Preparation: Step One

I have started preparing myself to not shop during winter quarter. My first step: deleting store emails and unsubscribing from many mailing lists.  I feel as if not having percent/ money off, free shipping, new product, and all of the other emails that stores send out in my face will help a lot. I was able to unsubscribe from a number of lists but I (easily...) became bored with this and just deleted everything. I will unsubscribe as the emails come in.

Next I am going to try to figure out if I can set my leech block to not allow me to enter the checkout portion of sites that I frequently purchase from (Forever 21, Express, Aldo....) because I still would like to be able to look and gather inspiration, just not spend money.

I feel more confident now that I have started setting myself up for success. I also have several other females that will be joining me. They are all setting up their own individual shopping rules and regulations but we will all provide a support system for each other.


Until next time-

New Project (s)

So I have two new projects. One I mentioned in a previous blog post regarding my attempt to stop shopping and shop my closet. I will have my absolute final decision regarding this to post on December 31 as I will be starting on January 1.

The second project is a little DIY/ crafty project. I will start taking pictures when I pull it out of my trunk. Until then, I choose to leave you in suspense and not mention what it is!

So until then....

The Last...Shoes.

So I have declared my no-buy which means that I will not be purchasing any additional shoes until Winter Quarter is over (*gasp*)

I ordered these two shoes before I declared my no-buy. I am currently obsessed with wedges. I feel that wedges are the perfect shoe for trekking across campus during the winter months. There are several reasons I am in love with wedges:

First, I've always found that I look more polished and mature in heels however when it snows, heels aren't always the most practical type of footwear. When I wear wedges I feel as though I am really wearing flats too.

I also like the height boost that wedges give me. I'm only 5'3 and I hate being shorter than everybody in my classes.

Wedges keep my winter jeans from dragging in the slush and such as well which is great.

I will quit rambling now and just show the shoes:

First up is the DV by Dolce Vita Willy Bootie. While not exactly a wedge, they feel like one due to the thick heel. The suede is so amazingly soft and the shoe is so comfortable.

And these are the Steve Madden Biing. I love Steve Madden shoes.  These are bad shoes too. They're perfect to continue the military trend with. I love them because they're totally girl shoes because of the heel but they're not super prissy.

So there you have it- the last shoes.

I WILL Stop Shopping!- (the final decision.)

Who: Me!
What: A new no-buy/ fashion challenge
Where: Everywhere that I am, YouTube, and right here!
When: Beginning January 1, 2011
Why?: I feel as though I shop a lot and I probably have enough clothes to last me a good while.

So I am definitely going to begin a no-buy. I am going to start out with the small goal of Winter Quarter (about 3 months.) During this time period I will not spend money on ANY clothing excluding necessary purchases (new undergarments, socks, etc. lol.)

And just how do I plan to accomplish this? Simple- I will shop my closet. I will post pictures to my blog and make videos for YouTube documenting my progress. I might even enlist the help of some friends.

Wish me luck!

New Shoes!

In my last post I mentioned that I've ordered a few pairs of my favorite thing- SHOES!!!

Well here's some stock photos along with little rambles of how I plan to style them. I will take real, on foot pictures of them eventually and I will also show some outfit of the days wearing them (I'd like to get more consistent at posting OOTDs)

First up are the Chelsea Crew wedges I ordered from UrbanOutfitters.com:

 I got these because I have some busy days and I don't always want to wear heels but I like height (being 5'3.) I feel these wedges are polished enough to make it look like I've put effort into my casual outfits.  I will be wearing these with sweaters and jeans mostly.



Sticking with my love of wedges I found the Brigitte Bailey by Pour La Victoire Tricia wedge and fell in love:

I've been looking for a sky high black suede boot just like these.  I love the low cut of these.  The suede is also super soft. I plan to wear these with tights, sweaters, and dresses and well as with jeans. I'm so excited to style these!


Then I rediscovered the Jessica Simspon Kaiko:

I had fallen in love with these a couple of months back but never really thought of ways to wear them. I will wear these with jackets/ blazers, sweaters, jeans, and dresses and tights.

Lastly is the Jessica Simpson Kingsly:

I plan to wear these with dresses and tights and also jackets. I love the sleek, modern design of these.

When I decide on the final pair of booties I will also post a pic of those. For now---toodles!

I *WILL* Stop Shopping.

I've spent a lot of time during this break trying to think about my wardrobe and how I want it to be. This includes thinking about what items to get rid of (seriously) and also adding a few "better" pieces- all in an attempt to streamline my wardrobe and make it easier for me to get dressed in the morning. I've gotten several amazing shoes, some great sweaters, and a couple of dresses.  Even though it will be cold, I plan to wear some dresses (with tights of course) in an effort to remain put together.

I also have realized how much I really shop. So I really plan to stop. With the exception of one pair of shoes that I have my eye on and a few other pieces I am officially FINISHED shopping. I think I am going to put myself on sort of a low buy or an allowance just in case the urge bites me but reward myself for resisting. I'm thinking $50 a month and if I can go the whole month without buying unnecessary clothes I will give myself $50 additional. That might work.

I will also post pictures of the things that I have coming. I want to make them different posts because I hate writing long and drawn out posts. So with that said....toodles!

Snow. Ugh.

I remember when I used to love snow.

When I was a lot younger we used to sled ride down the hill behind my house...well, more than just down the hill. Down the hill, across the road, down the next hill....fun.

Then I went to high school and snow meant two-hour delays (or even better) cancellations. I would sleep in and then lazily watch television or surf the Internet all day...fun.

But now that I've grown up, I've come to loathe the snow. The real world doesn't stop for snow- does mother nature not get this? I have things to do! I hate having to "watch the weather" and plan accordingly.

Ugh. Snow, please let this be the last day I see you.

Finals Week- Finally!!!

Well...it's finally here- finals week.  I cannot WAIT to wrap this quarter up. I'm exhausted....physically and mentally.  Next quarter will not be any better I fear but at least I will be closer to my degree.  I found out after next quarter I only have like 10 more courses! Woohoo!

I can't wait to go home and eat real food. <3

Blood!

Soooo today I gave blood. I should have learned my lesson the last time I gave blood...but I just feel that not all eligible donors take the time to give and every little bit definitely helps.

Anyway, I used to give blood every time that I was eligible. The time prior to this I had a little incident and wound up blacking out. After that I felt pretty horrible for a while so I went to the doctor who diagnosed me with anemia.  If you're anemic you can't donate blood so I had to stop for a while....

Well it's been about three years...

So today I decided to try again. I'm a trooper after the needle is in....but this time tested me in every way.  I was expecting my blood bag to fill up in less than 10 minutes like it used to in the past. Yea, that didn't happen. My appointment was 1:30, I started the procedure at about 1:40 and did not leave until 2:40...and so much went wrong.

First, I flinched when the needle went in.  My vein was lost so the needle had to be wiggled in order to find my vein (ouch!) My blood wasn't flowing so again, the vein had to be found.  So then just as the bag was about to be full my vein just quit pumping.  I had people poking and prodding at my arm and moving the needle and I was freakin out and just wanted to cry. 

The Red Cross representatives were wonderful though.  They kept asking me if I wanted them to remove the needle and I could stop with the donation.  I figured I was already so far and that little amount of pain I was experiencing would be nothing compared to the pain the individual that will receive my blood will unfortunately go through.

THEN (yes, there's more) they had to stick me in the other arm with a smaller needle in order to fill the little tubes.  My blood would have been useless without the little tubes and I seriously did go through entirely too much to not have my blood count!

And now my arm is so sore I can barely move it. But it's okay.

It feels good to be able to give blood again though and despite the difficulties I endured I will continue to give blood.

Back to Where *I* Started....

Ya know what I hate?

When I say to myself "Keisha, this will work and look great!" Then I spend a few hours doing whatever it was I thought would look great only to realize it's really not great.

Case in point:

I didn't blog about it (busy, busy) but I recently moved apartments.  My old bedroom was a certain shape.  It wasn't necessarily a lot larger than my current room but the set up definitely made it see as though it was. I had a lot more wall space and a hallway which I had turned into a sort of closet/ accessory area. My bathroom was located in the hallway.  It worked out quite nicely.

Now my room seems a lot smaller because I don't have all of the wall space AND my bathroom is in my bedroom (taking up even more wall space) so I have been unable to hang my belts and necklaces as I had them in my previous room.

What's bugging me?

A few days ago I decided that I would possibly like my room more if I moved my bed. Boy was I wrong.  It actually makes my room feel even smaller because the open areas are more broken up.  So when I get some energy, back the bed goes lol.

The plus side though is that my closet is two feet bigger than my old closet and my bathroom is a lot bigger.  I have been able to make use of the extra bathroom and closet space which is wonderful. When I get home I'm possibly going to do some more rearranging.  We'll see.

TTFN!

Moving!

So I moved.  Ugh.  You don't realize how many things you own until you move! I am NEVER shopping again! NEVER!! I am actually in a smaller apartment but I think this will help me rid myself of a lot of stuff...we'll see.  It's smaller than my room at home!  Buuuuuuut I have a bigger closet AND my bathroom is bigger so it will work out just fine I think.

Anyway, it's 3:21 a.m. and I am beat---BED!

Music Update!

I just updated my blog with some oldies! I LOVE oldies! They just put me in such a different mood...maybe because it's real music?

The Absent Blogger!

I am stinking at keepin this blog updated right now.  I just have a few things going on and I've been busy! I have gotten another roommate, had some fun here and there...you know. But I haven't done a haul post or a cooking post or anything.  I've cooked a few meals- spaghetti last week and an alfredo dish today...got another new roommate (LOVE her!) Oh and had another centipede AND a jumping spider. Talk about panic attacks!

Oh well...time for bed! Night!

P.S. I promise to try to be more active.

Busy, Busy Blogger!

I have been downright BUSY! I haven't posted since September 3rd! Wow.  A lot has happened since then:

• I changed my major.
• I had one roommate move out....and a new one move in.
• I helped move the freshmen in
• Joined an organization and signed up to help out with some other things on campus.
• Started classes.
• Went out! (wow)
• Did a LOT of organizing!

Well, I guess I haven't been too terribly busy...actually my schedule stinks this quarter.  Every day I have class until 5 or 6. On the days I have class until 6 I have a huge 4 hour break.  I hate when my school days are spread out like this but oh well...need to do what I gotta do.   I am going to get back on the blogging. I really am. My new shoe rack is coming tomorrow so I will have to take most of the shoes out of my closet in order to use it...maybe I'll do a fall shoe show? I dunno. We'll see.  But it's late sooooo night!

It's Friday?!

I totally just realized that today is Friday! My days are all mixed up. 

I'm a little bit ticked off because one of my new neighbors decided to have a party last night.  Her friends were leaving at 2 a.m. and one of the fools had his music very loud. Then he had the nerve to turn it up which only served to burn me up more.  Have a little respect for the other people in the complex that are actually trying to get some rest.

My body hurts from moving in the freshmen yesterday...but I had a good time and the families seemed to appreciate the help.  I have another shift today from noon to 3 p.m.  It is going to be hot lol!!!

After I finish I need to run uptown to grab my books for this coming quarter...then go home and get ready for fun freshmen events tonight.  They're having something called Bobcat Bash which is supposed to be pretty fun.

Time to go get ready to move in the freshies!

Major Change!!

Yes, I changed my major as a senior.  I will now be going toward a degree in retail merchandising. Yessssss!

That's all for now!

Future Looks Bright

I couldn't come up with a better title....but if today is any indication of how the rest of the year and the rest of my time at OU will go, I feel confident.

I had a very relaxing day at my apartment.  Then I went to a meeting for the Go Green weekend that is coming up.  It is a lot of getting the freshmen to feel comfortable type of things.  I signed up so that I could meet some upperclassmen and try to develop a little bit of a name around here but I'm so surprised at how welcomed I felt! The president of the organization that I plan to join this year, Black Student Union, is one of the sweetest girls I've met on campus so far. I've been feeling pretty out of place because the majority of the students are 20-21 and I'm 24 but she totally made me forget the age difference.

Tomorrow I move the freshmen in from 9a.m. to 12p.m. and then I go to schedule classes which I hope goes okay.

Here's to a good year!

Sleep- We Have a Problem

Since Wednesday night I have been taking my Tylenol Simply sleep.  To my surprise I was falling asleep early (around midnight- one at the latest) and naturally waking up around 8 a.m.

Well last night I skipped taking it because it was rather late....The last time I remember seeing on the clock was 3 a.m. when I was setting my alarm.  I set it for 8 a.m. because I still want to maintain a normal sleep pattern.  Well...I naturally woke up around 6:45 a.m. Are you kidding me?? I tried to fall back asleep. No dice. I got up and relieved myself.  Maybe I needed to do that in order to comfortably fall back asleep. Yea...no. So around 7:15 a.m. I decided to just get up. 

So here I am.

Awake.

After less than four hours of sleep.

I'm convinced my natural sleeping habits aren't normal.  I'm going to mention this to my doctor and see if I can get a sleep study done or something because my body needs to get better rest.  I felt so much better when I was getting full nights of sleep than I did when I was only getting a few hours...

But since it's a new month I have decided to not waste time.  That means no laying in bed for two hours trying to fall back asleep. I'm going to get up and be halfway productive until I get tired and then take a nap.

Let's see what I accomplish.

Summer Quarter Wrap Up

I did well this quarter.  Not as good as I needed to but I am proud of myself.  It is a definite improvement and I think this will provide me with the motivation that I need to continue doing well in school.

*Drum Roll Please*

Pols 101- B-
Film 203- B
ENG308J- B+
T3480M- B-


I think I could have devoted more time and effort and received better grades so that is what I will do next quarter.  My grades from this quarter will hold me back a little bit but I feel as though everything happens for a reason.  I need to not look at what I won't be able to do and instead look at what has happened as a result of my success.

My goal is to get on Dean's List every quarter from this point on and to receive all A's before I graduate. It will happen!

Today.....

Today I will must be more productive than I was yesterday.  Today is the last full day I have of break time before I am consumed with school things.  Tomorrow I have a meeting for the Go Green Freshman move in thing which means life is officially starting back up.  And then classes start next week...with my given goal to be on Dean's List every quarter from here on out I will have to bust my butt.  But it's okay!

Off to be productive!

Cleaning Makes Me Think....

I managed to drag myself out of bed and finish washing my makeup brushes.  It's amazing how soothing washing brushes is and how much it allows me to think.  This is just a brainstorm type post of the things that I was thinking about that I would like to come back and touch upon more deeply.

• I need more order in my life.  Less clutter. A place for everything and everything in its place.  Maybe this will help free my mind and allow me to do better with a lot of things that I'd like to succeed in.
• Prioritize.
• I want to get straight A's in a normal course load at least one quarter before I graduate. I'd also like to make dean's list every quarter beginning with Fall 2010 and going forth.
• Wardrobe revamp.

Unproductive Day

I've been awake since 8 a.m.  You'd think that I would have accomplished something by now right? It is almost noon.  I've been in bed watching Law and Order and surfing the Internet though. 

I've been up a few times and managed to wash my hair (currently deep conditioning- relaxer time next week) and clean my bathroom out a little bit...but other than that....

I think I am going to claim today as a lazy day...a day of low productivity.  I think it's going to be one of those days where I get up for like, ten minutes an hour and do something. After all of the cleaning that I did yesterday I sort of feel like I deserve to be lazy.  Plus this is the first time in a long time I have had absolutely nothing to do. I've always had work and school and whatnot...but I don't currently have a job and I'm on my (week long woohoo) summer break so I'm trying to enjoy this little bit of down time.  It actually ends Wednesday. Two days to do nothing!



Off to continue being lazy!

Afterthoughts: Chicken Asparagus Gratin

I made my last post before sitting down to eat...I think when I do cooking posts I will also do a follow up regarding my overall thoughts on a dish so that I can keep the post containing the recipe rather short.  I will include my thoughts as far as cost, ease, taste, and anything else that comes to mind. So here it is:

As far as cost, this is definitely a budget friendly dish (costs will vary and I'm not including the price of milk, spices, or anything else I used a tiny fraction of a container of)-

• Chicken= $4.99
• Asparagus= $2.99/ lb.
• Pasta= $1.50
• Cheese= $1.50

Total: About $10.98

For just over ten dollars I was able to make a full dish.  For me this dish will yield at least three meals and is well within a college student budget. This would also be ideal for a small family.

It was relatively easy to make.  I did get confused/ overwhelmed for a minute which I think could have been avoided if I had planned better.  Doesn't require a lot of cooking knowledge beyond how to tell when noodles are done.

Taste-wise this isn't the tastiest dish I've ever had but it is good. It doesn't really taste like asparagus...it reminds me more of a chicken casserole containing green beans with a hint of cheese. 

Next time I make this I will add more of the sauce. It's a little bit on the dry side for my tastes.

If you try this recipe out let me know! Let me know if you did any variations and overall what you think of this recipe!

Cooking with Keisha: Chicken Asparagus Gratin

As I was wandering the super market a few days ago I noticed Cream of Asparagus soup...I've never heard of it before to be honest.  I'm a HUGE fan of asparagus so I decided to check out the can.  On the back I found a recipe for Ham Asparagus Gratin.

 

Seemed simple and inexpensive enough to make:

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Asparagus Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked cut asparagus
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked ham
2 1/4 cups corkscrew-shaped pasta (rotini), cooked and drain
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese

1. Stir soup, milk, onion powder, black pepper, asparagus, ham, pasta, and 1/2 cup cheese in 2-qt shallow baking dish
2. Bake at 400*F. 25 min. or until ham mixture is hot and bubbling.  Stir ham mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
3. Bake 5 min.or until cheese is melted

I of course am not a huge pork fan so I substituted chicken. I figured chicken and asparagus go well together so why not.

Here is my (non chef) variation:

Didn't seem to be enough...I like sauce...but after adding milk it was better

Asparagus is one of my favorites.
I chopped the asparagus before cooking it to see if it would be easier- turned out okay :o)

 I am proud of myself! Two pots going at one time and no mishaps!

(I don't multitask well)

My chicken cheers for the Buckeyes I see!

Since the oven was heating to 400*F for the dish I baked my chicken breasts for about 20 minutes, flipping once

I didn't allow it to cook all the way through.

I was afraid of it overcooking during the baking of the entire dish.

On the left half I followed the recipe as far as cubing the meat and mixing it in with the pasta and asparagus.

On the right I laid the chicken on top of the pasta mixture to see what that would turn out like.

I also didn't put the cheese throughout the mixture because I wasn't sure if I would like it.  The bottom chicken breast does have chicken.

I took the dish out 10 minutes before time.

Cheese was crunchy but it's good lol.

Other variations that I did:

• I used more than the listed amount of noodles.  I was too lazy to do the math so I just used the entire bottle.
• I also used two cans of the soup.  One didn't seem to be enough- even if I had used the correct amount of noodles.
• I also added milk until it was creamy

I did sneak a couple of noodles and it seems yummy. I have yet to try to chicken but I'm sure it is going to be yummy.

I have actually been cleaning my apartment head to toe for the past five or so hours so while I have this productive streak I want to finish before I take a break to eat because I'm sure I won't feel like cleaning after!

Toodles!

Almost finished!!

I'm excited to say that this quarter is almost finished!! Two finals and I am DONE with summer quarter!!

I'm preparing to go to bed because I have a full day tomorrow.  I must be on top of my game. I go to take my Film final at 10 a.m.  Then I'm going to come home and (hopefully) complete my Pols final.  I really want to get it finished tomorrow so that I can have the weekend to myself and not have to worry about it. 

Then I have a hair consultation at 6 p.m. I don't know what I want to do to it.  So we will see.

And the best part of tomorrow is Takers! If I am able to finish my final tomorrow I am going to take myself to see Takers! There is actually a midnight showing tonight that I would love to go to (I've never been to a midnight movie showing) but with my final and full day tomorrow I know that would be the stupidest thing to do---so I'll wait.  There is a show close to 8 and then one around 10 so one I will hopefully make it to tomorrow.

Saturday I also have an early day.  I volunteered to help the Humane Society with Dog Swim at the city pool. Yay! Dogs! So I'll be there from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Phwew.

Give and Get is Here!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from August 26-29 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy and we'll donate 5% of what you spend to a non-profit."

End of Day Productivity Check + Tomorrow To Do

I feel very productive.  Today I:

• made all of my phone calls
• scheduled all of my necessary appointments
• found a primary care physician in Athens
• Took a load of clothes to Goodwill
• Stocked up on Diet Coke and Pepsi (and I feel so much better- will get more before everybody else moves in and I wind up without)
• Finished most of my reading assignment

I did not:

• Finish my Pols writing assignment

But it's okay.  I feel like I accomplished a lot today so I am going to go get ready for bed and finish up the rest of my reading assignment for my Film class while I watch Bad Girls Club and Teen Mom.  I'll be calling it another early night tonight so that I can rise early and accomplish more things.

Tomorrow's to-do list:

• Writing Assignment for Pols
• Dr's Appt at 3 pm
• Head to Parkersburg to pick up some necessary hair stuff and stop at Gabes to finalize my Icebreaker outfit
• Hopefully the Pols final will be up so I can begin (and maybe finish) it early
• Study for the film final

Busy Tuesday!

(I've found that it helps me throughout the day if I've made a post regarding some of the things I need to accomplish- never mind me)

Today is a very very very busy day:

• Make a ton of phone calls
• Schedule a ton of appointments- I always hate scheduling appointments because it's always my luck that one of the last appointments I need coincides with one of the first ones so I have to call the first contact and change that appointment. Grrrrr.
• Finish my Film packet- I didn't realize I had so much left to do but it didn't take me long last time
• Writing Assignment for Pols
• Clean apartment- my roommate is coming back any day now and the living room is a mess. It's all clothes which is sad

So that's my day.  I want to start my film assignment shortly after 9 but I've been up since slightly before 7:30 and I've actually been pretty productive.  My closet purge has been taking a long time but I'm figuring out if I take a couple shirts out a day I don't feel the pain as much.  Three more pieces are in my Goodwill box- hey, if I don't wear it somebody else will love to.  I have about 20 minutes to finish my closet purge and then make my phone calls- I don't like to call people in the first half hour they're in the office.  I like to let people get settled, get some coffee, relax, and then I swoop in and annoy. LoL.

So I'm off to be productive- tata!

I Feel Good.

I think I've gotten myself back onto my good sleeping pattern.  I stayed up until about 10:30 last night and didn't set my alarm and my body woke up naturally at 7 a.m.  Now that's more like it! I decided to go back to bed for an hour or so to try to get a little extra rest so I can see if I need a nap and I woke back up at 9...I feel good.

I'm up and ready to attack some school work, make some phone calls, get some errands accomplished and maybe make a few YouTube videos.  The light in my apartment SUCKS though. 

Toodles!

One Week Left

So I am finished with all of the assignments that were due for this week.

Yessssssss!

I was going to push myself to get a jump start on next week's work but I really think I need to relax a little bit tonight.  I don't have a whole lot that needs to be finished- finish my film reading assignment, watch the final film (which I'm doing right now) and make the last discussion board post, read my chapters for Pols, writing assignment due Thursday (I'd like to finish it Tuesday) and then study for my film final.

I can handle this.

Cooking with Keisha: Muffins!

I couldn't think of a better title. Sooooo Cooking with Keisha. This is more like baking actually.

As I was thinking of things to talk about on my YT channel regarding college I came to one of the most important things ever: discovering yourself.  I actually discovered that I am a morning person as far as learning and retaining material. While my mind was going I realized something that might be affecting me right now.  During the first session I would at least eat something before class: half of a bagel, a nutri grain bar, a muffin..... but since I don't have any physical classes second session I haven't been eating anything other than dinner. Sooooo since I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep I decided to run to Kroger and pick up some bagels.  Walmart is right next door so I decided to stop and pick up some Twizzlers and a couple magazines.  As I was in Walmart I had a craving-- muffins. LoL. Any normal person would go to the bakery and get the pre-made muffins. Me- I decided I felt like baking.

They were very simple to make actually.

I'm a mess. I know.

And then I got on the phone with my mom and forgot to take them out.  They're still yummy though!

And I feel a lot better.  I feel more focused. Even though it's already 11 a.m. and I had wanted to get started on my tasks at 8 I just feel a lot better and more relaxed. So maybe I need to wake up and put something in my belly to be productive? Think so?

New Shoes! (I Forgot)

I ordered some new shoes today.  I'm sure I didn't need them but I couldn't pass up this deal. And they're hot. I promise.

Charles Jourdan Collection Amelia

Check out the Silhouette

This shoe retails for $270 but I was able to snag my pair for just over $30.

They're just what I'm into right now and I think these will be hot with a few of my bandage dresses.

I think I really am becoming more accustomed to expensive (price tag, not what I pay) shoes.  They're just built so different than your $27 pair of fashion pumps. You really do notice that they are cut differently and the materials are better making them way more comfortable.

As much as it pains me I think it's time to part with some more of my cheap shoes. I did put a bunch of my cheaper, more painful shoes in my Goodwill box but I think for the rest I need to do something with. I'm not sure if I want to do something as drastic as just giving them all away- a lot are new in box.  I was thinking with my new ones eBay would be a good solution but eBay is sooooo time consuming and such a pain in the ass sometimes. Oh well. I'll figure it out.

But now I really am going to bed. Night!

Next Quarter I *Will* Do Better.

Next Quarter I *MUST* Do Better.

I don't know what's wrong with me.  For the past year I've kept relatively sane hours.  This summer I kept (shockingly) normal people hours- bed by 10 p.m., up at 5:30 or 6 a.m. for my 8 a.m. class....

So what is wrong with me now?

It's been going on for about three weeks now which is really alarming me.  Usually I have a lethargic day or two. I learned in my health class winter quarter that you only need one good night of sleep to get back on track so I figured that my one or two days was normal.  But seriously....three weeks?

As you see I make a lot of really early morning posts. That's because I'm waking up around now. I'll get tired again in an hour or two and fall back asleep promising to get up around 10. Then when I really get up it's like noon. It's not like I've even been going out so I don't have any fun stories to share.  I've just been...tired....

And it's throwing my entire school schedule off. The first part of summer I did amazing.  Now I sit here with finals staring me down and I am NOT prepared and I fear I will never be.  I have a test that I *must* finish today.  I have two more essay questions and then multiple choice which obviously don't give me as much problems. I have to make a post regarding my film of the week.  I will probably watch this coming week's film tonight too since that posting is due Wednesday- just so I don't forget- and then spend all of next week cramming for finals.  I have a final at 10 a.m. Friday and then this Pols final that I am not looking forward to will also be available Friday...I'm hoping he makes it available Wednesday so I can start it and not be too too stressed.  I want to finish my finals and get some Chipotle!

Well I'm going back to bed until 8--at least I will try. Night!

Dinner!

The beauty of going to your parents house is that they send you back with tons of food.  My mom made me spaghetti (yum!) and one of my lovely friends had a ton of red potatoes (my fave!) left over from her wedding reception and shared them with me so I haven't really started the whole "cook each week" thing I wanted to start.

I did however have to make something to go with the red potatoes.  It's nothing spectacular but I'll share it with you all anyway:

I stopped by Kroger and picked up some garlic chicken (it wasn't very good to be honest) and made some baked asparagus.  I was craving the rice which is why I have two starches but I will live.

The baked asparagus was SO easy! I prepared the asparagus, put it in foil, sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top, added some butter and then wrapped the foil up.  I cooked it in the toaster oven for 30 minutes at 350* and it turned out DELICIOUS.

I'm up really late though because I needed to finish a paper that I flaked out on.  Big time flaked out. I'm about to head to bed because I have a test I need to complete tomorrow that I can't afford to mess up on.  I need a little bit of rest.

Night!

I *NEED* You in my Life!

Of course you know I'm talking about a pair of shoes....

BAM!

I LOVE sequins! I think these boots are a must have for my wardrobe.  Right now they carry a $70 price tag which isn't too bad but I think I'll wait and see if they go down a little bit. 

*sigh*

Finals Week? Already?

I can't believe how quickly this summer has gone by! Finals week is next week.  Already?  It feels like second session just began yesterday!

I can't say I will miss this session either.  I have a political science course that I am not feeling at all.  Can't wait to be finished with this. Good riddance!

I have soooooo much work to catch up on tomorrow though.  I just have too much to do! I'm trying to get the living room put together just in case they give us another roommate but the studying needs to come first.  I still have a test to finish for this political science course that I HAVE to get a good grade on and a few assignments left for this film course....but ugh.

I guess since my insomnia is going to get the best of me again tonight I might as well do something productive. Living room it is (my brain doesn't function its best this time of night unless it's been going all evening)

Toodles!

Shoe Score of the Day!

I scored a great pair of sandals today.  I think it's more monumental when I don't score an amazing pair of shoes.  Maybe I should start posting on days when I don't shop? Hmmmm....

Here they are:

They're corally pink! And they're so girly which I LOVE!!

Look at those gems! They're by a brand named "Bourne" which seems to be another "brand that I previously considered out of my price range.  These had a list price of $229.95.  Heck NO would I ever pay that much for these! But I do feel like I stole them since they were priced very very very low.  But this looks like a brand that I will be exploring. Bourne seems to have my type of shoes: fancy, girly detailing is a big thing for me.

And I know, I know.  It's pretty late in the season for me to be purchasing sandals.  Especially when Ohio weather changes at the drop of a dime. So this will probably be my last sandal purchase of the season unless I find a truly amazing deal or it stays really hot this year (please, no.)

That's all for this haul!

Room Tour: [Sneak Peek]

So this is what my bed looks like when it is made up.

I like pillows can ya tell?

My room is still a mess and I was sitting here thinking about things that make me extra motivated to clean my room.  First is a made bed.

Second is when all surfaces (desk, nightstand, dresser, etc.) are clean and organized and when my closet is good so I'm going to run to Walmart real quick (so that I'm not tempted to go out later when all of the other stores are open) and then come back here and do some of the other things.

More "Room Tour" to come!

You Know *I* Am Tired When....

As you know I spent a little over a week at my parents house. I returned to my apartment around 1:30 p.m. I forced myself to unpack my car (the content are currently strewn across my living room) because I knew I wouldn't want to do it later...it was like 84 degrees outside!  All I remember after finishing is taking a quick cold shower (hate being sweaty...hate getting into a bed sweaty even more) and telling my mom that I was going to take a quick nap.  That was around 2:30 p.m.  I set my alarm for 3 and crashed out.  Wow.  I didn't realize I was so tired.  My alarm went off and I must have rolled over and shut it off. I guess I decided to not force my body that extra little bit and allow myself to sleep even though I had things I needed wanted to accomplish today.

You know I'm tired when I have several packages waiting for me in my apartment complex office and I just don't feel like getting them. Shoes and makeup and everything I love. Yea, it can sit there another day.

You know I'm tired when I don't even check my mailbox knowing there are things in there.

You know I'm tired when I just don't feel like going to the store.  I have plenty of food to get me through the next several weeks...but I need to replenish my Diet Coke stash.

You know I'm tired when I fall asleep around 2:30 p.m. and wake up around 3 a.m. Wow.  That's a lot of sleep I needed. lol.

And yes, I woke up at 3 a.m.  I decided to be slightly productive and get a start on organizing all of this stuff.  I managed to get my bed up on the risers.  I managed to figure out what I'll be doing with the area under my bathroom sink (now I need to figure out what I'mma do with all of the stuff that no longer has a home.) I managed to make a little bit more room in my kitchen and figure out how to make even more space available (double woot- my kitchen is too small for four people.) And that's it. 

So now I'm going to bed.

Night!

Fall Trend: Oxfords (I Own Them!)

I've been anti- oxfords for a while now.  I just really don't care for flat shoes. 
  
At all.

I prefer heels and wedges...which was fine and dandy while I was on the regional campus- maybe have to park in the back of the lot on an unlucky day, walk up a flight of stairs, walk a few yards, walk up another flight of stairs and I've arrived at my classroom.

But now that I'm on the main campus and will be doing a lot of walking (on cobblestone at that) I figured it's time to invest in a couple pair of flats.

I have my blingy sandals (love!) and a few pair of other slip-ons but I don't feel as though the slip-ons will carry me into late fall appropriately.  They're the prissy, low cut ones that cover just enough foot....and they're not very comfortable either due to the way that they are cut.

Today I came across a pair of oxfords for only $11.99 so I said, "Why not?" 

Why not?:

So I'm picturing several outfits that I can do with these (picture with me):

• Boyfriend jeans and flannel style shirt
• cropped denim and sweater

Okay, that's all I got right now.  But I feel like these will be versatile enough that I will feel confident I didn't waste a lot of money (not like they were expensive anyway.)

Is Glamour Giving Females Wrong Ideas?

 *Disclaimer: This is my opinion.  I am a journalism student however I claim no expertise in the area.  This is how I feel about the situation as presented to me by Glamour magazine. 

Let me start off by first saying that I LOVE Glamour. I especially love the "real stories" section of the magazine.  They feature stories about women doing heroic things or just plain being amazing.

But one story in particular from the September Issue struck a funny chord with me.  "I Sued My Ex for Giving Me an STD- And I Won." It begins on page 334 so if you need a chance to go grab a copy and read it here is a moment.........













Finished?

So this story is a about a young lady (22 at the time) that goes to her dentist office only to find out that it has been taken over by a handsome young dentist (he was 32.) They hit it off and sat talking in the office after hours and yadda yadda.  Next they entered into some sort of a relationship.  The short version is that he supposedly told her she should get tested for the STD called HPV.  She continued on the relationship with him.  Her test results were lost for three months and HPV showed up on her results.  She continued seeing him.  Then he told her that he had gotten another girl pregnant. She continued seeing him even after the baby was born. A few months later she developed genital warts (she saw some on his thing- more on that in a bit) and cervical dysplasia. She continued dating him for a few more months.

After they had broken up she began law school.  While studying she got the bold idea to sue him.  She took it to court and won.  He had to pay her 1.5 million dollars.  He appealed.  He lost.  It was stated that since he was a doctor he had the training to understand his body and STDs and he should have exercised more caution.

Okay I get this.... but this is why I call bs on her story:

The story is too "he said she said."  We all know a female (and males do it too so don't think I'm attacking my own sex) that has exaggerated a relationship and made it more in her head than the man made it. Yea, he might take her to dinner but he just wants some...she is taking this to mean they are in a relationship though. Throughout the story she claims that they discussed this and they discussed that.  He told her to get checked for HPV for example- where is her proof? I mean, he didn't prove that he didn't but she did prove that he did.

At 22 she is a willing, consensual adult.  She should know the consequences of sex. She made the remark that she had seen similar lesions on his male part (regarding her developing of genital warts) but he refused to discuss them.  So homegirl, you should have stopped messing with him right then and there.  I'm sorry, but if a man's man part doesn't look right that man does not get any until he can provide up to date test results.  And you get your hooha tested if you've already let him get it.  That's just what we do in the real world.

The reason I kept stating that she continued dating him is that is shows her stupidity (yes, I called her stupid.) That should have been held against her in my opinion.  Like if you have a bag of MnMs and I steal one, and then another, and then another at what point are you going to pick your bag up and smack my hand? You can't complain that I ate all of your MnMs if you sat there and allowed me to do it. Same concept here.

Now I don't totally think Glamour was wrong to publish the story.  I just think as a female oriented magazine the article seems a little bit biased.  They failed to call out her faults (a few mentioned above) and put all of the blame on him. I feel as though Glamour is putting the wrong idea out there for females- it's okay to continue on a relationship with a man, even as he does you wrong, but when you decide to break things off it's also okay to be scorned and sue him. No, it's not. But that's just me. What do ya'll think?

New Boots!

I've been eying these boots forever (well since August 4) because they're super on trend, super cute, and super perfect for fall.  I've had them sitting in my wishlist hoping that the price would go down.  It actually did go down quite a bit. I think they started just under $50 and I was able to score them for $35.99. I was trying so hard to let them go down to like $31 or under but several other items (I didn't want as much) went out of stock and I realized how upset I would be if I couldn't score these beauties for fall.  I went ahead and grabbed them because it only takes one.  That one person that decides to buy the shoes and then they're not mine.

Here they are:

MIA Hayley Boot in Stone

I like the  military trend that is big for this fall but I don't care for the all-out look on me so I've decided to work pieces in with other outfits.  These boots are perfect.

Now I really have to get to work or I won't be heading back until Tuesday.

Shake the LAZIES Off Keisha!!!

I'm very active on here today! I think it's my way of feeling productive while still procrastinating.

But now I really need to get up and finish packing my room up so I can go back to school tomorrow morning.  Being home was nice for a while but I'm ready to GO. I have the majority of what I was taking back already packed up but now I have little things to go through. 

Take, store, toss Keish. Take, store, toss.

I just didn't realize I had so much stuff...like how is my apartment full AND my bedroom back home still full? Ugh.

Being here makes me lazy....

...very lazy.

It used to be when the phone rang I would get up and answer it.

Not anymore.

Comcast is amazing and humors the lazy side of me.

Now I just look at my tv and see who is calling.

And usually I don't get up to answer it.

I love it.

Back to being lazy!

Exhaustion and Hunger. LoL.

I am exhausted.  I think it's related to hunger since I also have a splitting headache. I'm still at my parents house but trying to stay only a day or so more so I don't want to go out and a buy a whole bunch of food and then lug it back to my apartment...and I'm trying to resist eating fast food which is the quickest option right now...I dunno. Ugh. It all sounds so silly.  I know.  Just go eat something Keisha.  But it's not that easy. Grrrrr.

I have a ton of errands to run- little things I want to pick up before I leave so I'm trying to grab food while I'm out....but I have some things going on here at the house (studying, laundry, rounding up things to take back to the apartment....) that need to be finished before I head out the door...soooooo....hungry it is I guess.

Oh and in other news: the other day there was a big black spider on my dining room ceiling.  Yes, I sat there and watched him and damn near had a nervous breakdown with my arachnophobia...Well I barricaded myself in my bedroom so he wouldn't get me.  This lasted several hours until my mom assured me he had gone out the door.  Well today when I was walking up the steps from the laundry I noticed something- big black spider.  Yep. He's baaaaaaaack.  I'm officially ticked off for the day.

Mr. Ed Isn't On???

Apparently I've been away from home long enough to forget that Mr Ed isn't on on Saturday mornings. So I guess I'm up for nothing? Might as well make use of the time right? I have a busy busy busy day ahead of me. 

I've been a slacker for this past week.  Wait, slacker doesn't even begin to define what I have been. I feel well rested physically which is a huge plus but I have gotten absolutely nothing accomplished that I had wanted to.

• I wanted to catch up on (and even get ahead of) some of the school work that I need to complete- only about two and a half weeks left of summer quarter after all. 
• I wanted to finish packing up my room so that my parents can re-carpet my room. 
• I wanted to do a little bit of shopping and try to find some of the staples I want in my wardrobe for fall (I did find some army green cropped pants and a pair of black jeggings- score!)
• I *need* to get a wedding present (wedding is today at 3 p.m.- it's currently 6:35 a.m.)
• I *need* to drop a box off at the post office.

So since I have been sooooo unproductive this week I may push my going back to my apartment back a couple of days.  I had planned to come home last Saturday and stay a week, leaving on Sunday.  I had then decided to leave on Monday but now that's sort of looking like Tuesday...but I hope not because I miss my apartment and I want to get back.

I've thought about my itinerary for the day. Packed to say the least.  I hate that things aren't open super early because I'm realizing that as far as errands I'd rather wake up and get everything over with.  Well, the post office opens at 8:30 so that will be my first stop.  JC Penney opens at 9. I don't know if I should go there first because I tend to spend hours (literally) staring at the pretties at Sephora. I'd also like to make a stop at Target to stock up on sugary things and Kohl's to hit up their clearance (which is usually AMAZING!) I absolutely have to go to Bed Bath and Beyond because that's where the wedding gift is.  While I'm there I might as well go to Old Navy (LOVE Old Navy and especially their clearance!) and I'd ultimately like to be home by 12:30 or 1 so that I can rest and get dressed for the reception (it's casual- thank goodness I don't have to get all fancy)

So yea, that's my agenda for the day! Wooooohoooo! And all because I was too lazy to go shopping on Thursday or Friday. Oh well. Since I'm up I think I'm going to try to get a jump start on some packing so maybe I can still leave tomorrow (though I highly doubt it)

Toodles!!

Blog Goal.

Originally this blog was supposed to be about fashion and makeup and things like that.

And it was.

But as I took a small break from shopping and being overly girly I realized I had little to post about.

I told a friend that I wanted to start another blog that was about self discovery.

And I did.

That didn't last very long. 

Maintaining two blogs? No thanks.

So I decided that since I had named this blog "The KJ Experience" I should allow it to be about anything my heart desired.

And it has. And I like it.

However, I think I would like to reintroduce the "discovery" into this blog.  I'm sitting here thinking about how ho hum my life is.  I don't do anything.  I'm serious! I'm also thinking about all of the things that I've said I wanted to learn how to do well enough to get a pass (if not master lol) I feel like my life is becoming consumed with school and the quest for good grades (it's happening though) and I need to do something other than study with some of my time. 

When I first discussed having a "discovery" blog I said I wanted to explore several different things: cooking, fashion, other blogs and YouTube channels, different cultures, books, just things in general. So I vow to do this:

• Cook. Once a week (at least) I will cook a meal that I have never cooked or modify a recipe that I have cooked (sort of like Julie and Julia LOL!) I think it'll be fun to take you all along on this journey with me as I learn to cook!
• Fashion.  I am slacking on the fashion so expect at least one post per week about what I am currently wearing or an outfit that I plan to put together
• Books.  I'm gonna start reading more.  I'm going to promise to do one book a month starting out because I am still in school and I don't want to tell myself that I am going to bang out reading and read a book each week when I probably won't.

Stay tuned!

Mr Ed

I just love Mr Ed.

This used to be one of my absolute favorite shows when I was younger...and I spent my snowed in days during winter quarter studying alllll night and watching Mr Ed before I'd go to sleep.

I woke up early this morning and I think I'm going to get my errands done early- my compressor in my ac broke on my car and it's like a $600 repair.  NOT that important. So before the sun starts beatin down I'm trying to be finished...then I need to come back here and work on a school assignment. But first, Mr Ed!

Study. Study. Study.

I think I mentioned that I really don't like history classes or political science classes.  And I think I mentioned that I don't like Internet or self paced classes that require very little work....I'm definitely having a hard time in this Pols 101 stuff.  I can't take it.  And I did horribly on my first exam.  Freakin sixty-eight percent. Yes, a D.  So I have to knock the next two tests out or this course will pull my entire average down.  And there really is no excuse because the exams are open book.  I just don't care. But I have to care.  I couldn't sleep at all tonight so I figure if I can't sleep, I might as well study.  Or at least try to find my way around this book so that I know where to look for the answers on this test next week. 

  Grrrrrr.
One chapter down, five to go.

Movie Time!

In about 10 minutes one of my favorite movies of all time comes on.

Yes, The Shining.

Who would have pegged me with my all that glitters, everything girly personality as a horror fan?  I absolutely LOVE The Shining.  In fact, right now I am taking an Intro to Horror Films course.  My professor asked us to rank our ten favorite horror movies- the class unanimously chose The Shining (imagine my excitement) I mean, I was on it when he announced we could watch this movie.  I knew I would be doing my film notes (painfully long and tedious) on this movie since I know it so well...and it turned out amazing. 

I'm off to watch the movie though! Tata!

Purge. Step One.

(yes, I should totally be asleep right now- but when inspiration strikes I must record it)

As I ponder the quickest, easiest, least painful way to purge my belongings I have come up with this solution- Start big and work down.

This means starting with one of my most beloved things ever- my shoes.

I have been pretty good about not buying shoes that don't fit me comfortably but that doesn't mean I haven't previously purchased some doozies. 

When I get back to my apartment I am trying on every single pair of shoes I own (this will also give me a chance to get pictures taken for the boxes) and they will go into three piles

1. Goodwill- I know I could sell a lot of my shoes and make a nice little penny, but time.  I'm thinking about time here.  And the longer they sit around my apartment the longer I will have to have second thoughts about them. So out the door they must go. (Plus selling is a sucky sport bc different people have different ideas of "good" condition and I'm not in the mood to hear it right now)
2. Keep- Only keeping shoes that fit my feet.  None of this scrunching into 7.5's because they were cute and on sale. And none of this keeping them because I paid a little too much for them.  Lesson learned. 
3. Parents house- I think with it being late summer a lot of my springier shoes can go to my parents house the next time I go.  I already know a few pair that are ready to come out of my wardrobe but I'm sure as I go through them pair by pair I will find several others that I just won't wear until next spring.  *This is usually the last stop before Goodwill. If I don't love them when I get them out to wear the next season, off they go.

As far as storage:
I know I need to invest in another piece of furniture but I want to keep it versatile yet inexpensive.  My whole game plan with this apartment furniture is to go as inexpensive as possible that way I can sell it to the next person for $20 and if nobody bites, I won't cry if I can't take it with me.  So I'm trying to stay under about $150 for things.  I've settled on this piece which I think I will be able to move my undergarments, socks, and other misc. into thus freeing up room in my (complex provided) dresser for larger items.  I think I will also be able to squeeze a couple of swimsuits into a lower drawer (in case somebody has a pool party duh) so I'll be able to take one set of Sterilite out of my closet.

So we will see what happens.  My next step is the clothing.  I am on a buying diet until September 1 but I think I am going to extend that to October 1 to give myself a better chance to weed my closet out and decide what I want to add.  I want to go with a lot of sleek basics: blazers (which I have a ton of), nice sweaters...a lot of mix and match pieces.  And I think if I start going on one monthly shopping excursion with a little bit of online shopping in between it will help me get a grip. Who knows?

Confidence.

I feel like I lack confidence.  Maybe it's because I'm the new girl in town and on campus.  Maybe it's because everybody is so much younger than me.  Maybe I do just feel a little bit out of place (okay, a lot.)

I've been watching all of these older movies and the way that these old Hollywood stars walk amazes me.  They exude this type of confidence that I would LOVE to possess. 

*Quick side note- in my opinion modern stars for the most part do not have this same type of confidence I'm referring to.  Most of them in their pictures look annoyed or as if they'd rather be doing something else. Some look downright shy or afraid, as if they should never leave the house.

So anyway, I said to myself last night "Keisha, you have GOT to get some confidence!"

But confidence is not something that you wake up with.  I don't think there is a confidence pill that you take one of at bedtime and wake up magically confident (if there is, please tell me where I can get it.)

I think confidence is a combination of a bunch of different things and it varies for different people.

I believe my confidence comes from these sources:

• The way that I feel about myself at the time
• The way that people vocalize how they feel about me
• Recent past successes

If I do well on something I tend to do well in all related things following.  On the same note, if I do horribly, it tends to just snowball downward.  I need to start putting more effort into everything I do so that I keep the positive upswing and don't slide backwards.

As far as other people's opinions:  I know people always say to ignore what people say and that none of it matters.  But ya know what? All of it matters. Most girls are confident when people tell them they are pretty or smart or always look nice or whatever.  Well I am one of those.  When people tell me that I'm pretty I believe it. When people tell me I am dressed nicely I believe it. When I have little girls looking up to me for whatever reason I feel good. Who doesn't?

When I feel good I feel more confident.  I remember a couple of summers ago I was told to wear Khaki pants and tennis shoes to something.  Well, I'm not comfortable in tennis shoes- ever.  And plain Khaki pants make me feel frumpy.  So I was hesitant to let anybody see me and ultra timid and just blech.  I asked if I could wear anything I wanted the following week and was told yes.  I showed up in jeans and shoes that were more me and couldn't stay off of the field.  That was when I realized how much how I look can change how I feel.

So with all of that being said, one of my new goals is to work on my confidence.  To just be a more confident person all around.  I'd like to be at my confidence peak come September so that I can fit in right away but that's not possible....so now I guess I will try to fake my confidence. lol.

Migraines and Eyeballs.

I've had this horrible migraine for two days.  I had so much crap that needed done today but I was just not feelin it.  So yes, I've been in bed all day.  I think it was a much needed lazy day though because my body actually feels really great. 


But my eye.  Oh yea, my eye.  I feel like something got up in there and scraped my poor eye :(  So I'm still sitting here in a dark room.  Trying not to strain or hurt my eye anymore than possible.  Oh well.

Happy Monday!

Netflix= Old Movie HEAVEN

I was sitting here fooling around with my Netflix queue.  Something told me to click on one of the "play" buttons to see what happened.  It happened to be Confessions of a Shopaholic so I figured if I got stuck with something I would be okay. Turns out I really can stream movies to my laptop! Woohoo!

I've always wanted to catch up on some older movies...right now I'm watching How to Marry a Millionaire with Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable. 

They're all so gorgeous!! I wish I could have lived during the times when women were always dressed and pulled together.  People were so much more elegant back in the day.  And the movies weren't as raunchy as they are nowdays.

I've become really interested in these movies and certain old time actors and actresses because of my last film course which was black and white crime films. *sigh* I miss Dr. Noble.  But I think he would be proud if he saw all of the film noir in my queue.

I think I'll be keeping Netflix.  At least until spring 2011.  Goal: 2 movies a week.

I could kick myself.

I totally forgot my camera at my apartment. How on earth did I forget the one thing that is usually glued to my hand at events?  And I'm really mad too.  I realized it as I was about a half hour away.  So I stopped and thought about it and I almost went back for it....but I was kinda like eh, by the time I turn around and drive back that half hour I'll really have wasted about an hour...plus I'll find something else that I need to finish...plus I'll waste all that gas." So I said forget it.  I said I'll just go and be a spectator for the week instead of my usual photographer/ snap happy self.

I am kinda bummed though because tonight I'm going out with a long time friend who is also coming into town.  And tomorrow is my little Kelsyn's 1year birthday party.  And sometime during the week we're supposed to have another birthday party for a couple of my little cousins.  And then Saturday I have a wedding to go to.  But I will live. I *might* grab a disposable camera (what are those? Where do they sell those at?) just to capture a couple of moments but it might be a nice little break to not be taking pictures every two minutes.


And all this because I am a really crappy packer....but that's another issue

Sunday Funday!

So I've been slacking on my school work for second session.  BIG TIME.

I hate courses like this.

It's an Internet class. Which I love. I can do the work whenever I want to. Works for me.

Strangely enough I prefer ones that require a few assignments during the week though.  In this one we have three tests equally spaced throughout the five weeks.  The tests are taken in our homes, on our time, and are open book/ open note. We also have three reading assignments (one is due tomorrow.)

What's so bad about that? I feel like I allow myself to slack because nothing is due.  And since nothing for a grade is due, I put things off until the last minute.

Thursday-  I went to the pool.  Successfully completed a chapter and a half.  My roommate came over to the pool and as I was on a roll I lost my motivation and went and got in the water.

Friday- I wake up to a Facebook message that says "come to the pool" so I loaded up my books and went to the pool.  Yea, I got a lot done.

Saturday- The plan was to clean and then study.  Didn't happen.  We got really into the cleaning.  You know, that so deep in that you will cancel PLANS because you're on such a roll type thing. Then we had company so I didn't get anything done.

Here it is Sunday- 4:05 pm and I haven't gotten anything done.  So what are my options? I could pack up a bag and head to the pool.  Will probably get nothing done.  So I'm probably just going to go out on the back balcony and try to get some work done.  Paper is due tomorrow.  There is a test on Wednesday. We'll see.

 

Project: Finished. Apartment: Almost.

Update on the project that I began a few days ago- the tables are finished being painted and have been put together.  The balcony is coming along quite nicely.  We only have one chair.....but....I dunno. Maybe a second one with magically appear?  Heh.  I couldn't be so lucky.

The little table that I painted to put near my door for a source of light is complete too.  Now, to find that source of light.  I found a lamp shade at Lowes that came to like five bucks with my discount but now I have to find the lamp base and the thing that holds the shade to the base.  Then I have to move it into the area and beautify.

I want to do like some plants and what not.  My creative juices just aren't flowing right now so hopefully in a week or two....

I Broke.

I'm sure it's obvious (knowing me) that I purchased a pair of shoes. 

Yes, I know I said I wouldn't do anymore shopping until September.

Yes, I'm aware that it's still July. 

But I found a pair of shoes that (in my mind) I can't live without.  I'm trying to incorporate more chunky style heels and wedges into my wardrobe though and these shoes definitely fit that description.

And they're Steve Madden.  Steve Madden is one of my current obsessions.  I remember being younger (high school age) and lusting after his shoes.  I remember getting a job at Macy's and drooling over his shoes but never really wanting to commit that much money toward them. But now that I've become a wiser shopper I know how to find deals.  I'd still save for you Steve...now that I know how wonderful you really are.

And they were an amazing price.  $21.99.  For a pair of shoes with an original tag of $109.99. Good deal. Everybody knows *I* can't pass up a good deal on shoes.

So here they are:

I did have some second thoughts about them but after reading the reviews I had to have them.  We will see.  I can always return them if they don't work.  But I'm thinking of them for that in between weather- ya know right before it gets too chilly.  The weather when a flip flop isn't totally appropriate (at least in my eyes) but you're not ready to rock closed toed shoes all the time. 

But yea, they are mine.

Out of Shape! Big Time!

So I just got back from the gym and I realized how out of shape I really am.  I did the stair climber thing and OMG.  I didn't even last five minutes.  I'm a treadmill girl.  I did well on the treadmill.  I did lift some weights on my legs and I realized how weak I am. 

So now my goal is to make it to that gym every day and get my butt in shape ASAP.

I'M SO HIGH!!!

Bwahahhahaha.  No.  But really. 

When I worked at Lowe's you had to be over 18 to buy sooooo many things. Spray paint, glues, tractor engine oil....the irony behind this is that while yes, they are trying to prevent underage kids from purchasing and huffing these items, the Bike Trail Huffer or Moundsville Huffer (whoever the guy with the gold beard is) is CLEARLY over 18....

But that's beside the point.  Why am I high? Because I have been painting! And I do honestly see why people would try to get high off of this stuff.  From my little exposure this evening I am feeling a certain way...and it's actually very not good.

I've been very productive though.  I found a table for my back balcony but wasn't lucky enough to find white chairs (or even red or blue.)  I wound up with a beige chair...which honestly looked a little dirty next to the white.  So I'm painting the table beige to match.

And then I've been looking at little tables to put a lamp across from my bedroom...just to add something to the corner and in case I need light in the middle of the night.  I found this little one at my grandfather's house but it needs a little sprucing up so I am staining it.

I really am finished purchasing for the apartment until it gets all set up.  I think we have all of the furniture we need.  They did have some cute baskets and things at Big Lots that I think would look pretty good in the living room but I wanna see how everything works first.

Now I'm off to take a shower before Real World comes on. Toodles!

1st Session = OVA!

And you know what that means: grades.

This quarter has been a huge lesson learned for me.  I'm actually quite upset with myself because I slacked off a little bit in my T3 (senior level course that they make us take) and bombed my final (67%- woot woot) which I think is what killed my grade.  I also kinda slacked in my Junior Comp class- procrastination was my best friend- which I think held my grade down in this course.

Anyway.

Drum roll please.......

The grades:
ENG308J- B+
T3 480M- B-

Now you see why I'm kicking myself?  In English I had an 87.91% which is technically a B.  I was hoping and praying my professor would be kind enough to round it up to an 88% which is a B+ and he was...but I was thisclose to an A.  With a little bit of extra effort and a little bit less procrastination I could have would have had an A.

Now my T3 was a different story.  I really enjoyed the course- Martin Luther King Jr and Gandhi's nonviolent methods.  However it really was a lot of work for a five week course.  Toward the end when I started having projects and papers due in every other class plus two finals and a midterm to study for I just kinda started slacking off.  My final project was a paper that I know would have gotten an A but I ran out of time and had to BS a paper that only got me 77%.  Then the final grade...I feel like if I'd put a little bit more effort into this class I would have had a higher grade.  But it's okay.  Because a B- is higher than a C.

So now I sit here.  Staring at work for my class that lasts the entire summer session.  Staring across the room at my book for my second session class...and I'm wondering why I did this to myself...but I can't let myself down so I must pull through and get it done.  I absolutely must.

SPIDERS!!!

Soooooooo. There are spiders. All over my balcony thing.  Yes, all over.  Earlier I was sweeping off the deck (lots of straw, birds coming for it, ya know) and I noticed a couple of spiders.  Well I thought they were dead but I sprayed them anyway.  Neither one moved. Okay, great.  I'll just knock ya'll down with a broom.  Next time I looked one was gone. Shoot.  You were alive.  But at least you're not on my balcony now. Don't come back now ya hear!!! Later I went out on the balcony for whatever reason.  I really don't recall but that's not important.  I did, however, notice two spiders.  I'm guessing the original mover and a newbie. I'll get you.  If it's the last thing I do...I'll get you both.  AND make your families scared to come around here.

I figured it would be a good time to venture to Walmart...make an exchange, grab some things: bug spray, sandpaper and wood stain for my next project, table for the balcony so I can start sitting outside and working on my homework....ya know good things.

So I came home, got dress (fully covered including a plastic bag on my head...those buggers will NOT get on me) and went out to spray.  I successfully got one to stop moving and went inside to catch my breath.  Went around to get the second one and noticed a third one that was MUCH HUGER than the other two. 

Needless to say- I QUIT.  I will tackle that balcony tomorrow before the spiders wake up.  I will probably go through a big bottle of Ortho Home Defense Max and a couple cans of Raid but that balcony will be SPIDER PROOF.

We discussed calling an exterminator...but do they do outsides? And I'm not about to pay somebody for what I can do myself.  Especially not what they will charge and no guarantee. Pass.

I really think I am going to seek out counseling for my spider phobia. 

I don't understand it.

Really.

Like in my mind I understand that I am SO much bigger than the spider and I could easily destroy it.

And I hear the "That spider is more afraid of you"---but if he is more afraid of me why isn't he running away from me?

Maybe it's all of the legs.

Maybe it's the way they move.  The way it seems as if they are stretching or grasping. 

I don't know.  But I'm terrified of spiders when it comes to them even though I know the reality.

I wonder exactly what caused this often.

Oh well.  I hope those spiders got their warning today.  Tomorrow will be their last day on this planet.