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...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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.
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