Saturday, December 29, 2007

Catch-Up

These last couple days have followed the path of my whole break, busy, hectic, and always on the go. At least I am not bored. Wednesday night I met some friends from highschool for dinner. I hadn't seen them since we graduated and we spent 3 hours just catching up, it was nice. Then I went to the basketball games to watch Marks team play and visit with Ron, Kathy, and Marsha. Thursday I went shopping for awhile with Mom, Justin, and Kaho and then spent the rest of the night watching our boys play basketball. Today I got up early-ish and went over to Grandma's to help her do some stuff. I vaccuumed her house and offered to shovel her driveway, she told me I didn't need to. Well Uncle Kip ended up doing it and was giving me a hard time about not doing it. But for the record I was told no, I told Grandma he was an old man and I would do it, she shut me down. Sorry Kip:) Then we went to Morton to visit Sam and Clayton. Lynn and Josh were off work to so they were over as well. I had a lot of fun visiting and playing with Clayton, he is too funny. The new toys he got for Christmas were awesome I tried them all out. I also played some Wi with Josh, sometimes I am almost good. Then I took Grandma to get her groceries and run some errands before I came home. I was home long enough to read the paper and eat supper, before heading with Kelsey to watch our girls team play. We went to dinner with the Finchum's afterword and then went over to their house to see their new puppy. She is the cutest thing. Hung out there all night long doing pretty much nothing and enjoying it. Good thing they love us:) Okay well I just got home but I think I am going to attempt to sleep.

Carrie Out

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas

Christmas has come and gone. That's what I find confusing over the whole Holiday we go thru a month of hype and then the day comes and everything stops. I really like the Holiday season people are genrally kinder and more generous, but I don't get why that can't continue year round. Honestly anymore Christmas day isn't even what I look forward to the most, it is Christmas Eve. When I was a kid they were more equal, there was the excitement of Santa and more gifts. Growing up I think I have come to value the family time more than what I recieve. Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. I love piling into the family van and heading to Grandmas. I just love the atmosphere. Yes you're sitting on the floor and crammed into couches. Yes you are sitting shoulder to shoulder with people and its hot. Yes it gets so loud you can hardly hear yourself think and you stand in line for food. But I think that's what I like the best. It is one of the few places I can go and just feel surrounded by love and caring. Our family mat be big, talkative, and a little rowdy. But that's what makes it right, I would feel so out of place at a quiet dinner table. I love telling the same stories year after year and still laughing as we hear them. I love the simple entertainment we find in the gifts we recieve and the people around them. Don't get me wrong I still enjoy Christmas day I just think it's in a different way than I used to. I got lots of great gifts and things to take back to school. I enjoyed hanging out with the other side of the family and hanging out with my brothers. Somedays though I just wish the magic of Christmas didn't end and I got to spend that type of time with my family all the time.

Carrie Out

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Chicago Fun

I just got back from Chicago and it was awesome. We did too much for me to write it all in here so here are the highlights. Overall it was a great trip!

-Our train ride was fun we played Mad Gab and checked out the sites.
-We arrived at Union Station, which call me a dork, was way cool. It looks just like the movies and was really nice.
-We checked into our hotel we stayed in the Marriot on Michigan Avenue. Our room was on the 30th floor. The view was nice and so was everything in the hotel, so fancy.
-We rode the bus all over downtown we are now experienced with public transit.
-We spent a few hours in Shed's Aquarium. It was awesome we had soo much fun.
-Walked through Memorial Park at night to see it all lit up and took our pictures with all the statue/monuments...our favorite was the "bean".
-Watched the ice skaters and listened to the Rat Pack music playing.
-Ate at ESPN Zone. The atmosphere was cool and my sandwich was soo delicious.
-Walked downtown at night to see all the Christmas lights and look at the store fronts, it was soo pretty. My favorite was a nutcracker front at Macy's.
-Visited the Sears tower and looked at Chicago 103 stories off the ground almost 1500 feet. It hurt my ears but was really cool.
-Ate lunch at Ed Debivic's, a 50's restuarant where they are mean to you, it was neat.
-Shopped downtown, more like ran in and out of stores just looking at stuff, but still it was fun.
-Sat at the train station for 2 hours on delay reading magazines and playing games.
-Played with 2 little girls on the train home for entertainment and even rode to Lincoln with one of my softball teammates who happened to be heading back.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Chicago Here I Come

I ran all over town today. I started off with a trip to Hopedale to pick up some medicine from the pharmacy. Then I ventured, via Stringtown (bad choice of road), to Minier. I went to the bank to get some cash and put in my checks from school. Next I went to Grandma and Grandpa's to fill our water jugs. While I was there Grandpa aired up my tires and put some winter driving neccessities in my car, how glorious. I came home to a hyper dog and stack of presents to wrap. I wrapped away while once more watching some lovely Christmas specials. I took the dog out to play for awhile I threw her in a snow drift, she thought that was fun. For dinner tonight we had lasagna per my request and it was delicious. Watched a little "Jingle all the Way" after dinner, who knew such terrible acting could be entertaining. We found out today Brent has a stress fracture in his hip, he has an MRI Wednesday to help figure out why he got the fracture. Good luck laying still for an hour. The rest of the night has been spent packing for my Chicago adventure. Nikkie, Chelsea, Ashley and I are catching the 7 am train to Chicago tomorrow. I have never ridden a train or been downtown Chicago, so I am way excited. We are staying the night on Michigan Avenue and riding a late train back Wednesday night. Hopefully we have a lot of fun venturing out of our little farm towns. Well the train leaves awful early so I am off to bed.

Winter Wonderland

So I got up this morning to go to church. The driveway was snowed in so I instead opted for a few more hours of sleep. When I finally did roll out of bed it was just in time for some lunch and the Packers game. Brett Favre broke yet another record on his way to yet another victory, which clinched a first round bye and home field advantage. Yeah Pack! I then proceeded to spend the rest of my day sitting on my butt but throughly enjoying it. I watched some of my favorite Christmas specials, did my laundry, and played with the dog. It was a thrilling day. I forgot Youth Group had a progressive dinner tonight so I was interupted mid dinner at home with a call to join. I had had my fill of winter driving for the weekend so Brent and I agreed to go only if someone came and got us. The lucky winner was Matthew and the dinner was delicious. Ryan flew in from Florida this morning and was there as well. It was a good night hanging out with the boys, I always miss them, and I like having them both within five miles of me not on the other side of the country. After dinner we watched Evan Almighty, which always evokes a laugh from me and then we headed home. Right now I am neglecting going to sleep, I am not tired and have nothing to get up for. Well I shouldn't say nothing Mom has left a whole list of things for me to do and errands to run including wrapping presents. Oh the joys of Christmas.

Carrie Out

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Arctic Navigator

I am going to take the liberties to declare myself master of the Arctic Snow. I have successfully but slowly journied my way through the snow many a times today, such proud moments. Got up this morning to go watch Ryan play basketball. He was so excited we came, Ash and I were his fathers replacements since Tony had class today. He won his game and it was good to see him before heading home. The snow this morning wasn't too bad but the intersections were a little iffy, we survived. Grabbed some Jimmy Johns to go then came back to school for a little pre-game shoot around. We got to the game safely which was a plus. As for the game itself it wasn't too bad. We lost by eleven...which wasn't too bad considering we had 40 turnovers. Wow that's a lot, no fear I only had one and I stole it back. I made sure to call and tell Coach Thomas this since he likes to give me a hardtime about turning the ball over. I was so happy I didn't suck today, I know it's ridiculous, but it's true. I played pretty well with 6 points, and a handful of rebounds and assists. I was just glad to play. We made it back to campus safely and had one hours time to get everything together and go. I got everything packed up and Coach Wilson helped me scrape and get my car ready. It took me an hour to get home, the roads, even the highways, were terrible. But I made it, score for me. The rest of the night has been spent chilling and watching Christmas movies, so magical.

Carrie Out

Friday, December 14, 2007

Last Night on Campus

Practice this morning was okay, not too much running not too much yelling. We basically ran drills and set ups for tomorrows game. We might not get this game in if the weather goes as predicted, might also cause some travel problems for us. I don't care I love snow, so Christmasy. After practice we all enjoyed our last cafeteria meal for a month. Pestered Coach Thomas for a little bit, he shaved off his mustache so I can't make fun of him anymore. Then Ashley and I ended up in Student Services for an hour or so sitting around talking to the office ladies and Bridgett's daughter. It was an enjoyable way to pass some time. When we left I decided it was necessary for me to take a shower...so I did. I thought about packing next, I got my extremely overflowing clothes basket to the car and called it quits. That is a lot of laundry to do at home. Instead of packing I went to visit Stoltzy. We hung out and played some Playstation and I went with him to put gas in the school cars. Then I went to the movies with Ashley and the RA staff. We went to see "I am Legend," it was confusing at first but was actually pretty cool, minus the scary infected people. We got meal money from Coach so after the movie we went to dinner at Steak N' Shake. I ran into Jay and Amber there, I know they were super excited to see me. Came back here and actually did pack. I got everything but my bedding and fridge stuff packed that will be my post game activity before I head home. I plan on spending the rest of the night in bed watching Christmas movies and getting up to go watch Ryan play ball tomorrow. Oh the excitement of my life.

Carrie Out

Break has Begun

I had nothing scheduled to do today besides practice, whoo hoo improvising. I rolled out of bed at around 11 and headed to the lunchroom. Enjoyed an actually good meal with Levi, Stoltzy, and Ashley. After telling Levi goodbye Ashley and I went downtown so she could do some Christmas shopping at Abe's I love Abe's. We also ran out to Walmart I am not sure why. When we came back we saw Coach and Coach were here so we went to the offices to hang. We all just sat around and talked and laughed for awhile. Coach Thomas was excited that we came to see him because he couldn't come to practice tonight or the game Saturday. He is taking a six day seminar to get his masters degree. He is hating the fact that he is doing it, we think that's a pretty easy thing for a masters, no thesis or anything. Still he isn't enjoying that he has to miss six days of stuff, we told him we are proud of him and can manage a few days here and there without him. Practice was okay tonight, Coach Wilson always feels a need to yell when Tony isn't there for some reason. I was a little sore today I guess those three days off caught up with me. I did get to spend some time with Ryan again though so that was fun. After practice we ate dinner in the cafeteria, it wasn't so good this time, this is probably because we are the only ones here. This evening all seven of us sophomores hung out, I took them all in my car out to Walmart good thing the back seat is huge. We spent the rest of the night hanging out in the lobby talking to Katie and Marcus but now it is time for bed.

Carrie Out

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Final Final

Sleeping? Yeah I should be but I clearly am not. Oh well I don't have anything to get up for tomorrow. Got up and tutored this morning. We did stations my job was to teach all the kids how to make snow flakes. They got me a Christmas present and all of them made me cards, they were too cute. I was dead tired so I came back here and slept until lunch. Lunch was an adventure, you can tell they are cleaning out the food supply for break. We had many interesting mixtures. Got in some quality make fun of Coach Thomas time at lunch today, always a thrill. Sat and waited around then until my last final. Ashley and I gave a presentation on Langston Hughes "Theme for English B," good times. I wasn't bad and I am glad to be done with finals. After that it was off to practice. I thought it was going to be killer today with three days off, I wasn't too out of shape. We played a group of boys today so we could have tougher defense, it was harder, but definately more fun. My friend Levi who is a baseball player here came and played and it was very funny, we were going at it the whole time. Let's just say he should stick to baseball. Ryan came to practice today which was nice, I was missing the kid I hadn't seen him in a week. You can tell when I haven't seen him in awhile because then he follows me around and is attached to my side, good thing I love him. The night has been pretty relaxing. Just sitting around and watching Christmas shows. I ended up down in the RA's room watching "Mr & Mrs Smith" with Mary, Katie, and Marcus, the movie was decent. Now I need sleep.

Carrie Out

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Night in ATL

Oh the glouriousness of my boring day. Got up real early today and took my final, it was okay took me about 45 minutes, not too bad. I then had a whole day of nothing ahead of me. After my test I went to the Coaches offices. We had a lot of fun this morning pestering Coach Wilson, she was loving it. It also allowed me some quality make fun of Tony's mustache time, highly entertaining. I left there and still had an hour until lunch. I used that time in the library checking things on the computer and reading the paper. I found out I got a 96% on my psych final, I have no idea how I pulled that off. I really didn't think I did well. Lunch was enjoyable talking to the baseball boys and hanging out. Then I went to CVS with Ashley and back to Coach's to bother her. Then it was off to my room to be bored. I ran a few errands returned my softball uniform and school books and tried to find things to waste time. Chelsea and I decided to shoot baskets so we ended up in the gym for a good hour playing ball and talking to Trainer Joe. All my friends had either a night final tonight or headed home for break so I decided to head to Atlanta for some home cooked food and some time with the Finchum's. Kelsey met me there and we had a lovely night watching Christmas movies, playing with the girls, and pretty much just being out of control. The food was delightful greenbean casserole and homemade broccoli/cheese soup, followed up with some peppermint ice cream, mmm mmm. It was fun hanging out and talking to Jay and Amber, I hadn't been to the house in a while. I miss couches and real TV's:) Okay well my last final is tomorrow and I need rest.

Carrie Out

Monday, December 10, 2007

Midnight Snack

I just got back from Midnight Finals Breakfast it was a gradly old time. We had some good food and had fun hanging out with the usual group and our favorite student service people. The day has been pretty boring. School where I tutor was cancelled today so I got an extra two hours of sleep it was fantastic. I then went and took my geography final, I needed 7 points to keep my A, I got 41 and only did the first page. It was strenous. I camped out in the cafeteria for awhile wasting time until my next final, psychology. Spent the rest of the time hanging out in Coach Wilson's office. We sawe Coach T briefly today, long enough to attack him with a hug and notice that he shaved off his beard and now has what we like to refer to as a Hitler porn stash. He was loving it, we were not too fond, it makes him look old and a bit creepy. Mustache's are a definate no. My psych final was ridiculous. I found myself knowing very few of the answers, frustrating. Hopefully I did well enough to keep my A that's all I care about. After the final I went to the computer lab for awhile with Casie, Chelsea, and my teamate Chiquita. I got really excited we were planning things to do on our Chicago trip. Dinner was non exciting and the rest of the night up to breakfast was spent completing my literature final presentation and watching Mary Poppins. Okay well it is midnight and Nikkie is yelling at me to go scrape ice off my car so I must be off.

Carrie Out

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Party Day

It has been a busy Sunday. I didn't go to bed until 3 last night because I thought I could just lay around and sleep all day. I was wrong. Coach Wilson called this morning to ask us to lunch at her house for Ali's 8th birthday. We of course accepted the invitation, nothing like home cooked food. Well that started the madness. We didn't have Ali's present, a scrapbook, even bought so we were on a time crunch. We had 1 1/2 hours to buy the book and get it put together, we got it done and were only a few minutes late for dinner. Hawaiian chicken and baked potatoes, it was soo good. We topped it off with some birthday cake and ice cream, perfect. We hung out at the house all day playing games with Ali. She got "Life" so we played it is very complex now, took a long time to play. Well we left Coach Wilson's house just in time for me to jump in another car and head to Crystals for our softball Christmas party. Once again I was in for some delicious food and fun. We had some delightful BLT dip and Coach Andrews even made his speciality, cheesecake. I may have had two pieces. I got to play with toys which was fun Crystal has two little boys who are handfuls. We did a white elephant gift exchange which was extremely entertaining as well. Got back from the second party in time to fill out a study guide for pysch and pick up todays scrapbooking mess, fun times. Finals start tomorrow and I have two, so I need some rest.

Carrie Out

Weekend Wrapup

I need to go to bed, I really truly do. Yet I am not, I have not even showered yet. This weekend was an adventure. I did not play well at all in either game. I don't know why but it was like I could do nothing right. I am hoping this doesn't come back and bite me in the butt, I am really enjoying this actually getting to play thing. Other than the atrocious games I played the weekend was decent. The bus rides were fun, watching movies and chilling. Chicago pizza and Capri Sun's made a lovely dinner. The hotels were really nice. Staying with Ash, Chels, and Nikkie was enjoyable. Seeing parts of the city and getting made fun of for knowing nothing about how a city operates was informative. Spending lots of time going back and forth with Coach Thomas was a thrill as always, such a loving relationship, haha. The bus ride home was an adventure in the weather but we actually made it home without problem. The problem was getting off the bus. We couldn't make it from the bus to the gym on the ice we kept sliding backwards. Coach Thomas somehow made it halfway and from there grabbed peoples hands and pulled them to the other side. It took a good ten minutes to get everyone across. After skating back to the dorms Nikkie and I then went outside for 45 minutes to scrape all the ice off Chelsea's windows. Then we were hungry so we met Ashley and skated to the gas station and rented a movie, Fracture. It was good, a thinker. The rest of the night I was just hanging out in the lobby with Mary and some other people doing nothing. But now the weekend is catching up and I need to get some sleep.

Carrie Out

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Let it Snow!

You know what I love? Saline Nasal spray. That stuff works miracles I just took a couple shots up the nose. I know lovely picture. Classes today were nothing really we are juts reviewing and gettng things in order for finals next week, boring. Spent our free time once again hanging with Coach Thomas, he was in violent mood today and kept attacking us. Good thing I am a naturally awesome fighter. You know what else I love? Snow. We have already got a steady amount and it looks lovely. Packs nice as well. Practice was a bit of a fiasco for me today. I had softball pictures right in the middle of it so my attire was quite lovely today. Basketball jersey, black t-shirt, purple softball shorts, black softball socks, and purple shoes. I was a walking fashion statement. Tonight we once again went to Steak N' Shake. It was the regular group and we had fun as always. The snow was an added bonuse nothing like a snowball fight. Spent the rest of the night chilling inside with Nikkie and Chels, and later just me and my bed. My body was a little worn out today. This weekend will be busy. I don't have class tomorrow but we leave for Chicago tomorrow for basketball. Hopefully we have some fun and win some games.

Carrie Out

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Stupid Dec 5

This is my least favorite day of the year. It comes attatched to too much pain and baggage. Three years since Scott died, I still can't believe it. I can just remember how terrible that day and the months to follow were and I don't like it. Woke up this morning and went to tutor. I made the kids a snowflake and they were amazed I have to teach them all how to make them on Friday. I went to geography class for 5 minutes. I got my test and skipped review. I only need 7 points on the final to keep my A, so I am not worried. Spent my free time hanging in Coach Wilson's office sleeping on the floor until lunch. After a light lunch Ash and I went to visit Bridgett she is always good for a laugh. Then we went to Walmart to run some errands picking up stuff for Coach Thomas. I can't believe he trusts us with his money. Spent the afternoon resting before our game. We played Wesleyan I spent about ten minutes before we started warming up talking to their Coach, he is trying to help me get in. The game wasn't terrible but we didn't win. They were good but not good enough to beat us even though we let them. I think I had about 6 points but I played pretty much the whole game. After the game we went to the Student Center for Holiday dinner, they made us steak and shrimp and it was so good. I am very glad they saved some for us. I came back and showered then remembered I drove my car to the gym to bring Coach T his stuff so I ended up over at Ashley's for awhile since I had to walk that way anyways. I want to watch TV.

Carrie Out

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Yeah Tuesday

I got up early this morning to go lift weights in Coach Thomas' class because I missed team lifting for tutoring. I would rather sleep. We are starting finals prep in all my classes working on papers and projects and reviewing. In lit we picked partners and started preparing presentations. We got out early so we went to pester Coach Thomas. We hung out and talked for about an hour it was very infomative:) Computers was easy and we were blessed with an early dismissal as well. LUnch was quick and filled with grilled cheese. Pyschology wasn't too bad either, we spent a lot of time looking over each others photo journals and laughing at everyone's childhood pictures. We didn't even have to do much learning which is my favorite type of class. Practice had a lot of running in it today I think I counted over 25 full court sprints and they were our fault. All we had to do was have three people make two free throws in a row. I made mine, but that wasn't the trend. Dinner was delightful tonight we had turkey, like thanksgiving turkey, and all the fixings. So tasty. I finally finished my Wesleyan application tonight, I know I am very promt. I need to start applying to schools. Made more snowflakes tonight because that is my job as vice president Christmas. Then we had a winter break procedure meeting which was thrilling as always, especially since Bridgett wore her ever popular meeting outfit. Okay well I need to sleepsky I got a lot to do tomorrow.

Carrie Out

Monday, December 03, 2007

Winter Wonderland

It is late I should be in bed...I haven't even showered yet. I tutored this morning, we read some crazy book about a rabbit who gets water in his ears and can't hear, good times. I took my last test in my geography class today some of it was confusing. Then I went to get my first tutoring paycheck, not bad. Lunch was quick and bad, minus the most heavenly chocolate swirl cheesecake. So good I had two pieces. I was cold so I came back to my room turned up the heat and read until practice. Practice wasn't bad at all today. We didn't have to run any sprints which really caught me off guard. Really all we did was half court drilling and had just a few minutes of full court scrimmage. I was a little wound up at practice so I had fun. Coach Thomas tried to measure my mouth today with a tape measure, he says there wasn't enough tape. I say he's a dork. After practice we went to dinner. I had some good beef stew stuff. Then it was off to the lab to finish my psych project, which I did with only a few distractions. My softball girls had weights tonight so I stopped by and visited on the way back to the dorm, they always enjoy my presence. We had a dorm meeting with the vice president that was thrilling. Then Nikkie and I went to Walmart and Steak N' Shake both very neccesary trips. Came back here and made more snow flakes. That is my official job. Our dorm is very Christmasy though we put up and decorated the tree tonight. It is a winter wonderland:)

Carrie Out

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Accomplished

Today I have accomplished a lot although it hasn't all been good:

1. I washed 3 loads of laundry and then proceeded to actually put it all away.
2. I also accidently washed my IPOD. It wasn't working but as of right now it is. It may have actually gotten rid of a virus it had. It's working better than prewash.
3. I wrote my geography article and finished my hurricane project, my last assignments for that class.
4. I did not finsh my pysch project that is saved for tomorrow night.
5. I deep cleaned my entire room for the first time in awhile, it is nice to see the floor and be able to sit in my chair.
6. I also cleaned the shower and entire bathroom, just call me Mrs. Clean.
7. I enjoyed a Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathon as background all afternoon.
8. I watched a Brothers & Sisters wedding so exciting.
9. I successfully navigated through the monsoon all day long.
10. I ate food because I am starving, even though I've felt like puking all day.

Carrie Out

Ice Storm

The day started nice and latish I think I crawled out of bed about 11:00. Then we went to breakfast, we got good food because it was an open house day, got to impress the visitors. Off to the gym for our game. Almost all of our freshman and two sophomores broke curfew and came late to the gym. We got a huge pregame lecture and the kids in trouble didn't start and a few didn't even play. I just don't get how they have no idea how to follow rules. I started and played pretty well today I think I had 12 points or something. I did pretty much shank one layup though and I heard about it. Coach Thomas was mocking me from the bench and laughing. I did have to smile though it was kinda funny. We won though which is all that really mattered. After the game Nik, Ash, Chels, Percella, and I went to eat at Rusty's. We also took Ryan with us. It was an enjoyable time hanging out and eating good food. Then Ash, Ryan, and I went to Walmart to buy a new ice scraper mine shattered trying to shear off the two inches of ice on my windshield. We had fun in Walmart playing with all the toys and acting like fools. I can't believe the Thomas' trust us with their child. Came back here and went to Mary's to visit for awhile then I headed over to Ashley's to work on our pyschology project. We have to make a photo journal of our lives, I got all the pictures done now I just have to do the writing part. Nothing like waiting until the last day to do a project you've had since the first day of school:)

Carrie Out