Saturday, December 3, 2011

Almost there...

I am beyond exhausted from all the writing this semester...BUT, I am almost done. I have a couple revisions to see to, but other than that...I think I can see the light!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Horse slaughter legalized for human consumption

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2813842/posts

This makes me SO mad. Not only did he promise in his campaign to END horse slaughter, but it could raise taxes in some areas. Furthermore, the article says how 70% of Americans are against horse slaughter. Who will be eating this meat? And what about clean-up and everything that comes with this process? It just is awful.  I feel like he passed over this without enough consideration. I'm not HUGE on politics, but I do know a little about horse slaughter. I'm against it. But also, why do we need to eat horses? We already have cows, chickens, pigs, and God knows what else. I just don't understand the whole "for human consumption" aspect of this. Even if I wasn't a horse lover, I don't think I'd want to eat one. I barely like eating cow or pig. I just needed to vent that out.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

My Brief Break Comes to an End

Depressing...
Sooo...I went home Monday and ran around getting stuff done. I met Emily Tuesday morning at Blue Colony Diner. It was great to finally catch up on everything. We hadn't seen each other in nearly 6 years. She's living on her own now, has her own apartment and is taking classes as well as working as a nanny. So major props to her. I think we may try and catch up again over Christmas break. We're going to go to Triple Play and check out the SJS gym. She hasn't seen it yet! Mikey came in Tuesday night too. Mom and Dad picked him up around 2 at Bradley. Had some tallboy cans ready for him haha Tried to run and my leg HURT. Oh my God. It was my quad. There's knots all along it. I need to get it worked out completely and then slowly get back to running. I'm just so pissed about all this. Another indoor season down the tubes. Sucks.

Wednesday morning I got up and showered and then went out to my Aunt's PT place. She worked out some of the knots. They still hurt. Grrr. She had worked on them the night before too. Paul called me to tell me he had made it in alright, but he booked the wrong flight to get back to Pitt. He somehow booked a 6:20 a.m. flight for Saturday morning O_O He was NOT happy. Fran stopped by Wednesday night too. He showed me his new tat. Silly kid. It looked pretty legit though. We'll have to hang out more over Christmas. Thanksgiving break is such a tease because it's so short. Any visits are short and they're mainly to line up visits for later in the year. I talked to Paul, who made fun of me for sleeping with my 5 foot stuffed bear (HA!) and then passed out super early.

Thursday was Thanksgiving! Paul and his Dad drove down. Lisa outdid herself on the food. Her mashed potatoes are always my favorite. They're MORE than mashed potatoes. They're like a dish of heavenly awesomeness. Paul took Jack outside to show him this new RC helicopter thing. And then I went back up to the lake with him afterward so I could spend Friday with him. We tried watching Elf, but his DVD player wasn't exactly working. I fell asleep with my contacts in, despite him trying to wake me up so I'd go take them out. I didn't even eat turkey, so no idea WHY I was so tired.

Friday was a lazy morning. We went for brunch at the Farmington River Diner. That's our sort-of tradition. haha. We tried finding pumpkins that were being discarded so that we could use them as targets. His Dad said we could go up to High Rise and shoot at some old glass bottles and pumpkins. So fun. I just tried out a smaller one that was a step up from a bebe (sp?) gun. He let me try one of the more aggressive ones, but held my arms so I wouldn't totally hurt myself. haha. We had fun though. It was just for an hour. We made it back in time to get sunset pictures too. Paul fell in the mud trying to explore. The sunset was beautiful too. I got him to watch Hidalgo with me. hahaha. It was a fun night. We just joked around. It was very relaxed. There was nothing to worry about.

Until....4:30 a.m. wake up to drive to Bradley!!! I drove and got him there for 5:30-ish. I hate saying goodbye though. It was so early and dark. I made it home by 6:20. Could NOT fall asleep. I drove Jack to practice, read a magazine, wrote...yup....booooring.

Paul sent me home with his Christmas gift to me because he didn't want me to have to carry it on the plane. So it's in the living room, not to be opened until Christmas morning. I miss him. We were supposed to go tag our tree this weekend...probably not happening.

Can I fast forward through this week and just be at December 8th and on my way home???? Pleaseeee Ugh. And I thought that my classes on December 8th would go until 6...nope. Done by 9:30 a.m. I can get unpacked and situated for Pittsburgh. Another trip since I won't be seeing him for Christmas. :(

"Travel is in your future" Thanks you fortune cookie. haha

Pictures from the weekend

 Paul thought he was the Paparazzi haha

Sunset






 Potentially bad idea, but clearly SO excited








Sunday, November 20, 2011

Bored

My bags are packed, the trunk is packed...I just have a few things to grab tomorrow which won't take me long and then I'm headed home for Thanksgiving break. I tried to bring some stuff back that I'd be bringing back during Christmastime anyways...I just didn't tackle my closet yet or anything...bad.

So I had a couple good days of getting back to running, but now it hurts again. I'm upset :( I've been trying to massage it and ice. I was supposed to go out last night...fell asleep while waiting. I was all dressed, had my make-up on and was like, "Ok, I'll watch some TV." Yeah, passed OUT. Woke up right before they were leaving and my dress was all twisted, my make-up all over my pillow...I was like, ok...this is a sign. Stay in. I think that was a good call, for once.

I did laundry super early this morning. It needed to get done before I head home. Bought some dry good groceries for the rest of the semester and some woman almost ran me over trying to get backward through the check-out line. She apparently forgot the sausage to stuff her shrimp. ? What. So she comes sprinting back and then proceeds to ask the cashier if what she had was sausage. O_O Really?

We had our first track meeting today. Again, really upset about my leg. I've been doing exactly what I've been told.

I really do make a mess of things

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Vent

People tell me I need to take care of things myself...I need to do this, I need to do that. If I have a bad day, well it's NOTHING compared to theirs. I have it EASY. Ok, yeah...I'm not destitute or suffering in any way. But am I still not allowed to have a bad day? I guess not. I guess what hurts most, is having no one to talk to. I feel silly talking to them because my problems are always minimized. I'm already nervous about grad work, and then to be told on top of it that I shouldn't be doing grad work and I should get a real job...but WAIT, real jobs don't happen for Communication majors. I'm just tired and sad. I can't run and my chest feels heavy. I want to be out of here for good. I don't care that it'll be the end of college. I just want to start over somewhere...live somewhere else, meet new people who don't want to see me fail. Because I'm really good at looking happy and going with the flow. But inside, I'm not OK. I can only take so much nagging, so much belittling. I'm trying to follow my heart and do what I love. I'm not afraid to work hard. I didn't think I was doing anything wrong as a freshman. But you know what? Maybe I just don't have the mindset for all this right now.

I also am starting to not trust anyone. If I couldn't write, I would just be like a volcano ready to blow at any moment.

Monday, November 14, 2011

What an interesting weekend...

Well, I went home this weekend. My leg was beyond aggravated and Buffalo was out for Regionals. I cried about it. Yeah, I know. But once I got it out, I remembered what I always remember from when I had mono and missed states. "This is just a snapshot, not your whole photo album." Thank you to the Woodland Coach for that one. He's right. I had a great race at MAACs. I'd consider it going out with a bang. If I feel better, I always have the Goshen Turkey Trot to blast off some extra racing energy in. Plus, there's no pressure. I just get to run.  Right now, the focus is on getting better.

So...I had a relaxing time at home. Spent a lot of time with the leg up. Did homework. Bought the Water for Elephants DVD and Elf. Went to O-Joe's with my parents and the Shannons. Watched Lisa and Janice walk back to the cars, arm in arm, belting out, "Hey, hey we're the monkeys!" Always entertaining. Grandma pulled out her wedding dress. I got a guilt trip about being the only girl on this side of the family and she's going to have to just give it away because "Who the hell's gonna wear it?" O_O Yeah. I did help her hang it up and spread the train out. It was all wrinkled from being in a white plastic bag after being dry cleaned. I didn't want to make her feel bad, but even if I did want it, the alterations to it would be ridiculous. I just laughed off her rants though. She settled down when my Dad and Jack walked down to say hello.

I made a bath appointment for Jasper, aka Sir Stinks-a-lot. Oh my God. He was terrible. He looked like he had things GROWING in his fur. He's hit the mangy old man stage, sadly. But my mom called it a "whore" bath when he got home. He smelled like Vanilla Body spray. hahaha They basically just tried to do a cover-up of his nastiness. I bet he'll be stinky again in a day. He covered me in dog hair though when I was playing with him. Someone's getting a new, high-tech doggie brush for Christmas! haha

So yeah...didn't really do much. Mike will be home next Tuesday and Paul and his Dad are coming down Thursday for dinner :) so I just need to get my two Sports articles written this weekend and I'm golden. Just my capping presentation to work on. I WANT TO RUNNN :(

Ok...that's enough. Jasper pictures!!!!!




Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Some lake pics








The water was so calm. And it was wicked sunny. I had to switch around some camera settings. haha. I love how the tree over the lake came out with the sun through it.

Why does this always happen to me?

Just like that my hopes and dreams get trampled on.
Brian has my Sartorius all taped up. I went to see him today. Haven't run since Saturday afternoon when I did like 6 miles. I'm a mess. I cried it out, I think. but I couldn't do the workout today and Regionals are Saturday. I'm sick of this. It's what makes me hate running. I did nothing to make myself get hurt. I was so careful. And here I am, limping to night classes. UGHHH.

In other news...Paul came to visit this weekend. It was really, really nice to see him. We went and surprised his parents Saturday afternoon. And then we simply watched football all day Sunday...went to the diner and Barnes and Noble. Went to the Subaru dealership. It was nice to just have him around to talk and laugh about stupid things with. It distracted me from being injured over the weekend. Normally, I'd be sitting staring at the four walls (which I did all day today until PT). I wish he was still here to tell me it'll be ok and that running is stupid. I let myself fall back into loving running because I have a couple good races. And then it rips my heart out, just like that. Chuck said he still wants to bring me to Buffalo. I can maybe still race. But this is 100 x worse than it was at MAACs. There's only so many times you can push through something before it's legitimately done.

I'm going to watch the Crew Team tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. and then do their interviews for my final project for Pete. Once I get that done, then I'm nearing the wire. Most of the important stuff is done. Just one more essay for my English class, my capping presentation, handing in the two articles to Pete, and then writing up stuff for my screenplay. I can literally count on one hand what's left to do, which is scary. I should be going to class. I have some Otis pictures for later. Hopefully.

Oh and everyone go check out my graduate school blog!!! It's almost done. I have one more post for next week.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

SNOWTOBER!

Sooooo...
Last week was a blur. My groin was a mess, but I made it through my Monday workout and then got through long runs with the help of PT. Thank you, Brian.

MAACs went well. We got 2nd as a team. I was crying and generally a MESS before because my groin muscles/hip were hurting me so bad. I decided to run. Went out in a 5:35 mile with Heidi, backed off a bit and then got a second wind after the backhills. Ended up fourth overall behind the three Iona girls. I PR'd by over 30 seconds. Ran 22:01 for the course, but it was a 21:47 6k for VCP, a 18:06 5k. I'll take it. haha I was a MESS after though. My leg was killing me big time. Lauren put a smile on my face. I went up for my medal and she goes, "OTIS! Wait, is that your boyfriend?" So of course I'm cheesin' big time in the picture. haha.

So THEN, I went home for the weekend. Forecast of snow. Before Halloween. Dumb. Dad and I went to the lake Saturday morning to check the house, and on our way back, we had a half hour to go, the highway was COVERED in minutes! Dad drives like a crazy man and we were in the Buick cruising down the left lane. He even made it up the back hill by Spartan's. Insanity. We lost power immediately. It was creepy. The lightning Saturday night was blue and red. My mom thought an emergency vehicle was outside our house. We still had Jack's party Sunday. Mom made chicken dip over a teeny tiny candle flame. Took 3 hours, but was still legit chicken dip. Go mom!

Getting back to school was a nightmare with the traffic, but it was nice to have electricity. The snowstorm was a blessing in disguise though. I couldn't run for two days and my leg got a nice rest I guess. It still hurts :/ And Waterbury won't have power back till around Friday. Poor Jack. He's probably bummed. His birthday is today. The big 13!

In other news, Lauren, Sarah, Courey and I went on the Headless Horseman Hayride last night. Lauren and I were laughing the whole time. So it made it a little less scary. She got yelled at for trying to pet the horse that the headless horseman rode up to the hayride. haha. The haunted houses were pretty good though. they ahd a chainsaw guy. haha. This was ranked like #1 in the Northeast I think. And it was featured on Good Morning, America! and the Weather channel. So cool. Had to at least experience it once :) Here's a link:

http://www.headlesshorseman.com/

Anyways, I'm a little stressed because we had to pick classes today. Another blessing in disguise. Fiction is offered during my practice time so I was apprehensive taking it. then registration wouldn't let me in to take it, so I signed up for an independent writing project, which would build a portfolio. Blessing in disguise? Maybe. It's at 9:30 instead of 3:30 and opens my schedule up big time for practice and my internship.So I'm going to try and relax about the whole thing now. haha

Ok, enough of me talking...pictures!
The ones from MAACs are from Lauren.
 In front of their favorite bar. haha






 The MAAC card I made for Kara. haha

 SNOWTOBER. We lost quite a few branches


My dress for formals :) It finally came in!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Supposed to be studying...

"When I get big, I’m going where he’s going: South America. It’s like America, but south." –Ellie (Up)

Love that movie. It's so cute. I don't think I brought it to school and I need to watch it right about now. This week was insane though.  We had Mike Breen and Ian O'Connor here Wednesday night and I stayed till almost 9:00 to listen. Pete asked to do an article on it and I had PAGES of notes and was exhausted. So I left a little early. Still got some great stuff.

Than Thursday, I had my interview with Hudson Valley Magazine and I LOVED it. Polly, the editor, took me through everything I would be doing and it just made me really excited to get a chance to finally try out the field. Went for my run. Went to PT (I pulled my groin. Again. Figures. When the important races come rolling around.). Then I had to cover the swim meet that night. Believe me, I was doing a happy dance when I could finally curl up in my bed afterward. 

Friday - 2 x 2 mile workout! I forgot how much I liked tempo workouts. I just like that feeling of being on cruise control I guess. Made me feel like I was getting ready for a 10k again. The first time I ran a 10k felt like a straight tempo run until I got to the last mile. And EVERYONE loves when works feels like fun, not work. haha. My mom called after and needed me to start the witch hunt for Ben & Jerry's "Schweddy Balls" ice-cream. Back story- in CT and NY (I think), some mothers are complaining and having it pulled off the shelves. Really? Ruin more! There's one called Karamel Sutra! People just really love to complain. Kids have no CLUE what it's referring to and don't get the joke. If your kid gets it, maybe take a look at your parenting and put some parental controls on your television channels. Ugh. Anyways, I found four pints of it for her in Jazzman's. I have NO Marist money left. Anyone who wants to buy me sushi tomorrow night, I'll love you forever. haha. Went to the soccer game and then went to bed.

Saturday was awful waking up. Erin and I did our long run together and it was actually a beautiful day. Dad brought Grandma up with Uncle Pat and we went to Eveready. After they left (with mom's "schweddy ball sack" of treats. BAHAHA) I went to Applebee's for coffee with Lauren and Sarah. Busy night for me. haha.

Today...I am FREAKING OUT. My groin muscle...a mess. It literally runs from inside my knee and up and across my left hip. Seriously. I ran great until I was like, hmm...maybe I should back off. Yeah...been icing forever. Plus I have a workout tomorrow and MAACs Friday. I am stressed.

Ok....I need to go study for screen writing. haha. I've been putting it off like all night. BAD.

I miss my goofball :(



Monday, October 17, 2011

Weekend Update (not SNL, sorry)

Sooooooo...I had a rough week. Going home was exactly what I needed. After the whole heart fiasco...I am fine. Wednesday on was a little better. I ran and then went home Thursday. So nice to be home. Got some errands done, some homework...Saturday was the Albany meet. Of course it was cloudy and windy. The start was on an uphill. Seriously? Freaked me out. We brought Jasper along. He made tons of new friends and then pooped on the sidewalks and tried to eat an adorable little black lab puppy. Crazy. Love him though. The race was, eh. I hated the start. Bottle necked straight through the mile mark. And I felt like I was running SO fast, but my time was off or something. Maybe the course was long. I don't know. It was weird. I guess Chuck said the Albany girls mentioned their times were much slower compared to earlier time trials on the same course. So something was off. After the meet, pumpkin coffee and Otis!!!! Super. The lake was HIGH and looked like the ocean. The trees weren't that colorful, which was sad. I did laundry ALL night and watched Bridesmaids with mom. Laughed our butts off.

Sunday we went shopping. Finally got my Sperry boat shoes. Half price, man :) New pair of dark jeans, a scarf and some leggings. So just some basics really. I was trying to watch my spending because I have Christmas presents to buy and possibly a surprise plane trip to Pittsburgh to make. We shall see. I also found a dress for formal/lauren's wedding. It's an adrianna papell. They didn't have my size, but we finally found a store in Buffalo that had it and it's on its way. It was one of those numbers that didn't look like much on the hanger. One shoulder. I love that style. Ran 11 miles when we got home. I went to Holy Cross and then had to run back up the hill by Spartan's. Ugh. Stupid decision. That hill is death. It's probably only like 0.35 miles at MOST, but it's like straight up and curves. My butt hurts just thinking about it. No wait, my lungs are burning remembering it. Back to school and I hit traffic in Danbury. There was a white pick-up that was so charred from fire that it was mostly black. Spooky.

I HATE Mondays. It's official. Start off with an 8 a.m. and coffee dripping through my mug all over me. Then go to a presentation for my capping blog, which I'm proud of and WANT to show off. I flub the speech because I touched the keyboard and sent it to the next slide before I needed it. I was shaking. Not to mention, my nice black dress pants...bought them last year. Yeah, now they're too big. I didn't have a nice, professional dress belt so I had to make sure they stayed up while I spoke. Seriously. Nightmare. But, I have an interview lined up with HV Mag and I made it through my run and 5 o'clock class. Got two more capping posts written. So I managed to get work done. I just have a lot left for the weekend. It needs to slow down :/

I have one thing I'd like to accomplish before I leave though...I want to capture a Marist groundhog. I found out what they eat. Blueberries, apples, bananas. They're SO FLUFFY! I'm gonna die. hahahaha. Had to do it. Ok, I need to go to bed.

 LOVE this sunset picture



"I love car rides!" Jaspieeee <3 haha