I'm leavin on a jet plane....

...don't know when I'll be back again.

ANNNDDD it's 1:00 in the morning. I am leaving on that jet plane in 29 hours. I should be sleeping. Why am I awake??!?!

Probably because I have a thousand things still left to do and I can't sleep because they are all running through my head and stressing me OUT. But, it's ok. I'll be ok. All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... My bags are extremely heavy and filled with things I probably will end up not needing...but at least they are packed.

Anyways, just wanted to drop a note, say hey, ask people to cross their fingers for me on my journey and to please keep in touch. And, thanks to all my loyal readers that have made it this far. There was a lot of whining, but I think some really good times are ahead. Stay tuned.

Ciao!

Let's take a picture now...

I do not want to forget, the way you look at me when everything is perfect.

"Perfect" by Doria Roberts. SUCH a good song.

And SUCH a good weekend. One of the best. Let me recap. Pictures will be involved.

First off, I saw Star Trek. I am not a trekkie, nor have I ever been a trekkie or ever desire to be one. But the new movie was really, really good. Having no prior knowledge of the show or other movies turned out to be ok and I was only lost for a few tiny parts. But it was a pleasant surprise and I am intrigued as to why I think Spock is hot with his creepy ears and eyebrows. Captain Kirk is hot too, in a less disturbing way.

So that was Friday. Then, on Saturday my fabulous college friends came to see me off. My two roommates, Jeannie and Katrina came, as well as a good friend, Kelly. We had a dinner party with other cool PC people and a good time was had by all. It was especially awesome because my mom and stepdad were out of town, so we got to throw a party while the rents were gone, high school style! Only...my mom knew about it, we were all actually of legal drinking age and nothing especially crazy went on. But whatever, it was still throw back. And awesome. The best part was definitely the surprise McFly concert we discovered at Wild Wings in Mt Pleasant. McFly is an 80s cover band and they are AMAZING. None of us had any idea they were playing, but luckily we randomly decided to go to Wild Wings and there they were! It totally made my life. 80s music is the BEST. There were some total creepers there though...they made it kind of entertaining..but also kind of scary. One got a little too close. Anyways, here we are, having fun.


Aren't my friends hot?

Sunday was rainy and low key, but that night was nicer. And, my Curves buddies took me out to dinner! It was really fun and the food was REALLY good. I forgot how much I love Mexican food. Oh, and they were all super sweet and gave me a card and these really pretty bracelets! So thoughtful and nice. I am going to miss working out with them! We also had a little photo shoot....

Again, hot. And I went to a fun little Memorial Day cookout with the Heads.

Then it was Memorial Day and I'm probably the only person in Charleston that was not at the beach or a pool. It was an annoying day, no need for details because the night was fun. Crab legs (my fave!) as a going away dinner at my dads and then beer pong with the super fun, ridiculous boys I used to live down the street from. There was a minor causality when my brother decided to shoulder me in the face when we were both going for the ball. Other than a purple lip, I am recovering nicely.

I have so much more to discuss, but damn, I'm tired! I can't believe I am leaving in FOUR days. CRAZY! And I still haven't packed. I should probably get on that.

Mamma Mia!

PEOPLE-It is May 21st. It will be May 22 in 45 minutes. That means I am leaving in EIGHT DAYS. OH MY GOODNESS.

I don't even know what to do with myself. Especially since I have not packed, or even attempted to pack. I set aside some things I would like to take and that's about it. They probably won't fit in my suitcase. Do I even have a suitcase? Perhaps not. I can't find it at the moment. I have forbidden myself from entering Target again for the rest of my time here. I've literally been there five times in the past two weeks and spent well over $100. And what do I have to show for it? Some shorts? Maybe some other useless stuff too.

But here is some AWESOME news:
Sadly, it is not an earlier Harry Potter release date. It's even BETTER! I get to go to a REAL, honest-to-goodness Greek wedding. I, for real, could not be more excited. I have been getting some fabulous emails from my Greek family (some examples in a moment) and one of them said I needed to bring a formal dress for their older son's (not the one I'm taking care of) wedding! A BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING. Or maybe it'll be Mamma Mia style, I just don't know. Either way, I can. not. wait. It might be the best day of my life. If it surpasses the photo shoot at the Vatican (see Fourteen), I can die happy. Ok, not really, because I have to go to Austin's wedding before that can happen. But, it could possibly the best thing ever. I don't know, I'll let you know the day after. Other great news I've gotten from Pericles. Um, yes, his name is really Pericles. Anyways:
-"Don't panic-You are not going to outer space." [I had some packing issues]

He also sent me a schedule of my typical day. Here are some highlights:
-15:30-18:00: Seista (At least for Panayotis) [For jacky too! Naptime, yes please!]
-21:00-21:00 Putting the pieces together... (shower, relaxing) [aka more nap time]
-21:00 Dinner [People, that is dinner at 9:00. Love it]

There was also some other things that included sailing, shopping, taking shots and dancing. So, pretty much my dreams come true. Oh wait, here is my favorite part:
(If you visit the Google Earth sites, you will find out that our place is next to the beach – we open the door and there we are!)
Oh god. Can't wait. Seriously, come visit.

And as an added bonus, here are some pictures from the Vatican photo shoot...since none were added in the original post. You're welcome.

This is a polizia people. Not a poser caribinieri. (jk...I don't know the difference)

Is that a sniper up there? No, it's the Camerlengo!

In front on the fountain? Yes, I take.

I don't know if you can tell in this photo, but my face is literally about to explode with happiness.

Photo Credits:
Taken at 2 in the morning by some very lovely polizia. Grazie, polizia!

Please tell me you're joking

So I am a huge nerd. And I am STOKED about the new Harry Potter movie coming out this summer. And I wanted to make sure I would get to see it, even in Greece. So I looked up the release date online. I'm scrolling through everything...it opens July 15 in the US and then in other countries then, or up until July 24...and then I get to the very last country. Guess what it is.....
Right! Greece! And it opens....AUGUST 27! What the hell?!? Seriously, what is that all about? It's the ONLY country with an opening in August. Why do I have to wait that long?! Am I going to have to take a weekend trip to another country just to see the new Harry Potter movie? It looks like it. I mean, whatever, I'll do what I have to. The last one that came out, I had to drive 4 hours to see it (I was at the ranch...it was the closest theater), so I am no stranger to going to extreme limits to see my man Harry. Either that or Greece is going to need to get it together by July. We'll see what happens.

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong

Please tell me you people have seen these men before. Because apparently no one at my party knew what I was talking about, except one other enlightened girl. Granted, I was not being very specific because I didn't know the names of these things, but I read these books all the time when I was little! And they have a Little Miss series too! Anyways, it came up because my fabulous friends had a going away party (holy shit, I leave in less than 2 weeks!) for me on Saturday and one of them made a watermelon keg:


And I thought it looked like one of the Mr. Men characters. Only, I didn't know what they were called and no one knew what I was talking about. But whatever, I knew and that's all that matters! That, and that this was a freaking watermelon KEG that dispensed a really strong mixed drink known as jacky juice. It was quite delicious.


Anyways, the party was super fun! There were lots of jello shots in syringes, which made them super fun and easy to take. Which meant I took upwards of 10. At least.


There was also cake!


And my brother came.


And other fun people.


And there were all kinds of shenanigans.


Overall, a a great time. And it followed a great day of Habitat for Humanity, which made me very tired, but I persevered, no worries. I love doing Habitat! It makes me feel so productive. And sore. I pretty much hammered all day long and my arm was killing me a few hours afterwards. Nothing a little ibuprofen couldn't fix though. I went with Allison, and she has video of me hammering, in case you don't believe how hard I worked. However, she managed to get my most pathetic hammering of the day captured...I look pretty sad. It does, however, showcase my amazing ambidextrous hammering skills. Which is interesting, because I am not ambidextrous in any other capacity.

So anyways, it was a really good weekend. Now I will spend the rest of the week packing, freaking out, cleaning, shopping, and trying to get my iPod in order. iTunes is SUCH a pain in the ass, btw. But to end on a good note, here is another picture from the party...one of my faves! (Other people have more fun pictures).

OOO, Heaven is a place on earth

OH MY GOSH. Chuck (that's a radio station) played MY jam today and it made my LIFE. Actually, it just made my ride home a lot better and made me extremely happy for the time it was playing. Then, I got really tired. But, it was still pretty fabulous. And I wanted to share.

Other than that, nothing much has been happening. I read to some first graders today, then it rained, then I went on a walk and that's about it.

More later when something interesting happens. It might take a while. Don't hold your breath.

Later dudes! :)

That's life

That's what all the people say....

Oh Frank...I love you. And this post is random and so is my life, so hence the title. Life has been good lately and I wanted to let everyone share the goodness with me.

Actually, not everything has been good. For instance, this ridiculous sinus infection I managed to pick up sometime post-strep throat. But whatever, I think the worst is over.

BUT-for some good news: Cody (my step-brother) graduated from the Citadel this weekend! YAY! Good for him! I didn't get to go to the actual ceremony, but I went to the final parade the day before and they have what's called the long gray line...and that's pretty much what it is. A long ass line of all the senior cadets. And they're all wearing gray. I know, creative name, right? But, it was pretty cool looking. They all stand in a line and then hold hands (so precious!) and walk towards the stands. Then they turn around and wave to the underclassmen cadets. Which is just really funny because you know they are thinking, hahahaha! Hey you losers that still have to stay in this hellhole for a few more years. We're leaving..bye bitches! That's just speculation though, I don't know what they're really thinking.

Anyways, his graduation, of course, made me think about my graduation. Which, of course, makes me bitter. So we are not going to dwell on it. Instead, we are going to look at these lovely pictures that showcases me, my super cute dress, and Cody's huge ass Citadel ring. Yes, I know, it really is a lovely sight.

The really good news of the week is that my Improv show was last night! And it was super fun! And funny! Well, I thought it was funny...I don't know how funny I actually was to those watching, but I got some laughs so I am going to count it is a success. And, as you know, I just love being on stage and being the center of attention. Well, I wasn't ever really the center of attention, since we're with someone else on stage...but it was close enough.

Oh yeah, funny story...I had to buy one pair of underwear yesterday at Target. It was awkward. I went to the beach and forgot to bring a pair to change into afterwards. And now, since I'm back out in the boonies of Mt. P with my mom, it was too far to run home and get some. So I just bought a single pair at Target. The lady was like, um, is this all? Yes, cashier lady, that is all. Thank you.

Also, I love Curves. Have I talked about that? Because I totally do. Everyone there is super awesome and nice.

And for the opposite of super awesome and nice, the bitchiest of all bitches came into work today. I don't really know what set it off, but she was NOT happy with me. And she let me know by telling me if she wasn't a christian, she would punch me in the face. So then I told her I wasn't doing her test and walked off. And instead of just leaving, she continued to pee, then threatened the other guy that worked and then THREW HER PEE ON THE FLOOR. Seriously. Threw it on the floor. So that was awesome. But it was so ridiculous it was funny. Who does that? Crazy bitches, that's who.

OH YEAH! Who's Bad was AWESOME. I found some friends and got to go and they rocked my face off! They are playing again in Charleston the 29th. Sadly, I am leaving at 6:00 am on the 30th, so I will not be able to go. :( But, I am really glad I got to see them at all and experience their amazingness.

That's all for now. That's my life. Each time I find myself, flat on my face...I pick myself up and get back in the race! :)

Shut up, just shut up

That's in a song, right? I think I've heard it before.

Credentials aside, I would like to take this time to make some comments on people that I feel need to shut up.

First up, Bristol Palin. In an extreme case of do as I say and not as I do, she now feels it is her duty to tell the youth of America that abstinence is the right thing to do. Yes, thank you Bristol. Perhaps you should have listened to that advice and and not had sex as a young, unwed teen. Oh wait, you were told abstinence was the best policy? Hm, and that didn't work? Weird. Then maybe now it's time to look into another form of birth control. And no, the rhythm method is not the next best thing. Also, way to go on making your son feel completely unwanted. I'm sure that when he grows up and learns about the comments you're making, he is going to be thrilled. Who doesn't love hearing they were a mistake? It's just going to add to the fun times he'll be having shuffling back and forth to mom and dad's house, since his parents are not together anymore. And they're all over national television talking shit about each other. Man, these are some classy people. Definitely the type of person I want on the news telling teenagers how to behave. Quite the role model.

Speaking of role models, back to Miss California, whatever her name is. I just love how she, as a Christian, can use being a Christian to fit whatever role she wants to play and cover any mistakes that she makes. Being a Christian is just so convenient! And not only does she get to cover her tracks, but she gets to keep others down while doing it! Apparently some naughty pictures have surfaced of her. I mean, whatever girl...if posing naked fits into your Christian lifestyle, go on with your hot self. Flaunt it so everyone can see. I was under the impression only your spouse (and in her case, that would have to be someone that is opposite of her) could see your naughty parts, but I haven't been to church in a while, so I might be behind the times. No, no, silly me. She is a Christian AND a model, so that makes it ok to pose in swim wear, lingerie, and/or topless. A little prayer, bam! It's taken care of, all is forgiven. And breaching her contract, also forgivable. No need to get all upset people, even though it's legally binding, the lord called her to go above it and speak on behalf of opposite marriage for her church. Her CHURCH. Much more important than silly old contractual obligations. Those things are earthly and petty and probably will not follow you to heaven, so why be concerned with them now? And then, this is one of my favorite parts, some woman from Miss CA's church is standing up for her and uses this as her argument (or something along these lines): As a former unwed single mom, I support whatsherface. You don't have to be perfect to stand up for traditional (or whatever they are calling it) marriage. AH! Where do these people get off? They are so self-righteous. It's ok for ME to have premarital sex and live my life in sin, but it's not ok for other people to have a different lifestyle and be homosexual. And giving those people rights as a legally married couple? Absolutely not!

Here is my beef: Why? Why spend your life trying to oppress others when what they are doing has absolutely NO bearing on you or your Christian life. And why is it even about religion? It's not! People what equality legally. If you don't want to recognize that they are married in the church, don't! I mean, what about those men and women that are legally married in the court, but never had a church wedding because they are atheist? Or people that are married and aren't Christian? Yes, they do exist. I guess, overall, I don't understand why people waste their time hating. Why hate on some one's lifestyle that is not doing you any harm? Jeez, at least take up arms against people that deserve it. If gay people can't get married, I don't think pedophiles should be allowed to either! Or racially insensitive people...or people that do drugs...or that beat their kids...or wear ugly clothes. All are undeserving of equality. I guess Kat Williams is right, people always gotta be hatin. And if you don't have anyone to hate on, feel free to hate on me. You can sit back there and say my hair isn't luxurious when you know it is.

Annnndddd....done ranting. Thank you.

Anyways, for something positive: My Chic-Fil-A soccer team's picture is on the wall at the restaurant in Mt. Pleasant! It's like I'm a celebrity! Seriously, I am just so tickled by this. I want to take people there and show it off. I just found out tonight, but from here on out, all my dates will take place at the Mt. P Chic-Fil-A. It's going to be awesome.

Also, I just found out the Michael Jackson cover band "Who's Bad" will be playing at Rockin on the Point this Friday and I MUST go. I need friends to go with me. I have a limited number here. This needs to be fixed by Friday.

Off to make friends. Peace out.

I love the rain the most....

....when it stops.

It's a real song by Joe Purdy. It's a good one. It fits because I left beautiful SC weather last week to spend the weekend in rainy, cold New Jersey and now I'm back in Charleston and guess what-it's raining! Boooo. I don't mind rain, but I want some beach weather before I leave!

So I am back from my New Jersey/New York adventure extravaganza. And it was definitely low on the adventure extravaganza side of things. Kind of a disappointment, I am not going to lie. Part of it was my fault, part of it was my sister's fault, and it was partly the fault of the crappy weather and the side effects of antibiotics. However, good times were had and it was super great to see my AIFS buddies. It was seriously like nothing had changed in three years (holy crap, it's been three years) and instead of hanging out in Rome, we were just hanging out in New York. And I will say that the weather in NJ was terrible, but our day in the city was really quite lovely. And oh my gosh, I LOVE New York! Seriously, I have the shirt to prove it. I think it is just so fun and exciting and I might consider moving there one day. I would want someone to go with me though...any takers? I just love how alive it is ALL the time! If I want sushi at three in the morning, dammit, I can have it! Not so in Charleston. Not that Charleston doesn't have it's perks. I really enjoy being able to drive myself around. And the beach. Have I mentioned before that I love the beach? Because I do. It's fabulous. But I think NYC would just be so super fun to live in for a while. We'll see where life takes me after my great European summer adventure. Should be interesting. And in general, I love traveling. Going different places is so fun. Also, I love the subway. I know it's weird, but I am all about underground transit. It's so exciting! And so fast! And convienent! Other than creepers, there is no end to the fun!

Oh yeah, and two years ago today exactly, I graduated from college. WHOA. Crazy. Two years. Time flies when things are sucking. It also flies when you're having fun, so the moral is: time flies. Period. Might as well have fun because it's going to be flying either way. I know, so profound, right?

Anyways, so now I'm back at my moms, roommates with Stormy again. Oh life. It is so strange sometimes. I am really overwhelmed with the task of unpacking and repacking my entire life. But, I am also super super SUPER excited about Italy and Greece, so I'll use that energy to motivate myself. Also, other super fun things are happening the next couple of weeks, so I have lots to look forward to.

So that's that. I can't wait for this blog to get interesting again with European adventures. America is so lame. Except when you're with friends. Then things are ok :)

Forza Italia!

Tell them how I'm DEFYING GRAVITY....

I wish I could sing the title for you, so you could understand the power and passion that goes behind this song. Sadly, having it caps is the only way I can begin to explain the amazing-ness of WICKED! Which I saw this past weekend and it was FABULOUS, once again. I saw it last year in New York and it was just as amazing this time around. Only this time, I knew all the words to the songs and I had to control myself from singing along and/or running up on stage and joining in. It really took a lot of self control. Which I have very little of, so it was hard. Seriously, it's one of the best musicals ever. The book is weird, don't read it. Just go see the musical. Only don't paint yourself green or purchase Wicked book bags and wander around Jacksonville with it on. That's a little extreme. The rest of the weekend in Jacksonville was nice...perfect beach weather, good food, good friends and some dancing. Only, at the end, I'm pretty sure Katrina gave me strep throat (stupid bitch!) because she gets it ALL the time and I had it when I got home. So that sucked. Also, jk about her being a stupid bitch...she was sick too, so it sucks for both of us.

Having strep this week was particularly stressful because I had a MILLION things I needed to be doing and none of them included paying $114 to see a doctor, laying in bed feeling miserable, and taking antibiotics that turned me into a ravenous monster. But it's ok, the money was worth it, I got the antibiotics for free and I feel SO much better today. All is well. I was running around like a crazy person for half the day Wednesday, trying to move everything out of my room so a new person could move in before I left for New Jersey. That was stressful...but it all worked out, thanks to my brother, who has recently decided that doing me favors is not so bad after all. Thanks brother!

So anyways, I flew to New Jersey today (yes, ACTUALLY defying gravity. Elpheba would be so proud), and that is where I am now. My sister is a nanny here in this enormous house and I stayed to take a nap while she took one of the kids to cheerleading. The house is great and big and the people are really nice. They just have this super annoying alarm system that beeps every. single. time. someone opens the door. And for whatever reason, it beeps in her room...not just at the door. Just in case she, or whoever is in her room trying to take a nap, would like to know someone is opening and closing the door a thousand times while unloading groceries. Just in case. But, things are better now, I had a nap and once I get some food (seriously, this medicine is making me an eating monster. I can't get not-hungry), I will be fine and dandy.

The flights were fine. OH MY GOD-I freaking LOVE Sky Mall magazine. Has anyone ever looked through there? They have the CRAZIEST shit! It's so fabulous. I wish I had tons of money so I could buy all of the ridiculous things in there. It is the most random crap, but some of it is like, yeah, I really could use that! For instance, the insect repellent hat. Kind of pricey at $79.95, but I could splurge if it meant no gnats at the soccer games. And then there's stuff like, the only digital camera swim mask. I mean, for $99.95 it's like, do I really need this? And then there is the next tier of crazy things with Bigfoot, the Garden Yeti Sculpture that will "have guests doing a double take at this mythical legend hand-painted for startling realism." And for only $98.95!!!! WHAT?!?! How can it look real when Bigfoot isn't even real!? But the top level of crazy are the movie-themed things you can get. Unfortunately, any discounts you have don't apply to these, so you'll have to pay the full $195 for THE Cryptex from The Da Vinci Code or $395 for the Dark Knight Special Edition Cowl. Whatever the fuck that is. But don't worry, everything in Sky Mall is unconditionally guaranteed for life. So if you ever break the Cryptex, trying to crack the code, I guess they'll give you a new one. Please go to skymall.com to check it out for yourself. Anyways, thanks to Gladys the GPS system, it actually almost as long to get home from the airport as the actual flights. So that was interesting. New Jersey is...interesting. More about that later. I need food for now. And I am super excited about getting to see my study abroad friends in New York this weekend!

Life is so good right now! Hooray!