- It's cold again. Dislike.
- This afternoon I had a family tell me that they listened to my music before meeting me, and that they think I'm cool. True story. It was the highlight of my week.
- I have my post-ER follow up appointment tomorrow. I was sent to a sliding scale clinic because apparently my insurance sucks. Hopefully we'll have some answers and I can stop being so disgruntled with the state healthcare in America.
- I worked today for the first time in 12 days. Slim pickings out there.
- I broke down and bought a (used) bed last night. It is comfy.
- Today I am overly concerned with the state of my verdictless life.
- I am ready for tomorrow.
Showing posts with label day-to-day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day-to-day. Show all posts
2.24.2010
Today is Wednesday, Feb. 24th
11.02.2009
What's going on.
A lot... not a lot... you know. the usual.
I went as Heidi from Tool Time for Halloween. Did my part and stayed out late like a good 20 something. Had fun seeing friends that I haven't seen in way too long. Good times.
Still waiting on my back to heal. Beginning to think it will never happen. Looking into cortizone shots or something to keep the pain at bay long enough for me to be able to work a full week so that I can pay the bills, including the one that goes to the chiropractor who is supposed to be healing me. Oh the irony.
In the meantime I've watched lots of TV on DVD. What else is a girl to do when she can't sit up and is stuck at home most of the time? In the past month I've watched 4 seasons of "Weeds" 3 seasons of "It's always Sunny in Philadelphia" 3 seasons of "The Office" and I finally finished "Fraiser." honestly I'm shocked that my brain hasn't rotted right out of my head!
In an effort to make up for all the television, this month's project will be NaNoWriMo or, National Novel Writing Month, where individuals across the US focus on completing a Novel in 30 days each November. I'm on task with 1,700 words done yesterday... how I'll finish, remains a mystery to me. Wish me luck, this is one of my 101 in 1001 tasks! (and no, you can't read it when I'm done.)
Every now and then I venture out to coffee shops so I can get internet and connect with the outside world. When I'm not holding myself back from throwing my almost inoperable computer against the wall, I tend get lost in the eye candy and start wishing I could acquire things like THIS, or THIS, or THIS, or THESE, or a house that was outfitted like THIS, or THIS, or THIS! The internet is a lust factory. You can quote me on this.
In closing, it looks like I'll be moving again after Christmas. Heaven only knows how I'm going to get everything packed and relocated with a debilitated back and just my CR-V... but challenges are what makes life interesting, right? Right? Yeah....
In the meantime, if you have any connections with apartments, beds, jobs, Nashville based chiropractors or trees that yield cash... let me know!
I went as Heidi from Tool Time for Halloween. Did my part and stayed out late like a good 20 something. Had fun seeing friends that I haven't seen in way too long. Good times.
Still waiting on my back to heal. Beginning to think it will never happen. Looking into cortizone shots or something to keep the pain at bay long enough for me to be able to work a full week so that I can pay the bills, including the one that goes to the chiropractor who is supposed to be healing me. Oh the irony.
In the meantime I've watched lots of TV on DVD. What else is a girl to do when she can't sit up and is stuck at home most of the time? In the past month I've watched 4 seasons of "Weeds" 3 seasons of "It's always Sunny in Philadelphia" 3 seasons of "The Office" and I finally finished "Fraiser." honestly I'm shocked that my brain hasn't rotted right out of my head!
In an effort to make up for all the television, this month's project will be NaNoWriMo or, National Novel Writing Month, where individuals across the US focus on completing a Novel in 30 days each November. I'm on task with 1,700 words done yesterday... how I'll finish, remains a mystery to me. Wish me luck, this is one of my 101 in 1001 tasks! (and no, you can't read it when I'm done.)
Every now and then I venture out to coffee shops so I can get internet and connect with the outside world. When I'm not holding myself back from throwing my almost inoperable computer against the wall, I tend get lost in the eye candy and start wishing I could acquire things like THIS, or THIS, or THIS, or THESE, or a house that was outfitted like THIS, or THIS, or THIS! The internet is a lust factory. You can quote me on this.
In closing, it looks like I'll be moving again after Christmas. Heaven only knows how I'm going to get everything packed and relocated with a debilitated back and just my CR-V... but challenges are what makes life interesting, right? Right? Yeah....
In the meantime, if you have any connections with apartments, beds, jobs, Nashville based chiropractors or trees that yield cash... let me know!
9.03.2009
It's September.
Hard to believe that a year ago I had just moved out of the Morton house. I packed up the car and hit the road with David Ramirez for about a month, returned to Nashville to couch hop till Christmas, and then I moved away to Austin. The past year has been nothing if not random. I moved in with my brother. I landed a part-time consulting job. I went to Africa!
And yet now here I am with another year gone, and I still feel caught wondering what is next for me. Wondering whether or not I am any closer to "my destination" or if there even are any "destinations".... milestones, sure... but I can't help but feel like those are as far away as they ever were. Maybe it's my lot in life to live nomadically: in my jobs, in my physical location..etc. I don't know.
I'm going to tell myself that this is something that we all feel from time to time. Especially in the growing pains of our 20's.. right?
Right?
Needless to say, I look forward to the day where I'm content, as opposed to "momentarily satisfied"... though I hear that's not super likely this side of heaven.
Sigh.
This too shall pass.
And yet now here I am with another year gone, and I still feel caught wondering what is next for me. Wondering whether or not I am any closer to "my destination" or if there even are any "destinations".... milestones, sure... but I can't help but feel like those are as far away as they ever were. Maybe it's my lot in life to live nomadically: in my jobs, in my physical location..etc. I don't know.
I'm going to tell myself that this is something that we all feel from time to time. Especially in the growing pains of our 20's.. right?
Right?
Needless to say, I look forward to the day where I'm content, as opposed to "momentarily satisfied"... though I hear that's not super likely this side of heaven.
Sigh.
This too shall pass.
8.03.2009
Brrrr
Greetings from Swaziland!
As I write to you I am sitting in my Mountain Inn room, donning 2 pairs of socks and sitting by the heater. To my right is an amazing view of the mountains here in Swaziland, though now it is nighttime so the village lights are glowing in the valley and the Southern Cross is gleaming in the sky (though I still have trouble spotting it...I hope to spot it effortlessly before I leave).
The past six days have been nothing if not a whirlwind: leaving Nashville on Wednesday, flying to DC on Thursday, then to Paris overnight, then to Johannesburg the following night and then driving to Swaziland upon arrival in South Africa. What a trip! Remind me to log some air miles!!!
A quick update on what's been going on for me:
First off...I spent the day in PARIS! We had several hours to spend on a layover so we (one of my "bosses" and I) took a train into the city and spent some time walking around. It was my first time in France, and I was just happy to be leaving the airport! Then we decided that since we had such a short amount of time, we would take a river cruise on the Seine around the island (touristy, I know.. but the best way to get all the sights in when you have to be back in the airport in 3 hours), and for what it was, it was worth it! We saw most all of the major things, The Eiffel Tower!!!!, Notre Dame, The Lourve, Palace of the Concords, the National Assembly, the many fabulous bridges.. etc. Even the sunbathing Parisians who like to tan on the sidewalks by the river. =) (and yes I kept pointing out the places where Matt Damon ran around for the Bourne films.. ha!) It was a great, albeit very fast, day.
After our day in Paris and a 10.5 hour plane ride we arrived in Johannesburg early Saturday morning and were greeted by bitter cold temperatures and heavy rain (we later got word that it snowed there on Sunday!!). You would think I would welcome this weather after suffering through Texas, but I was not prepared. At the airport we rented a car (wheel on right, car drives on left... only drove up a street the wrong way once.. good times) and drove up through South Africa to Swaziland. It was a pretty drive, lots of plains (not that much different than OK.. though most of it burned for crop purposes) until we reached Swaziland where the mountains start to roll in.
Since arriving here on Saturday I have sat through countless meetings, I had lunch with the former (and only caucasion leader in Swazi history) Prime Minister of Health (which was awesome), I went to church in a rural village and heard some of the most amazing singing I've heard in my life (though the goats and the monsoon outside tried to drown it out), I've seen all kinds of creepy signs ("watch your surroundings: don't be a rape victim"), and heard many stories, from locals, expats and aid workers alike.
My main goal for this week is to help our clients office prepare for a large scale launch event for our 2 new initiatives which work around both water projects and the decentrilization of HIV/TB services at our clinics. Once we get through Friday my tasks will likely shift to working with a group of 60 volunteers who arrive in country this Saturday. With them we'll be focusing on construction/remodeling of clinics, work on community garden projects, and compassionate ministries to HIV/AIDS patients and orphaned children (whose stories literally take your breath away).
So far things have been going well.
Again, if you are the praying kind, I do have a couple of requests:
1. Please pray that I would remain healthy and full of energy. To date I've been great, but I can't afford to get sick with such a short time here and so much work to be done. Not only is getting sick away from home awful, but it would also be a huge burden on my co-workers. This is a big one.
2. A verse I have taken to thinking on during this trip is "For the Lord hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. I do not fear for my safety here, but i do fear for my physical well being. I believe this fear comes from my Indonesia experience... a lot of those memories are still ingrained in my mind and there are moments where I freak out about the mere idea of being that sick again...so much so that the thought of it practically makes me ill! Dumb! Please pray that I would not focus on what could happen, or dwell in fear but rather that I would stay focused and trust God to get me through even if I do become sick.
3. Please pray that I would have patience. This week I am working primarily with one woman and my main goal is to help her with whatever she needs in planning for this event. Obviously there are some cultural gaps, but also age gaps as well. I want to be helpful and not hindering to her and her work, so please pray that I would be patient and that I might be able to listen well and foresee any additional needs she may have.
I feel extremely blessed and oddly out of place to be where I am. All of this has happened so fast, and I can't even pretend to know how this all plays out for my future. Honestly it's a little overwhelming thinking on how all of these pieces fit together, so I'm not even going to try. For now I just want to do my best with the job I have here, enjoy the moment while I can, and hope that the rest plays out alright on it's own.
Maybe you can pray for that too.
~Danica
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His Counselor?
Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?
For from Him
and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever!
Amen."
Romans 11:33-36
As I write to you I am sitting in my Mountain Inn room, donning 2 pairs of socks and sitting by the heater. To my right is an amazing view of the mountains here in Swaziland, though now it is nighttime so the village lights are glowing in the valley and the Southern Cross is gleaming in the sky (though I still have trouble spotting it...I hope to spot it effortlessly before I leave).
The past six days have been nothing if not a whirlwind: leaving Nashville on Wednesday, flying to DC on Thursday, then to Paris overnight, then to Johannesburg the following night and then driving to Swaziland upon arrival in South Africa. What a trip! Remind me to log some air miles!!!
A quick update on what's been going on for me:
First off...I spent the day in PARIS! We had several hours to spend on a layover so we (one of my "bosses" and I) took a train into the city and spent some time walking around. It was my first time in France, and I was just happy to be leaving the airport! Then we decided that since we had such a short amount of time, we would take a river cruise on the Seine around the island (touristy, I know.. but the best way to get all the sights in when you have to be back in the airport in 3 hours), and for what it was, it was worth it! We saw most all of the major things, The Eiffel Tower!!!!, Notre Dame, The Lourve, Palace of the Concords, the National Assembly, the many fabulous bridges.. etc. Even the sunbathing Parisians who like to tan on the sidewalks by the river. =) (and yes I kept pointing out the places where Matt Damon ran around for the Bourne films.. ha!) It was a great, albeit very fast, day.
After our day in Paris and a 10.5 hour plane ride we arrived in Johannesburg early Saturday morning and were greeted by bitter cold temperatures and heavy rain (we later got word that it snowed there on Sunday!!). You would think I would welcome this weather after suffering through Texas, but I was not prepared. At the airport we rented a car (wheel on right, car drives on left... only drove up a street the wrong way once.. good times) and drove up through South Africa to Swaziland. It was a pretty drive, lots of plains (not that much different than OK.. though most of it burned for crop purposes) until we reached Swaziland where the mountains start to roll in.
Since arriving here on Saturday I have sat through countless meetings, I had lunch with the former (and only caucasion leader in Swazi history) Prime Minister of Health (which was awesome), I went to church in a rural village and heard some of the most amazing singing I've heard in my life (though the goats and the monsoon outside tried to drown it out), I've seen all kinds of creepy signs ("watch your surroundings: don't be a rape victim"), and heard many stories, from locals, expats and aid workers alike.
My main goal for this week is to help our clients office prepare for a large scale launch event for our 2 new initiatives which work around both water projects and the decentrilization of HIV/TB services at our clinics. Once we get through Friday my tasks will likely shift to working with a group of 60 volunteers who arrive in country this Saturday. With them we'll be focusing on construction/remodeling of clinics, work on community garden projects, and compassionate ministries to HIV/AIDS patients and orphaned children (whose stories literally take your breath away).
So far things have been going well.
Again, if you are the praying kind, I do have a couple of requests:
1. Please pray that I would remain healthy and full of energy. To date I've been great, but I can't afford to get sick with such a short time here and so much work to be done. Not only is getting sick away from home awful, but it would also be a huge burden on my co-workers. This is a big one.
2. A verse I have taken to thinking on during this trip is "For the Lord hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. I do not fear for my safety here, but i do fear for my physical well being. I believe this fear comes from my Indonesia experience... a lot of those memories are still ingrained in my mind and there are moments where I freak out about the mere idea of being that sick again...so much so that the thought of it practically makes me ill! Dumb! Please pray that I would not focus on what could happen, or dwell in fear but rather that I would stay focused and trust God to get me through even if I do become sick.
3. Please pray that I would have patience. This week I am working primarily with one woman and my main goal is to help her with whatever she needs in planning for this event. Obviously there are some cultural gaps, but also age gaps as well. I want to be helpful and not hindering to her and her work, so please pray that I would be patient and that I might be able to listen well and foresee any additional needs she may have.
I feel extremely blessed and oddly out of place to be where I am. All of this has happened so fast, and I can't even pretend to know how this all plays out for my future. Honestly it's a little overwhelming thinking on how all of these pieces fit together, so I'm not even going to try. For now I just want to do my best with the job I have here, enjoy the moment while I can, and hope that the rest plays out alright on it's own.
Maybe you can pray for that too.
~Danica
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His Counselor?
Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?
For from Him
and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever!
Amen."
Romans 11:33-36
7.10.2009
In other words...
I've been frustrated lately.
-Maybe it's the 23 consecutive days that we've had temperatures over 100
-Maybe it's the cough that has refused to go away for 4 weeks now even after I folded and went to the doctor and took antibiotics,
-Maybe it's the pinched nerve under my ribs that resulted from said cough
-Maybe it's the 3 different job opportunities that cancelled on me at the last moment, leaving me jobless for 2.5 weeks
-Maybe it's that my plans, both short term and long term, are completely up in the air with little direction... where I'll be living, what I'll be doing, and what my purpose is continue to be a mystery to me.
I know this is all a part of it. As long as I live on this earth there will be sickness and disappointment and confusion. I know there's no such thing as certainty or security... and I know how inclined I am to change my own mind. Most of the time I enjoy-wheeling and taking things a day at a time, but some days, and most days lately, it comes awfully close to driving me crazy. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and that I of all people shouldn't be complaining..
I know all of this... but that doesn't seem to make it any less frustrating.
Maybe I'm just easily frustrated?
-Maybe it's the 23 consecutive days that we've had temperatures over 100
-Maybe it's the cough that has refused to go away for 4 weeks now even after I folded and went to the doctor and took antibiotics,
-Maybe it's the pinched nerve under my ribs that resulted from said cough
-Maybe it's the 3 different job opportunities that cancelled on me at the last moment, leaving me jobless for 2.5 weeks
-Maybe it's that my plans, both short term and long term, are completely up in the air with little direction... where I'll be living, what I'll be doing, and what my purpose is continue to be a mystery to me.
I know this is all a part of it. As long as I live on this earth there will be sickness and disappointment and confusion. I know there's no such thing as certainty or security... and I know how inclined I am to change my own mind. Most of the time I enjoy-wheeling and taking things a day at a time, but some days, and most days lately, it comes awfully close to driving me crazy. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and that I of all people shouldn't be complaining..
I know all of this... but that doesn't seem to make it any less frustrating.
Maybe I'm just easily frustrated?
6.24.2009
What's going on?
It's been a crazy few weeks.
- I went to Nashville
- I played volleyball
- I played catch for the first time in many years.
- I went swimming
- I saw Coldplay (for free) (again)
- I visited my old kids and their families.
- I had various lunches and coffee meetings with old friends and co-workers
- I gave blood.
- I parked in a field and watched airplanes land
- I received 5 vaccinations for a total of $550 worth of injections and prescriptions
- I played some more volleyball.
- I caught a Banditos game, complete with Baja afterwards.
- I started thinking about Grad School. Sigh.
- I had drinks with the ladies.
- I saw lots of crops in Arkansas... most didn't look like corn.
- I memorized I Corinthians 13
- I introduced Matt to the Chech stop and all things Austin
- I saw the most amazing lightening storm I've ever seen
- I got my feet all purdy
- I saw UP! (& drank a Guinness milkshake during it too. yum!)
- I tried exotic fruits and veggies from Central Market
- I swam some more
- I finally went to the Salt Lick
- I made awesome homeade pasta sauce, which will likely become a regular thing
- I depressed myself with Revolutionary Road and Gran Torino in the same day
- I worked some.
- I floated the Camal River.
- I watched the John Adams mini-series.
- I had dinner with my former Austin nanny family.
4.20.2009
You Can't Always Get What You Want?
I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow it has.
This past Friday, a company that I've been speaking with for a few months flew me up to Washington DC, got me a driver and a hotel suite and met with me for the afternoon. I sat through conference calls. I wore a suit. They bought me dinner. It was surreal, to say the least.
Long story short.. I'll be consulting for them over the next few months, accompanying them to Swaziland and Kenya in August, and then......here's the kicker..... come this fall they hope to have me move to DC to start a career with them.
Exhale.
I'm still not entirely sure what I think about all of this. It's so unexpected, and yet it something I've hoped for and worked for for some time now. Of course I am beyond excited to (finally) be going to Africa. It's a dream come true for me.. so much so that I don't think it's fully hit me yet.
As for the whole "career in DC" part... I'm not so sure. It's an amazing opportunity and it's the closest I've come to any sort of "dream job": extensive travel, lobbying, working with non-profits, helping people, good pay... etc. But it's the "career" and more specifically, the "DC" part that worries me.
I know DC is a great city. I've been several times and have always enjoyed it. But I've just never seen myself making a life there. That doesn't mean I couldn't, and I know that if I decide to go down this road that I'll adjust over time. But it just seems so far away, and so lonely. If only I could consult from here and travel, or work on a project to project basis. Who knows, maybe that will be possible..
As for the "career" part...I've spent the past 3 years "exploring my options:" freelancing, playing music, nannying, smiling for the camera, working random jobs, etc... have I done this so long now that the thought of something stable totally freaks me out? Probably. It'd be one thing to take the job for a period of time to "test it out" but I know that's not quite what they are looking for. Maybe we could arrange something like that.. I don't know... but something about "long-term commitment in a lonely place I didn't expect" is totally making me have to stop and think about a job that I feel I should be jumping up and down over... and every now and then I do get excited about the idea... I go back and forth about the whole thing in my head WAY too much.. so I think for the remainder of the spring/summer I'm going to set aside a specific time each week to think about this, and put it on the shelf at all other times, simply so I won't go crazy over-analyzing it to death.
I'll close by saying that I feel guilty for not being ecstatic right off the bat. I'm well aware of how many people would kill for an opportunity like this (especially in this economy), and how many people are desperate for a job in DC. I feel extremely blessed. But I also feel extremely selfish for still wanting conditions on something that I don't really deserve in the first place.
The rest of 2009 is looking more interesting by the day....
Stay tuned...
This past Friday, a company that I've been speaking with for a few months flew me up to Washington DC, got me a driver and a hotel suite and met with me for the afternoon. I sat through conference calls. I wore a suit. They bought me dinner. It was surreal, to say the least.
Long story short.. I'll be consulting for them over the next few months, accompanying them to Swaziland and Kenya in August, and then......here's the kicker..... come this fall they hope to have me move to DC to start a career with them.
Exhale.
I'm still not entirely sure what I think about all of this. It's so unexpected, and yet it something I've hoped for and worked for for some time now. Of course I am beyond excited to (finally) be going to Africa. It's a dream come true for me.. so much so that I don't think it's fully hit me yet.
As for the whole "career in DC" part... I'm not so sure. It's an amazing opportunity and it's the closest I've come to any sort of "dream job": extensive travel, lobbying, working with non-profits, helping people, good pay... etc. But it's the "career" and more specifically, the "DC" part that worries me.
I know DC is a great city. I've been several times and have always enjoyed it. But I've just never seen myself making a life there. That doesn't mean I couldn't, and I know that if I decide to go down this road that I'll adjust over time. But it just seems so far away, and so lonely. If only I could consult from here and travel, or work on a project to project basis. Who knows, maybe that will be possible..
As for the "career" part...I've spent the past 3 years "exploring my options:" freelancing, playing music, nannying, smiling for the camera, working random jobs, etc... have I done this so long now that the thought of something stable totally freaks me out? Probably. It'd be one thing to take the job for a period of time to "test it out" but I know that's not quite what they are looking for. Maybe we could arrange something like that.. I don't know... but something about "long-term commitment in a lonely place I didn't expect" is totally making me have to stop and think about a job that I feel I should be jumping up and down over... and every now and then I do get excited about the idea... I go back and forth about the whole thing in my head WAY too much.. so I think for the remainder of the spring/summer I'm going to set aside a specific time each week to think about this, and put it on the shelf at all other times, simply so I won't go crazy over-analyzing it to death.
I'll close by saying that I feel guilty for not being ecstatic right off the bat. I'm well aware of how many people would kill for an opportunity like this (especially in this economy), and how many people are desperate for a job in DC. I feel extremely blessed. But I also feel extremely selfish for still wanting conditions on something that I don't really deserve in the first place.
The rest of 2009 is looking more interesting by the day....
Stay tuned...
3.30.2009
Perhaps a tad overdue....
Wow, it's been over a month since I've given any sort of update around here. It's been a busy one though.. between weekends in Ft. Worth, and Nashville and rich peoples' homes in Austin it's been a crazy month. I've also had all kinds of visitors, yay! Since my return from Nashville on Monday I've been able to spend time with my old friends Robert and Charissa, my old roommate Emily and my cousin Luke.. talk about a busy week!
There's a lot of stuff going on for me right now, thankfully all of it's good.. and I'm hoping that by this time next week I'll be able to share some details on one piece of interesting news. It all depends on how this weekend shapes up, so send out a prayer for me if you think of it... chances are I'll be needing it.
Anyways.. sorry for the vague overtones, I'd just rather not go for full disclosure till things are more "set-in-stone" so to speak. You know how I am...
As for the little things, life's still going on as normal: My tournament bracket died a slow and painful death, my team's are all out, my boyfriend Rawley is learning to crawl, I'm still wondering where I'm going to work this summer, I need to do my taxes, the car needs an oil change, I'm debating Easter plans, I'm trying (and failing) to avoid those heavenly cadbury eggs, I'm wrapping up another boot camp session this week...etc
Anyhow.. I'll leave you with some pictures from the past couple of weeks. Sadly in the midst of all the fun I didn't really get that many pictures... I guess that's a good indicator that much fun was had, right? (that or the fact that my camera is near death.. maybe both)
My BF... he's awesome.. Smiles a lot, gives good hugs, keeps things simple..etc... he is a little needy though...
My mom and Brother in Ft. worth.. stayed at a nice hotel (a bed! Yesss!), watched "The Wrestler" (sad), went to the Ft. Worth Modern Museum (awesome), and ate a Blue Mesa Grill (yummo!).... pretty good day.
Going back to Nashville, thinking 'bout the whole thing...
Heather and our to-go margaritas... hehehe
Luke, the mustache and I. We walked around UT, "hiked" town lake, ate at restarants all over Austin, drove around Hill country, visited Blanton Art Museum and the capital.. good times.
There's a lot of stuff going on for me right now, thankfully all of it's good.. and I'm hoping that by this time next week I'll be able to share some details on one piece of interesting news. It all depends on how this weekend shapes up, so send out a prayer for me if you think of it... chances are I'll be needing it.
Anyways.. sorry for the vague overtones, I'd just rather not go for full disclosure till things are more "set-in-stone" so to speak. You know how I am...
As for the little things, life's still going on as normal: My tournament bracket died a slow and painful death, my team's are all out, my boyfriend Rawley is learning to crawl, I'm still wondering where I'm going to work this summer, I need to do my taxes, the car needs an oil change, I'm debating Easter plans, I'm trying (and failing) to avoid those heavenly cadbury eggs, I'm wrapping up another boot camp session this week...etc
Anyhow.. I'll leave you with some pictures from the past couple of weeks. Sadly in the midst of all the fun I didn't really get that many pictures... I guess that's a good indicator that much fun was had, right? (that or the fact that my camera is near death.. maybe both)
My BF... he's awesome.. Smiles a lot, gives good hugs, keeps things simple..etc... he is a little needy though...
My mom and Brother in Ft. worth.. stayed at a nice hotel (a bed! Yesss!), watched "The Wrestler" (sad), went to the Ft. Worth Modern Museum (awesome), and ate a Blue Mesa Grill (yummo!).... pretty good day.
Going back to Nashville, thinking 'bout the whole thing...
Heather and our to-go margaritas... hehehe
Luke, the mustache and I. We walked around UT, "hiked" town lake, ate at restarants all over Austin, drove around Hill country, visited Blanton Art Museum and the capital.. good times.
2.12.2009
Things that annoy me..
A Sampling...
-being bored.
-Ed hardy attire
-anything Louis Vuitton
-drivers who slow down to look at people who've been pulled over, thus stopping up traffic
-"Untouched" by the Veronicas
-Ladybugs
-feeling rushed
-the sound of a pressure washer, especially when it comes from right next door, non-stop for 40 minutes at a time
-the knowledge that I probably wouldn't last a day in basic training for the armed forces
-the packaging on cd's and dvd's.. it's like they don't really want you to open it.
-people who don't respond to messages
-people who don't listen to the message you left before they respond to your message
-people who tailgate while walking... worse than vehicle tailgating
-those who refuse to believe the truth about Abe Lincoln (whose birthday is today, mind you)
-clutter
-bruising easily
-pants with writing across the butt
-dental bling
What annoys you?
-being bored.
-Ed hardy attire
-anything Louis Vuitton
-drivers who slow down to look at people who've been pulled over, thus stopping up traffic
-"Untouched" by the Veronicas
-Ladybugs
-feeling rushed
-the sound of a pressure washer, especially when it comes from right next door, non-stop for 40 minutes at a time
-the knowledge that I probably wouldn't last a day in basic training for the armed forces
-the packaging on cd's and dvd's.. it's like they don't really want you to open it.
-people who don't respond to messages
-people who don't listen to the message you left before they respond to your message
-people who tailgate while walking... worse than vehicle tailgating
-those who refuse to believe the truth about Abe Lincoln (whose birthday is today, mind you)
-clutter
-bruising easily
-pants with writing across the butt
-dental bling
What annoys you?
2.11.2009
Shock and Awe: Bits & PIeces
- My home state was hit by tornadoes yesterday. Not all that extraordinary except for the fact that it's FEBRUARY! Crazy. Anyhow, my hair salon is gone and my target is missing it's roof. But other than that and some hail damage, things are ok and everyone is safe. As for Austin, we got some crazy wind and a big thunderstorm for about 15 minutes, but that was it.
- Kid Rock is the new Kanye? Sounds like him anyway...
- By now we've all heard bits and pieces about the Chris Brown / Rihanna scandal, but I couldn't believe my ears this morning as Austinites sounded off with their opinions on the morning radio show... examples of what I heard: "sometimes people deserve to be hit" or..."maybe she hit him first, and if she did, he had a right to do what he did" or "she could have provoked him, and if she did, she had it coming"... I sat in my car with my mouth open. I still can't get over it. Where the heck am I living? The radio hosts couldn't believe it either.. and all of these comments came from women... maybe it is true that women secretly hate each other.. I dunno... but that's just.. that's just not ok.
- I'm halfway done with Boot Camp! Come next weekend I'll be ready to kick some serious ass... or at least run away quickly.. one of the two. In all serious, it has been a lot of fun and a lot of pain (the gratifying kind) and I'm so proud of myself for getting up every morning at 6 to go sweat and torture myself through wind, rain, or humidity before going to work. I'll try to post some BBC (before boot camp) vs ABC pics..
- I think this is awesome, and I want to do it. Check out the "latest dares"...
- My birthday was great... though I just realized I never had cake or any "liquid carbs" which is a first in a while.. I did have whole foods gelato, lunch and a movie at alamo, breakfast at Kerby Lane, Amy's ice creams, some really good pizza from a place I can't rememebr, as well as a stroll through Anthroplogie, Target and Ikea. A good day. Yay.
2.05.2009
Looking forward to looking back?
I've been in Texas a month.
I've completed my first week of Boot Camp.
I'm turning 25 tomorrow.
How do these things happen?
I think I'm okay with 25.. but the closer it gets the more I just wish I could fast forward past it. I dreaded... DREADED turning 24. We're talking, I started wishing I believed in the Apocalypse in hopes it would happen so I could check out at 23..it was not good. I'm not sure what my problem was. So far 25 isn't looking too bad, I guess I'm just impartial.. after awhile, they all start to feel the same, ya know?
24 turned out alright. It started off with an awesome birthday week: dinner with friends, 80's party, and gumbofest. Wonderful.
From there it was the little things: work, save, play, travel. Between touring, moving, working, and making strange choices, I think 24 epitomized (for me) what it means to be in your twenties.
As for the future... I have no idea. Shocker. I feel like I should be more excited about the "wide open spaces" but again, after awhile, it all starts to feel the same. Who knows, maybe one day I will look back on my twenties and think of them as some of the best years of my life, though it doesn't seem likely, it's possible... so I'm out to make the most of them while they last.
And as of tomorrow, they are half over.
Crazy.
I've completed my first week of Boot Camp.
I'm turning 25 tomorrow.
How do these things happen?
I think I'm okay with 25.. but the closer it gets the more I just wish I could fast forward past it. I dreaded... DREADED turning 24. We're talking, I started wishing I believed in the Apocalypse in hopes it would happen so I could check out at 23..it was not good. I'm not sure what my problem was. So far 25 isn't looking too bad, I guess I'm just impartial.. after awhile, they all start to feel the same, ya know?
24 turned out alright. It started off with an awesome birthday week: dinner with friends, 80's party, and gumbofest. Wonderful.
From there it was the little things: work, save, play, travel. Between touring, moving, working, and making strange choices, I think 24 epitomized (for me) what it means to be in your twenties.
As for the future... I have no idea. Shocker. I feel like I should be more excited about the "wide open spaces" but again, after awhile, it all starts to feel the same. Who knows, maybe one day I will look back on my twenties and think of them as some of the best years of my life, though it doesn't seem likely, it's possible... so I'm out to make the most of them while they last.
And as of tomorrow, they are half over.
Crazy.
1.31.2009
and a few more for good measure.. (but really because I am so so BORED!)
26. I used to name the trees in my yard as a kid. My favorite was Bernetta. Some friends and I even buried a time-capsule under her branches just like that one Full House Episode.
27. I also used to have a little pond in my backyard where I would go "fishing for leaves"... no joke
28. I've always loved acting. I used to be obsessed with it. After seeing the movie Titanic 5 times in the theater I used to act out (the non-naked) parts... obviously I was much to old for this, but I would still do it. A lot. wow.
29. I love the Packers because I had a huge crush on a Packer fan in 8th grade... the crush faded, but the Packer love lived on.
30. I used to collect rocks and stamps and thimbles. I still have my thimble collection.
31. I was a band nerd. I played the flute and cried if I ever got lower than 2nd chair. In 8th grade I played keyboard for the jazz band, flute in concert band, and I taught myself sax for marching band. Once high school arrived I quit so I could do drama and choir (but also because I didn't want to be a band nerd anymore)
32.I wasn't allowed to celebrate Halloween, watch the Smurfs, ninja turtles or a handful of other cartoons because my mom saw demonic symbols in the art (she's an art history buff). I wasn't allowed Barbies either and i used to have to call home before I watched movies over at friends houses.
33. One time in 6th grade some friends and I were out late on the golf course playing truth or dare, and one of the girls dared everyone to take their shirts off and run around the course. I wouldn't do it, and when I told me mom about it, she then permitted me to wear mascara. To this day it's the only kind of makeup I actually like.
34. I once hit 2 home runs in a row at a softball game. It was good day.
35. I used to pray "the sinners prayer" just about every time it was offered.. just in case. haha!
27. I also used to have a little pond in my backyard where I would go "fishing for leaves"... no joke
28. I've always loved acting. I used to be obsessed with it. After seeing the movie Titanic 5 times in the theater I used to act out (the non-naked) parts... obviously I was much to old for this, but I would still do it. A lot. wow.
29. I love the Packers because I had a huge crush on a Packer fan in 8th grade... the crush faded, but the Packer love lived on.
30. I used to collect rocks and stamps and thimbles. I still have my thimble collection.
31. I was a band nerd. I played the flute and cried if I ever got lower than 2nd chair. In 8th grade I played keyboard for the jazz band, flute in concert band, and I taught myself sax for marching band. Once high school arrived I quit so I could do drama and choir (but also because I didn't want to be a band nerd anymore)
32.I wasn't allowed to celebrate Halloween, watch the Smurfs, ninja turtles or a handful of other cartoons because my mom saw demonic symbols in the art (she's an art history buff). I wasn't allowed Barbies either and i used to have to call home before I watched movies over at friends houses.
33. One time in 6th grade some friends and I were out late on the golf course playing truth or dare, and one of the girls dared everyone to take their shirts off and run around the course. I wouldn't do it, and when I told me mom about it, she then permitted me to wear mascara. To this day it's the only kind of makeup I actually like.
34. I once hit 2 home runs in a row at a softball game. It was good day.
35. I used to pray "the sinners prayer" just about every time it was offered.. just in case. haha!
1.27.2009
For Tarrah / Random...
Oddly enough, I feel as though this little "gem" makes the rounds every year. Usually I ignore it.. but for you Tarrah (and for the sake of my extreme boredom) I'll see what I can come up with...
Here goes nothing:
1. This weekend in Dallas I went to an Irish pub (complete with Irish bands) with some friends. While I was there one of the guys told me to go up and sing with them (I've found that most people assume you are part Irish if you have red hair...) and we got into a conversation about Irish accents which reminded me that I played Ms. Paroo (the Irish mother) in The Music Man in high school. Accent and all. I think I generally try to block that out...
2. I don't really like beer*.. and I wish I did cause: 1. who doesn't like beer? and 2. it's cheaper. These days it's the vodka 7.. or if I'm at home, vanilla rum with diet Dr. Pepper. (*Yazoo Hefeweizen and Blue Moon are alright)
3. I don't "twitter" and I'm wondering how long I'll keep holding out on it...
4. I've been to 3 continents (living in 2!), sat on the 5th row at a Superbowl Game (for free), had free floor "seats" to a U2 concert, surfed in Hawaii, hiked in Alaska, backpacked in the grand canyon, met Cameron Crowe, George Clooney, President Clinton and Michelle Obama. I've run a half marathon, attended the G8 summit, been homeless for 4 months and have set foot in 37 (at least) of America's 50 states, and yet, most days I feel like my life is kinda boring.
5. Generally, the skinnier I am, the more unhappy I am.
6. If my eyes are greener than usual, it means I've been crying.
7. I'm a completionist. Leaving things unfinished, from books, to lists, to conversations really bothers me.
8. For better or worse, 2008 for me can basically be summed up with the words: "Interesting Decision."
9. I'm a fast-reader... sometimes it frightens me. When the last Harry Potter book came out, I read it in 10 hours.
10. I've never broken a bone in my body.
11. I've never had braces.
12. I'm paying off my education. I owe less than the cost of 2 years at Belmont now towards my student loans.. and I'm really proud of it....
13. I'm about to be 25. I'm not in love, engaged, married, buying a house, working at an awesome well-paying job, or pregnant (nor do I have kids)... according to this, a large percentage of people I know would be worried.... but personally, I don't think any of those things are for me.
14. When I turn 28 I will make a lot of money. Several of my guy friends and I have bets going because I told them that I plan to adopt when I am 33. No one believes me (mistake number one boys). A select few individuals seem to think my life will be taking a different route, specifically, that'll be married by 27... and since they've put their money where their mouth is (as have I), I'll be raking in the cash as an un-married 28 year old woman. Not to mention an even greater payoff at 33...
15. The possession I've had the longest would have to be my cat, Valentine, who, if she were a person, would be a junior in college this year.
16. I make a lot of mistakes. I don't always regret them, but I'm often jealous that mine don't ever work out as well as so many others' seem to.
17. Speaking of regret... I don't regret much... I only have 2 that continually come to me, and I am 99.9% sure that no one knows, or could even guess, what they are.
18. I don't miss my old car, but I do miss my old sunroof.
19. Sometimes, if I have too much time on my hands, I still get sad about disappointments I had as a kid/teenager.. I'm talking, stuff from 9-15 years ago! Weird, I know! But knowing this, it makes me mad when people say things like "This won't matter so much later.' or "one day this will make sense"... because obviously, that's not entirely true. Sometimes things just don't make sense.
20. Maybe it's because most everyone I spend my time with as of late is older than me, but for some reason I'm not so freaked out about turning 25.
21. But I was really bothered by turning 24.
22. The biggest problem I have with myself is reconciling my childhood hopes with my adult reality. Most days I really wish I hadn't been such a dreamer growing up. My life is fine, I just had an over-active imagination I think..
23. Marion and I are signing up for THIS. And I am super excited!
24. I get restless when I've been in one place too long. I like being able to get in my car/on a plane and get away for the weekend.
25. I organized and set up my closet the other day, and it made me extremely happy. I'm not always neat and tidy, but I get a high from having things organized.
Here goes nothing:
1. This weekend in Dallas I went to an Irish pub (complete with Irish bands) with some friends. While I was there one of the guys told me to go up and sing with them (I've found that most people assume you are part Irish if you have red hair...) and we got into a conversation about Irish accents which reminded me that I played Ms. Paroo (the Irish mother) in The Music Man in high school. Accent and all. I think I generally try to block that out...
2. I don't really like beer*.. and I wish I did cause: 1. who doesn't like beer? and 2. it's cheaper. These days it's the vodka 7.. or if I'm at home, vanilla rum with diet Dr. Pepper. (*Yazoo Hefeweizen and Blue Moon are alright)
3. I don't "twitter" and I'm wondering how long I'll keep holding out on it...
4. I've been to 3 continents (living in 2!), sat on the 5th row at a Superbowl Game (for free), had free floor "seats" to a U2 concert, surfed in Hawaii, hiked in Alaska, backpacked in the grand canyon, met Cameron Crowe, George Clooney, President Clinton and Michelle Obama. I've run a half marathon, attended the G8 summit, been homeless for 4 months and have set foot in 37 (at least) of America's 50 states, and yet, most days I feel like my life is kinda boring.
5. Generally, the skinnier I am, the more unhappy I am.
6. If my eyes are greener than usual, it means I've been crying.
7. I'm a completionist. Leaving things unfinished, from books, to lists, to conversations really bothers me.
8. For better or worse, 2008 for me can basically be summed up with the words: "Interesting Decision."
9. I'm a fast-reader... sometimes it frightens me. When the last Harry Potter book came out, I read it in 10 hours.
10. I've never broken a bone in my body.
11. I've never had braces.
12. I'm paying off my education. I owe less than the cost of 2 years at Belmont now towards my student loans.. and I'm really proud of it....
13. I'm about to be 25. I'm not in love, engaged, married, buying a house, working at an awesome well-paying job, or pregnant (nor do I have kids)... according to this, a large percentage of people I know would be worried.... but personally, I don't think any of those things are for me.
14. When I turn 28 I will make a lot of money. Several of my guy friends and I have bets going because I told them that I plan to adopt when I am 33. No one believes me (mistake number one boys). A select few individuals seem to think my life will be taking a different route, specifically, that'll be married by 27... and since they've put their money where their mouth is (as have I), I'll be raking in the cash as an un-married 28 year old woman. Not to mention an even greater payoff at 33...
15. The possession I've had the longest would have to be my cat, Valentine, who, if she were a person, would be a junior in college this year.
16. I make a lot of mistakes. I don't always regret them, but I'm often jealous that mine don't ever work out as well as so many others' seem to.
17. Speaking of regret... I don't regret much... I only have 2 that continually come to me, and I am 99.9% sure that no one knows, or could even guess, what they are.
18. I don't miss my old car, but I do miss my old sunroof.
19. Sometimes, if I have too much time on my hands, I still get sad about disappointments I had as a kid/teenager.. I'm talking, stuff from 9-15 years ago! Weird, I know! But knowing this, it makes me mad when people say things like "This won't matter so much later.' or "one day this will make sense"... because obviously, that's not entirely true. Sometimes things just don't make sense.
20. Maybe it's because most everyone I spend my time with as of late is older than me, but for some reason I'm not so freaked out about turning 25.
21. But I was really bothered by turning 24.
22. The biggest problem I have with myself is reconciling my childhood hopes with my adult reality. Most days I really wish I hadn't been such a dreamer growing up. My life is fine, I just had an over-active imagination I think..
23. Marion and I are signing up for THIS. And I am super excited!
24. I get restless when I've been in one place too long. I like being able to get in my car/on a plane and get away for the weekend.
25. I organized and set up my closet the other day, and it made me extremely happy. I'm not always neat and tidy, but I get a high from having things organized.
1.19.2009
Casual Update
(you know you love them)
I'm here in Austin. Been in a town a couple weeks now. Landed a part-time job that I'll start tomorrow. Monday-Thursday, $13 an hour. Not too shabby, plus it leaves fridays, weekends and nights completely open. Fabulous.
I've spent the past few weeks meeting up with old friends, job searching, practically living at Genuine Joes, hanging out at home, stealing internet from the neighbors, visiting new churches, walking in Town Lake, unpacking..etc
I've also cooked. A lot. Italian chicken. Mushroom chicken and rice. Pasta with homeade (freaking awesome) marinara mushroom-meat sauce. Broccoli chicken pasta. Corn muffins. Banana nut muffins. Blueberry nut muffins. Cookies. etc. I'm a freaking housewife. It's good that I'll be working soon.
In addition to cooking, I've taken up another of my old pastimes: reading. In fact, I've read 2379 pages in the last 6 days.
Again, it's good I've found work...
So the plan for this week involves making money, registering my car (Texas plates... shudder), and heading up to Dallas for the weekend.
All in all things are good, though I'm not forming an official opinion for at least 90 days. Between lunches with friends, late night chill time, cooking, job hunting, coffee drinking and obsessive reading, I haven't really had time to let Texas piss me off. (which is a good thing right? I can distract myself like the best of them.)
So there ya have it.
Happy Inauguration Day in advance...
I'm here in Austin. Been in a town a couple weeks now. Landed a part-time job that I'll start tomorrow. Monday-Thursday, $13 an hour. Not too shabby, plus it leaves fridays, weekends and nights completely open. Fabulous.
I've spent the past few weeks meeting up with old friends, job searching, practically living at Genuine Joes, hanging out at home, stealing internet from the neighbors, visiting new churches, walking in Town Lake, unpacking..etc
I've also cooked. A lot. Italian chicken. Mushroom chicken and rice. Pasta with homeade (freaking awesome) marinara mushroom-meat sauce. Broccoli chicken pasta. Corn muffins. Banana nut muffins. Blueberry nut muffins. Cookies. etc. I'm a freaking housewife. It's good that I'll be working soon.
In addition to cooking, I've taken up another of my old pastimes: reading. In fact, I've read 2379 pages in the last 6 days.
Again, it's good I've found work...
So the plan for this week involves making money, registering my car (Texas plates... shudder), and heading up to Dallas for the weekend.
All in all things are good, though I'm not forming an official opinion for at least 90 days. Between lunches with friends, late night chill time, cooking, job hunting, coffee drinking and obsessive reading, I haven't really had time to let Texas piss me off. (which is a good thing right? I can distract myself like the best of them.)
So there ya have it.
Happy Inauguration Day in advance...
1.05.2009
A Few Business Items of a Musical Nature
I've been working on new music this past year and it's a little bit different from my previous efforts, but I think it's promising.. and more me. It's music I enjoy playing, writing and performing.. and the good news is: It's coming your way!
Whether then wait for the day I have the funds to deliver you a nicely wrapped, fully-produced package of music, I'm just going to lay out some work tapes and put up songs (stripped down, unedited, rough around the edges and all) as I feel so inspired.
Seeing as how I'm rarely nicely-wrapped myself, I think this approach is more my style anyhow.
So I put up a new (ultra) rough track on the MySpace.
We're talking: turn on the computer, grab a guitar and hit record from the floor of your best friends living room and then upload it immediately, kind of rough.
But it is what it is.
Someday we'll have classy versions again...
But today is not that day. =)
Hear it Here.
Also I finally caved and, against my better judgment, made a facebook "fan page".. so if you social stalk on facebook, feel free to declare your "fandom" if you so desire:
Danica's Facebook "Fan Page"
ps. ..thanks to those who made it out to the OKC show. You guys are great!
Whether then wait for the day I have the funds to deliver you a nicely wrapped, fully-produced package of music, I'm just going to lay out some work tapes and put up songs (stripped down, unedited, rough around the edges and all) as I feel so inspired.
Seeing as how I'm rarely nicely-wrapped myself, I think this approach is more my style anyhow.
So I put up a new (ultra) rough track on the MySpace.
We're talking: turn on the computer, grab a guitar and hit record from the floor of your best friends living room and then upload it immediately, kind of rough.
But it is what it is.
Someday we'll have classy versions again...
But today is not that day. =)
Hear it Here.
Also I finally caved and, against my better judgment, made a facebook "fan page".. so if you social stalk on facebook, feel free to declare your "fandom" if you so desire:
Danica's Facebook "Fan Page"
ps. ..thanks to those who made it out to the OKC show. You guys are great!
11.18.2008
Bullet Point Update.
- I just finished a major photo upload on flickr, for those who are interested. (tour, debate08, halloween, etc)
- I'm sick of packing and moving.
- I'm obsessed with this song and his entire live album. (and I am not ashamed! So don't even start with me, haters.)
- I kinda miss my "bed" which I haven't seen since August.
- I read Skinny Bitch recently (just to see what the fuss was about!) and it has really messed with my food world.
- After perusing old pics and posts I'm now contemplating doing a few "photo memory" posts of good times in Nashville when I get back from Thanksgiving.
- I'm playing in a round here in Nashville this Saturday night. You should come.
- I found a keyboard I like (finally) that I hope I can get.
- I really, really, REALLY want a new-to-me car.
- Next time you go to Whole Foods, try one of their vegan chocolate chip cookies. Pretty sure they are AMAZING. I still don't believe they are really vegan.
- I've concluded that time is moving much too fast!! I've got too much to do, too many people to see and too little time!! Don't give up on me though, I'll make it work!
9.04.2008
quick update..
met with lawyer
declined management contract
moved out
stuff everywhere
visiting the 405
then on the road for 3 weeks
argued politics
still shocked that parents purchased this:
rerouted due to weather
finalizing plans
see most of you in October
bye!
declined management contract
moved out
stuff everywhere
visiting the 405
then on the road for 3 weeks
argued politics
still shocked that parents purchased this:
rerouted due to weather
finalizing plans
see most of you in October
bye!
7.03.2008
All the small things.
Goal for the Week: Make it to Friday without the aid of starches.
*This will be more difficult than it may sound. I'm the type of girl who eats a bag of popcorn for dinner on more than one occassion. I love bread and starches are cheap foods that fill you up quickly. Bonus! However, I've set my mind to doing this, so I've prepared for the mission by stocking the fridge with fresh fruit and ordering a pizza as my last meal. Wish me luck!
Goal for the Month: Discontinue the use of plastic bags.
* I own a couple of those reusable bags, but I always forget to bring them with me to the store. I hope to remedy this by keeping them in the front seat of my car. we'll see if this works.
Goals for the rest of the year:
- Care less about the people who dislike me for no reason (or for stupid reasons).
* I've come a long way in this department, but not as far as I would like. I'm down to a handful of people whose opinions still matter to me, for whatever reason, regardless of the fact that I have little to no respect for them as people. It's hard when you live in a place where people are sickly sweet to your face just to turn around and badmouth you the moment you leave, usually over something stupid or because they are highly misinformed. I'm guilty too though. I regularly perpetuate the madness by knowingly smiling and making small talk with plenty of petty people who could care less if I got hit by a car tonight. It's a sick game, really. I'll be honest.. I want to be liked. I honestly like 95% of the people I meet right off (usually to my own fault), and I spend a good bit of time trying to convince myself to like the other 5%, so it bothers me when I feel like people don't like me. But I'm getting over it... I'm down to the final few. It won't hurt them, and it will help me, so by golly I'm going to try to be one of those individuals who just really doesn't care... I may have to update on this come December... chances are not a whole lot will have changed, but maybe!
- Get the road rage under control.
* This my friends, will take a miracle. I've already taken countless numbers of years off of my life just by driving. No more. I want to be that person who enjoys driving. The person who isn't frustrated by the driver going 5 miles under the speed limit, or by the moron who doesn't know how to merge, or by the jerk that cuts me off. No, come December, I don't want to be that girl. Sometimes, in my brighter moments, I can convince myself that there is a reason to people's stupidity on the road: "Oh, her mother probably just died." "He just got laid off after 25 years of loyal service" "She had a miscarriage.." etc... but those moments have become few and far between. Something has to be done. I don't want to be 25 with blood pressure through the roof because I've had to drive across town. So here's to calm, cool and collected car rides.
Things that made me say "yay!":
-Finding I have a free pool at the community center a block from my house.
* complete with a gym for $2. Awesome.
-Getting one of my invoices in, finally.
* one down, more to go...
-Hearing that Julie is flying out in August!!!
*Yessssss!!
-Seeing/Hearing myself & my music in a ghetto-fabulous television commercial.
*Bizzare, actually...
Books I've read the past couple weeks:
-Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
-Goose Girl
-The Phantom Tollbooth
-The Golden Compass
-Island of the Blue Dolphins
-The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
-The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears
-The Witch of Blackbird Pond
-Criss Cross
Music I've Enjoyed:
Missy Higgins
The new Coldplay
The new Jon Foreman
*This will be more difficult than it may sound. I'm the type of girl who eats a bag of popcorn for dinner on more than one occassion. I love bread and starches are cheap foods that fill you up quickly. Bonus! However, I've set my mind to doing this, so I've prepared for the mission by stocking the fridge with fresh fruit and ordering a pizza as my last meal. Wish me luck!
Goal for the Month: Discontinue the use of plastic bags.
* I own a couple of those reusable bags, but I always forget to bring them with me to the store. I hope to remedy this by keeping them in the front seat of my car. we'll see if this works.
Goals for the rest of the year:
- Care less about the people who dislike me for no reason (or for stupid reasons).
* I've come a long way in this department, but not as far as I would like. I'm down to a handful of people whose opinions still matter to me, for whatever reason, regardless of the fact that I have little to no respect for them as people. It's hard when you live in a place where people are sickly sweet to your face just to turn around and badmouth you the moment you leave, usually over something stupid or because they are highly misinformed. I'm guilty too though. I regularly perpetuate the madness by knowingly smiling and making small talk with plenty of petty people who could care less if I got hit by a car tonight. It's a sick game, really. I'll be honest.. I want to be liked. I honestly like 95% of the people I meet right off (usually to my own fault), and I spend a good bit of time trying to convince myself to like the other 5%, so it bothers me when I feel like people don't like me. But I'm getting over it... I'm down to the final few. It won't hurt them, and it will help me, so by golly I'm going to try to be one of those individuals who just really doesn't care... I may have to update on this come December... chances are not a whole lot will have changed, but maybe!
- Get the road rage under control.
* This my friends, will take a miracle. I've already taken countless numbers of years off of my life just by driving. No more. I want to be that person who enjoys driving. The person who isn't frustrated by the driver going 5 miles under the speed limit, or by the moron who doesn't know how to merge, or by the jerk that cuts me off. No, come December, I don't want to be that girl. Sometimes, in my brighter moments, I can convince myself that there is a reason to people's stupidity on the road: "Oh, her mother probably just died." "He just got laid off after 25 years of loyal service" "She had a miscarriage.." etc... but those moments have become few and far between. Something has to be done. I don't want to be 25 with blood pressure through the roof because I've had to drive across town. So here's to calm, cool and collected car rides.
Things that made me say "yay!":
-Finding I have a free pool at the community center a block from my house.
* complete with a gym for $2. Awesome.
-Getting one of my invoices in, finally.
* one down, more to go...
-Hearing that Julie is flying out in August!!!
*Yessssss!!
-Seeing/Hearing myself & my music in a ghetto-fabulous television commercial.
*Bizzare, actually...
Books I've read the past couple weeks:
-Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
-Goose Girl
-The Phantom Tollbooth
-The Golden Compass
-Island of the Blue Dolphins
-The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
-The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears
-The Witch of Blackbird Pond
-Criss Cross
Music I've Enjoyed:
Missy Higgins
The new Coldplay
The new Jon Foreman
6.26.2008
A dream is a wish your heart makes?
As some of you may know I've had some sleep issues recently. In all actuality I've had sleep troubles off and on since I got out of school. Nothing too serious, just bouts of not sleeping followed by bouts of nothing but sleeping, followed by months of medicated sleeping.. etc. Things finally started to even out a bit until recently.
Right before I went to camp, for about a month solid every night I would wake up suddenly in the middle of the night. I'm not talking normal waking up either. I'm talking, waking up so scared that you grab your mace and jump out of bed. Instant alertness. Waking up with a gasp and sitting straight up and feeling like your heart is about to pound out of your chest. Every night. For about a month.
I'm guessing that's not normal.
The weird part is, it was rarely linked to dreams.. it was more a feeling. Like thinking I had seen someone in the room, or felt something or whatnot, even though i was asleep. I can't explain it. I'm probably just crazy. No big deal.
Anyhow, I was getting nervous about this because I knew camp was coming up and I'd be sleeping in a room with other people, but as it turns out, camp was the first time in a long time that I slept well, through the night, every night.
So well in fact, that I made the rookie mistake: I got confident. I started thinking I had kicked the habit...
Until last night. Last night I had 3 different nightmares in a row, but now I can only remember the lessor of the 3, the physical, more tangible one. The emotional ones I can no longer recall, just the feeling they left behind. (if that makes any sense.. probably not.) I do remember there being a lady at the end telling me something that I felt was the moral of the story. The point. I remember thinking, 'I have to remember this when I wake up, because this makes it all ok.' But I can't remember her words anymore either.
Apparently my sub-conscious is in overdrive... or maybe it's just a coward, I dunno. But I wish it would knock it off or fill me in on what it's trying to say already.
A side note: I watched part of Cinderella today (thus the title), and I got to thinking. You know..sometimes I am thankful that Disney movies aren't being watched in the dark and destitute corners of the world. I often wonder what some of those starving orphan children would say to a cartoon that sings and tells them that "No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true." Then again.. maybe that would be seen as a ray of hope... what do I know?
Sweet dreams,
~Danica
Right before I went to camp, for about a month solid every night I would wake up suddenly in the middle of the night. I'm not talking normal waking up either. I'm talking, waking up so scared that you grab your mace and jump out of bed. Instant alertness. Waking up with a gasp and sitting straight up and feeling like your heart is about to pound out of your chest. Every night. For about a month.
I'm guessing that's not normal.
The weird part is, it was rarely linked to dreams.. it was more a feeling. Like thinking I had seen someone in the room, or felt something or whatnot, even though i was asleep. I can't explain it. I'm probably just crazy. No big deal.
Anyhow, I was getting nervous about this because I knew camp was coming up and I'd be sleeping in a room with other people, but as it turns out, camp was the first time in a long time that I slept well, through the night, every night.
So well in fact, that I made the rookie mistake: I got confident. I started thinking I had kicked the habit...
Until last night. Last night I had 3 different nightmares in a row, but now I can only remember the lessor of the 3, the physical, more tangible one. The emotional ones I can no longer recall, just the feeling they left behind. (if that makes any sense.. probably not.) I do remember there being a lady at the end telling me something that I felt was the moral of the story. The point. I remember thinking, 'I have to remember this when I wake up, because this makes it all ok.' But I can't remember her words anymore either.
Apparently my sub-conscious is in overdrive... or maybe it's just a coward, I dunno. But I wish it would knock it off or fill me in on what it's trying to say already.
A side note: I watched part of Cinderella today (thus the title), and I got to thinking. You know..sometimes I am thankful that Disney movies aren't being watched in the dark and destitute corners of the world. I often wonder what some of those starving orphan children would say to a cartoon that sings and tells them that "No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true." Then again.. maybe that would be seen as a ray of hope... what do I know?
Sweet dreams,
~Danica
6.17.2008
R-R-R-Review
Back from camp.
Great kids. Great staff. Good times. Good money. So cheers all around! I even slept through the night all week.. something I haven't done in Nashville in who knows how long.
Sadly, I presided over a funeral while I was there, but I think it went well.
The CMA show went well too... though it was hot and crazy downtown. (big shocker there)
I tried to add some pictures in this post, and for whatever reason, blogger won't let me. So if you are really curious, new pics from above mentioned activities are up over on my Flickr.
And finally, I posted a little "Year in Review" over on the MySpace. Turns out last Sunday marked the 1 year anniversary of the day I left my "real job" and decided to freelance for a living.
Looking back I find myself divided between thinking A: "Well of course I've done it. I said I would do it, and I did." versus B: "Oh my gosh! I actually did it AND made money!"
In many ways it's hard to believe that an entire year has gone by: Putting the EP together, joining the MySpace madness, working studio sessions, doing voice overs for companies, appearing in random music videos, hearing my music played on Nashville's Lightening 100, licensing "Vivian" to JCTV(haha), having my EP picked up on internet radio, working with development companies, performing in showcases, talking with ad agencies and playing shows in places other than Nashville (just 3 states, but hey, it's a start)...just to name a few.
Nothing major, but all positive steps in, what I hope is, the right direction.
Honestly, the biggest accomplishment in my mind is the fact that I did it AND managed to pay off about 1/3 of my student loans. Granted, a few things came through to really move that along, but still. Almost 1/3 gone! Woohoo! And I'm only 2 years out! If only the last 2/3 would be put away as quickly... here's to hoping!
Unfortunately I actually had to PAY taxes this year as well...(even with $8,000 worth of deductions) so I must be on to something.
Anyhow, it's onward and upward from here I hope....
Happy Anniversary friends!
Great kids. Great staff. Good times. Good money. So cheers all around! I even slept through the night all week.. something I haven't done in Nashville in who knows how long.
Sadly, I presided over a funeral while I was there, but I think it went well.
The CMA show went well too... though it was hot and crazy downtown. (big shocker there)
I tried to add some pictures in this post, and for whatever reason, blogger won't let me. So if you are really curious, new pics from above mentioned activities are up over on my Flickr.
And finally, I posted a little "Year in Review" over on the MySpace. Turns out last Sunday marked the 1 year anniversary of the day I left my "real job" and decided to freelance for a living.
Looking back I find myself divided between thinking A: "Well of course I've done it. I said I would do it, and I did." versus B: "Oh my gosh! I actually did it AND made money!"
In many ways it's hard to believe that an entire year has gone by: Putting the EP together, joining the MySpace madness, working studio sessions, doing voice overs for companies, appearing in random music videos, hearing my music played on Nashville's Lightening 100, licensing "Vivian" to JCTV(haha), having my EP picked up on internet radio, working with development companies, performing in showcases, talking with ad agencies and playing shows in places other than Nashville (just 3 states, but hey, it's a start)...just to name a few.
Nothing major, but all positive steps in, what I hope is, the right direction.
Honestly, the biggest accomplishment in my mind is the fact that I did it AND managed to pay off about 1/3 of my student loans. Granted, a few things came through to really move that along, but still. Almost 1/3 gone! Woohoo! And I'm only 2 years out! If only the last 2/3 would be put away as quickly... here's to hoping!
Unfortunately I actually had to PAY taxes this year as well...(even with $8,000 worth of deductions) so I must be on to something.
Anyhow, it's onward and upward from here I hope....
Happy Anniversary friends!
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