I Am

Dragon

2012-01-22T11:34:00.002-07:00

By the Chinese zodiac, I am a Dragon! Awesome right? I'm the biggest and mightiest of the animals. I can squish any of them with my large feet and rule with a mighty fist. I can breathe fire on all those who get in my way. This is exactly why my character is so poor, as mighty as it may be.

My mom and I have been doing extensive reading on my Chinese zodiac sign. I've been getting frustrated because I am unable to get a date - not that I really need one. But hey, I like to be asked. Because of how often I talk to my mom on the phone, she knows about this frustration and decided that it was because I was a Dragon. Not believing her, we spent several hours reading about how the Dragon is. The more I read it, it seems so true. Not that I'm adjusting my character to fit the Dragon traits... it was already like that. It's giving me some consideration on how I should change.

Though no site in English is truly accurate. However, I cannot read Chinese of Japanese, so I'm just going to stick to sub par explanations from an English website: here.

(I'm bolding what I believe applies to me.)

Personality
Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!

Health
Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.

Career
Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.

Relationships
Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.

To get more specific, I am considered the Earth Dragon (determined with which specific year you were born in.)

Earth Dragons – Years 1928 and 1988
More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviors. They’re more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.

Compatibility
Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat. (However, all the sites I have read said that Dragons are very incompatible with Dog and that Ox and Goat is just incompatible.)

I am stubborn with a strong drive. This is why my plans for a business is starting to make more sense! :)

Best/Worst College Majors

2012-01-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

As I was researching about careers in art history - and if I actually would want to pursue it. I came across several articles about top ten "useless" majors in college. Of course, art history was on there. Of course many other majors that I always enjoyed (literature, art, history, government, music, cinema, psychology, philosophy, etc) were also on there.

According to Princeton's Top 10 College Majors lists some of my favorite subjects in their list:

9. Political Science and Government

Because it often deals with current events and sophisticated statistical analysis, political science is timely, fascinating, and perpetually changing. In a nutshell, it's the study of politics of government, and some of the common concentrations are American government, public policy, foreign affairs, political philosophy, and comparative government. Political science majors develop excellent critical thinking and communication skills, and more broadly, an understanding of history and culture. There will be lots of reading, writing, and math. Possible career paths are diverse–from lawyer to politician to journalist.

6. English Language and Literature

If you find yourself generally immersed in some book–anything from Shakespeare to Hemingway to Jack Kerouac–you will likely find others just like you in the English department studying the trochaic octameter of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," the stunning word choices of narrative nonfiction author Annie Dillard, or the experimental elements of the writings of Walter Abish. English programs focus on literature, language, and writing, and an English major will encounter a wide array of absorbing works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from around the world and throughout history. Analyzing the works of the greatest minds and imaginations that human civilization has produced will surely sharpen your critical, emotional, creative, and moral faculties. The study of literature also helps to shed some light on the answers to the enduring questions of the human condition. This degree is tremendous preparation for a future in law, journalism, publishing, graduate studies, and just about anything else.

2. Psychology

If you find yourself delving into why certain people react to certain aspects of their environments in a certain way, then studying psychology will help you learn about the biology of our brains. Psychology majors focus on such features of the human mind as learning, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, mental disorders, and the ways in which our individual preferences are inherited from our parents or shaped by our environment. Within the field, psychologists seek to educate, communicate, and resolve many of the problems surrounding human behavior.

After looking at it deeper, Nine Kinds of Pie's article Humanities Majors Learn More state that:

The students who are acquiring the most knowledge from their college educations are those who major in English, Philosophy, Music, Fine Arts, Religion, History, Theatre, and Modern Languages:

Students majoring in liberal arts fields see “significantly higher gains in critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing skills over time than students in other fields of study.” Students majoring in business, education, social work and communications showed the smallest gains. (The authors note that this could be more a reflection of more-demanding reading and writing assignments, on average, in the liberal arts courses than of the substance of the material.)

That’s from Scott Jaschik’s piece in Inside Higher Ed, one of the only articles to even mention this important victory for the humanities.

Having Princeton's observations with some of my favorite subjects tied into Scott Jaschik's piece, I am able to come to the conclusion that art history is a very high critical thinking major - depending on how you take it. A lot of people, I've noticed, just plug and chug what the professors say. I try my best to incorporate philosophy, psychology, etc into all of my papers and ideas. I think that even though I'm majoring in a field that is looked down upon from the general public (art and visual communication) I am able to think in ways that other people are unable to.

Myers-Briggs personality test state that I'm INTJ. Keirsey's Temperament puts me in the 'Rational Mastermind' category. People are so boggled by that because I enjoy and love art history. But I think because of how my brain is wired is how I'm able to be so good at art history. I've got a scientific brain - though science is too complex (though all my professors say that science is too SIMPLE for me...) - I'm able to use this 'scientific' brain and put it into liberal arts. I'm just a weird INTJ Dragon! :)

New Updates

2011-12-29T17:57:00.004-07:00

It's been forever since I've had anything interesting to write about. But here it is.

My Christmas with my roommate, Kihye was so fun and memorable. :) I really do adore here. We made a lot of Japanese and Korean foods and watched some movies and a Japanese drama called Marumo no Okite, probably one of the best shows I've ever watched. I laughed, I cried, and I became concerned for the characters.

We also talked about plans on starting a business together - I really want to! I want to be able to go through with it but we'll see.

Anyway, I went to a new doctor on Tuesday. I was really nervous at first because while I was talking to the doctor he seemed to think I was just fat cause I'm lazy. Anyway, he decided to give me an in-depth physical. He checked my head, when he touched my face he noticed that it was really puffy...not fat. So he asked me to change into this paper shirt that he had available and had me sit on the table. He touched my neck and back of my shoulder and noticed some swelling. He decided to check my lower back and my abdomen. He said that because of the way I flinched it really gave away that there was some swelling in my small and large intestines. He said my kidneys, ovaries, and liver were irritated. So he put me on a yeast control diet along with anti-yeast pills and probiotics. Apparently he's noticed in many patients who have healthy blood but look terrible, but it was due to overgrowth of yeast. So the theory is, when the yeast clears up, my thyroid medication will actually the way it is supposed to. He also put me on a natural thyroid medication which I can adjust the dosage daily. Yay! Attempt #3!

I guess my update wasn't that interesting...

This made my day :)

2011-12-12T22:10:00.002-07:00

My professor made a comment about art history research paper: :)

"Tina, one word: wow! I just shouted over to a fellow teacher that the paper I was reading (yours) was bringing tears to my eyes. Absolutely outstanding - well analyzed and well written. Excellent use of footnotes and endnotes. I put a few electronic comments on the first few pages (click on the green box with 5% inside), but then I stopped because it was all so strong and well written.

Seriously, you have a gift for research and art history. I think the philosophical section came together really nicely (even though I know you said it was a bit challenging, and I absolutely empathize, since you were tackling some big topics/philosophers)."

Eh

2011-11-14T21:26:00.001-07:00

Growing up in TN you are bound to find poop all over the place, ground, sidewalk, and grass. Half the time, it might not even be animal poop. But regardless, poop everywhere. Here in Provo, Utah, there aren't much animals around especially this time of year...and double especially since I live in an area that strictly prohibits pets (besides goldfish). Anyway, after FHE today, I went to Bryant's house and I stepped in poop (without realizing it) and tracked it into his house... after cleaning it, and coming home to get rid of my shoes... here's a conversation Bryant and I had on MSN:

T: you don't like me
B:whatever
i wuvs you
i don't like poop
T: you don't love me even though i have poop on me?!
B: what kind of question is that?
i said i DON'T like poop
unless you were trying to ask if i DO love you even though you have poop on you
yes, i do
but i don't want poop in my room
on my floor
or in my bed
T: fair enough

I'm definitely in Utah

2011-11-11T00:02:00.001-07:00

Everyone around me, one by one, is either tying the not or getting engaged. I don't even have a boyfriend... or a guy I even feel like dating. Apparently, if my plans of moving to Utah was for dating, then I'm definitely here for the wrong reason. Glad I picked every other right reason to be here.

Slacking

2011-11-08T17:30:00.001-07:00

I've been unfortunately slacking off on my blogging...I've been pretty active everywhere else, but I really don't have anything new to report on. I reopened my dA account just to start putting up my artwork (and to motivate me to keep putting it up). Right now, my main focuses are:

1. Designing the last cover for W+W
2. Finishing off my semester-long researches in my museum course, 19th century art history, and medieval art history.
3. Working on my personal projects for my drawing finals
4. Making the perfect resume
5. Reading books about job interviews, searches, etc
6. Drinking tea

I have a lot of things to do over winter break... which also means three weeks of working - I'm so happy to continue getting a paycheck....I have a lot of personal projects to work on. My main goal is to compile everything from paper into a document so that I don't have to lug a 45 lbs box of paper to my next destination.

Other than that... nothing new, just trying to survive, have a social life, and dominate.

Spring 2012

2011-11-04T23:28:00.001-06:00

Monday/Wednesday
8:15-10:45 Interpretive Drawing
1-2:20 Classical Art History
2:30-3:45 Non-Western Art History

Tuesday/Thursday
8:30-11:00 Figure Drawing
3-3:50 Japanese Calligraphy

Thursday
7-8:30 AVC Lectures

+ Senior Studio, but the class just meets once a week. Not sure yet

But I am so stinkin' excited. I'm going to be done everyday (except Thursday) by 5pm! That's never happened to me before!!! I will actually be able to spend time at home working on homework instead of sleeping! Yay!

I'm alive

2011-10-30T00:07:00.001-06:00

I've had a lot on my mind lately - as well as my plate.

My birthday was really great. My dinner with friends was cancelled...so my church friends planned something for me that was awesome. I am very grateful for thoughtful friends.

I sign up for classes on Monday, I'm nervous about one class...

I am writing proposals, correcting papers, editing art, producing portfolio pieces, and challenging the left side of the brain by watching Tanoshii Moomin Ikka

I've got to reorganize my priorities....

Birthday...

2011-10-16T11:21:00.005-06:00

My birthday is coming up in a few short days, and I'm getting nervous. I don't know why. I always feel all the anxiety of the world when my birthday is coming up. I hate hearing the words of "Happy Birthday" and the sensation that the attention is placed on me. Ooooh, how I hate it.

However, I'm happy to leave the disappointments and struggles that the age of 22 has brought me. I'm ready to make a new age chapter.

I...

2011-10-15T02:05:00.001-06:00

I want to fall in love, travel, accomplish goals, and raise a family.

Oh, I never craved to go to Europe more than I do now...

It's been so long

2011-10-08T10:22:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I really updated the blog. Life has been crazy, but very good. I couldn't be happier!

Many of my friends have been getting engaged, here in Utah and back in Tennessee. It's been fun hearing the stories and the excitement from all the newly-engaged. I wish I could go to all of their weddings. But I bet it will be beautiful!

So, I started to wake up at 5 in the morning so I could head down to the gym on campus at 6:15 to work out. I did it three days last week and it was tough to get back into it! But it was a blast! My days were so much better on the days I work out. But since I started to work out my appetite dropped, which is unusual because it's usually the opposite for me. I have been contemplating doing running in the morning and then going back to the gym in the evening to work out other muscles. But I haven't decided if I like that idea. (This is so that I can wake up at 6:00 instead of 5:00) Oh, and I'm also doing some simpler exercises at home with my roommates - it keeps them motivated.

Work is fine. I haven't accomplished much at all though. It'll be nicer when things start to pick up more. But I seriously love a couple of my co-workers, they make my day so awesome. :)

School is hectic, but I love it. I'm learning! I'm absorbing! I love it!

Also, working on the journal for the first time is kind of nerve racking. I'm not an English major - why am I editing? I was interested in joining to help the art department bring in more submissions and to help with In-Design work. Why am I attending an editing workshop today? I was wondering the same thing.

One of my professors told me that I had good story telling skills. I think back in 5th grade, reading stories I wrote outloud and I would start to shake. Now, I do it with confidence, and with small, tiny crowds. I'm still not appreciative of my "skillz" but maybe some day I can write something intellectual.

The weather here in Utah has not been my favorite. Rain + Freezing = Anger, but it does have nice comfortable sleeping nights! :)

I love my co-worker-friends

2011-10-06T21:03:00.002-06:00

T: You're bald.
D: That's not nice.
J: You're Asian.

Pause

J: This cereal has rice in it. Are you required to eat it.
T: Just cause I'm Asian doesn't mean I need to eat rice.

Laughs

D: Come on, you're supposed to eat rice.
T: Just because my mom said that I needed to eat all of my rice or I'll go blind does not mean I do.
J: Well you have glasses, so I guess you didn't eat all your rice.

Laughs

Catching up

2011-09-22T22:42:00.002-06:00

To the small group of people who read my blog... I haven't updated my blog for the following reasons:
1. School
2. Work
3. I've been working on a social life

So, here I am, way past my bed time (okay, only an hour past) updating my blog because, wow. I have not rambled for a long time.

My classes, overall, have been an absolute blast! I don't think I've ever had this much fun at school before. I am learning, absorbing, drawing, and talking. The elements I wish I could always have! Even work has become so fulfilling. I'm not sure if it's because I'm healthier and I have this new found attitude on life and everything...or if it's because it's just how it is. Just sayin'

My life has been an almost turn around since the spring semester. During the spring I was very, very depressed (which I found out was lack of many vitamins, please check your vitamin levels!) and my thyroid still wouldn't let me wake up earlier than 1pm. After getting fixed over the summer, I was able to get more involved with church activities. Being involved with activities make me wired and energetic. I have life again. Something I haven't felt in almost two years. I am preparing for the next chapter in my life - getting into the real world.

I've been battling over what type of thing I need to work on to make my resume look super awesome. I decided a few months ago that I wanted to try to get an adviser job at a university or college. If that doesn't work out, I could take on similar jobs, no problem. I am excited to move somewhere new. The good thing about being single is that I don't need to match with my "significant other's" schedule or physical presence. While dating Hayes we spent over a year trying to get him here, and when we finally did, he was still too far away. Not having that tie to someone is very helpful. I've been collaborating with a few friends - we're trying to move to the same area. I'm hoping for it anyway. I have made some really awesome friends. And some of those really awesome friends are willing to move out of Utah. We've been cheering each other one when we find a new area we want to move to. Right now, I've been looking at the following:

1. San Antonio, Texas
2. Seattle, Washington
3. Portland, Oregon
4. Billings, Montana
5. Phoenix, Arizona
6. Portland, Maine
7. Oakland, California (shocking, huh?)
8. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
9. Vancouver, Canada (double shocking, huh?)
10. Charleston, South Carolina

Haha, Yes! I'm even considering moving southeast....but no, TN is not on my list as of right now.

So my plan for this semester is to continue becoming more social (networking purposes, as well) and active in the community. I am also planning on working on my portfolio....even though I don't plan on becoming an artist, if I decide I want to be an adjunct teacher for drawing or basic design courses, I would need to show something to the department head, wouldn't I? And maybe, I can even make money on the side (very unlikely, but one can dream, correct?)

I also plan on becoming more organized and clean. I've been doing better since I've gotten back from TN. But the busier I get the lazier I get when it comes to my bedroom/work space.

Also, to update. I love my new "responsibilities" at work! I don't tutor as much anymore, but I'm an adviser assistant! I am also helping my boss with some neat side projects. I'm excited that I'm able to use my talents to help other people!

My skirt's progress is at 50%. I just need to cut out more fabric and then sew it together. I'm thinking I can get it done by October! I need a nice, longer skirt. :)

Since being bombarded by having 19 credit hours, work, extra responsibilities, helping my professor in two classes (when needed), working on a journal on campus with some friends, creating some posters for said journal, creating concept designs for my portfolio, writing letters, sewing, working on a special project, and spending time with friends....I have found it really hard to find time to relax!!! I have remedied this by listening to DAN FOGELBERG!!! :)

I'm ambitious. That is all.

Updated Schedule

2011-09-14T00:11:00.003-06:00

I made myself even more busy.

Here is my updated schedule and all it's glory. It's a love/hate relationship.

=

2011-09-02T17:21:00.003-06:00

First week of school = demolished.

I'm totally ready for the weekend. I need more time to prepare for a lot these things.

This weekend:
-Clean
-Make Taco Salad for Break the Fast
-Seeing Em on Monday
-Sushi tomorrow?
-Making my skirt.

I'm not even sure what order I'm doing anything.

Jan 2010

2011-08-31T22:09:00.000-06:00

Summer is at a CAAALOSE

2011-08-27T19:23:00.001-06:00

So school starts on Monday. I'm kind of stressed out how I am going to be working out. I can work out at a gym...but when would I get there? I could run in the morning...but what will I do when it starts getting cold in October? Right now, I think the best, most efficient (and cheapest) solution is to continue what I have been doing... working out in the morning, either by bike or by walking/running. I'm still a little heavy to start running but I am patient. Bryant and I are going to start doing some core strength training...I'm hoping soon as well. He wants to do swimming, but again. It is not cheap or efficient on time. (Driving down to the place, when will I have the time?!)

Monday/Wednesday
11 AM - 1:50 PM - Rendering the Human Head
5 PM - 6:50 PM - Drawing II

Tuesday/Thursday
11:30 AM - 12:50 PM - 19th Century Art History
2:30 PM - 3:50 PM - Medieval Art History
5 PM - 6:20 PM - Senior Seminar

Thursday
7 PM - 7:50 PM - AVC Lectures

Friday
1 PM - 4 PM - Introduction to Museum Topics

Here is the Visual Version - TADA

Filled with work hours and church hours!

Looking at my schedule slightly depresses me - not in a terrible way! I'm just going to have to wake up early...I mean, REALLY early. Some people who know me know that 8am (lately) is super weird and early of me... but I'm thinking I might have to wake up at 6am. Yuck. Let's see if I can do it.

If I'm able to wake up at 6 in the morning. This would be my personal morning schedule:

0600 - Wake up
0615 - Complete morning routine
0620 - Eat a small breakfast, stretch
0630 - 0730 - Exercise
0745 - Shower and clothing sequence completed
0820 - Completed with scripture study, writing in my journal, reading my missionary handbook
0830 - Out the door waiting for the bus

Totally doable! Until homework starts to pile up. That's what weekends are for right? I can see myself waking up a little earlier to do some homework in the morning. Since my hours are so ugly, I'm kind of thinking not many people will want to be tutored by me for awhile... Maybe I will be safe for a little while.

While my attempts of being more active with the ward outside of church has been successful the past two months... I haven't attempted it with my current ugly schedule. With Monday nights with FHE, last Wednesdays of the month going to the temple.... Bryant and I talked about going to the temple weekly, but I don't know how we can get that to work out - especially since he hates waking up early... but I guess we will see when he gets a job. I would like to go weekly... but I'd hate to ask someone to go in the morning with me when it's so early! Ugh.... (Not that it's bad in any way, just not how I normally work...)

So, let's see how this works. This will actually be the earliest I'll be coming home in years. I usually love night classes, but I'm getting old. I'm at the point where I'm so sick of it. I will update on my progress of waking up early goes.

Shiina Ringo: "More" (Cover)

2011-08-25T19:01:00.000-06:00

More than the greatest love
The world has known
This is the love I'll give you alone
More than the simple words
I try to say
I only live to love you more each day

More than you'll ever know
My arms long to hold you so
My life will be in your keeping
Waking, sleeping, laughing, weeping

Longer than always is a long, long time
But far beyond forever you'll be mine

I know I've never lived before
And my heart is very sure
No one else could love you more

Ward Temple Night! - Provo Temple

2011-08-24T10:48:00.000-06:00

I love temple nights with my ward! Today, we will be going to the Provo temple! Another temple I have yet visited (at least the inside anyway.)

I'm super excited because Bryant, Mike, and I are going to do some temple work for my ancestors! It won't be very much! But, at least I'm getting some names done!

I am so thankful for temples and for the Church! I'm very thankful for the friendships I have made with the ward family! I am always so very thankful for Bryant every day. He has gone above and beyond to make our friendship so worth it.

Ahh~

2011-08-23T09:49:00.002-06:00

I have a new sleep schedule that has worked for almost a week now!

11:30pm-8am NO ALARM!

I am so very happy :)

Today I woke up at 6am to work out with my roommate. We are trying to do some early morning exercise! It has been pretty fun.

My Trip to Tennessee!

2011-08-17T10:53:00.003-06:00

August 1st: I left for Utah in the afternoon after my finals were done and headed out on a plane to TN! I arrived in TN around 9PM eastern time. Right when I boarded off the plane I got hit with the humidity and almost died. It was HUMID. I've been so pampered living in dry heat. My body is finally adjusted to it. I probably would never live in the east again because of the humidity! I spent time with my parents and headed to bed.

August 2nd: Since one of the main reasons I was in TN was to be there as a surprise for Marcus' 21st birthday I didn't do much but just watch Star Trek: Voyager. I also was organizing some things in my room. I didn't leave the house though.

August 3rd: Marcus was coming home, but not until later in the evening (around 11pm) so I was stuck at home again. Once Marcus was returning home from Andrew's gig with Sarah I was getting really anxious. I sat by the window for almost the whole hour he was driving back from Knoxville area. Once we saw him home, my parents and I did our quick short preparation. We decided that it would be awesome to catch his reaction on video tape. I sat in the kitchen. Since my parents got new counter tops, it would be a good way to lure him inside the kitchen. After several minutes of Marcus and Sarah unpacking they head upstairs with my parents. I can tell Sarah's voice was closer to me than Marcus'... I was getting nervous. I didn't want her to get there first! Marcus was standing next to Sarah at one point. Sarah looks into the kitchen and sees me and starts to wave. I told her to stay quiet. Marcus then storms into the kitchen to look at it and he saw me. What a great surprise! I'm so glad we caught it on camera! We spent the night talking and catching up.

August 4th: Since Marcus and Sarah were home, I spent the next several days spending time with them... playing Mario Party, laughing, and telling stories.

August 5th: Marcus and Sarah were gone to the Smokeys for hiking. I laid around. When they got home, they brought back Pal's. My mom told Sarah that we (mom, dad, and I) wanted three Big Pals and two large Frenchie Fries. Guess what Marcus does? He orders three Big Pals and two large Frenchie Fries. We all sat down to dinner and Marcus gives me a burger. Him and Sarah eat the two burgers and fries. I looked at my parents and said, "did he really do that?" I asked Marcus where the other bag was. Sarah looked at Marcus with the "I told you face" so after going to Pal's to get my parents their burger and our fries...we had a delicious Pal's dinner! I also got to talk to my cousin, Maho, for the first time in... 12 years? She is learning English and I was talking to her. It was so fun to talk to her!

August 6th: Since my family is awesome and understanding. We went out on the town to celebrate Marcus' birthday this day instead of his actual birthday because his birthday is on a Sunday. It was also Tax Free weekend! So off to Kohl's we went. Spent 200-something dollars, but saved over 600 dollars on clothes. Only my family can do some huge savings like that. We ate at our favorite restaurant in Knoxville (Japanese buffets are the bomb!) We also went to oriental stores -- we find boba! After picking up some sugary goodness and Marcus' birthday cake from Fresh Market, we headed home to make boba milk tea!

August 7th: Marcus' 21st birthday! We made a huge Japanese feast! Filled with korokke, okonomiyaki, eggrolls, and gyudon! My grandfather came over as we listened to Sarah serenade Marcus with her violin. It was totally cute.

August 8th: Marcus and Sarah's last day in Morristown. We were thinking about going to Mayfield Factory, but none of us really wanted to drive... So we stayed at home, played games, and what not. We ate at Mexico Lindo...and then we were going to make boba milk tea at home. But Marcus messed up the boba...(he doesn't know how to follow directions) but after another hour we were able to make our tea! Andrew and Hannah came over...since Marcus was about to leave and all.

August 9th: Marcus and Sarah leave early morning. I needed to get a refill of medication - this took forever! Stupid time zones. Eva picked me up and we headed to her apartment in Knoxville. We had an awesome time playing games, talking, watching a weird gay movie (literally), and laughing all night. Whenever we get together we always bring up all the things from high school (mainly) and other aspects of our life that has been bothering us. After talking to Eva...I always feel tons better about how I turned out. :)

August 10th: Eva drops me off at home. I spend time with my parents and talking to Bryant on Skype.

August 11th: I went over to Hannah's house and spent some time with her. I helped her get a printer set up on her laptop. We ate some chips and salsa! Then I had to leave to take Jennie's to her apartment in Johnson City. When we got there we decided to get a bunch of food that we used to eat as roommates! We made the bean dip and pigged out on chips and actual food. We walked around ETSU campus so I could see what has changed since I left a few years ago. We both passed out thanks to the bean dip.

August 12th: Jennie and I woke up early, packed, and got dressed. We headed to Ruby Tuesdays to meet with Tezuka-sensei for lunch. We talked and laughed. There was a lot that was said! I'm so glad I got to see her! It's been so long! After lunch, we went to get milkshakes and I took Jennie back home to Morristown. Talking in the car like we did every time I drove her home from school. Ahh~ memories! I love Jennie and her mom! My parents and I piled in the car as soon as I got home to meet Mary at Turkey Creek! We ate dinner together and caught up for a few hours. My mom hasn't seen her for a few years, I think it's been about 4-5 years since my dad has seen her. She's still the same. I love it :) We had a blast together.

August 13th: Since Marcus is super awesome at telling my parents stuff. The green car was broken..ish. So we had to take it to a shop a few days ago. It was fixed so we had to trade the green car with the blue Charger. We met up in Spartanburg, SC and ate at a really yummy Thai restaurant with Marcus and Sarah! We said our final goodbyes :(

August 14th: I helped my mom and Kumiko clean up her salon. Kumiko evened out my hair and taught me how to make my hair look thicker. Kristina picked me up later in the afternoon and we headed down to Gatlinburg. We ate at our favorite Italian place in the area (do not care for the buttery, greasy, garlic rolls) and we hit the town. There was a Moonshine store that blew our minds! Of course, being Sunday it was closed. A lot of people were really mad. I brought my mom back some Moonshine Apple Butter and I bought Bryant some candy sticks. I had fun with Kristina - she tells the best stories about her and her boyfriend!

August 15th: Early Monday - afternoon I spent time with Jennie and her mom. Talking and talking...and making fun of Korean pop bands... After a few hours spent with them. I went to pick my mom up from work and we headed to Knoxville to do some mother-daughter bonding (which means shopping at fabric stores and oriental stores) I spent some time with my parents and started to pack. :(

August 16th: I headed out on a plane to Utah in the early morning :(

It looks like I love myself

2011-07-30T01:51:00.001-06:00

Not what I am trying to convey... but this is just my "head shots" from this year so far. You can probably tell when I was my heaviest and when I was put on a diet.

First image: Late December 2010
Second image: Early January 2011
Third image: Late March 2011
Fourth image: Early June 2011
Fifth image: Early July 2011

I think the fourth image is a Marcus expression.

Anyway, I used to be really icky, but now I'm better. I haven't been sick since I was taken off my diet. I've lost a total of 48 lbs and 49 inches off of my body. I am having fun exercising again and having the stamina to stay past 8pm and sleep around 7-9hrs a night (rather than 14-16). I actually have a bit too much energy again but it's been fun exercising myself til' I pass out. I'm supposed to stay at my weight for a few more weeks. To stabilize after my diet ...but in a few weeks I can start losing weight for fitness purposes. Some of my "fat pants" are too big now. :) :) I can't wait to fit in my high school jeans again.

I'm just happy with the progress. :)

Crazy Kids, Yo

2011-07-28T04:43:00.001-06:00

I saw this picture from our "Kwanzarotic 2009" party we tried to set a tradition for - but sadly failed since I couldn't come home for Christmas last year.

I love how weird everyone else. Except Eva, she's beautiful as usual.

Anyway, I believe this shows our personalities so fantastic! (for the most part) Especially Marcus' creepo glare. I was sad that I wasn't in this picture until I realized I was popping out behind Eva.

Phone Conversation

2011-07-26T01:35:00.001-06:00

Bry: What are you doing?

Tina: Organizing the cords to my computer...I hate doing this, I wish I had a man to do this for me.

(Pause)

Bry: I AM YOUR MAN!!!!!!!

(Awkward silence)

Tina: I'm just going to go...

Bry: Okay, WUBBBYUUU

My best friend is the weirdest creature ever. I think he beats Marcus, Andrew, Kennley, and Dustin put together times 5.

Mt. Timpanogas Temple!

2011-07-22T09:56:00.001-06:00

This month our ward attended the Mt. Timpanogas temple in American Fork to participate in the Baptism and Endowment sessions. The temple was jam packed due to the SLC and Provo temples being closed right now.

The experience of doing Baptisms again was a real treat. I loved every second I was inside the temple. Feeling the spirit and feeling the warm fuzzies.

I can now add to tiny list of temples I've been to. Nashville temple and this one. Bryant and I talked about and thought it would be really cool to do names for my family in different temples. So that we could have the experience of seeing new temples since they are all beautiful in many different ways.

I would LOVE to go to Draper...

I'm in the process of working on my family's genealogy. Once I get their names ready for the temple, I'm going to have some friends join me to do their temple ordinances. It will be a truly uplifting and wonderful experience. Until then, I will have tons of fun researching and indexing :)

Apologize

2011-07-15T23:11:00.001-06:00

I apologize for my angry posting last time.

I'm home sick for Japan and Tennessee.

This posting will be sort, because I hurt my knee today, and I really need to pay attention to how painful it is.

Music, Molds, and Maturity

2011-07-11T12:24:00.000-06:00

I forgot how great it is to listen to music again.

I have been spending the little free time I have (since I've been working my butt off to finish these two classes in 20 days) by playing tennis and riding my bike.

Since lately I've been riding my bike alone, I use it to run errands. Hoorah! I enjoy riding my bike :)

I'm excited that in August I'm going to finish the over 200 charms I have created! I will touch up paint them, put a gloss finish, and put them on a key ring, earring, and bracelets! I'm excited that I also decided I will make some custom molds for my charms! :)

Once I finish that set, I'm going to start on my Arkham Horror Ancient One models! It's a project that I proposed to Bryant and I think he would enjoy it. I need to find some good sized containers to get some clay hardened so I can carve what I want.

I'm actually really excited about starting my FINAL year in school. If it weren't for this ONE class, I would be graduating in the winter, but oh well!

Also, I have contemplated it... whether I stay at UVU or move on to another college... I decided I am going to finish my original psychology degree. As far as Masters school goes.. I'm still highly UNSURE what to do. Finishing my psych degree will give me an extra year to ponder what to do for my career. I am totally happy staying at home crafting all day long while my doctor husband makes all the money. My dream is to have a doctorate in something. I WILL ACHIEVE MY DREAM! I think waiting awhile to get my Masters would be beneficial. I noticed that the longer I wait to do something serious it turns out better due to maturity.

Thanks Maturity, you are the slowest aspect of me. You are lazy. You and Mr. Thyroid are super lazy. Where were you, Maturity, when I couldn't fill my dress shirts until I was almost 20? Where were you when everyone else seemed to have started their periods. I want a hint of white hair! Or a wrinkle! But no, thanks to you Maturity, I'm going to be stuck in my 20s all the way til I hit menopause...which probably won't even come until I'm 90! Screw you Maturity! You always make me feel so immature because you're too lazy to work. Just work! COME ON!

WAKE UP AMERICA!

2011-07-07T00:56:00.002-06:00

Lately, I've been reading a lot of forums about presidential polls. As of right now, for the Republican ballot, Mitt Romney is winning. This is kind of surprising to me considering how much crap people have been saying about Mr. Romney.

Apparently, people can't vote for a president that "worships Joseph Smith." I laugh because of how false that is.

Also, people can't vote for him because he has multiple wives. Um, many sources say he has ONE wife...

Another thing, something about being part of a church that doesn't let random people in the temple. Or how members of the church can't drink, smoke, and other "fun stuff." Oh that really tells you if he's a good candidate or not...
(And when is sleeping with random strangers "fun"????)

Oh and lastly, I've heard Mormons are of the devil.

But I also respect all the people that are backing Romney up and the Mormon community as a whole.

However, those who say they will vote for him just because he is Mormon makes it wrong, too!

It seems like that is what America did with Obama, voted for him cause he's black. People still voted for him even though he has one of the craziest pastors I've seen in awhile. Yet, they frown at Romney just because he's LDS?

People do NOT make sense - America, does not make sense.

On another note, the Casey Anthony trial was nuts - again, what is wrong with people? I wish some people would just get out of our country - make the world a better place. I'm just glad the Elizabeth Smart trial actually finished. I hated the two who were "guilty" THEY WERE MORE THAN GUILTY! THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN....

There was also a clip becoming popular on YouTube and Tosh.0 where a 7-11 employee gets hit by a customer's car. The passenger walked out of the car like there was nothing wrong happening. The driver pulls out and heads out. No one even checked to see if the employee was okay. I dislike people and their actions.

I dislike people who do not know their limits when it comes to anything, especially alcohol, smoking, and drugs. If you wanna do it, fine, that's your decision. But please, lock yourself in your basement so that you don't go "accidentally" murdering people, or "accidentally" raping someone. Just get out of people's faces.

I would like to add that I have some gross neighbors. I'm sick of finding used condoms in the driveway.

No more HCG!

2011-06-29T20:57:00.000-06:00

I declared myself completed with my diet... even though I actually had 12 more injections left. I am done.

My doctor called back and told me that it was a good idea to end the diet today due to how I haven't eaten in the past (4) days and I am still unable to eat today. I barf at the site of food, and boy, I am too scared to throw up now! I am going to try my hardest to eat something tomorrow.

However, Friday I can eat almost anything except starches and sugars. Oh well. I can wait for Mr. Potato for three more weeks. I LOVE POTATOES!

I decided that my first meal will be a taco salad from some sort of join. I will not get sweet pork (because, ahem, sweet = sugar) but I am excited to use dressing for the first time in FOR-EVER! I am going to just use a little bit.......BUT SUGAR!!

This is great cause it's in time for some bbqs (no this was not planned on purpose!)

To list my accomplishment about this diet, here are totals.

Lost 38 lbs and 37 inches off my body.

Now, during this phase on my diet, I'm not allowed to intentionally lose weight.... but since I'll be outside a lot, as long as I eat around 2000 calories I should be fine.

I am so excited! :) I am totally OK where I am at now. I know it's no where near my goal, but hey, I'll take it!

Dad's birthday!

2011-06-27T00:37:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture of my dad and me in Tokyo area in 1990.

My dad turns 46 today! My dad is a very interesting person that many people enjoy. He has a good sense of humor and a good heart. He likes to fall asleep on the couch and he could never tell what color my prom dress was... My dad and I bonded through sports. He taught me how to become the good basketball player I was (but never able to prove) and the great softball player I became in high school. I guess we don't have much other interests other politics, but at least we were able to bond in different ways.

Thanks to my dad always being my coach in sports and in different aspects in life, he has inspired me to become a coach for my own softball team.

He taught me be who I am and be proud of it. Growing up in a stubborn, snobby small town it was hard to fit in. I actually rarely fit in.

I never could fit in with my teammates, but my dad also introduced me to the world of drums... and I was able to join the elementary, middle, and high school bands and have been able to find the greatest friends.

Because of how diverse my father (and my mother) is I am able to achieve and accomplish a large range of talents many people could not achieve. My father can paint, draw, build different things, photography, play sports (and coach them), and he taught me as many things as he knew. Many of my talents reflect my father's (as well as my mother's).

I wish I could be there to celebrate my dad's birthday with him, but I know he'll have a good one. Happy birthday! :)

5/19 - SOAD

2011-06-26T23:25:00.000-06:00

I just realized I never published this blog post. Darek and I went to see System of a Down on May 19th in Denver and then turned around and headed to LA to see Rammstein. This is the post about SOAD. I will get around to posting the entry for Rammstein as well. Enjoy!!

-----

I've never really mentioned Darek before, so for my family and friends to understand us, here it is in a nutshell:
Darek and I are coworkers at TRiO at school, he's extremely quiet and has the appearance of being quite sophisticated. An English major who uses extremely large vocabulary and actually knows the meaning of them! When I first met him, I was pretty certain I scared him since I always ask the most random questions at work. After a few weeks, he was listening to music so I asked him what he was listening to. He said "oh it's this person named Serj, have you ever heard of him?" My heart jumped, as I finally met someone in Utah who knows OF Serj! I jump around and scream "AHHHHH I LOVE HIM!" Our friendship blossomed. Still being really quiet, I noticed that he was talking to a few of us at work, and since Darek and I worked similar hours we started to get to know each other. We play the same games, listen to similar music, and have the same tastes in people.

System of a Down! - May 19

Darek, Stefany (who was not attending SOAD), and I set out on our trip to Denver. It was rough getting there because of the rain and snow in various places. We got a laugh in a gas station when I saw the newspaper's headline of "Equine Herpes" (which isn't really funny, but I never heard of any other animal getting herpes before!) and saw a magazine about where to buy different types of marijuana. Pretty interesting.

So we arrived to the hotel in Denver. And I decide to look up SOAD's line up. However, on my search for SOAD's setlist I realized that the location Darek and I were going to rock out at was outdoors! We begin to overreact because it was supposed to rain and thunderstorm. We begin to gain some optimism and said that SOAD would be awesome to watch with lightning in the background.

Back to the setlist, it was going to be perfect:

Prison Song
B.Y.O.B.
Know
Needles
Deer Dance
Attack
Radio/Video
Hypnotize
Question!
(Extended intro)
Suggestions
Psycho
Chop Suey!
Lonely Day
Soldier Side - Intro
Soldier Side
Kill Rock 'n Roll
Lost in Hollywood
Forest
Science
Holy Mountains
Aerials
Tentative
Cigaro
(Slow intro)
Suite-Pee
War?
(Extended version)
Toxicity
P.L.U.C.K.
Sartarabad
Sugar

~30 songs! It definitely was going to be amazing!

Darek and I got to Englewood, after purchasing our t-shirts we went to our seats. Gogol Bordello opened up for SOAD and had a lot of energy! They had a really weird and interesting sound. It was something like....gypsy rock or something. It was really strange, but I liked it...until I realized all of their songs sounded the same! Haha.

Then System came on to open up... and time stood still.

Instead of explaining the feeling of System opening, I will just post a video about it.

With the knowledge of the amazing setlist, after they dropped the curtain I knew it was going to be a killer show. I was so excited, happy, and actually in tears. I finally got to see one my favorite bands of ALL TIME perform LIVE! What a treat!

After a few songs I looked over at Darek who was rocking out, head banging, and screaming. If anyone knows Darek, they would understand how entertaining this was. Watching Darek have as much energy as he did made me even more motivated to start head banging as hard as I could. The rain was not hard at all and everyone was wet, head banging, and jumping around. We spent a good solid three hours rocking out to System. The crowd had so much energy! You could barely hear what System was singing, but you knew the songs so well that it didn't matter if you could hear them or not, you still knew what they were singing.

The hours of being surrounded by people gave Darek and me an interesting experience. We remembered that most of System's crowd are potheads. Everyone around us was smoking it. The more we screamed and jumped around the more we inhaled it. It was definitely not a smell that you could avoid at this concert. You smelled it everywhere and you smelled of it. We didn't realize the effects of the pot smoke until we were driving home after the concert. (After what felt like an hour of looking for his car.) As we were driving back to the hotel (without directions) we had interesting realizations about our "contact high":

1. How we remembered all the exit signs on our way to the concert. Hey, hey! That's the Ill-ilai-iad-iadda exit sign! Oh, Parker! That reminds me of a show.... Oh, oh oh! LOOK! IT SAYS....IT SAYS... I REMEMBER THAT NAME!

2. That the road is really hard to find.
"WHERE IS THE ROAD??"
"I THINK WE'RE DRIVING ON IT!!!"

3. Our Cardinal directions weren't intune with us. We could not tell if we were going North or South, until we got to our hotel...

4. As a truck was switching lanes to be in front of us we both started screaming and Darek started to shift towards the median. Then all the sudden we had a burst of laughter and kept reminding each other what just happened.

5. When we arrived to the area where our hotel was we got really excited...
"WHERE DO I TURN!?"
"HERE! NO NO NO NO!!!!!!! NOT HERE!"
"WHERE?"
"THERE???"
"WHAT!?!"
"I DON'T KNOW!"
"Okay...I think we made it..."

Our trip to see SOAD was super great! :) I loved it!

Let's Face It...

2011-06-25T15:26:00.001-06:00

I'm socially awkward. Here are some pictures to help illustrate what I think when something happens.

Short Update

2011-06-24T03:08:00.000-06:00

Since my recent break off with Hayes, I have been trying to figure out my purpose in life. Why am I here? What is the point? Where should I go? I haven't gotten far, but I feel happy. It's hard though because we were so close...and got along perfectly. I just need to see where I need to go as far as religion takes me. I hope we can stay friends though, he was such an important part of my life for the past three years.

My softball girls did well at the game! :) Have a good chance at the state tournament in my opinion

Diet is still going well... had to ask Bryant to give my shot on my left butt now that there is no room on my right side. Plus, tomorrow I'm going to need his help with the bigger needle.

My art critique went well. I guess. It was brutal, but I learned a lot.

Two more classes left.

Day #22 - HCG

2011-06-22T19:33:00.002-06:00

Still going strong! Recently switched to cottage cheese and egg whites instead of meat because it was making me sick.

-31 lbs

But I am on my period... so... pretty good? :)

INTJ

2011-06-20T18:16:00.000-06:00

Apparently my personality type is: INTJ

Introvert, intuitive, thinking, and judging.

I am considered VERY introverted. Ha ha... I found this fun article about introverts at carlkingcreative.com

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ

Church

2011-06-19T17:44:00.001-06:00

I love how church enlightens me to improve myself and my current state of life.

But what if you know what you need to improve will dramatically change your life - and hurt those who are close to you?

I'm talking to my bishop next Tuesday about my recent revelations.

!!!

2011-06-16T18:46:00.001-06:00

I also finally decided how I wanted to approach my future! HERE IT GOES!

Graduate in April 2012 from UVU.
April-July '12 I would like to coach softball again.
By August 2012, move to Washington, outside of Seattle.

I will work there and go to school part time to work on my pre requisites for a masters degree... whichever I choose. After a year, I will be able to go to school full time (since I'll have residency) and get to work on my masters degree stuff!

My ultimate goal is to get in the doctorate program for pathology at UW. :)

So that's my plan! This weekend is going to consist of, not only preparing for my art final, but I will be looking at schools to apply to. I have several factors in mind. I would like to go to UW for master's degree, but I don't think it's recommended to go to the same school for two levels of degrees, so I might go to a smaller, cheaper university for masters. We will see!

I am excited about my plans!

I love going to new places and meeting new people. I've enjoyed my time in Utah but I'm about ready to go somewhere new again. Utah is great, it is just not a place I would spend the rest of my life in. But I know when I get to a new state I will think the same thing about Utah that I think about Tennessee now.

That's it for now, I'm pooped, I have a lot of plans and a lot of happenings for this weekend. Tomorrow, I'm going to be researching schools and calling admissions, I'm going with my friend, Emily, to watch a movie and paint nails (I've never done this before with a friend!) On Saturday I have a game at 9am then I'm going with Emalee to judge at the baby contest this Saturday at UVU. I'm just hoping that I have enough time to do everything.

I also need to start putting up resumes to apply for jobs in Seattle area. If I can get a 40K+ job I will be happy. I need to start paying off my student loans ASAP.

The diet is going well, just 24 more days and I'm fine. I am still not hungry and I haven't had too intense of food cravings yet.

Day #12 - HCG

2011-06-12T23:38:00.000-06:00

Note: I'm still SICK of chicken!

Over the weekend I was able to pitch to my girls at their practice and played some frisbee with Bryant at the park.

However, that was a LITTLE too much for me. I had to go home and take a nap. I had become so dizzy my eyes were crossed and I couldn't get them to focus (yes, my eyes suck.)

I have great endurance while sitting. My problem is standing. My problem isn't moving around however.

I noticed when I stand I slowly tip over. I also fall over after I stand up too quickly. Other than that, I'm fine.

I started eating tomatoes, I'm totally allowed to :) but I eat them like an apple, is it really THAT weird?

I am exactly 30% through this diet! : )

Day #9 - HCG

2011-06-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I checked my weight and I had lost 15 lbs since I started my diet! Go me!

I am sick of chicken. I must find some other meat to eat that is cheap!

Everything has been going well so far. I am about 20% to my weight goal!

I must go now! Many things to do! I have a busy weekend and I'm so thankful for it!

Day #6 - HCG

2011-06-06T17:11:00.000-06:00

I have gotten better at injecting my butt with this stuff. It now only takes me about 4 minutes for set up, poking the syringe to get the air out, and shoving it in my butt cheek. It really helps when I have Simpsons playing on my computer when I do it, it flies by even faster!

On Saturday I did my first tri-injection (HCG + B12 Vitamin + Folic Acid) and I was sore. Especially since I stabbed in the wrong area of my butt. Afterwards, I went to my softball practice for a few hours to coach. I was getting really dizzy due to the heat and lack of food (since I'm not allowed to eat breakfast.) I went to the bus stop and noticed that the bus wouldn't come for another hour and a half. I decided that since I was close to downtown Provo I would walk. So after several blocks (okay, probably more like 20) I went to a bus stop that would go by my house. And I got there just in time! As I was feeling very faint (I did way more exercise than I'm ALLOWED to) I ran into Bryant who was on his way to his parent's house. He decided to invite me over, so I had to shower, grab my food, and left. I felt so weird. I couldn't even walk up the stairs without feeling like I was passing out. I almost tripped on the step right outside of my front door. Needless to say, I was very faint until I was able to lay down at his parent's house. I was very proud of myself to eat my very limited food supply while his family ate some very delicious smelling food. I wanted to try it so bad!

Note: I'm finally off of my depression medication I was on since March. I feel a lot better and I'm glad I don't need them anymore. Thanks Dr, for finding out that the reason why I've been so depressed is because my vitamins were SO LOW! If you are struggling with depression, I would suggest getting your vitamins checked out by a doctor before resorting to happy pills.

Anyway, back to today. It was the first day that I started to felt dizzy and faint. I'm not hungry but I'm craving for Chicken McNuggets from McDonald's. I've had chicken for every meal since Thursday and I'm already sick of it! So why do I want McNuggets is a question I have been asking myself all day long.

My energy is fine! Even better! I don't have to take unnecessary naps anymore, I fall asleep around midnight and I wake up (WITHOUT AN ALARM!) at 8am. I'm so proud of myself. I just have been feeling light headed today, but that's because I had to run some errands. I guess I shouldn't run my errands all in one day.

I haven't had any hunger pains or craving issues. I just wish I could have a little bit more fruit, but I won't argue!

I am going to try to go to the wellness center tomorrow to get my weight check so I can see if I've had any progress, as of right now, I don't think I have had much yet but I'm only on day 6 out of 40.

Day #1 - HCG

2011-06-01T05:32:00.002-06:00

About: hCG is the current "miracle" weight loss phenomenon. However, it was given to me to "fix" my metabolism.While losing weight is fun to see because of the results, my results will be fast paced. People who take this hormone along with a strict 500 calorie diet will lose tons of weight. It will benefit me to lose weight, but I am doing it for the sake of my wacky hormones/metabolic ability, not so much on the weight loss.

Thoughts: I'm really nervous trying this diet. It's a 40 day program. First three to four days while on injections I have to eat lots of high fat foods (cheesecake) Perfect that Bryant's birthday is tomorrow and that by this Saturday, I will start my 500 caloric intake. Let there be cake!

Since my previous visit with my doctor two weeks ago, when this diet was first brought up, I decided to try to eat smaller proportions and to just drink water. Eventually, I started to eat very small, uncomfortable meals. I ended up losing 5lbs,after being sick for most of the weekend with a stomach bug. My doctor commented on my ability to stay focused. I guess I should've mentioned how much I pigged out when with friends eating unhealthy BBQ and nummy Jell-O salad for Memorial Day... oh well :)

I am worried about this injection. I didn't sleep and it's 5:45 AM... I just want to sleep so that I can have a fulfilling day...but whatever, I will get by.

--UPDATE: 10:25AM

I did it! I did my shot. It took way too long but it was painless. I just need to stop freaking out before I stick the needle in my butt.

One LARGE Step to RECOVERY!

2011-05-17T15:47:00.000-06:00

I went to my follow-up appointment today. The doctor had only part of my results from my blood tests. But I don't have the stomach bacteria! Yay! Unfortunately my thyroid came back with wacky results again. My TSH is TOO HIGH and my antibody count is NORMAL. This is annoying! It keeps jumping around! So nothing for my thyroid yet.

My doctor asked me how I was doing. I told her I was fine except my big toe has been hurting badly. The worst that it has in years. She looked at it and said it looks dislocated! She wrote a referral for me to get my x-rays done!

Also, she talked about getting me a food allergy test done. Another tube of blood and 159 dollars (which will be reimbursed) and I will know all the foods I am allergic to. It will tell me if I am allergic to lima bean or kidney bean... that specific!

Then she asked me if I can stick to plans well. I told her I could, so she gave me a hCG diet to get on. I'm not going to start until my adventureful week is over. (I would rather eat these exotic foods of LA than to be on a diet)

hCG condensed shots is what I will be injecting every day. There are some risks involved. "During this diet, you will actually be lowering your calories to near starvation level. But the HCG will protect your muscles throughout your entire body, including your heart, liver and vital organs. The most important thing to do with this diet is to commit to doing it wholeheartedly. The reason being, is that hCG and this type of diet is not without risk, so you want to get ultimate response for the risks involved."

There is a 28 day program and a 40 day program. My doctor said that patients will lose up to 50lbs on the 28 day program and up to 100 lbs with the 40 day program. This is the same hormone that is produced during pregnancy. I will have to give myself a small shot every day to combat this weight I've gained due to all my health problems and my hormones being so unpredictable. You can't exactly lose weight when your hormones aren't working properly!

I also have to take this medication for my cells to have some insulin introduced in my cell. Both this and the shot will hopefully jump start my hormones. We will see once I start. I'm sure I'll complain in my blog often.

Other news....

I have my second softball game tonight! The first one was cancelled, so our next game (the "first game") we won! 14-9! My girls did wonderful! It is so much fun to see the huge improvement they have made so far. Their biggest problem was stealing bases and catching pop ups, but I think they fixed it for the most part! :) I think it might rain out though...

Also, Darek and I are heading out to Denver tomorrow morning for the System of a Down concert!!! I am so excited! We will be back Thursday afternoon in time for us to attend our classes.

Then I have a game on Thursday night, I hope it won't rain! (It's supposed to! WHY IS UTAH RAINING SO MUCH NOW?!)

Friday morning, Darek, Rachel, her sister, and I are going to head down to LA for a Rammstein concert! Totally jealous right? Yeah! On Saturday, I am going to go to LITTLE TOKYO!!!! to go to MARUKAI GROCERY STORE! I'm so super stoked (more so than the concert)

We will get back Sunday morning in time for church, luckily mine doesn't start until 1pm, so I get to sleep a bit. I also have an interview and a conference with the bishop when I go to church. I hope it will go well. I have to have faith!!! :)

I think that's enough babbling for now. I will write more later.

I ENJOY being busy!

2011-05-12T02:24:00.000-06:00

I started summer school on Monday. On Wednesday I started working at TRiO as a tutor! I was fortunate enough to work a few hours a week. I'm not sure how long I would be able to work but I have summer classes all semester long, due to one of them being an online class.

This is going to be the best summer yet! I had the best start by spending my first week with Hayes. I actually did something productive with my health. I went to the New Horizons Medical Center in Riverton, Utah... they were amazing! I never had a doctor actually listen to my symptoms about something and did something about it.

ie. My endocrinologist in SLC would not help me even though my antibody count was high, I guess cause my TSH level was fine. I went to two other doctors to see what they were thinking and they said the same thing no matter how crappy I told them I felt.

However, my visit to my new doctor was amazing! The 40min appointment turned into 2hrs. She said "All these doctors have ignored your illnesses and symptoms no wonder you feel so sick all the time!" She told me that I would be getting some sort of hormones to take. This would be wonderful cause then I can start losing weight at a much faster rate! There is something really offputting when you're only about to lose a pound a month. What happened to my old body? Gross.

Anyway, I'm getting tested for a ton of things. 10 things. I don't remember all of them but several of them were: bacterias, food allergy, wheat allergy, TSH, T3, antibody count, immune system, etc. I had to get 10 tubes of blood taken which really affected my body. I felt drunk or something.

I am excited to find out how crappy my body is! Woo hoo!

I also have my first softball game tonight. I just hope it's not cancelled!!!

First Day of PRACTICE!

2011-04-27T23:00:00.000-06:00

I'm surprised that after 5 years I still remember how to throw, pitch, bat, bunt, etc. I think I'm a genius! Just kidding :) Maybe I should join a slow pitch team next summer!

Anyway, I met 9 of my 12 girls. I'm SO excited! They work so hard and they are dedicated players. I have several players that are brand new to softball. It's so exciting watching all this stuff! I remember the super seriousness of high school softball that I forgot how innocent first time players are!

"Okay your turn to bat"
-Girl stands on home plate with toes pointed towards pitcher-
"Um.... XXXX have you ever played before?"
"I don't know..."

Hahaha kids are so cute. I passed out their jerseys today and they were just so excited!! After the first day, I feel better about coaching 12 girls. I have several parents that are being very helpful and I'm fortunate. They help do the drills so I can walk around and help the girls with their form and their understanding of the game. We have three more practices until the first game!!! Eek! But I am very confident in the girls! They really do not give enough time for practice before the season starts!!

Or maybe rec league is always like this. I only remember starting softball crap in October for "fall ball" and ending in May. Wow, I feel so old when I see that these girls are ten years younger than me. Gah!

Coaching

2011-04-25T21:48:00.002-06:00

You're looking at the new Provo rec league softball coach of The Racers!

I'm really excited to coach this year! Today was the first day of the draft, and it went really well. It started to hail/rain towards the end. It was so cold! :(

MORE GREAT NEWS!

2011-04-20T21:26:00.000-06:00

1. I was invited to a friend's family reunion because she is putting up a magic show that I've been dying to see!
2. I'm going to a Star Trek convention in August with Bryant. I love living out West for the purpose of being close to a lot of different conventions/cities.
3. Darek said I can be on his staff to do In-Design work for the journal! :)
4. Summer is almost here!
5. I LOVE THE SMELL OF RAIN!
6. I'm going to go shooting for the first time next Saturday.
7. I'm going to visit Hayes RIGHT AFTER!!! :)

Tumblr

2011-04-18T07:01:00.001-06:00

~~In 2004 I made a MySpace account.~~
In 2006 I made a ~~Facebook~~ account.
In 2009 I made a Blogger account.
~~In 2010 I made a Dailybooth account.~~

Now, in 2011, I have made a Tumblr account.

Let's see how long this will last....

Blogger = for blogging
Tumblr = for being a random idiot with no attention span.

TRiO Banquet + Flu

2011-04-17T23:03:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, April 13, we had the TRiO Annual Banquet. Filled with awesome food, friends, co-workers, music, and laughter. I invited Bryant to join me because I knew he would be available...plus, he can't deny free food. We were there from 6:30-8. Bryant was able to meet Diane since she sat with us and joined us in a very fun, interesting conversation. I love Diane and she is such a wonderful woman.

About halfway through the banquet, there were awards that were being handed out. The first award was for UVU Employee of the year. The second set of awards was UVU Instructor of the Year nominated by a few co-workers. The last set of awards was TRiO Student of the Year, which is brand new.

I nominated Diane a few weeks ago to give her the award. I have worked with her for two years now and I have loved every second working with her. I was asked by my boss to present Diane the award along with a little speech. I haven't given a speech for a long time...but I felt that I should just do it on the spot, have it from the heart, and have it more meaningful.

I still remember slowly walking up to the stage and standing in front of the microphone. The first thing that went through my mind was "oh crap...a microphone." The next thing that went through my mind was "gosh, that's a lot of people." And for some reason, I started laughing. Everyone in the crowd cheered for some reason, but I felt more comfortable about giving my speech. I tried my hardest not saying "um" or "uh" I looked directly at Diane while I gave my speech and I could see tears brought to her eyes. I gave the shortest speech out of anyone there. I only said a mere five sentence, but I am thankful that I decided against writing what to say down. I believe it created a stronger bond between Diane and myself. Diane was given a nice, beautiful, wooden plaque. I was very thrilled for her, especially seeing how happy and excited she was.

I was very glad that Bryant and Diane finally got to meet. Diane is a very special woman to me and Bryant being my best friend it was very touching for me to have them enjoy each other's company. I have such wonderful friends. Though they are few and far in-between, they are so powerful and meaningful!!

The next day (Thursday) I felt sick. I sat up and did my daily routine but felt really weird. I was trying to get dressed but I was sweating so much. It was as much sweat someone would get after running a mile, but I felt cold. I took my temperature as I was sitting outside to cool down. I had a 102 fever. I sent emails to my professors and went back to bed. I woke up around 4 with Bryant whining that he was bored. I took my temperature and I was back down to 98. (Still kind of high for me) but I went to go mini golfing with him. After about 30 minutes at Trafalga I felt really faint. Bryant said that I was getting pretty pale. After spending some time playing, we headed home. I attempted to sleep, boy was it a terrible time trying to sleep.

I spent the next couple days dying in my bed. Hayes came by to visit on Saturday. After he left on Saturday I took a nap until 9, I felt a little better but I was still running to the bathroom every 30 minutes. It was gross. However, by Sunday late afternoon, I finally recovered from my illness.

Now.......to catch up and study for finals. This week and next is going to be very busy!

Updated Expectations

2011-04-13T10:53:00.000-06:00

At the beginning of this year I wrote a list of expectations I had for this year. Here is the old list:
Expectations for this year:
1. By Feb: find out what is wrong with me. I'm leaning towards Hashimoto's disease
2. By April: End of spring semester + visiting home
3. By August: Hayes will move here
4. By September: Go out of town somewhere... preferably, Seattle again.
5. By December: Be completely healthy! yayyy!

Now the new list.

1. My thyroid is in that "too early to tell" stage. Doctor's aren't willing to diagnose me with anything until I'm in more pain... hmm.. I guess the doctor procedure is to wait a little longer for that.
2. Yes, end of spring semester...but I am most likely unable to visit home until perhaps Christmas break.
3. Hayes actually moved here in January! Way earlier than expected!!
4. I am going out of town on three occasions that have been planned/talked about! 1. Denver, 2. Los Angeles, 3. Yellerstone.
5. I am still hoping for this, I'm going to a Alternative Medicine doctor in May to see if they c an help me out for the time being.

Update

2011-04-11T16:55:00.001-06:00

Two weeks until finals! AHHH!

April 25/26 I have to attend a clinic/draft for my softball team! Granted it's Rec league, but I figure it would be a lot of fun!

May 12, SYSTEM OF A DOWN! in Denver

May 21, RAMMSTEIN! in LA

But I have to do summer school :( but just the first session!

I will finally get to meet Brendon and his family! I've only known them for what? 4 years!? It's time that I actually meet them.

I'm going to apply to a full time position for securing volunteer opportunities at UVU. I highly doubt I qualify for it, but doesn't hurt to try, huh?

I'm helping out a co-worker's sister to promote Human Trafficking in the state of Utah. If you are interested in finding out more information, please visit: http://tippingbucket.org/projects/end-child-slavery We are trying to raise over 5,000 dollars. It will go towards helping eliminating human trafficking in the state of Utah.

There has been a small mention about going back to Yellowstone...

I know there has also been talk about: Seattle and camping...

I am trying extremely hard to ignore about the fact that summer is coming up.

And it is not likely I'll be able to make it to TN this summer. Especially since I am going to be a head coach for a softball team and all the vacation I have to be doing. As well as tutoring on the side... but I will figure out a way to get back to Tennessee....

Dream #005

2011-04-08T00:45:00.000-06:00

Hair, lots and lots of hair. Knots, tangles, criss crossed, etc. I wasn't suffocating, I was just surrounded by tons of hair....kind of gross, huh?

Meaning:

To see hair in your dream, signifies sexual virility, seduction, sensuality, vanity, and health. It is indicative of your attitudes. If your hair is knotted or tangled, then it is symbolic of uncertainty and confusion in your life. You may be unable to think straight. If you dream that you make a drastic change to your hairstyle, then it means that you are making a drastic, new approach to some issue in your waking life.

Peace

2011-04-05T00:31:00.001-06:00

Last night was the first time I slept so peacefully in a long time...

April Fool's via text

2011-04-01T21:41:00.000-06:00

Me: "Hayes came down here this morning and proposed to me!"

Mom: "Did you tell him to get lost?"

Me: "No... I told him that I will marry him."

Mom: "April Fool's Day?!?!?!????"

Me: "Bahaha"

Mom: "Daddy almost died. Don't do that!"

Brag

2011-03-31T03:19:00.000-06:00

I must brag that I have the greatest friends in the world. Everyone here in Utah and everyone else scattered around the world that I can call my friend. It saddens me that I cannot talk to my long-distance friends all the time, cause I miss you all very much. But I just needed to mention something in my blog that was positive for once. Aside from my bad days and my nightmares, I do have amazing friends that make life worthwhile. I love each and every one of you.

Dream #004

2011-03-28T12:13:00.001-06:00

Last night, my dream was about how I was in a terrible, horrifying earthquake. Only to fall within the cracks. I felt deep pain as I was close to the firey pits of the center of the earth.

Meaning:

To dream of an earthquake, suggests that you are experiencing a major "shake-up" that is threatening your stability and foundation. The dream highlights your insecurity, fears and sense of helplessness. Is there something in your life that you feel at "fault" for?

~~If you find cover from the quake, you will overcome these challenges.~~ If you become trapped or injured during the quake, you will suffer some sort of loss in your life. According to the bible, earthquakes symbolize God's anger and power.

Depending on the context of your dream, to see fire in your dream can symbolize destruction, passion, desire, illumination, purification, transformation, enlightenment, or anger. It may suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering into your life. Your thoughts and views are changing. In particular, if the fire is under control or contained in one area, then it is a metaphor of your own internal fire and inner transformation. The dream may be a metaphor for someone who is "fiery". It represents your drive, motivation, and creative energy. Alternatively, the dream may be warning you of your dangerous or risky activities. You are literally "playing with fire".

To dream that you are being burned by fire, indicates that your temper is getting out of control. Some issue or situation is burning you up inside.

Dream #003

2011-03-24T21:17:00.003-06:00

Last night, my dream was about dinosaurs. I eventually turned into one and was being chased by a mob of dinosaurs.

Meaning:

To see a dinosaur in your dream, symbolizes an outdated attitude. You may need to discard your old ways of thinking and habits.

To dream that you are being chased by a dinosaur, indicates your fears of no longer being needed or useful. Alternatively, being chased by a dinosaur, may reflect old issues that are still coming back to haunt you.

Earthquake

2011-03-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I woke up at 5am... And I have no idea why. Hayes had sent me a message about an earthquake in Japan. I just said "whatever" and did some homework. A few hours later I noticed on my dad's facebook status about our family over there. I was getting nervous so I Googled the earthquake. Found out that on the east coast of Honshu there was an 8.9 earthquake. I was pretty shocked. I called my mom who at the time hadn't been in touch with her family yet. In a few hour's time I realized how bad the tsunamis were getting and I was getting really nervous. Anxious, since I also have some friends over there. I figured that they wouldn't be hurt by the earthquake, but I was worried about the tsunami. The waves were getting 30 ft + or so. Most of the east coast of Japan was damaged by flood. By noon my mom had gotten in contact with her two sisters. In a few hour's time I also found out that my old professor from school had gotten in touch with her family, so has another family-friend. By night time my mom had gotten into contact with her mom and brother. We were all finally accounted for. She said that Yui didn't suffer much damage, just a cupboard fell. Maya, on the other hand had a pretty wrecked apartment. Her brother kept saying how he wanted to surf in the tsunami. My grandma was saying how her dogs felt the earthquake before it hit. (Dogs are so cool!) Around 10pm last night I got into contact with Nazumi. She said she had to sleep over at her part time job because the metro wasn't on. She also said that Tokyo has to conserve power. She was on spring break so she decided to head to her parent's house in Gifu. I haven't heard from one more friend. But I'm hoping for their safety.

It's just so sad to see so much damage to Japan and all of the deaths. My mom even told me how her boss was telling her that because of the earthquake part of Japan cracked off and sunk underwater...to be lost forever. I haven't been able to find any stories to back that up yet.

My aunt Yui and her kids seem to have resumed life. Mom said that Shoui resumed baseball practice and she was going to go to the grocery store. Ha ha...

I'm pretty freakin' sure that this has NOTHING to do with "2012" I find it funny that so many people believe that's what is happening.

Dragon Age 2 + SoaD!

2011-03-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

I tried the Dragon Age II demo last night as a mage and today as an assassin (rogue) and I loved it! I'm so psyched about it coming out next week!!!

And then...Darek informed me of a SYSTEM OF A DOWN CONCERT!!! In MAY! I bought my ticket today! I'm so stoked.

School is fine. I'm going to a Alternative Medicine Clinic in two weeks in hopes to improve my health.

Dream #002

2011-03-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

My dream consisted of tripping over stuff as I was making my journey up a building. I never jerked awake until I jumped off the building.

Meaning

To dream that you trip on something, indicates that something is out of order in your life. Things are not going as smoothly as you want, especially when you are faced with obstacles. The dream may forewarn that you are about to make a mistake in some waking decision.

To dream that you fall and are frightened, indicates a lack of control, insecurity, and/or lack of support in your waking life. You may be experiencing some major struggle and/or overwhelming problem. It may also imply that you have failed to achieve a goal that you have set forth for yourself.

Dream #001

2011-02-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

I decided I wanted to document my dreams, I have weird ones. And then I wanted to put together a brief "meaning" of the dream using a website called "Dream Moods Dictionary."

Last night, in my dream, I was crushing eggs but I was dying as I was crushing them. Tons of blood was coming out of the eggs, but somehow it was my blood.

Meaning:

*To see cracked or broken eggs in your dream, represent feelings of vulnerability or a fragile state in your life. Consider the phrase, walking on eggshells. ~~Alternatively, you may be breaking out of your shell and being comfortable with who you are~~

*To dream that you are bleeding or losing blood, signifies that you are suffering from exhaustion or that you are feeling emotionally drained. It may also denote bitter confrontations between you and your friends. Your past actions has come back to haunt you. ~~Women often dream of blood or of someone bleeding, shortly before or during their periods or while they are pregnant.~~

20th Century Art History

2011-02-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

BAM! FINISHED. Well, with the first test anyway. It was swimmingly...but now I have all this unnecessary information about Pablo Picasso. Woo! Blue Period, La Vie! I'm done.

Tomorrow I meet with my art advisor to talk about graduating next spring. The DIGM program at ETSU has seniors doing something different than what art does here, obviously...but still I'm wired to think the digm way and not the art way. Hopefully the meeting will go well. Apparently the advisor I had was actually a dancing advisor that I got stuck with... no one told me! What the hay! No wonder why she sucked in recommending classes for me to take.

I bought some clothes from Target online. It's from my Christmas money that I have yet to use yet. I'm hoping to get it in the mail by Wednesday. Yay new outfits!

Also, I'm hoping to find out my blood results from my doctor tomorrow or Wednesday. Let's hope for tomorrow! I'm definitely tired of feeling so crappy!!

Pain

2011-02-05T00:02:00.001-07:00

I've never been in worse pain in my life like I am right now. My back feels like it is about to snap and half and my legs feel like they are going to fall out of socket.

I got my blood taken today, should know results by next Wednesday.

GEM!

2011-02-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

I found a GEM! Tanoshii Moomin Ikka! Okay, okay, as a little girl in Japan this was a show I watched frequently, as my memory serves...this is the only show I remember watching at all. A couple years ago they came out with the ENGLISH version of this. Of course, since I couldn't find any Japanese versions online, I downloaded the English version. It was so depressingly irritating. It's not the same! Americans always ruin voice overs!

FINALLY! Yesterday, I found the Japanese version of Moomin, it made me cry I was so happy. Ahh, hearing the theme song in Japanese brings back memories...

I'm terrible with updating

2011-01-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

and I apologize.

Everything is going smoothly. Semester is going best so far. I'm so focused. I wish it kicked in a bit sooner.

Hayes made his journey to Utah. He lives about 1h 30m north of me. Ain't that spectacular?! We haven't discussed much about how many times we should visit...because of my school + work and his work + painting. Either way, it'll work out.

I spent the past weekend with him. I felt at home. Like it once was in Tennessee. I feel peaceful.

Aside from all this talk of hope and happiness. I'm going to be going to the hospital this week to get my last blood test done. I'm praying for results by middle of next week. I hope I can be fixed soon, I am just tired of feeling this burning sensation in my throat.

Semester Schedule

2011-01-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

I'm taking 20 credit hours. I'm also working 17 hrs + 6hrs of volunteer. I'm night manager at TRiO, so I close every night (but Friday).

I think I'm going to die.

Design Assignment #2----------January 13

Design Assignment #3----------January 25

Math Exam #1----------January 26

Design Test #1----------February 1

Design Assignment #4----------February 3

20^th Exam #1----------February 7

Biology Test #1----------February 9-11

Design Assignment #5----------February 10

Math Exam #2----------February 11

Renaissance Exam #1----------February 10-12

20^th Museum Topic----------February 14

Design Assignment #6----------February 15

Design Test #2----------February 22

Design Assignment #7----------February 24

Math Exam #3----------March 1

Biology Test #2----------March 2-4

Design Assignment #8----------March 3

20^th Museum Outline/Resources----------March 9

Design Assignment #9----------March 10

Renaissance Exam #2----------March 10-12

Math Exam #4----------March 15

Design Test #3----------March 22

20^th Exam #2----------March 23

Biology Test #3----------March 23-25

Design Paper for Final Project----------March 29

Design Comp for Final Project----------April 5

Renaissance Paper----------April 5

The Art Spirit Response Paper----------April 6

Design Assignment #10----------April 7

20^th Museum Project----------April 11

Math Exam #5----------April 11

Renaissance Exam #3----------April 12-14

Design Final Project----------April 21

20^th Final Exam----------April 25 | 1PM

Math Final----------April 25-28

Design Final Exam----------April 26 | 9AM

Biology Final Exam----------April 26-27

Renaissance Final----------April 28 | 1PM

I found...

2011-01-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Star Wars Epic Duels game, brand new! Totally affordable and well worth it. Now I'm thinking if I should invest in it or not... it's one of those, if you snooze you lose type things.

Also, to update on my classes. I didn't go to school last week due to flu-like symptoms and I kept leaking stomach acid when I moved around too much. I know, it sounds disgusting, but you shouldn't be surprised. Bryant helped me get well enough to the point I could go to school on Friday to take the ACCUPLACER test to get into the college algebra class. Of course, I was completely fine.

So today, I went to my "Rendering the Human Head" course, which is awesome. I have a newer teacher (I love newer teachers) and he's going to be tough, but I'm going to learn a ton! Also, I went to "Twentieth Century Art and Architectural History" which with my super bouncy professor, this class shouldn't be too bad. The only bad thing about this class is a "Museum Project" we have to create (basically, a mock art gallery.) But I think I'll survive.

I'm going to be saving some of my loan money to take one or two art classes over the summer. I'll need to do this in order to graduate on time.

Yelp, back to work.

New Board Games!

2011-01-04T23:12:00.003-07:00

I bought two new board games... actually, these are the first board games I've ever bought for myself. Anyway, the two I got were: Betrayal at the House on the Hill and Shear Panic. Bryant and I have never played Shear Panic so we gave it a whack. It was sort of hard to understand the rule book, especially because I kept falling asleep on the floor and what not. But once we started to play, it was pretty fun. Sort of a "screw your opponents over game" with a "but you'll suffer the consequences" twist. I'm pretty happy with my purchase. :)

School tomorrow, we'll see how it goes.

Did I Accomplish Anything?

2011-01-03T06:24:00.001-07:00

Maybe, we'll see...

Plans for Winter Break
1. I'm working on this HUGE project for work that will hopefully improve my skills as a tutor and will help my students excel even more in their classes! I'm working on this PDF project for math (algebraI/II, geometry, trigonometry), ~~Japanese (grammar rules, digital flashcards, extra practice worksheets),~~ random sciences (meteorology, geology), stress management, and study skills. Let's see how much I can get done! My math notes span from 2002-2008, so let's see if I can even scratch the surface on that one.
2. Clay clay clay clay! I'm going to be getting ready for my big comeback at the beginning of 2011!
3. Knit, knit, knit! Or at least, attempting
~~4. I'm going to be making sugary sweets! Buckeyes, cookies, pie... gotta fatten everyone up.~~
5. Mass organization - mainly the computer, ~~but my bedroom~~ and important documents need it as well
~~6. Find a new Internet Provider (it's too boring)~~
7. Spending Christmas with Bryant and his family for a few days.
8. Fixing my sewing machine --- it's quite depressing
9. Blogging more often, I need to update everything....
~~10. Playing Guild Wars - Wintersday quests! - One in particular I'm obsessed about.~~

Out of the ten things I said I would do I completed 5 tasks, kinda one, and part of one major one. Not too bad for being as lazy as I have been.... I needed a break and I sure did take one. Of course sleeping over 10 hours a day didn't help either...

Since school is starting on Wednesday, I have to start getting my sleep schedule fixed. I decided to try to start a routine of getting up around 6am, heading to school at 9am and living there until 8pm, then heading back home to eat and feed dinner and head to bed by 10:30pm. We'll see how this works. I might have to spend my Sunday nights cooking the week's meals. I'm not sure how that's going to work out yet. I'm also not sure how I'm going to be getting groceries now because I will not be going home with Emalee this semester. Since my 6hr art class has been cancelled due to low interest, I don't have school or work on Fridays. Perhaps I will do my grocery shopping then, as well as my crafting.

My parents were nice enough to send me cash for Christmas, so I decided to buy myself fabrics! I'm so excited, I've got several projects planned. I've got three quilts in mind to make, I'm particularly excited about one of them. :)

Thinking Back on 2010

2011-01-01T23:11:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the big events that happened to be during the year of 2010.

January---
-I started to get sick more often.

February---
-I found out that my eyes cannot focus on moving objects.

March---
-Hayes came to visit me :)

April---
-I completed the most stressful semester of college.

May---
-Home to TN to see all my wonderful friends and family
-Strawberry Festival! ;D
-Went to a physical - referred to an endocrinologist in SLC for more blood work.

June---
-Bryant's birthday - 29 cupcakes!
-Had an appointment with endocrinologist - nothing yet.
-Figured out my intolerance for most grains.

July---
-Yellowstone with great friends :)
-Canoeing, jumping off the bridge, hiking, traveling to new states, fireworks
-Found out that I'm unable to break down nutrients
-Discovered Dragon Age: Origins

August---
-Second round of blood work done - found out that there were antibodies in my thyroid.
-Hayes came to see me...AGAIN! :)
-Fall semester.

September---
-PAX convention with Bryant, Clint, and Spencer.
-Demo of GW2. Seattle Science museum. Japanese grocery store. Amazing seafood and ice cream.
-Started to become more fatigued, I required more than 10 hrs of sleep.

October---
-Depression :(
-Hall of Monuments!
-Participated in Pink Day in LA :)
-Birthday - ooohhh noooo I'm 22... and people still think I'm 19.

November---
-More sick, ew, ew, ew.

December---
-New landlord!
-Finished the semester with 3 As, 2 Bs, 1 C. Pretty good for being ill.
-Had a super fun Christmas holiday with Bryant and his family.
-Had a great end with the New Years with Bryant, Amber, and Clint.

And I started the New Years off with ozoni soup and playing Epic Duels and Red November with Bryant. Hehehe.

Expectations for this year:
By Feb: find out what is wrong with me. I'm leaning towards Hashimoto's disease
By April: End of spring semester + visiting home
By August: Hayes will move here
By September: Go out of town somewhere... preferably, Seattle again.
By December: Be completely healthy! yayyy!

8 Days and Counting

2010-12-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, 8 days til school starts. As school approaches I'm planning on textbooks to purchase. I found my art history II book for 10 dollars on Amazon and it looks like I'll have to spend about 60 dollars on my biology textbook. No matter, out of my 16 credit hours I'm only spending 70 dollars on textbooks - not too bad.

I'm at work right now reading my very first purchased cookbook called Momofuku. It's an entertaining read if anything. I recommend it to serious Asian food cookers.

Currently listening to: Gake no ue no Ponyo
Currently giggling at: "Kewpie" Mayonnaise. I love the name of Japanese products. Kewpie!
Currently browsing at: hats and scarves at jshopper
Currently avoiding: making digital flashcards for Japanese vocabulary words
Current mood: super sleepy. I'm still not used to waking up at 6am - at least I have a friend that keeps me entertained until I have to go to work at 8am. Funny that now I have friends in England, where next? Egypt? Ha ha ha, nice try...

9 Days

2010-12-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

9 days and counting... til school starts. How sad!

And alas, I cannot sleep.

So, on Friday afternoon Bryant and I went to his parent's house to spend Christmas with them. It was a lot of fun! It was really neat to experience what a family who is really into Christmas..experiences. I'm really grateful that his family invited me - I had a great time. His family was nice enough to get me a couple of things. One of my favorites was the V for Vendetta graphic novel I've been dying to have for awhile now. I am appreciative for everything I received.

I'm excited for New Years. New Years is something that I enjoy - especially the food! :D Maybe I have gone to too many parties - ha ha, last New Years I was at Hayes' and I totally forgot it was the New Years and I was so upset at myself. I remember that we ate spaghetti at 2am before I realized that it was the new year. Ugh, I can't believe myself sometimes!

Today's agenda: Nothing

Tomorrow's agenda: Work

When I get aggravated about having roommates is when I wish I was married right now. How nice it would be to live in an organized life with no other females to bug you or suspect you of stupid stuff... that would be so lovely.

Get to Know Me: Top Ten Pet Peeves

2010-12-23T13:19:00.067-07:00

1. When people type: "should of / could of / would of" instead of: "should have / could have / would have" and vice versa

2. Liberals

3. Trying to spell the word: "restaurant"

4. Stepping on/touching someone else's chewed up gum

5. Waking up before 10AM

6. Not knowing what to eat

7. When people run up to me and speak to me in Korean or Chinese - I hate assumptions

8. When people say "wow Tina, you're tall." Well no shi- of course I know!

9. Squeaky noses

10. False history "facts"

Successes / Fails

2010-12-22T00:16:00.000-07:00

Success: I finished my Japanese conjugation reference sheet so that it's easier to read/print
Fail: I misspelled a lot of parts

Success: I bought stuff to bake cookies and what not!
Fail: I'm too sick to do it.

Success: I fixed my sewing machine.
Fail: I don't have enough fabric to do what I want.

Success: I have clipped over 1,000 recipes.
Fail: I didn't want to type them all so I lost about half of them...

Success: I have all my math notes from high school.
Fail: I'm too lazy to type them up.

Success: Wintersday
Fail: Too lazy to farm for gifts.

Rap

2010-12-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've temporarily returned to my rap listening days - enjoying Eminem.

I used to be big in rap music back in high school. Since then I've grown out of most of it (I just like the powerful energy and beats, not so much lyrics) but Eminem is someone I've never been able to grow out of. In a few days I'll go back to listening to my Queen and Serj Tankian, give me a few days to listen to rap.

I'm SLACKING!

2010-12-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry! I've been slacking on my blogging! School nearly killed me but I survived when I finally turned in my last final for my art history class at 10:20AM on Saturday. I'm so glad to be done.

This winter break I'm not going home, but instead I'm going to try to pump 25hrs a week until school starts. That will get me some extra money for when the new semester starts.

Here is my most up-to-date school and work semester for 2011 (times aren't accurate cause I'm lazy):
Monday: ART 327R (11-2) || Work (3-8)
Tuesday: ARTH3010 (10-12) || BIOL1010 (2-4) || Work (5-8)
Wednesday: ART 327R (11-2) || Work (3-8)
Thursday: ARTH3010 (10-12) || BIOL1010 (2-4) || Work (5-7) || ART200R (7-8)
Friday: ART470R (8-2)
Saturday: ARTH2720 (8-11)

Depressing huh? I'll practically be living on campus...this is apparently my Japanese side showing since as you see here, I'm attending school 6 days a week. Too bad I don't have nearly enough work ethic skills to proudly say I'm the typical hardworking Japanese-American - but whatever.

Plans for Winter Break (I'm super excited!)
1. I'm working on this HUGE project for work that will hopefully improve my skills as a tutor and will help my students excel even more in their classes! I'm working on this PDF project for math (algebraI/II, geometry, trigonometry), Japanese (grammar rules, digital flashcards, extra practice worksheets), random sciences (meteorology, geology), stress management, and study skills. Let's see how much I can get done! My math notes span from 2002-2008, so let's see if I can even scratch the surface on that one.
2. Clay clay clay clay! I'm going to be getting ready for my big comeback at the beginning of 2011!
3. Knit, knit, knit! Or at least, attempting
4. I'm going to be making sugary sweets! Buckeyes, cookies, pie... gotta fatten everyone up.
5. Mass organization - mainly the computer, but my bedroom and important documents need it as well
6. Find a new Internet Provider (it's too boring)
7. Spending Christmas with Bryant and his family for a few days.
8. Fixing my sewing machine --- it's quite depressing
9. Blogging more often, I need to update everything....
10. Playing Guild Wars - Wintersday quests! - One in particular I'm obsessed about.

I think that's about it. I'm glad that this blog post helped me wake up a bit. :)

Ah, another thing. You know when you watch a movie and you notice something you've never seen before but it completely ruins a portion (or maybe even the whole) movie? Well, I was watching Moulin Rouge and there was one part where you can see most of Nicole Kidman's right nipple. I don't know how on earth I spotted it. Perhaps it's because of the amount of times I've seen this film...over and over...I have to have something else to look at. Anyway, I'm not going to specify WHERE in the film so you don't get upset that I told you... but I'll just say... it's pretty obvious.

And with that note, I'm going to continue editing this conjugation chart Bryant made for me.

Photography I

2010-12-13T17:38:00.001-07:00

A-

Next Semester

2010-12-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

In preparation for finals I have begun to think about my plans for next semester. I decided that I will not work at TRiO in the morning/early afternoon shifts anymore. I will only work nights. I also changed a few classes around but I am still thinking about my choices. Will update my schedule on here at the beginning of January.

Oh boy.

2010-12-10T20:35:00.002-07:00

One of my closest friends from high school (and fellow drummer) is now a registered sex offender.

-sigh-

Two finals down - 5 more to go!

2010-12-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

Good news and bad news today.

The Good:
1) I'm finished with my photography final. Now I just have to worry about the written one.
2) No more English class!
3) No more philosophy! Took the last extra credit quiz today which was so hilarious "Do you like my tshirts?"

The Bad:
1) Dyson was messing around with me which lead to me breaking my Kindle
2) English paper
3) All the other assignments/finals I have to do

The Better:
1) I called Amazon and they are going to replace said broken Kindle with a new one! :)
2) I installed my internal hard drive. Collectively, I have 3 TB for my computer
3) I love talking to old friends
4) I got a lovely sticky note that made my day!

5) Bryant made shichuu.. mmmm!!!

6) Bryant bought me a BIG chocolate bar

7) Christmas break is around the corner :)

One final down - 6 more to go!

2010-12-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

I turned in my philosophy final this afternoon and felt WONDERFUL about it.

Currently I'm at work not working... just relaxing from spending 6 hours in the dark room.

My photo final was supposed to be this Wednesday but my professor pushed it back until next Monday. Urgh.

Also... I wish I could go home... :(

Suck!

2010-12-05T18:15:00.001-07:00

Final projects, papers, portfolios.

I just have one thing to say to you.

YOU SUCK!

And yes, I talk to inanimate objects. Farewell.

Reconnecting

2010-12-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone has had at least one friend who you hated to be around only because you adored them so much. No matter what you did or how much time you spent with this person...nothing was ever going to happen between the two of you. In high school, I had several guy friends that I had felt this relationship with. I respected their choices and I kept my distance from those guys who had already found someone. I remember odd memories of each guy that I was infatuated with. The one hand hold in the car, wearing the same t-shirts, going on a hike, the sound of your music, the long hug...

The guys I was infatuated with in high school were lots of losers, some brilliant, and very few amazing. I did not have good taste in men. It seemed that I went after those "bad guys." You know, the ones that smoked behind some dumpster in the school or the ones that were in detention all the time. Yet, I also admired the intelligent, well mannered, mature...but they weren't so interesting to me. The girls I hung out with were completely different than the guys I hung out with. I'm still friends with my close high school girl friends today. Hannah, Eva, Kristina, Lata, Nicole... I still talk to them as much as I can and I love each and every one of them. But the guy friends I had loved so dearly in high school fell apart. I have not talked to a few of them since they graduated high school a year or two before me. So, about four years for some of them.

I am the girl that has more guy friends than girl friends. I am the girl that is easily intimidated by a girl. I am the girl that panics when I am left alone with a girl - I have no idea what to say. Yet, these guys that had such a strong impact in my life (even the bad experiences turned out for the better) I have yet talked to them in years. Of course, no one talks to their ex-boyfriends, no matter the circumstance. It is just way too awkward. But what about my gay friends? My best friends? My classmates? I just haven't had the chance to talk to them.

There are two men in particular that I enjoyed in high school and always will. I adored both of them throughout my high school career. I laughed with both of them. I loved both of them. Both of these men meant so much to me. Both graduated in 2006. I still spent some time with one before he went to college that fall. While the other, I will rejoin in college in the fall of 2007.

Once I was baptized and moved to Utah, it consequently led me to have angry friends and disappointed folk. It has also led me to lack of communication because of distance. It also was hard for some because "Mormons are evil!" I love the friends I have made here and I am grateful every day for them; but I also miss my old friends dearly. No matter their intelligence or what their moral standards were. I always have a soft spot for them in my heart.

I found one of my dear friends I was so infatuated with in high school on Facebook. I know, as much as I hate it, it has allowed me to stay in touch with those I care about. It is hard in our fast paced college/grown up life to have a phone conversation. Especially when you live so far away from EVERYONE. When I came home from the movies, I checked my Facebook to find what this particular friend wrote and tagged me in. I thought it was beautiful and wanted to post it in here as well.

I want to yell "Thank you!" at all of my people who are reading me right now. I mean it. Thanks to everyone who is along on this ride with me. Thanks to all of you who have taken a chance to give me some of your love. I carry you guys with me everywhere I go. I think about all of you every day. Memories of you make me laugh hard and think hard and help me make it through tough times.

Y'all have been with me through the times when we've gone crazy for the sake of going crazy. You've done things with me that none of us wanted to do but we did it anyway because we had to. You've been there when I've been at my best, and you've been there when I have a been a selfish babbling child. You have inspired me and delighted me, and some of you have terrified me. I know I have hurt some of you, I have violated boundaries and stolen a lot of trust from some of you. Some of you have hurt me. But all of you have been willing to grant me forgiveness when i did not deserve to be forgiven so readily and I have forgiven you because thats what love is.

Life is an swift current. People come and go and situations can change over night and in the worst of times people can lose each other and damn near kill each other with words and deeds. In the best of times we can find each other again after months and years of darkness. Sometimes we lose each other and ourselves in the search for ourselves. It has happened to me and I know it has happened to some of you. But most of you reading are like me and you are just beginning to solve that puzzle that is "who the fuck am I". We are flexing our muscles and we are finding our boundaries. The best of us are pushing those boundaries inch by inch and we are trying to become stronger. I am overjoyed when I look at some of you and see what you have become, see the distances that you have traveled and I can't wait to see what you will do next. I'm proud of you. I'm jealous sometimes.

Life in the 21st century has the tendency to isolate and confound us. There are so many things raging around us that stuff can become hard to sort out. It is hard for our generation to see through the mess and recognize what is real and what is not real. Our expectations are great and yet they often contain little substance. The world we have inherited is at times too flat or too loud, things run together. Things are too saturated with color and noise and the bullshit can look like the real shit. Real meaning and substance is often lost in favor of style, or marketability or convenience. Many of us mistake the need to be felt with a need to be seen or heard. But if try you can feel it out. You can sort out the genuine from the imaginary. When you do let it be known, because some of us need help finding it, because without each other we have little else. Look closer and try and see through and try to see each other.

Make time and steal time for each other. If you love your brothers and sisters let them know, because they may not know, or they may have forgotten. They need to know. They deserve it. If you see the light in someone else, acknowledge that, because the rest of the world may not see. They may not see it themselves or they may have underestimated themselves. Lift your brothers and sisters up, celebrate them and adorn them with gratitude. There is no such thing as too much. We don't have forever.

I wish I had you all here right now with me. I would embrace you all and give you a big 'ole hug and I would kiss some of you on your beautiful faces. But you all are not with me now, all I have is this FB note, this medium falls short but its all I have. There is no way I can capture my feelings for you all in words. Next time I see you I hope you can see it my eyes.

I loved every word of it cause I could hear him saying it. It reminds me so much of our long conversations that we shared several years ago. A very insightful guy. A very intelligent mind. A very dear friend. It has lead me to think deeply about those who I have lost contact with. It has lead me to this posting. It has also given me a big smile on my face because I know that even though we hadn't talked in a long time, I still love the person that he is. I adore Tanner.

At the end of the note, he also wrote this:

Tina - when God made you he was trying to make a rainbow but you couldn't sit still long enough to be a rainbow

What a wonderful friend. I am so grateful for this reunion.

I'm going crazy!

2010-12-03T01:54:00.002-07:00

I seriously cannot hear out of my right ear - at all.

My left ear... I can kind of hear. My roommate asked me to turn down the volume of my movie cause she couldn't stay asleep... Now, I can't hear my movie unless I stick the speaker right in my ear.

I'm going to the clinic in the morning.

I'm off to a good start for December.

2010-12-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's December already!

There has been some MAJOR drama in my apartment -- I will not post it here for the time being seeing it is still a sensitive matter. Though, this has led me to talk to one roommate more than I ever did...but I'm against one. Oh well.

I'm also eating Bob's Red Mill Corn Grits - AMAZING.

The rumor at work is that we get to work during Christmas break!

My new landlord is awesome! Way better than the last one. My rent has been reduced by 50 dollars!

At work today, I helped Jarry film for his ASL class... I got to learn some stuff about dental and about sign language -- of course I don't remember the signings he showed me... It was way fun though!

Today, I went to a seminar on Human Trafficking --- here goes another idea I'm thinking about joining -- I've always been really interested in human trafficking (see, I enjoy human rights, not animal rights...or plant rights...or whatever.)

I have some big projects that I will be doing this winter break that I'm way excited about (besides crafting.) It involves: math, Japanese, learning disabilities, and history...not all the same time.

I also found out that Dyson has never seen Star Wars or Indiana Jones... guess I have to educate him instead of shouting out Star Wars quotes at him all the time.

I love my co-workers. And I love my best friends.

"Let's hug forever and ever..."
"Okay, Tina."
"..and ever and ever.."
"Umm, alright...?"
"..and ever and ever and..."
"I think that's enough 'ever's!"

Retainer

2010-12-01T21:57:00.002-07:00

My permanent retainer popped off last night. It still feels weird to not have it in. I'm not going to complain cause it feels awesome. But now, I'm sort of concerned that my teeth will get ugly, I am half Japanese.

Without this retainer in my mouth, I've noticed one thing... my overly large tongue does not want to stay in my mouth. I suppose this retainer kind of kept my tongue in my mouth much better than I could do it on my own. I'm also talking weirder too...like I have a retarded lisp or something. I'm noticing more that after a long time of sitting or walking my tongue slowly sticks out of my mouth -- I, obviously, have problems.

I should also add that Marcus is jealous about my retainer popping off. ;)

Crowning Moment!

2010-11-28T20:12:00.002-07:00

I sold my first thing on ETSY! :)

I can't wait til winter break... I can do so much crafting then...

20 more days until my last final.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

This year, I had a pretty ghetto Thanksgiving. This is what I made for myself for Thanksgiving:

Baked Brie

Don Pablo's Corn Cake

Leftover Lasagna and Eggroll

My mom and I talked a few days ago about having Thanksgiving dinner over Skype since I can't go home...and I had no where I felt comfortable enough to go for Thanksgiving. So here is my family for our Ghetto Thanksgiving Skype Dinner!

Dad, Marcus, and Mom's hair.

Mom trying to blind me with Marcus' mouse.

Mom said that the plate wanted to talk to me.

Marcus is full from eating.

He's slowly dying.

Diane came over halfway through and gave me some food from her Thanksgiving. She is so nice and I love her to death. The food was delicious!

Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pie

I was making fun of Marcus' hair, and then I flipped him off.

Though, I caught him when he was flipping me off back. (With my pseudo-Marcus hair)

Har har har.

Marcus and dad watching a football game.

I was feeling ignored cause I don't understand football.

Mom's eye creeping in.

Marcus is dead.

I had a great Thanksgiving :)

What I'm Thankful For...

2010-11-24T21:07:00.017-07:00

Utah Blizzard

2010-11-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

its much like a Tennessee Blizzard.

UVU and BYU closed campuses at around 4pm and... well, there isn't even an inch of snow on the ground.

7 MORE HOURS...

2010-11-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

until the break! Then I will actually have a blog post that's longer than 3 sentences.

I'm also depressed at the fact that South Park has ended until April 2011.

A blizzard is supposed to hit soon. I haven't been in a blizzard in years...in Ohio. I didn't live in TN during the great blizzard of 93. We'll see what a Utah blizzard looks like.

One Word...

2010-11-20T15:45:00.001-07:00

Contractions.

I've never laughed so hard.

What Are Some Types of Thyroid Conditions?

2010-11-20T00:44:00.001-07:00

Here is an update on my thyroids for those who don't know. I'm merely looking at an online site about the symptoms of thyroid problems...yet, my doctor won't let me get anything done about it. Except to wait. Well, how much longer am I supposed to wait?!

-----------------------------

Thyroid gland hormones can affect food metabolism, mood, and sexual function.

When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition, overactive thyroid, is called hyperthyroidism. Symptoms that may indicate hyperthyroidism include:

enlarged thyroid gland
inability to tolerate heat
infrequent, scant menstrual periods
irritability or nervousness
muscle weakness or tremors
sleep disturbances
vision problems or eye irritation
weight loss

When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, the body uses energy at a slower pace than it should. This condition, underactive thyroid, is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms that may indicate hypothyroidism include:

dry, coarse skin and hair
fatigue
forgetfulness
frequent, heavy menstrual periods
hoarse voice
inability to tolerate cold
weight gain

For the reason why I don't talk on the phone anymore? I sound like I'm going through puberty. I am, so seriously, sick of this.

"I kinda feel sorry for Voldemort...

2010-11-18T02:23:00.002-07:00

I mean, he doesn't have a nose. That would suck if you didn't have a nose, right?"
-Kudos to my photography professor.

I spoke too soon...

2010-11-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

About my eye problems? Yeah, I need to go back to the hospital.

School is so retarded.

And by the way, any drama done on an MMORPG is way overrated.

Bryant has been working on "custom content expansion" for Arkham Horror, and I get to help him draw some stuff out :) Neato.

Lack of Updating...

2010-11-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't updated my blog in awhile now! Especially since I was good at posting often...

Anyway, here is a pledge to start updating more often.

Now, what have I done since my last blog post? Nothing really. Some good, some bad. More bad than good. Barely any good. Whatever, I'm still here kickin' it.

Work is going well - for the most part. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm helping my students. Sometimes I feel like I'm helping them TOO much...

School is coming along much better but it takes so much effort for me to actually do the assignments. I'm taking the classes I hate the most in the same semester - bad idea! English, philosophy, and photography...all in the same semester! GROSS!

As far as health problems go, it's going better. I get occasional swelling in my throat (perhaps thyroid?) but my eye pain is almost gone -- just super duper dry when I wake up. All my health problems at the moment is boiling down to emotions. I get stomach aches when I'm sad or pouting too long - does that sound weird? Maybe I'm broken. But, yes, I've been sad more than usual...it doesn't help I'm taking classes I hate and barely have any time to play....

Mysterion Rises

2010-11-03T14:37:00.002-06:00

I totally knew it was Kenny.... :)

Chemistry ???

2010-10-27T00:54:00.000-06:00

Spencer and I talked about taking Chemistry I/II together for Fall '11/Spring '12. I'm so scared.
I gotta pass these "testing out" exams for math up to trig. Let's see if I'll be successful! I also have to take a Chem 1010 class. Maybe I'll take it from BYU.

Classes!

2010-10-25T17:19:00.000-06:00

Here is my schedule for Spring 2011

Monday/Wednesday:
11AM-1:50PM -- ART 327R -- Rendering the Human Head
5:30PM-6:20PM -- ART 2110 -- Drawing II

Tuesday/Thursday:
10AM-11:20PM -- ARTH 3010 -- History of Design and Visual Arts
2:30PM-3:45PM -- BIOL 1010 -- General Biology

Thursday:
7PM-7:50PM -- ART 200R -- AVC Lecture

Friday:
8AM-1:50PM -- ART 470R -- Interpretative Drawing

Saturday:
8AM-10:30AM -- ARTH 2720 -- Art From the Renaissance

+17 hours of work study ☺

---

There has been discussion about going back to Seattle next September!!!

Strength Quest

2010-10-24T23:32:00.005-06:00

For work we had to take this thing called "Strength Quest" basically it would quiz you. After about 30 minutes it will put you in categories. Here are my strengths in the order of ranking. I don't know if I agree with it...

STRATEGIC

People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

ACHIEVER

People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.

LEARNER

People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

RELATOR

People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

SIGNIFICANCE

People who are especially talented in the Significance theme want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.