Can't My Paper Just Write Itself?

I wish it would. It is funny because lately I've found an interest in random books, history, poems, etc....you know, things one would most likely have to read in college. Well, the funny part is that I've been thinking to myself, "Man, if only I had more time, I would totally read (insert said book)"...but then I think, "Wait, this is the same kind of stuff I am assigned to read...so maybe I can just try to enjoy my homework!" But, nope.

I'm not sure why this semester is completely miserable, but for some reason I am just over it. I am counting down the remaining weeks. I think it might be so terrible because all of my classes this semester are NOT interesting. At All. Could be why....now back to that paper.

The Nile Perch

I am busy writing a paper for my sociology class: Current Social Problems (totally uplifting course, I know). After about an hour of research with little information to show for my efforts, I adopted a negative attitude toward writing this paper. UGH. Right? Well, now I am reading about these kids in Tanzania...and by kids, I mean about 10-17 years old...most of them orphans with nothing at all to eat--orphans whose parents fell victim to the AIDS epidemic. They have literally nowhere to sleep and nothing at all to eat; these kids sniff melted plastic to sleep soundly through the night on the streets. This isn't the story of a few homeless kids...this is the reality for thousands and thousands of people in Tanzania. It is a serious problem heavily impacted by the non-stop spreading of AIDS. It is unbelievable. It completely breaks my heart.
36% of the population in Tanzania is living way below the country's established poverty line--which I can only assume is way lower than our established poverty line.

I am thankful I have to write this paper...thankful that writing this paper is my biggest worry at the moment. I'm lucky to live where I live and to be in school. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to write papers. Sometimes it is so easy to forget everything we have. It is easy to take things for granted...so easy to think of opportunities as burdens.

If you haven't seen it, you should watch this movie

Busy, Busy, Busy!

It is has been so busy around here lately! I decided to give up facebook for the week. It seems like when I get on facebook, next thing I know it has been an hour. So, since I have a TON of school work to catch up on & three exams coming up, I decided not to let myself get on at all. Hopefully, I'll be able to get caught up with all my school stuff.

Benji is leaving tomorrow night to fly down to Florida for a workout/tryout with the Tampa Bay Rays. We'll see how that goes. He'll be down there Wednesday and is flying home Thursday morning. Wish him luck!

In other news, my older brother proposed to his gf, Felicia, in Greece a couple weeks ago. I am SO excited. We all totally love her. You can see her ring in this picture on her left hand!

Their wedding is planned for June 25th.

I am loving all these summer weddings in California--keep 'em coming! Maybe another cousin will get married in the summer in 2012 (or a sister!, lol).

Our little niece is growing! Brighton gained 4 ounces last week! She was supposed to gain at least two, so she is doing good! I'm pretty sure she eats all the time. Every time I see her, she is either sleeping or eating.



Back to the books!

Labor Day & Fantasy Football

Here are some pictures for Benji's fantasy football draft/cookout

This is Nick with his HUGE draft board....omg

Megan came over! 3 days past her due date!!!!

Aaron playing corn-hole with David, Weston and Adam

Hurricanes corn-hole boards! I'm sure Aaron wanted to keep them since he is obsessed with the Hurricanes (Carolina's NHL team)

Weston & Adam

Me & Miss Brittany

Time to Grill!

Benji made it safely home! He drove 22 hours with only a 15 minute nap...not sure how he does that. Anyway, he got home last night around 9pm. Of course, I was still at work, but I got home around 9:50 pm so it wasn't too bad.

Benji is playing fantasy football this fall (along with every other guy in the world, I'm sure), and his draft is tomorrow. He wanted to have a little cookout before their draft so we went to Lowe's today and got a grill!Here is Benji trying to tie it down in his dad's truck


He finally got it secure!! At least enough to make it across the street and around one corner to our house



And there it is at its new home!

Breaking Bread

So, there's this program at NC State called Breaking Bread. It is facilitated through the Office of International Services, a department created to aid international students during their time at NC State. The Breaking Bread program is designed to give international students the chance to experience a meal inside an American home. Both the international students and the hosts have to apply, and then the school creates the matches! I signed up this summer (as soon as I found out about the program) and was notified today of my two matches!! I am SO excited! What should I make??

My matches are two girls from China. They both like sports--one wants to learn about American football, and the other one wants to learn how to make cookies (the latter is right up my alley!). Seriously, I am really, really excited!!! Hopefully, there will be a game on so we (a.k.a not me--probably Benji or someone who knows a little more about football) can explain a bit to Qiaoyin. I know I have said it twice already, but I am SO excited!
But, really, what should I make? Any suggestions?
Leave me comments!!! I need help!

xoxo

My Little Flyer

In an attempt to make some extra money to pay for my study abroad this coming spring, I am going to see if I anyone wants to have a family picture taken this fall--you know for Christmas cards and stuff...

So I made this to spread the word around!


I really don't know what I am doing, but I think it is so fun & I'm only charging $35 so I figured someone might want to do it.

And actually, there is a gray swirly border around the little logo,
but the scanner didn't pick it up.

Galapagos Islands here I come!

In order to graduate I have to get 6 credits abroad. Instead of going somewhere for a full semester, I decided to take two shorter trips over my spring breaks. It is much more economical that way...and, I am able to stay here to complete a regular semester full of required classes (which is not always the case abroad--sometimes it's all electives!).
Last spring I went to Paris. It was so much fun--it was my second time there, and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first. If you haven't been to France, go!!
Anyway, this year I am going to take a plant pathology class with a trip to the Galapagos Islands (off the coast of Ecuador). woo-hooo!

Wish me luck as I try to make and save enough $$$ for the trip!

ugggghh

Well, folks, it looks like the Saltdogs made the playoffs and that means my husband will not be coming home tomorrow. I was so looking forward to him coming home. I even cleaned the whole house today! (lol) He mentioned that since they've made the playoffs, the absolute soonest he will be home is Friday--boo. Friday is Megan's due date so the sooner he gets here the better.

On a side note, if you haven't read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, I recommend it. I'm currently reading it for one of my classes and have been loving it! Not something I expected at all.

Also, just in case anyone was wondering, I had to open a bottle of champagne (first time in my life) last night at work...in front of a full table. Awesome. Not to mention, the restaurant was pretty busy so the chances of me shooting the cork at someone's head or dinner plate were high. Luckily, at the last minute, my manager, Mike, saw me heading to a table with the bottle and could see the coming catastrophe. He took it upon himself to open the bottle for my table--thank you, Mike! Needless to say, I opened my first bottle today (in the safety of my home) in case anyone in the future decides to order a bottle of champagne while I'm working. I had a bottle leftover in the fridge from New Years...yeah, its been in there all year. Anyway, it was a success! No item in my home was damaged in the process.
Cheers!

Getting Ready for Fall

Fall is just around the corner, and I am already getting ready to decorate!

I found these adorable centerpiece (or anywhere decorations) online, and I wanted to share them with you because they are too cute!
I think this first one is my favorite

Megan's Baby Shower

Earlier this month, I threw a baby shower for Megan. I love crafts and thought the shower was the perfect excuse to get to do some!

First, I made the invitation. I actually only had 50, so the second set looked totally different. I wish I had a picture of those, but I don't...Anyway, I made the invitation on word. Making your own invitations is SO easy and so much fun. I'll probably never buy invitations again since making your own affords endless possibilities (well, almost endless)!
Here is the one I made for Megan's shower:

You would probably be surprised at how many clip art images are available online at microsoft's website. There are literally thousands. The other great thing about clip--which I'm not sure if everyone is aware of--is that all the images can be altered. You can change the color of any clip art image, delete parts of it you don't want, resize it, make it black and white, change the transparency, and a ton of other things. Clip is no longer what it used to be.

Secondly, I encourage everyone to download some new, fun fonts. I have about 130 special fonts...if you want any of them, let me know and I can email some to you - or direct you to where you can download them. The fonts I used on Megan's invitation are "Briemscript" for the main wording and "Monterey BT" for her name. Monterey BT is a commercial font. Adding unique fonts like this will give your invitation a commercial, more professional feel. You can print your invitations on card stock or buy blank invitations. I bought a blank set intended for weddings and used the response card as a registry information card.


We made a little sign with a sharpie and some cardboard!

I made the favors with some ribbon and pacifier charms. I found the "B" stickers at Michael's--I love that store!

The cake was pretty cute. I picked out elements from a few cakes I saw online and sent them to Tracy Melby, owner of Enchanted Moments Sweet Shop. Tracy was able to put it all together! If you have any bakery needs and live anywhere near Sanford, NC, I highly recommend her!

We had a game with 6 "mystery" baby food jars where everyone had to taste and guess which flavor each one was - we actually had two people get them all right!
Another game was guessing Megan's belly size
Many thanks to Megan's aunt Irma and her cousin Jessi for making this adorable diaper cake!

End of Summer Update: Part I

I feel like I've been ignoring our blog, and I think it is time for some updating.

My sister-in-law, Megan, is pregnant!We are so excited! Brighton is due to arrive anytime within the next 2 weeks! Megan's due date is September 3rd--only a few days away!

I started school a week and half ago. I'm really happy to be back. I love it. I also got a new job as a server at a restaurant called Town Hall Grill. It is so nice to only have to work 3 nights a week.

Baseball

Benji is in Lincoln, Nebraska playing (well, he actually hasn't played a single game yet due to a concussion) with the Saltdogs. The team is pretty good, and they might make the playoffs. I guess that is good, but I want them to lose so he can come home. I am so ready for this season to be over. He left for Spring Training with the Braves in early February.
He went straight to Mississippi from there, and stayed there until he got released in May. Then he went to El Paso, Texas and played with the Diablos. He did so good there!
They had really pretty views from their stadium.
Right after his concussion he got traded to the Saltdogs. It was somewhat of an upgrade. Apparently they have way better locker rooms....and we all know that's what really matters!

It's kind of funny that we've pretty much switched places. The day we met I was stationed in Omaha, about 45 mins from Lincoln, and Benji was here in NC playing ball at UNC. Now he is there and I am here!

El Paso, Texas

Benji here. Michaela has been bugging me to write a blog since she started this thing. I'm not much on blogging. Don't really like sharing my life too much on the internet. But, I know it will make her happy so here goes nothing.

This year has been a little weird for me. I was drafted by the Braves in 2007 and have been playing with the same guys since then. About a month ago they decided to release me and I have been playing on a new team in El Paso, Texas ever since. I wasn't too upset when I got released because I wasn't really having much fun since I never really played much. Baseball is one of those sports that you need to play a lot to get better. So, I feel like this is a great opportunity for me because I am the everyday catcher here. The only bad thing about it is the fact that I have to be so far from Michaela and my family!! I don't play anywhere near North Carolina so I don't get to see them much at all. Michaela is planning on coming out to see me at the end of July and my parents are as well. I am so excited and can't wait!

Ok, that's it on what I'm up to. Until next time.....

Hellllooo Summer!

Well, I started working full time. I'm grateful that my boss is nice enough to just give me extra hours during the summer...but I definitely don't miss not working full time.

In case you didn't know, Benji and I have been building an island for our kitchen. Benji started it for a week, and then I took over...that was back in Feb before spring training so I have been working on it for what seems like FOREVER. It is finally almost finished! I think all I have left to do is attach the top, stain it, and then attach the cabinet doors. Mr. P and I finished the second door today. He is going to get some things that will hold the top on, and I have to go buy the stain. I think I am going to go to the sales office in our development and ask the realtor if I can borrow her sample cabinet door (to take with me to get a matching stain). It's that or I remove a cabinet door from our kitchen.

BEnji hot a double today! And, he picked a guy off 1st base! He is on the road in Chattanooga. I think Blair is there visiting Tommy....lucky lady! I can't complain too much, though, because Courtney P and I are heading to Mississippi on Saturday. Yay! Can't wait!! I'll be there for a week.

School is finally out and I am so relieved it is over for now. ugh. It is SO nice to not have to worry about reading ro writing something after work and on the weekends...and before work...and at 5am...and 2am. Love it!

I am taking summer school during the first summer session (May 24-June24), but just PE. It's 'Running Conditioning'. I'm excited--I just hope it's not terribly hot. The class is at 5:30pm, though, so it shouldn't be too bad.

I have a funny story about a textbook so stay tuned!

Quick Update: The island is finished!
Here it is in the kitchen

Happy Sunday!

It has been a busy weekend. Yesterday I ran errands in the morning and then went to a friend's bridal shower with Megan.

On the way to shower, Megan asked me if I wanted to go to prom with her - she is a a high school teacher and goes to prom to chaperon every year. I decided to go! I got home from the shower and had about 10 minutes to get ready!!

It was really fun to watch all the kids - mostly the girls! They were so cute and pretty. At one point this super dorky (I mean, really dorky) kid came up to our table and asked me to dance!! haha, I felt so bad for him and figured it took a lot of guts to ask me so I said okay. We danced junior high style - with lots of space between us for just one song. The whole time I kept asking him about his date and where she went...I guess she ditched him for her friends - poor guy! I asked him what grade he was in and he said, "11th, what grade are you in?" hahahaha, then I told him I was 25 and chaperoning! Too funny.

Benji is on his first road trip! They are in western Tennessee playing the Diamond Jaxx. His roommate on the road is one of the pitchers, Tommy Palica - its nice because Benji & Tommy are already friends. Tommy was one of our roommates last year in Myrtle Beach. He also has a girlfriend who is far away...so we all skype at the same time after the games - lol.
Tommy & Benji

There's only 3 weeks left of school this semester for me! I am so ready for summer. I just have to make it through all these papers, projects, and finals! The next couple of weeks are going to be CRAZY!

Home Horticulture 101!

literally.
okay, so its actually Home Horticulture 100. I'm taking a horticulture class this semester - online - so I've been trying out my green thumb at home.

my seeds a few months ago


little sprouts starting! the poor California Poppy on the left in the bigger pot
didn't survive the transplant (its the wilted one)


A few made it to the porch

Tomorrow I attempt to grow a new plant from a cutting - ahhh! We'll see how that goes. I am going to cut off a piece of that Gardenia (in the pot with the yellow flowers) and a piece of an African Violet (recommended by my prof - he says it has a high success rate). Wish me luck!