SCARY thought

55 days until CHRISTMAS!!!

She's got my back

Throughout my sister's and my college experience, we are around 6 hours apart from each other in driving time. I don't know what it is but our relationship has flourished and grown since we are so far away from each other and apart for long periods of time. I have learned, over this semester, that my sister and I are different, in many ways, but she is always in my corner and ready to give me advice on how to deal with situations and issues. I really appreciate her.

Lately, I have called her more than twice a week just to vent and get advice. She is a really good advice giver and knows how to not get all emotional in confrontations. She is good at talking me through issues and making me see both sides of various situations.

We may have fought like cats and dogs over the last few years, pre-college, but I truly believe we are growing closer every mile apart. Not trying to sound cheesy but she and I are just so much alike and different that we drive each other bonkers.

People told me, before college, that my relationship with my sister would probably get better in college and I, now, totally agree.

It's nice to know she's got my back!!

There are days...

that I can survive off of without caffeine. {gasp}

that I can stand up for what I believe in.

that I just want to crawl in a whole for a while.

that my judgment is judged and balked at.

that I feel overwhelmed.

that I miss blogging on a daily basis.

when I feel like going crazy.

that I have virtual hugs.

that I miss my family more than ever.

that I turn my cellphone off.

that I go to bed early.

that I wish I could redo.

that I could pause for a minute.

that I wish had more hours.

that I know I will be supported by friends and family.

It's been a day...

...but I must say it's been better than yesterday!!

Torn with frustration

Today has just not been a good day. One professor told me that my homemade book was a "good try but then to look at my friend's and how perfect it was." Then today I was slammed with another comment that I am not sure how to take. So I am telling you and still processing it.

After my exam, for another class, my disabilities coordinator told me that my professor suggested that I take my tests in his class instead of a separate room. I have a semi-college IEP that allows me to have accommodations in time and place where I take my test. I talk to myself and would be a distraction to others. I told my disabilities person that it would not go over well since I would be a distraction to others and would make my test grade would be not too hot. I was told, by my disabilities coordinator, to tell my professor that. I mention that I study all.the.time and my grades show that. He commented that my professor had said something about my high grades to him.

I am torn since I study like a crazy person. I do not cheat yet study on a daily basis. My grades are high because I try my best and give 100% most of the time. My grades are high because I am a perfectionist. My grades are HIGH because I try my hardest.

I am upset that the professor thinks my grades are suspicious. I may have Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and a other issues-but does that mean I can't get high grades? I am just torn on what to think.

I am torn and just don't like it!!

I want...

my weekends back!!!

Homework is taking my weekends away and I want them back!

I want to, for just two days, not be stressed and worried.

I want to enjoy MY days away from school.

I want my weekends back!!

Is this too much to ask?

Sick's up letter

{Photo from Google Images}

To whom it may concern,

I had planned to do a little baking today as well as piles of homework that still need to get done. I got an ugly diagnosis on Thursday evening of a severe sinus infection and a double ear infection plus fever. The doctor says my left ear will probably burst. I received a steroid shot, pain shot, and oral antibiotics. I, usually am, asleep at this hour but my sleep meds are just not working tonight. Therefore, I am unable to come into work today. Thankfully, we have off. But still...I will be doing homework and resting and doing little things I have on a list to do.

I am hoping to get some "fun" computer time in as well. Right now, I am trying to just keep my head above water and not be totally overwhelmed. I am a little, okay a lot, overwhelmed right now and am just taking one assignment, one step, at a time.

I'll try to relax a little, per doctor's orders, and enjoy a Friday filled with homework. (note the sarcasm) I hope to get over this illness soon and be 100% as soon as possible.

I hope you have a great Friday!!

Sincerely,

Thankful Thursday

It has been a week and I am trying to fight back, as to, the PILE of homework that I get to (enjoy-ha) this weekend! I hope you have had a good week. It's time, once again, to stop and think about what your Thankful for this week. Leave a comment in the comment section. All are welcome. Whether big or small...no thankful comment is turned away.

This week...

I am thankful that I have Friday to work on homework.

I am thankful for encouraging words.

I am thankful for funny emails.

I am thankful for sweet friends!

Have a great afternoon!!

I LOVE, the show, Cake Boss

{Image from Google Images}

I'm hooked, on yet another show, and Cake Boss is absolutely hilarious!! Maybe it's the wit or humor that have me? Could be that! Maybe it's the show? Could be that! I've got it...it's the wonderful creations that come out of this bakery? Yeah...that's it! Carlo's Bake Shop has me glued to the television and I am happy to watch this show on a weekly basis. Cake Boss provides entertainment, laughter, and inspiration to any baker.

Carlo's Bakery has a pretty cool site as well. Buddy and his crew, as well as family, provide pretty cool entertainment on TLC.

Do you watch Cake Boss??

Way to be, Rangers!!

The RANGERS just beat the Yankees in the 3rd game of the ALCS!!! Woo Hoo! Rangers (won 2) take on the Yankees (won 1) tomorrow night in New York!! There are SEVEN games in this series and then the winner of the series takes on the Philies or the Giants next. Personally, I believe the Philies will be the opponent to either the Rangers or Yankees!!

I would love to see what NY's sports page looks like when it publishes that the Rangers BEAT the Yankees 8-0 at their, the Yankees', HOME stadium.

Go RANGERS!!

Thanksgiving Thursday

Happy Thursday everyone! I, for one, am THRILLED that it's Thursday! This week has been CRAZY and it's about to get crazier as this weekend is my college's HOMECOMING!! I have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

What are you thankful for? Tell me in the comments today as the linky tool is not working for me. Sometimes everyone gets overwhelmed and it's nice to just stop and think about what you are thankful for each day.

This week...

I am thankful that I got 10 hours of sleep last night. Be jealous; I know you are!

I am thankful that fall, at least in the morning, has arrived in Texas. It was 45* this morning!

I am thankful that I have awesome friends who support and uplift me on a daily basis!!

I am SO THANKFUL that all the Chilean miners were rescued and are alive!!

Have an awesome Thursday!!

Why I LOVE this October

Pumpkin carving (a favorite activity)...football games...Rangers advance to the post season, round 2...baking...Halloween...long sleeves...rockin' television shows...fall colors...leaves changing colors...soups...HOMECOMING...cooler weather...oh and did I mention-the RANGERS advance in the post season {again}

Happy Fall y'all!!

Let's GO Rangers

{The Texas Rangers face Tampa Bay Devil Rays, for one last shot at advancing in the post season series at 7pm-tonight!}

Go RANGERS!!!

Developing a turtle's shell

It's no secret to my family and close friends that I'm the Editor for my university newspaper. I love my job (most of the time) and have learned so much over the past FOUR years. BUT I have also had to create a turtle's shell in the process. I have people, on a daily basis, who like to give me advice or their "opinions." I've had to learn how to be mean, sometimes, as well as stand my ground and be the editor that I know I can be.

On a daily basis, I get emails about story ideas, questions, comments, suggestions, and why certain things "should be done." I have to think of what is best for my staff as well as the paper in itself. This, has been, stressful and almost tear jerking at times. Some are so set in their ways that I will get looks and attitudes if I try to, heaven forbid, change anything.

This is where my turtle's shell has come into play. A turtle's shell is like the armor that protects a turtle and it's body. Without a shell, a turtle would be vulnerable and weak. Turtles have to fend off predators and harmful beings. A turtle's shell is ROCK SOLID and I kind of feel like this Editor's position has allowed me to grow a turtle's shell.

{Image by Google Images}

My turtle shell allows me to be as strong as the shell, itself, and the shell also protects me from the bad (comments & criticism). My turtle shell also has the power of making me feel strong, inside. Information, in the newspaper business, is HUGE and I feel that this shell has allowed me to take the information, given to me, and use my best judgement on how to proceed. I am told, on several occasions, that the newspaper rests on my shoulders and this, to me, is a HUGE undertaking. It's sometimes scary and difficult to swallow.

Sure it's been rough on more than one occasion but I am working on using my shell as a protector of me, as the person, and not just the editor. My role, in the newspaper, may be the Editor, but outside of this position, I am a college student who still needs a turtle's shell for protection.

Do you have a turtle shell?

I don't like confrontation

Seriously, y'all, confrontation and I are like oil and vinegar. We don't mix or jive well. I like to make everyone supposedly happy and upbeat. I don't like to hurt people and sure don't like to see people cry. I'm a motherly figure and (was told) born as a 40 year old. So when I had to confront one of my Section Editors below me. It.was.time.consuming.and.interesting, to say the least. My sister and dad were channeled as they both know how to argue, well, and my sister can give pretty good advice on how to stand your own ground.

The confrontation happened around 4:30 on Thursday. I stood my ground, made someone admit their mistakes, and made the girl cry. I was, according to my advisor, mean. After the confrontation, my advisor of the paper (who sat in) told me that I kind-of attacked the girl. This, in my opinion, is not true. She (the section editor) raised her voice, so I raised mine. My advisor may think I "attacked" my Section Editor but seriously, if she caused me so much trouble, it was time for me to tell her. I was straight and to the point, and stood my ground.

My sister was proud and my mom too. My sister, who completely talked me through how to get in a confrontation, was an amazing supporter and in my corner from the first second I asked her for help.

Ultimately this had to happen. There was no way around calling someone out (on the carpet) about them not doing their job. Maybe it could have gone better-maybe not. Fortunately, for me, my sister talked me through the whole confrontation bit and could probably had done so in her sleep. ;) She's good at it--I'm still learning. I felt h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e. about being mean but life goes on and at the end of the day...I think the girl got why this confrontation had to occur.

But still...I don't like confrontation!!

What are YOU thankful for?

This week has been a week! How's yours going? My week, I can't believe I am admitting this, goes down hill from Tuesday on. Between work, school, and all that live demands, it's nice to be able to breathe once in a while. Remembering what your thankful for, throughout the week, has been a de-stressor for me and now I am sharing it with you. Feel free to link a post to mine or leave your comments in the comment section. EVERYONE, little or tall, has something to be thankful for each and every week.

This week...

I am thankful for sweet friends who make life {a bit} easier on a daily basis.

I am thankful for the fact that I have a sister who was so ready to raise holy heck when someone did wrong to me. No she did not do it though.

I am thankful for a family who loves and supports my career and life goals.

I am thankful for the ability to attend the college of my choice.

I am thankful to be (for the most part) my school's newspaper editor.

I am thankful that I can wake up every morning and start a new day.

It's that simple. ALL are welcome to play along.


{Image courtesy of Google images}

Have a great Thursday!!

Trust

This past weekend, I embarked on an adventure.
I drove over 6 hours (one way) to attend an expo.
I spent over 14 hours in the car this weekend.
But it was all worth it.

On Friday morning, I hit the highway around 5:30am. I knew it would be dark for another 2 hours but was so excited to go see the family I was staying with. So I started driving and quickly realized that the highway, in the country, that I was on would not be lit up. Panic set in as I drove by the yellow and white lines. I could see nothing on my right or left. I was SO thankful to passerbyers who lit up the highway for me. I quickly realized that my bright headlights would be my saving grace. I could have pulled off the road and waited until the sun came up. BUT that seemed like eternity. So I chugged along.

Let me tell you! Driving while not being able to see what road you are on is scary. Seeing the yellow in the {small} distance was encouraging but when it dropped out of sight...it was not! I was so thankful for the few tractor trailers and 18 wheelers that came by. I even let a bus pass me so I could see.

The payoff of the {scary} drive in the dark was seeing the world wake up before my very eyes. I was so glad I saw the pre-sunrise and the full sunrise too. The trip, thank goodness, was beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the small towns in Texas. Sure it was a LONG drive but if you ask me if I would make it again, I would say YES without blinking an eye.

OOO

Dear blog readers,

I am going out of town (way too) early on Friday morning and will resume blogging on Monday, October 4th. I will have new pictures and posts then.

Have an awesome weekend,