August 1st, 2012

Today, I decided to continue to celebrate the small things, despite my reprieve for the past month and a half. A lot has happened in that past month and a half, including some grand technology failures, but it's time to pick this back up and remember why I started it in the first place =)

June 18th, 2012

Today, I came in second in a photo contest for the program. It was a picture of the Eiffel Tower at night but the cool thing was it was taken from the metro so you could see the Seine river as well. I was beat by one point. ONE POINT! But I still think my photo was pretty darn spectacular!

June 17th 2012

Today, I conquered Paris. By me saying that, I mean that I took the bus to a stop close to my destination, walked to where I wanted to go, and found the closest metro stop and navigated the metro system to get back to where I needed to be. It made me feel like a true Parisian. Maybe I will actually miss this place...

June 16th, 2012

Today, I played the piano for the first time since I was in France. Even though I don't take lessons or learn new music anymore, piano is something that I like to do just to see if I still can. It was wonderful to sit down and just play for me. I loved every minute of it.

June 15th, 2012

Today, was awesome. I read all day. I left my room once to get dinner. That's it. It was amazing.

June 14th, 2012

Today, I got to be part of a live studio audience for a French news show! It was such an interesting experience! We were told to wear bright colors specifically, and we had to dress up. We got there and were told our queues and what to expect once the cameras started rolling. If that wasn't enough, it turns out that we were right behind all the guests on the show, so when watching the show online or looking at photos, we're actually in a lot of them! It's pretty spectacular to have made my mark like that.

June 13th, 2012

Today, we got to see the Victor Hugo House!!! Ever since reading Demain, dès L'aube, Hugo has been one of my favorite French writers. It was so interesting to see where he lived and how some of his masterpieces came to be!

I also tried my first felafel. It was definitely an interesting experience, because I had no idea what one was to begin with. The actual felafel was really good and I may have to try another one before I leave!

June 12th, 2012

Today was our group wide excursion to Mont Saint Michel. A small thing today that is definitely made smile was seeing signs to the exit to St. Brieuc. It was so nice to see the familiarity of my first summer in France. It made me miss it much more than I would have expected.

June 11th, 2012

Today, was by far my favorite day of the trip. I mean, when else can you say that you got a library card in a foreign country, walked on the same steps that Owen Wilson did when he filmed Midnight in Paris, found Ernest Hemingway's old apartment, and find out you're going to be on a French talk show on Thursday? Crazy, but awesome crazy =D

June 10th, 2012

Today, I greatly enjoyed the fact that two of the people I bonded with most on this trip came back from Venice. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was able to have a good weekend without them. But it was definitely nice to get some estrogen back into our group and us all being together just made everything seem to work more cohesively.

June 9th, 2012

Today, we went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Now, I know I go along acting like there's nothing really interesting to me about Paris, I've seen it all before, blah blah blah. And I even have seen the Eiffel Tower lit up at night before. BUT. I'm fairly certain that it is the most beautiful thing at night in the world. Ever. Like...literally breath taking. Seeing that reminded me why I love French in the first place =)

June 8th, 2012

Today, a group of friends and I had full intentions of being American. Go to the Arc de Triomphe to take tourist-y pictures and then to a Pizza Hut I had earlier found. Well, even though we went to the Arc, this little old lady heard me say "pardon" and asked if I spoke French, and then asked where the nearest metro station was IN FRENCH! It was glorious =)

And then, we found out that the Pizza Hut was a grab n' go, not a sit down place. So we went literally three doors down to find the tiniest little pizzeria I had ever seen. There was just one guy working, and he spoke French to us and called me a princess =) The food was soooo good and we were the only ones in the place! It was wonderful to go off the map and just try something new out!

June 7th, 2012

Today, I was able to watch the season premier of Dance Moms. I absolutely love that show back home and I finally was able to find a link that would play in Europe. It was fun to be able to catch up on what I had missed on Tuesday.

June 6th, 2012

Today, I had intentions to just laze around the FIAP and maybe go run an errand or so. A pretty laid back day with no class. Instead, I ran into some friends who invited me to explore the city with them. I have to say it was nice to be walking at our own pace talking about anything and everything rather than the boring day I had planned.

June 5th, 2012

Today, I reveled in the fact that all the photos I have taken of Paris so far have been with my iPhone. Even though I brought a camera, I haven't needed to use it because my iPhone is taking some pretty spectacular photos! It's nice to not have to carry around a bunch of stuff when we're going on excursions, especially in some of the gypsy-filled squares. Since it all stays on my wrist there isn't a problem!

June 4th, 2012

Today, our program director approached me asking if he could interview me to assess my oral proficiency in the French language. How cool is that? He knew that I spoke French well enough that he wanted to actually see my proficiency! I thought that was extremely neat and can't wait to find out how proficient I actually am!

June 3rd, 2012

Today, we went to a little cafe close to where our building is for lunch. It was so quaint and we were able to sit outside. There was a group of five of us and it was Italian food they offered. I had this absolutely amazing ravioli in a cheese sauce...it was so magnificent. Like something I had never tasted before! I absolutely could not believe the flavors inside, it was just simply delicious.

June 2nd, 2012

Today, I realized that I will never tire of people enjoying hearing me speak French. I had to make a phone call to the reception desk because we were not given towels today (they're changed every other day) and none of my roommates wanted to make the call in English. So I made the call in French. Each one of them was staring at me, jaw agape. I suppose this trip, even though I feel I'm not learning anything, is showing me that I do know more than I give myself credit for, as well as build my confidence to speak the language.

June 1st, 2012

Today, I noticed that on my blog URLs I typically go through the blogger.com homepage and such, so I don't type in my URL very often. Well I went to copy the URL to put on Facebook, and I noticed that instead of .com, it's now .fr . I know that's for French websites, but I hadn't realized it would do the same thing for publishing things in French!

May 31st, 2012

Today, I rediscovered my love for language immersion. I was able to speak the language whenever I wanted without having to repeat myself in English, and I also got to be useful by translating for store venders and my friends. After today I am most definitely looking forward to what this journey will bring.

May 30th, 2012

Today, I went to France. Not a small thing, in life (rather a huge one) but that was definitely something to celebrate considering my professor was over an hour late, our first flight was cancelled, and our second flight was delayed. Definitely glad to be here and cannot wait to experience the Parisian life!

May 29th, 2012

Today, I finished my packing for France. Which I'm very glad of, because I'm already waking up at the ungodly hour of 5:00 am to get ready to leave for the airport. I would not like to wake up even earlier to finish packing.

May 28th, 2012

Today, I went out to dinner with my family at Chilis, one of my favorite places to eat at. It was an absolutely great time and I'm glad I got to go before I left for France!

May 27th, 2012

Today, I was able to indulge in one of my guilty pleasures: ColdStone's cake batter ice cream with cookie dough pieces mashed in. It was brilliant because it was absolutely hot and humid outside, and it was nice to have right before I leave the country. The company was an added interesting piece to the afternoon, but I definitely do not regret any of it, especially the ice cream =)

May 26th, 2012

Today I essentially started my countdown until I board my plane to France. I mean, I had been counting down the days, but my prep had not been so...scheduled. Today I figured out everything I have to do up to getting to the airport and when I'm going to do it all. It's absolutely crazy, but the plan is helping keep me sane. I still can't believe that I leave so soon...where did all the time go?

May 25th, 2012

Today, I had a very relaxing "do nothing" day. I went shopping with my mother and sister and spent the night at home watching movies and just hanging out. It was a great time just enjoying my life hear before I gear up for my cross-atlantic journey in five days.

May 24th, 2012

Today, I got to meet some of the college students that go to school with my mother. Let me tell you, I had no idea what I was expecting; but whatever it was, was not accurate. These friends my mother has are a riot. It is so cool to see people not only have the same passion for special education as her, but to have the same attitude, sarcasm, and potty mouth as her too =)

May 23, 2012

Up until about five minutes ago, my small thing to celebrate was that I leave for Paris in a week. Now, it's that my last two days of work before leaving for France will be spent closing with my favorite staff member (and adopted little brother) Rieley! Literally, he's my absolute favorite. I'm going to miss him while I'm away. He's so spectacular! And we were just talking about how we hadn't ever closed together, and now we will! It definitely put a huge grin on my face.

May 22nd, 2012

Today I got not one, not two, but THREE things from my all time favorite professor! She had replied to my e-mail and then sent me another one, SPECIFICALLY asking for my opinion on two articles! Oh this is wonderful, this is magnificent, and I absolutely love everything about it!

I love this professor. Like...emotion love. There is a bond there. She is awesome. I want to be her when I grow up.

May 21st, 2012

Today, I read an article about the Indiana Education Reform which was focused on the Ball State Teacher Fair. It was an interesting article, because it was obvious that it tried very hard to put a positive spin on what most all teachers feel is a negative thing. I enjoyed it though because it got some stimulating discussion out and I also got to contact my favorite professor about it. It was nice to have a reason to e-mail her besides "I miss you".

May 20th, 2012

Today I realized that I leave for France in 10 days. TEN DAYS. How crazy is that!

May 19th, 2012

Today, I went to go see What to Expect When You're Expecting with one of my coworkers. It was on my "Summer Movie Bucket List" so I was definitely happy to see it and the fact that there were more celebrities in it than I was expecting was fantastic! I laughed so much, I would recommend the movie to anyone looking for a nice romantic comedy!

May 18th, 2012

Today, I was working at the movie theater and doing my least favorite job. However, it was nice that I had many other workers to help for the bigger drops. Everyone was just scheduled as an "usher", but usually with this many worker we utilize something called the Ultimate Usher Crew. Well, even though it wasn't specified, I went ahead and did it because it was more efficient. I told a manager and he said that he was looking to see if I would or not, and apparently doing so was the right move to make! Here's hoping that I'm that much closer to a promotion!

May 17th, 2012

Today, I actually unpacked and cleaned 90% of my stuff from college. I know I've been home for almost two weeks now, but I've been busy! Anyway, it's definitely nice to see the floor and not have to have an obstacle course to my bed anymore =) I hope to finish the rest of it tomorrow!

May 16th, 2012

Today, when I was substitute teaching, I was given a lot of busy work so that I wasn't sitting around doing nothing like I felt I had been the past three times I had subbed. It was glorious I absolutely love office work! I really impressed my supervising teacher by how quickly I finished things and that just made me feel even better.

May 15th, 2012

Today I had my supervisor interview at the Rave today. It was pretty cool because the first thing the manager said once he sat down was "well, you're hired!" Oh if only it were that simple...

However, he did say that if I proved myself in the next two weeks I may be able to forgo the entire four week trial, which makes me happy. I think everything went really well and I am hopeful for the future!

May 14th, 2012

Today, I made my first plans to travel outside of Paris when I study abroad! I'm now planning to go to Venice, Italy Thursday June 21st-Staurday June 24th. My passport will be looking very nice at that time =) I'm so excited!!!

May 13th, 2012

Today on this Mother's Day, I went out shopping with my mom. Us kids had gotten her a $50 giftcard to one of her favorite stores, so I went with her, helped hold her things while she tried clothes on, gave great compliments to the outfits she chose, and overall we have a really great time. It's always interesting how we're able to go shopping now, because when I was younger it would be like trying to reason with a statue...we just did not have the same taste and ideas for each other. But now, even though are tastes are still kind of distant, we're able to co-mingle amicably. 

May 12th, 2012

Today, I got asked to stay and help close the main concession stand at the movie theater I work. Most people would not see this as a good thing, but me: I was ecstatic! Closing is one of my favorite jobs and I haven't been scheduled it much because the managers want everyone else to get better, which apparently doesn't happen if I'm doing everything =) But because of how busy it was, they asked me to stay and it got me more hours and it was just awesome.

May 11th, 2012

Today, my siblings and I went shopping for a mother's day gift, and we completely lucked out. I don't want to say too much just in case she reads this before Sunday, but we got what we wanted AND THEN SOME because of some awesome sales, deals, and discounts. My father gave his seal of approval, and I really just can't wait for her to see everything. I love my mother so much she deserves it all!

May 10th, 2012

Today, my mother decided to take us kids out to lunch after she was done working this morning. And as much as I enjoy a free meal, that was not the highlight of the morning. During lunch we had an extremely stimulating discussion about politics and current hot topics. It was so great to hear different opinions from people so close to you and wonder why they feel the way they do. A great time overall.

May 9th, 2012

Today, I felt extremely accomplished. Even though I did not work at all, I stayed busy around the house doing more than either of my parents asked of me. It wasn't to show my siblings up or try and look good in my parents' eyes, I just had a moment where I knew it would be the right thing to do, so I did it. I know that sounds basically the opposite of humble and probably really arrogant, but I am not one to take initiative without prepping. So to want to do it on my own...it was an interesting experience.

May 8th, 2012

Today, my parents came home from their mini-vacation. It also just happened that none of us siblings were working past 4:00 pm. Therefore, my mother made the executive decision to have us all go out to eat where we could sit down and have a nice dinner, especially since we didn't know when we'd have a chance to do this again. We went to Bucca di Beppo, a family-style Italian restaurant in downtown Indianapolis where the ambiance is just as amazing as the flavors achieved in their dishes. I was absolutely amazing; it was sooooo good!

May 7th, 2012

Today, I was substitute teaching in the high school as a floater in the special education department while they did ECA testing. My first period had five students and we were reading a book. I tried to be inventive with ways to keep them busy, and at the end they said that I was one of their favorite subs they've had here. Considering that last year I definitely preferred working in the middle school than the high school, it was really nice to do well there. Also the fact that everyone there either remembers me from when I went to high school or they know my mother just makes it that much better.

May 6th, 2012

Today, I got to watch my brother play and defeat one of my SNES games. I have always enjoyed watching him play video games, and I know it's something he really enjoys. It was a nice fun bonding experience for the both of us.

May 5th, 2012

Today, after I moved back to Plainfield for the summer, I got to drive down with one of my very close friends to Terre Haute to see my non-biological sister. I don't get to see her very often, so it was awesome to be able to hang out before she has surgery and we're off to Europe. We had a great time learning new games and exchanging stories...I love when I'm able to visit.

May 4th, 2012

Today marked the end of my third year in college! I suppose the biggest surprise overall is that I actually can tell that I have learned something and retained knowledge that not only helps me in future classes but also future classrooms where I am not the student but the teacher. It has been a nice reflective day and I definitely cannot wait to see what the future holds for me =)

May 3rd, 2012

Today, I had a very heartfelt goodbye with one of the most charming people I have ever met. Dr. Lynne Stallings has been a huge impact in my life and college career for the past year, and I know that I would not be where I am today without her. Today marked the end of the last class I will ever have with her. We have promised to stay in contact, she even offered to slip into my suitcase when I go to France over the summer. She even made me cry today! She means so much to me, which is an interesting feeling because of the context of our getting to know each other, but I swear I wouldn't change it for the world.

It's just...I always thought that I would *know* when I got into my upper-level courses because there would be such a change in work load, expectations, and involvement. Because of the preparation she has given me, this class felt as involved as the first one I had with her. I'm not afraid of my other ones because of how I've been prepared. It is just simply an amazing feeling and I hope that not only will we continue to stay in contact but evolve from a student-professor relationship to a colleague friendship.

May 2nd, 2012

Today, Zack took me out for one last night out. Around 10pm we went to Scotty's for Dill Chips, Beer, and Dessert called "Cookie Monster" which consisted of this HUGE cookie, five scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. I had a few bites but it was definitely Zack who finished it off. We got a pitcher of Woodchuck Amber Cider, which reminded me a lot of the "cidre" that I had in Bretagne. It was all so delicious, It was a great way to end the school year.

May 1st, 2012

Today was Midnight Breakfast! Basically, a few of the residence halls let you use our breakfast swipe in between 11:00 pm and 12:30 am and let you get a whole smorgasbord of FOOD! Some of the items they limit, like two drinks, one pancake, etc and so forth, but you can get at least one of EVERYTHING, and multiples of a lot of stuff. So by the end you have a tray full of food that is supposed to help you during your midnight cram sessions or whatever else they say...lol

Anyway, Zack and I went to that because the residence hall I work in was hosting one, so it was a nice way to start off the shift!

April 30th, 2012

Today, Zack and I embarked on a show that we both think will become a new favorite: Bridezillas. He likes it for the drama, and I like it because helllooooo it's about WEDDINGS! It's been absolutely crazy so far but also absolutely hilarious! Hope to continue to watch it.

April 29th, 2012

Today, I had a very nice relaxing do nothing day to get my head into gear for finals week. I figured out my entire schedule for the week and made sure that everything that needs to get done will happen. And then once it's over...SUMMER!!!

April 28th 2012

Today, I got the joy of watching both of my blogs get numerous hits because of me putting the URLs on Facebook. I went from single digits of views to over 40 for each in the course of a few hours. It was really amusing to see social networking be so influential.

April 27th, 2012

Today has definitely been an interesting day. I would have to say something to celebrate would be the fact that it has been three weeks since I got my nails done and even though they're really grown out and the gloss is completely gone, I have not cracked or chipped any. This probably isn't that big of an accomplishment, but I am really OCD about my nails and have a really bad habit of picking at loose ends. Not to mention the fact that you're supposed to get a fill-in after two weeks, so the fact that it's been an extra week and I still have ALL of them, it's pretty awesome. Part of me things I keep them just in case I miraculously have enough money to get them redone, but know that won't be the case, especially with me regularly cleaning poppers come May.

But for what it's worth I still absolutely love having them, and I plan to get as much out of them as possible.

April 26th, 2012

Today, not only did I finish making my schedule for my next semester, but I also found out that I am moving in WAY earlier than I thought I was! Well...four days earlier, but still! All of this is because of my job, so I will be doing nothing during the day and working during the night...definitely looking forward to all the hours I'll be getting!

April 25th, 2012

Today I was able to get into two more classes that I need for next year. It's a slow and grueling process, but thankfully my education is worth it.

April 24th. 2012

Today, I realized I wasn't angry anymore. I know that's extremely vague and devoid of context, but it is the only part of the story that makes me happy. I'm not angry anymore.

April 23rd, 2012

Today, while I went up to refill my water bottle for the third time in two hours, I realized something. This close to finals week I typically stock up as well as I can on diet coke to help me survive the massive studying and last minute projects I do. I remember last year I took Zack to a different hall because the one I lived in was OUT of diet coke; I felt like I needed it THAT MUCH. Today, I realized I have transferred that dependency to water. I think that's pretty nifty, and definitely healthier! Although I do have to use the bathroom more since I'm more hydrated...it's still a nice tidbit!

April 22nd, 2012

Today, I came up with a game plan to quickly and efficiently finish my assessment portfolio without staying up and working numerous stressful hours. Don't get me wrong, it is still a lot of work and will take a while, but it will cut down my previously projected work load by A TON. It's nice to be able to find solutions like this.

April 21st, 2012

Today, I am very happy to say that despite my lack of sleep, everything went successfully today. I got where I needed to go, I did what I needed to do, and at times it seemed impossible because of fatigue and hunger, but everything worked out in the end, and it makes me happy.

April 20th, 2012

Today I set my schedule for when I'm in France! I had already picked out the courses, but today I got confirmation that the courses went through at Ball State, Western Kentucky, and through the KIIS program! I will be taking a French conversation and a French literature course, and after these two I will be completely finished with my French language requirements!

It's a great thing =)

April 19th, 2012

When we were younger and my siblings and I would play the original Donkey Kong games on our Super Nintendo, there was a level in the third one that switched the left/right direction keys, but not the up/down keys. Because of the position of our TV to a bookcase with reflective glass, we realized that by looking in the TV's reflection the controls went back to normal.

Today, I came across the same level on my Wii virtual console, remembered that trick, and used a mirror to complete the level. It was absolutely thrilling.

April 18th, 2012

Today, I got some really good positive reassurance that I'm doing one of my final portfolios correctly! Considering it's worth about 70% of my grade, it made me feel sooooo much better about my progress and how the next two weeks are going to pan out.

April 17th, 2012

Today, I showed a friend in one of my education classes some facets of Prezi, an online-based tool used by teachers to have a presentation better than your average PowerPoint. We need to make one for our class, so it was nice to be able to help out.

April 16th, 2012

Today I took the first steps in accepting one of my friends for who she is and forgiving both of us for how the last year has turned out. I had been extremely bitter towards her for almost a year now, and we have not been talking for a while. Today I texted her with something amusing and she responded like she used to. It was interesting to be able to see in hindsight where we both went wrong and make that first move. Maybe in the future we'll be able to sit down and discuss what went on, but for now I'm happy that the ice is now broken.

April 15th, 2012

Today, found out that I was a big contributor in letting one of my friends' parents get her an iPhone. Apparently they were going to get her one after the summer when she got back from Europe, but she said that I had one and I'm going to Europe, so they decided that it was alright for her to get one too. Pretty cool to be so influential.

April 14th, 2012

Today, I got a phone call from my little sister. We have both enjoyed playing the Sims computer games, and we both currently have Sims 3. Well, Rachel has a bad habit of forgetting to install security alarms in her homes, so she gets burglars a lot. This all started back with Sims 2 and the burglar stole her shower. Her SHOWER! Anyway, she calls me today saying she's had another burglary but she doesn't know what they took, only that she called the cops who came and got beat up by the burglar, saying they'll "get her next time". I was laughing during this entire story and it definitely made my day.

April 13th, 2012

Today, my boyfriend bought me dinner. Why? Because he wanted to. It was an extremely sweet gesture that made me smile.

April 12th, 2012

Today, I had a great conversation with a friend I met about six months ago. He and I hit it off back then so seamlessly, but we rarely talk because of distance and our own schedule conflicts. But today we were both on Skype at the same time and had a wonderful conversation that sent me laughing literally out loud numerous times. It's great to know that even with all the mucking up I've done this year, I still have one friend who not only accepts me for who I am, but does what he can to make me smile.

April 11th, 2012

Today, I was told that I won't have my Advanced French Literature class for the next week. even though I am actually doing well in that class, it is nice to have a short break and focus on other things that need to be taken care of.

April 10th, 2012

Today, for one reason or another, I was able to tell without a doubt that my boyfriend loves me.

We've been telling each other that we love each other for a while now, so the realization shouldn't come to much of a shock to me. And it doesn't...it's more shocking that I can actually see and recognize it. I was once told that yo know you're in love when all the songs make sense. But it's more than that. It's...a security. Knowing that no matter what happens you will always have one person by your side.

Sometimes it's with a look he gives me. Sometimes it's with the way he holds me when we're watching TV together. It's hard to explain but it's not something I can unfeel.

Nor will I ever want to

April 9th, 2012

Today was a great day overall. Something that just makes me smile whenever I sense it is the lilies my boyfriend got me for my birthday. Besides them being my favorite flower, they are very fragrant. Even when I've been in the room for a couple hours, if I concentrate on breathing in through my nose, I can smell them across the room. It's such a strong and clean smell...it makes me smile every time.

April 8th, 2012

TODAY WAS MY BIRTHDAY AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!

That's not my small thing, but I still felt that I should commemorate it =)

Today, I started reading the Hunger Games. I'm already pretty well into it, and I'm enjoying it so much, not because I absolutely loved the movie, but because it's a breath of fresh air for my imagination. I enjoy reading new material so much, it just opens up my mind at the possibilities...it takes me wherever the story is and I find myself so deeply rooted it actually affects my mood! I haven't read a new book in a couple of months, and so this is definitely a great feeling that I have missed. =)

April 7th, 2012

There have been so many good things that have happened today, it's hard to pick just one, a small one at that, and have it be something to celebrate. I would say my small thing to celebrate today is that everything literally went as smoothly as possible today. We had a schedule that was very tightly fit, but we got everything done we wanted to and it was great! I can't wait for more awesomeness tomorrow =)

April 6th, 2012

Today, I saw the Hunger Games with my brother and sister. It was a small joy that could brighten the unpredictable afternoon. Although I haven't read the books (yet) I had enough premise to understand what was going on and why. It creeped me out at some points, but I can now definitely say that I look forward to reading the books and seeing the rest of the movies!

April 5th, 2012

Today, I was working with my two sixth graders in their math class and they were doing ACCELERATED MATH! At first I didn't remember it, but once they started it ALL came back to me. When I was in 6th grade we had competitions to see who could get the most points at the end of the year. The only time that we had to complete these, besides the few days dedicated to it, were just after we had done our homework for the day. I remember strongly competed with two others in my class...it was so much fun! Remembering that just made me so happy =)

April 4th, 2012

Today, I did not have the best of days, but there were two instances where everything went splendidly.

The first was at lunch. Zack and I were eating when two men approached us asking to take a quick survey about God. We ended up talking to them for a while longer (I recognized one of the gentlemen) and we learned that he could not remember names to save his life. In the end, he called Zack "Mark" more times than he did "Zack"...even though he asked Zack several times to remind him of the name...AND he would still call Zack "Mark".

The second was much simpler. After my last class, my professor and I were talking and I said that if it were possible I would love to be her student assistant for the rest of my life, and she said that I would be really good at that.

That's all =)

April 3rd, 2012

Today I looked up the price for tickets to Disneyland Paris for the summer. Although expensive (41 euros) I can see it being a definite trip when I'm *in* Paris. The fact that one of my best friends will be just a train trip away and able to potentially visit during our breaks, I can foresee us taking this trip over the summer.

April 2nd, 2012

Today I have been feeling extremely restless, so I decided to try and get my mind elsewhere by reading a book. I chose "The Truth About Forever" by Sarah Dessen, the first of her novels I ever read. She has a habit of linking characters within her different stories, but I never found the link with one of her most recent ones until today. "Along for the Ride" takes place in a different town than the rest of her stories, and at the time I couldn't find any links except in the one she published after that one. Well today, I found the link in the book I'm reading currently, and I can't wait to reread the other to find more overlaps.

April 1st, 2012

Today, my life was made by a very small thing. I've always been fond of all water fowls (including geese), but ducks have been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. They're so cute! So today, when we were heading back from lunch, I was completely in love with watching a male mallard duck perch on a rock at the pond by my residence hall and sunbathe. I thought it was the cutest thing in the world...definitely made my day.

March 31st, 2012

Today was quite the adventure! Zack and I got to experience Muncie's very own cupcakery right off of campus! We tried a lemon cupcake and a mint cupcake, both absolutely delicious! Perhaps we will be visiting again soon? We were off campus because we wanted to go to the mall, but buses weren't going through campus because of a campus-wide bike race that had roads closed for most of the day. But did that stop us? Of course not! We took a different bus route to the station to make a connecting bus. We got to the mall and back in one piece, and I have to say, it was pretty fun coming up with our own solutions =)

March 30th, 2012

Today, Zack and I decided to be inventive with our dinner. Instead of getting Taco Bell's crispy potato tacos that we both enjoy, we bought the components (or the equivalent of) and made our own. It was an interesting experiment, and I found out that I indeed prefer flour tortillas to corn, but all in all it was a great (and delicious) experience!

March 29th, 2012

Today not only did I have no classes and no practicum work, but I made a lot of strides towards this trip to Paris! I got my papers notarized and in the mail, I turned in my loan requests to get $6000 for tuition and airfare, and I got my course equivalencies done and turned in to register for my BSU summer classes! Now, everything else isn't due until April 15th, so I definitely feel ahead of the game!

March 28th, 2012

Today, the weather was AMAZING! Everything was so vibrant and full of color and glorious! Not a cloud in the sky, green leaves on trees, flower petals blooming AND blowing in the air from the wind...it was perfect because it was in the 70s, which is a bit warm for me, but the wind just made it the perfect weather! Absolutely beautiful!

March 27th, 2012

Today in my FL 396 class, we went into Second Life and found the Ball State University "island". It had certain structures that are on campus, that looked exactly the same! It was...definitely an interesting experience.

March 26th, 2012

Today I received in the mail a Nintendo Classic Controller for the Wii. This basically means that it hooks up to a regular Wii controller and you play with the classic like a Super Nintendo controller. What did this mean for me? It meant that I got to re-live my childhood playing Donkey Kong Country 3, made for Super Nintendo. Lots of nostalgia, but a great time overall.

March 25th, 2012

Today we went to a different residence hall for lunch where instead of the usual I decided to get a salad and put chicken on it. It was something I had tried previously but didn't have enough dressing, but this time it was just about perfect.

March 24th, 2012

For the past week and a half we have been having extremely warm weather. Now, it's not been too hindering because I live in a residence hall with air conditioning, but I still prefer it when it's not too warm out. Last night we had a thunderstorm and to blew the heat wave away, so today was the first day that the weather was 60 degrees, perfectly normal end of March/start of spring weather. It felt amazing outside =)

March 23rd, 2012

Today I tried churros and enchiladas today. I don't have much experience with Mexican food because it was not something my parents would actively go out to dinner for. However, Zack and I went to a Latino Dinner Theater and they had those two dishes there, and I have to say, I enjoyed them both! It was definitely a pleasant experience =)

March 22nd, 2012

I made a tentative schedule for my last semester on campus today. We have a new system being implemented for us to get courses, and it is extremely intimidating, especially being a senior and needing priority for some of my classes. I *think* I've figured it out and have created a schedule that I'm pretty sure I could live with. Here's hoping it works out!

March 21st, 2012

Today Zack and I went to Scotty's Brewhouse for their 1/2 off appetizers. That's all we got: Drinks (necessary for the deal) and two things of their house special: Fried Dill Chips. Literally the best invention ever, definitely made my night a thousand times better =)

March 20th, 2012

Today I had my favorite lunch: Sbarro's Cheese Pizza with Caliente's Chips Salsa and Queso. This is a tradition that my boyfriend and I started a couple of months ago and it's always a nice treat whenever I have it.

March 19th, 2012

Today since it was so warm out I treated myself to a White Mocha Frapp with Peppermint syrup from Starbucks. It was delightful =)

March 18th, 2012

Today, I was able to download a song that my high school show choir performed two years ago. It is definitely one of my favorite songs they have performed, and I had previously looked on iTunes, to no prevail, and the only copy on YouTube is what the show choir did at a competition, so there's feedback and audience/background noises in that copy. But, I was able to find the sheet music and on the same site it had an audio copy as well! Day = Made