Day 68

"Do you know that there's still a chance for you
Cause there's a spark in you
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gunna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own"

---Katy Perry, "Firework"

 

In honor of Thomas "Carter" Flueckiger, tonight's lyrics and photo are from one of his favorite songs.  Carter was visited by over 600 people at his viewing and funeral today.  I hope to someday be as loved as Carter was.  He was clearly a special young man.

Today was a beautiful day in southern California.  Highs in the low 80s on the coast and not a cloud in the sky.  And yet, I was stuck inside almost all day!  I did get to spend an hour outside on my lunch break by sitting on the balcony outside of the lunch room but that wasn't nearly enough time.  Work today was pretty normal.  I did my work, gave breaks to Joy, the receptionist, and did more work.  I just finished working on putting together maps of various districts across the United States for the NAMM Fly-In.  I had to figure out how many NAMM members were in each district and how many employees of NAMM members were in each district.  We also gathered information on how many NAMM members are in each state and how many employees of NAMM members are in each state.  Interesting information...never thought that I would be looking up things like that in my internship.  An unexpected surprise in the afternoon was an ice cream break for the entire staff!  Apparently, since the weather was so fantastic, we were treated to an ice cream break!!!  Gotta love working at a place where you get ice cream breaks!

This afternoon, after work, I took a long walk down to the beach.  There were SOOO many people out enjoying the fantastic weather.  All of the surfers really made me want to grab a board and jump in the water even though I have no idea how to surf!  I have learned that it takes me 15 minutes to walk down to the beach from my apartment.  I am glad the sun is up later so that I don't have to drive down there because I have enough sunlight to walk!  I think I have decided that this weekend I need to go to the store and buy some beach things like a chair and maybe an umbrella!  Seeing everyone else on the beach made me jealous!

Day 67

"Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad

Piano man he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows the tune she hums"

---Elton John, "Tiny Dancer"

Stefano for the win!!!  In case you can't tell...I'm watching American Idol right now.  It is Elton John week and I'm pretty sure Stefano just rocked out to "Tiny Dancer".  There are some awesome performances tonight and it will be interesting to see which two people get sent home tomorrow night.  Hard choice. My votes go to...

Stefano, of course!!! I don't want to see him in the bottom 3 again!  (James just did awesome also!)

**EDITOR'S NOTE** Casey was outstanding!!! I had just turned off my computer for the night when Casey came on stage and I had to turn it back on to type this...I am so glad the judges saved Casey last week...he just proved why he was saved that with performance!

As for me and my life here in California...I went for a long walk yesterday and apparently I am really sore today!! I hope that I am feeling less stiff and sore tomorrow because I want to walk again (as long as the weather is good).  It has been awesome that the sun stays up so I can actually go out after work and have time to walk before the sun goes down! Gotta love day light savings!!!  Work today was...long!  The first half of the day went quickly but when I got to the museum...it drug on!  It was like a ghost town!  I'm pretty sure I only had like 3 customers the entire four hours I was down there.  Hopefully tomorrow goes by faster...and hopefully I have something with a little more substance to talk about.

Day 66

"Seen that ray of light
And it's shining on my destiny
Shining all the time
And I wont be afraid
To follow everywhere it's taking me
All I know is yesterday is gone
And right now I belong
To this moment to my dreams

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me"

--Hilary Duff, "Someone's Watching Over Me"

Almost nineteen years ago Thomas "Carter" Flueckiger was born.  Little did his parents know how many lives he would touch.  Last night I lost a dear friend and an amazing man.  Carter was taken from this world far too soon and I don't know if it will ever understand why this had to happen.  About six weeks ago, Carter was admitted to the hospital due to shortness of breath and a collapsed lung.  Shortly after this, a tumor was found and Carter was diagnosed with cancer.  He fought hard.  He fought long.  But this disease was too much for his body to handle and last night he was taken to the heavens to watch over all of us.

I think the first time I met Carter was while visiting Cantebury to see my cousin, Michelle, in the school musical in middle school.  I can remember Carter's love for the technical aspect of theater.  This is what he was going to school for at Webster University before he was diagnosed.  I don't think I ever saw Carter without a smile.  He was always a happy and carefree kid.  I can remember babysitting him and his younger sister once or twice.  We always had a good time and neither of them were ever terror children that babysitters fear.  More recent, I remember Carter's graduation party...there were so many people there from many walks of life.  It was great to see all of the people that Carter touched through his schooling.  I can remember this summer when I house sat for the Flueckiger's.  Carter made sure that I had all the information I needed to take care of the dogs and the bird while they were gone.

I will never forget Carter and still can't believe he was taken from us too soon.  Kick butt up in heaven, Carter!  We know you will ;-) I know you will be watching over all the people you touched over your 18 incredible years of life.

R.I.P

We Miss You

Day 65

"I wouldn't wanna be anybody else.
You made me insecure
Told me I wasn’t good enough
But who are you to judge
When you’re a diamond in the rough
I’m sure you got some things
You’d like to change about yourself
But when it comes to me
I wouldn’t want to be anybody else"

---Selena Gomez, "Who Says"

I was sitting at the front desk today when Mark, one of our tech guys, came by and started talking to me.  He asked how long I have been at NAMM so far and I realized that it has been 8 weeks so far...tomorrow begins my 9th week!!!  Can you believe I have been boring you all with my blogs for over 8 weeks?!  I love that over the last 8 weeks I have reassured my want and need to be involved in the music industry.  Every department that I go to teaches me something new about the industry and opens me up to a new field.  I am loving each and every day and still have yet to have a day that I really did not want to be at work.  I am so thankful for all of the experiences I have had.  I wouldn't trade this internship for anything.  I can't wait to see what is next in my adventures!

Until tomorrow...its milk and cookie time...

YUM!!! :-)

Day 63 and 64

"Do you remember your imagination?
Where Neverland was a destination
Your magical adventure isn't over yet
Just hold on tight and don't forget

Every wish, every dream you ever had
Close your eyes
And it will all come rushing back
Fly away
All you need is to believe and remember when"

---LeAnn Rimes, "Remember When"

So I am terribly sorry that I missed a day of writing but I have a very good excuse!!! Yesterday, I spent the entire day (13-14 hours) at DISNEYLAND!!  My friend, Elaine, who I have known since we were in elementary school came up from Tucson, AZ for the weekend to visit Disneyland for her 22nd birthday!  Since I had Saturday off, I went up to Anaheim to visit.  We spent the entire day riding rides, eating food, people watching, and living in the magical world of Disney.  Elaine and her boyfriend had driven 8 hours through the night to get to Anaheim and so they were super tired when I arrived at 9AM.  About halfway through the day, they decided to go check into their hotel and take a nap.  I stayed at Disneyland, by myself, which was weird at first but it was actually pretty fun.  I've realized that I can go places on my own and still have a great time.  I was in the park alone for about 4 hours and there was lots to do and see.  One of my favorite parts of the day, besides hanging out with Elaine, was seeing the Fantasmic show!  It was an awesome show that combined many of the Disney movies and ended with all of the characters on the steam boat driven by Steamboat Willie!  It was great to be a kid again!

It was an amazing day at Disneyland!

Today, after 12+ hours at Disney, I went to work at the museum.  I was glad that this weekend was a little less hectic than last Sunday because I was actually able to get everything done for the week ahead in the museum.  Tomorrow I begin work in PAGR (public affairs and government relations).  I already know I will be working on plans for the NAMM Fly-In (an event where NAMM members fly to DC for a few days to talk with their congressmen about keeping music in the schools) so I think it will be very interesting to learn about.  Looking forward to the week ahead! :-)

Day 62

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky!"

---Jane Tyler, "Twinkle Twinkle"

I was super excited to talk to my little angel on the phone this evening...

Isn't he just the cutest kid you have ever seen? How can you not love that face?  I can't believe how big he has gotten since I have been gone!  It sort of kills me that he is growing up without me...and I can only see him in pictures!  It was great to talk to him and it made me feel special that he would say "Anka" and know it's me on the phone! Mom had him count for me, and do his animal noises!  He sounds so much more grown up now than when I left him two months ago!  And it's hard to believe that when I get home there will be another little Bugge boy in the family!!!  Ok, I'm done gushing about Logan!

Work went well today...I am a little sad to be moving out of meetings and events but I know I will be back there in a few weeks.  I am excited to be in PAGR (public affairs and government relations) next week because I will be working on a project that has to do with planning also.  But more on that later...I think I am going to bed early tonight because I have a big day ahead tomorrow!!! GOING TO THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN THE WORLD! :-D and seeing a friend I haven't seen since my freshman year of college for her birthday this weekend! So good night world!

Day 61

SOOOOOOO this post is going to be short and sweet! I got distracted when I should have been writing my blog and now I realize that I have 5 minutes until Grey's comes on and we all know that I cannot post and watch Grey's at the same time! (for those of you that do not know...I cannot do anything while watching Grey's lol)

OMG! American Idol just stunned me....no one is going home! Wow....that's how I'm ending this! Better blog tomorrow...I need to process for 30 seconds before Greys!

Day 60

"Down in the valley,
There is a mission,
By the old oak tree.
By the mission,
There is a fountain,
Where my love told me:

There’s a web like a spider’s web,
Made of silk and light and shadows,

Spun by the moon in my room at night.
It’s a web made to catch a dream,
Hold it tight ‘til I awaken,
As if to tell me, my dream is all right."

---GS Song, "Spider's Web"


Update on my spider...I woke up this morning, no spider on the wall.  I went and took a shower then walked back into my room and BAM! There he was...taunting me!  Once again, he was in a corner and not a place I could get to him easily.  I walked into my kitchen, ate a muffin, grabbed a tupperware container (I decided I did not want to kill him...so I was going to catch him and set him free outside) and went back to my room. HE WAS GONE!!!!!!!  How is it that this little creature can foil me two days in a row?!?!  Since its seems like he is here to stay, I've decided it's time to name him!  I can't decide between Anansi and Spindle....any suggestions for my new roomie?  I sure hope he is going to help me out with rent if he decides to live here permanently!

Now that I got that out of my system, it's time to talk about work...the real reason I'm suppose to be writing this blog!  This week has been interesting for me.  My schedule has been completely screwy and yet, I like it!  People keep coming to me and asking me if I can fit in time to help them.  It makes me feel wanted and like I am doing a good job.  Tomorrow, although I'm only scheduled to be in Meetings and Events, I will be helping in the Contact Center (OK so I do that every day so that doesn't really count), attending a video call with PAGR (public affairs and government relations) to learn about what I am doing next week, AND running the OSR (office supply room) while Kyle is out of the office for a few hours.  It's nice to know that everyone can count on me to get things done!

And now for something completely different....

Looking for a song today brought me to Girl Scout songs which in turn led me to this video slideshow on youtube! :-D Me and my girls singing on stage with Melinda Carroll at Girl Scouts 95th Birthday Celebration!

Day 59

"The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout

Down came the rain and washed the spider out

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain

And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again"

---"Itsy Bitsy Spider"

So there was this GIANT spider in my room this morning.  OK, maybe not giant but he was pretty big.  I couldn't get to it to kill it because it put itself in the corner...smart little spider.  I went into the kitchen to make breakfast and went back to my room 5 minutes later and the spider was no where to be found!  I haven't been able to find it since and it worries me that it climbed into my bed.  I just hope it doesn't sneak up on me in the middle of the night!

If only it had been this cute! I will let you know if I wake up to a big black spider in my bed! 

As far as work is concerned...I love working in Meetings and Events!  We are preparing for the Board Meeting that will take place in Hawaii in a few weeks.  All I am doing is making sure all the travel information is correct in all places but it is fun organizing all the information.  I am enjoying doing something that I seem to be really good at.  It just confirms my love for planning events and wanting to be involved in events in the future.

Day 58

"It would be easy to say that the pants changed everything that summer.                   

But looking back now...

I feel like our lives changed because they had to...

And that the real magic of the pants was in bearing witness to all of this...

And in somehow holding us together...

When it felt like nothing would ever be the same again.

Some things never would be.

But we knew now that no matter how far

We traveled on our own separate paths...

Somehow we would always find

our way back to each other.

And with that,

we could get through anything.

To us. Who we were, and who we are.

And who we'll be.

To the pants.

And the sisterhood.

And this moment,

and the rest of our lives.                

Together and apart."

---Closing monologue, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"


I forgot how much i love this movie and the books.  It reminds me of my best friends.  We may not have something like the traveling pants, but knowing that we are still close even when we are apart is great.  I know that no matter where I am, I can call my best friends and talk to them about anything.  Even with the changes in all of our lives, we will always be friends and that is all that matters!  No matter the different directions we are pulled in, I know I can always come back to where we used to be and it will be like nothing has changed.  This post is for my best friends...in no particular order....all of which I spoke with today :-)

Liz...

My Michigan best friend.  The one that no matter how long we go without seeing each other or talking a lot, it is as if we never stopped.  True meaning of a best friend.

Michelle...

Fort Wayne best friend.  The one I tell everything to.  The one that is always there for me.  The one that is my shoulder to cry on.  The reason this post came to be (since I just got off the phone with you)

Chels...

Terre Haute BFF.  The one who helped me get through my time at ISU.  The one who asked me if I was going to the meeting and the rest is history.  The one to studied with me until we decided we needed milkshakes at midnight.  The one who ruled the Music Business dept with me :-)

Adam...

My Boyfriend.  The one I turn to.  The one I who deals with me day in and day out.  The one that would do anything to make me happy.

Jacy...

Virginia best friend.  The one I have known since we were little girls.  The one I grew up with.  The one I can't wait to see in May when she comes to visit.  The girl I know will always be here for me through thick and thin.

Best Friends forever :-)

Day 57

"Små grodorna, små grodorna är lustiga att se. 

Små grodorna, små grodorna är lustiga att se. 

Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de. 

Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de. 

Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack, 

kou ack ack ack ack kaa. 

Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack, 

kou ack ack ack ack kaa."

---Swedish Folksong, "Små grodorna"

One of TWO Swedish songs I know!  I used to love singing this song and doing the movements...I remember when mom and I were in Sweden and we found the  Små grodorna ride at Liseberg!  Cracked us up!!! But anyway, the reason I am so excited about Sweden today is due to my LINGONBERRIES :-)

Most amazing dinner ever :-D OK well it would have been more amazing with mashed potatoes but I guess I can't have everything.  New work week begins tomorrow! I am in Meetings and Events this week (yaaaaaay!) so it should be a good week!

Day 56

"Silence is silver, but music is gold"

---Unknown

Today I had a nice relaxing morning and then went on an adventure to San Diego with Holly in the afternoon.  We spent the afternoon walking around Seaport Village and going in and out of shops.  I went into the Little Viking shop and bought lingonberries which was the most exciting purchase!  I can't wait to make meatballs and eat them with my lingonberries :-)  We enjoyed people watching and just talking.  It is nice to have a friend down here that is a lot like me and easy to talk to.

We also share a love for my day 56 picture...

CUPCAKES!!!!!!!! I got a mint chocolate chip cupcake and Holly got some form of spice cupcake?  We have made a date to go to her favorite cupcake place next!  Cupcakes and milk is one of my favorite sweet treats!  This is really all I have for today...I work in the museum tomorrow so maybe I will have more insight into something more exciting!

Day 55

"I had the time of my life and I never felt this way before
and I swear this is true and I owe it all to you
Oh I had the time of my life and I never felt this way before
and I swear this is true and I owe it all to you
...dirty bit
...dirty bit

Cuz I'm havin a good time with you I'm tellin you
I had the time of my life and I never felt this way before
and I swear this is true and I owe it all to you
oh I had the time of my life and I never felt this way before
and I swear this is true and I owe it all to you"

---Black Eyed Peas, "The Time" (ISU bball seniors video song)

It killed me to not be in Cleveland this evening screaming my heart out...I tried to make up for it by screaming from here but it's just not the same.  The TV does not respond to the cheering and screaming.  Here's to a great season Indiana State and a great run by our three seniors: Aaron Carter, Isiah Martin, and Jake Kelly! (Thank you Seniors)  Not the ending we were looking for but still a great year!  Very proud to be a tree!  Next year is another year, another chance.  The team will be another year older and another year wiser.  Let's get a repeat on the conference title and another trip to the big dance ;-)

"Out upon the swelling breezes

Let our voices ring

As to thee our alma mater

Heartfelt praise we sing

Though the years to come may part us

Friends and comrads true

ISU our alma mater

Here's our pledge to you"

---ISU, "Alma Mater"

Day 54

"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again.
May God hold you, May God hold you
Ever in the palm of his hand.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again.
May God hold you, May God hold you
Ever in the palm of his hand.
Ever in the palm of his hand.
The palm of his hand."

---"Irish Blessing"

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!  I was decked out in my "dress greens" for the occasion at work!

This morning I attended my first webinar while working.  The webinar was all about Girl Scout Music and the speaker was none other than Melinda Carroll!  She had lots of good tips for leaders of girls of all ages as well as a few tips on how to keep music involved with Girl Scouting!  Since it is St. Paddy's day, she sang the "Irish Blessing" and did a mini workshop on how to teach a song.  She then had all of us singing along.  I'm sure it was amusing to anyone who may have walked by my office and saw me singing to the computer!  I am glad I attended and am super excited that Melinda announced the tentative date for the 100th birthday (JUNE 9TH, 2012!!!!!!!!!)  I will be in Washington DC that day...no matter what!

I spent the rest of my morning working on the scanning project and the other half completing my "assignment" that was assigned by Tony in the Resource Center.  My assignment is quite possibly the best work project ever...

That's right friends....I spent my afternoon watching "Office Space" at work.  In fact, it was a required assignment for the day!  How many of you wish you could work at a place where you are required to watch "Office Space"?!?!

Tomorrow is my last night with Aunt Donna and Jessie.  My plan (that I hope they go along with) is to bring food to my apartment and watch Indiana State take on Syracuse in the NCAA March Madness! Can't wait to cheer on my Sycamores! I will be decked out in blue and white all day tomorrow!

Day 53

"Gimme pizza, P-I-Z-Z-a. Gimme pizza, P-I-Z-Z-A.

Now we're feeling kinda hungry.
We got the mega munchies.
Got to make our pizza as big as some countries.
How much pizza do you think we can chow?
More than our parents would ever allow.
We're gonna make a master-piece a pizza.
A work of art like the Mona Lisa.
It's gonna be high like the Tower of Pisa.
But to get there...You don't need a visa.

Pizza, P-I-Z-Z-A. Gimme pizza.
Uh, did I happen to say, I want pizza.
P-I-Z-Z-A. I want pizza.
Hey, are you ready to play?

Now set down the pizza and bring me some chicken.
Throw it on top and make it finger lickin'
Guacomole. Meatballs, whip cream pouring like waterfalls.
Here's a little salsa to make it hot.
Here's a lot of ice cream to hit the spot.
Toss the fish, let it fly, fly, fly, pizza pie.

Pizza, P-I-Z-Z-A. Gimme pizza.
Watch it rise like a soufflé.
Gimme pizza. P-I-Z-Z-A.
I want pizza. You think we should stop?
no way!

Get your motors ready cause here we go.
Chocolate sauce, spreading it slow.
Oreos, marshmallows, caramel, coconut cream, egg foo young, chicken tongue.
Hold the eyeballs. I'm gonna scream.
Now don't forget the rice or the mashed potatoes.
And what about these fried green tomatoes?
Batter's up, catcher's ready.
1-2-3-4-5...spaghetti!

Pasta...Put it in the pizza.
Fist sticks...Put it in the pizza.
Ketchup...Put it in the pizza.
Meatloaf...awww Put it in the pizza.

Pizza, P-I-Z-Z-A. Gimme pizza.
Add some tacos, Ole!
I want pizza. P-I-Z-Z-A.
I want pizza. Call us the queens of gourmet.

I want pizza. P-I-Z-Z-A. Gimme pizza.
How much does it weigh? I want pizza.
P-I-Z-Z-A. I want pizza.
Is it finally done?
hooray!

Here it is, ready to serve.
This pizza is made...Yeah!"

---The Olsen Twins, "Gimme Pizza"


WOW! The memories of this song!  I used to watch the Olsen twins all the time!  I had a cassette tape of all of the songs from this episode and I used to listen to it constantly.  Listening to this song now makes me realize how cheesy these songs were...but they were fun at the time!  I chose this song because I had delicious pizza for dinner.  The Yngstrom's and Ken Zolkoski came and visited me at the Museum of Making Music and then we all went to dinner at NY Pizza to catch up.  I brought home the extra pizza so I am sure I will be eating it soon.  Gotta love pizza.

Day 53

On a side note...I can't believe how many of this year's contestants on American Idol were born in 1989!  I never think about the fact that all of these people are MY AGE!!!  I'm rooting for Steffano, James Durbin, and Scotty (the first two were born in 1989)!!!  The boys are awesome this year!

Day 51 and 52

"Picture perfect memories
Scattered all around the floor
Reaching for the phone 'cause
I can't fight it anymore

And I wonder if I
Ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one
I'm all alone
And I need you now
Said I wouldn't call
But I've lost all control
And I need you now"

---Lady Antebellum, "Need You Now"

Well it looks like I am behind again!  It's hard to post on time when I'm busy hanging out with family!  But that is no excuse so I apologize!  This song is Aunt Donna's and my song...we have heard it at least 3 times a day since she has been here!  I was WAAAAAAAAY off when trying to remember who sang the song but now we both know it's Lady Antebellum!

Yesterday we took a wonderful adventure north to Knotts Berry Farm.  It was a great day filled with rides and sun!  We think the park is owned by the same people as Cedar Point but CP is much bigger and has many more rides!  KBF has a theme of the wild west throughout so many rides were based off of that theme.  For dinner we stopped in Anaheim for CHEESECAKE FACTORY!!!!!!! Who is jealous?!?!?!  It was absolutely de-lish as always!  Then, on our way home, Aunt Donna and Jessie got their first little taste of REAL California traffic!  Lucky for us, we were able to ride in the HOV lane most of the way.


Today, I went back to work while the girls played!  They went to the San Diego Zoo and I am super jealous.  I can't wait until I can get down there and explore.  Everyone says it's an awesome zoo (what's a sue?!?!?!) and I am thinking if I can't find anyone to go with me, it is well worth going alone!  Work was nothing exciting...I continued on my scanning project of the Steinway Files.  For dinner, I met up with the Yngstrom's for dinner at PF Changs!  It is becoming a tradition!  We had some amazing food and some great laughs!  I got home just in time to see Glee and I must say I loved ALL the songs on the show tonight!  Looking forward to seeing how they do at nationals ;-)


Here are a few pictures of the trip thus far...

The first picture is of us at Knott's Berry on the stage coach!  The other two are pretty obviously from SeaWorld!  One from a show called "Blue Horizons" with the dolphins and the other from the "Believe: Shamu" show!!!!

LETS GO STATE!!!

STATE LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! clap...clap...clap!

Just wanted to make up for my lack of posting when I should...now you get two in one night and its technically three in one day! OH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

SYCAMORE PEP RALLY...on to the big dance!

<3 and I get to watch the game since it is after I get off of work!

Day 51

"Under the sea, under the sea
Darlin’ it’s better
Down where it’s wetter,
Take it from me


Up on the shore they work all day
Out in the sun they slave away

While we devotin’
Full time to floatin’
Under the sea


Down here all the fish are happy
As off through the waves day roll

The fish on the land ain’t happy
They're sad 'cause they're in a bowl


But fish in the bowl is lucky
They're in for a worser fate

One day when the boss gets hungry
Guess whos goin’ be on the plate(uh-oh)"


---Disney, "Under The Sea"

GUESS WHAT MOM?!?! I am writing...and on time!!! So what has everyone missed over the last few days?  Yesterday, Aunt Donna and I spent the early afternoon exploring downtown Carlsbad.  We ate outside at a little diner in downtown.  Then we walked around until we were able to check her into her time share. In the late afternoon we drove down to San Diego to visit a Sam's Club where Aunt Donna kindly stocked me up with food (thanks again!)  We ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town.  Lucky for us we had plenty of time before we had to meet Jessica at the airport because we were told it would be a 20 minute wait and we waited probably 45-50 minutes!  But I must say, the food was delish!  We eventually made our way to the airport and picked up Jessie and brought her up to Carlsbad.

This morning, we meant to wake up early and get ready for Sea World.  I was the first to wake up, at about 8:55AM and realized that we were planning on leaving at 10AM!  Three girls trying to get ready in 1 hour does not really work!  Amazingly, we managed to get out of the resort only about 1/2 hour late.  We drove down to San Diego and picked up my cousin Steven and brought him to Sea World with us!  It was a fantastic day filled with shows, sea life, food, and fun!  I think my favorite show was the Blue Horizons which was a dolphin and bird show mixed with a cirque type show! Very cool!  Pictures will be posted soon and I am sorry they are not up yet!  When we made it back to Carlsbad, I showed Jessica my apartment and we went grocery shopping for the resort.  Then we went and ate dinner at Ruby's just down the street!  Many laughs were had...including this lovely picture...

Gotta love cousin time! :-D Don't you wish you were here?

PS...everybody knows Ed Wallace!!!!!!!

Day 50

THIS ONE IS FOR MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will write more later today ;-)

Day 49

"Where it began, I can't begin to know when
But then I know it's growing strong
Oh, wasn't the spring, whooo
And spring became the summer
Who'd believe you'd come along

Hands, touching hands, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Oh, sweet Caroline
Good times never seem so good
I've been inclined to believe it never would"

---Neil Diamond, "Sweet Caroline"

So I am a few hours late for posting but better late than never!!! Yesterday was a very interesting day.  I was woken up at 5:30AM by my mother calling me.  She told me to get up and turn on the TV.  I didn't understand why she was so adamant.  She told me that there was a tsunami heading straight for California!  Now, imagine waking up so early in the morning and hearing about a tsunami!  Although I was still half asleep...I was completely amazed when I turned on the news and heard about the earthquake in Japan.  Throughout the entire day, I was receiving texts and phone calls making sure everything was ok here in California!  Thank you everyone who cared enough to contact me.  Everything is fine and there was no damage done although there were slightly elevated waves and sudden drops in sea level.

Day 49

Thoughts and prayers go out to those in Japan and their family members all over the world. 

As always, while waiting for something exciting, the day went by VERY slowly!  I ran out of work to do and all of my supervisors had left for the weekend so I had to find ways to entertain myself while sitting at the front desk.  For the last hour of work I watched the live stream online of the good ISU v. evil ISU quarterfinal woman's basketball game.  Indiana State, the 7 seed in the tournament, upset the number 2 seed Illinois State for a great win!  We now move onto the semifinals and hopefully another upset of Missouri State! LETS GO BIG BLUE!


When I finally was off of work, I was greeted by my wonderful Aunt Donna who came into town to visit me!!!!!  I will be spending the next week (while I'm not at work) with her and my cousin Jessica so I am sure there will be tons of laughs and stories to share from our adventures! This is why I did not have time to write last night...I was too busy catching up with my family :-) Jessica comes in today and I am super excited to see her!

Day 48

"Come with me where the fire burns bright,
We can even see better by the candle's light.
And we'll find more meaning in a campfire's glow,
Than we've ever found in a year or so.

 

On my honor, I will try.
There's a duty to be done and I say aye.
There's a reason to be here for a reason above.
My honor is to try and my duty is to love.

 

We've a promise to always keep.
And to pray "Softley Falls" before we sleep.
We are Girl Scouts together and when we're gone,
We'll still be trying and singing this song."

---GSUSA, "On my Honor"

Girl Scouts have been a part of my life for pretty much as long as I can remember.  I joined in kindergarten and it was one of the biggest parts of my life for 13 years!  Today, as I was working the front desk, there was a group of Brownie Girl Scouts that came in to do a tour of the museum.  As they were gathering in the lobby, I heard some of the NAMM employees talk about their memories of Girl Scouting when they were little.  It is amazing the amount of people who have been influenced by scouting.  Whether they were members for a year or two or their entire lives, the memories live on forever.  I will never forget the jamboree where we learned the song "Stay on the Happy Side."  I will never forget awful falafel.  I will never forget the Myrtle skit, the Pooh Tree, SWAPS, the destination trips, or the friends that I now have all over the world.  These are memories I will be talking about when I'm 85 years old in a nursing home with people who probably wont remember what I said five minutes after I say it.

Day 48... 

One of the many troop 740 camping adventures.  I can only hope that when I have kids some day, they enjoy scouting as much as I did when I was younger.  I truly believe that it taught me to be the person I am today.  I had so many experiences over the years that many people who were not involved in scouting may NEVER have. 

Day 47

"I used to think that I could not go on

And life was nothing but an awful song

But now I know the meaning of true love

I'm leaning on the everlasting arms

If I can see it, then I can do it

If I just believe it, there's nothing to it

I believe I can fly

I believe I can touch the sky

I think about it every night and day

Spread my wings and fly away

I believe I can soar

I see me running through that open door

I believe I can fly

I believe I can fly

I believe I can fly"

---R Kelly, "I Believe I Can Fly"

So I have decided that this season of American Idol has some amazing talents!  I have never watched a full season before, and I think it is because when I have watched episodes nothing has really drawn me in.  This season, I don't know what it is but SOMETHING has me hooked.  There seems to be so much talent in the Top 13.  I can't even figure out who the weaker members of the group are.  Watching how these kids work with the producers really makes me happy.  Not only are they good singers, but they know what they are talking about when it comes to the music.  I think that each and every one of these contestants will have a fabulous career ahead of them.  This is just the beginning!  American Idol Season 10 and Day 47...

As for my internship, I had a very slooooooooow afternoon in the museum.  I got absolutely everything I needed to do out of the way and still had 2 1/2 hours until closing.  Nothing particularly exciting happened.  Tomorrow and Friday I will be at the front desk ALL day!  Hopefully that is not too boring.

Day 46

"Clean up clean up everybody everywhere. 

Clean up clean up everybody do your share. 

Clean up clean up everybody everywhere. 

Clean up clean up everybody do your share."

---Barney, "Clean Up Song"

I really have nothing of substance for today.  Just working hard (or hardly working....just kidding!) and getting excited to see family this weekend!  Only a few more days until Aunt Donna and Jessica get here!!!  I really need to clean up the apartment and do some laundry before then! YIKES!! And hopefully we will get to see both Ken and Steven throughout the week too! :-)

Day 46 is the video that says it all about our win on Sunday against Missouri State...

Still so excited about going to the big dance!!!! :-D

Day 45

"I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming"

---Disney, "A Whole New World"

Did you know that on March 6 in 1993, this song was number one on the Billboard top 100 list?  I didn't know either!  I thought I was looking up the list of top songs from today but then I realized I looked up yesterday and not today.  And funny story, today's song of the day from 1993 actually "Informer" by Snow.  This song always amuses me because it is one that my brother and I have an ongoing feud about.  I accidentally taped over his cassette tape that had this song on it.  In the middle of the song you hear me (probably age 4 or 5) break into the song and start talking. "BOOM!!!! That was Sparkle" is what I said.  Sparkle was our dog at the time and I'm assuming (because I really don't remember) that she bumped into me or the Walk Man while it was recording.  Jeremy pulled out this recording at my Sweet 16 and played it for all my friends. How embarrassing!

Now that I told a random story, back to what I was originally going to write about today...I started working in Market Development this week.  I really had NO idea what to expect.  There is only one person who works in this department after the layoffs that happened in the fall and this one person lives in New York.  How can I be working under the supervision of someone who is on the other side of the country?  I spoke on the phone with Jennifer this morning and learned what this department is really about.  Jennifer is in charge of all of the outreach programs like our SchoolJam USA Battle of the Bands and many of the other events NAMM helps with.  I already like what I have done in this department and I think it's going to be a great week of work.  Today, I put together itineraries for the winner of SchoolJam this year (a band called Peligro from Ohio) for their trip to Germany to compete in SchoolJam Germany.  This teenagers get an all expenses paid trip to Germany to compete in the original SchoolJam competition.  I have also been doing research on after school music programs and rock camps for us to promote the SchoolJam program.  All of my time on the street team doing little research projects for new fans is paying off!  All of my planning of trips I have taken and making my own itineraries is paying off!  I wonder what else I am going to get to do this week.

Wow...I have typed a lot today...hope everyone enjoys reading!  I guess that means its time for the picture of the day!  Day 45 is...

My bro-bro and I!!!!!! Even though he gives me a hard time (like still bringing up the "informer" incident even though it was more than 15 years ago) I know he loves me! :-)  Thanks for being awesome Jeremy! Life growing up most DEF would not have been the same without you! Love You!