Since I've Been Back

I can't believe it has been so long. Its been about sixteen days since moving back from Tallahassee. I'm still waiting for the day that I have to drive back. It is an unusual feeling knowing that I'm not. I do feel that I have been in Orlando longer than sixteen days though. I feel so unproductive. I didn't do much at my job but at least I was doing something.

I've done a little bit of everything since I've been back. I was able to spend time with my Grandma and Aunt which is always nice. I hadn't been to her house since Christmas - that is way too long!

I discovered a new favorite clothing line. Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker. (My brother is thinking to himself right now - she looks like a witch! haha) But it is cute, comfy and cheap! Check it out :)

Eric took me out for my birthday on Friday the 8th. We went to the Starlight Dinner Theater and had a wonderful dinner and watched Bye Bye Birdie. It was a nice throwback to high school.

I was finally able to hang out with Brittnee! We went to SAK Comedy Club (thanks to her Dad!) and Cowboys. It has been so fun hanging out with her :) It really makes you realize how big Orlando is. It's not as easy as Tallahassee to see everyone you want to spend time with.

My mom took me to the Ritz Carlton Spa on Sunday as a celebration for my birthday. How relaxing :) Well other than the fact that I got to see the fully nude back of a woman who should have been clothed haha!

I turned 22 last Monday! I don't feel any older - thank goodness. Actually this brought up an interesting point while shopping with Brittnee. We are 22 but we feel like children in an adult world. Although I had a full time job working with all adults, I still felt like I was dispensable - which I probably was. But I didn't feel like I was treated like a college graduate. I wish I could say "I am intelligent - I am a woman." I believe it but sometimes I don't think other people do. Maybe after my next degree I will prove myself and people will see it haha.

Guess what? I got the job at Rollins! I will be the Hall Director at Elizabeth Hall on campus at Rollins. I am so excited! Out of the people I have met so far they are all great people and I can't wait to start working with them. They seem fun and outgoing and it will be a good group of people to spend time with since I don't know anyone at Rollins. My apartment is super cute so that makes it a good deal too. Its a one bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living room, dining room, walk in closet! I have a few ideas of how I will decorate. Pictures will come when I move in and get everything situated :)

So now Eric is on a cruise to Cozumel, Belize and somewhere in the Bahamas I think (yes I'm jealous!). So I'm just hanging out with my mom and shopping - which is something I don't need to be doing haha. I need him to come back to keep me occupied :)

In high school, my all-time favorite show was Dawson's Creek. This statement may seem random but lucky for me, Dawsons Creek still comes on every morning. The day I realized that it came on, they were showing the finale. The show was on from when I was in sixth grade until my senior year. And I cried my eyes out when it ended because I felt like I basically grew up with this show. Well there is a scene that will always stick out in my mind when I think of that show. It is was Jen was making a video for her baby daugther because she was close to passing away and knew that she wouldn't be around to watch her grow up. I'll leave it here for a little food for thought:

"Hi, Amy, it's mom. Well, by the time you see this, I won't be here anymore, and I know how much that sucks, for both of us. So seeing as how I won't be around to thoroughly annoy you, I thought I would give you a little list of the things that I wish for you. Well, there's the obvious. An education. Family. Friends. And a life that is full of the unexpected. Be sure to make mistakes. Make a lot of them, because there's no better way to learn and to grow, all right? And, um, I want you to spend a lot of time at the ocean, because the ocean forces you to dream, and I insist that you, my girl, be a dreamer. God. I've never really believed in God. In fact, I've spent a lot of time and energy trying to disprove that God exists. But I hope that you are able to believe in God, because the thing that I've come to realize, sweetheart... is that it just doesn't matter if God exists or not. The important thing is for you to believe in something, because I promise you that that belief will keep you warm at night, and I want you to feel safe always. And then there's love. I want you to love to the tips of your fingers, and when you find that love, wherever you find it, whoever you choose, don't run away from it. But you don't have to chase after it either. You just be patient, and it'll come to you, I promise, and when you least expect it, like you, like spending the best year of my life with the sweetest and the smartest and the most beautiful baby girl in the world. You don't be afraid, sweetheart. And remember, to love is to live."

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and I will try to update more often :)

Oh! Everyone needs to see Blood Diamond - great and informative movie! (And Leonardo DiCaprio is hot!)

Love is to Live :)

Tallahassee

I can’t believe that after almost four years of living in Tallahassee, the time has come. I move back to Orlando this weekend. It brings a mix of emotions. I’m excited about starting the next phase of my life but I am sad to be leaving. I don’t know the person that I would be had I not come to school here. I have had so many experiences and have grown so much while being here.

Moving away from my parents for the first time was hard. But it taught me to be more independent and strong.

My dorm freshman year brings a lot of good memories and some bad as well. The roommate situation could have been better but it helped me learn that people aren’t always going to get along but you have to learn how to deal with it. And I had all of my close friends from high school with me – we had so much fun.

I remember walking around campus before my first day of college classes with my little map, making notes of where the buildings were. Looking back on it now, I can’t believe I know the campus like the back of my hand. I thought I would never get used to it.

My freshman year brought a change of heart. I went to FSU for the meteorology program. I decided that wasn’t the path I wanted to go. I sometimes regret that decision but I know that God has a path for me and I don’t think He would lead me away from my true passion (although I don’t know what that is yet).

My sophomore year was the year of change.

My two best friends decided they didn’t want to be my friend anymore. That caused good and bad changes in my life. Of course, I was confused and hurt. My life would, without a doubt, be completely different if we stayed friends. And if it wasn’t for my roommates, Emily and Lindsay, I would have been lost.


Back in the Day!

I was able to experience college life and meet an enormous amount of people because of Emily and Lindsay, they brought me out of my shell. And we have been friends (and with Emily, roommates) ever since. I’m excited that all of us will be in Orlando together.

That year, I gave up an old love and gained a new one. I met Eric. My boyfriend – my best friend. It would take me pages to explain how much he means in my life.


First Picture of Me and Eric

My junior year was full of fun.

I finally lived off campus with great friends. So many memories, so much drama. My life would be boring without these girls. And if they are reading this right now, only they will know the craziness of that year. I love each of them for different reasons – they have contributed to my life and I am grateful for that.


306 the beginning

I got involved on campus by joining CHICS. Caring and Helping In Community Service. I was able to volunteer and meet some of the greatest girls I've met while at FSU. I smile every time I think of spending time with this group. Lots of laughs and lots of fun :)


Great Girls!

My brother moved to Tallahassee that year. He has always been my brother but I don’t know if I would have considered him a “friend.” I am so happy to say that now he is one of my best friends who happens to also be my brother.


Me and Kyle

He introduced me to Life Church, now Genesis Church. When I leave Tallahassee, this is one of the biggest aspects of my life that I will miss. I don’t know if I will ever have a pastor who is so passionate about making church relevant and trying to reach people like Pastor Brian is. He has taught me that the Bible does relate to my every day life and through all of his messages has shown me how to walk in Jesus’ path. I will never forget my time at Genesis Church. I can feel the difference from when I first started going there until now. I just hope that I can continue growing.

My senior year (only one semester) can be described as the semester of Bullwinkles. In the midst of finishing college and interviewing for jobs, we found a new place to go. It reminds me of our sophomore year and Stetsons. Both places were always a good time (and of course, this was when we were first introduced to Tom Sartori haha – I will always remember that night).


Tom Sartori!

My last semester was a roller coaster of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, scared, happy, sad, mad – I felt it all. I was trying to figure out the rest of my life. And I was dealing with rejection after rejection in job interviews. Not knowing what I was doing wrong or why things weren’t working out. If I didn’t have my friends and family, I would have been going crazy.


I love them!

Graduation day went by so quickly. All of my efforts during my time as a student at FSU were wrapped up in that one day. Why did I wear those red shoes? haha :)



My sublease not working out forced me to stay in Tallahassee. Yesterday was the last day of my first job. I’ll remember the day I was offered the job forever. I was so excited, and I thought I was going to be such an integral part of my department. I spent a lot of my time bored at my job (and if you have talked to me during that time, you know my frustration very well). But it helped me develop as a person – just as every other experience has. I learned what I wanted and needed out of a career – to be around people, to be busy and have responsibilities, basically everything that job wasn’t. But I met some incredibly nice people – and I wish them all of the success.

And now I have come full circle and I’m going back to school. I may regret my decision when I have tests to take and papers to write and projects to do but I am getting my masters. I should feel blessed that I have this opportunity. And I am – I’m excited for everything that could happen to me as a result of being a part of Rollins.

I will miss the football games. I will miss driving up the hill on Tharpe because that always brought a good feeling knowing that I was almost home. I will miss Frisbee golf and One Stir Fry. I will miss my brother and watching him sing. I will miss church. I will miss my apartment. I will miss my roommates.

I will miss Tallahassee.

But through everything, I had and will always have my friends and family. My parents have always been there for me through all of my emotions, supporting me and loving me. Thank you – I love you both more than I can explain.



There are so many more memories I can talk about. And they will be the reason why leaving on Sunday will be so hard. But they come with me - I will always have my memories.

TGIF

One interview stands between me and grad school. I can't believe that is all I have left to do. I have been on such a roller coaster of emotions since I decided to go back to school. On one hand, I know this is the right move for me. But then on the other hand, I think, what if this isn't the right time? Is it possible to make yourself sick from stress? I'm feeling a slight sore throat coming on lol...

I am so thankful that it is Friday. It is finally the weekend and Eric is coming to Tallahassee! I was just informed by my brother that we are either going to Stetsons for some line dancing or going contra dancing (which is a folk dance that you stand in two lines - don't worry, I've never heard of it either). So either one we do will sure mean that it will be a hilarious night!

And then tomorrow is either the beach or Wakulla Springs. I'm not gonna lie - I'm a little scared of Wakulla Springs. I really don't want to end up with a tick, or multiple ticks. But maybe if we don't go treking in the woods we will be okay haha.

I'm still enjoying my hair cut. Usually when I do something drastic, I end up regretting it the next day, but this time things worked out pretty well. Everyone has seemed to like it so far - or at least they are saying they like it to my face haha! I haven't decided if I will keep it this way or grow it like my original plan. We'll see :)

So all in all, my life is slowing down again to a reasonable pace. There were a few weeks there that I was holding on by just my pinky finger. So now it's time for me to figure out what goal I have next for myself. I'm thinking I will go for my real estate license. But studying for another test just isn't high on my "that sounds like fun" list. Again, we'll see!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer time so far :)

With the Good, Comes the Bad

I am having so much fun having my parents in Tallahassee. Last night we ate at Food, Glorious Food - sooo good by the way! I don't know if the people in the restaurant thought we were just plain crazy or just having a really good time. First off, we had Sam with us. We almost got kicked out by someone who I knew by association (huge attitude!). But it was fine because the other waiter chimed in and put him in his place - dogs are allowed! lol. So we sit down and wait for Kyle and Andrea. It was her first time meeting the parents and I think it went really well. The conversation flowed, everyone was cracking up, we were having a great time! This story sounds like it should some embarrassing or bad situation happen and it didn't at all - we all just genuinely were having fun, so it was awesome. It kinda made me forget how nervous I was for today...

I had an interview this morning that was pretty huge. If I get this job, it will be great experience and take a huge load off of the financial burden that comes along with grad school. I don't want to talk about it too much but all I will say is this - I hope I didn't screw it up. I was nervous, and was blabbering and just talking - I'm not even sure I could tell you everything I said. I was really prepared and I had thoroughly thought through the job qualifications and I had great answers in my mind. They asked the questions I was expecting to hear and yet I still was jumbling up words and stuff. But oh well - I'm hoping it came across better than I think it did. I won't know until the end of May - so from now until then I will be nervous - but if there is karma in this world, I hope something goes well for me once. Let's hope...

So now I'm sitting here at work - it's 12:54 and I have absolutely nothing to do. I know I complain a lot to the people around me that I have nothing to do and that's mostly true. But throughout the day, I usually have things going on. Definitely not enough to fill a whole day but enough to spread out throughout the day and get it all done and not be completely bored. Well today is different. The only thing on the agenda is taking the mail bag over at 2:30. Hopefully I can accomplish that without too much difficulty (insert me rolling my eyes).

I'm stuck reliving my interview. Don't worry - my pity party will only go on for today. I will soon enough be okay with how it went. I know that I did everything I could - and they just have to expect that people are going to be a bit nervous...especially when it is a 4-on-1 interview. Okay okay, enough about that...

It is now 12:58...

I should be out looking at houses with my parents - I contemplated asking my boss if I could take the last half of the day off, but I think this is too late of notice. Not that they would really know if I left anyways haha.

Ok - I just took a chance and asked her if I could leave...

She said yes!!!!!!

Gotta go :)

Morning Commentary

Don't be misled by the title of this blog. I had every intention of writing this in the morning - but it turns out I actually had something to do at work! Ha! :)

Anyways, speaking of work, I've had my fair share of rejections when it comes to interviews. I'm not sure why, because I think I have been a good candidate for every job I have applied for - but that would be a whole other blog, let's save it for another time. Well in January, I traveled to Chicago for a second interview with LaSalle Bank (on their expense of course). Well I found out yesterday morning that ABN AMRO (the parent company of LaSalle Bank) sold LaSalle. To whom, you ask? Bank of America! Ha! I have to admit, I found it rather funny and ironic (kinda). Maybe if they had hired me, they wouldn't have been sold. Okay okay, I know that is not true, but I still can't help but feel pride for being a Bank of America associate. Maybe everything does happen for a reason...

I received a rather exciting voicemail last night from my new coach. Yes, thats right, Coach! If all goes well and I get accepted to Rollins for the fall, I will playing lacrosse again! I am thrilled because I have missed playing so much. And! It is a division 2 team so that means that practicing and all that good stuff will actually be taken seriously. I have to start training now so I don't look like the old fogey to all the freshman haha!

One of my favorite shows came on last night - The Bachelor. That should tell you a little about me: 1) I watch a lot of reality TV and 2) I actually hope that people can still fall in love this day in age. But it got me thinking (I know, brace yourselves, I had another thought). When we are single (and by that I mean, not married) we uncounter thousands of people, and for some people that number may be in the millions, every day. And for most people, you reach a certain age and you get concerned with meeting "the one." The one. Out of all those thousands or millions of people, we are up against the challenge of finding one person that suits us. Which makes sense that there are still people that grow old and never get married, or get married and then realize that person wasn't the one for them. I couldn't figure out if I think these girls that go on the Bachelor are hopeful or stupid. Could they really be that lucky that they don't have to be like everyone else? They don't have to put themselves out there and hope for the best. ABC found their perfect man and he is waiting in a half a million dollar car and a multimillion dollar mansion just for her. Oh but wait, there is a catch. This same man is "the one" for 24 other women. Now I know you are thinking - it's not that serious, its just a TV show...good wholesome entertainment haha. And I get that - I just thought maybe this is the downfall of romance these days. Women are now expecting amazing "one-on-one" dates in exotic locations with seemingly perfect guys. And that may be what some people want to wait for (and they will be waiting for a loooong time). But what ever happened to courtship? I don't see romance as competing for a guy's attention while he is making out with another woman. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I would rather meet a guy (check), get to know him (check), form a friendship (check), and grow together into a fun, loving relationship (check). Trust me, it can happen :)

Thats my two cents...

Soap Box

I am my brothers biggest fan :) and I quite enjoy it. Since my brother came up to FSU, I've been to almost every concert he is in (at least out of the ones he has invited me to). Its always nice to see him in his element. He is so talented and so passionate. And Saturday night was just that - another wonderful experience watching him do what makes him happy. I can't wait to see what his future holds and how many lives he will touch - I can only imagine....

I think I had a "I'm getting older" moment this weekend. I'm not sure how it happened. Is it because the majority of my week is spent around people who are at least 15 years older than me? Is it because I have stopped relating to people my age who are in college? I tried to go out last night. I thought I would enjoy some 80s music, maybe catch up with people I haven't seen in a while.

I got ready, drove down to the strip....and realized I would rather be at home relaxing and watching a movie. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed. Did this mean that I don't know how to have fun anymore? Have I become unsocial? I think its unfortunate that I have to make myself go out to feel like I fit in. I am now disappointed that I was disappointed last night. I wish there was a way to put emphasis on activities that expand your mind, such as my brother's concert, not activities that your friends have to tell you about the next day because you can't remember. Okay, I'm stepping off my soap box...

This week is going to be pretty exciting - well at least it will be a stray from my usual week which includes...work, work, work, work...see a pattern? Well my parents will be here Tuesday :) I'm submitting my Rollins application sometime this week after I write my essays. I have a huge interview on Thursday that, if it goes well, will make up for all the rejection that I've had to deal with. The rewards of the job will outweigh any of the benefits that I would have gotten had other interviews in the past gone well. No pressure or anything right? No pressure - I have prepared and I am ready to knock their socks off. But pray for me just in case ;) Pray that I haven't gotten my hopes up too high. And then this weekend is the ATO formal with Eric in Daytona. I can't believe I will be at the beach in a week. I hope the weather is as beautiful as it was this weekend.

So I didn't really have much to say but I hope you enjoyed the update. One last thought - to the boy who sat in front of me at church today, I am praying for you. I know I don't know the details of your life or why you seemed so unhappy to be at church but I saw how your mom looked at you. She seemed hurt and seemed like she was trying to reach out to you, trying to show you that God loves you and she loves you. I could be completely wrong - but I would like to assume that it's because you are a teenager and just don't get it yet. I've been there - I know how you feel. But one day, without you even realizing it, your parents will become more important to you than anyone in the world. I hope that same day you will tell them that you love them and they will know that for the first time, you truly mean it. My heart grieved for you. I'm not sure why but I felt that I should put my feelings out there. I hope you know that I was thinking about you and if I, as a person who doesn't even know you, was thinking about you, then I can only imagine the amount of time the people that love you spend thinking about you. But in the mean time, I'll keep praying...

Weekend Update

Its been quite a few weeks since I've had a weekend to myself - and I love have people visit me and I love even more to go home, but I have to admit that I needed this weekend to regroup.

Last night, Jenna and I went and saw In The Land of Women. It just convinced me more that I actually do have a "type" when it comes to guys. I love tall, skinny, dark haired guys and there is nothing I can do about it haha. Adam Brody is so cute and so funny in a dry humor kind of way. But not only is he good, I really enjoyed Meg Ryan in this movie as well. I don't want to give it away if anyone happens to go see it, but it is a chick flick - if you are into those kinds of movies get ready to laugh and maybe even shed a tear (i did - i'm a sap - don't hate me for it).



Hopefully next week I can get some people to see Disturbia with me - I heard it was good - has anyone seen it??

So, this morning I had my first ever eye exam. It was a lot less scary than I had anticipated. Shout out to Dr. Ebert - she was awesome. Of course, she'll never see this - but she was super nice. If you are in Tally and need an eye exam (I know, random), go see her! She asked me if people ask me a lot of I wear color contacts and I said no - and she said well you have a beautiful eye color. Made me feel pretty good :) Turns out I have a small astigmatism in my right eye (probably cuz it runs in the family, thanks mom ;) love you) but not enough to make a big enough difference with glasses which makes me feel relieved.

Feeling good after my eye exam, I did what any girl (like me) would do - went shopping! The only reason this story is blog-worthy is because I bought jeans from Charlotte Russe for $4.99 each!! I am self-proclaimed shop-a-holic but I am an expert bargain finder. If you need to shop, and you are on a budget - let me know!! (hmmm, note to self: make a business plan to be a consultant for bargain shoppers haha).

Moving on....

My Mom and Dad are coming to Tallahassee the beginning of next week!! I'm sooo excited! It has been such a long time since I've seen my Dad and I miss him so much. I know that the visit will be too short but I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family, all of us - even Sammy! :)



Now I'm just relaxing for the rest of the day before my brother's concert. I should work on my essays for grad school - give me some motivation :)