I'm already sick and tired of school.
Mostly because the 3 classes I'm taking are too much work when put all together.
I have Ethics...which is just a lot of work. And 2 exams.
I have Math...which is five exams and a quiz every week. I have never been good at math.
I have Integrated Marketing...in which I bombed the first quiz this morning. It took reading the rest of HP1 to calm me down. (3/4 of the book) And it has a quiz every week.
Yay. Awesome.
Welcome to the Hell Semester.
The Harry Potter FDS is the only one that will get me through all the rest of this s****.
I hate this.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Random News Segments from Kate's Existence
A few random factoids before I go into blogging mode: (This is Gina's fault for posting the 25 Factoids on FB and then tagging me!!)
1. I found Braeburn apples in WALMART last night!!
2. I discovered that Hulu now has the first season of Rocky & Bullwinkle.
3. I've written two poems and several blogposts while I've been sick.
4. I'm still sick. Not happy about it.
5. I am trying a recipe I thought up - mashed potatoes, turkey, & cheese wrapped in croissants and baked. It's a twist on the usual 'Broccoli Braid' since Stu does not prefer eating the yummy greenness.
-
On to other things...the only two things that I really want to talk about at the moment: D&D and Dollhousing. Woohoo!
1. I am dying to take pictures of my mini and post it. It turned out a lot better than I thought and I'm hoping to make more for future D&D games. I thought perhaps I would try at some point to make another dollhouse (the first one's already told me what it wants to be...) and make a bigger size Dido to inhabit it. I'm still thinking about it. I thought about DM'ing the other night and I think I will always prefer to be a character...although it would be fun to create the story. I am so looking forward to the next time we play and it's not fun to have to hear Michael and Stu's voices murmuring in the next room and not be able to hear what they are plotting!! Hmmmmmm...I'm thinking about making my own dice too but I don't know how that would go over or if it would really work. Guess I'll have to google that one.
2. My dollhouse needs some supplies before I start the job of putting it together. I discovered that I need clamps/masking tape, wood filler, stain, craft sticks, clay, paint, brushes, primer, sandpaper, and all sorts of things to finish it...thankfully someone sent me a late Christmas check and I think I'll be able to spend half of it on building materials and half of it on fun stuff for the dollhouse! I made up a list today of all the possible things I need to make. I found pictures of a barn owl I'm going to use to sculpt my own owl...and I thought up a design for a wire bird cage for it too. I don't know what I'm going to name it yet. (Not Hedwig) I'm also thinking about making little cloaks and hats and a wand and a cauldron and potions to put in little bottles (I know where I can get little bottles for cheap) and little books (like Hogwarts, A History) and I think I'm going to put in a tiny copy of The Marauder's Map and a little broomstick and...there are just so many little details! I think I'm going to paint miniature portraits, too, perhaps of Dumbledore and Snape and a few others...and I'm going to definitely have a box full of Quidditch equipment! I'm just so excited...what fun this will be! I can't wait to get started! But alas...I am at work. So I must sit here and dream. Sigh.
Maybe I'll make it Neville Longbottom's house. He became the Herbology professor and I'm going to have a conservatory in it...or maybe Luna Lovegood's house...or maybe, even though it isn't canon and they DIDN'T get married (I wish they would have, but Luna married a Scamander and I think, at least in the first draft, Neville married Hannah Abott!!) I will pretend they DID and have it be their house...or perhaps it will be Professor Sprout's house.
I like the idea of it being Neville's house...but I wanted a girl to live in it because it is so very obviously a girl's house. Hm. I will have to think about that one. I also have to decide if I'm decorating at least one room in some of the House colors. I don't like the HufflePuff colors but...I might do a Gryffindor or Slytherin. Gryffindor is the only one that really fits which is why I thought of Neville as an inhabitant.
O pish. I really DO like Neville as an inhabitant but I won't have my pretty house to be lived in by a bachelor! He won't appreciate the terrace! :p
Suggestions?
1. I found Braeburn apples in WALMART last night!!
2. I discovered that Hulu now has the first season of Rocky & Bullwinkle.
3. I've written two poems and several blogposts while I've been sick.
4. I'm still sick. Not happy about it.
5. I am trying a recipe I thought up - mashed potatoes, turkey, & cheese wrapped in croissants and baked. It's a twist on the usual 'Broccoli Braid' since Stu does not prefer eating the yummy greenness.
-
On to other things...the only two things that I really want to talk about at the moment: D&D and Dollhousing. Woohoo!
1. I am dying to take pictures of my mini and post it. It turned out a lot better than I thought and I'm hoping to make more for future D&D games. I thought perhaps I would try at some point to make another dollhouse (the first one's already told me what it wants to be...) and make a bigger size Dido to inhabit it. I'm still thinking about it. I thought about DM'ing the other night and I think I will always prefer to be a character...although it would be fun to create the story. I am so looking forward to the next time we play and it's not fun to have to hear Michael and Stu's voices murmuring in the next room and not be able to hear what they are plotting!! Hmmmmmm...I'm thinking about making my own dice too but I don't know how that would go over or if it would really work. Guess I'll have to google that one.
2. My dollhouse needs some supplies before I start the job of putting it together. I discovered that I need clamps/masking tape, wood filler, stain, craft sticks, clay, paint, brushes, primer, sandpaper, and all sorts of things to finish it...thankfully someone sent me a late Christmas check and I think I'll be able to spend half of it on building materials and half of it on fun stuff for the dollhouse! I made up a list today of all the possible things I need to make. I found pictures of a barn owl I'm going to use to sculpt my own owl...and I thought up a design for a wire bird cage for it too. I don't know what I'm going to name it yet. (Not Hedwig) I'm also thinking about making little cloaks and hats and a wand and a cauldron and potions to put in little bottles (I know where I can get little bottles for cheap) and little books (like Hogwarts, A History) and I think I'm going to put in a tiny copy of The Marauder's Map and a little broomstick and...there are just so many little details! I think I'm going to paint miniature portraits, too, perhaps of Dumbledore and Snape and a few others...and I'm going to definitely have a box full of Quidditch equipment! I'm just so excited...what fun this will be! I can't wait to get started! But alas...I am at work. So I must sit here and dream. Sigh.
Maybe I'll make it Neville Longbottom's house. He became the Herbology professor and I'm going to have a conservatory in it...or maybe Luna Lovegood's house...or maybe, even though it isn't canon and they DIDN'T get married (I wish they would have, but Luna married a Scamander and I think, at least in the first draft, Neville married Hannah Abott!!) I will pretend they DID and have it be their house...or perhaps it will be Professor Sprout's house.
I like the idea of it being Neville's house...but I wanted a girl to live in it because it is so very obviously a girl's house. Hm. I will have to think about that one. I also have to decide if I'm decorating at least one room in some of the House colors. I don't like the HufflePuff colors but...I might do a Gryffindor or Slytherin. Gryffindor is the only one that really fits which is why I thought of Neville as an inhabitant.
O pish. I really DO like Neville as an inhabitant but I won't have my pretty house to be lived in by a bachelor! He won't appreciate the terrace! :p
Suggestions?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Poem: Innocence
This one's been floating around in my head for a while. Let me know what you think.
I used to live in Innocence,
a fair and gentle land,
Until one day he came along
and took me by the hand.
Tho at first it seemed to me
that this was where life led,
Shocked I looked down at myself
to see the wounds from which I bled.
Tortured soul, I flew from him
He continued to hunt me down,
I swam through oceans of my tears
afraid that I would drown.
Almost lost, until one came
and rescued me from him
I sink my head onto his breast
As the evil one's howls grow dim.
Flee, flee far from me,
Thou evil, ill-wrought wretch,
for though I'm far from Innocence,
You reek of sin and death.
I used to live in Innocence,
a fair and gentle land,
Until one day he came along
and took me by the hand.
Tho at first it seemed to me
that this was where life led,
Shocked I looked down at myself
to see the wounds from which I bled.
Tortured soul, I flew from him
He continued to hunt me down,
I swam through oceans of my tears
afraid that I would drown.
Almost lost, until one came
and rescued me from him
I sink my head onto his breast
As the evil one's howls grow dim.
Flee, flee far from me,
Thou evil, ill-wrought wretch,
for though I'm far from Innocence,
You reek of sin and death.
WARNING: This is NOT for the faint of heart (or stomach) THIS IS ABOUT FEMALE ISSUES
So...
Today I'm going to write about why I hate having my period. Just because it really annoyed me this morning (and last night, since I couldn't function).
Firstly - Mom always told me that if I complained about something too much, I would lose it. So if I complain about my period too much, will it disappear? (Is that what happens in menopause?) Here's hoping (but only after I have kids).
Secondly - there are a few reasons exactly WHY I hate periods so much. Here are a few reasons to hate a 'visit from Aunt Flo':
1. You have no control over it. I have no control of blood flow, which often means I have to wear 2 or 3 pads at a time, have to sleep sitting up, and have to pack extra clothes and pads for wherever I go. This also means I can have an accident while at a friend's house and mess up whatever I was sitting on. Gross. It's very, very humiliating to have no control over this. I can't tell you how outraged I get by being powerless over this disgusting thing.
2. The pain - I have REALLY bad periods. The side effects of mine range from: vomiting/nausea, headaches, bloating, cramps, soreness in every inch of my body, diarrhea, hunger pains, and the occasional cyst bursting, which, I assure you, is the WORST.
3. The side effects of having a period - loss of blood (obviously, and that means low iron which means I have to eat more protein), tiredness, insomnia, depression, being hungry 24-7, and coldness (less blood, less heat flowing to my toes and fingers).
NOW
There are two positives of my period: I don't get byotchy. Ask Stu. It either 1) makes me super depressed or 2) it doesn't bother me at all. In my mind, either of those is better than being byotchy.
Second, the entire time I'm on my period, I have a HUGE creative urge. I MUST create something. One time I drew a dozen pictures. Another time I wrote seven or more poems. Last time I created a bedroom set and a doll for my friend for Christmas. I guess I'll finish my dollhouse this week. (LOL - I'll at least work on it all week)
BUT that's still not enough to make up for having horrible periods. I've done everything from exercised every day beforehand, to taking natural remedies to visiting the emergency room (which helped the least, I might add) TO NO AVAIL. Mom says when I have my first kid my period will correct itself and it will be way easier after that. So we'll wait five years and try that. I have been told to drink Chammomile tea and I have some (that looks quite suspicious) that's dried but...I don't know how to make it into tea. Guess I'll figure that out tonight.
Anyway...this is just to say that I am NOT happy with my current occupation of changing my own diapers every few hours. How disgusting. Sorry if you read this...and hopefully I won't lose my period from too much griping. :p
Today I'm going to write about why I hate having my period. Just because it really annoyed me this morning (and last night, since I couldn't function).
Firstly - Mom always told me that if I complained about something too much, I would lose it. So if I complain about my period too much, will it disappear? (Is that what happens in menopause?) Here's hoping (but only after I have kids).
Secondly - there are a few reasons exactly WHY I hate periods so much. Here are a few reasons to hate a 'visit from Aunt Flo':
1. You have no control over it. I have no control of blood flow, which often means I have to wear 2 or 3 pads at a time, have to sleep sitting up, and have to pack extra clothes and pads for wherever I go. This also means I can have an accident while at a friend's house and mess up whatever I was sitting on. Gross. It's very, very humiliating to have no control over this. I can't tell you how outraged I get by being powerless over this disgusting thing.
2. The pain - I have REALLY bad periods. The side effects of mine range from: vomiting/nausea, headaches, bloating, cramps, soreness in every inch of my body, diarrhea, hunger pains, and the occasional cyst bursting, which, I assure you, is the WORST.
3. The side effects of having a period - loss of blood (obviously, and that means low iron which means I have to eat more protein), tiredness, insomnia, depression, being hungry 24-7, and coldness (less blood, less heat flowing to my toes and fingers).
NOW
There are two positives of my period: I don't get byotchy. Ask Stu. It either 1) makes me super depressed or 2) it doesn't bother me at all. In my mind, either of those is better than being byotchy.
Second, the entire time I'm on my period, I have a HUGE creative urge. I MUST create something. One time I drew a dozen pictures. Another time I wrote seven or more poems. Last time I created a bedroom set and a doll for my friend for Christmas. I guess I'll finish my dollhouse this week. (LOL - I'll at least work on it all week)
BUT that's still not enough to make up for having horrible periods. I've done everything from exercised every day beforehand, to taking natural remedies to visiting the emergency room (which helped the least, I might add) TO NO AVAIL. Mom says when I have my first kid my period will correct itself and it will be way easier after that. So we'll wait five years and try that. I have been told to drink Chammomile tea and I have some (that looks quite suspicious) that's dried but...I don't know how to make it into tea. Guess I'll figure that out tonight.
Anyway...this is just to say that I am NOT happy with my current occupation of changing my own diapers every few hours. How disgusting. Sorry if you read this...and hopefully I won't lose my period from too much griping. :p
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
D&D and a Dollhouse Makes Kaitlin a Happy Girl
1. D&D
I never imagined I'd have this much fun with D&D. My dear Stuart got me a set of dice for Christmas and I drew up a character to play with a group of friends, co-DM'd by my hubby and his friend Michael. It's such fun. We've played 3 times and the last time is where I really began to understand my character, a Changeling Halfling named Dido.
Dido's a little different. She's a halfling, sure, which is a normal race in D&D. She's about 2 1/2 feet tall, 30 pounds, good with a sword or light crossbow, a little sneaky and not above playing a prank if she can get a laugh out of it. However, the Changeling part of Dido has made her different. Growing up inside a fairy mound as one of their adopted children will do that to one. Although she doesn't remember any of it(the fairies wipe the memories of whoever they kick out of the fairy mound and, once you're not a child anymore, you have to leave the fairy mound), it has changed her in weird ways. She's got pale skin from living underground, and she has a shock of whitish-silvery hair that glows faintly in the dark. She is 'touched' by magic so she knows some things but she doesn't know HOW she knows them. Like secret languages. Or Bardic Knowledge.
Anyway...I made my own mini for her - she's wearing a dark grey shirt and gloves, black pants, big brown pirate-ish boots, a chain mail shirt, and a swirly red cape. She does have the spiky white hair and light skin...but I haven't painted her eyes on yet. :) She was a lot of fun to make and I think I'll keep making minis unless I find a PERFECT one for my character in later games.
I'm already thinking up characters I want to play in D&D 4.0 and Warhammer. Such fun! The last time we played, especially, was a blast because I found out that when Dido is frightened, she gets really grumpy and mouths off to what's frightening her. She doesn't really feel comfortable around anyone in the party except for Arkadies, which is weird...seeing as how he's a Lich. I guess it's because he's in the same boat she's in...they're just a tad bit different from the usual run of the mill creatures inhabiting D&D worlds...I have a feeling, though, that Dido will end up being fast friends with Gnaomi. You can't really share thoughts and not become friends in the end.
-
2. I started working on my dollhouse yesterday! I punched out the window pieces, according to the instructions, and glued the 'glass' (silk-screen/plasticy-looking stuff) onto the window frames...I did that with about 8 windows and then I started on the door and now I'm working on the last window, a big one that I might add a window seat under when it's in the house!! I've got materials to 'bash' the house to my likings (1 more room per side, plus a terrace and different room arrangements) and I've got a storyline going.
It's going to be inhabited by someone who went to Hogwarts, but I don't know who just yet. Maybe about the girl I was going to use in a fanfic. Another good Slytherin. :) You knew it. Anyway...that means I have to make a gazing ball, a broomstick, a Quidditch box with all the equipment, books, an owl and cage, cloaks and hats, floo powder, and paintings depicting hogwarts and maybe Dumbledore and Snape, among several other magical items. I don't know who the person living there will be yet but I am WAY excited! It's going to be a stone house with a red door with a conservatory, terrace, and glassed-in living room. I'm going to include a library as well. Woohoo! I already bought a tiny picture frame and a wooden chest (school chest?)...it's going to be so much fun!
I'm currently making a tiny marbled black and white vase to put red poppies in...I think it will probably go into the bedroom, which will be in black and white. Or maybe the kitchen, since it will have the black and white patterned floor.
All of this makes me extremely happy. Other things that make me happy are my hubby (the darling, he makes me the happiest!) and 2 rooms of our house are completely organized and clean! Also we have a new 26" LCD TV!! It's awesome!
Hope everyone is having a lovely week. Love to all!
I never imagined I'd have this much fun with D&D. My dear Stuart got me a set of dice for Christmas and I drew up a character to play with a group of friends, co-DM'd by my hubby and his friend Michael. It's such fun. We've played 3 times and the last time is where I really began to understand my character, a Changeling Halfling named Dido.
Dido's a little different. She's a halfling, sure, which is a normal race in D&D. She's about 2 1/2 feet tall, 30 pounds, good with a sword or light crossbow, a little sneaky and not above playing a prank if she can get a laugh out of it. However, the Changeling part of Dido has made her different. Growing up inside a fairy mound as one of their adopted children will do that to one. Although she doesn't remember any of it(the fairies wipe the memories of whoever they kick out of the fairy mound and, once you're not a child anymore, you have to leave the fairy mound), it has changed her in weird ways. She's got pale skin from living underground, and she has a shock of whitish-silvery hair that glows faintly in the dark. She is 'touched' by magic so she knows some things but she doesn't know HOW she knows them. Like secret languages. Or Bardic Knowledge.
Anyway...I made my own mini for her - she's wearing a dark grey shirt and gloves, black pants, big brown pirate-ish boots, a chain mail shirt, and a swirly red cape. She does have the spiky white hair and light skin...but I haven't painted her eyes on yet. :) She was a lot of fun to make and I think I'll keep making minis unless I find a PERFECT one for my character in later games.
I'm already thinking up characters I want to play in D&D 4.0 and Warhammer. Such fun! The last time we played, especially, was a blast because I found out that when Dido is frightened, she gets really grumpy and mouths off to what's frightening her. She doesn't really feel comfortable around anyone in the party except for Arkadies, which is weird...seeing as how he's a Lich. I guess it's because he's in the same boat she's in...they're just a tad bit different from the usual run of the mill creatures inhabiting D&D worlds...I have a feeling, though, that Dido will end up being fast friends with Gnaomi. You can't really share thoughts and not become friends in the end.
-
2. I started working on my dollhouse yesterday! I punched out the window pieces, according to the instructions, and glued the 'glass' (silk-screen/plasticy-looking stuff) onto the window frames...I did that with about 8 windows and then I started on the door and now I'm working on the last window, a big one that I might add a window seat under when it's in the house!! I've got materials to 'bash' the house to my likings (1 more room per side, plus a terrace and different room arrangements) and I've got a storyline going.
It's going to be inhabited by someone who went to Hogwarts, but I don't know who just yet. Maybe about the girl I was going to use in a fanfic. Another good Slytherin. :) You knew it. Anyway...that means I have to make a gazing ball, a broomstick, a Quidditch box with all the equipment, books, an owl and cage, cloaks and hats, floo powder, and paintings depicting hogwarts and maybe Dumbledore and Snape, among several other magical items. I don't know who the person living there will be yet but I am WAY excited! It's going to be a stone house with a red door with a conservatory, terrace, and glassed-in living room. I'm going to include a library as well. Woohoo! I already bought a tiny picture frame and a wooden chest (school chest?)...it's going to be so much fun!
I'm currently making a tiny marbled black and white vase to put red poppies in...I think it will probably go into the bedroom, which will be in black and white. Or maybe the kitchen, since it will have the black and white patterned floor.
All of this makes me extremely happy. Other things that make me happy are my hubby (the darling, he makes me the happiest!) and 2 rooms of our house are completely organized and clean! Also we have a new 26" LCD TV!! It's awesome!
Hope everyone is having a lovely week. Love to all!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wasting Time...
So I spent all the afternoon on Friday coming up with a cool art/story kind of thing and THEN when I was ready to write for it, I somehow lost interest. Sigh...
Anyway, I have been thinking over the idea during the weekend and I think I know how I want to do it. So I'll be working on that along with everything ELSE on my plate. :P
In other news...our living room and study are now clean, organized, and pretty! :) We hung pictures in the living room, made a coffee table of two crates and a blanket, put in an end table, a lamp, and some little pictures, and got everything out of there that didn't belong. It looks cozy and inviting!!
I cleaned up the study today...I emptied EVERYTHING and put everything in its place...or at least in a place where I can come back later and organize it a little better. I now have a work room for my dollhouse! It's sitting in its box, patiently waiting for me. I'M SO EXCITED!
My plan is now to work on the bedroom. I guess the kitchen and bathroom will have to wait. :p I'm doing laundry and dishes, though, so it's not too bad.
I feel like I've accomplished a lot today. Why, then, do I still have SO MUCH HOMEWORK????? AGH!!!!! :)
I am so ready to graduate.
Lovez to everyone.
Anyway, I have been thinking over the idea during the weekend and I think I know how I want to do it. So I'll be working on that along with everything ELSE on my plate. :P
In other news...our living room and study are now clean, organized, and pretty! :) We hung pictures in the living room, made a coffee table of two crates and a blanket, put in an end table, a lamp, and some little pictures, and got everything out of there that didn't belong. It looks cozy and inviting!!
I cleaned up the study today...I emptied EVERYTHING and put everything in its place...or at least in a place where I can come back later and organize it a little better. I now have a work room for my dollhouse! It's sitting in its box, patiently waiting for me. I'M SO EXCITED!
My plan is now to work on the bedroom. I guess the kitchen and bathroom will have to wait. :p I'm doing laundry and dishes, though, so it's not too bad.
I feel like I've accomplished a lot today. Why, then, do I still have SO MUCH HOMEWORK????? AGH!!!!! :)
I am so ready to graduate.
Lovez to everyone.
Friday, January 23, 2009
KATE'S NOTES
Newspaper format (ish)...for no reason...
KATE CAN GRADUATE IN MAY!
It ends up that the acct. department OWED me $20 so I turned everything in yesterday and I am officially a senior finishing her last semester!!! Boy, does homework seem a drag. I've got a ton of reading to do, lectures to listen to, and...PROBLEMS TO WORK. Yes. Kaitlin's taking her math class that she should have taken freshman year. Gosh. It's been forever. Yikes! Prayer is appreciated as we are already covering Geometry and this is one subject I know NOTHING about. :/
'KIT-BASH' PLANS ARE A GO
I have my dollhouse kit and a coupon to go buy building materials! What fun! I asked the people on the dollhouse forum what I needed (the basics) and all of them said I would need 3 things: a Utility/Craft knife, masking tape, and glue. I learned that you should NOT use a hot glue gun to put a dollhouse together. Who knew? So, I will hopefully be able to get my camera back in working order to take from-kit-to-finished-bash pictures and put them up on here. I'll be asking for opinions on things so be prepared!
PROCRASTINATOR WANTS TO 'WRITE SOMETHING NEW'
Yup. Just as I started getting all my homework stuff out, I was hit (it felt like getting hit, anyway) with the urge to 'write something new.' Never mind that I have a boat load of school work, a million OTHER stories/ideas to edit, my job to do...so it looks like I'll be working on a poem, short story, or novel idea this afternoon. If I do end up producing something, I'll try and post it on here so you guys can let me know what you think.
That's all for now. Love you guys!
KATE CAN GRADUATE IN MAY!
It ends up that the acct. department OWED me $20 so I turned everything in yesterday and I am officially a senior finishing her last semester!!! Boy, does homework seem a drag. I've got a ton of reading to do, lectures to listen to, and...PROBLEMS TO WORK. Yes. Kaitlin's taking her math class that she should have taken freshman year. Gosh. It's been forever. Yikes! Prayer is appreciated as we are already covering Geometry and this is one subject I know NOTHING about. :/
'KIT-BASH' PLANS ARE A GO
I have my dollhouse kit and a coupon to go buy building materials! What fun! I asked the people on the dollhouse forum what I needed (the basics) and all of them said I would need 3 things: a Utility/Craft knife, masking tape, and glue. I learned that you should NOT use a hot glue gun to put a dollhouse together. Who knew? So, I will hopefully be able to get my camera back in working order to take from-kit-to-finished-bash pictures and put them up on here. I'll be asking for opinions on things so be prepared!
PROCRASTINATOR WANTS TO 'WRITE SOMETHING NEW'
Yup. Just as I started getting all my homework stuff out, I was hit (it felt like getting hit, anyway) with the urge to 'write something new.' Never mind that I have a boat load of school work, a million OTHER stories/ideas to edit, my job to do...so it looks like I'll be working on a poem, short story, or novel idea this afternoon. If I do end up producing something, I'll try and post it on here so you guys can let me know what you think.
That's all for now. Love you guys!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It is well...
I feel like shouting Psalm 150 from the rooftops.
Basically...I went from owing CIU $980.00 to owing them $20.00.
I checked my school computer (with my school/work address) a few minutes ago to discover that I can now *hopefully* finish out my school career and graduate in May!!
WOOHOO!!!
Thanks again, God. He's gotten me this far. I know He'll provide and it's cool to see Him working like this for me! YAY!!
*skips with joy*
Basically...I went from owing CIU $980.00 to owing them $20.00.
I checked my school computer (with my school/work address) a few minutes ago to discover that I can now *hopefully* finish out my school career and graduate in May!!
WOOHOO!!!
Thanks again, God. He's gotten me this far. I know He'll provide and it's cool to see Him working like this for me! YAY!!
*skips with joy*
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Interesting...
Well, we'll see if I actually graduate this semester...
I apparently owe $980.00 to the school for this semester...when I had been promised that I would not have to pay anything to finish out this school year.
We have no money.
Our heat is non-existent.
Our water is freezing (since our house is currently 31 degrees).
And yet...I'm still calmer than I usually am. If it doesn't work out...well, it doesn't work out. Stu and I will make it. God will provide for our needs (Michael and Elizabeth have been wonderful and let us stay at their house). I would rather be in this with Stu than comfortable and without him.
Praise God.
Pray for me...I really do want to finish school.
I just have to say "It is well with my soul" and offer up my requests and praises to Him.
Love you all.
I apparently owe $980.00 to the school for this semester...when I had been promised that I would not have to pay anything to finish out this school year.
We have no money.
Our heat is non-existent.
Our water is freezing (since our house is currently 31 degrees).
And yet...I'm still calmer than I usually am. If it doesn't work out...well, it doesn't work out. Stu and I will make it. God will provide for our needs (Michael and Elizabeth have been wonderful and let us stay at their house). I would rather be in this with Stu than comfortable and without him.
Praise God.
Pray for me...I really do want to finish school.
I just have to say "It is well with my soul" and offer up my requests and praises to Him.
Love you all.
Monday, January 19, 2009
MY NEW HOBBY
And yes, I am that excited about it that I put it in all caps!!! :) So, I printed out a 25% off coupon and begged to hitch a ride to Hobby Lobby. However, Ruth and I have artsy husbands so I didn't have to beg too hard. :) So, we took Gina and prowled around Hobby Lobby.
I got nervous as I neared the dollhouse section and I actually prayed that the price wouldn't be too high because I REALLY wanted it...and let's face it, a 25% coupon can't do a WHOLE lot if the thing's going to be $100. (At least, it won't lower to my prince range). So I got there and the kit I had been thinking about (and people had suggested for a newb), the Orchid (ugly name, I'm changing it) was THERE and with my coupon, I got it for $19.25!!! :)
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!
So now I have this box of dollhouse just waiting to be put together...this will hopefully inspire me to CLEAN and organize all of our junk so I actually have a workspace and stuff to make itsy bitsy furniture!!!
I'm way excited. As you can tell. Once the operation's up and running, I will post some pictures. I will also try to get pictures of the stuff I made for Ruth and post it.
Yay Minis!
I got nervous as I neared the dollhouse section and I actually prayed that the price wouldn't be too high because I REALLY wanted it...and let's face it, a 25% coupon can't do a WHOLE lot if the thing's going to be $100. (At least, it won't lower to my prince range). So I got there and the kit I had been thinking about (and people had suggested for a newb), the Orchid (ugly name, I'm changing it) was THERE and with my coupon, I got it for $19.25!!! :)
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!
So now I have this box of dollhouse just waiting to be put together...this will hopefully inspire me to CLEAN and organize all of our junk so I actually have a workspace and stuff to make itsy bitsy furniture!!!
I'm way excited. As you can tell. Once the operation's up and running, I will post some pictures. I will also try to get pictures of the stuff I made for Ruth and post it.
Yay Minis!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Dh, "Kit-Bashing" and Tuts
Well -
I have officially joined those crazy people who demand to be taken seriously and called "miniaturists"...I joined a dollhouse forum (not Joss Whedon's show), Greenleaf Miniatures, because I am thinking of building my own dollhouse (I have one but it's in Greenville and I'm going to borrow my sister's but I would LOVE to have a house that I could say I built, along with making everything to go in it!) and I wanted to ask those who had been making them for years.
I love that every time I get really interested in a new topic, I get to learn new vocabulary!
So, if you want to learn something new today, here are 2 abbreviations and 1 new "word" that I've learned:
dh is short for dollhouse (duh but it took me a minute to realize what they were saying)
tut is short for tutorial (they post ALL SORTS of fascinating tutorials about how to make everything from roofs to flooring to hats!)
and "kit-bashing" (this is not just for miniaturists - other hobbyists use this word as well but it was new to me) is when a miniaturist takes a dollhouse kit and modifies it to fit their own ideas.
So now I'm pricing dollhouses because I want to try to "kit-bash" my own! :)
This is fun.
I have officially joined those crazy people who demand to be taken seriously and called "miniaturists"...I joined a dollhouse forum (not Joss Whedon's show), Greenleaf Miniatures, because I am thinking of building my own dollhouse (I have one but it's in Greenville and I'm going to borrow my sister's but I would LOVE to have a house that I could say I built, along with making everything to go in it!) and I wanted to ask those who had been making them for years.
I love that every time I get really interested in a new topic, I get to learn new vocabulary!
So, if you want to learn something new today, here are 2 abbreviations and 1 new "word" that I've learned:
dh is short for dollhouse (duh but it took me a minute to realize what they were saying)
tut is short for tutorial (they post ALL SORTS of fascinating tutorials about how to make everything from roofs to flooring to hats!)
and "kit-bashing" (this is not just for miniaturists - other hobbyists use this word as well but it was new to me) is when a miniaturist takes a dollhouse kit and modifies it to fit their own ideas.
So now I'm pricing dollhouses because I want to try to "kit-bash" my own! :)
This is fun.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Life Vs. Job/Career
Does anyone have a life anymore?
(This isn't a rant. I'm merely curious)
I think when people (Americans) think of life they think of a career/job. Since you need that to survive.
Does anyone remember before jobs were 'necessary' for survival?
The life I'm talking about is one centered on people. Family. Friends. Pursuing your interests (money-free). Interests like creating, writing, reading, playing an instrument, traveling, and a myriad of other things we don't have time for now that we have to go to work 5 days a week.
It's too bad we can't go back to that.
We can't, really - we have to 'Keep Moving Forward' (I like the motto but I hate how we have to use it now).
So we try to find a job that we actually enjoy. It might take a while to get there but eventually, hard work pays off and sometimes we find ourselves able to enjoy making money.
It's all about the money, after all.
"I make such-and-such a year..." "Is that enough to support a family?" "I want them to have a good life - I need a job that pays such-and-such."
It's quite sad.
I love hearing about "the olden days" when people worked, but weren't forced into living in the fast lane. When everyone pulled together to get the work done so they could celebrate.
Barn-raising parties...sewing/quilting bees...harvest-times...sheep-shearing...
Even though I love all the modern conveniences (or inconveniences)...
I think man has regressed.
And sometimes, when I'm at work enjoying creating a powerpoint or a flyer...I think "could I do this for the rest of my life?" And I know that I don't want to live my life by my job.
I want to be able to leave it and go home to create things with my children. Like dollhouses. Or cowboy-and-indian forts.
I want a life.
Not a job.
(This isn't a rant. I'm merely curious)
I think when people (Americans) think of life they think of a career/job. Since you need that to survive.
Does anyone remember before jobs were 'necessary' for survival?
The life I'm talking about is one centered on people. Family. Friends. Pursuing your interests (money-free). Interests like creating, writing, reading, playing an instrument, traveling, and a myriad of other things we don't have time for now that we have to go to work 5 days a week.
It's too bad we can't go back to that.
We can't, really - we have to 'Keep Moving Forward' (I like the motto but I hate how we have to use it now).
So we try to find a job that we actually enjoy. It might take a while to get there but eventually, hard work pays off and sometimes we find ourselves able to enjoy making money.
It's all about the money, after all.
"I make such-and-such a year..." "Is that enough to support a family?" "I want them to have a good life - I need a job that pays such-and-such."
It's quite sad.
I love hearing about "the olden days" when people worked, but weren't forced into living in the fast lane. When everyone pulled together to get the work done so they could celebrate.
Barn-raising parties...sewing/quilting bees...harvest-times...sheep-shearing...
Even though I love all the modern conveniences (or inconveniences)...
I think man has regressed.
And sometimes, when I'm at work enjoying creating a powerpoint or a flyer...I think "could I do this for the rest of my life?" And I know that I don't want to live my life by my job.
I want to be able to leave it and go home to create things with my children. Like dollhouses. Or cowboy-and-indian forts.
I want a life.
Not a job.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Chuck Vs. THE ENDING
AGH!
I hate it when I get hooked on a new TV show and have to wait all week for the next episode and THEN have to wait over the holidays for the show to resume at the end of January!
Although I am glad that Chuck (the show) is so 'awesome'. (As Devon would say)
It's quite a new show, just past its Season two mid-season finale.
I just watched the Christmas episode and BLAM! I became concerned about the ending. Great episode, really deep, BUT WHAT THE FRAK IS GOING TO HAPPEN??????
Eeesh.
I see 4 possibilities (just writing these out, sorry for those of you who haven't seen it, I'm going to be nerding about it for quite some time) for the end of the season/show.
1. Chuck gets killed. (Whether by Fulcrum or someone else, with or without the Intersect, I don't know)
2. Chuck is taken to a secure facility, never to see the light of day again and has to say goodbye to his once-normal life.
3. Chuck gets the Intersect out of his head but loses his memories of everything and he and Sarah part ways (this made me choke up. No kidding.).
4. Chuck gets the Intersect out of his head (or maybe not) and takes a job w/ the Gov't.
The 3rd one has the most potential for drama...but I think they might go with 4. They might fake a 1 and they might spend time dallying with 2, but if I could take my pick knowing what I know about the show, I'd say one of the last two.
If you have not seen Chuck, I have the first season and would be MOST HAPPY to watch it (and re-watch it) with you. :) Plus we have a nice new TV to watch it on so why are we waiting???
Come over!!! :)
I hate it when I get hooked on a new TV show and have to wait all week for the next episode and THEN have to wait over the holidays for the show to resume at the end of January!
Although I am glad that Chuck (the show) is so 'awesome'. (As Devon would say)
It's quite a new show, just past its Season two mid-season finale.
I just watched the Christmas episode and BLAM! I became concerned about the ending. Great episode, really deep, BUT WHAT THE FRAK IS GOING TO HAPPEN??????
Eeesh.
I see 4 possibilities (just writing these out, sorry for those of you who haven't seen it, I'm going to be nerding about it for quite some time) for the end of the season/show.
1. Chuck gets killed. (Whether by Fulcrum or someone else, with or without the Intersect, I don't know)
2. Chuck is taken to a secure facility, never to see the light of day again and has to say goodbye to his once-normal life.
3. Chuck gets the Intersect out of his head but loses his memories of everything and he and Sarah part ways (this made me choke up. No kidding.).
4. Chuck gets the Intersect out of his head (or maybe not) and takes a job w/ the Gov't.
The 3rd one has the most potential for drama...but I think they might go with 4. They might fake a 1 and they might spend time dallying with 2, but if I could take my pick knowing what I know about the show, I'd say one of the last two.
If you have not seen Chuck, I have the first season and would be MOST HAPPY to watch it (and re-watch it) with you. :) Plus we have a nice new TV to watch it on so why are we waiting???
Come over!!! :)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Goodbye, Holidays
The holidays are behind us.
Whew.
I feel like I can breathe again.
I think going back to visit my family is like taking a deep breath and braving deep waters until I need to come back up for air.
I am much more relaxed now that I'm home.
Whatever "home" is.
I've explained to Stu that a place isn't really "home." I have never felt "at home" anywhere except for Spain my 9th grade year. Sadly, it's not "home" anymore.
Anyway...on to better things...
I'm excited about my last semester. I am also very excited about my extra-curricular activities:
a D&D game...movies on our awesome new TV (watching with friends, of course)...(possibly) a new kitty to play with (next month?)...writing/reading/crafting on the weekends...life seems to be looking up and has the potential to be very enjoyable.
I did enjoy Europe. I shall miss the food immensely.
Sadly, I didn't get to visit "my" castle this time...I saw one room before we were ushered out (Mom thought people were allowed in but I translated and figured out it was a school group...sigh). Stu says we will go back and see it one day.
I don't know what it is about that castle.
It's a very small summer castle north of Madrid, in the Castilla y Leon region. Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand (the ones who financed Columbus's trip to America) were married there...and it's just...lovely. The ceilings are gilded, there are murals on the walls, stained glass windows, towers, and huge fireplaces. They have old, old, old furniture in there so we can kind of see what it might have been like...old suits of armor and weaponry...it's magical.
I...feel like I belong in there. I don't know if any of my ancestors were Spanish, but I definitely would LOVE to film a movie there at some point. Perhaps about Isabel.
Princess Bride was filmed in an old castle (complete with the old furnishings) in Scotland so I know it's not completely impossible that I could film something there someday...
I just get an interesting feeling when I'm in there...I can picture myself in a gown and living in that castle...I love it. And Segovia is my most favorite province in Spain.
So maybe I do feel at home there...just in that castle. :p
I've started working on plans for a dollhouse...in other news...
Whew.
I feel like I can breathe again.
I think going back to visit my family is like taking a deep breath and braving deep waters until I need to come back up for air.
I am much more relaxed now that I'm home.
Whatever "home" is.
I've explained to Stu that a place isn't really "home." I have never felt "at home" anywhere except for Spain my 9th grade year. Sadly, it's not "home" anymore.
Anyway...on to better things...
I'm excited about my last semester. I am also very excited about my extra-curricular activities:
a D&D game...movies on our awesome new TV (watching with friends, of course)...(possibly) a new kitty to play with (next month?)...writing/reading/crafting on the weekends...life seems to be looking up and has the potential to be very enjoyable.
I did enjoy Europe. I shall miss the food immensely.
Sadly, I didn't get to visit "my" castle this time...I saw one room before we were ushered out (Mom thought people were allowed in but I translated and figured out it was a school group...sigh). Stu says we will go back and see it one day.
I don't know what it is about that castle.
It's a very small summer castle north of Madrid, in the Castilla y Leon region. Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand (the ones who financed Columbus's trip to America) were married there...and it's just...lovely. The ceilings are gilded, there are murals on the walls, stained glass windows, towers, and huge fireplaces. They have old, old, old furniture in there so we can kind of see what it might have been like...old suits of armor and weaponry...it's magical.
I...feel like I belong in there. I don't know if any of my ancestors were Spanish, but I definitely would LOVE to film a movie there at some point. Perhaps about Isabel.
Princess Bride was filmed in an old castle (complete with the old furnishings) in Scotland so I know it's not completely impossible that I could film something there someday...
I just get an interesting feeling when I'm in there...I can picture myself in a gown and living in that castle...I love it. And Segovia is my most favorite province in Spain.
So maybe I do feel at home there...just in that castle. :p
I've started working on plans for a dollhouse...in other news...
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thoughts
Thinking is the talking of the soul with itself.
(Plato)
Happy New Year, everyone.
Some years, the holiday season doesn't seem like the holiday season. Do you know what I mean? When all the lights, the lack of snow, and the Christmas movies don't make up for that empty feeling in my tummy as I watch everyone else open their presents.
It's a weird feeling. And I love Christmas. So I'm always sad when I realize that this is one of those years. I haven't figured out what the difference is. The last 2 Christmases have been empty. But a few years ago...it wasn't like that. There was a warm, golden feeling filling me and I knew that it was Christmas and I was anticipating waking up to snow and a warm fire in the stove and laughter and hot chocolate and friends coming over...
Maybe the only difference is the lack of snow.
And maybe the difference is something inside me.
These are the times when I like to pull out Relient K's "In Like A Lion (Always Winter)" and feel mellow for a while. There are a couple others in the same tone but I don't listen to them as often.
I don't know why I feel empty sometimes. I am afraid that it has to do with being human, and that won't change until I'm out of this body. There's no escaping the fact that some years, I will feel far away from God and the celebration of His Son's birth. And then, some years, hopefully, He'll feel wonderfully close.
I didn't make any New Year Resolutions.
Maybe I should concentrate on spending more time with God or exercising more or trying to achieve the 3 goals Stu and I have that we want to reach before we have kids, or...I don't know. I make resolutions throughout the year so New Year's isn't really a special time to make some changes.
I've been listening to Jay-Z & Linkin Park's "Numb/Encore" a lot the past few days.
But I'm not sad. In fact, I'm happy. I've got a wonderful husband, a cute little house, I'm almost done with school, and I've been doing some very agreeable crafty things for the past 5 days.
It's just...at times like this, when I feel empty and God feels far away, I doubt sometimes. I doubt that I really trust Him or that I'm really saved or whatever...I've always done that. When I don't feel close to Him, I don't doubt His existence. I know He's there...I just think that maybe I'm not saved and maybe I'm just kidding myself.
I guess I should just pray about it and ask for assurance. Again. At least God doesn't mind repeat requests, right? I think I've lost my way a little...I don't read the Bible like I should, and I'm even praying less than I usually do, and that's weird because I usually pray A TON. (Not proud of that - just a fact)
I'm dealing with a few things...not too big, really...maybe I'm just trying to grow up and leave the past behind. I don't know. I just...wonder sometimes.
I'm the kind of person that if I acted on my impulses, I'd get thrown in an asylum. For the insane. I guess maybe everybody would if they obeyed their EVERY impulse. But...I do wonder sometimes. "What if I..." Or "What would happen if..." Maybe I'm a writer and it's all the ordinary process of becoming a writer/artist or maybe I'm just really someone who would have gone crazy if not for God.
I'm a really violent person in my head. I'm also bizarre. Just...crazy. Thank goodness I have enough self control to not follow even one of my impulses. There's still that other side of the brain that reigns with reason...for now.
I don't know why I'm writing this...I just feel like I can't talk to anyone about some things that have been on my mind for...months. There's not a "safe place" where I can pour all the poison that's in my head and my heart. I'm asking for forgetfulness...forgiveness...a new opportunity...anything to change the way things are right now.
I don't like who I am. I don't like who I've become since coming to school, but I really hated who I was before coming to school. So that's at least progress. I like the way I'm beginning to look - more grown up, I've started growing into my nose and I've sort of made peace with how much weight I'm carrying...but I want to exercise.
Anyway...I'm so happy I'm married. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. To know that someone loves me for me and that they love me no matter what. My husband has been an amazing example of Christ for me. I love him more every day and I hope that we share many more years of happiness together. I might end up being a better person because of him. I hope so.
I could have ended up so screwed-up. My life has been in a downward spiral for quite some time...and right when I thought things were going to get so much worse...they got, inexplicably, better.
The love of my life stepped in and rescued me. With God's (and Dr. Blewett's) encouragement, Stu came in after me and pulled me out of the darkness. No one knows how bad it actually was...it was really, really bad, and really, really dark. I am grateful every day that Stu had the courage to tell me that he loved me. It changed my entire world.
So this year...I'll try to let him know how much it meant to me. I have him to thank that I'm still alive to celebrate this new year.
Happy 2009.
(Plato)
Happy New Year, everyone.
Some years, the holiday season doesn't seem like the holiday season. Do you know what I mean? When all the lights, the lack of snow, and the Christmas movies don't make up for that empty feeling in my tummy as I watch everyone else open their presents.
It's a weird feeling. And I love Christmas. So I'm always sad when I realize that this is one of those years. I haven't figured out what the difference is. The last 2 Christmases have been empty. But a few years ago...it wasn't like that. There was a warm, golden feeling filling me and I knew that it was Christmas and I was anticipating waking up to snow and a warm fire in the stove and laughter and hot chocolate and friends coming over...
Maybe the only difference is the lack of snow.
And maybe the difference is something inside me.
These are the times when I like to pull out Relient K's "In Like A Lion (Always Winter)" and feel mellow for a while. There are a couple others in the same tone but I don't listen to them as often.
I don't know why I feel empty sometimes. I am afraid that it has to do with being human, and that won't change until I'm out of this body. There's no escaping the fact that some years, I will feel far away from God and the celebration of His Son's birth. And then, some years, hopefully, He'll feel wonderfully close.
I didn't make any New Year Resolutions.
Maybe I should concentrate on spending more time with God or exercising more or trying to achieve the 3 goals Stu and I have that we want to reach before we have kids, or...I don't know. I make resolutions throughout the year so New Year's isn't really a special time to make some changes.
I've been listening to Jay-Z & Linkin Park's "Numb/Encore" a lot the past few days.
But I'm not sad. In fact, I'm happy. I've got a wonderful husband, a cute little house, I'm almost done with school, and I've been doing some very agreeable crafty things for the past 5 days.
It's just...at times like this, when I feel empty and God feels far away, I doubt sometimes. I doubt that I really trust Him or that I'm really saved or whatever...I've always done that. When I don't feel close to Him, I don't doubt His existence. I know He's there...I just think that maybe I'm not saved and maybe I'm just kidding myself.
I guess I should just pray about it and ask for assurance. Again. At least God doesn't mind repeat requests, right? I think I've lost my way a little...I don't read the Bible like I should, and I'm even praying less than I usually do, and that's weird because I usually pray A TON. (Not proud of that - just a fact)
I'm dealing with a few things...not too big, really...maybe I'm just trying to grow up and leave the past behind. I don't know. I just...wonder sometimes.
I'm the kind of person that if I acted on my impulses, I'd get thrown in an asylum. For the insane. I guess maybe everybody would if they obeyed their EVERY impulse. But...I do wonder sometimes. "What if I..." Or "What would happen if..." Maybe I'm a writer and it's all the ordinary process of becoming a writer/artist or maybe I'm just really someone who would have gone crazy if not for God.
I'm a really violent person in my head. I'm also bizarre. Just...crazy. Thank goodness I have enough self control to not follow even one of my impulses. There's still that other side of the brain that reigns with reason...for now.
I don't know why I'm writing this...I just feel like I can't talk to anyone about some things that have been on my mind for...months. There's not a "safe place" where I can pour all the poison that's in my head and my heart. I'm asking for forgetfulness...forgiveness...a new opportunity...anything to change the way things are right now.
I don't like who I am. I don't like who I've become since coming to school, but I really hated who I was before coming to school. So that's at least progress. I like the way I'm beginning to look - more grown up, I've started growing into my nose and I've sort of made peace with how much weight I'm carrying...but I want to exercise.
Anyway...I'm so happy I'm married. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. To know that someone loves me for me and that they love me no matter what. My husband has been an amazing example of Christ for me. I love him more every day and I hope that we share many more years of happiness together. I might end up being a better person because of him. I hope so.
I could have ended up so screwed-up. My life has been in a downward spiral for quite some time...and right when I thought things were going to get so much worse...they got, inexplicably, better.
The love of my life stepped in and rescued me. With God's (and Dr. Blewett's) encouragement, Stu came in after me and pulled me out of the darkness. No one knows how bad it actually was...it was really, really bad, and really, really dark. I am grateful every day that Stu had the courage to tell me that he loved me. It changed my entire world.
So this year...I'll try to let him know how much it meant to me. I have him to thank that I'm still alive to celebrate this new year.
Happy 2009.
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