Wow I have not been on here in a while.......
Quick catch up
Work is good, stressfull for a bit cause they were giving me 30 hours a week, but I talked to them and it's back down to 20 so that's good. Plus I get to see Packers, so that is always a good time! Clay Matthews, Aaron Rogers, and Finely now!!! yay!!
MY 21ST BIRTHDAY WAS AWESOME!!!!!!
PICS TO COME!
BLOG ALL ABOUT THAT TO COME TOO!
Charlie and I are doing great! Got to visit him in Marquette which was so much fun :-) He's coming home this weekend so I get to see him then!
School is going good, got a concert this weekend. Doing NATS which means I get to visit my friends in UWEC so that's good!
But I gtg, been busy busy busy!
Later!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Packerland
So yesterday at work. I was doing my typical thing and I noticed someone with a cart was kinda in the middle of both registers, I glanced up and guess who it was:
AARON ROGERS!
I smiled at him and he smiled back. I looked at my co-worker Nick, and he was going to get done before me! Nick didn't even recognize Aaron! I knew I had to get him in my line. I felt bad for the lady after, but I was packing her things up as fast as I could. I handed her the recipt real quickly, and she was just taking her time with her purse!!! In my head I'm like "OMG NO!"
Fortunately she moved asside to get all her htings together.... and up strolled Aaron!
I could feel my heart getting super fast, and my face starting to blush. In my head I'm thinking "Amanda you can't blush that is so embarrassing" So I tired to play it cool
"hi!"
"hi"
"How r u doing?"
"ok"
"Did u find everything alright?"
"yup"
*picked up the Laura Ashley pillow he was buying*
"O these are really nice pillows, we get a lot of good feedback on them"
"Really? good. My current ones are kinda wearing out..."
We actually held a conversation! At the end of the transaction I handed him a receipt and said "Have a good day! The exit is going to be that way..." He smiled and said "Thanks". Put his sunglasses and hat on (he didn't want to be recognized. And left the building. As soon as he left, my co worker Katie goes "Was that Aaron Rogers?" I just nod while fanning myself, my heart still racing. She laughed and said "My husband is going to flip!" It took at good 15 minutes for my heart to get back to regular speed!
I CANNOT BELIEVE I GOT TO TALK WITH AARON ROGERS!
Made my day
In the past I've gotten to work with Clay Matthews, who is a rookie starter, but to talk to the starting QB.... that's fricken awesome!
I wonder who will come wondering in tonight...... maybe Donald Driver? ya never know!
a girl can dream.....
It's times like this where I LOVE living in Green Bay.
AARON ROGERS!
I smiled at him and he smiled back. I looked at my co-worker Nick, and he was going to get done before me! Nick didn't even recognize Aaron! I knew I had to get him in my line. I felt bad for the lady after, but I was packing her things up as fast as I could. I handed her the recipt real quickly, and she was just taking her time with her purse!!! In my head I'm like "OMG NO!"
Fortunately she moved asside to get all her htings together.... and up strolled Aaron!
I could feel my heart getting super fast, and my face starting to blush. In my head I'm thinking "Amanda you can't blush that is so embarrassing" So I tired to play it cool
"hi!"
"hi"
"How r u doing?"
"ok"
"Did u find everything alright?"
"yup"
*picked up the Laura Ashley pillow he was buying*
"O these are really nice pillows, we get a lot of good feedback on them"
"Really? good. My current ones are kinda wearing out..."
We actually held a conversation! At the end of the transaction I handed him a receipt and said "Have a good day! The exit is going to be that way..." He smiled and said "Thanks". Put his sunglasses and hat on (he didn't want to be recognized. And left the building. As soon as he left, my co worker Katie goes "Was that Aaron Rogers?" I just nod while fanning myself, my heart still racing. She laughed and said "My husband is going to flip!" It took at good 15 minutes for my heart to get back to regular speed!
I CANNOT BELIEVE I GOT TO TALK WITH AARON ROGERS!
Made my day
In the past I've gotten to work with Clay Matthews, who is a rookie starter, but to talk to the starting QB.... that's fricken awesome!
I wonder who will come wondering in tonight...... maybe Donald Driver? ya never know!
a girl can dream.....
It's times like this where I LOVE living in Green Bay.
Straight Line
From and outsiders perspective it may look like I'm going in one big circle...
I am in the same position in life as I was 3 years ago in a lot of different ways...
But if they knew
how much I changed
how much I've grown
how far I've come
then they'd see that even tho I'm in the same situations
they are COMPLETELY different
I'm going in a line
a very straight line
I am leaving a trail of laughs, tears, hugs, kisses, and pain behind me.
I'm living for the present
I'm looking forward
and I'm happy.
I am in the same position in life as I was 3 years ago in a lot of different ways...
But if they knew
how much I changed
how much I've grown
how far I've come
then they'd see that even tho I'm in the same situations
they are COMPLETELY different
I'm going in a line
a very straight line
I am leaving a trail of laughs, tears, hugs, kisses, and pain behind me.
I'm living for the present
I'm looking forward
and I'm happy.
Friday, September 18, 2009
7 classes + 30 hours working = X-0
I have been so busy this week.
With 7 classes and work giving me 30 hours… it’s been crazy. I closed the last two nights and tonight. Saturday night I work till 9. I also have to play for Wally’s niece to audition for a reception dinner on Saturday and I have had no time to practice for that. Sunday I am babysitting twin boys for the Packer game so that should be interesting…
I’ve actually started to get homework too. But my grades are doing really really well. Got an A+ on my theory and sightsinging tests. A’s on my theory homework. 92 on my keyboarding, partially due to the fact that it was fricken cold in the room so my fingers got stiff, plus I suck at scales. :-)
I’m taking notes on my macbook for environmental science and economic and staying very organized. We’ve only had one assignment in economics and it was pretty easy. I also know two people in the class now so we email each other if we have questions.
My science teacher reminds me of the teacher from South Park because she has the most ridiculous accent ever and says “mk?” a lot. She is a feminist, tree hugging, “single with cat” woman. She keeps the class interesting enough though so I guess I can’t complain.
Voice lessons are going well. She is having my focus on breathing deeper, way into my gut. We are also focusing on getting me to sing like I’m taking a bit into an apple, putting the sound right up front. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but I remember Mrs. Norman doing an exercise with me a few times that was trying the same thing. I’ll just have to trust her. I’m bringing a recorder to my lesson next week so then I can record and see for myself how I sound before and after. It’s rough having voice lesson twice a week on a busy week, seems like there is not time to practice in between.
But my birthday is in 6 days! ☺ Always look on the bright side of life!
With 7 classes and work giving me 30 hours… it’s been crazy. I closed the last two nights and tonight. Saturday night I work till 9. I also have to play for Wally’s niece to audition for a reception dinner on Saturday and I have had no time to practice for that. Sunday I am babysitting twin boys for the Packer game so that should be interesting…
I’ve actually started to get homework too. But my grades are doing really really well. Got an A+ on my theory and sightsinging tests. A’s on my theory homework. 92 on my keyboarding, partially due to the fact that it was fricken cold in the room so my fingers got stiff, plus I suck at scales. :-)
I’m taking notes on my macbook for environmental science and economic and staying very organized. We’ve only had one assignment in economics and it was pretty easy. I also know two people in the class now so we email each other if we have questions.
My science teacher reminds me of the teacher from South Park because she has the most ridiculous accent ever and says “mk?” a lot. She is a feminist, tree hugging, “single with cat” woman. She keeps the class interesting enough though so I guess I can’t complain.
Voice lessons are going well. She is having my focus on breathing deeper, way into my gut. We are also focusing on getting me to sing like I’m taking a bit into an apple, putting the sound right up front. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but I remember Mrs. Norman doing an exercise with me a few times that was trying the same thing. I’ll just have to trust her. I’m bringing a recorder to my lesson next week so then I can record and see for myself how I sound before and after. It’s rough having voice lesson twice a week on a busy week, seems like there is not time to practice in between.
But my birthday is in 6 days! ☺ Always look on the bright side of life!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.
Adjusting
I am doing pretty good. It's a big adjustment. UWGB is a Division 1 state school, so it's pretty big. I have my first lecture hall class: 120 people. I actually have 2 lecture halls: economics (which I can't understand the teacher in, he's Indian) and science (our professor is a crazy old cat women). I only got lost once in the tunnels and overall am finding my way around pretty darn good. I actually like having a campus, I just wish I could meet more people.
I had to start over with Theory. booooo. So I'm with the freshman in Theory 1. It's so basic, but it is kinda a breather from the intenseness that is CCPA Theory. It'll definitely boost up my GPA.
I just had my first voice lesson today. It's really different from the way the CCPA runs it. First off I only have to take voice lessons 3 out of 4 years, once a week for 45 minutes. I got placed with Sarah Meredith. I have heard from multiple sources that she is the best of the voice faculty so that's good, I was really worried about that. Since my voice lessons at Roosevelt were only 30 minutes a week, they put me as a Sophomore status for voice, which actually works out to my benefit cause in my other classes I'm a junior, so I'll get to have voice lessons all four years technically. :-)
With my voice teacher we are kinda breaking the rules. We have voice twice a week on Tuesday and Thursdays for 30 minutes each. I get 15 minutes free. On Wednesday we have studio meeting. We meet with our studio and basically it's like a performance class. We sing for each other and critique each other. It's nice to finally be a part of that.
We have to keep logs on our voice lessons and turn them in at the end of semester. This week we focused on breathing and getting me to breath deeper. I am expected to practice an hour a day and have to keep a log of that as well.
I miss Chicago and our voice lessons, but I am happy with a few of the changes here. I like that I get the studio time to really get to know my peers, and I like that I get an hour a week instead of half.
I also get to take Diction which I'm really excited for.
The program may not be as good as the CCPAs, but it's not awful. And I think that I'll get out of it what I put into it.
I will graduate in 2 1/2 maybe 3 years. I want to graduate as soon as possible. I'm not giving up on my passion, and that's the main thing.
I refuse to loose focus on my goal. I want my classroom. I want my choir. That's really all I want out of life.
I had to start over with Theory. booooo. So I'm with the freshman in Theory 1. It's so basic, but it is kinda a breather from the intenseness that is CCPA Theory. It'll definitely boost up my GPA.
I just had my first voice lesson today. It's really different from the way the CCPA runs it. First off I only have to take voice lessons 3 out of 4 years, once a week for 45 minutes. I got placed with Sarah Meredith. I have heard from multiple sources that she is the best of the voice faculty so that's good, I was really worried about that. Since my voice lessons at Roosevelt were only 30 minutes a week, they put me as a Sophomore status for voice, which actually works out to my benefit cause in my other classes I'm a junior, so I'll get to have voice lessons all four years technically. :-)
With my voice teacher we are kinda breaking the rules. We have voice twice a week on Tuesday and Thursdays for 30 minutes each. I get 15 minutes free. On Wednesday we have studio meeting. We meet with our studio and basically it's like a performance class. We sing for each other and critique each other. It's nice to finally be a part of that.
We have to keep logs on our voice lessons and turn them in at the end of semester. This week we focused on breathing and getting me to breath deeper. I am expected to practice an hour a day and have to keep a log of that as well.
I miss Chicago and our voice lessons, but I am happy with a few of the changes here. I like that I get the studio time to really get to know my peers, and I like that I get an hour a week instead of half.
I also get to take Diction which I'm really excited for.
The program may not be as good as the CCPAs, but it's not awful. And I think that I'll get out of it what I put into it.
I will graduate in 2 1/2 maybe 3 years. I want to graduate as soon as possible. I'm not giving up on my passion, and that's the main thing.
I refuse to loose focus on my goal. I want my classroom. I want my choir. That's really all I want out of life.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Six Hundred and Eighty Dollars
Above: six hundred and eighty dollars worth of books from the UWGB Bookstore. So effing expensive.
Everything is finally all set! I start class on Thursday and couldn't be more excited! After many phone calls, meetings, and auditions I have my courses lined up and am ready to start this semester.
Here is my schedule:
Econ 202 - Macro Economic Analysis (M, W, F 8:25 - 9:20) 3 credits
Env Sci 102 - Intro to Environmental Sciences (T, Th 3:30 - 4:50) 3 credits
Mus App 31 - Keyboard Musicianship III (M, W 10:35 - 11:30) 1 credit
Mus App 205 - Second Year Voice Lessons 1 credit
Mus App 262 - Chorale (M, W, F 11:40 - 12:35) 1 credit
Music 115 - Ear Training and Sight Singing (T, Th 9:30 - 10:25) 1 credit
Music 151 - Theory I (M, W, F 9:30 - 10:25) 3 credits
So I am taking 7 classes for a grand total of 13 credits..... kinda sucks but the schedule isn't too bad.
I will be really busy on monday, wednesdays, and fridays.
GB here I come!
Monday, August 31, 2009
New Room
When I moved back home I really didn't have anywhere to stay. I had a bed, but it was in Alicias room, and well, it was still her room. So I had 2 drawers for my clothes and such.....
But now Alicia (my sister btw) has moved out.
So, I get the room to do with what I please.
On the north wall I put a dresser, the makeup stand, a nightstand and then in the corner is my new daybed.
On the east wall is my bed (corner of northeast) and then my dresser. There is also a window on this wall, so the dresser faces the window.
South wall consists of my tv stand, mirrored dresser and door.
West wall: tall nightstand, mirror, and closet.
It's a really good setup, and the room looks really huge.
I love new rooms, make me feel accomplished when they are done.
Fresh room, to a fresh beginning in more ways then one.
:-)
But now Alicia (my sister btw) has moved out.
So, I get the room to do with what I please.
On the north wall I put a dresser, the makeup stand, a nightstand and then in the corner is my new daybed.
On the east wall is my bed (corner of northeast) and then my dresser. There is also a window on this wall, so the dresser faces the window.
South wall consists of my tv stand, mirrored dresser and door.
West wall: tall nightstand, mirror, and closet.
It's a really good setup, and the room looks really huge.
I love new rooms, make me feel accomplished when they are done.
Fresh room, to a fresh beginning in more ways then one.
:-)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Baby steps
Life is getting a little better day by day.
I'm learning to rely on my friends again, not just on one person.
I'm learning how to be a confident happy single.
I'm dancing like no one can see me.
Singing like no one can hear me.
And loving like it's my last.
Day by day, I am learning to laugh, trust, and open myself up again.
After all, I'm only human.
Always fighting what I'm feeling,
hurt instead of healing.
Right now I'm sick of hurt, sick of getting hurt and sick of giving hurt.
I'm trying to heal, and I'm succeeding.
Just a little bit.
Baby steps.
Day by day.
Who knows where one can get with baby steps...
I'm learning to rely on my friends again, not just on one person.
I'm learning how to be a confident happy single.
I'm dancing like no one can see me.
Singing like no one can hear me.
And loving like it's my last.
Day by day, I am learning to laugh, trust, and open myself up again.
After all, I'm only human.
Always fighting what I'm feeling,
hurt instead of healing.
Right now I'm sick of hurt, sick of getting hurt and sick of giving hurt.
I'm trying to heal, and I'm succeeding.
Just a little bit.
Baby steps.
Day by day.
Who knows where one can get with baby steps...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Love it, Live it
Lately I've been so lost and confused. Seems like everything around me is foggy.
Today, Peter was at Dads, mom at work, and alicia with her friends.
It was just me.
And my piano.
and my guitar.
and my music.
and my voice.
And I sang for the first time in a long time, actually sang for more than 15 minutes.
I sang for 2 hours.
I was the happiest I've been in a long time.
It all comes back to music.
I love it.
I live it.
As long as I have music I know I'll be ok.
Today, Peter was at Dads, mom at work, and alicia with her friends.
It was just me.
And my piano.
and my guitar.
and my music.
and my voice.
And I sang for the first time in a long time, actually sang for more than 15 minutes.
I sang for 2 hours.
I was the happiest I've been in a long time.
It all comes back to music.
I love it.
I live it.
As long as I have music I know I'll be ok.
Monday, July 27, 2009
♪♪♪ gets me
Don't try to explain your mind
I know what's happening here
One minute it's love
And suddenly it's like a battlefield
One word turns into a war
Why is it the smallest things that tear us down?
My world's nothing when you don't
I'm not here without a shield
Can't go back now
Both hands, tied behind my back with nothing
Oh no, these times when we climb so fast to fall again
Why we gotta fall for it now
I never meant to start a war
You know I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
Why does love always feel like
Can't swallow our pride
Neither of us wanna raise that flag
If we can't surrender then we both gonna lose
What we had, oh no
Both hands tied behind my back with nothing
Oh no, these times when we climb so fast to fall again
I don't wanna fall for it now
I never meant to start a war
You know I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
*lyrics from Battlefield by Jordin Sparks
I know what's happening here
One minute it's love
And suddenly it's like a battlefield
One word turns into a war
Why is it the smallest things that tear us down?
My world's nothing when you don't
I'm not here without a shield
Can't go back now
Both hands, tied behind my back with nothing
Oh no, these times when we climb so fast to fall again
Why we gotta fall for it now
I never meant to start a war
You know I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
Why does love always feel like
Can't swallow our pride
Neither of us wanna raise that flag
If we can't surrender then we both gonna lose
What we had, oh no
Both hands tied behind my back with nothing
Oh no, these times when we climb so fast to fall again
I don't wanna fall for it now
I never meant to start a war
You know I never wanna hurt you
Don't even know what we're fighting for
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
Why does love always feel like a battlefield
A battlefield, a battlefield?
*lyrics from Battlefield by Jordin Sparks
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Conclusion of Much Thinking
I only want two things out of my potential husband.
1. Make me happy
2. Provide security
1. Make me happy
2. Provide security
Friday, July 24, 2009
Heartbreak
Last night I had to do one of the most difficult things of my life. I had to let my boyfriend of 11 1/2 months go.
It had gotten to the point that neither of us were in it if it wasn't going to last in the long run (marriage, kids).
And there was some fundamental differences.
Basically I am more conservative, he was more libral..... in almost every way possible we were spilt on issues like religion, schooling, and we just bickered a lot on little things.
He is a very mature guy, a very opionated guy, and I there were times when I would just get exhausted of him because everything needed to be backed and supported. He was wound so tight, he couldn't let loose.... even just to dance. If he didn't know how to do something he didn't do it and that was the end of it. I want someone who loves to try new things.
Having been through heartbreak, cutting it off was so hard cause I understand the pain I caused him.
Words cannot express how sorry I am.
I think we both can find people better suited for us.
I will miss you so much.
I hope you realized I was bawling last night too...
I didn't forsee this happening, I really never meant to hurt you.
Please find it in your heart to forgive me somehow,
I never meant to hurt you.
It had gotten to the point that neither of us were in it if it wasn't going to last in the long run (marriage, kids).
And there was some fundamental differences.
Basically I am more conservative, he was more libral..... in almost every way possible we were spilt on issues like religion, schooling, and we just bickered a lot on little things.
He is a very mature guy, a very opionated guy, and I there were times when I would just get exhausted of him because everything needed to be backed and supported. He was wound so tight, he couldn't let loose.... even just to dance. If he didn't know how to do something he didn't do it and that was the end of it. I want someone who loves to try new things.
Having been through heartbreak, cutting it off was so hard cause I understand the pain I caused him.
Words cannot express how sorry I am.
I think we both can find people better suited for us.
I will miss you so much.
I hope you realized I was bawling last night too...
I didn't forsee this happening, I really never meant to hurt you.
Please find it in your heart to forgive me somehow,
I never meant to hurt you.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
BBB
I have recently gotten a job at Bed Bath and Beyond!! The past few days I have been going through intense training that makes me feel like I'm at exam time during school. After 3 days, I passed all 5 tests, 4 of which were written. To pass you need a 95% or greater. The 5th exam was where you cashier for them and they try to sneak things past you. I didn't catch the pillow, but I found things in the garabage can. I'm really excited to actually start working! Once I get everything down it'll be a lot of fun! At least that one thing in my life that is going well... I have a job I like. I like the people, I like the job, I can't wait to start working!
"Thank you for calling Green Bay's Bed Bath and Beyond. My name is Amanda. How can I direct your call?" :-D
[el-uh-fuhnt]
After we went camping I went back to Indiana with Jamie. Friday night we went over to Sam's (jamies good friend) place cause 5 weeks ago her dog had 7 puppies! They were sooooooooooo adorable! Saturday we went to Merrillville IN to find Jamie's mom a birthday present, she was turning 50. We ended up getting her "magic pills" that kept her 49 another year and a inflatable comodo as gag gifts! Jamie's aunt and and uncle came and we went to eat at Red Lobster. I love there cheddar biscuts!
His mom and aunt and uncle went clubbing after supper, and we went to Freds (Sam's boyfriends) house and we blew up $2,000 worth of fireworks. It was so fun!
On Sunday Jamie, Ms. Bradley, and I went to the Brookfield Zoo. I GOT TO SEE MY FIRST ELEPHANT!!!!!!! She was so pretty! :-D I was so exited. It was awesome! I also got to see my first polar bear, who had larger than life paws... he was pretty too!
My 6 days with jamie went well, and it's going to be a while before I get that amount of time with him again. :-( I guess I'll just have to be like an elephant and never forget it.
Camping in Potawatomni
So, Jamie came up Tuesday night last week, and we left Wednesday morning for the 45 minute drive up north to Door County. We went to Potawatomni State Park, and it was really cheap just for one night. After switching campsites so we could get set up, my sister Alicia and her boyfriend came up as well. After we got all the tents and everything set up we went on a bike ride. Jamie and I only went half way around the loop (7 miles total) cause of his asthma. We went to the park and hung out there. For dinner we built a fire and made pizza and cherry pudgy pies! YUM! We also had hot dogs, it was a feast!
We slept in the tent, and the next day jamie and I took a ride to the tower, where we add our initials to the hundreds of others on the top of the 70 year old tower. It was a beautiful view. We also went by the docks which was pretty cause the water was so clear. I love camping and can't wait to go again! Hopefully next time for more than just 1 night!
Below is our initials, our campsite, and the ride behind our campsite.
We slept in the tent, and the next day jamie and I took a ride to the tower, where we add our initials to the hundreds of others on the top of the 70 year old tower. It was a beautiful view. We also went by the docks which was pretty cause the water was so clear. I love camping and can't wait to go again! Hopefully next time for more than just 1 night!
Below is our initials, our campsite, and the ride behind our campsite.
The Official Change
July 21, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
Due to financial circumstances I, Amanda Mae Gaura, will not be returning to Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts in the fall semester of 2009. Though unlikely, if my financial situation were to change in the future I would love the opportunity to return and finish my education at the CCPA. I want to thank you for the great opportunity you have given me the past two years. I truly cherish everything I have learned during my time at the CCPA.
Respectfully,
Amanda Gaura
*I will not be returning to the CCPA. With tuition going up it is just financially impossible. This decision was extremely hard. I will be finishing out at University of Wisconsin Green Bay, living at home. I'm having a hard time with everything, this is not what I want at all. If I could come back I would. If I happen to win the l lottery I will be back in Chicago in a heartbeat. I will be down to visit often. Thank you all for all the amazing memories you have given me in my two years in chicago. I will never forget you.
To Whom It May Concern:
Due to financial circumstances I, Amanda Mae Gaura, will not be returning to Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts in the fall semester of 2009. Though unlikely, if my financial situation were to change in the future I would love the opportunity to return and finish my education at the CCPA. I want to thank you for the great opportunity you have given me the past two years. I truly cherish everything I have learned during my time at the CCPA.
Respectfully,
Amanda Gaura
*I will not be returning to the CCPA. With tuition going up it is just financially impossible. This decision was extremely hard. I will be finishing out at University of Wisconsin Green Bay, living at home. I'm having a hard time with everything, this is not what I want at all. If I could come back I would. If I happen to win the l lottery I will be back in Chicago in a heartbeat. I will be down to visit often. Thank you all for all the amazing memories you have given me in my two years in chicago. I will never forget you.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Minnesohta
This past weekend I took a road trip with my two good friends from high school, Liz and Erin, to visit our friend Allie. Allie goes to St. Thomas in St. Paul and is staying there this summer.
We left Friday at 3:45 and arrived there at about 9 ish. On the way there a few funny things that happened were:
- Liz going through a red light cause she thought the sign "stop ahead" meant "stop then go ahead".
- Erin not seeing the huge lite up "Subway" sign on the only building in sight "Where is the subway? where?"
- We got a little lost.... the road signs were really funny though (ex: Fynn)
- Chubby's Gentalmens Club
When we got there Allie had preordered pizza, so we unpacked and walked the two blocks to go pick it up from Davanti's. (something like that) . I was super good, we spent the rest of the time just eating, talking, catching up, and watching 27 Dresses.
On Saturday we woke up to Allie already back from her 12 mile run (holy moly!). We ate breakfast and went for a long walk around St. Paul, we went to the library and we toured the St. Thomas campus. It was fun, we took a lot of cool pictures. We got back and ate lunch, after which we went shopping. Liz got a cute dress for $98 and Erin got a scarf and shoes. We then found a little church for mass at 4:30. It was full of bluehairs all over the place! Then we went back and started getting ready for dinner. We all got dressed up cute and went out with Allie's two roommates to Bonfire. The waiter was really cute and I told Allie to put her number down on the tip line but she wouldn't do it. We then stopped at the cafe attached to the restaurant and bought cheesecake. I got cookies and cream. When we got back we all changed, and started to play an intense game of spoons. Allies two roommates ended up winning. It was a lot of fun and her roommates were super nice.
Sunday we got up at 7 am and were on the road by 8 am. It was a good trip, a really fun time. I really liked St. Paul and can see myself living there someday. I hope to visit Allie again soon, maybe next time we can go to the Mall of America!
We left Friday at 3:45 and arrived there at about 9 ish. On the way there a few funny things that happened were:
- Liz going through a red light cause she thought the sign "stop ahead" meant "stop then go ahead".
- Erin not seeing the huge lite up "Subway" sign on the only building in sight "Where is the subway? where?"
- We got a little lost.... the road signs were really funny though (ex: Fynn)
- Chubby's Gentalmens Club
When we got there Allie had preordered pizza, so we unpacked and walked the two blocks to go pick it up from Davanti's. (something like that) . I was super good, we spent the rest of the time just eating, talking, catching up, and watching 27 Dresses.
On Saturday we woke up to Allie already back from her 12 mile run (holy moly!). We ate breakfast and went for a long walk around St. Paul, we went to the library and we toured the St. Thomas campus. It was fun, we took a lot of cool pictures. We got back and ate lunch, after which we went shopping. Liz got a cute dress for $98 and Erin got a scarf and shoes. We then found a little church for mass at 4:30. It was full of bluehairs all over the place! Then we went back and started getting ready for dinner. We all got dressed up cute and went out with Allie's two roommates to Bonfire. The waiter was really cute and I told Allie to put her number down on the tip line but she wouldn't do it. We then stopped at the cafe attached to the restaurant and bought cheesecake. I got cookies and cream. When we got back we all changed, and started to play an intense game of spoons. Allies two roommates ended up winning. It was a lot of fun and her roommates were super nice.
Sunday we got up at 7 am and were on the road by 8 am. It was a good trip, a really fun time. I really liked St. Paul and can see myself living there someday. I hope to visit Allie again soon, maybe next time we can go to the Mall of America!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Summertime
Summer has been keeping me away from my blog lately, I apologize. Here is what has been going on....
- Jamie and I went through the worst fight of our relationship and survived it. I was so stressed I lost my voice for 5 days. But it's over, we're fine now. :-)
- My hair is getting blonder by the day.......... great. I'm not sure what to do with it anymore. Suggestions???
- I still haven't heard back from UWGB on if I got accepted and it's killing me. I HATE not knowing the future.
- I had an interview with Bed Bath and Beyond and they basically offered me the job, they just need to check my references. I start the week of the 20th! :-D
- I went to my Uncle Gary's cottage for 2 days this past weekend. IT WAS SO FUN! I got to ride the jetski ( a great stress reliever), play with baby Jessica and Lindsey and Kyle, eat amazing food, have a few drinks... it was the vacation I needed.
- I went to Chicago for a day and a half to see Jamie. We went to Taste of Chicago and had some perogies, there were good but a little too small. We ordered Chinese and watched Batman that night. Then the next day we went to the Field Museum and saw the pirate exhibt. It was pretty cool, we got to touch the only pirate gold ever found. I just wish it was more hands on. Overall, it was a really good trip, it was nice to see him.
- I've been seeing friends here and there. I went to the pamperin park with bins. I went shopping with liz and got a REALLY cute purple dress for the wedding (JC Pennys, 50% off!) Peter and I road our bikes to the library and got new library cards. We got them for free cause we've had them for so long. It was nice. I got the book "A Room With A View" and I can't wait to start reading it.
- I am leaving in a few hours for Minnesota. I am carpooling there with Liz, Erin Blaney, and Sara Moore. We are going to visit Allie till Sunday, I've never been to Minnesota before so I'm really excited! :-) I'll let you know how it goes when I get back!
- Jamie and I went through the worst fight of our relationship and survived it. I was so stressed I lost my voice for 5 days. But it's over, we're fine now. :-)
- My hair is getting blonder by the day.......... great. I'm not sure what to do with it anymore. Suggestions???
- I still haven't heard back from UWGB on if I got accepted and it's killing me. I HATE not knowing the future.
- I had an interview with Bed Bath and Beyond and they basically offered me the job, they just need to check my references. I start the week of the 20th! :-D
- I went to my Uncle Gary's cottage for 2 days this past weekend. IT WAS SO FUN! I got to ride the jetski ( a great stress reliever), play with baby Jessica and Lindsey and Kyle, eat amazing food, have a few drinks... it was the vacation I needed.
- I went to Chicago for a day and a half to see Jamie. We went to Taste of Chicago and had some perogies, there were good but a little too small. We ordered Chinese and watched Batman that night. Then the next day we went to the Field Museum and saw the pirate exhibt. It was pretty cool, we got to touch the only pirate gold ever found. I just wish it was more hands on. Overall, it was a really good trip, it was nice to see him.
- I've been seeing friends here and there. I went to the pamperin park with bins. I went shopping with liz and got a REALLY cute purple dress for the wedding (JC Pennys, 50% off!) Peter and I road our bikes to the library and got new library cards. We got them for free cause we've had them for so long. It was nice. I got the book "A Room With A View" and I can't wait to start reading it.
- I am leaving in a few hours for Minnesota. I am carpooling there with Liz, Erin Blaney, and Sara Moore. We are going to visit Allie till Sunday, I've never been to Minnesota before so I'm really excited! :-) I'll let you know how it goes when I get back!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
When it rains it pours...
The past week or so has been a rough one.
My mom and I sat down to figure out if I can afford to come back to chicago for fall and the numbers made it very clear that I cannot. I really sucks, and I'm having a hard time handling it. So is Jamie. The plan for right now is to go to GB for the Fall, and take it semester by semester after that. I talked to them today and my transcripts need to get in, then I'll be good to go.
Jamie and I have been having a rough time lately. Part of it is because I started talking to charlie again, part of it is because of the distance, I think it's a whole bunch of things at once. But we are getting there. Charlie and I said goodbye for good last night, we both know it is just for the better like this. I thank him for being so mature about it and wanting the best for me. Jamie and I will be fine, the road is just going to be rough for a while.
I've been so stressed lately.... SO STRESSED. With the college thing, and finding a job, and then Jamie thing, it's just a lot for me to handle.
Everything will work out somehow.... I just need to keep faith...
My mom and I sat down to figure out if I can afford to come back to chicago for fall and the numbers made it very clear that I cannot. I really sucks, and I'm having a hard time handling it. So is Jamie. The plan for right now is to go to GB for the Fall, and take it semester by semester after that. I talked to them today and my transcripts need to get in, then I'll be good to go.
Jamie and I have been having a rough time lately. Part of it is because I started talking to charlie again, part of it is because of the distance, I think it's a whole bunch of things at once. But we are getting there. Charlie and I said goodbye for good last night, we both know it is just for the better like this. I thank him for being so mature about it and wanting the best for me. Jamie and I will be fine, the road is just going to be rough for a while.
I've been so stressed lately.... SO STRESSED. With the college thing, and finding a job, and then Jamie thing, it's just a lot for me to handle.
Everything will work out somehow.... I just need to keep faith...
Monday, June 22, 2009
American Idol Auditions Reflection
This weekend I traveled to Chicago to try out for the American Idol auditions.
We left Saturday evening from Alicia's graduation party (which went very well, my video was a hit!), and stayed in a Comfort Suites over night.
Sunday morning we left for registration, which started at 5 am, at 4 am. I woke up at 3:15 am. When we got there at 5:00 we were expecting a huge line. This guy pulled us to a side street and helped us park for $10. When we left we asked if he'd still be there when we got back, and he said we'd be back in 20 minutes which confused us. Sure enough, there was hardly a line. We were in and out with our tickets and wrist bands in 15 minutes. We then got our picture taken by the Jordan Statue (who didn't have it's tongue out.... very upset).
It was still about 5:30 in the morning, so we started heading out to Naperville to see Connie and Jim. They have a new puppy, one year old, her name is Ginger and is a Great Dane. HUGE!!!!! They are so funny, such biker kids in a 50 year olds body.
After that we went back to the UC to meet with Jamie before he had to go to work. While he was at work we took a nap, and then went for a walk in the park. I took Dad to Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, the water, and Millennium Park. When Jamie got back from work we met him up and went to Giordanos where Dad had his first Chicago stuffed pizza. We got back early, practiced a lil, and went to bed around 8 or 9.
This morning we woke up at 3 am, and we met my friend Amanda and her aunt in the lobby at 4:30 am. We drove to the United Center and got into line, it was already PACKED!!!!!! It started raining a little bit but stopped by 7:30. We sat and listened to music and talked to people and it was pretty fun. They handed out free Coca Cola which was cool.
At 8:00 we started walking in. They took the farthest to the right line first which was the people who got there the latest so that was frustrating. We got in there, and everyone got situated.
Y100 called again and did an on phone interview. They asked me who my favorite judge was and I said "Simon cause he's just honest and what he says is the truth". Then he asked what song, if I was nervous, etc...
We spent an hour doing cheers and recording for the opening of the show. They tried to make us call it "Chill" like Chicago Illinois... but we booed it and ended up calling it Chi-town. We said things like "I'm the next american idol!" "No I'M the next American Idol" "American Idol Chicago" and then we recorded everyone singing the song "Hot and Cold" by Katy Perry a few times. That apparently was the big song of the audition.
We then sat and waiting 6 or 7 hours till the bottom section and second to top section to go. On the court there were 12 stations set up, with a table at each station, a drap separating each station. At each table sat 2 or 3 producers. We would go up in groups of 4, you would one at a time in a row, step forward, sing your 30 second song, and then for 99% of the people they would say "Thank you, you have very nice voices, but it's not what we are looking for. Please come back next season." Same rehersed line every time.
I think the main thing I learned today is that what you see on TV is the very last in a series of auditions and interviews.... I feel even worse for the people that are horrible, cause they get through all these levels, and they think they are good cause they are getting through all these... and Simon and them are the ones that have to break it to them that they actually suck and we are making fun of them.
Overall, it was a good experience, I'm happy that I went even though I didn't make it. I knew going up there I wasn't going to, because there was these REALLY amazing singers in front of me who didn't get through, they were better at singing the genre then I was and since they didn't get through I knew I wasn't going to. But it's just not for me at all, I'd rather teach honestly, and I'm kinda happy I didn't go on. But it was cool to see what happens backstage. I'm glad I went, I have no regrets.
We left Saturday evening from Alicia's graduation party (which went very well, my video was a hit!), and stayed in a Comfort Suites over night.
Sunday morning we left for registration, which started at 5 am, at 4 am. I woke up at 3:15 am. When we got there at 5:00 we were expecting a huge line. This guy pulled us to a side street and helped us park for $10. When we left we asked if he'd still be there when we got back, and he said we'd be back in 20 minutes which confused us. Sure enough, there was hardly a line. We were in and out with our tickets and wrist bands in 15 minutes. We then got our picture taken by the Jordan Statue (who didn't have it's tongue out.... very upset).
It was still about 5:30 in the morning, so we started heading out to Naperville to see Connie and Jim. They have a new puppy, one year old, her name is Ginger and is a Great Dane. HUGE!!!!! They are so funny, such biker kids in a 50 year olds body.
After that we went back to the UC to meet with Jamie before he had to go to work. While he was at work we took a nap, and then went for a walk in the park. I took Dad to Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, the water, and Millennium Park. When Jamie got back from work we met him up and went to Giordanos where Dad had his first Chicago stuffed pizza. We got back early, practiced a lil, and went to bed around 8 or 9.
This morning we woke up at 3 am, and we met my friend Amanda and her aunt in the lobby at 4:30 am. We drove to the United Center and got into line, it was already PACKED!!!!!! It started raining a little bit but stopped by 7:30. We sat and listened to music and talked to people and it was pretty fun. They handed out free Coca Cola which was cool.
At 8:00 we started walking in. They took the farthest to the right line first which was the people who got there the latest so that was frustrating. We got in there, and everyone got situated.
Y100 called again and did an on phone interview. They asked me who my favorite judge was and I said "Simon cause he's just honest and what he says is the truth". Then he asked what song, if I was nervous, etc...
We spent an hour doing cheers and recording for the opening of the show. They tried to make us call it "Chill" like Chicago Illinois... but we booed it and ended up calling it Chi-town. We said things like "I'm the next american idol!" "No I'M the next American Idol" "American Idol Chicago" and then we recorded everyone singing the song "Hot and Cold" by Katy Perry a few times. That apparently was the big song of the audition.
We then sat and waiting 6 or 7 hours till the bottom section and second to top section to go. On the court there were 12 stations set up, with a table at each station, a drap separating each station. At each table sat 2 or 3 producers. We would go up in groups of 4, you would one at a time in a row, step forward, sing your 30 second song, and then for 99% of the people they would say "Thank you, you have very nice voices, but it's not what we are looking for. Please come back next season." Same rehersed line every time.
I think the main thing I learned today is that what you see on TV is the very last in a series of auditions and interviews.... I feel even worse for the people that are horrible, cause they get through all these levels, and they think they are good cause they are getting through all these... and Simon and them are the ones that have to break it to them that they actually suck and we are making fun of them.
Overall, it was a good experience, I'm happy that I went even though I didn't make it. I knew going up there I wasn't going to, because there was these REALLY amazing singers in front of me who didn't get through, they were better at singing the genre then I was and since they didn't get through I knew I wasn't going to. But it's just not for me at all, I'd rather teach honestly, and I'm kinda happy I didn't go on. But it was cool to see what happens backstage. I'm glad I went, I have no regrets.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
American Idol FINAL
There is the song I am going to sing for American Idol.
Let me know what you think!
I am changing the end "and I know" cause it sounds funky. But other than that here ya go.
Let me know what you think!
I am changing the end "and I know" cause it sounds funky. But other than that here ya go.
New Hair Cut
I just got my hair cut at the Salon Blonde in Bucktown. It was free through salonapprentice.com She was really nice and did pretty good I thought. I think it's cute. What do you think?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Rolling with the Punches
This past semester I had a really hard time with school. I started an RA job which took up a lot of time, especially since I was basically running a whole floor myself. I was taking 18 credits a semester and it just was not working out. I had to drop Italian half way through because the teacher wasn't getting my emails and doctors notes.... and I couldn't talk to the dean about it cause it wasn't her department, so I just dropped it. I need to retake theory cause no matter how I try in that class I just couldn't get it completely. Basically, academically I fell short.
After the semester I had a meeting with Dean Berna and Dr. Frazes. They are giving me one more semester to get my grades up. We took apart my four year plan and made one where I only have 16 credits a semester... a more realistic one for me.
I thought everything was good until today. Today I went in to pay my housing for the summer and I got pulled into my boss's office. I was told that due to my GPA, I could not be an RA next year for at least first semester. I was so upset when I heard this because I thought that I was passed all this. I had a plan finally. And I knew that without this job, I couldn't afford school what with tuition going up. They said they were sorry, and that if I got my GPA back up first semester and there was an opening second I was more than welcomed back. They said I could take extra time if I needed and that they would be very accommodating, which I really appreciate.
I called my parents, and after talking about it I only know one thing for sure: I cannot stay in Chicago this summer. If I am going to afford next semesters room and board, I need to take the money I would spend this summer and put it towards that.
I was/am upset because I originally thought in my mind that that was it. I was leaving Chicago for good. I am talking to Dr. Frazes tomorrow on the phone.... and just got off the phone with my Mom. We might have to take another loan, but we might be able to make next semesters room and board. It's a tight squeeze..... my parents are crunching numbers tonight and I should know by tomorrow or the next day if I am coming back to the CCPA next year.
I was bawling this morning cause I don't want to leave Chicago. I'm finally rooted. I have a boyfriend, a job, good friends, I know all my professors real well, and it feels like home. I don't want to leave.
Please keep me in your prayers, I'm praying for God's guidance. I know I'll get my degree, right now I'm just unsure of the path. I know/hope it'll all work out somehow. Just maybe not the way I originally intended.
If I don't go back to the CCPA my options right now are to go to UWGB and finish out, but I'd rather just stay here.
I just know two things for certain right now: I am going home to Green Bay for the summer (possibly forever) on Thursday. I will not be an RA next Fall.
I don't know where I am going to school next fall, it all depends where the numbers end up.
After the semester I had a meeting with Dean Berna and Dr. Frazes. They are giving me one more semester to get my grades up. We took apart my four year plan and made one where I only have 16 credits a semester... a more realistic one for me.
I thought everything was good until today. Today I went in to pay my housing for the summer and I got pulled into my boss's office. I was told that due to my GPA, I could not be an RA next year for at least first semester. I was so upset when I heard this because I thought that I was passed all this. I had a plan finally. And I knew that without this job, I couldn't afford school what with tuition going up. They said they were sorry, and that if I got my GPA back up first semester and there was an opening second I was more than welcomed back. They said I could take extra time if I needed and that they would be very accommodating, which I really appreciate.
I called my parents, and after talking about it I only know one thing for sure: I cannot stay in Chicago this summer. If I am going to afford next semesters room and board, I need to take the money I would spend this summer and put it towards that.
I was/am upset because I originally thought in my mind that that was it. I was leaving Chicago for good. I am talking to Dr. Frazes tomorrow on the phone.... and just got off the phone with my Mom. We might have to take another loan, but we might be able to make next semesters room and board. It's a tight squeeze..... my parents are crunching numbers tonight and I should know by tomorrow or the next day if I am coming back to the CCPA next year.
I was bawling this morning cause I don't want to leave Chicago. I'm finally rooted. I have a boyfriend, a job, good friends, I know all my professors real well, and it feels like home. I don't want to leave.
Please keep me in your prayers, I'm praying for God's guidance. I know I'll get my degree, right now I'm just unsure of the path. I know/hope it'll all work out somehow. Just maybe not the way I originally intended.
If I don't go back to the CCPA my options right now are to go to UWGB and finish out, but I'd rather just stay here.
I just know two things for certain right now: I am going home to Green Bay for the summer (possibly forever) on Thursday. I will not be an RA next Fall.
I don't know where I am going to school next fall, it all depends where the numbers end up.
Friday, June 12, 2009
I AM ON ABC NEWS!!
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7827191
:-D :-D :-D
There is a two second clip of me singing the National Anthem!!!!!!!
AHHH Charles Gibson and me in the same clip!!!!
******Apparently the clip was just run again on ABC on TV at 6:12 am this morning! :-D
:-D :-D :-D
There is a two second clip of me singing the National Anthem!!!!!!!
AHHH Charles Gibson and me in the same clip!!!!
******Apparently the clip was just run again on ABC on TV at 6:12 am this morning! :-D
The Best Things In Life Are Free
Jamie and I have been trying to get out lately to all the great festivals and such that Chicago has to offer! Here is a list and some pics of what we've done recently.
- went to the Brookfield Zoo. BIGGEST zoo I've ever been to with life size dinosaurs that move and make noises! My favorite were the giraffes
- went to the gospel music festival which was held on the big stage in Millennium Park. Great music and a fun time!
- went to the free day at the Adler Planetarium. I didn't think it would be that fun! So much to do and see! We didn't even hit a show, I want to go back so bad some day!
-went to Printers Row Book Fair. It was pretty good, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I were a book bum. But there were tons of tents with books, and old vintage magazines (really cool).
- we tried to go the Museum of Science and Industry, walked about half way there (3 or 4 miles) gave up and went back, it was a good walk though
-I had an interview with New York and Company. They were mean. First thing they said was "We do NOT have flexible hours." not the job for me.
- for Memorial Day I went to the suburbs with my good friend Dan. We sang for this nursing home and it was good to do service again. :-D
This weekend there is the Blues Festival and then next week the Shedd Aquarium is free! Can't wait! I love free things (all of these were!)
- went to the Brookfield Zoo. BIGGEST zoo I've ever been to with life size dinosaurs that move and make noises! My favorite were the giraffes
- went to the gospel music festival which was held on the big stage in Millennium Park. Great music and a fun time!
- went to the free day at the Adler Planetarium. I didn't think it would be that fun! So much to do and see! We didn't even hit a show, I want to go back so bad some day!
-went to Printers Row Book Fair. It was pretty good, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I were a book bum. But there were tons of tents with books, and old vintage magazines (really cool).
- we tried to go the Museum of Science and Industry, walked about half way there (3 or 4 miles) gave up and went back, it was a good walk though
-I had an interview with New York and Company. They were mean. First thing they said was "We do NOT have flexible hours." not the job for me.
- for Memorial Day I went to the suburbs with my good friend Dan. We sang for this nursing home and it was good to do service again. :-D
This weekend there is the Blues Festival and then next week the Shedd Aquarium is free! Can't wait! I love free things (all of these were!)
Work work work
So I recently started my job at the Old Navy on State Street. I had worked at the Old Navy in Green Bay before and thought it'd be really similar. And it is in some ways. The actual job is simple, walk around, help costumers, make the store look great (lots of folding). I like it for the most part, the discount is great! ;-) 50% off at Gap and Banana Republic (but they are so expensive even with the discount I don't go there) and then 25% off at Old Navy. I have already boughten things for myself, my moms birthday, the baby, and for Fathers Day there..... all on sale don't worry!
There is one major difference though: the size! My old store had one main floor, and we didn't have security or anything. It was small and everyone knew everyone. This store is HUGE. There are three main floors (3x as big) and there are cameras EVERYWHERE! It's a big difference just knowing that you are being watched at all times. I always did my work but now I feel as though I have to work as a lightening fast speed since they are watching me! The store being so big also allows for more people too. I know about 10 people, and there are about 100 people just on the floor. It's big, and it's hard to go in and not know anyone everyday. But I am improving.
I asked off for next week Thursday through Sunday so that I could go home for Alicia's grad party and to meet the baby and such. Not only did they reject my request, they scheduled me for Wednesday through Saturday. UGH! So now I am running around asking people I've never meet if they are working and if we could switch. It's so annoying, I can't believe they did that.
Overall, I like it work at Old Navy. It's not my favorite job, but it'll do. It's just tough on days like this when I have already worked 9 - 1 doing RA stuff and now I have to go to work for 5:30 - 10. But I'll suck it up and do it like everyone else. Work work work...
There is one major difference though: the size! My old store had one main floor, and we didn't have security or anything. It was small and everyone knew everyone. This store is HUGE. There are three main floors (3x as big) and there are cameras EVERYWHERE! It's a big difference just knowing that you are being watched at all times. I always did my work but now I feel as though I have to work as a lightening fast speed since they are watching me! The store being so big also allows for more people too. I know about 10 people, and there are about 100 people just on the floor. It's big, and it's hard to go in and not know anyone everyday. But I am improving.
I asked off for next week Thursday through Sunday so that I could go home for Alicia's grad party and to meet the baby and such. Not only did they reject my request, they scheduled me for Wednesday through Saturday. UGH! So now I am running around asking people I've never meet if they are working and if we could switch. It's so annoying, I can't believe they did that.
Overall, I like it work at Old Navy. It's not my favorite job, but it'll do. It's just tough on days like this when I have already worked 9 - 1 doing RA stuff and now I have to go to work for 5:30 - 10. But I'll suck it up and do it like everyone else. Work work work...
Baby?!
I recently found out my best friend since middle had a baby. Now, I didn't know she was pregnant, so it was QUITE a shocker. I was upset at first. How could she not me? She had a baby! She delivered a kid and I didn't even know she was pregnant! I called her after I found out, and we talked for about 45 minutes about the whole thing.
It was an accident, and she didn't even know she was pregnant till way later than most. Her and her boyfriend were planning on not telling anyone, not even there own parents. His parents accidentally found out when the hospital accidentally notified them of a recent test that they had ran on her. She was very upset at the hospital.
She is prochoice, so I asked her why she didn't abort it. She said that since it's her and her boyfriends she couldn't. She could never kill something that is theirs.
So they were going to keep it a secret and give it up for adoption, they had a nice family picked out from Nebraska and everything.
Then it came time to have the baby, and they tried to not connect with it. But all it took was one overnight stay in the room, and they were hooked. The Dad got defensive and wouldn't let the family see it, and that is when everything clicked and they decided to keep it.
Now is the hard part, letting everyone know they have a baby, when no one knew they were even pregnant.
Personally, I am SO PROUD of them. I'm proud they decided to have it, and I'm proud they are becoming adults and keeping it.
I still can't believe they are mommy and daddy now.
They will live together next year in a duplex, still taking classes. They have a lot of family surrounding and helping them so that's good. Financially their parents are helping too.
I cannot wait to meet him!!!! I meet him next week and I am so excited!! I bought something for him and I hope it fits!
Overall I just cannot wait to give my two great friends one big hug and it be introduced to their new baby. <3
It was an accident, and she didn't even know she was pregnant till way later than most. Her and her boyfriend were planning on not telling anyone, not even there own parents. His parents accidentally found out when the hospital accidentally notified them of a recent test that they had ran on her. She was very upset at the hospital.
She is prochoice, so I asked her why she didn't abort it. She said that since it's her and her boyfriends she couldn't. She could never kill something that is theirs.
So they were going to keep it a secret and give it up for adoption, they had a nice family picked out from Nebraska and everything.
Then it came time to have the baby, and they tried to not connect with it. But all it took was one overnight stay in the room, and they were hooked. The Dad got defensive and wouldn't let the family see it, and that is when everything clicked and they decided to keep it.
Now is the hard part, letting everyone know they have a baby, when no one knew they were even pregnant.
Personally, I am SO PROUD of them. I'm proud they decided to have it, and I'm proud they are becoming adults and keeping it.
I still can't believe they are mommy and daddy now.
They will live together next year in a duplex, still taking classes. They have a lot of family surrounding and helping them so that's good. Financially their parents are helping too.
I cannot wait to meet him!!!! I meet him next week and I am so excited!! I bought something for him and I hope it fits!
Overall I just cannot wait to give my two great friends one big hug and it be introduced to their new baby. <3
Sunday, June 7, 2009
American Idol Song
Here is another song I'm thinking of doing. I like it a lot better than the other ones. Let me know what you think.
Ps: sorry bout the buzzing, just me and my macbook in a practice room..... also keep in mind I first heard this song, ever, an hour before I recorded this, I know it's a lil pitchy and my vowels need work but that's why I have time to work on it. :-D
Let me know what you think!
<3
Amanda
Friday, June 5, 2009
AMERICAN IDOL!
I decided to try to American Idol. It's coming to Chicago the weekend of Fathers Day, and it'll prolly be right down the street, and I'd kick myself if I didn't try.
I cannot decide between these two songs. Help me decide! Give me feed back on what song I should sing.
I like the first one but think it's too cheesy, and the second one is good I just need to work on the high part a lil more.
I honestly think I'll get a "good voice, but not for this competition."
My dad is taking me on Fathers Day and if I get an audition, he's staying over night to hear me sing.
Wish me luck!!!
*When watching this video keep in mind I decided today to go through with it and will have MUCH more practice before then.*
I cannot decide between these two songs. Help me decide! Give me feed back on what song I should sing.
I like the first one but think it's too cheesy, and the second one is good I just need to work on the high part a lil more.
I honestly think I'll get a "good voice, but not for this competition."
My dad is taking me on Fathers Day and if I get an audition, he's staying over night to hear me sing.
Wish me luck!!!
*When watching this video keep in mind I decided today to go through with it and will have MUCH more practice before then.*
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
With no UPass, it's all up to walking...
The past few days I have done an obscene amount of walking.
Saturday night Jamie and I had planning on going and seeing the Navy Pier Fireworks. Every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer Navy Pier has a firework show they put off. It was pretty good! Not huge but about the same, if not a little more, than Lakewood's 4th of July Fireworks. We walked almost to Navy Pier and got a pretty good spot where we could see everything. It was a good time.
Jamie and I have also been working out lately. Yesterday we worked out for two hours, did half hour of cardio on the bike, then lifted weights, and then he is teaching me TaeKwonDo. I'm at white belt (the first) level but am learning quick. He then does his 3rd degree black belt forms and it reminds me of how much I have to learn.
Today we went shopping, well, rather we went to the stores I have a discount at and tried to figure out what I'm going to buy once my employee discount kicks in. I get 50% at Gap and Banana Republic and then 25% at Old Navy. So we walked all the way down Michigan Avenue today and went to Gap and Banana Republic First... I had forgotten just how expensive it is there. It was disturbing that with my 50% discount the things at Old Navy are STILL cheaper with no discount at all.... We ended up at Old Navy where I found a new pair of jeans and a cute summer dress that I am going to get on Thursday (when I have my discount) right after work.
This week the Museum of Science of Industry is free. I went online and got all the free dates for the museums and everything, and all the festivals around here, and basically my schedule for June is booked. Tomorrow Jamie and I are walking to the Science Museum tomorrow which is always fun because it is a hands on museum and is usually really expensive. It's a long way away though, about 50 blocks away one way = four or five miles. So, Jamie and I are getting our walking shoes on and walking there and back (since we don't have have UPasses, and I don't have a bike, and we are trying to work out anyway). It should be interesting.
Saturday night Jamie and I had planning on going and seeing the Navy Pier Fireworks. Every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer Navy Pier has a firework show they put off. It was pretty good! Not huge but about the same, if not a little more, than Lakewood's 4th of July Fireworks. We walked almost to Navy Pier and got a pretty good spot where we could see everything. It was a good time.
Jamie and I have also been working out lately. Yesterday we worked out for two hours, did half hour of cardio on the bike, then lifted weights, and then he is teaching me TaeKwonDo. I'm at white belt (the first) level but am learning quick. He then does his 3rd degree black belt forms and it reminds me of how much I have to learn.
Today we went shopping, well, rather we went to the stores I have a discount at and tried to figure out what I'm going to buy once my employee discount kicks in. I get 50% at Gap and Banana Republic and then 25% at Old Navy. So we walked all the way down Michigan Avenue today and went to Gap and Banana Republic First... I had forgotten just how expensive it is there. It was disturbing that with my 50% discount the things at Old Navy are STILL cheaper with no discount at all.... We ended up at Old Navy where I found a new pair of jeans and a cute summer dress that I am going to get on Thursday (when I have my discount) right after work.
This week the Museum of Science of Industry is free. I went online and got all the free dates for the museums and everything, and all the festivals around here, and basically my schedule for June is booked. Tomorrow Jamie and I are walking to the Science Museum tomorrow which is always fun because it is a hands on museum and is usually really expensive. It's a long way away though, about 50 blocks away one way = four or five miles. So, Jamie and I are getting our walking shoes on and walking there and back (since we don't have have UPasses, and I don't have a bike, and we are trying to work out anyway). It should be interesting.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
First Night of Summer and First Day of Work
So, even though I have been off for a week or so I still feel as though I haven't really been on "summer break" yet. I was worried about a meeting, and finding a job, and getting housing for the summer straightened out, and working the RA job move out's on top of that. It was pretty stressfull...
But last night for the first time it felt as if everything had fallen into place. The meeting went well and I'm coming back to the CCPA next year. This summer is all planned out: I got a job at Old Navy that I start today, I finally got my summer housing in place, and I got all my banking stuff in order and can afford summer housing now.
Jamie and I wanted to get out so we went for a walk. I had a slurpee in one hand, his hand in the other as we walked through Grant Park down to Buckingham Fountain, then across Lakeshore Drive to the Lake. As we walked down the lake, we started to hear music playing. At first we thought it was from Navy Pier, cause when they have live music going it travels really good across the lake. But we then realized it was coming from behind the Planetarium, which we were by. We thought it was country at first, but then it went to rock. Jamie said that Nine Inch Nails were at the cubs game yesterday and I said I bet it's them! We called his friend up who was going to go to the concert and sure enough, that was the concert. We could hear everything perfectly, and we got really really close to the Charter One Pavilian where it was held. We could see the top of the stage and the lights and hear the music. It was like we were at the concert, for free.
When we got back home we went online and looked up the rest of the concert at the pavilian, there are JayZ and Ciara, and Styx, and Jason Maraz, and so many others that I'm so excited to hear live!
So Jamie and I just sat by the lake, looking at the skyline, and the stars, listening to Nine Inch Nails Live for free... It was amazing. If this is how the rest of the summer is going to be, I can't wait. :-)
Today is my first day of work at Old Navy: orientation. I'm a little nervous because the one I worked at in Green Bay was just one big floor, and this one is three stories high... It'll be an adjustment. I'm excited to start working though. After work, and when Jamie gets back from his work, we are going to Navy Pier to watch the fireworks. It should be a good day.
But last night for the first time it felt as if everything had fallen into place. The meeting went well and I'm coming back to the CCPA next year. This summer is all planned out: I got a job at Old Navy that I start today, I finally got my summer housing in place, and I got all my banking stuff in order and can afford summer housing now.
Jamie and I wanted to get out so we went for a walk. I had a slurpee in one hand, his hand in the other as we walked through Grant Park down to Buckingham Fountain, then across Lakeshore Drive to the Lake. As we walked down the lake, we started to hear music playing. At first we thought it was from Navy Pier, cause when they have live music going it travels really good across the lake. But we then realized it was coming from behind the Planetarium, which we were by. We thought it was country at first, but then it went to rock. Jamie said that Nine Inch Nails were at the cubs game yesterday and I said I bet it's them! We called his friend up who was going to go to the concert and sure enough, that was the concert. We could hear everything perfectly, and we got really really close to the Charter One Pavilian where it was held. We could see the top of the stage and the lights and hear the music. It was like we were at the concert, for free.
When we got back home we went online and looked up the rest of the concert at the pavilian, there are JayZ and Ciara, and Styx, and Jason Maraz, and so many others that I'm so excited to hear live!
So Jamie and I just sat by the lake, looking at the skyline, and the stars, listening to Nine Inch Nails Live for free... It was amazing. If this is how the rest of the summer is going to be, I can't wait. :-)
Today is my first day of work at Old Navy: orientation. I'm a little nervous because the one I worked at in Green Bay was just one big floor, and this one is three stories high... It'll be an adjustment. I'm excited to start working though. After work, and when Jamie gets back from his work, we are going to Navy Pier to watch the fireworks. It should be a good day.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Boards!
These are my new boards! I love them and spent forever cutting out those fish. :-) Notice the glitter bubbles!
Recent Happenings
Memorial Day Weekend:
This past weekend wasn't very exciting for me. I watched movies with my fellow RA's in the MultiMedia Room (big projector screen tv) on Friday. Saturday night I was on duty. I took middle rounds, which took forever cause we had a marijuana bust. It's so funny cause it's not like you can't pinpoint it anymore cause there is only one room in the vicinity now. Anyway, we handled that situation and then got back and had to write a report on it. Got done with all that at 12:43 am, I then went to bed cause I knew I'd be moving in Jamie the next day.
On Sunday, Jamie moved into the UC! They (Columbia's Residence Life) messed up again though. He is suppose to be in a Premium (get benefits like more tv channels) Apartment, and they had him in a Regular SemiSuite (just one room, shares a bathroom with another room). So, we moved his stuff into the SemiSuite, but kept everything in the moving boxes.
We then talked to Cathy (head of the UC) who ended up giving him a room across from her... room 335. Now the 3rd floor has REALLY high cielings, so the rooms seem bigger. It's also on the floor with the terrace and the Great Room so it's just a lot nicer. Plus 335 is a corner apartment, so it's bigger. He got the biggest, tallest apartment available to students in the entire building.
We moved him into it, and we meet his two new roomates. One is named Tyler, and he and his girlfriend Sarah are REALLY cool! I think we'll be hanging out with them a lot. Sarah works in the Management office so they are totally cool with me being an RA.
His other roommate is half blind, and needs a Guide Dog. The Guide Dogs name is Remmy, he is about 7 years old, and is a black lab!!! So now I get to play with a black lab every day! (well, when he color is off) and I'm so excited cause he looks just like Diamond, so I get my puppy need filled. lol
Monday was actual Memorial Day. My friend from school Dan and his mom picked me up at 9:20 and we drove back to his house in La Grange. We practed a little bit there, then went to the nursing home we were going to sing at. This was no ordingary nursing home, it was a nursing home on steriods! There were 15 floors, comepletely red brick. It was so fancy, and for independent living it costed about 700,000 to live there. But we went to the demensha patients and there were about 15 of them. 6 of them were veterans. Dan and I got up there and sang, harmonized of course, 3 patriotic songs. They really loved it and one guy named Charles said that I had a beautiful voice and he could listen to me sing all day. It was nice to do service again like that. I really had a great time. Dan then took me around La Grange for a lil bit. We went to Noodles, and to a chocolate shop, and to Coldstone Creamery, and to Boarders. The last half of it we were just singing Mass songs from the book we had. It was so much fun and I cannot wait to do it again. I told him that if he ever needed a singing partner I'd be there, especially for nursing homes and such. We are thinking about doing weddings, but we'll see.
Overall it was a fun weekend. Jamie's moved in, and I got to do service again! Hopefully next weekend will be just as fun too!
This past weekend wasn't very exciting for me. I watched movies with my fellow RA's in the MultiMedia Room (big projector screen tv) on Friday. Saturday night I was on duty. I took middle rounds, which took forever cause we had a marijuana bust. It's so funny cause it's not like you can't pinpoint it anymore cause there is only one room in the vicinity now. Anyway, we handled that situation and then got back and had to write a report on it. Got done with all that at 12:43 am, I then went to bed cause I knew I'd be moving in Jamie the next day.
On Sunday, Jamie moved into the UC! They (Columbia's Residence Life) messed up again though. He is suppose to be in a Premium (get benefits like more tv channels) Apartment, and they had him in a Regular SemiSuite (just one room, shares a bathroom with another room). So, we moved his stuff into the SemiSuite, but kept everything in the moving boxes.
We then talked to Cathy (head of the UC) who ended up giving him a room across from her... room 335. Now the 3rd floor has REALLY high cielings, so the rooms seem bigger. It's also on the floor with the terrace and the Great Room so it's just a lot nicer. Plus 335 is a corner apartment, so it's bigger. He got the biggest, tallest apartment available to students in the entire building.
We moved him into it, and we meet his two new roomates. One is named Tyler, and he and his girlfriend Sarah are REALLY cool! I think we'll be hanging out with them a lot. Sarah works in the Management office so they are totally cool with me being an RA.
His other roommate is half blind, and needs a Guide Dog. The Guide Dogs name is Remmy, he is about 7 years old, and is a black lab!!! So now I get to play with a black lab every day! (well, when he color is off) and I'm so excited cause he looks just like Diamond, so I get my puppy need filled. lol
Monday was actual Memorial Day. My friend from school Dan and his mom picked me up at 9:20 and we drove back to his house in La Grange. We practed a little bit there, then went to the nursing home we were going to sing at. This was no ordingary nursing home, it was a nursing home on steriods! There were 15 floors, comepletely red brick. It was so fancy, and for independent living it costed about 700,000 to live there. But we went to the demensha patients and there were about 15 of them. 6 of them were veterans. Dan and I got up there and sang, harmonized of course, 3 patriotic songs. They really loved it and one guy named Charles said that I had a beautiful voice and he could listen to me sing all day. It was nice to do service again like that. I really had a great time. Dan then took me around La Grange for a lil bit. We went to Noodles, and to a chocolate shop, and to Coldstone Creamery, and to Boarders. The last half of it we were just singing Mass songs from the book we had. It was so much fun and I cannot wait to do it again. I told him that if he ever needed a singing partner I'd be there, especially for nursing homes and such. We are thinking about doing weddings, but we'll see.
Overall it was a fun weekend. Jamie's moved in, and I got to do service again! Hopefully next weekend will be just as fun too!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Family
I called my Dad and talked to him about everything with school that has been going on. Basically things didn't go quite as expected this year, and I have a meeting with the dean and my advisor on Thursday at 10:30 to discuss my future in the CCPA. I have been on edge about the whole thing, and hate not knowing my future.
My parents really pulled through for me this time. Reading the email from my mom, and talking to my dad calmed me down and helped me realize that although it is still a concern, it is not the end of the world. I will still get my degree no matter where I finish.
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you. I miss you. Thanks for being there when I need you.
My parents really pulled through for me this time. Reading the email from my mom, and talking to my dad calmed me down and helped me realize that although it is still a concern, it is not the end of the world. I will still get my degree no matter where I finish.
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you. I miss you. Thanks for being there when I need you.
NEW HAIR!
I decided to dye my hair brown. I thought about it for a long time and I was just sick of dying my roots over and over again. I really liked how it turned out! What do you think?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Oy
so for move outs
once they are out we have to go through their rooms
with this sheet about hte condition of hte room
aka if there are holes in the walls, if it needs to be cleaned etc...
the sheet was filled out at the begining of the semesterr
and anything different they will be charged with it
anywho
so I'm doing this RCR (Room Check Reports)
and Mike, fellow RA, decides to join me
so we go into a room on my floor
and I'm checking it out
and he opens the closet and finds an XBox
like, still in the box
and he really wants to keep it
and I say "No, mike, it's not yours. They might call for it. Plus I already wrote it down"
no I saw it
and we hold stuff for 30 days
so if they call we have it
then we donate it
anywho
so I make him put it back and we leave
later on that day, like an hour later
he comes to me in the MultiMedia Room and tells me this
He and Brantly and Ryan got the masterkey and went up to that room again
he got the XBox
and they searched the rooms around it
and found three more, which Brantley and Ryan took
but, mike's conscience kicked in
and he was goign to put it back
but he didn't have the key
so he set it outside the door
and went to get the key
and when he came back it was gone
he lost the XBox
that was under my name
on the sheet
so it looks like I stole it
I was pissed to say the least
so, I pulled our boss aside
and told her everything, cause I was not about to get charged for an XBox
when I didn't do anything
and now mike came into my room
apologized
said the boss talked to him, and told him he needs to think over a few things
and he has a meeting on tuesday
and he might be fired
I told him I wasn't trying to get him fired, I was just covering my ass
and he understood
but it's jsut sooooo messed up
that they would go behind my back, using my name, and steal stuff
UGH
the end
lol
once they are out we have to go through their rooms
with this sheet about hte condition of hte room
aka if there are holes in the walls, if it needs to be cleaned etc...
the sheet was filled out at the begining of the semesterr
and anything different they will be charged with it
anywho
so I'm doing this RCR (Room Check Reports)
and Mike, fellow RA, decides to join me
so we go into a room on my floor
and I'm checking it out
and he opens the closet and finds an XBox
like, still in the box
and he really wants to keep it
and I say "No, mike, it's not yours. They might call for it. Plus I already wrote it down"
no I saw it
and we hold stuff for 30 days
so if they call we have it
then we donate it
anywho
so I make him put it back and we leave
later on that day, like an hour later
he comes to me in the MultiMedia Room and tells me this
He and Brantly and Ryan got the masterkey and went up to that room again
he got the XBox
and they searched the rooms around it
and found three more, which Brantley and Ryan took
but, mike's conscience kicked in
and he was goign to put it back
but he didn't have the key
so he set it outside the door
and went to get the key
and when he came back it was gone
he lost the XBox
that was under my name
on the sheet
so it looks like I stole it
I was pissed to say the least
so, I pulled our boss aside
and told her everything, cause I was not about to get charged for an XBox
when I didn't do anything
and now mike came into my room
apologized
said the boss talked to him, and told him he needs to think over a few things
and he has a meeting on tuesday
and he might be fired
I told him I wasn't trying to get him fired, I was just covering my ass
and he understood
but it's jsut sooooo messed up
that they would go behind my back, using my name, and steal stuff
UGH
the end
lol
Friday, May 8, 2009
Graduation
Yesterday I took a lil train ride with Jamie to Lowell IN to help celebrate his Mom's graduation from the Radiography Program at Indiana University Northwest. It was a big deal Ms. Bradley even got in the program, they accepted 45 out of 200. It took her four years to complete the Associates Degree but that is with her working full time, 40 hours a week, on the side.
It was so cute how proud Jamie was of her!!! It was a banquet, and when they called her name for an award he would sneek up there and take a picture like you would see a mom do at a kidnergardeners recital. He embarassed her by doing so, but it was cute he was so proud. He also went to the store and bought her a bouquet of flowers and a balloon that said "Congradulations". It was nice to see, a big boy like that be so fond of his mom. :-)
She bought him a Bradley jersey that he really wanted for the heck of it. He wanted it cause 1. His last name is on it and 2. it's Sammy Sosa's number, his favorite player. Whenever she buys him something like that he always has to say "I love you Mommy". Once, again... cuteness.
And I always thought me and his mom looked a like, and it got brought up finally. His mom and aunt have apparently discussed it already, and when we were being introduced from a distance the guy asked "O you have a daughter too?" haha! Jamie hates it and refuses to believe it of course.
Today we had time so we went to Lemon Lake and went for a walk in the woods. It was good to get away from the city and clear my mind right before exams. Beautiful woods, and we had a wonderful time. After we went to Taco Bell, cause we don't have one close in Chicago, so it's exciting when we get to go. Jamie and his mom both upgraded their phones, and he loves it.
They got a LG Xenon, with unlimited texting, a touch screen, a full keyboard (QWERTY). He is excited to say the least, and has been playing with it since. "I love it" - Jamie Afterward we went to DQ, and I got to have the Cherry Dilly Bar I was craving so deeply. We then got on the train and road home.
I'm on duty now, not primary which is good, I got a paper done and my boards re-done (stupid residents took it down! grr)
O!
So I came back to my floormates being gone. They left. Don't know why or how or anything. Tony never told me.
Also, two of the six new people this semester got fired. Thank God I haven't. So yea, just keep doing my job as best as I can.
After Tuesday I'll be done with exams, after wednesday done period.
I can't wait for summer!!!!!! :-D
It was so cute how proud Jamie was of her!!! It was a banquet, and when they called her name for an award he would sneek up there and take a picture like you would see a mom do at a kidnergardeners recital. He embarassed her by doing so, but it was cute he was so proud. He also went to the store and bought her a bouquet of flowers and a balloon that said "Congradulations". It was nice to see, a big boy like that be so fond of his mom. :-)
She bought him a Bradley jersey that he really wanted for the heck of it. He wanted it cause 1. His last name is on it and 2. it's Sammy Sosa's number, his favorite player. Whenever she buys him something like that he always has to say "I love you Mommy". Once, again... cuteness.
And I always thought me and his mom looked a like, and it got brought up finally. His mom and aunt have apparently discussed it already, and when we were being introduced from a distance the guy asked "O you have a daughter too?" haha! Jamie hates it and refuses to believe it of course.
Today we had time so we went to Lemon Lake and went for a walk in the woods. It was good to get away from the city and clear my mind right before exams. Beautiful woods, and we had a wonderful time. After we went to Taco Bell, cause we don't have one close in Chicago, so it's exciting when we get to go. Jamie and his mom both upgraded their phones, and he loves it.
They got a LG Xenon, with unlimited texting, a touch screen, a full keyboard (QWERTY). He is excited to say the least, and has been playing with it since. "I love it" - Jamie Afterward we went to DQ, and I got to have the Cherry Dilly Bar I was craving so deeply. We then got on the train and road home.
I'm on duty now, not primary which is good, I got a paper done and my boards re-done (stupid residents took it down! grr)
O!
So I came back to my floormates being gone. They left. Don't know why or how or anything. Tony never told me.
Also, two of the six new people this semester got fired. Thank God I haven't. So yea, just keep doing my job as best as I can.
After Tuesday I'll be done with exams, after wednesday done period.
I can't wait for summer!!!!!! :-D
Monday, May 4, 2009
Dream Land
Hello! I haven't written in a while, I've been so busy.
This past weekend I had 3 performance credits to go to, and a choir concert to perform. The choir concert went well! It was long, two and a half hours, but that was only because Women's Chorus (what I am in) and Conservatory Chorus (bigger, better one with boys) were together. We performed 3 pieces together, and they were awesome! The second to last one was a gospel song "Are you Anchored in the Lord?" and we rocked it! So much passion and noise, at the end when we cut off, one of our professors, Michael Best http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Best , yelled "YEA!" before everyone started clapping. It was great.
Saturday night I went to "Bells Are Ringing" and got to see my fellow musical theather freinds perform. It was great! Luis Perez, http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=1374 , was the choreographer and ti was quite amazing.
Anywho, I went with a walk with jamie and their was hardly anyone else in the park. It felt like a dream, the lake was so placid. It was amazing.
The rest of the weekend was spent in the practice room..... where the next week will be spent also.... o joy!
so ready for summer. lol
This past weekend I had 3 performance credits to go to, and a choir concert to perform. The choir concert went well! It was long, two and a half hours, but that was only because Women's Chorus (what I am in) and Conservatory Chorus (bigger, better one with boys) were together. We performed 3 pieces together, and they were awesome! The second to last one was a gospel song "Are you Anchored in the Lord?" and we rocked it! So much passion and noise, at the end when we cut off, one of our professors, Michael Best http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Best , yelled "YEA!" before everyone started clapping. It was great.
Saturday night I went to "Bells Are Ringing" and got to see my fellow musical theather freinds perform. It was great! Luis Perez, http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=1374 , was the choreographer and ti was quite amazing.
Anywho, I went with a walk with jamie and their was hardly anyone else in the park. It felt like a dream, the lake was so placid. It was amazing.
The rest of the weekend was spent in the practice room..... where the next week will be spent also.... o joy!
so ready for summer. lol
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I'm a semifinalist! Look what the Smithsonian Sent me!!
Dear semi-finalist,
Below you will find a copy of the press release announcing the semi-finalists. Congratulations, again!
I have also included a few links where you can see how we’ve highlighted your entries around the Web. As you know, the Grand Prize Winner will be announced in mid-May. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Dana
Press Release: http://americanhistory.si.edu/news/pressrelease.cfm?key=29&newskey=989
Star-Spangled Banner Web site: http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/sing-the-national-anthem.aspx
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/SmithsonianAmHistory
Press ReleaseApril 23, 2009
National Museum of American History Announces Names of Semi-finalists for National Anthem YouTube Singing Contest
Jose Feliciano, Jordin Sparks, DeLyn and Marcus Johnson Will Serve as Judges
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, launched the Star-Spangled Banner YouTube Singing Contest in partnership with USA Weekend Magazine earlier this year.
The following 15 contestants have been selected as semi-finalists:
Maria Albani, Sevierville, Tenn.
Sahara Rain Brown, Shawnee, Okla.
Angela Carr, Nashville, Tenn.
Patrick Clark, Mason, Ohio
Alex Fischbach, Morrison, Ill.
Christie Fleeman, Citrus Heights, Calif.
Amanda Gaura, Chicago, Ill.
Maurice Mataban, Saint James, N.Y.
Juliet Miles, Fort Myers, Fla.
Danielle Erin Rhodes, Astoria, N.Y.
Elizabeth Anne Russell, College Station, Texas
Drew Sellers, Ewa Beach, HI
Jordan Shelton, Aravada, Colo.
Nathaniel Tao, Ithaca, N.Y.
Talia Walsh, Scranton, Pa.
“These contestants were selected out of a diverse pool of 868 participants from all age groups, ethnic backgrounds and from across the country,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. “We are proud that so many people are engaged with their flag and their anthem and joined our contest.”
The semi-finalists were selected according to popularity on YouTube, vocal performance, originality and accuracy of lyrics. All semi-finalists will receive a signed copy of the book “The Star Spangled Banner: The Making of an American Icon,” and their videos will be featured on the museum’s official Web site at http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/sing
The top video will be chosen by a panel of celebrities, Smithsonian judges and representatives from the Baltimore Orioles and USA Weekend Magazine. The winner will be announced May 19.
The following artists have generously agreed to donate their time and expertise to select the winning performance:
Tampa Bay, Fla., pop singer-songwriter DeLyn released her debut album “DeLyn ElektroFrotonic” in 2006 that features the hit single “Waiting.” DeLyn supports the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation through the sale of this album.
José Feliciano, international, multiple Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer of Puerto Rican descent, is well known for performing the national anthem during the 1968 World Series and his personalized Latin Jazz rendition became a charted top-40 recording.
Residing in Washington D. C., Marcus Johnson is a jazz keyboardist, composer and producer who recently released a three CD series, each debuting in the Top 15 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts. Johnson’s mission is to promote jazz to the masses, and he cites Thelonius Monk as an early influence.
Jordin Sparks is an American pop singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of TV’s “American Idol.” Her self-titled debut album went platinum in the Unites States. and garnered an American Music Award for Favorite Artist: Adult Contemporary Music, a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Award for Outstanding New Artist and a Grammy nomination in 2008.
The grand-prize winner will be invited to perform the national anthem at the museum and at the Baltimore Orioles versus Atlanta Braves game in Baltimore on Flag Day, June 14. The winner and a guest will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., including airfare, hotel accommodation for three nights, tickets and transportation to the game and $400 spending money. Air fare will be provided courtesy of Grand Blanc Travel. The JW Marriott hotel near the museum will provide lodging.
To view all entries in the contest, visit http://www.youtube.com/group/Starspangledbanner
The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. To learn more about the museum, please visithttp://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000, (202) 633-5285 (TTY).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dana Allen-Greil
New Media Project Manager
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Institution
http://americanhistory.si.edu
Below you will find a copy of the press release announcing the semi-finalists. Congratulations, again!
I have also included a few links where you can see how we’ve highlighted your entries around the Web. As you know, the Grand Prize Winner will be announced in mid-May. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Dana
Press Release: http://americanhistory.si.edu/news/pressrelease.cfm?key=29&newskey=989
Star-Spangled Banner Web site: http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/sing-the-national-anthem.aspx
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/SmithsonianAmHistory
Press ReleaseApril 23, 2009
National Museum of American History Announces Names of Semi-finalists for National Anthem YouTube Singing Contest
Jose Feliciano, Jordin Sparks, DeLyn and Marcus Johnson Will Serve as Judges
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, launched the Star-Spangled Banner YouTube Singing Contest in partnership with USA Weekend Magazine earlier this year.
The following 15 contestants have been selected as semi-finalists:
Maria Albani, Sevierville, Tenn.
Sahara Rain Brown, Shawnee, Okla.
Angela Carr, Nashville, Tenn.
Patrick Clark, Mason, Ohio
Alex Fischbach, Morrison, Ill.
Christie Fleeman, Citrus Heights, Calif.
Amanda Gaura, Chicago, Ill.
Maurice Mataban, Saint James, N.Y.
Juliet Miles, Fort Myers, Fla.
Danielle Erin Rhodes, Astoria, N.Y.
Elizabeth Anne Russell, College Station, Texas
Drew Sellers, Ewa Beach, HI
Jordan Shelton, Aravada, Colo.
Nathaniel Tao, Ithaca, N.Y.
Talia Walsh, Scranton, Pa.
“These contestants were selected out of a diverse pool of 868 participants from all age groups, ethnic backgrounds and from across the country,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. “We are proud that so many people are engaged with their flag and their anthem and joined our contest.”
The semi-finalists were selected according to popularity on YouTube, vocal performance, originality and accuracy of lyrics. All semi-finalists will receive a signed copy of the book “The Star Spangled Banner: The Making of an American Icon,” and their videos will be featured on the museum’s official Web site at http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/sing
The top video will be chosen by a panel of celebrities, Smithsonian judges and representatives from the Baltimore Orioles and USA Weekend Magazine. The winner will be announced May 19.
The following artists have generously agreed to donate their time and expertise to select the winning performance:
Tampa Bay, Fla., pop singer-songwriter DeLyn released her debut album “DeLyn ElektroFrotonic” in 2006 that features the hit single “Waiting.” DeLyn supports the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation through the sale of this album.
José Feliciano, international, multiple Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer of Puerto Rican descent, is well known for performing the national anthem during the 1968 World Series and his personalized Latin Jazz rendition became a charted top-40 recording.
Residing in Washington D. C., Marcus Johnson is a jazz keyboardist, composer and producer who recently released a three CD series, each debuting in the Top 15 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts. Johnson’s mission is to promote jazz to the masses, and he cites Thelonius Monk as an early influence.
Jordin Sparks is an American pop singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of TV’s “American Idol.” Her self-titled debut album went platinum in the Unites States. and garnered an American Music Award for Favorite Artist: Adult Contemporary Music, a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Award for Outstanding New Artist and a Grammy nomination in 2008.
The grand-prize winner will be invited to perform the national anthem at the museum and at the Baltimore Orioles versus Atlanta Braves game in Baltimore on Flag Day, June 14. The winner and a guest will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., including airfare, hotel accommodation for three nights, tickets and transportation to the game and $400 spending money. Air fare will be provided courtesy of Grand Blanc Travel. The JW Marriott hotel near the museum will provide lodging.
To view all entries in the contest, visit http://www.youtube.com/group/Starspangledbanner
The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. To learn more about the museum, please visithttp://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000, (202) 633-5285 (TTY).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dana Allen-Greil
New Media Project Manager
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Institution
http://americanhistory.si.edu
Monday, April 20, 2009
polish pierogi
so I'm in class.... going over stuff I learned freshman year, and I'm exhausted as hell.
All I can think about is how much I want a polish pierogi right now..........
YUM!!!!!!
Made the pic earlier today in work study, great Gandhi quote!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Primary
Oy. So I'm Primary right now, which means I'm stuck in the RA Resource Room until 2:00 am to hold down the fort pretty much.
So I'm in here, eating cold pizza, drinking orange juice, listening to Pandora (which if you don't know what that is, it's the best thing ever created!! Go look at it!)
But I was at this performance credit event, and I had an excused absence to be late to the meeting at 5, but I get back from listening to opera for 2 hours (:-/) and now I'm primary........... sweet.......not.
I hope this night goes fast..
So I'm in here, eating cold pizza, drinking orange juice, listening to Pandora (which if you don't know what that is, it's the best thing ever created!! Go look at it!)
But I was at this performance credit event, and I had an excused absence to be late to the meeting at 5, but I get back from listening to opera for 2 hours (:-/) and now I'm primary........... sweet.......not.
I hope this night goes fast..
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
♪♪♪
I love voice lessons!
This week she gave me this super hard peice, but Mahler, has a bagillion runs in it with random accidentals. But I went into the practice room with it for two hours and come to my lesson with it under control.
I just need to work on my german. (aCHenflmehnCHHHHHHHHHHH.... that's my interpretation of german,btw, spit everywhere! lol)
Voice lessons motivate me!
♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪
This week she gave me this super hard peice, but Mahler, has a bagillion runs in it with random accidentals. But I went into the practice room with it for two hours and come to my lesson with it under control.
I just need to work on my german. (aCHenflmehnCHHHHHHHHHHH.... that's my interpretation of german,btw, spit everywhere! lol)
Voice lessons motivate me!
♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪
Monday, April 13, 2009
:-/
So I finally said something to a friend.
My boyfriends best friend is getting married after two months of dating. She has broken up with him twice. They are back together, and now after two months getting married: next month. I think it's wrong. I think they are infatuated and not ready, their longest relationship was 3 months, they aren't ready.
If I was engaged and one of my friends thought it wasn't right I'd want to know, ya know?
So I wrote him a small note, paragraph at most.
And his fiance came back with a page long thing, very rude and snippy. Says it's not my place, how dare i. Jamie and I are the only ones who have a problem with it, blah blah blah....
And now Jamie is mad at me, cause he told me not to say anything.
I was trying to look out for a friend and got bitched out instead.
Thanks. thanks a lot.
And now I have to go to this wedding. One that I don't agree with, and I already got bitched out by the bride without even meeting her. Should be fun............not.
My boyfriends best friend is getting married after two months of dating. She has broken up with him twice. They are back together, and now after two months getting married: next month. I think it's wrong. I think they are infatuated and not ready, their longest relationship was 3 months, they aren't ready.
If I was engaged and one of my friends thought it wasn't right I'd want to know, ya know?
So I wrote him a small note, paragraph at most.
And his fiance came back with a page long thing, very rude and snippy. Says it's not my place, how dare i. Jamie and I are the only ones who have a problem with it, blah blah blah....
And now Jamie is mad at me, cause he told me not to say anything.
I was trying to look out for a friend and got bitched out instead.
Thanks. thanks a lot.
And now I have to go to this wedding. One that I don't agree with, and I already got bitched out by the bride without even meeting her. Should be fun............not.
Upper Division
I got into the Upper Divison of the CCPA!!!!!!
WHOO HOO!
Time to learn some actual music educaiton! :)
WHOO HOO!
Time to learn some actual music educaiton! :)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
antsy
I'm getting antsy.......
I want to fast forward two years. I want to teach already. A choir came in today, and we got to watch Frazes work with them...
I wanted to jump in soooooooooooo bad.... I WANT TO HAVE MY CHOIR ALREADY! I want to impact and change peoples voices...
these two years better fly.... :)
I want to fast forward two years. I want to teach already. A choir came in today, and we got to watch Frazes work with them...
I wanted to jump in soooooooooooo bad.... I WANT TO HAVE MY CHOIR ALREADY! I want to impact and change peoples voices...
these two years better fly.... :)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Quotes worth living for...
"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." -- Gail Sheehy
“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”
"Failure is an event, never a person; an attitude, not an outcome"
“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”
"Failure is an event, never a person; an attitude, not an outcome"
Friday, April 3, 2009
Protest
So, this protest just went by down state street, I heard/saw them from my bedroom window.
But the weird thing is that it was bike protest, there were people biking down the street... cops following, shouting something "*Something* GO AWAY" I think they were protesting the Olympic Comittee being here. They are coming to look at the UC on Sunday, we were told to behave on our best behavior lol.
But the weird thing is that it was bike protest, there were people biking down the street... cops following, shouting something "*Something* GO AWAY" I think they were protesting the Olympic Comittee being here. They are coming to look at the UC on Sunday, we were told to behave on our best behavior lol.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
BUSTED!!
2nd Night of Duty:
Started out kinda crappy cause I found out that those on duty had to help out with our Earth Hour celebration from 6 - 10. It was good music, but kinda boring.
10:00 came along: time to start rounds!
(Rounds is where you take the security wand and walk every floor putting it to the walls at the end of the hallway, you go with a partner) I was with Jennie tonight.
Start on the 18th floor.
Suite side was fine. Get to apartment side: *yell* *bang* *laugh* WAYYYY too loud, couldn't be ignored. soooooooo
*knock knock knock*...
"shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............."
"*knock knock "RA's Open up."*
...........
*knock* "RA's we know your in there open up!"
We were going to let them go with a warning, but now that they wouldn't open, when we knocked 5 times.... and since we had heard a big bang we had to call DOC (Director on Call) She keyed in, and there were 3 girls all of which claimed that they didn't hear the knocks, or assumed the others would get it. Jenna (DOC) yelled at them and we continued on rounds.
While walking the 16th floor our radios go off "DOC to any available Secondary" Margaret responded. Then DOC said "I could use two more." "This is RA Amanda, Jennie and I are available" "Meet me on the 13th floor apartment side" "10 4"
Get to the room, Jenna and Margaret were already there, the room was soooo loud and there was odviously a party going on. We went in, it was a 80's prom party so they were all dressed up. There were about 15 people (four tried hiding in the rooms), and lots of alcohol. Every room was emptied and searched for alch. I had to escort someone out of the building.
After that bust Jennie and I decided to go back to the suite side on 13 cause we thought we smelled marijuana before. Sure enough, it had gotten stronger. We found the room in the cove, and I called DOC while Jennie knocked on the door. They had been playing Beer Pong and had been smoking weed (wet towel under door, window open, ashes in garbage). The girl whose room it was was very upset cause it was her birthday, but obviously we just can't let it go. I escorted her three friends out while Jena and Jennie made them poor out all the Beer. I walked her to the garbage room to throw it away.
We didn't finish rounds, first rounds came up to finish them so that we could get a start on all the paperwork. The paperwork took about an hour.
We busted 3 parties in 1 hour. The people on late rounds (midnight) busted 5 parties. 8 parties busted, that is crazy.
It was quite a night.
Started out kinda crappy cause I found out that those on duty had to help out with our Earth Hour celebration from 6 - 10. It was good music, but kinda boring.
10:00 came along: time to start rounds!
(Rounds is where you take the security wand and walk every floor putting it to the walls at the end of the hallway, you go with a partner) I was with Jennie tonight.
Start on the 18th floor.
Suite side was fine. Get to apartment side: *yell* *bang* *laugh* WAYYYY too loud, couldn't be ignored. soooooooo
*knock knock knock*...
"shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............."
"*knock knock "RA's Open up."*
...........
*knock* "RA's we know your in there open up!"
We were going to let them go with a warning, but now that they wouldn't open, when we knocked 5 times.... and since we had heard a big bang we had to call DOC (Director on Call) She keyed in, and there were 3 girls all of which claimed that they didn't hear the knocks, or assumed the others would get it. Jenna (DOC) yelled at them and we continued on rounds.
While walking the 16th floor our radios go off "DOC to any available Secondary" Margaret responded. Then DOC said "I could use two more." "This is RA Amanda, Jennie and I are available" "Meet me on the 13th floor apartment side" "10 4"
Get to the room, Jenna and Margaret were already there, the room was soooo loud and there was odviously a party going on. We went in, it was a 80's prom party so they were all dressed up. There were about 15 people (four tried hiding in the rooms), and lots of alcohol. Every room was emptied and searched for alch. I had to escort someone out of the building.
After that bust Jennie and I decided to go back to the suite side on 13 cause we thought we smelled marijuana before. Sure enough, it had gotten stronger. We found the room in the cove, and I called DOC while Jennie knocked on the door. They had been playing Beer Pong and had been smoking weed (wet towel under door, window open, ashes in garbage). The girl whose room it was was very upset cause it was her birthday, but obviously we just can't let it go. I escorted her three friends out while Jena and Jennie made them poor out all the Beer. I walked her to the garbage room to throw it away.
We didn't finish rounds, first rounds came up to finish them so that we could get a start on all the paperwork. The paperwork took about an hour.
We busted 3 parties in 1 hour. The people on late rounds (midnight) busted 5 parties. 8 parties busted, that is crazy.
It was quite a night.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Catch up
I've been doing ok. Have had some unneeded drama with the school and with my boss, but other than that, I'm doing pretty good. Spring break was good, need, and relaxing. I'm getting back into class mode so that's good. Right now I'm on duty. And I'm primary.... blah! That means I have to stay in the RARR (RA Resource Room) from 5 pm to 2 am since it's a weekend.... grrrrrrrr. And I can't leave the building except for two hours the whole weekend. UGH! I'm tired and I just wanna go to bed. o well, I get paid well, right?
I got to go to Chinatown today. It was interesting, their shops are really cool! Full of lots of fun things. Anywhozer, I'll post pics later of them when I get out of the RARR.
I got to go to Chinatown today. It was interesting, their shops are really cool! Full of lots of fun things. Anywhozer, I'll post pics later of them when I get out of the RARR.
Friday, March 20, 2009
German Keyboard
BAHAHA!
So I went to get my macbook looked at today, and all went well. They updated it, and put a new keyboard on it cause my had chips on it was really really dirty.
About three hours later they call me "Um. I think we put a german keyboard on your macbook.." Sure enough. There are extra keys- a, u, and o with two little circles over each. There is a euro sign right by the E. And the z and y are switched so it's "qwertz" not "qwerty".
I'm taking it back tomorrow so they can fix it back to normal. I think it's hilarious.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
CPS
Today I had my first experience of CPS (Chicago Public Schools). I made sure it was one on the North side of town, trying to ease my way into it. When I was walking past the school the first thing I heard another student say to the other was "Hey you have my weed right?" ............ what a way to start the day. I checked in with security by going through a metal detector, got a lil sticker with a green circle on it, and headed to room 426 to meet with the teacher I would spend all day with, Mrs. Cate Mascari. She was such a sweetheart! She is from Australia so she has an accent, but she is amazingly nice. The kids she was dealing with weren't half as bad as I expected either. She really liked her, and respected and listened to her cause she gave them respect also.
My eyes were opened though so some of the things that were typical CPS high school. At least one girl was pregnant in every class. It wasn't a weird thing to them, in fact a lot of them wanted to keep it. The average ACT score was 14 because 60% of the students were Latino and couldn't read English well. One kid was considered a genius because he got a 28 (just one higher than mine, and trust me I'm no genius lol) The average reading level was grade 5 or 6. A girl in her first class was talking to her about all her stress, about how there was a shooting in her neighborhood and now her brother, even though he wasn't involved, has to "lay low". She was shipped in from the south side every day. It was scary to know that this was actually kids lives.
The thing I liked the most was you could tell that to most of the kids, choir was the one thing they liked about school. It is the reason they come to class instead of skipping, and probably the reason they will graduate. She gives all her students in her advance choir her cell phone number and tells them if they ever need anything (ex: jail in middle of the night) to call her. She hasn't had anyone call yet, but she says it's reassuring to them to have someone who cares. Less the half the parents actually come to parent-teacher conferences.
The don't do musicals because they don't have the money, talent or time to do it. She has two small children at home she needs to be with and she can't afford to do musicals right now. I thought it made sense.
We had to go do "lunch", basically walk around the cafeteria and make sure no fights break out. Fights happen about 3 to 4 times a week, moreso among the older students. I was told to get out of the way if a fight was to happen and let the men handle it.
We talked about CPS in general. She has taught at suburb schools, and she loves CPS so much better because she can be the difference in a kids life. It's more rewarding. She says it depends on the school, but generally they are pretty safe. And that the kids actually get protective of the teachers that they like. She said starting salary is $46,000 but doesn't increase that often after that. You have to live in the city to work with CPS though, sometime they give you a few thousand to get started.
I have a lot to think about now. I know if I taught at a suburb school I would get better off kids who could afford private voice lessons, and I could do more with their voices. However, I also know that if I get into the right CPS school, I could really be the difference in a kids life, possibly be the reason they get their high school diploma.
I get it, why God has sent me on this path: to save kids with music.
My eyes were opened though so some of the things that were typical CPS high school. At least one girl was pregnant in every class. It wasn't a weird thing to them, in fact a lot of them wanted to keep it. The average ACT score was 14 because 60% of the students were Latino and couldn't read English well. One kid was considered a genius because he got a 28 (just one higher than mine, and trust me I'm no genius lol) The average reading level was grade 5 or 6. A girl in her first class was talking to her about all her stress, about how there was a shooting in her neighborhood and now her brother, even though he wasn't involved, has to "lay low". She was shipped in from the south side every day. It was scary to know that this was actually kids lives.
The thing I liked the most was you could tell that to most of the kids, choir was the one thing they liked about school. It is the reason they come to class instead of skipping, and probably the reason they will graduate. She gives all her students in her advance choir her cell phone number and tells them if they ever need anything (ex: jail in middle of the night) to call her. She hasn't had anyone call yet, but she says it's reassuring to them to have someone who cares. Less the half the parents actually come to parent-teacher conferences.
The don't do musicals because they don't have the money, talent or time to do it. She has two small children at home she needs to be with and she can't afford to do musicals right now. I thought it made sense.
We had to go do "lunch", basically walk around the cafeteria and make sure no fights break out. Fights happen about 3 to 4 times a week, moreso among the older students. I was told to get out of the way if a fight was to happen and let the men handle it.
We talked about CPS in general. She has taught at suburb schools, and she loves CPS so much better because she can be the difference in a kids life. It's more rewarding. She says it depends on the school, but generally they are pretty safe. And that the kids actually get protective of the teachers that they like. She said starting salary is $46,000 but doesn't increase that often after that. You have to live in the city to work with CPS though, sometime they give you a few thousand to get started.
I have a lot to think about now. I know if I taught at a suburb school I would get better off kids who could afford private voice lessons, and I could do more with their voices. However, I also know that if I get into the right CPS school, I could really be the difference in a kids life, possibly be the reason they get their high school diploma.
I get it, why God has sent me on this path: to save kids with music.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
:-D
I get to go home for Spring Break in 3 days! :-D
YAY! I'm excited! I need a break from everything.
I'm doing better though, I watched a few 1996 Packer Games on NFL Network and played some volleyball so I feel better now.
This week needs to fly by please!
3 days! :-D
YAY! I'm excited! I need a break from everything.
I'm doing better though, I watched a few 1996 Packer Games on NFL Network and played some volleyball so I feel better now.
This week needs to fly by please!
3 days! :-D
Thursday, March 5, 2009
just one of those weeks
This past week or two have been just bad bad weeks.
I've been stressed about classes which have gotten ridiculously hard lately. Don't know what's up with that.
I've been forgetting things. My advisor was ticked at me cause I forgot about her class... even though I still got there before it started, I forgot I was on duty tonight, I forgot I was on duty when I took off and had to find someone to take it for me...
Found out some bad news from home which got me depressed, and really just threw off my whole balance.
I'm trying to avoid drama with the RA job.
I had a "judical" for not walking Jamie out of the UC, didn't really matter... Tony doesn't care.
My friend was bitching at me that I didn't put in effort for our friendship anymore...
I'm just scared that all of these things are going to add up to something huge and horrible at some point.
I need a break, I need to get away. Hopefully this weekend will help...
GOD GET ME THROUGH THIS PLEASE!
I've been stressed about classes which have gotten ridiculously hard lately. Don't know what's up with that.
I've been forgetting things. My advisor was ticked at me cause I forgot about her class... even though I still got there before it started, I forgot I was on duty tonight, I forgot I was on duty when I took off and had to find someone to take it for me...
Found out some bad news from home which got me depressed, and really just threw off my whole balance.
I'm trying to avoid drama with the RA job.
I had a "judical" for not walking Jamie out of the UC, didn't really matter... Tony doesn't care.
My friend was bitching at me that I didn't put in effort for our friendship anymore...
I'm just scared that all of these things are going to add up to something huge and horrible at some point.
I need a break, I need to get away. Hopefully this weekend will help...
GOD GET ME THROUGH THIS PLEASE!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
:/
I'm having such a bad week.
Just bad thing after bad thing happening. I'm so sick of this. I need spring break now.
Just bad thing after bad thing happening. I'm so sick of this. I need spring break now.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Life
This past week was one of those weeks you look back on and hope you never have to do again. It was just a bad week. I was sick, and stressed, and it was just bad.
On Thursday night I went into Ganz Hall of Roosevelt University and recorded a tape of me singing the national anthem for the "Oh Say Can You Sing" contest.
Since Thursday, as of now, I have 101 ratings. 4.5 stars and 619 views! YAY!
If you know anyone who hasn't voted please please please tell them! I want this bad and I'm actually competition now!
Thanks to everyone who has helped! :D
Friday night I went to bed REALLY early cause I had the Basic Skills Exam on Saturday.
Saturday, woke up at 5 am to go to McCormick Place and take the 5 hour Basic Skills Exam. It was basically the ACT with out the Science portion. I think I did pretty good, but we'll see I guess. Later, at 3:30 Jamie, Amy, and I got all dressed up and went to see Mrs. Norman perform for a concert. The bus ride there was awful, the bus driver got out of the bus, left it running, with the door open and went to talk to construction workers for 10 minutes. blah! By the time we got htere it was packed and we couldn't see. But we made sure we moved up for the finally. Mrs. Norman was AMAZING! I LOVE watching her perform! We saw her afterwards, and it was cool cause we are her students and people were asking for autographs and stuff and I just felt really proud to be studying under her. She found us a ride back, cause we were is south chicago and it's not that good at night...... after ward I watched some tv with jamie and biv and then went to bed.
Sunday, I finally got my Pacman posters up. It looks awesome! I already got like compliments on them! One of the guys was like "this is def. my favorite this year!" and another was like "O cool! Better than last months! Those just didn't make sense!" lol so I'm glad my resident like them!
Well, I gtg do homework!
On Thursday night I went into Ganz Hall of Roosevelt University and recorded a tape of me singing the national anthem for the "Oh Say Can You Sing" contest.
Since Thursday, as of now, I have 101 ratings. 4.5 stars and 619 views! YAY!
If you know anyone who hasn't voted please please please tell them! I want this bad and I'm actually competition now!
Thanks to everyone who has helped! :D
Friday night I went to bed REALLY early cause I had the Basic Skills Exam on Saturday.
Saturday, woke up at 5 am to go to McCormick Place and take the 5 hour Basic Skills Exam. It was basically the ACT with out the Science portion. I think I did pretty good, but we'll see I guess. Later, at 3:30 Jamie, Amy, and I got all dressed up and went to see Mrs. Norman perform for a concert. The bus ride there was awful, the bus driver got out of the bus, left it running, with the door open and went to talk to construction workers for 10 minutes. blah! By the time we got htere it was packed and we couldn't see. But we made sure we moved up for the finally. Mrs. Norman was AMAZING! I LOVE watching her perform! We saw her afterwards, and it was cool cause we are her students and people were asking for autographs and stuff and I just felt really proud to be studying under her. She found us a ride back, cause we were is south chicago and it's not that good at night...... after ward I watched some tv with jamie and biv and then went to bed.
Sunday, I finally got my Pacman posters up. It looks awesome! I already got like compliments on them! One of the guys was like "this is def. my favorite this year!" and another was like "O cool! Better than last months! Those just didn't make sense!" lol so I'm glad my resident like them!
Well, I gtg do homework!
Friday, February 27, 2009
I'm on youtube!
I am applying for the "O Say Can You Sing!" contest. There is a version of me singing the national anthem on youtube! Go give me five stars please! Here is the link:
"www.youtube.com/users/gauragirl"
Thanks!
<3 Amanda
"www.youtube.com/users/gauragirl"
Thanks!
<3 Amanda
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I feel like a bee these days. I really do. Going from flower to flower, from class to class.
One of my friends said today "I don't see you anymore" to which I replied "That's cause every hour of my day is planned out, and I don't live on the 13th floor anymore..."
And this is true to an extent. If we haven't planned to eat together, or planned to hang out then I'll just take up the little free time I do have with homework, practicing, or Jamie time. This week was really busy, full of little ups and downs.
Up= we started planning my senior recital is voice lessons this week! SO EXCITED YOU ALL BETTER COME! :-D
Down = I was taking my online course quiz when my Safari program shut down unexpectedly.... (but I emailed her and got to take it over again :) )
I'm having a program on Sunday called "Pancakes and Porkies" where I am making my residents Pancakes and Porkies.... but here is teh weird thing: no one down here has ever heard of them being called Porkies! They all asked me what it was! AH! SO WEIRD! idk what they call them instead... breakfast sausages? Guess it's just another Wisconsin thing..... great... :-/
O by the way, I'm loosing my accent, I can hear it.... :(
But yea, I cannot wait till Saturday! I am going to a friends house up by Belmont... and I just can't wait to get out of the UC and Roosevelt.
Here I come the rest of the week!
Buuuuuuuuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
One of my friends said today "I don't see you anymore" to which I replied "That's cause every hour of my day is planned out, and I don't live on the 13th floor anymore..."
And this is true to an extent. If we haven't planned to eat together, or planned to hang out then I'll just take up the little free time I do have with homework, practicing, or Jamie time. This week was really busy, full of little ups and downs.
Up= we started planning my senior recital is voice lessons this week! SO EXCITED YOU ALL BETTER COME! :-D
Down = I was taking my online course quiz when my Safari program shut down unexpectedly.... (but I emailed her and got to take it over again :) )
I'm having a program on Sunday called "Pancakes and Porkies" where I am making my residents Pancakes and Porkies.... but here is teh weird thing: no one down here has ever heard of them being called Porkies! They all asked me what it was! AH! SO WEIRD! idk what they call them instead... breakfast sausages? Guess it's just another Wisconsin thing..... great... :-/
O by the way, I'm loosing my accent, I can hear it.... :(
But yea, I cannot wait till Saturday! I am going to a friends house up by Belmont... and I just can't wait to get out of the UC and Roosevelt.
Here I come the rest of the week!
Buuuuuuuuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentines and schtuff
This weekend actually turned out really really well.
Friday night I went with Biv and Jamie out to TGI Fridays. I got the Sizzling Chicken and Shrimp (my favorite!). It was good to get out of the UC. We then went to the Cheesecake Factory and got a Vanilla Bean Cheesecake that is now sitting in my fridge tempting me.....grrr... it is VERY good though. Delicious! We went to a few stores, then came home and watched Charlie Wilson's War. I liked it, not my fav but still good.
Saturday was Valentines Day and Jamie and I's 6 month anniversary. He spoiled me. He took me to Ghirardelli's for chocolate shakes, then we went shopping, and then he finished with a horse drawn carriage ride down Michigan Ave and Lakeshore drive. It was beautiful. I'm so happy with him. I set up a little scavenger hunt around my room. It lead him to a video on facebook I made of us, a lil book I made of say, a pic of us and then a quote from Tupac's Unconditional Love, and then I ended by giving him a back massage cause he was sore from working out. It was the best Valentines day I could have asked for and i'm very happy.
Life is good, busy, but good. I am an RA, taking 18 credits (just added an online class!) and am trying to balance my friends into all that. I'm handling it all ok. I can feel myself mature. I love it here.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Windy City
I truely do live in the Windy City. 
Right now I am whirling about, being twirled one way then swirled another.
And the thing is: I love it.
I love learning about American Folk Music in the 60's, then swirling into Italian, then twirling to my friends in the Music Conservatory office, then taking a left to sing in choir, a hop to voice lessons, a skip to theory, another twirl to an RA meeting and open door hours, a spin to meet new residents on my floor, a right to spending time with Jamie and Biv, a skip to homework, a twist to make a poster for a program....
I am constantly in motion these days.
I love it.
Please don't make me stop.
:-D
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sorry!
Sorry I have not been reachable lately. I've been very busy. I planned a program for February 22nd called "Pancakes and Porkies" cause no one here has heard them called "porkies" before! Weird! But yea I am making my floor pancakes and porkies on a sunday morning. I've been doing a lot of homework on the side, papers and such. Practicing here and there, been having very good voice lessons. It was 56 on Saturday so I went for a walk with biv and jamie, sooooo nice!
I got sick. I had a cold really bad, and I got a stomach cramp a few times, I had to leave choir on thursday cause I was getting sick to my stomach and nauseas... but I feel better now. Still congested, but better. Jamie fed me lots of Emergen-C so I'm guessing that helped a lot.
Yesterday I spent 9 hours in one room evalutating prospect RA's. It was so long. Afterwards I was taking down balloons, and no body wanted them, so I was like "Sweet! I'll take them to my residents!" Everyone was like "ok amanda" but they ended up really loving them. I gave them all away, and I met a lot of new people in the process. I really like my job, my floor, and I'm very lucky to have the position I have.
So that is why I've been so busy.
Quote of the day: "FLAT THAT PITCH!" in theory class.... said like "slap that bitch!" hahaha
Monday, February 2, 2009
IMEA and Superbowl Extravaganza
This past Thursday and Friday I was in Peoria Il. for the IMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) Conference. Basically the IMEA takes over the entire downtown area of Peoria and there are different workshops and conferences you can go to. On Thursday night we had to help set up for the CCPA Conservatory Chorus and Orchestra who were performing in one of the auditoriums. They did really well, even though only 30 people showed up. We then headed to our hotel, a Holiday Inn right by Par-A-Dice (a casino). All the 21 up people headed to the casino where they bumped into our teachers and deans there! At the hotel we just hung out and bonded with each other. It was kinda crazy, but a lot of fun. I didn't end up going to bed till 4 a.m. when I kicked people out of our room.
On Friday, we took the bus over to the conference. Susan and I decided that we were going to hit as many reading sessions as possible. A reading session is when they give you a packet of music and then usually the composer (but not always) goes through all the music with you. I figured since I paid $25 to get in the conference I might as well get $25 worth of music out of it (at least). At the end of the day I came home with a HUGE stack of music. Well over $100 worth. I was very happy, it is all different kinds of music... all choral, but some jazz, some classical, some kids songs, song a capella, some SSA, SATB, SSATB, TTB.... the list goes on. Saturday was a catch up day for homework and stuff. Jamie, Mike (fellow RA), and I went shopping for my Superbowl Extravaganza program. We got REALLY good deals and I was very happy with what we got.
On Sunday I had my first program. It was a joint program with Jennie and Mike, but I basically headed it. It went over really well! We decorated the MultiMedia Room a little bit and held it in there. We provided snacks and soda. The MultiMedia Room is a room with aoubt 20 big comfy chairs and then a big projector screen tv. When we counted up the total it was 58 people that came! A big success! The game was great too! One of the better superbowl games in my opinion.
So that was my weekend, very busy but it went over really well. Thanks to everyone who helped me! I really appreciate it! :)
On Friday, we took the bus over to the conference. Susan and I decided that we were going to hit as many reading sessions as possible. A reading session is when they give you a packet of music and then usually the composer (but not always) goes through all the music with you. I figured since I paid $25 to get in the conference I might as well get $25 worth of music out of it (at least). At the end of the day I came home with a HUGE stack of music. Well over $100 worth. I was very happy, it is all different kinds of music... all choral, but some jazz, some classical, some kids songs, song a capella, some SSA, SATB, SSATB, TTB.... the list goes on. Saturday was a catch up day for homework and stuff. Jamie, Mike (fellow RA), and I went shopping for my Superbowl Extravaganza program. We got REALLY good deals and I was very happy with what we got.
On Sunday I had my first program. It was a joint program with Jennie and Mike, but I basically headed it. It went over really well! We decorated the MultiMedia Room a little bit and held it in there. We provided snacks and soda. The MultiMedia Room is a room with aoubt 20 big comfy chairs and then a big projector screen tv. When we counted up the total it was 58 people that came! A big success! The game was great too! One of the better superbowl games in my opinion.
So that was my weekend, very busy but it went over really well. Thanks to everyone who helped me! I really appreciate it! :)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
First Week of School
So, this past week has been my first week of second semester classes. My schedule this semester is going to be sooooo busy.... but I think it'll ok.
In RA life, all my residents are back. I'm keeping my door open as much as possible so that my residents can get to know me. They seem really sweet. We had our first floor meeting which was kinda nerve racking, being introduced to 50 people at once, but it still went well. I'm staying very organized with my palm pilot, as long as I have that I'll be fine.
Theory will be, well theory, but I'm not lost yet so that's good.
Women's chorus is the same as usual, we have a concert in a little over a month.
American Education is a little boring, but actually really interesting. I learned that the starting rate for teachers in Illinios is $43,000. And then after five years you get an automatic $10,000 raise....so I'm looking at about $53,000 eventually. Which isn't bad... I thought I was going to get like.....30 grad tops. lol. So that is really good.
Music History is a lot better. He changed the format of the tests to all multiple choice cause so many people were doing bad. And plus it is folk music and stuff (maple leaf rag, pop music).... stuff I can actually distinct from one another and interests me.
Italian will be good, I love my teacher and taking that class already has helped me in choir and voice lesson (good idea on my part).
I had my first voice lesson today, it went amazing. She gave me this Italian Aria that I TOTALLY LOVE and relate to! It goes up to high A's, all over the place...and today for some reason I was ON! BOOYAH! I was hitting those A's like nothing, I got up to a D! A high D! That's insane! But yea the last time we sang through it my teacher goes "Brava!" and claps and that was the best moment ever! We talked about my jury and what happened and she was upset with a bunch of things and she is emailing someone about it I guess... I said it was fine since I got an A, 94.8 a little low but I'll take it, anyway. But she wants to.
Tomorrow I head for Peoria Il. for IMEA (Illinois Music Educator Association) conference. It's always a lot of fun and I'm excited to see all the different workshops. Should be back late Friday night!
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