Moving On.

I remember one day, right around the time I started my blog, my ex's sister-in-law, Jen, told me to be careful because it could get me in trouble. She was speaking from experience. Well, that day finally came, and it wasn't even one of my "bad" posts! In the last year I have tore many people apart with my blog (and as far as I know they all read it!) and had no problems. Oh well, I took care of the problem and it won't happen again. If you are reading this and you are one of the people I pissed off, I'm sorry. Seriously.

Moving on. . .

Sunday I spent the day doing a whole lot of nothing. I wasn't in the mood for homework or party stuff. I couldn't eat without feeling like I was going to throw up. So I hung out at the house, talked to friends, played computer games, watched stupid TV shows (I really don't watch TV much, it just doesn't do it for me.), talked to my parents, oh and I went and go picked up the car that got left at the bar the night before.

But I did take my pictures:

Day 336:

the eagle that hangs out in our backyard.

Day 336:

one of those days.

Monday I had a ton of stuff to do, so that was a good thing. I got up and got my shower and did some stuff around the house before I headed to Petoskey. I had to go over there and apply for a job and get stuff for the party. I applied for the job, then went to Gordon Foods to get table coverings and the stuff to make the Jello Shots.

I had no trouble finding the cups I needed and while I was looking this guy asked me if he could help me and I told him no, I think I could find it, but thanks. Then I decided to check to see if they had Jello. Well I couldn't find it. And I must have looked lost because he asked me again. Here's our gem of a conversation:
Him: Do you need help finding something?
Me: Yeah, actually, do you sell Jello?
Him: Um, look behind you, you just passed it.
Me: *turns around* Thinking: Thank goodness I didn't dye my hair blonde! Thanks.
Him: We only have those big packages [24 ounces, dry], are you sure you need that much?
Me: Yep, I am making Jello Shots.
Him: *raises eyebrows* Well, that will make a lot of Jello Shots.
Me: I'm making 1000 of them.
Him: Oh, you will need a few of those. Man, am I glad I don't have to clean up after that party.
Me: That makes two of us!

Then I figured out how many packets of Jello I needed and got it and checked out. Then I went to the casino to try to get cards for the party, but they only had one deck. So I got them, then decided since I was having an awful week maybe I would have good luck. So I played five dollars in the slot machine. It kept me there for a while but I didn't win anything. I went to Walmart and got the rest of the cards that I needed. I still had like an hour to kill before I needed to head back for class, so I stopped in JoAnn's and killed some time there, got a new skein of yarn and just wandered around for a while. On my way out of town I stopped at Big Apple Bagel. I hadn't eaten much in the last couple days and needed some sort of comfort food, well as any of my regular readers know BAB is pretty much the ultimate comfort food for me, not necessarily because of the food itself (don't get me wrong, it's great), but because of what I associate with BAB, the 409. In the last few days, I don't know what I would do without those two people who have had everything to do with my life for the past year or so. I drove back to Indian River while talking to Katie and eating my food.

On my way to class I stopped at Pat and Gary's to get the vodka I needed for the Jello Shots. You can imagine the look on the cashier's face when I dropped two half gallons on the counter. First she asked for ID, then asked me twice if that's all I needed. I wish I would have been in a better mood and could have messed with her, ya know "yeah, this should get me through the rest of the day" or "yeah, I have a 6 pack of coke in the car" or something like that. But I just said yes and paid her.

I got to class an hour early. So I talked to Dennis on the phone for a while, then when one of the guys got there to open up the room, I went in and helped him set up. Then I talked with Bill and Don about the party and made sure we had just about everything set. Zach got there shortly after I did and he did an excellent job at keeping my mind off stuff and making me laugh.

After class, I headed home and spent some time talking to my closest friends before taking sleeping pills and heading to bed.

Pictures:

Day 337:

candy to make me happy.

Day 337:

some days still suck no matter how hard you, and everyone else, try to make them good.

Yesterday I was going to get up early and go into town for a job interview (it was open interviews so I didn't have a time I was *supposed* to be there). So I set my regular alarm for 915 and my phone for 930. Well, somehow I shut them both off without waking up. I got up after 11. Aw hell. Oh well, I got my shower and got ready and talked to my parents for a while, then headed in for the interview.

I think it went really well and I'll know for sure on Friday whether I got the job or not. *fingers crossed* I'm so ready for this job hunting adventure to be over. Or at least be less necessary. After my interview I stopped at Walmart and got a pizza for today, stuff to make Ben's red velvet checkered cake and Cohen and Greenfield's (Ben & Jerry's for those of you who haven't been reading this thing since day 1). For the record, I haven't eaten any since all this stuff went down, so it was well over due. I was told by one of my friends that Cinnamon Bun was the best, so I, of course, had to try that. So I got home and Dad and I sat here and ate half the pint together. It was AMAZING. Dad keeps gushing to everyone about how great it was. . . I think I have finally spread my love for Cohen & Greenfield's to him.

Then I spent my evening working on homework and messing around on the computer, took sleeping pills and went to bed. Maybe tonight I'll try sleep without them. Maybe is the keyword, I need to make sure I get all the sleep I can in the next few days so I'm alert and ready to roll on Saturday.

Pictures:

Day 338:

tickets for the package deal for the party.

Day 338:

yes, the lip ring is missing, it was because of the interview.

♥ Sara
Random Fact of the Day:
The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.

"Let's not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and we obey them without realizing it." -Vincent Van Gogh, 1889 (ironically the same year he cut off his ear lobe.)

Like a Boss.

Last night was wicked funny. So Katie and I are taking facebook quizzes on myspace, just kidding it was on facebook, and one of the quizzes was “how rare is your last name.” So I took the quiz and my result was that my last name was fairly common, Katie took it and had pretty much the same result. Our results led Katie’s brilliant but frustrated mind to ponder “What last name do you have to have in order for it to be rare? Octopus-Limb?” So without missing a beat I leap to my computer and take the quiz with the last name Octopus-Limb. The results were “Congratulations! Your last name is very rare! It was not found in our database!” So, yea, our new last name is Octopus-Limb, and I think you can see why. Line up Carolyn, I know your fetish for last names will lead you to want to collect this gem. After laughing, crying, and then laughing again we went to bed.

So we wake up very, very late in the morning. Okay, afternoon. I’m pretty sure we died temporarily only to be revived by the promise of a relaxing day. Instead of driving around to hand in our job applications and collect more apps, we decide to go to Lakeview Park in Portage to lie in the sun and read. Before we leave Shana calls Katie and conversation ensue, anyways medium-length story short Shana will be joining us. So we grab Bridget, left over Mennas, carrots, blankets, and various reading material and hit the road. I convince Katie that the drink I have in my traveling bottle has alcohol in it. She takes a swig and tells me it tastes good. I now question her every comment, wondering if she is telling me the truth or just nodding along like an f’ing yes man. Anyways, we’re in Shana’s parking lot, and I scream to Katie that if Shana is not in the car in three seconds then we are leaving. I tell her to call her to get Shana out here. So Katie whips out her cell phone, stares me in the face, pretends to dial random numbers while ‘beeping’ and ‘booping’ audibly. What a smart ass. Shana finally arrives with the help of Katie’s fake phone call and begin our long journey to the lake. We go through Parkview, Katie’s absolute favorite place in Kalamazoo. We make it to the lake, and we don’t get lost! Winner! So we set up blankets and lie in the sun, painting nails and cleverly glancing over at the volleyball boys every now and then. Bridget was totally willing to run over there and ‘introduce’ us to the guys, but instead she focused all of her attention on a squirrel or two. What a waste of time. Never gunna happen Bridge. After a couple glorious hours in the sun we pack up. Nails were painted, chips were consumed, Vitamin D was absorbed, books were ignored, fun was had. We love the lake! Next time we are for sure bringing a volleyball with us. We play volleyball. Like a Boss. My nickname is Sara the Spiker and Katie’s nickname is Katie Knapsack. You heard me. Don’t question it. So we leave the lake at around 7, giving us plenty of time to make the Wings game. Katie and I bet over the outcome of the game. Katie guessed the final score would be 4-2 Pengs. I owe her 5 bucks to be paid in full. During the game we talk about book series, and Shana says that her church used to have books but don’t anymore, and one of the book series they used to have was ‘The Cardboard Box Children.’ I haven’t heard of it, but I assume it is a knockoff version of ‘The Boxcar Children.’ Katie explains that it is indeed a rip off version, but still good nonetheless. It is about four siblings who live in a house made of cereal boxes, and they collect the tabs from the boxes to send in for free stuff, and the wonderful heart-felt adventures that ensue. Thank goodness Katie is here to explain the book theme or I would have sworn Shana misspoke and actually meant to say ‘The Boxcar Children.’ That brings us up to now.That brings us up to now.

I’m not feeling very well, and all signs point to meningitis. One of the signs that you have it is you can’t touch the bottom of your chin to your neck/chest area. And I can’t. I am also tired, have headaches and neck aches. Fingers crossed. Will update tomorrow if I feel better.

Song list for the day:
“Love Bug” - Jonas Brothers
“It’s Just Another Day” - Paul McCartney
“Teenage Dirtbag”- Wheatus
“How Do You Sleep”- Jesse McCartney

Phrase of the Day: "Oh Laaawd" (with hand motions.)

-Written by Guest Blogger Katie "Octopus-Limb" Champagne. =)

All of that is 100% accurate, well it was until she sent me the edited part about the Boxcar Children! Shana really did misspeak. I really do feel awful and said I didn't want to write my blog tonight so she offered and I supervised. She did very well!!! =) Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

Here are the pictures (including a bonus photo of my guest writer!):

Day 74 (06.04.09):
our nails.

Day 74:
Katie blowing on a caterpillar that wanted to join in our fun.

Day 74:
me.

♥ Sara

"I think a good product would be "Baby Duck Hat". It's a fake baby duck, which you strap on top of your head. Then you go swimming underwater until you find a mommy duck and her babies, and you join them. Then, all of a sudden, you stand up out of the water and roar like Godzilla. Man, those ducks really take off! Also, Baby Duck Hat is good for parties."
-Jack Handy Deep Thoughts.

*Katie chose the quote as well, and the title.*

Much Better.

Today was 100 times better than yesterday. That's for damn sure!! =) I didn't sleep too well, but I got up and got ready for job hunting. Katie picked me up and we spent about two hours looking for a job and picking up applications. We gathered 22 applications. Hopefully that will result in two jobs, one for each of us! =)

To reward ourselves for a long day of job hunting we went to Qudoba and had lunch. We got on the topic of guys during lunch and decided to make a list of things that guys cannot have if they want to date me. Then we decided to make a list of things guys ideally would have, but aren't 100% necessary. Then thanks to Katie's crazy ideas we also made a list of rejected things for both lists. So, here are these lists. Be prepared to laugh, and if you are a guy from my past, don't get offended if there are things obviously about you! (There are very few we intentionally made for certain guys, and they are laugh-out-loud funny.)

HE CANNOT:

• be blonde.
• not be able to get into a bar.
• have strong liberal beliefs.
• be shorter than 5'9".
• be allergic to and/or hate pets.
• have no means of support.
• not know what he wants.
• is in a frat (or dreams of being in one).
• is older than Jason (08.31.77).
• wear crocs daily.
• like Clay Aiken.
• have bitchy girl friends who make decisions for him.
• take two weeks to decide if he wants to be with me.
• have kids.
• have a bright pink car.
• ride a bike with a horn.
• spend more time gettin ready than I do.
• live with ex.
• wear nothing but band t-shirts.
• wear the same thing two dates in a row.
  
• own a bird.
• watch trashy tv religiously.
• have been in jail.
• be Brendan. (lol.)
• have a crazy dog.
• know all of the lyrics to an Ashlee Simpson song (dictated by Katie as she sings "Pieces of Me").
• religiously watches NASCAR.
• wear manpris.
• only shop at Abercrombie, Hollister or American Eagle.
• have scantly clad women posters in their bedroom.
• smoke cigarettes.
• be a clinger (won't let me hang out with my friends alone).
• be able to recite more than two minutes of Star Wars.
• like Twilight.
• have a fetish for American architecture throughout the ages. (I LOVE Katie for this one!)
• have a bag of eggs, toilet paper and silly string at the door just in case.
• choose the gym over me.
• wear dress clothes 24/7.
• not read anything other than magazines.
• own more than two sex toys.
• cry over everything.
• not be able to handle the fact that I have a male best friend.
• wear clothes that are three sizes too big.
• listen only to rap music.
• be an ex.
• be anti-swearing.
• do any kind of drugs.
• have a personal relationship with three or more members of Al Queda.
• hate more than one of my piercings.
• be scared of commitment.
• hate affection.
• be obsessed with TV.
• wear more makeup than I do.
• wear skinny jeans.
• have frosted tips.
• think Hillary Clinton and/or Jennifer Granholm are attractive.
• watch American Idol religiously.
• have cornrows.
• snore loudly.
• smack his food.
• be confused about his sexuality.
• have a permanent butt-print on his couch from sitting on it all the time.
• wear color contacts.
• be able to name the members of the Backstreet Boys or N'SYNC.
• be scared of guns.
• think Ludacris doing a song with Jesse McCartney makes sense.
• hate the Helen Keller song.
• hate country.
• use any of the following words: wazzup, "bra" (bro), make me a sandwich bitch, damn she looks fine, I'd tap that (the last two about someone else).
• have awful grammar all the time.
• be melodramatic.
• text me more than five times a day with no response.
• get too excited for a cross dressing party.
• like the Spice Girls.
• say wash with an r (warsh).
• drive like an old lady.
• wear too much cologne.
• take food off my plate without asking unless it's already been discussed (ie. I told him he didn't have to ask anymore).
• have a man crush on John Stamos.
• wear bling.
• wear big white sunglasses.
• drive a lifted truck.
• have a thick mustache.
  

IDEALLY HE:

• would be a good cook.
• doesn't have a roommate, or at least not a stupid one.
• is taller than 6'2".
• has awesome glasses. (This one was borderline rejected.)
• has a meaningful tattoo.
• is conservative.
• likes the Red Wings, but not TOO much.
• can stay on the bull for 5 minutes. (This is pushing it as well.)
• runs a mechanical bull. (Love Katie for this one too, she's crazy!)
• has a hot Catholic friend for Katie.
• has a job.
• has less than one year left in school.
• likes SNL. (Katie wants a partner in crime to make me watch SNL.)
• knows how to play a cool instrument.
• likes board games.
• is an adrenaline junkie, or at least gets that I am.
• is funny and/or witty.
• can take my sarcasm and can dish it back.
• wants to travel.
• favorite color is black.
• makes fun of girls that are dressed like sluts with me.
• likes kids.
• loves his parents.
• smells good.
• has ridden or would be willing to ride a horse.
• is single!
• likes Death Race.
• will watch romantic comedies with me.
• would dress up for one of our parties.
• lives within 20 miles of Kalamazoo.
• doesn't have a strong desire to leave Michigan.
• like to make and/or read lists.
• would read my blog.
• is outgoing
• likes to be outdoors.
• likes to cuddle.
• knows what he wants.
• will make minor decisions for me. (Where to eat, what movie to see, etc.)
• will do dishes.
• will help clean up after a party.
• will take care of me when sick.
• isn't being followed by the FBI.
• has a motorcycle.
• likes thriller or suspense movies.
• likes the Beatles.
• is not afraid to admit he watches Disney.
  
• gets excited to find a toy in the cereal box.
• and lets me play with it.
• knows a good ghost story.
• likes That 70's Show.
• is a night owl.
• knows the Heimlich maneuver and CPR.
• doesn't act weird with me around his friends.
• likes me more than my dog.
  

REJECTED FROM THE LISTS:

• has a summer house in Nepal. (+)
  
• chews their straws. (+)
• likes paper mache. (+)
• lives with parents. (-)
• owns a ferret. (-)
• owns a Persian cat named Mrs. Cleo. (-)
• has a messy apartment. (-) (I had to remind her what mine looks like sometimes.)
• can point out _______________ on the map. (-) (fill in the blank.)
• works at Chuck E. Cheese. (+)
• owns a moon bounce company. (+)
• has nothing other than chicken, eggs and gatorade in the fridge. (-)
• is the manager at Mennas. (+) (LOL.)
• owns a monocle. (I don't know if that was supposed to be a + or -.)
• can identify three or more bird calls. (-)
• claims to have seen a leprechaun. (-)
• aspires to be the next Evil Knievel. (-)
• carries his own hot sauce. (-)
• can name at least 25 state capitals. (+)
• even slightly resembles Dave Thomas from Wendy's. (-)
• has electrified himself. (-)
• uses the line "does this rag smell like chloroform to you?" (-) (Too ridiculous.)
• doesn't have a problem with a swingers party now and then. (+) (Rejected for obvious reasons.)
• would do Sarah Palin. (Don't know if this was a positive or negative, I rejected it anyhow.)
• randomly uses the phrase "flotsum and jetsum." (I have no clue!)
• thinks Dane Cook is funny. (-)
• is confused by Lady Gaga's ethnicity. (-) (Katie was! lol.)
• thinks K-Fed is an awesome person. (+) (She's out of control.)
• gets excited over driftwood. (+)
• knows hat zero the hero is. (I don't know!)
• smells like a pine tree air freshener. (+)
• can quote Adam Sandler movies. (+)
  

Most of these, well all of mine, had a reason behind them. Some of Katie's are off the wall and just made my day! I initially wasn't going to share them but I figured what the heck? Not to mention none of them are set in stone because I have never dated anyone who didn't fail at least three of the "cannot" items. lol. And I know of at least one person who has a ton of the "cannot"s that I would still date, but maybe that's because he was in mind for a lot of them. (Don't tell Katie, she would yell at me! lol.) If you have any questions about any please comment, I would love to explain if I have an explanation.

After lunch we went to the movies and saw UP. It was great. Kinda sad, I wanted to cry in multiple places, but since I was with multiple people I didn't know I didn't feel comfortable doing so, so I choked back my tears. I would totally recommend seeing it to anyone though.

Then we went to the video rental place to get He's Just Not That Into You (how appropriate!) and their movies were rent one get one rental free, so we spent quite a bit of time looking at movies and I was getting incredibly impatient because I was missing the game and Katie told me to quit being a man. Then we got back to her place at the beginning of the second period and I watched the game and Dennis called so I talked to him for like an hour and a half. I caught him up on all the male drama in my life (he was unaware of all of it, we typically have more important things to talk about). His advice, the same as everyone else's: stop looking. Til I explained that I wasn't looking and there is only one guy I have actively pursued since Ben (which wasn't discussed here, but those of you close to me know who that was), and that didn't end well for me either. He then said that I need to be pickier and not let guys I'm not really really into get me down. Eh, I will try. During my conversation with him the Wings lost (the only bad part of my day). =(

We came back to my place and watched the movie. I seriously want to buy it. I love it! I had already seen it in theaters but I was a bit distracted by the awful text messages my ex's friends were sending me. Katie and I awwwww-ed through the entire end of it this time. lol. I think I'm officially out of my funk. Unfortunately, Katie seems to have caught it. I hope I don't get it back.

Anyhow, for the pictures so we can go to bed!

Day 72 (06.02.09):
our applications in Katie's backseat.

Day 72:
look at the natural color coming in!!

♥ Sara

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
-Marcel Proust

Superheros!

Ah!! I'm not going to make a habit of this, I swear! But life was crazy the last 24 hours and this is the first opportunity I had to write!!

Yesterday, well technically day before yesterday now, but you get the picture, was the Superhero Party!! I started my day by finishing my cleaning and spending way more time than I should have on www.textsfromlastnight.com. I found one that I think may have been about me (and Katie). Here it is:
(734): those bitches were sniggering at my man-pris like they were goddesses of fashion!
(269): ...dude i pray you are quoting something, someone, anyone...
We saw a couple guys about a week ago in manpris and I pointed and giggled. LMAO. Oh well. Don't dress like an idiot if you don't want me to laugh at you. Anyhow. I got my cleaning all done and got ready for the party.

My costume consisted of white capri pants. Um. Who thought white capris would be a good idea for me? Whoever it was, they are an idiot. I nicked my knee while shaving and had to take them off and wash them not even 5 minutes after I put them on. Ugh. Luckily they were dry for the party and I made it the whole night without spilling any more on them! =)

Sarah got here about 715. She was a surprise to everyone but Katie and I. She wasn't supposed to come in until today! We were so happy to have her here. Then Katie and Carolyn got here about 730 and we finished getting our costumes on and putting the final touches on them. We had a good turnout for the party and EVERYONE wore costumes. I was kinda disappointed because Katie and I had plans for people that didn't turn out costumed. When I said something to Craig about it he pointed out that I sent out a scary letter to everyone and they were afraid of me! =) Ya'll know I kinda like that. So we played some pong (Jake and I did amazing in the beginning but then we both kinda lost our touch), Rockband, Hold'em and Waterfall. It was a great night. And late night. We didn't go to bed until after 5 am. Hence why there was no post done that night. Haha.

So here are the pictures!:

Day 68 (05.29.09):
Mario and Luigi. aka: Ben and Peter.
I loved the action shot so I had to use them for my 365 photo!! =)

Day 68:
Echo. from the Daredevil comics.
my eyes are still bloodshot from putting my contacts in/lashes on.
I should have waited a bit longer I guess. . . .

Today was almost as great as yesterday!! First of all, I got out of bed maybe 3 times before like 430 pm. Twice to pee and once to say bye to Sarah and lock the door. Katie and Carolyn left early early morning, but Sarah left around 11. I actually got quite a bit of sleep considering I didn't go to bed until 5 am!! Haha. Then Jake and I had breakfast/lunch at like 5 pm. LOL. And we watched Sweet Home Alabama after discussing that he really liked Reese Witherspoon as an actress, yet hadn't seen that movie. It's definitely one of my faves of hers.

At like 630 I checked my phone and realized I had a message from Katie about the bonfire at Peter's tonight and us riding together. She wanted to leave around 630 and I hadn't showered yet! So she and Sarah decided to wait for me to get my butt in gear and get ready. And Jake had his own surprise thing planned so he took off and I got ready to go with my girls. We went to Hastings to Peter's house for a bonfire/dinner/volleyball.

It was great! We hit the volleyball around for a bit. Then ate. Then played a "game." I put it in quotations becase no score was kept but it was fun. And it made me laugh because Jake and I had just discussed the fact that volleyball was my favorite sport to play, yet I hadn't done it in a while and missed it. Katie and I are going to try to play more now. . . .

Peter gave me the tour of the farm. I got to see sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. It made me miss home. Even though I don't live on a farm it still made me miss home. And then we had the bonfire, which really made me miss home. I absolutely love bonfires, they are most likely my favorite part of the summer and not being able to have them in Kalamazoo sucks! But I had a blast tonight! And Dave texted me the Red Wings score periodically so I didn't feel too bad about missing the game. We sat around the fire until after midnight, then headed home. So I just got home and am working on picniking my pictures so I can get them up and go to bed! I'm so tired. Tomorrow I think I'm going to church with Katie but not til the 730 mass so I will be able to sleep in!! =)

Day 69 (05.30.09):
Peter knows how to build a fire!! =)

Day 69:
taken in the back seat of Sarah's car.

♥ Sara

"We've always been ready for female superheroes. Because women want to be them and men want to do them."
— Famke Janssen

(borderline inappropriate, but funny!! =) )

Done.

Today was my last day! I am done. All my papers are handed in, all my exams have been taken, all my classes have been sat through. Wow. Just wow. It's all so surreal yet. I mean, can it really be that I am done? I have worked so long and so hard to get to this point, yet I'm really no where near as excited as I feel I should be. Maybe it has to do with my lack of sleep, or the fact that I'm not feeling the greatest, or maybe it's my old-self shining through and my fear of the unknown has returned. Whatever it is I hope it changes! I want to be excited about this!!!

My day was so long and crazy. I woke up this morning with the worst migraine I have ever had in my life. I could not function whatsoever. It was AWFUL. So I got up took some Excedrin Tension Headache, drank a glass of water, kicked all the animals out of my room and went back to bed, head under the covers and pillows over my ears (the sounds of the cars leaving just made it explode).

It eventually went away and I got ready for my last class ever. Which, since it was just presentations, wasn't all that exciting and certainly wasn't difficult. I talked to my professor after and thanked her for all she had done for me over the past year (she was one of my incompletes from the passing out business so I have spent quite a bit of time with her). Also I told her the story about the prof at MSU and my looks (see 'Dr. Adams' post for the story) and she was utterly amazed. She said that she has learned in her years of teaching to never judge a book by its cover and said that I'm a textbook example of that. She actually said that conservatives need more people like me on their side. (I laughed at that, since I seem to be a rare breed.) And she proceeded to tell me that she thought my lip ring is cute and she thought this was my natural hair color, and ended it with I shouldn't change my looks for anyone or any political job. (She's a public policy professor.) It really made me feel good.

Then I went to the library. I had a paper that was due a couple days ago that I hadn't gotten around to getting done yet. So I decided the best way to get it done would be to lock myself in the library until it was finished. Five hours later I emerged victorious. The only bad part was that I had SlimFast for breakfast and that was it. I got out at 9. AH! So Brendan and I had made plans to hang out and I convinced him to go to Applebees so I could get some food and David joined us. We killed a couple hours there and I decided I needed to come home and go to bed as my parents will be here tomorrow and my apartment is no where near clean.

I guess I will think about relaxing Saturday? Maybe not til Monday! Haha! I'm still excited for this weekend though!! =)

For the pictures:

Day 31 (04.22.09):
Sam.
we talked and decided since both of his sisters made it in here recently he probably should as well.

Day 31:
me.

♥ Sara

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called 'truth.'"
-Dan Rather

Dr. Adams.

Today was rather eventful, yet I feel like I got nothing done!

I finished my paper and handed it in, FINALLY. Then I went shopping (grocery and general household items). After shopping I completed my scrapbook through day 20! Then I got ready for tonight.

Tonight I went to MSU to hear Dr. Mike Adams speak and took Katie and David along with me. He is a conservative professor at UNC-Wilmington and a columnist at Townhall. At one point not too long ago, he was a liberal athiest. I've seen him speak three times now. The first time was in Hillsdale and we went out to dinner with him after (three of us from WMU and two from Hillsdale). The second time, he came to Kalamazoo in November and I was in charge of getting him frm the airport, taking him to the event, taking him to dinner after the event, to the other airport to try and get his luggage (which the airline sent to the first airport, 45 minutes away, idiots.), to his hotel, picked him up for breakfast, ate breakfast with him, then took him to the airport. So we had plenty of time to chat in that time (this will make sense later in the story, I promise). If you have never heard of him you really should check him out here, if you are a liberal or feminist you will most likely be offended, but that's cool. =) Oh and fair warning he's a satirist.

His speech was great. We got there a few minutes late because someone missed the exit *cough* David *cough*, and he decided to stop his speech mid sentence and announce that we (well I, and the people with me) were there. And asked for a round of applause for us coming all the way out there (it's like an hour and a half) *shakes head*.

After the speech, while waiting to talk to him, this guy (the chairman of the Conservative Faculty and Staff group who put the event on) came up and started talking to us. Asked where we were from and which college we went to. Then he said are you conservative, liberal, libertarian? I immediately blurt out conservative (or maybe I said very conservative, whatever), Katie hesitates and I don't think she ever answered the question (She's a one-issue girl.), and David says libertarian. The guy proceeds to tell me that I threw him off, he thought I was a liberal because of my lip ring. Um yes, I am a liberal, therefore hating everything Mike Adams says, yet I drove three-hours round trip to see him. Sounds about right. Later, when we were talking to Dr. Adams that guy or another professor asked if I listened to hard metal rock. I laughed and said no. I listen mainly to country. I thought the guy was going to die of a heartattack right there. Then I proceed to tell him I have precious feet tattooed on me and I volunteer(ed, and will again soon) at a pregnancy care center. Talk about shock when he asked "You're pro-life?" Um. Once again, nope, just thought it would be fun to tattoo and opposing view on my body. Some people. But David tried telling me I imagine people judging me, that they probably don't really do it. Proof that they do, right there.

Finally enough people cleared and we got to talk to Mike Adams and I caught him up on my life (graduation, no longer engaged, my break, grad school, etc.) and he asked me what my ideal job is, I told him what I tell everyone: I don't know. Then he asked if I had any interest in working for Students for Life of America. I said sure, why not? And he proceeded to tell me that he thinks I would be great for it, wants to help me get a job there and will contact me with more information after contacting SFLA. Craziness. Oh I didn't mention, it would involve me moving to DC.

We left the speech with me pondering this and jabbering about potentially moving to DC and how crazy that would be since out of high school that's where I wanted to go, but got too scared and didn't do it. I was accepted to American University, but turned it down.

And since I was in East Lansing I was so disappointed that I wasn't going to get to see Dennis, we rarely get to see each other and I was right there, but I know that he's super-stressed out right now. (He's in his first year, second semester of law school and his finals begin on Saturday.) So I understood. But I figured I would give it one more shot (or three calls, haha). I called him and whined about wanting to see him and told him he could afford a half hour break. And after more whining and begging he agreed to come out for a little bit! I was so excited! Made my week, for sure. The crazy part is that next weekend he's coming here to hang out and celebrate the fact that he made it though the semester and I graduated! (I failed to mention we haven't seen each other since my birthday in October, so this is insane seeing each other twice in a little over a week!)

Anyhow, we went to dinner and visited with him for a bit, then we came back to Kalamazoo. I dropped David and Katie off, came home to write this and post these pictures and I'm headed to bed. I'll be sleeping by 1:30 am! Woohoo!! Tomorrow is going to be insane so I need some sleep!

For the pictures:

Day 25 (04.16.09):

Bridget. she hates it when I leave her alone most of the day.

Day 25:
contemplating life and things you can't even imagine.

♥ Sara

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be."
-Douglas Pagels

Stripper?

Today I had to come up to my parents' house. I had a dentist appointment at 430. I have to wear the retainer 24/7 for two more weeks. And he sanded down a tooth so they are all even on the bottom. They look lovely! I am so happy with it!

So I get home and one of my best friends from high school was here to get his taxes done. I hadn't seen him in probably three years. We just kinda drifted apart. So, I visited with him for a little bit. When I first walked in the door he said "wow, you have your lip pierced?"
And here is how the rest of convo went:
Me: Yep, and I have nine others.
Him: Wow.
Him: Comments about how much I have changed, the jet black hair, lip ring, and general darkness.
Me: Yep, just a little bit.
Him: Yeah, I always said you were going to grow out of your goodie two shoes stage and become a wild child.
Now I don't consider myself a "wild child" but it made me laugh just the same.
Later. . .
Him: You don't work at the vu do you? [the vu is a strip club]
Me: Fuck no!
Him: Well with that hair cut I didn't know.
Me: What? I have a stripper haircut?
Him: Yeah. Kinda.
Wow. WTF.
So that was an interesting conversation. I guess anti-my-looks week isn't over yet!

It's almost midnight and I am EXHAUSTED. I am seriously going to bed as soon as this is posted, and if i get my way I will sleep past noon. =)

Ok, for the photos, the only editing done on the first is the frame. It was gorgeous!!

Day 18 (04.09.09):
the view from the end of my parents' road.
yes, we still have ice up here.

Day 18:
taken while driving, along with about 100 other photos.
BORED!

♥ Sara

“Silly is you in a natural state, and serious is something you have to do until you can get silly again.”
-Mike Myers

Scary.

So in my 3am brain I forgot to share the best story of the day yesterday. At the party, Dad and I ended up sitting with a family that we didn't know (along with some of our family). Well they had a daughter who was probably 10. She spent ALL of her time staring at me, my lip ring especially. Then, she pulls out her cell phone and is playing with it. And then all of a sudden the camera points at me and I hear it go off. OMG. lol. So my dad noticed it too and tells her mom, tells her it isn't a big deal and we both got a laugh out of it. Plus I've had kids say worse stuff, she didn't say anything! Then my dad proceeds to tell her that he has a little leash he hooks to my lip ring when we go out for walks. Ass. =)

On our way out the door my dad told my cousin about it who proceeds to say, "Yeah, she will show the pictures to all her friends and say 'See, there are freaks up north!'" My question is since when did having a lip ring make me the freak of the family?!? I guess I should own up to my title and do some crazy shit the next time we have a get together! It made me think of that story because I was told I "look a bit scary" today.

Today, I got up only to see a ton of freaking snow! Took me almost an hour to get from my parents to town. UGH. The rest of the trip wasn't awful, wasn't particularly great either. I finished Dreamcatcher on tape. AMAZING! (It's a 16 tape, 23 hour long audiobook by Stephen King.) Quite sad to have it over though, but I started Behind The Lines which is a collection of letters from wartimes throughout history, pretty good thus far. Once I got down here I just had time to drop off my animals and go meet my group to work on our project. Can't wait for Tuesday so that's over and done with!

I don't really have anything exciting to add beyond that, so here are the pictures!

Day 7 (03.29.09):
the stop sign coming off 127 onto 55.
I love the little icicles on it.

Day 7:
told you I was scary looking today.

♥ Sara

“Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, "I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway."”

-Maya Angelou

Retention.

I actually had a half-way eventful day today! I went to the dentist this morning to pick up my retainers! I had braces 4 years ago but never wore my retainers. Well I had a tooth on the bottom slip behind other teeth and another tooth on the top that was starting to slip. When I went in for my cleaning three weeks ago I told them I wanted the retainers. They told me that I could get a spring retainer and wear it at night and it would fix my bottom tooth.

Well I get there today and find out that I have to wear the bottom retainer all the time until the tooth is moved forward. Also I had to have my tooth sanded down with a metal strip....WORST THING EVER. My dentist said to the hygienist "I think I can read her mind." And the hygienist said "Yeah?" And he said "Yeah it's full of four-letter words and thoughts of murdering me." (He was half right, I wasn't thinking of murder, just torture.) Then my lip stud kept getting caught under the wire on the retainer, so I'm wearing a horseshoe in my lip. Totally not me, and I don't like it, but it's better than getting stuck often. So I have a ring in, a lisp and sound like an idiot. But I have already noticed the tooth moving, craziness.

Then I went on a run. OMG. Alternative's LifeRun is May 30, it's a 5K race. I would love to do it, so I decided I should be able to be ready for that in two months. UGH, I don't know now. I haven't ran at all in the last four years, and not regularly in six years! So I got dressed, clipped on my pedometer, and took off. I ran almost 3/4 of a mile. Better than I expected, but I felt like I was going to die too. Eh, if I keep it up I should totally be able to run 5K in two months!

Day 5 (03.27.09):
my polka dotted retainers and my pedometer proving how far I ran.

Day 5:
taken just before I went running, almost forgot to do it today.
and yes there is still snow at my parents' house!

♥ Sara

"The greatest pleasure in life, is doing the things people say we cannot do."
-Walter Bagehot

Oh Fish.

Eh, I don't have anything aw-inspiring to talk about today. I spent my morning and early afternoon doing homework and then got ready to go to my parents' house.

Oh but I do have a funny story about going to Gander Mountain. So one of my mom's cousins is retiring and they are having a huge surprise retirement party this weekend for him. Well, for gifts it was requested we get fishing lures for him. I know nothing about fishing lures. When I fish (which is never anymore =( ), I put a worm on a hook and cast it. That's the extent of my caring about fishing equipment. So I'm going to Gander Mountain to get a fishing lure. Oh goodness!
So I get there and there are aisles and aisles of stupid lures! Well I decide to ask the guy working in the fishing section about it. Here's my memory of our conversation...
Me: Um, could you help me?
Guy: Sure, what do you need?
Me: I need a fishing lure.
Guy: For what?
Me: Um, fishing. *laugh*
Guy: Well what are you fishing for?
Me: [Due to my conversation with Bri I almost said men, but decided I probably shouldn't make this any worse than it's already headed.] I don't know.
Guy: *Looks at me like I'm an idiot*
Me: It's for my uncle [he's not really my uncle but close enough].
Guy: Well what is he going to be fishing for?
Me: Fish. Ok, I'll stop being a smartass. I don't know. It's a gift for his retirement party. I was told to get a fishing lure, so that's what I'm doing.
Guy: Well the lure really depends on what you are trying to catch, but I'll show you some good ones for multiple types of fish.
Me: Ok.
*Proceeds to show me like 10 different types and tries explaining them.*
Me: Ok, I really don't care, just tell me what to get.
Guy: Um well I would probably go with [narrows it down to three choices].
Me: Ok thanks.
Guy: If you need any more help come find me.
Me: Ok. Have a good day!
I'm sure he loved telling people about that interaction. LOL!

And then I drove home. Really not what I wanted to do this weekend, but I have a dentist appointment to get my retainers tomorrow (yay!) and then I have the retirement party Saturday, so it's ok, at least I do have SOMETHING to do this weekend!

Ok for the pictures! I had one heck of at time in my self-portrait shoot today...I loved so many of the pictures and they are so silly. Oh and as soon as I realized I would have to do my 365 shoot on the road I knew what it would be, and it only took a single shot. Possibly because I only had one chance to get the shot! =)

Day 4 (03.26.09):
a billboard in the Grand Rapids area.
I LOVE this billboard.

Day 4:
I told you the photoshoot was fun!

♥ Sara

"Give a man a fish and he has food for a day; teach him how to fish and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend." -Zenna Schaffer