prefer something in the creative field, but I'm not patient enough to live the life of a poor artist/writer/whatever. I want an income and I want it NOW.  I have had a summer job at the very least every year of my life since I was 15 years old. This is no joke. Both of my parents raised me with a good work ethic, because they worked their asses off to provide for my sister and I. 

This is something I strive for. I don't give up. Yes, I get emo,bitchy, cranky, whatever... but that's because I'm hard on myself. I over analyze and want to improve everyday.  When I step out of an interview I continually ask myself 'what did I say that would convince them to hire me?', 'Would I hire me?', 'Would you?'. I run this back and forth and back and forth again in my head. When I am rejected from the position (which happens more often than not) I ask them why I wasn't selected. The generic response? 'You didn't have enough experience'.

What the hell does that mean? Does that mean I didn't come across as confident enough to you? Does that mean you didn't like my attitude when I walked in? (I made you laugh, didn't I?), Does that mean you already passed judgement on what my qualifications are based on my previous positions because they had nothing to do with this one? I do my damndest to play up what I have and how it can benefit whichever company I am applying for at the time. What more do these folks want? My kidney? Well take one.. I only need one anyway!!!

Just kidding about my kidney. I would like to keep all of my organs intact thankyouverymuch. 

Lately I have been thinking of getting back in to theater again. :) I would love to take some acting classes, but without an income to pay for them... I don't see that panning out very well. Maybe with some Xmas/birthday money from relatives I can save up and plot something. I need to let the steam off, get all of my frustrations off my chest. I think if I can learn to be someone else for a day it would benefit my psyche. Seriously. 

And on that note... I'm done for today. 

Back to job apps and square one it is. 

(I should go in to acting, those folks are never guaranteed a gig... look at my past, NEITHER AM I). 

And, that's all she wrote. 

It's Been Awhile

Wow. 
I just don't write anymore and that makes me pretty sad. :( I've become rather lazy as of late. As a customer service representative for a wedding album company, dealing with coworkers and customers for 40 hours a week really does take a toll on me. Literally, I come home after 430pm and sleep on the couch til about 9pm, then I wake up for 2 more hours and then go back to sleep for good. Such a life I know it. 

I need to do more with my life. But, I constantly make excuses that naturally prevent me from doing so. What's my excuse for today? The weather. It is fall. The cold, damp, fall just before winter has arrived and I hate it. I miss the cool, brisk, autumn air with orange, yellow, and red leaves lining my streets. It was as if life in the form of fire burst from their stems and lit the way. Now, they are barren beings that scrape against the steel sky. I told you, cold weather needs to suck it. 

What can I update whoever reads and also doesn't read this? Hrm. My Mom and I saw Theresa Caputo live at the Genessee Theater in Waukegan last Sunday and it was truly an amazing experience. :) I don't know what I think about this life, let alone the after life, but I know something is there waiting for us. Not golden gates and angels dressed in white, but we are all made of energy. I just happen to think this energy continues on long after we leave our physical bodies. Do I believe people can talk to the dead? Well, after her show, yes, now I do. I have always believed in ghosts, spirits, demons, all of it. Why not? Who can say it isn't real? I find it all fascinating. 

Theresa Caputo is a phenomenon. She read people and shocked them in to tears. I don't think these folks were actors. Not the way they were crying and reacting to her comments. Their stories were awful. It really puts things into perspective. It did for me. I thought losing my Yia Yia and my Dad 3 months apart from each other in 2009 was bad enough. But these poor people lost family members to unsolved murders, suicides, accidental death, illness, etc. Some could not find closure and if one woman can say one personal, completely unknown thing that the rest of the world will not know... and it makes someone feel better? If it brings them the peace they need to know their loved one although no longer with them in this plane of existence is ok somewhere else? I don't really care. That's good enough for me. 

I adore the woman. :) Her Jersey tough attitude and her sparkly silver Minolo heels reeled me in. She is a force to be reckoned with that's for sure. I would love to have a private reading with her. Not only to test her to see if she is the 'real deal' but maybe to find my own closure. Yes, my Dad left this earth well loved by his family for sure. But there are still days where I am haunted by his passing. I assume this is naturally all a part of grieving, and I've read over and over again everyone does it in their own way. 

What else? Well, this week was pretty big. The Northeast had an awful super storm tear up the Jersey Shore as well as significant towns in New York State. She was called 'Hurricane Sandy' and the bitch packed a punch. Some lost their lives, some lost their homes, and some lost so much more than that the week she ravaged the coast. I have never seen a storm like that before. I can't help but think it means something else. We are damaging this planet in more ways than one and destroying the climate. Is this part of it? I think so. Storms lately have been insane. They are far more violent and take far more casualties than I can recall. It's our own fault.... that's for sure. Everybody needs to donate to these folks out there. They need it. I wish I could donate more. Next paycheck and I think I will. :) 

President Obama (my vote included) has been elected for a 2nd term to serve this great United States. I couldn't be more proud of our country and the people for making the absolute right decision. I know the economy has a long way to go, but the POTUS came in to office at the worst possible time. I hope in the next four years he is able to restore jobs back to the families that have been out of work for so long. Back to the people that really need it the most. I believe he can do it. :) President Obama is an inspirational leader, and I can't wait to see what he will do for all of us. :) 

My Mom had a Halloween party for her birthday this year and it rocked. :) It really cheered her up and that is all my sister, aunt, and I want for her. We want to keep her happy and in good spirits every year for the rest of her birthdays. October is a very rough month for my family. So any little drop of happiness if we can find it, we hold on to it. For sure.

Ok, I'm getting tired now. I am coming down with my 2nd sinus infection for the year, I can feel it in my head and in my face. My brain literally feels heavy. Fun shit, I know. 

Bed time soon enough. 
                                    

Theresa Caputo- 'The Bigger the Hair, the Closer to God'

The POTUS, The FLOTUS, and family :)

My wonderful family for my Mama's birthday.

My ISU gurls and boy- Tabitha (Little Red Riding Hood), Wes (Blind Ref), and Amanda (Hippie Girl) all made it

Another day of whiners awaits me. One day I will be where I am supposed to be. Wherever that is the big man upstairs only knows.

It's Been Awhile

Wow. 
I just don't write anymore and that makes me pretty sad. :( I've become rather lazy as of late. As a customer service representative for a wedding album company, dealing with coworkers and customers for 40 hours a week really does take a toll on me. Literally, I come home after 430pm and sleep on the couch til about 9pm, then I wake up for 2 more hours and then go back to sleep for good. Such a life I know it. 

I need to do more with my life. But, I constantly make excuses that naturally prevent me from doing so. What's my excuse for today? The weather. It is fall. The cold, damp, fall just before winter has arrived and I hate it. I miss the cool, brisk, autumn air with orange, yellow, and red leaves lining my streets. It was as if life in the form of fire burst from their stems and lit the way. Now, they are barren beings that scrape against the steel sky. I told you, cold weather needs to suck it. 

What can I update whoever reads and also doesn't read this? Hrm. My Mom and I saw Theresa Caputo live at the Genessee Theater in Waukegan last Sunday and it was truly an amazing experience. :) I don't know what I think about this life, let alone the after life, but I know something is there waiting for us. Not golden gates and angels dressed in white, but we are all made of energy. I just happen to think this energy continues on long after we leave our physical bodies. Do I believe people can talk to the dead? Well, after her show, yes, now I do. I have always believed in ghosts, spirits, demons, all of it. Why not? Who can say it isn't real? I find it all fascinating. 

Theresa Caputo is a phenomenon. She read people and shocked them in to tears. I don't think these folks were actors. Not the way they were crying and reacting to her comments. Their stories were awful. It really puts things into perspective. It did for me. I thought losing my Yia Yia and my Dad 3 months apart from each other in 2009 was bad enough. But these poor people lost family members to unsolved murders, suicides, accidental death, illness, etc. Some could not find closure and if one woman can say one personal, completely unknown thing that the rest of the world will not know... and it makes someone feel better? If it brings them the peace they need to know their loved one although no longer with them in this plane of existence is ok somewhere else? I don't really care. That's good enough for me. 

I adore the woman. :) Her Jersey tough attitude and her sparkly silver Minolo heels reeled me in. She is a force to be reckoned with that's for sure. I would love to have a private reading with her. Not only to test her to see if she is the 'real deal' but maybe to find my own closure. Yes, my Dad left this earth well loved by his family for sure. But there are still days where I am haunted by his passing. I assume this is naturally all a part of grieving, and I've read over and over again everyone does it in their own way. 

What else? Well, this week was pretty big. The Northeast had an awful super storm tear up the Jersey Shore as well as significant towns in New York State. She was called 'Hurricane Sandy' and the bitch packed a punch. Some lost their lives, some lost their homes, and some lost so much more than that the week she ravaged the coast. I have never seen a storm like that before. I can't help but think it means something else. We are damaging this planet in more ways than one and destroying the climate. Is this part of it? I think so. Storms lately have been insane. They are far more violent and take far more casualties than I can recall. It's our own fault.... that's for sure. Everybody needs to donate to these folks out there. They need it. I wish I could donate more. Next paycheck and I think I will. :) 

President Obama (my vote included) has been elected for a 2nd term to serve this great United States. I couldn't be more proud of our country and the people for making the absolute right decision. I know the economy has a long way to go, but the POTUS came in to office at the worst possible time. I hope in the next four years he is able to restore jobs back to the families that have been out of work for so long. Back to the people that really need it the most. I believe he can do it. :) President Obama is an inspirational leader, and I can't wait to see what he will do for all of us. :) 

My Mom had a Halloween party for her birthday this year and it rocked. :) It really cheered her up and that is all my sister, aunt, and I want for her. We want to keep her happy and in good spirits every year for the rest of her birthdays. October is a very rough month for my family. So any little drop of happiness if we can find it, we hold on to it. For sure.

Ok, I'm getting tired now. I am coming down with my 2nd sinus infection for the year, I can feel it in my head and in my face. My brain literally feels heavy. Fun shit, I know. 

Bed time soon enough. 
                                    

Theresa Caputo- 'The Bigger the Hair, the Closer to God'

The POTUS, The FLOTUS, and family :)

My wonderful family for my Mama's birthday.

My ISU gurls and boy- Tabitha (Little Red Riding Hood), Wes (Blind Ref), and Amanda (Hippie Girl) all made it

Another day of whiners awaits me. One day I will be where I am supposed to be. Wherever that is the big man upstairs only knows.

A Wedding and A Graduation

Hey folks, not sure if anyone reads this, but whatever.. I felt like blogging tonight.... so... now, I am. I recently went through the toenail surgery I posted on a few weeks ago... it was actually postponed after my friend's wedding. I had the surgery May 29th, and I won't lie.. it sucked ass. I took a special 'relaxation pill' to quell my fear/anxiety of the needles about to enter the bones of my toe and foot. :( My sister also stayed in the room with me.... which I appreciated greatly. She could tell from my shaking arms how petrified I was of the pain about to hit. Even though it made her nauseous... she stayed. And, I love her for it. :) I now have half of my left big toenail gone.. it looks disgusting.. and will probably take some time to heal fully. I hope I can wear cute sandals/heels this summer... maybe I will once I feel less self conscious about my wound. We'll see.

My wonderful friend Sara married her high school sweetheart, Ethan- Memorial Day weekend. :) I couldn't be happier for those two. They finally tied the knot after dating for a total of 8 years. Are you kidding me? After a few months I start to feel claustrophobic in relationships.. and they manage to keep the honeymoon phase going before and most likely after the actual honeymoon itself. They are disgusting... hahaha.. but, in a good way. The lovey dovey thing I could never imagine feeling for anyone else... I show love in a different way. But, I cried when I saw my high school drama buddy in her beautiful white off the shoulder dress. She looked magnificent. The make up and the happy 'glow' brides seem to bestow on their special day played a big part in it all I'm sure. There is nothing more rewarding then feeling happiness for someone else. It is a great feeling to step outside of your own selfish thoughts and feelings... and wish the best for friends, family, and others that you deeply care about. As a self proclaimed cynic on love itself.... I guess there is hope for some of us after all. And, these two certainly proved it. I was honored to participate in the wedding as her bridesmaid. It was my first time after all! :) Although, it was an expensive venture... still worth it never the less.

What else do I have to report on? Well, I now started full time with the company I was originally temping for as just a measly receptionist. I am now a customer service representative.... yet again. So far so good... I have been training for the last couple of weeks and just received my computer today. Of course, none of the programs I need to do my job actually work... so, I'm still behind and need to find alternative ways to catch up fast. That's life I guess. I'm just glad that this position will eventually do more for me than any other I've held in the past. After my 60 day probation period is up... I qualify for benefits. And, once I turn 26 this year... that's something very important to consider. For serious. I am still super grateful to Obama for allowing me to stay on my Mom's health insurance plan for as long as I possibly could. My health took a serious decline since my Dad passed.... for obvious reasons... and I'm slowly getting better and learning how to eat right and take care of myself more. You only get one life and one body to live it in.... so appreciate it all.

My little sister also graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. :) We are all so proud of her, she also maintained an outstanding GPA and graduated as a National Scholar. She was accepted into the Master's Program for Architecture Studies at U of I and will return this fall for her first year as a master's student. If my Dad could just see her now.... he would be so, so, very proud of his youngest daughter. <3

Enjoy a few pictures from the wedding and my sister's graduation. You didn't think I would put any up of my toe did you? Hahahaha..... no, that would be nasty.

That's all she wrote.