Boy am I pooped! What a long day! I was at Philips Arena at 9:30AM to set up the cookie display for my Philips family and eat some breakfast before I started my long working day.

I was on the floor 110/111 for the ACC/SEC Championship game where Auburn beat Clemson and GA Tech beat GA. It was stressful. Although there was not a huge crowd, the majority of my crowd was stressing me out and testing me too much. I had the families of the players and the fans who thought they could do whatever they wanted and break rules...very annoying. Charles Barkley was present and walked right by me. He was pretty nice about signing a LOT of autographs for the fans. Nice guy! <.grin> I spoke to many of the coaches....random ones and the GA one (nice before the game, oooh but quite mean during and after-especially since they lost) Rough, but after the two games, I got through it! Whew!

Then, was the Hawks verus the Spurs. At briefing, I found out I had gotten shopped. Not a perfect score though because they said I didn't say please when asking for their ticket and I didn't say to "enjoy the game". I am very disappointed by this cause normally I ALWAYS say "enjoy the game" <.shrug> Ah well! Ya never know...

Talie mentioned to everyone at briefing again that I was leaving. Then, Quentin told everyone at supervisors briefing. They are so sweet to me! At the end of the game where Jason Terry put the ball in the last few seconds of the game to win it for the Hawks, Quentin told me that I needed to go to the Guest Service Center before I left.

When I got there, Talie and Reggie (he had come as a fan to the game) had a whole speech and all to give me as well as a very special care package. They had gotten me an *NSYNC shirt (<.grin> So cute!), an *NSYNC calender, and a very nice Philips Arena pen! They are so sweet. I was trying to get out of there though cause I was about to break and cry in front of them...I held it till I left the building, but it was just an accumulation of the entire day of people saying goodbye to me (I don't handle goodbyes very well). I am gonna miss everyone SO much! I really love my Philips family and Talie and Reggie made me much more special for me! Thanks guys! I love ya'll!

So today was my last day. I turned in my badge and walked out the employee entrance. Saddness! But, moving on to Orlando! Which holds my happy thoughts! Amy called tonight and we discussed the plans about tomorrow and them arriving! YAY! Jessica called to confirm her coming to Orlando! WHOO HOO! <.yay> And I am ready to go! Very excited!

Tomorrow, I have to wake up early to pack my car and get ready for Amy (and her friends') arrival, make dinner for them, get all set to go.....then Sunday pick up Jessica and go to O-Town! WHOO HOO!

Ya'll may not hear from me for awhile after that because I will be in transit and living out of a suitcase till I get settled in, but no fear...I will be back...and that is not a threat-well it is if you consider it as that <.giggle> Later!

Today was very productive! I was woken up by my bro/sis-in-law saying goodbye. Back to Ohio they went! Then, took my car in to get it fixed. Now it is as good as new again! <.yay>

Then, I went to Victoria's Secret and spent my gift certificate <.giggle> On what....you will never know <.smirk>

So then...hung out and watched While You Were Sleeping with my momma, then listened to the Paul McCartney CD I bought her for Christmas, but we listened to it using the DVD player <.whoo hoo> Fun stuff!

I ended up packing a little more....geez. How will all this get in my car? <.giggle>

Talked to Tonya from Hartwell again today! Yay! And...Jessica said she is definitely not going to Texas, but still up in the air on Florida! C'mon Jess...it's FLORIDA!

Tomorrow will be a sad day. It is my very last day at Philips Arena. I am working two events. From 9AM until about 11PM I will be working....ugh! But it will be the last of it, so I can make it! I am gonna miss everyone very much! It will be sad to leave!

Well, I hope everyone's Christmas was as joyous as mine. I actually slept in this morning. This was the first time EVER on Christmas day that I slept in...and until 11:30 <.grin>. Normally, I am too excited to sleep, but it just didn't feel the same this year. Maybe I am just getting older.

Everyone came around noon. We all opened presents...I got some good stuff. I received three cds: Jimmy Eat World, Good Charlotte, and Nick Carter <.grin>. Then I got *NSYNC's POP Odsessy DVD-whoo hoo! <.grin> I also got Cool Water (for women) <.yay>, my clothes and shoes I was suppose to forget about, a gift certificate to Victoria's Secret <.giggle>, gift certificates/money, a new lens for my camera (VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT-now I can finally use my camera again!), an *NSYNC calender for 2003 (yay!), my purse I was suppose to forget about, and some new lotion, shampoo, etc. I had a very blessed Christmas and got to spend it with the entire fam! Very fun!

My neice and nephews LOVED their *NSYNC watches I gave them upon the other gifts I gave them! I think they played Bye Bye Bye one thousand times! I loved it!

Mom and Dad loved the DVD player I gave them. I know they didn't originally *want* it, but they are already loving it and playing stuff on it! Score!

I watched the Disney Parade this morning and got SO home sick...I know it's only less than four days away, but I am just itching to go! NOW!

B and Rachel called! Feliz Navidad guys! I miss you!

So tonight I have been packing more and I have even more stuff to find a place for. And where in the world is all this stuff gonna go in my car? Beats me, but it will fit somewhere! <.grin>

It was so hard to say goodbye to my neice and nephews...kept on making it like I would never see them again. That hurts! I don't wanna miss a second of seeing them grow up, but I know I can't stay here just to please them, ya know? It just makes me sad to think of all I could and will miss. <.frown>

So, Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope ya'll all had a wonderful day! I know I got almost all that I wanted! Just one last thing...but Santa couldn't bring that. <.grin> Maybe I will get it later on this year, I hope! <.grin> We shall see.

Well, it is officially Christmas Day, but it is nighttime and I am in my room alone watching Felicity like every other night. Same ole, same ole.

Today, I leisurely got up and hung out. Ran some errands. Finished up a last minute Christmas run. Wrapped the last of the presents and paraded them around the tree. So pretty!

I did a lot more packing today. I actually am starting to realize that I don't have a whole lot of time left...especially not enough time to do all the stuff I have to do before I leave.

I then went to candlelight service with my parents. It was really nice! We sang traditional Christmas Carols and had lit our candles for Silent Night. I love that part!

If you notice my song that I am singing Charles In Charge Theme Song, it is because Charles IMed me and told me he is going to Orlando too! WHOO HOO! I hope I can see everyone, it's gonna be tight trying to fit everyone in the small amount of time cause everyone is either just visiting for a few days, or leaving their program at the beginning of January.

Well, tomorrow all the fam will be heading over to open presents. Excitement!

So today I just rested, which I really needed. After just laying around and watching television, I decided to organize my room. Big mistake to start that massive job!

Basically my entire room looked like a tornado went through it, but now it is semi organized with stuff to take to Orlando and stuff to leave here (for now). I have lots packed, but still SO not done!

I am so excited it is not even funny. I got a little sad yesterday with the thought of leaving my niece and nephews, but other than that I am SO ready to go!

While packing, I got SO into My So-Called Life and then switched to A Muppet Christmas Carol and then onto The Santa Clause. Very exciting times in my room <.grin>

Congrats to Kate for graduating yesterday! Whoo hoo! And to Kristin! Geez....we are getting so old! <.grin> We are now college graduates....now what? <.giggle> Now we have to become adults, ey? Nah!

So tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I still want to get one more thing....then I have to run some errands, but other than that I can pack some more and then get some rest! Whoo hoo!

So yesterday was full of stuff to do. First, Tonya from Hartwell called! Yay! I miss ya girl! Sorry we couldn't get together, but hopefully soon!

Then, my momma and I headed to the GS reunion! It was fun stuff! I got to see Catherine (the first of us to be soon-to-be-married), Melissa (the now grown-up teacher), Jessica (whom I have been seeing, but fun as usual <.grin>), Deanna (who broke her leg <.frown>), Yvonne (all the way on the other side of the table so I didn't get a chance to talk to that much) and all the mom's who loved to talk about us <.grin>

It was SO good to see everyone again! It had been too long. Mrs. Wilbanks bought me the entire season on DVD of My So-Called Life. How exciting is that? I LOVE IT! I can't wait to watch the Broiler Room episode among others! Whoo hoo! Jessica said she helped pick it out <.grin> Jordon Catalino!

Deanna also gave me a gift...a monetary one. Very nice of her! It was so nice of them to think of me! And they all better visit me in Orlando!

We wanted to order drinks and freak our mom's out, but we decided that *might* not be so funny to them <.giggle> We refrained.

Chad was our waiter and was very patient with all of us. I am sure he cussed and fumed about us in the back though, we were such a big group of goofballs that he had to not like us <.grin> But he was nice!

Shannon called me when we were about finished and said they were all in the parking lot to pick me up for sibling shopping night. So, sadly I had to leave the group. We took pics and hugged, then left. It was sad. It will be a long time before I see them again...but we WILL keep in touch better this time!

Jessica walked me out and gave me the coolest presents! She had gotten this whole basket together of a REAL diary that I can put things that I purposefully leave off of this thing <.grin>, and a book of Answers (like an eight ball, but in book form), film for Orlando <.aww>, a Disney pen (SO CUTE), and a nice surprise that neither of our mom's could look at! <.grin> Thanks Jess! I LOVE IT!

So, then I was kidnapped by my bro's/sis' and nephews for a ride to the mall. We went to the bass pro shop and then to the Mall Of GA. It was fun! IT was definitely LONG though, cause we walked ALL over that mall. AND that mall is BIG! We spent hours in FAO, Pottery Barn, Galayans, Nordstroms, and Restoration Hardware. Crazy stuff. But fun to hang out with my strange siblings. <.grin>

So, then we came home after walking forever around that mall. Ate dinner and then Laura, Jeff and I went to see Two Weeks Notice. I liked it. It was cute. Not as great as I expected, but yet having it not be like how I expected was actually a good thing....it wasn't that perdictable, which was nice. I don't know...not my favorite, but cute.

Then, we went to a very interesting store...and that's all I can say about that. <.grin>

We came home and Laura needed help wrapping ALL of her many presents to people so we all stayed up and watched Bridget Jones' Diary while wrapping her MANY gifts till like 2AM when I was about to fall over from all the craziness and HAD to go to bed. They left this morning to her parent's house, but will be back on Christmas Day.

So, today I am resting! Especially from yesterday! Whew! A lot went on and I felt like I didn't stop at all! But it was good times to hang and see everyone! I enjoyed it!

Think I will get into My So-Called Life and reminise of the days I used to religiously catch this show on televison! <.yay>

Today has been good. I went to work the Hawks game against the Philadephia 76ers with Alan Iverson. Crazy busy needless to say. Almost a packed house...even a bit more people in attendence than at the Michael Jordon game last Tuesday.

At mass briefing, Talie began the meeting with telling everyone that I was leaving. How sweet is she? The way she did it was so cute..."I wanted to take the time, since the majority of ya'll are here tonight, to talk a bit about this usher. She has been here, not since the beginning, but with us for awhile, and she just graduated from college and is moving down to Orlando to work for Disney. She will be missed and this usher is Carolyn Ohme and we want to congratulate her and wish her well" Or something along those lines...everyone clapped. It was nice that she cared enough to mention it and all. It was a tad embarrassing, but sweet! After that, everyone thought I was leaving today, but in actuality my last day is the 27th, guess they will be surprised to see me again then <.giggle>

Before briefing, a very sweet usher came up to me randomly and told me that when Talie promoted the ushers to supervisors, he wanted to recommend me. He also said that everytime he worked with me or next to me, he knew that he would have a good night. Also, he said that the cream (I assume..the cream of the crop <.gring>) always will rise to the top and in my case it was true again. How sweet is he? So, I told him that I was leaving and he hadn't know that I was till just then. He wished me well and said that it was a great opportunity, but that he would miss me. People like him to give such great compliments really made my day today. So sweet!

Willie told me that we are all a part of his family and he would miss me...cause I was a part of it. <.grin>

I am really gonna miss my Philips family.

So, the Hawks won. It was quite a close game though, especially when it got down to the last few seconds of the game, but we pulled it out and won! Whoo hoo!

Came home to find an empty house. My parents were still out partying. My bro and sis-in-law got here a little after I did. They drove straight in from Ohio today for the holidays. Good to see them again!

Tomorrow, my mom and I are going to have lunch with the Girls (SG) <.grin> and then I am going shopping with all my siblings, then Laura and I are going to see a movie (one of the many chick flicks we want to see <.grin> Not sure which one yet!)

I got up earlier than I had wanted to cause I needed to do some stuff around my room <.grin> like clean a bit. Then, met Stephanie for lunch at Don Copus Mexican Restaurant. It was mucho yummy! <.grin> She got me the Spiderman DVD and a Philips Arena shirt so I would think of my Philips family every time I wore it. She said Kip helped pick it out <.aww>

After lunch, I headed to the Mall Of GA to do some shopping. I finished my Christmas shopping today. Whoo hoo! All done. I got myself a dressy belt and dressy shoes for work at Epcot.

I ran into a friend from Freshman year of college there. Kim works at Lord & Taylor. Good to see her again, randomly. She's nice!

Then, I came home and wrapped all the presents. So that is done. Nice!

I got my official Disney letter in the mail today. Today is the day that I would have known by if I had gotten the job...so I received the letter today. Yay!

Tomorrow I am working the hawks game...and that is about it. Hopefully it will be a good day!

Tonight I babysat my cute little niece and nephew. It was pretty fun, although I really don't have the patience to have my own children....I just don't. Who knows what the future holds...I love my nephews and niece, but in general...kids are trouble. <.grin> Although I can so work with them and have fun with them while at Disney, but it's like I am playing a part and not having to watch them or take them home, ya know...

So...the kids and I ordered pizza, watched Power Rangers, Roly Poly Olie, and Lilo and Stitch. Cute! We played tons of games and they love to attack me...that needs to stop <.grin>

So my niece is two and she is named after me, Carolyn Sean...we call her Seany/Sean and today was the first day she called me Carolyn....hello! I am nanie...have been since my first nephew coined the title for me. Wasn't asked for and certainly wasn't adored at first, but I grew to love it and now they are beginning to take it away. NO mam! <.grin> Who's Carolyn I asked her...I am nanie! <.grin> Ended that route!

She also said that I was her "favorite girl" Aww. <.grin> Love that kid.

My niece is so cute...when I was putting her to bed, she asked for "my dink" and I had NO CLUE what she was asking for, so I told her to show me where it was but she couldn't find it, I told her to tell me what it looked like and she couldn't so I promised her that when her momma came home we would find her "dink" and when they got home I asked her my bro what it was...her DRINK! I am SUCH a bad aunt....poor baby was thirsty...I am horrible! BUT, she had something to drink right before bed so it wasn't like she was really NEEDING it...but still. I am such a horrible aunt! <.frown> I felt bad!

Evan is so cute cause he is old enough to have a logical conversation with me and it's so cute! He's four and we talked about how I am moving and how he has to come visit me at Epcot. They LOVE Epcot...it's their favorite park and they have been there every year of their lives. The cutest kids! I adore them both!

After the kiddies went to bed, the cat Sam and I bonded. Sam reminded me of my cat Missy who died in 1995 after we had her for about thirteen years...I grew up with her..she took care of me and I had forgotten how soothing it was to just pet a cat. I have Honey and I love her to death, but it's not as relaxing as petting a cat. Just so soft and calm. I miss that. I miss her.

Well...I got my grades:

Deviant Behavior: A
Editorial/Critical Writing: B
Intimate/Sexual Violence: A
Feature Writing: A
Mass Media & Society: A

Yea...so much for straight A's. Grrr. So Editorial and Critical Writing WAS my hardest class, but it was also the class that I stressed about and worked the hardest in and it makes me upset that yea I was borderline, but that my hard work on my final didn't pay off. Grrr.

Oh well..yea I know I got on the Dean's List again and yay, but I really wanted straight A's and go out with a bang! Geez. Oh well. Whatever. It's over! But, I am still bitter.

Anyways, my mom and I went shopping again today. It was fun stuff. I got more clothes that I have to forget about for Christmas. <.grin> It is fun to forget! <.giggle>

Saw the entire Cry Me A River video last night (thanks Kate!) AND this afternoon. Makes me happy. It's so evil, yet I love it!

Well, off to babysit my sweet nephew and niece! Later!

How much fun was tonight? Geez...tons! Well, first of all my day was okay. I basically did nothing. I did, however, complete some more Christmas cards that I needed to get out, and thank you notes from graduation so that was good and productive. My dad's pics came back -> WELL, half of them did, but my graduation part did not...however we did get someone else's photos which means they probably got my much wanted grad pics...ah well! Meant to be I guess. Then, I helped my momma add some pics to her website...still needs some work on my part, but I will get to it when I can. Been too busy having fun, which leads to tonight.

So then...I went to pick up Jess to head out on our night o' fun! And boy was it a blast! First, we had cosmo's at her place! Yummy. Then, we rushed to Doc Chey's (the noodle restaurant...highly trendy) and this place was Danny's favorite (from the Real World) and it's SO good! We had the most yummy spring rolls and Lo Mein! I love Chinese and it was so filling! <.grin>

Then, we headed off to the Tabernacle to see a bunch of awesome preformers for a Holiday concert from 99X. Performers included Shawn Mullins (who of course played a rocked out version of Lullaby and some cool tunes of his), Indigo Girls (who played my favorite of theirs, Closer To Fine and some great harmonized songs that made you gaze in awe at their talent), Josh Joplin, Rhett Miller (whom Jessica fell in love with cause he's hot AND talented!), Tift Merritt (eh!), Fastball (had more hits than I originally thought and grooved...enjoyable), Jayhawks (whoo hoo! They rule! and have more hits on commericals than previously noted), and Peter Stuart (who was cute when he collabrated with the Indigo Girls on Closer To Fine). All in all it was an excellent group of preformers who all came out at the end to sing "So this is Christmas (war is over)" and it was SO good and very moving! Especially for the times....

So, then we left to go to Smith's Olde Bar because I really wanted to go and see how it was. I ran into my bud Melanie. It was so cool to see her, especially since I won't see her again most likely. After classes are over, we never think that we won't see each other every day like normal, but in reality I won't see them again, probably ever. But, I do have her email and we will keep in touch, it's just one of those things that is strange. Like, I will miss these people, but some not enough to remember to say goodbye to, ya know. But it was so good to see her before I left. <.grin>

While Jess and I were post-partying <.grin> I got an unexpected and very sweet phone call <.grin> Made me smile.

Jess and I had so much fun...think too much fun! I don't think we should have been discussing some of the things we were discussing in a public place and so loudly, yet we didn't seem to care at the time <.grin>, but it was mucho fun and I would love to do it again soon! Fun night!

So Big Sky is coming back to the ATL on January 16th I believe, at Smith's Olde Bar if you want to see them! They rock! \m/ <.grin>

So, tomorrow I am going shopping with my momma again for more clothes! Whoo hoo! Then, I am babysitting my cute nephew and niece. Should be fun! Now it's bed time for me! I am SO sleepy! Night!

Well today was a pretty productive and fun day. First, my mom and I went shopping. Yay! I racked up on lots of clothes, a purse, and boots (all of which I have to forget about till Christmas <.grin>) It was fun times. I got another present..only two more to go and I will be done. I mailed the Disney deposit so I am good to go <.grin> YAY!

Then, I headed off to work. It was the Hawks/Wizards game so with Michael Jordon in the house, it made the fans come out to see him. Boy did they come. Not a packed house all the way, but pretty darn close. I was in the BOA area and in my section had Calvin Hughes and Shanya Chavis (two local popular news casters) They were so friendly! Funniest thing happened...<.giggle> I HAVE to tell it. The wonderfully hysterical usher next to me <.grin> was so CUTE! As Calvin Hughes was walking down my aisle, she loudly said, "KEN!....KEN COOK!" <.giggle> I had to contain her and tell her that Ken Cook was the weatherman on a different station and that he was a totally different dude (don't even look the same, at ALL) <.giggle> SO CUTE! I love her! Brought me to tears, laughing so hard!

So, supposedly Michael Vick (Falcon player) and Halle Barry were also in the house. I tried so hard to get Vincent's attention to tell him about Halle Barry cause he LOVES her, but I couldn't get to him <.saddness> Ah well!

Michael Jordon played well and they beat us, but not by too much. We did hold our own. Best play of the night...Michael Jordon made a shot and knocked over one of our dudes while making it, but then helped him up <.awww> Such a good, classy guy on the court. It was a nice gesture...like he wasn't too good to help a guy up that he pushed down.

RJ from American Idol sang the National Anthem and did a darn good job! I was impressed. He looked very nicely dressed! He is from Atlanta and it was nice to have hometown talent show it off in person <.grin>

So...Horace remembered my graduation...he's so sweet. Also, Reggie congratulated me as well. How nice of them to remember. I don't even really remember telling Reggie I was graduating...at least not lately <.grin> He's a sweetie. I saw the girl that works there who also graduated on Monday and I congratulated her, she was a music management major. She was nice.

So, tomorrow is the concert with Jessica. Fun stuff. Can't wait to have more yummy cosmopolitans with Donc Shays then head off to a "holiday" concert with Shawn Mullins, Indigo Girls, Fastball, etc. (Mostly Atlanta natives I think), then afterparty at Smiths Olde Bar (which I always wanted to go to). Should be fun times!

Well...I did it. I walked. I am now officially no longer a student and officially a graduate. How weird is this? Very!

It was a long day. My parents and I started off to school this morning around 7:15ish...ugh! I had to be there by 8 so I had to be early like always. My dad pulled his back so he was having some troubles...I felt bad.

Once I got in the ballroom to get in order I found people I knew. How exciting. Knowing that when graduating from high school, I pretty much knew everyone in the entire class, but with my particular school..it's not like that. But, I knew the person sitting next to me, behind me, in front of me, and a few people down...so it was fun.

I also saw Dr. Rifkind, whom I needed to sign my Disney form again (for the third time). He is so nice. I was like, "Ummm, remember you signed two Disney forms for me...?" and he goes, "You going *again*?" <.giggle> Yep!

I graduated with half of my Editorial and Critical Writing class so seeing them was like we all made it through Ms. Johnson's class...fun! Michelle sat next to me, Darren was down the way, Anthony behind me so I was set to go. When we were walking in, we had to stay in line for quite a long hike...and it was SO cold outside crossing over to the Sports Arena, where the ceremony was being held.

I was so ready to hear Pomp and Circumstance and I was so excited about it...and what do I hear as I enter in....the stupid wedding triumpet theme. It was the same wedding tune that my sister marched down the aisle to...I was like, "Am I at the right ceremony?" Grrrr...where is my expected Pomp and Circumstance? Grrr on GSU graduation planning people. Grrr.

So, then we sit through President Carl Patton's welcoming, Dr. Rifkind's reflection (which my neighbor that I didn't know was talking loudly on his cell phone...grrrr.) and Mayor Shirley Franklin's very long and extended speech (in which we were all clapping when she stated "Congratulations class of 2002" and she wasn't even done yet...oops. <.giggle>

After the speeches, they gave the PHDs and Masters out...then our turn. We all stood up and got "initiated" into the graduating class together and moved our tassels from the right to the left. Very monumental. I had my name spelled phonetically so that Dr. Rifkind would remember how to pronounce it and he did an excellent job. Ya know...I feel like I got the raw end of the deal...the whole thing about "walking" is walking across a stage right? Define stage. Cause this thing was a SMALL ramp. It went up slightly and then came down quick. How ridiculous is that? Ugh!

So, after they called our names we sat back down and it went really quick after that. We sang our Alma Mater...my first and only time most likely. So funny cause we were all wondering what the tune was or what the words were. Thankfully, the words were printed in the program and the tune was a familar one that everyone pretty much knew. Whew!

So, my graduating class started to leave the arena and by the time they came to our row to let us proceed towards the exit, the music had stopped. Geez...so me and my crew did our own music...and we hummed the bars to Pomp and Circumstance! HA! Grrr...<.giggle>

I left and then met my parents at the bookstore as planned. I had to then go get my Disney papers to Dr. Rifkind to sign. Saw him and he congratulated me. Nice man! <.grin> Then, headed to pick up my parents.

We finally made it home around 12:30 and I was pooped. Long and stressful morning. I ran errands...finished a good majority of my Christmas cards, thank you notes, and extra mail and sent all that out.

My mom and I went to visit Evan and Sean. They are not feeling well. Poor babies. Their house looks so pretty decorated and all...their tree is so cute with Evan and Sean's ornaments all over it! <.grin>

I cleaned my room a bit...it's scary though. I leave for Disney fairly soon and have I even started to deep clean and get out all the stuff I am gonna pack up to move? Nope...ugh! And Christmas is coming so that is more stuff I need to finish and get ready...whew. It's all coming at me quickly. But all is good cause all my peeps are gonna be in Orlando and I can't wait!

Just need to decide final plans on New Year's events. I really want to go see FYC, but not sure if that is gonna happen. As long as I am with my buds, it will be fun...I am sure! <.grin>

Tomorrow, I am going shopping with my mom to pick up some gifts and go clothes shopping that I get to pick out and then forget about for Christmas <.grin> Always fun! <.giggle> Then, I work the Hawks/Wizards game. Gonna be packed...ugh! Gonna be crazy. We shall see.

Today was a fun day! I woke up the knowledge that my aunt and uncle were early in arriving. Today was my graduation/family party. Since I walk tomorrow, they all wanted to get together (for the holiday as well) and see everyone. My bro/Sean, Sis and fam, and two sets of aunts and uncles came. It was good to see them and I am glad they trucked it here to see me!

We had a nice lunch (with all of my favorite foods...thanks mom!) and then I got to open gifts. Whoo hoo! How much fun was that? LOTS I tell ya. <.giggle> It was like having Christmas early. <.grin> No, but really...I have really thoughful people in my family and they certainly went overboard. It was funny though cause my mom made the comment that it's been so long since we had a graduation party..."since Jeff" <.giggle> and Richie and Shannon (both managers of big companies and doing extremely well, but never finished college) were like, "thanks MOM!" <.giggle> SO funny.

So..wanna know what I got? I got several thoughful "paper" gifts in the form of checks from several people, but in addition, I received the cutest, most awesome video camera (including tri-pod, case, etc. The works!) from my siblings! THANKS YA'LL! I love it! I can't wait to film EVERYTHING in Florida! <.grin>

I got the nicest Mickey Mouse Watch from my aunt and uncle. They thought they were funny though...prior to opening the nice watch that I had requested, my uncle gave me my "fake" gift of a Homer Simpson watch from Burger King that says "Yum..Burger" claiming "well you wanted a watch with a character on it, right?" Ha ha! <.giggle> So cute...he thinks he's funny. And he is. <.grin>

My other aunt and uncle gave me money to put towards a frame for my diploma which I also requested. I can't wait to hang that sucker up! <.grin> They also have me a very sweet gift of a pocket watch that was thought to belong to my great great grandfather Ohme. So that is very nice of them to give it to me. It's very cool! I just need to get it fixed so it will work. My cousin sent with them an engraved jewerly box for me. It is so pretty. Silver with my initals on the top, in a blue velvet lined box. SO nice!

My sis, in addition to helping with the video camera, gave me a Disney scrapbook kit to put my pics in..whoo hoo! I can't wait to do that! I have been waiting and anticipating some creative memories stuff to put the summer pics all in a binder. Gonna be fun to do!

After presents, we ate cake and Peppermint Ice Cream with chocolate syrup (my favorite <.grin>) and then it was time to come down from the high of the party. But it was fun and I am very blessed and thankful for all the very nice gifts that I really don't deserve. It's *just* graduation. I mean, yea I am very thankful I got to go and got through it....but it's just a piece of paper claiming that I survived...<.giggle> and I guess that is reason enough to get gifts, huh? <.giggle>

I can't wait for December 29th! COME SOON! <.grin>

So...tomorrow I walk. Weird! I have to wake up at the break of dawn to assemble with the other students and go over a brief practice...then I walk. Then, I have to run errands, go with my dad to my brothers and then if we aren't about to fall over from being exhausted, my dad and I are gonna go to a concert in the park downtown. Should be fun..a holiday concert! FUN and cold I am sure!

Whew...today was fun! I woke up after sleeping in...very nice. <.grin> Then, got some awesome mail. I got my Disney stuff, Philips stuff, and then a gift from Emily! Aww..thanks girl! She bought me a Disney ornament! It's got Tigger, Pooh, and Piglet riding in a sleigh! SO cute! THANKS!

Went shopping with my dad...we went everywhere! It was cool to hang out and buy fun gifts!

Came home, talked to AMY JO! SUP YO! I MISS YOU KID! I can't wait to get to Orlando. We were planning our trip down there for New Years! I can't wait! WHOO HOO. I am SO glad Heather and Kate are coming as well...just wouldn't be the same without them!

So then, I went and met Jess at her place. We went to CVS, Pier One where she gave Gavin a hard time <.grin> Poor Jess...then headed back home to make Cosmopolitians and eat Moe's. Yum! Moe's rocks and they all said, "Welcome To Moe's" when they saw us...<.giggle> Cute!

Listened to music then headed off to CJs Landing for BIG SKY! SO much fun! I have been listening to their stuff off their website since I heard that they \m/ rock and knowing that FYC opened for them, but I had yet to see them live. They are AWESOME live. I love their live show. So much chemistry on stage and they really rock out! I adore them even more.

They actually drew in a pretty big crowd. It is Saturday night and all, but most of these cats knew who Big Sky was and knew all of the songs...strange. I also didn't know they were from Gainesville. I knew from FL...but didn't know they were from the same place as FYC. Fun!

I am not so happy with CJs...the sound guy didn't mess with the lights this time, thankfully, but he did play around with the echo sound again like he did with FYC and it was funky. Mark (the lead singer) kept laughing and looking up at the sound guy like he was nuts...strange. I really enjoyed Dave's sax, flute, and tamborine playing. It's sad to know he's leaving. He is SO good and I hope they find another one who can play like him! And Mark's a cutie..I really enjoy his voice. It is so clear and just captivating. I really love it! Even better live than on the tracks!

I was surprised at how much better they sounded then even on the tracks I have heard off their website. They are SO good live! And their crowd must be really big followers cause everyone was really into the show. It was a really fun night! They played the three songs that I know...Tomorrow, Cellophane, & By Design so I was so happy. And they played a lot of new stuff from their new album they are still working on and they were really good songs as well.

I had a blast...only thing was it was SO cold leaving. SO COLD! AND....I stunk like smoke coming out of that place...hazardous...oh well. The price I pay to hear good music. Fun night though, but now I am beat and have to get up early for my graduation/family party tomorrow. Should be good times!

Wow, I have had a pretty darn good day! I got a lot accomplished on top of not being so stressed out. Nice! I woke up in pretty good spirits cause I knew I didn't have to do much today. It was so pleasant.

I started off doing some very productive shopping. Went to KMart, Best Buy, Target, and Toys R Us. Also took my car in to get the transmission fluid drained and replaced. Hopefully, that will help my car....<.crosses fingers>

Going to KMart was kinda depressing though. I went to *finally* turn in my *NSYNC Challenge for the Children pics from the summer. I had been waiting to take it in cause the film was inside of my *NSYNC collectable camera case and I didn't know how to take the film out properly as to not ruin my collectable case, so I asked the KMart employee to assist me. Yea...guess I should have been more specific to what I wanted, cause I ended up watching her tear and rip up my collectable case and tossing it in the trash. <.frown> I mean, it's not *that* big of a deal, but I wanted to cry. How pathetic am I?

Then, onto Best Buy. I got several gifts for people there. It was a pleasant shopping experience. I used to work there so I know how busy it is there during this time of year, but they were very put together this year in having a wonderfully new system implemented. It was very affective and quick. Enjoyed it a lot!

I got this cool Christmas cd from 99X and it has some awesome bands on it, like Waking Jane who played with FYC at 10 High awhile back and Left Front Tire whom I have met and love. It rocks! It is mostly local alternative bands redoing traditional Christmas songs and it's so good! It was only $3 on top of that! Whoo hoo, what a deal!

Onto Toys R Us. The MOST fun I had was in here. First off, I step inside and I am listening to the Christmas music blaring over the store and I hear a very familar and beautiful voice. Hmm...*NSYNC <.grin> Happiness. So, I search for gifts while singing along to my boys. <.starts singing> Merry Christmas....Happy Holidays <.grin>

So...I find several gifts that I need and was holding a certain gift in my arms and as I walk around checking prices for that gift, a woman about my sister's age stops me to ask if I know where another certain item is (just so happens that I was looking for that same item as well). I find this odd though. What I wanna know is why people always ask me stuff like that. In many different stores, I always get asked questions of where things are or my opinion of something. Is this odd to anyone? Does this happen to other people. Do I look overly friendly or something? I know I wasn't dressed like the employees or anything. Strange. Not that I mind or anything, cause I certainly don't. In fact and oddly enough, I kind of enjoy helping people if I can and making conversation with random people. I just find it odd that this occurs quite frequently to me. <.grin> So, I assist her in finding this particular item, in addition I give her helpful hints about that certain item cause there was a promotion that if you bought it, you got another item for free. She thanked me and I went on my way.

After searching for other items, I came across something I have been searching for a LONG time. Ever since my *NSYNC watch broke, I have been devastated and been trying to find one again, but they haven't been anywhere that I have been looking, until today. I FOUND THEM. I FOUND a BUNCH of them. And get this...I paid $20 for my original watch...these were $5. I flipped. I called my daddy cause I was so excited! <.grin> While I am on the phone freaking out to my dad about finding them and for so cheap on top of that, the nice lady who had asked me about the item earlier was suddenly next to me. Stalking much? <.grin> and so I hurried off the phone slightly embarrassed of my excitement over an *NSYNC watch and mentioned to her I found another good deal. I told her about the watches and she grabbed two <.grin> She thanked me again and I went on my way. Weird, ey? I am retarded. But I filled my arms with five though before leaving the area. What? I need backups okay...they don't last forever. <.grin>

So, onto Target, where I get cool Christmas Cards and stickers <.yay> Then, head off to get my car fixed...somewhat anyways. Then, head home.

Justin was on TRL today. He is such a nut. As much as he annoys me, the kid is hilarious and I *N Joy him regardless. I love his video...JC's is nothing in comparison, but yet JC's song is off the hook. He SO needed a better video to go with the awesome song, but whatever. Just my opinion!

I assisted my mother with trimming the tree. She did most of it, but I enjoyed watching her <.grin> After the lights and beads were on, I placed my *NSYNC playing "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" ornament on there and it looked complete...no other ornaments needed. <.grin> My mom disagreed, but so be it. My bro called to say my niece is gonna get into modeling. Oh dear. I mean the child is adorable..I mean, c'mon...she *is* my niece <.grin> but modeling? Not so sure about this....hmm.

Jessica called. So excited about seeing Big Sky tomorrow for the first time. I have heard their songs and really enjoy them, but have yet to see them live. They are at CJs tomorrow night so we are gonna catch a bite to eat at Moe's and then head off. Whoo hoo! B & Rach called and wanted to go ice skating tonight...I think they went, but I decided to stay at home and rest. Would have been fun, but perhaps another time for me. Thanks for the invite though <.grin>

So how weird is this? I am NO longer a student. Crazy. I finished my last final today, turned it in and walked happily away from school forever. Strange.

I can't really react properly to this thought of not being a student anymore though. I should be SO happy, but it is just so strange to me now that I am kinda in the bewildered stage. Ah well. Soon it will hit me. Maybe when I walk across the stage on Monday. I picked up my graduation tickets today. Got two extras, anyone wanna come?

Funny though, before turning in my paper, many bad things occurred, but I made it through. I could have very quickly lost all my work if I had not worked on my laptop (with the extra battery power) cause in the middle of finishing my paper, a transformer blew and I would have been sunk. Plus, it blew my modem AGAIN. Grrr. Thankfully, I am still on a thirty-day warranty, therefore my laptop is back in transit to the service center. Grrr.

I saw the premiere of JC's video today for Drumline and half of the time I couldn't control my laughter and then the other half I was like, "Dang, that is HOT," but there was no happy medium. I was seriously baffled at parts wondering WHY they shot that frame and WHY they kept it in the video, but then some parts....whew! <.giggle> As a whole though it is not a favorite of mine. I LOVE the song, but I think they could have done SO much better with the video. As much as I adore JC, he had me gasping for air with some of the cheesy things he was doing...ugh! Sorry Kate but even though the boy is hot, the video was not high on my list of good videos. How did you like it?

So....went to run errands of dry cleaners, bank, post office, Gateway for my computer, and then to try and see what is wrong with my car. SO many things to do now that I have SOME free time and SOME less stress. However, now I have to worry about Christmas coming so fast too! Geez....time needs to slow down a bit so I can catch up!

Going to Goodyear was an experience in itself. Found out my transmission may be going....going where you ask? Out the window...Not good. Stood there for thirty minutes listening to the repair guy's whole life story. UGH! Then, I have to go back to see him again tomorrow...geez wonder what more I could possibly learn about his life within the time of him fixing my car. Ah well. It's worth it to get my car fixed I guess.

So...now I don't have any big plans. Just hanging. Need to do Christmas cards, and purchase gifts....then work a bit....and that's about it! So nice to not have any more SCHOOL! WHOO HOO!

Geez....what a night. What a day. So...after I turned in my final, I headed off to glorious work. Dave Matthews Band...and what did I tell ya? The moment I *think* it's gonna be a "fun" night it turns evil.

All was good in the beginning. I was on the floor. Nice, nonintoxicated patrons enter in the building. Show them to their seats and they are pleasant.

Then, it gets evil. I think the majority of the guests were young, preppy kids who thought they could do anything and get away with it. UGH! Don't like that group at ALL! I was highly annoyed all evening with guests not abiding by the rules of the arena. On top of that, I had people doing illegal things over and over again with me asking them more than twice to stop. *Some* security was helpful, others can kiss my rump. Grrr. Why is it when I get security for help, they automatically get the police involved when they can handle the situation themselves. Grrrr.

I did have one great security guy who had my back though. Thanks man! You are appreciated! He ruled! AND the policeman who was hanging out by me was VERY helpful when I needed him and boy did I need him.

I did see my classmate Kelly there. Yay! Fun stuff. Seeing as though BOTH of us have our final due tomorrow and we are both at the Dave Matthews Band concert...Kinda funny.

So....I did do a pretty good job at scaring my patrons. I was proud of myself <.grin> Normally, I think I don't scare my guests into doing the right thing cause I just look so darn nice, but this one kid was smoking a cigar and I told him that if he lights up again I will get security and he looked SO frightened and said "Sorry mam, won't happen again, I swear" <.giggle> I done good! However, he was the easiest. I had two other guys I had to tell twice to stop smoking and after they put it out each time they would flick me off and all I could do was grin at them. Grrr.

I had so many drunk people tonight it wasn't even funny. Not all happy drunks either. Rude and mean drunks. Grrr. I had people jumping over the railings. Had to stop that. Had people in the aisles, people with cameras, etc. etc. Grrr...wanted to just kick all the stupid people out!

One issue occurred due to miscommunication on an usher's part, but it resulted with a very unhappy guest which I had to fix. It was all good in the longrun but it was about the stupidist thing and I hate to waste time on a stupid common sense issue when there are MUCH more bigger problems that I need to take care of. Grrr.

Met a guy named Jonathan that works for the Thrashers...he was so hitting on me. On top of the dude who *tried* to kiss me. Ugh! Got numerous amounts of hugs...felt like Widespread Panic again, only a younger more annoying crowd. UGH! Grrrrr...

Happiness did occur when Tracy said they needed me up at Guest Services to help with guarding the exit. Happiness! I got to escape the horrid crowd for the last couple of songs. So I said goodbye to my security and police friend and headed off to happy land where I found Talie to not be in such high spirits. I sorry Talie! I know that she probably has it ten times worse than we do so I can only imagine what her night was like compared to mine. Reggie was being a nut as usual <.grin> making up names and such....<.giggle> He's a good guy though. See I did give ya'll a happy shout out! <.grin> I did get to meet Talie's man as well! Yay Andrew...nice to finally meet ya!

So, after helping the guests exit the Guest Service Center I was moved to do a wheelchair run. Then, afterwards the night was over. Thank God! I made it through. Whew...it was rough!

Lots of "Grrr-ing" tonight-sorry. Just had a rough night. On TOP of all that, my stupid car is being retarded and not switching gears properly and didn't start for me for a long time after the concert. Grrrr.

So...finally I have just one more final tomorrow. I will be trying to fix my car tomorrow then I have to drop off the final and then that is it. I will be done! I will be graduating on Monday and then I am off to Orlando! WHOO HOO! I can't wait!

Well, I feel sick. Literally sick to my stomach. I don't know why, but I just feel like crap. UGH!

My car is giving me a huge headache. Why is it being evil to me? Grrrr. Almost didn't get to school. Something with my transmission is screwed up cause it wasn't switching gears like it should have been. Why oh why?

I got to school, finally, and finished up my edit final. Looks pretty good I think, but who knows what my professor will think. <.shrug> Oh well...don't care. I am happy with it at least and that is the best I can ask for. After I turn this in at 2:45PM I will have only one more final left. Whoo hoo!

Then, I work the Dave Matthews Band concert tonight, which SHOULD be fun, however whenever I think events *should* be fun, they tend to be less than fun for me. We shall see.

How exciting is that? I didn't start clocking visitors until recently, I know, but it's cool to actually see the numbers get so high. I know I am probably good for most of those numbers, but I know that I couldn't have done it all by myself, so thanks to all of you who view my page to read about my daily ramblings. I appreciate you visiting! Makes it more fun for me to write about stuff knowing that someone out there might actually care to read about it! So...thanks!

Well, off to turn this sucker in. Wish me luck. Hopefully all I have to do is turn it in and not defend my stance. Ah well...we shall see!

So after spending lots of time wasting time in the computer lab, it was finally time to head off to work. I worked WWE tonight and it was quite an event. Very interesting things happened I must say.

To begin with I was working Portal 1, which I was very pleased about. They only put men on the floor and rightfully so. I would be scared to work the floor with this crowd (although very nice to me, I wouldn't be able to hold those big boys back if they started to plung towards the ring). However, I was one of the lucky ones to relocate my section to a better viewing section, but this created some kind of annoyance to myself as well as to the fans I was reseating. So, with a bundle of tickets in my hands, I had to be an "usher" by checking tickets on top of playing the role of "ticket taker" in swapping out certain tickets and convincing the fans they were BETTER seats. What an ordeal!

THEN, excitement occurred! I looked over and saw my childhood/young adult friend Bryan Thomas walking towards me! I hadn't seen him in quite a long while and I missed him! It was SO good to see him again! I got his email so we can keep in touch. He is engaged. Geez, I feel so behind! Happiness for him though. It is so good to run into good friends like that unexpectantly. I missed him a lot and am glad to renew relations with him again to keep in touch.

So then, this guy comes up to me and asks to borrow a pen to get an autograph from someone. Turned out one of the original members of the Dooby Brothers was smoking outside and the guest got his autograph and when giving back my pen to me, told me I should cherish the pen cause he used it. <.giggle> I talked to the so-called "original" member and he was drunk as a skunk. Who knows if it was really him, I wouldn't know the difference.

So then, I got to go inside the portal a bit to watch the excitement in the ring. I got to see Edge, Stephanie, the chick who won the first Tough Enough, Kurt Angle, and my favorite THE BIG SHOW! I was SO excited! And technically he won the match against Kurt Angle, however at the very end....Angle hurt my Big Show by banging him in his leg and The Big Show hobbled out of the ring crying. SO SAD! I wanted to comfort my Big Show.....<.frown>

There weren't many problems, however we did have an issue where some very drunk men were throwing up on patrons in front of them. Not a pleasant issue to comfront, but it was handled and security threatened them to not drink any more if they wanted to remain in the arena.

One lady was SO drunk that her boyfriend took her to the bathroom and let her go in alone, so I followed her in there to keep in eye on her. When she came out of the stall, she started running into the walls. I had to get soap in her hands, basically help her wash them, and give her the towels to clean up. She was in good spirits and kept saying, "This is so embarrassing" <.giggle> umm yea. BUT, when we came out of the bathroom, her boyfriend looked less than thrilled to take over and help her walk. Granted she should not have drank that much to begin with, but her boyfriend could have been more compliant to help her. Grrr.

So, tomorrow I have to finish and turn in my edit final then head off to work the Dave Matthews Band concert. It should be okay. Good music and hopefully good guests! We shall see.

So, I just turned in my Mass Media Final and picked up my A paper! Whoo hoo. Brightened my depressed day a little. Then, I got to see Dr. Friedman. Yay! I finally got my *NSYNC tape back <.grin>. He is the nicest guy, I miss having him for a professor. We talked about Justin's new album, new video, etc. He also said that Tofu would be coming to his office later on and that he would get his email for me. Yay! Happiness all around.

So, I didn't get published, BUT my friend did so yay for her. I have to try again...not sure what I wanna write on though. Hmmm.

Now I am hanging out at school waiting patiently for time to come that I can head off to work. I didn't want to have to go all the way home just to get back in my car and come back downtown for work tonight, so I am just hanging around.

So three finals down, two more to go. One of which will kill me. The other shall be fun to write since it's on one of my favorite topics, FYC <.grin>

Billboard Awards were on tonight in the background providing the soundtrack of my night while I worked on my Media Paper. Finished! Ugh! Really did not enjoy doing it though. My professor choose for us to write on the topic I most dislike: Politics. SO not very enjoyable, but I got through it. Now, I have two more to do....Ahhh!

Watching Justin preform Cry me a river was quite entertaining. I enjoy him. I really adore the song, although his stage set was less than climatal (is that even a word? anyways...) It just seemed to have looked like it was suppose to be a bigger set up than what actually occurred, but whatever I just enjoyed the song and I liked his beatboxing....knew that was coming!

Since I have been boycotting the radio lately, I have to depend on hearing songs from the Internet and friends so when JC was coming out, you could hear the new remix of the Drumline song he sang, Blowin Me Up (with her love) and from what I heard it sounded even hotter than the original. Whoo hoo!

Tomorrow I turn in this paper, work on my edit final (letter to editor) and then work WWE! I hope it will be a good night. Ya never know with wrestling. Although my last experience was positive. We shall see. <.grin>

Yo! Well, another exam down. Three more papers then I am DONE! Of course, these papers have to be the most difficult. Ah well, what do you expect. Deviant Behavior went very well this morning though. I wasn't worried though anyways because I had a very solid A going into the final, but coming out I was convinced even more. I *think* at MOST I got three wrong, so it's all good.

So, today I have to work on my Mass Media paper. Also, since I have to work tomorrow night, I have to work on my edit final which is to *write* a letter to the editor of a paper on a topic of our choice. Sounds easy right? WRONG! By far, this will be one of the most diffcult finals I will ever have. There are just too many expectations and whatnot that goes along with it, it makes it difficult. I am also required to *submit* a letter to the editor to TRY and get it published, but these two requirements for my final pretty much are expected to be different. To get a letter published, it is easier if the letter is based on emotional arguments and reality that the readers know and can relate to, so I submitted the following to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution responding to an editorial written in today's paper "State should make drivers turn off their cellphones":

Not sure if it is good enough to get published, but I am kinda fond of it. <.grin> I will have to write a different one though for my final, but at least I semi decided on the topic I guess. I just have to make the final letter to the editor more intellectual and with facts more so than emotional arguments.

SO, wish me luck on the difficult Mass Media paper I am about to embark on. ARGH! I just have three more days...three more finals...then I am DONE!

Tonight, I studied for my Deviant Behavior exam tomorrow. I feel pretty good about it. I have to make like a 60% to still get an A in the class, so I am pretty confident. Not worried.

I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas tonight as well as currently viewing White Christmas. I love Christmas time. With my tree in the house, warm apple cider brewing downstairs (the smell lingering all over the house mixed with the pine of the tree), and the movies/music on television, along with the coldness of outside, all this Christmasy stuff makes me happy.

I cannot wait until I get through this week. Then, I have to focus on my Christmas shopping. I have yet to purchase one gift. SO behind. However, I do have an idea of what I am buying for people, but still have to go and actually buy them. Plus, tomorrow after my exam, I might go to Philips for an employee holiday sell where I may find some extra fun gifts to get people, but who knows about the selection. We shall see I suppose.

I was awoke today by my mother playing Don Ho rather loudly. All of a sudden, I come out of my nice dream <.grin> and start hearing Tiny Bubbles blaring from downstairs. Thanks mom!

So, hang out with the parents for the morning time. They brought the Christmas Tree in and it smells SO good! Makes it really feel like Christmas! Can't wait till it's decorated.

I have been finding more pictures from Thanksgiving that my dad had hoarded from me to take to holiday parties to show off to the relatives and co-workers. Finally, I grabbed them and scanned some of the best ones. My nephew, Adam and I were horsing around..and dad caught it! I really love this one of me and Seany. She wasn't too prepared for the picture, but she just decided to jump in my lap during dinner so it was a kodak moment again.

My nephews and niece wanted to play outside the majority of the very chilly day, so my dad took advantage of the moment and as usual took lots of pics. These turned out really good of Sean and Evan. Here is one of my youngest nephew, Jamesy, just hanging out and eatin'.

Today, I am going to study study study! Deviant Behavior is up first. Then, tomorrow one will be over! Whoo hoo!

Got done working the Hawks game this afternoon. We won. Yay! People irriate me though. Grrr. It was a very low attendance game, yet I had issues upon issues. So annoying. Kenny Lofton was in my section again. He is so friendly. I also had a couple that was so excited to be at the game and they were real cute, but other than that....I had annoying people! Since the GA/AK game was today, people were all over downtown and creating an annoying atmostphere altogether, but yay that it's over. <.grin>

So, my parents got back some of the Thanksgiving pictures and a lot of them turned out really cute! Funny though, my dad cut himself out of the group shot. That is his shirt on the front right-hand side. <.grin> This one of me and my niece was cute because I was just sitting in the chair and my sis-in-law (her mother) called her over to her and she bypassed her momma and came to give me this huge, unexpected and grateful hug and my dad caught it on film <.grin> She is so sweet! <.grin> Needless to say, her momma was a little sad she didn't come to her, but I think she thought it was cute too <.grin> Of course my dad got a big hug as well that day!

Tonight I am gonna rest. I feel like all I want to do is sleep....still not over this annoying sickness. UGH! Tomorrow I have all day to commit to my studies for this upcoming HELL week! AHHHH! Only one week left!

Wow! Tonight was amazing. I must say that I was impressed MUCH more than I ever thought I would be. I have always been quite a fan of classical music. I played the violin for three years and enjoyed playing all the great music that I did, however I never really imagined I would enjoy opera music in the same way.

Tonight, I honestly felt like Pretty Woman exempt the hot guy trying to get with me <.grin> It was such an experience sitting next to these black tie, dressed to the *T* people in their $350 seats (EACH SEAT) and me getting paid to sit that close to Bocelli.

I was captivated! I really had a chance to pay attention to the preformer and preformance because all the guests were so perfect in knowing opera etiquette that you could hear a pin drop in the arena and people were very good in following directions. I could feel every word that was being sung. It was amazing. Only two of the songs were preformed in English. One of which was My Way.

I didn't realize that Bocelli was blind until getting word from my supervisor. He said that is why in all his pictures, his eyes are shut. I guess I never really noticed. Before the show began, this woman and her son (who were with the show) came up and started talking to me about my job and whatnot. She told me that Bocelli is one of the nicest men, so sweet and caring, that is not like the regular opera singer. She said he is so approachable and kind. That made me like him even more during the show. <.grin>

I think one of my favorite preformances was when his counterpart, Maria Borsi, sang one of the main songs from Phantom of the Opera and it gave me chills. Also, I LOVED it when Bocelli would hold this certain high note for SO long. It was just AMAZING! I am SO impressed. My uncle was right in saying that I really would hear some good music tonight, and although it certainly was not like an *NSYNC concert, it was definitely enjoyable!

So...one of my guests needed me to escort her and her party to the elevator and out of nowhere she asked me if I went to Georgia State. I told her I did and what my major was. Turns out she knows Dr. and Mrs. Teel very well. <.giggle> Small world.

Saw Matt tonight and he brought his girlfriend (and my recruiter <.grin>) to the preformance tonight and I got to tell him that I got the job! Yay! Fun stuff.

So, I want to say congrats to Kate for making a very tough decision! I know that she really wanted to go to Disney, but for her making this other choice was the best for her and I wish her well in all her endeavors! I believe she made the right choice for her and one she can be happy with! BUT K, you HAVE to come visit me! It just won't be the same without you! I will miss you!

Tomorrow I have to work the Hawks game then study study study for this coming week full of finals! Wish me luck! Then, I will be done with school! oooh I can't wait! Only thing is I also have to work WWE and Dave Matthews Band Concert this week. Too much to do <.grin> but it will be fun times incorporated in times of stress.

Tonight wasn't so bad. I love my work people. They make me feel so loved! <.grin> Tonight was the Hawks vs. Bucks. We won! <.whoo hoo> Tonight the game was televised so that was exciting. Only thing is I was probably on television, which doesn't make me too thrilled. I was on the Floor 105/106 and during the beginning of the game the ball came RIGHT at me. Since I mainly pay attention to the guests rather than the actual game, I did not see the ball hurling towards me. However the *nice* gentlemen who gave me a headache the entire game did tell me to "WATCH OUT!" Needless to say, it missed me by about an inch, even though I flinched (which is why I HOPE I was not on tv for that) and then I grabbed the ball and threw it back to the ref. I was much needed! <.grin>

So then....Kenny Lofton was in my section. He is SO nice. He used to play baseball for the Braves, but is currently with the Giants. He was SO friendly. I love it when athletes are not so egotistical-makes me happy. I had some really nice people in my section this game. I had a chance to talk with a lot of them and it made the night go by a lot faster!

Vincent came to the game tonight as a fan and said hello! Everyone was so nice about telling me "Congrats" about the job offer! They don't want me to leave though...they keep making me feel guilty about leaving them. <.frown> I will miss them a lot!

Talie showed me where she hung up my pic of Joey and I in the supervisor's room and everyone was in there. They all know I am a stalker....<.giggle> So embarrassing!

So...on while still on the stalking subject...JC is here in town (or so I am told by my newly crazed fan friends Kate and Tonya) and I can't go stalk him. 1. Cause I am sick 2. I had to work tonight and I am quite tired now 3. Who would I go with? So....JC is somewhere around my town, breathing my air, and I can't go try and find him. <.saddness> Although I am really not as bummed as I would have been...say...two years ago or so, I guess I am growing past my *NSYNC obsession a bit. But, I still would love to run into him somewhere. Kate says he is going to the Civic Center for the Drumline premiere and then to club Eleven50 for the after party, but who knows. Plans always change for celebrities...I was hoping he would drop by the Hawks game <.grin> Ah well! Wasn't meant to be this time around!

In following Kate's lead I completed the long Christmas Survey that was SO much fun to do!

Here are some highlights:

Are you able to sleep well on Christmas Eve?
*I have this weird characteristic where I get really sick and feel ill when I get nervous or really excited (need an example?) and so up until a couple years ago I would not be able to sleep well at ALL the night before Christmas, however since I have been getting older and a little more able to control my excitement of the holiday....I can sleep better.

Favorite family tradition:
*Well, when I was younger all my siblings and I would hang out the night before Christmas and really bond. We would tell stories of every year and how much fun we always have. Then, in the morning we would all walk into the family room together to find that Santa had come. Every year is always so much fun with the whole family here...it really lights up the entire house with happiness!

Did you ever open a wrapped present and wrap it back up?
*No, never got that far, I would feel too guilty doing that. I would think someone would find out, so I could never do that.

What do you wish you could do during the holiday season that you never get to?
*With it being the season of loving, regardless of the family love, I would really love to have a special guy in my life to share it with...I know that it will take time to find and I am willing to wait, I just can't wait for that holiday season that I can share it with someone I love and who loves me too.

Favorite non-traditional Christmas songs:
*The Christmas Song From The Grinch
It's Christmas From A Muppet Christmas Carol
The Only Gift *NSYNC
Please Come Home For Christmas Jon Bon Jovi version

What is your most cherished holiday memory?
*Just being with my whole family during the holiday...and spending time laying under my lit tree thinking and dreaming of how I wanted my life to be. <.grin>

You can view the rest of the long survey as well!

I AM SO HAPPY! Guess who is going to Disney World? AHHHH! I just got the call today and was offered the Advanced Internship for Guest Relations at EPCOT! I am SO EXCITED!

This morning was less than exciting. Waking up to the cold, brisk air...I wanted to stay in my warm bed, but couldn't. SO...met my professor and got my paper back. Another A! I am borderline high B/A in two of my classes with the others being a solid A, so I am worried about these final exams this coming week cause that can determine whether or not I get my much wanted straight A report card.

So, then I went to class and then met Jess in the lab to finish editing our papers. Then, rushed to the next class, got really stressed out about the final, thanks to my professor.

Right after class I got a call from Kate! She told me that she got accepted for the Advanced Internship for Guest Relations at Epcot....WHOO HOO! CONGRATS K! SO, I almost got ran over crossing the street while talking to her....THEN, I am trying to convince her to take the internship as I am driving home....I then get a call from my momma saying "MICKEY" called and I said, "MICKEY?" and she goes, "No, NIKI!" <.giggle> BUT, it was Niki from WDW College Recruiting! SO, I called her back, left a message, and then she finally called me back. I was SO excited! She said I should feel honored cause there were many applicants and this was a very hard internship to get. YAY!

SO, I will be going from January 6-June 13th! I can't wait! Epcot is the second highest when rated against the other parks in guest relations, so I am excited they chose me! Also, if Kate comes, we will get to learn and work together! I can't wait! WHOO HOO!

Now, that is one less thing I have to worry about! I just have to work this week, next week, and finals all next week, graduate, then holidays, then Orlando here I come! <.grin>

Well, I got up at the break of dawn....6AM. UGH! Studied, studied, and studied some more! Took my very last exam in Intimate Violence and it went well! AND, it's over! Then, onto Feature Writing, turned in another paper. Then, picked up my final exam in Media.

I got news today that the first of my childhood friend's, Catherine, is getting married. Married. She is getting married and I am going to Disney World. I thought it was funny. Even if I was in a relationship right now, I just don't think I could get married. I feel like I am too young, is it just me? I know my mom married her first husband when she was about nineteen or so and even my sister got married when she was twenty-one, but I could not imagine getting married right now. I just think I have so much to do before I commit my life to someone, ya know? But, I am mucho happy for her and glad that she found her man! <.grin>

I was watching Roseanne and they were at Disney World! A guest relations cast member came up to talk to them and I noticed that he looked really familar. Like I had talked to him, not like a recognizable actor. I sat there thinking and thinking of where I knew him from. IT's PHILIP! From The Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney. My roomie Emily and I had ran into him at Virgin Megastore and went up and talked to him, the next day we got our picture with him and the cast of The Comedy Warehouse and he came and stood next to me <.grin> He was so sweet! And there he was instructing Roseanne on how it's not polite to litter <.giggle> SO cute!

I got a bit more of Justin's video Cry Me a River and it's cool. I like the fact that the special effects make it like he is sneaking around his cheatin' girl's house. Very real to life....hmmm.

I am gonna rest today, I am really not feeling well. Tomorrow is the last day of classes. Thank goodness! Then, exams are all next week, only one is an actual exam, the other three are papers. I can't wait for it to be all over! By Thursday of next week, I will be done! Whoo hoo!

Well, tonight was the Bruce Springsteen concert. There was no floor for us to work, so instead of getting the great easy posting of wrist banning, I get Portal 8, which really wasn�t so bad. Mike was my glorious supervisor. I honestly adore the man. I can joke with him and it�s all good. I had great support tonight. My team of ushers around me rocked and I appreciated the back up.

Before the concert started, Mike came up to me randomly and asked me the strangest question, or so I thought at the time. He asked me if the picture hanging in the supervisor office was of Justin and me. I was like, �what picture?� REGGIE & TALIE! <.giggle> At the last Hawks game, Reggie told me that they had looked over my website and found the picture of Me and Joey, but I didn�t know that they printed it out and pasted it on the wall in the supervisor's room. Geez�how embarrassing. <.giggle> Kinda funny though.

The crowd wasn�t so bad either. I think maybe 90% of the crowd was incredible and so much fun! It was just that darn 10% that kinda pissed me off, but I had to let the good people weigh more on my mind <.grin> and they were really fun! One guy wanted me to dance with him. He was cute, but I had to decline�.ya know�working and all <.grin> Thankfully, I did not get molested this event as I did at Tony Hawk and many other intoxicating events <.grin>, but I did get hugged & gave hi-fives a lot! But that isn�t so bad cause they were just being friendly.

So now it�s time to get majorally stressed out�.yet again. I have to wake up at the break of dawn tomorrow to study for my exam. Then, I have three classes�.ugh! Then Wednesday will undoubtedly come.

So yea�lots to do�will it ever end? Ahhh! I am feeling a bit better, but not to my full 100% self yet. I am SO on drugs and loving the numbness�getting kinda used to it actually <.just kidding> I just hope I can stop coughing enough to finish all my studying and get through this last semester!

Yea so today has been okay, I guess, considering. I got up early to meet my professor to get my column. She hadn't finished it yet, so I hung out till class time...fell asleep. Then, woke up for Deviant Behavior. Felt a little better. Got my Deviant paper back with a 99% on it! Whoo hoo!

Just finished lunch with Jess. It's SO cold, everywhere I go. I have a huge winter coat on and I am freezing! Can't get warm.

I have to hang around for one more class then onto work for the concert tonight. It's gonna be a long day. Already has been! Ugh! Changed drugs from Nyquil to Dayquil-helps a little bit. I feel really numb all the time with this medicine though, like I am not really here, or at least, I can't feel myself. Weird, ey?

I keep thinking, "Just a couple more days of class...just a couple more days" and then I will be done!

Today has been exhausting and I have done absolutely nothing. Amazing. All I have done is watched television while laying down and praying to feel better. I have so much to do for this week and the one following after. UGH! Just thinking about it makes me feel worse.

I still feel really weak and I can hardly stand up without feeling dizzy. I feel okay when lying down, but it's annoying cause I can't get my voice back or taste any food I try to stick in my mouth. Just depressing...

Tomorrow, I got back to class for the very last week of classes. I work tomorrow night for Bruce Springsteen. I know that there won't be a floor, so maybe I will just be wristbanning, which shouldn't be too bad if that is where my post will be. We shall see, I guess.