"I love mint shakes."

I worked 47 hours last week. And I had 2 days off. I am the master. I also don't have a life. :) I am having problems with one of the assistant managers. I think we're going to have to have a talk. It started up a couple of weeks ago. I have two weeks left and she's being as big a biznatch as she can. Grrrr.

So yes, two weeks left. Oh, Steak 'n Shake. I will miss thee. I'll be back on holidays, but I'm hoping that Christmas break will be the last of me working there. I think I might have plans for spring break, and hopefully, next summer I will be working on campus. It makes me kind of sad that I have never held a job for more than a summer. Oh, well.

Tonight, Mom, Rachel, and I will be going to O'Charley's for dinner and see LOB's Aida (however that is spelled) out at the Muni. It should be good...I heard it was from a little Corrielynn. Sidenote: I sometimes wonder how Rachel feels about me. Every night I have off I usually hang out with her or call her or something. She almost always wants to do something when I ask, but do you think I'm a little overbearing? When I was still in high school, my group of friends was her group of friends...and now that I'm gone, she's become a little social butterfly. Was I holding her back? I can't help that I love having my little sister for a best friend. She's my Rachel, and I love her. I just hope that I'm not a huge pain in her ass.

Anywho, dates to remember:
Aug. 8--last day of SnS
Aug. 10--Twilight Parade
Aug. 11-13--going-out-of-town bash somewhere in there
Aug. 15--moving into Atkin 362
Aug. 16--training for move-in leaders
Aug. 17-20--passages weekend for the freshman and Rachel visiting
Aug. 31--coming home for Labor Day weekend
Sept. 2--AM's wedding!!!!!

"I'm okay with it if you are."

I'm going to Oswego tomorrow!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think you realize just how excited I am right now. *does a little dance*

I have to be at work in a little bit...not particularly happy about it. Last night I went in only to find out I was an extra so Rachel and I went to go see the Benchwarmers which was really funny. Rented Rumor Has It and Red Eye. I liked Rumor Has It. I was slightly disappointed in the end, though. Oh, well. Not all chick flicks end them the way you want them to. Today, I met Kristen and Cathy at Little Saigon. First time I'd ever been there...delicious. Jake happened to be there, and neither one of us made any effort to acknowledge the other. Gotta love those family ties.

That's about it. I update twice in one week, aren't you proud? Oh, yeah, I am moving back in August 15. *happy dance* I don't think I've expressed how much I miss being on campus. I will hug my mattress (as soon as some sheets are put on), and I will hug Mallory so many times she'll think I'm trying to cop a feel. Oh, it'll be great. <3

PS The funniest thing happened last night when Rachel and I came home. I think I embarassed the new boyfriend quite a bit. :D

"Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars..."

You get a cookie if you know where that quote is from.

Luke got fired from SnS last night. Poor kid. He was pissed to say the least.

Today was Grandma's birthday. I treated Aunt Priscilla, Kathy, Rachel, and Grandma to some tastiness at the Pretzel Plaza. Aunt P left a shitty tip so I left a few extra. We drove down to J-ville to visit Grandpa, then proceeded to drive around and look at huge rich-people houses on State St. All the sight-seeing and bad driving made me queasy which worsened when we went to DQ. Ice creams makes me want to throw up. I had hoped this day would not come but obviously it has. Ice cream is sooooooooo gross. I'm getting sick just thinking about it. Icksdbsjfbljms.

I am going to Oswego for Friday night. Ashley's birthday was today, and Mallory is in Beauty and the Beast. My girls! And Bobby earns the title of coolest older brother. He somehow managed to convince Dad and Patty that I really am 19-years-old and need a little time off the farm and away from SnS. I've worked my butt off the past five or six weeks, and since I can't go on vacation with them, this is my little outting. "You've got her on such a tight leash." She doesn't do anything anymore. "That's because you told her she can't go anymore, she can only use the car for work." We never see her anymore. "You encourage her to get all the hours she can get. And apparently, that's until 3:30 in the morning." Hooray for someone to stand up for me. I really hate lying. I've done my fair share of it, and rather badly. Sure there are a few things I just don't bring up, but when asked, I am honest with them. I mean, come on, I will be twenty in less than six months. I'm not the little Sarah Mae who ran around the yard singing operatic-Sarah Italian anymore. They are finally giving me some breathing room here and I owe it all to Bobby. So thank you very much for being a cool older brother, I appreciate it.

I've been hanging out with Mom more, which I love. We tend to watch movies. We watched An Unfinished Life Sunday night...I think it was unanimous--we loved it. A cattle ranch in Wyoming with Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, AND Josh Lucas? Geeeeeeze. Josh Lucas is gorgeous. And although I didn't originally want to see it because J. Lo is in it, I really liked it. She wasn't that annoying. :)

The Godfather is going slowly. I've lost my original gusto for reading. Right now I am beginning to think Johnny Fontane will be taking over the Don's business. Seems justifiable. He is the Godson afterall. *shrug*

I think that's about it. I won't bore you with work stories, hahaha. Oh, yeah. Two thinks that make me happy? Kristen, Cathy, and I will be eating a late lunch at Little Saigon Thursday afternoon. I talked to Kevin Imhoff on the phone for what seemed like forever tonight--it was good. I miss my kids. Anyway, have a good one, folks.

"I look like the fat cafeteria lady. Jesus."

It's true. So would you like to know how many hours I worked last weekend? 28. In three nights. Effing nuts, let me tell you. I am so glad I'm in with the night manager. The busiest I've ever seen SnS was this past Friday around 12:30am. Cahrazy night. All the drunks came out, including some kids I know from ISU. Brian said, "Hey, how're you? Thanks for the food. I'm drunk!" He laughed and I retorted with, "Well, I'm glad to see you're driving around then." The cops pulled him over as they were exiting the parking lot and I laughed so hard I cried. I'm almost positive they got arrested because they're under agers. Idiots.

Anyway, so what's been going on with me? I saw Cars with Dad, Patty, Bobby, his girlfriend, and all the kids the day before Father's Day. Last week Rachel and I saw The Omen and Superman. Last night Matt and I went to the drive in and saw Nacho Libre and X-Men 3 (yes, again-that makes it three times). Anyway, Nacho Libre is no doubt the biggest waste of time known to earth. Jack Black...oh, God. I could do without seeing his butt crack which appeared several times in the hour and a half of the movie. I've been hanging out with Bekki more, which is fun. Today we went to the mall and chilled out. Went into I don't know how many stores. She got her other ear cartilage pierced and I got second holes. I know Mom will roll her eyes when she reads this--morwe holes in those beautiful ears??? Yes, indeed. We went into Hot Topic and spent quite a bit of time browsing. I felt especially emo today with my Mae T-shirt and cat-eye glasses. I'm such a goof sometimes.

I feel bad because Kristen and Cathy keep calling me to hang out, but it never seems to work. They have class during the week, and Kristen works, too. All I do on the weekends anymore is work, sleep, and eat on occasion. Speaking of which, I've lost 10 pounds since I left school. Go me? Oh, yeah, and little Luke works with me at Steak 'n Shake. He seems to like it enough.

Anyway, that's about it. I'm going to Oswego next weekend to see Mallory (the future roommate) in Beauty and the Beast. I'm going up Friday on the train then coming back on Saturday...I haven't seen her since I left the train depot back during finals week. I miss my Oswego kids immensely. And Scott should be coming down to visit sometime this month, so hopefully that will work out. I miss him a lot, too. Yep. Hi, everyone, hope your day is going well. I've been sitting here for two and a half hours checking my email and everyone's journals, so I think I should be off. Have a good one.

"You know--vanilla ice cream and hot fudge make some damn tasty sundae."

Damn perverts.

You want to know what's going down? All I do is sleep, work, and eat--and luckily, with a 65% discount. I really don't hang out with my friends like I used to. Don't have time, don't want to drive all the way into Springfield so it's more convenient for them. I'm such a lazy ass, and yet...

...I'm jogging. I'm being more careful of what I eat. And since Dad and Patty have abandoned cooking for almost the past month, I have resorted to eating all of Patty's diet food, which really isn't too bad. Shed about 9 pounds as well as another couple of inches off my hair. It's short.

So maybe I am lazy in some endeavours but not in all. Nope, I'm happy with my slow, do-nothing summer so far. Work has treated me well. Everyone loves me--not trying to sound like I have a fat head or anything. I'm just nice and exchange pleasantries with everyone. And I offer to stay late when I realize Brenda is short one person on drive-thru or needs me for a couple of extra hours, which means my 5-11pm shift usually turns into 5-2am. Hello, money. I work the line and have been trained on drive-thru, fountain (shakes and desserts), dress (fixing up burgers), cash-counter, steam (fries, onion rings, anything involving chili). Now all I need to learn is burgers, and I will be the queen!! Most of the people that do production are men, so they love a nice girl in the back who's always more than willing to help out. We have a good time. I make some tips, too, especially from our regulars. Oh, yeah, and tonight got so busy I was doing drive-thru and running out into the dining area to clear tables since our bus boy was running late. I talked to Brenda, who is the usual night manager, and asked her if I was just summer employment or if they meant to keep me on inactive until breaks...but she said, "You're great worker--you let me know when you want to work a week ahead of time and I will get you on the schedule." Exciting stuff, eh?

Enough about work, although it might be life-consuming. Mom and Rachel are on the east coast looking at schools. I'm babysitting the girls and Kitty. Tiger is the biggest whiner now. She really hates being in the kennel, but I can't let her lose because of the construction around the house and I can't leave her in the house all day because I am usually there once a day--either before or after I get off work so that's weird hours. And she and Peanut both have tiny tanks. Father's Day was uneventful. I wish I could have spent more of it with Dad. I came home a little early from work with the new Pink Panther movie, some mixed nuts, a cheesy card, and some kettle korn. We had a good time, just the two of us chilling out on the couch. And Patty is back at work, which means her back is hurting a lot less. A plus for everyone. Oh, yeah, and I'm made it through another three Jane Austen books. Muahaha. I'm just starting Persuasion. I think I have only two left to finish her collection. Shcore.

Hope this was enough for your enjoyment. I'm going to sleep because I have to get up early tomorrow. Big day ahead of me. ;) G'night.

"All I need is a drink, a cig, and a good screw."

A quote edited for your viewing pleasure. :) And it wasn't me saying it either.

The piece of crap blazer, which I make a point not to complain about too much is extremely frustrating on this very dreary, wet day. Normally, it doesn't cause me too many problems, but since we are in the biggest downpour I've seen in a long while and my windshield wipers have a mind of their own, I'm just plain ol' pissed. Stupid windshield wipers. I don't complain about the extreme amount of gas it eats or the oil it guzzles consistently or the funny smell of the upholstery. No, I've loved that car and treated it well. Yet it fails me when I need the whindshielf wipers most. Because of this reason, I have yet to name it. I don't think I ever will. Stupid, ridiculous No-Name Blazer. Curse you and your flippin' windshield wipers.

You know what else is extremely aggrivating???? Not being able to check your internet about every other day, that's what. I hate getting my stupid spam. If I don't check my email every couple of days, I get an uncontrollable amount of crap in my inbox that I must sift through at a later date. And the library must have figured out what myspace is because it is now blocked. I think I got to see everyone's journals that aren't on myspace, and I managed to check my email and facebook. So what is my problem, you ask? I'm in a rather cruddy mood. Boo.

Graduation for my Glenwood kiddies is on Saturday, and I will be attending. I also have, I think, four or five parties I'm going to this weekend, too. Corrie and I went shopping today for Jared, Brian, Steve, and Justin. We got them some good stuff. Anyway, I'm excited about that.

And unfortunately, in the spirit of negativity, I have not found a job yet. I kid you not, I feel like I've applied to every place on the west side and then some. I wish just one place would call me back so I could start making some money. I saw J-Dub when I went to go see X-Men on Sunday, and he told me he would call Carrie to get me back for the summer. I'm really hoping so. I am desperate here. But I will not sell my body for cash. No need to become a Madame.

At least I've kept my sense of humor, eh? I have nothing to do now, so I'm going to catch a bite to eat before meeting Mom and Rachel at West 12 to see the DaVinci Code. Have a great week, everyone.

"When am I going to get some Sarah lovin' time?"

Would you believe it...I miss everyone so much. *pouts* I've talked to Scott a couple of times, and some other people haven't returned my phone calls. Boo on you.

Not much going on that the family doesn't know about. Rachel got a 34 on the ACT, and wow, was she excited. I felt honored to be the first one she called. Yes, I'm bragging, I can't help it. Mom's birthday was last week. I plan on taking her to the DaVinci Code sometime soon--girls' night out. We went to the Old Capitol Art Fair on Saturday, too. It was a good time...I think Rachel and I enjoyed the fair-type food more than anything else. ;)

So far I've managed to hang out with all the lunch buddies at the jazz band dance, Cathy and Kristen at the DaVinci Code, Wyatt and Steve at Denny's, Wheaton took me to Wal*Mart [:)], Mia and I had a picnic in Washington Park. Scott is moving back to Bloomington tomorrow for the preview training, which means he will be only an hour away vs. the previous three hours.

I'm still jobless. It's hurting, quite a bit. I am trying, believe you me. It seems no one wants to hire this Sarah Lewis. I don't understand. Look at me, how could you not want me?? :D I'm thinking about going to the temp agency. We'll see.

I had 537 emails. I hate spam.

Hope all is well in the land of everyone else. I need to return a phone call and go home, so I need to get going. I promise I will try to update more--especially if I get the wireless back up and running at Dad's. Love you all. <3.

"I didn't realize 'wazoo' was a real word."

Yeah...so I applied for jobs up the wazoo today. Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, Chili's, Applebee's, Olive Garden, some restaurant downtown, Memorial. Yep. I told Dad and Patty that I am taking a break tomorrow. I need to clean my room up--it's difficult to maneuver in there so I have so much stuff for so little a space. I somehow managed to come home with three times as much stuff as when I went up to school. I'm almost thinking about being ghetto and putting the fridge in my room, but I somehow don't think it's a necessity. I would more than likely stock it with large amounts of diet pepsi and call it a day.

At any rate, I have a lot of pictures. From both moving out and the jazz band dance. Rachel and I both looked pretty good, I'm not going to lie. Oh, and speaking of Rachel (drum roll please!)...she got a 34 on her ACT! Our little genius. It makes me want to tear up a little. I'm very proud of her. :) I was the first person she called, too. That also made me want to tear up. I can't believe she'll be going to college in a little bit herself. Jessie, do you feel old? Because I do.

I can hear Dubya coming from the TV in the other room. I think I'll stick out in the computer room. I would much rather write in here than listen to the president, as disappointed as Grandma would be to read that. Grey's Anatomy's season finale is tonight, so I will be sneaking off to my room with the tiny black-and-white TV so I can see the entire show here in a bit. I love that show...last night's episode was pretty intense! Anywho, I am around and not working if anyone wants to hang out. :) Au revoir!

"You arms are my castle, your heart is my sky."

So I was just now walking down the hall and I started to cry. I feel ridiculous...but not really. I am done with all my finals. My first year of college is over with. I have to go home and spend time with people I haven't really seen for the past nine months (because the people I have been spending time with all live up north :).

I've missed my lunch buddies quite a bit. And now I will miss my ISU friends for the next three months. Katie doesn't even know if she is coming back to school here in the fall, so there is a really good chance I won't see again (she lives in Maryland).

I've made some CD mixes and little videos for people...I'm not sure what to give Scott or Stephanie.

When she moves out tomorrow, I will be sad to no end.

Have I mentioned how much I love it here? How it's one of my favorite places in the world? How I've met so many people and learned to love just about every single one of them? How I even like my silly dorm bed? How I enjoy walking around the quad at night? If I haven't mentioned those things, now you know.

I was leaving my math final tonight and it was pouring outside. God sliced open some clouds and let the water flow. I stood in the middle of a mud puddle somewhere between Felmley and my dorm and just let the rain soak my clothes. It was absolutely fantastic. Splashing in puddles, making random phonecalls to share the moment, picking lilac. What better way to spend my last night here on campus?

"I'll be down to the 'Field in a couple of weeks. I'll call you, girl."

I absolutely love it. How random. Toga + Goggles = One Uber-Hot Sarah Lou.

I like how everyone up here refers to Springfield as The Field, Springpatch, or if feeling particularly ghetto, The Patch. Like we white kids are ghetto. Psh.

"Am I interrupting something?"

I am rather enjoying the fact that I seem to be in some sort of euphoric state right now.

More people from home have called me in the past week than they have in the past month. Really. You wouldn't think it, but people seem to think I am good at giving advice. It's true. Especially concerning their love lives. Weird. "Sarah, what do you think?" *shrug*

So I did okay on my geology final. Should bring up my grade a bit. I am ready for my history final at 7:50 in the am. I need to finish up this paper...I completely forgot about it until today. I am studying for my psych right now and will continue from the end of my early history final until 1:00 in the afternoon. Then I'm studying hxc for my math final which is at 8:00pm.

Then I'm completely finished with my freshman year of college. How weird is that? It feels like I just moved in yesterday. And I'm moving out on Thursday. It seems so sad, you know? I don't want to leave at all. I do want to go home, but I've had so much fun here. I'm going to miss everyone terribly. I had to say goodbye to a bunch of people at church tonight--it feels like I'll see them next week when I'll really see them in three months. Wowza.

"We've found the answer to your final exam: Jesus!"

Said the sign outside a church we went by on the bus today. I thought it was rather amusing. :D

The start of May has proved to be rather exhausting and entertaining. I haven't felt this rundown in I don't know how long. I know the last few times I've been sick was due to stress and lack of sleep.

This weekend was a lot of fun. Cinco de Maio on Friday, prom on Saturday, and sleep on Sunday.

I took my first final today--totally aced that puppy. I have three more finals, all on Wednesday. I'm coming home on the 5:39 train Thursday night. And yes, Corrie, I am going to the jazz band dance. :)

"The submarine had screen doors? Wouldn't you sink with a screen door?"

I feel like I need to update but at the same time I don't. Lol, I love how I always feel like that now.

I will be home on May 11. What time, I have no idea. I don't know if Dad is coming up Sunday when I come back from prom to get my big stuff or if he's coming up that Thursday. Guess it just depends.

Stephanie and I were talking last night about next year. She was telling me how much she's going to miss me, to which I replied, "I'll just be done one floor--we will see each other all the time." "Yeah, but that's not the same as being my roommate." True that. Mallory and I were discussing room layout for next year--our room will be longer than the one I have now and slightly narrower. I'm getting a loft so we can put the TV and fridges underneath my bed. I had passages training on Saturday, which is the opening weekend for the freshmen. I'm moving back onto campus August 16. Yep.

I'm trying to get the final projects pulled together and start studying. What else am I doing this week? Tonight I am going to Scott's last choir concert. Wednesday I am going to a Yellowcard concert in Champaign for free (my friend Kathy's dad got her some tickets since he works at the car dealership that is sponsoring the show). We're going to the soundcheck, too, which is exciting. Rachel mentioned coming up Friday night...and Saturday is Springfield's prom so I am going home that morning to get ready. I'll be back Sunday night, and then I have one final Monday and three Wednesday. Busy next couple of weeks. I'm super excited.

Have a great time this Sunday evening.

"That Beethoven Machine piece weirded me out a little."

The concert went really well...and Shelley is put away until the first rehearsal of U Band next year--if I take it. It was a lot of fun...and I'm really glad Mom, Greg, and Rachel came. :) I appreciate the support. So the pictures are of my section...again, I'll post most of them on yafro, so you can check them out there. Anyway, hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

"For a song..."

Today was another great day. But I came home from game night and I somehow just got really sad. More pointedly, emo. I hate that. I know why, too, but I won't go into because my male readers would not be interested at all, lol.

Mom, Greg, and Rachel are coming to my band concert tomorrow night, and I am absolutely thrilled. You have no idea. :D And Mom and Jessie have both updated within the last couple of days, so I'm proud of them. I haven't talked to either one of you in a long while...I'm sorry about that.

I'm feeling particularly guilty right now, mainly because I am so frustrated. I have no reason to be really, yet the stress of our impending finals, amongst some other things, is getting to me a little. Sleep seems to be some precious gift sent from heaven. I've been so busy doing this and that. Something I both like and dislike about myself--I always seem to make time for people here. My friends call from home, I hang out with whomever asks (almost). Accomodation is in itself slightly stressful. Me typing that sounded selfish in my head and therefore makes me feel even guiltier. So I think I'm going to try to get some sleep now. I just finished some homework, and it's not 1:52. Boo.

I can't wait for this summer.

"You think whatever you want to."

Today has been one of those nothing-can-get-me-down kind of days. I woke up with a smile on my face, went to both of my classes. Ate some muffin tops (the best cereal ever made). I talked to both Aunt Mae and Wheaton today. I missed them and felt the need to call. I just ate my last Cadbury Creme Egg. I'm currently listening to Alice in Chains...and it's rather gloomy outside. I am so happy I could bust.

The weekend in La Salle was a lot of fun. It was extremely relaxing. And Heather's parents adopted us, unofficially, of course. Who wouldn't want to adopt some girlies like Kathy and myself?

Go check out the rest of the pictures at http://stoopsigen.yafro.com.

"What makes you think I don't miss you already?"

Geeze. Yesterday we played frisbee out on the quad. And sang. Rob brought his guitar so he strummed while the rest of us got out some sort of tune. It was all rather excellent. Then I had dinner at McAlister's which always makes my night better. ;) We made a disgusting food creation I thought Niki and Corrie might enjoy.

Today I have to turn in my English paper which I finished earlier last night and take my geology test at 2. I studied for a couple of hours last night, and I'm leaving lunch a little early to study some more while I finish up packing. And yes, I am actually leaving the campus for the weekend! I'm going up to La Salle with Heather and Kathy...we're going to go to Heather's high school's jazz dance. Similiar to our jazz dance apparently. I am thoroughly excited about it, too. We have to leave right after I get out of my test to make sure we have plenty of time to get up there--the dance is tonight. We're getting all purdied up at Heather's place, and I'll make sure to take plenty of pictures. :) Tomorrow we're going to putz around town and not do a whole lot, which sounds really good to me.

Anyway, I don't think I have much else to say, so I will be just leave it at that.

"Do you like good music? (Yeah, yeah.)"

I love the oldies station. They're always playing it in the tennis court so whenever I walk back from class I get to hear some great music, which puts a huge smile on my face.

You know what else makes me smiles? Orange soda. Yummy stuff that.

This week has been both good and bad...yesterday was especially up and down. I had a really great lunch wiht Jason and some kids from Encounter that just happened to show up. Classes weren't that bad. I had to do something I knew would hurt a lot, I don't even want to talk about. Band was strange--the boys were fascinated with my monkey earrings (thanks, Mom) and tried to play with them continuously. Patty said Bobby is friends with the manager at Chili's in Springfield and he can get me a job as either a waitress or a cook. Oh, and I got an email from Micah--he's a senior that is student teaching over in South Dakota. I met him at the church group I attended last semester...and I got an invitation to go to his graduation party right after finals, so I'm going to go.

*shrug* What can you do? I have to go to psych now. Not completely thrilled or anything, but I have to go.

PS I just realized that my band concert is a week from today. Hope some of you can come. :)

"Walk much?"

Some pictures from home. Easter weekend was extremely...hectic. No one else probably thought so, but it seemed rather eventful in my little corner of the world. I got to see everyone except Jessie, which sucks, but what can you do?

I have so much running through my mind right now...a billion things a minute. I'm not liking it all that much, but there's not much to do about it. Instead I sit here, chatting away aimlessly to some of my friends while I think. And really I need to study for my math quiz I have tomorrow, so I think I'm off to do that. G'night, folks. Hope you had a Happy Easter!

"No, you rock."

Anyway. I'm sitting here listening to some Gorillaz and waiting for my kids to get out of English. It started to storm so Devona let us go early so as to avoid a good soaking. I was let out of my history class early, too. The professors are just as much ready to get out of here as we are.

I have like half a pint of Ben & Jerry's left in Steph's freezer left over from last night. We went to see Take the Lead and got some ice cream over at Chatter's afterwards. Oh, ice cream, how I love thee.

After lunch I have to shower and pack...and since I'll have about five hours to do that, I'm also going to do my nails and watch a movie. It'll be a good time.

I'm really excited about this weekend. I haven't seen Mom or Rachel in ages. I'll get some real food. I kind of want to go to Cozy Dog, too. Guess we'll have to see about that one, though. At any rate, I'm off to get some lunch with the usual folk. Have a good weekend, everyone! :)

"Poor baby..."

The past week has been extremely crazy. Friday night Bruce, Brian, and Kevin came up from home to visit then Jake was up here Saturday along with two of Stephanie's friends from home. Saturday I spent the entire day at this thing called Intersection. It basically entailed my group going to a nursing home and spending time with some of the veterans there. It was a lot of fun...I'm thinking about going back sometime to check the people we visited. Sunday was the Encounter banquet, which is what the pictures are from. It turned out fantastically and everyone had a really good time, too. Today was extremely sick. I could hardly get out of bed--I almost passed out every time I even tried to sit up. Showering was a most difficult task. And I had an extremely difficult time going downstairs to get some food for dinner. I hadn't eaten since I had been sleeping off-and-on all day. Now that I've taken some medicine and ate some food I feel much better.

The pictures are from the banquet. The first one is with Scott. The second one is with Mallory, whom I will be rooming with next year, and the last one is some of the Oswego kids I hang out with--Mallory, Jason, and Ashley.

"Mmm, chocolate?"

I smell like Scott. It's not just one of those lingering smells. I think I hugged him too much because it's about all I can smell. He is happy. I love that.

And I am listening to Jason's CD. He plays guitar and sings.

And the chocolate.

I feel truly at home right now. I love it.

Smell the hoodie, listen to the beat, and eat some chocolate. My little slice of ISU heaven.

"How's my favorite munchkin today?"

The first picture is of me "raping" Mallory before the drag show. The second picture is from our geology fieldtrip on Saturday morning--I was the muddiest kid there is due to my clumsiness. And the last picture is from the dance we went to Saturday night (Animation Sensation--dress up like a cartoon character).

This past weekend was absolutely amazing. And this upcomgin week is going to be super crazy. I had a test today, one tomorrow, two papers and a project due Wednesday and some other things due later in the week that I can't even remember right now.

We watched a documentary tonight on the children who live in Uganda that have to commute to the cities at night to keep from being abducted by the rebels there. If they are abducted, they are trained to fight and kill government workers and anyone protesting their cause. I cried, I'm not going to lie.

Friday night some of my band geeks from home are coming up and one of Steph's friends is coming up, too, then her two best friends from home will be here Saturday through Monday since they have spring break. Saturday I am volunteering at this thing called Intersection all day long--I'm supposed to be going to a veterans' retirement center for the day. Sunday I have this banquet thing I have to attend and we get to dress up, so that's always exciting. I love it when I have an excuse to wear a skirt and some heels.

I went through and kind of scheduled out the rest of the semester at the end of last week, and it looks like we're crazy busy over here until the end of the semester. I'm coming home for Easter and the jazz band dance, and I'm going home with Heather to her jazz dance the week after Easter. Prom? I would really like to be home to see Rachel all dressed up and ready to go. I'd love to do her hair and nails and do all that girlie stuff, but that would mean I would be home three weekends out of the last four before the end of the semester. Do I really want to do that? Oh, dilemma, you. This is a really big deal and I don't want to miss it. Any word on her date yet? Has she asked anyone?

Anywho, enough blogging for the day. I want to apologize for my lack of every day blogging, but I'm not all that sorry, lol. It's been too busy around here...and it's a good thing that blogging isn't the first thing on my mind when I get to my computer.

PS My friend Ashley is coming home with me for Easter weekend. She isn't going home, and there is no point in her staying here all by herself. 'Night, folks.

"I'm a sexually deprived individual. Don't laugh! It's true."

We celebrated his birthdaytonight. At Avanti's, big surprise. God love him because I sure as hell do. It's going to be super crazy around here until the end up the semester. I am so excited for Rachel and the prom...and some of my kids are graduating, here and from GHS. Everything is looking stressful, hectic, and fantastic.

Can you tell I'm in a fantabulous mood? Love you. 'Night.

"You're LAME!"

I heart the roommate.

Sorry, I haven't really felt like blogging much. There has been quite a bit to do.

Went back to the doctor on Monday, and she said that she doesn't think it's mono but a viral infection. So now I'm on all kind of cough suppressants (sp?). I am feeling a heck of a lot better, so I'm really glad about that. I'm caught up on all my notes now and I've been making it to all my classes. Good as gold.

I'm coming home for Easter, unlike some of my friends (weird, huh?). And the jazz band dance. So I'll be back in three weeks then again in six weeks. I'm done with finals the following week, though I'm not sure of what specific day.

My side of the room today was extremely messy, so I just cleaned it up. It's the first time I've gone all day without making my bed. Making my bed is the first thing I do when I crawl out...anal, really.

Eistir is coming up tomorrow. I was so excited when I found out I almost peed my pants. The reason she is coming kind of sucks...but I'm hoping, hoping, hoping I'll get to spend some time with her. God, I miss that girl.

"Why are you so nice?"

I asked him, and he denied it.

I've steadily been getting sicker and more fatigued. The doctor on Friday said that I tested negative for strep throat, but if my symptoms continued into this coming week, then I need to go back to get tested for mono. Even though I've already had it, I could have gotten it again since my first case was so mild. You know what I say to that? BOO! If I do have mono, they will tell me to go home for two weeks. Do I want to do that? No--especially since spring break was only a week ago and I'll be going home for Easter in three weeks anyway.

I hung out with Jason, Mallory, Heather, and Katie all weekend. Friday we went to Brokeback Mountain over in Capen Auditorium...then we went over to the Bowling and Billiards to play pool while Jason and a couple of girls ended up bowling. We went back over to Tri to make some of the chocolate-covered pretzels and watch movies. Yesterday consisted of me sleeping in until 9:30 then doing a whole lot of relaxing in my room. We went to Shakespeare's Complete Works Abridged last night. It was a comedy troop thing, and boy, I haven't laughed like that in a while. It was great. The girls came over to my room and talked for a long time until I kicked them out around 10:30 so I could get some sleep. Last night I woke up I don't know how many times and talked to Steph when she walked in around 4:30 this morning. Thank God we both slept in until 11:30ish.

Today I have to meet with my English group to work on this paper/project about Amelia Earhart that is due Friday. And of course, Grey's Anatomy at 9:00, but I think I'll just stay in my room since I don't really want to move out of bed.

And now that I have complained enough about my bad health, I'm going to go take a nap.

"Oh, my God..."

You guys should hear my voice, really. I really do now sound like a man. You call me just hear how low it is, mock my pain. I woke up when Steph was still here and I guess I sputtered out some coughs that really grossed her our so she grabbed our phonebook and the phone and told me to make an appointment at student health services. We're thinking I either have A) strep or B) mono. I would much rather have strep than mono. My throat is severely constricted so it's hard to breathe or cough or swallow liquids. It hurts to do any of those. Except I have a lot of stuff in my throat I want to get out...coughing is bad. I haven't puked yet, so I am hoping that I don't get whatever Mom has.

I am just worried about this geology test. Last night I was studying away when I got a completely random phonecall from someone whom I would never expect to call, and my studying was disrupted because I ended up talking to Scott for a long time. And boy, is he angry at me. It's our first "fight," so it seems major. It was major. He'll get over it eventually, he just needs some coolling time. I ended up calling him a little bit later to say goodnight and he picked up...excellent sign. And he said, "Love you," like he always does when he gets off the phone, so that was another good sign. Overall, it was a lot of drama. He leaves today at 2:00 and gets back tomorrow night. Hopefully, he won't be mad anymore by then.

All right, kiddies. I'm rolling back into bed because I really don't feel good. It's going to be exnay on the partay tonight, I bet. Have a good day, everyone.

"Well, it's a fabulous day for a moon dance with the stars up above."

Go Michael Buble. Any man that would sing to me like that could have my heart instaneously. Swooners=fantabulous.

This week has been extremely laid-back. Extremely. I've been very tired and not feeling so hot, which became even worse this morning. I couldn't get myself out of bed until 9:45 so I could make it to English. My throat hurts and my voice is raspy. And I also have had a few signs pop up that I won't discuss because it's gross, mainly involving mucus. ;) So I think I'm coming down with something--hoping it's not whatever Mom had. But everyone here seems to be sick, too, so I'll probably never know where it came from.

I am just so tired.

And I have a geology test Friday. Boo.

This weekend promises to be a lot of fun, though. Friday night we're seeing the UPB showing of Brokeback Mountain and having a mini-party over at Tri. Saturday, I'm sleeping in then we're making the white chocolate-covered pretzels and having another movie night probably at Watterson. Jason's roommate's girlfriend is coming from the U of I for the weekend, and Richard basically kicked him out of the room for the weekend, which doesn't seem all that great. So we get Jason for the weekend. We have to watch Hercules because Encounter is having an Animated party next weekend...that means we get dressed up like a cartoon, and a group of us are going as the Muses, so we need to study them to see how they dress and do their hair.

All right, I'm off. I'm going to take a very short nap before geology. I am just so freaking tired. 'Night, folks.

Jessie's twenty-fourth. 

"Pretty in pink? What?"

So I am watching this movie. And it happens to be one of my favorites. I just realized how unrealistic it is. I mean, who the hell really cares about money that much? Not around here, they don't. Well...they do but not that much. The beginning of the movie starts two weeks before graduation, too, and we only see Andie and Blain go on two real dates before she blows up on him in the hallway because he says he forgot that he asked another girl to the prom. Plus Andrew McCarthy, as good-looking as he is, does not look like he's that great a kisser.

In case any of you didn't know, we had some tornadoes come our way. No damage to any of the houses but our barn took it like a champ. It'll probably get torn down (it might take five years, though). I took a lot of pictures, so I'll put those up when I get back to school. We got power back yesterday afternoon, so hooray for that. I hate not being able to take a shower. A lot of the powerlines were down from New Berlin past Elsie Jacob's place on Waverly Road. Actually, part of Waverly road is missing. But everything is back up and running so it isn't too bad anymore. The Fauchs' place was ripped to smithereens, though. They had some grain bins strewn across the fields and their barn where they had their cars caved in and crushed their vehicles.

Not a lot else is going on right now. Oh, except spring break. I called Sears today to see if they would hire me for the summer, but the manager didn't call me back. Niki's sure that Showplace will hire me back, so I'm not too worried about that. I'm going to see if I can find a better job. Sears wasn't too bad, but I need more hours than Showplace is willing to give me. I guess I will apply for a position over at the Department of Ag. I hated my job, but I made great money.

"I'm off like a dirty shirt," as Ducky says.

"I just can't believe it."

Neither can I, Jason.

Scott blew me some kisses in geology. And walked with his arm over my shoulder. He tried to make me feel better.

Then I got back to Atkin and checked me mail. I got my letter from housing--I am an alternate RA until spring '07. So I might get a position but probably not until the spring term.

It looks like I am made to be an alternate. Sorry, that was me feeling sorry for myself. I need to go before it gets worse.

"You could kill someone with that thing!!"

I broke out my license plate purse just for kicks. I dislike carrying around my bookbag so I always carry my larger purses so I can stick in my books and notebooks. Which means no one ever sees my large stash of purses hidden underneath my bed. That purse is a block of metal (obviously) and could do some damage if someone decided to attack me on campus (which is unlikely).

Today is going waaaay better than yesterday. I finished off one of my papers last night and am almost done with my second. I just took my math test--first person to turn it in. I was unsure about one of the questions, but I figured it out after about five minutes of silent debate in my head. Another A on a math test? I might be able to accept that. ;)

I burned a CD for my friend Jason last night, too. I was extremely excited about it. I'm still not quite sure of everything he is into, but I know his favorite music is Christian stuff so I made him a Christian mix and threw in a random Spice Girls song. Muahaha. He won't know what hit him. And this is how I get my kicks, folks.

The rest of the day is looking like fun. I have psych class until 1:50 then I am escorting Mallory to the mall where I will watch her shop since I don't want to spend any money. Then we'll probably go get something to eat (I'm thinking some Chinese over at Watterson. Or maybe Chic-Fil-A.). Scott's concert is at 7:00 then we have Encounter at 9:00.

Oh, yeah, and we finished the only season of Freaks and Geeks last night. I will be eternally sad because there is no closure whatsoever. I am in love with Jason Segel, it's been decided. *sigh*

"Now I wallow in my self-pity."

"Dear Sarah,

Thank you for your interest in Preview and for your application for the position of Preview Guide. Although you have not been selected as a Preview Guide, we are pleased to notify you that you have been selected as one of the Preview Guide alternates. If a vacancy occurs, which does occasionally happen, you will be considered as a top candidate for the position.

As you are aware, we had an exceptionally large number of fine candidates for the limited number of positions available. Therefore, your position as an alternate should certainly not be considered as a negative reflection on your abilities. We are confident that you will find other opportunities within the university community to be of assistance to your fellow students. We wish you continued success in your endeavors at Illinois State University.

If you have any questions regarding your role in Preview 2006, please free to contact us. We will gladly schedule an appointment to speak to you."

So this is the end of my not-so-bad day. I have to say I'm extremely disappointed. I want to know why I am only an alternate--more than likely because I am a freshman. I hate being a young-on'. Now to finish my craptacular mood, I'm off to the showers. *sigh*

"I'll show you smiley face! :)"

Okay, so I am here to announce that I found Mr. Welch's myspace. Yes, folks, you hear me correctly!!! How funny is that? Flippin' amazing. I had to tell Brett Manning immediately, I bet she'll be uber excited to see that.

Scott's concert went really, really well. Like I said, they are fantastic. Apparently, he has another on Tuesday night so I will be there in attendance as well. He looks good in a tux. Mental note: make sure to take picture. They sung the finale song from HMS Pinafore. That brought back a lot of memories. It almost made me miss high school. ;)

My hair is pretty big tonight, and I am rather enjoying it. Off to read my history. Wish me luck on my quiz.

"'O' is for the only one I see."

Oh, Nat King Cole is such the swooner and crooner type. *sigh* I find myself sometimes spacing out when I man is singing. Well, not really "spacing out," it's more like daydreaming. I can't help it. Speaking of singing, Scott has a choir tonight at 7:00, so I'm going for moral support. Plus the concert choir is, well, awesome. I'm going by myself because I cannot get a hold of the kids I would normally go with, and even Jason isn't feeling well. I would ask Paul but he would get the wrong impression and he would talk through most of the concert anyway, telling me how boring it is. I hate when people do that. Just sit back and appreciate the music, even if it isn't all that superior.

This weekend has been very relaxing. Friday I watched a heck of a whole lot of Gilmore Girls (finished up the third season) then went to the Harry Potter 10:00 showing where Scott met me with some of his friends. Yesterday I didn't end up waking until nearly 2:00, so I then did my normal waking-up routine until I went over to Kathy and Katie's for dinner. Had dinner then went back to her place for some movies and the such. We had an excellent time. ;) And I didn't want to back by myself around 1:30 in the morning, so I called Paul to walk me back to the dorm where Brian met us. Yes, Brian. Long story that I don't necessarily wish to get into. All I know is that I passed out around 2:30 and woke up around 5:00 or so because it was absolutely freezing (the window was open). To my disgust, everything was WHITE. The ground, the roads, the trees, the sky completely filled with snow. Luckily, a good portion of it has melted already, but it's extremely disheartening with all the good weather we've had for the past week. And today? Has been a whole lot of nothing. Watched TV, movies, did a little bit of homework. Tonight after the concert I am doing the usual Sunday thing--watching Grey's Anatomy in Ashley's room. It'll be fun like normal.

Anyway, spring break starts on Friday, but if things work out all right, I might be going home Thursday night after my lab. That's only if I finish my English project by Wednesday night. I kind of doubt that happening, though. We'll just have to see how things go this week. :) But I'm really excited.

"Why are you so happy?"

Omg, Michael Buble, make my heart melt. *swoons* He is that random geeky-looking guy on the Starbucks commercials. Seriously, guys, that voice!!



I am so excited about my little slideshow. I put it in my myspace profile, too. Go me.

I haven't really felt in a blogging mood recently...and I've been quasi-busy. I watched the entire first season of Grey's Anatomy on Monday, but given it's only nine episodes that wasn't my entire day (just me entire night :). I have decided I am not going to Purdue this weekend because I have too much to do before break, and I can't make tomorrow's rehearsal, not to mention I accidentally slept through yesterday's practice.

-history quiz Monday
-geology lab practical Monday
-math test Tuesday
-psych test Thursday
-English unit due Friday

We have a geology fieldtrip I am going on April 1. We're going to Starved Rock...Fitts and I are pretty excited about it. How geeky, huh? We're excited about going to check out rocks firsthand. *shrug* As I was looking at that, I realized that April is only one month away. Finals start in a little over two months. Gilly Wilikers, Batman, I'll be a sophomore in college. ;)

Any time starting today I should find out about RA. *bites nails* I am really confident that things will work out but there is still that off chance that makes me nervous. And I find out about being a preview guide sometime next week. Scott and I are crossing our fingers together.

Oh, God, I am just so happy you can't even imagine it. No reason really. Just extremely excited about my prospects for the upcoming year. You never know what's in store for you, do you? And the weather is inexplicably gorgeous this afternoon. Earlier it was super gloomy and cold, but now it's absolutely stunning. It was almost too much for just a hoodie...I think I am going to walk around taking pictures of the frisbee players out on the quad.

And Mom and Jessie, I made both of you fun mixes...I'll have to give them to you over spring break (or mail it). Are you coming home before your birthday, Jess? Hey, has anyone else noticed that St. Patty's Day is conveniently on a Friday night? I'll be at Anything Goes. Geeze, I am so excited.

Anyway...I am off to the showers because everyone likes a clean, good-smelling Sarah Lou. Enjoy the pictures! :D

"It's Theory of a Dead Man."

Rachel burned me a CD. I love that girl. And I am really liking the Disturbed cover of "Land of Confusion." Was it Genesis or just Phil Collins? Anyway.

This weekend was busy. A lot of family, laundry, and Leber boys. ;) I hung out with Wyatt and Bekki on Friday night after eating dinner with Dad, Patty, and Rach. And after dinner with Mom and Greg, I ended up hanging out with Wheaton and Loopy, who was quasi-drunk and extremely pissy. He snapped on me several times, which really agitated me. Everyone at the table just looked at me like, "Wow, you should hurt him for being such a jackass." He took my phone and my car keys because I wouldn't tell him something and he bit me. Talk about annoying.

I love going home. And at the same time, I don't want to because I miss out on things here. Rugby is supposed to be going to Purdue next weekend, but I don't know if I'll be able to go. Hopefully...*shrug*

I'm running on a lack of sleep here. I am sorta working on a paper that is due tomorrow. And I am meeting Mallory, Ashley, and Scott for dinner over at Watterson at 7:30 then watching some Grey's Anatomy. I think this is our Sunday ritual now.

Stephanie has mono now so she went home for the next two weeks. This means I won't see her until after spring break. It makes me really sad. I like her so much. I feel bad for her, she's so worried about falling behind in her classes...I think she'll manage, though.

I love you, Mom.

"It scares me to think that you could find takers other than me, better than me."

I am absolutely in love with Emery. Thanks, Matt. :)

I just got back from a meeting with Ashley and Mal. I put my gum down on my desk because I was going to eat some chocolate cookie thing then put my elbow in it without realizing it. I am so absentminded sometimes. I ran into Jessie Elmore tonight...I almost never see her. I was uber excited that I did.

The game is March 25 not Feb. 25, so I am still going home as planned for the weekend. Only bummer is that I have to take the 10:30am train back to school because the 5:30pm was full already. I guess that means a little extra time with my kids here at school on Sunday.

Steph is sick. Wish her better.

sigh. 

"Do you want to grab some dinner sometime?"

Uh, sure.

Things that happened today
-Had a meeting with my advisor to discuss my class options for fall semester. I can't actually register until April, but I have my schedule planned out already. Lots of classes to go toward my major. And if I don't get this job for the summer, I plan on taking a couple of history classes at LLCC over the summer to transfer over.
-I took a two-hour nap between the meeting and psych. I woke up because I was talking in my sleep.
-I found out there is a spur-of-the-moment match on Saturday so I'm not sure if I can come home or not. I'll know later tonight.
-I arrived a little late to my psych class so I came in the back so no one would really notice. I sat inbetween two really big guys in the very back row. The one to my left scratched himself continuously. The one to my right dozed up and ended up snuggling on my shoulder and snored very quietly. I tried to nudge him off to no avail. I even poked him a few times to at least get him to stop snoring in my ear. When he woke up at the end of class, he asked me if I wanted to get dinner. Awkward.
-Came back and Steph gave me a neck rub. Oh, yes. ;)
-I finished my online psych quiz.
-Went for a long meandering around campus and took some random pictures.
-Cleaned the room.

I am still really tired so I am considering another nap, but I don't think it'll happen. I have geology lab from 4-5:50 then I am supposed to go to this women empowering meeting thing at 7:00. I'll need some dinner since I haven't eaten since around 10:00. Hungry, hungry, hungry hippos.

I am feeling much better than I did yesterday. I am kind of sad because practice tonight is 4-6 so I can't go. Stupid geology. I hate that I miss out, especially since they're talking about the game this Saturday. I want to know about it...some to think of it, they did mention you have to go to at least two practices a week to play in the game so I'm not even eligible. Grawr. And there is a catering service that asked the team to work this weekend so we have some traveling money. I am the only rookie, that I know of, that voluteered tomorrow. That makes me super nervous. But we're serving food, so it's not I am a complete stranger to that. Hopefully, it won't be that bad. Those older girls are pretty intimidating sometimes, though.

Anyway, I am off. I need to do something constructive before I got to geology. Goodbye, my kiddies.

Myself with Kelly and Steph at her birthday shindig last night.