Amanda

Good Evening,

Today was my last day at the shelter. I am happy yet sad. Over these last few months I have come to the conclusion or moreso the acceptance of being a cat lady. Not that kind of cat lady. The one who is too successful, too independent and too heartbroken to get married and have a family. Guys=Disappointment and heartbreak (unless you are a Jonas Brother or Anoop Desai or Ryan Braun) But anyways I'm content with living in a great house with three great dogs, five great cats, best friends and the occasion one night stand. I will never forget that night my Cowboy Cassanova (that's his new name instead of a$$face) walked in and I was convince that it was fate he stumbled into an animal shelter the day he was suppose to leave for the military. Oh wait he's a effing liar. There was no military. So after three months of praying for him, thinking of him, hoping for him, texting him, he breaks my heart and probably could care less. I hope he's insanely happy with his slutty girlfriend and I hope that I never see him again. And maybe one day I won't think about him and one day he'll admit he screwed up and I can laugh in his face. That's mean. I deleted his number from my phone. All my text messages from him, including the ones he called me crazy, told me to kiss his ass and text him when I have my big girl pants on. Fuck him. Sorry. No I'm really not. I want to be over him so badly. But it's easier said than done. So how do I go from last day to cowboy cassanova? Other than the July 8th incident I was alway afraid I'd run into him since he lives out that way. But it's another stupid symbol of me closing that chapter in my life. However, since I am listening to this song write now I want to include the refrain because it totally explains the day. "No Parade" by Jordin Sparks. For real best song. on an amazing c.d.
"Just another day like any other
Nin the sky said run for cover
Just another reason i never thought it would end this way
There was no parade, no lights flashing, no song to sing along the way
There was no parade."

So my last day sucked. I mean, it was what I expected. See the girls I work with well 2 out of the 3 think I'm pretty dumb and slow and well I'm sure they are glad that I'm gone. One that doesnt mind me I will miss. We share the same birthdate. And she was like the only one that was like I'll talk to you on facebook. The others acted like it was just another day. So thank you shelter girls for making me feel crappy. Thank you for making me feel like I'm a reject. Thank you for making me think I'm slow and useless. I appreciate you guys really, I do. I will miss the animals. I wish I could adopt all of them. I love cats and dogs. I did however give two geckos really cool names, Vesuvius and Pompeii. Rockin huh? Like for real, it was like they won't even notice I'm gone. But they did ask if I'd work another week. Hell no. I think not. Too much stress. And Drama. So I guess I'm back at Target. Lovely.

Ok, so continuing with my debby-downer post, let's talk about school. I have never done this much homework. And honestly, I could be trying harder. Like for real. I'm a whore to sleep. So I go to bed by 10:30. Because I would rather sleep. I hit the snooze button too many times. I roll out of bed at the last minute, throw on clothes and walk out the door, looking average or below average. Usually I don't care about Psych so it's below average. Well ok, I don't know why I'm being so hard on myself. Maybe its because I'm in a downer mood from my previous paragraphs. Damn boys and work. But anyways. I have yet to get an A, ok I lied, I did get an A on what was suppose to be a test but we did it as a worksheet. But I haven't .I'm just frustrated cuz I guess I want Interior Design to be my thing. Im no athlete, no singer, no actress, no muscian. So can this please be my thing? It's not so far. It's hard work, I can't write block letters for anything, I suck at drawing. I don't know. I'm not giving up, cuz this is what I want to do, so I have to work harder. Which leaves no time or anything. Yay.

This is a brighter note, so it gets its own paragraph. I decided I want to do hospitality design which is designing hotels. How awesome is that? I'm excited. And I'm gonna apply for another internship with Disney but this would be professional and I'd need to send a resume and everything. I just don't know when I want to apply. Maybe next semester. I need a good grade point average.

Let's see, what else is new that isn't me complaining? I can eat a medium size bag of M&Ms in less than a week. That's exciting. 12 ounces of M&Ms. I have $5.11 saved for my trip to Austria/Czech Republic/Bulgaria in March 2011. I have $3694,89 left to raise, I think. Or maybe it's less. I paid off my Old Navy card. So I only have 3 bills left. Last Friday JFer came over and we watched Grease. Why was high school not like that? And girls we are so the Pink Ladies. I have fallen in love with the show Top Chef. It's amazing. Also in love with Flipping Out. I have almost completed season five of The Office this last weekend. I think I want to marry Andy. I mean of course I would marry Jim, but I'm still a little annoyed with John Krasinski getting engaged. Oh and of course, I MISS YOU GIRLS!!!!!! Please all be safe. And come home soon.

Well that was a long post. Alot of complaining I apologize. I'm gonna shower, and then maybe write a little to my Violet and Nick story. That should help. If not I'm gonna sing in my hairbrush to Celine Dion or Jonas Brothers.

Love you girlies! Study hard but party harder. NO just kidding. Don't party cuz I'm not there!
Miss you!

~A.

Nicole.

Hello ladies. It's been awhile since my last post, but I've been super busy trying not to get killed. Yeah, I've got a major story for you! So get some popcorn and some pop or in Jen's case water and in Beusch's case an iced coffee from McDick's and settle in.

Around 11pm on Thursday September 10th, ten gunshots echoed throughout the street pointed to the apartment building next to mine. Remember how I was joking around that the Latin Kings lived next door? Well, they actually live next door, and my roommate and I witnessed a drive-by.

A rival gang, had done a drive-by shooting (driving a black camero with illegal tinted windows), and quickly sped off. I was freaking out, I almost started crying. Thank goodness my roommate was calm, and called the Police.

Within 26 seconds (we counted), there were 15 cops on the scene, guns barred and sirens screaming. It was the scareiest thing I've ever seen. The cops took about three hours to check for shells (from the guns), and throughout the entire night the Police patrolled the entire street multiple times every half hour.

It took two Ambien (a sleeping pill - the normal dose is one pill), an anti-anxiety tablet and a cup of Lavender Vanilla tea to fall asleep that night.

You guys, you have to realize that this is the first drive-by this street has seen. And although I was scared, I still enjoy this neighborhood.

Just pray for me, please. I love you ladies a lot. And my new favorite show is: How To Catch A Predator with Chris Hansen.

KEEP THIS BLOG GOING!!!!

-Coco Chanel.

Amanda

I have three new loves. Homework, Work, and Sleep. And how are things going with them? Dreadful. I'm thinking of presenting a law that would allow 30 hours in a day. So basically my life has been homework, more homework, work, homework, oh wait you have to come in all day tomorrow work, homework, and then sleep. Ok so I'll admit it I picked sleep over homework a few times and last night I just watched tv so yeah.

But I'm doing better than I was last year. Of course last year this time I was in Disney World. Oh I would give anything to just fly to Orlando and maybe just stay there. But anyways, back to the subject. Doing homework. I have found that I get real sleepy around 2 o' clock and then well I just get even more tired when I read so I found my solution. Iced Coffee from McDonalds. Sorry Starbucks. But it is my anti-drug. I was able to concentrate and I got through one class's homework. I was on a roll, so that's what I'm currently drinking right now. Mandatory homework that needs to be finished is Drafting homework which will take me at least three hours. And write an article for my psych class. Which speaking of psych, I can't believe I wanted to be a psychologist. I mean, I love my psych class, but I think I love interior design even more. So thank you UWWC for kicking me out of school :)

So I know this is all over the place, that's how I feel life is right now. I'm trying to get organized and I'm more so than ever. I really can't start homework until my room is clean. And I have to have my notes a certain way. I have a least a dozen of binders. I even have some of my binders an notebooks colored match. I think I'm OCD. But it's ok. At least I accept it.

So I've been thinking. The next big thing in my life, well other than turning 21(which sounded soooo old three years ago, but now its too young) is graduating! Can you believe it? I can't believe we graduated from high school two-ish years ago. Crazy. One more summer before we graduate. It's the real time girls.

Well I'm so glad to hear from everyone. Well almost everyone-ahem JFER!- I miss you girls. Although I'm glad we are all over the place, because if we weren't we would be doing everything but homework. Let's keep this blog up, por favor.

There were some other things that I was gonna say, but I don't remember. So I'm gonna end and do some homework. Fun times. Study hard chicas!

-A.

Brittney

So here is my first post. I moved into the dorm on August 28th. That was a day from hell. I was homesick and fighting back tears all day. I wanted to run home and sleep in my own bed. My mom and dad both cried. It was bad and I don't like looking back on that day.

Ok here is one good thing. I made a new friend. Her name is Rachel. She is engaged to my brother's best friend Alex. Alex is like my brother so she will be like my sister in law. Haha. She was having a hard time too, so we talked and became friends. We went to Mcdonald's on our first night, watched the Hannah Montana movie, walked down to the beach, and we have classes together. We have alot in common as well.

Now here is everyone's favorite part: school. Haha, ok it is not really that bad. It's just a lot of work. I have the math class that should die but I'll get through it because it's the last one I EVER have to take. I'm in the education classes now. I feel like I can do them. I'm scared that I wouldn't do well in them and the I have to change major. Ok I'm just paranoid and adjusting to a new school.

I have yet to meet someone else who is 21 or older. It doesn't bother me but it makes me feel really old. I guess its funny.

So school is ok and I'm doing well. I hope to hear from my besties soon
-Brittney

Nicole.

Greetings from the Wicker Park SpinCycle Laundromat. 

How have you all been? I have loads to tell you, so I suggest getting something to drink and possibly something to eat because this could take awhile. Kidding, this is only a mini post.

So, as of my last blog I was introduced to the neighborhood. Wicker Park. I've done a lot of exploring, and I'm really beginning to like the neighborhood. It's really nice and plus, I feel uber safe at night. 

Anyway, just wanted to say that I miss you all. TEXT ME! Seriously, I may not respond right away, because of the terrible service in my apartment, but I'll text back as soon as possible. 

I want to hear all your adventures of school, and new friends and such. 

Peace, Love and Laundry Detergent.

-Nicolioliolioliolioliosis.

Amanda

I have a confession. I cheated on my dog Bronx. There is an adorable German Shepherd mix puppy at the the shelter, and I spent a lot of time with him. I renamed him Levi Augustus. He is adorable! I just held him and play with him while I was suppose to be working. I wish I could adopt him. I've always wanted a German Shepherd, well I have for the last three months. I tried convincing my dad to see if we could adopt him, and my dad didn't say no and in fact he wasn't as annoyed as he usually is when I try to pester him for another pet. So now that I know I will never have Levi, and Bronx won't have a little brother anytime, I made a deal with my dad. If I get a 3.5 GPA the rest of my college career and graduate in my classes top 25% my dad will buy me a dog when I move out. Sounds like nothing to get excited about, but believe me it is. So two years. That's enough time to start saving for an apartment. Yay for growing up!!!

Speaking of school, I'm very proud to say that I love it! It's awesome! It doesn't feel like school actually. My drafting class felt more like me at Parson's in Project Runway. I had my own drafting board and I felt so legit. It was awesome the four hours went by so quickly by learning how to write letters. It's so incredibly hard and there are so many things to remember when drawing and drafting. It's very technical and I know I'm gonna have to work my butt off in that class, but I'm quite excited about it.

Orientation was amazing as well. I made a friend, which always makes school easy. I learned all about the program and let me tell you there is more to being an Interior Designer than just paging through Elle Decor. It's lots of drawing and shading and memorizing and putting lots of hours into my studies. And heres confessionnumber two, I can't wait! I want to study. I'm gonna join the Interior Design Club and American Society of Interior Designers. I'm gonna meet people in the field and make a name of myself. So that's the game plan. Study and be successfull. BAM.

Since I'm going to be spending 30+ hours studying a week(Yipee!) outside of work I decided to quit shelter. There are other reasons, but overall it's stressfull and I need to focus on school.

Oh, and the most important, the American Idol concert was Friday. And after finding out my summer heartache aka assface, has had a girlfriend for who knows how long, I really just wanted to enjoy this concert and forget about boys. Well forget about boys that are gonna or have broken my heart. So I let myself enjoy the man of my dreams Anoop Desai. Lord have mercy!! He was gorgeous and so AMAZING! I love him. Like I really do. And I'm really bummed that I did not get to meet him. In fact I got to meet everyone but him. And let me tell you, them guys on that tour are fricken GORGEOUS( do you sense how serious I am with all the cap letters???) It made my day. But really made my night was Matt Giraud. He was extra sweet and hott. YOu see, my dear and oh so shy friend Helen, said "You're hott." My mouth hit the ground. I can't believe she said that. I don't blame her though. And then his oh so sweetness looked over at Helen and said, "You are too. Don't think I don't see you back there." I don't know what made me smile more. KNowing that MAtt might be the only nice guy in the world or seeing my good friend giddy with no words. It was the best thing that happened. And possibly the best concert I've been to in a while.

With that summing up my last week, I just can't believe how fast the world is moving. A full week of school is up ahead. Homework that really needs to get done. Missing my besties. In fact, if you guys were here I'd suggest Applebees and a movie. And we would sneak in ice cream. I guess the more things that happen I realize the more friends matter. I'd rather see my friends insanely happy then myself happy. I don't know where I'm coming with all this mushy stuff. But I really do love my friends. And that's why this year will be something else. I'm pretty sure this is the closest we've been in a long time. The amount of texting is going to increase tremendously. Par-tay!

Well my dears, I should start some homework before I need to head of to the shelter. Be back soon to write more!

-A.

Nicole.

My phone clearly states No Service, while my wireless internet still isn’t up. I’m typing this in Word, waiting for the password to our the security enabled network. My only comfort is the music blasting from my silver iHome and the strawberry pop-tart gifted to me by Amanda.

I arrived here in Chicago at the gloomy hour of 10:15 in the AM. It took only about an hour and a half to move everything in and get all of my belongings set up. Ray took the family to lunch at a local pub and everything seemed fine and good. Oh how wrong was I?

I am going to keep an open mind about this place, however, I have ZERO bars (as in cell phone bars), no internet (until this is posted), my roommates are at work until like 5pm (it’s 1:00pm as I type this), and I miss my mom a lot. It’s funny, I was so angry with her yesterday, and today even though I joked with Lion about her non-cool nice girls sorority, and her dance moves I really miss her a lot. I have some serious growing up to do.

I miss my friends. And I’m sure I’ll see them soon, to relish in our conquests of college, I’m a little lonely at the moment. I’m looking forward to seeing the girls back home and laughing like I did last night.

Speaking of last night, several things came to my attention: scary movies are horrifying but addicting. One second you promise to turn off the movie at the scary part, but can’t seem to bring yourself to push the power button.

*** 1:20 AM ***

So after my roommate came home from her job, I finally was able to chill with the place. We chilled for a little while and then went to Target and Home Depot.

In Wisconsin, Targets across the greater Cheese-State area have a small section, possibly one or two shelves devoted to the classy folks that like to party. However, at the target in Wicker Park, they have six aisles of booze for the alcoholics of the greater Wicker Park area. In fact, there was 312 (strictly a Chicago beer) being sold on an endcap near the front registers. HAHAHA. (I thought you’d enjoy that Amanda.) After a regular ole mindf*ck at Target, we drove to Home Depot.

I waited in line for a half hour (keep in mind it’s 10pm by now…) to get my keys made. Yes, I have five keys:

To open the front gate.
To open the door to the building
To open the mail box
To open the door to my apartment
To open the door to the back gate
Pretty obnoxious, huh? Talk about storming the castle! I’m surprised there isn’t a f*cking moat around this damned building. So, if you ever were worried about me getting raped and pillaged by the Latin Kings or Somalian Pirates, or hell, even the Bloods and Cripts no need to worry, I’m safe inside this impenetrable building, King Henry VIII’s honor.

So I sit here, sipping my mixed drink, watching Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion. Promise me girls that we’ll be like this when we go back to our Living Weird Lutheran HS that we show up in platform heels, expensive extensions and a hot piece of ass on our arm….or two of them.

Anyway ladies. I miss you all very much. I cannot wait to hear of your adventures. Your stories will be the things that keep me going when things feel like they’re falling apart. That and some Elmer’s School Glue.

Peace, Love and Reunions.
-Miss Nicole.