School is in session. Yesterday was my first day at HCC. I started my day by getting up at 6:30am and getting ready. I didn't have to be in class until 8am, but at my campus, parking is a nightmare. I pulled my little Focus into the parking lot shortly after 7am.
With my notebook and textbooks in my backpack, slung over my shoulder, I mosied on over to the campus coffee shop. I'm not against early mornings, but I am usually friendlier after a cup of joe. To my dismay, it wasn't yet open. I began to panic that it would open at 8am, right when my Sociology class would begin.
A friendly face walked toward me and asked me if the shop was open yet. I lamented that it wasn't, and they hadn't posted the operationg hours on the door. I spoke to this fellow student, a nice girl named Lauren. She's beginning her final semester at HCC. She gave me several ideas on arrival times for parking and showed me where to find snacks at an on-campus convenience store.
Lauren and I were very happy when the coffee shop employee opened the door for us at 7:30. We walked in and began to sort out our individual coffee choices. I went for French Vanilla creamer and a Sweet and Low, Lauren chose a Columbian blend, black. The cinnamon rolls they sell are enormous, so I offered to split one with my newfound pal. She accepted, so we sat down to a sweet breakfast, after paying the dear woman at the counter.
With a sense of excitement, I bid adieu to Lauren a few minutes later and went up to my Sociology class. I walked in and chose a seat in the second row. I like to be near the front, but not always right in front. It's a thing. Other classmates began filing in and taking seats around me. A few of them looked scared and many looked as if they had sleep walked into class.
When our professor came in, he introduced himself and told us to all take a deep breath or two. He proclaimed that he wasn't scary and that we would have fun in his class. He told us upfront that we could earn extra points for laughing at his jokes and refraining from even looking at our phones or laptops in class. After we discussed the syllabus, I calmed down from my nervous excitement. Professor Bonavita seemed likable and actually pretty funny.
I had a three hour break before my next class, so I jumped right into student mode. I didn't take my laptop with me yesterday, so I went to the library and took out my Sociology book and just read the first two chapters. I went back and re-read the first chapter, hi-liting important info and I answered the questions after the summary. I also took a few notes during our initial lecture, so I looked over those.
Around 11:30am or so, I decided to grab lunch. I went to the cafeteria and was pleasantly surprised at both the selection of available food items and the very low prices. I chose a cup of very delicious beef chilli and a garlic and cheesy breadstick and a small drink. I paid less for that than I pay for my daughter's Happy Meal at Mickey D's.
My next class was Into to Music Appreciation. I was very eager to get to this class. Btw, I DID sit up front in here, lol. I have a love of classical music, and have taken previous music history and various other music courses before. I played violin and sang all through school.
This class will be a walk in the park for me. I'm very interested in the material, and will probably go to many concerts for the extra credit. I should take any and all extra credit I can get, in every class. I plan to earn all A's, but a teeny cushion for tests and papers won't hurt me and can only help. Dr. Switzer seems very passionate about music, and I share his enthusiasm.
I feel I'll learn even more about the great composers and the importance of music within various societies. It's a shame I know I'll have to miss one class in October, as I really, really will love this class.
Immediately after the end of class, I had to book it to the Technology building for my Intro to Computers class. I am not computer literate and I know this class will help me immensely. Professor Bross speaks with an Australian accent, and even looks a tad like Mr. Dundee, haha. He is also very funny and told us to not fear his course. A lot of the assignments will be online, so I will be able to work on them around my other courses and work schedule. I like that flexibility, as I was a little concerned with how much work I may potentially be doing in any one week.
With three classes down, I came home for a break, and to eat the wonderful meal my sweet boyfriend prepared for us. I had finished at 3:15pm, and my next class was at 7pm. My boyfriend dropped me back at school just before my class was set to begin. My night class is Intro to the Teaching Profession. I plan to become a teacher, so I was anxious to find out if I'd like my professor.
I knew I had a friend, Melissa, who was also taking this class with me. I awaited her arrival, and we sat next to each other. Professor Collins seems like the sweet old lady type. I breathed a sigh of relief at the end of our three hour class. I wasn't dreading any of my classes, yet. I realize that it was only the first day. Still, I maintained my excitement at being back in school, and my hope that my first semester won't be a nightmare that sends me screaming away.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
I'm an official Fairy!!!
After thinking they were going with another candidate, I received the call for a second interview a week after the first one. That secon interview was this past Monday. Today, I get the call, and was offered the position!!! I really couldn't be much happier than I currently am.
I have a fun new job that I'm pretty sure I will like, and excel at. I am enrolled at school, taking 5 classes this semester, toward my education degree, so I may become a teacher. I have a wonderful, and loving boyfriend who means the world to me. I have a sweet daughter, who is
the light behind my green eyes. I have it pretty sweet, right now.
I know that the economy is terrible. I was unemployed for not quite two months. I am one of the lucky few that haven't been out of work for a longer stretch of time. I applied everywhere, it seemed. I hope the rest of the people I know are looking will find something soon.
In other news, I have a wedding to attend in October. The wedding is on Halloween, and I am rather excited. It will take place outside of Boston. My bf and I are headed up on the 28th of October. I hope the leaves will still be in full color, and not have withered away by then.
I miss the changing of seasons. The Tampa area has hot, hotter than hell, raining, and a week of windy/chilly. I think the autumn leaves always look so pretty. I'd love to have my wedding during that time frame, so as to incorporate that theme and turn Tampa into a colorful, jeweltoned paradise.
Knowing my luck, my bf would want a spring wedding, or even a winter one. Who knows?? LOL. The point is just to marry the one you love. I get that. The decorator in me just sees these lovely fall colors and has a multitude of ideas. I even have several lists and pictures stored on theknot.com.
I know I'll be married one day, just not sure when that will happen. Of course, I'd prefer sooner to later, but I'm not in too big a rush. Try telling that to my daughter, though. She's seven, and is already a pro planner, or so she thinks. She has definite opinions on what Mommy should wear, and how the cake should look, and the decorations. It's kinda sweet, actually. I think I may even let her make a couple small choices when the time comes. I want her to feel included, without ending up with a cotton candy themed wedding.
I have some shopping to do, both for school and for work. I like shopping. I like the fact that I'm soon going to HAVE MONEY for shooping again even better!
I have a fun new job that I'm pretty sure I will like, and excel at. I am enrolled at school, taking 5 classes this semester, toward my education degree, so I may become a teacher. I have a wonderful, and loving boyfriend who means the world to me. I have a sweet daughter, who is
the light behind my green eyes. I have it pretty sweet, right now.
I know that the economy is terrible. I was unemployed for not quite two months. I am one of the lucky few that haven't been out of work for a longer stretch of time. I applied everywhere, it seemed. I hope the rest of the people I know are looking will find something soon.
In other news, I have a wedding to attend in October. The wedding is on Halloween, and I am rather excited. It will take place outside of Boston. My bf and I are headed up on the 28th of October. I hope the leaves will still be in full color, and not have withered away by then.
I miss the changing of seasons. The Tampa area has hot, hotter than hell, raining, and a week of windy/chilly. I think the autumn leaves always look so pretty. I'd love to have my wedding during that time frame, so as to incorporate that theme and turn Tampa into a colorful, jeweltoned paradise.
Knowing my luck, my bf would want a spring wedding, or even a winter one. Who knows?? LOL. The point is just to marry the one you love. I get that. The decorator in me just sees these lovely fall colors and has a multitude of ideas. I even have several lists and pictures stored on theknot.com.
I know I'll be married one day, just not sure when that will happen. Of course, I'd prefer sooner to later, but I'm not in too big a rush. Try telling that to my daughter, though. She's seven, and is already a pro planner, or so she thinks. She has definite opinions on what Mommy should wear, and how the cake should look, and the decorations. It's kinda sweet, actually. I think I may even let her make a couple small choices when the time comes. I want her to feel included, without ending up with a cotton candy themed wedding.
I have some shopping to do, both for school and for work. I like shopping. I like the fact that I'm soon going to HAVE MONEY for shooping again even better!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Faeries! Fairies! You know, winged chicks!
I am pretty psyched! I have an interview at a place called Fairy Line Naturals. They specialize in organic skincare for kids and adults, as well as fairy wings, art work, stationary, fairy dust powder, and other magical things for young girls, and the young at heart. The best part is, they don't just sell crazy cute items. They host fairy tea parties and visit hospitals and youth groups and schools, to educate and spread cheer.
This sounds like a perfect fit for me while I attend school full time. I hope my interview goes well and they don't feel I am too old. I have always loved faeries, dragons, and all manner of mythical or magical creature. I also love cosmetics and children. On paper, this job feels tailor made for me. I really hope everything works out and I like the company, and that they like me, too.
I will keep you all posted.
This sounds like a perfect fit for me while I attend school full time. I hope my interview goes well and they don't feel I am too old. I have always loved faeries, dragons, and all manner of mythical or magical creature. I also love cosmetics and children. On paper, this job feels tailor made for me. I really hope everything works out and I like the company, and that they like me, too.
I will keep you all posted.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Starry Night and other wonders
Last night, I finished painting a copy of Starry Night. It WASN'T a paint-by-number canvas, either. I bought a special kit with pictures and basic instructions on how to get the same look. Mind you, it is my impression of Starry Night, it isn't anywhere near exactly like the original. However, one look at it, and you can recognize my mini masterpiece! I think it came out beautifully. I am really proud. I'll post a picture with a side by side comparison.
I'd forgotten how good it felt to create something beautiful. I'm very artistic, but I cannot draw to save my life. (I always felt sorry for my Pictionary teammates.) Painting last night gave me a rush I've been missing for quite a while. I think I shall keep it up.
I am currently working on Wheat Field With Cypress Trees. I'll post a picture of that when it is completed. After finishing out this Van Gogh kit, I may just venture into painting on my own, and see what I can come up with. Maybe I'll find a talent I didn't know I had.
Now,, off to find batteries for the camera....
I'd forgotten how good it felt to create something beautiful. I'm very artistic, but I cannot draw to save my life. (I always felt sorry for my Pictionary teammates.) Painting last night gave me a rush I've been missing for quite a while. I think I shall keep it up.
I am currently working on Wheat Field With Cypress Trees. I'll post a picture of that when it is completed. After finishing out this Van Gogh kit, I may just venture into painting on my own, and see what I can come up with. Maybe I'll find a talent I didn't know I had.
Now,, off to find batteries for the camera....
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tidbits and Tiddlywinks
The weekend before last, I took my daughter, Shayla, and my mother to Orlando for a girl's weekend. I had originally planned to take my daughter and boyfriend, for some family time, but work got in the way. It worked out fine, though. The Lee/ Cancio girls had a blast.
On Friday, we checked into our four room suite at Vacation Village in Kissimmee, FL. What a great room! It was furnished with a king sized bed, in room jacuzzi, 60" HDTV, and a full kitchen and seperate living room. My mom and daughter enjoyed the pool while I finished my book that I had been reading. (Forgetting your swimsuit can be a bummer.)
After the pool time, we enjoyed the sight of an intense lightning storm from the safety of our room. You have to love summer weather in Florida. Pizza and a movie rounded out our first night at the hotel.
Saturday morning was bright and sunny. Shayla and I were excited to hit up Sea World in Orlando. I hadn't been in quite a while, despite having had season passes for several years. There was a new roller coaster I couldn't wait to try out, called Manta.
You are strapped in, then they press a button to make you horizontal. Flying like Superman, you are whipped around tight turns, get squirted with water, and flipped upside down.
I thought I'd be terrified, but when we arrived at the park, I couldn't wait to go get in line for Manta! While waiting in line, my mom took my daughter to look at the baby rays. I befriended the guys in line behind me, and we rode the coaster together.
Any coaster enthusiast knows that the best row is always the back row. You don't get the breaks as much, and are whipped around faster and harder. So, of course, we took the back row for our plunge, face first, toward the ground before the first turn. The wind in my face, I didn't scream in terror as I thought I might. The harness felt very secure, and I was not afraid. In fact, I am hereby deeming Manta the BEST RIDE I have even been on at a theme park!!!
The weather stayed pretty sunny, and very warm. We walked around and fed the rays, petted the dolphins, watched a few shows, and caught another epic lightning storm, while riding out the brief rain shower in the safety of the Shamu Stadium. Sorry for the long sentence. Any way,
we were treated to four, yes four, rainbows post-storm. I was able to snap a very pretty pic of the arch over the Shamu Rocks backdrop.
After a full ten hours at Sea World, we went back to our room. The jacuzzi was calling out to me and my sore knee, so I took a well earned dip. What a perfect end to a very fun day in Orlando. My daughter had purchased some goodies at Sea World, so we colored and ate some candy.
I passed out on the big bed with my little girl laying next to me with a huge grin on her face.
My mother opted to sleep on the pull out couch. I told her the bed was big enough to share, but Shayla is a mover, lol. I slept like a rock, so I wasn't bothered by my little wiggle worm.
Sunday morning, we went back to my mother's home in Tampa. We played a game called Dragonology. That was a lot of fun. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a dragon fanatic. An unapologetic fanatic, at that. Jay, my wonderful boyfriend, supports my love for the winged creatures. He bought the game for me.
Speaking of games, Jay and I have also been playing a lot of games lately. We recently played a game called Dominion, and just this past Monday, we played one called Space Alert. I enjoy having Jay's nephew and his friends over for a game night. I like a good board game as much as I like video games. Maybe moreso, for the social aspect of a table top game.
Yesterday, I took my entrance exam for college. I did a lot better than I thought I would! I've been out of high school since 1994, and I was afraid of my lack of math skills. Turns out, I remembered quite a bit of it.
I'm excited to head back to school next month! My daughter will be a second grader, and I'll be a freshman once more. Her father is nearly finished with his second Master's, so I know that our continuing education will have a positive impact on Shayla. She even said she'd help Mama with her homework, lol. What a sweetie my angel is!
Today is my brother's 29th birthday. Happy Birthday, Michael! Tomorrow is my step-sister's 30th birthday, so Happy Birthday, Beth, too!
Tonight, I am just going to hang out with Jay and have some quality time at home. It's the calm before the storm, I think. Once I go back to school, and begin working again, I know I'll always have to be somewhere, or do some work, and I won't have the quiet time with my family like I have gotten to enjoy this last couple of months.
I mean, I need a job, and I want to go to school. I just want to also have SOME time for the people I love the most. I'm hoping the juggling act will be easier than I'm currently imagining.
On Friday, we checked into our four room suite at Vacation Village in Kissimmee, FL. What a great room! It was furnished with a king sized bed, in room jacuzzi, 60" HDTV, and a full kitchen and seperate living room. My mom and daughter enjoyed the pool while I finished my book that I had been reading. (Forgetting your swimsuit can be a bummer.)
After the pool time, we enjoyed the sight of an intense lightning storm from the safety of our room. You have to love summer weather in Florida. Pizza and a movie rounded out our first night at the hotel.
Saturday morning was bright and sunny. Shayla and I were excited to hit up Sea World in Orlando. I hadn't been in quite a while, despite having had season passes for several years. There was a new roller coaster I couldn't wait to try out, called Manta.
You are strapped in, then they press a button to make you horizontal. Flying like Superman, you are whipped around tight turns, get squirted with water, and flipped upside down.
I thought I'd be terrified, but when we arrived at the park, I couldn't wait to go get in line for Manta! While waiting in line, my mom took my daughter to look at the baby rays. I befriended the guys in line behind me, and we rode the coaster together.
Any coaster enthusiast knows that the best row is always the back row. You don't get the breaks as much, and are whipped around faster and harder. So, of course, we took the back row for our plunge, face first, toward the ground before the first turn. The wind in my face, I didn't scream in terror as I thought I might. The harness felt very secure, and I was not afraid. In fact, I am hereby deeming Manta the BEST RIDE I have even been on at a theme park!!!
The weather stayed pretty sunny, and very warm. We walked around and fed the rays, petted the dolphins, watched a few shows, and caught another epic lightning storm, while riding out the brief rain shower in the safety of the Shamu Stadium. Sorry for the long sentence. Any way,
we were treated to four, yes four, rainbows post-storm. I was able to snap a very pretty pic of the arch over the Shamu Rocks backdrop.
After a full ten hours at Sea World, we went back to our room. The jacuzzi was calling out to me and my sore knee, so I took a well earned dip. What a perfect end to a very fun day in Orlando. My daughter had purchased some goodies at Sea World, so we colored and ate some candy.
I passed out on the big bed with my little girl laying next to me with a huge grin on her face.
My mother opted to sleep on the pull out couch. I told her the bed was big enough to share, but Shayla is a mover, lol. I slept like a rock, so I wasn't bothered by my little wiggle worm.
Sunday morning, we went back to my mother's home in Tampa. We played a game called Dragonology. That was a lot of fun. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a dragon fanatic. An unapologetic fanatic, at that. Jay, my wonderful boyfriend, supports my love for the winged creatures. He bought the game for me.
Speaking of games, Jay and I have also been playing a lot of games lately. We recently played a game called Dominion, and just this past Monday, we played one called Space Alert. I enjoy having Jay's nephew and his friends over for a game night. I like a good board game as much as I like video games. Maybe moreso, for the social aspect of a table top game.
Yesterday, I took my entrance exam for college. I did a lot better than I thought I would! I've been out of high school since 1994, and I was afraid of my lack of math skills. Turns out, I remembered quite a bit of it.
I'm excited to head back to school next month! My daughter will be a second grader, and I'll be a freshman once more. Her father is nearly finished with his second Master's, so I know that our continuing education will have a positive impact on Shayla. She even said she'd help Mama with her homework, lol. What a sweetie my angel is!
Today is my brother's 29th birthday. Happy Birthday, Michael! Tomorrow is my step-sister's 30th birthday, so Happy Birthday, Beth, too!
Tonight, I am just going to hang out with Jay and have some quality time at home. It's the calm before the storm, I think. Once I go back to school, and begin working again, I know I'll always have to be somewhere, or do some work, and I won't have the quiet time with my family like I have gotten to enjoy this last couple of months.
I mean, I need a job, and I want to go to school. I just want to also have SOME time for the people I love the most. I'm hoping the juggling act will be easier than I'm currently imagining.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ugh... not again!
Why, when I love my bf more than anyone, or anything, do I keep screwing things up between us?!?!?!?!?! I don't mean to, I just seem to do it.
Now, I don't mean "accidently" hooking up with someone else, or anything of that sort. That'd NEVER EVER happen. It would be on purpose! I kid, I kid!!! He knows I'm faithful to him and don't even look at dudes sideways.
No, I'm talking about forgetting important things. Like a bill, for example. I forgot to mail something I said I'd pay for him, to help out. After all, he deos a wonderful job always helping me out with stuff. Now, the creditor is calling, because it is very late. :( I said I would pay it, so the fault is all mine. I know that. I also know he has a right to be angry at me.
We have already had fights about money. His credit is awesome, and he doesn't want me to mess it up. I don't want to mess it up, either.
I hate when I make him feel like I'm not dependable. I'd do anything I could for him; yet I can't seem to remember to put something in the mail. I'm super reliable for big stuff, like picking up and dropping off the kids, meeting up with people for various things, making the bride look amazing on her wedding day! It's the stupid things that are common sense for everyone else that I seem to have issues with. I hate that!!
Maybe I should go to school for accounting or something. It would teach me how to handle money smarter, for one thing. I don't like knowing I let my boyfriend down. I have to find a way to fix this problem, and fast.
Ideas?!
Now, I don't mean "accidently" hooking up with someone else, or anything of that sort. That'd NEVER EVER happen. It would be on purpose! I kid, I kid!!! He knows I'm faithful to him and don't even look at dudes sideways.
No, I'm talking about forgetting important things. Like a bill, for example. I forgot to mail something I said I'd pay for him, to help out. After all, he deos a wonderful job always helping me out with stuff. Now, the creditor is calling, because it is very late. :( I said I would pay it, so the fault is all mine. I know that. I also know he has a right to be angry at me.
We have already had fights about money. His credit is awesome, and he doesn't want me to mess it up. I don't want to mess it up, either.
I hate when I make him feel like I'm not dependable. I'd do anything I could for him; yet I can't seem to remember to put something in the mail. I'm super reliable for big stuff, like picking up and dropping off the kids, meeting up with people for various things, making the bride look amazing on her wedding day! It's the stupid things that are common sense for everyone else that I seem to have issues with. I hate that!!
Maybe I should go to school for accounting or something. It would teach me how to handle money smarter, for one thing. I don't like knowing I let my boyfriend down. I have to find a way to fix this problem, and fast.
Ideas?!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Kings and Angels
Yesterday, America lost two great icons. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson were widely known to their respective audiences.
Farrah was an angel; one of Charlie's Angels, to be exact. Many a young boy had her famous poster on their bedroom wall. She had a smile bright as the sun and beautiful blonde hair. She made feathered hair a trend that lasted for several years. I know many that harbored a not so secret crush on the beauty.
Farrah had cancer. Her death, while untimely, was expected on some level. I wish she could have gone into remission and stayed healthy. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. As
Farrah was a devout Catholic, I am quite sure she's become a true angel now, and will watch over her son, guiding him in his quest for sobriety. Her fans won't soon forget her, or her enchanting smile that could light up a room.
Michael was the King of Pop music. Whether you were a fan, or not, there was no denying his trailblazing impact upon the entertainment industry and MTV. Thriller was the video that, for many, made audiences fall in love with Michael. However, as the youngest member of the Jackson 5, Michael had already earned legions of fans before that video ever aired on MTV.
His brilliant voice and smooth dance moves have made him one of the most loved entertainers music has ever known. Michael influenced many artists, and through his amazing catalogue of music, I feel he'll continue to do so.
It is with a sad heart that America says goodbye to two legends, in their own right. May they both be at peace, and their families and friends be comforted in their time of grief, knowing the world grieves with them.
Farrah was an angel; one of Charlie's Angels, to be exact. Many a young boy had her famous poster on their bedroom wall. She had a smile bright as the sun and beautiful blonde hair. She made feathered hair a trend that lasted for several years. I know many that harbored a not so secret crush on the beauty.
Farrah had cancer. Her death, while untimely, was expected on some level. I wish she could have gone into remission and stayed healthy. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. As
Farrah was a devout Catholic, I am quite sure she's become a true angel now, and will watch over her son, guiding him in his quest for sobriety. Her fans won't soon forget her, or her enchanting smile that could light up a room.
Michael was the King of Pop music. Whether you were a fan, or not, there was no denying his trailblazing impact upon the entertainment industry and MTV. Thriller was the video that, for many, made audiences fall in love with Michael. However, as the youngest member of the Jackson 5, Michael had already earned legions of fans before that video ever aired on MTV.
His brilliant voice and smooth dance moves have made him one of the most loved entertainers music has ever known. Michael influenced many artists, and through his amazing catalogue of music, I feel he'll continue to do so.
It is with a sad heart that America says goodbye to two legends, in their own right. May they both be at peace, and their families and friends be comforted in their time of grief, knowing the world grieves with them.
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