The End of a Sanity

Hello 5:00am. It has been some time. Hello 4 blank pages. You present a challenge. Hello finals week. Your presence has not been missed. How do I get through it?

It is simple. Pandora radio plays with instrumental soundtracks from incredible movies. I remember watching each one of them with my family. I remember the thrill of the adventure from watching the plot unfold, the chill the music sent throughout the room, and the expressions on my family's face when the movies end. Those memories keep me holding on. They instill within me that sense of peace, that sense of motivation to reach the end. It is the goal : to push through finals to be with that family once again and make new memories.

This year : finish Harry Potter. Each time a Harry Potter soundtrack appears on Pandora I think of this. Even though I was at the midnight premiere of Deathly Hallows Part 2, my parents have yet to see Part 1 or Part 2. They are waiting for me to be home, because they have never seen one without me. I push through the papers, the late nights, the blistering headaches from caffeine withdraw all in the hopes of seeing my parents experience what I felt in the theatre : the end of a generation. Maybe, just maybe, they will see the end and realize what Harry Potter meant to those in my generation.

Whatever the reaction might be, I look forward to those nights. I type through the suffering of finals and pray to be home once again. 2.5 papers left in 4 days. 18 pages in 77 hours and 30 minutes. Trade for 3 weeks of family time without homework. 3 weeks of a final Christmas break before graduation. 3 weeks of Christmas normalcy in my life .... finals week may be torment, but the priceless feeling of home is worth a hundred tormenting hours.

A Week of Love

This week marked the week of recruitment here at Ashland University. It was a week packed full of planning, talking, emotional rollercoasters, but most importantly; love. Seeing girls from across campus come to join in Greek life filled me with excitement and joy. I remember the feeling of wonder, anxiety, nerves, and happiness all bundled into one during recruitment week. This year was different, this year I was on the other side looking in on a process that was thrilling. 

Seeing the other side reminded me why I love Alpha Phi. Standing with my sisters and singing whilst looking into their eyes brought back the memories of all my sisters have done for me. Being there on late nights to help me write papers, being my home away from home, but most importantly, being my support system when it seemed I had no one else.

Tomorrow marks a new chapter in Alpha Phi. Tomorrow we welcome new and phi-nominal women into our chapter. They will be filled with excitement, but what they do not realize is how excited we are. Having the opportunity to embrace them as family, and being able to share all new memories with them... well in one word: Priceless <3

Growing Stronger with Time like the Ivy that Twines.

AOE sisters <3

Unexpected Sister

    In life there are many bittersweet moments. These are the moments in which we cannot help but be happy for another, while feeling the sorrow ourselves. As the summer progressed, I knew one of those moments was coming ever closer; saying goodbye to my best friend. Tomorrow she is transferring to another University and I will miss her more than words can express.

    Goodbye is such a definite term. In life, in moments like these, the phrase "see you soon" is what I prefer. Although the words goodbye may escape my lips, this phrase continuously repeats inside my mind like a never ending record. See you soon. A way to say this is not over, this is not the end. I say that tomorrow as I bid my friend adieu. Our friendship will not be over, I refuse. As should we all. Friendships that build us up and restore our confidence have become rare in the world today. To find someone who I can laugh with until we cry is worth the efforts to keep. 

    Over our time at work together, this girl has been tremendous. After some tragic happenings of the past semester (more specifically the last 2 weeks), I lost all confidence and my perspective on life was shattered. She introduced me to her favorite childhood memory Harry Potter. Somehow, by reading the entire series over the summer I found a best friend. Not in the books, but in the girl that is transferring tomorrow. Through laughter, hilarity, movies, cookies, and HP, the pieces of myself were restored. If it was not for her, I would have still been in a state of daze and confusion, lost in the never ending maze. 

    So here is to tomorrow. A bittersweet moment. To Amanda : I wish you the best of luck at your new school. I hope that you conquer your major and love the new surroundings around you. Thank you for everything! I can honestly say you'll always be a best friend of mine, and let's make it to never change! I'll miss you!

A Summer Gone By

It is hard to believe that summer has come and past. Next week the school season officially begins for me and other fellow students who are moving in early for campus organizations. But before all of that begins, I want to step back and recall all the memories of this summer.

Living Away From Home

I must admit, living on campus over the summer is not what I expected it to be; however, it still brought memories. Two of my Alpha Phi sisters and I lived together, and I appreciate those two women more than ever. It was such an amazing opportunity to grow closer in friendships with both of them! Living with them over the summer just brought the idea of graduating to a more realistic level, knowing that I can do anything I put my mind to, and knowing I will not see my family every day.

Me & My Summer Roomies!
Harry Potter Mania!

This summer I had the opportunity to become friends with my co-worker! We had been friends before, but working with her over the summer just brought us that much closer as friends. She encouraged me to read the Harry Potter book series over the summer, which is something I had never done before. It was incredible to me though, not only the story line, but how much I should thank HP. By reading the books and just talking about it, it brought me so much closer to her. I can honestly say she is one of my best friends!! She somehow managed to bring that sense of childhood back to me, that I had forgotten over the past semester.

Me & My Best Friend at the Wizards Gathering. Yes we're house elves :)

Alpha Phi!

This summer was an amazing opportunity for me to grow in my love for my sorority Alpha Phi! Many of our sisters visited over the summer and stayed in our room on campus. The joke became our room  was the APhi hotel. But I would not trade it for the world. It gave me a chance to know so many of my sisters in a different way, and love the fact that I can call them sister! Shopping for recruitment made me incredibly excited for this fall. I cannot wait to begin recruitment and see all of the amazing new sisters we will get! 

The Epsilon Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi after Greek Week is over!

Senior Year!? Wha!?

It is hard to believe that summer is already half over. What is even more difficult to believe is that three years ago I was stepping into the University summer orientation pumped and ready to move in, and now, my last year here has arrived. Time has flown since being at Ashland University, and so many wonderful things have happened along the way. Let's re-cap my top 3 moments from years 1-3:

3) Traveling!

I have been so blessed in the area of traveling in these three years. For Spring break Sophomore year we headed to Myrtle Beach (the picture above). During Junior year I was able to attend a conference in Orlando, Florida and in Michigan, both sponsored by the University. 

2) O-Team!

 Orientation Team has been one of my all time favorite experiences. It has helped me break out of the "shy" shell and really meet some wonderful people along the way. Not only has it provided me with many a nights of laughter and hilarity, but practical teaching experience as well.

1) Alpha Phi

Alpha Phi has been my favorite memory. These women have given me a home away from home, and I feel so blessed that I can call all of them my sisters. It has given me opportunities in leadership positions, decorating fabulous events, and so much more. aoe.

~*~

With my senior year just around the corner, I cannot be more excited for the future. I know this coming year will provide struggles and test me as an individual, but it will allow me to grow into the adult I was destined to be. I have so many hopes and dreams for the future and thanks to the organizations and opportunities I have been given while at school, I can cross my fingers and pray that one day they will indeed come true.

An Apartment of Dreams

       Time. It is a concept that frightens even the strongest men. There is nothing we as humans can do to slow it down, as we are continually moving forward. It is a concept that I have begun to realize more than ever as Senior year at Ashland University comes closer. With the end so close, I have begun to think more and more about the future and where time will take me. There are hopes and dreams I hope to achieve, and when it comes to my career, I have a very good understanding of where I want to be. 

       In the Spring of 2012, my student career will take a large step forward as I begin to student teach. The ultimate goal for this path is to spend six weeks in the Celebration district in Celebration, Florida and pray that my efforts earn at least an interview, or an offer, for an English teacher position. It has always been my dream to live outside the state of Ohio, but with the salary of a beginning teacher I began to question whether or not it was possible.
       As time races onward it was important for me to begin planning far in advanced. For weeks I had been looking on realtors webpages searching for available apartments outside the state of Ohio, but none of them met my standards; until now. Thanks to Vacancy.com I had the opportunity to search for the most attractive and affordable apartments that I had yet to find. My perfect match was a 2 bedroom 2 bath located at the Fountains At Millenia apartment complex. 

       Everything about this apartment is perfect for me after graduation. I wanted a two bedroom apartment so that anytime someone wanted to visit, there was a room for them to sleep in. I also figured having this available room would allow me to have more storage space, use as a workout room, or for many other purposes. Not only does it have 2 beds and 2 baths, but there is a walk-in closet, perfect for accommodating large shoe collections. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, and instead of sharing a laundry room with all of my neighbors at the local dry cleaners, the apartment has hookups for a washer and dryer of my own. 

       What else is perfect about this apartment? Location, amenities, community and so much more! It is a secure gated community with a beach entry pool, green by the pool, fitness center and wi-fi. Not only that, but the location is sheer perfection when it comes to imagining a home in Florida. Just down the street is Universal Studios Resort, where a world of adventure and fun is waiting to be had! Universal also equals City Walk, a place where the night life is just waiting to get started. If that is not good enough, just head 20 minutes down the road to Disney. There is everything you can imagine from their theme parks, to Pleasure Island and much more! What else is 20 minutes down the road? The school district I hope to be teaching in. Talk about perfect location.

       Not only does this apartment have the perfect location and available space, but it puts all of my fears about affording a nice place to rest. I have seen the apartments around my town, and for the price one gets the bare minimum. This apartment is completely affordable for being in the Orlando area. It shows me that the perfect place does not have to be expensive, it is out there if you look. Now I know that even on a beginning teachers salary, I can afford a fabulous apartment. 

       Thanks to Vacancy.com, I have found a place that I can only dream to live in. It is the perfect apartment with day and night life for a future college graduate. It is close to entertainment all around and close to work, with the perks of a pool, fitness center, and appliances all included in one. Here is to hoping that I land that interview for student teaching down south. Here is to praying that I land a job in Celebration school districts in Celebration, Florida, so I can have the apartment of my dreams!

Click below to check out the apartment of my dreams!

Vacancy.com Dream Apartment!

A Decade of Memories

This week marks the end of an era. The end is marked by the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I have come to love the Harry Potter series over the years, more recently than before. That's why this weeks blog is dedicated to the series and the decade of memories it has brought not only to me, but to many many others along the way. Be sure to check out the Video of the Week which is dedicated to the new movie release as well.


For those of you who have not heard, or we have not met, this summer marked my first time of reading the Harry Potter books. It is shocking yes, considering it is my generation that has grown up with Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as the movie series grew in a new fandom for Harry Potter. I was never allowed as a kid to be a part of this. Churches across the nation were confused and overwhelmed with the thoughts of black magic, wizardry, and "evil". My father was among one of those critics, and he forbade me to read and or watch anything Harry Potter related. Although I found it too difficult to smuggle books past my parents, I found myself retreating to friends houses on the weekends to re-watch the movies. 


As the years passed on, many people turned to realize that the books were not bad at all. My parents included. They are excited for the final movie, they even recorded two of the movies during ABC Family's Harry Potter Weekend. To them, it's an adventure, it is something unlike any other movie franchise. Children, teenagers, and adults everywhere have literally spent a decade following Harry. And to those like my parents and I, the movies were the only source we had waiting to see what would happen next. 


Then there are the truly dedicated fans. You fans are the ones who make the experience worth while. To those who have created things such as Muggle Net , Muggle Cast , The Wizarding World in Orlando, and The International Quidditch Association, we thank you! It is because of these fans that the world of Harry Potter has exploded, creating a pop culture sensation that will be so difficult to beat for decades to come. The last thing that J.K. Rowling has left her fans with is Pottermore, a website with so many new details to explore. 

So here is to a decade (or more!) full of adventure and memories. From those who changed their views, to those who were obsessed from the beginning. It all ends on Friday as the clock chimes midnight. But it is as J.K. Rowling said herself at the UK Premiere of Deathly Hallows Part 2 : "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." Go ahead fans and followers of Harry Potter. Now's your chance to remember a decade of memories, and for my generation, now's your chance to remember who we grew up with. 

RLCC, Wait What? Not RLCA?

This week is incredibly busy for me, but I'm loving every minute of it! Not only am I working this week at my University, but I am also a dorm mom at my childhood camp. For years I traveled with my parents to this camp, and eventually became a camper. Whenever I worked as "faculty" it was washing dishes in the kitchen for the majority of the day, but this year it feels like I received a promotion! Now I am a dorm mom.

I never realized what a difference there was between high school students and where I am now. In reality I have only been graduated for three years, and one would think that in those three years, a person could change, but not so drastically. I listen to my girls talk and it makes me realize how different I am after three years of college. Especially in seeing the youth ministers interact with their youth groups. They are blocking hallways, singing loudly past lights out, pushing the faculty to see how far they can go. It makes me step back and thank this crazy college experience. Thank you for letting me grow up a little.

On the plus side, being back at camp after 1 year of not setting foot there is such a relief. It was always my favorite "mini-vacation" and I always looked forward to camp. You know that place? That place where you love to visit year after year and it always makes you feel slightly nostalgic? Yeah, that is camp for me. And to think after all these years I get to help in a dorm instead of the kitchen! It may not seem like much, but it just shows how things can go full circle. My mom used to be in the dorms, I grew up in the camp as a camper, and now I'm in the dorms. Wow :) Got to love Round Lake Christian Assembly (RLCA) ... despite the whole name change to RLCC. 

Ashland Orientation Palooza!

This week my fellow Orientation Teamers (O-Teamers for short) got to wear our purple polo's once again! We had two drive-ins this week for Ashland University, and I must say they were amazing. For those of you who do not know what a drive-in is, it is our first orientation for the incoming freshmen class. They visit the University for a day going through informational sessions, checking out ways to get involved on campus, and much more.

So let's recap the two drive-ins from this week!

((The O-Team arrives the night before))

June 19-20 

This night was super relax. It was so nice to see everyone again, and it really gave us a chance to get to know each other as a team better. My friends car was smoking, but luckily it got fixed. We ran a bit late throughout the drive in day, and had some confused parents and students, but we managed to make things work out for the best.

June 22-23

One of the best drive-ins I have ever worked! The night before we went to a bonfire and got drenched in the rain, and when we got back to the house, it was game time! Our director bought us huge marshmallows and we decided to use them for indoor marshmallow football! The entire night was a blast, and I got to talk to O-Teamers who I did not really know before hand. I loved it :) The drive in went smoothly. Only a few minor hiccups, but nothing major to report. The skits finished early leaving us a lot of extra time in JAM (Just ask Me) sessions for the students & O-Teamers. Yay for not running late!

The 2011 Orientation Team at Ashland University!

Here's to my fellow O-Teamers! 

The End of an Era

Day 30 - A Picture of Someone You Miss

I know that it has been a struggle for me to make it through this, and it lasted more like 50 days than 30, but this is it. My 30 day photo challenge now reaches its end, leaving me wondering what else I can possibly blog about for all of you :) With the end of an era, there is only one picture I can think to post.

This is a picture of my grandmother. She passed away in December, 2010. She was the heart of my family, and honestly it is so difficult to type this, as I am beginning to tear up just thinking about her. She was the joy in our lives, not to mention the most hilarious woman, and incredibly skilled baker. I will always miss her, but every Christmas as I bake her recipes I will remember her :) Love you Grandma!

The Wrap Up Begins

Day 29 - A Picture that can Make You Smile

 

This picture of my family always makes me smile. Together  the four of us have been through so much, and they have truly brought me to where I am today. Seeing pictures like this remind me how truly blessed I am. To have a family that loves me despite my flaws and stands by my side through everything cannot help but bring a smile to my face. What can I say, I love my family :)

Eternal Solitude

Day 28 - A Picture of Something You're Afraid of

There are not a lot of things that scare me. Yes there is a small fear of bugs, but that is beside the point. I have been cliff diving, white water rafting, and even scraped up my legs rock climbing. But there is one thing that does scare me more than the usual every day life things.

The fear of dying alone scares me. I look forward to the day I can find someone to share my life with. And the thought of being alone for the remainder of my life terrifies me... it has been my one biggest fear since.. as long as I can remember.

To Protect and Guide

Day 27 - A Picture of You and a Family Member

Here is a picture of me and my little sister Bre. I look out for her, because I'm the big sister and it's my job to protect her :)

Showstoppers!!

Day 26 - A Picture of Something that Means a lot for You

Music. I was born and raised in a musical family. My dad plays piano, my mom played harp and now plays piano, and both of them sing. From an early age I was put into the world of music, learning to love it and appreciate the art. I have played piano, flute, and piccolo, and I also have a little ability to sing.

I think music is important in the world. It is essential for helping some individuals in the areas of inspiration, motivation, romance, or even just lifting the mood. There is something comforting about music, and this is why I believe so strongly in this principle. Life = Music!

PS. Yesterday was Monday, which means new Video of the Week :)

Music of the Night

Day 25 - A Picture of your Favorite Day

The day I first saw Phantom of the Opera live. This musical is my favorite musical of all time. I first heard the music when I was about seven years old, after my parent's brought back a cassette tape from the production in Toledo. From that moment they promised me that if the show ever came back to Ohio, that they would take me to see it. Summer 2010 the production arrived and we had fabulous tickets. 13 years - a promise in the making.

This is a picture of me and my sister before leaving our house to go see the show with our parents. She also loved Phantom, needless to say, the entire night was magical. I was captivated the entire time by the setting, the cast, the theatre, and most of all : the music. The Phantom's mysterious Music of the Night left my entire family with a memory we will never forget.

Overwhelming Recession

Day 24 - A Picture of Something You Wish You could Change

This one is simple... the cost of college. No matter what the college, unless your parent is a professor at that specific university, you will end up in debt. The fact is, students now a days are paying way more than necessary for an education. The even uglier truth is that I have a much lower debt rate than most of the students I have met at my University, and I will be paying off my loans for at least 10 years.

So one thing I wish I could change: the cost of college. I wish that Universities and colleges around the globe would realize that their faculty and staff do not need the high salaries that they have, when other educators in lower educations are struggling to get by. Even out the cost, and find some way to decrease the tuition costs of college. The fact of the matter is if tuition continuously raises at Universities across the nation, the number of students who attend them will drop. What happened to higher education begin available to everyone? It is already a struggle for middle-class families to send their children there... soon it will be for only the upper-class.

A Golden Piece of Work

Day 23 - A Picture of Your Favorite Book

Simple! My favorite book was written by a man named Arthur Golden. He went into a ten year period of writing, focusing only on this book : Memoirs of a Geisha. If you have not read this book, you need to. It is my all time favorite book for a number of reasons.

The plot line is good, it remains simple and does not lose the reader along the way. The descriptions are voluptuous. Never before in a book have I been so enthralled by the descriptions, it is like Golden has trapped you in his world, if only for a moment. The characters are relate able. It does not matter that they are Japanese or American, the reader is drawn to their stories. Lastly, this book is based on research of the Japanese geisha's. This book is a fascinating look into their world and the life that they lead.

So, if you have not read Memoirs of a Geisha here is what you need to do. Stroll to the nearest bus station, or sprint to the nearest mode of transportation that you have. Start the ignition and head to the library to rent this book. That is when the year "Golden" magic beings.

NaNoWri.. What!?

Day 22 - A Picture of Something You Wish you Were Better At

Writing. One of my life goals is to have a published novel. My problem is, I am only good at writing up to a certain point. I have one mini-story in the works that is currently 35+ pages. The only problem is I have no idea where to go from there. It is so difficult for me to come up with an entire concept, from beginning, to rising action, to conflict, to resolution. I wish that I were better at writing a complete work, I wish that I had the capabilities to create an entire flowing story line.

 

On the plus side, now that my second job is over for the summer, my evenings have freed up. This means more time I am going to dedicate to my writing. I have already begun the research for my next story :)

Where in the World?

Day 20 - A Picture of Somewhere You'd love to Travel

Wow. I do not even know where to begin. There are so many locations around this world that I would love to travel. So I suppose today's blog will be a lovely collage of photos showing you just a few of the locations I want to see within my lifetime.

London, England
I wanted to visit this city since I saw Peter Pan.
Auckland, New Zealand
Gorgeous landscape - enough said!

Venice, Italy
Rome, Italy
A country full of beautiful and romantic locations.

Ireland & Germany
The land of my ancestors. I would love to see where my heritage began and see where the my families came from.



Dear Blank from Blank

Day 19 - A Photo and A Letter

Dear Jarzi,

I do not even know where to begin. I suppose the first thing to say is how happy I am that you chose to come to Ashland University. If you had not come to AU this year and joined Alpha Phi, I do not think we would be as close as we are now. I truly consider you one of my best friends.

Throughout this year we both have gone through a number of ups and downs. Without you there to consule me and help me laugh through those down times, who knows where I could have been. You were truly a blessing to me this past year here at AU. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me, including your fabulous hairstylings :)

I am looking forward to the rest of the summer with you and Mo. It will be a blast having the opportunity to call you roommie, even if it is only for a few months. I hope that we can stay friends for years and years to come, even after I.... *gulp* graduate. You had better stay in touch and tell me all the wonderful things that you have accomplished at AU and for the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi. Thank you Jarzi, for everything. Very few people could have tollerated my craziness and sleep deprovation, but you understood!

AOE and in Me,

Luv ya sista!

G'berger



A Crack in Confidence

Day 18 - A Picture of Your Biggest Insecurity

For those of you who know me, I often times find it difficult to open up about things. This was a semi-challenge for me to write on this blog about something that really bothers me deep down. What I am most insecure about is my body image.

So have you ever seen a cute guy and wanted to talk to him? If you know me, have you ever wondered why I don't waltz right up and say something? Have you ever gone into a store and dreaded trying something on, despite your love for shopping? If you know me, have you ever wondered why I neglect to try stuff on in stores around you? The answer is simple, I do not see myself as beautiful.

Now before the lectures come out from the blogger world, let me explain. I was the skinniest kid in the world when I was younger. Somewhere between childhood and teenage life, my grandparents watched me often, and very few people cared about what I ate. Although I do not know for certain, this is how I believe my weight problem came into play. I have been insecure about my body for years, because none of my friends were the same size as me. It was heartbreaking for me as I began college to see all of my friends borrowing each others clothes, all the while knowing there was no way in the world I could ever do something like that.

It is incredibly difficult for me to deal with my body image. I have been working on losing weight for about a year to no success. In one semester I only managed to loose five pounds, not a great start. It is my life goal to finally shed at least fifty pounds and feel incredible about my body... but quite honestly that will not be able to be accomplished for years to come at this rate. I am still a confident person, when it comes to personality. I am willing to talk with anyone who wants to talk or listen or joke, etc etc. But I have always had a problem with the way my body looks.

Ivy that Twines

Day 17 - A Picture of Something that has Made a Huge Impact on your Life Recently

This one is simple - Alpha Phi. In September 2010 I decided to go Greek and join in a sorority. The funniest part was that I was not someone who wanted to become Greek, it was not really for me. When I went through recruitment I found a home in a group of girls who are truly my sisters. This group of women made me feel more secure at my University than I had in two years time. I was truly blessed to join in their sisterhood.

All of us Alpha Phi's at the 2011 Formal

 After being named Greek Week champs 2011 (The bear is a panhel girl, so she's a secret)

Just to name a few things that I have gotten to do while a member of Alpha Phi: Became Director of Member Development, Helped gather and organize donations for Red Dress Gala 2010, Designed and decorated for formal 2011, Lip Sync 2011, numerous sisterhoods, mixers, and much more. I love being a member of Alpha Phi. AOE!

Inspired

Day 16 - A Picture of Someone that Inspires You

As I go through these daily (or rather every other day for me...) picture challenges, I have come to realize that a majority of them are very similar. So with today's post I have decided that I am going to shake it up a little bit. Instead of blogging about a single picture of someone that inspires me, I am doing a moving picture of a song that inspires me! So without further ado, here is a moving picture (aka video) of the song "Get it Right" by the writers of Glee, as sung by Lea Michelle.

 This song is so inspiring to me. Every time I hear it, I get chills. The lines that I find most inspiring to me are:

"So I throw up my fist, throw a punch in the air

And accept the truth that sometimes life isn't fair.

Yeah I'll send out a wish, I'll send up a prayer

That finally someone will see how much I care."

It is truly a song about pushing past how others view you and realizing that we have to stay true to ourselves. By staying true to we are, we have to look past the opinions of others and work towards what we believe is right. Although we may screw up sometimes, eventually everything will work itself out. Thank you Lea Michelle for singing this incredible song!

The Bucket List Begins!

Day 15 - A Picture of Something You Want to do Before You Die

One thing that I have always wanted to do in my life is travel. I am fortunate enough to have been to 23/50 states in the US, as well as Canada and Mexico. While traveling around this country is excellent, I have always wanted to travel to another continent. A few of the places I hope I am fortunate enough to visit someday are: London, England ; Rome, Italy ; Venice, Italy ; Auckland, New Zealand ; Sydney, Australia. But most importantly this: 

Before I die I want to travel to Rome, Italy and make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. It is an absolutely gorgeous monument that I have dreamed of visiting for years. Here is to hoping that one day I am able to make it here in the future.

A Lifetime Full of Memories

Day 14 - A Picture of Someone you could Never Imagine Your Life Without

This one was simple. My family. They have been there for me my entire life and we have been through so much together. I would not trade my family for the world. I love them dearly and thank them for everything they have done for me throughout these twenty long years. I love you Mom, Dad, & Bre!

My Little Sister Bre :)

My Parents :)

Me and my Family :)

It's Musicality not Theatricality

Day 13 - A Picture of Your Favorite Band or Artist

When it comes to my taste in music, I am generally accepting of all musical genres. The only exceptions in this case would be metal and some (not all) rap/country. Because of my wide interest in the musical world, it is beyond difficult to narrow down my favorite band or artist! So I chose my favorite musical genre and the most played music on my iPod.

 Broadway musicals, or show tunes in general, is my favorite genre of music. Although I do not have too many albums on my iPod of these shows, I can easily name 30 musicals off the top of my head. Musical theatre is what I grew up loving. To think it all began when I first heard the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack at age 7! 

The most played music on my iPod is easily the six Glee soundtracks that I own. Yes.. this may seem like a lot my blog world friends, but indeed I am lacking in the amount of Glee music I own. There are currently 10 different Glee soundtracks and my iPod is only stocked with six of them :( But in all seriousness I love hearing how this group of talented vocalists mash together different songs and reinterpret the music to their own beat! Not to mention original songs like "Loser Like Me" and "Get it Right!"

A Cliche English Teacher Hobby

Day 12 - A Picture of Something that You Love

Well I feel that this one should be obvious! Actually.. maybe not, because there are many things that I love. Yes there is Disney, Broadway, Glee, Singing, Shopping, Weddings, etc, etc. But what I want to write about today is something that I have loved to do since I was a little girl and has only evolved over time. What is it you may ask? Reading!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a series of books by my favorite author Gregory Maguire. He has written numerous books, including all of the books within the Wicked Series, which the musical Wicked is based off of. I love reading in general, but his books are so captivating. I have currently only read three of his works, but this summer I am hoping to knock a few more off of his list of published works! Reading is something I love to do because it carries me away to another place, somewhere where I can become captivated in another person's story instead of worrying about my own. Reading is my escape. But if you have not read some of Gregory Maguire's work I highly suggest it! ((Fair warning, it is a little bit difficult))

The Unfortunate Style of College

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Yes I realize this is on the same day as post 10, but I needed to catch up on a day! So here is a picture of something that I cannot stand.... studying/paper writing in school. Yes I know this is the normal routine of a college student, but let me elaborate. In past semesters I greatly enjoyed looking into pieces of literature and elaborating my thoughts into papers. I enjoyed reading novels and short stories.... but not this past semester. After all the work load that my professors heaped upon me, without the attempt to help or discuss the material in or out of class, made me detest writing papers.

 

So I suppose what I am saying is I hate homework that has no guidelines. I despise professors who assign you a paper with multiple topics to choose from, yet none of them have been discussed in class. In fact, the text has not even been discussed in class, even though we had been "reading" it for three weeks. At my school, Ashland, I have never had a more frustrating semester. Generally, my professors in past years were more than willing to help and they provided the class with specific guidelines and instructions.

Here's what  I hate : meaningless assignments. If you are a professor, use your syllabus. Allow your students to approach you for help, and know what you are talking about. We are supposed to be learning from you, not teaching ourselves. That we can do on our own time.

A Daily Post Failure

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most crazy things with

First off, I am really bad about posting every day. I apologize blog world! Second, I do not feel there is one person that I accomplish crazy things with. There are multiple people in my life who are willing to go out on crazy adventures and just have a good time. So for this one I'll throw up a couple pictures and let you know why these ladies are my accomplices. 

 The first is Jenna! I have mentioned her before, cause she is the person who has been there for me for years. She has definitely helped me to break out of my introverted shell and showed me how to enjoy life to its fullest.

My family! This meaning from my immediate family to my cousins. When my cousins and I get together at family events, everyone watches us as we all laugh hysterically. Just to give you an idea we have cursed each other (game), built human pyramids at weddings and graduation parties (up to 15 people), and experimented with how many bodies could fit in my cousins trunk! Okay, they were not dead bodies so do not freak out people, they were us climbing into the car trunk together... don't judge.

A Family Event :)

Day 9 - A picture of a person who has gotten you through the most

There are so many people who have been there for me throughout my life, and for this I am blessed. I would have to say throughout my entire lifetime, my family has been there for me the most. Through any situation they have stood by me, whether good or bad, ridiculously crazy or with not enough to do. My parents have always been there for me, every event, every induction ceremony in college. They have given me the strength to be the woman I am today. Then there's my sister, who taught me how to lead. Having a little sister helped me develop a sense of understanding what it means to be looked up to. She has always been an inspiration to me :) So here's to my family, for getting me through 20 long years of fun, sadness, joy, and frustration!

This year, school year anyways, has been incredibly rough for me. There have been so many ups and downs, but I thought I had lost that one person I could turn to at school. When I joined a sorority, I gained that person back. I found a lifelong friend, a woman I am proud to call sister, a woman who has been my guardian angel throughout this torment of a school year. Her name is Michelle. She is my Big in my sorority. Through thick and thin this girl has been there for me. She has even watched out for my health, making sure I leave work alone and get some sleep when it is most desperately needed. Even when we are apart, she manages to contact me and lift my spirits up when I need it most. So for this year in school, Michelle has been my blessing sent from Heaven. She truly saved me :)

What is Life if not Enjoyable?

Day 8 - A Picture that makes you laugh

This one was incredibly hard to narrow down. There are a lot of pictures I have that I look back on and make me laugh about a certain memory. I have picked three pictures that make me laugh no matter how bad I am feeling on that day... but keep in mind these are only a few of many :) 



So I realize this picture may be a little difficult to see. This is me and 3 of my friends from high school dressed in pirate costumes! We wore them to the premier of Pirates of the Caribbean 3, that is after we walked around Walmart buying candy. Needless to say, people look at you kinda funny when your in a pirate costume in Walmart!

During Halloween this year, me and two fellow Alpha Phi's decided to go see the Rocky Horror Picture show. Rumor has it that people get all dressed up for this event, and go kinda crazy! So as you can see, we all got dressed up.. and at least two of us went crazy ;) Poor Margaret...

Here is a picture of my team within Ashland University's Orientation Team. I died in the theatre that day..... or at least faked it! And as we ran away from the scene, my professor caught us and asked us to pose again, because she wanted the picture!! Talk about strange...



A Wave into the Past

Day 7 - A picture of your most treasured item

I do not have an actual picture of this item. But I found one that comes fairly close. My most treasured item is a Japanese fan that sits on the shelf above my bed. Before you roll your eyes or change web pages, let me explain what makes this fan so significant to me.

I have always had a fascination for Japanese culture. I have studied some, watched anime, read manga, and even read up on the culture of the geisha. My grandfather was in World War II, stationed in Japan. Of the few souvenirs he brought back to America, one was this fan. During the war, geisha houses had to sell their belongings, which American soldiers bought as souvenirs. The fan was given to my great aunt.

My grandfather passed away during my freshman year in college. After he passed, I traveled to Indiana with my family. My great aunt came to me and handed me this fan. She said to me, "Your grandfather would have wanted you to have it." That is why the fan is so precious. It was bought as a gift of love for our family, it was bought from a culture which I once adored. But most importantly I was entrusted with the love of my grandfather through this fan.

Mile in her shoes? Of Course!

Day 6 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Lea Michele from Fox's Glee. Why? She seems to have the glamorous live figured out. She is on a hit TV show playing a lovable character. She is loved by many of her fellow actors/actresses on the television show, not to mention she has an incredible voice. If I could trade places with her for a day it would be like living a dream come true! Not to mention, her character gets to flirt it up with those fabulous Glee boys!