And the winner is..

..........librarian! It was the highest ranking career out of those on my list, and the highest ranking hobby was sewing. So tomorrow, I will get to start researching just how to start to achieve that job, and how to get there the quickest!

Thank you Jeff, I couldn't have figured it out without you. Thank you for being there for me, and helping me through it. I can't wait to live life by your side, working together to achieve what we want.

I love you with all of my heart and soul, and am soooooooo madly in love with you!!

I have removed the thrown out options from this entry, to make it clearer..

• Sewwer/seamstress-hobby(9)(8)

• Interior Designer-researched(8)(4)
• fashion designer-researched(8)(7)
• Veterinarian-researched(7)(7)
• librarian-researched(10)(9)
• Teacher's Aide-researched(8)(8)
• my own business-cannot research(7)(8)

I am now to take the first rating (happiness) and times it by .6 and the second rating by .4. Then add them together... gosh I hate any kind of math lol... here we go!

• Sewwer/seamstress-hobby(9)(8)
• (9x.6=5.4)+(8x.4=3.2)=8.6
  

• Interior Designer-researched(8)(4)
• (8x.6=4.8)+(4x.4=1.6)=6.4

• fashion designer-researched(8)(6)
• (8x.6=4.8)+(6x.4=2.4)=7.2

• Veterinarian-researched(7)(7)
• (7x.6=4.2)+(7x.4=2.8)=7

• librarian-researched(10)(9)
• (10x.6=6)+(9x.4=3.6)=9.6

• Teacher's Aide-researched(7)(8)
• (7x.6=4.2)+(8x.4=3.2)=7.4

• my own business-cannot research(7)(8)
• (7x.6=4.2)+(8x.4=3.2)=7.4

A small excitement for this snowy day..

woohoo!! I found my television remote!!! It's been missing for about a year, but I hadn't replaced it yet because I don't watch TV maybe once a week if that.

Still exciting though...now if I could find my DVD remote...

Second set of ratings

This time I am to look at the list of things I want out of life and rank them based on how well the job/career will let me get these things. I am also to look at the first rankings and throw out anything under 7, and only rank the remaining jobs a second time

• Artist-hobby(6)(thrown out)
  

• Sculptor-hobby(6)(thrown out)

• Graphic Designer-researched(4)(thrown out)
• Sketch artist-hobby(5)(thrown out)
• Sewwer/seamstress-hobby(9)(8)
• Interior Designer-researched(8)(4)
• Journalist-research(3)(thrown out)
• fashion designer-researched(8)(7)
• event planner-wasn't on the department of labor website(3)(thrown out)
• Flourist-wasn't on the department of labor website(3)(thrown out)
• Veterinarian-researched(7)(7)
• Web design-wasn't on the department of labor website(2)(thrown out)
• librarian-researched(10)(9)
• Teacher's Aide-researched(8)(8)
• Child Care Worker-researched(6)(thrown out)
• advertising-researched(4)(thrown out)
• Author-hobby(3)(thrown out)
• my own business-cannot research(7)(8)
  
• d-jay-researched(5)(thrown out)

If you wonder what I want...

I just want a good life that is all. I want the love of a husband (Jeff of course!), a child. A good job that I enjoy every day of, and a life where everything works out. I want the one kneed proposal, and a beautiful day centered around Jeff and I. (So I've been dreaming about it lately...sue me :) )I want a loving, intimate marriage. A nice house, a picket fence. Small town living, not far from a larger city so we can go out shopping or a date when we want to. I want healthy pets. (And be able to take them to the Vet when they are ill.)

I want people around me to think the world of me, and I of them. I want to be a wonderful friend, loving and caring, and have a handful of close friends who are there when I want them and need them, vice versa. I want someone to say, 'I will do that if you want me to', even if they don't really want to. Or at least seriously consider whatever it is.I want people to be willing to do what they want me to do, no matter how big it is.

I want a big shoe closet, (I just had to add that! I can afford to be a little materialistic, I think. It's my dream after all!) I want a nice car, shiny and that runs well.

I want to be in good health someday, have a back that doesn't hurt every minute of the day. I want to be migraine-free and fixed teeth.

I want to never work for or step foot in a Wal-Mart again.

That's all that I want. Is that too much to ask?

I am sure there is more, but there's always later to write. My head hurts now.

good night

I did my latest assignment, not for sure if I did it right, that's why it's not posted yet.

I took some Nyquil (yes, one of those nights!) and now am ready to crash into oblivion for eight hours.

Good night

Following research, I am to put these careers in order...

Next I have to rank all of the prospective jobs from one to ten based entirely and solely on how happy I would be doing the job on a daily basis.

It doesn't matter what training is involved or how much it pays, 1-10 just on how happy I would be doing it day after day.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here they are:

1. librarian
2. Sewwer/seamstress
3. Interior Designer
4. fashion designer
5. my own business
6. d-jay
7. Child Care Worker
8. event planner
9. Artist
10. Journalist

• Artist-hobby (6)
  

• Sculptor-hobby(6)

• Graphic Designer-researched(4)
• Sketch artist-hobby(5)
• Sewwer/seamstress-hobby(9)
• Interior Designer-researched(8)
• Journalist-research(3)
• fashion designer-researched(8)
• event planner-wasn't on the department of labor website(3)
• Flourist-wasn't on the department of labor website(3)
• Veterinarian-researched(7)
• Web design-wasn't on the department of labor website(2)
• librarian-researched(10)
• Teacher's Aide-researched(8)
• Child Care Worker-researched(6)
• advertising-researched(4)
• Author-hobby(3)
• my own business-cannot research(7)
  
• d-jay-researched(5)

Not for sure how I was to rate them, so I did them both of the ways I thought of. The first way was in a David Letterman style... and the second one I rated each one on how much of the time doing it I would be happy (I think). (example: 7=70% of the time)

Basics about being a disc jockey/broadcasting

What training is involved on job?

• In this highly competitive industry, broadcasters are less willing to provide on-the-job training, and instead seek candidates who can perform the job immediately.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Announcers read news items and provide other information, such as program schedules and station breaks for commercials or public service information. Many radio announcers, referred to as disc jockeys, play recorded music on radio stations. Disc jockeys may take requests from listeners; interview guests; and comment on the music, weather, or traffic. Most stations now have placed all of their advertisements, sound bites, and music on a computer, which is used to select and play or edit the items. Technological advances have simplified the monitoring and adjusting of the transmitter, leaving disc jockeys responsible for most of the tasks associated with keeping a station on the air. Traditional tapes and CDs are used only as backups in case of a computer failure. Announcers and disc jockeys need a good speaking voice; the latter also need a significant knowledge of music.What does it pay? on commission or steady?

What does it pay?

• Weekly earnings of nonsupervisory workers in broadcasting averaged $827 in 2006, higher than the average of $568 for all private industry.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• depends on area
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• Keen competition is expected for many jobs, particularly in large metropolitan areas, because of the large number of jobseekers attracted by the glamour of this industry.

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Many broadcast employees have erratic work schedules, sometimes having to work early in the morning or late at night. In 2006 an employee in broadcasting worked an average of 36 hours a week

What skills are desired to be successful?

• good speaking voice; need a significant knowledge of music, computer training

What education do I need?

• Job prospects will be best for applicants with a college degree in broadcasting, journalism, or a related field, and relevant experience, such as work at college radio and television stations or internships at professional stations.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Kirkwood
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Many entry-level positions are at smaller broadcast stations; consequently, workers often must change employers, and sometimes relocate, in order to advance.

What kind of insurance is available?

• Workers in broadcasting generally receive standard benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and pension plans, although often few benefits are available to part time workers and those who work for small employers.

How much traveling might be involved?

• to and from work

What would be the potential dress code?

• Causal but nice
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on employer

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Unionized; depends on different factors and your job performance
  

Basics about being an advertsing agent..

What training is involved on job?

• In most cases, an experienced sales manager instructs a newly hired advertising sales agent who lacks sales experience. In this one-on-one environment, supervisors typically coach new hires and observe as they make sales calls and contact clients. Supervisors then advise new hires on ways to improve their interaction with clients. Employers may bring in consultants to lead formal training sessions when agents sell to a specialized market segment.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• sell or solicit advertising primarily for newspapers and periodicals, television and radio, websites, telephone directories, and direct mail and outdoor advertisers. Because such a large share of revenue for many of these media outlets is generated from advertising, advertising sales agents play an important role in their success.
• Local sales agents are often referred to as outside sales agents or inside sales agents. Outside sales agents call on clients and prospects at their places of business. They may have an appointment, or they may practice cold calling—arriving without an appointment. For these sales agents, obtaining new accounts is an important part of the job, and they may spend much of their time traveling to and visiting prospective advertisers and current clients. Inside sales agents work on their employer’s premises and handle sales for customers who walk in or telephone the firm to inquire about advertising. Some may also make telephone sales calls—calling prospects, attempting to sell the media firm’s advertising space or time, and arranging follow-up appointments between interested prospects and outside sales agents.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Base plus commission
  
• Overall earnings are higher than average but vary considerably because they usually are based on a salary plus performance-based commissions and bonuses.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No, just near your employer. unless you can telecommute
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Full time increases income
  

What education do I need?

• For sales positions that require meeting with clients, large employers prefer applicants with a college degree. Smaller companies generally are more willing to hire individuals with a high school degree.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Employers look for applicants who are honest and possess a pleasant personality and neat professional appearance. After gaining entry into the occupation, successful sales experience and the ability to communicate effectively become more important than educational attainment. In fact, when selling or soliciting ad space, personality traits are equally, if not more, important than academic background. In general, smaller companies are more willing to hire unproven individuals.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• U of I
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Sending resumes', newspapers
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on employer
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• Might have to go elsewhere to meet with clients
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on employer
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• depends on your performance

Basics about being a Child Care Worker...

What training is involved on job?

• Everything you need to know about caring for the children will come up at one point or another.
  

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Child care workers nurture and care for children who have not yet entered formal schooling. They also supervise older children before and after school. These workers play an important role in children’s development by caring for them when parents are at work or away for other reasons. In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, child care workers organize activities and implement curricula that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children explore individual interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to get along with others.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?
Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• About 35 percent of child care workers are self-employed, most of whom provided child care in their homes.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Child care workers must anticipate and prevent problems, deal with disruptive children, provide fair but firm discipline, and be enthusiastic and constantly alert. They must communicate effectively with the children and their parents, as well as with teachers and other child care workers. Workers should be mature, patient, understanding, and articulate and have energy and physical stamina. Skills in music, art, drama, and storytelling also are important. Self-employed child care workers must have business sense and management abilities.

What education do I need?

• Training requirements range from a high school diploma to a college degree, although a high school diploma and a little experience are adequate for many jobs.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• You really only need a h.s. diplomia
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Many workers leave these jobs every year, creating good job opportunities.
• Newspapers, online, calling around
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Self-employed people will have to find their own insurance means.
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• None
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• Casual
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends. Your clients have to make sure their children have care, so may find a new provider
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary child care workers were $17,630 in May 2006.

Basics about being a teacher's aide

What training is involved on job?

• Many teacher assistants need only a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
• Teacher assistants need to become familiar with the school system and with the operation and rules of the school. Those who tutor and review lessons with students, must learn and understand the class materials and instructional methods used by the teacher. Teacher assistants also must know how to operate audiovisual equipment, keep records, and prepare instructional materials, as well as have adequate computer skills.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Teacher assistants provide instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers, allowing teachers more time for lesson planning and teaching. They support and assist children in learning class material using the teacher’s lesson plans, providing students with individualized attention. Teacher assistants also supervise students in the cafeteria, schoolyard, and hallways, or on field trips; they record grades, set up equipment, and help prepare materials for instruction

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Steady; Median annual earnings of teacher assistants in May 2006 were $20,740.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No, just near place of employment
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Almost 4 in 10 teacher assistants work part time.
• However, even among full-time workers, about 17 percent work less than 40 hours per week. Most assistants who provide educational instruction work the traditional 9-month to 10-month school year.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Ability to work with children, express knowledge
• Teacher assistants who work with special education students often perform more strenuous tasks, including lifting, as they help students with their daily routine. Those who perform clerical work may tire of administrative duties, such as copying materials or entering data.

What education do I need?

• Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to some college training.
• Opportunities should be best for those with at least 2 years of formal postsecondary education, those with experience in helping special education students, or those who can speak a foreign language.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Kirkwood, U of I
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Sending Resumes' to area schools
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on employer
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• Not much
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• Professional. Casual but Nice
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on employer and situation
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Favorable job prospects are expected.

Basics about being Veterinary Technologists and Technicians...

What training is involved on job?

• Technologists and technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Entry-level workers whose training or educational background encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including diagnostic and medical equipment, usually require a shorter period of on-the-job training.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Animal lovers get satisfaction from this occupation, but aspects of the work can be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.
• perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician, including routine laboratory and clinical procedures.
• At times, veterinary technicians must clean cages and lift, hold, or restrain animals, risking exposure to bites or scratches. These workers must take precautions when treating animals with germicides or insecticides. The work setting can be noisy.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Steady; Median hourly earnings of veterinary technologists and technicians were $12.88 in May 2006.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes, and it is more in demand then ever before
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No. Closer to your employer though, less commute
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Either/or; Depends on Employers needs
  

What skills are desired to be successful?

• ease with animals, ability to work in noisy surroundings, efficiency
  

What education do I need?

• Entrants generally complete a 2-year or 4-year veterinary technology program and must pass a State examination.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Kirkwood
  

How would I find job openings in this area?

• newspapers, online. Calling local animal vets
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on the employer
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• Not much
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• Scrubs
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on the employer and situation
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Layoffs are less likely to occur among veterinary technologists and technicians than in some other occupations because animals will continue to require medical care.

Basics about being a fashion designer..

What training is involved on job?

• Aspiring fashion designers can learn necessary skills through internships with design or manufacturing firms.
  

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Designers study fashion trends, sketch designs of clothing and accessories, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the final production of their designs. Clothing designers create and help produce men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, including casual wear, suits, sportswear, formalwear, outerwear, maternity, and intimate apparel. Footwear designers help create and produce different styles of shoes and boots. Accessory designers help create and produce items such as handbags, belts, scarves, hats, hosiery, and eyewear, which add the finishing touches to an outfit
• regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Almost one-fourth are self-employed.
• Median annual earnings for salaried fashion designers were $62,610 in May 2006.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes. In 2006, the highest concentrations of fashion designers were employed in New York and California.

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No.
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Regular hours if not self-employed
  

What skills are desired to be successful?

• In addition to creativity, fashion designers also need to have sewing and patternmaking skills, even if they do not perform these tasks themselves. Designers need to be able to understand these skills so they can give proper instruction in how the garment should be constructed. Fashion designers also need strong sales and presentation skills to persuade clients to purchase their designs. Good teamwork and communication skills also are necessary because increasingly the business requires constant contact with suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers around the world.

What education do I need?

• Bachelor’s of fine arts and associate degree programs in fashion design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private art and design schools

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Contacting firms and businesses in the field
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Whatever the employer offers
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• Depends
  

What would be the potential dress code? (casual, dressy, uniforms?)

• Depends on the day. Business meetings professional;regular days casual professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Self-employed fashion designers must provide their own benefits and retirement.

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Slower-than-average job growth is projected, and competition for jobs is expected to be keen.

Basics about being a Journalist/Reporter

What training is involved on job?

• Upon graduation many students already have gained much practical experience through part-time or summer jobs or through internships with news organizations;
  
• Most organizations want experienced reporters
  

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• reporters investigate leads and news tips, look at documents, observe events at the scene, and interview people. Reporters take notes and also may take photographs or shoot videos. At their office, they organize the material, determine the focus or emphasis, write their stories, and edit accompanying video material. Many reporters enter information or write stories using laptop computers and electronically submit the material to their offices from remote locations.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Median annual earnings of reporters and correspondents were $33,470 in May 2006.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Yes
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• No, just need access to your computer and the internet
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career?

• Jobs often involve long, irregular hours and pressure to meet deadlines.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Reporters typically need more than good word-processing skills. Computer graphics and desktop-publishing skills also are useful.
• Reporters should be dedicated to providing accurate and impartial news. Accuracy is important, both to serve the public and because untrue or libelous statements can lead to lawsuits. A nose for news, persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, a good memory, and physical stamina are important, as is the emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines, irregular hours, and dangerous assignments. Broadcast reporters and news analysts must be comfortable on camera. All reporters must be at ease in unfamiliar places and with a variety of people. Positions involving on-air work require a pleasant voice and appearance.

What education do I need?

• Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications and experience gained at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or through internships with news organizations.
• Some schools also offer a master’s or Ph.D. degree in journalism. Some graduate programs are intended primarily as preparation for news careers, while others prepare journalism teachers, researchers and theorists, and advertising and public relations workers. A graduate degree may help those looking to advance more quickly.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• More than 1,500 institutions offer programs in communications, journalism, and related programs. In 2007, 109 of these were accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Internet/Paper
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on the organization
  

How much traveling might be involved? (Business Trips, conventions, etc.)

• Where ever the story/events are
  

What would be the potential dress code? (casual, dressy, uniforms?)

• Professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile?

• Depends on the organization. Prolonged illness detrimental to your career.
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Competition will be keen for jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines; small publications and broadcast stations and online newspapers and magazines should provide the best opportunities.

Basics about being a librarian

What training is involved on job?

• Librarians participate in continuing education and training to stay up to date with new information systems and technology.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Librarians use the latest information technology to perform research, classify materials, and help students and library patrons seek information.
• Librarians prepare new materials, classifying them by subject matter and describing books and other library materials to make them easy to find

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Steady;Median annual earnings of librarians in May 2006 were $49,060.
  
• About 1 in 4 librarians are a member of a union or are covered under a union contract.

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Despite slower-than-average projected employment growth, job opportunities are still expected to be favorable because a large number of librarians are expected to retire in the coming decade.Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?

• Depends on the library and position;
  

What skills are desired to be successful?

• They must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public information sources and must follow trends related to publishing, computers, and the media in order to oversee the selection and organization of library materials.

What education do I need?

• A master’s degree in library science is the main qualification for most librarian positions, although school librarians often need experience as teachers to meet State licensing requirements.
• Entry into a library science graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree, but any undergraduate major is acceptable.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Many colleges and universities offer library science programs, but employers often prefer graduates of the 56 schools accredited by the American Library Association. Most programs take 1 year to complete; some take 2. A typical graduate program includes courses in the foundations of library and information science, such as the history of books and printing, intellectual freedom and censorship, and the role of libraries and information in society.

How would I find job openings in this area?

• Online;newspapers
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Couldn't find... depends on the company?
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• Not much
  

What would be the potential dress code? (casual, dressy, uniforms?)

• Nice
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile? (Or what if I ever start having children? Will my job still be there then?)

• Depends on the company
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Depends on your performance
  

Spent about forty-five minutes trying to decide what to listen to..

then I decided 'Fuck it...I'll make my own playlist...

First up, Kid Rock's Bawitdaba; next up, Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground;

Then...
Sex&Candy,
My Own prison(creed),
I'm a Loser(Beatles),
Only God Knows Why(kidrock)
Love is A Battlefield(Pat Benatar)
Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (Toby Keith)
Redneck Woman (Gretchen Wilson)
I Do..(cherish you) (98degrees)
Overcome(Tricky)
Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? (Paula Cole)
Rodeo (Garth Brooks)
MMMbop(Hanson)
When I Think About Cheatin' (Gretchen Wilson)
In America (Creed)
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy (Big N Rich)
Bitch (Meredith Brooks)
Summer Nights (John Travolta,Olivia Newton-John)
It's Your Call (Reba)
Ponderosa (Tricky)
She's Got Skillz (All 4 One)
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (Good Charlotte)
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Sk8er Boi (Avil Lavigne)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvanna)
If You Want It To Be Good Girl, Get Yourself a Bad Boy (BSB)
Working Day and Night (MJ)
Who Will Save Your Soul? (Jewel)
Baby's in Black (Beatles)
Strong Enough (Cher)
Livin' La Vida Loca (Ricky Martin)
Hey You (Pink Floyd)
FreakShow (Brittney Spears)
Wide Open Spaces (Dixie Chicks)
What Would You Do (City High)
Strong Enough To Break (Hanson)
When You Walk in the Room (Pam Tillis)
Karma Chameleon (Culture Club)
Greased Lightin' (John Travolta)
Bring the Boys Back Home (Pink Floyd)
Tonight the Heartache's On Me (Dixie Chicks)
Gangsta's Paradise (Coolio)
Ticket to Ride (Beatles)
What's My Age Again? (Blink 182)
Rape Me (Nirvanna)
I'm a Slave 4 u (Britney Spears)
I Got One For Ya (Kid Rock)
Shameless (Garth Brooks)
White America (Eminem)
Take it Back (Reba)
Illusion (Creed)
Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cindi Lauper)
You Were Meant For Me (Jewel)

I've gotten my self under control again..I feel better. that is good. I am now also very sleepy... both may be due to the medicine I took..

Good night

I used to have the waterworks under control. I wouldn't cry, I would hold it inside until it went away. Locked the sadness into compartments in my brain, and kept it under wraps. Then I fell in love......

And they won't stop. They keep surprising me, catching me off guard. They fall at least once a week.. and they started again a little while ago.

I want to go to sleep, fall into oblivion, escape this reality. Too bad you can't fall into the same dream with another person. I would defiantly take him with me.

I want to be in his arms so bad. Be with him for all of our lives together.

Some Nyquil is in order I believe. I need to sleep and quickly...

I cannot get this song out of my head...

Britney Spears, yes. And I can't get it out of myhead.. but that's okay. I think I sing it pretty well :)

"Baby One More Time"

Oh baby, baby
Oh baby, baby
Oh baby, baby
How was I supposed to know
That something wasn't right here
Oh baby baby
I shouldn't have let you go
And now you're out of sight, yeah
Show me, how you want it to be
Tell me baby
'Cause I need to know now what we've got

[CHORUS:]
My loneliness is killing me
I must confess, I still believe
When I'm not with you I lose my mind
Give me a sign
Hit me baby one more time

Oh baby, baby
The reason I breathe is you
Boy you got me blinded
Oh baby, baby
There's nothing that I wouldn't do
That's not the way I planned it
Show me, how you want it to be
Tell me baby
'Cause I need to know now what we've got

[Repeat CHORUS]

Oh baby, baby
Oh baby, baby
Ah, yeah, yeah
Oh baby, baby
How was I supposed to know
Oh pretty baby
I shouldn't have let you go
I must confess, that my loneliness
Is killing me now
Don't you know I still believe
That you will be here
And give me a sign
Hit me baby one more time

[Repeat CHORUS]

I must confess that my loneliness
Is killing me now
Don't you know I still believe
That you will be here
And give me a sign
Hit me baby one more time

Researching careers, part two, Interior Designer

What training is involved on job?

• interior designers will enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a licensing exam How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• Interior designers draw upon many disciplines to enhance the function, safety, and aesthetics of interior spaces. Their main concerns are with how different colors, textures, furniture, lighting, and space work together to meet the needs of a building’s occupants.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Median annual earnings for wage and salary interior designers were $42,260 in May 2006.
• Interior designers working in retail stores usually earn a commission, which can be irregular.
• The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,270

Do a lot of people have this career?

• yes. Many businesses use designers.
  

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• Nope, thanks to the internet and phone. Also can drive to work.
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career?

• About 26 percent are self-employed.

What skills are desired to be successful?

• Interior designers must be able to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes, and know how to make space accessible to people who are disabled.

What education do I need?

• Postsecondary education—especially a bachelor’s degree—is recommended for entry-level positions; some States license interior designers.
• Graduates of 2-year or 3-year programs are awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design and normally qualify as assistants to interior designers upon graduation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree usually qualify for a formal design apprenticeship program.
• Twenty-three States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico register or license interior designers. The National Council administers the licensing exam for Interior Design Qualification. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least 6 years of combined education and experience in interior design, of which at least 2 years must be postsecondary education in design.

  Once candidates have passed the qualifying exam, they are granted the title of Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designer, depending on the State. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Training programs are available from professional design schools or from colleges and universities and usually take 2 to 4 years to complete. Graduates of 2-year or 3-year programs are awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design and normally qualify as assistants to interior designers upon graduation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree usually qualify for a formal design apprenticeship program.

How would I find job openings in this area?

• newspaper, internet
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on the employer

How much traveling might be involved?

• Depends on the employer
  

What would be the potential dress code?

• professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile? Will my job still be there then?

• Depends on your employer's policies.
  

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Keen competition is expected for jobs because many talented individuals are attracted to this occupation.

Researching careers, part one, graphic designer

What training is involved on job?

• Beginning graphic designers usually receive on-the-job training and normally need 1 to 3 years of training before they can advance to higher positions.

How does a person in this career spend their hours?

• They find the most effective way to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques.

What does it pay? on commission or steady?

• Median annual earnings for wage and salary graphic designers were $39,900 in May 2006

Do a lot of people have this career?

• Graphic designers held about 261,000 jobs in 2006.
• About 25 percent of designers were self-employed. Many did freelance work—full time or part time—in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.

Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?

• no
  

How much time would be be devoted to this career?

• depends
  

What skills are desired to be successful?

• In addition to postsecondary training in graphic design, creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial.
• designers also need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. The ability to work independently and under pressure are equally important traits.

What education do I need?

• Education and training. A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions; although some entry-level technical positions may only require an associate degree.

What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career?

• Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor’s degree program until a student has successfully finished a year of basic art and design courses. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.
• Associate degrees and certificates in graphic design also are available from 2-year and 3-year professional schools.

How would I find job openings in this area?

• the web, the newspaper
  

What kind of insurance is available?

• Depends on the comany
  

How much traveling might be involved?

• depends
  

What would be the potential dress code? (casual, dressy, uniforms?)

• casual but professional
  

What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile? Will my job still be there then?

• Depends on the comany

What kind of job security is there overall?

• Graphic designers are expected to face keen competition for available positions.
• Must stay on top of new programs/styles/competition to get and keep positions
  

I Have a Dream-full speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

I Have a Dream
delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
Washington, DC, on August 28, 1963

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Jeff is arriving very very soon!!! Woohoo!!!! I am sooooo happy and excited!!!

That's all.. I better get the things done that I wanted to before he shows up, because the rest of the night will be cuddles and kisses. Not much time for anything else :P

complain city

My head hurts, my neck hurts, and my back hurts... (complain city, huh?)

and I am tired.. super super tired...

I hate when my back is killing me. It can go a couple of months with just moderate or little throbbing pain that I can deal with and work through with (almost) no problem. Then, all of a sudden, BAM!! I wake up and I can't even walk upright for more then a minute or two at a time. Doing my work turns into the equivalent of climbing a mountain or something similar.

The latest BAM!! (with exclamation points, yes) was yesterday, leaking into today. Yesterday, it was a definite test to my abilities to perform my job, or even act like a modern human. Moving empty cardboard boxes sent sharp needles of pain up my back, and walking upright was just a dream. It got a little better later in the afternoon, but it's still not enjoyable today.

Hopefully I will wake up in the morning feeling better. I'm also testy today off and on, due to the pain. I mean, how would anyone act if they felt like they were having hot ice picks being jammed up their spine?

And I don't know what causes it... maybe from falling in cheer leading in high school? Or perhaps the time I was kicked VERY hard in the back by my friend's brother, who was a bully? I have no clue... but it's not great.

Anywho, off to bed for me...

Questions to ask about potential careers...

here are the questions Jeff came up with to help me:

What training is involved on job?
How does a person in this career spend their hours?
What does it pay? on commission or steady?
Do a lot of people have this career?
Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?
How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?
If you were a reporter interviewing a person of this profession, what would you ask?

Here are the questions I came up with to help myself in my research:

What skills are desired to be successful?
What education do I need?
What is the pay scale, the least that could be made doing this to the highest?
What are some schools with good programs for achieving this career? (I.E. U of I has an excellent engineering program)
How would I find job openings in this area?
What kind of insurance is available? (Self employed costs lots more then through a business)
How much traveling might be involved? (Business Trips, conventions, etc.)
What would be the potential dress code? (casual, dressy, uniforms?)
What if I get sick or injured and can't work for awhile? (Or what if I ever start having children? Will my job still be there then?)
What kind of job security is there overall?

Some people I swear...

It has been a loooooooooong taxing day. I didn't sleep very well last night, so I had no energy today. I didn't have to check, thank god, I didn't have the patience for stupid people.

Speaking of stupid people, or really I mean stupid questions, I had a 'Here's your sign' moment this afternoon. We went to McDonalds for lunch, and as we were leaving, a guy asked me if it was supposed to snow. I told him it was supposed to snow tonight, and continued walking by. Then he asked how much it was supposed to snow, and I told him that there was supposedly a storm going through sometime tonight with a couple inches of snow a possibility.

Here's the 'duh' moment... Then he asked me, "Here?"

No, I thought I would give you the forecast for Texas, idiot.

Of course, i am to nice to say that to a stranger's face, so I said, 'yes, here.' and left.

Some people I swear.

My next assignment...

Now, this is the research part. I need to look up information on each of the careers/jobs I came up with, and ask the following questions:

What training is involved?
How does a person in this career spend their hours?
What does it pay? on commission or steady?
Do a lot of people have this career?
Would I have to live somewhere specific to do this career?
How much time would be be devoted to this career? Would it be full time or part time?
If you were a reporter interviewing a person of this profession, what would you ask?

My latest assignment...

...in figuring out my life was to write down all the careers/jobs that are in areas related to what I like to do. here's what I came up with so far:

• Artist-hobby
• Sculptor-hobby
• Graphic Designer-researched
• Sketch artist-hobby
• Sewwer/seamstress-hobby
• Interior Designer-researched
• Journalist-research
• fashion designer-researched
• event planner-wasn't on the department of labor website
• Flourist-wasn't on the department of labor website
• Veterinarian-researched
• Web design
• librarian-researched
• Teacher's Aide-researched
• Child Care Worker-researched
• advertising-researched
• Author-hobby
• my own business-cannot research
  
• d-jay-researched
  

Installment Two of My Personal Development..

I was given the task next, (by someone who loves me so incredibly much,) to write down what I like doing. I added on the section of what I hate doing myself.

What do I enjoy doing?

• sewing
• anything music related, I even want to pick up a flute again at some point. (I played it in fifth grade, but we couldn't afford a instrument of my own. I also didn't have rides to band practice and performances. I remember performing in a contest, and they said I had wonderful potential and learned it quickly.)
• Shopping!
• Constructing things (like the furniture in the living room)
• working with animals
• taking pictures
• singing (not good at it, but I love doing it!) I started singing soon after I started talking, literally!) The first two songs I ever learned, I learned pretty close to stimutaneously, which were Reba McEntire's 'Fancy' and Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'.
• Memorizing song lyrics. I can usually nail a song's lyrics after hearing it only a few times.
• puzzle-solving
• Reading. I like almost all of Stephen King's library. I also read a lot of V.C. Andrews. Mom had me reading by age of four. There's another memory there: she would buy those Golden books series, and we would sit together and read. Every time I learned a word, she would underline it in pencil, so I would read the pencil words, and she would help me until every word in the book was underlined. :)
• roller blading/ice skating/regular skating
• hiking/camping
• I LOVE the color red, but I don't really think that belongs here :P
• Planting things and watching them grow :)
• Painting
• decorating my rooms over and over

What do I hate doing?

• Being anywhere at a certain time. I work on a different time then most people it seems. It's very frustrating, but I am slowly getting it under control.
• CASHIERING AT WORK!
• Dealing with people constantly
• cleaning my house, (usually) unless the mood strikes me and I get into it.
• Math!! I suck at it.
  

What do I want out of Life?

What will bring me happiness? This is what I am going to start figuring out, beginning with this blog entry. I tumbled it around my head last night and today. So far, the results are:

Relationship-wise

• loving relationship with a wonderful man (I've got this part already :) )
• One child at least, if it happens to be what is meant for us
  
• marriage. (Only once, I will not do it again. I will not be Liz Taylor.) One kneed proposal, but what girl doesn't dream of that from a young age?? If not marriage, then a committed partner.
  

Career-wise/Hobbies

• creative, fun career that I make my own hours and work for myself
• Never stopping in Wal-mart again to shop or work, unless to visit my mother
• Not live from paycheck to paycheck
  

House-wise

• Nice furniture.
• Wood Floors
• Shoe Closet, (or room if space permits! :)
• Real wood furniture.
  

Personal

• To weigh more, at least 110-115 pounds, for starters
• My own garden, with bridge/gazebo, the whole works!!
• A car that runs well, and is pretty.
• Eat healthy all the time
  

Ringtones..

My phone has a cool feature that I am sure many have now. I can choose any ring tone that I want (and is available) for different contacts in my phone book.

Here are the ones I have assigned so far:

(A very important one...) For Jeff's number, I have Taylor Swift's 'Our Song' Ring tone. I really recommend to everyone to take a listen of the whole song, just once. Even if you don't like country, it is a good song. I can't help but sing along with it (loudly) every time it comes on!)

"Our Song"
Taylor Swift

I was riding shotgun with my hair undone in the front seat of his car
He's got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel
The other on my heart
I look around, turn the radio down
He says baby is something wrong?
I say nothing I was just thinking how we don't have a song
And he says...

[Chorus:]

Our song is the slamming screen door,
Sneakin' out late, tapping on your window
When we're on the phone and you talk real slow
Cause it's late and your mama don't know
Our song is the way you laugh
The first date "man, I didn't kiss her, and I should have"
And when I got home ... before I said amen
Asking God if he could play it again

I was walking up the front porch steps after everything that day
Had gone all wrong and been trampled on
And lost and thrown away
Got to the hallway, well on my way to my lovin' bed
I almost didn't notice all the roses
And the note that said...

[Repeat Chorus]

I've heard every album, listened to the radio
Waited for something to come along
That was as good as our song...

Cause our song is the slamming screen door
Sneaking out late, tapping on his window
When we're on the phone and he talks real slow
Cause it's late and his mama don't know
Our song is the way he laughs
The first date "man, I didn't kiss him, and I should have"
And when I got home, before I said amen
Asking God if he could play it again

I was riding shotgun with my hair undone
In the front seat of his car
I grabbed a pen and an old napkin
And I wrote down our song
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For family calls, I have this song by Tracy Lawrence as the ring tone:
Time Marches On

Verse 1

Sister cries out, from her baby bed.
Brother runs in with feathers on his head.
Mama's in her room learnin how to sew.
Daddy's drinkin beer listenen to the radio.
Hank Williams sings Kaw-Liga and Dear John
Time marches on, time marches on.

Verse 2

Sister's using rouge and clear complection soap.
Brother's wearin beads and he smokes alot of dope.
Mama is depressed barely makes a sound.
Daddy's got a girlfriend in another town.
Bob Dylan sings like a Rolling Stone.
Time marches on, time marches on.

Bridge

South moves north, North moves south
A star is born, a star burns out.
the only thing that stays the same is everything
changes, everything changes.

Verse 3

Sister calls herself a sexy grandma.
Brother's on a diet for high cholesterol.
Mama's out of touch with reality.
Daddy's in the ground beneath the maple tree.
As the Angles sing an old Hank Williams song.
Time marches on, time marches on. Time marches on, time
marches on. Time marches on. Time marches on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally, for friends calling I have this great song also by Tracy Lawerence

Title: Find Out Who Your Friends Are

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

{Chorus}
You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
wants to shake your hand
when you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
and see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

{Chorus}

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

{Chorus}

You find out who your friends are
(yeah, yeah)
You find out who your friends are

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
(Well man, I've been there)
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare
(Man, I've been there)

Man, I've been there
Oooh yeah.

One dollar!!

I did my tax returns tonight. And the end result? I get a total of ONE DOLLAR back from my state taxes!!! WOOHOO!!! *laughs* I better not spend that all in one place!!!

That isn't even enough for one bottle of water. Not even enough for a spool of thread lol. Maybe I will use it to get one bag of kitty treats, that may be just enough.

Ever since I did the taxes earlier this evening, I've been walking around the house, finding myself muttering, "One dollar!" every so often. I think that is the government's way of going, "nah, nah, nah! You can't say that you had to pay in, you got a refund! Never mind it is the smallest refund anyone can get, but you got one!"

Crazy, isn't it? Better then paying in, like I had to last year, I guess!

Before I forget To Mention It (again)..

If you remember my indecision about what to do about the comatose and dying (or already dead, if you may) friendship that I didn't know how to draw to conclusion, I took care of it.

I took the steps to remove her from my e-mail lists, my myspace friend list, and don't accept calls from her number. (which I was already doing, or not doing I guess you would say.)

If you have absolutely no clue what I am talking about, and wish you did... the entry is titled ' I feel like chomping down on a big bag of M&M's..." and was written just a few days ago.

NOW, it is bedtime :P I was heading there, and then remembered I hadn't recorded that bit of problem solving in here.

Night and sweet dreams
Seana

Near Heart Attack...

Brrrrrrrrrrrr................ I am cold.. I was just about to blog for a few minutes before bed, but I think i will get a glass of hot tea first...


Got it. Now I am here. To blog for just a minute or so.

I have to work 8-5 tomorrow. (Like I did yesterday and today, and will have to on Thursday and Friday.) Yuck.

I about had a heart attack earlier. I changed the cat litter, and took it upstairs to dispose of it. I opened the door to the garage, turned on the light, and about hit the ceiling. The light had sent a black furry THING scurrying across the garage floor from right in front of the door I was opening to the trashcans across the space. I shrieked, and somehow ended up five feet from the door to in front of my car. I didn't see it again right away, so I bolted back inside the house, hitting the garage door opener on my way in so it could get out if it desired, (and knew what was good for it.) My brother was in the kitchen, and asked me what that noise was.

I told him what had given me a near heart attack, and he says, very nonchalantly, "Oh the mouse? I think it's been in there for about a month."

Say what???? It could've bolted into the house any number of times in the last month. And I let my puppy run in there when I go out to the garage sometimes. It could've bitten her. :(

So, I called mom and warned her, so she would be prepared for a close heart attack if the mouse decided to pop out at her as well. She's going to buy traps tonight.

This would explain the piles of birdseed that I keep cleaning up.

Anywho, that was the freaky highlight of my day today. How fun.

Now, it is time for bed, and time to escape reality while dreaming of my love.

Good night

I made my first pillow...

woohoo!! It's not the best pillow in the world, but it is made by me, from my own imagination!!

I used part of an old pillow case, and resewed it, the purple pattern on the front is actually an old handkerchief...I stuffed it, and added the purple lace as a finishing touch. I am rather pleased with myself!

Now, it's bedtime..

Night night all!

100 truths

1. last beverage: water
2. last phone call? jeff
3. last person you hugged? Jeff
4. last time you cried? a couple of weeks ago
5. last text message sent? Becky

SIX HAVE YOU EVER:
1. dated someone twice? no
2. been cheated on? yes
3. kissed someone & regretted it? yes
4. lost someone special? yes
5. been depressed? yes
6. been drunk and threw up? nope

LIST THREE FAVORITE COLORS:
1. silver
2. purple
3. red

THIS MONTH HAVE YOU:
1. Made a new friend? no
2. Fallen out of love? no, I am madly in love with Jeff.
3. Laughed until you cried? no
4. Met someone who changed your life? no
5. Found out who your true friends were? yes
6. Is there something you want to tell someone? yes

RANDOMS:
1. What did you do for your last birthday? I went to Lammasfest with Jeff and worked my birthday weekend.

2. What time did you wake up today? 10:00
3. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping

4. Name something you CANNOT wait for? January 18th, 2008, Jeff's next visit

5. Last time you saw your father? Ummm... early December? Saw him at my work for a few minutes

6. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life? Lack of a direction, the place that I work at... (I know, that's two :P But they are related!)

7. What are you listening to right now? The interstate, my cat purring

001.Birthday: Aug 7
002. Nicknames: N/a
003. Siblings: Leon, Meghan, Lindsay, April, Jeffrey, Jeremy
005. Male or female : female
010. Your Hair color : brunette
011. Long or short : medium
012. Are you health freak? no
016. Height : 5' 1
017. Do you have a crush on someone? Does having a crush on your boyfriend count?
018. Do you like yourself: not really
019. Piercings: just my ears
020. Tattoos: 0
021. Righty or lefty? righty

FIRSTS :
022. First surgery: I don't think I had any, but I hit my head A LOT growing up lol
023. First piercing: ears
024. First best friend: Amber and Grace
025. First award: no idea
026. First boyfriend/girlfriend: Mike
027. First pet? My cat Midnight
028. First vacation? Don't remember
029. First concert? Pam Tillis
030. First crush? Danny something-or other.. went to middle school with him

CURRENTLY :
049. Eating? nothing
050. Drinking? water
052. I'm about to: brush my hair and getting ready for bed
053. Taking a dump? um....no
055. Waiting for? the end of this survey lol
058. Want kids? someday, maybe
059. Want to get married? yes
060. Careers in mind? ummm... I'll have to get back with you on that


(what happened to numbers 61-71???)

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE PREFERRED SEX? :

072. Romantic or spontaneous: both!
074. Sensitive or loud : depends on the surroundings...
075. Hook-up or relationship: relationship
077. Trouble maker or hesitant : a mix of both

HAVE YOU EVER?

078. Kissed a stranger? no
079. Drank hard liquor: no
080. Lost glasses/contacts: yes
081. Ran away from home: no
084. Broken someone's heart : no
085. Been arrested?: no, and I don't plan on it!
086. Turned someone down: uh yeah...
087. Cried when someone died: yes

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
089. Yourself : sometimes...
090. Miracles?: sometimes...
091. Love at first sight: yes, it's happened to me, and I am ever so happy!
092. Heaven: not really
093. Santa Clause: when I was little
095. Kiss on the first date: no usually, unless love at first sight (or first couple of sightings ;) ) happens!
096. Angels: no, spirits/ghosts yes

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY :
097. Is there one person you want to be with right now? yes
098. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time? no
099. Do you believe in God? not really
100. Posting this as 100 Truths? in my blogs

Whatever happened to being neighborly and helping one another out?

On the 'community site' that I frequent the most, there is a Mumm (Make up my mind) discussion section. A lady made a mumm that went like this:

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"I have some new neighbors that are kinda getting on my nerves already. Our daughters are friends but they have started sending their kids here to play uninvited plus needing rides and even needed to borrow a cup of sugar....Who does that now days...geez sugar is cheap!


So....what would y'all do?

A...go ahead and nip it right now!
or
B. try to be nice and hope it'll get better once they get settled in"
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I responded a few times. The first time I said, "be neighborly? Maybe in their previous neighborhood they really counted on their neighbors for help. I'd wait to see if it gets better once they are settled in.."

But then I thought about it, and went back to the Mumm. Another lady had posted," Oh my gosh for you to be upset over a cup of sugar that is so awful. They might not have any money at all and really needed it and thought that you would be nice to give it to them....too bad I don't know your neighbor, I would tell them not to associate with you because you're such a shallow person. As far as the kids go, if they're aren't bothering you, why be so petty.......geeze girl get a life!~"

To which the original poster had replied,"For Jennifer...read the whole thing...they bum rides and sen kids here for hours if I let em...etc. I gave them the sugar and I'm not a greedy person but I'm not their taxi nor baby sitter! If you like, I'll send em your way and look for an upcoming mumm from you on the topic...sound good to you?"

To me, it sounds like she already has made up her mind long before she posted the question. She just wants verification to her stand of non-neighborliness. I would hate to be her neighbor!! Even when we lived in the *mobile home court*, we were pretty good neighbors with everyone around us. We lent food back and forth, the parents watched each others kids, and we gave ride back and forth.

I then posted, "Still, there are far worse neighbors out there. (In response to your response to Jennifer: Isn't it enough to be helping someone else out that may really really need it? What if they are short on food supplies? Maybe the children are really really grating on their nerves, and they need a break before they go insane?

It's much better to send the children to the neighbors where there is an adult present, then to send them to the park anymore. They could be abducted, or hurt in someway. It's happening more and more.

To discuss solutions, maybe you could invite them over for dinner or just a quick cup of coffee and talk about going back and forth for playdates, and maybe make arrangements where they can pay you a little for the rides."

Her response to that was, "Well, in response..I gotta say this.....I have 3 kids 3,7,16 yrs of age and I am on a set budget myself, not that I'm hurting in any way but my whole point is, I've met them, she even has my # yet she never uses it, they've been there about a month or two even and it's something new every week. I'm a single mom who gets very lil breaks so ....go from there and figure out the rest...."

I'm not going to get into an online battle with the lady, but maybe she should try to help others have the breaks that she hasn't gotten. Make life a little easier for those around her. It will come back to her someday, I am sure.

Found my car keys!!!! Woohoo!!!! That's all for now, but I just knew that my dear readers were on the edge of their seats in the Saga of the Lost Car Keys! *laugh* Well, most likely you weren't biting your nails over the looming outcome of whether they would be found or not, but just in case: I found them! They were in the pocket of a pair of pants I was wearing the last day I worked(Wednesday).

That's all for now

Nothing really exciting to write about today. I worked 9-6 today, (well, 9:30-6) I was extremely late this morning. I, like usual, couldn't find my stupid car keys. Yeah, I'm hopeless!!!! I am going to find them this weekend, and hang them on a hook right inside my bedroom door. It's a good thing I don't have to work this weekend, that's for sure!!

I didn't have to cashier at all today, although the CSM's weren't happy about that. They are so used to pulling me up there every day usually about an hour after I arrive and keeping me there for the rest of my shift. It drives me crazy, and really makes me angry. I wasn't hired for cashiering, I don't like to cashier, and it hurts my back. But do they care? Nope. I am just another piece of equipment to them.

The reason I didn't have to cashier is because when I arrived today, we had about 500 price changes that had to be done today. Mostly on the slipper wall, which was OH SO MUCH FUN to do!! Not really..

Came home, and moved the files from the old rolling file cabinet to the new wood one in the office. I ended up shredding a whole bag of papers! I will probably shred more in the coming days, but I actually made the shredder shut down twice, and I didn't want to overheat it too much in one night. That basically took me to 10:00, by the time I filed everything, vacuumed the floor, and cleaned up my mess.

The rest is mundane, I came down and got ready for bed. Checked my e-mail and wrote this blog while talking to Jeff. I love that man with all of my heart!

Now it is bedtime, and sleep beckons!

Today was busy, once it got going. I was up and ready to do errands and the like by ten. (Normally it is about that time on my days off when I am ready to face the world.) Apparently, however, the world wasn't ready to face me.

The short of the story:
Mom was having her furniture delivered today. She saved up her spending money and bought an office set. The purchase actually came earlier then what she had planned. We really wanted my friend Erin to get the commission on it, and I found out she is moving to Minneapolis next week, which is why it happened now. Then she's going to India in February to get married, and coming back to the states afterward.

Anyway, it was supposed to be delivered by mid-morning. Mid-morning came and went. So did late morning. I finally called the store around 12:30, apparently missed the store and got the bitch from HELL. She claimed that we were not scheduled for delivery until mid-afternoon (even though our order form said mid-morning along with the answering machine.) She bluntly told me that that's why delivery is free, because they cannot pinpoint the arrival time. Ummmm... noooo delivery is free only after you purchase over x-amount of dollars in one order. She also said that the truck had broken down, and everything had to be transferred to another one before the day could start. (Found out from the delivery guys that that wasn't the case, the truck just froze up for a few hours and wouldn't start. No transferring of furniture was done.) Then, right before she HUNG UP on me, she informed me she had seen no reason to call and let us know about the delay. Needless to say, the store manager got a visit from us after the delivery guys left. I have to say, they were very nice and helpful when they finally came as was the manager.

After that lovely experience, we headed out on our errands and such. The usual run includes the bank and various stores. My favorite local store at the moment, (not including 'Steve and Barry's' in Cedar rapids,) is 'Granny's Antique and Consignment'.) That is where I have been taking my extra stuff that I don't need or dust collectors that I don't even look at. I found some more pretty fabric and buttons in the sewing area. I will definitely take a picture of some of it in the next day or two and post it.

Speaking of sewing and crafts, I definitely am going to start doing my sewing and beading again by the end of this weekend. I want to schedule regular time for me to sit down and work on it. I have various projects for both floating around my head. Before I can do much in beading, however, I need a pair of crimping pliers. I don't know how much they run, but I won't be able to get any until next week. I was hoping some would appear in the sewing section at Granny's the last few times that I have gone, but no luck. I don't even know what they look like! I guess I will find out when I buy them from Wal-mart, huh? *laugh*

This evening we set up the furniture to her liking, and I successfully hooked the computer back up right the first time!! Yeah! That's a big accomplishment for me! It looks rather nice in there now. I'll post a picture when she gets it just the way she wants it. Perhaps I will post a before and an after, that might be interesting. She is going to paint the walls a different color some time as well.

Then I took an amazingly relaxing shower, and had a vegetable tortilla shell. Yum yum. I broke down earlier today, and had a Big Mac, medium fry, and Diet Coke for lunch. It was delicious, but not conducive to healthy eating in the slightest! While at Micky-D's, I noticed a rather interesting certificate on the wall. It stated they had won the Corridor award for best eating establishment for kids in the area. I personally don't think that is the best thing to do, award the certificate to an eating establishment that promotes unhealthy eating and obesity...

Now, it is just about time to say good night, I have been writing this and talking to Jeff for about an hour now. I have to work at 9 in the morning, yuck! I also will be cashiering, I can almost guarantee it! The best news is that a certain assistant manager should be GONE for good now! I heard today was her last day!!! Woohoo! I did not get along with her at all.. she's a bit full of herself and seems to think that she is the only important figure in the store. Very happy to think about that.

I also have this weekend off. Two days in a row to sleep in! That will be heaven. Speaking of sleep, I'm heading off to lala land now..

Good night!

I feel like chomping down on a big bag of M&M's. No relevant to anything, really, just had to say it. I think that would totally blow my efforts of the last week --to eat healthier and cut out most of the sweets out of my overall diet--totally out of the water. By the way, it's not an actual diet, I just used that word for lack of a better one. I meant all the food that I consume. I resolved to start eating better a week or so ago, I was drinking waaaaaaaaaay to much Pepsi, and eating far to many sweets and hot pockets and little else.

You know the saying, "Boyfriends come and go, but friends are forever"? Well, I think it's the opposite for me. I am with the love of my life, been over two years now. I am head over heels, madly in love, crazy for him. He's stuck with me, no matter what! We wouldn't have it any other way either.

On the other hand, I have this other friend named Jennifer. I have known her since the first day of third grade. (Along with a third girl named Jenny as well. We were an inseparable threesome, until around ninth/tenth grade. That's when the other Jenny started diving into being a slut and slept with every sleazy guy she could. I dropped that friendship rather quickly because I couldn't associate with her after that, my morals clashed with the lack of hers. Jennifer dropped the friendship between them by the end of our junior year.)

Anyway, Jennifer and I were close growing up and all the way through high school, through the bad event of her miscarriage the year after high school and bad breakups on both sides. However, it seems like she is still stuck in our teen years. She doesn't seem to know how to handle it when things go wrong. If someone lies to her or deliberately hurts her in some way, she doesn't know how to react. For a couple of years now, I have felt us drift further apart, and I don't think there is anything to be done about it. We each have separate lives, and don't fit into each other's like we used to. She doesn't know how to hold a job, she listens to hearsay about her husband, off again/on again wanting to break up with him. As far as I can see, he's the best thing to happen to her EVER, but she's going to screw it up.

It just feels like the friendship has served it's purpose in the whole scheme of things, and I know that if I hadn't been friends with her throughout school, then I wouldn't be now. If I met her somewhere tonight, it wouldn't strike me to continue the acquaintance any further then the end of the evening.

Does that sound horrible? I am just stating it how I see it, and how I feel. Believe me, I have been rolling it around in my head for a couple of years without realizing it. I have been seriously thinking about it for the last few months.

Do I just delete her off of my Myspace and email lists, and ignore her calls, or what? I have no desire to talk to her at all...

My all time favorite Michael Jackson Video

The video above is 'Ghosts' by MJ, and was put out in the late '90's....

Yeah, I won't ever deny it. I am and forever will be a MJ fan. I have been since I was two years old, when I got my first glimpse of Thriller as my mom was flipping through the channels when the video was playing that fall. Ever since, every Halloween for 21 years, I have watched Thriller at least five times each year. I have it on VHS.

It must have been adorable to see, because I would beg mom to turn it on when I was very little around Halloween, but then keep my eyes covered for most of the time, whenever the zombie were present, and when he turns around in the very end, with those scary yellow cat eyes! My eyes would watch it between the fingers of my hands which would invariably open just wide enough for me to see the screen...