I live for the weekends... sort of...

Ahhh another week is done, thank God. This week definetly felt like it was one of the longest weeks I have had in awhile. I don't know what it was really - I think because one of my days, Wednesday, was kind of whacky that my hump day, unbenonce to me longated my week. WHatever the reason, i'm just happy it's over.

I definetly feel disconnected form work and school. When I am at either one I am committed and I am there, it's just i'm not quite a full time worker, and im not quite a full time student though I have full time commitments to both. My FULL concentration isn't on just one thing. Im not just a student and I am not just a worker - does that make sense? WHen I was at school I was talking with this girl and she said that she was taking 18 credit hours (thats 3 more that what I am taking) when I asked where she works she said she isn't because of her school load. Granted 18 is a lot but I thought it was interesting because I have never not worked while going to school - no matter how busy or chaotic it got - I still managed to get it done. And frankly, I am so thrilled that I did work while going to school. Granted it took me longer to graduate and lots of times I wanted to just put school on hiatus but I did it anyway... and so far - keeping my fingers crossed - it looks like it may work out to my advantage... But you have to do what you have to do. Anything worth anything is going to take hard work, and really nothing that is worthy is going to come easily. Fact.

Other than that I am SO SO SO SO SOOOO happy it's the weekend and even though I have a crap load to do, I am still happy that I dont have to be anywhere in particular. I have no real agenda on the weekend... SO what does my weekend look like? Well yesterday after work I met up with a bunch of people at Pizza, Wings and Things for a managers going away party he is heading to Portland and even though we'll still see him once in a while he was a big part of the company and trully will me missed. So we headed over there, there was about 15-20 of us and we all sat around talking it up, drinking some beers eating some food and enjoying the night - not talking about work but about life, and good times, and babies, and people... it was great and I had a good time. After that I came home to crash - I sat on the coach after getting into my Pj's and watched a couple episodes of Friends then fell asleep on the coach.

Today I am meeting up with Mike and his Dad (and some other people I am sure) to go to the gun range. This will be my first time shooting a gun (have never done it before) after that who knows - but then again who cares. On Sunday my dad and I are going to be watching the Superbowl together so we'll be making lots of goodies to eat and watch the game together. I will be rooting for the cardinals because well, I am always root for the underdog (always) In between all this (stuff going on today and tomorrow) I need to find time to finish a bunch of homework:

1. P.R. class - come up with a plan for our project we have to launch end of Feb - come up with the logistics of the day
2. 10 journal entries for Comm 310
3. Find an article pretaining to our research topic in Comm 300
4. Study for 1st test on tue for Comm 220
5. Read 1st 100 pages of Moby Dick

And thats all I can think of so far. Le sigh. Well I am going to jump in the shower and start my day. Have a great weekend... I will leave you with an adorable pick and im sure how everyone is feeling at the moment in MI



found here

Youtube find: The greatest commercial i've seen in awhile

first found here

I am STILL laughing!

Student vs. Worker

Well it's official this semester has come full speed ahead, the demands of all my classes, an insane amount of reading, papers, research, etc has definitely reared it's ugly head - coupled with that I need to be at work everyday as well at about 30 hours a week. I love keeping busy - anyone who knows me knows that if i am not doing SOMETHING it's just not good. If I loose momentum I fall off the wagon all together - SO to keep my energy and spirits up I joined Lifetime Fitness with my bestie Heather, she was able to score me a sweet deal, she and I both agreed that we need to do something - get in shape and feel great. Honestly, I am in my 20's I should be in the best shape of my life (hah im not)

Other than that I am keeping busy with family and friends. My brother left town on Sunday after being here for a week and a half. He moved to North Carolina last June with his GF for work and has been very successful there. It was great seeing him. The family went and saw a movie, went out to dinner, had a lot of homemade meals, went lazer tagging, had sushi, went to the ice show, played board games, watched movies at home and talked it up. It really was a good time, a blast even. I just wish them continued happiness and success while they are down there... I hope some day they can come back up here - hopefully when things get better.

I am hopefully meeting up with my old co-workers this weekend for drinks - I am really excited (if it does go down) I miss them all, they really were a great group of girls to work with. I am also meeting up with some old friends for a birthday party - I am really excited about this because again, haven't seen them in a while and they are great as well. So this weekend will be jammed packed with old friends but good times.

Till then - have a great week!

A social experiment

A man stood in a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, on one of the finest instruments in the world - how many other things are we missing?

Let this be a lesson to us to not miss anything - even if we are in a hurry.

Found this post here

Etsy find: Hells yeah!

Via: You are my fave I came across this great letterpress card.



from this etsy shop. Im not going to lie - I have done a lot of looking on etsy but haven't bought anything... so this was my first purchase but it's one card, inexpensive, I went small so I dont feel so bad. I am going to frame it when I get it and find somewhere to put it in my room... key word FIND.

Today was great because I was able to sleep in, due to MLK day school was cancelled so I took this opportunity to continue to recharge my batteries for my crazy semester.

Hope everyone has a great week ahead of them!

Diggin'

I have a huge crush on this man right here:


picture found here

I am so in love with english bulldogs at the moment - and probably will be for the rest of my life... I honestly think they have trumped the pug. I know. I want one so bad it's killing me!! I mean honestly LOOK HOW CUTE!


picture found here

And... I am having lots of fun with headbands with my bitchin' new bangs



picture found here

Youtube find: Life is about Sharing

I came acorss this amazing youtube find on believe it or not Perezhilton.com!



I was moved to tears (it usually doesnt take much) when I saw this. It just reminds me of what I always want to live by - make memories. And I think these people who did this video made memories for those other people going about their day. Granted it's a phone commerical but I think it speaks volumes on where this country needs to go - stopping for 2 minutes to dance, to laugh, and sing, to make someone's day... I hope this video makes your day, I know it made mine.

My lazy Saturday

So friends, after one of the most mentally, physically, emotionally challenging weeks that I have had in a while I was so stoked to be able to sleep in today - which I did. This morning I woke up around 11ish (so great) had a bowl of cereal and juice then came back to my room where I really haven't left. So what have I been doing?

I watched an adorable movie called Priceless with Audrey Tautou who is simply adorable.


After that I have been looking through my favorite blogs, writing in my journal, of course eating a couple pieces of Dove chocolate ;). I downloaded T.I.'s featuring Rhianna's song Live your life.



Now I am going to do some laundry, and watch some of the office. I plan on staying in my pj's all day - if I have to shower then well I will but if not YAY. Hope your weekend is spectacular!!!

Really? Only Wednesday?

I can't believe that it's only Wednesday - granted Wednesday is 95% done (at least for me) but that realization that I have two full days ahead of me this week is saddening. This week I started my new schedule with 15 credit hours and working 27-28 hours a week. Granted some people do a full schedule working 40 hours a week and to those people I applaude you however, my schedule is a little exhausting.

Monday: Class 955-1110, 1130-1245 then go to work in A2 from 130-5 then back to dearborn for a 610-9 class
Tuesday: Work 7-12 then class 105-220 then a night class 610-9
Wednesday: Class 955-1110, 1130-1245 then go to work in A2 from 130-630
Thursday: Work 7-12 then class from 105-220
Friday: Work 8-5

The five classes I have are going to be very demanding, kind of makes me laugh since its my last semester its funny how I saved all the hard ones for last... really maria?

Needless to say my poor car is going to be going through a lot this semester driving back and forth from Canton to Ann Arbor to Dearborn. I need to make sure I get an oil change - that is on the top of my to-do's.

My brother is coming into town this weekend and I am so excited about it - he moved to North Carolina for work and I havent seen him in 7 months - granted we have spoken but it's just not the same.

Well it's off to read some Moby Dick - bleh.

A 2008 reflection

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I don’t think it was anything big and crazy but a lot of little things, emotional things that I didn’t do before…

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year was the first year that I didn’t make a resolution, so technically I did not keep them. The resolutions I made for this year are really more of things I want to try to get into more, save money obviously and really better myself.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one close to me, but a lot of people I went to school or use to work with are having babies all over the place!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No thank God!

5. What countries did you visit?
Went to London Canada this year to visit some cousins, other than that nothing - 2008 was a very transitional year for me. I really hope to do some more traveling this year since I will be completing school - YAY

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A stable economy and government I can trust. More money to work with. More fun events.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
January 4, Oct 16, August 21, Oct 18/19 are just a few - I am horrible with associating amazing times with dates just something I don’t do. But those are a few I can remember top of my head.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I guess it was leaving my job which was a huge comfort zone to me - being there for about 3 years and all while still in school and taking a chance on a much bigger opportunity. The new company turned out to be phenomenal. It’s more work, it’s more responsibility, and the people there seem to appreciate my hard work.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not saving any money at all - I know it’s hard being in school and working part time but there are always ways to save money no matter the situation and I just didn’t follow through - epic fail.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Luckily nothing serious. I got a minor cold and suffered a bad pinch nerve in my neck but all is well with the world now.

11.What was the best thing you bought?
I would have to say Guitar Hero. Honestly I love it and not just that but it brings the family closer and gives us all something to do during get togethers - its fun.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I don’t know. Being mature and responsible ???

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I set high standards for people in my life and although I know they and myself are not perfect when I get let down I tend to be harsh.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, gas, food, books, school… the usual

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Lots of little things, events, parties, work events, family get togethers.. Things like that

16. What song will always remind of you 2008?
"Paper Planes" by MIA.
“Womanizer” by Britney Spears
“Single Ladies” Beyonce
“I kissed a girl” Katy Perry

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a)happier or sadder? b)thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, I think. Just about the same size. And definitely feel poorer!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Taking photos, traveling (even if it was around my area), gone to a museum’s

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?Worrying and stressing about things that ended up not being a big deal anyway

20. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes

21. What was your favorite TV program?
Greys Anatomy - I don’t care - this show is amazing!

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t really hate anyone but I dislike some more people.

23. What was the best book you read?
Don’t laugh - but the twilight series! I read them all!

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ray LaMontagne, Santogold, Vampire Weekend, Castledoor, Fleet Foxes

25. What did you want and get?
A better job

26. What did you want and not get?
To move out and to save money

27. What was your favorite film of this year?
Honestly, I can not think of any one. I saw so many movies that to pick one is silly.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went out with my girls and went to Alberts for a couple drinks, dancing and laughing. It was a lot of fun and exactly what I needed since I didn’t do anything for my 21st and 22nd so bringing in my 23rd with them was great.

29. How you would describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Jeans… lots of jeans, lots of scarves, fun tops from t-shirts to fancy I don’t know.

30. What kept you sane?
My blog, reading, movies, family, and friends - per usual!

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Guy: Robert Pattinson Girl: Jennifer Anniston

32. Who did you miss?
I miss the obvious ones.

33. Who was the best new person you met?
In 2008? Probably my boss. She is a pretty great person who helped my professional career more then she’ll ever know!

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Sometimes you just have to take a chance - even if you fall flat on your face it was worth the chance. - I took a lot of chances this year and so far all of them have been worth it!

35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.“Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!” - Wicked Defying Gravity

Adventures in warcraft

There is something about me, you probably don't know. When people find out, it's usually followed by a "really?!" and bug eyes. But alas, the truth shall set you free. I am a huge fan of World of Warcraft. For those of you who don't know, it's an online game that you play along with millions of other individuals which consist of quests, pvp (player vs player) and honor. I have a level 27 undead rougue who is amazing at killing for the sake of killing she is amazing. I also have a level 21 orc hunter with a pet named Rawr. She is good because she orders the lion to attack the target while you stand back and shoot it with your arrows. I love this game though, it's very interactive, brings me laughter, tears (not really) and keeps you thinking.

Over the holiday my best friend and I exhanged gifts and I ended up getting her World of Warcraft, she asked for it don't worry. Since then she has installed it and in a matter of like 4 or 5 days the girl is already a level 20. I have been working on a level 20 character for MONTHS! But she is a recent undergrad form Purdue so I think she deserves to take a load off and plant herself in front of the computer lol. Anyway, yesterday I got home and we decided to run with a couple other people and do some quest get some XP points (experience points) etc. We were in a PVP area meaning characters from the opposing side (the alliance) could attack and kill you without asking to duel. It brings something more to the game if you ask me. So of course this level 80 druid comes up and kills our group instantly. I'm laughing because it's all in good fun, Mandy didn't think so though lol. Well when you die you are in a graveyard and have to run to your body and reserect yourself each time, well this happened to us about 5 or 6 times maybe more. Well after he decided to leave us alone Mandy and I went on our way and did our own thing in another PVP area. As we are looking for a machine for her quest we see something in the distance... it's a character highlighted in red meaning the opposing team (the alliance) my first instinct is to run but mandy mentioned that they were a level 20. I am a level 21 she was a level 20... 2 on 1 - EASY! so we chase the girl and her friend down and kill them both, we wait for her to come back and get her body and we kill her again, we wait a little longer - I chase her for a little and then kill her again. We were both CRACKING up, I always dreamt of killing from someone from the Alliance but never thought it possible without being a higher up. We were estactic and decided to let the girl go... for now. As we were turning in a quest we happen to run into her again and kill her another 2 times. It was awesome. I know what you are thinking - but honestly if you ever got into the game you would agree. Best. Feeling. Ever.

I left that game that night feeling on top of the world! Ok not really but feeling pretty awesome at the fact that I was able to have a little vengence - even if it was a little on all the times I got shanked while minding my own business on my own quests. Good times. I am sure we will have more fun adventures as we quest our way to level 80! For the Hoarde!!

Dear Detroit...

Dear Detroit,

I get you. I understand you. I understand you a lot more then other people not only in Michigan, but this nation as a whole. Detroit, over the past couple years you have gotten a real bad rep. From the violence, to the drugs, to the corruption. It's no wonder people are not hip to the idea of you being a great city. But I know better Detroit. I know that looks can be decieving, and that all you really want is to be loved and that you really do have a lot to offer. I know that.

I know that people can go to belle isle to experience nature, athletics, or history. Right on the shore of the detroit river you can literally see Canada right across the way. People can also go over to the newly renovated Detroit Institute of Arts, literally over 5 years of rennovation. It's beautiful! or you have the amazing Detroit Science Center with it's amazing exhibits and fun shows. Or you can head down to Tiger Stadium and watch a game, it's pretty new itself and is a lot of fun with a HUGE tiger sitting out front to a cute carosele inside... you cant go wrong. Or you can check out the amazing Red Wings in Hockey Town . And if sports really arent for you... why dont you head down to one of the theatres... Fox, Masonic, Detroit Opera House... the beauty in that place in amazing.

Not to mention all the casinos you have! Which one to go to?? Take your pick people! MGM which was recently put up and employed hundreds of people... the hotel itself..words can not describe how amazing it is... people even give TOURS of the place! Or how about your MotorCity a casino dedicated to what we do in this town! And of course the all too fun Greektown casino. There is also Eastern Market which has been around for ever. Offering it's amazing fresh foods, shopping and not to mention you support all local farmers...

The Detroit Zoo which is beautiful, fun, and full of interesting things to do and see... and then there is Hart Plaza with music and culture all around it. Not to mention all the amazing buildings that surround you Detroit. The Ren Center, The Fisher Building, Cadillac Tower, and more. The riverfront alone is breathtaking... just take a look across and wave to Canada which is a hop skip and jump away...

You're not all bad Detroit, you're just misunderstood and I know that the more people actually come and visit you they will see for themselves that you are an amazing city with much more then this small list of things. I love you Detroit!