VA or Bust

Internship

2010-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

I began my internship and part of that was a trip to Culpeper in northern Virginia to attend a forum on education funding. It was a good experience and it resulted in an article!

I'll be focusing on the senator and delegate from the Culpeper area for the Culpeper Star-Exponent. Virginia General Assembly here I come!

Christmas Break

2009-12-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great! We had our annual traditions of decorating the tree, handing out Christmas goodies, eating lots of awesome food and opening special Christmas pjs. Everyone got some awesome gifts and now we get to sit around, eat goodies and do a whole lot of nothing.

I love Christmas!

See photos from my trip so far here.

Me on TV again, kinda

2009-12-18T01:34:00.000-08:00

I just found video of a panel discussion I participated in about activist alumnus Adnan Hajizada. The entire discussion was excellent and is worth watching. My part starts at 12:30 minutes -ish and I answer questions at the end.

Is it wrong that I'm proud of myself for this?

Blue Christmas Service puts me on PBS

2009-12-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of playing guitar and singing for the University of Richmond Chaplaincy's Blue Christmas service that gives people a chance to mourn during the season that is suppose to be all about family and merriment. The PBS show Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly was there and they featured the service in a segment on Dec. 11.

I'm the one playing the guitar.

The End is Near

2009-12-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

And now, the end is near and so I face the final bidding...

The semester is almost over! Tomorrow will be my last day on campus before I head to St. Louis for a few days and then home. I will be writing a paper until Dec. 15, but such is life. I finished my Spanish final in 45 minutes today (Woohoo!) and am now waiting around in the library for a dinner at a professor's house.

Since my last post about posting (which I have epically failed at) a little bit has happened.

Halloween was awesome! View pictures here. Chicken. Suit.

Josh came to visit and we had a great time at Homecoming. There was a reception for CSF alumni, a football game (that we lost, boo) and a lot of good lounging and relaxing time.

And, of course, Thanksgiving! Grandmama and I went over to Uncle Sandy and Aunt Gibby's house and had a great time hanging out with family. They are some pretty awesome people and I'm so glad I get the chance to get to know all the East Coasters. Although, I seriously miss going to Arizona and seeing all of my family there. All the cousins are turning into people. Not allowed!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving my maternal side of the family had a Christmas Party/Family Reunion. This year was great again. We have lots of little babies and kids and a soon-to-be addition, my cousin Will's fiance. Congratulations! I guess this officially puts me next in line. Did you hear that, Josh? No pressure or anything.

I also performed at our on-campus sports bar/restaurant as part of a jazz concert and it was awesome! I felt a lot more comfortable this time and I look forward to other chanced to perform.

There have been more Christmas celebrations, including the CSF Christmas Party. Viewed here. There was so much great food, people and presents! Everyone needs a plastic stegosaurus that sharpens pencils and walks. Duh.

And now, I sit and wait and try to find time to do laundry and pack between dinners, babysitting, paper writing and a few parties, all before Wednesday! I don't think I'll be sleeping much until I get back to San Diego on the 14th. Vacation, here I come!

Be prepared for more posts, if I can remember, about the whole, you know, graduating and future thing. Maybe.

Halloween in the 21st Century

2009-10-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

You know you live in the 21st century when:

Drop the Halloween mask! It might scare someone.

If only I could get quotes like this one for every story and put it in a paper that the entire world reads...

“I’m not sure what is driving this memo,” Mr. Bishoff said. “But perhaps it is reaction to years past. Sometimes kids will have those ‘Scream’ masks, but usually not too blood and gutsy. I mean, can’t parents have discretion? The fact is, if parents are too stupid to not send kids to school with hockey masks as Jason, they are probably too stupid to read this memo.”

Excuses, excuses, excuses

2009-10-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Wow. I just looked at this and the last time I posted something was on July something.

Sorry about that...

It's made me think about why I haven't posted and there are the obvious reasons such as being busy, blah blah blah. But I think the main reason is that my life is so routine and not much exciting has happened since school started back up. I have the same schedule for the most part every week and nothing huge has happened in my social life. My dad did get a job, which is awesome.

But all of this is about to change because I am graduating from college in seven months. Ah! So I will do my best to keep everyone updated. And if I don't post pictures from Halloween then I should be severely punished. I have two words for you: Giant. Chicken.

Oh ya.

Collegian has been going well. You can check it all out at www.URCollegian.com and if you search my name all of the articles I have ever written will show up including my weekly news column. And check out this weeks front page. Elizabeth Ygartua, who is our design editor drew the main graphic and it is amazing. I am quite proud of her and this front page.

Now I have to get ready for AXIS, our annual fall conference for Christian Student Fellowship where I will reveal the chicken suit on Saturday. Be ready people.

Weddings, Weddings, Weddings

2009-07-27T12:06:00.001-07:00

So many weddings!

Saturday my friends Nick and Kayla, now Mr. and Mrs. Burt, got married! It was a nice ceremony and Kayla looked gorgeous. Alicia even cried as Kayla walked down the aisle to the song from The Holiday. *sigh*

The food at the reception was delicious and even though the sound system wasn't working correctly, the dances were beautiful.

Congratulations Nick and Kayla!

And in less than a week I will be flying to San Fransisco to get ready for Kimi's wedding on August 8.

You people are making me feel old.

The Burts' first dance

The kiddos hanging out at the reception. From left, Alex Rice, Cierra Kierstead (I know I spelled that wrong), Alicia Bosse, me, Christian Turner

All of my pictures can be found here.

The Rev. Kocher Chosen as Chaplain

2009-07-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

We have a new chaplain!

Kocher to be university's next chaplain

I was working on the story on Adnan Hajizada yesterday when I got a call: "They picked a chaplain." And we're off!

I called Rev. Kocher and he called me back not long after that. We were sent a press release and about 10 minutes later President Ayers sent out an e-mail. We were scooped! But it's OK. We had the interview with Kocher and the VERY large, spiffy picture on the homepage.

On a personal, opinion-section note, I am very pleased with the decision. As you know, I had a chance to interview both candidates and their colleagues and I felt Kocher would be an excellent fit at Richmond. He seems to connect with students. He has quite a trial in front of him, since this will be his first time serving as the chaplain, but I think Richmond and Rev. Kocher will benefit from this appointment.

Exclusive Interview with Hajizada's Girlfriend; Judge Rejects Appeal

2009-07-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Updated stories on Adnan Hajizada, arrested on charges of hooliganism in his native Azerbaijan, where he is a political activist.

Professors sign letter supporting Hajizada as pretrial hearing delayed to July 20

Girlfriend says injuries untreated as judge rejects detention appeal

Dan Petty and I worked on the story last night, with me sending him what I had at about 1:30 a.m. California time (he's in Denver). Then I got a text message saying Hajizada's girlfriend had sent him a very long message right about then. Apparently Dan stayed up until about 5 a.m. to finish and post this story. Go Dan! You are good at what you do.

Hajizada's Acitivism Began at Richmond, father says

2009-07-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have an updated story on Adnan Hajizada.

I had the opportunity to interview his father, Hikmet Hajizada, for this story. It was difficult because the call was dropped about three times and my voice was echoing in my ear, but it was an amazing experience.

The story has been picked up by U-Wire, the Associated Press for college newspapers, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the blog Near West End News.

UR Alum Turned Activist Arrested

2009-07-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

A University of Richmond alumnus was arrested in Azerbaijan possibly for speaking out against the government. Story HERE.

I got a text message last night at 11:30 about this story and have been working on it since, with a few hours of sleep in between. It's pretty exciting and we will continue to update it.

And my body hates me more than I thought it would. It was just one kickboxing class and one spin class. I'm sorry!

Oh, and I got another tattoo. I will put up pictures when it's healed and looks prettier.

The Search for a New Chaplain

2009-07-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Collegian has been covering the University of Richmond's search for a new chaplain. It has been great to be able to interview the candidates and their colleagues, even though I cannot be in Richmond. The Chaplaincy is hoping to have video up of the forums that were held with each candidate.

So here they are so far. There's one more article to go.

In forum, finalist for chaplain says he would welcome, support all in community

Experience of past exclusion drives chaplain finalist’s desire for inclusive campus

For Kocher, chaplaincy should gracefully engage questions of difference

Core

2009-06-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

It will be interesting to see the student reaction to this (article by me), if there even is one.

Vanity Fair

2009-06-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Why They Hate Us

An article from Vanity Fair about why people seem to hate the media and how valid those arguments are. The comments are my favorite part. Especially those who make the complaints the author addresses.

Aid to the Rescue!

2009-06-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

I was notified today that I will receive enough aid from the University of Richmond that I will only owe them about $750 for my entire senior year. Woohoo! Richmond may have a high price tag (estimated cost of attendance for next year is over $50,000) but they give 100% blind need-based aid and it is awesome.

Thank you Richmond and your extravagant endowment!

Guantanamo

2009-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

This puts a little fact and perspective on the closing of Guantanamo. We'll have to wait and see what happens to those who are convicted for acts of terrorism and where they end up.

Politics. At least it's interesting

2009-06-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

State Senator Beats McAuliffe in Va. Primary

To be honest, I hadn't been paying much attention to this election. Call it election burn out or just plain apathy, either way this will make for an interesting General Assembly session next year. After reporting on the last session, I have learned a few things about what will be presented at the next session and if Deeds becomes governor, a lot of things are going to change in Va., especially when it comes to gun laws and the death penalty. Both very interesting topics that people love to read about.

Now that I know a little bit more about politics, it's more interesting and I don't despise it as much. Notice I said, "as much."

Journalists Sentenced to 12 Years Hard Labor in North Korea

2009-06-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Two Paths, Same Fate for Reporters Facing Prison

If you've ever watched Oprah or various other news shows, you know who Lisa Ling is. One of the captured woman is her younger sister.

It's a dangerous time to be a journalist in many countries. I think I'll stick to print.

Delilah and the Snake

2009-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Delilah came in to the house after her morning romp and seemed to be limping a bit. After a few days she seemed to be getting stiffer and stiffer and was not getting up on her own to eat. It looked like her back legs were giving her a lot of problems so we took her to a new vet.

While the vet was examining her, the vet technician found a red spot on Delilah's skin so they shaved the area and found out she had been bitten by a poisonous snake, probably a Copperhead, on her right shoulder. The vet also said that the hind paralysis was most likely due to a tick-borne disease. They kept her overnight to give her IV fluids and sent her blood to a lab for tests. They started her on antibiotics and pain medication.

The next day we were able to go pick her up and she seemed a little peppier. Since then we have been giving her the antibiotics and pain meds and a Pepcid twice a day and she seems to have most of her old energy back and is not having any problems getting up or down or walking.

Now the only problem is that we have to keep her locked up and out of trouble for another week and a half. Anyone who has met Delilah will tell you that that is nearly impossible. Now every time she wants to go outside we get the leash and walk around, which doesn't exactly make her happy, but she will get over it.

I am just glad that she is OK and getting back to her old self. She was pretty pitiful those first few days.

We still don't know if she has/had a tick-borne disease because the vet said the tests showed she had a little bit of all three and nothing was definitive. So we're just giving her the drugs and taking her back for a check up on Tuesday.

My baby is OK!

Really?!

2009-06-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

A Blagojevich Tries Reality TV

Are you serious? Really? Really?!

Some people are nuts. If I were this woman's child, I would change my name.

For the Moments I Feel Faint

2009-05-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Unbelievably I have been doing a lot of working so far this summer. I am working at The Blue Heron restaurant again in Charles City, I'm still working for the church and babysitting every now and then and lately I've been helping a lady from church with her immense gardens.

The Blue Heron has been great. It was ridiculously busy on Saturday night and I was a little overwhelmed but there may be someone who is going to help me hostess, which would be awesome.

Gardening has also been great and pretty uneventful, except for my first day. Judy and I had weeded and mulched and planted and were watering when I started feeling a little dizzy. I walked toward the golf cart (because apparently golf carts are the only way to garden) and I remember reaching for the side. The next thing I remember is feeling asleep but there was a lot of noise and weird lights. Then I was sitting on the ground, looking over at Judy.

A combination of a lot of direct sun, little food and no water made me faint. But after I threw up I felt fine and have felt fine since. I think I scared Judy a little bit but once she saw I was OK, she seemed OK. Since then I've been wearing a hat, making sure I eat a good meal before going over and carrying around a water bottle.

I've realized that I really do like gardening and working outside. I hope the place I live after college has enough space for me to at least have some flowers and maybe an herb garden, because the other thing I've realized over the summer is that I love to cook.

I was in charge of my cousin Curry one night last week when both of his parents were gone and Grandmama had a dinner to take lots of cakes to. I decided to do some cooking with the rosemary Judy had given me and it was good times. I found a recipe from Rachael Ray for Balsamic and Rosemary Chicken. Good times. Grandmama also gets Taste of Home magazine and has some awesome recipes that I am so ready to try.

Curry and I also played some Battleship. I won.

At church last Sunday we honored our graduates and Majeed, an exchange student from Bahrain who stayed with one of the families from church for the past year and is getting ready to leave next week. We gave the graduates new Bibles that everyone then signed or underlined, etc. We did that for our seniors at CSF (Christian Student Fellowship at UR) and I thought it was a good idea to steal. They were all guys. One is leaving for the Marine Reserves in July, another the Coast Guard in October and the last is working on his step dad's farm. They're good guys whom we are going to miss.

Majeed and Adam

And then there are always cute pictures of the dog.

She likes to stay in the car after a car ride. I know. Weird.

This is how we spend our afternoons.

It's either naps or blogging.

Work

2009-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Even thought I don't technically have a full-time, salaried job, the money keeps coming. I started working at the Blue Restaurant again two weeks ago and worked again last night. I've been babysitting rather consistently even thought I babysit for a professor and school is out and I just got a job maintaining a garden for a couple who will be in Europe for a month. Yeah!

Now the only thing I have to do is try and find something while I'm back in California for about six weeks. That should be fun. Or not.

Commencement

2009-05-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

The University of Richmond had it's 179th Commencement yesterday. It was a great ceremony that amazingly only took two hours. Of course, there were a lot of things that went on before that such as the Baccalaureate service, a fancy lunch in D-hall and lots of waiting around for the ceremony to actually get started. Josh did a reading at the Baccalaureate service of 1 Corinthians 13 and did so well. He sounded very pastoral. Josh's family was here so I walked around and hung out with them. We had a good time.

And now they're gone and Josh and I begin a long-distance relationship, which kind of sucks but I think we'll be OK. At least we have cell phones, e-mail and Facebook!

Josh and I also went to the first wedding of the summer on Friday. Our friends Brittany and Patrick were married at a small church that her dad pastors. It was a very nice ceremony, including when they gave everyone there communion and I dropped my bread in the juice goblet. Brittany and I will soon be able to commiserate together because Patrick leaves for Army reserve boot camp in about a month. At least we'll have each other.

Now there are only two weddings and two graduations left for the summer. Until then, I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing with a little babysitting, working at the Blue Heron and organizing a mission trip thrown in there.

DONE!

2009-05-01T20:50:00.001-07:00

I just turned in the last assignment of my junior year of college.

YES!

You know what this means, don't you? I might actually blog!

BlackBerry

2009-03-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

I got a BlackBerry for my 21st birthday! In fact, I am using it right now to post this. Its a little complicated but I'm slowly figuring it out.

Thanks Mommy and Daddy!

...

2009-03-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

Huh?

News Editor

2009-03-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

You are now reading the words of The Collegian's newest News Editor! I have been hired as the head of the news section for next year's staff. We have one more edition with the old staff that will be a kind of training on March 26 and then it's on with the new. As News Editor I will be designing the front page, assigning stories to certain pages and making sure the section is up to snuff each week. I plan on making some design changes as well as being very active in how the section looks and is run. I will always be writing stories, but not officially on a schedule. It should be good times and I'm excited about getting the chance to turn this position into what works best for me.

Press Pass

2009-02-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

This was so incredible! One of my professors sent me to the Capitol to do a story on the Senate commendation of a boy who won the world championship in soap box derby racing. It was a feel-good, cute human interest story and seemed pretty interesting. My friend and classmate, Jacki Raithel, also came to take video.

When we got to the Capitol, we met up with Sen. Houck's (who did the commendation) aide. Then we found out that we were going to sit at the press table in the Senate chamber. It was so awesome! I felt very official and like a real journalist.

Books

2009-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Now that mid terms are over and I have a lazy Saturday with minimal homework, it's time to talk about books. I've been listening to several books on tape/CD and have enjoyed them. Now I just need to find some of my required books for school... Life would be so much easier.

I started with Jeff Shaara's books. I had read some before and enjoyed them so I found some cheap on Half.com (which I now love, by the way). One was from WWII, the next WWI and the last, the Revolutionary War (or apparently as my British friend informed me, the War of Independence.) All were good and I learned a lot about WWI, especially since I don't remember learning much about it. But my favorite was Rise to Rebellion, about the Revolutionary War. I also did not know/remember a lot of the details about how the war began, how politics and government worked then, or how the war was officially won. Benjamin Franklin was a hilarious character that I appreciate much more now.

I also listened to Bob Woodward's The War Within. It was an interesting look at another war I don't know much about and yet know at least three people who have or will be fighting in it. I appreciated Woodwards look into the White House and all of the details. He interviewed several people for the book and wrote it as a very long news article. Of course, his rather liberal slant was there but it was obvious and did not change some of the facts. It's good to know these things since I will be affected by them.

And then there was Twilight... I got the CDs from the kids I teach guitar too and decided I would give it a try. It was very entertaining, but more in a comical, this-is-outrageous-and-would-never-happen kind of way. It was not entertaining in the sense that it was good literature. No offense to Stephenie Meyer, even though she does spell her name funny. But the book kept me interested and awake while driving home at ridiculous hours, which is a very big reason why I listen to books in the car. So it accomplished its purpose. I also have the second and third books if I want to listen to them, which I am considering but haven't decided on yet. I will not, however, listen to the fourth and last book because apparently it is extremely violent and I am not OK with that being marketed to little girls.

Anyway, books are good times. Currently I am listening to Holes. It's nice and short and cute. I need some more audio books but have yet to find something I want to read... Any suggestions? All I require is that it be available somewhere in audio form.

Hugh Jackman sings?...AND dances???

2009-02-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

I loved the Oscars last night. First off, Hugh Jackman did an amazing musical number that was hilarious because it poked fun at Hollywood while revealing, to those of us who know Jackman as Wolverine, that he is a musical kind of guy.

I also loved the set up. Having past winners gush about how awesome and amazing and talented and everything else the nominees were, made it more entertaining and insightful instead of lame musical performances by people I would rather not listen to (*cough* The Grammys *cough*).

I regret to say that the only movies I have seen that were nominated were Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda (both were awesome) but when you're a starving college student spending every moment working, eating or sleeping, movies are not high on the list of priorities. So, I signed up for NetFlix. Now I can catch up at my own leisure while spending much less than I would renting them from a store or, shocker, seeing them in the theater. So far I've received, watched and sent back Nights in Rodanthe. The book it's based on by Nicholas Sparks is amazing and what started me on Sparks. The movie...maybe three stars. It was extremely predictable and did not follow the book at all. It was good in a Lifetime, make you cry, girl movie kind of way. Sorry Josh...

And I've been doing a whole lot of reading/listening that I will inform you about later. But don't hold your breath...

Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had an awesome Valentine's Day. One of the Christian groups on campus that Josh is in, Intervarsity, hosts a dinner for the girls that is run and staffed by the guys. Josh was the head chef so I obviously went. The food was great and then there was a lot of fun dancing. We listened to some classic 90s music that always brings back good memories of middle school...The only good memories of middle school.

After the IV dinner Josh gave me a dozen red roses and a box of hand-picked Godivas. As Grandmama told me this morning, I'm training him well.

Ashlee, Elizabeth and I

Elizabeth having a good time on the dance floor

Just an awesome picture I took of some girls dancing. I love my camera...I need to use it more often

Josh's I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-this-song face

It was a good night.

Collegian

2009-02-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

So this was an interesting article I wrote this week. And, of course, today was the day that 400 prospective students and their families came to campus...

And also this one! Another great intro to those visiting us for the first time.

Rince Dance 2009

2009-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

The University of Richmond has an annual tradition of having a Ring Dance, or junior prom, where all of the junior girls wear white dresses, get walked down the big fancy stairs that inspired the staircase in Gone With the Wind while being escorted by their fathers or dates and are handed their class rings. It was a great time that involved Mommy, Daddy, Grandmama, Josh, Elizabeth and a whole lot of white dresses. And then, of course, a lot of alcohol and drunk dancers.

There was also an incident that involved a smashed glass on the dance floor and the back of my foot. There was blood but some alcohol wipes and band aides made it all better. We still left early, about 11:30 p.m., because the dance floors were packed with a lot of drunk people, who are difficult to dance with.

But anyway...Pictures!
Trying on my dress before it was hemmed (by Grandmama)

Elizabeth kissing her Daddy at the bottom of the stairs

Daddy and I getting my ring at the bottom of the stairs

Elizabeth and I waiting to make a giant "W" with the rest of the girls

My family!

Josh and I afterward
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Elizabeth and I. See looked gorgeous!

We did have a great time and I am so glad I was able to experience it. Now I just have to find another excuse to wear that dress...

Published again

2009-02-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

Yeah!

WPCVA published my article on their Web site. Yeah!

This is getting better and better.

Published!

2009-01-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

Outside The Collegian!

This is a little late but whatever...

For my Public Affairs class this semester I am a staff writer for the Capital News Service, which reports on the General Assembly in Virginia. I wrote an article about the budget problems and how it will affect schools in a small town called Culpepper and it make it into their paper. I don't have a hard copy yet but it's online here.

Hopefully there will be a lot of this going on this semester.

First Day of School

2009-01-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

As I was thinking of a title for this post I thought of little Nemo jumping on his father, shouting, "First day of school! First day of school!"

Because this has been my first week of school and it deserves some enthusiasm. While I've been late two classes because of my own mistakes, they have gone well. On Monday I began with Digital News, which should prove extremely helpful in the new age of journalism with this whole internet thing. Later that day I was able to see my little Avery again and she is so big! No more baby face and she's a crawling machine and has decided to lift herself up on anything she can, even though she hasn't really figured out how to get down yet.

Tuesday I began with a late start to Public Affairs but my professor didn't seem to mind too much. That class is going to be extremely beneficial because I am now a staff writer for the Capital News Service, which is run by VCU and reports on the Virginia General Assmebly for all kinds of small newspapers throughout Virginia. I'm going to be published in something other than the school paper. Yeah!

Later on Tuesdays I'm suppose to have history but my professor's baby decided to be born later than expected so he canceled class for this week and we'll start next Tuesday. I'm OK with that.

Wednesday I had Digital News again but was late because I thought class started at 9:45 a.m. when it in fact started at 9:20 a.m. Oops... Then there was more babysitting.

Today I didn't have any classes because Public Affairs only meets on Tuesday and history is canceled so I worked vigorously on trying to get a hold of a senator, which proved to be impossible so the story proceeded without him. Oh darn. I hope that one ends up in a paper somewhere so I can send you a link!

Then there was Chick-Fil-A with CSF, which a LOT of people showed up, then finishing the article and now driving back to Grandmama's. Tomorrow I only have one class and then I can hide indoors because it's suppose to be a low of 6 degrees...

On the road again

2009-01-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Josh and I have made it to Louisville, KY and will be in Richmond by tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. Now it's time to get some sleep and get ready for a very long drive tomorrow.

I'll post about my trip to St. Louis as soon as I can, hopefully sometime in the middle of next week. School starts on Monday so we'll see... =D

Josh sees all things San Diego

2009-01-05T19:17:00.001-08:00

Well, kinda...

Josh and I just arrived in St. Louis, MO after he spent a week visited my family and I in Escondido. We had a great time hanging out with family, seeing some sites and celebrating New Years. I shall tell the story with some pictures.

We played some Super Munchkin with Sasha after eating Alberto's. Super Munchkin is a card game where the goal is to gain 10 levels by fighting monsters and making sure everyone else loses their fights. It's good times. Sasha had a tendency to try and sneak a peek at Josh's cards.

I showed Josh the Pacific Ocean at Oceanside Harbor and he chased the seagulls, after a little prompting from me... : )

I took Josh to eat his first In-N-Out burger. He liked it.

We hung out with Christian and Alicia one night and were very bored so we decided to go to Vons and buy some sparkling apple cider. We then decided to go take a picture of us drinking it on a planter in from of Calvary Chapel. It was cold and pretty much awesome.

Happy New Year! We had a party at my house and just ate and talked and played a little Ruckus. Megan, Nate, Kayla and Nick were able to join us and we had a good time.

We even got to walk the dogs so Josh could see the trails behind our house. Sasha took Sammy and I took Bailey. We left Bubba at home...

I love DollarTree... We went to the dollar store and I got 5 gift bags and tissue for $2.18. Good times. Sasha bought a white board and drew a pretty picture of me and for me while on our way to the mall.

While at the mall I tried on dresses for Kimi's wedding and Ring Dance. Sasha meade me try on this one...

And Josh thought it was pretty hilarious. Don't worry, I didn't buy it.

I did get this one for Kimi's wedding though. I love it soooo much and will be trying to make up some excuses to wear it a few more times.

We had a good time goofing off at the mall.

Star Trek Experience! Mommy, Daddy and I took Josh to Balboa and decided to check out the Star Trek Experience at the Air and Space Museum. It was awesome and completely nerdified. Needless to say, Mommy and I were pretty excited.

We walked around Sea Port Village and all its many stores. Before that we were a little hungry so we went to The Pier Cafe which sits right on the shore. The scallops were delicious and apparently we had a visitor who thought so too. A seagull sat outside our window almost the entire time we were eating. I wanted to feed him but it would have been a little difficult.

After church on Sunday, where Josh was able to meet bunches of people, we took another trip to In-N-Out with Meagan and Sasha. This is what happens when Sasha gets hold of my camera.

On Monday Josh and I boarded a plane for St. Louis, Missouri and here we are. Tomorrow we will set out on our 15-ish hour drive back to Richmond. We will be taking two days because we have to be back in the early evening on Sunday so hopefully that helps with the fatigue that comes with sitting for that long.

Picture story of the trip to Missouri to come soon!

Christmas!

2008-12-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, it was a good day.

We do most of our Christmas celebrating on Christmas Eve so yesterday there was a lot of baking, cooking and eating. Mommy and I made fudge and some cookies and put together some fudge plates for the neighbors.

Then we decorated the tree and ate dinner, which was followed by the opening of our Christmas Eve pjs. Mine were Hello Kitty. : )

Then we watched White Christmas and Melissa fell asleep.

So after that we "went to bed" with the alarm set for 6 a.m. This morning we woke up and made the attempt to get my parents out of bed. Mommy got up but Daddy took a while so eventually we were able to open up our stockings.

My little hippos stocking was full of a cute necklace with a saying about sisters (Melissa got one to), a Visa gift card, Barnes & Noble gift card, Starbucks card and M&Ms. Good times. Then we went over to the living room and tree for some present opening. I got a blue 8GB iPod Nano (sweet), Clinique Happy Heart perfume gift set (smells so good), a sweater from Melissa, an awesome blue leather purse and to top it all off...a cashmere sweater! I've wanted one for a very long time and it is awesome.

Mommy got the porch swing she had wanted and Daddy got a sweet camp hat with a light in the front.

And the rest of the day will be spent watching movies and eating lots of awesome left overs. Sparkling Apple Cider!

Home: Car accidents and shopping

2008-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been home for almost six days and I have yet to have some free time. I guess it's a good thing because it means I have a lot of friends who want to spend time with me. I do hope it will slow down a little and that there will not be any more car accidents.

Yes, one of my friends was in a pretty bad car accident while on her way to hang out with another friend and I. She's doing okay now but we spent about four hours in the waiting room of the ER Friday night, making sure she was going to actually be able to see a doctor and be okay. Her car is totaled and she has six staples in the back of her head and her arm's in a sling, but she's alive.

Other than that there's been a lot of hanging out and talking and, of course, a lot of shopping. Yesterday we bought all of Mommy's Christmas presents, today will be for Daddy and there were a few mall trips before that.

Yesterday, Sasha and I got all crafty and went to Michael's and spent the afternoon making little bugs and flowers out of pipe cleaners and goggly eyes. We used the Hello Kitty Activity Book as our guide.

And then tomorrow is Christmas Eve! There are already so many presents under the tree and Mommy and I are going to start the baking today. It will be good times and I promise pictures!

Um...Everything

2008-12-17T11:27:00.001-08:00

Hello negelected blog readers!

I apologize for my lack of posts since early this month. I promise football is not the only thing that has happened to me or that I've done since December 7. I just finished my last final on Sunday night (today being Wednesday) and yesterday I started my trek home with a visit to my Aundt DiDi and one of my most constant readers, Unkie Earl. (Hi Unkie Earl!) So I am now on their computer in sunny (and by sunny, I mean rainy) Arizona, getting ready to go to lunch with my aunt and counsins at Olive Garden. Then Daddy and I are going shopping this afternoon. He's going to take me to Bass Pro Shops. Ooooo... Should be good times. It will be nice since I haven't had a chance to relax since about, oh, December 7.

I did have a pretty nice finals schedule with all of them being essays or take homes. I was also able to do the photojournalism project I wanted. I photogrpahed a woman at Dominion Village, where my grandfather lived when he had Alzheimer's. She has undiagnosed dementia and was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. We had a good morning together, including lunch where she kept trying to get up to tell the nurses I needed some food. She's not suppose to get out of her wheelchair so it was quite a fun time that involved me walking away for a few minutes and coming back and telling her I had eaten so she would eat her lunch. And then at about 1:30 p.m. she began sundowning, which is where people with memory diseases get extremely anxious, nervous and agitated at the same time everyday. My grandfather did the same thing, but a little later in the day. According to the woman in charge of the center, the lady I was photographing always worried about her family and that's what she did. She kept asking where her son was and what we had done with her husband, who has been dead for a few years.

It was a very sad and yet very interesting thing. Sad because she was so worried and it was just heartbreaking to see someone so confused and scared and know you can't do anything to help. Yet, it was so interesting to see how dementia and Alzheimer's affect people. For instance, my grandfather forgot who my grandmother was at times and yet, he memorized the code to the place he was living by watching the nurses punch it in, and then he escaped! The woman I photographed would remember random things and then say something different 10 minutes later. It was definitely interesting and I'm glad I was able to do the project I wanted. Here's to hoping it got me a good grade.

I'm very excited about going home. I haven't seen Mommy or Melissa or anyone else at home since early June. It's great to see Daddy and be able to ang out with him and I so look forward to the holidays. I love Christmas and this year should be a great vacation and opportunity to spend timw with my family.

Until then Arizona is good times, being able to see family here I haven't seen in almost three years. I met my little cousin for the first time today and he is the cutest. Ah, family.

And an update on football: We are going to the championships! Friday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 we will play Montana in our first championship game, ever. I will definitely be watching.

Football

2008-12-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

I've never been a huge fan of football, mostly because I don't really understand what's going on, but I am a crazy, screaming fan when my team is playing. And who is my team? The Richmond Spiders, of course! And how awesome are the Richmond Spiders? Awesome enough to beat No. 2 Appalachian State 33-13 and go to the semi-finals!

No one expected us to win (and yes, I am one of those fans that says "us") but we did and now it's off to Northern Iowa! Our rival, James Madison University, is playing Missouri and is expected to win so there's a strong possibility we will be playing another Virginia school for the championship.

It's pretty exciting.

Kids really do say the darndest things

2008-11-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

Someone posted this on Facebook and I found it entertaining.

[Humor] Kids on Marriage

CLEAN AND STRESS RELIEVING HUMOUR

...

(Written by kids)

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.

-- Alan, age 10

*********

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.

-- Kristen, age 10

*********

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.

-- Camille, age 10

*********

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.

-- Derrick, age 8

*********

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.

-- Lori, age 8

*********

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.

-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

*********

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that Usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.

-- Martin, age 10

*********

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.

-- Craig, age 9

*********

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.

-- Pam, age 7 (smart girl) (My personal favorite)

*********

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.

- - Curt, age 7

*********

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.

-- Howard, age 8

*********

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.

-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

*********

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T G ET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?

-- Kelvin, age 8

*********

And the #1 Favorite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.

-- Ricky, age 10

**********

And now it's back to Charles City to enjoy the Thanksgiving break! I will make sure to post some pictures of the Berry Thanksgiving this weekend.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday, eats lots of turkey and remembers how much we have to be thankful for.

Coughing and Snow

2008-11-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Not too much fun and exciting going on this past week except for the fact that I've had a bad cough for about a week and a half. So bad that I pulled a stomach muscle... But I went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me some good meds and the cough seems to be subsiding. I do love it when medicine works.

Today was an interesting day. Saturday it was 75 degrees and sunny until 3 p.m. when some serious clouds rolled in and it rained, really hard. For the next few days it was colder. Then, today weatherchannel.com called for a high of 42 degrees with lots of wind.

As Josh and I were walking to lunch we realized, holy crap, it's snowing! We only had flurries today but it was cold and windy and it's November 18! Even if it does snow in Richmond it only happens in January, but November? It was pretty awesome and way too cold all at the same time. It makes me wonder about the winter but hey, snow days are good times, especially because college doesn't make you make the day up later.

Another good thing: Tomorrow is the last Collegian of the year! It will be awesome and fun and then it will be good to have a break.

Even more and better good thing: I go back to Escondido one month from today!!! I miss home and cannot wait to be there. I am counting down the days. Time to turn on the Christmas music...

Presidential Election

2008-11-08T15:03:00.001-08:00

Tuesday was quite a historic day that I am so proud to have been a part of, no matter who won. Now it's time for the United States to come together and get through all of the nastiness that is our economy and the war and everything else that could possibly be going wrong right now.

It's a good time to be a journalist. And if it's a good time to be a journalist, it means its a bad time to be everyone else...

We did some live blogging during the election viewing parties the Center for Civic Engagement held. It was a crazy night. I do have to say that I think Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert did the best reporting of the night.

Punch Brothers

2008-11-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

...are coming to Richmond! Chris Thile (far right) is the former mandolin player for Nickel Creek and is considered the greatest mandolin player in the world right now, if not since the invention of the mandolin. For the past year he has been playing with an all-strings bluegrass group called Punch Brothers. It sounds like they are going to be amazing and I can't wait to see them on Tuesday!

Bowling

2008-11-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

I don't get to do it enough but I really do love bowling. Thursday night I went bowling for about four hours with Josh, some of our freshman friends from school and our friends Brittany and Patrick. It was amazing amounts of fun. I bowled a 118 for the first game and it just went downhill after that but it was still good times.

And we took some good photos...
Brittany did a lot of jumping

=D

Patrick and Brittany, it's a little hard when Patrick is a lot taller

His hat didn't exactly fit over my hair...

Patrick got two strikes with the backwards granny roll. It was quite impressive.

Axis, Halloween and Everything in Between

2008-11-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

I'm glad so much rhymes with Halloween...

Anyway, it's been a fun past however many weeks it's been since I last posted and I have some good pictures to show you.

CSF had it's annual Axis conference a few weeks ago and it was a good time. We enjoyed some good food, good teaching and several fun card games.

Why Josh kept wearing his hat sideways I have yet to figure out...

Cameron is one of our newest members

Brian and Thomas, our new campus minister

And of course last weekend it was Halloween. I was Snow White and Josh was Captain Jack Sparrow. He did an excellent job with his costume.

Caitlin was Sarah Palin. Good times...

SNL and the Election

2008-11-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

I've discovered that Saturday Night Live is really only funny when an election is going on and then they are hilarious.

Some of my recent favorites:
McCain on QVC
Palin and Hillary
And my all time favorite so far, The Palin Rap.

Now go vote!

Full Moon

2008-10-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sure whether or not it was a full moons last night but it sure is getting close. We had a beautiful sunset that I was able to get some good pictures of.

Fall Break...

2008-10-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

...was awesome.

I was able to relax and not do any work. I did exactly what should be done during a breeak: nothing.

Well, nothing work related.

Friday night Josh took me to Kabuto, a very nice habachi-style Japanese restaurant where they cook your food in the middle of a giant table that you just happen to be sitting at. It was delicious and a fun time. When we got back we learned that some of our friends were going to the Richmond Folk Festival so we decided to go. We got there about an hour and a half before closing but just in time to see Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine playing the harmonica with one of the blue grass bands. He was pretty good and so was the band. We listened to a little Philadelphia soul and then some reggae before heading back to the bus that took us back to free parking.

Saturday was the Richmond vs. James Madison University (JMU) game and it was amazing! We lost, but we lost to the top play of the day, according to ESPN. We were winning with a few minutes left to go when JMU tied it 31 to 31. Then in the last five seconds JMU returned the punt to score the winning touchdown. It was so not cool but such an amazing play. And of course UR and JMU are rivals so that made it even more fun. Especially since, even though it was fall break and so many people were gone, the Richmond section was full and we were so loud. It was great.

After the game Josh, Brian and I went to Moe's for some "Mexican" (it'e the closest I can get to San Diego Mexican here) and then rented some movies from Blockbuster. We watched 21, a very good movie about math genious' from MIT who count cards in Black Jack in Las Vegas on the weekends to make some extra money. It is very interesting and I did not mind seeing it again. The first time I saw it was on the airplane coming home from Namibia.

Sunday I went to church with Josh to Derbyshire Baptist Church. I had never been to a Baptist church before and it ran the exact same way as all the Mehtodist churches I've been to, except for the fact that they had an orchestra and a huge choir. The music was excellent and made me miss being in a full choir. After church we went to D-Hall for brunch and then to Josh's apartment to watch the second movie we rented, The Forbidden Kingdom. It's a modern Kung Fu movie with Jackie Chan AND Jet Li. Jackie Chan + Jet Li = amazingness. It was a cheesy Kung Fu movie, as it should be, but it had amazing fight scenes and good graphics. After the movie we went out on the Westhampton Green, laid down a blanket and read until dinner. That night we intended to see Hancock at The Byrd theatre downtown but apparently that was last weeks movie so we went back to Josh's apartment with a bunch of his friends and watched Top Gun. Oddly enough, I had never seen it. It was good for a Tom Cruise movie, especially the music. Welcome to the Danger Zone...

Monday morning I headed back to Charles City to hang out with Grandmama for a few days. We were both lazy lumps on Monday, taking a nap, reading. So for the evening we decided to do something productive and go out to dinner. We realized the Blue Heron is closed on Mondays so we went to Williamsburg and went to Ruby Tuesday. My petite sirloin and parmesan fries were delicious and the double chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream made my night. But then we topped it all off with a trip to Target where I may nor may not have purchased two sweaters.

Tuesday I did a whole lot of nothing. I did organize and scan some clips for my journalism internship resumes and then just watched a little TV. When Grandmama got home from work I made some barbeque chicken and she made potatoes and cabbage. After dinner Curry came over and we watched The Forbidden Kingdom. He loved it and learned some sweet new moves. I think he and I are going to have to start watching Jackie Chan movies together on the weekends.

And today it was back to work/school/everything. Today is Josh's and my six month anniversary so we will be celebrating with a nice dinner.

Right now I'm taking care of the baby.

You know you're jealous.

Fall Break!

2008-10-10T13:26:00.001-07:00

Finally some time off to sleep and read something not assigned in a class.

Every year we have a Fall Break at UR that is really only a four day weekend but it comes at the same time as mid-terms. Everyone seems to be at the point of exploding right about now making a four day weekend appreciated more than summer it seems. And I actually get five days because both of my classes for today were canceled! And because of the break there will be no Collegian next week. While that makes me sad because I love The Collegian, it will be nice to have a week with some actual free time. The timing is perfect as well because next Wednesday is Josh's and my sixth month anniversary.

I do love less work and more time.

Especially since this week was pretty crazy at The Collegian. There was a very large breaking news story this week which you can read here. It is pretty disgusting (not in a gross, icky bug sense but a I-can't-believe-people-behave-that-way sense) but unfortunately not surprising. When you read the article you will understand.

Anyway, it was a big deal that took a lot of time and arguing but eventually came out OK. Now everyone is ready for a break.

On a happier note, I wrote two briefs for this week. I am also doing pretty well in my Copy Editing class which makes for good times. I've started looking for internships, which is fun and exciting and scary all at the same time. And the speech I thought I was going to have to give last Thursday I don't have to give until Oct. 23.

So life is pretty good. If you'll excuse me, I have to get ready for a fancy dinner with my boyfriend.

Live Blogging

2008-10-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did some live blogging during the presidential debate for The Collegian. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got the opportunity to do it. And I got to watch the debate at the same time.

Good times.

Here it is.

Another week

2008-10-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Things are calm and fall is here.

Seriously, fall just showed up. It's like fall came up behind summer and pulled an "Et tu Brute?" And I am so glad it did. While summer is my favorite season in California, summer in Virginia equals humidity and humidity does not equal good times. But fall is nice and dry with warm days and cool nights that let me cuddle up in my bathrobe with my tea and read a book. But it also means my feet are often cold. Uggs, here I come! (Maybe, seeing as I'm a poor college student and Uggs are about $160...)

The Collegian this week was also good times. We got out later, 3 a.m., but the paper looks great and I got to cover a breaking news story. It's not up online yet but when it is I will post a link. I also had a story printed that I turned in last week for Practicum, viewable here.

And now, because of Fall Break (four day weekend next week), we won't put out a Collegian two weeks from now so no Practicum story! While I love writing and reporting, it's nice to have a few weeks off to relax and take care of mid-terms, which are the next two weeks. I am giving a speech for Rhetoric and Public Address on Thursday, praising newspapers and newspaper journalists. I'm still working on the manuscript but I think it will be a good one because I will be able to speak from personal experience and journalism is definitely something I'm passionate about.

The next week I have a Copy Editing mid-term which will not be too complicated but I want to do extremely well on it so I can get an A in the class. While it's not necessary and grades really have no bearing on whether or not I get a job when I graduate or much else, I would like to keep my major GPA at a 4.0 just for my own sake. I don't get Bs.

And now I get to enjoy a relaxed, minimal work weekend while in my bathrobe, drinking a hot cup tea.

Last weekend...

2008-09-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

...was pretty crazy in a busy, theres-a-lot-of-stuff-going-on kind of weekend.

Friday night Josh and I went to a Washington D.C. to watch the Padres play the Nationals. It was so much fun going to a game again. We ate ballpark food, cheered for our team and got to sit right next to the Padres bullpen and watch Trevor Hoffman warm up! It was good times.

We had to leave at the top of the 11th so we wouldn't miss the last metro train but the Padres won 11 to 6 in the 14th inning. You go Padres.

Pictures here.

Sunday was Memorial United Methodist Church's 60th Anniversary Homecoming. Grandmama, Josh and I went along with a large chuck of Mommy's side of the family. Uncle Tim, Uncle Sandy and Aunt Gibby, Aunt Winn, my cousins Bill and Stacey and their daughters and of course Uncle Alex and Aunt Marjorie, Charlotte and Curry. There were so many people and so much food.

During the service, which lasted two hours, I played a few songs, the Montez family sang (they are very good), Sandy talked about what was going on in 1948 when the church was started, a former pastor spoke about the church 10 years ago and then Fred used motorcycles and lawnmowers as metaphors to talk about the future. It was a great service and the food afterward was equally amazing.

It was a busy weekend but it was fun and a good break from the normal school craziness.

The Collegian is slowly taking over my life...

2008-09-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

...and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Especially when my story is on the front page two weeks in a row!
Week 1 Week 2

I'm writing a story every week for Practicum which takes up a good chunk of time with all of the research and interviews and then finally the writing. Then on Monday and Tuesday I spend a few hours in the office getting some of my pages together. Then Wednesday I am in the office from 7 p.m. until we finish the paper. Last week we set a record by getting out at 1 a.m.

And yet I am enjoying the work so much that it doesn't feel like work. Sometimes the lack of sleep catches up to me but that's what naps and weekends are for. Like last night when I slept for 12.5 hours.

Busy, busy, busy...

2008-09-12T11:40:00.001-07:00

Wow... The first three weeks of school have flown by and I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing and I would kind of like to keep it that way.

Nothing all that new or exciting has happened since my last post, just a lot of work. I did just recently add a new class, Journalism Practicum. I met with my adviser and we decided I needed to take the class so that I can have some clips to help me get an internship this coming summer. The class only meets once a week and basically it's the feeder of reporters for The Collegian. So throughout the semester I have to write nine stories for The Collegian (most have to write more but since I'm on staff they cut me some slack). I've all ready written one for the first issue and I am working on a story about students changing their voter registration to Virginia and how that will affect the presidential and local elections. It's proving to be quite interesting and I think I've discovered that even though I really don't like politics, I like to write about it.

I also got my loan money finally! Yay! Now I can pay my rent, which is always a good thing. And of course do a little shopping...

This coming week will be a little different and fun because I am going to the I-Club (International Club) Social on Thursday. It's always at a local club in Richmond so it should be good times. I don't know if having a social life will be very conducive to good study habits but whatever... Sometimes you just gotta dance.

Growing Up

2008-08-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

My little girl is growing up...

From the first day I saw her...

To now.

She still drives me crazy with her puppy energy but then I look at all the pictures and I snuggle with her while we take a nap and it's all OK. I guess this is just a little glimpse into what it's like to be a parent. That is, if your child is a 50 pound dog that can't talk...

First Week of School

2008-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's only the first week and I am tired... But it's been a good busy week.

I started classes on Monday with Photojournalism at 7 p.m. That is going to be a fun class with a medium amount of work which is always nice. And I have an excuse to buy a really nice camera!

Tuesday I had Copy Editing at 9:45 a.m. We already had homework to turn in and were given a bunch more for Thursday and the next Tuesday. That is going to be my hardest class with the most work. Yet it is going to make me a better writer and have a skill that is in high demand in the journalism world so I guess I'm OK with the work load. After Copy Editing I had Rhetoric and Public Address. Basically its a speech class. I'm a little nervous about it but the professor seems very good at what he does and I want to be able to become a better speaker so there ya go.

Wednesday I didn't have any classes but it was time to get back to work at The Collegian. We put out our first issue of the year that night and it turned out pretty well. It only took until 3 a.m. so we're off to a good start. And now we have Martin to help us out. Martin is Emily, our Features editor, new Miniature Schnauzer and he is adorable! Whenever I need a break, Martin is there to keep me company.

I wrote an article for this weeks issue which you can see here.

Thursday I had Copy Editing and Rhetoric again and then the practicum for Rhetoric. I had to give a surprise speech, as did all the other students, and we we're definitely nervous but it went well. We got some good pointer from out TA for our first speech that we have to give on Tuesday in class. Thursday night we had our first CSF event of the year, Coldstone! What better way to get people to come to your group then free food and ice cream?

After Coldstone I attended the Democratic National Convention Viewing Party and watched Obama's acceptance speech, asked a few people what they thought and then wrote an article for The Collegian online. The new website is awesome, very well done.

And now it's Friday. No classes today either, which is awesome. But a lot of homework to get done for Monday and Tuesday.

And of course throughout the week I've been doing homework, hanging out with friends and Josh. You know, trying to have a social life. And it's been storming and raining all week. All in all it's been a good week and I'm glad things are going again.

I need a nap.

The New Apartment

2008-08-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

It's official! I am moved into a new apartment in Richmond, roughly 10 minutes from school. It is a nice place with a large living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a full bath. I'll be living there during the week and back in Charles City with my Grandmama on the weekends. This will definitely cut down on my commuting time and gas costs. Now I'll have more time to do my homework! Yeah!... :\

So far I have bedroom furniture and we have a coffee table and a few dorm chairs in the living room. Tomorrow we're bringing over a couch that Grandmama is letting us take from her house.

This should be pretty sweet.

The Beach House

2008-08-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

I do love vacation and the beach so having them both at the same time is pretty sweet.

Grandmama, Charlotte, Leslie, Curry, Josh and I started driving down to Oak Island, North Carolina on Tuesday. We were having a pleasant drive but weren't exactly sure where we were, thank you Map Quest (not!). When we reached Wilson, NC Grandmama smelled burning rubber and realized she didn't have much control over the van so she pulled over. Josh, Curry and I were following in Josh's car so we pulled over behind her and got out. That's when Josh spotted the black smoke coming out of the van's front driver side wheel. So we called the fire department and about 10 minutes later there were two fire trucks there and a bunch of firemen with their water squirter to put out the not-so-flaming flames.

About half an hour later a tow truck came and picked up the van and we followed it the Dodge dealer in Wilson. They told us it was the caliper and that they would need to keep it for a few days. So we rented a newer version of Grandmama's van and headed for the beach house!

We got their just fine but a lot later than we intended. The rest of the week we spent on the beach sunbathing, swimming, reading, watching movies and various other vacation-y type things. Grandmama's sister and her husband, Aunt Winn and Uncle Eddy, were already there.

Josh stayed until Thursday morning and drove back to Richmond to get back to his house sitting job. While he was there we all watched "The Princess Bride" he bought just before coming. When he left Curry kept it and watched it three more times until Uncle Eddy told him he wasn't allowed to watch it any more. I think it's time to buy him his own copy and get the kid into some fencing lessons. His new goal is to be just like Wesley which won't be too hard, except for the fact, as Curry pointed out, that Wesley had blond hair.

We also took a trip to Surf Cinema and watched "Mamma Mia!" and it was awesome. It had all the right elements: comedy, romance, drama and lots and lots of singing and colors. Good times.

The day after that we took a trip to the Leaky Tiki where we had homemade ice cream and sang a little karaoke. The girls and I made Curry get up with us once and sing "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". Poor kid...

It was a great relaxing trip and I wish we could have stayed longer but it was time to get back to the real world. I definitely look forward to going again.

See the rest of the pictures here.

Namibia Video

2008-07-31T16:07:00.001-07:00

I promised it so here it is!

The song in the beginning is in Africaans and says, "Jesus made me beautiful/Jesus made me beautiful, Jesus made me beautiful/From my head/These are my hands/These are my feet/Shake your body, shake it!" The kids are in a classroom we worked in at Rehoboth High School during out third week there.

The next song is "Mine, Mine, Mine" and is also sung by the kids at RHS. Then there's "Marching in the Light of God" and they go from English to Africaans to Nama, which has the clicking sounds.

After that there's me singing and playing "Sufficient for Me" by Scott Cunningham.

And the video ends with a group of RHS girls singing "When My Jesus" in English and then in Nama.

Some of the pictures are from the high schools we taught in, Dr. Lemmer, RHS and M & K Gertze. We were in the high schools on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays most weeks teaching their Life Skills and Religious and Moral Education classes. Sometimes we were substitutes for the teachers who were not there that day. Most of the time we would introduce ourselves and then let the kids ask questions about America. In every class we were asked "Have you ever met any celebrities?" Needless to say our answer was no and we explained to them that there are about 400 million people in the U.S. so the odds of seeing a celebrity without paying for a concert ticket were pretty slim. They also had good questions about what the high schools were like and what America looks like, if everyone has blue eyes and what our families and hometowns are like.

Eventually we got to ask them a few questions and got into a conversation about who God is to them. In Rehoboth roughly 90 percent of the people go to church but not many of them, especially the teenagers, do not know why. So we talked to them about that and they had some very good questions that led to great discussions and a few friendships. I believe we made the most impact in the high schools because we were able to build friendships with some of the kids. They feel more free to talk to us than their teachers so we talked to them about what was actually going on in their lives and the struggles and problems they deal with. Those kids have a lot of enthusiasm and potential.

On the other days we worked at the Soup Kitchen and did community outreaches in Block E, the poor section of Rehoboth. The Soup Kitchen is run by the Rehoboth Covenant "Tent" Church that Hannah and Emily's host father pastors. They are still in a tent after 15 years of being a church because instead of spending their offerings of getting a building, they are reaching out to the community. One of those outreaches is the Soup Kitchen. Every Wednesday morning a few people get together, go grocery shopping, make a huge pot of soup and distribute it to Block E and a few other places within the town. When we were there we would cut up the veggies, wait for the soup to cook and then take a big container full to a "house" in Block E where the children would come with their bowls and tupperware containers and be served some soup. Then they would either take it back to wherever or sit and eat it with their hands since none of them had spoons.

The first time we helped out with the Soup Kitchen was also the first time we saw Block E and we left speechless and devastated. We were overwhelmed by the condition of the houses and the appearance of the kids. We learned that many of the children do not eat but one meal a day if that. Block E also does not have any running water except for one tap on the far south end so the kids do not bath regularly or wash their clothes. It took all we had to not break down and cry on the spot.

But the more we went the easier it got and the more we could see how much we were helping. Not only were we giving the kids a healthy meal, we were also showing them that people do care for them and that they are not forgotten. The Soup Kitchen was definitely one of my favorite things to do and I always looked forward to Wednesdays.

During the first week we were there we were also able to visit a few primary schools or kindergartens. The kids clung to us instantly and we had a great time playing with them and singing songs. They were extremely cute and photogenic so they are all over the video.

It was such an amazing trip and there are so many other things to say and I have no idea where to start on the rest. So if you have any questions just post them in the comments and I will get to it.

Thank you to everyone who supported me. You were definitely a huge part of all the good that was done and I appreciate it.

Pictures!

2008-07-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the links for some of my pictures that I've posted on Facebook. More to come soon!

Namibia Part 1
Namibia Part 2
Namibia Part 3
Etosha

Home Again

2008-07-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

I've made it back to the U.S.A.! I flew into Newark on Monday and got back to Grandmama's at 3 a.m. Wednesday morning. The flight went a lot faster than the way there since we didn't have a 12 hour layover.

I have so many pictures and video and everything to share and am working on getting that all together for everyone. It shouldn't take too long but please still be patient with me.

It is so great to be home and where everything is familiar again but I do miss Namibia and all the people I was able to make friendships with.

Namibia is pretty awesome

2008-07-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, my internet time is limited...

The trip so far has been awesome! We've been in the high schools, talking to the kids and hanging out with them. We've done a soup kitchen and some community outreaches in the poor section of town and a lot of just walking around and experiencing Rehoboth.

I have so many pictures and videos and everything that will be up soon after I get back to Virginia in about 17 days!

I'm Here!

2008-06-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

We made it to Windhoek, Namibia after 40 hours of travel. We are tired and have no idea what time it is but are way too excited to care.

We will do some orientation and leave for Rehoboth on Monday.

This is awesome! Now it's time for a shower and full night's rest.

Africa Update: Day 3

2008-06-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

In about three hours my team and I will be loading all of our luggage and ourselves into a 15 passenger taxi to head for the airport. By 6:30 p.m. we will be on our way to London where we will get to explore the city during the 12 hour layover. =D Then a LONG flight to Johannesburg and then a one hour flight to Windhoek(pronounced Vindhook), Namibia.

Then, I have no idea...

I am so excited and ready to go! We packed all of the crafts today and I am ready to do some fun crafting as well as jump roping. We have pipe cleaners and crayons and chalk and jump ropes and soccer balls and paper and paint. It is going to be a blast.

Let's get this party started!

Like I said before, if I get a chance to get on the internet I will let you know how things are going. If not, I will post again on July 21st!

Africa Update: Day 1

2008-06-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

I am in New York orienteering! My flight went ok yesterday. I was delayed in Baltimore for three and a half hours because of thunder storms in New York but we made it in around 9 p.m.

After a two hour taxi ride to the office I made it here, found a room to sleep in, called Mommy and Josh and then crashed.

I didn't wake up until about 11:45 a.m. when they called me to let me know lunch would be ready at noon. So I got ready quickly and headed to lunch where I met Garry, the cook. A few hours later the rest of my team arrived: Hannah, Lydia, Kate and Emily. We had dinner, did a little workshop on Leadership Development and are now winding down before our busy day tomorrow.

I am even more excited now than I was before and cannot wait to get to Africa. This is going to be an amazing time that only God could create.

I don't know yet if I will have internet access while I'm there but if I do, I will definitely keep the blog updated.

Crafts

2008-06-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have found a new favorite craft!

These are called Cuddly Pom Kits that with a little hot glue and time turn into cute little animals. They are relatively quick, less than $2 and good times.

Here's the first one: Shaggy Dog

Then there was the cute Panda

And then the also cute Monkey

Tomorrow I am definitely going to go back to Michael's and get the rest. I believe there were sharks and fish and maybe a frog... We'll see!

Kimiko

2008-06-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

It has been awesome having Kimi here these past few days.

Sunday we went to Six Flags and had a good time. Of course the first thing we rode was Goliath, then Scream, then Batman, then Riddler, then Viper and then Scream one more time just because we could.

Photo courtesy of Kimi because I forgot my memory card for my camera...

Yesterday we rode the new Sprinter train to Oceanside. It was quite an adventure seeing that we had no idea where we were when we got off the train. So we just followed the Coast Highway until we saw a sign that said "Coastal Access". Yeah! Until we walk and find out that part of the path is closed because of construction... So we walk up a dirt path. Then we see a sign that says "Railroad property. No trespassing." Oops... There isn't any other way so we cross over the railroad tracks and Look! it's the ocean.

We walk down the beach to the pier so that I actually have some idea where we are. We walk down the pier and then back down and get some lunch and eat on the beach. About half an hour later we walk back to the train station and head back home.

And now, in about half an hour, we will leave for the airport and Kimi will go back home.

I'm going to miss her but I'm glad we had this time to see each other again and I can't wait for the next time.

And Matt, we miss you and wish you could have come! Next time for sure.

Kimi and Nacho Fires

2008-05-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Kimi is here! I picked her up at the airport this morning at 7:30am (ugh) and we have had a nice relaxing day since.

Except...

For when I almost caught the kitchen on fire...

Kimi and I were making curry for old times sake. As I lit the burner to cook the rice.

Poof!

The wrapper inside of the styrofoam that contained the nachos caught fire. The only thing I could think of to do was blow out the flames which worked pretty well. When that wasn't enough I poured the rice water on the box and blew out the rest.

There were ashes everywhere and it smelled but the kitchen was not on fire!

And the moral of the story is...

When you're making curry, always keep water handy in case your nachos catch fire.

Two Weeks

2008-05-25T19:37:00.001-07:00

I have two weeks to the day until I head for New York! I am extremely excited and cannot wait to get this party started.

This morning at church the pastors took me up front and prayed for me. It was very encouraging to first of all be prayed for by the entire congregation and then to talk to people afterwards.

This is going to be so amazing and I can't wait!

I love the beach

2008-05-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday I was finaly able to make it to the beach! It was a beautiful day, the water was warm and there were all kinds of sea creatures to admire.

There is definitely a plus to living in Southern California.

More pictures here.

Africa Update:

Everything is turned in! Now I am waiting to get fina clearance from AIM and I can book my trip to New York. I am so excited!

I've Been Shot!

2008-05-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

And it really wasn't all that bad. I received four shots: Polio, Hep A, Hep B and Yellow Fever. Over the next eight days I will be taking the oral Typhoid vaccine and then I will be fully vaccinated and ready to go.

Now I have to send in the official forms, read some pre-orientation stuff, raise $800 and buy a plane ticket for New York.

Sounds good to me.

Home Again

2008-05-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

I've been back for a week and so far it's been good times. I've done a lot of sleeping (a LOT of sleeping), eating, reading and a little shopping. I've already hit all the major necessary food places like Alberto's, In-N-Out and Panda Express. All of which do not exist in Virginia. It's been too cold to go to the beach yet but this week is suppose to be in the 80s and 90s so I will be getting my beach fill soon enough.

Africa Update:

I still need $800 by last Friday but it is ok because I know God will provide the money. I get the rest of my shots tomorrow and the medical forms I left on my desk in Virginia are on their way to me (thank you Josh) so I can finish them and send them to AIM. And I almost have everything planned for my arrival in New York for my briefing.

Your prayers are appreciated. And if you want to give financially please e-mail me at steph.rice22@gmail.com.

I will let you know how I do after my shots tomorrow night. Supposedly they have the potential to make me sick so let's pray that is not the case.

Thanks!

I'm Home! and Africa Update

2008-05-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

My plane landed yesterday ar 4 p.m. and I was greeted by my awesome Mommy, sister and Sasha. Then we headed to Olive Garden for an awesome dinner and back home.

I'm still feeling a little jet lagged but am definitely getting a lot of rest and relaxation.

Africa Update:

I have $4,200 of the $5,000 I need! I have three more immunizations to get and then I am ready to go. I am amazingly nervous and excited! You're prayers are appreciated.

I will keep you updated now that I don't have any more finals...

He is...

2008-05-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

my boyfriend! (Young Frankenstein reference...)

About two and a half weeks ago Josh and I officially started dating.

He is 21, a junior at University of Richmond and a Religion and Sociology major. I'm sure there are more questions but that's all I have for now. Any other information will be issued upon request.

[end post here]

Delilah...

2008-04-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

is huge!

She went from this

to this

in just 10 weeks. How crazy is that?

Top Story

2008-04-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

You got it! My article about the tuition increase for next year was the top story of this weeks Collegian!!!!!!

Happy dance time.

Stop.

Break it down.

Do do do do do do do do do. O o o o o o o o o o. Da da!

Here is the link to the main page.

Here is the story.

I also have a story on page 3 about how the university spent its money in 2005 based on a tax form. Unfortunately the link isn't working so you'll just have to believe me when I tell you. Hahaha!

I also wrote three briefs that were on page 2 which are also not on the website. Sorry.

Anyway, yeah! I definitely feel accomplished and am proud of my work. This journalism thing is definitely working out for me.

Finals

2008-04-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

This had been a pretty productive weekend. I finished a story for this weeks Collegian that will double as my News Writing final and just finished the final paper for my English class. Now all I have left is to write a blues song for music theory, study for a theory final, an elementary programming final and project and a colloquium final. Not too bad for the end of my sophomore year.

The Collegian

2008-04-19T17:07:00.001-07:00

Here is this weeks.

I wrote three campus briefs that are not online unfortunately. Still a good paper.

For the upcoming and last issue of the year I am writing a long story about the upcoming tuition increase. We'll see what happens with that.

Delilah, You're Irresistable

2008-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

And home! As of today it has been a week since Delilah came home and it has been good times. Of course she likes to chew on my toes and everything else she can pick up but that's ok. She's cute enough to get away with it.

You can see the rest of the pictures here.

More News

2008-04-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

It's another Thursday at The Collegian. Only this time we are very close to being done and it is only (I say only...) 12:45am.

Everyone came early and did what they could in advance so that we could all go to sleep before the sun comes up. So far it looks like that is actually going to be the case and I am happy about that.

I realized I have been neglecting you, my proud and few readers, by not putting up a link to last weeks Collegian. So here it is.

The link may change when this weeks paper is put out tomorrow. If I remember/have the time I will correct it.

Until then, enjoy!

Funny Times

2008-04-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

As you well know, I am a connoisseur of Get Fuzzy and I have to say that the following comics are amazingly funny. But I think their hilarity level has a lot to do with personal experience; therefore, I shall let you in on the joke. [Click on the picture for a larger, more readable view.]

During spring break there was a conversation that resulting in this quote: "Stop calling me mommy and make me a sandwich."

At the University of Richmond we have a serious lack of diversity and an apparently overwhelming need to talk about it instead of actually doing anything.
"He's not open-minded. He's just a moron." Oh Bucky, how right you are.

Deer

2008-04-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

I am officially a Charles City driver; I hit a deer.

Ya, it was scary. I'm pretty sure I killed it...

There really is no way to make that less disturbing or funny. *shoulder shrug*

Jr. Highers

2008-04-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Are actually pretty cool. (Don't tell anyone I said that. I will deny it.)

This weekend I took one of our girls from church, Ginna (pronounced Jenna) to a Confirmation Retreat. We had an awesome time playing games, doing crafts, and most of all dancing like mad women.

Of course it rained for a large portion of it but we were all still out there walking in the mud with out little compasses, trying to find particular trees. What could be a better way to spend a weekend?

One Week Left

2008-04-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

and then Delilah can come home!

These are just my favorites. View the rest of the album here.

I'm Back in the News Room Again

2008-04-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

And it is good times.

Last week we were done with the paper at 4 a.m. Righ now it is 4:04 a.m. and I am waiting for approval on my last page and then I can go to sleep. At least this week I don't have to get up in the morning for any reason. I could probably sleep all day...

Minus the fact that I have homework and two tests on Friday and a weekend retreat to prepare for.

Good times.

PS: I'll put up a link for the paper tomorrow and none for last week. And I will have new puppy pictures probably Sunday. She is so cute and I get to bring her home in less than two weeks!

In the Newsroom

2008-03-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in The Collegian newsroom at 1:05am Thursday morning waiting for my page edits from the editors.

I feel like a journalist. A very tired yet satisfied journalist.

I'll post a link to the paper when it comes up online tomorrow.

She Walks!

2008-03-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

I saw my beautiful puppy Delilah on Friday and she's walking! Apparently is she not only walking, she is also beating up all the other pups. I've been told she doesn't always start it but she always finishes it. That's my girl!

She is 4 and a half weeks which means only 3 more weeks to go until I can bring her home.

I'm 20

2008-03-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yay! I am no longer a teenager which has its ups and downs. Now I can't use being a teen as an excuse but now I can make fun of teens so its a toss up.

Birthdays are always a reminder of what's happened so far in life. And a reminder of how everything I have ever planned has worked differently than I expected. Just two years ago I thought I was going to go to William and Mary, major in English and end up teaching. Then I thought I was going to spend four years in Japan, major in Asian Studies and end up teaching. Then I thought I was going to go to University of Richmond, major in English and end up teaching.

Now I'm going to University of Richmond, majoring in Journalism and could end up writing somewhere random and unusual.

Maybe.

Spring Break-Days 5, 6 and 7

2008-03-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Here we go!

Day 5

Day 5 consisted of more doing of nothing. There was sleeping and eating and playing "basketball" and "tennis" at 10pm. I'm pretty sure there was was a visit to the hot tub in there as well. And of course, more swings. Apparently nothing picture worthy because I don't have any pictures...

Day 6

This was a fun day. We drove into Nashville, the "Athens of the South" and visited the Parthenon. Steph L., as I may have mentioned before, is a Architectural History nerd, big time, so she was ecstatic. The Parthenon and the statue replicas inside were pretty amazing. The Athena statue is 41'10" and there were Elgin statues, which have something to do with a British guy named Elgin who took them from the real Parthenon and moved them to the British Museum and now Greece wants them back, etc. I don't remember the story exactly but Steph L. sure knew a lot about it all. I thought they were pretty. I also love Greek Mythology and enjoyed seeing statues of people/gods that I've read about. Mythology is such an interesting part of the Greek culture and it was exciting to see pieces of that, even if they are just replicas.

After the Parthenon we headed back to Crossville where we did more relaxing and eating and I think Elizabeth and I watched Footloose. Good movie, FYI.

The Parthenon

Steph L. being excited about the Parthenon

Athena

The Medusa shield

Demeter and Persephone statue

Elizabeth and Steph L.

Lex and I (in my new dress!)

Steph L. being happy while hugging a column

Day 7

Our last day in Tennessee was spent doing more of nothing. Elizabeth and I went to the hot tub again. We ate, relaxed (what else is knew?) and around 7pm went to Ink Impressions to get Lex a tattoo or two. She had been planning on getting them next weekend as a birthday gift to herself but decided when we passed by a tattoo parlor to check them out and see about doing it now. She was completely nervous but the guys at the parlor were great and Travis did an excellent job. Travis and Steph L. had a good time joking around. Steph L. is very, well, white and Travis is very southern, tattooed and pierced. Even though they are opposites they became "home skillet biscuits" as Steph L. said. Good times.

Lex's new feet

Her left says "Sacred" and the right "Profane". It's an Anthropology thing that has personal significance to Lex. I think it looks amazing.

Steph with her new found friend

The next day we packed and cleaned up and were out of there! Being back is great. It is sort of strange to think about getting back into a schedule and going to classes. In fact, it's kind of stressful and not a comfortable feeling. I am glad I'll be doing things again. Doing nothing can get boring after a while but still...

Hey, a month and a half left and it'll be summer!

You can see all of the pictures on Facebook here and here and here.

The end

Home Again

2008-03-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry about my lack of posts about Spring Break. I'll have to finish those tomorrow because right now I need sleep.

But, I am home! It was an amazing trip and I am so glad I got to have a vacation but it is good to be home.

More to come tomorrow!

Spring Break-Day 4

2008-03-13T19:40:00.001-07:00

Day 4 was a fun day. We didn't really do much but what we did do was fun and exciting. I believe we started the day late as always and proceeded to lay out in the sun and then take a dip in the hot tub. Then there was much running and playing on the swings. Then we went back to the condo and had some amazing chicken cooked by our very own Lexie Homemaker. Then there was driving and singing and dancing in the car and a Sonic run. Then a not-so-scary movie (When a Stranger Calls) and a Wal-Mart run. Yay Wal-Mart at 3am! Then of course we slept.

The end.

Hugs all around!
Lexie Homemaker and her tasty chicken!

I love the swings!
Elizabeth and I on the boardwalk
The boardwalk
"Why can't we have a funeral?" -Steph
The other side of our condos
Playing with the ball in the grass
Sitting on the wall
Steph looking like the girl from the Grudge at Sonic

Steph L. should be a comedian:
"You can squish my bladder, you can squish my ribs but you can't squish my breasts!"
"I can't infect people by myself."
"I only date guys with normal-colored lungs."
"Elizabeth, get a liver."

On that note, Elizabeth has a very nice liver, and a good sense of humor:
"Steph (L.), you're not meant to be in the middle."

Me:
"[Elizabeth] Please don't think about Brad Pitt while you're spooning with me."

The official end.

Stay tuned for more pictures and quotes from Spring Break 2008!

Spring Break-Day 3

2008-03-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Honestly, we did absolutely nothing. We woke up around 2pm (going to bed at 5am will do that to you), had a little breakfast and headed to the fitness center. After walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes, Elizabeth and I went in the hot tub while Steph L. and Lex headed back to the condo to start dinner. The hot tub was very, very nice and relaxing and then it was back to the condo. Elizabeth and I laid out on the dock and read for a bit and headed back inside. Lex made us some awesome spaghetti and fruit and yogurt pie for dessert. Go Lexie Homemaker! I also made my Paula Deen Spinach Artichoke Dip. Good times.

Then there was a lot of laying around doing nothing until we decided we were tired and wanted to go to sleep.

The end.

Reading on the dock. It got too cold eventually...

Lex making pie

Sitting around doing nothing. Ignore Steph L. She's choking on a Twizzler.

Spring Break-Day 2

2008-03-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was amazing. I shall tell the story in pictures and funny quotes. And then actually tell the story.

The lake outside our condo with our personal dock.
Steph L., Elizabeth and Lex on the deckSteph L. and Lex
All of us in the living room
The coolest guitar ever
Elvis is our hero
Only in the South
The Hard Rock Cafe
Sitting in front of a river in Nashville
Printers Alley

Elizabeth and Steph L. in front of the Parthenon

Steph is way too excited about seeing the Parthenon
Frolicking to the Parthenon

More frolicking

More frolicking

The two lovers meet

No Steph, you can't scale the column

Elizabeth and her sister Delia at the Loveless Cafe

Elizabeth and Lex

Trying on Easter hats in Wal-Mart at 3am

Watch out for Steph L.

The end.

All good quotes come from Steph (L.):
"The Abomidable Ho-man!"
"This makes me want to get naked and roll around on the floor."
"'Cause I'm bad."
"Look at the Metopes."
"It's too intellectually loopy."
"I'm a UPPEAH nerd." (Urban Practice and Planning Environment Art History)
"Maybe in a foreign country fresh eggs."
"You break it down very nicely."
"Ooo... Look at that moo moo on him."
"With a wooden spoon that is."
"Tasty times abound."
And the one that took the cake:
"If you had wieners I would smack them all."

Lex is funny:
"You can work out with Richard Simmons."
"He couldn't keep it in his man-skirt."

Elizabeth is a very funny girl:
"They didn't even have pants."
"You are the proboscis monkey to my guerrilla."

Overall the day was again, amazing. We woke up around noon, ate, got ready and headed into Nashville. There we met Elizabeth's older sister, Delia who was totally awesome. We walked around downtown for a bit and then went to the Loveless cafe for dinner where we oddly enough ran into four guys from school. What are the odds that we would see people from Richmond in Nashville at the same restaurant on the outskirts of town at the same time? It was pretty insane.

After we got back to the condo we watched Troy (yay Brad Pitt) and then decided we wanted to go to Wal-Mart. So what if it was three in the morning? We're on Spring Break we can go to Wal-Mart whenever we want! We had some pretty awesome times there. I bought a pretty new sun dress and a cute t-shirt.

Then it was back to the condo for candy and sleep.

Good times.

Stay tuned for more pictures and funny quotes from Spring Break '08!

Spring Break-Day 1

2008-03-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more school!!!!!! For a week at least. Close enough.

So Elizabeth, Steph L., Lex and I met at school in the morning, loaded the car and headed out. 8 hours and fun times later we were at Mariner's Pointe Resort in Crossville, TN!

Here are a few pictures and funny quotes from the trip so far.

Eat more chikin'!

My back seat buddy Elizabeth

"Bark with me if you're my dog." Go parody's.

Front seat sitter, Steph L.

"I love Ludacris. He's the Dr. Seuss of rap."
"You can't eat your friends." No Steph, you can't...

My view of Lex the entire time.

A pretty awesome picture.

Back seat buddies!

Stay tuned for more pictures and funny quotes from the Spring Break girls in '08!

Front Page #2

2008-03-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Heck yes!

An article about Tuesday's primary and the party thrown by the school. Good times.

Puppies are Awesome

2008-03-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

I took another visit to Delilah today. She is 15 days old and looks like a little teddy bear. I love my puppy!

She has opened her eyes and is starting to lift herself up on her front legs. She slept in my arms while I talked to Carol with a few amazingly cute yawns and whimpers.

I <3 my Delilah!