Diary of a College-Aged Drama Queen

The things I want to do when I get home...

2011-12-16T01:56:00.004-06:00

1. Finish up my last two classes and graduate.
2. Play Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown".
3. Take a Jazz Dance class at 5-6-7-8 Dance Studio.
4. Take a Yoga class from Ruth Armstrong.
5. Quit soda.
6. Spend a lot of time at the library.
7. Research religion.
8. Spend as much time with my family as possible.
9. Relax.
10. Get ready for my future.
11. Work for mom and Bob.
12. Save money.
13. Go ice skating.
14. Go to Florida!!
15. Audition for Six Flags.
16. Spend time with my dogs.
17. Get my teeth fixed.
18. Get bartending license.
19. Volunteer at JPAC.
20. Volunteer at library.

2011-08-03T13:34:00.004-05:00

I can feel something big coming. I should be terrified of graduating and the endless unknown that is to come after it, but instead I am so excited. It almost feels like the feeling when you know Christmas is coming. It's strange. I think something big is coming.

2011-07-07T13:46:00.001-05:00

Is there anyone out there anymore that is truly exclusive and monogamous?!?

2011-06-23T12:56:00.001-05:00

Roses are red, poems are corny,
The way you go down on me, makes me so horny!

2011-06-22T11:27:00.002-05:00

Ding Dong, the bitch is dead!

Well...retiring at least...:)

2011-06-21T15:11:00.001-05:00

Pepsi = orgasm in your mouth.

2011-06-21T08:36:00.001-05:00

I am going to punch this old lady in the face.

2011-06-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

Can someone please tell me why the lesbian got a boyfriend before me??

2011-06-12T02:32:00.003-05:00

Well, it took me til the end of college, but I'm finally starting to learn how to make friends. Now....if I could just learn how to find a boyfriend...

2011-06-10T13:04:00.002-05:00

Don't deny what the world gives you, it does it for a reason.

2011-06-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

Trying to control the world is an exhausting waste of time. Learn to roll with the punches.

Not Facebook Appropriate

2011-06-08T14:55:00.004-05:00

So this is now going to become my haven for posting statuses that I don't think are appropriate to post on facebook, due to the people that may see it. So here starts number 1.

I don't believe in men that aren't douche bags. I don't believe they exist. Every man has at least an ounce of douchyness in them.

Thought by me

2011-04-27T03:25:00.003-05:00

"When it comes to life, in general, when I am doing what I am suppose to be doing, things come easily and naturally for me."

SUMMER!!

2011-04-12T01:40:00.004-05:00

Ay, it's been one hell of a semester. Between Grandma's death, family issues, problems with friends/residents, boy problems, and not to mention mental health issues, I'm exhausted. Plus of course, there's school, work, and my show. Needless to say, I am sooooo ready for summer! My show is finally done and now I just need to finish up the last 4 weeks of school as strong as possible.

I can smell summer in the air. It's right around the corner. I can't wait! Between the track employee picnic, and the 85 degree weather yesterday (in the beginning of April!!!), it has got me so excited, I thought I would record my summer bucket list!

Here it is:

Go to the go-kart section of Mt. Olympus

Go to Rhythm and Booms

Go camping

Go fishing

Go to Six Flags

Do Wizard of Oz

Do Music Man

Find a Boyfriend

Lose 20 pounds

Go to a Beloit Snappers Game

Go to a Rock Aqua Jays Show

Ride the paddle boats at Traxler

Go tubing

Spend a lot of time at the park

Go to Frosty Freeze a lot

Make money

Have fun

Go to Rachael's cabin

Go to Florida with Rachael

Go to the Drive-in

I'll add more as I think of them.

Summer Time, and the Livin' is Easy!!!

2011-02-14T22:45:00.002-06:00

Oh my G!!! My prayers have been answered. Terry wants me to be his clerical this summer so badly, he offered me my room for free for the entire summer plus 30-40 hours of work/week! I'm ecstatic. This solves all my problems. I will be able to work lots of hours doing thing I like to do, make lots of money, be able to work my speedway job, be able to do 2 shows, and live on campus (for free!!!!) without having to be an RA. Terry told made my Valentine's Day a happy one! I really didn't want to be a summer RA. PLUS, I get to stay in my own room, so I won't have to move! Things couldn't be better!

This is why networking is SSOOO important!! I'm proud of me!

Oh. My. G.

2011-02-01T22:47:00.004-06:00

Oh my G. I was just visiting David Lundholm's new website. He is someone I used to work with at Six Flags Great America and he has recently gone freelance. Anyway, I was on his site, and stumbled upon these videos.

The first is his compilations of Night-Time Parades that he created costumes for. The beginning of the video is the nighttime parade of my last year at Six Flags. In the video, I am playing Petunia Pig.

The second is of one of their Fright Fest shows, Dead Man's Party. I was not in this particular show but it was very very similar to a show I was in my last year at Six Flags, Welcome to My Nightmare, and has a lot of the same songs.

I'm not able to save the and upload the videos onto here without paying $30 but they are located at davidlundholm.com.

Watching these videos made my heart thump and ache! I NEED to be back there. I need to be back in my element! I miss it so badly. My two years at Six Flags were the best two summers of my life! I miss Illinois and I miss performing professionally. This gives me more driving motivation to lose the weight, graduate, and get back down to Chicago and live my life as a performer.

I had an "a-ha!" moment, as Oprah would put it, a couple weeks ago. It was before I got my financial aid check and was really struggling and scrapped for cash. Out of nowhere I thought to myself "I can do this. If being a performer means living paycheck-to-paycheck and having to budget meticulously just to pay my rent, I can do this. I would rather perform and struggle financially, than have the best, most prestigious corporate position in the world." That is how you know I am meant to be a performer.

Illness

2011-01-31T23:33:00.003-06:00

I'm worried about my mental health lately. I always have issues around this time of year and with all the grieving lately its worse. I'm pretty sure it's official. I have SAD:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs in relation to the seasons, most commonly beginning in winter.
The disorder may begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more frequently in women than men. Most people with the winter "blahs" or "cabin fever" do not have SAD.
The cause of SAD is not known, but it is thought to be related to numerous factors, including ambient lighting, body temperature, and hormone regulation.

I always struggle with depression, but for some reason it is much worse at this time of year. Even my medicine isn't working as well as it usually does. I'm in pain again, something that hasn't happened since I started taking my medicine and I'm having trouble sleeping again from the anxious thoughts running while I'm trying to get to sleep.

So what should I do?
- Maybe my doctor can up my dosage
- I'm going to look into tanning
- Keep my diet under control
- Exercise
- Perhaps talk to my doctor about light therapy
- Start taking a vitamin
- Make sure I'm taking my medicine regularly and as prescribed
- Keep my anxiety level down
- Make sure I'm getting enough sleep
- I also need to get a massage, for the pain

Hopefully this will help.

2011-01-21T14:25:00.002-06:00

"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become."

- Author Unknown

Ideas for work in Chicago:

2011-01-20T01:13:00.005-06:00

- Serving
- Administrative Work
- Character Work
- Voice-over Work
- Singing at weddings/funerals
- Shows
- Six Flags
- Hershey Store
- Spirit Cruises
- Ed Debevic's
- Viagra Triangle
- Administrative Work at Music Businesses (Recording)
- Sales
- Management
- Attack! Marketing

Sigh

2011-01-18T22:51:00.003-06:00

Aaahhhh....it feels so nice to be back to normal life. Classes started today. I only had one so far. International Management. The class seems like its going to seem hella boring, but I like the professor. She's really smart and a good speaker and seems really passionae about the subject so maybe hopefully she can make the class interesting. I have three classes tomorrow. Hopefully, they go well also. I also went back to work at my internship today. I missed my office. Now, if they can just get me on the payroll, that would be fabulous.

So what's on my mind today? For the past couple days work has been occupying my mind. I'm trying to scope out my options for the summer and decide on a mixture of jobs that will maximize my earning potential. One, because I always try to make as much money as possible over summer so I can last through the year, and two, because I need to start saving this summer for the Chicago adventure. Here are some of my options.

- Summer RA
- Summer Clerical
- Racetrack
- Flowers
- iPaceSetters

Now the trick is to create a mixture that will make me the most money and still allow me to do The Music Man. I have to do The Music Man. If it came down to either making $50,000 over the summer and not doing a show or doing the Music Man and making zip, I would have to say I would choose the show (a hint at maybe what I should do with my life? ha).

Here are the details:

Summer RA: Pays $1850 for the entire summer. Some good aspects of this would be that it would give me a place to live during summer break and it would allow me to work another 15 hours outside. Some bad things are that its not a lot of money and I don't know how much it would allow for me to attend rehearsals.

Summer Clerical: Pays $8.00-8.25 an hour. Some good aspects of this would be working during the day (allowing me to attend rehearsals), there is no limits for other jobs, ease and pay. The problem is it doesn't provide housing and it would be a commute from Janesville, taking out a chunk of that $8 for gas.

Racetrack: The track is a no-brainer. They will definitely hire me back and they are considering having me take over the ticket-booth. This would be nice because it would be easy and a lot more and more steady hours than last year. This is only on Saturday so I can do it with any of these options. Last year they paid me $7.50 an hour. However, that may go up, since it would be my second year and especially if I take over the ticket-booth.

Flowers: Hosting a Flower Stand is something I can always do. It doesn't pay that well anymore though so I'm thinking maybe one day a week if I have a free day. The perks of this are utilizing my sales skills to create more revenue, ease, getting tan, and a lot of time to read.

iPacesetters: C works here now and is making a shit-ton(that's a technical term) of money. His second week there he made $800. In on week!! I'm really good at sales and think I could do the same. This would be a great place to make a lot of money in a short amount of time, thus allowing me to save more. My only fear is they won't hire me just for the summer, and again it would be a commute from Janesville. However, gas won't be as much of a problem if I make half the money C is making now.

Another great thing to think about is that I can make as much money as I want to this summer because in about a month I will be filling out the FAFSA for the LAST time!!! Therefore, any earnings won't ruin my EFC. Which is why I want to do the best possible deal!

It always seems like I'm complaining because I have too many options. I know, terrible problem to have, right? Better than no options. I need to be thankful.

For now, I need to talk to ResLife to see what kind of time committments are required for the Summer RA position and look more into iPacesetters. I also need to have another talk with Terry about the clerical position and talk to Michelle about the position at the track.

I will start playing around with gameplans once I have more info.

Grandma's Obituary

2011-01-17T21:53:00.002-06:00

January 6, 1947 - January 11, 2011

Jean A. McLain, 64, was received by her heavenly Father Jan. 11, 2011, at Mercy Hospital. She was born Jan. 6, 1947, in Elkhorn, WI, to Morrison and Betty (Henning) Keough. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1964. She married Llyle McLain Oct. 9, 1985, in South Beloit. She was thankful for AA and what he program had done in her life. She will be most fondly remembered for her faith, the love for her family and friends. Together they enjoyed (most of the time) their seven children and fifteen grandchildren. Jean was also known for her great sense of humor.

Jean is survived by her husband, Llyle of Milton; her children: Rhonda (Mark) Mitchell and sons, Justin, Joel (Chelsea) and Jared of Milton, Rick (Sherrie) Gohre and their daughter Rozalynn and son Keanul of Milton; Amy (Bob) McQuillen ad daughters, Lex, Callie, and son, Christian of Janesville, WI; Tad (Heidi) McLain andhis daughter, Madison of Janesville; Tracy (Ron) Neu, daughter, Kasey and son, Derek of Muckwanago, WI; Kyle (Richard) Markham and sons, Cory, Cole, Caden, and daughter, McHanna, stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC; Ryan McLain stationed at Alice Springs, AU; two sisters, Rita (Gale) Pikkula, ons, Brian (Amanda) and Brent (Andrea) of Helena, MT; Mary (Mike) Gregory and son, Nate of Columbia City, IN; and many loved friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Bradley Pikkula.

Jean's family invites you to share with us in the celebration of her life on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011,at 6 p.m. at CROSSPOINT COMMUNITY CHURCH, 44 Second St., Milon, WI. A memorial fund is being established in memory of Jean. ALL FAITHS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.866allfaiths.com.

The Mourning After

2011-01-13T03:17:00.004-06:00

Well, it's been a rough week. My Grandma Jean died. The woman I am named after. I'm really sad about it. I've been randomly breaking into tears for the past four days or so. I even started crying in my dorm hallway when prepping my floor for opening today. I just can't believe she is really gone. She was an amazing, loving woman and one of my biggest fans.

The week wouldn't have been half as bad if she would have just had some sort of attack and died and we got called about it. Instead, she died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and was revived 13 minutes later, thus being completely 100% brain-dead, though alive. So we spent the entire week dealing with that and deciding when to "pull the plug". It was very taxing. The entire family took it pretty hard. I'm completely emotionally drained. I think its going to take a while to bounce back from this one.

I wanted to take this space to write down some of my feelings and memories of her so I can always come back and read and remember. I am very thankful to the woman. She was very intelligent and wise and taught so many people great things. She gave my mother a life and taught her how to live. She was a mother to my mother when my mom had nowhere else to go. She was also an excellent grandmother to my siblings and I, though not being blood related. She was always taking people in and including them in her family whether they were blood related or not.

Some of my Memories:
- Playing paper dolls together when I was little
- Thanksgivings, Christmases, and Easters as a big family
- Jewish Dancing Lessons
- Her coming to my graduation party though the family was at odds
- Her coming to everyone of my shows, even though she was in a wheelchair and had to take the
special elevator to get to the theatre
- Her at our last two thanksgivings
- Her at our last Christmas
- Making cards with her and Callie
- Spending the night at her house with the boys when I was younger
- Her giving us $2 to go buy candy at Arndt's
- Our conversation about homosexuality
- When she would clip out all my newspaper articles and save them
- Her always making sure my health was ok (nebulizer, bruising)
- Looking at prom dresses in magazines
- Talking about surveys
- Our talks on facebook
- Her buying me the Leanne Womack "I hope You Dance" single

And we always had a lot in common:
- Our favorite food was salmon.
- Our favorite flower was daisies.
- We both loved doing surveys.
- We both loved The Music Man. I really wish she could have seen me in this show this
summer.

Things I'm glad she got to do before she went:
- See two grandchildren get married.
- See 5 children graduate highschool.
- See me in my biggest role yet, Guenevere in Camelot.
- See her family reunite.
- Donate her Liver.

Things I wish she would've gotten to see before she went:
- See me, her first grandchild to, graduate college.
- Become a great-grandmother.
- See me get married.
- See the rest of her grandchildren graduate highschool.
- See me in the Music Man.

I will always love her and will mourn her loss for a while. I wish she were still here, but I know she is happy wherever she is and is looking down on all of us. I know she loved each and every one of us and was proud of me. She said so the last couple times I saw her. And I'm happy I was able to tell her I love her and give her a hug and kiss the last time I saw her.

Goodbye Grandma.
I love you.
Lexi Jean

Say Cheese!

2011-01-08T23:08:00.003-06:00

I got my pics done today! It was pretty fun. I'm excited to see how they turn out. The highlight of the day was walking through the snow-covered woods in 4 inch-peeptoe-stilleto heels. I'm hoping we got some great shots though! I'll post some when I get them.

Add to Bucket List: Do a professional print ad!

The fundraiser went really well too! They raised some money and all the acts were really good. There was some issues with the sound during my performance but the crowd seemed very pleased. I had fun seeing all my friends too!

Meanwhile, mom convinced Vanessa to audition for Mame! I'm sooo pumped! It's going to be so much fun between me, callie, mom, Vanessa, Stacy, plus everyone else! I'm hoping it will be a good show, though I'm not very familiar with it. They treated my performance yesterday as my audition since they are already familiar with my abilities as a performer, and I won't be able to make it to the actual auditions. They asked me just to come to callbacks, so now I wait to hear when those are.

I'd say all in all, a pretty great 24 hours!

Saaad Day :(

2011-01-06T22:01:00.004-06:00

Today was kind of depressing. To start, I didn't take my medicine (I know, poor choice). Then, I went to Weight Watchers, and though I thought I did awesome this week (I stayed under my points and exercised), I gained 1.8 pounds. I'm so upset. I have never gained the whole 2 months I've been on program. Now I'm two weeks behind. I guess I need to take this as a challenge to do better.

Then, on top of that, Callie forced me to watch two whole episodes of Jersey Shore (shoot me now!). PLUS, I have to get up early tomorrow so Callie can have 3 damn hours to shower and get ready to help set up the fundraiser. Ridic.

In the meantime, I'm excited to perform at the fundraiser tomorrow and do my photo shoot on Saturday! I'll let you know how it goes!

Quote of the Day

2011-01-05T04:02:00.003-06:00

"Every talented person has a few haters."

- Alexia Klein

Alexia Klein

2011-01-05T00:18:00.004-06:00

As of right now, 12:18 am January 5th, 2011, I am going by Alexia Klein. I changed my name on facebook and I saw it and instantly knew it was right. It's the perfect stage name for me. There are several famous Kleins but never has there been an American famous Alexia. I can't believe we have racked our brains for years and it was sitting there right in front of us the whole time. For some reason (probably the A and the K), when I look at it, it reminds me of Alicia Keys (also a stage name), which is a good thing because she is one of my role models.

We've been throwing the name around for the better part of a month and a half now but I hadn't actually seen it in writing yet. At first glance, it was almost like love at first sight. I instantly knew it would be in lights one day.

I am going to start going by this now. I know it will be tricky at first, I don't want to legally change it until after school (it would be much too difficult right now). However, I just know that once I graduate, I will move to Chicago a whole new me. New name, new body, new drive, new talent, new preparation. Have I mentioned that I'm excited for life? I'm slowly becoming who I'm meant to be.

Just keep singing!

2011-01-04T16:43:00.003-06:00

I got asked to perform at two different benefits in 24 hours. A sign? A think maybe so. Though my initial reaction is usually to say no, because of the preparation it takes and I've never done it before, I said yes this time. To both. I can't continue to turn down opportunities like this if I plan to do this as my future.

I'll be performing at a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for my beloved theatre TUI, and at the Janesville Area Creativity Awards in February. Guess its time to actually create my music binder.

I love how life gives you pushes to do the things you need to do and always sends you the things you need when you really set your mind on something. To go along with that, I have a photo shoot this weekend to get some starter headshots. Another thing that was just sent to me. My life is finally starting to come together. :)

I'm back.

2011-01-04T00:54:00.007-06:00

Hello,

I'm back. And this time for me. I don't mind if other people read, but this time I'm not writing for entertainment value. That just gets exhausting. Instead, this time I'm writing purely for purpose of documentation. I have a feeling this is going to be a very exciting next couple years and I need a place to document my plans and ideas. To start, my 2011 resolutions:

1. To be at a 30 pound weight loss by the end of the first semester. That means 20.4 pounds in 19 weeks. I have already lost 9.6 pounds in 10 weeks and that was over
the holidays and without exercise. This should not be a problem. I love
WeightWatchers! :) I've also already earned my 5 pound star, my 5% star, and a
bravo star for adding exercise to my plan. I am also .6 away from my 10 pound
star. I should definitely be getting that this week.

2. To graduate in December with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management with a minor in Psychology and a focus in Spanish from UW-Whitewater. I'd also like to graduate Cum Laude, which means a cumulative GPA of 3.4. Right now, my GPA is 3.3106 so I have to work hard these last two semesters in order to do it. I will do my best.

3. To set a full game plan for my after graduation plans (i.e. moving to Chicago, auditions, jobs, etc.).

4. Create a repetoire binder, resume, and headshots for my future audition endeavors.

5. To have sex again. It's been way too long.

6. Play Marian in The Music Man.

7. Complete 30 hours of Community Service.

8. Start saving money for my Chicago Journey. Ideally, this year, I'd like to save at least $2000.

9. Try to reconnect with Illinois friends.

10. Have to majorly take in my bridesmaid dress.

This sounds like a positive list! Time to start getting my life together and get ready for my post-grad adult life. On a good note, though it can be scary sometimes, I am soo excited for my life!

Are you kidding me???

2009-09-10T11:09:00.002-05:00

I am flabbergasted! Disgusted really. Ellen Degeneres as the new 4th judge on American Idol??? You have got to be kidding me!! I seriously thought this was a joke when I heard it.

Don't get me wrong, I really don't mind Ellen at all and mostly find her quite amusing, but what the hell does she know about singing? Plus, she is going to steal the show. She will overshadow every contestant, every judge (yes, even simon), and Ryan. I really doubt she will be able to tone down her antics in hopes for placing attention where it should be, the contestants.

I'm not gonna lie, American Idol is genious to have chosen someone America adores, especially since the average American doesn't really understand anything about the sneaky antics of the show, let alone understand real talent. I'm sure this will rise their viewers incredibly. Everyone will tune in just to see the beloved Degeneres whether they give a shit about singing and talent or not. Everyone I have talked to is "so excited!!" that she will be there for "comic relief" but that's not what the show is about. I just feel like she is too big of a leading lady and strong character to sit back and be part of an ensemb. If she is able to tone it down a bit, I will be happy she is there because I too enjoy her. I just don't see that happening.

Lisa's getting married!!

2009-09-08T00:25:00.004-05:00

So, exciting news!! One of my bestest friends ever got engaged on Friday! We are all soo excited for her. It's about time, they've been dating for 6 years!

AP and I went down to Gurnee to visit her yesterday and she surprised us! We were all walking down Grand Ave about to enter Six Flags and she said to me "Oo..I really like your ring, it's pretty" and just as I was saying thank you and about to go into my whole shpeel about where I got it, she says "Like mine?" and stuck out her left hand. AP and I FREAKED out. I believe I accidently punched her and AP jumped up and down for about 5 minutes. It was all we talked about all day!

After riding a few rides we went to Gurnee Mills, in search of a good candy store, to no avail, and stopped at a few wedding stores where Lisa proceeded to try on a few dresses. It was an UBER exciting day.

AP are totally planning the Bachelorette party!! She also asked me to sing at her wedding!! I'm so excited!!

LOVE YOU LISA!!

CONGRATS LISA AND ROB!!!

P.S. Yes, that is her ring in the pic above, isn't it gorgeous??

Frickin' HILARIOUS video!

2009-09-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

Here is a ridiculously hilarious video that was shown to me by a friend! Everyone must take a look. My mom says that the little girl in this video looks like I did when I was little and this is something I totally would've done. lol! Take a look!

1st Day Down!!

2009-09-05T00:41:00.007-05:00

So I'm done with my first day of classes! It was a pretty fabulous day! The weather was beautiful, I met new people, I ate great food, my classes were pretty sweet. All around amazing. Here's a recap of the day:

First I started off my day by eating breakfast at the Ike Schaffer Commons with AP. On the way there I saw the cute boys I met the other night at the Pancake party. That was nice. At Ike I had a delicious cheese omelet, some bacon, and some tots. Perfection. I then preceded to my first class, Introduction to Information Systems.

I was running a bit late because the famous omelet line took forever so I went straight to my class though this was my first time in the ever-so-beautiful brand-spankin-new business building, Hyland Hall. I didn't exactly get a chance to look around.

The class didn't seem like it's going to be to hard. I was fortunate to have Angie Milkie, a friend from RHA as well as a co-staff member and AJ Ettlie, a guy I went to high school with, to sit next to. The professor, Andrew Ciganek, is new to UWW this semester and could not emphasize enough that he wanted to make the class interesting and fun so that we want to come to class and won't fall asleep doing so. He is fairly young and has some fresh ideas. Such as, our first project we are going to be working on is a team project in which we will be playing fantasy football. Now, granted, I cannot stand football but he definitely gets an A for effort and fortunately, I know people who consider themselves legends in fantasy football.

It was pretty sweet because half-way through the class he demonstrated that the room was highly equipped with (insert correct powerful name here) Internet that is 3x faster than any other hotspot on campus as well as cameras and microphones. What are these instruments for? Most may guess security and surveillance, but no, they are so that every class/lecture will be taped and automatically podcasted online so in case anyone were to miss a class, they could just hop online and view the class. Way high-tech. Super cool.

After this first class, I had a 3 1/2 hour break so I did a multitude of exciting things. First I went to the bookstore. I needed to acquire the starter kit for my online psych class as well as purchase a book for my information systems class. I was able to obtain the starter kit, however, the "Access" book needed for my computer information systems class was a whopping 55 smackers!! Not only did I not have the dough for this at the time but I also heard I could find it for cheaper on half.com so I did not make the lofty purchase.

I then returned to the beautiful Hyland Hall to take a gander at the what everyone had been talking about. The building was freaking beautiful! When you walk in you are presented with a giant colorful fiber glass sculpture on the wall, 16 panels fitted together to create a giant 10 foot TV on the wall, and electronic scrolling advertisement screens. You then make your way to the lounge/cafe area where you are shocked by a coffee table with a touch screen game table built in. Very futuristic. Way cool. I was instantly drawn to this but it was taken at the time.

I sat at a high table to set up a my online Psych class. I was greeted by my friend Jake. He sat down at the table next to me to eat his sandwich he packed in his lunch box since he now lives off campus. It was adorable. I went through the course syllabus and assignment deadlines for my class. One thing really caught my eye. Throughout the semester we will be using a software program that allows you to raise a virtual child from birth to age 18 where you will be making all the decisions in the child's life and will be able to experience the psychological effects of your decisions. It looks super cool! I'm pretty excited.

I got bored of the online class quickly (I could foresee this being a potential problem) and I noticed that the touch game table had opened up so I went to test it out. I sat down and tried a few of the games but ultimately ended up playing checkers against the computer.

After a few games of dominating the easy setting on the computer, a girl walked up to me. She was Latina, very pretty, reminded me of my brothers ex-girlfriend Phoenix. She had an accent. "Are you playing checkers?" she asked me. "Yes," I said. "Do you mind if I play with you?". "Sure!" I said. After a few games and great conversation, I learned that this sweet girl was an international student from Ecuador. She spoke English very well, I wouldn't have guessed she was international. She told me that coming to school here was her very first trip on an airplane and how exciting the past couple weeks have been. However, she hadn't made many friends because she hasn't been able to sign up for any of the freshmen orientation stuff because she is only 17 years old. I told her I was a Spanish minor and told her I had thought seriously about travelling abroad to Ecuador. She told me how beautiful the country was and that I should definitely go there sometime. Here is a picture of her and the wicked awesome game table!

I then had some delicious pasta at the UC and headed back to my room to watch my soap and unload some of my books. I forgot how much it sucks to have to lug around a backpack all day. They're SO freakin heavy! It hurts! Then I made my way back to Hyland Hall (yes, all of my classes are in this beautiful building this year and probably every year from here on out, after all, I am a business major). On my walk back, I couldn't help to notice that I no longer recognize anyone on campus. It's kind of depressing. Everyone my age has now moved into apartments and houses and campus is drowned in freshman and sophomores. It's weird. I feel like the new kid again. I don't know anyone. Strange, kinda lonely.

I eventually made my way to my second class for the day, Business Statistics. This class was interesting. I didn't really know anyone else in the class except for a guy who is an RA in another complex, Jason. The professor is an Iranian woman, Massomeh Hajilee. She has a thick accent but she knows it and she tries very hard to speak very clearly. She is funny though and she knows her economics so I think the class should be interesting. It has a lot to do with math so I think I'll be pretty good at it.

After this I had another break, this time an hour and 15 minutes. I went to the UC and had some fries and ranch (my good friend, Lisa, and my favorite snack :( I wish she was still here) and then headed to my last class a little early.

My final class of the day is entitled Organizational Behavior. It's a management class with a bit more of a psychology base that focuses on the behavior exhibited by individuals within an organization. I have this class with Jeremy Gritton, one of my favorite people on this campus, and David Rasmussen, a guy I went to elementary school and middle school with and worked with at the Small Business Development Center for a short time. My professor is Jeff Janz, the current Dean of Student Life. He oversees several areas on campus, including Residence Life. I have seen him speak several times throughout my past two years at RHA meetings and RA training. Since I arrived to class early I had some time to introduce myself to him and talk with him a bit one on one. He is a very nice, intelligent man. Unfortunately, as of September 30th, he will no longer be Dean of Student Life at UWW. He is moving to Marquette University. However, he will continue to teach our class throughout the semester. I think this is going to be a really interesting class that I will do very well in.

Overall it was a pretty great day! I am really looking forward to this semester! It's interesting the opportunities life presents when you least expect it. I have so many friends right now I don't even really know what to do. This hasn't really happened to me before but it's a great feeling.

Tomorrow I am having homemade taco night with AP, Ali, and Ali at AP's condo. I'm pretty excited. It should be fun. I love Ali and I haven't seen her in like 4 months or something. Then I am either hanging out with Natalie and some boys from the LaCrosse Team for the night, or having a movie night with my new friend Jess and the cute boys we met at the pancake night. Then Sunday I'm going to Six Flags with AP and LISA! And finally, Monday I am going to the Walworth County Fair with my mom. This is going to be a great year! I'm so excited!!

I need to go to bed now! It's super late, or should I say early?

NITE!

Classes start tomorrow

2009-09-02T23:01:00.003-05:00

So it's time. I'm all moved in, RA training is all over, all my residents are moved in, I've got all my books and supplies, and I bought a new backpack today! Classes start tomorrow (for me anyways, everyone else started today but I don't have class on Wednesdays). I'm pretty excited. My classes are Introduction to Information Systems, Business Statistics I, Organizational Behavior, and Psychology of Childhood. I think it's going to be a pretty chill semester. Now I need to go to bed and get plenty of beauty rest so I can get up at 8 am for breakfast with my bestie, AP! I will let you know how my classes go!

Nite!

I'M BACK!!!!

2009-08-30T10:28:00.018-05:00

I'm back!!!

I know you all missed me very much. Fortunately and unfortunately, the past few weeks has been hella crazy!! But don't worry, I have pics to update you all!

So...what have you missed these past couple weeks?? Well first off, I was in a show called "Baby", which was amazing!! Most of you were at the show but here is a couple pics:

Also, the reason I haven't posted for the past couple weeks is I have been extremely busy in RA Training at school. Here are some pics of our ridiculously good looking staff:

These two are our whole staff!

These are the girls on our staff!

This is everyone at our banquet table!

This is the Tutt Staff!

This is Katy, Liz, and I at the banquet!

This is Rob (my co) and I

This is my gay boyfriend, Nathan, and I! I love him!

And finally.......the one you all have been waiting for. Here are the pictures of my amazingly beautiful modern princess room!

That is all for now, need to go say hello to new residents!!

Surprise!!

2009-08-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

So today I came to work (barely awake) to a lovely birthday-decorated cubicle. It was pretty amazing. My amazing colleagues from Forward Janesville went all out with balloons, ribbons, racing flags, and cards and gifts. I love these people. Here are some pics of the cubicle. Disregard the way I look in these pics. It was very early, and anyone who knows me knows I don't wake up till nearly 1 o'clock in the afternoon plus its been a rough sleepless week.

Third Person

2009-08-12T15:15:00.002-05:00

So Lexi has decided that she is going to talk about herself in the third person from now on because she is just that amazing and cool and famous and kind of a big deal and its her birthweek and she can do what she wants.

So. Lexi was on live television today. Yes that's right, in the 900 channels. The JATV Channel (which she believes is just the janesville local access channel). She was one of only two people chosen from her 12 person cast to do a couple scenes from her show in the name of publicity. It was lovely really. There were about 6 people there. Luckily her wonderful stepfather and baby sister made it out to see it. Nobody knows what happened to her absent-minded mother. (Just kidding, love you!)

In other news. Lexi doesn't know how to feel about the day of Friday this week. Should she be super hella excited for her birthday? Or hella nervous and scared for her show to open? Or dreading it because she will be spending all day packing, cleaning, and getting things done to her baby car? She is rather a mix of emotions this week.

There is so much going on in Lexi's world right now, she is having trouble seeing straight. She's got her 21st Birthday in 32 hours and 36 minutes, she is opening a show this weekend, after a full weekend of shows, she moves into her fabulous dorm room on Sunday evening, she starts RA boot camp on Monday in which she needs to start getting ready for making all the accoutrement that will dress the walls of her 1st floor Tutt, etc.

But what does Lexi's wise mother always tell her? "One day at a time, one day at a time".

Lexi really has nothing else constructive or entertaining to say, so she will bid you ado for the time being.

Until next time,

Couch!

2009-08-11T13:12:00.004-05:00

So I finally got some pics of my couch! It was really super hard to capture the right color of the couch in my stupid phone camera. But here it is. Just keep in mind the color is much more vibrant and exciting in real life. The couch is a burne couch. Which was a pretty high end couch in its time. Its about 30-40 years old but is in ridiculously good condition. Its super cool!

P.S. My Birthday is in 3 days!!!! :D

All done!

2009-08-10T12:42:00.010-05:00

So I got all my stuff for my room!! I'm all done! We kind of went a different route then initially planned. Doing mostly Bright Green and White with floral patterns, with small touches of aqua, brown, and black. It is going to be so beautiful! Here are some pics of a few of my major pieces. Keep in mind I will be having a beautiful canopy bed.

This is my bedding

I got two of these tables

This is my freakin awesome standing lamp!

This is my super cool wall art!

Here are my table lamps!

And for some reason I can't find my curtains online :(

Also, while we took our lovely trip to Woodfield and IKEA, my amazing parents took to me to the Apple Store where they bought me this for my birthday:

I'm so pumped! I already have almost 950 songs on it!!

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and kick off to my Birthweek!!

I'm in the Newspaper!!

2009-08-06T10:23:00.004-05:00

That's right!! I'm on the front page of Kicks! A priceless pic of Kyle and I, Kyle (Nick), making a joke, and me frustrated as all hell. I'm making the infamous "mad" Lexi face. Too funny!

I was going to add the link here but you can't see it online. It is a "print only" article. I'll type what the article says here:

Under the pic it says:

" Frustration shows on the face of Pam (Lexi Pankow) as she and her husband, Nick (Kyle Elsbernd), discuss troubles with having a baby in the musical comedy 'Baby' by Theatre Unlimited."

Then the article says:

"Janesville - Conventional wisdom says children are always a blessing.

Of course, conventional wisdom doesn't have any children.

For two weekends in August, Theatre Unlimited will consider the comic terrors and complicated emotions in the lives of potential parents in "Baby," a musical comedy.

"It's a musical comedy that's very touching," said Cheryl Schneider, show director. "It's about three different couples at three different times in their lives who discover they're pregnant."

Or rather, the female member of the couple is pregnant.

Liz and Danny are college students who just moved in together. Pam and her husband, Nick, have had trouble conceiving. And Arlene and Alan are empty nesters who find themselves considering the prospect of a new child.

Every character suffers from different anxieties.

"Liz is free-spirited and doesn't want to get married; Danny does," Schneider said. "Arlene was looking forward to her and her husband being 'two' again. Her husband is afraid of being 'two' again."

This is the first time Schneider has directed a Theatre Unlimited production, but she's been in several shows, including "Is There Life After High School," "Sound of Music" and "South Pacific."

"It's been interesting," Schneider said. "Whenever I've been in a show, I've always thought to myself, 'I think that person should be doing it this way or that way.'"

Still, she was anxious about her first directing job.

"The good thing is that this show includes a lot of director's notes," Schneider said. "And I have wonderful actors. I couldn't ask for better actors."

An engaged couple, Megan Albert and Brian Doering, play Liz and Danny. They just finished playing Cinderella and Prince Charming in Spotlight on Kids' production of "Cinderella."

"They work so wonderfully together," Schneider said.

Seasoned local actors Ron Brown and Stacy McNall will play the older couple, and Lexi Pankow and Kyle Elsbernd portray the third couple.

Elsbernd has worked with high school plays and has been in other local productions. Pankow, a UW-Whitewater student, was most recently seen in "Working" in spring at the Janesville Performing Arts Center."

There is also a pic of Brian and Megan (Danny and Lizzie) and the caption says:

"Danny (Brian Doering) sings a love song, 'I Chose Right,' to Lizzie (Megan Albert) during a rehearsal of the Theatre Unlimited's musical comedy, 'Baby.'"

This is so exciting. I mean I've been in the paper plenty of times but it has been quite a while. I think this is my first time as an adult. I'm not overly enthused about my face in the pic but it's cool.

Again, the article and my pic is right on the front page of kicks for Thursday Aug 6 and the other half of the article and Megan and Brian's pic is continued on page 5C of Kicks. If you get a print copy of the paper take a look!!

Also, if you would like a bit of a "sneak peek" at the show. Cheryl, our director, has asked Kyle and I to come do a scene together at "JPAC your lunch" next Wednesday at noon at JPAC!

That is all for now.

P.S. 8 days till my birthday!!!!!!! (and opening night of the show:D)

DORM ROOM!!

2009-08-04T16:29:00.002-05:00

I bought a couch today!! It's so cute! It's green and aqua and is a pretty high-end couch. It's about 30-40 years old but is in excellent condition. Almost looks like its brand new! I'm so excited. The guy gave me a great deal on it too! Its a pretty solid couch so it is one I will be keeping for years to come. The mother and I finally figured out what we are going to do with the room, thanks to this lovely piece. Green, aqua, yellow colors with a bit of a brighter, happier feel to it. I'm also going to have a canopy bed if Bob can get it figured out. We're going to the fabulous Chicago IKEA on Friday to finish up the shopping, though we will be getting the bedding at Target of course!

Things left to buy:

Curtains for the canopy
Bedding
Pillows for Bed
Pillows for Couch
Rug
Lamps
Wall Art
Table

I think that's about it. Going cheaper this year. Thank god! lol Should be able to do the entire room for less than my TV costed last year. :) Don't worry, there will be pictures up as soon as the room is done!

P.s. 10 days till my birthday!!!!!

OOWWW!!

2009-07-30T13:15:00.003-05:00

My abs hurt bad. Lets just say I got a pretty decent ab workout at rehearsal last night. :/

So for those of you who don't know, in my musical "Baby" I play Pam, a 30-year-old tom-boy gym teacher who wants more than anything to proove her femininity by having a baby. (Could they choose a more opposite character for me? I think not. lol)

Anyway, so Pam and her husband Nick are trying very hard to have a baby. They are doing everything by the book, as the Doctor says. Now you may be familiar with the Roseanne episode where Roseanne is trying to have a baby and she is laying on the bed with her legs up in the air.

This is me for over half the show. Now as if it isn't difficult enough to hold your legs in the air for over an hour, try adding singing two of the most difficult songs in the show on top of that, in that position. Its more difficult than it looks to use your lower abs to hold your legs up and your upper abs/diaphram to sing at the same time. Man is it a good work out though. Which god knows I need, especially since I will be seen in lingerie in this show. Eeks!

As a bit of a spoiler here is a youtube video of another company doing one of these scenes. Its great!! Enjoy!

Cafe Belwah

2009-07-30T00:18:00.002-05:00

Tonight after rehearsal Megan, Brian, and Kyle and I went to Cafe Belwah for drinks and music. It was absolutely beautiful. Its a beautiful cafe/bar in Beloit set right on the river. It was a beautiful night and we sat on the patio sipping drinks, talking about art and theatre, and listening to the amazing live jazz band that was playing in the candle light. Beautiful. Very classy. Perfection. Loved it. I really need to do things like this more often. So happy I found some friends with a bit of class. If only by birthday was a few weeks sooner so I could have had a glass of wine or a martini instead of lame coke. Oh well, I still had a great time!!

I kissed a man 20 years my senior.....

2009-07-27T22:59:00.002-05:00

Yes, it happened. We started blocking tonight for "Baby" and the scene I had been so nervous about happened. We blocked the scene where Nick and I are having a flirtacious argument and kiss about 4 times. This is my very first stage kiss (I know...hard to believe since I've been performing so long) but it wasn't that bad. Really not as awkward as I thought it was going to be. It seems as though Nick and Pam (Kyle and I) kiss in about every single scene they're in. Good thing Kyle's a cutie! :)

In other news, the office told me today that they are going to be moving me from the front desk to my very own cubicle. Can you sense the joy? I just about quit then and there. I know I call my self an introvert but something about spending 8 hours a day in a cubicle all by myself sounds like a living hell! I've just gotta make it through about 3 more weeks and then I go back to school. Hopefully I can make it. I may go crazy first. I'll be thinking more about this.

Off to sleep now so I don't oversleep again tomorrow morning. Today I woke up at 9:45 and was supposed to be at work at 9am.

Nite

Another Day, Another Story...

2009-07-26T22:18:00.002-05:00

So just as I was thinking today wasn't anything extraordinary something happened.

Callie and I had gone to get icecream and as we were coming home my car decided to poop out. We think (and hope, with fingers crossed) it is a wheel bearing which won't cost too much and my dad should be able to fix easily, but we're not positive. We should find out tomorrow. But for now I am very upset with my stupid car. I was just telling Callie too how I always feel like I'm finally starting to be able to save up some money and then something happens and I have to spend it all over again. Oh well, all we can do is think positive.

Till tomorrow.

Girl Scouts!

2009-07-25T22:58:00.003-05:00

Today, I had the great opportunity to assist in an acting workshop for a group of girl scouts, grades 4-6, from the surrounding areas. I did this with my life-long mentor/director/friend Edie Baran (The creator and founder of Spotlight on Kids). It was a lot of fun and taught me a lot. I'm always amazed by kids this age. They're always so much smarter, more clever, and more creative than you expect them to be. They all had a lot of fun and were very excited. I'm hoping to be able to do a lot more stuff like this with Edie in the future. Next up, the Murder Mystery Dinner!!

Edie also told me that she believes I have the makings and potential to be a great teacher and that I should think about opening my own Arts Business. I've always said I dislike children, but it has got me thinking. I do love performance arts and business. This is something I will think more about. Edie also was caught saying throughout the day "Maybe I just need to start another Children's Theatre". The most amazing thing ever would be if we could do this together! Maybe I'll work on this...

???DORM ROOM???

2009-07-24T16:29:00.005-05:00

So I'm seriously about to give up. I have no idea what to do for my dorm room this year. I know I want Bob to build me a canopy bed and he said he would. But otherwise I'm lost. Originally I wanted to do colors that are similar to this:

But now I'm not having a very easy time with that. I'm just lost and can't figure it out. Any ideas??

DIARY

2009-07-23T09:51:00.003-05:00

So life isn't overly exciting these days. Don't get me wrong, it's good, just not overly interesting or exciting. I'm still working, both jobs, and I'm doing the rehearsal thing, which is a blast. And of course the usual hanging out with my family and dogs and watching my TV shows (Bachelorette and Real World), but other than that a whole lot isn't going on.

This week I locked my keys in my car with the headlights and radio on during the whole duration of rehearsal. How did I get them out you ask? We used it as a cast bonding experience and my whole cast helped me break into my car. Pliers, a screwdriver, a metal coat hanger, an umbrella, Lexi, and 4 guys and 2 girls were involved. Lets just say I have a whole lot of practice in this field. I cannot tell you the number of times I've locked my keys in the car, and of course, at the most inopportune times. Why don't I get a spare key? Pretty much because I'm just not that smart.

Other than that however, rehearsal is going really well. The show is really coming together. I think it is going to be a very good production. We have a pretty solid cast:

The couple who are playing Lizzie and Danny (the college couple) just got done playing
Cinderella and Prince Charming over at Spotlight on Kids. They're actually engaged in real
life. I'm jealous. How cool would that be to play two leading couples back-to-back with
your fiance? They're both pretty good though.

The man who is playing my husband is a country singer with his own albums. If you'd like
to get a sneak peek at him he plays once a week at the Metropolitan on Wed. nights in
Janesville or you can go here. And I think you all know about my amazing credentials
including the Fireside Dinner Theatre and Six Flags Great America.

The couple playing the older couple in their 40's are also very experienced in acting as well
as directing and have done several productions throughout the area.

Overall it's looking pretty good and I'm getting excited. Again if you want to come see it, its going to be at JPAC in Janesville Aug 14-16 and Aug 21-23. And if you notice, opening night falls on my 21st birthday so we'll be going out for dinner and some drinks afterwards if you'd like to come!!

Other than this, there isn't a whole lot going on. Work is work. I'm struggling with a project my project manager has given me, but I'm trying to come up with a solution that will work for everyone. I gave her a proposal yesterday and I'm still waiting to hear back. Josie is a hoot. She is the lady I work with all day long every day. I am the receptionist for UW-W SBDC and she is the receptionist for Forward Janesville and she cracks me up and keeps my day interesting.

I do miss school. Not because I miss class, or because I miss my friends (because I've seen them plenty), or because I need to get out of my house or anything like that. Not even because I miss having my own room (cuz now I have one). Simply just because I miss being on campus. And the campus atmosphere, and yes, the campus food, ick I know (not the dining hall food, the UC food). And I do miss my organizations NRHH, RHA, Sigma Alpha Lambda, LIT, etc. etc. And as sick as this sounds, I miss being in charge and feeling important. Its just how my personality works, which is why I think I've made a good choice by going into Business Management. I'm also really super excited to have all three of my classes in the new business building, Hyland Hall, this year. I drove through campus the other day and it looks absolutely stunningly beautiful!

3 more week until:

- My birthday
- My show
- Move back to campus for RA Training

Hopefully, my RA postcards should be coming soon so I can get started working on those. I feel behind because I said that this summer I was going to get all my RA stuff done before I get back to campus so I won't be so far behind like I was last year. But this is really difficult when all the supplies to make door decs, welcome signs, bulletin boards, etc. are on campus. But at least I have ideas formed so I can do them quickly when I get back to campus.

Some of my ideas include: We are doing a music theme in our hall and Rob and I decided to just go with a general music theme since we are first floor. (Some of the other floors are doing Beatles Music, Disney Music, etc.) So Rob and I are doing:

For our door decs we got real legit vinyl records that we're going to put names on and put
on the doors and they came with cases so we'll be using the cases as decorations
throughout the hall.

Right now, I have my dad's company designing me a welcome sign that basically says
"Welcome to First Floor Tutt" that looks like an even poster, like one you would see for a
concert.

I haven't entirely decided yet what I'm going to do for a bulletin board but I think for the
background I'm going to use record cases and for a border I'm going to use guitar pics.
Maybe I'll do like a history of music type thing.

Then for our first community builder I think we're going to do a Guitar Hero/Rock Band
party. I'm not exactly sure yet where we will be getting the system to do this but its a
possibility.

Then for our second community builder I would like to have like a "workshop" type deal
where people can make those "Where's Lexi?" type thingies. Where you have like a dial
and it says "Where's Lexi?" and then you can move the arrow to like "At Class" or
"Sleeping" or "Someone in the Hall" or "At a Meeting" or "In the Room but please do not
Disturb" type deal. Everyone always likes having those so I thought we could make it
into a fun little craft project.

Other than that, not a whole lot happening at this point. Today is Thursday!!!!! Which means its my last day of work for the week, thank god. Tonight I need to clean my room and I really should do some laundry. I'm hoping maybe tomorrow the mother and I can take a trip down to Chicago to do some shopping for my dorm room cuz we're getting down to the wire. We have this weekend, next weekend, and then the following weekend I'm going to Winona, MN to visit my bestie AP, then the following weekend I have my show and I'm back to school. Saturday, I have an appointment for a massage. Other than that, no real big plans for the weekend. I hope everyone else has a good weekend!

That is all for now!
Bye!

Change of plans

2009-07-23T09:48:00.003-05:00

So...I've been having trouble coming up with things to write about on here because I was trying to be cute, clever, interesting, etc. Well, that wasn't really working out. And it was brought to my attention that my blog is entitled "DIARY of a college-aged drama queen" and it isn't really much of a diary at all. So we are going to go about this a different way. I'm going to use it as a diary and I don't really care if it is interesting at all. Cuz my blog is for me, not everyone else, right? If you just happen to find my every-day life interesting, then I guess that's just a perk isn't it? So here we go.

Riddle me this...

2009-07-20T11:24:00.001-05:00

Why the hell are guys so stupid???

Any insight??

Summer time, and the living is easy!

2009-06-26T14:02:00.005-05:00

Things that make me happy:

SUMMER: It is summer and I am feeling good!! This is turning out to be a fabulous summer! I love summer so much! The weather is beautiful and you have time to just be yourself, relax, hang out with friends, and do what you want without worrying about homework and papers and meetings.

I don't know what it is, some may say I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but the sun and the heat just do something to me! They spark an energy in me that I can't get enough of! I truly do not belong in this state. I know I've said this before, but I belong down south where the sun is always shining and the temperature never gets below 70!

This is truly turning out to be one of the best summers of my life though. Which is weird, because its not like there is anything particularly special about it. I mean I'm not off in some other state performing at some extreme venue and I'm not going on any huge vacations or anything, heck I'm not even living on my own. But, for some reason, this summer my life seems so full!

BEING BUSY: I think a lot of this is accredited to the fact that I'm not just having a lazy summer where I sit around on my ass and feel bad because cuz there's no one to hang out with. For some reason I just feel more whole if I am busy and have a lot of things to do.

FRIENDS: I've also been really good at friendships lately, which has not always been a strong suit in my past. My mother has always told me since I was very little "to have friends you must be a friend" and I feel like I am really starting to understand what this means. All it takes is a little effort and I'm getting much better at it.

Also, I feel like as I get older and start to grow and get know who I am, I'm starting to lose some of my insecurities and am finding it easier to just be myself as well as know what kind of relationships I want to to be in and being able to find friends who are like me and understand where I come from.

This summer I've had the amazing opportunity to hang out with AP, Lisa, Lisa's Rob, Robby G, Vanessa, Rob, and Scott. But I need to see ASAP Brittany Jeanne Cagney, Nathan James Runnells, Chadwick Glen Murphy, Megan and KO.

BOYS: I've also had a lot of opportunities to go on some "dates" this summer. Whether with a guy friend I kind of like, or with someone a friend has hooked me up with. I've been to a couple movies, a bonfire, a game night. All harmless, but a lot of fun.

I've recently begun to like getting to know new people, which, being introverted, I never really liked before. I was too shy. But along with a sense of maturity, is being secure in who I am, which has lead to not be quite as shy.

FAMILY: I have always been blessed with an amazing mom, step dad, brother, sister, and the two cutest dogs on the face of this earth. But it has really been nice having a big extended family this summer. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles and Cousins. Unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to have this during my high school years but it is soothing to have it again.

When you have a big extended family that lives close and really cares about each other, it makes you feel special and loved and taken care of and safe and it always seems like there is something going on. I have had a great time at birthday parties, cookouts, card-making parties, graduations, graduation parties, homecoming parties, etc. It really is a nice atmosphere.

MOTORCYCLES: I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH MOTORCYCLES!! I have always liked them in the past and thought they were cool, but I have had two opportunities to ride on them in the past two weeks and I love them.

First I got to ride one with my new friend Scott last weekend. It was beautiful weather and so much fun. Then last night, my cast-mate/co-star/husband, Kyle took me for a ride on his bike. It was great and he told me he's gonna give me lessons so I can learn how to drive one. SO EXCITING!

I want one of my own sooo bad!! But I didn't realize they were almost expensive as cars so I have a feeling that won't happen for a quite a ways down the road.

DOING FUN STUFF: I love going and doing fun things and having adventures and trying new things. It exhilarates me!

I have already had so many opportunities to do fun stuff this summer including going to AZ, going to Six Flags, going to bonfires, riding on motorcycles, hanging out with friends, going to movies, reading good books, making new friends, hanging out with family, going to parties, making cards, visiting friends in their new homes, going to auditions, etc.

Some things coming up on the list: Massage tomorrow, Jared's graduation party tomorrow, Mt. Olympus on Sunday, Summerfest next Wednesday and Friday, Six Flags next Thursday, 4th of July festivities next Saturday, lots of rehearsal, go see My Sister's Keeper, etc.

PERFORMING: I don't know what it is about performing that lights a fire in me. Every time I am involved in a choir, play, musical, dance class, anything I feel whole. I feel like me. I feel bright and energetic. Its like exercise, its so good for me and I don't always want to do it, but when I do I feel healthy and like it is exactly where I am supposed to be.

Right now I'm in a musical production called "Baby". It's being put on by Theatre Unlimited in Janesville. I play Pam, a thirty-year-old, married tom-boy who wants nothing more in the world than to conceive a baby with her husband, Nick but is having a very difficult time doing so.

I've only been to two rehearsals so far but I think it is going to be a really good show. We have a pretty solid, talented, experienced cast. The performances will be August 14-16 and August 21-23 so make sure you all come see it!

That is all I have for now. I hope you all are enjoying your summers as much as I am!

Did you ever know that there are 515 banks in the surrounding 5-county area?

2009-06-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

So, I know its been a while since I've posted on here, but I'm really sick of calling banks, I already finished my whole June Edition of Cosmopolitan and I don't currently have the proper attention span to sit and read a book, when I know I should be doing my job. So I figured this would be a good escape from my incredibly boring 7-and-a-half hour work day.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about my job, its just boring. I'm glad I'm fortunate enough to have a job that pays me 8 hours to do a whole lot of nothing, it can just get kind of draining to spend nearly 8 hours on the phone with strangers.

Anywho, here is a list of things I want to do this summer:

* Read lots of good books, some including:
- I like to reread the Twilight Series
- My Sister's Keeper
- Julie Andrew's Autobiography (Josie gave me this)
- Some others, but I can't remember right now
* See lots of good movies, some of the current ones include:
- The Hangover
- The Proposal
- Land of the Lost
- My Sister's Keeper
- New Moon (I know that's not coming out this summer, but I really want to see it)
- There's more, but I can't remember right now
* Go to Rhythm and Booms with my friends
* Go to Six Flags a lot with my gfs and my sister
* Go to the Six Flags Starburst Concerts
* Go to Summerfest
*Be in "Baby" (I just tried out for the lead of this musical, but I don't find out for a couple days yet)
* Get my nails did
* Make money
* Accomplish some of my RA tasks ahead of time, so I'm not super behind like last year

I know, this isn't that super eventful of a list, but here are some of the things I've already done this summer:

* Went to Tuscon Arizona (and hugged a cactus in the meantime :))
* Bought a Season Pass for Six Flags and went there with AP and Lisa (we rode the front car for Raging Bull, American Eagle, Batman, V2, and Superman)
* Went and saw and stayed at Lisa's new Condo and celebrated her 21st birthday!
* Hung out with my Co
* Went fishing with my family (we didn't catch anything...wah-wah...lol)
* Took my dogs to the Dog park with my mom and sister
* Took my sister to an audition at the Fireside
* Had a card-making party with my sister and my grandma
* Saw a few movies including:
- Up (super good!! I cried!)
- He's Just Not That Into You (also a must see!!)
- Night at the Museum 2 (cute, Jonah Hill is hilarious)
- Obsessed (kinda messed up, not sure if I liked it or not, glad I saw it for free)
- New in Town (worst movie of the year)
- part of Paul Blart: Mall Cop (looked really funny, wouldn't mind seeing the rest of it)
- Bride Wars (pretty good)

What are on your lists for summer?

2009-01-27T23:42:00.002-06:00

In times of great stress and illness, I thought I would write a list of things that relax me. It is always important to remember things like these.

My Relaxing Things:

Heat/Warmth
Yummy warm bedding, pillows, and blankets
Hot Showers
The smell of Bath & Body Sensual Amber
My TV Shows, more specifically: One Life To Live, General Hospital, Dr. Phil, Oprah, Extreme
Home Makeover, Desperate Housewives, Bachelor, True Beauty, American Idol, Double
Shot at Love, Real World, Grey's Anatomy, Saturday Night Live, King of Queens, Scrubs,
Sex and the City
Cozy, really baggy Sweatpants
My bed
Good Lighting
Computer games
Non-procrastination
Massages
Working Out
Music, the kind you would listen to in your car at night
Eating Healthy
Good friends
Mrs. Grass's Chicken Noodle Soup
Pepsi
Pepper (My dog)
Summer Nights
The sun

I'm interested in hearing your lists!

Starting off the New Semester right!

2009-01-21T23:19:00.003-06:00

I have had a good couple first days of the semester. I have had good experiences in my classes. I have set up my 1:1's with my bosses for the whole semester. I have gone and gotten the checkbook signed over for NRHH. I have gotten a group of friends to go to breakfast with at the Delicious Schaffer Commons twice a week. I have gotten a group of friends to go to fitness classes with a few times a week. And it is all good.

There are statistics that say people who eat a good, healthy breakfast are less likely to overeat the rest of the day. And women who eat eggs for breakfast are much less likely to overeat during the rest of the day, cuz they are high in protein and keep you full. And with the delicious omelet bar at the UC, I'm doing good.

I also had the workout of my life today and I am already feeling the soreness. I did a 15 minute Intense Core Complete workout class and then did an hour-long (really only needed to be 1/2 hour, honestly) Power Step class, which included basic step along with intervals of wait lifting and other exercises, all to great music and an enthusiastic trainer of course!

I've also been getting to bed MUCH earlier (around 10 or 11) and getting up WAY earlier (about 7 or 8) which feels nice. For some reason, I feel like I'm accomplishing something by doing this?

All in all, I must say that I am feeling so good right now. And I am here to tell you that by really taking the time to take care of yourself, it really changes your every day life. By getting appropriate sleep, eating and drinking well, exercising regularly, taking my medicine when I am supposed to, taking care of my skin, cleaning my room twice a day, making my bed everyday, and surrounding myself with good friends that make me feel good, I am feeling fantastic!! It is true what they say, in order to do anything in life, you must start by taking care of yourself. I highly recommend everyone taking a look at themselves and their lives and asking themselves if they take care of themselves and put themselves first. It will truly make a difference.

That is all I have to say for now!
Nite!

What an exhausting day.

2009-01-20T19:28:00.002-06:00

What an exhausting day. (Although I am sure not quite exhausting as Barack's...) 5 classes. 12 hours of lectures straight with only brief breaks to eat meals and catch snipits of the inauguration. (Have I expressed how upset I am about having classes today and not being able to watch the inauguration?) Anyway...to continue the journey through the first day of classes...

Managerial Accounting
Professor: Michael MacDonald
Interesting professor. LOTS of energy. Almost talks to fast and intense to understand. The kind of professor where his hair jiggles when he talks cuz he is so overly expressive. Good teacher though. Seems to know what he's talking about and I think I'll like this branch of accounting better than my previous class. He was also quite funny talking about how the only thing anyone cared about today was what Michelle Obama was wearing to the inaugural ball. However, I was a bit confused about his attire. He was wearing a very nice navy sweater with dress pants and then black tennis shoes with red paint on them. What is that? I don't really understand.

Psychology of Personality
Professor: Carolyn Morgan
GREAT CLASS! I love it and I think it is going to be an amazing semester with this one. The professor wasn't quite what I expected but she's awesome. Today we spent most of the day taking personality assessments. Of course, with my very strange test anxiety, I didn't finish them on time so I have to do that tonite and turn it in on Thursday but it was fun. Can't wait!

World of Ideas
Professor: Dale Ritterbusch
I'm not gonna lie. This professor scared the crap out of me when he came in the room and started listing off all the reasons we were destined to fail the course. And then proceeded to talk about Russian War Weapons in great detail for no reason known to me. And this man is old and very difficult to understand. The kind where he whistles when he says his s's. Kinda like that character from Whinnie and the Pooh. However, at the end of class he explained that he is indeed a pretty lax grader and as long as you participate you will pass. So I'm not uber worried about it.

I am currently watching the Inaugural Ball and am bawling my eyes out. Beyonce was astounding singing At Last while Barack and Michelle danced their first dance as the presidential couple. It was amazing and beautiful and I cried like a freakin baby. They are so super in love. It is amusing watching them TRY to dance though. lol. It was also an amazing sight to see Beyonce and Alicia Keys (two of my major idols) singing together on stage. Beautiful.

I need to watch American Idol and go to bed now. I'm exhausted.
NITE!!

WHAT A BIG DAY!!!

2009-01-20T12:41:00.003-06:00

Wow...What a big day! To be able to tell my grandchildren one day that I saw the first Black President take his oath at the biggest inauguration of history is such an exciting thing! As I sit and watch the coverage of the ceremony and the parade and the luncheon and every other little task he has assigned for the day, I can't help but wonder how he must be feeling right now...Is he excited? Overwhelmed? Scared? Nervous? Terrified? Think what the hell have I gotten myself into? Exhausted? Its just so exciting! I really wish I could be in Washington DC this week. But I wish more that I could have stayed in my room and watch the whole thing on TV today. Luckily, I am taping it on my new VCR so I can watch it tonite after class.

Which brings me to my next point...

I have officially started classes for the spring semester! 2 down, 3 to go! And I must say it has been a pretty good day thus far. I woke up at 7 (Yes, I really did) and went to have breakfast at the terrific Schaffer Commons in the UC. When arriving there, I found some good friends/staff members and was able to eat with them. Which is really nice. We set up times to eat together every Tuesday and Thursday morning! I had a DELICIOUS cheesy omelette, some super crispy bacon *yum*, and some potatoes. Amazing! Then I was off to class!

So far I have had Psychology of Learning and Conditioning and Macroeconomics. Both seem like they will be fine. Here is the low down.

Pych of L&C

Professor: Dr. Eileen Knight

I had her for Individual and Society last year and she actually remembered me and was excited to see me. Which is always good. Having a professor know you individually and know your name is very key in college (or any school for that matter). This way, you are more likely to be swayed to a better grade if on the fence. I think I will really like this class. I enjoyed her in my last class and her exams are a good fit for me.

MacroEcon

Professor: Benjamin Artz (not sure if he is a doctor or not?)

This professor, I shit you not, looks like he is 15 years old. Very weird. Not used to seeing young professors. He looked like he was going to a 6th grade dance with his blue striped button-up shirt, khaki pants, and brown sketchers. He is funny though, almost in a pompous, cocky way. I'm not sure if I will like him or not. I was frightened when I saw in Bold letters ont the syllabus: EXTRA CREDIT WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN THIS COURSE. DO NOT ASK. This is the only reason I received an A- in my last Econ class. Econ. Not quite the course of preference for me. However, he does curve all exams, drops the lowest grade exam, and he seems to know much more what he is talking about and makes things much easier to understand (by comparing them to things going on right now in our society) than my last econ professor. So I'm hoping for the best.

I can tell that I am starting to get into the upper level classes with all of the No extra credit's, take notes how you feel cuz we aren't taking them for you's, and if you don't come to class that's your choice but good luck with that's. But at least I'm starting to be able to take classes I'm interested in.

Now I'm on lunch break and then I have Managerial Accounting (ew) and Psychology of Personality (CAN'T WAIT!). Then dinner (pasta at Tomato Head Red's...YUM!). And finally, World of Ideas.

Fortunately, our staff meeting got cancelled tonite so I can come back, watch all the shows I taped today, do whatever homework I may have (none yet) and hit the hay. Kindof an exhausting day!

Well, I'm off to the rest of my classes!

Wish me luck!

Bye!

Exhausted...

2009-01-18T19:42:00.012-06:00

I am spent. Beat. Exhausted. Wore out. Sore. Need a massage. Ready for bed. Get the point? lol. This is what I have spent the past 7 hours straight doing.

GETTING READY FOR MY HALL TO OPEN:

My Welcome Sign

My Postings Area

My Bulletin Board - Its about safe sex since Valentine's Day is coming up!

My door decs for all of my residents

And posted signs for our first floor meeting of the semester.

Now, I must go eat dinner and sleep!

Night!

I'M HOME...or not...

2009-01-15T02:52:00.003-06:00

I'M HOME!!! I'm back in WW in my warm dorm with my queen size bed and my comfy futon and my beautiful 37 inch screen TV and my door that I can shut and lock whenever I want! And it feels so good! I got back around noon, put my new pillow-top mattress topper on my bed, set up my new DVD player, VCR, and Humidifier (great for the asthma in this awful weather!), and unpacked all my new clothes, movies, and Bath & Body Sensual Amber supplies! I even spent some time with some of my good friends/staff members! It was a good first day back....

EXCEPT......

Every year I seem to ask myself the same question...

WHY THE HELL DO I LIVE IN WISCONSIN???
WHY THE HELL HAVEN'T I GOTTEN OUT OF THIS GOD-FORSAKEN STATE WHEN I'VE HAD THE CHANCE??

Let's just say...the windchill advisory is calling for -45 degree windchill tomorrow. They say not to go outside unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY and even then to wear several layers and do not go out for very long. They say in this weather, frostbite and hypothermia can happen in less than 10 minutes. WHAT THE HECK IS THAT??? That's scary stuff. And this is coming from a girl that is cold sitting inside her 70 degree bedroom! Let's just say...I won't be leaving the building at all tomorrow, simply for fear of locking myself outside. What would I do? There is nobody on campus! Instead, I will sleep all day under my warm covers and watch TV! Sounds like a plan to me!

Wish me luck!

Home sweet home!

2009-01-15T01:51:00.013-06:00

*My whole plan, when moving into my own single room, was to make my dorm look like anything but a dorm, but rather a home. I think we (my mom, sister, and I) did a great job! Let me know what you think!*

My door!

My Room!

My futon!

My fabulous painting!

My bed!!

We (mom, Callie, and I) made these birds ourselves out of felt and decorated my room with them. They match the birds on the pillow on my bed.

My amazing lamp and my pretty TV!

My desk! (Its a little cluttered at the moment cuz I got so many books and movies over break. I'll be organizing that better shortly.

And the entryway!

On to the next season...

2009-01-12T02:54:00.003-06:00

My break is slowly coming to an end. I did a lot of stuff today to get ready to go back to school. Did all my laundry. Bought a new planner and started filling it out. Scoped out all my professors on myprofessorsucks.com (most of them look really good!!). Packed up most of my stuff. Checked out my Training schedule for this weekend. Changed my meal plan (went from 19 meals to 14 meals a week. 19 was just way too much no matter what the circumstances). And did some last minute shopping. Now I just need to get a few school supplies (notebooks and folders and stuff) and get my books. And move, of course. I'm excited to go back. Excited to get back to class and to see my friends as well as other stuff. I haven't seen my best friend this entire break. :(

But for now, I am uber pumped for tomorrow. My grandma and I have appointments for massages at 3:15. Great way to end my break. I love massages! And then we are going out for salmon (Both of our's favorite!!) for dinner. YUM!

So, I'm off to bed now.

Nite.

blah...

2009-01-08T18:30:00.004-06:00

I have been racking my brain the past few days trying to come up with anything to write about on this here blog. But, sad to say, my life isn't exactly exciting right now. I've been sleeping till 1pm, watching my soaps, Dr. Phil and Oprah, playing on my computer and been doing pretty much nothing for the past week. But don't worry, my life will get much more exciting when I get back to school. Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining about being home. I love my home, and my family, and relaxing (and not to mention my dogs), I just don't think you want to hear about my TV schedule everyday. So, here is a preview of things to come:

Things I'm looking forward to:

*Our trip to Fondulac this weekend for an ice skating show. (This means a hotel with plenty

of time to go hot tubbing, and I just got a new suit!!)

*My date with my grandma (Jeani) on Monday! We're getting massages! Yay! Just the thing I

need to finish off my break before going back to a hectic schedule!

*Getting my Financial Aid Reimbursement check. This way, I can do some of the things I've

been waiting for, like getting new tires on my car!

*Going back to school next week. (This means training, starting class, going back to

work, and starting my presidency!)

So until then...

Start off the New Year right!

2009-01-05T15:16:00.004-06:00

Have I ever mentioned that I love Dr. Phil and Oprah? Well it is true, and both of today's episodes were very inspiring for those who are trying to get life back on track for the new year. I thought I would share a little bit with you all.

Dr. Phil's episode today was about making New Year's Resolutions stick by using 4 simple steps:

1. Name It & Claim It
(Specificity is key! You need to have a specific goal in mind. Simply stating that you want things to be better won't work. For example, I would like to lose 30 pounds by Spring Break.)

2. Keep Score
(Apply a timeline to your goal and have a way to measure the accomplishment of the goal. For example, I have 3 months to lose 30 pounds, therefore, I will lose 10 pounds per month.)

3. You Can't Control what you Can't Control
(Focus on what you can control and make your goal realistic. For example, you cannot control what the dining halls will be serving today, but you can control choosing the healthier options available and exercising 3 times a week.)

4. Program Success
(Program your resolution into your lifestyle. You can do this by scheduling specific time into your day to work out and finding healthy foods you really enjoy.)

5. Steps & Consequences
(Take baby steps and Penalize yourself when you veer from your plan. For example, if I work out for one hour every day this week, I can buy that new sweater I've been eyeing.)

If you follow these 5 steps, your new years resolutions should stick!

Next, Oprah's episode today was the beginning to her "Best Life" week and she discussed her ever-constant weight issues. And she had some great stuff that I particularly found inspiring.

* Your body does not crave food, it craves love.
- What are you really hungry for?

* Put yourself back on your priority list.
- Schedule time for yourself (massages, etc.)

* Plan your meals
- If you plan your meals in advance, you are less likely to pick up that bag of potato chips.

* Exercise is #1!
- Resistance training with weights
- 30 min on treadmill a day (try singing at the same time)

*Good Questions to ask yourself
- Why are you overweight?
- What are you really hungry for?
- Why have you been unable to maintain weight loss in the past?
- Why do you want to lose weight?

So usually, I do not make new year's resolutions because I feel like if you make resolutions just because it is a specific time of year, and not because you are ready to do so, you will never fulfill them. Therefore, I tend to make resolutions all throughout the year. However, these two episodes inspired me to set a resolution. And since it is still Jan 5, I will call it my new year's resolution. I, like Oprah, tend to struggle with weight. It may not be as severe as Oprah, and most of you are probably thinking "What are you talking about?" but I am a bit more overweight than I wish to be. I don't feel healthy, it harms my asthma, and I'm afraid if I were to go to an audition right now, I would not be as likely to be hired as a performer as would have been a year and a half ago. Therefore,

I resolve to lose 30 pounds by May 31st.

This gives me roughly 5 months to lose 30 pounds, which is only 6 pounds a month. This should be easy. So everyone wish me luck and please provide your support. Hopefully through these 5 steps, you all will be able to accomplish your resolutions as well!

2009-01-05T01:58:00.004-06:00

Things I miss:

*Having my own bed
*Having a room where I can go and shut and lock the door
*Ashley Palubicki
*The pasta from The Down Under at the UC
*Class (I know I'm weird)
*American Idol
*RHA
*Cute boys
*The smell of my room
*Having something to do
*Work
*Psychology Class

I think its going to be a good year...

2009-01-04T01:54:00.003-06:00

Year 2009 Overview

In 2009, you find yourself connecting with people effortlessly as your warm-hearted actions are acknowledged and radiated back to you in a way you've never experienced before. The confident joy and happiness you freely give to others gives you the innate ability to be productive. For you, kind actions are the way to transformation and success.

This is a perfect time for proud Leo, because you have the desire, drive and power to help society. You realize there's work to do, and you'll give a helping hand wherever you can. You are ready to align yourself with a higher level of awareness, and exhibit a regenerative attitude is about reaping the harvest by submitting to the larger purpose. What you are able to give to others directly reflects the transformation happening within you.

Your heart is in the right place, and you are likely to accomplish all that you set out to do this year. You're developing excellent skills in your own personal transformation process, and you are ready to make the conscious decision to be the best you can be. You feel secure, and the beauty of who you are shines through easily and effortlessly.

Year 2009 Romantic

You feel as if you're reaping the harvest this year in your relationships. Socially, your connections are very positive and your altruistic, visionary personality brings you a great circle of friends. Very strong and intuitive, your sense of self-worth in a close relationship makes it a very loving and secure one -- your main focus for some time now. Your enthusiasm bubbles over as an intimate relationship blossoms, and the challenges of constructive communication become easier and easier.

Energetically, you are uplifted when you choose to be in a relationship and master the art of accepting someone as they are. In the springtime, your focus may shift to marriage as many blessings come your way, giving you opportunities to experience conscious acts of sharing, cooperation and honor. Things may seem to move fast, but if you go with the flow, you'll gain confidence in your progress.

Much healing takes place when you have someone close to share your life with. Reap the rewards, and you will encounter feelings that will become the basis for far-reaching transformation in your life -- and in that of others as well. Leo's need to be in charge is no problem, because you and your partner are energetically and equally matched. Be grateful for the love and growth you are experiencing -- both metaphysically and spiritually.

Year 2009 Career

As you help others in your work, you find balance in your own life and, as a result, financial opportunities arise. You are far from conventional, and this helps you have no fear in starting new projects and developing ways for making a good living.

You are able to make major changes in your career without completely eliminating your current foundation. During the summer, career advancements streamline as greater responsibility and commitment come your way. This is an excellent time to focus on your ideals for social progress, and actualize them in a public sphere.

As a Leo, you have the communication skills required to bring new opportunities for growth. This year, you easily visualize new possibilities and eliminate potential roadblocks. Your co-workers appreciate your leadership skills and respect your ability to bring people and resources together for positive change. You may be conservative financially while learning to carve out ways of meeting your material needs, but you continue to draw greater resources to you to serve the greater good.

Help!

2009-01-03T21:28:00.006-06:00

So...as I was saying earlier this week...I am on winter break right now and have been extremely bored. I don't have many high school friends to hang out with at home and my best friends from college are from Winona, MN, Greenbay, and Chicago. Therefore we are pretty spread out and it is anywhere from 2-4 hours to visit any of them. Needless to say, I don't have a lot to do...

So I got really excited this weekend when a few of them came to town and we got to hang out, hoping, *hopefully*, we could find something to do together. Three, 20-year-old girls with no plans for 3 days and guess what we did...

1. Watched fat people on TV
2. Ate fattening foods
3. People watched on a bench at the mall for an hour
4. Searched for something to do until our brains hurt and we passed out from exhaustion.

Granted, we could come up with a few lame things, such as go to the library or go ice skating, but what fun is that?

So here is the question I came up throughout this endeavour.

At 20 years old, is it that there is absolutely nothing to do?

Or is it that nothing is fun anymore?

20 is such a crappy age, no longer a teenager, but not quite yet a full-out adult. The only thing to even remotely do at our age is go to the bars, but we aren't even old enough to do that!

Ponder this question and let me know what you think!

2009-01-03T19:24:00.005-06:00

bore⋅dom [bawr-duhm, bohr-] –noun. The state of being bored; tedium; ennui.
Origin: 1850–55; bore 2 + -dom

Boredom
noun
the feeling of being bored by something tedious
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Boredom n. 1. The state of being bored, or pestered; a state of ennui. --Dickens.
2. The realm of bores; bores, collectively.

Let's just say...I have a problem with "breaks".

Not a Negative Nancy...

2008-12-31T01:33:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone. I'm sure you are just dying to hear from me. However, I think this whole New Year's Eve flop has gotten me down this week. I don't want to seem like a huge Negative Nancy because in fact I usually see myself as a pretty positive, optimistic person! So I will return with you all tomorrow, hopefully in a better mood.

Until then...

I feel naggy...

2008-12-29T21:36:00.005-06:00

Productive day today! I went shopping with Callie (my lil sis) and got a bunch of yummy stuff! I got $40 worth of stuff at Bath & Body in my favorite scent, *Sensual Amber* and also got Seasons 1 & 2 of Sex and the City, my fave! I was starting to watch Season 1 but then Callie came in and lets just say....not quite appropriate for a 12 year old.

It was a very fulfilling day after being incredibly bored for the past two days. Although break is good and it is nice to be with my family and sit and relax without worrying about anything, it doesn't come quite as easily for me as for others. During school time I am constantly running between class, homework, 3 jobs, and several other organizations, not to mention friends and personal errands, to the point where I am micro-managing every minute of my day. So, I fear that relaxing is quite an adjustment for me. Unhealthy, I know, but I'm trying to work on it.

On another, rather negative note, sometimes I have such a hard time understanding "kids" my age. They try to pretend they are adults and have all this freedom to do whatever they want but yet, are so afraid to step outside of their boxes. For example, most think that 20 miles is a really long way to drive and feel as though they are losing something important if having to drive this far. How much does it even cost for that much gas these days? A dollar? Honestly. I didn't seem to find this problem when I lived in Illinois. Maybe it has something to do with people who have grown up in Wisconsin who are constantly hearing "There's nothing to do here" and they get stuck in the mindset that all they can do is sit on their asses, watch TV, play on their computers, text people sitting right across the room from them, and get sloshed every night! Ridiculousness.

I guess the reason I bring this up is because I am a bit peeved with some of my self-proclaimed "cool" girlfriends. This is my first time in my life really having a good group of girlfriends and this is exactly why. I don't usually like girls. They kind of annoy me. The way they nit-pick and chronically make fun of other people, talk behind people's backs, and cancel plans at the last minute! Ugh. So basically, I planned out this really great New Year's Eve Night including dinner, snacks, fun drinks, watching the ball drop, listening to the count-down, etc. right? And you would think people would be excited about this right? Wrong. Apparently girls my age think its cooler to get wasted at a disgusting house party and hang with guys who only have one thing mind. Oh well I guess. I don't know why I put in the effort.

I guess I'm in a ranting and raving mood tonight. I need something to do. Break is so boring.

On another topic, I am really feeling the lack in the boy department lately. I need a boyfriend. With school and everything else going on before, I didn't really notice, but now its hitting me hard. I miss having someone to flirt with and kiss and do fun stuff with. There is a cute boy I like at the moment...but sometimes its hard to see if they even know you exist you know? But its hard to know what to do though too! On one hand, I keep hearing "You need to assert yourself, your a desirable girl, guys are shy, etc." But at the same time you don't want to come off as desperate or weird. I like a guy to show a little interest, otherwise I feel like I'm trying to assert myself where I'm not wanted. And that's not a fun feeling. It may have to poor self-confidence but I just don't want to be that girl that people are nice to their face on not so nice behind their backs. I've seen it happen to too many nice people. However, I am trying hard to work on my confidence and self-esteem. I mean why wouldn't a guy want to date me? I'm smart, dedicated, funny, cute? So, If anyone knows any cute, funny, smart single guys between ages 20 and 30 let me know!

I'm off to bed now, I have more stuff to do tomorrow!
Night night!

SSooo.....

2008-12-29T00:39:00.003-06:00

So...here's my first entry. I'm not super poetic and a great writer like my aunt Rhonda, and I'm not super clever and creative like my mom Amy, but I'll do my best. I'll try to keep it real and down-to-earth without trying too hard to impress.

I guess what you all should know about me is that I am a junior at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where I am a Business Major with a double-minor in Spanish and Psychology. I would not say I am your average sit-around-and-get-drunk-all-the-time-and-only-go-to-class-when-I-feel-like-it student. A matter of fact, this past semester I got a 3.802 GPA (which I'm pretty proud of) and am heavily involved all over campus. I am currently the president of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), which is an organization for the top 1% of student leaders on campus. However, I won't bore you with all the rest of the organizations I'm in because with all of the acronyms I would just confuse you, but without them I would not be the person I am today.

On top of class and my abundance of organizations, I have three jobs.

I am a Resident Assistant in my Residence Hall (also known as a Dorm :D) in which I plan activities and enforce policies on my floor which causes for cleaning up puke in the hallway on "Thirsty Thursdays" and getting random wake up calls at 4am to let people in who have locked themselves out of their rooms.

I also work at the new UW-W Small Business Development Center office in Janesville. Basically we offer business counseling for those who would like to start their own businesses. A nice gesture, we hope, with the GM plant closing this past week.

Lastly, but definitely most importantly, I co-own/manage my own small business along with the rest of my family. We are called 4-Ever Flowers and we travel all over the US selling wooden roses, which are simply amazing. See link here: foureverflowers.com or http://4-everflowers.blogspot.com/ .

Despite all this, though, my true passion is singing and performing. I have performed my whole life, even semi-professionally. I did three runs of shows at the Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson, WI and worked two years at Six Flags Great America in Chicago, IL as a singer/dancer in their stage shows and parades. Most people laugh or give me weird looks when I tell them I will be a famous singer one day, but I have always known it to be true.

So, there you have it. A little about me. This blog shall share the ins and outs of the true college experience as well as a bit of dabbling in the performance side as well. So if this sounds interesting to you I am very welcome to friends sharing my journey!

Off to bed now!
Chow!