Additions.

Since I really didn't do much today, and therefore don't have much to talk about I have a few random things I want to talk about.

1. So as we know, I have an obsession with the Bucket List (and lists in general) and completing things on there. But the number of things I can complete in Kalamazoo is limited. And I mentioned in my reconnection post that I would be starting a Kalamazoo list. My initial list is almost complete! WOO! But I have also added a few to my bucket list. Here they are:
112. play laser tag.
113. attempt disc golf.
114. secret.
115. complete Kalamazoo list.
116. collect and read all Dr. Seuss books.

117. go out to eat alone.
Yes, #114 is a secret, by request of the person it involves. But I can tell you it will be one of the most enjoyable/funny list items to complete!!! Maybe I will be allowed to share the story when it's complete. I better be!! Otherwise, I will be severely disappointed.

2. In my reconnection blog, I left Dave a note in the off-chance he actually read it. (He said he wasn't going to.) He did. But I had to share his comment about my blog. 'Then I realized, "Hey I can see my hang- out- with -sara report card(blog)" ' LOL!! He was checking to see if the pee incident made the blog. Well Dave, it didn't before, but it did now!! When he got here I had Bridget already boxed up, she has a habit of peeing when she meets new guys, so I either don't let her meet guys or take her outside when they get here. Dave wanted to see her so he let her out. And she peed. UGH! lol. It wasn't that big of a deal and I'm expert at taking care of it. But I had to share it now since he brought it up! ;) (That's for not going out with us tomorrow night!)

3. My mom (gotta love her) pointed out my mis-reading of the poll. How has no one else had the nerve to say something!?!? I mentioned that I was going to re-dye my hair black, as the majority of you who voted said to do, but that is inaccurate, the majority of you told me to keep it my natural color. So it will stay my natural color for at least one more week, then I will decide how bad it looks, if I will be able to stand growing it all out.

4. I love inspiring people!!! =) Last night I was talking to Brian, a friend of mine from high school and he told me that he had been reading this thing and that it inspired him to start his back up! So looks like I might get more reading material!! And I know it will be humorous reading material, which can never be a bad thing!!

Ok, for my pictures. My self portrait is a big step for me. 44 days ago and any time before that I would have never thought to take a picture like this and I certainly never would have thought I might actually like it!! But I do. . . .Here they are:

Day 44 (05.05.09):
the Ouija board.
No significance to today, just sitting in my living room yet.

Day 44:
totally raw picture.
no photo-editing.
straight out of the shower, wet hair, no makeup.

♥ Sara

"Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting."
-Dr. Seuss

#63 - completed.

63. start selling jewelry.

Ya know, there are days when I miss my "old life." By that I mean when it wasn't so crazy, when there were dull moments, when I was bored, when everything was planned and nothing was left to chance. Last night / this morning was one of those days. But then I really think about it and I know in the end I won't want to change the craziness for anything. =) I have more to say, but I really don't want to publish this for the world to see. If something comes of it, ya'll will know. If not, this will be the last you hear of it.

So my day wasn't all too exciting. I'm still sick. I spent most of the day just sitting/laying on the couch not doing a whole lot. Watched a couple movies, spent quite a bit of time on facebook, nothing exciting, nothing new.

Most important thing I did today: I made Jen's necklace! She has mailed me the check and she will have her necklace shortly!! So I completed #63 on the list which is to start selling my jewelry. I will be taking pictures of all of the jewelry I have here that I made and putting together an online album. I'm not sure how I am going to go about selling it since I would love to only do custom orders. I don't know if etsy allows custom orders or if you have to have the product pre-made. Maybe I will just do word of mouth for a bit, we'll see.

After that was done, I got ready and went to the post office, then to Wal-Mart. I had to get some food and some other stuff there. Nothing real exciting.

Most of my day was spent in reflection about what I started this post with. I'm learning a lesson in patience and not sure that I like it. It is one thing I have never had, but hell, I've changed in so many ways I might as well get some patience while I am at it. And I know, I was told not to change my ways, but I have and it's too late for me to consider going back. So those of you keeping me on track, please continue. You are the greatest and I absolutely love your support. =)

Oh, one more thing! This is post 50 this year!!! And I have had over 500 visitors in like 16 days! INSANE!!! =)

Now for the pictures, I had a hell of a time deciding which self portrait to use and as I type this I haven't yet decided! UGH!!! I typically hate them all and choose the less ugly of them, but for some reason today there are two that I actually really like. Anyhow, here they are:

Day 43 (05.04.09):
the necklace I made for Jen.

Day 43:
waiting sucks.

♥ Sara

“All human wisdom is summed up in two words - wait and hope.”
- Alexandre Dumas Pere

Happy Birthday Daddio!!!!!

Today is my Dad's 62nd birthday!! So the pictures today are dedicated to him!! =) I love you Dad and will see you in a few days!!!

Today I didn't do ANYTHING. Well I put together the next five pages of the scrapbook, but that's it. I have a cold and feel like crap so my motivation level was non-existent. I pretty much feel like I'm going to die. Maybe not, but we never know. I did work on my Kalamazoo list and have added a few things to the bucket list. I will post them tomorrow as the list is in the other room and I'm too lazy to go get it right now. Ok, that's all I have to say tonight.

The pictures:

Day 42 (05.03.09):
Happy Birthday To YOU!!

Day 42:
just for dad.
no lip piercing.
colored shirt.
minimal make up.
and "I love you!"

♥ Sara

"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest."
-Larry Lorenzoni

Happy Birthday Jon!

I know, another morning post. Sorry!! Last night ended up being really late and I was too tired to try to edit or post pictures when I got home.

I got up yesterday morning and went with Dan to get coffee and breakfast. We hung out for a couple hours and talked before I had to get going. I headed back home around noon, got here around three. The weather was great, traffic wasn't bad and for once I didn't mind the driving.

Once I got home I just relaxed for a little bit before I got ready for the evening. Then I went to Wal-Mart and picked up my pictures for the past ten days. I will be scrapbooking them today!! =) Shortly after I got home Jon called and asked if I wanted to come over for dinner, so I did. Yesterday was his 21st birthday. So we ate and hung out for a bit. (Read: Watched tv and I talked to Dennis. lol.)

Then we started our drinking and driving. Jon did the drinking, I did the driving. =) We went to Wayside first. Played some pool while we were there. Then to Gallaghers, the Green Top, Shakespeares and we ended the night at Waldos. Actually we ended the night at Mennas, well at my place with Mennas! I love that place! =)

So for the pictures, I had better ones but Mr. Drunk-Ass deleted them. Don't let drunk people have your camera!

Day 41 (05.02.09):
yes, those are all my balls left. BUT I won because he scratched on the 8! =)

Day 41:
the bangs are getting there. will be redying next weekend! =)

♥ Sara

“Drinking beer doesn't make you fat, It makes you lean....
Against bars, tables, chairs, and poles.”
-Unknown

Cousins.

Well first of all, the votes are in. It seems that I will be re-dying my hair and growing all of it out. Eh, good choices, the only one that I would have liked to have seen in a close race was easily decided (my bangs). Maybe later they will make a return appearance. I really did like them!

Today I got up, got ready and packed up my stuff to head over to Sterling Heights for the night. Getting ready consisted of shower, hair, makeup and, of course, computer time. In that computer time I found my official degree awarded letter! So I in fact did graduate!! =) My cousins Dan and Rachel live here and my cousin Mike's band, Breach, had a gig at a Brewery over here tonight. I know I haven't mentioned it here, but I really REALLY hate driving on the east side of the state. It SUCKS! Stupid people, stupid roads, stupid construction. Ugh. Awful.

After I got here I hung out with Dan for a bit. Well, a short bit, Dennis called so I talked to him for almost an hour while Dan got ready, Leah and Rachel got here and Rachel got ready. My withdrawls aren't so bad tonight. lol.

Then we went to Cheeseburger in Paradise!!! OMG! I was so excited to go there, it was my favorite restaurant, until the one in Kalamazoo closed. =( I was so sad to find that out. But there is one just a mile or so from Dan and Rachel's, so I guess that's incentive to vistit. Ugh, but I don't know if the traffic is worth it!! ;)

After dinner, we went to Sherwood Brewing Company, where Breach's gig was. The music was excellent. I got to see my cousins, Mike and Jen, and my Uncle Steve and Aunt Shirley. I don't get to see any of them very often, so that was really nice.

But now I am off to bed since I have to be back in Kalamazoo tomorrow!

Here are the pictures:

Day 40 (05.01.09):
the band.

Day 40:
taking pictures while driving worries even me. =)
not really.

♥ Sara

"The great gift of family life is to be intimately acquainted with people you might never even introduce yourself to, had life not done it for you."
-Kendall Hailey, The Day I Became an Autodidact

Reconnection.

Today was great. Caught up on some much needed sleep! Then I worked on the PCH and scrapbook a bit. (The PCH is super long and involves a lot of thought, so stick with me as I complain about it everyday!) I spent my morning/early afternoon making plans for the next few days. Tonight I went out with my friend Dave, tomorrow I am going to Sterling Heights for the night. My cousins Dan and Rachel live there and my cousin Mike's band has a gig over there tomorrow night we are all going to. Then Saturday I am hanging out with Sara.

After my plans were finally made, I started getting ready for tonight, then went to the leasing office and resigned my lease for another year. I have until July 16th to cancel it if I decide to move elsewhere. But in all honesty, I'm not so sure I see that happening. Then I went back to my apartment and finished getting ready.

Dave got here and we went out to London Grill and had some amazing food and conversation, then went to Shakespeare's for a bit. Funny story, at Shakespeare's these three girls came in and sat down next to me, well behind me because I was turned talking but you get the picture. Well Dave went to the bathroom and I overheard the girls saying that they needed to find a guy to buy them drinks because they didn't want to have to buy drinks all night. Right after Dave came back they started talking to the guy next to them, within like 2 minutes he bought them drinks. The two of us couldn't help but laugh at the situation. And at least one of the girls was engaged/married!

Dave and I knew each other from NCMC, the community college I went to up north and he recently moved to St. Joseph. So I forsee us hanging out more in the future. He is completely intrigued by my bucket list, as most people seem to be, so we talked about that and various other things. In talking to him I decided I'm going to make a list of all the places I want to go/things I want to do in Kalamazoo (as an add-on to the bucket list)! Dave said I should make a list of all the cool things I could be doing instead of making lists. Um yeah, I know I have a problem! =) But, it was a good time for sure. I still think he should come out next Wednesday to Wild Bull with us! (I added that just in case he decides to "stalk me" and read the blog!)

Then to finish off the night perfectly, Dennis had left me a couple IMs earlier in the night so I called him and talked to him for a bit. It's so weird with him not being in school and not being online all the time anymore. A bad weird, we used to talk for hours a day, but he's never on and I'm forever tempted to permanently close AIM so it doesn't disappoint me. Haha.

Ok. Picture time:

Day 39 (04.30.09):
cheers.

Day 39:
my bangs need to get a bit longer so they are controllable.

♥ Sara

"I would not exchange my leisure hours for all the wealth in the world."
-Comte de Mirabeau

#33 AND #94 - Completed.

33. ride a mechanical bull.

94. give a random guy my number.

Two in one night, go me!! =) Both will be discussed in detail later in the post!

This morning I got up and did some cleaning. Watched a few movies. The random movie selector makes me laugh. I watched "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," followed by "Identity," followed by "Shrek the Third." If you have seen or heard of all three of those movies you will understand why I laughed. I also worked on my scrapbook some. It was suggested that I print off these blogs and keep them in there as well in case I ever close this down. So I started that, reorganized the scrapbook some, and worked on the PCH. I ran out of ink and paper, so I decided running errands would be necessary today.

I got my shower, but first facebook messaged Katie to ask if she would go to Wild Bull with me. And she obviously said yes. So I got ready and ran my errands. I paid my rent. Then I went to Hallmark, Dad's birthday is Sunday, Mother's day is the following Sunday, Dennis' birthday is the following Sunday and I have a few weddings coming up this summer, so I needed some cards. I also am going to have to do some shopping soon. Ugh. Shopping for gifts can be such a pain in the butt. I absolutely love giving gifts and sending cards though, one of my favorite things to do. Deciding on Dennis' gift was remarkably easy to do though, and I don't have to have Dad's until Mother's day. Then I went to Office Max and got my toner. Got home just in time to change and get ready to go out.

I went and picked up Katie and we went to Wild Bull. Tonight is college night and ladies ride the bull for free. Hell yes. No cover before eleven for ladies either. I think Wednesdays at Wild Bull might become our summertime tradition. After much persuasion from me and the guy sitting by us, Katie finally rode the bull. Prior to doing so she said "it's just not something I would do." So I told her I was going to bring some crazy in her life and she better get used to it. I rode the bull (obviously). Three times!! I absolutely loved it!! There was a guy that sat next to us and chatted us up throughout the night. In fact, Katie rode the bull with him (see the picture of the day). Well finally I realized I didn't even know his name, so I asked Katie if she did and she said no, let's just call him Chris. And I said well I'll ask. And he said ask what? So I asked him what his name was. Get this, his name was Kris. Katie did not know this and was just as shocked as we were that she guessed it right. So anyhow he wanted to give me his number so we could call if we ever went out to Wild Bull again. I figured I might as well give him mine and knock it off my list. So I did. Don't worry ladies, I won't be dating him. He was just cool to hang out with at the bar. That's as far as that goes. =)

I am cutting this post short, I could totally go on and on about the bull riding, but I'm tired and I'm thinking tomorrow might be another late night. =)

So for the pictures:

Day 38 (04.29.09):
Katie and our random guy, Kris, on the bull.

Day 38:
black is back. as is the lip ring, I missed the damn thing even though I complained about it and wanted my stud back when I had to wear it.

♥ Sara

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."
-Frank Tibolt

#15 - Completed.

15. go to a movie. alone.

That is right! I did one of the easiest, yet most difficult tasks on my list. It was easy because I mean going to a movie doesn't cost a lot of money, it isn't difficult to do, and it's definitely enjoyable. But going alone was scary and intimidating. I don't know. I'll explain it when I get to it.

I spent my morning/early afternoon watching movies, working on my Personal Case History (# 105 on the list), and editing pictures. So, ya'll know how I am super-indecisive. Well I spent nearly a half hour staring at my movie rack trying to decide what to watch when finally I came up with a brilliant (or so I think) plan. I put all my movies into an Excel spreadsheet and then used a number generator to choose a number and watched the movie corresponding with that number. I think I might do the same thing for all my favorite restaurants! ;)

Then at 4ish, Brendan called to let me know grades were up, once the feeling of throwing up subsided I went and looked. I got two As, two BAs, and a DC. UGH. I knew it was coming. As, some of you knew I have been freaking out about failing that class for a while now. It was my own fault, I turned in assignments late, and then she decided not to accept them. Ugh.

So I had told Dennis I would call him immediately to let him know how it turned out. He has been my rock through my freakouts about this (just as I have been his through his first year of law school). I called him, about in tears to tell him I failed and won't be receiving one of my degrees. Then, throught the course of our conversation I thought about the fact that not all classes do you have to have a C to pass. So I started looking, I tore apart my bedroom looking for the course catalog and for my major slip. The major slip said nothing about course requirements, and I couldn't find the catalog. Then my genius bestest tells me to call the college. After calling three different people I finally got someone to answer my question. Calling Dennis to tell him I passed was the highlight of my day. And telling him that I still graduate with honors, with a 3.5 GPA was great. It made me laugh that we ended up with the same GPA at the end of our undergrad careers, and that made him happy because he couldn't handle me having a higher one! ;) I'm not sure which of the two of us was happier that I passed though. He told me I should go out and celebrate, and I said I didn't have anyone to go out and celebrate with, which lead me to thinking and completing my next bucket list task. Excellent idea. I really don't know what I would do without him! Anyways, I talked to him a bit longer, then went back to my PCH and pictures.

Later my mom called and I told her the whole story. Yeah, I wasn't going to tell her I almost failed a class but I have this thing with keeping stuff from her, in that I cannot do it. So I told her the whole story. She wasn't mad about my grade. Wasn't mad that I could have not passed. Nope, she was mad that I didn't tell her sooner so she could be there to support me. Wow. Really? I have amazing parents (have I told ya'll that?!?).

Then I got a shower and got ready. I decided I was going to complete a bucket list item today. So I went to see Fighting at the Kalamazoo 10, alone. It was such a strange feeling. I felt like everyone was looking at me and judging me for being alone. (And I wasn't dressed like a freak for once so it wasn't that!) But it was a also a very liberating feeling. I realized today that the last time I went out on a date was January 19th. That just made me sick, so I considered tonight my date with myself. =) Anyhow I absolutely loved the feeling at the end of the movie, the feeling that I could do anything alone. I already knew this but it reaffirmed it. I really like my new-found independence and feel as though I might need it for a while. The movie itself was ok. It wasn't anything spectacular, but I would watch it again if someone asked. Wouldn't buy it though.

Oh and I wanted to point out: 350 visitors in 10 days. WOW. =)

Ok, time for the pictures:

Day 37 (04.28.09):
my ticket.

Day 37:
I don't know what my deal is with color lately!!

♥ Sara

“All alone!
Whether you like it or not,
alone is something you'll
be quite a lot.”
-Dr. Seuss

Sleep.

Today was spent catching up on sleep. Then I spent a couple hours job hunting. I am far from done and haven't actually sent my resume in anywhere, but I do have quite a few jobs saved that I will be applying for. I 'm excited. I don't know yet where I will end um for the next chapter of my life, or if I will stay here, but I'm still excited for it.

I'm not sure what to think of this nothing-to-do thing. I have a feeling I'm going to get bored real quick. My apartment has never been this clean for this long. I have found myself spending more time cleaning than I think is healthy, but I guess it can't be a bad thing.

I'm keeping this post short because I am exhausted and want to go to bed! So here are the pictures:

Day 36 (04.27.09):
the decorations on my door from yesterday.

Day 36:
yes, I am wearing a tie-dye shirt.

♥ Sara

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go."
~Dr. Seuss

Party.

Yesterday was great! I didn't post last night because it was too late and I actually fell asleep on the couch watching a movie. But my day started out just as great as it ended.

I got up and made my breakfast and spent the next few hours cleaning and talking to some of my favorite people. I put away all my movies and some of my clothes, did dishes, and vacuumed for the fourth time in two days. Now that school is done and I won't find myself spending every waking moment doing homework (or saying I should be doing homework) my OCD issues can really shine through. UGH. So then I took a shower and got ready to go shopping with the girls. While I was waiting for them I made a sign and blew up a ton of balloons. (Maybe my picture of the day for tomorrow (well today now) will be of my door decorations. I forgot to take it yesterday so I can't use it with this blog, I really am a stickler with myself on this project.) Then the girls (Sarah and Katie) and I went shopping.

We got done shopping just in time for them to go home and change and come back for the party. In case you aren't an avid follower, the party was for Katie's 21st, which was actually last Sunday, but with finals week being last week most people weren't interested in giving up the Sunday before finals (especially with a lot of people having finals on Monday) to celebrate a 21st birthday!! We had quite a few people show up and had so much fun (well at least I did)!! Most everyone left and we decided to watch Death Race. I'm pretty sure I was asleep before the beginning credits finished. That's what happens when you don't sleep much for a week plus. . .then again I got up at 8 this morning. What is wrong with me?! =)

Ok, for the pictures:

Day 35 (04.26.09):
a close up of one of the roses my parents got me for graduation.
no photo editing done (aside from the crop to 4x6)

Day 35:
I need sleep, my lazy eye gets worse every day (one of my eyes doesn't open as far as the other, and the more tired I am the worse it is. . . ugh).

♥ Sara

"I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends."
-Nancie J. Carmody