Oh, news flash:
Even at the most expensive flight that I've looked at, for where I fly to and such, I could buy approximately FORTY TWO roundtrip flights for that lovely price of $19,200.
Get with it Southwest Chase Credit Card!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Math?
Ok, I've never been good at math... but I think I have this figured out correctly...
The only reason I'm doubting myself is because:
a) Like I said, I'm not good at math... at all.
and b) If my math is correct, this "deal" is just stupid...
I applied for the Southwest Airlines Chase Credit Card and was accepted (yay me!).
I got an email explaining some of the benefits and this is what it said:
$1 spent = 1 reward dollar
1,200 reward dollars = 1 rapid rewards credit
16 credits = FREE roundtrip flight
So I have to spend $1,200 to get ONE credit... 16 credits to get a "free" flight...
which is $1,200 x 16 which equals $19,200..........
Am I dumb, or is this correct?!?!
I certainly feel dumb that I feel like I cannot say with certainty that my math is correct! Maybe it's just the fact that my math IS correct, but the fact that I would have to spend almost 20 grand on other things to get a "free" flight from them is just mind-boggling and getting me all confused! I mean, essentially, they're saying that my "free" flight is really costing $19,200 of other things, some of which may be other flights! No way.
I'll certainly just buy a flight instead of charging all this other stuff on the card to someday maybe getting that free one. Geez la peets!
Oh, and I'll let you know if I ever get that "free" flight. Doubtful.
The only reason I'm doubting myself is because:
a) Like I said, I'm not good at math... at all.
and b) If my math is correct, this "deal" is just stupid...
I applied for the Southwest Airlines Chase Credit Card and was accepted (yay me!).
I got an email explaining some of the benefits and this is what it said:
$1 spent = 1 reward dollar
1,200 reward dollars = 1 rapid rewards credit
16 credits = FREE roundtrip flight
So I have to spend $1,200 to get ONE credit... 16 credits to get a "free" flight...
which is $1,200 x 16 which equals $19,200..........
Am I dumb, or is this correct?!?!
I certainly feel dumb that I feel like I cannot say with certainty that my math is correct! Maybe it's just the fact that my math IS correct, but the fact that I would have to spend almost 20 grand on other things to get a "free" flight from them is just mind-boggling and getting me all confused! I mean, essentially, they're saying that my "free" flight is really costing $19,200 of other things, some of which may be other flights! No way.
I'll certainly just buy a flight instead of charging all this other stuff on the card to someday maybe getting that free one. Geez la peets!
Oh, and I'll let you know if I ever get that "free" flight. Doubtful.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Buh bye iPhone...
So today, I said goodbye to my iPhone...
You know, I have to say I'm really proud of myself. I've grown up a lot in the last 8 months.
I realized that the data package and everything with the iPhone was just a kind of expense that wasn't necessary for me to have (anymore). And really, it wasn't even MY expense, given that I'm still on the family talk plan with my parents. But I just came to the point where I knew that it was really nice to be able to check my email and all that stuff wherever I went, but that it was ok not to have that too. It wasn't something I needed.
Therefore, my family and I are now Verizon customers. And I really like my new phone so far!
The crazy thing is, my iPhone is still working. Not receiving calls or texts, but I can still pick up wireless and the iPod works. I updated my Facebook status from my iPhone just seconds ago.
(Can I still call it an iPhone if there's no phone capability??)
I'm hesitant to be happy about it still functioning like that though because I don't know if it's only temporary until everything is transferred from AT&T to Verizon and such... only time will tell.
And even though I didn't need it, it was a little difficult to say "bye" to the iPhone...
Oh, and I still have the same phone number, no worries!
You know, I have to say I'm really proud of myself. I've grown up a lot in the last 8 months.
I realized that the data package and everything with the iPhone was just a kind of expense that wasn't necessary for me to have (anymore). And really, it wasn't even MY expense, given that I'm still on the family talk plan with my parents. But I just came to the point where I knew that it was really nice to be able to check my email and all that stuff wherever I went, but that it was ok not to have that too. It wasn't something I needed.
Therefore, my family and I are now Verizon customers. And I really like my new phone so far!
The crazy thing is, my iPhone is still working. Not receiving calls or texts, but I can still pick up wireless and the iPod works. I updated my Facebook status from my iPhone just seconds ago.
(Can I still call it an iPhone if there's no phone capability??)
I'm hesitant to be happy about it still functioning like that though because I don't know if it's only temporary until everything is transferred from AT&T to Verizon and such... only time will tell.
And even though I didn't need it, it was a little difficult to say "bye" to the iPhone...
Oh, and I still have the same phone number, no worries!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Larry the Cucumber!
I knew I liked Larry the Cucumber for a reason. (If you don't know who/what that is, Google "Veggie Tales")... and while these are great facts about cucumbers and how they can help with everyday things, it kinda worries me that it goes from giving you all the vitamins you need every day to fixing the squeaky door or repelling insects in the garden when placed on aluminum... hmmmm... oh, well! These were sent to be by my Aunt.
The Amazing Cucumber!
1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like
fragrance.
4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the photochemical in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!
The Amazing Cucumber!
1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like
fragrance.
4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the photochemical in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!
The Court's Decision
Do you think people really know the consequences of their actions?
From something big to something really small, all our actions have repercussions. I think what can be most sad is that most of the time, the younger you are, the less likely you are to realize what you're doing can have an impact on your immediate or maybe more long term future.
I was reading an article today about what today marks in our country. It's the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I'm not going to get into the constitutionality of abortion and start a debate. The only thing I will say is that I'm pro-life. But as I was reading this article, it made me think about how this decision came to pass and how it was ultimately a consequence of several peoples actions.
You might be saying "huh?"... but this is how I reason that (and you might have to think a little abstractly):
The people elected Presidents... a consequence (of sorts) of voting.
Those Presidents appointed Supreme Court Justices... a consequence of the results of the vote by the people, because they picked the pres.
A woman had sex... the consequence was getting pregnant... and she wanted a right to choose what to do with her own body.
She went to court.
And the court decision was a consequence from that woman's case/situation.
Maybe that's a little bit of a stretch, but hopefully you can semi see where my logic is.
Either way, every action has a consequence. And ironically enough, those consequences might not always affect you, even though they were YOUR actions.
To summarize my brief Roe v. Wade mention, I will leave this not so brief statement from that article in order to recognize the anniversary of the court's decision:
"Almost four decades later, somewhere around 50 million unborn children have been victimized by the breathtaking arrogance of the Court. They committed no crimes, were afforded no due process or trials at all, and every appeal made on their behalf has fallen on deaf ears. They have been killed in the most brutal ways imaginable, unceremoniously sucked from their mother’s wombs, and carelessly discarded without even the dignity of an unmarked grave. Every reasonable effort to curb the abuses of the system that has produced these gruesome results has been summarily rejected by society’s robed masters. And so the carnage marches on."
Again, I don't care where you stand on abortion, but if you do believe that an abortion is killing a life... 50 million... wow.
From something big to something really small, all our actions have repercussions. I think what can be most sad is that most of the time, the younger you are, the less likely you are to realize what you're doing can have an impact on your immediate or maybe more long term future.
I was reading an article today about what today marks in our country. It's the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I'm not going to get into the constitutionality of abortion and start a debate. The only thing I will say is that I'm pro-life. But as I was reading this article, it made me think about how this decision came to pass and how it was ultimately a consequence of several peoples actions.
You might be saying "huh?"... but this is how I reason that (and you might have to think a little abstractly):
The people elected Presidents... a consequence (of sorts) of voting.
Those Presidents appointed Supreme Court Justices... a consequence of the results of the vote by the people, because they picked the pres.
A woman had sex... the consequence was getting pregnant... and she wanted a right to choose what to do with her own body.
She went to court.
And the court decision was a consequence from that woman's case/situation.
Maybe that's a little bit of a stretch, but hopefully you can semi see where my logic is.
Either way, every action has a consequence. And ironically enough, those consequences might not always affect you, even though they were YOUR actions.
To summarize my brief Roe v. Wade mention, I will leave this not so brief statement from that article in order to recognize the anniversary of the court's decision:
"Almost four decades later, somewhere around 50 million unborn children have been victimized by the breathtaking arrogance of the Court. They committed no crimes, were afforded no due process or trials at all, and every appeal made on their behalf has fallen on deaf ears. They have been killed in the most brutal ways imaginable, unceremoniously sucked from their mother’s wombs, and carelessly discarded without even the dignity of an unmarked grave. Every reasonable effort to curb the abuses of the system that has produced these gruesome results has been summarily rejected by society’s robed masters. And so the carnage marches on."
Again, I don't care where you stand on abortion, but if you do believe that an abortion is killing a life... 50 million... wow.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Today's Occurrences
The weather perfectly matches my mood. Isn't it funny how that happens?
I've gone from feeling annoyed to frustrated, upset to not caring anymore, and just everything in between. That in and of itself is frustrating and annoying to me. I feel so over everything and it's a really odd feeling, one that I don't think I've quite experienced before... at least not like this. I hope I get out of the funk soon, because this has never really been like me.
Today's radio flashback was "Mmmm Bop" by Hanson. Whoa, right? And yeah, they still sound like girls.
I got my first rejection letter for a job today. Not fun.
A year after Obama is inaugurated, another change happens with the election of Scott Brown. Realization of how much of a difference a year can make.
Haiti gets hit my a 6.1 magnitude aftershock. How much more can they take?
If you've never been to Lamebook, I would suggest you go there ASAP and take in all the stupid/funny people there are on Facebook. Keeps me quite entertained throughout the day as I have it on my RSS feed.
Finished Sarah Palin's book and had a PB&J sandwich for lunch while re-watching the 5th season of LOST in preparation for the February 2nd premiere of the final season.
Finally, I have to think that no matter how foul my mood is, I have food to eat (even though that consists of PB&J and Lean Cuisine meals), clothes to wear, a roof over my head, and people that love me. That's a lot more than a lot of other people have.
But sometimes, it's much more fun to throw a pity party for yourself, right?
Real quick, I wanted to recap my weekend. I went to Glen Carbon, IL to see my good friend and sorority sister, Mandi, and her husband Jon on Friday. They were kind enough to let me stay the night and then drive me to the STL airport where I flew to Austin to surprise Tim for his birthday. He had absolutely no idea I was coming. His brother picked me up from the airport and when he came around the corner to let what he thought was just his brother in, he was shocked. His face was kind of like "who is this girl with my brother?" and as if he didn't recognize who I was. What a success! And he said no one can pull surprises on him... ha! I showed him! My family (on my Mom's side) is kind of known for pulling surprises on people... guess I'm no different. I was there until Monday night, where Jon and Mandi picked me up and I stayed the night there again and drove into work Tuesday morning. Back to this lovely, foggy, rainy, cold weather. No wonder my mood isn't all that great, right?
I've gone from feeling annoyed to frustrated, upset to not caring anymore, and just everything in between. That in and of itself is frustrating and annoying to me. I feel so over everything and it's a really odd feeling, one that I don't think I've quite experienced before... at least not like this. I hope I get out of the funk soon, because this has never really been like me.
Today's radio flashback was "Mmmm Bop" by Hanson. Whoa, right? And yeah, they still sound like girls.
I got my first rejection letter for a job today. Not fun.
A year after Obama is inaugurated, another change happens with the election of Scott Brown. Realization of how much of a difference a year can make.
Haiti gets hit my a 6.1 magnitude aftershock. How much more can they take?
If you've never been to Lamebook, I would suggest you go there ASAP and take in all the stupid/funny people there are on Facebook. Keeps me quite entertained throughout the day as I have it on my RSS feed.
Finished Sarah Palin's book and had a PB&J sandwich for lunch while re-watching the 5th season of LOST in preparation for the February 2nd premiere of the final season.
Finally, I have to think that no matter how foul my mood is, I have food to eat (even though that consists of PB&J and Lean Cuisine meals), clothes to wear, a roof over my head, and people that love me. That's a lot more than a lot of other people have.
But sometimes, it's much more fun to throw a pity party for yourself, right?
Real quick, I wanted to recap my weekend. I went to Glen Carbon, IL to see my good friend and sorority sister, Mandi, and her husband Jon on Friday. They were kind enough to let me stay the night and then drive me to the STL airport where I flew to Austin to surprise Tim for his birthday. He had absolutely no idea I was coming. His brother picked me up from the airport and when he came around the corner to let what he thought was just his brother in, he was shocked. His face was kind of like "who is this girl with my brother?" and as if he didn't recognize who I was. What a success! And he said no one can pull surprises on him... ha! I showed him! My family (on my Mom's side) is kind of known for pulling surprises on people... guess I'm no different. I was there until Monday night, where Jon and Mandi picked me up and I stayed the night there again and drove into work Tuesday morning. Back to this lovely, foggy, rainy, cold weather. No wonder my mood isn't all that great, right?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Throwback
I was running some errands today during my lunch break, and I was taken on a stroll down memory lane. That journey also made me stop and think, "wow, this is horrible."
Pretty much all the radio stations I have programmed into my car have the '80s/'90s flashback songs around the noon hour. So I'm listening and driving along, and the song "Gone" by NSYNC came on by request... yes, request. Now when I was a little teeny bopper, I will admit I was an NSYNC/Backstreet Boys fan. Their popularity probably started when I was around 10 and I fell right into the hype along with the other millions of girls around the world. I saw both in concert, had the CD's, I wasn't a big poster person, but I had some smaller pics... you know, etc. etc. And you can't deny they weren't huge! Their album "No Strings Attached" sold 9.9 million copies in 2000 and in 2009, it was named the best selling album of the decade, selling a little over 11 million. You can make fun of them and not like them, but they were stinkin' popular!
I haven't heard any of their songs in years probably. So this was interesting, hearing it on the radio.
"Gone" needs to go and not be played on the air waves ever. It was bad. Justin sounded way prepubescent and frankly, annoying. I feel obliged to find some of their other songs and listen and determine if they all sounded that bad. But the melody and lyrics and such annoyed me to begin with, so the vocals along with it didn't really have a chance.
I mean, I LOVED these guys when I was little. One of my cousins picked on me relentlessly because of my taste in music, and now I'm wondering if he was on to something and not just being mean. It just kind of made me sit back and go, "whoa!"
I'm sure some of you are like, "well DUH!! NSYNC sucks, always has!" but I dunno...
Funny thing is though, I like Justin's music and his voice ok now and it doesn't annoy me as it did in "Gone"... maybe he just finally became a man and such. I refuse to believe that songs like "Bye Bye Bye" and "Pop" were really as bad as "Gone". Guess I'll have to investigate... and maybe it was just my poor, young, little girl ears that didn't know all that much better.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Girl Quotes
"If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman."
and
"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."
-Margaret Thatcher
and
"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."
-Margaret Thatcher
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Oblivious/Rude People
There aren't that many things I hate... but one of them is oblivious, or oblivious rude, people. Let me explain and give examples.
These people are the ones that forget they are in public, around other people, and are so enveloped with themselves and/or the people around them that they disregard the fact that they might be developing into highly annoying and rude people to others.
Example: Last night at the gym, I was done with my work-out, anxious to get in my car and get home. I walked down the steps, and as I was hitting the last flight of steps, a group of three women were coming up the basement steps. I was on the second floor, so we essentially met at the first floor door. They got there a little before I did, and the door isn't a huge double door, it's single. So I'm behind them, and I go to maneuver past them because I could see that they were going to be walking at a slower pace than I wanted to, and I could not because they had spread out across the width of the hallway. I got the sense that one of them could definitely tell I was trying to pass, but decided to remain oblivious, hence turning her into rude. Moreover, I was toward the left of the hallway, and they decided to go left to a sitting area in their slow pace, completely disregarding the fact that I was there. News flash: you're in public, other people are around you, and you knew I was behind you cause you saw me coming down the steps AND you (sorta) held the door for me. Thanks a bunch.
Highly annoying to me.
Second example: At UIUC, you pretty much walked everywhere, as with most college campuses. I cannot tell you how many oblivious and more so rude people walked those sidewalks. If you're walking side by side with your friend, classmate, significant other, etc., FINE. But when you see someone else (i.e. me) walking towards you, one of you needs to fall back behind the other person you're with so I can continue walking ON THE SIDEWALK and not having to step off the sidewalk and into the grass/mud/snow. What makes it especially worse and irked me to no end was when those people were guys! Wikipedia says: "the terms chivalry and chivalrous are often used to describe courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women." I guess chivalry IS dead, at least at UIUC. I'd be ok if guys don't do that for other guys, but for women, they most definitely should.
Highly annoying.
Realize you're out in public, around other people, and act accordingly.
These people are the ones that forget they are in public, around other people, and are so enveloped with themselves and/or the people around them that they disregard the fact that they might be developing into highly annoying and rude people to others.
Example: Last night at the gym, I was done with my work-out, anxious to get in my car and get home. I walked down the steps, and as I was hitting the last flight of steps, a group of three women were coming up the basement steps. I was on the second floor, so we essentially met at the first floor door. They got there a little before I did, and the door isn't a huge double door, it's single. So I'm behind them, and I go to maneuver past them because I could see that they were going to be walking at a slower pace than I wanted to, and I could not because they had spread out across the width of the hallway. I got the sense that one of them could definitely tell I was trying to pass, but decided to remain oblivious, hence turning her into rude. Moreover, I was toward the left of the hallway, and they decided to go left to a sitting area in their slow pace, completely disregarding the fact that I was there. News flash: you're in public, other people are around you, and you knew I was behind you cause you saw me coming down the steps AND you (sorta) held the door for me. Thanks a bunch.
Highly annoying to me.
Second example: At UIUC, you pretty much walked everywhere, as with most college campuses. I cannot tell you how many oblivious and more so rude people walked those sidewalks. If you're walking side by side with your friend, classmate, significant other, etc., FINE. But when you see someone else (i.e. me) walking towards you, one of you needs to fall back behind the other person you're with so I can continue walking ON THE SIDEWALK and not having to step off the sidewalk and into the grass/mud/snow. What makes it especially worse and irked me to no end was when those people were guys! Wikipedia says: "the terms chivalry and chivalrous are often used to describe courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women." I guess chivalry IS dead, at least at UIUC. I'd be ok if guys don't do that for other guys, but for women, they most definitely should.
Highly annoying.
Realize you're out in public, around other people, and act accordingly.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Baby Loves To Dance In The Dark
Amazing. Weekend.
There's just something about driving into Chicago... you see the skyline from a distance, you get closer and closer, realize the grandiose of the city and can't help but feel a little thrill inside. At least that's the way it is for me.
I understand that maybe that feeling has become jaded for people who are born and raised there or have lived there for a really long time. But for me, someone who was transplanted to (Central) Illinois, it's awesome. I've been to Chicago at least a couple dozen times and the feeling never changes for me. In fact, on the way home, I disregarded what my little GPS woman was telling me just so I could take the route to drive down Lake Shore drive and experience it all. I was upset when she didn't take me that way coming into the city, so I had to fix that. Love Chicago!
Maybe part of that feeling this time when I drove in, looking at the skyline, was because of the reason I went there: Lady GaGa.
My. Word.
Blown. Away.
Amazing show...
I call it a show because it wasn't just a concert, it was a show... an experience. Now I haven't been to all that many concerts, but out of the ones I've been to, this was by far the best I've seen. I didn't want it to end and when it did I just felt sad. The next day, I thought back on it and was like "it went by so fast! It's a blur!"
She was/is an amazing performer and entertainer. As expected, the dancing, clothes/costumes, music, the set, all of it was unbelievable. She actually sang too, no lip syncing, and she really has a wonderful, pure voice. She was so personable and funny between and during her songs. She's one of those entertainers where you want to be her best friend. Repeatedly, she thanked her fans and said how blessed she was to have them as her friends. I had a great and unforgettable time and it was everything I hoped for and more.
I know she's got eye-popping style and she certainly makes you go "what in the world is she wearing?!"... you can say whatever you'd like about her and her music and her style, and you don't even have to like her, but she's an amazing artist and entertainer.
I look forward to seeing her again.
The pic above would be (L to R) Erinn, Whitney, and myself at the concert, having a ball.
There's just something about driving into Chicago... you see the skyline from a distance, you get closer and closer, realize the grandiose of the city and can't help but feel a little thrill inside. At least that's the way it is for me.
I understand that maybe that feeling has become jaded for people who are born and raised there or have lived there for a really long time. But for me, someone who was transplanted to (Central) Illinois, it's awesome. I've been to Chicago at least a couple dozen times and the feeling never changes for me. In fact, on the way home, I disregarded what my little GPS woman was telling me just so I could take the route to drive down Lake Shore drive and experience it all. I was upset when she didn't take me that way coming into the city, so I had to fix that. Love Chicago!
Maybe part of that feeling this time when I drove in, looking at the skyline, was because of the reason I went there: Lady GaGa.
My. Word.
Blown. Away.
Amazing show...
I call it a show because it wasn't just a concert, it was a show... an experience. Now I haven't been to all that many concerts, but out of the ones I've been to, this was by far the best I've seen. I didn't want it to end and when it did I just felt sad. The next day, I thought back on it and was like "it went by so fast! It's a blur!"
She was/is an amazing performer and entertainer. As expected, the dancing, clothes/costumes, music, the set, all of it was unbelievable. She actually sang too, no lip syncing, and she really has a wonderful, pure voice. She was so personable and funny between and during her songs. She's one of those entertainers where you want to be her best friend. Repeatedly, she thanked her fans and said how blessed she was to have them as her friends. I had a great and unforgettable time and it was everything I hoped for and more.
I know she's got eye-popping style and she certainly makes you go "what in the world is she wearing?!"... you can say whatever you'd like about her and her music and her style, and you don't even have to like her, but she's an amazing artist and entertainer.
I look forward to seeing her again.
The pic above would be (L to R) Erinn, Whitney, and myself at the concert, having a ball.
Individuality
"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Well said and enough said.
Well said and enough said.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Salsa
I went home for lunch today and practically ate half a jar of salsa. It wasn't one of those huge jars, it was the tiniest they come in, but still... Part of me didn't want to admit it out loud here, but oh well. I workout, ok?! I did look at the label though. There are 10 calories per tablespoon (I believe). I didn't think it was that horrible, and neither did my taste buds. Yummy.
Texas lost last night... boo. My heart truly went out to Colt McCoy. I mean this kid has just been dreaming about leading this team since the night it was announced they'd be playing in this game and then after the first series ::poof:: it's over. I mean that's just heartbreaking. I know how much athletes put their heart and soul into their sport, how psychologically connected they are to it, and it just had to be devastating for him. You could see it in him. I couldn't even imagine. With that said, if he would have been healthy and played, there's no way Texas would have lost, and I'm probably stating the obvious or maybe biased opinion.
I'm starting the job search and application process. I know it might be kind of early, considering I'm here for a little shy of 6 more months. But I figured with the current sitch of jobs, I might as well and what do I have to lose really? Pretty much nothing. I figured I could see what's out there, make contacts and hopefully things will work out in one way or another.
It's certainly nerve-wracking though. I remember last time this year, entering my last semester, just completely worried and nervous, definitely feeling some pressure. Then when I interviewed up in the Chicago burbs for a job, was rejected, interviewed for this internship and felt the interview was a disaster, there's no way I'm going to get it, my stress went to another level. I always knew there was home to go to, but it was just the natural progression for me to get something apart from my parents after being solely dependent on them for 22 years. It's just what I wanted. And I was fortunate enough to land something... for 10.5 months. I told you I was blessed in many ways, and I consider this internship a blessing for sure.
Alas, I will have to find something else, as we were told nothing here was guaranteed in terms of being hired on after the internship is over. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the future is exciting and scary at the same time. The job hunt is exciting and scary at the same time. It's exciting to see what I'll be able to find and where I'll possibly be next, what new challenges are going to come my way filling that as-of-now unknown position, and just the excitement with starting a new experience. Obviously scary in the sense that I won't find something, or will have trouble finding something, and then scariness that comes along with starting something new. Interesting how one thing can bring so many different and contrasting feelings, isn't it?
So wish me luck. A new year, new chapters being written... always.
Texas lost last night... boo. My heart truly went out to Colt McCoy. I mean this kid has just been dreaming about leading this team since the night it was announced they'd be playing in this game and then after the first series ::poof:: it's over. I mean that's just heartbreaking. I know how much athletes put their heart and soul into their sport, how psychologically connected they are to it, and it just had to be devastating for him. You could see it in him. I couldn't even imagine. With that said, if he would have been healthy and played, there's no way Texas would have lost, and I'm probably stating the obvious or maybe biased opinion.
I'm starting the job search and application process. I know it might be kind of early, considering I'm here for a little shy of 6 more months. But I figured with the current sitch of jobs, I might as well and what do I have to lose really? Pretty much nothing. I figured I could see what's out there, make contacts and hopefully things will work out in one way or another.
It's certainly nerve-wracking though. I remember last time this year, entering my last semester, just completely worried and nervous, definitely feeling some pressure. Then when I interviewed up in the Chicago burbs for a job, was rejected, interviewed for this internship and felt the interview was a disaster, there's no way I'm going to get it, my stress went to another level. I always knew there was home to go to, but it was just the natural progression for me to get something apart from my parents after being solely dependent on them for 22 years. It's just what I wanted. And I was fortunate enough to land something... for 10.5 months. I told you I was blessed in many ways, and I consider this internship a blessing for sure.
Alas, I will have to find something else, as we were told nothing here was guaranteed in terms of being hired on after the internship is over. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the future is exciting and scary at the same time. The job hunt is exciting and scary at the same time. It's exciting to see what I'll be able to find and where I'll possibly be next, what new challenges are going to come my way filling that as-of-now unknown position, and just the excitement with starting a new experience. Obviously scary in the sense that I won't find something, or will have trouble finding something, and then scariness that comes along with starting something new. Interesting how one thing can bring so many different and contrasting feelings, isn't it?
So wish me luck. A new year, new chapters being written... always.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
errr... Happy New Year! (a week late... oops!)
Well I figured it's about time I get on the ball writing my first post of 2010. I took quite a 2 and 1/2 week hiatus...
Be prepared, this might be long, but we'll see.
HAPPY 2010! Wow... a NEW decade! It's kinda hard to believe. So, so, SO much has happened in my life this past decade... all of which are nothing short of life-changing, growing up, and full of major accomplishments and milestones. Of course, there's been some bad things too, but the great far outweighs them. Eight years of this decade was high school and college - in which I had experiences that were fun, challenging, memorable, and just the best time of my life. I've been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people throughout it and even more fortunate to call most of them my friends.
It's odd sitting here looking back at the past ten years. There's such a mixture of emotions. It kind of all floods back on you and the years blend together. As I sit here, random memories keep popping into my head with no adherence to a time line. When you're living your life, you hardly ever sit and contemplate your past until times like these when you realize you're beginning a new decade and you can't help but wonder what the next one will bring, not only for yourself, but for your loved ones, the country, and our world. It's both horribly exciting and scary at the same time. The unknown always is, but I for one am enthusiastic to see where my next years take me and what will come my way. Good or bad, I'm ready to experience it all- to love it, learn from it and grow from it. May the same be true for you.
Since I last left you, I've been rather busy I suppose. Here's a brief run-down:
- My boyfriend, Tim, came back into the cold, freezing state of Illinois and spent time with me for the first time in Springfield and my apartment.
- My parents came into Springfield while he was here and we had a really nice dinner and visit with them.
- Erinn and her boyfriend, Ryan, came over to my place and the four of us had pre-dinner drinks and snacks before going to dinner. Lovely.
- Christmas happened! I LOVE Christmas... It was a really good Christmas, I must add. I felt as if my family expanded this year, not only with some of my family members coming to IL from out of town, but with splitting the day with Tim and his family as well! It was really special.
- I traveled in the back seat of a Toyota 4Runner for 16 straight hours to Texas with 3 boys. Ooftah... It seems bad, and I complain about it, but it really went rather fast. And it probably helped that I slept the majority of the time! It was a little crowded, and my neck hurt each time I woke up, but it was fun at the same time.
- Spent the following week in Texas and rang in the New Year! It was a great week with some good and not so good moments, but I wouldn't have changed it. It was certainly nice sitting outside and eating lunch on January 2nd with just a long sleeved shirt on...
- Came back to work this week. Haven't had too much to do, but session starts on Tuesday... hopefully things will pick up then.
- Got back to my work-out routine after a very similar hiatus to my blog-writing.
I feel like a lot of other stuff has happened, but those are the highlights.
I have a lot to look forward to this year... but in the short term as well!
First up: LADY GAGA CONCERT! Ok, ok... I know there are those who really think she's weird and crazy and don't like her, and those who are just gaga over her. I'm somewhere leaning closer to being gaga over her. I think she's just as crazy and over-the-top as the next person, but that's part of the reason I like her. It's like a moth to the flame... or watching a train wreck... you can't help but look and wonder what she'll do next. And her tunes are catchy. Anywhoo... her concert in Chicago is this Saturday and I'm going with my two best friends - you guessed it, Whitney and Erinn. In preparation, I've been listening to her albums all week long while working. I know 'em all now. I am highly anticipating this show as I feel like she is going to put on a spectacular performance. Plus, we're going shopping for an outfit that will fit in with her um, more tame styles. I'm sure I'll blog about it later and some of you can make fun of me all you want for it.
My birthday is also coming up! I get so excited about birthdays for some reason even though they aren't particularly super fantastic or anything... although I did have a wonderful 22nd birthday... my 21st was pretty good... but for my 23rd, I'm anticipating it to be a wonderful weekend as well. I guess I like them so much, because obviously, it's your day! And it starts a new year, a new age for you. A penny to each person that can tell me when my birthday is... (oh, I'm so funny.)
There's snow here... and if you remember one of my previous posts, I'm always cold. Well snow is cold... and wind chills are even colder. Below zero temps and wind chills are bitter cold... it's just a cold-fest all around here in the Midwest. This equals an unhappy Johanna... a Johanna that struggles to get out of bed in the morning and winces while walking into work each and every day. I'm definitely ready for Spring and for that Groundhog to NOT see his shadow. Please... please, please, please...
I got Sarah Palin's book for Christmas and I am currently 155 pages into it. I'm really enjoying the book, and I sincerely don't think it's just because I'm Conservative or a Republican or that I like her. I also read a decent blog posting about her this morning, I thought. Click here if you want to read it too. I wanted Palin's book because I knew about her from the campaign and such, but I wanted to know more about her background and to see what she had to say herself. I'm also always intrigued by any public figures' personal life, you know, the story behind the person that you wouldn't know otherwise. We always just see them as people we like or don't like, agree with or not, but I feel we sometimes forget that they're people just like us with families, joys, trials, and stories to tell. Maybe I'll read Obama's at some point... and I hear Dubya is coming out with one. And maybe I like Palin's so far too because I would really love to go to Alaska someday, and she obviously talks about the beauty of the land a lot in it.
I think that's all I bore with you for now. I feel like a lot of what I've said is stating the very obvious, but sometimes that's ok and not a bad thing at all. Thanks for reading this far though!
Tonight is the Texas v. Alabama National Champ game... going to watch it with co-workers. Super excited, should be a good time.
Looking forward to a year of blogging about my life and the randomness that happens to me or that comes to mind!
Be prepared, this might be long, but we'll see.
HAPPY 2010! Wow... a NEW decade! It's kinda hard to believe. So, so, SO much has happened in my life this past decade... all of which are nothing short of life-changing, growing up, and full of major accomplishments and milestones. Of course, there's been some bad things too, but the great far outweighs them. Eight years of this decade was high school and college - in which I had experiences that were fun, challenging, memorable, and just the best time of my life. I've been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people throughout it and even more fortunate to call most of them my friends.
It's odd sitting here looking back at the past ten years. There's such a mixture of emotions. It kind of all floods back on you and the years blend together. As I sit here, random memories keep popping into my head with no adherence to a time line. When you're living your life, you hardly ever sit and contemplate your past until times like these when you realize you're beginning a new decade and you can't help but wonder what the next one will bring, not only for yourself, but for your loved ones, the country, and our world. It's both horribly exciting and scary at the same time. The unknown always is, but I for one am enthusiastic to see where my next years take me and what will come my way. Good or bad, I'm ready to experience it all- to love it, learn from it and grow from it. May the same be true for you.
Since I last left you, I've been rather busy I suppose. Here's a brief run-down:
- My boyfriend, Tim, came back into the cold, freezing state of Illinois and spent time with me for the first time in Springfield and my apartment.
- My parents came into Springfield while he was here and we had a really nice dinner and visit with them.
- Erinn and her boyfriend, Ryan, came over to my place and the four of us had pre-dinner drinks and snacks before going to dinner. Lovely.
- Christmas happened! I LOVE Christmas... It was a really good Christmas, I must add. I felt as if my family expanded this year, not only with some of my family members coming to IL from out of town, but with splitting the day with Tim and his family as well! It was really special.
- I traveled in the back seat of a Toyota 4Runner for 16 straight hours to Texas with 3 boys. Ooftah... It seems bad, and I complain about it, but it really went rather fast. And it probably helped that I slept the majority of the time! It was a little crowded, and my neck hurt each time I woke up, but it was fun at the same time.
- Spent the following week in Texas and rang in the New Year! It was a great week with some good and not so good moments, but I wouldn't have changed it. It was certainly nice sitting outside and eating lunch on January 2nd with just a long sleeved shirt on...
- Came back to work this week. Haven't had too much to do, but session starts on Tuesday... hopefully things will pick up then.
- Got back to my work-out routine after a very similar hiatus to my blog-writing.
I feel like a lot of other stuff has happened, but those are the highlights.
I have a lot to look forward to this year... but in the short term as well!
First up: LADY GAGA CONCERT! Ok, ok... I know there are those who really think she's weird and crazy and don't like her, and those who are just gaga over her. I'm somewhere leaning closer to being gaga over her. I think she's just as crazy and over-the-top as the next person, but that's part of the reason I like her. It's like a moth to the flame... or watching a train wreck... you can't help but look and wonder what she'll do next. And her tunes are catchy. Anywhoo... her concert in Chicago is this Saturday and I'm going with my two best friends - you guessed it, Whitney and Erinn. In preparation, I've been listening to her albums all week long while working. I know 'em all now. I am highly anticipating this show as I feel like she is going to put on a spectacular performance. Plus, we're going shopping for an outfit that will fit in with her um, more tame styles. I'm sure I'll blog about it later and some of you can make fun of me all you want for it.
My birthday is also coming up! I get so excited about birthdays for some reason even though they aren't particularly super fantastic or anything... although I did have a wonderful 22nd birthday... my 21st was pretty good... but for my 23rd, I'm anticipating it to be a wonderful weekend as well. I guess I like them so much, because obviously, it's your day! And it starts a new year, a new age for you. A penny to each person that can tell me when my birthday is... (oh, I'm so funny.)
There's snow here... and if you remember one of my previous posts, I'm always cold. Well snow is cold... and wind chills are even colder. Below zero temps and wind chills are bitter cold... it's just a cold-fest all around here in the Midwest. This equals an unhappy Johanna... a Johanna that struggles to get out of bed in the morning and winces while walking into work each and every day. I'm definitely ready for Spring and for that Groundhog to NOT see his shadow. Please... please, please, please...
I got Sarah Palin's book for Christmas and I am currently 155 pages into it. I'm really enjoying the book, and I sincerely don't think it's just because I'm Conservative or a Republican or that I like her. I also read a decent blog posting about her this morning, I thought. Click here if you want to read it too. I wanted Palin's book because I knew about her from the campaign and such, but I wanted to know more about her background and to see what she had to say herself. I'm also always intrigued by any public figures' personal life, you know, the story behind the person that you wouldn't know otherwise. We always just see them as people we like or don't like, agree with or not, but I feel we sometimes forget that they're people just like us with families, joys, trials, and stories to tell. Maybe I'll read Obama's at some point... and I hear Dubya is coming out with one. And maybe I like Palin's so far too because I would really love to go to Alaska someday, and she obviously talks about the beauty of the land a lot in it.
I think that's all I bore with you for now. I feel like a lot of what I've said is stating the very obvious, but sometimes that's ok and not a bad thing at all. Thanks for reading this far though!
Tonight is the Texas v. Alabama National Champ game... going to watch it with co-workers. Super excited, should be a good time.
Looking forward to a year of blogging about my life and the randomness that happens to me or that comes to mind!
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