Friday, December 16, 2011

Happy Holidays!

Hello my fellow students. My how the time flies when you're having fun. The semester is over and now we can all breathe! Do you feel that? It's the sweet feeling of freedom raining down on us.

The holidays are approaching quickly... too quick for my taste (you guessed it, my Christmas shopping is not finished). This is my favorite time of year. I'm a sucker for bright and shiny objects, so when I see a house light up like a Christmas tree...let's just say I'm worse than a kid in a candy store. My eyes light up and my smile is so big I think it swallows my face. Oh and I giggle - Yeah it's that bad.

But I also love all the food, the cozy sweaters and gift buying for loved ones.

Now that I think about it, this is my favorite time because of the traditions my mom and I shared. I come from a single-parent-only-child household. For us money was ALWAYS scarce but my mom never failed to make Christmas a magical time for me.

One of my favorite memories is from when I was about eight or nine years old. See my mother used to torture me with Christmas music. I suffered through Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole (although I liked him), Christmas with the Judds (country xmas music), and some other random mixed CDs she came across at Target.

So of course to get back I would sing to each and every song as though I were Snow White... anyone remember what her voice sounds like? If not, here's a short clip. Can you hear that slight annoying shutter in her voice? Yeah imagine that but ten times louder, more annoying and to xmas music. I would also make up dances but that's a whole other story.

Anyway, for years I put up with the music and for years she put up with my singing. Until one year our CD player broke. Naturally you'd think I'd be rejoicing, shouting from the roof tops and thanking the heavens for sparing me the never ending torture of Christmas music. It was quite the opposite, I was more upset than my mother. I believe my exact words were, "what do you mean there's no music!" So I demanded that we buy a cheap little player cause despite hating the music it wasn't Christmas without the torture.

We didn't have music that year and we survived. But the following year I was so excited to have the music back I started playing the CDs at Thanksgiving. Needless to say I tortured my mother that year.

I guess the moral of story is regardless if I hated hearing the music, it still became a tradition. A tradition, unknown to even myself, was not willing to see go. So every year I listen to the same CDs that were around when I was young. We still laugh to this day about it, and yes she still makes me do the dances.

I hope that you all have a tradition that will last a lifetime. And may you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! See you in the Spring.

Stay classy FC,

Janet

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Stressus Procrastinatus

Getty

I just finished reading an article on my favorite website, www.cracked.com. I immediately thought of writing about it because I feel there is something we can lean from it.

But first let me just say these guys are my heroes... for real. They always cheer up my day, make me laugh until I'm blue in the face and inform me of the most random useless knowledge (yeah it's worse than a commercial about an asthma drug). Needless to say I'm hooked - in three different ways to be exact; their website, Facebook page and my favorite on-the-go tool, their Android App.

Hi everyone, my name is Janet and I'm a cracked.com junkie! I read at least five articles every day. If I ever get fired from my job it would because of them.

The reason for mentioning them is not just to give them an awesome plug, BUT because they covered the issue of studying for exams in college. Just in time for finals. (Yep, it's all coming together now.) This is their cleanest article I've read so far (these guys are not for the sensitive types, they cuss, a lot!), so I feel comfortable sharing this one with you.

The article is called, "The 7 Dumbest Things Students Do When Cramming for Exams". Sounds intriguing right? I know, it grabbed my attention right away. I said to myself, "Please cracked.com tell ME what I do wrong!" 

It touches on everything from complaining about the exam to highlighting our books until it looks like a hippee got a hold of it. Which  I have to admit I am guilty of doing on occasion. Somehow I truly believe highlighting will help me remember the information, well that and I just really love bright orange highlighters. So dumb... Anyway, as the writer (Luke McKinney) states,

"If you notice yourself lighting a textbook up like TRON fanfic, drop the highlighter. Instead, try writing out the key points of your reading material on a separate page you can study easily and anywhere. If that sounds like too much work, well done, you've just found out why people highlight instead."
 And he's 100 percent right! It's so important to write it out instead of using the pretty colored marker for two reasons. For one you're forcing yourself to actually use your brain and two it's proven that if you use a pencil to write it out your brain is more likely to remember the information. Why? Because of the vibrations it sends up to your brain. Think I'm nuts? Well it's true! Using a pen is too smooth and doesn't allow for vibrations to travel. I dare you to try it.

Another excellent point McKinney makes is to never re-read your notes and texts. Here is his logic...

"If you're in English lit, put down the play you already read, and write a one page essay discussing how Hamlet was the greatest pansy of all time. Do something, anything, which tests your knowledge or makes you actually think, then use your notes to find out what you'd forgotten. Then do the problem again. Instead of sitting and reconfirming, "Yep, I sure can read this language all right!"

Once again he's got a point. I love to believe re-reading my notes is actually helping me studying. But the cold hard fact is that it's not. Really it's just helping me to be even more lazy about studying.
OH! Another thing is nesting... how many of us need to have everything just so before we can even begin to think about studying? I am one of those people. Seriously I have a check list... Coffee, check. Studying materials, check. Classical music, check. The list goes on and I just recently learned that by doing this I'm wasting precious studying time.
I'm infamous for cramming for tests. It's what I do and I do it well. And depending on the subject I have aced many tests using my crazy unorthodox methods. I'm not saying it's a good idea to cram but hey we're college students it's expected of us, right?

So to end this rant of mine, I highly recommend reading this article before you cram for your exam. It will help you loosen up a bit, maybe even laugh.  And who knows you might learn something.

Stay Classy FC,
Janet
  

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Halloween - Over but not forgotten

So I'm back for a second time today! I promised you Halloween photos. I'm terribly sorry they are late - It took me a while to hunt them down.

I do wish there were more photos of the decorations. My house looked like Halloween threw up on it. (Like that visual? You're welcome.) We had all the rooms decked out with horrifying scenes of murder and blood. Ouija boards and tarot cards lay out on tables for people to use if they dared. Floating crosses and images of death laid around every corner. We also streamed a montage of clips from about a million horror films. I heard some people got sick and had to leave the room.

On the morning of the big day my husband and I woke up at 7am and worked until 3:30pm on decorating the house. But it was worth it! The party was a smash hit with about 40 or so people. You know it was a great party when you have run out of all the alcohol and order 70 bucks worth of pizza by the end of the night. At 3am I bid our last guest farewell and safe travels. I was thankful for Sunday and the enormous amount of rest I got after working and partying hard.

For our first party in the new house I'd say I'm very happy with the turn out. I can't wait until next years.



I did not take them and I apologize for the blurry slide show you're about to see. By the way, I'm the one in the red wig stand next to Chuckie.




Stay Classy FC,
Janet

































The End is Near!

It's almost time for finals. Are you ready to break out your notes from the last few months and study 'til you drop? I know I'm starting to gear up.

I see flashcards, eraser bits, and 0.5 lead pencils in my future. Not to mention the countless cups of coffee laying about the desk and the half eaten sandwich. Oh the joys of finals, it is the sure sign that you have gotten through yet another semester.

So the end of the semester is upon us, ready to be welcomed with open arms. I don't know about you but this semester flew by like a speeding train being chased by police. (Hmmm...are there police trains? Well if there isn't, there should be.) I can honestly say I have never experienced this in all my years of school. It feels as though I just blinked and poof November is here. Did any of you have the same experienced too? I hope so. Don't get me wrong I love to learn new things, but anything to help the pain of tests and homework is A-OKAY by me!

Speaking of the end of fall and the coming of spring. I checked out the course list for next spring and it's VERY bleak for me. I don't know if it's the same for you but it seems graduation will postponed longer than I had anticipated. Which is disheartening.

I covered a story for the Hornet touching on the subject of priority registration. I know Freshmen are struggling to get classes ( I remember my freshman year, it was difficult) but the main complaint I heard was "Why do students stay here so long, they should move on." It's a logical thought, why do they? Well for multiple reasons all ranging from money issues, their major and if they've changed it (like myself) and sometimes you're forced to drop classes (again like myself). All these things add to spending more semesters here at Fullerton. It's a shame but it's a fact. I'm not trying to bash anyone, just pointing out both sides to foreshadow the point I'm about to make...

which is...

I fear the budget cuts and lack of options for classes are going to be the main force in keeping students here. Never mind that some don't have money cause it won't matter if the courses aren't being offered. I have waited an entire year to take a class that was cancelled for this past spring. Only to find out it's not offered next year. I know this class is offered every other spring. And from what I understand a course can be canceled but must be brought back the following year. I say this with some conviction, I may need to double check my facts. But that's how it was explained to me. (Don't quote me on this.)

So I ask how can I move along without my courses? Trust me I want to move, I want to grow up and leave the college student life. I realize and understand with an open heart that the school is doing their best to offer the classes. The economy is tough, I know. But I want to graduate. And although I look forward to being here next spring, I'm a little sadden by it as well.

Regardless of the sadness I will continue with a smile on my face because I know every semester under my belt is another step towards graduating.

Stay Classy FC,
Janet

Friday, October 28, 2011

This is Halloween!

Halloween is upon us, just a few more days! I love Halloween and all the scary decor. Matt and I are hosting our infamous party this Saturday, (tomorrow). We went on a two year hiatus but now we're back and it seems friends are just as excited.

Matt is a genius when it comes to decorating. In the past he has turned my in-laws house into the most elaborate mazes fit to scare anyone. He recruits friends to dress up and scare those walking through. It's incredible. I truly have no idea how he does it. I'm just along for the ride. So this year the party is moving to our new home. It's been fun breaking out the skull heads and bloody body parts.

On Monday I came home to a corpse in the middle of the living room. Lemme explain. A few years back he built a Styrofoam coffin out of his parents old spa cover. Cut it to shape an above ground tomb complete with a cross. He then painted it gray and black, splashed red paint all over it and TA DA! Instant tomb.

Well now it has found its way into my living room. He has it surrounding our 70's coffee tables which have glass tops and underneath is a pile of skeletal remains. On top the tables lay a bundle of real dead red roses. In case you're wondering, yes in the dark it's VERY creepy. But I love it.

This is Halloween and in our family you go big or go home. I will take tons of photos tomorrow before the party and post them for you to see.

Until tomorrow!

Stay classy FC,
Janet







Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Word of the day: Blocked

A writer's worst nightmare is of course writer's block. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting alone starring at a blank screen while the blinking cursor mocks you. That darn cursor ticks like a second hand on a clock forever reminding you that you're on deadline and time is running short. Whoever said the cursor must blink on the infinite white screen certainly wasn't a writer.







(Was it you Bill? Yeah I thought so...)





Through the year I have tried to find the courses of my writer's block without prevail. I've found it's like a virus striking at a moments notice. There is no stopping it and seldom is there a cure besides spending precious time trying to gain some inspiration. Making a sandwich usually helps. Don't ask me why, it's just the way it works.






That brings us to my current situation. As you are reading this I am sitting on a story for the Hornet which could potentially be amazing.But alas my poor little mind is inflected. Luckily I have some time, not much mind you. But it's just enough to get the creative juices flowing. And with some luck my story will in on time thus putting a cute little smile on my editor's face.






(Inspiration mode: It only looks like I'm sleeping.)



I was talking with a friend (yep that's you Franny), she's a former Titan, last week about my writing and why lately I've been at a stand still. She mentioned that I may have lost my writing voice and I need to find it again.





(I'm right there with ya kid.)



I lost it? Did I leave it at the checkout counter? Should I look in the lost in found amongst the smelly hoodie jackets and the kid toys? I had no idea it just hitched a ride somewhere without telling me when it'll be back. Pssh, what a jerk.



Well it looks like I've got my work cut out for me today. I need to start in on this article for the paper, find my lost voice where ever it is and maybe get some work done while I'm actually at work. Guess I should get started. Wait, think I'll eat lunch first. Food fixes EVERYTHING!



Stay classy FC,



Janet























Thursday, October 20, 2011

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Today I started a daily mood log. I've never felt the need to log my moods until recently. Life is stressful and my motivation has dropped significantly. I always hate complaining because I know someone out there is worse off than I am in life. You know that saying, your life isn't so bad, some people don't.... (fill in the blank). Yeah you've heard it a million times since you were two. "Some kids don't have food so eat your veggies." Queue the eye rolling and Fido conveniently under the table.

Side note: How many of you actually fed what you didn't want to the dog? I had a hamster so I was lucky enough to eat all my food. Yum yum.



Anyway...These are my struggles and regardless of anyone else; my life will never be happy unless I make it happy. No one is going to do that for me (which is why I need a pill, duh), so therefore comparing my life to others is useless. I don't feel better when I know a person is worse off then me. In fact it makes me feel even worse for two reasons. One, I feel bad for complaining. And two, I want to help them but usually can't because I lack the resources. So I'll just keep complaining.




So back to my mood log. The main reason for tracking my moods is I started taking a supplement, good ol' St. John's Wort. No idea if this stuff actually works. So... the only way to see if it does is by tracking my moods. Ta Da!






(Yummy yellow flowers smashed up into a happy pill!)


In a small way I feel a little weird telling you I need a happy pill. But this is the life of a full time working, married, college student. Hey at least I'm not turning to the other stuff I see sold on the street corners. But if anyone knows where I can get some drop me a line. I kid, I kid. That stuff will kill you. Better to turn to the over the corner stuff the stores sell, cause nothing they offer can harm you.

The older you get the demands just pile on. Especially when you're 26 and should be graduated with your BA in whatever the heck it is you think you'll be. Gotta love the family for piling on the extra pound of pressure to your already stressful life. Mmmm makes me feel so happy.

I know they mean well, just annoying sometimes. I'm not sure I want to keep you posted on my daily mood log. Suppose I should now that I've told you about it. I'll let you know in a few weeks if I feel a difference or not.

Fingers crossed!

Stay classy FC,
Janet

Friday, October 14, 2011

Its a live post today.

As I write this I'm sitting at a table with my journalism advisor and fellow writers from the Hornet waiting to attend the Journalism Association of Community Colleges conference.
It's so great to not be at work! I feel like a real student. Yay!

The air is stirring with chatter and excitement. There are students from all over California here today.
Some students are here to compete in writing, photography and broadcast writing competitions.

My husband asked if I was going to compete. My reply... I'm too chicken. Plus I hadn't prepared.

Oops its about to start. Ill keep you posted!

So I'm back!
Just listened to April Corbin from the Vegas Sun talk about feature writing. She was very enlightening and thorough in her explanations. She gave me tips on how to strengthen my writing. I'm so excited to try them out. One tip is to go to a public place and just write 300 words on what I see. Brilliant! Never thought of that!

I love being amongst other journalism  students. I found they're having the same issues as me with news writing. It's so nice to hear I'm part of a norm.

I'm the kind of person who needs to feel part of a community. So I'm completely in heaven at this conference.

Ill be back. But now its the dos and fonts of landing a job!

That was the most entertaining talk on how to land a job. I did get some insight and hopefully I can apply it. I will post sometime this weekend the 50 buzz words that should not be on your resume for you. It will change your resume completely!

Friday, October 7, 2011

The measure of success

While I work on getting a previous blog to format properly... it's a long story but I will post it tomorrow. I thought I would stop for a minute to say hi to some of my favorite people, YOU!

Earlier tonight by good friend Dennis Salvatier had an exhibit with Secret City Comic Society during the Fullerton art walk. Dennis is a graph designer and a connoisseur of graph novels. He is an amazing artist and I'm not saying that because he is my friend. Dennis thinks outside the box and creates a look all his own. I'm so proud of him. Seeing his work tonight made me realize you don't need to make it "big" to be successful. He IS a success because of everything he has accomplished.



These are a few shown at the show tonight. www.salvatierstudios.com





Side note: Harley Quinn is my favorite female character of all time. She's sweet, sexy but lethal. Not to mention in love with one of the most sadistic villains Batman has ever faced, the Joker. I love Batman comics!

Anyway, back to my point about being successful. I always measured success by the amount of people who knew about your speciality or what you've done. Which is not always the case. Sure it helps to have a larger fan following but the support from family and friends is what matters most.

I never thought I could be successful while attending school. For some reason I didn't see how the two could go hand in hand. BUT I've taken a good look at my life lately and the things I've done with my 26 years on this planet. And I have to say for the first time I think I'm successful.


For one I purchased my first car at the age of 19 with my own hard earned money, with my own credit I built up and paid it off within three years. I totaled it a month after getting the title in the mail, but that's another story. Purchased my second car on my own... I can report that she's still alive and well three years later.

Also I was determined to find my calling in life, I never gave up although at times I wanted to (and still do at times). Journalism seems to be a perfect fit. It feels like that cozy over sized hoodie jacket you'd wear on a cold winters night while snuggled on the couch. Man, now I want hot coco...

I've become a manager at every place I've worked. At my current job I managed the social media, exhibits and membership. The social media is a lot of fun! And without my boss giving me this opportunity to run our companies Facebook, I might not have been offered the chance to help manage the Hornet's Facebook. Now that's way cool and a huge honor!

It truly is relaxing to take a step back and breathe. To take in all the hard work and effort I put into each and every day. I become so wrapped up in what needs to be done that I forget to enjoy it when it's finished. Or even enjoy the journey. My husband, Matt, constantly reminds me to slow down, to enjoy life more. But I can't. I consistently have a goal ahead of me every day that must be met or else I can't rest. I don't know how to slow down... do any of you know how? Is there a trick to it? Are you born with it?

I want to be successful in life. Isn't that something we all want? I'm by no means an over achiever, straight A student. But secretly wish I was one though. I simply wish to be good at the things I love.

I hope you are able to recognize the things which make you successful in life. I'd say pat yourself on the back for them but that just sounds cheesy. Wouldn't you agree? So instead treat yourself to something you've been wanting. Why? Because you deserve it.

Stay classy FC,

Janet

Friday, September 30, 2011

A special sneak peek

Happy Friday everyone!

This week turned out to be a little hectic but amazing. I did some major studying for my math exam coming up in just a few hours. But the highlight of my week was getting assigned the story about FCs A.S. CareBank. The CareBank is to help assist students in need. I'm currently working with A.S. vice president Joey McIntosh, who is the coordinator for the CareBank, to develop the story. Consider this the special sneak peek to the upcoming article!

I hope you read the story which will be posted on the FC Hornet website on Tuesday. And possibly donate some resources for our fellow students in need.

I had no idea Fullerton offered the students aid. I think it's the coolest! For me being a reporter with the Hornet is extremely rewarding because I'm able to bring awareness to great things like the CareBank.

I will post the link to the article when it's published.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday night! I'm off to study a bit more before the test at 8pm.

Enjoy the weekend!

Stay classy FC!
Janet

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

And it's only Tuesday...

So I gotta make this quick, I'm using company time to write it. To start, just a quick recap of the weekend...

My weekend was busy crazy! Friday night I joined a friend for a drink to celebrate her new internships. Then I went to review the movie 'Killer Elite' - check out the review:
http://www.fchornet.com/entertainment/killer-elite-isn-t-as-killer-as-it-sounds-1.2609893

Wow, that's a gnarly link!

On Saturday I spent the day with my mom at the Brea Jazz Festival. I covered the last day for the paper and wrote my review. Although I had fun, it seemed pointless to cover the last day. I mean if someone reads the review and decides they'd like to go - they can't! I chuckle inside every time I think about it.

Sunday I had lunch with a friend, went grocery shopping and took my math quiz online. Pretty mellow day altogether.

As for this week, so far its started out good; then turned slightly bad but it's picking back up. It's been interesting considering it's only Tuesday.

In comparison to last week when I whined and complained about not having a good balance. I decided to turn it all around, otherwise known as just shut up and get it done! And I surprisingly had an excellent productive weekend. Which spilled over into Monday where I completed my math homework for the week, making room to study for my exam on Friday. I nearly finished all my tasks at home as well, (bye bye chores). Yay me!

The only bad news is my company had a broad meeting over the weekend where the dreaded budget talk took place. And to be honest it's not looking good my friends. This time next year I may be out of a job. It all hangs on how well our 2012 Vancouver Meeting brings in them dolla dolla bills. We're assuming the worst since the meeting is out of the country. Apparently in the past they never do well profit wise. But my fingers are crossed and my ears are open for new work prospects. In the meantime I'm just going to keep working and stay positive.

Can I just say how much I hate the economy. It's hard to hear what people are going through and to see a lot of my friends out work. So far I've been able to hang on during this tough time. I started budgeting all my money and learned to shop smart. But my fingers are slowly losing their grip. I have to admit I'm a little scared.

How has this horrendous economy effected your life?

Stay classy FC,
Janet

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Good Balance

Happy Friday everyone!!

So would you believe that I actually forgot why I began writing this in the first place? I was so focused on trying to focus my thoughts that I lost it.
Well dear friends this is what I call my "school brain". During the semester I become an overly-selfish-tunnel-visioned-monster that, quite frankly, people have been known to avoid me until the semester ends. I think my issue is finding a good balance between school and my life. The "school brain" I believe is a product of my bad time management skills.


It's a tough challenge to find a good balance between work, school and play. I often find myself procrastinating on certain things because I'm exhausted trying to find a balance. Every week is different for me as my husband, Matt, night schedule changes so often. So he may work this Friday (and he does) but might not the following Friday. I rarely get to see him so when he's off I spend my time with him. But when I do my school work suffers because as we all know to succeed in school you NEED a routine schedule.

It's exhausting taking care of our house and still finding time to do homework before he has a night off. I'm pretty much responsible for the welfare of our home. Don't get me wrong he does help, especially when he sees I'm struggling to keep up. But for the most part yours truly does the work. Except picking up after the dogs. YUCK! I'm sorry but that's a man's job. If women are supposed to be in charge of baby diapers, then men can pick up after MAN's best friend.

Another wrench is when I need to cover an event for the Hornet. That can set me back and mess up my schedule completely. (But I love reporting so I don't mind too much.)

I realize my life kind of revolves around Matt's schedule but I love him and it's important for married couples to spend time together. Otherwise the possibility of growing apart becomes a higher risk. Oh marriage! Now that's a whole other Oprah... maybe I'll tell you about it next week if I'm up for it.

So to get to the point, if anyone has advice for a well rounded balanced schedule - I'm all ears. Feel free to call me Dumbo.

Also I'm interested in knowing what the biggest challenge is for you. So what is it? I triple dog dare you to share it.

Stay classy FC,
Janet aka Dumbo

Monday, September 12, 2011

One Nation

Yesterday as we all know marked the 10th anniversary for 9/11. I hung my American flag on my porch with pride (posted a pic on FB cause I'm a social media nerd) and lit a candle in remembrance, which burned until midnight. I cried every time they sang the national anthem at the sporting events on TV. I'm nearly on the verge of tears writing this blog... Needless to say it was not an easy day for me. For any of us for that matter.

It is burned into our memories where we were and what we were doing that moment in time. Sometimes I wish I could forget it but to forget would mean to deny one of the most tragic events in our history. Therefore I will remember and never forget. I was 16 junior year in high school, I remember everything.

Last night my friend and his kids came over and they asked if I knew why yesterday was so special. I then asked if they knew why. Then it dawned on me, these two little girls weren't even born when it happened. How crazy is it to think that a new generation has been born without the scar of 9/11. And then that brought me to tears.


I watched some of the special segments the news channels aired and this guy from New York said in an interview, "I remember it like it were yesterday every time someone mentions anything about that day."

I wonder if that's how the past generations felt about Pearl Harbor. I'm sure if I were to ask the answer would be yes.

I'm almost certain most of us feel that way about 9/11. Regardless of the thousands of miles between me and the towers, it hit home and it struck deep to the core. I personally have a difficult time dealing with emotions. I don't like to cry or show how vulnerable I can be. It's why I'm so sarcastic all the time. Sometimes I feel like Spock, I try to remain logical no matter what. Although deep down emotions are stirring, there's no doubt about that! So yesterday I broke all my rules and let the emotions loose. I became Kirk and it felt kinda nice.

It's ok if you didn't follow me on that reference, Star Trek isn't for everyone...

I realize this may sound naive but I truly don't understand hatred and the killing of people. I suppose there is a part of me that has reminded the young innocent child who doesn't fully understand the dark ways of this world. Maybe it's because of the country I was raised in or simply the nature of my heart. But it is beyond me how a person could plan such an attack. Just the mental state one would have to be in, and no pun intended, is insane!

And I'm not just speaking in terms of 9/11 but all the senseless things that happen around the world. There are times I can't watch the news, (being a journalism major that's kind of my job) but all that hatred kills the soul. It's like the death eaters in Harry Potter, you're left empty and without purpose.

Bleh! Just sickens me to the core. Ok I'm gonna get off my soapbox and end this by saying I'm proud to be part of this strong nation. All negative elements this country may have set aside, we pull together and support each other when we are called. To me that's comforting, to know I'm not alone even when it feels like I am.

"Thing to remember is if we're all alone, then we're all together in that too."

I love that quote! Not completely sure if this is how I want to end this blog but what the heck... why not.

Stay classy FC,
Janet



Thursday, September 8, 2011

I'm Back!

Hello again FC! I've missed you.

It’s been almost a month since school started and I’m still not quite back in the rhythm of tests and deadlines. My brain is still on summer break and lying out by the pool… well ok I don’t have a pool but I was definitely there every day in my mind.


Hey you freshmen, welcome! How’s your first month in college so far? I hear it was a nightmare to register for classes. That’s an experience in its own! I hope it didn't scare you away completely.


For me once again it’s the dreaded math course looming over head. Then there’s my first love, reporting for The Hornet. And of course blogging, yeah! Oh before I forget, my lovely desk job which makes it possible for me to be here at Fullerton. Three cheers for the desk job! If it weren’t for you… well frankly I would be at the beach soaking up the hot sun. But that’s beside the point.

Actually I’m happy to be back and one step closer to graduation. Although I’m taking a mere two classes this time around; I still have my hands full with projects and taking care of my household.

This summer brought on a few challenges but also some wonderful surprises. My husband and I have a new addition to the family, our puppy Harlee. She’s six months now and FULL of energy! If I would have known what I know now about Boxers I would have opted for a gold fish. Anyone own a Boxer? Yeah you know what I’m talking about then. I swear that dog will eat, chew and pee on anything! I have a strange feeling my blogging this semester will resemble that of the columns which the guy wrote in the movie Marley and Me… yeah strictly puppy talk comin’ right atcha.


If you haven’t seen the movie, rent it and then you will know what it’s like to own a Boxer. Although the dog Marley wasn’t a Boxer, it sure as hell acts like one.

But don’t get me wrong Harlee is the cutest, sweetest, dumbest dog and only a mom could love her. Too bad I’m not her mom. Just teasing I love her and she’s a great addition to the family.

So any advice/stories the Boxer owners may have to offer is welcomed, don't be shy, please.



And now the awww moment… a picture of the demon herself with my other dog Summer.





Stay classy FC,
Janet





Monday, May 23, 2011

Almost there

I apologize that I haven’t written any blogs due to finals. As you have been busy with finals, I also have been awfully busy. I still have one more final left on Wednesday, and then will leave California on the next day to Indiana. How have you been doing with your finals? So far so good? It seemed like this semester was a lot harder than the previous semesters for a number of students including me. I guess some of you are already done and others still have one or two more to go till the end. But I have got to say that we need to remember that everything for this semester will be officially over in a couple of days. Aren’t you excited?

I took one final exam and just got back home today. Since the weather was too gorgeous, it made me feel that I wanted to do something fun, not just go back home. So I called some of my friends, and none of them answered. How rude. Now here I am in my room writing a blog alone! Very exciting! : ) I wished it was raining so some happy people who were out there having fun should have come back home. Haha just kidding. I should start packing sooner or later and send one box to Korea so I can wear clothes and use other stuff for this summer there, and then need to fill up one carry-on for my upcoming trip. This is the real exciting part!

For me, this semester was hard and stressful but very rewarding. It was definitely worth the money, time and efforts. I met many great instructors and fellow students and learned a lot from them, and will never forget this semester. I will have to study for my last final pretty soon so that I won’t regret what I just said. Also, Writing blogs here was a great experience for me.

I just want to say that I am truly blessed for all I have done and have gotten.


After all, tomorrow is another day, Brianna.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

yay!

I cannot wait for this summer to come. I have so much going on this summer and it is going to be amazing. I am going camping this weekend. I have not been camping in quite some time and I know this is going to be awesome because I am going with my best friend and her family. After that in the beginning of July her is getting married and we will be having a blast the entire weekend, which happens to be the 4th of July weekend. The weekend of the 15th in July is a tournament in Santa Clara and I will be able to play water polo with the girls that were on my team this year. It will be so exciting to play with those girls one final time. I am going to miss playing with them like crazy. The entire week after that I will be going to Yosemite with Azusa Pacific University. It will be so much fun. I have never really done anything like this before and I cannot wait to see what it is about. In August I will be going to Vegas of course for water polo not for vacation but it will still be a great time. I hope everyone has an exciting summer just like I plan to have. I really want to know what everyone else will be doing this summer.

Until my keys meet the keys, Amber

we come down to the wire...

I hope everyone is getting all of their work taken care of and we are not stressing out too much. I know that it is the last week coming up but we have all made it through the entire semester. I want to say congratulations to all of the graduates this semester. I hope that everyone is having a blast and stuff is getting taken care of. This is definitely not the time to slack off. As for me I only have one more final and it is tomorrow. I cannot wait to be completely done with everything. I just want the grades to close and end this semester. I know everyone is probably feeling the same way. I really did enjoy all of my professors this year and I highly recommend that everyone take them if they need to take a certain class that they offer. Angie Andrus is the best Sociology teacher ever! She makes everything entertaining and enjoyable. She is a teacher that makes you want to come to class to see what she is going to come up with next. Heidi Guss teaches English classes and I suggest that if you need or want to take Children's Literature you should take it with her. She does group discussions all the time which really help get you more involved and also it makes sure you are keeping up with all of the work. Callista Lee is so funny and you could tell she loves what she does. She teaches Human Sexuality and is very informative. I would recommend these three ladies to anyone. This semester was the best I have had in a long time.

Until my fingers meet the keys, Amber

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

crunch time!

As of right now, at this very moment, at this very second in time, I have began crunch time. I have a seven page research paper due in less than a week and yet I cannot decide what I would like to write it on. It is for my children's literature class and this paper pretty much determines what my grade will be for the class. Bomb the paper, fail the class. I have decided to be a good student and start this paper today hoping to finish it by the end of this week so I will have the weekend to work and relax. I cannot believe that I have two of my finals next week already. One more week of classes and I am done until summer. I cannot wait until summer starts but at the same time I do like that I have been able to sleep in this semester. It was nice while it lasted. I will miss my sleep greatly! I am so nervous and excited to graduate and transfer to APU. I will be practicing with the team in the fall and still attending some classes here at Fullerton as well as helping coach the women's water polo team here. I am excited to see all the talent this school will have next year and cannot wait for the girls to have a great season just like I did. If there is anything fun going on this summer let me know.

Until my fingers meet the keys, Amber

Monday, May 9, 2011

3 weeks left

I never expected that time would go this fast. We have only 3 weeks left till the end of this semester. I started counting down the days towards the 25th, which will be my last day of finals. As I mentioned before, I will leave for Indiana where my little sister is living. My mom will be there too for my sister’s high school graduation, then the three of us will head to New York for a week of fun. Afterwards, we will go to Toronto also for a week where my grandparents and cousins are living. What about my dad? Well he can’t join us because of work. Poor dad, I feel so bad for him because while my mom, sister and I have traveled many times abroad, my dad has never joined us. He is a hard worker, and I have never seen such a hard worker in my whole life. He will just see many pictures of us having fun during our trip just like he always has.

In Korea, it is parents’ day on May 8th whereas it is Mother’s day here. So, I talked to my parents for a while. I think my parents are so amazing not because they are my parents, but because they are the ones who let their two kids study abroad for such a long time costing big money and stand the fact that they miss their kids so bad. I feel blessed and sorry at the same time, and always think that I need to be successful for not only myself but also my parents who have been always supportive and will be as well. I have been looking forward to this summer because I will see my parents and friends and have a great time with them!
We have a short time left until the final exams. We’ve got to continue what we’ve been doing, and then great rewards will be given to us at the end. I can’t wait for the time I can get rewarded for all the efforts.

After all, tomorrow is another day, Brianna

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's day

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."


2. My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."


3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"


4. My mother taught me LOGIC.

" Because I said so, that's why."


5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."


6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."


7. My mother taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.."


8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."


9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"


10. My mother taught me about STAMINA ..

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."


11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."


12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"


13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.."


14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .

"Stop acting like your father!"


15. My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."


16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."


17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .

"You are going to get it when you get home!"


18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."


19. My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"


20. My mother taught me HUMOR.

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."


21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."


22. My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like your father."


23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"


24. My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."


25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE .

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"


After all, tomorrow is another day, Brianna

Friday, May 6, 2011

Be aware!!

I have recently found out that someone was attacked in one of the restrooms on campus. I do not have details, but from what I was told it was two o'clock in the afternoon. That is something that really scares me. I have been paranoid lately because we have been discussing rape and personal attacks in my classes. I know that it is important to be aware of our surroundings as we walk around and go about our everyday lives. I think that we all need to be more cautious in our daily activities. Being aware is important because it could save our lives one day. I hope everyone thinks about the things they do and how they should be aware of everything around them and understand that things happen and we need to be ready for them. I think that everyone should be mindful about walking around listening to their music. When we are in our own world that makes us more susceptible to being attacked. I am not saying that we should worry about all that we do in our lives but being aware can save our life or someone else's life. I did hear that the guy that did attack the lady on Monday was arrested the same day. Just because he was arrested does not mean nobody else is capable of doing the same thing he did. So please people be aware and listen to your instincts. If you are scared you can do things to protect yourself. If you ever feel afraid to walk to your car anytime throughout the day you could always call campus security and they will escort you to your car.

Well, people stay safe! Until my fingers meet the keys, Amber

Monday, May 2, 2011

Great Opportunity!!!

As most of us know Gabriel Martinez, the Fullerton College Women's Water Polo coach is now the head coach for the Women's National Team for Mexico. I am so proud to be coached by someone so great at what he does. I am inspired by how hard he works and how much he truly cares about the players as individuals and as a team combined. I cannot believe the wonderful opportunity he has been given. Also, I am so grateful to be a part of it. I have my own water polo practice from 7am to 930am during the summer with the Fullerton water polo girls and then after that I will be practicing from 10am to 1pm with the Women's Mexico Team. I am so excited. I have always felt like I was cheated out of so many opportunities when I was in high school because my parents could not afford to let me have everything or for me to join different types of water polo clubs, but experiences such as these make everything that I have been through worth it in the end. Just to be in the water with these girls that have so much determination and dedication is absolutely amazing and inspiring. I am confident that I will be able to keep up with them and add to the practices in only positive ways. I cannot wait for this summer and I look forward to it as the days drift by.

Until my fingers meet the keys, Amber

Sorry

I am so sorry for the super last minute posts this week. I know that it is very late and that it is weird that I am writing but I have been having so many problems with my laptop and my Internet lately. My mom has been going on craigslist everyday, she is crazy addicted to it and I think my laptop received a virus from the site. I hope everyone has had a great week and I do hope everyone enjoyed their spring break and Easter just as much as I have. I was glad to be back to school and back to my routine but I am sad the break is over. It was much needed and I think I will need another one soon! On a brighter note only about two more weeks of classes. I cannot believe that it has already been the entire semester. I am going to miss all of my professors and all the wonderful people I have met throughout the semester. At the beginning of the semester one of my professors told us, "you never know, the person sitting next to you may be your soul mate." I thought this was funny and was not likely to happen this semester. However, I think it really did! There was a girl sitting next to me in my sociology class and a boy sitting right next to her and they hit it off instantly on the first day of class and have been dating ever since. I think it goes to show we can learn something from our professors. hahaha.

Until my finger meet the keys, Amber

Sunday, May 1, 2011

This is so funny!

Only in America ......drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America ......people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America ......banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America ......people leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America ......people buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America ......people use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well:
'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

Only in America ......people have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.


Plus, Interesting questions

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why the sun lightens our hair,but darkens our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe,why do they call the airport the terminal?


After all, tomorrow is another day, Brianna