Striving to Be Better

A school-related post

2009-08-29T18:34:24Z

It's strange to think that this is the final year of my undergraduate education. I know that soon, I will be entering the world of professionalism and graduate school. I know I'm not ready, so I've promised myself that this year will be different from all the rest. I will go out and have fun with my friends, join clubs on campus, and achieve the goals I set when I first came to the AZ. This, of course, will be made easier by the fact that I am now allowed to make new friends and can make those kinds of decisions.

My classes have been pretty good this week. My music class is going to be fun once we get past the overview of how to count rhythims and read notes on the staff. My graduate instructor is a friend I met on the bus, so I'm excited about that. She has the cutest southern accent and says y'all a lot. I auditioned for the choirs and made it into University Singers and Kantorei. I can only attend U-Singers though, because Kantorei conflicts with one of my public administration courses. So disappointing! I'm hopeful that I can participate next semester.

My public admin courses should be interesting for the most part, except the financial course. The subject matter is dull, and the professor has a very strong Asian accent, which makes him hard to understand. But he's nice and accommodating, so I can't complain. All of my professors are very accommodating this semester, making sure they get all my materials to the DRC in advance. The DRC has been able to obtain all of my books in electronic format except one, which we are not using until the 6th week of class anyway. I've been very fortunate to have a DRC that works so hard to make sure I get all the things I need to be successful in my classes.

And now we come to the subject of my honors thesis. I've narrowed my topic to three possible options and I have a meeting with my advisor on Tuesday afternoon to finalize plans and then I will begin working on it. I also have a meeting Monday morning with the professor who usually advises PA honors students to clear up some of my confusion about what all the required pieces should include. I anticipate that the thesis will be the source of most of my stress this semester and next.

Ok, off to work on achieving some of those goals I mentioned.

Blessings and love,
Amanda

Where I'm at

2009-04-18T17:31:53Z

So much has happened in the last month that I don't know where to start, and I have a paper to write so I probably won't get to catch up. I left Matt on March 23, and I'm staying with a friend until the end of the semester. It's been very stressful but I feel that I made the right decision, especially after the events that preceeded spring break. I promise I'll write soon, but, until I do, know that I am in better hands now. I have some truly amazing people in my life and a Heavenly Father who loves me so much more than I deserve.

Thank you all for your love and support. I've been reading when I can, so comments will be forthcoming. Facebook me if you so desire.

I missed a day!

2009-03-08T03:50:39Z

Which meands that things have been happening.

Yesterday I went to theory, which was good. I think that telling Dr. Pomeroy about my GTA's tendency to let us out after 15 minutes of class might have had a positive impact. I then did my theory homework with Tim, the student worker who has the great unfortune to be my music writer. Then I helped Jane with her homework, and we decided to go to lunch at Paradise Bakery, where they have the most fabulous soup and sandwiches. I went to piano, choir, and voice lessons as usual. My voice lesson was particularly good this week, which was nice considering I am singing in masterclass on Monday. I went home and worked on some things until my friend Danielle and I went to the required Tucson Young Professionals networking event. It was actually a lot of fun once I got comfortable. I elected not to bring Lara, because she is going to be out a lot this weekend, and I wanted her to rest. So we had some drinks and talked with some people. It was a lot of fun, and I definitely plan on going back next month.

I attended my ATLAS Leadership Day today. I got up really early this morning, because the bus system is rediculous and I didn't want to be late. It isn't safe to cross Speedway with Lara, because the middle island isn't wide enough for her to wait safely, and the light isn't long enough to get all the way across. Consequently, I have to take the bus and then transfer to the bus that takes me to school once I get across Speedway. The first bus only runs once an hour, so I took the early one at 6:50, and waited at Starbucks until the bus I'd need to take came. It was kind of relaxing to just sit and talk to some nice people that I didn't know. The leadership day was ok. I met some interesting people and learned a lot of things that I can apply. It was just kind of long. After the leadership day, I had to meet with my business communications team. We have a presentation on Monday, and our presentation isn't even remotely close to being ready, so that's stressful.

I'm going to go work out and see if I can just get rid of some of the stress from today.

Very good day

2009-03-06T03:02:43Z

Today has been a very nice, productive, and just an all-around good day. I got up, worked out, got ready, almost missed my bus but my driver waited for me, and had a fairly nice time in theory irritating my professor by answering all the questions correctly. Then I had a very amuzing conversation with Jerry and Martha until they had to go to class. The next few hours were spent reading for my business communications class. I joined JP and Lauren for lunch and then read for another hour before tutoring this absolutely fantastic student in nutrition. I actually considered going into dietetics when i was in high school until I found out how much chemistry I would have to take. My team for business communications was supposed to meet after class, but that didn't happen. I really need to find a way to motivate them, but I was invited to happy hour, which seemed like a more amuzing alternative. I had two drinks and a half of a shot of something with the word purple in its name that smelled and tasted like jello. I then switched to water, which was a very wise decision. Lara was such a good girl in the bar; I was very pleased. I'm going to go shower and go to bed. I started my day off with 35 active tasks and ended with 23, so I think I can afford the extra sleep.

Day 4

2009-03-05T04:28:44Z

I should come up with more creative subjects.

Today was one of many test days in the next 2 weeks. I aced my ear training quiz and one of two piano skill checks, (I don't know about the other one), and I'm pretty sure I did well on my management exam.

I elected not to go to the concert tonight, because Matt is pretty sick. He fell and hit his head while I was gone today. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad, but it's still not good at all. I'm trying to keep him in bed and get him feeling better.

I'm attending a leadership day on Saturday, and I'm pretty excited about that. Oh, and I have a networking event on Friday night that I have to go to for business communications. That class is kicking my butt. I'm going to bed.

Day 3

2009-03-04T04:26:30Z

My standing appointment for tutoring canciled on me this morning, so I had basically the whole morning to do the reading I didn't get done this weekend for my management class. I did this and also read an article about a project manager's suicide note via powerpoint for my business communications class. One of his colleagues said, "I couldn't believe Ron swallowed a whole bottle of sleeping pills, but, after watching the powerpoint presentation, I now have a working knowledge of why he did it." A working knowledge? Seriously? What the hell does that mean anyway? Proof that you have worked in the business world for too long, way too long, and you need to get out and connect with humanity more.

I also went to lunch with a couple friends. My friend JP asked me, "How do you spell JP in Braille?" I think he meant write, but I seriously made fun of him for like 5 minutes. I was like, "Um, a J and then a P." Poor kid; everyone thinks he is gay. The rest of the day was spent tutoring a student who didn't understand why we couldn't get her whole assignment done when she hadn't done the reading and attending two classes. I think I am going to a concert with Jerry and Jennifer tomorrow if Matt doesn't want to go out. He's not feeling well, which totally sucks. Ok, off to practice for the piano skill check I have tomorrow.

Rambling

2009-03-02T03:38:38Z

Is this really how I want to live my life? Sometimes I'm so goal-oriented that I lose track of where I was going in the first place. I take pride in what I do, but sometimes, especially as of late, it doesn't seem like it's worth it. I've done homework all weekend; I crossed 11 things off my list, but then I add more to the list to prepare me for the next week. It's like I never get anywhere with what I want to accomplish and the only reward I get is the stupid little grades posting online after the semester is over, after I've practically killed myself to accomplish these earthly goals. I'm just feeling particularly discouraged tonight, and it is so hard to get motivated. I'm burnt out, and I know it. School isn't satisfying to me anymore, and it's taking a toll on me physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially, and, most importantly, spiritually. So what do I do? I've got to find a way to create a life balance and not do so much. Life's not about the finish line anyway. As the saying goes, "You can't take it with you when you go." This isn't to say I won't still be driven and motivated; I'm just beginning to realize that 19 credits is making me a little bit more insane than I prefer.

In March I resolve to...

2009-03-01T22:20:21Z

Blog everyday! Yes, me! Even though it's spring break in 2 weeks, and I'm drowning in homework. My goal for self-improvement is to blog every single day.

So, what's been happening in my life? I attended my grandfather's funeral and learned just how short life is and how precious the time we have with our loved ones is. I have had much more contact with my family and my friends and am so thankful for all of the lessons I learned from Papa. I miss him terribly, and I still tear up every now and then.

In school-related news, I have 2 projects, a presentation, and 5 exams before spring break. My team for management hasn't even started our project, because I couldn't get ahold of them until last Wednesday. *Screams in frustration*
My professor for business communications chose me as team lead even though I missed the interviews for that position, which totally surprised me. I'm currently assisting Dr. Zdechlik, my piano professor, with a committee project on teaching blind students piano. It is proving to be interesting. I didn't think she liked me, but she seems happy to be working with me, probably because I know a lot and I work hard.

Despite my extremely high stress level, this weekend has been pretty good. I've had a productive and relaxing weekend. Matthew is at a goalball tournament, but he'll be home tonight. I think Lara has another ear infection, so a vet visit might be in our near future. I'm going to go study for my administrative ethics midterm, the first in my string of exams. Fun stuff!

Papa

2009-02-10T16:26:34Z

I lost my papa last night. He died of a heart attack. It was so sudden, and I just freaked out. I can't even begin to describe how I feel. I had all four of my grandparents growing up, so I have never had to face death...until now.

I can't believe he is gone.

Papa is my dad's dad, and we were so close when I was growing up. I spent almost every day over at their house during summer vacation. He used to sing this song called "amanda." It's an old country song. We used to ride the three wheeler together until it got dark. He'd always take us to the dollar store and let us pick out whatever cheep toy we wanted. When I got older, he'd never let me leave without putting some money in my hand just in case... He had so many stories to tell about growing up on the farm during the depression and how he broke his arm because his dog drug him down the creek bank...

He was and will always be one of the most amazing people I will ever meet. He was so generous with all that he had, especially to those he loved the most. He lived life to the very fullest. He taught me how to cuss, how to let good-morning-farts (he was the champion), how to spit, how to play horseshoes, how to give and not expect anything back, how to work hard, how to take pride in myself and my family, how to love without measure. He was the toughest old fart I ever met. He built drilling bits for a living, and his hands paid a price. He slammed his "Fanger in something and damn near broke it, but I just taped it up and it was fine, just a bit crooked..." He also chewed tobacco, and when his teeth would become infected, he'd just pull them out with pliers. No joke!

He loved food. He had his cereal when he died. He always had cereal at night, so it doesn't surprise me. The phrase I probably heard the most from him was "Y'ant somethin' to eat? We got steak, prime rib, mashed potatas, gravy, corn, jello, pie, cake..." And they always had that much food. I know I never left their house hungry. Even his cats were well-fed. He fed his cats premium lunch meat, steak, hamburgers, prime rib, pot roast... If you believe in reincarnation, I'd suggest that you come back as my grandparents' cat if you get a choice in the matter.

I know he is watching over me, and that he will always be with me wherever I go and whatever I do. He will always be my hero. I know the Lord wanted him to come home, but that just doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye.

25 random or not so random things about me

2009-02-09T03:39:54Z

I am jumping on this band wagon too.

Ok, here goes nothing.

1. I used to be really quiet when I was little. What happened?

2. I hate mushrooms! Who eats fungus anyway?

3. I listen to country music, and I wanted to be a country singer when I was little. It's my mom's fault. Actually, I listen to lots of kinds of music.

4. I'm annoyed by people who are careless with their grammar and spelling when they write to me.

5. I make necklaces when I'm not busy doing other things.

6. I am very passionate about my chosen fields of study. My deepest desire is to make a difference and do something positive in the lives of those around me.

7. I went skydiving when I was 18, and I really, really want to go again. Anyone else want to go?

8. I was voted teacher's pet in my high school yearbook my senior year.

9. I used to pretend I wasn't sick so that I could still go to school. Yeah, I'm a dork.

10. My favorite food in the whole world is chocolate covered raisins.

11. I hate being cold, which is why I live in the southwest.

12. I love thunderstorms in the summertime.

13. I have the best labrador in the world...most of the time.

14. I am the middle of three girls. My sisters are mistaken for identical twins, and people frequently ask me if I am my aunt's daughter.

15. I love dresses and skirts. I dress like a girlie girl, but...

16. I love being outside hiking, running, swimming...

17. I am probably one of the most stubborn people you will ever meet. I almost always get what I want.

18. I am highly self-critical, and I am always trying to improve myself.

19. I write poetry, but I rarely share it with anyone. I really can't bring myself to reveal my entire heart in sixteen stanzas to the rest of the world...

20. I want to learn to speak German well, but it's not at the top of my list of things I want to do, so it will probably never happen.

21. I am a Christian, and it saddens me that so many people are driven away from God because of the way other Christians have treated them or a group with which they are associated. God taught us to walk in love toward one another; it is God's place to judge other people, not ours.

22. I love Thai food.

23. I really want a tattoo, but I'm not too artistic, so I don't have a design yet. I'm considering a design that has an Easter lily, because that is my favorite flower.

24. I take on a lot, and I am stressed out a lot. I really have gotten very good at hiding how I am really feeling.

25. I believe that life is a precious gift and that we should live every day to its very fullest.

He's bald!

2009-01-16T03:44:20Z

Oh my goodness! My husband decided to shave his head tonight. He looks so funny! I don't know why, and he won't tell me, except to say that he wanted a change. Wait, aren't women supposed to do this crap?

Back to school again

2009-01-14T04:09:25Z

Classes start tomorrow, so how is it that I already have homework to do? But my courses look very interesting. My Organizational behavior class is all about the study of people and their behaviors within groups. My business communications class looks dificult, but might be fun. I like to write, so I hope it won't be too bad. The thing is, they're all about the group work, and I really don't like group work. You always get that one person who doesn't want to do anything and is happy with a C. Ok, enough complaining about group work. There are other, worse things to complain about like my schedule for tomorrow!

5:30: Get up and get ready for school.
7:00: Leave for school
8:00-8:50: Music theory
9:30:10:45: Ethics for the public administrator
12:00-12:50: Piano class
1:00-1:50: Honor choir
3:30-4:45: Organizational behavior
5:00-7:00: Eller cohort orientation
7:30-8:30: Campus Crusade for Christ meeting

I'm really excited about this semester. It should definitely be interesting. Ok, off to get ready for bed. Sleep is very important, especially considering the day ahead of me.

Today's Ramblings

2009-01-11T06:05:54Z

School starts on Wednesday and I seriously can't wait! I am taking 19 credits once again, but they're all either classes for my major or for my music minor. My Family Studies and Human Development (FSHD), classes just drug me down so much last semester, so I waited until the last minute to do anything for them. Consequently, I turned in the worst paper ever for Infancy and Child Development. No, really, it was the worst paper ever written in the history of worst papers. It was on an interview with a parent, and I totally forgot to cite the interview in my bibliography! But my professor still gave me a 97%. How crazy is that? Proof that it pays to be the teacher's favorite. Or maybe I wasn't his favorite.

Where was I going with that? Oh, I'm happy I'm not taking any FSHD classes this semester. Not only because I felt like they were repetitive, but I hated walking across campus to get to the stupid building. The Eller College of Management and music building are a minute apart tops, and I like that. Wow, I'm really lazy! I still have to walk to work though which is like ten minutes away from the buildings my classes are in. Wow, really rambly. Focus, Amanda, focus!

This semester I am taking ethics for the public administrator; health, ethics, and public policy; business communication; organization behavior and management; music theory part B; piano class part B; private voice lessons; and honor choir. Eller has some long freaking course names! It's not as bad as it looks; I promise. Actually, it might be. I'll let you know when I snap back into reality.

In other, nonschool related news, we finally finished the book of Daniel at church tonight. And I am so glad. I've had enough talk of the apocalypse for one year. Pastor Robert says that we are going to spend the whole year studying the book of Romans. My first reaction was, "Really? How? It's so short!! But, given his speed in covering material lately, it will surprise me if we make it through the first chapter in 2009. I'm just kidding. I really love Calvary Chapel
and I have learned so much from Pastor Robert's sermans. He always finds a way to challenge me as a Christian and to encourage me to grow in my relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm really looking forward to our study on Romans. I've always enjoyed Paul's writings, ever since I really started to read the Bible seriously in high school.

Ok, I am really tired, so I am going to go read my chapter in the Purpose-Driven Life and go to bed. Has anyone else read this book?

Update

2008-12-15T05:42:45Z

Tonight I went to the Winter Havan run that happens every December. It's noncompetitive and we stop at every mile and sing Christmas carols. Now, that's my kind of run! I really want to get more involved in running next year.

I've been totally slacking on my homework. I'm really burnt out to be very honest. Taking 19 credits sucks after a while, but I really would like to graduate this century, so guess what! Next semester, I'm taking 19 credits again! I have my statistical inferences for managerial decisions and infancy and child development finals on Tuesday. My music theory final will take place on Thursday with Dr. Pomeroy. This, by the way, is intimidating. I pride myself on my musical abilities and feel that I really must do well in front of him. I also have that horible take-home final for healthcare policies and institutions due on Thursday. Ten pages typed and...I haven't started because I've been doing other things like catching up on all the stats homework that I didn't receive until the last day of class. I had my vocal juries on Thursday, and they went quite well. The only really annoying thing was that one of the vocal facalty carries her dog around in her purse and Lara decided to harmonize with me during my performance. She seriously never whines, except when I really, really don't want her to. I had my piano final on Friday, and that went alright. It could have gone much worse to be sure. I didn't have to take the final in dynamics of family relations, because I had an A. Barely, but I still had an A and that is all that matters.

Tomorrow, I'm going to study for the theory final with Jane. I really hope I can recall all that figured bass crap on Thursday. I'm not very good about performing while I'm being judged. I really must fix that and soon. Tomorrow is going to be a day filled with reading for infancy and child development and finishing up that stats homework which I'm still missing the data for. Um, yeah, really annoying. I just keep reminding myself that it will all be over soon. But then I'll be so bored! I really am never satisfied.

A few days' worth of compliments never hurt anyone

2008-12-10T04:57:04Z

OnFriday night, my friend Clarissa and I went out for Thai food. Mmmm Thai food! It was absolutely dilicious, and I ate too much. When we were nearing the end of our fabulous meal, the waitress came up to our table and said, "When I saw your little doggie, I didn't know about her. But I like her more than most people in here now." I seriously about died laughing. It is the best compliment I have received about Lara thus far. Of course, she was on her best behavior that night.

Yesterday, I was at work and I was tutoring a student who was very discouraged about his/her grades and about taking the weather and climate final I was helping the student study for. The person even tried to leave early, but I convinced the student to stay and continue studying with me. Near the session's end, the student was smiling and saying things like, "Wow! I really know this stuff better than I thought. I'm gonna do really good on the test." I agreed, because it wasn't an English test. Otherwise, I would have corrected the incorrect use of an adjective in place of an adverb. It was just such a good feeling to know that I was able not only to help with the material but to help with confidence as well. Maybe this is why some of you want to be teachers?

Today, we had this crazy theory review on part writing. I'm pretty good at it, but some of the things he was doing were totally confusing me. He doubled the third and you aren't supposed to do that! I guess when you have your DMA, you can do whatever the heck you want. Actually, it was an exception to the rule that I didn't know about. I blame our horibly written textbook. I thought I was being obnoxious, because I kept giving him the answers and asking him why he wasn't doing something different. He was still smiling though. Anyway, some guy added me on Facebook with the Message, "You made our last theory lecture fantastic! Thank you for your wonderful laugh!:.)" It totally made my day!

My Pac Mate has been having some software issues as of late. We had a presentation in Healthcare Policies and Institutions tonight, and the display totally freaked out. I had to totally reset, and it was mortifying! While I was fixing the translation settings, this girl's cell rang really loudly. She was just as mortified as I was and appologized. I was like, "It's ok. It distracts from my problems." The class cracked up, and the show went on. After class, my professor came up to me and said, "You have class kid. Let me know if you need a letter of recommendation." This is the professor who let me reschedule my exam after I walked out in September. I told her how much I loved her class, and she said, "Register for my class next semester." I told her I already had and that she wasn't getting rid of me that quickly. It was really my favorite class this semester. That, and music theory. And I have both next semester!

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T17:02:06Z

I woke up this morning and realized that God sent this day to me so that I may be productive and make a dent in the looming pile of school work I must complete before the close of the semester. I really want to get the majority of it done before I leave next Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to the time I have in Utah and really wish it was longer. But I'm so excited to be able to be productive today, because I've been needing a day off from classes in the middle of the week in order to catch up. Ok, off to work on a bunch of stuff, namely, my stats homework and the paper from hell in HCPI.

Just do it

2008-11-09T16:43:04Z

I'm procrastinating on the massive research paper that's due in healthcare policies and institutions next Tuesday. I guess it's not really massive; just 8-10 pages. But I really wanted to get at least the outline done this weekend so I just have to write the damned thing. I just can't seem to get motivated. I have Tuesday off, because it's Veteran's day, so I feel like I have plenty of time. Essentially, my tendency to procrastinate is driving me nuts, which is why my subject is the Nike slogan: "Just do it." I'll feel so much better knowing that at least I know what direction I'm going in when I sit down to write on Tuesday morning. Ok, off to read articles on the Medicare Part D legislation, which is one of the most inefficient uses of tax dollars! I'll tell you about that later.

Biochemistry?

2008-11-08T01:38:45Z

I took this from sopaltenbass

572 Biochemistry
Amanda's Dewey Decimal Section:
572 Biochemistry
Amanda = 131441 = 131+441 = 572

Class:
500 Science

Contains:
Math, astronomy, prehistoric life, plants and animals.

What it says about you:
You are fascinated by the world around you, and see it as a puzzle worth exploring. You try to understand how things work and how you can make them better. You might be a nerd.
Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

Um, I should've failed chemistry in high school. As it was, I was Mr. Olsen's favorite and he recommended me for some science award, which, surprisingly enough, I won. But they did get one thing right, I just might be a nerd. Shall we take a vote?

The controversial survey

2008-10-06T23:11:54Z

[01] Do you have the guts to answer these questions and re-post as The Controversial Survey?
What a stupid question! If I'm filling it out, I obviously do.
[02] Would you do meth if it was legalized? No, this is possibly the worst habit a person could have.
[03] Abortion: for or against it? I can't judge those who have had abortions, but I could never live with myself if I ever had one.
[04] Do you think the world would fail with a female president? No
[05] Do you believe in the death penalty?
It really depends on the crime. The Bible says "An eye for an eye..." But you can never replace a child's innocence. If you want your convictions shaken on this subject read both The Chamber and A Time to Kill both by John Grisham. You won't be able to decide either.
[06] Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already? Probably not. But it's less scary than alcohol in some cases.
[07] Are you for or against premarital sex?
For me, against. I'll do it right next time and honor God with my marriage.
[08] Do you believe in G-d?
G-D? What is that? A new STD like VD? Oh, wait, you're scared to say GOD!!! Oh, yes, I believe in God!
[09] Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?
This is so hard, because I feel like I cannot deny the liberties I enjoy to those who have a different sexuality than I do. So I guess I do.
[10] Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA?
I think that the conditions those people live in are horible and that they deserve a new start. I believe our immigration laws need to be altered to allow some more to come to this country, and we should also make more of an effort to support improvements made in their countries.
[11] A twelve year old girl has a baby, should she keep it?
That's not my decision. But how can you allow a child raise a child? How is that fair, especially if she was impregnanated by force like by rape?
[12] Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?
At the same time that the driving age is being raise to 18 in some states? Yes, let's give both of those liberties on the same day and see what happens! No, I do not believe the drinking age should be lowered.
[13] Should the war in Iraq be called off?
I think we should be withdrawing troops at a faster rate than we are doing at the moment.
[14] Assisted suicide is illegal: do you agree?
I don't know. I remember the Terri Sheivo case a few years ago and I can't see how allowing someone to suffer for 14 days is right. They pulled the tubes and it took her two weeks to die through starvation!
[15] Do you believe in spanking your children?
My parents spanked me when I was really bad, and I turned out just fine. But it shouldn't be a regular form of discipline.
[16] Would you burn an American flag for a million dollars?
Probably not.
[17] Who do you think would make a better president? McCain or Obama?
Both are politicians and, therefore, dishonest by definition. I'm not really sure.
[18] Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
"Judge not that you may be judged."

amandajc13 @ 2008-09-28T08:14:00

2008-09-28T16:24:09Z

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I decided to take 19 credits this semester. My elevated stress level probably has something to do with the fact that I haven't received some of my books until the night before the test. I'm falling more and more behind. I have a music theory test potentially tomorrow and an essay exam in health care policies and institutions on Tuesday. So I've been catching up on reading and homework this weekend. I only have eight chapters left to read, three theory workbook assignments, and three stats assignments to finish by yesterday. Ha!

But I got my tutoring job I applied for last month. I'm really debating dropping a class. I don't know that it's wise for me to take on so much right now. I'm so focused on my classes that I don't have time to devote to other things that I really feel I should be focusing on like my growth and fellowship with other Christians, development of my leadership skills, and being able to spend time with my friends and family. So I'm really struggling with that right now, because I don't want a W on my transcripts when I start applying for scholarships this spring.

Ok, Pastor Robert is talking. I'm going to church online today, because we had to go to dinner with Michelle last night, so I missed the Saturday night service.

Tidbits

2008-09-23T01:18:09Z

Yes, an update of sorts. If you haven't guessed, I've been crazy busy.

I'm loving most of my classes. I'm a bit behind in theory due to an issue with my book and accommodations, but I've done the assignments. It's simply a matter of turning them in. We had our first honor choir concert last night, and I think we did quite well. I took my first exam of the semester for statistical inferences for managerial decisions, commonly referred to as stats. I'm pretty sure I aced it. I have my first exam in piano class on Wednesday and Friday. I'm kinda stressing out about that class. I've been keeping up OK, but it's just annoying not to have all the materials I need to be the best in the class. I'm always the best, and to be held back is obnoxious. Ha

I also have my second voice lesson with Greg on Wednesday. He's so cool. He's not afraid to challenge me and really make me work and get better. In a lot of ways, he's like Mackenzie and Cheryl. I really like the technique he teaches.

I've officially applied for professional admission into the Eller College of Management. My advisor said that with my GPA and resume, I'd have to go in and cuss out the interviewers not to get in. So I'm not even stressed about the interview, which I have on October 2.

I am, however, stressed out about the amount of reading I have to get through before Thursday when I have both of my exams for FSHD.

Is this boring anyone? Sorry about that. I'll go do something productive like look up information on the companies I plan to speak with at the career fair tomorrow! Does anyone envy my schedule? I absolutely love it.

A school related update

2008-09-05T04:33:09Z

Have another list:

1. I have no book for statistics and we have already been assigned three assignments and three chapters of reading.
2. I have no theory book, and I have been assigned 2 assignments and four chapters to read.
3. I started the day with 11 tasks on my list and ended up with 30. Someone please explain this!
4. I left for school at 7:00 this morning and got home at 7:30 tonight.
5. Being in the honors sections for FSHD classes is pretty much a joke, but it's easy and I get honors credit! Go me!
6. My professional admissions packet is due in less than three weeks and the system to apply is completely inaccessible with a screen reader.
7. I have the most stubborn labrador ever born! And I love her!
8. I absolutely love my health policies and institutions class. Good thing, because I really hate being at school until 7:30. My professor totally makes it worth my while. Lara does not share my sentaments.
9? I can't count.
10. It's bedtime!

Taking Back Sunday

2008-08-17T19:45:13Z

I was up until very late last night for absolutely no reason at all. It was very annoying. Lara was very nice about letting me sleep until 7:30 before politely asking to be fed and relieved. Matthew is gone to a goalball tournament until tonight, so we have the house to ourselves. Lara's birthday was yesterday; she is now three-years-old. We celebrated with an extra large dog bone and by running around my lovely new spacious apartment. Lara has adjusted to the various changes in her life extremely well. As we snuggled on the bed last night, I thought about all the things we've been through and all the successes we've had and lessons we have learned as a team. Our bond is a special one and is growing stronger each and every day.

Wow! Tangent!

Anyway, despite the fact that I did not get my desired amount of sleep, I am determined to make this day as productive and successful as I can. I am going to complete my application for the tutoring position, so I can turn it in tomorrow when I am on campus getting my books. I am also going to reinstall all of the other programs I have not yet installed back on my computer after Matthew wiped the harddrive for me when I was gone. Then, I'm going to set up my keyboard and play!

I really can't wait until I have something more to amuze myself with than the installation of software. It really is boring and does not make me feel very accomplished.

Bruiser

2008-07-13T04:12:26Z

Michelle just recently got a new dog. He's little, cute, and annoying, very annoying. He wouldn't annoy me at all if he wasn't always trying to picka fight with Lara. She's very good though; she never responds to him unless he bites her. She's also learning to play with him. He just jumps on her a lot, and she doesn't like dogs in her face. Lara was bit by a golden retriever in the kennels at the Seeing Eye. Obviously, the golden was rejected from the program. Anyway, Bruiser is very aggressive and tries to take Lara's toys all the time.

And he just took a big old crap right in the middle of the floor. Gross!

Anyway, Bruiser was named after the dog in Legally Blonde. He's a min-pin chihuahua mix, or, at least we think that's what he is. He was a stray adopted from the Humane Society. I'm glad Michelle got a dog. It's been very good for Jodi. Jodi left for Montanna yesterday. She'll be visiting her grandma for a month, which is always good for Jodi. She always finds things to do there, and Grandma always gets Jodi to lose a little bit of weight. I sincerely hope that something is found to occupy Jodi's time once she returns to Tucson. I think I'll do some research on day programs for the mentally disabled and send the list to Michelle and Jamie before I leave.

Ok, off to my movie date.

My summer goals

2008-07-13T00:03:35Z

I've come to the conclusion that it's time to refocus on my summer goals. I admit business math was as dificult as I anticipated it would be and I didn't plan accordingly. But I'm back on track and I'm going to get things done.

As far as the job thing goes, I'm going to focus my efforts on finding a part time, paid position, preferably on or near campus for the fall. I hope to have all the applications for the positions that have opened up thus far filled out before I leave for Moab.

I haven't been working as hard on learning braille music as I should be. I plan to take the rest of part one with me to Moab and hope to finish it and to work on the piano excersises while I'm there. Voice lessons are fantastic. I really enjoy working with Mackenzie, and she's so easy to get along with. She reminds me of Cheryl a lot. I really feel prepared for voice lessons and choir tryouts in the fall.

I failed miserably at finding a piano teacher for this summer. I'm not confident that I will be prepared for my piano class in the fall. But I've been playing a bit, and I'm improving, slowly, very slowly. Being a skilled pianist is one of those things I've always pictured when I look at the skills I'd like to have if I were to design my future self. Random, yes, I know, but I'd really like to at least be able to accompany myself singing some songs.

As far as my religious and spiritual goals go, I have not made any progress. I'm definitely not going to miss church in Moab. Plus, I have a perfect opportunity to begin reading the Purpose-Driven Life tonight, and to attend church online tomorrow morning.

I also need to recommit myself to my weight routine. I've been running at night, and that definitely helps, but I want to feel fit and fabulous. I know I'm pretty, but I'd really like to feel sexy as well. Maybe I'll take that $50 Granny gave me and buy myself a new dress and heels. Spoiled! Or perhaps I'll put it away like a good little child. Boring!

I'm off to find a job!