Hopefully This Fall

College, college, college! Oh how I want to start thee this fall!


Seriously, I just want my degree. This is another touchy subject because I've struggled with another certain college for about a year now. I'm now trying my luck with EKU. Hopefully, it'll be a better experience. I'm really praying on it.

Yesterday I drove all the way into town (I live fifteen miles out, so this is a thing for me) to talk to the Higher Education Center that's located in the town square...only to have them tell me they don't offer EKU classes there anymore. They told me to go talk to the campus in Danville.
Which I really need to do soon. Very soon and hopefully get some classes scheduled out. Yep. Yep. Yep.

To find the time to go do that...is the toughy. I work everyday the rest of this week, besides Sunday, but I don't think the campus is open on Sunday. I might get up early and go tomorrow morning. Get my paycheck tonight (YAY! PAYDAY!) and run up there and pay whatever I need to pay them and get my classes scheduled.
Hopefully, I'll my financial aid to come in easier than at BCTC.
Which I got my refund, by the way. A whole $4.25 in my HigherOne Account. Mhmm. Dollar Tree time!

But ya know, every dollar...

Thanks for reading!
    

A Boring Update

So it's my day off. I slept until ten this morning. I needed it though. Burger House has finally started our summer hours, meaning we close at ten at night now. Me, being a little thing that needs her sleep, is a little anxious by this. We have been really busy though, and on most nights have been taking orders at or after nine, so I guess it makes sense. I just wish it didn't. I get tired darn it!
Hours though. So whoop! (Always the optimist am I...)

So I've got an appointment with BCTC tomorrow to finally straighten this mess out. I've dropped out of the classes I can, finished the ones I couldn't and am in the process of transferring to Eastern Kentucky University. It's gonna cost more, but it'll be worth it. A loan won't be so bad if I get to work in the career field that I really want to.
Anywhoooo-
Yes, I've got the appointment. I've got all the emails printed, the letters sent put in a folder, and all of my information packed away into this cute little professional binder. It's all ready to go. This whole experience has been so ridiculous and energy-consuming, I'm just glad to be finally getting it done and over with. My mother is coming with me because she says she wants a...friendly...word in. Needless to say, it really won't be friendly.
I think she already has a lawyer on speed dial. Yeah. (Not that I'm complaining...)

Quite honestly, I have a lot of stuff I need to do today on my day off...but you know, I'm just really not feeling up to it. I just feel so tired. I just wanna curl up with some Buffy and take cat-naps all day. I need to do my laundry though. And wash my car. And turn over the dirt in my soon-to-be-garden. And sew a patch in one of my shirts. And do some house work that needs to get done. Search the web for ideas on gifts for Austin's mom (it's her birthday this coming Sunday and I almost forgot!!!) Just so much to do. I really don't want to.
I have tomorrow off, but most likely Lexington will take up a majority of my time. That meeting isn't going to be fun. Then my sister is coming with us...I guess her and my mom want to do some shopping or something while we're there. Sometimes I think I was born to be a man, because shopping doesn't appeal to me as it does most women.  I think it's the money-spending. I know I'll spend it if I have it. So I don't like going shopping. I try to stay away from it unless I have to.

Sorry guys, I really don't  have much news to go on. My next post should be good though. I'll be telling you all about my May Month Fitness Challenge inspired by Austin's soon-to-be-trip to Cali for combat training.

Mhmm. Keep it touch! And thanks for reading!

-Sarah

Possible Career Change and I got Baptizd!

Maybe I'm crazy, and this is just one of those ideas that I'm just throwing out there about myself...(like I've done a couple times...) but there's something I've been thinking about lately (and it's NOT guy-related!):

Children + Nursing = Children's Nurse.

Yep. Out there, I know. It's another idea from the medical field, but this isn't coming out of some want for money like my pharmacy idea (that you can read about here). I know. It sounds terrible, but click on the link and read about it first before you judge me! I really thought I wanted that...but it turned out it was just a...faze. I hate those.
I really hope this isn't one. I mean, I really do. Which is why I'm thinking and re-thinking and giving myself time before I go jumping to conclusions about my future. I've been doing some research about being a children's nurse. I'll have to get a regular nursing degree (which takes 2-4 years), get 3-12 months time of internship (preferably as a pediatrics's assistant) and then I have to take a really long, difficult test.

So I really don't want to jump into this before I'm sure-sure-sure. That's three times as sure as normal.
But it all came about when I took a Disaster Relief Training Course not too long ago.

After the initial class, you had an additional specialized class that you could choose from. At first I was going to do food safety with Tanya and Jesse (Aust's parents-we all went together with our church) but something just stopped me. I really had a feeling about the Child Care Class, so I switched over last minute. I'm now "certified" to take care of children in an emergency situation at any Disaster Relief site.
The class was neat. The lady talking to us told us about all the kids and taking care of them. We didn't clean them up and bandage them (that was usually the Red Cross's job-they get to them before we do) but we would take care of them when the parent's weren't around or couldn't be found.

But the class just got me thinking. A lot. I get excited when I think about working with kids. In any situation. I was also thinking about becoming a social worker. I really do love children. I love to play with them and make them laugh! They're just so sweet and too cute! Everyone says I have the patience for working with children too, which I do.
I'm really just gonna look more into Children's Nursing and see if that's what I really want to do. I'm gonna do some major praying on it.

Speaking of prayer, I got baptized today! I've been baptized before, but never at the church I go to now (and am now an "official member" of even though I've been going there a year...). I was nervous, not gonna lie. I had to walk up in front of a bunch of people (which gives me willies anyway!) and trust someone not to drop or drown me while dunking me in water...did I mention it was in front of a bunch of people?! Then afterwards your all dripping wet...and most likely don't have a bra on 'cause you took it off so it wouldn't get wet...and you ladies know what I'm talking about! (So I'll stop there and stop feeding the imaginations of the men reading this) But my grandparents, Austin's grandparents, two of Austin's cousins, my dad and my sister all came to watch. To top it all off, I sung too! I'm now part of the "Valley Girls" (a small group of women that sing together) and am going to start singing with them! I work on most practice days, but Tanya said she could give me CD's or something...it'll all work out. :)

I'm stealing this photo from my sister's instagram! Thanks Rach ;)

 I've got a video that Tanya took, but ya'll aren't seeing that. Haha. Ha. Ha.

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah

Transferring?

Hello everyone! I've been slacking off on my posts, I know...

I'm in good spirits though! I've just finished a 1,000 word essay for my English 1011 class that I've been putting off for a week. Talk about procrastination.
I'm terrible, I know.
I'm just so happy to finally get it done! I think it's decent...when I come across some document-sharing website I might get it posted up. It was a personal essay about something you believed and the story behind it. I chose "Good things come to those who wait". (I think it's a good one...) I put the story of Aust's graduation behind it. With my own personal touch, I think my essay was the bomb. : )

I've been having thoughts though. Transferring thoughts. Because yes, I'm working on my classes, however, I feel like I'm working towards a mess. Have you ever had that feeling of dread you ignore? Yeah, that's what I'm feeling. With how much work and trouble it's been, I'm not so sure this is where God wants me. I mean, I still don't have my financial assistance worked out, but BCTC isn't having any trouble sending me my tuition bill twice a week.
So, I think I'm going to get these two classes finished and start looking into National College.

I requested information about them a few weeks ago, and I got my packet in the mail today. They have multiple Financial Aid programs, plus tons of degrees that only take 9 months to finish. You can also start your career before you finish. I'm thinking about setting up an interview with National and talking to a few people before I actually transfer though. Eastern Kentucky University is also an option, and I'll look into them more, but I'm feeling pretty good about National. I'd only have to drive like, 15 miles two times a week to take my classes. That's not bad. At all. (Yes, I've decided my next classes WILL NOT be taken online.)

More decisions...

Thanks for reading! And be on the look out for my next posts! I have a few good ideas...regarding tattoos...more of TWD...possibly marriage? Stay updated!

-Sarah

Well Here We Go Again

Frustration. I'm sorry my posts have been filled with stress and down-trodded-ness...and I'm sorry this is going to be another one. I'm just so frustrated right now. I thought I had all of my schooling worked out; I'm even taking my classes already. It's all fine and dandy...or so I thought.
BCTC sent me an email saying that I had been picked for a process called "verification". I needed to get the "verification worksheet", fill it out and email/mail it in. Which I would understand completely, if I hadn't sent that form in via email months ago. (I even have the email saved that I sent!) This just gives me the answer to all my troubles.
Someone isn't doing their job.
I get paid to do my job right, even if it's just restaurant work. I thought it was a universal rule or something.

Do your job (right). Get paid. Simple.
 And with how much my tuition bill is, I know they get a slice of that cake. I hate the feeling that I'm paying someone to not do their job.

But there's another universal rule I'm forgetting.
When I was small, my father was the stay-at-home-guy. Still is. He broke his back in his last job and can't work anymore, so it was up to my mother to support the family. So, my dad is the regular "Mr. Mom". He does an awesome job at it. He's an awesome cook.
Anyway, when I was little, and I was crying and whining for what I wanted or I was upset. I would say the same thing;

"But, that's not fair!"

My dad would smile (this evil, I-know-more-than-you-parent-smile) and say;

"Well, honey. Life's not fair."

Hence, my life.

Thanks for reading guys! I'm hoping to get some more DIY's up soon. I've got the stuff, I just need the motivation, and the time. I have an 8-hour work day today and church tomorrow (then work). So please bare with me.

-Sarah

A Little Excitement

Hello everyone! I know, I haven't written in a while and I apologize but I've been so busy! I worked everyday last week except for Wednesday, and even then I slept the whole day. I have some great, great news though!

It's Tuesday. TUESDAY. Which meant, I did, indeed start my college classes today! No, really...I did. Took the pre-test for both of my classes and everything. It was awesome-possum. 

They are online, and I'm only taking two right now because I have to them done by April 30th (which will be pretty easy, I'm sure.) I'm just so, so blessed though! It's like this huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm actually welcoming the aching sore on my thumb from writing notes after notes today. I love it. I love working and college and progressing in life. :)

-and my life is progressing pretty well too. 

I got off the phone with Austin not too long ago. We have the longest conversations, I swear. Tonight's was only about an hour and a half, but the other night we talked from 7ish to 11pm. We didn't really cover much either...we just kinda rambled about random stuff. We're like that though; talking about nothing and everything at the same time. Tonight's conversation was anything but "nothing" though...I can't say anything yet, but just be looking forward to some awesome, good news later!

Oh, and look for my next post, which should be really soon. It's all about the amazing show "The Walking Dead." It's called the 30 Day Walking Dead Challenge...

Thanks for reading, and sorry for the short post,

-Sarah 

Just Some Thoughts

Okay, a little while back I decided that Pharmacy wasn't the path my life was meant to go (or that I'm mis-reading God's signals if it is). Honestly, I think I knew that, it's just that the path I really think I'm meant to go down isn't really...financially sound. 

I want to spend my life in charity. Spreading awareness and supporting charities that don't get the recognition they deserve for all that they do. I would rather live in poverty then sit by and watch someone suffer because they don't have the means to support themselves; because they don't even get the chance. I want to spread the grace of God through love and support of others. 

I'm just not sure how to do that yet. I've been having thoughts concerning starting an online charity store selling items and products made from recycled materials (in addition to my efforts as an awareness-raising journalist). It's all in my head, but it's all jumbled. I need to get organized and make some decisions. 

On another note, another very exciting note; I'm going to finally be starting my online college classes.
Yes, after many, many months of boring phone calls that got no-where, lots of campus visits, and tons of frustration, it's done. I'm starting this next Tuesday on two classes to get my Financial Aid processed ( I have to get the classes done by April 30th) and then once the Aid is processed I can go ahead and get enrolled in my next classes. 

So I'm very, very excited! I can't wait. I'm so glad I got this new advisor; she is working miracles for me. I just have to get these two classes done by April 30th, which is more then enough time. 

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah

Ever After, Flickr, and a Road Trip!

First, sorry everyone! I haven't written in a couple of days...I've just been so busy!

I recently learned that my Financial Aid won't be coming in for my classes for another few weeks, meaning I can't start them for a while...which really, really bums me out. -apparently it comes this late every year, and unless i want to use my own money or take out a loan and go into debt for a few classes i have to wait-

Watching The Ravens win the Superbowl (like everyone knew they would) and studying for my upcoming ACT retake took up my time yesterday. Though with the game going on, not much studying got done...the blackout was a nice touch this year.

Oh, and have I mentioned I'm traveling to Cincy, OH tomorrow with my sister to get our book "The Ever-After" (from the Hollows series) signed by Kim Harrison on her Ever After Tour?
Well, um, we are and I'm way-way excited!!! I can't wait to meet her.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the Hollows Series; it actually takes place on the Ohio-Kentucky border around the river.It's been many years since The Turn, when a virus being carried in genetically-mutated tomatoes killed most of humanity on the planet.
Good thing not everyone was human.

"A witch, a pixy and a vampire walked into a bar..."
Well, lived happily, ever-after in a church.

The series centers around the three main characters:

Jenks (no last name): A pixy. A very sexy and charming loud and obnoxious pixy who, however he may not look it, has the ability to hack anything and everything that runs on electricity. Name it, he can do it.
Jenks in the only pixy to own his own land (pixies being seen as no more than bugs to the rest of the world) and keep all of his many, many children alive and well the way he has. His hero is Tinkerbell. He's a member of the business Vampiric Charms.

Ivy Tamwood: A vampire, who uses her sensuality to get what she wants. Coming from a rich and high noble vampire clan has its perks. She has more money in her trust-fund than you and I would ever see in a lifetime. Ivy takes on runs; work that they IS or Inderland Security (kinda the police force for the supernatural) cannot take on themselves. She is the most OCD woman you will ever meet. Co-owner of Vampiric Charms.

Rachel Morgan: A "witch" with the annoying need to do the right thing all the time. Rachel seems to attract trouble wherever she goes since she got rid of her death threat for quitting the IS. Loving all things leather and black boots, she takes on runs to pay the rent and buy the groceries. She has this little habit to keep nasty, little men in her back pocket. (Save for the sexy, blue-eyed 6'2 elf recently catching her eye) Co-owner of Vampiric Charms. You find out on in the series that Rachel is not just all witch...she's got a little bit more of something in her blood...

But don't let my horrible description of the series keep you away from it. Here you can see a video right off of Kim Harrison's page that explains series a lot better. Or just go to Kim Harrison's website yourself and take a look around.

The signing is taking place @ 7pm, February 5th at the new Joseph Beth store in Crestview Hills, KY. (Though I don't know why the address is that way, on the map it's clearly in Ohio...)
Maybe I'll see some of you there?

Also, check out my new Flickr Account! You can catch all of my photos and photography on there. I never even knew this site excited until Austin texted me yesterday (couldn't call because he was on duty) and enlightened me. Thoroughly enlightened, I'm using this site to it's full advantage.
 
So check me out and add me to your contacts! ;)
Username: slhallphotography
or email me: slhallphotography@gmail.com

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah

I Put the "Pro" in Productive

Hello everyone! 

Hope you've have an awesome day. I've tried and have, for the most part, succeeded! It was a productive day, I love those days. Very much. 

I woke up early this morning and was on the road by 7:30am. In rush hour. Going to Lexington.
The roads were pretty clear however, as you can see to the right. It was a pretty peaceful drive until I actually got to Lexington.
Which tore my little nerves to pieces. If I've learned something it's that people get dumb and loose their ability to drive in the early hours. 

It was still a good morning though. I had my coffee. :)

I got to BCTC around 8:30am for my appointment. I got out at around 10:45am. I had to go to four different offices to finally get around to where I needed. I was in the Financial Aid Office, then the Administrative Office, then the Admissions Office and finally back to the Financial Aid Office where they gave me a paper to fill out and mail back. 

or in my case scan in and email back. i don't trust the post service anymore either.

I figured that the horror I endured that morning gave me some leave-way to a little relaxing window shopping. Which turned into real shopping when I found a pair of American Eagle Moccasins for only $8 at Plato's Closet.

It was just too good to pass up. (I'm thinking about sewing some beading into them for some color though...) But they are super, super comfy. 

Then I found myself in the mall to spend some Wet Seal gift cards that I had left over from Christmas. I used them on some for sale items. 

Mhmm. 

Oh and I got my taxes filed today! Finally! That's always a plus. I can't wait to get that check in the mail. That'll be a big help.

But I'm home now and will be for about two more days. I don't work again until Friday. I don't work on Wednesday anymore. I switched a girl for working Mondays...so I have three days off in a row now. I have so much free time I don't know what to do with myself. I could be working on those college classes right now...

I got a call from Austin a bit ago though he seemed busy. I never got a chance to bring up my trip to see him...he said he might call back tonight. I won't count on it, but I hope he does. I'd like to get this thing planned out if I'm gonna do it. He seemed good. Might be switching to another unit. He mentioned California and getting deployed again too...

Which makes me all that more eager to get to see him! If I cut a few things, I should be able to see him in February after all. I mean, it's only been about a month since I've seen him (which isn't long in the scale of things) but I just miss him. Getting to hear Austin's voice is just a blessing. 

Cross your fingers guys. I'm off to get some housework done I guess. 

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah   

Frustration

It takes a lot for me to get upset. A mean, a lot.
I'm a very, very, very patient person. I take the time to try to understand everyone and every situation before letting my emotions of frustration or anger get the best of me. Usually I can count to ten and I'm better.

I've gotten to 76 and I'm still counting. I'm not feeling very understanding this morning. 

I was supposed to start my online classes this lovely Monday morning. Note: supposed. I'm not anymore. Which is what my frustration stems from because I've been looking forward to this for the past two weeks since my advisor enrolled me. I was dropped from my classes this morning before I even got to start them.

And why? 

Because apparently they weren't paid for 24 hours in advance to starting. 

However, when I contacted my advisor when he enrolled me I was told that I could go ahead and start my classes using my Financial Aid. Hell, I even have a scholarship waiting to be used.

The fact is, I filled out my FASFA at the first of this month. I had to be in the top 100 people to get that thing filled out. I did everything I would usually do. Put my college down where you list your schools...and I was told my Financial Aid was good. I waited two weeks after enrolling to start my classes to make sure BCTC (my college) had enough time to have everything together so there wouldn't be any error.

Yet, apparently two weeks wasn't enough time. Or someone isn't doing their job. Or both.

Honestly, BCTC as given me the biggest headache. Last year I couldn't enroll in my classes because they had me mixed up with another student. Then my SS number was apparently wrong. When I went up to the office...my account was fine and my SS number was correct. By the time we straightened that out, it was too late to enroll.
It's been one thing after another. I'm reaching my limit with these people. 

So instead of calling my advisor and the Financial Aid Office like the nice lady instructed on the phone, I'm going up to Lexington to their main offices and fixing this in person. Honestly, I don't trust these people to do what they're supposed to over the phone. My day off work will be used fixing someone else's mistake.

The things I do for a degree.

Thanks for reading and sorry for the hostility.

-Sarah