Day 0

I said that I would probably get a chance to blog before I started my spring break trip.  Anyway, Day 0.  I can’t really call it Day 1 because that would assume that I have already started my break.  I currently, at 9:36 PM, am on a plane on the way to Tampa.  Today I worked a 7 to 3 shift and took a short nap before Ryan and I were taken to the airport by a great friend.

According to the Allegiant flight attendant we will land in approximately and hour and twenty minutes from now.  Hopefully we will land earlier or the flight will seem pretty quick because I know that I am very tired and would really like just to crawl up in a warm bed before driving to Miami tomorrow.

So, a little bit about the trip so far.  ;)  I know, how can I already have something to say about a trip that I just started at 6:30 this evening when I left my house?  By the way, Butch is being taken care of at home by Amber until Tuesday evening and Zack and Cori until we get back, so even though Ryan and I will miss him terribly he will be well taken care of.  Anyway, it was just interesting going through the airport.  I’m sure many of you having been through the Tri-Cities airport.  It is nothing like any airport that most people travel through.  As I constantly tell guests at the hotel, it really is only necessary to be at the airport an hour before the flight is expected to depart because there are only 7 gates and going through security is a breeze, unless you are traveling on Allegiant (of which we are) then you need to be there 2 hours in advance.

It was busier tonight than I was expecting, especially for Sunday.  The airport is a great place to people watch.  At our gate there were several different people.  I know that on our flight the ETSU tennis team is joining us.  I have met the coach several times, but I don’t think he recognized me.  It’s probably the street clothes.  Lots of people that I have met at the hotel don’t recognize me if I’m not in my monkey suit, yes, I call it a monkey suit. ;)  Anyway, there was a family of at least 3 if not four generations.  The youngest was a little rowdy but nothing like the two children that my co-worker and I witnessed throwing a huge fit right before they were supposed to walk in a wedding last night.  They were funny.  I saw an old co-worker from the Student Health Clinic getting ready to spend Spring Break in Florida.  She and her friends looked very excited.  I’m assuming that most of these passengers are getting ready for Spring Break; at least because they all look eager to go and they are around my age. 

So, as I retire to playing Solitaire for the next several minutes, I leave you with the travel tip of the day: Don’t expect airport food to be any good, especially at a small airport.  Dinner for me: Cheetos.  So far this diet of mine is looking grim for the week.  Goodnight, probably blog tomorrow!

P.S.  I’m going to try to be one of those stereotypical Asian and carry my camera around and take pictures of everything, so enjoy these from the plane!!

 

This one's going to be a doozy!

Ok.  So it's been two whole weeks since I blogged last. Well, let's just say today I'm in a blogging mood.  Ever since I watched Julie and Julia (awesome movie to watch on a full stomach might I add), I have wanted to blog something.  This is my first opportunity to blog because I've been so busy!!!  Anyway, I think it is really awesome that a blog had that much impact.  I hope someone is reading my blog out there.  I mean I know my mom does, but is there anyone else?  This blog is for everyone.  Anyway, I'm ranting.

So I was thinking earlier this morning that I'm going to have to change the name of my blog soon.  I'm thinking "Life of the College Graduate".  Maybe something else not so generic.  I don't know.  I guess it will depend on where life takes me at this point.  Hopefully I will know soon where I might be.  Ryan and I are just waiting on a letter.  A simple letter.  Not an email.  I, on the other hand, am waiting on a phone call, but that's a blog for later.

So, these past couple of weeks have been very busy.  School, work, Phi Sigma Pi (when we meet), Relay for Life, friends.  Ah!  So much to do and not enough time.  I'm kidding.  I'm managing pretty well.  I've been down a little bit that past couple of days, but I, with the advice of a great friend, dressed up a little bit.  Well, I guess if you can count doing my hair, making my make-up look a little better and putting on a new necklace counts as dressing up.  Ryan and Butch helped start the day great too!  Today is a good day.  Busy day, but a good day. 

Ok.  Let's see what to update on other than my resolution check.  Well school...Well school is school.  We had a snow day last week.  That was nice.  Other than that it's just school.  Work.  Can I just say I love my job?  Listen (well I guess read) to this.  The Carnegie Hotel is sponsoring the Relay for Life team that I am co-captain of!  (Yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition, but according to Mark, I can do that.)  Anyway, this is great!  Ted and Meredith and the owners and pretty much everyone helping cannot possibly imagine how grateful I am for this sponsorship.  It takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders.  Anyway, there will be more information about Relay for Life soon.  Some of you will get letters.  Most of you will get e-mails.  I will definitely blog about it, so be checking your mailboxes (that is physical and virtual).  Phi Sigma Pi is rolling along.  We've had a couple canceled meetings, so not a whole lot of new news.  I have met several of the Delta Initiate class.  They are going to be a good class.  I'm really excited about them.  I have my last little of my Phi Sigma Pi experience (unless our Chapter decides to do Alumni Big Brothers, who knows).  She's very enthusiastic and I'm very excited to have her as my little. 

Well, there's not much left to say now...Spring Break is next week!  I might be able to slip in a blog before then, most likely after then.  I'm sure it's going to be awesome!  I can't wait.  So now...

Resolution Check!
(My resolutions are in purple.)
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps. Ok.  I've done poorly on this the past couple of days, but I'm turning a new leaf.  Today is a new day.  The past is the past, well at least that is what everyone is telling.  I decided to let go of a few things today, so hopefully I can get back on track with this resolution.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best.  Ok.  Honestly, I can't really comment on this one yet.  Hopefully the next blog I can.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising. Congratulations to me because I have already lost 10 lbs in the past two weeks.  I have definitely been eating better.  Last week was a struggle because it was so busy, but only 1 major disaster (stupid chocolate cake that makes me feel some much better).  The first week of my diet I worked out every day on the Wii fit.  This past week not so much.  Tomorrow, I will start working out on it everyday again.  Hopefully that works!
4.) Make all A's this semester.  The new laptop should help with that.  Let's see.  Philosophy of Art-well no assignments turned in yet.  Animal Physiology-solid B right now, maybe even a B+.  Vertebrate Embryology- B+ (I have a lab test this week!  Maybe I can bring that up a little more.)  Computers, Technology, and Literature-well no grades yet, but definitely A work. ;)  Ok so I need to do a little bit better.  Let's see how I do.
5.) Take more pictures.  I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos. I'm doing bad on this. I've packed my camera so many times, but yet.  It hasn't been used too much.  :/  Maybe Spring Break will provide some more opportunities.
6.) Call my parents more often.  Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late. I think that I'm doing better.  I call every time that I don't have to work until 11.  I need to add Christie into this resolution.  We definitely need to talk more than the once a month that we've been doing. 
7.) Send birthday cards.  I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays.  Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up.  Ok.  bad.  Well no I don't say that!  I sent out Valentine's Day cards!  There haven't been any birthdays since my last resolution check except for my mom and she got a "card" in her present on the front page.  That so counts.
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments. I'm at equilibrium.  (I'm a Biology major I'm allowed to use this word.)  But today is a good day so hopefully more laughs and smiles.
9.) Save some money.  (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.)  I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested).  :/  No more money.  Dieting is expensive.  But the good news is that I am one payment away from owning my washer and dryer! ;) 
10.) Blog more.  This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution.  Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while. Well, what do you guys think? ;)

Well that's it for now.  Sorry for the long post.  Just had blogging on the brain today.  How do ya like the new background?  Anyway, I hope everyone has a fantabulous week! Blog later! ;)

Valentine's Day: Love or Hate?

Some of you may be confused by my title since most of the time when people see or hear the words "Valentine's Day" they often associate it with love, not hate.  I have come to see this slowly progressing to Valentine's Day as something regarded as hate.

Last Friday, one of my classmates was wearing a shirt saying "I'm so over Valentine's Day".  She said that she got the t-shirt at Target for $4 and she believes it's true.  My professor took a quick poll.  About 25% of people admitted to "being over Valentine's Day", the rest admitted to being indifferent to the holiday, and then there's me, who did not raise my hand at all.  I LOVE Valentine's Day!  I love every bit of it.  I am actually excited to work the weekend of Valentine's Day at the hotel because I get to help set up all that romantic stuff and see couples together.  Ryan and I are having a small, quiet Valentine's Day, but I will eat up every minute of it.  I send cards to family for Valentine's Day.  I will probably get my Littles something for Valentine's Day.  I almost bought cheesy Valentine's card that you give out in elementary school to all of my Preview students and co-workers (I still might!).  If I could get everyone a little note for the holiday I would.

Most people assume that I like Valentine's Day because I've been in a relationship for almost 7 years and that we are happy and very much in love.  This is not the case because I have always loved Valentine's Day.  Many people say that those who love/enjoy Valentine's Day are "disillusioned" by the Hallmark created holiday and that there shouldn't be just one day to say "I love you" or celebrate love.  Many people now regard Valentine's Day as "Single Awareness Day (SAD)" because they believe that the holiday is only meant for couples.

These three statements make me very sad.  First couple statements: Jillian, you only love Valentine's Day because you are in a relationship.  Valentine's Day is only for couples and should be renames "Single Awareness Day".  False!  Ever since I was little, my parents, my sister and I would always do something special on Valentine's Day.  Every one got cards for one another.  Chocolates and flowers were always exchanged and there was always a special dinner involved.  I distinctly remember one year that Mom and Dad gave my sister and I each a ruby ring in honor of Valentine's Day.  This day wasn't about love between two people in a relationship (husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, etc.).  This day was a celebration of love between family members for my family.  This Valentine's Day, even though I won't be at home to celebrate, we will exchange cards and maybe even flowers, but it will still be a special day to remember our love for one another as family.  For me, it also extends to my friends.  Many of my friends are considered family to me.  I also have another family of which it is completely acceptable to call each other Brother.  These special bonds, for me, are also remembered especially during this holiday.

Second statement: We shouldn't have just one day to celebrate love or say "I love you".  It should be everyday.  Ok.  True and False.  True, everyday we should take the time to tell someone that you love that you love them.  Makes sense.  However, why is it so bad that we have one day to make that opportunity so obvious?  I mean let's look at it.  All holidays are like this.  Why do we have one day to celebrate the birth of Christ?  What do we have one day to honor the crucifixion? Why do we have only one day where it is appropriate to dress up in costumes?  Why do we only have one day when its okay to wear green head to toe?  Why is it okay that we only celebrate the founding of our country on one day?  Do ya get my point now?  Having a special day doesn't mean that this is the one and only day that we should do anything. The holiday is more like an awareness day, and provides an opportunity to be "socially" appropriate.

So, back to the point of my Valentine's Day post.  On the weekend of the holiday (because most people are not even going to celebrate on the actual holiday since it is on a Sunday), I will be lovey dovey and romantic and extra loving and extra kind because I love that this is one day where I can do so and not be looked upon like I'm crazy.  I will greet every hotel guest with a smile and glimmer in my eye that they have to opportunity to spend a special day at our hotel.  I will hug and kiss my boyfriend and let him know how much I appreciate, love, and respect him.  I will call my parents, my grandmother, and my sister to tell them "Happy Valentine's Day and I love you".  I will let each of my friends that I see during that time how much they mean to me.  I will celebrate Valentine's Day with love not hate.  So, how will you spend your Valentine's Day?

First Couple Weeks of the Last Semester

Ok.  So it's the middle of the week for my first full week of classes.  (Last week was still a short week due to MLK day.)   Now I can update on the classes and life and such. 

Classes...well, let's just say that I'm glad it's my last semester.  I am taking 14 hours and yet I still find myself on campus more than Ryan, who is taking 16 hours (he get's Mondays and Fridays off!).  I have two Biology classes, which I may find interesting later on in the semester.  They are both 3 hours long so it is very difficult to be excited about the topics.  I am also taking Computers, Technology, and Literature.  It is going to be a fairly easy class, but I haven't made up my mind if I will like the class.  I'm just indifferent, which brings me to my next class, Philosophy of Art.  (According to Francis Hutcheson, my last sentence would be false.)  That class is a big headache.  The class is so diverse.  Five of us are there to fulfill our Humanities minor.  A few are there as graduate art students with another few there who are philosophy majors.  The most vocal, in my opinion, are the art major students, who make up the majority of the class.  There's too much thinking involved.  It does add something to Ryan and my dinner conversations.  Overall, it is a pretty rough semester and I'm not sure if I'm going to enjoy it.

Work has been excellent.  I've been sick with some sort of virus the past week and a half, so I have missed a few days.  We recently did a major collection of supplies to bring to Haiti.  Lately, we are preparing for Valentine's Day and the upcoming wedding expo in a couple of weeks.  Overall, things are going well at work.

Resolution Check!
(My resolutions are in purple.)
1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps. This seems to be going well.  Not too much to worry about now.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best.  Well, I continue to pursue those other plans, but no news yet.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising. Eh, well, ya see... It's hard to diet and exercise when you're sick and trying to get back into the routine for school and stuff.  Maybe February will be better.
4.) Make all A's this semester.  The new laptop should help with that.  As far as I know I'm doing well.
5.) Take more pictures.  I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos. Ok.  I haven't really had that many opportunities, but it is supposed to snow heavily this weekend so maybe some snow pictures in the future.
6.) Call my parents more often.  Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late. Hm.  This one is a tough one to answer.  I've called every day that I have been off work, I think. I still need to work on this one.
7.) Send birthday cards.  I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays.  Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up.  I got Elizabeth a card, but not Dave or Louden or a couple of my kids.  :/
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments. Check!
9.) Save some money.  (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.)  I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested). Great!
10.) Blog more.  This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution.  Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while.  Well, I'm doing well with this one because I'm blogging now. ;)  That's 3 blogs in one month! 


Well that's all that I have for now.  Hopefully I can put some more pictures up later.  Stay warm!


P.S.  How do you guys like the backgrounds?

Snow

Well, I don't really have any awesome pictures of the fabulous snow (because I'm feeling a little under the weather and the 12 degree environment doesn't help), but I can blog about it.  I just read a little bit ago that Mom and Dad got some snow in Nashville so I decided to blog about our snow here in Johnson City. 

Well we got a little bit of snow in early December, but we had a large snow on the weekend on December 18th.  The weather channel kept saying that we were going to get somewhere between 3 to 10 inches (yes, such a great estimation of what to expect).  Ryan and I were planning for a Christmas party, so we went to Walmart right before the snow was supposed to hit (it happened to land on a payday).  By the time we got out of the chaotic Walmart, the snow had already begun covering the roads and the cars.  It took us about 2.5 hours to travel 6 miles back to our house.  I packed a bag and Ryan took me to the Carnegie hotel, where I work.  I had to work the next morning so the company allowed for its employees who had to work the next morning and/or the night of the snow to stay there (I guess so there were no excuses to call into work).  The roads were slick because salt didn't make it out on the roads before the snow hit because it had been raining beforehand.  It was just a crazy mess.  We got about 6 inches of snow that weekend and it was just chaos.

It hasn't snowed near as much as that weekend, but we have gotten several more days filled with snow.  We currently have 2 inches here at the house accumulated from the past few days.  It is still snowing.  We weren't really sure what to expect this time because the forecast kept changing from "worse than it was the weekend before Christmas" to 0 accumulation expected at all.  I guess we will just see.  The current forecast is no more snow until next weekend, but that could all change tomorrow.  I'm hoping that it snows like crazy on Wednesday night because I would find it hilarious to see school get canceled for the first day back.  :)  Anyway, hopefully next time more pictures and more news about snow!

The New Year: 2010

This will be the year of changes and hopefully opportunities.  There are so many things that will happen this year and I am very excited and pretty optimistic about them.  This post is pretty much what to expect in future blog posts as well as some resolutions (I've heard that if you make your resolutions public then you are more likely to keep them.)  Anyway, on with the post...

First, I would like to say that I will be completing my last semester as an undergraduate at ETSU in May!  I am so excited about graduating!  Can you believe that it has already been 4 years since my last walk across the stage?  We have already begun planning with graduation weekend, especially since Mom and Dad are here in Johnson City for the weekend!  Hmmm.  I guess I will have to change the name of this blog after May.  A little more about graduation...I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Humanities.  What will I do with that degree?  Only time will tell.  :)  At the moment, I am going where life takes me and hopefully oppportunity will be knocking at my door soon.

Soon after graduation, my family will be traveling back to the Philippines for another mission trip in June.  We are already ahead of the schedule when it comes to collecting school supplies and donations for school uniforms, but we are continuously working on collecting more funds for transportation and collecting clothing donations, especially pants.  We are very excited to go back.  If you would like more information, please visit www.missionofhope2010.webs.com.

Ok.  Now for some resolutions. Promise not to laugh!

1.) Try not to get upset when life has a few unexpected bumps.
2.) Realize that plan b or c or d may work out for the best.
3.) Lose at least 35 lbs. before graduation by eating better and exercising.
4.) Make all A's this semester.  The new laptop should help with that.
5.) Take more pictures.  I finally have another great camera so hopefully these posts will contain more photos.
6.) Call my parents more often.  Since I've started work at the hotel I haven't been able to call every night, sometime just once a week, but with my new phone I will be a little more inclined to call even when it is late.
7.) Send birthday cards.  I used to send them all the time, but I lost the list with everyone's birthdays.  Now that I have the list again so maybe I can keep it up.
8.) Have more laughs and smiles than "grr" moments.
9.) Save some money.  (I tend to spend my paycheck in the week that I have it instead of saving it.)  I've already started my $5 fund (ask me about it if interested).
10.) Blog more.  This one everyone who reads this can poke at me to keep this resolution.  Seriously, bug me if you haven't seen a blog in a while.

Well, that's all for now.  Have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and Decade! :)

Thanksgiving Break

I have just come back to Johnson City from home in Nashville about 8 hours ago.  I'm so glad that I got to spend time at home.  I wish that I could go visit more often, but with school and work, it's a little difficult.  Anyway, to tell you about my break!

Ryan and I went home on Tuesday after I got out of my Physics test (the one thing that kept me in Johnson City for an extra day).  It was pretty late when we arrived in Nashville since we didn't leave here until about 7 (Eastern Time).  I couldn't tell you much about the traffic because I slept the entire way!  When I got home Mom and I talked for hours.  I don't think we even went to bed until 1:30 the next morning.  It was nice to catch up.

Wednesday, Christie flew in from Tampa that morning.  Daddy was off of work in the morning, so the entire family just hung around the house.  Dad went to work around 2 for his 16,18? hour shift!  Then us girls went to get our hair cut we went to eat at Toyama.  (Yay sushi!)  Again it was another late night.

Thanksgiving was great, as usual.  We had a little later of a Thanksgiving because Dad didn't get home until 8:30 that morning.  While he slept, Mom, Christie, and I cooked just about all of Thanksgiving dinner.  I cooked the Pumpkin cheesecake, jello pretzel thing, banana pudding (Mom's famous, secret recipe), deviled eggs and the potatoe casserole.  Mom claims I made a giant mess, but it was not too bad, nothing that a dog couldn't just eat off of the floor. ;)  (I'm trying, Daddy, to help you with you case for a dog!)  We ate Thanksgiving dinner around 1 at Grandmama's house.  It was very yummy.  I, again, ate WAAAAYYY too much and wore the wrong pants ;).  We then just hung around Grandmama's house until about dinner time.  We then packed up and went home to fix a plate (not me!) and watched Up.  Christie had wanted to see it since she got home, so we decided to do that.  It look amazing on Mom and Dad's high def. TV (Sony of course!).  It was a great story.  I will probably get it on Blu Ray sometime after Ryan sees it.  Then, after several late nights and a long day we went to bed.

Christie had a fairly early flight back to Tampa because she had to work on Black Friday, so we woke up early.   Luckily, Mom didn't want to go busting down the doors to the stores that morning!  We did shop all day (I know me shopping on Black Friday!  I swore I would never.).  We got a lot of things for Christmas.  I think we are pretty much done.  I still have a couple of things, but I will probably have to wait until payday.  :) 

Today was basically a traveling day.  As soon as we got back to Johnson City, we unpacked the car and I got ready for work.  This week has been a long, but great one.  It really did go by too quickly. 

Let's see, if I write what I am going to post about next time, I'm more likely to post...for next time:
-Christmas decorations
-Christmas shopping??
-Fabulous Christmas decorations at the Carnegie
-Induction? 
-whatever else comes to mind

Goodnight!

Wow. Twice in one week!

I know. I just blogged yesterday, but I'm in the mood to write and I have some time.  I've been at home all day because I have been feeling a little under the weather with a low-grade fever.  I'm hoping it will go away soon since I have to work tomorrow morning.  Ryan has been taking care of me for the past few days.  Anway, I'm sitting here curled up in my heavy blanket with Butch, who is sound asleep with his head resting on the arm of the couch.  I got online to get some inspiration.  I have a memoir due next week, but I have had very little inspiration, so I decided to look over some of my blogs and some of my mom's blogs hoping that maybe something will spark my eye.  It's always been pretty easy to write a blog, which in reality are just short memoirs.  The hard part about this particular assignment is that we have to incorporate various quotes that have caught our eye in our reading assignments.  Most of the quotes that I have picked are due to some bitter senitments that I feel are not worthy of writing a memoir over, but I won't elaborate on it.  Either way, writers' block sucks. 

So some other things that have been happening in life that may not be as big as in my last post.  Well, life has currently been filled with school and work.  If I'm not at school, then I'm at work.  If I'm at neither, then I'm probably torturing myself be sitting through meetings in which I have no speaking rights, watching TV that I have recorded because I'm too busy to watch the show live, or sleeping.  Lately at work they have been decorating for Christmas.  There are currently, since I've been in the hotel, 6 Christmas trees set up, and I have heard that there will be more!  I've never seen the Carnegie during Chistmas time, but I'm sure it will be beautiful.  Many of you might be asking yourself, isn't Jillian the one who can't stand to see anything Christmas before Thanksgiving?  Well, yes, that hasn't changed, but in this case I have no control.  :)  Besides, I'm ready for a little cheer in my life.  Who knows, when I gain a little strength maybe I'll start decorating the house for Christmas. 

For family that I haven't talked to recently, I turned in my medical school application.  After some long, tedious hours I have turned it in.  I'm waiting now.  I don't really know what is worse: filling out the application or waiting for a reply and hoping not to get that dreaded rejection letter.  Unfortunately, I have had a little bit of a pessimistic outlook on life recently.  I'm hoping for things to look up.  In the mean time, I am currently working on my application to osteopathic medical schools, thinking about a masters program that ETSU offers, TFA, and a potential job opportunity with PSP.  Who knows what is to come.

Anyway, I think that is all for now.  Sorry for kinda the gloomy, boring post.  I'm just bored.  If anyone has some ideas on what I should write about for my memoir, just leave a comment!  ;)

Catch Up

Ok.  So I'm still a slacker.  Oh well, at least I will be able to elaborate on just about everything that I listed in a previous post, so bear with me. :)

1) Posts about Fall Break
     Fall Break was fantastic.  I was able to get off work for a few days and go to Gatlinburg with Mom, Dad, Christie, Alex, and Ryan.  We had sooo much fun.  The cabin was wonderful.  The weather was pretty nice.  We did the usual and walked about the Gatlinburg strip.  We also went to a gun range to practice some shooting.  My favorite part of the whole break, other than getting to spend time with family and friends, was the food!  I missed Daddy's Filipino food and Ryan's grilling and Mom's desserts!  Hopefully we will get to get away again soon.

2) Posts about the fabulous new friends I have made in the past few months
     These friends would have to be from POLO.  I have made several amazing friends over the past few months.  This past Preview, I have gotten closer with several of the older leaders.  Even though I missed my co-leader, Shawn, very much, we still had a great Preview.  It's been great.  Since I went inactive from PSP, I have been able to spend more time doing things with POLO.  On Thursday, we have our Thanksgiving dinner, so maybe I will be able to put up some pictures from that!

3) Posts about Grey's Anatomy and Private Practive
     There's not much to say about it.  The Writers' blog has been less than, how do I say it nicely, entertaining this year.  Grey's Anatomy has been better the last couple of episodes, but the first few of the season were rough.  I have really enjoyed Private Practice though.  It's more like the original Grey's in terms of plot.  Remember it comes on tomorrow!!!

4) Posts about Halloween parties
     Ryan and I had a Halloween party on the night of Halloween.  We had a great turn out.  We had a lot of fun chatting, watching scary (and one not so scary) movies, and eating food.  We had some great decorations.  We had so much fun that we hope to host another party around Christmas time (hint, hint: Ugly Sweater/Secret Santa Christmas Party.  This idea came from some of my POLO friends last year.)

5) Posts, hopefully, about some amazing day trips
     Unfortunately, I have not been able to get away long enough to do some day trips.  Maybe sometime soon.  :(

6) Posts about my first true experience camping
     Again, no time.

7) Posts about the brilliant colors that the leaves display
     This year, the leaves changed after fall break.  It was pretty.  I think the leaves and the colors were prettier in previous years, but they were still nice!  Since Ryan and I live where there are lots of trees, there are leaves all around the house.  Many of them are bright yellow.  They are huge!  I haven't taken any pictures, but I know there are several on Facebook.  :)

8) Posts, well maybe just a mentioning, about a special license I'm about to receive!
     Well, I haven't had the money to do that yet.  :(

9) Posts about family updates!
     Mom is doing well.  She has been very busy working on the new catalog for her job.  Dad is doing well also.  He seems to be staying busy too.  You should look at Mom's blog to see what they have been up to.  They have had great fun with the fall leaves.  Christie is doing well.  I am sooo excited to get to see her in about a week.  She turns 20 on Saturday!  This makes me feel old.  Well, I have felt old since the beginning of the semester, but we won't go into that. ;)

10) Posts about Butch updates!
     Butch has been doing well.  He has loved all of the extra company that we have had over at the house.  A couple of weeks ago we had a little incident with our neighbor's son's pitbull.  When Ryan was walking Butch one morning, he saw the pitbull.  Well, Butch thinks he's a very larger Rotweiler, which obviously he's not, and decided to jump up to play with the pit bull.  Well, the playing lead to a bite that left a gash on Butch's should.  It looked more gruesome that it actually was, but we took him to the vet anyway.  With a little pain medicine and some anitbotics, he is healing well.  :)

11) Updates on how school is going
     School is almost done!  ;)  I have gotten to that stage where I am ready for new classes.  I have enjoyed these and I'm ready for new ones.  Next semester I will be taking Vertebrate Embryology, Animal Physiology, Philosophy of Art, and Writing/Literature/Technology.  I'm really looking forward to it.

12) Posts about Homecoming
     I had a lot of fun for Homecoming.  I participated with two groups.  The first event that I participated in was co-ed flag football with PSP.  It was so much fun, even though we were badly beaten.  The next event that I got to participate in was dodgeball with POLO.  It was so much fun.  We made it to the third round!  The last event was Homecoming King and QUeen campaigning for POLO.  Johnny, our POLO representative got Homecoming Prince!

13) Posts about anything! (I'm ending on this number because it is my favorite number! I know I'm weird, but if you would like to put it this way, it's Halloween season!)
     Well, I am officially caught up for now.  These are going to be a hectic few days.  I have to write a memoir, a video summary, and a manuscript for Cell Bio due next week.  I have a test next week too.  Hopefully, nothing else will come up soon.  Well, next time...maybe if I write a list then maybe I'll stick to the blogging...Thanksgiving dinner x3 (POLO, PSP if I decide to go, and the real one at home), trip back home, work, and the Ugly Sweater party!

Until then!

See I told You

See!  I posted that I would be better about writing a blog. ;)  Let's see how well I keep up with it this time.

Not too much going on this week.  I had a couple of tests, physics and cell biology.  One was fairly easy and the other, well, we will see on Tuesday.  :-/  Anyway, I do have a busy week ahead of me.  Well, kind of.  On Tuesday, I will officially have a Grand Little, when he receives his pin.  (I think it's Tuesday.   Don't freak out, Cade, if it's not Tuesday.)  His Big is soo excited and so am I because I get a Grand Little!!! I know some of you guys don't quite understand what's going on, just know that it is a fraternity thing.  Pictures will be posted later on! 

This weekend is when the fun begins.  On Friday, I have a wedding to go to.  My friend from the health clinic, Allyson, is getting married!!!!!!!!  I have heard wonderful things about her fiance and on Friday I will finally get to meet him.  It's a formal wedding, so I get to go dress shopping sometime this week.  ;)  Pictures from the wedding will be up sometime later too.  On Saturday, one of my little's, Carrie, is getting married!  Unfortunately I will be out of town, but I have already seen her dress and I know the wedding will be stunning!  I am soo excited for the both of them.  I wish them the best of luck!

This weekend, after I attend Allyson's wedding, I will be heading out with Ryan to Gatlinburg.  I will then meet my family there.  We don't really have any plans, but we do have a cabin there.  I am really excited about it.  There will be a lot of family time, great food, and a few surprises. ;)  Again, pictures will be posted later.  (Can you tell I'm going to try and work on my whole picture taking too? lol).  Anyway, that's all for now! 

What's to Come

Ok, now that I've updated the past three months of my life in the span of a few hours let's let the past be the past. October first. Here in Johnson City the weather is beautiful, or so I've heard. Fall is in the air. As some Preview leaders say fall air, the crisp leaves, the smell of new sweaters and hot chocolate are some of their favorite smells. I have not experienced them first hand yet because I have been couped up in the house due to the illness that almost every one of my co-workers have had. Today should be the last day. No fever, less nausea, a little bit stronger, almost over it. Hopefully I'm over it. So anyway, what's to come...

1) Posts about Fall Break
2) Posts about the fabulous new friends I have made in the past few months
3) Posts about Grey's Anatomy and Private Practive
4) Posts about Halloween parties
5) Posts, hopefully, about some amazing day trips
6) Posts about my first true experience camping
7) Posts about the brilliant colors that the leaves display
8) Posts, well maybe just a mentioning, about a special license I'm about to receive!
9) Posts about family updates!
10) Posts about Butch updates!
11) Updates on how school is going
12) Posts about Homecoming
13) Posts about anything! (I'm ending on this number because it is my favorite number! I know I'm weird, but if you would like to put it this way, it's Halloween season!)

Anyway, thanks to all that read my blog! Hope you enjoy. I promise that I will keep up with it! ;) (I know I always promise that, but maybe I'll actually keep it this time.) Leave me comments with questions, comments, what you think about my post, etc. It makes me feel good inside to know that someone out there is reading this! ;)

P.S. I saw up close 3 members of the Fray and actually talked to one of them, and NO I wasn't at the concert and I didn't see them on campus. ;)

September

Oh, September! One of the busiest months. Well, for me it seems like almost all of the months are busy. lol. The first weekend of September was awesome! Ryan and I got on a plane and headed to Destin where we would meet up with Christie, Mom, Dad, Grandmama, Uncle Wayne, and Shelley. I hadn't been to Destin since Paw Paw died, so it was quite a trip down memory lane. We ate at the Back Porch where almost all (Christie decided to be the odd ball) of us ordered the amberjack sandwich. YUM! We ate the cheese puffs at the Lucky Snapper. And of course, we spent several hours at the beach. Mom and I, as usual, got sunburned while Christie evened out her tan. This trip was about Grandmama. She had a blast! It was great to see her happy and in great spirits. Hopefully we can do this again.

Toward the beginning of the month, I made one of the biggest decisions that I will probably have to make the entire semester. I know many of you have heard that I am part of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. I have had many great memories and I have several amazing friends that I would not have met if it weren't for this organization. Well, the weeks leading up to school starting were rough. The week that I came back as an Active Member (the week after Labor Day) was awful. The next week I decided to go inactive. It was the hardest thing I had to do. I felt as though a step back from the drama (that I'm still being dragged into) and disrespect would be one step forward to an awesome senior year. I still have been working with the Initiate committee and participating in some service events, such as the Backpack Attack for Teach for America, but I hope to fully participate next semester. Let's just see how things go the rest of this one.

September for the most part has been school and work. Full time student with a full time job. Not too shabby. There has only been one crazy moment in September. Last weekend, on Saturday, I received a phone call around 11:30 AM, but I was in a class so I couldn't answer it. After getting out of class, nearly 5 hours later, I checked and my sister had called. Well, Ryan said she called him too. This was out of the ordinary. Most of the time when people call me and Ryan something is wrong. I called her and she picked up. I asked her what was wrong. "Um...um...I-I-I...um," she answer. "Ok. You can spit it out now. What's wrong?" I replied. "I-I-I'm..m..m..in..th-th-the hos-pit-al,"she stuttered. I broke down into tears. My bubbly, talks-a-lot sister, was stuttering for a reason I didn't understand. She slowly said she hit her head and that she was frustrated because she had so much to say but couldn't because it took too much effort. It all made sense to me why she called me, why Mom texted for me to call her when I got out of class and why she and Dad didn't pick up the phone when I called them back (they were on a plane headed to Tampa). "Pl-ple-please, do-don-don't cry," she begged, but i couldn't help it. I told her I would call her back so I could gain some composure. Here I was hundreds of miles away from my sister and at least 2 hours away from my computer (I was in Rogersville at the time) to search for the next flight out to Tampa from the hole-in-the-wall Tri-Cities airport! As hours passed by I got word from Mom and Dad that they were there and that she was okay. The next day she seemed to be doing better. I can't remember off of the top of my head, but she was discharged that day (or maybe the next). I've talked with her a few times since then and she seems to be doing well, other than a massive head and neck ache, which makes sense. So, if you were wondering about what was going on, now you know. Mom's blog has a little different perspective. I can't wait to see her later on this month! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she heals. :)

August

August was a busy month. At the beginning of the month, I found that Christie was coming home, so I went home too! We had a great time. Great food, great shopping, and great company! One night we ate out with Grandmama, Uncle Wayne, and Shelley. It was Asian cuisine, and I thought it was okay, but we all enjoyed having dinner together once again. Daddy and Mommy took off work to hang out with Christie and me. It was nice. We went shopping all over the place. We got a few things for school and some other knick knacks. Above are some pictures from that week. Can you tell that our family loves Marble Slab and Red Robin?? Look how long my hair is in the first picture! Can you tell Christie has spent way too long in Florida by her tan (Gosh, Christie!). It was probably the greatest week of that month.

A week before school started, I received another week off; however, it is not how most people spend the week off. During that week, I began my final training as a Preview Leader. It was so much FUN!!! It was great to hang out with friends who I hadn't seen in forever (Kirsten, Scott, Johnny, my Co, Shawn, Ellen...) Although there was much time spent sitting through presentations, long hours of dance and skit practice, and eating Main Meal, I had a lot of fun. I got closer to several people that I would expect to. I was one of the leaders of Group 2. The students were great. I haven't seen many of them since school started, but I hope to get together with them soon! (I'm trying to get a date so we can grill out Group 2!) If you are on Facebook, check out the videos of the Preview Dance and of Risque Business. I'm in both! ;)

The last week on August, school started. I only have two on campus classes and two online classes. I never knew how awesome online classes were! I wish I would have found out sooner. Too bad there aren't any online Biology classes. I would have gotten my entire Biology degree online. In addition to school, I was preparing for several things to come in September!

July

I know. I haven't blogged in what it seems like years, but due to illness I have time to recap what has been going on in my life! First off, what do you think about my hair? This picture was taken at the beginning of June. Since then I have added maybe 3 more inches of hair. Slowly but surely. I can at least get it into a ponytail without having to use heavy duty gel. :)

July wasn't a very busy month for me. Most of the month consisted of working 40 hours a week at the Carnegie, which I didn't mind because I have a great job. I did have to work on July 4th, but that wasn't too bad. It was kinda slow at the hotel. Other than that I did get to work a little with Phi Sigma Pi and had a couple of booths during orientation. We will see how that turns out next semester (most of them were freshmen so they can't rush until next semester).

One thing that I was very honored to be a part of was I was a bridesmaid for one of my Brothers, Danielle Brewster. I helped with flowers and decorating the reception area. She was such a beautiful bride! I'm so glad that she invited me to share a part in her special day!

New Job ;)

Today was the first day at my new job, the Carnegie Hotel. I was hired last week. I get great hours and great pay. I love the job too! It is very similar to what I do at the health clinic for my scholarship job, except instead of patients, they are hotel guests.

I also took a tour of the hotel, and I must say it is absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend staying there, and I'm not just saying that because I work there. ;) We have some pretty great rates and packages. lol. Oh, I've gone into my little front desk associate bit. ;) Anyway, I just wanted to blog to let everyone know that I have started a new job and that I have a perfect first day!

Check out where I work at http://www.carnegiehotel.com

Tips for the International Traveler

Since Mom has gone into detail about our trip to Southeast Asia and there are plenty of pictures, many of which I have written captions for, I do not feel the need to write a blog for everyday that we have been out of the country. However, I do wish to blog about some things that I have learned or really been aware of along the trip. So, in this blog, you will find some tips, in no particular order, for anybody who plans to travel outside of the United States. Hope you enjoy.

1. Try not to be ethnocentric (Ethnocentric. Adj. characterized by or based on the attitude that one's own group is superior). You will learn a lot more and appreciate more when you have an open mind about the culture that you are visiting.

2. Research about where you are traveling. Know some basic information about the country you are visiting, for example, the type of currency, the type of government, the exchange rate, and special/interesting places to visit. If for some reason you do not have access to an Atlas or the Internet (which I doubt since you are reading this blog), ask someone. The more you know, the more you will appreciate some of the other information that you find along your vacation.

3. Be respectful. This goes back to doing a little research. For example, it is very acceptable and polite to shake the hand of a Filipino; however, it is uncomfortable for a Thai person to touch another person, especially foreigners. Simple things, such as a hand gesture or taking pictures of certain objects, may be offensive in a certain culture. Be sure to ask or find out what are the most common differences between the US and the country you are visiting.

4. If traveling to Southeast Asia, DO NOT rent a car. The traffic rules are very different. In fact, they are more like guidelines. Note: (specifically for Jesse K.) Asians drive extremely well. It is the Americans who have road rage, get in everyone’s way, and do not drive well.

5. If dealing with a foreign currency, bring a small calculator. It will help you with figuring out how much things are in US dollars.

6. Find out if bartering is acceptable in various places.

7. Either travel with a person who speaks the native language or get an English speaking tour guide. Often times it is easier to shop or order food outside of the hotel. You can also learn a lot more about the culture and the history of the country that you are visiting. Having a tour guide will also give you access to various venues/programs that are cheaper than those offered at the hotel.

8. Bring a journal. Jot down different facts about something you’ve learned. Write down locations that you wish you could have spent more time at. Write down various things you wished you would have purchased. Write down the places that you want to visit. Write down the dishes you liked. Write down anything you want. You never know when you are going to travel back to that country or what you will be asked when you get home.

9. Do not expect everyone to speak English. Speak clearly, not louder (just because they can’t understand you doesn’t mean they’re deaf), when speaking to someone who only has a limited knowledge of English. Note: A big smile often means that the individual has no idea what you are saying. ;)

10. Try different foods. In Bangkok, we saw many types of fruit that were very ugly fruit on the outside; however, they were very sweet on the inside. You never know what might taste good.

11. Also in regards to food, do not assume that you know what every dish tastes like. A picture of udon noodles in Bangkok may not have the same flavor as rice noodles in Manila.

12. Note: Just because a dish does not taste like it does in the US doesn’t mean that the dish is cooked wrong. In fact, what you have had before have probably been “Americanized”, even if it is cooked by someone from that country. (Example. All Chinese food restaurants in the US, even if prepared by a Chinese cook, have been modified to fit the American taste buds.)

13. Bring toilet paper. Not all bathrooms will have toilet paper, even in the malls and airports. Also in regards to bathrooms, bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Just think…if the water is not safe to drink and you wash your hands in that water and then eat, then what was the point?

14. Bring earplugs. This sounds like a really crazy idea, but when you don’t bring them, you will find yourself next to a screaming 5 month old because it is tired and hot and hungry, and you are tired and hot and hungry too and all you want to do is sleep, but you can’t thanks to the screaming baby. Trust me. It’s nice to have them handy just in case.

15. Be brave. Leave the hotel. Don’t spend time hanging out at the hotel pool if you are in the middle of the city. There are plenty of things to see outside the hotel.

16. If it is safe, go to the market. You can find many things at very cheap prices. You will also be able to find very unique items that make great souvenirs.

17. Do not talk American politics. Even though in the United State an Obama supporter can sit next to a McCain supporter in peace, it may not be that way in other countries. Be careful and respectful of what you say about American politics.

18. If you find a unique piece of clothing or different smelling perfume, buy it. It may be in style 6 months to a year later in the States. This is your time to be fashionable for much cheaper than you would find back at home.

19. Appreciate the things back home more. We take so much for granted. Take an opportunity to reflect on what we take for granted back home. It will make your vacation more regarding.

20. Be a tourist. Take pictures. Ask questions. Try new things. 9 times out of 10, the locals will know that you are visitor whether you act like it or not. Might as well get as much out of the experience as you can.

21. Lastly, have fun!

Well. That’s 21 tips from the 21-year-old. I have had a lot of fun traveling and it has truly been a blessed experience. I cannot wait to come back to the Philippines. I will probably write more about various aspect of my trip when I get back home. Have a wonderful week!!! ;)

Much love,

Jillian

A Simple Thanks Will Do

When is the last time you said thank you? I mean really think. When did you say thank you and honestly meant it? Or was the last time you said thank you was because you felt guilty? Did you say thank you because everyone else was doing it?

Over the course of the past semester I have, along with several others, worked hard. Poured my heart and soul into a lot of things. Some may think that I do things to make myself feel better. Some think that I do it to receive praise. Some think that I do things irrationally. But most of the time, I do things because I care, not about myself but about others. That may seem a little conceited, but it's true. I love helping people. I love making people smile and give people the opportunity to have fun. I grew up in a family who always planned fun things and always did things for my benefit, either for me to learn, to give to my community, or to bond with those that surrounded me.

However, there is one small part of my experience from this semester that aches my heart. I've seen hard work gone without a single thank you. I've seen people put their sweat and tears into planning things or doing things for others and yet they receive no gratitude whatsoever. I, myself, have experienced it. Have I heard thank you in the past few weeks? Yes, I have; however it is from those who don't have to say thank you because they show their gratitude. Remember, actions speak louder than words. I have also heard thank you from those who felt guilty about maybe hurting my feelings, which I don't truly find sincere.

Why am I writing this? Well, two reasons. First, I almost made a terrible mistake. I was very upset about some things and I had decided that I would step down as team captain for my Relay for Life team. I figured why plan something that I truly care about to get my heart broken by those who don't simply say thank you for anything, big or small. I had my mind made up. I told my closest friends and my mom. I was going to quit. Then, yesterday I received a beautiful letter than touched my heart and made me cry. It was from my wonderful grandmother. She thanked me and told me how proud she was of me for being a team captain in memory of Paw-Paw, my grandfather who died of cancer when I was 9. I realized that I was so upset that I lost sight of why I was relaying. Needless to say, I am still team captain of my Relay team. I have turned a new leaf and have found new excitement in planning Relay this year. I'm not going to let anyone stop me from having the best time and the best Relay for Life team.

Secondly, I am writing this to make people aware. I want to make people aware that a simple thanks will do. Just a thank you for making dinner. Thank you for worrying about me. Thank you for spending so much time trying to fix something that went wrong. Thank you for caring. Not a thank you because I screwed up and I feel like I have to say thanks. Not a thanks with a tone of a 5 year old telling their parents sorry for disobeying, but a thank you. If that's too much to say, then show it. Give someone a hug. Wash the dishes. Smile. Spend time with the one who you want to thank. Anything. Just remember, a simple thanks goes a long way.

To all who read this, thank you for taking time out of your day to read this. Thank you all who have truly appreciated me and thank you for being my driving force.