Happy Birthday to Me!

I got some cool stuff from my family for my birthday. My mom got me the book "The Lovely Bones" which I've been wanting to read and her boyfriend got me these really cool ice cube trays that look like the Titanic and Glaciers to go in your glass. Kinda morbid but totally awesome. I got some other small things, but what I was looking forward to the most was the stuffed animal I knew I was going to get from my little brother.

Every year either on Christmas or my birthday, he always gets me a stuffed animal. And he doesn't pick out just anything, they have to be either super soft or really cool looking. It's something I look forward to every year to see what he picks out. This year I hadn't had a stuffed animal in my bed for a while so as soon as I opened his present for me I stuck the little bear right in the middle of my bed. My bro picked out a dark purple bear that's wearing a bow tie and his fur is made out of these sparkly threads so he's kind of glittery.

Also, as part of the tradition I name every bear/stuffed animal my brother gets me, and so this year I decided to name the bear Edward because he sparkles like Edward Cullen from Twilight. Pretty cheesy I know, but my brother loved it. He's a fan of Twilight so I figured he would.

As far as birthday plans for today, I'm going out with a couple friends, I'm guessing we're all going to a bar because my closest friend mentioned getting me totally wasted. I just laughed because I'm not a cheap drunk, I have a pretty good tolerance for alcohol so I doubt I'll be getting wasted but it'll be fun none the less.

Update: I got my hair did today as a birthday treat to myself. I also tried something a little different and had the lady put curls in.



I likey!

Two Thumbs Up

I've been reading "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and I have to say it is just awesome. I can't get over the whole idea of Elizabeth Bennet being a martial arts master battling zombies with Mr. Darcy. Makes me smile like crazy and chuckle to myself whenever I think of it.




Although, note to futures self: Don't read the book before you go to bed!

I read a few pages before falling asleep and I had some weird zombie filled dreams. I'm just glad it wasn't a nightmare, I can handle weird dreams where I'm kicking some major zombie ass much better than I can handle nightmares where I'm running from zombies.

So if anyone has been debating about reading the book, debate no longer. Just get it, because it's worth it. I promise.

Christmas Loot

I got some cool stuff for Christmas this year. My mom sent me a care package with lots of yummy goodies and my presents that I opened. The way family does Christmas, after a certain age we kind of stop getting big presents because Christmas is about spending time with the family and presents are mostly for the kids. Now that my brother and I are older, the presents we get are mostly cute small things.

My favorite present I got was from my brother it's a t-shirt from threadless.com and I loved it the moment I saw it.




The next present I got was from my mom and it's a very close second. I love all things XKCD and this is no exception. It's 3ft long poster of the universe, btw.





Other than that I just got some money and small stuff, but those were the ones I absolutely had to share because they're awesome.

Merry Christmas

Hope you have a Merry Christmas filled with family fun and good food. And if you want a good laugh head on over to sketchysantas.com.

A Very Alternative Christmas

One of my favorite parts about Christmas time is getting to dig out the Christmas music. I've made it my mission the past few years to collect as much Alternative Christmas music as I can get my hands on. It's been harder than I thought it would be because I was looking for more than just the traditional music being covered by Alternative bands, but for the most part I'm pretty satisfied with the play-list I managed to assemble. So, for your listening/viewing pleasure, I bring you my 'Very Alternative Christmas' play-list.

Santa Baby by Everclear


I'm Getting Nuttin' For Christmas by Relient K


Little Drummer Boy by The Almost


Merry Christmas Baby by Brighten ft. The Main


Christmas, Baby Please Come Home by Anberlin


Ho Ho Hopefully by The Maine


Mistletoe by Colbie Caillat


Santa Stole My Girlfriend by The Maine


Last Christmas by Jimmy Eat World


All I Want For Christmas Is You by My Chemical Romance


His Favorite Christmas Story by Capital Lights


I Believe In Us (This Holiday) by A Rocket to the Moon


Christmas Won't Be the Same Without You by Plain White T's


Santa Clause is Thumbing to Town by Relient K


Mr. Winter by The Main


Carol of the Bells by August Burns Red


Sleigh Ride by Relient K (A Christmas play-list isn't a true Christmas play-list without this one)

I Miss My Family :(

So it's 1:30 in the morning, I'm just chilling enjoying my mellow mood considering going to bed soon when I get a drunk text from none other than my mother. Apparently, my family is involved in a crazy game of mexican train (a game you play with dominoes for those of you who've never played, super fun bee tee dubya) and they missed me so I got a bunch of texts all at once from my mom first, then my aunt and uncle, my brother and my mom's boy friend.

I'm glad they're all having fun but I really do wish I was down there with them, I miss all of them and their craziness. I especially miss the fun stuff we do in way of family bonding. It doesn't feel like Christmas without it all. Sigh :(

WOOHOO!

Guess who got three 4.0's and and one 3.5 this semester? That's right, ME. I am awesome. I would have gotten a 4.0 in that last class if I hadn't slacked off towards the end there, and I'm kind of kicking myself for it now. But whatever, I'll take it, that's still a good grade.

The reason I'm so excited other than the obvious (I mean who doesn't get excited about doing good in a class?) is because of a goal I set myself when I transferred over to UM-Flint. When I walked for my graduation from my 2 year college I had white chords and I was less than half of a point away from silver chords. Well this time I'm going to have gold chords when I walk next year.

My family was already proud that I graduated with honors, and my mom always has to brag to her friends, so when I graduate from UM-Flint with high honors she'll be saying "MY daughter graduated from the University of Michigan in Flint with HIGH honors." It cracks me up. She definitely enjoys having two kids she's proud of, because one thing I have never doubted is how proud of me my mom is for sticking with college and doing as well as I am.

Plus, it kind of gives me the warm fuzzies when my mom gives me that big hug and tells me how proud she is to have such an amazing daughter. I'm not perfect by any means, but it's nice to feel that unconditional love she has for me, because even if I was terrible in school and barely passing any of my classes she would still say the same thing. I have such an awesome mom.

Canada, Eh?

I remember a while back mentioning that I've been working with one of my Com. professors trying to get into an internship program for this summer.

I just got the good news that I was accepted into the program and I'm totally psyched. The internship is in Canada where I'll be working in parliament with CPAC, which is like the Canadian version of C-SPAN. But that's not why I'm excited, what has me all wound up is that I'll actually get real hands on video production experience.

The internship is only a month long and I'll be living in a dorm while I'm there, which I can honestly say I'm not looking forward to that one, but the idea that I'll have in the field experience is so exciting.

Since it is Parliament and all they're doing small background checks on those accepted, and as long as I pass everything is set for this summer. I'm sure I'll pass, since I know I don't have any warrants out for my arrest and I didn't escape from some loony bin. The only thing left to do is apply for a passport since I don't have one already.

Which bee tee dubya, have I mentioned how dumb it is that you need a passport to get into Canada? I wish they kept it like it used to be where Michigan residents could just use their driver's license, but nooo, the government has to have their money.

Anyway, this is kind of just a congratulations to me post because I'm super excited about the good news. Is it summer yet? No? Darn.

Last Exam

I don't know who came up with the bright idea to have an exam at 7:45 in the AM but I feel that person should be shot. My brain is barely functioning enough to process basic motor functions, let alone able to answer multiple choice and essay questions. Luckily it's an online exam so I can take it in my PJ's, but still, no one should be forced to take a test this early.

At least this is my last exam of the semester. After 10:15AM I am DONE until Jan. 6th. and this break is so very much needed. I can feel myself starting to reach burn out capacity after working 5 days in a row while trying to study in my spare time, finish class and take my finals this week and it's definitely taking it's toll.

I don't know if it's from stress or being constantly active, or both, but I can tell I've even lost weight. I've had to start wearing a belt just to keep from having to constantly pull my jeans and work pants back up, it's annoying. I'll probably go clothes shopping for pants that fit after the holidays are over and I don't have to brave the craziness that's out there right now. I shudder to think what the mall looks like.

Alright, well I'm off to get some last minute studying in before my final opens up online. Wish me luck!

Eugoogoly

"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King

Today, I have an important post. I've written a eulogy in honor of a long time friend who was laid to rest last night and I felt the need to share it on my blog. Here goes:

For 4 years you stood by me through thick and thin. You were the best friend a girl could ask for, always around when I needed an escape from boredom or help with homework. You taught me the meaning of patience, although I admittedly didn't always listen. You showed me the true meaning of love and friendship.

We were two peas in a pod, you and I. Where one was, the other could always be found close by. We discovered endless amounts of music together. We laughed together, we cried together, we were perfect for each other. Even when we fought and had our differences, we forgave each other, never able to hold a grudge for long.

You were there for me when I learned what heartache truly was, and I was there for you when you were so sick with that terrible virus, sitting at your bedside or just holding you in my lap. And now my dear friend, I have to say goodbye forever.

As I write this, your hard drive is currently being reformatted and what once contained the mind and heart that defined you as Stella 1.0, now only holds the basic inner working parts of the best laptop there ever was. Your casing shall forever be a shell of what you once were, a distant reminder of the great times we had together. And while Stella 2.0 is amazing, she will never hold that special place in my heart that solely belongs to you. Don't forget me, dearest friend, as you join that great computer shop in the sky, for I shall never forget you.

In Honor Of Stella
July 14, 2005 - December 20, 2009
R.I.P

Finals, Finals and More- No wait, Just two Finals.

Tomorrow I have a final at 9 in the AM and I'm getting up at the ungodly hour of 6 so that I can study with a friend before we have to take the exam. I feel really bad for the guy, he had all of his books and notebooks stolen last week and hasn't been able to get any of them back so I've been trying to help him out as much as I can by letting him borrow my notes and stuff.

One thing's for sure though, I'm gonna need some coffee injected in me through an IV so I can stay awake. I'm so not a morning person but school and work has kind of forced me to find a way to cope with getting up so early. I've even caught myself getting used to waking up early and being in a good mood about it, I was singing in the shower! It's ridonkulous, and gotten completely out of hand.

I can't wait for winter break where getting up early means waking up at 11.

Hilaaaaarious

Working in as big of a store as I do means I get to interact with a lot of different people on a daily basis. One of the girls I work with, let's call her "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" or aka Lucy, is very sharp witted and hilariously funny and I really enjoy working with her because it makes the day go by so much faster.

During one of the 30 second periods where we were kind of slow at work today, I stopped and chatted with Lucy since I hadn't really even had a chance to say "Hi" to her yet. While we were talking she picked up a copy of A Charlie Brown Christmas and exclaimed "I love this movie! I have to watch it every year."

To which I replied, "I've never seen it, I always watch the Grinch, that's my favorite."

Lucy gasped, "You've never seen A Charlie Brown Christmas?! What are you, Jewish?!"

Of course, when she said that I nearly spit my gum, I was laughing so hard. And so, that was the highlight of my night at work, it still makes me laugh just thinking about it.

DCSnowpocalypse?

Apparently, the eastern states are getting a major snow storm right now and I'm totally jealous. Granted, I would still have to drive to work in the bad weather, but I mean hello! Sledding anyone?!

I can't wait til we get enough snow to go sledding. I wish I could say I can't wait til we get enough snow to go skiing, buuuut, I don't see that happening any time soon since none of my friends ski and it's kind of boring to ski alone. (I need a skiing buddy, any takers?) Plus, sledding doesn't cost a penny if you go to the local hills around here and plenty of people are willing to join in the fun. Also, sledding is great excuse to drink lots of hot cocoa, with whipped cream on top, of course.

[Edit: Michigan lost like I figured they would, their athletic program is just so sad these past couple of years.]

A Pinch of Austen With a Little Zombie On Top

After I finished reading "Water for Elephants" a couple of weeks ago I was in a bit of a reading funk because I had no idea what to pick up next. When my mom came up for Thanksgiving she brought Dan Brown's new book "The Lost Symbol" for me to read. Since then it has just been sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust, I finally decided to pull it down and crack it open. I'm about 50 pages in and I can already tell it's not going to be as good as the "DaVinci Code" was. Add to that my gradual loss of desire to read the book and I doubt I'll be finishing it.

So, in my hunt to find a new book to read, I stopped by Barnes and Noble and browsed the shelves trying to figure out what I should pick up next. As I passed one of the tables I saw a book titled "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" now if that title doesn't catch your attention I don't know what will. I picked it up and read the back of the book and cracked up because I loved the whole idea of zombies in a "Pride and Prejudice" setting. Of course, being the conscious price shopper that I am I didn't buy the book right there because Barnes and Noble is outrageously over priced, but then when I found it at the next store I went to grocery shopping for 4 dollars cheaper I grabbed it up.

I think it's going to be a very interesting read. Not to mention, it'll give me a jump on the movie that was just announced to be in the works, starring Natalie Portman no less, as well as a graphic novel adaptation of the book coming in 2010. It seems this whole zombie phenomenon isn't going to be losing steam any time soon so I might as well jump on the bandwagon for a little while and see what the fuss is all about.

I Wish I Could Just Forget

"Misguided Ghosts" By Paramore

It's on nights like this I wish I could just forget about my past and all of the stupid things I've done or mistakes I've made. When I lie awake in bed wishing so much I could go back and undo everything. To go back to that day and ignore that very first chat invite. If I could finally forget it all, I wouldn't have the daily reminders of what once was.

It angers me so much that the tiniest part of myself absolutely refuses to let go. And I hate it. I know I made the right decision to protect myself from hurting constantly, because it worked. I no longer have that knot of anxiety in my stomach, or the horrible ache in my chest. I've moved on. I'm finally happier than I've been before I got involved and the pain faded away like I knew with time it would. But every once in a while, that little seed in the back of my mind rears it's ugly head and makes me remember what I've tried so desperately to forget.

That in spite of it all, I still miss my best friend.

Someday, that will fade too. When it does, I'll finally be able to forget. Until then, I wish that day were today.