Sorry... =/

I just wanted to apologize for my last post, it's now edited. I said things that are too personal to have on a public blog that can really hurt my dad. I should know better...

My cousin? I don't care if I hurt her or not, as callous as that is. She made her bed and she needs to lie in it. I don't respect people who lie, steal, and are ungrateful, simple as that.

I sometimes just get really depressed about my financial situation and get extremely jealous of those who have it far easier than me. I have always grown up working twice as hard as anyone else to get where I need to be. So many obstacles to conquer, but I've conquered them all. In times of extreme exhaustion I can crack and breakdown and wish for things to be easier for me. As a result, I whine and complain that I want a handout too once in awhile, and it just comes off as childish.

I got stuck at an awful community college because it was what I could afford to pay every month and because of various family/life issues. I spent 2-3 years building my credit so I could get to a position where I can get hefty student loans that come with being in a better school on my own without a cosigner, and I'm very proud of this. As a result of working full-time and going to school part-time, I am 2 years behind and am doing my best to play catchup so I can move on with my life.

There have been many people who have helped me in key ways throughout my life and I am incredibly grateful for them. Because of my struggles, I have turned out as well as I have... I'm especially grateful to my dad. I'm very glad we're at a better point in our lives where we can have a great relationship and I try to be as supportive as I can of him...

I'm rambling and exhausted and need to finish English homework before 5pm. Then I'm working 6 - 9:30. I just want to sleep :-(

A day in pictures.

My life is never boring, and yesterday was no exception. Lucky you, I have documented the day in pictures (click for big, probably REALLY big, as always).

I started the day off normal, went to Financial Accounting, the whole deal. Snapped this picture of Spike kneading my bed. Cute kitty :-). She was just purring away and digging her claws into my comforter, but hey if she's happy, I'm happy.

I had to work at 6pm at MB, so I took the bus, and on the dispatch I heard about a fire on Thorndike and Highland, right near the bus station. Being the inqusitive detective that I am, I rushed to the scene. I didn't have my usual Nikon Coolpix S560, so I had to make do with my cameraphone. Luckily it's 3 megapixels, so it came out pretty good. 

The third floor looked to be on fire, and there was a hole in the roof with smoke pouring out. I figured it would be easily contained because of the quick response.

Just because I'm a curious person, does not mean I'm particularly very bright. Mind you it was 8 degrees outside and I did not wear my gloves, hat, or scarf. My hands and feet were quite pink and painful when I got back inside. Notice my $3 pants, nice comfy corduroy courtesy of half-off on Old Navy Clearance.

Back at the bus station, I waited patiently for my 5:40 Chelmford St bus, talking to a few people here and there about the fire. I found out by one woman that Paul Tsongas lived in that house! I started talking to this guy Nick about the fire. He was pretty nice.

Someone comes in and points out that the fire got worse, and many of the roads were closed off. Traffic was going through the bus station at that point, and buses were 45+ minutes late. I called my work, and spoke with Jess W., letting her know I was going to be late because of a massive housefire. Sat around some more. Nick apparently ran outside to go see the fire.

He came back, talked about 10 foot flames coming out of the roof. How could I NOT see what was going on? We wandered outside, spoke to a cop that was patrolling outside of the train station. I offered to buy him coffee because it was so cold out, but he declined saying he was used to it. He told me I should have dressed better and I agreed :-P. Because we were so nice, he let us get closer to the fire, but told us to just stay to the right and not interefere.

It was a bad fire alright :-(. Various people told me the house was collapsing and that it was a 5 alarm fire. However, the news article seems to refute this: http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_11637523?source=rss_viewed

Another article: http://www.lowellsun.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=2302640

Nick and I stood out there trying to get the best pictures, freezing in even colder temperatures. I couldn't take it anymore, and had to head back inside and wait for my bus. My hands hurt so bad, and my thumbs didn't even thaw for at least 15 minutes. Nick and I talked a bit more, and I mentioned I had to call Corey, so Corey and I discussed the fire a bit. I decided I should call work again and let them know the bus still wasn't here, so Liz picked me up from the station.

I said goodbye to Nick and said I'd see him around. And went off to work.

And then decided I was a pirate.

So, last night before Corey and I went to bed at an ungodly hour I received this Facebook message:

hey, yeah.. so i don't even know if i got the correct person... but i think i do. and yes, i do realize this seems pretty darn sketchy..but i figured i'd give it a shot.

so yeah. hey. i might have met you tonight at the bus station, and you may or may not have made a decent impression on me.. and if you're who i think you are, i think you're pretty awesome.

here's hoping i dind't message some random girl.. lol

~Nick

Oh. My. Goodness. I truly have no idea to react... 

How do I get myself into these things? My poor boyfriend, I'm too friendly for my own good :-P.

After that message, Corey and I had a really good discussion. He brought up how I joke about my "work boyfriends" or the guys that hit on me to his co-workers or friends and they are all horrified or worried. He mentioned that he knows how devoted to him I am and that he trusts me completely, so he has no fear or worry. I mentioned that I tell him everything because I know that he trusts me and I trust him. I joke about his "girlfriends" all the time, because I'm comfortable with him and trust him.

That's when you know you've hit the best part of your relationship. Full trust, no jealousy. No drama, just making it work and making it better. We're at different parts of our lives, with me in school and him working full-time, us making sacrifices to make us work. But we're worth it to each other.

I love him :-)

Speaking of school, I'm so screwed next year. I have to re-file the FAFSA for Fall 2009 once my dad is done his taxes... My part will be much better, because I only made $8k last year. But my dad? Well, with his regular wages and a inheritance that equaled his yearly pay... Loans are going to be harder to get this year, and I'll be getting zero financial aid. Not even federal subsidized loans I bet. 

My dad has it really good, and in a lot of ways I'm jealous. With his inheritance, he paid off his house, his truck, his motorcycle, and has a lot of discretional income. He never got much of a party life when he was younger, and he recently admitted he spends $300+ a week at the bars.

With my college education, I just hope I can live much more comfortably than I am now...

I saw my grandma on Wednesday, and it was wonderful to see her! Next time I see her, she wants me to get all dolled up so she can get a really nice picture of me. She thinks I'm gorgeous :-).

Speaking of grandma, my cousin Katie got kicked out of her house by her dad last week. He also has a restraining order out against her because she threatened to kill him. I hate her, I'm not going to lie. This girl got handed EVERYTHING because she had an awful childhood. Abusive or neglectful parents messed her up bad. My grandmother bought her a car, college education, clothes... Katie just squandered and stole it all away. Her goal in life is to live on welfare and not have to work... I can't feel pity for her, because she doesn't have a grateful bone in her body. I just feel badly for my grandma, who tried everything she could to give her a better life...

Walk For Hunger 2009!

I'm so excited! Registration was just opened for the 41st Walk For Hunger, which will be on May 3rd! This will be me and my partner-in-crime Corey's third time walking all 20 miles all through Boston and surrounding cities and I'm so pumped :-)

What is the Walk for Hunger? It's run by Project Bread, and helps hungry families in Massachusetts get access to quality meals. More info? Project Bread's Website

My goal this year for the Walk For Hunger:

• Get corporate funding. In late March/early April, sending out letters reaching out to businesses in my community. I don't know how it will go, but I'm excited and hopeful that they will support me.
• Raise $1200 and remain a Heart and Sole Walker (raise over $500). Last year, I raised $1000 in two weeks, thanks to incredibly generous family, coworkers, and friends. My first Walk, I raised $600 in just four days. I know that in this recession, money will be harder to come by, so my goal is big and may be impossible. I will feel satisfied if I raise over $500, because I will remain a Heart and Sole Walker for my third year in a row.
• Bring a poncho to the Walk For Hunger, be prepared! Last year, Corey and I got downpoured on badly. From miles 2-7 I believe we were DRENCHED!

The Walk For Hunger means a lot to me, and it's my favorite charity to participate in. I don't like to go hungry (and I don't look like I do either :-P) and I don't want anyone else to either. Every year, no matter how tough it is, I walk all 20 miles. Last year, I nearly quit at mile 10, freaked out, started crying, but I was there at the end, thanks to Corey... I intend to do all 20 miles again :-)

Just to get myself pumped, here are some pictures from last year's Walk (click for big):

I decorated my backpack for the occasion :-)

We were SOAKED, right after the downpour

I have happy feet, guys

Corey looking thrilled at the mile 7 marker. Another goal of mine? Get more pictures of us doing the walk

I take pictures of all the Heart and Sole signs, I'm super proud to be in the Heart and Sole Circle :-)

This year, it's going to be my biggest, most dedicated year yet. However, I can't do this without you guys, so now is my plea to start thinking of me and my cause. Start saving if you can, so come April and May when I start requesting donations, we can all help in getting rid of hunger in Massachusetts!

<3

So excited!

One week!!

Guys, it's my birthday next week :-)

I'm sooooo excited about my birthday dinner, it's gonna be a blast!

What is Marketing?

I really can't believe how hard it was to find and utilize two marketing journal sources that defined marketing.

5 hours of research total. For two sources, with each ONE line defining marketing. I couldn't use the official AMA (American Marketing Association) definition either. I could find that definition in 30 seconds, and now I impart that knowledge to you:

New Definition of Marketing (est. in 2007)

Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.

Previous Definition (est. in 2004)

Marketing is an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders.

You learn something new everyday, eh?

Not. Fair. Now to write my ONE PAGE paper.

P.S. Superbowl today! Not that I care because the Pats' aren't in it, but Kayla and I are gonna have a Superbowl homework party are work (4-7:30) since it's going to be dead after 5:45 pm (very scientific estimation, I know).  

P.P.S My diet has gone down the tubes, boo to that. I went grocery shopping yesterday so I can at least eat better and actually bring my lunch instead of wasting $8 I dont have everyday at Southwick cafe on North Campus. 

P.P.P.S. Maybe someday I'll find time to run too, because this whole 7 classes thing is exhausting! Haha, I always bite off more than I can chew, but you know what? I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna make sure I finish all 7 (ok 6 and a half, because the lab is like a half class) and do WELL. Wish me luck!

P.P.P.P.S. 9 more days until my 22nd anniversary of my birth, a joyous occasion, I know.