New Year's Resolutions

I’m not a fan of “New Year’s resolutions,” but I figured I could rouse my blog out of hibernation since it’s now 2009. In my experience with friends who make resolutions, they often seem to get lost in the clutter of everyday life by mid-March or so. It’s almost as though the more important something seems at the beginning of the year, the farther it can travel to the bottom of the “to do” list.

At the same time, though, shouldn’t we set goals for ourselves? Shouldn’t we pick a time to start improving in some way, and then work hard to stick with it? Isn’t the turning of the calendar year as good a time as any?

I know that some people can set goals, and achieve them all year long. For those people, I admire your commitment and resolve. It’s amazing! And some goals do, indeed, lend themselves to a January-to-December time frame.

However, many goals may be better supported by a different calendar. I know people at church who, after the Passover in the spring or the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall, will set a spiritual goal to accomplish by the next festival season. Maybe it’s baptism, or reading the entire Bible, or praying every day. Not only do these types of goals have a deep and lasting benefit, they’re also based on God’s calendar!

This, of course, is not to downplay the importance of achievement on a more (for lack of a better word) superficial level. But these, too, can often work on a different schedule. For example, young women frequently set a goal at some point during the year to lose pounds or inches by the following summer. You may give yourself a deadline of a week or two to completely clean your house – or just the living room. Something as short-term as a certification exam or a test at school can be an equally worthwhile, and perhaps more achievable goal.

And for me, achievable is a necessary trait in a goal. With my busy schedule and long list of “to do…eventually,” crossing off a task, no matter how small, feels amazing. For more long-term goals, I find myself putting off starting a project or regimen, feeling as though it’s not worth it to do 1 page of my scrapbook when I want to do the whole thing, or exercise 1 day this week if I know that the other days won’t be open. I need to learn to accept little victories, and celebrate them as such.

So I guess the point is that any time is a good time to commit to change in our lives. Any time is a good time to make a dent in a project, if we can make that “dent” the goal. After all, it’s when we’re the most motivated to grow that we will be most successful. And that can happen on January 1 or the middle of July.

List of the Goings On

I was reading Zahra's blog this morning, and she made a list because she was lazy. I am equally lazy right now, so I shall copy her.

1. My sister was supposed to go to Corpus Christi for orchestra. But it's the weekend of my recital. And she would miss a holy day, which no one knew until now. So she said she is coming to my recital instead, which makes me happy :) Plus, she has 2 doctors & a physical therapist saying she can't play because she hurt her shoulder. That doesn't make me happy :(

2. I'm still really upset about Perfume Girl making me ill. Just in case someone was wondering. I'm feeling somewhat better, but I'm staying home from church today because smelling exhaust or anything will make me relapse.

3. Benjamin took his acoustic guitar & an amp & some other music stuff to church today. The living room looks empty now.

4. Yesterday, Benjamin stole my laptop & took it to the store. He insisted that I needed more memory, and I insisted that I didn't. I now have more memory.

5. I learned last night that I can open files on my laptop that are really on the external hard drive plugged into the desktop. I'm told I can only do this at home, though.

6. Benjamin & I are reading "The 5 Love Languages" each night before we go to sleep. First, we read the first 3 chapters, which were annoying. The author seemed to be saying this:
"You got married because you thought you loved each other. But you didn't. You were really just 'in love' and after you've been married for a couple of years, you'll no longer be 'in love'. And you won't love each other either, cause you never really did. You just thought you did. Oh, and by the way, I know this sounds harsh, but I know you better than you do, cause I write books with the cool raised-letter covers."
We also read the 1st "love language" which is "Words of Affirmation." That chapter was less pessimistic.

7. We have a Victoria's Secret bag sitting on the coffee table that's been there for about a month. Benjamin needs to send it back. I wonder how long until one of us realizes it's there & send it back.

8. Chloe has been nicer lately. Yesterday Benjamin clipped her front claws with fingernail clippers. They're no longer sharp. When he was putting her in her kennel for bed, I heard cat-crying. He came in and said that he thinks she's mad that she can't scratch him anymore.

9. I packed Benjamin a lunch this morning for him to have between Men's Club and church. So the sandwich wouldn't get soggy, I put the bread in 1 bag and the lettuce, turkey & cheese in another bag. Then I put the mustard in a tupperware and the pickles & tomato in another container, with salt & pepper on the tomato. I also gave him a banana & some doritos (which I opened from the bottom of the bag right in front of him, muah-ha-ha!) and coke. And a napkin & a plastic knife. I packed all of this in my super-cute pink ice chest. He looks very manly.

10. Last night we went to Wal-Mart for dinner stuffs. I wanted straws and popsicle molder things. We looked everywhere & couldn't find either. Then a lady told Benjamin where to find straws, and they were out. She was shelving, so she & Benjamin started going through the boxes to find straws, but they were bendy straws so I said I'd just wait. I don't like bendy straws cause they get air in them in make you burp.

Countdowns
Recital: 20 days
Anniversary: 121 days
Graduation: 131 days

Ft Worth Teen Weekend

This weekend was the annual Teen Weekend in DFW. Juliane went to the teen prom in her pretty yellow dress, but didn't play basketball because of her shoulder problems. Cameron, though, did play, and quite well. I think he got 17 points in the "all-star game" at the end of the tournament. Cammy & Ryan played against each other...that was fun :)

We took Monte with us to the gym yesterday, and he ran around outside for a long time. He must have been exhausted by the time we left, as he'd been the center of attention all afternoon. He basically stayed glued to Mom's lap the whole time, except when Dad was holding him. There was a 3 month old long haired chihuahua there too. Some dumb friends of the owner-kid were pretending to throw it to each other. Poor baby. I should call Child Control.

Saturday night I came home while Benjamin went to the teen dance for a while & then to his parents' house to play games. Julie came over after her banquet (she looked so pretty in her "cocktail dress") and we watched a movie. I had rented No Reservations because it had been recommended to me. Julie said some old ladies suggested it to her as well, so we eagerly watched it. About 30 minutes into it, Julie asked when the girl was going to start dating the guy. I said she probably wouldn't Julie didn't know it, but I was secretly hoping that she would not start dating the guy, because that would mean that the plot was just beginning, and I wanted to movie to end! As it turned out, we both thought the movie was lame, so we turned it down & talked. And ate Sour Patch Kids.

Today I registered for my UTD summer classes:
- Intro to Criminal Justice (online & pass/fail...oh yeah)
- 19th Century British Literature
- History of American Religion
- Hitler & National Socialism (my back-up)

In a few weeks, I'll register for my CCCC summer classes:
- Statistics
- US History (online)

After 15 hours this summer, I will be finished with my bachelor's degree, and ready to take on the world! Really, I'll be ready to take on a serious vacation or something. August 14th is my day of freedom.

I have this countdown application thing on Facebook, but this makes more sense than that. Wow, I love my slipping antecedents and their implication on my slipping scholarly-ness.

Countdowns
Recital: 25 days
Anniversary: 126 days
Graduation: 136 days

(Don't) Let it Snow

I've counted it up, and I believe it's snowed about 5 times this winter. Last year, it snowed once. WE LIVE IN TEXAS! I used to get excited about the snow, but now I'm over it. All I can say is that when it's cold, I'd rather have snow than rain or sleet :-p

I'm starting to really look forward to this weekend. Friday night there is a little Young Adults social, but Saturday is what I'm reeeeeally excited about...Benjamin & I will finally go to our first "real" dance. I have a dress that I LOVE (and we found Benjamin a matching turquoise tie!)...so even though the dress code is supposedly "dressy casual" we're going in a floor-length dress & a tux <3 I really hope they play our song at some point, but I'm not really counting on it.

Then on Sunday there is another social, and then we're heading down to Houston to visit my parents. They are looking forward to seeing the grandpuppy again :-p I shall have interviews with my 3rd grade teacher & my 6th grade science teacher! Mom, Benjamin & I have a sushi date planned too :)

We're just hoping that Benjamin will be over his flu/cold/bronchitis, from which he has been suffering since Sunday night, by Saturday.

Julie just walked in...we're trying to decide which movie to watch:
Julie: Why don't you have The American President?
Me: Because my mom jacked it.
Julie: She jacked it?
Me: She jacked it.
Julie: *gangster style* You should pop a cap!
Me: *confuzzled look*
Julie: It's new slang.

The Great Rebirth

So it's been almost 6 months since I updated, and the time apart has made me realize how much I miss those frequent scurryings to the computer, coupled with a shrill, "I'm blogging that!" I liked myself better as a blog-adict, and I believe there are some others who would agree. Perhaps my attitude in person is improved by my willingness to write bluntly.

Who knows. Anyway, here's a quick update:

I went to Houston several times, and spent Thanksgiving in Dallas

For the Feast, I went to Kerrville and got absolutely nothing done. It was more fun that I expected, because I hung out with several young adults I hadn't seen in a while. Benjamin went to Italy, and sent me this:

This picture is everywhere, I know, but I love it bunches :)

I got a chihuahua puppy in November. His birthday is October 11, and he's just over 3 months now. A couple of weeks ago, he was almost up to 2 pounds! Montezuma (Monte) knows his name, and how to use his potty-pad. However, he likes to be defiant and tinkle on his mat, but poo on the floor while I'm looking at him. Other than that, he's quite well behaved.

Wreck on 45 going home over winter break. Ouch. My darling came to take care of me <3

Finally, this semester my classes are:
~ Syntax & Mechanical Structure
~ Western Literary Tradition
~ Film Musicals
~ Prose Narratives
~ Educational Psychology
~ American Public School

PS- Don't forget to post comments. I know it's sad, but I have very little excitement in my life.

Fired, strike 2

I think I'm about to get fired from Barnes & Noble. I've never been fired from a job, and the thought of it makes me very sad because such would imply that I wasn't doing a good job. And of course, I take pride in always doing an extraordinary job at whatever I'm doing.

Strike one (though they haven't called it such, and haven't even brough up me losing my job) was when I couldn't close on a Friday night (aka work til midnight). The only stipulations I put on my schedule was no working Friday sunset to Saturday sunset for the Sabbath. The rest was left open to work mostly nights which I hate, but apparently no one else wants. Of course, this Friday night issue was mysteriously resolved when they had to redo my entire week's schedule (the real strike 1) because they misscheduled my oral surgery. Though it's not technically my "fault," I did have to bring it up, reflecting badly on myself.

Strike two took place today, as I called in sick because I'm still in pain & can't go anywhere much less drive in the rain when I'm on pain pills that put me to sleep. Mom told me that I sounded like I wouldn't do well working tonight, and basically told me not to go. So I called in 7 hrs before my shift, and I still think the manager is upset, despite the situation. She "really needs" me to be there tomorrow (which I totally intend to be, but Mom said not to if I'm still feeling crummy). Mom said if I get fired, it doesn't mean I was doing a bad job or anything. I don't know why I'm still ranting...I guess I'm just trying to make myself feel ok about not being there tonight. Even though I know it doesn't need justification. Argh, why am I such a people pleaser?!

Today I had to start "irrigating" my "lower sockets"...sounds pretty, I know. Believe me, it's even more fun than it sounds :P

Dallas Trip-o

Well, 'tis kindof late, but I believe an update of my WEEKEND OFF (yes!) is in order :)

Megan & I left Sunday morning at about 5 am. We both wore the clothes we slept in, and took church clothes with us as it was Pentecost. We stopped for coffee & then again to walk around a bit. At that point we bought a map of "Dallas and Surrounding Areas"...partially for amusement, but we were certainly glad to have it later.

About 2 miles from the hotel at which services took place, we heard an awful noise coming from my car. As we had to turn into a gas station lot anyway to go the other way, we stopped & opened the hood (well, I popped it & Megan found the latch). Behold: smoke! Dad said to keep going & we called him when we got to church. However, as I turned the car back on, the alarm went off (for no reason) and I had to jump out to unlock the door with the key or something. I believe we made quite a scene. After finding church, we went to find a place to change, and just happened to turn into the same gas station! It's like a magnet lol.

At church we talked a bit, and then went to Saltgrass with Scott for lunch. There was quite a bit of time left before the second service, so Scott taught me how to drive a stick shift!!! It was awesome! Someone asked him if it was he who had been driving around in circles in an empty parking lot lol. I wasn't very good at it, and apparently I was burning the clutch the whole time, but it was super fun. We stuck around for about an hour after the second service, and then went to Kaitlyn's house. Oh yeah, I honked at a car (for like the first time ever)...Megan was proud.

We had a "piggy night"...eating pie, popcorn & candy (chocolate...oops :P) while watching Rumor Has It. I, of course, fell asleep, but I got the jist of it. Kaitlyn was so nice to let us stay with her...thanks Kait!

I asked Dad to check my work schedule because even though I had requested off on Monday, I had a feeling my boss would schedule me. And, of course, he did. So I got a call at 6:30 am from my dad saying I'm scheduled at 10 am. At 8 I called my boss & told him the situation. Apparently, though, he allowed my coworkers to think me simply irresponsible, as several asked me about it yesterday. Argh.

Monday morning Megan (ha! consonance!) had to be at her advisor's office at 9 am. We made it! Of course it was in Founders North & navigation was tricky...but I totally saved the day (just kidding). During that time I went to return my apartment keys at the leasing office, where I was also going to talk to them about our room assignments for next year. But, they don't open till 10 am, so I sat there. Then Megan, Kaitlyn & I walked around, met Nicole & Zahra in the Pub, and Nicole brought our Freshman Convocation Planning Committee (FCPC) shirts...whee!

We went to Cici's for lunch...Megan kept going into a "reserved" section to get stuff out of the toy machines. Eventually, the party of kids got there & swooped in on her! Then I wanted a pink ring so I ventured down there myself :P

We got lost several times on the way home...not "lost" I guess, but I was glad that we had the map. I-45 was closed for several miles, and we were in stopped traffic for about 45 minutes. An 18-wheeler had burned to the ground...it looked bad. After getting off, we took a side street where, stopped at a light:
Megan: eww, that man is smiling at us!
Me: what man?
Megan: the one who is looking at us over there
Me: eww *turned head & wished we had one of those screens people put in the front window when parked*
Megan: *reading map* Oh! *puts huge map against her window*
Me: yes!

We got home before dark, and I took my new phone to get it programmed at the Verizon store. But, they didn't do everything they had said they would, so it ended up being pretty much a wasted trip. Oh well...I probably would have goofed it up had I tried to activate it myself. Then I promptly went to bed early, as I was majorly tired. Time to go to work!

Skimming

Julie & I were discussing how to read our Bibles all the way through in a short period of time. She was asking if we're allowed to skim, and I explained that I didn't even know how to skim. She demonstrated:
Julie: ok, let's open to a random page...Chronicles!
Julie: *skims* ok so you skim...to see...if there's anything important...nooope
Adriane: *runs to computer to blog of Julie*

Putt Putt Puke

Today was the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. Kristin & I went to lunch with the Smiths, and then Mrs. Smith & I snuck out right before the second service to get Starbucks. Both sermons were really really helpful & well given.

Before the second service started, I needed to go to the restroom, but put it off since church was in the process of starting. Then after church I thought to myself, "I can wait till we get home" and we left. Then we realized the below-emptyness of gas, and began frantically looking for a gas station (of which there were none, but it was made up for by the large amount of traffic). Kristin explained what happens when you run out of gas, and it didn't sound pretty. Especially since by this time I really had to go to the bathroom, and we were forever away from anything. We got of the highway but the only nearby gas station was behind the exit (allow me to congratulate the civil engineers that thought that one up). We sat at a light, looking all around. No gas stations, once again, but there was an IHOP, and NTB, Hobby Lobby, several fast food restaurants, even a gasless Wal-Mart! Finally we returned to a gas station behind us, and the day was saved. I didn't go to the bathroom though. Then there was more traffic. No one could have estimated the amount of traffic that presented itself. 3 1/2 hours after I started having to pee, I got home and did.

I'm really tired. I should get some sleep before sunset so I can study for Genetics! I'll be done with one class tomorrow morning!!!

Holy Day

Today is a holy day for me, so I'm not in class or at work.

By the way...this blog from March 26 to an unknown date is dedicated to my Mommy. She is an avid reader, in addition to the fact that I tell her lots of stuff that I don't actually put on ze blog. Therefore, this shall hopefully serve as some degree of entertainment for her when she is able to sit up & get online again. Plus, I'm not really sure that I would remember some of the things I would normally tell her unless I blogged them :-p

Well, crapola. Apparently church is at 2:00 today rather than 3:00 which we thought. I DID wake up before noon...11:56...though it took until noon to make my bed. Blah. Julie opened the bathroom door at the same time that I opened my bedroom door, and she said, "I told Zahra that you were still asleep & we laughed!" Thanks girls.

Then my light bulb burned out, so I am again in ze dark until I find someone to come & change it for me. That's right. Change my lightbulb: give me light for about 4 months. Teach me to change my own lightbulb: experience extreme frustration while I yell at you and then give me several months of darkness until I decide to move.

At work yesterday, Tommy & Greg apparently got special permission to sit at the first booth as long as they didn't talk to anybody [working]. So Anthony, Piotr & Ben started talking to them. When I came over, they suggested that I go touch Greg's arm. I suggested that Anthony do so. Ben said, "ok, SOMEbody's gonna go touch Greg"...and of course Greg spoke when Anthony carried out ze plan. 'Twas funny.

Walking home from class, Zahra & I checked the mail (cause I have to exploit Zahra for her mailbox key, as my keys are being mailed here as we speak from my Dad's glove compartment). Then we cut through the pool gate & we started walking across the fountain wall in the pool. I chickened out & turned back (I don't want any legal trouble!) but Zahra bravely pressed on.

Then last night I went to Abuelo's mexican restaurant with Julie & Zahra for NTBMR (Night to be Much Remembered). I missed not spending it with my family, but having my best buddies made the night really special. We got allll dressed up & took lots of pictures. We got virgin daquiris & I got nachos. The waiters (not our own, but others) took pictures for us after dinner. Then we went outside, I saw the giant Abraham Lincoln-looking statue (really Abuelo) & we took pictures with him.

Time to get ready for church!

All-Night Madness

Ok. So I shall now proceed through the events of Thursday night & Friday. Feel free to skip this part, dear readers, as I occasionally record things more for my own later recollection than for the humor others are to find (or, not to find).

After work on Thursday, I went to the Library where I began research for this stupid Government paper that has nothing to do with America. This is American Government. South Africa's human rights policies, while globally important, have little to do with American Government. Anywho, I searched for books on the topic (that's right...the olde fashioned way...do you like the way I spelled "olde"???) and then proceeded to the 4th floor to retrieve them.

Prior to actually looking at the books, I went to the computer lab to write a response paper for Lit Analysis. Then I checked out the stack of books (most of which I ended up not using) and got a computer on the main floor to find articles. At 2:00 they kicked me out. People don't understand when I tell them this...I left peacefully at 1:55...they didn't actually kick me out.

I went to the Lounge in the SU (open 24 hrs) where I put my stuff on a couch & got one of the 2 computers in there to write my ridiculous paper. At 7:30, I finished & went home, where I proceeded to take a shower & go to bed.

It was 8:00 & I set a timer for 90 minutes. Since I had to be at work at 11, I figured as long as I got up by 10:30 I'd be fine, but I'd try 9:30 and then see how I felt. I woke up to the sound of the chipmunk song (ringer) coming from my purse. The clock greeted me, with a big bold "11:22" as if to say, "ha! take that missy!" Yeah, it was the Pub calling. I, half asleep but completely conscious of the horror which was taking place, said I would be there in 10 minutes.

Usually it takes me about 8 minutes to get there. But somehow, I was able to put back on the clothes from the day before, brush my teeth, and run (yes, run) to the Pub in between 10 & 11 minutes. There, I was kindly told "Wow, your hair looks really great!" (dripping with sarcasm). A lady at the counter said, "That's not nice." I proceeded to forget about it, but 10 minutes later as she left, she told me, "Your hair looks just fine." Yeah. This is what we call a "bad hair day," in which the "bad" not only refers to the hair, but also the day in general. I did, however, get to pick up a paycheck after work :)

Last night was the Dallas Teen Prom for church. Julie went with me, and we had a lot of fun. Considering the fact that the guy-to-girl ratio is totally off-balance, we spent most of the time talking & taking pictures. Julie danced with a guy once, and I took a picture. At one point, Heather & I were discussing the apparent gender imbalance in the church in general, and she said, "I think we're just gonna have to convert some guys." She may be right.

I want to go to the Oklahoma on Friday to visit the UO Law School, but right now I'm scheduled to work. So I'm hoping to find someone to cover my shift. That's all for now!

20 Keys to a Happy Life

Today I'm feeling kindof blah. Is it weird that sometimes we just need to be alone, but our problems don't necessarily involve the people we're close to? I went to play piano, thinking that it might cheer me up, let me get some emotion out. It did, I guess.

It's freezing outside (literally) and drizzling, so it's kindof like really tiny snow. I think I'll go back home, but take my time. Funny how the outdoors can act like medicine sometimes - I even went to visit my fountain (I call it mine...I guess it technically belongs to UTD)...just the sound was soothing.
I don't even know for sure what's bothering me. Hmmm...I'll get better.

Today's Random Fact: I hate bugs, but I love the outdoors. I love tent-camping, hiking, picnics...all of it. I just don't like the beach (but that's due to the copious sand that I still find under my fingernails a week later).

20 Keys to a Happy Life (My pastor mentioned these in his sermon...I think they're fitting now.)
1. Compliment 3 people every day.
2. Watch a sunrise.
3. Be the first to say "hello."
4. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.
5. Live beneath your means.
6. Forget the Joneses.
7. Never give up on anybody - miracles do happen!
8. Remember someone's name.
9. Be kinder than you have to be.
10.Wish not for things, but for wisdom and courage.
11.Be tough-minded but tender-hearted.
12.Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
13.Keep your promises.
14.Leave everything better than you found it.
15.Show cheerfulness even when you don't feel it.
16.Remember that winners do what losers don't want to do.
17.Remember that overnight success usually takes 15 years.
18.When you arrive at work (or school) in the morning, let the first thing you say brighten someone's day.
19.Don't rain on other people's parades.
20.Don't waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Wow. It is cold. Very very cold.

I am wearing Julie's clothes to church today. She has really spiff grey pants & a cute off-the-shoulder black top, and I am so lucky to have her as a friend. If it weren't for her, I would be going out in the 26* (feels like 14*) sleety weather in a skirt, because I refused to wear my own black pants.

It is very cold here. Very very cold. And that's all I have to say about the cold.

Last night we watched Aviator & I think we both fell asleep at one point. This morning, the following conversation took place:
Me: Is it cold in here to you?
Julie: Go outside.
Me: What? Is it hot again? (Wednesday = freezing, Yesterday = warm)
Me: *goes outside* It's cold, Julie!
Julie: It's freeeezing!

There you have it, folks!