tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59961085552642766512024-03-05T17:52:38.100-08:00Ree-Ree WritingRee-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-48414534722983972662013-09-22T10:39:00.004-07:002013-09-22T10:39:52.250-07:00Changes, and Changes<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Even though it has been a long time since I last posted, I do not think I will go too much into updates about my life. I will cover some big things, but mostly, I am just here to write.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> In the past few months, I have switched jobs, acquired some new pets, had a birthday and barely have had any time to rest. Life has been a little chaotic and very stressful but thankfully, that stress has been leading to some improvments</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Three weeks ago, I worked my last day as an in-home paraeducator with little Christopher. I have worked with this deaf/autistic boy for two years, so it was hard to say goodbye. His mother then asked me if I could still work the occasional weekend, which made the goodbyes easier. No matter the circumstances though, I knew it was time for a change. There is a point when working with children, that you know you have done about all you can do. It is a fine line between "teacher" and "caretaker" and over time, the lessons morph into something more emotional and somehow, lose their potency. I knew that I have crossed that line with Christopher not too long ago. He saw me as family, and as such, I wasn't as "respected" in a way. My lessons fell on deaf ears (pun intended). Christopher's advances slowed down because I was no longer the right person to teach him. Even though this fact can be hard to greet, it made leaving, actually easier. So what am I doing now?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Well, now I am working at the Travis Unified school district as an instructional assistant to a special needs- middle school class.I am enjoying the change quite a bit, actually, mainly because every word I say is understood. Christopher need sign language and constant repetition to understand your message (under no fault of his own of course) and it was exhausting at times. These older children, if I need to repeat myself, then that means that they just were not listening and then there are consequences-- which I have all the ability to dole out when I see fit. Needless to say, I am the "mean, strict" one a lot of the time, but some students are coming around and seeing that I am nice when they are nice and respectful towards me. It is a welcome change in scene-- and the pay raise is pretty cool too.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> That is basically it for the jobs, now onto the pets. As many of you know, I recently (well, not recently anymore-- 3 months ago!) found a pit bull who had been abandoned on our street. She was most likely used for breeding puppies and then dumped. She is such a sweet and amazing dog. The only downside is, we just can't keep her, but finding a home for her has been pretty impossible. There have been a few people who actually met with me to see the dog but most of the replies I have received ended with me describing the dog and then never hearing back from the interested party. I do not understand why people just stop responding, especially when they were the ones who reached out in the first place. Anyway, if you know of anyone who would want a sweet, loving pit bull, let me know. She deserves a wonderful home.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> The other, new pet that we have is a one-eyed rat named Lola. Kris is in a Physiology class and they were conducting observations on rats (seeing how much air they took in, nothing harmful), and when the observation was done, the instructor said that the rats could be taken if any one wanted them, or else they would be sent off to a lab where real- dangerous experiements would be performed. Well, Kris is a big-ol' softy like me and he called me up and asked if I wanted to save a rat. Of course I said yes and that is how we came upon this, adorable little girl:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> I am 26 years old now, which is really weird to see in writing. I don't recall 25 feeling old, but 26 sure does. When I give advice to someone, or when I am working with the kids in class, I feel so-- old! All the older people I know will probably laugh at that, but think back to when you officially left your "early 20's", your kid days were over . . . it's a trippy experience to say the least. I don't really mind it though-- I have always felt older than I am and now I am feeling like the rest of me is catching up with my brain. My actual birthday was a bit uneventful, but I that didn't bother me. I know everyone around me is busy so I do not expect them to drop everything for my sake. I did eventually have parties and get togethers, but they were all a week or two later. I just think I am at the point where birthdays aren't that exciting anymore. Oh well, what'cha gonna do?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Well, that is basically it. My brain hurts and I am tired. I may just take another nap, considering this is my first, real day off in a month. I am tired and gosh darn, I deserve it! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Okay, well, stay happy safe and healthy all!</span><br />
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Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-86338702671648943582013-06-27T11:33:00.001-07:002013-06-27T11:33:23.988-07:00Life at the Moment<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Hey people. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> So life has been pretty crazy recently. I know I used to be so much better about blog posts but I haven't been motivated lately to write any. Now that I have graduated and things are somewhat settling down, I feel the need to write.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> So what's new? Well, I did graduate! I finished my B.A. in English with a focus on creative writing back on the 15th of June. It was a lot of fun having my family around and I got to introduce Kris' family to my own for the first time after 51/2 years!! They all got along very well which was nice. I must admit though, the entire thing was so, freaking stressful for me. I am just glad its all done and I don't have to concern myself with tiny details anymore!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">The day after my graduation, Kris' sister Rachael threw me a party which was a lot of fun and very sweet of her to do. Quite a few people didn't show up which stunk but the people who did show made up for it by being amazing, true friends. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">So once graduation, the party and all the craziness was done, I worked for a few days and then got a week and a half off. It has been really nice to just chill, relax, get things done and ignore other things for a while. Not that there hasn't been stressful situations but at least work wasn't added onto it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><br /> This past Sunday was a local radio station's free concert in Golden Gate Park. I won VIP tickets that allowed me and a guest to sit in a special area to watch the show. We would get free lunch, drinks and a private bathroom (which was very nice). I wanted to win the tickets originally for Kris' mom: Karen. Karen's birthday is in July and I know she loves live music and I thought this would be really fun for her. Well, it was fun to an extent but San Francisco weather is always unpredictable, so it rained throughout the whole concert. Then, due to the rain, the final act: Ed Sheeran, was 2 hours late! We ended up leaving before he even showed because Karen had to work in the morning. It was fun in spite of all the hiccups though.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> We Met Ginny Blackmore!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Alice 97.3's Morning Show Cast</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Our VIP area</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Our View.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> One of the most exciting happenings this week is my new internship! I applied for a writing internship two days ago and now I am going to be writing for a internet company! Most writing internships are really just you, watching someone else write while you get their coffee but at this one, I will have articles with my name on it! I am so excited. The site is focused on Sustainability and healthy choices for your home, self and baby. I will be focused on the home and baby side of things because all my experience falls into those categories. I can't wait to have you all reading my work on a site other than a blog! Its a great place to learn new things too and they are always looking for new topics so if you have questions about how to live a more sustainable, healthy life. . . Let me know! The site is called Greenopedia, Greenopedia.com. Go check it out!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Well I think that is is for now. Hope you all are doing good! Love ya!</span><br />
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<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-88058583347331944072013-05-21T15:51:00.002-07:002013-05-21T15:51:41.682-07:00Rambling <br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> So it has been forever and a day since I have written a blog post. I am sorry that I am such a freaking slacker! Honestly, I wouldn't even be writing this if I wasn't so mentally blocked for my academic/creative writing. I am hoping that just by rambling about something-- anything, I will find my narrative voice again. We shall see. . .</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Well, what shall I write about? Well, as many of you know, I will be graduating next month. I am very excited to be done with school (at least for now) but on the other hand, I feel like I am leaving with absolutely no skills in my pocket. I began looking for job a few weeks ago and everything either requires a degree in a field that I never studied in, a focus in the field I did study in but not <i>my</i> particular focus and/or two+ years experience in the field. Well, crap! I had one fall back option but thanks to budget cuts and schedule changes, my future in ASL translation is still far, far away. I honestly do not know what I am going to do; therefore, leaving school is only bittersweet at best.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> On the upside however, I may not be able to get a job in writing but all my childcare and special needs experience will still allow me to find some employment. I just hope that through internships or possible future connections, I may actually be able to write for a living. Also on the upside, the little boy I watch is in speech therapy and his therapist has said numerous times she would hire me as an assistant. I have no idea how much she would be willing to pay and her office is over an hour away so there are downsides; but if she pays enough, I would make the drive. I can also stay working with the family I am currently with until I find a better job. Honestly, they wish I would never leave but I just can't do child care forever-- it's just not where my heart is.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> So, other news, information, current events in my life? Well, there really hasn't been much going on since the last time I wrote on here. Yeah, Kris and I have went to various places: friend's weddings, Tahoe, various hiking and camping trips. I started volunteering at the California School for the Deaf, but I am still floundering as far as comprehension of the language. Mostly, I have just been doing school work and work-work with very little time for sleep in between. I am mentally drained and I think that is perhaps why I haven't written in so long. All my mental energy is being put towards these final weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> Ultimately, as I come to the end of this chapter in my life, I just hope that certain things will get easier for me. I really just want to not struggle as much with my finances. I know everyone wants extra cash but I really just don't want to have to borrow from people anymore or panic that some bill is getting neglected. I have always been frugal so extra money for things I want doesn't concern me. I would just like to keep more than ten dollars in my savings account for a decent period of time. I would like the idea of moving out (again) to be an actual and near possibility. I would like to go to sleep knowing that everything is paid off for once. I suppose I just want peace of mind and I hate that money is the only way I will get it. That is the world we live in though. Even those of us who hate money are still controlled by it. Its not fair, but that's just how it is.</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-60571344054666538822012-12-12T11:23:00.001-08:002012-12-12T11:30:29.443-08:00The Good Instead of the Bad . . .<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />These past few months have been pretty stressful for me as many of you know; yet, I haven't spent enough time talking about the good things that have happened during them-- and there have been many good aspects. I just hate when all the negative, stressful and jolting events overshadow all the moments that made me smile. So for a little change of pace, I will go over those moments now and hopefully be smiling with every word I write.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />In no particular order:</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />The first thing that comes to mind is my wonderful five year anniversary with my wonderful boyfriend. I couldn't afford to do much for him so I made him some Chex Mix muddy buddies (which he loved) and then I made him a coupon book with little things like "40 minute long massages after a long day" and "A homemade dessert of your choice." He liked these coupons a lot but I still wish I could so much more for him. Of course, he out did my gift a lot by taking me out to a lovely sushi dinner in Napa and then surprising me with tickets to see the Lion King musical in January. I have heard so many amazing things about that performance but I have never been able to go see it-- until now! I love Kristopher so much, he is truly happy when he is making me happy and I am so grateful to have such a considerate person in my life.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />The next moments of happiness (or at least the next that comes to mind) were the people I met in some of my classes-- don't get me wrong, they weren't all nice or interesting but some were great! First off, there is Sarah. She was in one of my summer classes but we didn't talk much then. This quarter, we had a literary drama class together and we started to become really close. She is a big nerd and just as crazy and as stubborn as I am. We both have kind of twisted ideas of what is funny and we both can get pretty intense when something pisses us off. She was really sweet to me when all my financial aid crap fell through. I hope that we have more classes together and we are actually able to hang out beyond the confines of school. In my fiction class, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a bunch of weirdos who were all extremely nice to me. On the last day of class, a few of them were really insistent that I join them in the intermediate fiction class because they enjoyed having me in this one. Every workshop/discussion class that I have had before, I am usually deemed the "annoying one" because I talk so much and have very strong opinions-- I am never disrespectful but some people see any disagreement with their opinion as disrespectful. Anyway, in this class I had one guy named Patrick say I was one of his favorite people in the class. Another guy named Nate said he liked how I always had insightful and relevant things to say about everyone's work-- I also kept Patrick in check haha. A couple of girls named Joy and Anna were always very sweet to me, saying I wrote well or just enjoyed acting goofy with me. Another guy named Chris always had nice things to say to me and also offered respectable refutes to my opinions. It was overall, a class experience I was not used to but enjoyed immensely. I wish I could be guaranteed that same group of people for every workshop class I have from here on out-- then I know I would have something to look forward to each quarter.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />So the another "good" that came from the past few months that piggybacks on the last one is my fiction writing in general. To everyone that knows me, knows me as a poetry writer. I was comfortable as a poetry writer, I won awards, had some things published and generally got a lot of compliments on my poetry; but this quarter however, that sort of changed. I was taking a poetry workshop class alongside my fiction class and the two couldn't be more opposite. The poetry class (most of them anyway) seemed to be thoroughly annoyed my me and my work. Everything I wrote was torn down, everything I said got some sort of negative remark and overall it made me not even bother trying towards the end. Why am I going to pour my heart and soul into poems for this class when they will get mutilated? Well, I won't. So here is the good end of all this-- I was expecting this sort of reaction to my fiction writing, not my poetry. My fiction writing before this quarter was awful-- just bad as bad can be. Yet, this teacher or this group or me in general or a combination of all of it changed my writing and I got a bunch of positive feed back. Better yet, I even liked my fiction, which has never happened before! I wrote some things that surprised me and made me think that someday, I may actually be able to write a decent book. Will I ever be a bestseller-- probably not but I may actually be able to get some small time publisher to print something of mine someday and just feeling like that is possible is amazing to me. I still love poetry but it has always been something I did for myself. I never wanted to share it, but fiction is something I have always wanted to do and always wanted to be able to share. I am just so happy that I can see that happening now. Maybe in the future, I will post some of my fiction writing on here-- that is if anyone would care to read it. </span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />The last thing I will talk about, even though I know there is a bunch more but this is getting kinda long-- is just all the help I have received. I would have never made it through all these stressful times if it weren't for some amazing people. First, I want to thank my Aunt Eileen-- she helped me so, so, so much with everything lately. She took 20 tons of stress off my back just by being the amazing person she always is. Thank you Eileen! I love you! The rest of my family deserves a thanks too-- they all at one point or another, saved my butt with either a favor or a kind word. I am so lucky to have their love and support. I also want to thank my teachers this quarter, even though they will never read this and I have already thanked them in person numerous times; they deserve it. My sign language teacher has been and still is bending over backwards for me just so I can be graded for her class and possibly take future classes with her. She genuinely wants me to succeed and it is amazing to have someone like that in your corner. My fiction/drama teacher was always so forgiving when I told him I needed extra time for this or that. He gave me such good feedback and actually took a few of my papers to put in his "Hall of Fame" so that he could share them with future classes! I felt like I really have grown as a writer because of him. My poetry teacher deserves a thanks too-- not for her poetry class though but because she listened to all my financial aid woes and gave me some good advice on how to fix it and who to talk to. My wonderful boyfriend-- he is who I will mention last. He was there at the end of every stressful day, acting silly just to make me laugh. He would put money in my account so I could afford gas and food for my family. He would give me little gifts that would brighten my gloomiest days. He has just been so, so very perfect lately. Its times like these when all I want to do is scream and cry and he instead makes me laugh and smile-- that I think he and I could really make this last forever. There is no better way to tell in my opinion then to see how your significant other handles your tough problems. I love him so much and I am so happy to call him mine.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Well, there it all is. I know there is a lot more I could mention but I am happy that I wrote a happy blog for once. I love all of you who have helped me and I appreciate all of those who were kind to me this quarter. Have a happy holidays and I hope to see you all in the new year! </span></span>
Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-13436755720568898872012-11-19T16:14:00.003-08:002012-11-19T16:15:41.762-08:00So This will be a Long One<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Like the title suggests, this will be a long post so if you don't have a good set of time to read it (and actually want to) then I would suggest placing your focus somewhere else. So let my just say what I will be talking about, mainly so I can keep it straight in my head: First, my Disneyland trip and the disaster it ended in. Second, Halloween with family. Third, financial aid and all the crap it means for me now. Fourth and finally, future stuff that I dread and look forward to. I will try to shorten each story as much as possible, but there is just sooo much crap to tell! Okay, here we go!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> So, Disneyland. A little while ago, I won more tickets to Disneyland. Kris and I really wanted to go during either Halloween or Christmas. Thanks to a little luck and good timing, my boss had to go to L.A for a week in mid October so that meant I had that time off. Kris got some last minute time off and away we went. Well, sorta-- first, the day that we were supposed to leave was actually Matt and Mikaela's wedding (some friends of Kris' family).</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"> So we went to their wedding first and then we left the reception early to head to Anaheim. We borrowed my brother's car because the gas mileage is a lot better than mine. We get to L.A and do all the usual Disneyland stuff. Kris and I were a bit disappointed however at how similar it was to every other day of the year. With the exception of some orange lights and a bunch of pumpkins, the park wasn't any different. A couple of rides were altered a tiny bit but that was it. We mainly went however, to see the new Car's Land and that was pretty cute. It wasn't as big as I thought it would be but it was fun none the less. The second and final day we were there, Kris and I met up with his cousin Stefanie and her husband and Kris' best friend Bell for dinner. They had their adorable daughter Rowan with them-- it was her first trip to Disneyland. Kris got to hold her for a bit and you know him-- he loves holding kids!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"> Haha he looks terrified.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">So there are a lot more photos on Facebook but since I am trying to keep this short, I will let them tell the rest of the story so go look at them if you want. So now, about the drive home. Well first, let me say how I totally was asking for trouble. When we first got to L.A, we drove past a little side street called Ridgcrest, which for you who may not know, is a small town in the middle of the Mojave desert where most of my mom's side of the family lives. When we passed the street, I looked at Kris and said "Hey, you want to go to Ridgcrest?" -- jokingly of course. Why this is asking for trouble...you will find out later. Secondly, after our trip was ending and I was sitting in the hotel, I was thinking about this blog and how I really wouldn't have much to write about. I thought "man, I wish I had more exciting stuff to write about." Finally, the next morning, as Kris and I were packing to leave, he expressed his concerns about not making it home in time for his anatomy class that night. So I responded with "the only way we won't be home on time is if we break down, hahaha." Yeah, well, we weren't laughing in a few hours. Long story short-ish, we got to the top of the Grapevine when my brother's coolant light came on; so we refilled the coolant. A mile later, the light came on again-- the coolant tank was empty. We coasted down the grapevine in nuetral so the car wouldn't over heat and ended up in some no name shop 17 miles outside of Bakersfield. The guy who worked there said it might be the water pump. When I called my brother to tell him this, he flipped out. His car is his baby. So anyway, through many arguments and screaming matches over the phone, Kris and I brought the car to a VW dealership in Bakersfield. We then called my cousin Jennifer and asked her if she could come pick us up since the repairs would take a couple of days. Next thing you know, we are two hours away in Ridgcrest, staying at Jenn's house, chatting with my aunt Jan and overall, I am kinda excited I will be spending sometime with family. At least, I was until my brother calls me, saying that he wants to drive all the way down to Bakersfield to make sure he car is okay. I eventually talk him out of that by promising him that his car will be towed the 300 miles back up to our house, on a flat bed truck and no one will touch it before then. So the next morning, Kris and I are back in Bakersfield, loading the car onto a flatbed and then we are off on a 300 mile journey with a tow truck driver.... thankfully, he was nice. So overall, I asked for it. I said we would be in Ridgcrest, I wanted more to write about and I said we would break down. There are a lot more details to all that which made the whole thing super stressful, but I don't want to get mad all over again by recounting them. So yeah, that was our Disneyland trip!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">What next? Oh yeah, Halloween. So I was looking forward to Halloween this year. Kris and I were going to dress up as a Cowboy and Cowgirl. Ana had an adorable Grecian Goddess costume and my cousins Briana and Leland were coming up to take Ana trick or treating. I also love decorating the house, carving pumpkins and of course, the candy. Well, even though most of that happened and overall it was a fun time, there were still some things that didn't go quite as planned. Ana was very excited about trick or treating this year. She never used to like it because other people's costumed would scare her-- but this year she was old enough that she more just cared about getting as much candy as possible. I am sure she would have if it didn't start raining like crazy right when we got out of the car! So pretty much all the houses closed up and Ana barely got anything. Thankfully my aunt Eileen bought ten tons of candy so she made up her losses. She was still disappointed though that she didn't "earn it". My cousins being there softened the blow though and it was fun carving pumpkins and just hanging out.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Ana looked far too grown up in her costume. She is getting too old and too big, it makes me so sad!! She is just as tall as me now and in a few months, she will be taller. Ugh! I am in for it then.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Okay, so now what to talk about? Oh yes, financial aid. So the only reason I have been able to work towards my degree is thanks to financial aid. I know many people are against government aid like that but hey-- so many people use it and need it, yet a few bad apples spoil the batch for the rest of us. So thanks to those bad apples, I found out this past week that ALL of my funding has been cut thanks to various little things that are stupid. To make that all the worse, I found out a couple weeks ago that I only have a couple quarters to go before I can graduate. I spent the first half of Tuesday at school, calling offices and trying to figure out what I can do just to have them all tell me to go screw myself. So then I spent the second half of Tuesday crying my eyes out because I felt so defeated. I could take out more student loans but I already don't know how I am going to pay back the ones I have; therefore, adding more to that total seemed like a death sentence. Thankfully, on Thursday, I went into the financial aid office for the millionth time and spoke with the same lady for the millionth time and she called upstairs for the millionth time and for the millionth time, she didn't get any clear answers. So maybe she was already having a bad day or maybe she just felt bad for me but this wonderful woman hangs up her phone and tells me she will be right back. She then marches up stairs and is gone for 15 minutes. When she returns, she says I am now going to receive the university grant that will cover the majority of my tuition until i graduate! I could have kissed her! I still owed a decent amount after that but it was better than nearly 3 grand! So I need to bring that woman a card and some cookies because she literally saved my butt. My problem now however, is that not all the classes I need are being offered and I can't even take as many as I want to because the university put a cap on the amount of units I can do. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">The question is now, what can I finish? How long will it take me to finish? Can I finish the sign language program on top of my English degree? I suppose all that will have to be figured out as it comes. Anyway, I am done for now so thanks for reading if you actually read it all. Have a good day folks. Stay warm!</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-52195639575554255082012-10-07T13:14:00.002-07:002012-10-07T13:16:54.874-07:00Well, its been a while...<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> I apologize for the long break between posts here. A lot has happened between then and now -- so much that I haven't even had a spare moment to write really; or if I did, I felt too exhausted to do so. I feel exhausted right now but I am avoiding homework to do this so there is motive. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />Lets see, where do I start? Well, I will start out of order I guess. I began a new quarter at school and I can tell, this one is going to kick my butt. This term is comprised mostly of writing courses, which is great for me-- but they are serious writing courses which also intimidates me. All the classes I have taken before have been introductory and beginner classes where I was the big fish in a small pond so to speak. I was the one who <i>has</i> been writing for years, who <i>has</i> had stuff published, who <i>has </i>done this before. Now, I am one of the people who suck. My stuff is amateur when compared to others and I know, I shouldn't compare myself, I should write for me; but it is hard to think that way in a class where you discuss your work with your peers. The professors intimidate you more too because they will speak of those who were once at your level that are now best selling authors-- inspiring right? Not really because the professors also spoke of how they could see that promise in their early work. So, will they see any promise in mine? Will these professors be speaking of me in 15 years saying "I could tell she had <i>it</i> way back then. . ." who knows! It is just a lot of pressure to feel with every exercise, wanting it to be great but feeling like you are turning in crappy prose and immature fiction.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />Okay, well that was my "waahh, poor me" moment; now for something a little less pathetic. My cousin just started going to the same school as me. This is the first time since elementary school that I had a family member in the same learning environment as me. It is nice to see a familiar face in the halls every now and then. The only problem I can foresee with all this is the competitive aspect. We are both English majors and we haven't had any classes together yet but I can see that we both take it pretty seriously. I don't know that we wouldn't get a little cut throat when it came to comparing our work. I realize it will be hard to compare-- we are completely different writers with vastly different backgrounds and influences; still, the potential strain is there. I realize I am worrying too much about stuff that isn't even worth a concern but that is how I am.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />So, what else? Oh well, my oldest brother Travis graduated with a bachelors of science in communication systems degree (or something to that effect), from the University of Phoenix. I am super proud of him-- that boy was a machine when it came to his school work and his job on top of always being there for his family. For those of you who may not know, he was extremely sick when his was little-- in and out of comas, pronounced clinically dead several times. When he finally started to improve in health, the doctors said he would be a vegetable the rest of his life.Well, when he walked across that stage and accepted his degree, I wish those doctors who said that could see. It was pretty amazing and I am so proud of him!</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The other cool thing about his graduation was how my family came together. My parents are divorced and haven't seen each other in nearly seven years; so this event was the first time in a long while where they would be in the same room and have to talk to each other. I admit, I was nervous about it. My parents ARE NOT two people who ever belonged together so the tension between them can get pretty darn thick. On top of that, my mom's sisters and brother were going to be commingling with my Dad's parents (my grandparents) and oldest sister so that was just a lot of new, strange experiences to be mixed into the whole thing. Also, Kris was coming along so I had my boyfriend situation, my separated parents situation, two very different families chatting it up situation and just trying to get everyone on the same page with the whole graduation thing. Like I said before, I was concerned about it but I am really glad to say that looking back now, I didn't need to me concerned (well, it still could have got. . .tense but thankfully it didn't); everyone was happy and chatty and had a great time. Overall, it was a great day and we all had a lot of fun celebrating Travis' amazing accomplishment!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Okay, so what else? Hmm, well the only other thing I can think of is not very happy or uplifting but it is something that has been weighing on my mind a lot. I recently got advised by an RN to get checked out for Polysystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS). Pretty much, if you have this, you will have irregular menstrual cycles, be broken out 24/7, have unexplained weight gain, lose head hair-- gain other unpleasant body hair, experience random abdominal pains and a bunch of other unpleasant stuff. Now, all this I have been experiencing for some time but I always wrote it off as stress and aging and various other things-- which it could still be. My biggest concern with it however is that if you do have POS than your likelihood of contracting diabetes goes up quite a bit, other various uterine and ovarian issues can occur and ultimately it can lead to cancers and infertility (not that I am looking to get pregnant any time soon but if I ever did, I would like to know I could). So I went to the doctors and they are currently running a myriad of expensive tests to see if POS is the cause-- the doctor said it most likely is based on all my symptoms. Anyway, that sucks and its just another health thing I get to tack onto my extensive record. At least if I do have POS, I am finding out about it early which means that I can treat some of the symptoms and take care of myself in new ways to hopefully lessen the chances of the bigger, badder stuff. </span></span><br />
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Okay, well I think that's about all the big stuff for now. I am sure I am forgetting things and I am sure I have a million more pictures and videos I could put up here but I really need to get started on that homework I have been avoiding. Wish me luck on my writing and on my possibly, gross ovaries (haha, you are welcome for making you think '<i>ewww</i>'). Have a good one y'all. Hope you are well and happy!</span></span><br />
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Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-24760711811157998862012-09-05T12:24:00.001-07:002012-09-05T12:24:09.557-07:00Here it is Eileen!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Finally! I am posting about the Jackie Greene concert that my aunt Eileen gave me tickets for!! It only happened like a month ago (maybe a little less than that but close enough!) Anyway, Eileen loves an artist named Jackie Green, he is sort of rock-blues-jazz-folk all mixed in to one; and she bought tickets for his concert but found she wasn't able to go. So in order to not waste tickets, she asked me if I wanted to go and bring some people. I said of course! I did not really know the artists but hey-- free tickets to a concert and making my aunt Eileen happy? I will DEFINITELY do that! So Kris, Travis and I all went up to Sacramento to a park called Fairytale Town to watch the show. The concert was a benefit to raise money for the park in order to keep it open and running for kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So we got there an hour early, thinking we should be able to get a decent spot-- it was all lawn space so first come, first serve. We completely misjudged it however, and were waaaayyy in the back. We set up our chairs and got some drinks and relaxed anyway. It may have been good that we were all a little oblivious to who Jackie Greene was because if we weren't then the far away seats may have been a let down; this way we would all just chill and enjoy the music. So pretty much after that, the concert started and we had a good time listening and watching a bunch of old, drunk people attempt to dance. Good times! So here are some pictures and hopefully video (if I can get it to work) of our fun little trip to see Jacki Greene!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrrgsOQPtvawzi8uVUlqC2MMYNr9RASDV_j4mg6lG9JfFdgyJI8BfClSbttcZlqHH6Tw5ZF7brm3-FRssI99bwg8BCYvRXHqzg0f8HjcGrtCOz44ewNMW6ONW75i8EK6V60jU9rQacus/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrrgsOQPtvawzi8uVUlqC2MMYNr9RASDV_j4mg6lG9JfFdgyJI8BfClSbttcZlqHH6Tw5ZF7brm3-FRssI99bwg8BCYvRXHqzg0f8HjcGrtCOz44ewNMW6ONW75i8EK6V60jU9rQacus/s320/IMG_4856.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The stage...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTQxdnzFWb5xbtbKoCsCY81CzTfT8x2JL30BHkUhThJKJs_aWf_9XEmLy_sTHoZI7aw26z-T6v8FnVc61IR5065ALWuAQOkXyC1TKZROr5CgqAEf9S2_oYmknuHkKtoEkPI4LxN_FWVM/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTQxdnzFWb5xbtbKoCsCY81CzTfT8x2JL30BHkUhThJKJs_aWf_9XEmLy_sTHoZI7aw26z-T6v8FnVc61IR5065ALWuAQOkXyC1TKZROr5CgqAEf9S2_oYmknuHkKtoEkPI4LxN_FWVM/s320/IMG_4857.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Some of the cute playhouses in the park</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0HuP1o0RvGmZ-jtm2hQe0xiPxeGmzG4KvrJNcCvHVz-9UQl1pIPk0ZwhDKJwtn2N1UqhnERS4goHdnJ-e8SvUhK-HPyK6d4gi69XQ39Gxym6inbCHRN4tnotTxI1j474EAEaKrmQ0Co/s1600/IMG_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0HuP1o0RvGmZ-jtm2hQe0xiPxeGmzG4KvrJNcCvHVz-9UQl1pIPk0ZwhDKJwtn2N1UqhnERS4goHdnJ-e8SvUhK-HPyK6d4gi69XQ39Gxym6inbCHRN4tnotTxI1j474EAEaKrmQ0Co/s320/IMG_4858.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Yeah we were kinda far...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZyLKp0lK4QUmPWAa3lt58kqq1tH9j0JH3SP9nBp-p9a-DM-E3OKKN3Gez8ypyTR4qAYK8IllQjtlYcJdTLY1I2lrPr5v-tdfEcGts3fjn02jC4J4rdAb3aH_cCla1R5UcklYQrkIzbE/s1600/IMG_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZyLKp0lK4QUmPWAa3lt58kqq1tH9j0JH3SP9nBp-p9a-DM-E3OKKN3Gez8ypyTR4qAYK8IllQjtlYcJdTLY1I2lrPr5v-tdfEcGts3fjn02jC4J4rdAb3aH_cCla1R5UcklYQrkIzbE/s320/IMG_4859.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Passing the time with reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHsDvskBaC3yPVUgi3G-qBlRSg2HIC34kdVFfTPeZhtLbCffLB6sdukdP7b4WEuY_Vg_xsmeGv1tKmB14cOYOGYPB3ZmqFDoGYAjwO-33dPTe41Vr7joCws1_Ui5vJ8XAsncugfqti2w/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHsDvskBaC3yPVUgi3G-qBlRSg2HIC34kdVFfTPeZhtLbCffLB6sdukdP7b4WEuY_Vg_xsmeGv1tKmB14cOYOGYPB3ZmqFDoGYAjwO-33dPTe41Vr7joCws1_Ui5vJ8XAsncugfqti2w/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Yay!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2xmEG9WLH_QhcoHZPg8lfDvVvJ7Ta03a-eHS1-7WxSUWOMYGb2_agVjb6oxOtL7DyieIFiugXRCH0LSkTqjBtMNOaePd0VUVLYaXAjYSp9jGGcDwda62NvQzzrxigb_BBx0IAfPAceo/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2xmEG9WLH_QhcoHZPg8lfDvVvJ7Ta03a-eHS1-7WxSUWOMYGb2_agVjb6oxOtL7DyieIFiugXRCH0LSkTqjBtMNOaePd0VUVLYaXAjYSp9jGGcDwda62NvQzzrxigb_BBx0IAfPAceo/s320/IMG_4862.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Mhmmm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9N-kQkBmejAoAM9UyC9vsGTjFfI-5flgIp6of6bHHX_hNWd8Y6wdnU7I5XLvIYuYCLjP5bsMFjcCBFjtbPE-jywvqfqLbJyigg-_fcvaAVL9jiQR7E-ShZOJsb7uIrb87C0gvLrYoGc/s1600/IMG_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9N-kQkBmejAoAM9UyC9vsGTjFfI-5flgIp6of6bHHX_hNWd8Y6wdnU7I5XLvIYuYCLjP5bsMFjcCBFjtbPE-jywvqfqLbJyigg-_fcvaAVL9jiQR7E-ShZOJsb7uIrb87C0gvLrYoGc/s320/IMG_4863.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Better</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcIFz6EHF0ERviTqo4v9FM0WTgwpG5oM1exUyfX-S8MnQ1sVw98vvYox1IbibwSL7n2v64UjLrEYByX1jb396w2NOdZIYWnhyziiRZc_mVBpFZDCzCZc6EqNVJ-FYfi7mIba1B08spCo/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcIFz6EHF0ERviTqo4v9FM0WTgwpG5oM1exUyfX-S8MnQ1sVw98vvYox1IbibwSL7n2v64UjLrEYByX1jb396w2NOdZIYWnhyziiRZc_mVBpFZDCzCZc6EqNVJ-FYfi7mIba1B08spCo/s320/IMG_4864.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Travis melted....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0c08rsm81WvvVBT2-QNL385Byav1qhHU1oEcvGVSd1aN5xNW7VysMf6M_wn5NpHULU80VSegjHK2KjwAEgNBVYZCWd30BD-89yd8rRTqV1cDZnc5NHibHNuhELdNY6KL-KkNZzsT4Pw/s1600/IMG_4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0c08rsm81WvvVBT2-QNL385Byav1qhHU1oEcvGVSd1aN5xNW7VysMf6M_wn5NpHULU80VSegjHK2KjwAEgNBVYZCWd30BD-89yd8rRTqV1cDZnc5NHibHNuhELdNY6KL-KkNZzsT4Pw/s320/IMG_4865.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Birds</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpNdqWjHfq3v6_4mk-wec2Urw-Gr2962QTsGFcw28vrBNg6w0S1rBUpPHp7pacjvOwxLvA5gopNURgZLwsa7BXs8_wZhyPy4mORkd5m6XyhlzBgKpEBvRjPmpMqy3mVXFTtl8Sg-yW30/s1600/IMG_4866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpNdqWjHfq3v6_4mk-wec2Urw-Gr2962QTsGFcw28vrBNg6w0S1rBUpPHp7pacjvOwxLvA5gopNURgZLwsa7BXs8_wZhyPy4mORkd5m6XyhlzBgKpEBvRjPmpMqy3mVXFTtl8Sg-yW30/s320/IMG_4866.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Lots of birds...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGGMoTbZvKQK9pc2yhmqxqg1JEw6NkrI6gPZ0wwO4iHg1CNhHKczdImqiZwqTaxwX8ZU3szK7SptYoVhPphptlf_AZuGjte4Q0lFng9TN-_1o3BcDzP0huWGUC3daGv9W0XalU568BSY/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGGMoTbZvKQK9pc2yhmqxqg1JEw6NkrI6gPZ0wwO4iHg1CNhHKczdImqiZwqTaxwX8ZU3szK7SptYoVhPphptlf_AZuGjte4Q0lFng9TN-_1o3BcDzP0huWGUC3daGv9W0XalU568BSY/s320/IMG_4867.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Oh good, he regenerated </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbzzOkcwJQmdsjoK3lPZpmPaVY9Uyy9ogz-aSa2Rn7s5VmNlipcvkvalHArbVi0kqAMI0E_kOfI8LP4_7pqlKJf-DnqHlgzm9EgxF7LhTGVBulqxUBdnKY4vuxYb-0U_lAqZfspQLa2k/s1600/IMG_4868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbzzOkcwJQmdsjoK3lPZpmPaVY9Uyy9ogz-aSa2Rn7s5VmNlipcvkvalHArbVi0kqAMI0E_kOfI8LP4_7pqlKJf-DnqHlgzm9EgxF7LhTGVBulqxUBdnKY4vuxYb-0U_lAqZfspQLa2k/s320/IMG_4868.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Yay a quarter smile</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9nt4kisl7T7T4LTcAueA8c5cCk-x82juBVdHXm-p21s5UCOTd589iVAjf5f0sRPvwMn579w65OkDdhi4qIR8VszNa-ryTpyuELkLjNWtmye2Tf7Xb9WwFiRL-kMZAdufwjx5i1yMdcI/s1600/IMG_4884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9nt4kisl7T7T4LTcAueA8c5cCk-x82juBVdHXm-p21s5UCOTd589iVAjf5f0sRPvwMn579w65OkDdhi4qIR8VszNa-ryTpyuELkLjNWtmye2Tf7Xb9WwFiRL-kMZAdufwjx5i1yMdcI/s320/IMG_4884.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Sorry these pics of Jackie Green aren't great, my camera refused to focus on him</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRNFb89CleczVk0_RsjN2uNpeA2wC59DMmJ3dM4Uenk8PIMWcYVp0epytIOX6pYAtN5J9E1Ytsj7y5ZPs5_ddHLIllPPTa3U8nm7JU9IB_S4nnFH7oLptHiVmXbmAT4YGNWqTO94ZTow/s1600/IMG_4886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRNFb89CleczVk0_RsjN2uNpeA2wC59DMmJ3dM4Uenk8PIMWcYVp0epytIOX6pYAtN5J9E1Ytsj7y5ZPs5_ddHLIllPPTa3U8nm7JU9IB_S4nnFH7oLptHiVmXbmAT4YGNWqTO94ZTow/s320/IMG_4886.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolKMQym5aftE4pbM4NEDoKPV3M069Kw-berfcFzgYPoLoonl_ZkUPoXBDHjmtOxWg-Dq_ibhDMvsHNae0jmaMUE9FOmhG795_NpqggRcSKf4uqi165gcpX0E3CSj6_sgroJvT_fgw1aM/s1600/IMG_4901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolKMQym5aftE4pbM4NEDoKPV3M069Kw-berfcFzgYPoLoonl_ZkUPoXBDHjmtOxWg-Dq_ibhDMvsHNae0jmaMUE9FOmhG795_NpqggRcSKf4uqi165gcpX0E3CSj6_sgroJvT_fgw1aM/s320/IMG_4901.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> This guy was adorable and danced the whole time!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5UKHjvPEUihOehUfZfb5b4-ly1rhf9T-uRTQH7c6kFElJ1y6qbWfBtkkQuTyj23LMMVpEI5WmKpVjDcRipA8l2234T6wT60Q2fagW7Ej2WcNVBNd0kl0yzT4slxPzjI_CE7aYU7Xk3c/s1600/IMG_4908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5UKHjvPEUihOehUfZfb5b4-ly1rhf9T-uRTQH7c6kFElJ1y6qbWfBtkkQuTyj23LMMVpEI5WmKpVjDcRipA8l2234T6wT60Q2fagW7Ej2WcNVBNd0kl0yzT4slxPzjI_CE7aYU7Xk3c/s320/IMG_4908.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQx4kFi9l2XstfL249o4Bh3SHU4lImObNkTmuBqn-VGyxPY8eBlLNv8tV6lQ6SkTOSy7Xv7L_53MpVQSIKruzo3EJkcqtkAzEV4gkmNKLDjgTehAzMLrtDii8fwHiivCW1RnvYJtaErA/s1600/IMG_4911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQx4kFi9l2XstfL249o4Bh3SHU4lImObNkTmuBqn-VGyxPY8eBlLNv8tV6lQ6SkTOSy7Xv7L_53MpVQSIKruzo3EJkcqtkAzEV4gkmNKLDjgTehAzMLrtDii8fwHiivCW1RnvYJtaErA/s320/IMG_4911.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Teepee playhouse!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BWcv7hLpqhDWUCzNrMugJubCXa4V5jcBnRQ-AqevMzEij3ZDh8HT1PHwQeAJnwWFZmKBwIP9-y53dFjQpLRPqC1kwnipzNWTgopvojsl08GQFOYswguNzY20kqyWbhV6R10iAt6ZlTM/s1600/IMG_4912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BWcv7hLpqhDWUCzNrMugJubCXa4V5jcBnRQ-AqevMzEij3ZDh8HT1PHwQeAJnwWFZmKBwIP9-y53dFjQpLRPqC1kwnipzNWTgopvojsl08GQFOYswguNzY20kqyWbhV6R10iAt6ZlTM/s320/IMG_4912.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Getting through the whirly gate with a bunch of chairs is kinda hard.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdKUdyLnkh-o0HP8eu4kD-duLPSXKGNXv7NkB_Rof7KDH_XvXUcgMZt31Sbdt2qU2kAVI0VdiNtjrwwmS6Zcm_X5n2sWXwSHYPk8jn59xJZn-JPObUhErizVEq2I1pme8bUsRyWvcxJQ/s1600/IMG_4913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdKUdyLnkh-o0HP8eu4kD-duLPSXKGNXv7NkB_Rof7KDH_XvXUcgMZt31Sbdt2qU2kAVI0VdiNtjrwwmS6Zcm_X5n2sWXwSHYPk8jn59xJZn-JPObUhErizVEq2I1pme8bUsRyWvcxJQ/s320/IMG_4913.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRIAwtHNfjcQRb-8ZoQUC36dV3gmnooB7-0nyVxwiA2rzEVdUx4AlgiDjM3xtiG9X2e7B-hX6b6NmOIAw7b2InvQiuZm0iJ9EHCSGz9SdAXVN2WEq6ZF7MSUfp697Ya4d_3A_UXGlW-4/s1600/IMG_4914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRIAwtHNfjcQRb-8ZoQUC36dV3gmnooB7-0nyVxwiA2rzEVdUx4AlgiDjM3xtiG9X2e7B-hX6b6NmOIAw7b2InvQiuZm0iJ9EHCSGz9SdAXVN2WEq6ZF7MSUfp697Ya4d_3A_UXGlW-4/s320/IMG_4914.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Blocking me in...</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So I just tried to upload the video and it said there were some errors so who knows. I will try again later or just put them on FB. I had a lot of fun so thank you Eileen for the tickets and next time, hopefully you will get to go! You will probably get better pictures anyway! Love you!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Okay, that is it. Have a nice day everyone!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-67956557995474545642012-08-21T12:47:00.000-07:002012-08-22T09:10:23.551-07:00The Next Time I Meet Rob Thomas . . .<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I seriously need to be cooler! I am such a blubbering idiot! Even with my
idiocy however, I still had the absolute, one hundred percent, most amazing,
dream fulfilling <b><i>best night of my life</i></b><i>!</i> I do not know
where to start so, in my true fashion of lengthy storytelling, I will start at
the beginning! Here we go . . .</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, last Friday, while driving the little boy I aide back from his speech therapy,
I heard the next cue to call in for the Matchbox Twenty Pop-up Lounge (and a
Hawaii trip, but in all honesty, I wanted the MB20 tickets more) put on by
Alice 97.3. Now as a lot of you know, I have been winning quite a lot from
them-- Disneyland tickets twice, Kelly Clarkson tickets; so I thought there was
no real way I could win these, plus it was the last chance of the last day that
they were giving away the lounge tickets. I called anyway, and I called-- and
called. I nearly crashed my car when Marcus D. aka. the most awesome DJ in the
world answered the phone! I screamed, I think I said some inappropriate things;
all in all, I was thrilled! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After I won, I instantly started researching on the venue. From what I could
tell, the place was small-- standing room only and if I had any chance of
getting to the front of the stage, I had to get there early. Well, Kris
switched work shifts so he could join me (more I think he was worried I would
climb onto the stage and ravage Rob Thomas . . . entirely possible) so I
informed him, we had to leave by 1:45, even though the concert didn't start
until 7pm. He did as I asked because he knew that this was something I had been
trying to do since I was 12, thankfully he isn't the type of guy who would ruin
that for me. So we left at a quarter to 2 and got to the lounge around
3:15. Oddly enough, the lounge was on the back side of The Salt House--
the restaurant Kris and I ate at almost a month ago exactly before we saw
LeMis. Anyway, when we turned the corner, I saw this huge line and my heart
sank! I thought that arriving nearly 4 hours early would have ensured me a
close spot but from the looks of the line, I was very wrong. That is, until we
got closer. Come to find out, there is a coffee shop in the Harlot Lounge
(where the concert was to be) and its super busy all day-- the line was for
coffee! I ran past the caffeine freaks to the front door where only two other
ladies were standing; they were there maybe 30 minutes earlier than me. I was
so happy that they were the only ones, but I was selfishly disappointed that <i>I</i>
wasn't the first one. I felt that way until I heard these women talking about
Matchbox Twenty-- I felt like I knew NOTHING about the band! I was put to shame
in my obsession! They have followed Rob and the boys everywhere! Met them
multiple times! Texted their manager casually! They deserved that front spot
and they were super nice too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNjzhY0_0EW6D3XRfTy7_-7xmItmX70J3coDqZ7LtxAZVak24MiaD24gTEKRXdMGqmBkAFEGANw2Cel8UsUjYO3CWEWn6jBKGbvTz097z5hHv0xaq9Jl29EwyytfMZ48rVS80URYKgMY/s1600/IMG_4928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNjzhY0_0EW6D3XRfTy7_-7xmItmX70J3coDqZ7LtxAZVak24MiaD24gTEKRXdMGqmBkAFEGANw2Cel8UsUjYO3CWEWn6jBKGbvTz097z5hHv0xaq9Jl29EwyytfMZ48rVS80URYKgMY/s320/IMG_4928.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> As we waited, more people filed in behind us but
still not as many as I was expecting. Kris I could tell was not as thrilled
about waiting outside for so long but he didn't complain he is so sweet. The
wait ended up going by pretty quick thanks to my hero-- Marcus D.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOy_KhG4vx9erHLsaEDjrB9BU9sH9uUuLsWyxF1RX77KpPD0ZovTijhm81xZ_4zW_0amA9Fyp7YeQdZ0Vf8JVswHE5L3YwYJnGndHzzCDx3-LbnnsP6rH0C6LCXx1YrLUkFe6mlleOCc/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOy_KhG4vx9erHLsaEDjrB9BU9sH9uUuLsWyxF1RX77KpPD0ZovTijhm81xZ_4zW_0amA9Fyp7YeQdZ0Vf8JVswHE5L3YwYJnGndHzzCDx3-LbnnsP6rH0C6LCXx1YrLUkFe6mlleOCc/s320/IMG_4941.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> (Gah, I am not photogenic . . . anyway) </span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> He showed up
and spoke with the few of us in the front of the line. He told us stories about
his own Rob Thomas obsession and how he got to meet him the first time. Marcus
then asked us if we had any questions we wanted to ask Rob and Kyle . . . I
nearly exploded with excitement! Now, I didn't know until we got there but it
wasn't the whole band performing, just Rob Thomas and Kyle Cook, they were
going to do an acoustic set. I was so stoked although I was sad that Paul
Duocette wasn't going to be there because he and I share a birthday and I
wanted to bond over that! Anyway, the question that I had was really only pertinent
to Rob so I was good. My question was (and has been for years and years and
years, or “days and days and days”) was <i>why
boxes and why little yellow tags</i>? This is from the song “Real World” off
MB20’s first album. I have always loved the line and I swore, if I ever got to
meet Rob Thomas, I would ask the man who wrote it. So when Marcus asked if
there were any questions, I nearly died. Let me just say again how much I love
Marcus D! He apparently liked me too because he ensured that my almost birthday
would be a spectacular one. Okay, so back to my play-by-play: We continued
waiting and we got to know the people around us pretty well. There were two
people directly behind us that ended up playing a key role in my wonderful
night as well. Jason and Arlana are two art students at the Academy of Art University
in SF. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt8O0IHvE4rvqPdkVzd0llaZjU39ls0rLpwkY_kPgeaI4GIl9s8g_k46-jBFIoDQVzIetAqyXuslKOsBUnI8nnFH4e8P_fByFJH-BibfO72ZWa05pFjYenJuS4PSE989WTmTWKKDttZE/s1600/IMG_4929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt8O0IHvE4rvqPdkVzd0llaZjU39ls0rLpwkY_kPgeaI4GIl9s8g_k46-jBFIoDQVzIetAqyXuslKOsBUnI8nnFH4e8P_fByFJH-BibfO72ZWa05pFjYenJuS4PSE989WTmTWKKDttZE/s320/IMG_4929.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This lounge concert would be Jason’s first ever concert so he was obviously
excited to be getting something so up-close for his first time. Arlana on the other
hand, was a seasoned pro at concert going and was quite learned in her musical
knowledge. We chatted for a while about art school, music, religion—a lot of
stuff from numerous categories. During these chats, Matchbox Twenty was doing
their sound checks and we could hear and kind of see them through the window! I
was freaking out by this point because, well—just that was closer than I had
ever been to them! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22xX7Al_RsEkaHH0gYFSZxQ_m2_14FeT6zK0YuPyXoT8N_jQf3Fow6-KbSCz0WIu4hjUrX4fC2RXxNShiPn_u3IKXPEi5JsPMJYzzNZdScV22PHLmbtevVVMRXYBsDcSh6beJze2WJZA/s1600/IMG_4922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22xX7Al_RsEkaHH0gYFSZxQ_m2_14FeT6zK0YuPyXoT8N_jQf3Fow6-KbSCz0WIu4hjUrX4fC2RXxNShiPn_u3IKXPEi5JsPMJYzzNZdScV22PHLmbtevVVMRXYBsDcSh6beJze2WJZA/s320/IMG_4922.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Kyle Cook</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbM2_V39P5YviT5N7JTJStal8HkfzxtB2E4EVSWVaLsoiZojX6qtQJ2CP500QlM_d223KqVcyRle-UvKbNcL0Z1_RTn3KsFaNAaVX4xDlgadLvkoaoygSm4YQ6qTFo5lUszwOwNUmi3o/s1600/IMG_4923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbM2_V39P5YviT5N7JTJStal8HkfzxtB2E4EVSWVaLsoiZojX6qtQJ2CP500QlM_d223KqVcyRle-UvKbNcL0Z1_RTn3KsFaNAaVX4xDlgadLvkoaoygSm4YQ6qTFo5lUszwOwNUmi3o/s320/IMG_4923.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Rob Thomas</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It was about a half hour before we were to go inside when Marcus comes out
and informs us there will be a raffle for meet and greet opportunities. I could
have thrown up and peed myself, I was so damn excited! I tried to contain
myself by continuing idle small talk, but all I could think about was being
face to face with the man I have idolized for oh-so long! It was then I looked
down by Kris’ foot and noticed a quarter on the floor. I told Kris to pick it
up, because well . . . it was a quarter! He looked at the back and saw it was a
new state quarter, at the top it said “Chickasaw”, Kris didn’t know where that
was so I grabbed it from him and confirmed my knowledge that it was in fact an
Oklahoma quarter! My home state! Right there, saying “Hey, I know you love
MB20, don’t worry- I am lucky!” Yep! That is what that quarter told me! With
this new found reassurance, I was over the moon excited! After another 20
minutes, the doors opened and they let us inside. I got my raffle ticket and
ran to the stage; which to my surprise was super low to the ground, super small
and there was an open bench RIGHT IN FRONT OF IT! Not only right in front of
the stage but right in front of Rob Thomas’ microphone . . . where he would be
standing, within grabbing distance from me! AHHHHHHH!!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjub7O7Z6A39_tvV_jMCkTQLgLwSVt_xokGTEDxsrpGBOUGb_qSqL4WpPh0pd7ZSFY9fNm9P0gjZ18L81nva6APMSeWZBxG7xUKnIdYjoxWywlvooAGc4UJyl3G2ZOhlAN9VnBgPHfbVHA/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjub7O7Z6A39_tvV_jMCkTQLgLwSVt_xokGTEDxsrpGBOUGb_qSqL4WpPh0pd7ZSFY9fNm9P0gjZ18L81nva6APMSeWZBxG7xUKnIdYjoxWywlvooAGc4UJyl3G2ZOhlAN9VnBgPHfbVHA/s320/IMG_4933.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFAXcA865cS4fkI7ZO1tpMfZionngJtmMsLHLvtZkMPA5kNHx6RHxjDZWALk8xl5ePwH8MNhvFYJAqWF_VmUczSUCgyqMo8XcCziCYFkOl6VDuhJzYObGEOmlP-cLCJtiWY3DfPuGQ0A/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFAXcA865cS4fkI7ZO1tpMfZionngJtmMsLHLvtZkMPA5kNHx6RHxjDZWALk8xl5ePwH8MNhvFYJAqWF_VmUczSUCgyqMo8XcCziCYFkOl6VDuhJzYObGEOmlP-cLCJtiWY3DfPuGQ0A/s320/IMG_4934.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
(I seriously look horrendous in this picture)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> I couldn’t stop shaking, I had to get up and pee like three times just
from nerves! I was flipping out! I was so close, that my camera did not need to
zoom in what so ever in order to get great, detailed shots! I put Kris on
camera duty though because I didn’t want to miss one second of the amazing-ness
because of blurry shots or other camera issues. Arlana and Jason were teasing
me the whole time because I was freaking out so bad. They were so sweet though
because Arlana asked Jason if she won the raffle, would it be okay for her to
take me up instead of him! I refused of course because that wouldn’t be fair to
Jason; he wanted to go up if he could. Anyway, the time came to draw the raffle
tickets. I held mine like I were holding on to a bible on my death bed. Marcus
called out the first number “369”—not me. He called out the next . . . still
not me. Marcus finally called out the last number and once again, it wasn’t me!
I cried a little bit, I admit it. I was so very sad, I saw my face time with
the one and only Rob Thomas dwindle away. I knew I was still amazingly lucky to
be that close to the stage but, to truly <i>meet</i>
Rob Thomas that was my dream.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I couldn’t be sad for long though because a few moments later, Rob Thomas
and Kyle Cook adorned the stage. It was magnificent, glorious, perfect and
every other adjective that could also be used to describe heaven. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrfZaOYNAactSMzaAIz_UeAwslruS3AyIAa6ALb-VaW3i1nboiS-cRvRWbmPHeYuU8Y-G-fDCKKBU2ZxO2zY_4fIy56jeyNv-VH1pPsAJcIK7uNNetHwAxVMap1tDNVRuZoxLwhFy2uA/s1600/IMG_4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrfZaOYNAactSMzaAIz_UeAwslruS3AyIAa6ALb-VaW3i1nboiS-cRvRWbmPHeYuU8Y-G-fDCKKBU2ZxO2zY_4fIy56jeyNv-VH1pPsAJcIK7uNNetHwAxVMap1tDNVRuZoxLwhFy2uA/s320/IMG_4957.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD_cUFww5MhtjS9VCtyDsWeYvyjvXogKGU0atV1HyLVTl__dnTpUSNll_GfulOqKrUqrBCc1f9rkaDi0_RpvvWupmLGRQ2pShQRqRJawu5dactZI3FvH1YySGqZGenyQ5nV34MK3BN78/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD_cUFww5MhtjS9VCtyDsWeYvyjvXogKGU0atV1HyLVTl__dnTpUSNll_GfulOqKrUqrBCc1f9rkaDi0_RpvvWupmLGRQ2pShQRqRJawu5dactZI3FvH1YySGqZGenyQ5nV34MK3BN78/s320/IMG_4959.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They were so
close, I could smell them (as creepy as that sounds). I couldn’t even make my
eyes focus at first, they were just there! Right in front of me! My years of
wanting to be front row all came to this moment and it was more than I could
have ever dreamed! Thankfully I didn’t cry like a baby; honestly, I couldn’t
even breathe. Thankfully, Marcus broke the tension within me when he started
asking questions, I knew my question was going to be answered soon.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After some adorable, witty banter was exchanged between the three boys,
Marcus says its time for some audience questions. He points to me and says “This
one is from Arynn and its her birthday by the way” Rob Thomas looks right at
me, smiles and says “Oh, Happy Birthday Arynn!” I am still freaking out from
it! That is when Kyle Cook looks at me and sarcastically says “She doesn’t look
excited to be here at all!” I am sure my face was somewhere between mid-silent
scream, seizure and pure elation. Marcus then starts to ask the question, and
then he asks the question wrong! I couldn’t help my rudeness, I screamed “No,
no, no! That’s not right!” Thankfully, Marcus wasn’t offended and let me ask
the question myself—I apologized to him later though for my outburst. So I
asked the question properly, Kyle commented by saying that that was a great
line from the song and then Rob said this:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6fLVeZiZN_aJriMuFa6uxXFCOTyVmPsoPFFsjP_0Sbiz7yWteTigE2Be_S0DeALzMetgyI7rhq8iqqBOSFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I had a feeling that this was the case for this particular line, but I am still so glad I got to ask! And in the video, whenever Rob looks down, he is looking down at me! ME! Ahhh! I can't believe it! I can hear myself laughing and I sound like such a dork but I couldn't help it!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, after the Q&A, Rob and Kyle played their new song "She's So Mean" which sounded amazing in acoustic and live...and coming from them, right in front of me! They answered more questions and played more songs and continued being adorable. I won't go into every detail of every word they said and every move they made, even though I could-- I do have to go to work today though. </span></div>
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The last batch of those are some professional ones from the Alice 97.3 site<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you want to watch the full thing, Alice 97.3 will have video up on their
website hopefully by the end of today, but I am not a hundred percent sure. I
would have put more of my videos up but blogger is freaking out on me again!
They will be on Facebook by the end of today though!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
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<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When the concert was finishing up, my heart started sinking again because I
knew, in the next few moments, Rob and Kyle would be off that stage and gone
from my sight and grabbing distance! To dig the knife in deeper, Rob hopped off
stage and went up to one of the women who were in front of us in line and
kissed her on the cheek, thanking her for her devotion and Twitter stalking.
Then, just like that, they were gone! I wanted to cry! I reached into my purse
and pulled out the two concert tickets I had from 2003, my very first concert
and very first Matchbox Twenty concert ever-- I had hoped I could get Rob to
sign them. Now though, they were just fond memories, minus a famous hand.
Marcus came over and I thanked him for asking my question and apologized for
interrupting him so rudely. Before I could even think of anything else to say Arlana
jumped in an asked if Marcus could get my tickets signed for me! Why hadn't I
thought of that?! I suppose if I wasn't so near passing out from the sight of
Rob Thomas, I might have thought of it. Anyway, Marcus looked for a good, long
second at the tickets and then looked up at me and said "You know what,
you will be my plus-one" . . . Plus- one?!! I am Marcus' plus- one?! I
began to cry again, I was going to do it! I was going to officially meet Rob
Thomas!!! The next few minutes flew by, I tried to contain myself and not cry
so much that I turned into a red, blotchy mess. Then Marcus called me over and
just like that we were in an elevator, heading up to meet the boys! I was oddly
calm, mainly because I was in shock. I couldn't form words, thoughts or
actions. I held onto my tickets and the sharpie and followed Marcus like a lost
puppy. He informed me that since I was with him, we would go last-- fine with
me, whenever I meet Rob would be perfect, I won't complain! So we went to the
back of a long line and next to this little room. It only took me a second to
realize, Rob and Kyle were in that room! After another second, Marcus and I
were being put into that room! We were actually going first! I stood there, looking
at Rob who was talking to his manager and then all of a sudden, Rob makes eye
contact with me, swoops around his manager and comes in for a hug!!!! He
doesn't give me a half-way, crappy side hug, or even a short hug but a long,
squishy, open-palm on the back perfect hug! I can still feel it! It was insane!
Amazing! Wonderful! He smelled like Rob Thomas, I can't explain it any other
way. I am just glad Kris doesn't read my blog because he would be very jealous
of how much I am obsessing over this hug. After Rob lets go for a second, he
still holds onto my arms and says "How old are you if you don't mind me
asking?" I wasn't going to explain how I still had two days until my
birthday so I just said "25". He then laughs and says "Oh cool,
you won't be upset at me for asking your age then." Now if I were cooler
like the beginning of this blog suggests, I could have said "Oh, well,
next time you ask me, I promise to get upset so you can console me" or
even "How could I get upset with you Rob?" but no, instead I giggle
like an idiot. I say something about how this is a dream come true for me and
he says thanks for coming and he is so glad he could meet me. Next thing I
know, another girl is standing next to me . . . the epitome of cool. Her name
is "Pepper", she has tattoos that instantly draw Rob's attention, he
goes and grabs her arms to look at them. Soon they are discussing bands and she
says how she is going t have the lyrics of "Push" tattooed on her
forearm soon. All I can do is nod and agree how Push is my favorite song as
well. My only solace is, she didn't get a hug from him! Ha! I win! Oh, that
sounds mean and vindictive, but hey, she clobbered me in "cool
factor".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_r_0RpJBF2ITxae6Dinz0-FGFV1AgJcezU7rV_B_zv9lqXucf0dN2mpydNAGLOkIMe7hMoU4bA6xHWtZjw5vweVmc6RJcKcilG0zvL0G4_xMCtNMZm3jcBKT4Xk0tiWUiWA7fhT91y0/s1600/802a0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_r_0RpJBF2ITxae6Dinz0-FGFV1AgJcezU7rV_B_zv9lqXucf0dN2mpydNAGLOkIMe7hMoU4bA6xHWtZjw5vweVmc6RJcKcilG0zvL0G4_xMCtNMZm3jcBKT4Xk0tiWUiWA7fhT91y0/s320/802a0940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> My eyes then met up with Kyle's, who made a similar swooping
motion to Rob's and came over to wish me a happy birthday. He also asked me how
old I was and said he was happy they could make my 25th so special. I wanted to
kiss them both, they made my 25th birthday the best day of my life and they
will never know just how much that means to me. Marcus then pulled me over to
take pictures with them. At first, I stood with my arms around Rob and Marcus,
but Marcus being my hero says to Rob "Can she actually stand between you
and Kyle?" Rob says of course and I switch places. I am then trying to suck
in, push my chin out and pray for an awesome photo because it is the only one I
will have of us, together. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwC0eFZqQOGyWD_pRsEuhajlOOxPlQlWNo8p2rRIUUO9ODm39CdcSRMIkxluoYyBlDmwoZoI2o-Ph6IceS4WZQ4IhIzfuGdytjwj37ExkZpdqPwybjnktNF8TUnljidXT_jlkdnDB6EM/s1600/802a0942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwC0eFZqQOGyWD_pRsEuhajlOOxPlQlWNo8p2rRIUUO9ODm39CdcSRMIkxluoYyBlDmwoZoI2o-Ph6IceS4WZQ4IhIzfuGdytjwj37ExkZpdqPwybjnktNF8TUnljidXT_jlkdnDB6EM/s320/802a0942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> Best night of my life...thanks to these men!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I am then ushered out of the way for other people to
take their photo in the small back room. Marcus is pulling me out the door but
I am fighting him, screaming "I love you! Thank you! You guys are the
best!!" but Marcus finally wins and the door shuts behind us. It was then
I look down at my hand and see my unsigned tickets are being clenched and
neglected. I look up at Marcus and tell him how I forgot to have them sign my
tickets, he looks at me and says how its too late. I have a moment of panic.
but then I remember that one of the meet and greet winners was one of the
ladies in front of us in line. I look for her but I don't see her anywhere among
the 30 bustling people. It was then I notice that Rob and Kyle are walking just
a few people behind us. I tried to turn around and talk to them, but everyone
was talking to them and I felt like I would be very selfish to take away from
other people's time. I gave up and walked towards the elevator, looking back
longingly at the two men who made my night perfect. Marcus was getting a little
annoyed with me for trying to stick around as long as possible. As the elevator
doors were closing, I saw that the meet and greet winners were only getting a
quick photo taken with the boys and were then being pushed away and taken out.
I realized how lucky I was for being the DJ's plus-one and not a raffle winner
because I got a solid 5 minutes of interaction whereas the others got maybe 20
seconds. We got to the floor level and I saw Kris, Arlana and Jason waiting
outside. I gave Marcus D a big hug and thanked him multiple times and then I
went outside. I told everyone how I forgot to have them sign the tickets and they
were shocked at my spaciness. They came to my rescue again however, and made me
stand in front of the side door to wait for Rob and Kyle to come out. To my
surprise, it only took them about 3 minutes to come out meaning they got
through 30 people super quick in the meet and greet. Kris shoved the tickets at
Rob and he came out the door and asked him to sign them for me! Rob did and as
he looked at the tickets he was like "Oh wow! This was a while ago!"
I managed to get out a full sentence and said how it was my first concert ever
and it was a dream come true to see them. Rob and Kyle stuck around and took
pictures with Arlana and Jason and a few others who didn't get to go upstairs.
It took all my effort to not cut in front of them and get another hug (I already
got two before that upstairs so I knew it was their turn). After a few more
minutes of pictures and short comments, they were pushed into their van and
whisked away. I couldn't believe that it was over and I really couldn't believe
that it all happened in the first place! Kris and I got Arlana's and Jason's
contact info so we could send them photos and keep in touch. Then we said our
good byes and were off to BART. I couldn't stop smiling and when we were
finally at the BART station, waiting for the train, it all hit me at once:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f1c232; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymGKAFk4CZm8SEWN25_hwSx69aewooInBnFdnKmFpA5MaclHGZzQtNKwKr5FIiUzaKp8nXfpsiC5Uc391lRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All in all, it was an amazing night. I can't thank Rob Thomas, Kyle Cook, Marcus D, Arlana, Jason and Kris enough for making my night possible You all will never know just how happy you made me. Just how content I feel and how many dreams are now fulfilled. You all are my heroes!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDq_We-csGMfogYXUIlODHBM0XLDAORr0xi6VJsP70UdjfixIB8r70c6SMEY0zy2fcBgafVkh6gim1wDOuRAVurkqHHGbBk_3Ci53xYPLL6xBxDgBhS6fRAVCahhVryYKxbliIK-yo54/s1600/0821121230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDq_We-csGMfogYXUIlODHBM0XLDAORr0xi6VJsP70UdjfixIB8r70c6SMEY0zy2fcBgafVkh6gim1wDOuRAVurkqHHGbBk_3Ci53xYPLL6xBxDgBhS6fRAVCahhVryYKxbliIK-yo54/s320/0821121230.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> My signed tickets and my
lucky quarter! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-56946383533676340112012-08-14T18:42:00.003-07:002012-08-14T21:35:15.789-07:00I Wanna Talk About ME!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I wanna talk about me, I wanna talk about I! I wanna talk about number one, oh my, me, my! I like talkin' about you, you, you, usually; but occasionally, I WANNA TALK ABOUT ME!!!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Sooo....that is a song, for all of you not in the country "know". And who might that song be by you ask? Toby Keith, that's who! And why am I singing/writing this song in my blog you inquire? Well, because I got to go see him in concert on Sunday! I was very excited even though he is not my favorite country artist, he still has quite a few good songs and is obviously a fun guy so the show had to be good-- and it was! For Kris' birthday, I got him tickets to the concert because Toby Keith <i>is</i> one of his favorite country artists, and being a relativity new country fan, he had never been to a country concert before. Well, let me tell you...its ALWAYS a redneck adventure when heading to a redneck concert, let me begin:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Kris' birthday was back in May, therefore, he knew about the concert since then and that bonehead didn't get the day off-- first issue there. Neither did his friend Nate, who was going with us along with his girlfriend Amanda. Thankfully though, they got off at 5 and the concert was an hour away in Mountain View, plus it didn't start until 7pm. Not a problem right? Well, wrong, because everyone and their mother was on the off-ramp to get to the amphitheater. It took us nearly an hour and a half to drive 1 mile and that IS NOT an exaggeration. While we were waiting in the blistering heat amongst 1800 huge diesel trucks with billowing exhaust blowing in our faces-- we got to see quite a few interesting things. The first was when we were trying to merge into the right exit lane where a long line of people were already parked-- Kris was trying to nose in because the GPS told him to be in the left lane at first, yet we found out later that we needed to be in the right. So Kris saw a bit of an open spot and started to scoot in in front of this woman in a SUV. This woman in the SUV did not like that however and started moving closer and closer to the nose of Kris' car, trying to keep him from getting in...he is not moving at all by the way, but she is. She eventually gets close enough that with my window down, I could easily touch her through her window. She begins yelling at Kris, saying "Are you trying to hit my F*%$&% car?!" Kris looked up at her, still not moving and said "No, but you are trying to hit mine" The woman continued on, cussing at us, saying how we should have waited in line just like everyone else; which, honestly we were trying to do and willing to do if not for the GPS-- anyway....her colorful language and attitude continued even with her three young children in the back. Great role model she was! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once we moved ahead a bit, we saw people jumping in and out of their cars while stuck in traffic, two boys got out of a truck, went up against the side of a wall...within full view of everyone mind you, and began peeing. Cars were honking at them, people were yelling stuff and laughing. The boys apparently were so embarrassed that they couldn't pee after all. That wasn't a problem however, for a very drunk woman a few cars ahead of them. She went into the median and squatted down to relieve herself with no problems and also within full view of everyone. Moving ahead further, a limo full of very drunk teenagers (they looked like teens anyway) began opening its doors, and littering drunk, rambling girls dressed in trashy clothes all over the freeway. They were trying to climb in other cars and were stumbling everywhere. Once again cars were honking and trying to push ahead, causing mayhem at every turn. These sort of issues continued on the rest of the way to the parking area, but thankfully we made it in one piece. We missed the opener and caught the tail end of Brantley Gilbert. The break in between Brantley and Toby was big enough for all of us to get some food and drinks and relax for a few in our seats. Finally, the show started and the fun began!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDevcz-sUTbp0RtZUaLlSFK2TWZn1AYUKViN2ZmdGZWLCp35DZJ7vKZVyhiIMxKLb6RrIHiIRMCoZmfYC6PQHTXhHUM4ATZnligHfiHr6Th9iJGEpkpCGpoyNRVpv6-AqYvrRhXlwchF8/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDevcz-sUTbp0RtZUaLlSFK2TWZn1AYUKViN2ZmdGZWLCp35DZJ7vKZVyhiIMxKLb6RrIHiIRMCoZmfYC6PQHTXhHUM4ATZnligHfiHr6Th9iJGEpkpCGpoyNRVpv6-AqYvrRhXlwchF8/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Brantley Gilbert </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hodKTm9jbJ0kwyD2UUpspjmJyM7lS62hQVp9guGHZu6JICf7QoM8o2RF6xEKgTJJSxySCF4V7AXCsdk7sp2a8V6TyXyHbZF2n5UcM5ZwsdPPfzsMWuxb0-Kyu4aPagoEL8mjVodBH1k/s1600/IMG_4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hodKTm9jbJ0kwyD2UUpspjmJyM7lS62hQVp9guGHZu6JICf7QoM8o2RF6xEKgTJJSxySCF4V7AXCsdk7sp2a8V6TyXyHbZF2n5UcM5ZwsdPPfzsMWuxb0-Kyu4aPagoEL8mjVodBH1k/s320/IMG_4690.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ur-vW0Po8U21-_F2HPmEUYo5wstqweP8W3K6Qjprezel2UQbcvLwATDvSJVcT7R1TQtd81YXBsmNFJ5fKWreG6vuxzYTUOoH_nfwBAk3ulHfBfq4uOD713QRpWh386UJWdCRh-9NLZc/s1600/IMG_4691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ur-vW0Po8U21-_F2HPmEUYo5wstqweP8W3K6Qjprezel2UQbcvLwATDvSJVcT7R1TQtd81YXBsmNFJ5fKWreG6vuxzYTUOoH_nfwBAk3ulHfBfq4uOD713QRpWh386UJWdCRh-9NLZc/s320/IMG_4691.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Still Brantley Gilbert</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgy3j_hfiltGKBzerq6MbAqm5_Ls2whAaTqLQhK5YgFqjDNnWKyKvl8E2f1x3v8AkP35NoP2sB5jAr_Wgut9uxILy-kRw1kKP3UQRlfrHz-v5A1903_Ochtak2lq6R588xdbg7AaQgl0/s1600/IMG_4695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgy3j_hfiltGKBzerq6MbAqm5_Ls2whAaTqLQhK5YgFqjDNnWKyKvl8E2f1x3v8AkP35NoP2sB5jAr_Wgut9uxILy-kRw1kKP3UQRlfrHz-v5A1903_Ochtak2lq6R588xdbg7AaQgl0/s320/IMG_4695.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Yay! Country!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlQDYxn9Njkl_bWi9YMIRatrDCI4sF5oEJsY0lwxL-DlWMDxbB0hn1vSGWXCZyLrUqw-jsRIbS0D_JEV4UJD_m4n3AZdNN99-FWIypMlnED00ACTZShye_9mC7F4qOVJW3xIsbpNNCMI/s1600/IMG_4696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlQDYxn9Njkl_bWi9YMIRatrDCI4sF5oEJsY0lwxL-DlWMDxbB0hn1vSGWXCZyLrUqw-jsRIbS0D_JEV4UJD_m4n3AZdNN99-FWIypMlnED00ACTZShye_9mC7F4qOVJW3xIsbpNNCMI/s320/IMG_4696.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Nate and Amanda</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then came Toby Keith!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9uF4AFsZIWlc6Ra2C4ZOiIKbwAf1prec_0U0dq2FZHVr3IDKuU2_Mk1raA-aSSKKwO69w30vhPakVAoyouwEP2hZ4_qXV9MFTNwlsSQjQ0O0QQCTmjXW-CF3m1KeWWONaAO1X9TgOZE/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9uF4AFsZIWlc6Ra2C4ZOiIKbwAf1prec_0U0dq2FZHVr3IDKuU2_Mk1raA-aSSKKwO69w30vhPakVAoyouwEP2hZ4_qXV9MFTNwlsSQjQ0O0QQCTmjXW-CF3m1KeWWONaAO1X9TgOZE/s320/IMG_4722.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEFsopg2IHbWpljN-GEdxgAuPIpyXCpthoVidB8q6CO99hBkfK5q0Tt1vG_P-VdRavMps1Aw0G4WJ8sxQYGy1H99n4m4zFnRyUnhvlYKEbbF7e_wVlbMxqpo6PhKSbqe34znKsARHznk/s1600/IMG_4730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEFsopg2IHbWpljN-GEdxgAuPIpyXCpthoVidB8q6CO99hBkfK5q0Tt1vG_P-VdRavMps1Aw0G4WJ8sxQYGy1H99n4m4zFnRyUnhvlYKEbbF7e_wVlbMxqpo6PhKSbqe34znKsARHznk/s320/IMG_4730.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtVS68yNyoTOu0_hdepZFRCCnXoetASkNW5QRaom_Bqx7hrh1v5gPEpkEJ-4-ML-sWY4RtDLjjlT3Nb_wGXS9WvHtUhW4ziioPYI8UxUwsiTOttej7gG4hyphenhyphen3qXs0QTBNtoMUZ3YUAAwk/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtVS68yNyoTOu0_hdepZFRCCnXoetASkNW5QRaom_Bqx7hrh1v5gPEpkEJ-4-ML-sWY4RtDLjjlT3Nb_wGXS9WvHtUhW4ziioPYI8UxUwsiTOttej7gG4hyphenhyphen3qXs0QTBNtoMUZ3YUAAwk/s320/IMG_4731.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wcDxeHDYyw3zCu4rxp8SEomPlQP_IVf7_PMk-RR5cwW5UKvfUa4XQ1mAHpfrorYR-m6muqMyPvIfAy0Zu1vHKeJBuej_S5z11MJ8bSFiIdAuZmk-tIzeP5I1kgoNnMapx-ByfzWRf2o/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wcDxeHDYyw3zCu4rxp8SEomPlQP_IVf7_PMk-RR5cwW5UKvfUa4XQ1mAHpfrorYR-m6muqMyPvIfAy0Zu1vHKeJBuej_S5z11MJ8bSFiIdAuZmk-tIzeP5I1kgoNnMapx-ByfzWRf2o/s320/IMG_4732.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, I forgot to mention, right before Toby Keith started, in the row across from us-- a beer suddenly flew into the aisle. We all looked over and a man was standing up, covered in beer and looking very unhappy with a woman next to him-- who threw the beer. The man left and he woman, after a few minutes, attempted to chase after him. I say "attempted" because she got about two steps from her seat and fell into the next aisle, plastered drunk. She literally fell out of her shoes, she was so out of it. Nate being a nice guy, ran over to help her up along with a few other guys...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EXCwyenYUgyW3giaRIKLqMg_5bkZM_9Ni0aog7wxbyYf2wgiEmG2CEBI0gGdGT-xbhqnqPwK7_tFjDlJfgq49JiUheVpdVGvKcnGnVaiknGwLRjOnLjtxVKTrvGaXhy3DzzhirvC1vA/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EXCwyenYUgyW3giaRIKLqMg_5bkZM_9Ni0aog7wxbyYf2wgiEmG2CEBI0gGdGT-xbhqnqPwK7_tFjDlJfgq49JiUheVpdVGvKcnGnVaiknGwLRjOnLjtxVKTrvGaXhy3DzzhirvC1vA/s320/IMG_4711.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The one in the pink there is the plastered one...yeah. She was eventually escorted out of the concert. Its pretty sad when even your friends are glad you are going away. Everyone around that area was applauding when she left. Okay, so back to Toby Keith. I recorded a few songs of his, I would put some videos of the actual concert up here but I do not know why blogger isn't doing videos anymore...So I will try again in a bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I guess without the videos, all I can do is sum up the rest of the evening. Poor Kris had a headache throughout the whole concert, even worse was before we got out of the car, he asked me to look for the Excedrin he keeps in the glove box, but I couldn't find it-- that is, until <i>after</i> the concert. He had fun anyways thank goodness. When the concert was done, we all filed out, trying to rush back to the car before the roads became a parking lot again. While running back, Kris saw a bunch of girls ...dressed questionably of course, and this group of girls looked like a similar group we saw at the start of the concert, coming out of a limo with "Tori's Sweet 16" written all over it. So Kris said, "That must be Tori's Sweet 16 party then." One of the girls heard him and said "I am 18 you c*&%!!" We were like "Woah!", so in a day, Kris got cussed out by a 40 year old soccer mom and an 18 year old girl dressed like a hooker...it was quite a birthday for him! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When we made it back to the car, we all expressed how hungry we were so it was quickly decided that we would go to Denny's. I was happy about this because it has become sort of tradition for me to got there after a concert. We ended up going the "Meyer Route" there, which is what Kris calls the long way to get anywhere. While driving on random back roads, we had a country station on, that is, until it began to fade out. The station then faded into Jason Mraz's "Im Your's", which somehow started a car wide sing along...until it faded back into a Toby Keith song and we all continued the sing along with him instead. It was quite funny and sadly, I did not get a video of it. We finally made it do a Denny's and feasted like crazy people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-hPoZXvQ2RkTlNsr0kPqLHVVURDoMrDNs-lD892whrO1N8zJKJRpat3rMbnnpqzRMYszaWvIUV5xh-XNu4m2TWZqKIubkYVTjaLFn6mC0UongaJBVXGxBflzc06Psdvgqeo0u3c1COY/s1600/IMG_4765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-hPoZXvQ2RkTlNsr0kPqLHVVURDoMrDNs-lD892whrO1N8zJKJRpat3rMbnnpqzRMYszaWvIUV5xh-XNu4m2TWZqKIubkYVTjaLFn6mC0UongaJBVXGxBflzc06Psdvgqeo0u3c1COY/s320/IMG_4765.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We finally finished the food around 2am and headed home. It was a long but fun day. I think Kris enjoyed his very late birthday present. I am glad I got to do something big for him for a change!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Enjoy your day folks!</span><br />
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<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-47591294582089170072012-08-10T15:54:00.002-07:002012-08-10T16:19:44.054-07:00My Family's Time with the CIA...<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> One of the many joys of working and going to school is have little to no time to do anything you usually enjoy doing-- thus why my blogs are so sparse lately. Anyway, I write when I can and right now, I am at work and only able to write because of this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I am apparently so boring that I put the kid to sleep whilst sitting up. Go me! Anyway, this gave me a little time. Honestly, I had time yesterday but I felt so sick for some reason...so much so in fact, I nearly threw up on a policeman's shoes. Not my plan of course, but I rolled through a stop sign that was right around the corner from my house because I needed to go hug the porcelain, and a cop was there. He didn't give me a ticket thankfully and I also did not puke on him or anywhere else for that matter. I did however, lay in bed, groaning for the rest of the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> So with all that going on, I haven't been able to really write or clean, or eat, or sleep. I am just super stressed out lately and I don't know how to relax and take things one at a time. Instead of dwelling on that any further though, I will talk about the CIA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Not Central Intelligence Agency, but the Culinary Institute of America. On June 29th, it was my aunt Eileen's birthday and for years she had been saying how she wanted to go to one of the cooking demonstrations held at the CIA. So my aunt Jan came down with her two sons (my cousins...duh) Daryl and David; and took Eileen to finally see a demo. Eileen got stuck in traffic though so she was late for her own birthday present, but thankfully not so late that she missed it entirely. I was going to put the video I took of the Chef's intro but Blogger wont let me put it up for some reason...if I can add it later I will, otherwise just look for it on facebook. Anyway, back to the post...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The Chef made Brazilian...Italian...umm, some sort of cool sandwich (I can't remember the specifics) which was delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHh1wU8Nu0oxygAEtfQ-HXm1rYdFnovwX1XWN45Ds4Yf-PwjF42zrNToemBK8uHg4DGhudDIL35BD88LjFCTqblGQUxGtprn7QP646dxLbrzlrtwaFPEsvXX-iMOQX5xmQGI5K5ygZhA/s1600/IMG_4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHh1wU8Nu0oxygAEtfQ-HXm1rYdFnovwX1XWN45Ds4Yf-PwjF42zrNToemBK8uHg4DGhudDIL35BD88LjFCTqblGQUxGtprn7QP646dxLbrzlrtwaFPEsvXX-iMOQX5xmQGI5K5ygZhA/s320/IMG_4573.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I wish we could have got to keep the leftovers because there was a ton, but those go to the students at the school and employees and such.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After the demo, we got to take the tour, see the cellars and hear about the history of the school. If you are ever in St. Helena, I recommend taking a look at this place because it is gorgeous!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> We also got to take some family photos which was an adventure within itself...between silly faces, Travis looking like he was about to kill someone and Ana acting psychotic, it took a while to get some good ones; but we managed anyway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdPF6PWZfUUle0A7Fh-QjepG1KZpPxQ9PIv_2TtBovZme3GzCjIpLObVm3PiVHB9fToUcRJk0jEbU92pVYLGpsQJXncmflssnSRhAOmulljN-6YCt8nxnTeuX1EYs8Gfd7ioi9gW3c5o/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdPF6PWZfUUle0A7Fh-QjepG1KZpPxQ9PIv_2TtBovZme3GzCjIpLObVm3PiVHB9fToUcRJk0jEbU92pVYLGpsQJXncmflssnSRhAOmulljN-6YCt8nxnTeuX1EYs8Gfd7ioi9gW3c5o/s320/IMG_4630.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Once the fun and food at the CIA was over and gone, we headed back to our house where a beautiful party was set up by Nathan's friend Heather, she is very sweet and creative and made a beautiful table!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9mqWJgZzg17O-UsZIcfKqvyrR7tIO5UP_kxRQpIed1l2eAIhdSBJFpKLHAdzU8DJ1NHorwP3znUHxEQTpSK9uzOx7-gSLVhHQIWzsA3izUfrRxQ79n31Mb8V7Hbwwfhu8x4LCuTeieg/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9mqWJgZzg17O-UsZIcfKqvyrR7tIO5UP_kxRQpIed1l2eAIhdSBJFpKLHAdzU8DJ1NHorwP3znUHxEQTpSK9uzOx7-gSLVhHQIWzsA3izUfrRxQ79n31Mb8V7Hbwwfhu8x4LCuTeieg/s320/IMG_4641.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> It was so pretty that no one used the plates or messed it up. It ended up staying like that for the next week... why take something so pretty down? Overall, I think Eileen had a fun birthday. I am so lucky to have her for an Aunt! Love you Eileenie Beanie...don't kill me for putting this on here...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhk2NbQQFuRKX1BmKxY3DE2jl0lOxjhCpfOxnIkXiDrbe6kRv8Kjxp4DfwoogUrTvyxFM8gBOG1u9mP54_MgU42HTZ4EGPedW1EjpA9ZclQOEgbKs8BG_vcpSEN3oMziBmIS_88q-d7s/s1600/IMG_4645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhk2NbQQFuRKX1BmKxY3DE2jl0lOxjhCpfOxnIkXiDrbe6kRv8Kjxp4DfwoogUrTvyxFM8gBOG1u9mP54_MgU42HTZ4EGPedW1EjpA9ZclQOEgbKs8BG_vcpSEN3oMziBmIS_88q-d7s/s320/IMG_4645.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hahaha! Bye all!</span></div>
<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-86130793645295925882012-07-31T13:23:00.001-07:002012-07-31T13:23:25.359-07:00The Beach, Dogs and 24601!!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So this past week, I got to go to Santa Cruz for a week long beach trip with Kris' family. We did this a couple of years ago and it was a lot of fun, even though I was sick the last time. Thankfully however, I felt fine this time and got to enjoy every second of the vacation!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Where to start? So we got to the beach the first day and it was sunny and warm but by the time Kris and I got there, it was already pretty late so we just hung out in the beach house. The house is right on the shore, with direct access down from the balcony so it was really nice...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was the view from the bedroom window. Falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves every night is pretty amazing. I wish I could bring that spot with me whenever I wanted to take a nap!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The first night we were there, Kris' sister and brother in law came down and they brought a birthday cake for Karen (Kris' mom) so we all got to have some yummy cake with dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiAFft5V1oi3aXElL6oZ5f1oBEfSkU4NdRhhzzlL86nrGk5Pck0VSVxiwrFYuOVuQNt-O6TLpEeQiufawPO6UGXsTmucUwPaRrpJV5Pn7pQglFTopxg1A95wj4FqpBQkQWiKwANSfkmE/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiAFft5V1oi3aXElL6oZ5f1oBEfSkU4NdRhhzzlL86nrGk5Pck0VSVxiwrFYuOVuQNt-O6TLpEeQiufawPO6UGXsTmucUwPaRrpJV5Pn7pQglFTopxg1A95wj4FqpBQkQWiKwANSfkmE/s320/IMG_4135.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The next day was a gloomy one. The sun never really came out so everyone mostly stayed inside. Kris and I spent most of the day driving around, getting things from the store and relaxing when we got back. We did eventually go take our first walk out on the beach... it was nice just to breath in the air and listen to the waves crashing into the shore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZTYzOywVDkMtComClvr-n6ZSU-G0AhH2R8_N5J5-EqRkyXAHA3JFnoh2FVddj5MQwPwdGHADvUgLFqFdZ2c4pMg3Dr1Fwn44-rBDgJMMgk8isjyJurGs0CyM8sdg1lcXYQrt4ndMOXo/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZTYzOywVDkMtComClvr-n6ZSU-G0AhH2R8_N5J5-EqRkyXAHA3JFnoh2FVddj5MQwPwdGHADvUgLFqFdZ2c4pMg3Dr1Fwn44-rBDgJMMgk8isjyJurGs0CyM8sdg1lcXYQrt4ndMOXo/s320/IMG_4183.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The next day is when the fun really started. Kris has wanted to try paddle boarding for a long time. I thought he just wanted to float around a lake or a pond, but then he says he wants to try it in the ocean! If that wasn't crazy enough, he then said he thinks it would be easier to try and surf on the paddle board since you are already standing up... Yeah... So I have surfed before, I am no expert but I have surfed. Having surfed, I know just how mean the ocean can be so I broke it to Kris that there is no good way to surf while already standing unless you are super pro at it-- which neither of us were. So I talk him into getting surf board instead. I could teach him how to stand up and paddle and catch the right waves, which meant he would have to listen to me...which is apparently impossible for him in these situations. We go and get the surfboards, where the guy renting them to us says we are wasting our money because there are no waves. Well, he couldn't have been more right and more wrong at the same time. There were waves, waves like I have never seen! These waves were never ending! One right after the other, with only a few seconds in between and they were strong too! Like I said, I have surfed before and most of it is sitting and waiting for a wave to come, but we couldn't even sit on our board because another wave would crash into us sending us spinning under water. Now, I -- having surfed before, recognized that this was hopeless pretty early on, but my stubborn boyfriend decided that he was a professional surfer already and could tackle these impossible waves. I had to go back out into the death zone to convince him to come back in. After we both swallowed most of the ocean, nearly got decapitated by our boards and crawled back onto the shore on all fours...we gave up. It was not a very pleasant experience. So yes surfer rental guy, we did waste our money, but not because there weren't any waves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Its hard to tell in those pictures...but it was an ugly experience. Take my word for it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So after that bit of "fun", Kris and I spent the rest of the day nursing out beaten bodies with rest and junk food. Next time, hopefully will be better!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following day (Tuesday), we planned on heading into the city to see Batman in a true IMAX theater, which Kris had never been to. We got there and all I could think about while watching it was the horrible incident in Colorado, so I don't think I enjoyed the movie as much as I could have. Anyway, it was a good movie and Kris liked seeing it on the Big, big screen. After that, we decided to walk around the huge mall there and window shop. Kris however, insisted that we get our jackets from the car first. I couldn't understand why because it was pretty warm outside and we were going to be in the mall anyway; but we went to the car because he insisted. Now before I go on, I will say that while we were driving to SF, I got a few texts from various people wishing me a happy birthday...most of you know its not until August 22nd, so you can imagine that I was slightly confused. Then they all said facebook was saying it was my birthday so I took it as a computer glich and didn't think much more about it. That is until, Kris and I got back to his car to get the jackets. He opened his trunk and said "Well, since everyone thinks its your birthday, then I guess you will get a present early." And then he pulls out this super cute jacket from the car. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my jacket but it seemed like a lot of trouble to go to for just a jacket...yet, once again...I didn't think too much of it. We walked into the mall and did not get to far when I felt something in the pocket of my brand new, super cute jacket. I fished around and pulled out and envelope. Inside were two tickets to see Les Miserables at the Orpheum theater that night! I loveeeee that play! Kris apparently had the tickets since November and had been planning all of this since then! I was so flipping excited! We continued to walk around the mall for a while as we waited to head to the play. Kris got me some chocolate from Godiva which is always delicious and we got other things here and there. Then we left and headed to what I thought would be the theater...instead we ended up at the Salt House, a delicious restaurant where Kris had made reservations! I sometimes can't believe how sweet he is and how much he spoils me! So we eat oysters and salmon. We drank fruity drinks (mine was virgin) and enjoy the cool little place that he suprised me with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi48XGIP31Zj5AECil7hZd092XxtimxuOkKH3CyeSiZ2jOU7I5EmUYDwcSqyFhjJBB6pMwOM4oFrkPkxPNM2bblkl7u8UfUpj3s8ecYIC25R4f1n6rmnG0-vayeKJfRsIBF35Z73uh5M/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi48XGIP31Zj5AECil7hZd092XxtimxuOkKH3CyeSiZ2jOU7I5EmUYDwcSqyFhjJBB6pMwOM4oFrkPkxPNM2bblkl7u8UfUpj3s8ecYIC25R4f1n6rmnG0-vayeKJfRsIBF35Z73uh5M/s320/IMG_4276.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> After we were done, our waiter hailed a cab for us and we were off to the theater! I was so excited to go and see the play, I knew it would be a whole different experience from when I first saw it on Broadway. The stage in SF is a lot smaller so the setting would need to be altered and of course different actors always mean different portrayals of the characters. The sets ended up being really cool, the illusions they used to make the areas look bigger were awesome. Jean Valjean was amazing to say the least! The only part I didn't really enjoy was the actresses who played young and old Cosette. They both had weird voices that didn't seem to fit the songs. All in all though, it was a wonderful representation of Victor Hugo's classic and I am so glad I got to go! Thank you love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gWx9Ft5moM7a0mc4kQ4hTTFtBtzF74f7ozh3udxMU2NmIoxF65FoIC6gI806DrY_8zxOgAlm_5hzhsHapnViqpMTadD3rCZ6EcJ1U3HEePgwp2ix-a0fynrWrGTULEeAAyPENHVDu7E/s1600/IMG_4296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gWx9Ft5moM7a0mc4kQ4hTTFtBtzF74f7ozh3udxMU2NmIoxF65FoIC6gI806DrY_8zxOgAlm_5hzhsHapnViqpMTadD3rCZ6EcJ1U3HEePgwp2ix-a0fynrWrGTULEeAAyPENHVDu7E/s320/IMG_4296.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">By the time we got back to the beach house, we were both exhausted. We were still sore from the surfing fiasco the day before and now we had sore feet and headaches from movies and plays. Overall though, we had a great time. Kris even enjoyed the play a bit! Haha and that is saying something!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following day was expected be another busy one but in a good way, a lot of the things fell through so it was more relaxing then we thought. A few weeks before, I won concert tickets to see Kelly Clarkson (who I wasn't really interested in) and the Fray (who I wanted to see) as a qualifying prize for something else (which I did not win). The concert was on Wednesday and Kris and I were going to go just because we had free tickets and, well, why not? Well the issue was, the radio station I won them from, mailed them to my house, only I wasn't at my house, I was at the beach. So driving three hours away to get them seemed like a big deal but we were still planning on it. I get a call later from the station saying that actually sent us four tickets because they had some extras. In my mind, this made the trip a bit more worth while because we could make it a group thing. Well, when Wednesday came around, Kris was not really interested in going anymore-- his cousin Stefanie and her husband (Chris Bell and one of Kris' best friends) came down to the beach house for a visit. I could tell Kris just wanted to hang out there, but I decided I was still going to go. That is, until I called my brother and have him tell me what seats we had for the concert. To my surprise, they were horrible seats and not only that, the station only sent us the two tickets! At that point, I knew other people who wanted to go with us so I instead told them to go ahead and use the tickets and I would stay at the beach. That was the plan until another person backed out and only my friend Kayleigh was willing to go to the concert. Not wanting to go alone, she ended up letting it slip by and the tickets went to waste. Honestly though, no one really cared because they were free, crappy seats and a big hassle. So instead, Kris and I hung out on the beach the rest of the day, hanging out with Stef and Bell and their little baby girl, Rowen. I am glad that that's how it all ended up, because the past few days were so busy, it was nice just to chill out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The other good thing about not going to the concert is I got to see Kris go skim boarding, which he is actually pretty good at; however, he still had some awesome wipeouts that I was lucky enough to capture with my camera:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was rather fun watching him show his stuff. He had told me for a long time that he was good at it but I never got to witness it until that point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Before I go on, I forgot to mention that that second night we were there, someone a few houses down started setting off fireworks from the shore line, so we got a bit a of show over the ocean...it was pretty cool!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1D906PFoJvVPqkNL31Ld9giIy9a-FcWR4FximwZB0jbEc5GAG2IUYxocevvGiR8EH9wdEclGKbR2gy1QJIhFhd_lM8mbmiPD87ZZgIOYAACGSFevZm2NocaQCDxqfcpw2WrxNJxzMGE/s1600/0723122312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1D906PFoJvVPqkNL31Ld9giIy9a-FcWR4FximwZB0jbEc5GAG2IUYxocevvGiR8EH9wdEclGKbR2gy1QJIhFhd_lM8mbmiPD87ZZgIOYAACGSFevZm2NocaQCDxqfcpw2WrxNJxzMGE/s320/0723122312.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That was the best photo I could get with my phone...but you can see the waves just below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, wow this is a long post! So, whats next? Ahh yes! Capitola and the board walk! On Thursday, Kris and I went to Capitola to eat at one of our favorite places over there, Zelda's. Sadly they changed their menu a bit so it wasn't quite the same, still good though. The other sucky thing it, Kris and I both felt crappy, him from drinking a lot of seawater while skim boarding and me...well I don't know why I was. We still enjoyed walking around, looking in the shops. I got some cute toe rings and some fun rubber ducks for my Aunt Eileen, whose birthday was a couple of days ago. After all that, we ate some ice cream and headed off to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where we met up with Kris's sister and brother in law.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At the boardwalk, we did all the usual fun things. We went and played mini golf, then we went on the bumper cars, where I beat everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">After that we went on the Ferris wheel, it was fun but rather cold up there next to the ocean!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWTbB4NzrPx_ck_1ag3R7EEe2qoyKa31JdFjSshrkR1BeWjMsM503T92bZ_ggQDImSxv5_NKkfQBKScJXODqVY99tqFKt8tK7SiGlT4ojaLDUWvk-6hjBr9DhUDwpXwBVqMFQRHYrHfQ/s1600/IMG_4465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWTbB4NzrPx_ck_1ag3R7EEe2qoyKa31JdFjSshrkR1BeWjMsM503T92bZ_ggQDImSxv5_NKkfQBKScJXODqVY99tqFKt8tK7SiGlT4ojaLDUWvk-6hjBr9DhUDwpXwBVqMFQRHYrHfQ/s320/IMG_4465.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once we got off the Ferris wheel, Kris and decided to get some food. We are big fans of corn dogs so we thought we could get a couple of those-- which was a great plan until an employee put in an order for 15 corn dogs right before us so we ended up waiting for 30 minutes just to get two! They felt bad for us though and threw in an extra one for our trouble. After eating we did various games and rides. The best one however was the Giant Dipper, which is the old roller coaster at that boardwalk. It wasn't the best because it was <i>more fun</i> than the other rides...it was the best because of the picture that came with riding it....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRDLHVLEHAqf8HsQ63dWnBn9REniWGwcBVOC69q-_3h2-eMdzA_RFjdvjl3oLwFJke-_94Mjkc5BhhBj0MgqqBtY7JEzLWgqtCbNAEDjtBa_KbUZIlFuyOazEK81AdrkgDQvLJ4EDdu4/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRDLHVLEHAqf8HsQ63dWnBn9REniWGwcBVOC69q-_3h2-eMdzA_RFjdvjl3oLwFJke-_94Mjkc5BhhBj0MgqqBtY7JEzLWgqtCbNAEDjtBa_KbUZIlFuyOazEK81AdrkgDQvLJ4EDdu4/s320/IMG_4487.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We had quite a few people commenting on our photo hahaha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">To end the day we took a ride on the merry-go-round, only because they have a game where if you sit on the outer edge, you can grab these rings and try to throw them into this clown mouth. I never played before and I still didn't get the chance to because the ring dispenser thing broke right when we got on. It was still fun though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXacuoK7yj8u3Wkte44iwg_ij9R1hbKBgpgxNzDffjppbbtCui-OGlsy1Ytu0jW1EHRLgyIJ1qoDz0-AuHKd5UjVnRpIDD-rst8RRcwc8i111OOg8f3p-PDLwT29AmkAqornCrML40Z8/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXacuoK7yj8u3Wkte44iwg_ij9R1hbKBgpgxNzDffjppbbtCui-OGlsy1Ytu0jW1EHRLgyIJ1qoDz0-AuHKd5UjVnRpIDD-rst8RRcwc8i111OOg8f3p-PDLwT29AmkAqornCrML40Z8/s320/IMG_4502.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquayQQ7w1cg0pXl5oGh-O_LYHBkZZSDGP_AFcGm9xQETZS9PeiBuZz746Kqg7xafA-wWgwS0PyNpbPK3frUSPhTBXa_Hrp20mBMAq3tsKNn2Xw79bAGDHemoxyTY5TE64eUK5l55ybRQ/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquayQQ7w1cg0pXl5oGh-O_LYHBkZZSDGP_AFcGm9xQETZS9PeiBuZz746Kqg7xafA-wWgwS0PyNpbPK3frUSPhTBXa_Hrp20mBMAq3tsKNn2Xw79bAGDHemoxyTY5TE64eUK5l55ybRQ/s320/IMG_4505.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The last day at the beach was complete relaxation. We didn't do anything except for sit in the sand and soak up the sun. I am glad too because I was pooped from the day before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFoE42qc6jGYKYsLrwvzf5JpPqmEU4L_WXYVUl2Q787l_VmNnGdKhLeasc6XZRZwIOWL7DW92mseKLZSWB5H9XXOPmqDvQKkJjPgWXy2bQLPuvyYt7Jy3KAsR1-6cL4P2aKztpFCvNlU/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFoE42qc6jGYKYsLrwvzf5JpPqmEU4L_WXYVUl2Q787l_VmNnGdKhLeasc6XZRZwIOWL7DW92mseKLZSWB5H9XXOPmqDvQKkJjPgWXy2bQLPuvyYt7Jy3KAsR1-6cL4P2aKztpFCvNlU/s320/IMG_4511.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now, you may think this would be the end of my post...finally, right? Nope! Because we had yet one more adventure the next day when were supposed to be coming home. Kris and I got the car all packed up and headed out from the beach, only to get maybe a mile away when I made Kris stop the car. No, we did not forget anything (I think), but we did see a dog running in and out of the road. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I am a bleeding heart for animals, thus why I had a zoo in the house while growing up. So I get out of the car and go towards the dog, who doesn't bark or growl...he just whimpers and bit and walks towards me. The sweet old guy had a graying muzzle and adorable eyes. He instantly starts licking my hand and wagging his tail. He didn't have a collar but he had just been recently treated for fleas because he had a flea collar on. I took him around to all the houses around there, asking if anyone knew him. Sadly, no one knew where he came from but they all thought he was a sweet dog. Finally, after two hours of searching, Kris (who was not thrilled by this turn of events) let me bring the dog into the car so we could take him to the Santa Cruz shelter. The puppy was so good in the car, just laid on the floor quietly and didn't move-- which was really good because if he was hyper, Kris may not have let him in. We got to the shelter and all the ladies there fell in love with him instantly, they said if no one claims him, he should have no problem getting adopted. I am glad that we stopped, and I am glad Kris let me save the poor old puppy. I got an ID number for the dog so I can keep track of him at the shelter and see if he gets claimed or adopted. I hope he does because it wasn't a "no kill" shelter and I would feel awful if the guy got put down! Then he might have been better off staying lost...who knows. Anyway, if he doesn't get adopted and anyone wants an old sweet, lab mix... I got the dog for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO7Xk9xEeeCqWsXo4ms9HAaVk1cbHHDG1fwjSw3A6Vc0XOyU4GUv6XLVHSi5PvReO0O0AAFS1a4bQGLNoThaXuXLdrZvkbgWpb3exv0RF4SrDf8E0TJgeLrKP_1tkA3LAg2HSzOMdI4c/s1600/0728121213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO7Xk9xEeeCqWsXo4ms9HAaVk1cbHHDG1fwjSw3A6Vc0XOyU4GUv6XLVHSi5PvReO0O0AAFS1a4bQGLNoThaXuXLdrZvkbgWpb3exv0RF4SrDf8E0TJgeLrKP_1tkA3LAg2HSzOMdI4c/s320/0728121213.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Okay...so I
think that is it! Really! Its over! Long post over! Sorry for my writing
style in this one (or lack there of). My head is in a fog today but I
was determined to get this all on here today! I have other stuff to post
about stuff the past couple of days but it can wait. I hope you all
survived this read! Have a good one!</span></div>
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<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-85234939221413784872012-07-12T11:57:00.001-07:002012-07-12T12:03:59.018-07:00Newborns and Tattoos...and Money...<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, other than the fact that at the moment, my hand is stinging like crazy from pouring scalding water all over it-- my week has been pretty decent. Well, my past two weeks or so...kinda, well whatever-- I am remembering the good things and not the bad so therefore, it is decent!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I will start off with the fourth of July. I almost always spend the fourth with my family. Throughout the year, Kris and I alternate holidays between his family and mine; yes, its like we are married, I know but we just try to split our time as best as we can. So, independence day is usually spent with my aunt Eileen at her house where there is a ton of food and a decent view of fireworks from her backyard. This year however, we spent the day at my house...with not a lot of food and no view except from the upstairs bathroom. I was a little confused by the switch up but it all worked out because Eileen brought over a crap load of sandwich stuff and we drove up to a hill behind our house to watch some of the fireworks around our area. Before we did that though, my boss gave my sister some temporary tattoos, which my sister and I gladly adorned ourselves with. I am mad I didn't get a picture of Ana's because she looked very tough with her glittery wolf tattoo. I did get a photo of mine though, Kris colored it in masterfully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv-NWITgwvqdSqotSrxU1_LCE8aYJ6wqYV02582Zw_hKQp1R6_qERFyjRcejyfD5uik06o29d2ZUJWu0YDM-Pz7PEVgJIpv3y6f65dWkPLBPMuy_VZ7kUWUho5jYtwuXKK9nessLSS3s/s1600/0704122034a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv-NWITgwvqdSqotSrxU1_LCE8aYJ6wqYV02582Zw_hKQp1R6_qERFyjRcejyfD5uik06o29d2ZUJWu0YDM-Pz7PEVgJIpv3y6f65dWkPLBPMuy_VZ7kUWUho5jYtwuXKK9nessLSS3s/s320/0704122034a.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then Kris wrote a sweet little message on my hand, which I accidentally washed mostly off before I took the picture... (I am slacking on my photo taking lately, sorry!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQQ6Sp-N_2FQ3RaciNCMgU31hhJuSvoB6TPVvceXxsBoNvt0NcXkVxSxnrNzZRyFq0rLHdjLon6klxB53T9FscwHGbKhjsyUkWwB_bPTE2ymYgFl8SfmsKc_W4zt23-fOX-E1Tl0pJAQ/s1600/0704122253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQQ6Sp-N_2FQ3RaciNCMgU31hhJuSvoB6TPVvceXxsBoNvt0NcXkVxSxnrNzZRyFq0rLHdjLon6klxB53T9FscwHGbKhjsyUkWwB_bPTE2ymYgFl8SfmsKc_W4zt23-fOX-E1Tl0pJAQ/s320/0704122253.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It says A+K which was very cute and random on his part...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Finally, to add to the fun, Eileen brought a bunch of little, silly party favors that a certain eleven year old went crazy for....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrIz6cyIqnqUwsXR6ilJcVKPmzcDVTgqLurDvvNeUKzJ-zBTHnS_FDCJaZmorK9eCLpX09yp-Z19Ghb7QrYuVV5mw8MKrafZSCOBf13fykZK-_p2mgPEG-SJoNe1Fszb84an51pietVQ/s1600/0704122042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrIz6cyIqnqUwsXR6ilJcVKPmzcDVTgqLurDvvNeUKzJ-zBTHnS_FDCJaZmorK9eCLpX09yp-Z19Ghb7QrYuVV5mw8MKrafZSCOBf13fykZK-_p2mgPEG-SJoNe1Fszb84an51pietVQ/s320/0704122042.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And by "eleven year old", I mean Charlie Chaplin (taking a poop apparently)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So there are no pictures of fireworks for me to share, however, we all know what those look like and I never can take any good pictures of them anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, well, that was the fourth...everything else is just little things that made me happy over the past few days or so. The first and biggest one is that I am getting a raise. Apparently I have done such a great job with the kid, that his parents want to give me more money-- I will not argue with them. I am only getting a dollar raise for now but they said that they might apply for some insurance thing that will cover day car and sitter costs, which they said whatever money they get from that, I will get, so who knows how much I will really be getting! Another little work related tid bit is I am getting a full week off for Kris' family beach trip. I was afraid that my boss wouldn't be able to give me the time but they said that they can work it out because I deserve a nice vacation (they are just so darn nice!) I love, love, love the beach trip Kris' family takes, I have only ever got to go once, but it was my favorite. All you really can do is relax and eat and relax some more, and take naps...like, ALL of my favorite things wrapped up into one awesome week! I can't wait! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What else was I going to say? The thought of endless food and nap time made me forgetful... Oh yes! The other happy things, so, in my last post I mentioned how Kris' cousin Stef and her husband (Kris' best friend) Chris Bell had their baby, little Rowen Jean, well we got to go up to their house a couple of days ago and I got to hold the little sweetie again. Now, before anyone says it, or thinks it, or even wants to think it...I do not want no babies right now! I just miss holding the little stinkers. After watching a five year old all the time, and then coming home and seeing my gigantic eleven year old sister running around, looking like a teenager-- its nice just to hold a little, tiny newborn. For some reason, new born babies are just calming to me. So Stef and Bell, if you ever need a sitter, let me know, I will happily come and watch your little girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Let's see, oh, yeah, the last little thing is, I am losing weight! Woot! Not much, not as fast as I would like, but I am losing it. A little while ago, I started going off bread and started going gluten free, just to see if it would help some tummy stuff I had going on, and thankfully, it had been helping. On top of that, it has helped me lose a few pounds too. Of course I have been exercising more and trying not to eat nearly as much sugary crap as I have been but, I just feel better so I am glad it is working. Now I wish that I could be down to the weight I want to be at in time for the beach, but I know I just need to take the little triumphs where I can. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Okay, well, that was not a very exciting post but hopefully in a couple of weeks, I will have a lot of cool beach photos to share with you all and a bunch of fun stories...ya know, if I ever wake up from my many naps to make any fun stories. Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-29601755495450118632012-07-07T09:36:00.002-07:002012-07-07T09:36:29.157-07:00Sometimes I Forget...<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Even when I thought about writing this particular blog, I was not really motivated to. Lately, a lot of stressful things have been happening-- so much so I even broke out into hives. I could post about them like I usually do but instead I think I will post about all the things that make me happy or that I am lucky to have in my life. I did this a long time ago-- just for myself and it helped a lot, so maybe doing it now will give me some much needed perspective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am thankful to have a comfy bed to sleep in at night and food to eat when I wake up. I am so happy that my family is alive and well and doing what they do, even if what they do frustrates me. I am happy that I have a job and a boss who understands that my school is important to me as well as some free time every now and then. I am happy that I was able to save some money a buy a reliable little car to get me to school and work and back home again. I am thankful that I am responsible for myself and even for the people around me. I am so very glad that in my sad, depressed times, I have a boyfriend who would bend over backwards on a high-wire just to put a smile on my face; I am thankful that just seeing his face puts a smile on mine. I am happy that I am healthy and trying to get healthier-- even if I do not stick to it all the time. I am grateful to all my family members, especially my aunt Eileen, who help me out when things get tough, or even when they aren't so tough. I am happy that I do not go looking for that kind of help even though I know its there. It makes me happy that I have a few great friends, and even the friends that I have lost-- I am lucky that they were in my life and taught me things. I am so glad I got to see my best friend Audrey last month because it strengthened our friendship even more. I am happy that I have Kayleigh to talk to about all the little things in life because we are truly kindred spirits (I just wish we could hang out more often! ) I am blessed to have two Grandparents who never stop believing in me and supporting my efforts in life. I am so grateful to have my Dad and a renewed relationship with him even though he is far away. I am grateful to have my Mom as my mom, she knows so much and always is willing to help me if she can and loves me no matter what happens in my life. I am lucky to be able to afford the little luxuries in life and even the big ones-- I know many people do not even have the necessities. I am so lucky to be going to the school that I do even if it will take me longer to finish due to financial burdens. I am grateful that I posses the drive and knowledge to be doing so well in my school work and to have made the Honor's list nearly every quarter I have attended. I am so glad I get to experience other people's happiness and joyous occasions-- I met Jenn and Dan's little girl Audrey, and Stef and Chris Bell's little girl Rowen, Kris' family vacations and birthdays, everyone's holiday parties and so much more. I am even grateful for all the hardships in my life and all the people who have left me, didn't like me or even put me down because I grew from that negativity and did not waste away in it like I see so many people do; I also did not regress back into that negative environment just because it was easier than growing-- I am thankful for my inner strength. Most of all, I am thankful for being able to recognize these things and to be able to say "thank you" to all those who have made me happy, my life would not be as good as it is without you all in it. Thank you!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">So that is my list and I know I had some "if's and's and but's" in there but I am still realistic-- I am thankful for that too. I know that some things in my life are not good but they will never outweigh the good. I feel a little bit better about things now-- if you have a bad day or a few of them, I suggest you make a list too. Thank you for reading.</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-56789557745203024482012-06-26T09:52:00.002-07:002012-06-26T09:52:38.710-07:00A Bit of "Yay!" and a lot of "Oh..."<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> So after I got my new/old car I began thinking of all the things I wanted to do to it. I got new floor mats, I washed and waxed the car and I also got some cute little things for the inside: owl shaped air freshener, new pedal covers etc. One thing that I couldn't do right away however was de-fog the headlights. In my opinion, the headlights on the car are what make it look new, or super old and my headlights were all yellow and fogged over-- therefore looking old. A while back, Kristopher felt the same way about the headlights on his car so he found a way to clean them up! It takes a while but man is it worth it so being a wonderful boyfriend that he is, he cleaned mine for me! Here are the before and after photos:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCqFgaBSX5JqbiA1RdFTbCau9-4DOb1-KaURt2RLA9Ri9DtolLx8BNo05-WSb_aPlvB9ixBSQTNQmuimvMJJba3G6xlBs_6oS2bzMU5CNnrF9ydRIP3sCcfu_yAivzqyluo4f1TSjYNI/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCqFgaBSX5JqbiA1RdFTbCau9-4DOb1-KaURt2RLA9Ri9DtolLx8BNo05-WSb_aPlvB9ixBSQTNQmuimvMJJba3G6xlBs_6oS2bzMU5CNnrF9ydRIP3sCcfu_yAivzqyluo4f1TSjYNI/s320/IMG_3998.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> My Raspberry looks like new!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So now all that the Raspberry needs is some paint touch ups here and then and then I will be happy. That will have to wait however because my school funding fears have come true. I will not be fully covered for school anymore but thankfully, the amount I will owe each quarter is not too bad. The worst part is, I won't be receiving a financial aid refund which usually helps me out quite a lot with bills and other expenses. So I have been looking into scholarships, second jobs and any other way to make up for my funding cut. I will figure it all out somehow, I always do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The other bad thing that happened recently (much worse than any problem I have right now) is the Russells- a family I know through Kris, his family have known the Russells forever-- well the Russells' house burned down last week. Everything they know and loved is completely gone. They all are okay thankfully, a neighbor came home from a late shift at her work to discover the house next door was a blaze, she pounded on the door and woke them up, they all got out just moments before the roof caved in. I am just so heartsick that this happened to them. They are some of the nicest people you could ever meet and they would give everything to help you out and now everything they have is burnt to ashes. Kris and I were just house sitting for them a few days before the house burned down, so it is so hard to believe that where we just were, and have been for years now is gone. I just hope that they are able to rebuild their lives quickly so this pain passes quickly. So if everyone can keep them in your thoughts and prayers, I would appreciate it and I know they would too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> With all that happening I felt a little guilty going camping with Kris' family this weekend. I don't know, just know that close friends are struggling, I feel like I shouldn't be out having a good time, but I know that I am not doing them any good either way. So anyway, Kris and I got to have a short little camping trip in Stillwater cove with his family and his brother in law's family. It was fun and relaxing for such a quick trip. Kris and I rock climbed a bit and got to explore the tide pools. We all sat around the camp fire and laughed, and told stories. I wish we could have stayed longer and escaped the world but sadly, that wasn't a possibility since school was starting for me the next day,. Overall, it was great. There are pictures on my facebook if you want to see.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"> So I wish there were more "yay"s' right now than "Oh"s and "Oh No!"s but what can you do. I hope your days are filled with "yay"s and if they aren't, fill them up! </span><br />
<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-70817349136938231652012-06-17T10:13:00.003-07:002012-06-17T10:13:31.139-07:00My Raspberry!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, two days ago, after I wrote my last blog-- I was freaking out about life and car issues. I felt desperate to find something, anything to put these tensions at ease! So I began my search for a car yet again, pulling up every post that seemed even slightly legitimate. After about an hour, I was going to give up but for poops and giggles-- clicked on just one more post. At first I thought this post was a scam because the person posting it said the car was a 5 speed manual (what I wanted) but the picture looked like an automatic, so I almost dismissed it. I took a chance though and looked closer at the picture and found that it was in fact a 5 speed, just with an odd looking shifter handle. I read all the details of the post-- the guy had replaced all the necessary things: filters, brakes, belts etc. just to sell it. The year was a lot newer (2005) than I was originally looking at because my budget was too low. That leads me to the next plus was that the car was well within my budget. I decided I would text the guy first and see if I should take this post seriously. He texted me back with everything I wanted to hear basically, so I called him. Turns out the guy is a auto serviceman for a auto dealership so he had taken immaculate care of the car! He proved he was who he said he was by showing me the dealer's website and his name and photo under the "Our servicemen" section. I thought "Well, it seems worth a look!" so I asked if we could set up a test drive, but then I found that the guy lives 2 hours away! I was going to lose hope but then he offered to meet me half way-- another good sign because that means the car can drive at least that far! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So yesterday, Kris and I drove out to Davis to meet the man; between us we had two detailed lists of things to check and a game plan of how this inspection would go down. We got to the place and met Leroy (the seller) and he was very nice and very passionate about his cars! He showed us everything, answered all our questions and was thrilled that we were as paranoid about the details as he was. We came to find out that he has done a lot more good things to the car than we even realized-- flushed all the fluids and replaced them recently, drove with seat covers 24/7 to maintain the look and quality of the interior. He threw in a extra clutch kit, a real spare tire and a roadside safety kit just in case I would ever need it-- all for free! This guy was just the base case scenario for any used car transaction. There were some paint things here and there-- a scratch, some worn spots on the bumper-- but barely noticeable. I care more about the way it runs than the outside anyway-- which brings me to the test drive, the thing is quick! I took it down a back road and gunned it, then smashed on the brakes and it stopped super quick. It shifts very smooth and even when we purposely stalled it, it stalled right away which means the clutch is clean. Everything about this car-- from its immaculate care to all the extras and the way it drives was just as good as I could hope for. So Kris and I stepped away for a bit to discuss it. He is usually pretty skeptical of everything and everyone he doesn't know-- he kind of is a worse case scenario person but even he was saying the car seemed really good. I was trying so hard to find something wrong with it but I just really couldn't. So then Kris asked me "Is this something you are willing to buy?" and before I could even realize what I was saying I said "Yes!". We were able to get the guy down another hundred dollars as well which was nice but after a few minutes, I was holding the keys to my brand new-older car!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So let me present to you, my 2005 Kia Spectra aka My Raspberry!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So obviously its not the fanciest car in the world-- its not the coolest and its not the newest but its mine and therefore its perfect! Out of caution, I am still going to have it fully checked by an auto shop and if they find anything, Leroy (the seller) said I could call him and we could figure something out. I am just excited and so relieved, I feel like 800 tons have just been taken off my shoulders. I really hope that my gut (and Kris' gut) were right about this car because I already love my Raspberry! So, no more sad, stressed out car posts for this gal (hopefully)! Wish me luck with the rest of my stressed now! Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">And Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there and to my Dad! Love you!</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-91782231909913238982012-06-15T15:18:00.000-07:002012-06-15T15:18:01.112-07:00Deaf People, Broken Cars and Grades...OH MY!!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am excited, nervous, stressed, relieved and drained...all at once! The first two adjectives there are referring to my new involvement in some deaf events. For my sign language class, I had to attend a deaf event so that I could experience the culture first hand. I have done this sort of thing before but the environments have been a lot stricter so casual-- fun conversation wasn't as easy. This time around, I managed to get in contact with an ASL interpreter that lives near by and she invited me to attend a deaf coffee night that she established quite a while ago. I was excited that I could finally go meet a group of deaf people in a laid back setting. When I got there, I met Chris (in person for the first time) and she introduced me to some of her deaf/ hard of hearing friends. I got to know several people there : Alan, Juan, Andrew and Joey were a few of the people I spoke with the most. It was a wonderful, hilarious time because they were all just a big group of jokers-- teasing each other and acting like kids. I got there at 7pm and before I knew it, it was almost midnight and we were all still chatting away! When I finally did start to say my goodbyes, Alan invited me to another deaf coffee night for the following week! I was so excited that they not only enjoyed talking (or trying to talk) with me, but they wanted me to join them for another get together! So the next week, I went and met a whole slew of new people and this time around-- it was a far bigger group. I must admit, I was rather intimidated by how fast everyone was signing. I ended up forgetting words that I have known for years, signing things wrong or just sitting there "silent" with nothing to say. Even Alan said that I was a lot more chatty the last time, and I tried to explain how nervous I was and he said he understood. I was invited to a Pizza night tomorrow, but I don't think I can make that gathering. I am just nervous because I know that they are all so nice and patient with me but I don't want to bore them all with my weakly signed small talk-- yet I know that the only way I will get better is by trying. Ugh! I just want to be fluent already!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Okay, so why am I relieved then? Well, I am done with the spring quarter! Yay! The classes this term weren't really hard, they were just time and energy consuming. I had a lot of reading, a lot of essays and a lot of running around I had to do for each class. Plus with all the car issues and trips that I had in the past few months, finding time and ways to do all the stuff necessary for my classes was very hard. Yet, here I am! I made it! I did have one class, 19th century literature that was actually a class intended for graduate students so it was a bit harder than I was expecting (I didn't know it was for grad when I signed up for it). For a while, I thought I was really failing in the class because so much of the material covered referenced other works that I haven't read yet since I am an undergrad. I couldn't follow the examples and I just thought "man, I am going to fail and English class! ENGLISH?!" Thankfully however, as time went on and after I saw that I didn't fail the midterm, I actually did very well on it-- I relaxed and calmed down. Even at the end of the class, one of the grad students turned around and was like "You are an undergrad?" and i said yes, then she said "You are doing amazingly well in this class!" I was a little shocked because she was one of the top grad students in the course so getting a compliment like that from her was very reassuring. I can't wait to see my grades in a few days! Hopefully I will get on the Honor's List again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I skipped "stressed"-- I will keep this one short. I am stressed because the car I am driving now, my mom's / Patrick's car, is having yet MORE issues! I am spending all my savings fixing this stupid car and eventually I won't have enough money to buy anything better! I am hoping I can get through this issue under $150 and hopefully get something semi-decent by the end of June. I guess I will have to lower my car standards even further and see what I can manage.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">So needless to say-- all that is why I am drained! Too much has been going on, so I can't keep up physically and mentally. I hope that the summer classes I signed up for (mostly online ones) won't be too stressful. In the mean time, I will enjoy my week off from school. I have this weekend off from work, I am house sitting for a family friend so hopefully that means some serious relaxation is in store! Hope you all are doing better than me haha! </span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-16566803771189621942012-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:002012-06-08T14:10:22.930-07:00My Audrey Trip!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> This last Thursday, I got to take a lone road trip for the first time in a long time. I used to go up and down the state by myself a lot when we still lived in T.O; so getting to drive for hours by myself again was kind of fun, even though it was exhausting. I took this trip to see my Audreys! One Audrey is my cousin Jennifer's daughter who is now 9 months old and I had yet to meet her. I wish I could have stayed longer but I was only there for a night and part of the following day-- it was still great to see Jenn and meet little, smiley Audrey for the first time! It was very funny too because lil' Audrey wasn't really sure of what to think of me since her mom and I look very similar. Eventually however, she warmed up to my presence and we had a great time getting to know each other!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I also got to see my aunt Jan, aunt Connie and cousin Briana. I wish it could have been longer but before I knew it, I was on the road again and headed to the airport to pick up the other Audrey-- my best friend and little sister!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am so mad at myself for not getting any pictures of our reunion in front of the airport but it was wonderful and emotional and perfect. We haven't seen each other in about 6 years so finally getting to hug her again was amazing. In no time at all, it was like we never parted. We were cracking up in the car, laughing and telling each other stories about the craziness in our lives. I still can't believe that no matter how long we are apart, it is always so effortless being back together. We turn into little kids again and make fools out of ourselves but its amazing every time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We got to her family's house all of whom I haven't seen in about 6 years as well. It was crazy to see how much her siblings have grown! Everyone was still just little kids the last time I saw them and now most of them looked like young adults. It made me a little sad admittedly because it has been so long that most of the younger kids did not remember who I was even though I was remember all of them in diapers. It didn't take too long though for them to warm up to me again. Little Miles and Simon especially (the youngest of them) were quickly chatting my ears off. They are all so cute but so darn big!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Over the course of my trip, we went to the beach (twice), back to T.O, on the hill where Audrey and I met, into their old houses, the infamous elevator and on many other mini adventures. It was great talking with Audrey about various things in our lives because this is the first time we have both been "adults" together. We were still stupid little kids most of the time of course, but we have never been able to truly be <i>mature</i> together either. I love her so much and I can't wait for the next time we see each other!</span></div>
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<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-25708157569145793762012-05-26T18:47:00.001-07:002012-05-26T18:55:54.229-07:00Heres to the Girls Who Don't Like Themselves...<div style="background-color: #f1c232; color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> I just want to take a moment and speak to the girls out there. Well, more specifically-- the girls who like to obsess over guys (or girls) who do nothing but hurt them. Now, I have been in this sort of relationship before. I am not speaking from some high horse, thinking I am better than you-- I am not. Okay, let me just start by saying, you are not psychic. You do not know what the guy is thinking nor are you expected to know he is a jerk from the start. The types of guys who seem to captivate us are usually the best liars. These guys know how to manipulate and get a girl to do the most degrading things. I have dated a few guys in my time...most of them were okay, just not for me. One however, one guy was a manipulator. He was a liar of the worst kind because he didn't lie to cover his ass, he lied just because he could. He enjoyed seeing what he could make people believe and then laughed behind their backs for trusting in him. I dated this guy for nine months and looking back now, there were at least fifteen times I could have left but I didn't. Why? Well, because I trusted my judgement. I trusted the fact that I wouldn't let myself get into a bad situation. The problem is that guys like, well lets just call him "Joe"-- guys like Joe skew your judgement. No matter how confident you are, or how strong your morals are, caring about someone can mess all that up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> You may think that these sort of guys just prey on the girls with low self esteem, and they surely can but that does not mean its always the case. I have always been very confident, self-aware and true to myself; and I still felt that way during the whole of the relationship with Joe. I felt that way until I looked back on my life, my old writings and my old relationships and I could finally see just how much I changed. I did so many things I swore to myself I would never do or at least never thought I could do but there I was...doing them. I knew I had to end things and even when I did, I still ended up calling Joe again and again. He even came to my house and we had a huge fight in my front yard-- I am sure the neighbors loved that one. It wasn't until he threatened me that I finally snapped out of it. I heard these words coming out of his mouth and realized no man that truly cared for me could say these things; yet, if he didn't say them I would have went back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The thing is, so many guys don't make <i>that </i>mistake-- the mistake of saying something to snap their girlfriends out of it. Therefore, the girls in their life go on in delusion. Sometimes however, the guy has said something, done something-- even many many times but now the girl is choosing to ignore it. Why? Because somewhere in the back of her mind, she knows that she has changed and leaving the guy would be admitting that she has made a huge mistake and she has too much pride for that. Other girls believe that this guy already holds so much of her life, her time, her effort that she can never leave without losing herself. Some girls feel guilty, thinking the guy needs them in order to get by and without her-- he will be lost. Finally, some girls just think no one else will love her because that is what this guy has made her believe. For the girls with too much pride-- forget it. Pride does not equal happiness because if it did, you would be happy now. For the girls who feel like they already have so much of their life invested-- withdrawing from the guy does not mean you will die. He does not hold your life line and those attachments you feel are actually all the weight he is putting on your shoulders...get rid of him and you will feel free for the first time in ages. For the girls who think you must be his mother, that is not a relationship. You do not need to take care of him, he will survive without you-- this is actually just your justification for enduring all the hell he has put you through. Finally, for the girls who think you couldn't be loved by anyone else, you are wrong. I don't care if you think you are overweight, ugly, mean or complicated, you still deserve so much better. Someone out there will think you are beautiful, he will find your complications charming and whatever extra weight you are carrying, he will think its sexy. You love yourself enough to want love, so lose the anchor holding you back from finding it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; color: black; font-size: small;"> Most of all I want to say that IT IS OKAY to be in these horrible relationships because they make you stronger-- as long as you can free yourself. After I finally ended it completely with Joe, I was able to focus on everything that truly mattered to me. I needed a guy I could trust, someone who felt bad if he misled me, someone who thought I was beautiful in any light. I found that guy, not right away but I found him none the less. I am not in the perfect relationship but of course, there is no such thing but I am in the best relationship I have ever been in. I want the same for you. You are not dumb, you are not ugly, you are not undeserving of happiness. I realize that you may not take anything that I said to heart. Honestly, you may be reading all this and still think "this does not apply to me" and I sure hope you are right. I just want you to think about it though-- if you are happier when he is not around you, if all you want is to be alone... if you feel nervous or anxious when something is not going to go </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: black;">his</i></span><span style="background-color: #f1c232; color: black; font-size: small;"> way... if you bend over backwards trying to just get some attention from him...if you truly worry about him being around other girls, especially when its always when you are not there and he insists that </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: black;">nothing happened</i></span><span style="background-color: #f1c232; color: black; font-size: small;">... If you withdraw from your friends and family just to spend more time pleasing him... if you look back and are now doing things you never thought you would do just because he asked you too... if you find that you are always the one compromising... if you have cried more since you started dating him than in your whole life... if you don't like yourself... if you think you are not worth anything better then I think you should take what I said to heart. I think that you should start getting back to who you once were. I think you should love yourself enough the try.</span></div>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-30779082163137029932012-05-22T13:34:00.000-07:002012-05-22T13:34:02.114-07:00Punch in the Face<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Why when a vacation is over, it can never be gradually over, or even over and back to mundane...no, it has to be over with a punch in the face! After Disneyland, Kris and I got to house-sit his grandmothers house; which would have been wonderful if I didn't get a random muscle spasm the day after we got back. I then got put on meds that made me feel worse rather than better. From that point on, crap has just been snowballing into a massive mess and I am not sure what to do. I am behind on some school work, the car I am driving is having more issues, my savings is dwindling away and so on and so on. I just want to take a vacation and have it end gracefully. Why? Why?!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the upside, in another week and 2 days, I will be going back down south to see my long lost Audrey! I have missed her oh so much! I just hope that a few of these bad things subside before then (knock on wood). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Short post today but I just needed to vent a little. Have a good one! </span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-62291080916905624212012-05-15T12:57:00.002-07:002012-05-15T12:57:31.338-07:00Happy Birthdays and the Happiest Place on Earth!<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> So May is always very stressful and very fun at the same time due to all the birthdays and events that happen. May is the time for midterms, but it also holds Kristopher's birthday, my friend Kayleigh's birthday, my Grandfather's birthday, Mother's day (which I just now realized I forgot to call my grandmother on Mother's day! I am horrible! I hope she got my card! I am sorry Grandma!) and many other birthdays and events that drain my wallet. I love gift giving though-- it is one of my favorite things to do, especially when I can make the gifts super personalized. For Kristopher-- who is super hard to find gifts for might I add...I gave him options. Kristopher likes to be in control so I made him a card with two gift options that he could choose from, hoping that he would like one of them. Turns out he didn't really like either but that is a whole other story that I will not get into...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The two options were either going to see a Brad Paisely concert with some of our friends, or go zip lining in Santa Cruz...we are doing a concert, but just not <i>that</i> concert. Ugh, that boy! He can frustrate me to no end sometime! But I love him so I guess its okay!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> For Kayleigh's Birthday-- who is not a control freak I might add, I got to be more creative. I saw something on Pintrest (of course, no woman ever has a wholly original idea anymore thanks to that site) that inspired me to make a jewelry holder for her. I forgot to take a picture of the finished project but I did take a picture of the painting I made for the background of the holder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The leaves are buttons and in the night sky portion, there are pieces of a broken mirror for stars. I risked 7 years of bad luck for miss Kayleigh so I hope she appreciates it! But I know she does because she is nice like that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> After all the birthday, Kris, his sister Rachael and her husband Matt and I all went down to Disneyland for some fun and to visit the exclusive Club 33. Kayleigh wanted to come too since she is the biggest Disney fan out of all of us but sadly, she couldn't. So I decided I would bring her with me in some way, so I cut off her head, taped it to a pencil and shoved her in my purse just so she could come along. She was very happy, even though she was decapitated-- that is just how big of a Disney fanatic she is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am so glad she got to join us on our little trip, even though she was not in a complete body. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The highlight of the trip was Club 33 which, if you do not know-- is a club that Walt Disney created in order to entertain his personal guests while in the park. The club is in the New Orleans area because New Orleans was one of Walt's favorite places. In order to dine in Club 33, you have to be "invited" and only certain people or people who know people can come in. Thankfully, Kris' brother in law Matt had that connection so we could make a reservation. The club is comprised of two dining halls, all personally decorated by Walt and his wife. Lots of the furniture was in various Disney films and a number of famous people have gone through the club. It was amazing to sit in a room that held so much history and came from the mind of such a talented creator. Kris and I ordered the Chef's Selection which was made up of many courses of amazing food-- too much for us to eat! Over all, we had an unforgettable time and I can't thank Matt enough for inviting us along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMozoE3L-hyOtwVAIAW74IZ_2I5E7OsSTxX9Ew3LM13gBa5Bn2vkIkU7zMVpBRR2ePY_WWTaXQD7PPBh1qAZdYk2rQyLV7jXVIEWEZbFL496xh-PB8CtX7VYfp6WfDkNfjtRcpzkQ08o/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMozoE3L-hyOtwVAIAW74IZ_2I5E7OsSTxX9Ew3LM13gBa5Bn2vkIkU7zMVpBRR2ePY_WWTaXQD7PPBh1qAZdYk2rQyLV7jXVIEWEZbFL496xh-PB8CtX7VYfp6WfDkNfjtRcpzkQ08o/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> There are a lot more pictures on my facebook so you can look there. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"> I wish that I could go back and just spend a whole day in the club, soaking it all up. I had a such a great time in the park and with this whole month; also, before this month is over, I get to see my best friend in the whole world for the first time in nearly 6 years! I am so excited! Okay, well that is all for now. Hope you all are doing great!</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-30103203088265040362012-05-02T09:33:00.002-07:002012-05-02T10:40:01.990-07:00Bikes and Burns... <span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"> Wow, it has been a while since I wrote something on here. I doubt anyone was fervently checking my blog every ten minutes for a new post but just in case you were, I am sorry that I am a slacker! Okay, so this past week or so, Kris did his first organized bike ride! I am so, so proud of him for sticking to his plan and completing the 60 mile trek through Lodi, CA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> When we got there, Kris felt a little intimidated because it looked like a bunch of professional riders were going to be in the long race that he was doing. Thankfully however, more amateur people showed up and put him at ease. Our friends Mike Caponio and his wife Julie were hosting the ride so it was also good to see some familiar faces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGARj1LVKp7K3de3G_PgezknQWCP3x8H5DiuGjgFuRSdATejRXXDh4eD-48iwvdgN6XRk0zpc4piHJQYp2FOn_u0VGXcPfa4GRYiErNQCVuSmUheGBFaajclMZgTf8okvg4NxJc2yVHeU/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGARj1LVKp7K3de3G_PgezknQWCP3x8H5DiuGjgFuRSdATejRXXDh4eD-48iwvdgN6XRk0zpc4piHJQYp2FOn_u0VGXcPfa4GRYiErNQCVuSmUheGBFaajclMZgTf8okvg4NxJc2yVHeU/s320/IMG_2787.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> There is Mike in the cowboy hat</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I am such a silly, emotional girlfriend. I was so excited the whole time before they took off and when Kris began to roll away-- I teared up a little...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8snXOEPS4_GrdTwyM84oKVr-p9rQwRmEIVxzBQKJ4lYU9DqJz-1fhYVFT44vQNUHqI5pRESqwyRP7uxlY27KV0Qtl7JBEAWkIL5nM2n0smcOb95Ys2HrdDob64AuM7AThkpp9BZnrTSQ/s1600/IMG_2789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8snXOEPS4_GrdTwyM84oKVr-p9rQwRmEIVxzBQKJ4lYU9DqJz-1fhYVFT44vQNUHqI5pRESqwyRP7uxlY27KV0Qtl7JBEAWkIL5nM2n0smcOb95Ys2HrdDob64AuM7AThkpp9BZnrTSQ/s320/IMG_2789.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />After they were gone, my sleepiness hit me. The race was at 8am, registration started at 7am and Lodi is a little over an hour away so we had to leave by 6. That all meant that I had to be up by 4:30 so I could get ready-- yes, I take a long time to get ready! I know! I am my mother's daughter on that one. Anyway, the night before, I could not get to sleep for some reason so I was working on maybe two hours of sleep and my giddiness for the ride sucked those two hours right up. I ended up falling asleep in the car, which would have been fine if the winery that was hosting the ride wasn't right next to train tracks! I woke up and almost peed myself when a train passed by blaring on its horn. Feeling dazed, I opened up the car door because it was starting to get hot inside, forgetting that I locked the car before I fell asleep. The alarm started going off and I couldn't find the keys! I was scrambling around while the other people waiting were staring at me looking like a crazy person. After a few minutes of noise and frenzy, I finally got the stupid thing to be quiet. I was certainly awake by then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> It wasn't too long after that, that riders began to filter back in. It was estimated that for decent riders, the ride should only take about 4 hours. Kris thought since he had "off the couch training" as he called it, he would probably take about 5 hours-- that would bring him back by 1:00. I had a feeling though that he wasn't giving himself enough credit, so I waited out by the finish line. After about 20 minutes, I see a red jersey coming up in the distance...it was Kristopher and it was only 12:07!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA9VuH-8WbwOwAVuEII9vewwosvvBbMrW5twCEf3nmC_zAi1Vq03g2ugROYzOssgRdVXCAsgVWMY-IotAEZP56Yp6ZMPps91J95GhwJb77PsrLZhdMoIdeypajonLAhyphenhyphen4bsEQ8Wr3E08/s1600/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA9VuH-8WbwOwAVuEII9vewwosvvBbMrW5twCEf3nmC_zAi1Vq03g2ugROYzOssgRdVXCAsgVWMY-IotAEZP56Yp6ZMPps91J95GhwJb77PsrLZhdMoIdeypajonLAhyphenhyphen4bsEQ8Wr3E08/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I chased him down, wiping away my proud tears and gave him a big hug and kiss. He did so much better than he thought he would and I was so excited to see him so proud of himself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9mWWXgNX-APW2CZOXX-HtIwcwI5OYQYUINFMXPcwKYSo379TFU2ujyskFXvRKukEqfZxTEcIr2wzUpxq9piQCY6CEboxp8SH0yZggmv5q-UynqoGqNS_YQA3lEj1HKFxKFiDHug__Cc/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9mWWXgNX-APW2CZOXX-HtIwcwI5OYQYUINFMXPcwKYSo379TFU2ujyskFXvRKukEqfZxTEcIr2wzUpxq9piQCY6CEboxp8SH0yZggmv5q-UynqoGqNS_YQA3lEj1HKFxKFiDHug__Cc/s320/IMG_2812.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> After the race, a boyscout troop catered with pulled pork sandwiches (wouldn't be my choice after a ride like that) and then the winery offered free wine tasting to the riders. Kris enjoyed the relaxation afterwards. We hung out for a while because they were doing a raffle but sadly we didn't win anything...but we didn't mind because the rest of the day was amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;"> So thank you Mike and Julie for hosting it, then you Cycles Gladiator Winery for letting the ride happen and thank you Kristopher for making me so very proud (more than I already am) to be your girlfriend! It was a wonderful day!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-size: small;">Oh yeah...the "Burn" part of the title! I got really sunburned while waiting for him to finish...haha, no big.</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-46327519848621093722012-04-22T15:22:00.000-07:002012-04-22T15:22:16.693-07:00This Past Week... <span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"> This past week has been far better than the last mainly because nothing "new" as far as bad stuff goes has happened. My financial fiasco has since cleared up so my money is finally back in my account and I can afford to buy gas again. I actually almost bought a car earlier this week-- well I was going to see one that seemed REALLY promising; however, the seller ended up changing plans last minute so I couldn't see it when I was planning to. It was actually a blessing in disguise because the bank took longer than I thought to get my money back so if I bought anything, I would have been flat out broke for a few days. So the car hunt continues and sadly, nothing quite as promising has shown up since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> On Friday, Kris took me out on a date. He knew how stressed I have been lately and wanted me to have one day to relax. We started out paying bills which doesn't sound very relaxing but when you do not have to worry about your power being shut off...your whole day is better! We then went to the mall and on the way in, we saw Kris' best friend Chris Bell and Kris' cousin Stefanie (who is married to Chris Bell), they were going to Babies R' Us to fill up their registry since they are expecting a little girl. We actually went over to their house for dinner on Tuesday, something we haven't gotten to do in a long long time. It was a lot of fun to just hang out and talk with them again. Anyway, Kris and I went into the mall and bought nothing- which is not unusual. Afterwards, we went to the Vacaville outlets where Kris bought everything-- also, not unusual! He wants to be a rich old man, or at least look like one so whenever we go there, he drops a couple hundred at least. After we walked around and shopped, we went out to a sushi place that we haven't been to in years. It was hilarious because we walked in the front door and to the right, they had a big rock fountain set up. Kris was looking at it and said "Arynn, come here, look at these turtle statues" and then one of them moved. Kris freaked out because they turned out to be real turtles....I suppose you had to have been there but it was funny. When we sat down, we found out it was actually a half price sushi day so we ordered way too much, ate way too much and paid barely anything. Finally, we left the restaurant and went to see the Hunger Games. It was really good but I felt like a poser since I haven't read the book yet. My boss was going to let me borrow it a few weeks ago, but I forgot and so did she. I will have to read it at some point because I know they must have left a lot out of the movie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Overall it was a really nice, relaxing, fun day and I am glad that Kris and I had the same day off for once! We used to go out like that all the time and just relax but stupid grown-up stuff has gotten in the way! I hate being a grown-up! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-size: small;">Okay, well that is it...I am in a better mood and not as stressed-- I hope that is how I stay, fingers crossed!</span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-29014867093336007822012-04-16T09:53:00.004-07:002012-04-16T09:53:54.114-07:00They Come in Threes... right?<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Bad things I mean, everyone says they come in threes and I hope to God that is true! So you all know about my first bad thing: my debit info being stolen and the next was my whole bad day that followed. Well, my third is an e-mail I just got from the financial aid and grant services. A little background for those of you may not know much about the financial aid situation in California, well...it SUCKS! A few people abuse the system and then everyone who truly needs the help (like me) get screwed because they start cutting funding. Last year, there was a prop that was trying to become law that would get rid of the Pell Grant completely; for any of you in college and receiving aid, you know that the Pell Grant is nearly 80% of your aid. I fought hard to make sure that the prop never got approved and thankfully it didn't. What I did not know was that now, instead of getting rid of the Pell Grant, they are limiting its dispersal, so if anyone has received it for six years already, they are now no longer eligible. Guess who has already hit that 6 year mark... ME!!! I got a lovely e-mail telling me that as of next quarter, I will no longer be receiving the Pell Grant and must adjust accordingly. Anyway, I have no idea what that will really mean for me-- will I even be able to continue school? Should I not get a car and save the money for tuition? Who knows! I need to make an appointment with a financial aid adviser so I can see what my options are, if any and hopefully be able to get through this next year and half without having to find a job on a pole (so joking...).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> So, if bad things come in threes than that is my third! Okay universe?! That is my third so now I need something good, c'mon! give me something good!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is a contest going on with the radio station I listen to, and I guess-- many others around the country as well since its a national contest. Every weekday there are 8 chances to win $1000 and on Thursdays it moves up to $10,000! So I have been trying to win that for the past few weeks but I only have ever gotten busy signals. So if you want to help me turn my luck around, start sending me some good vibes and wish me luck! Or, if you know of any good contests with cash prizes, let me know because I want to try for anything! My Aunt Marcie enters contests all the time and she has won quite a lot from them soooo, MY TURN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Lets see, what else? Oh yeah! On Saturday, my Aunt Jan and cousin Daryl came out to my school for their Welcome Day meet and greet for potential new students. Daryl may be going there so I came along to show him around. I can't believe it has already been a year since I went and did the Welcome Day thing! Honestly, the whole presentation they put on is pretty pointless and I am thankful that other parts of the day and the school itself were better or else I may not have gone there. The first part of the day runs almost like an elementary school play-- just chaotic and lame haha. The people and the actual programs offered beyond that however, are wonderful. It was cool to be able to show Daryl around and be "in the know" about my school. It made me really want to join a club and get more involved-- I just wish I lived closer so that would be easier, we will see. I have to make sure I can even continue to go there before I get involved in the fun stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Okay, well a little shorter this time and not quite as depressing...maybe. Hope you all are having wonderful days! Enjoy the good things in life while you got 'em!</span></div>
<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-35134873241722012232012-04-13T22:21:00.002-07:002012-04-13T22:21:37.251-07:00Arynn and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Yeah, it sucked! Let me just start with this disclaimer because if this happens to you, you may have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day as well! DO NOT USE FREE CREDIT REPORT.COM!!!! "Why" you ask? Well, first of all, that is not the company that runs the credit checks, it is actually a parent company called Experian Credit and they have 4 various titles under them that all deal with credit checks. This would not be an issue if all the companies were tightly connected but they are not! As a result, the company is very spread out and your information, such as your social security number, debit info, name, address and all that important stuff you do not want to share-- gets shared with numerous people! As a result of being an ignorant person and believing that I could trust the company just because they had a catchy jingle, my debit info was stolen and my account has been severely over-drafted by someone! The scarier thing is, that this person may have ALL my information and could do a lot worse damage then stealing some of my money. So with that said, learn about your <i>real</i> options for taking care of your credit! I am a big dummy head and I know it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Okay, so that obviously ruined my day because now my accounts are frozen and I cannot access my money. I was not feeling too bad though because thankfully my bank 100% insures a refund in the cases of fraudulent transactions. So, overall I know I will get my money back, its just a matter of "when"? Anyway, Kris being the nice, wonderful, amazing boyfriend that he is, offered to lend me some cash in the meantime. So me, (being a big dummy head mind you) only borrowed $20 thinking "Well, I have five bucks already for bridge toll, I just need a like ten for gas and four bucks for swimming" which meant that I would still have $11 for whatever else came up. Now, I was only thinking that is what I would need at school Tuesday, obviously eleven dollars would not last me the rest of the week but I could worry about that when it came around. Well, I got to school and remembered, oh yeah! I need to get a parking permit, which is ten dollars for the whole day! Now, I had a twenty dollar bill and a five dollar bill...eleven dollars left in my mental budget...should work right? Wrong! The permit machine does not give out change. Okay, well I just thought "I need to break the twenty". That would have worked if I had time to, however, there was already a policeman in the lot giving out tickets and the only place to make change was all the way across campus and I wouldn't have time to walk to there, get change, come back, get a permit-- avoid a ticket <i>and</i> make it to class on time. So I used the five and scrounged up some quarters to get just a two hour permit. I came back after class to get my swim stuff only to realize that the 2 hour permit was about to expire so I needed to get another one. (This will be a very long rant I just realized so if you are already bored, go ahead and move on because it will not get any better, sorry) because I was convinced that I still wouldn't have time to get change and swim. Then I thought, well what if I try to find a parking space on the other side of the campus so I am closer, can get change and then just get a full-day permit; this would have worked if it was not noon and if all the spaces weren't already taken! I drove around the campus for twenty minutes! By this time, my gas gauge was hovering over "E" like a gnat over sewage and I was sweating bullets about my time. I ended up back in the same lot as I started and only two spaces down from my first parking place. Scrounging up more quarters, I managed to get a 1 hour pass and ran like hell to make change. At this point, I have given up on the idea of swimming, not only because of time but also because I had to split $20 among gas, bridge toll which is $5 and a full day parking permit which is ten.That left me with five dollars for gas! Five dollars would only get me a little over a gallon of gas...which meant at best, I could get 30 miles out of...my school is 47 miles from my home. Now, on top of all this wonderful parking drama and crap-- I still had classes! ASL went fine as always but then I had 19th Century English which is not that hard but the professor makes it hard. I ordered the book for that class 3 weeks ago and at that point, I still hadn't received it (I got it today)! Of course, that class is the ONLY one that requires the book in class and of course, the professor called me out, and OF COURSE she chalked my reason up to me being just another lazy student! On top of <i>that</i> I discovered that I have two midterms the day that Kris and I are supposed to be leaving for Disneyland! So I either have to take the exams earlier or we cut a day off our trip! Yeah, that all really sucked, but am I done!? Noooo, I am not done! That morning, I did not wash my hair because, I thought I was going swimming! I also did not do my make up because-- you guessed it! I was supposed to go swimming! I usually take a shower after I swim and wash my hair and do my make-up then but I could not afford to swim so therefore I could not afford to shower! I went all day looking like a wreck! I did not know I looked like a wreck until the end of the day when I finally stopped to look in a mirror. My hair was greasy, my skin was all splotchy, I had a zit in the middle of my forehead and I also got a mysterious black smudge on my face that was about an inch long! What was the substance that adorned my cheek? Dirt? Grease? Bird crap? Who knows! Just prior to this, I got stopped by some girl who decided that the person who looked like a wreck and was obviously in a big hurry was the right person to stop and proselytize to! I tried my best to be polite and to let her know that I was not interested in learning about her faith at the moment but she just kept right on talking. She eventually asked me if I believed in God and I said (and I feel bad about saying it now but my mood was just awful at that point) no and that's when she finally decided I was a lost cause and left. To put the rotten cherry on the crap sundae that was my day, I had to try and drive to the nearest gas station on fumes. Now, the nearest gas station is about 3 miles away from my school...uphill...and it was raining...and there was lightning...which meant everyone was determined to drive 1/2 a mile an hour up that damn hill. By the grace of God (who I apparently don't believe in if you ask that girl) I made it and put six dollars in my tank. It was only six dollars because a 1 dollar coin piece somehow made it into my purse. I do not know where it came from and I hope to god it was not a rare coin because several people have given me old coins in the past year and I know some were in my purse. So with an eight of a tank (maybe less, my gas gauge is a little wonky), I attempted to drive home. The weather was absolutely horrible, there were accidents everywhere and I could barely see the road in front of my car. Kris then texted me and asked if I wanted him to meet me at a gas station just past the bridge to which I replied YES! That is, if I could make it that far. Once again, by the grace of God, I made it! Kris met me there-- coming to my rescue as usual and put some gas in my tank. I was so happy when I pulled into my driveway and then got into my bed because that meant that the day was definitely over!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> So I hope (if any of you made it this far) that story didn't bore you to death...maybe just to </span><i style="background-color: #f1c232;">pain</i><span style="background-color: #f1c232;"> but not to </span><i style="background-color: #f1c232;">death</i><span style="background-color: #f1c232;">. As I sit here, ready to wrap it up, more little things are coming to mind that went wrong yesterday...my fight with the Experian credit people, me slipping on the stairs, me getting my butt all wet by sitting on a wet bench, not having homework done and the list goes on... but I think you have got enough examples for one post. I hope that your day yesterday and today was and is far better than mine. Thank you for being a trooper and reading all of this. I promise the next one will be happy and short(er)!</span></span>Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5996108555264276651.post-59715765081260084162012-04-11T10:26:00.002-07:002012-04-11T10:26:24.297-07:00No Point to this Post...<div style="background-color: #f1c232;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> This post is going to contain a bunch of randomness but what the hey! I am a random person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I said before that I was going to start swimming and I have! I have been to the pool at my school twice now and I love it! So the first day that I went was the first time I have been swimming in a few years so I knew I was not going to be very graceful in the water. I used to be a freakin' fish, swimming for hours on end but now, I was more like a cat being forced to take a bath...a lot of splashing and gasping for air. Overall however, I wasn't as bad as I thought I would be and I managed to swim for about an hour without dying. I had a bit of extra motivation that day as well because of a nice girl who got in a few lanes down from me (the more shallow end). I am doing my thing, practicing my strokes and working on my breath control, when I hear SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH.!! I look over and I see this one spot where the water is just going crazy-- it looks like a school of piranhas had found a carcase to feed on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I watch as this miniature hurricane continues for a few more seconds and then up pops the girl, a foot further then where she started I might add, looking very pleased with her progress. I couldn't help but stare as she did it again! And again! And again until she made is (somehow) to the other side! So needless to say, Splashy Mcgee over there made me feel like Michael Phelps (without the weed)! I hoped that the next time I went swimming, Splashy Mcgee would be there again to give me that little confidence boost; however, no...instead I got freaking Olympic swimmer guy in the lane directly to my left (the deeper lane) who I swear didn't even breath for 20 minutes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He just swam and swam-- wasn't even kicking his feet, it was all upper body strength. He did his flip turns and continued on, making about 50 laps of the pool non-stop. Meanwhile, I make one ill-attempted lap and I am choking on water. I was <i>his</i> Splashy Mcgee. To add insult to injury, when he finally got out, I got a good look at him and he was like 60 years old! What the f***! And thanks to this AARP Michael Phelps, I stayed in the pool maybe 45 minutes longer then I should have because I was determined to outlast the guy by staying in the water for more time than him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the plus side, even though I am not that good at all-- I know I will get better quickly and I am getting a nice base tan so I won't look like a ghost in future pictures! I am hoping that if I continue swimming twice a week, I will lose some of the extra weight I have put on in the past year. I used to never gain weight except for 5 pounds here and there but I could lose it very quickly. Now, I think my mind is still used to thinking that way about myself so when I look in the mirror I am like "oh, not too bad" but then when I see pictures of myself its like "WHO FREED WILLY???" I am going to be going to Disneyland next month and I know a lot of pictures will be taken so my goal is to not look like Ursala! If I could get back to this weight</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">...I would be a happy camper!!! Anyway, that picture is from five years ago...maybe longer. I realize as I get older, my metabolism changes and hormones go crazy and all that jazz but c'mon! Look at my mom, she is still the same weight she has always been! I need to get some of the good (physical) genes from her and not just the bad ones like sensitive skin! Ugh, okay anyway-- I will end the randomness here. Hope the few that do read my blog enjoyed it...or at least tolerated it! Have a wonderful day!</span></div>
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<br />Ree-Ree Writinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623367983788573370noreply@blogger.com0