Rainy Nights.

Well, the weather has been kinda crappy the past few days. I worked 4-midnight last night, and it rained almost the entire night. I think that the gate made $36.00 in 8 hours. That's just sad. Luckily Kirstenn was working night accountant and kept me company for most of the shift. We tried to watch Grey's but the TV was cutting in and out. So, needless to say I was bored out of my mind. It's sunny right now, and looks absolutely beautiful outside. So, as soon as I'm done writing this I'm headed out for a nice jog. Can't pass this up since the rain is due to set in tonight and will be sticking around through Monday! UGH. Stupid rain.

On other fronts - I'm going to Muncie with my future roommate, Amy to look for an apartment. I'm very excited to finally nail down a place to live. I'm still looking desperately for an assistantship. Umm, I think that's about it...

Oh sweet summer...

I know it's been too long since I updated last, but things have been a little crazy. I know, what else is new, huh? Well, I'm officially moved back home and settled in as much as I can be. I had my last final on Friday, graduated Saturday, moved out of my apartment Sunday, and started work Monday morning at 8. Wahoo! Welcome to summer! haha. Since then things have been much more calm. I've been working full time at the reservoir again. Summer number 5 baby! Oh yeah! It's been really slow since camping season hasn't really started up yet. Soon enough!

So, I've been trying to relax my mind, read as many books as possible, and have some fun. That's all for now. Boring, I know, but when something interesting happens I'll let you know!

GRADUATION!

It's hard to believe it, but I graduate today! WAHOOO!! Here's to 4 amazing years of my life and to many more to come!

Triumphant!

It's official! Defense Day is OVER! I defended my honors thesis @ Noon yesterday, and I couldn't have had a better day. Defense went so much better than you could ever expect. I actually had fun doing it. There were some great ideas thrown around, and I'm excited to see what directions we can take this project in the future! It was such a wonderful experience. One that up until about 11:45 I wasn't sure I really wanted to take part in! Buuut, once everyone got there and started asking me how I was and stuff I relaxed. To make matters even better we were celebrating our last lab meeting later that afternoon, and that was such a great way to end my day. Ed was amazing and brought pizza and breadsticks for us, and even brought a "Congratulations Marla" cake for all of us to enjoy. We had a blast.

It's an amazing feeling to be done. Well, I mean I still have to make the small revisions my committee suggested and then take it to have it bound. But the biggest part is OVER. It hadn't really hit me until this morning when I woke up. I was just exhausted last night, but today I feel like I can breathe again. It's a huge weight that's been lifted, and yet at the same time it's such an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I don't say this too often, but I'm proud of myself for the way this year has turned out. :) I'm so excited to see what I can accomplish at Ball State in the next two years! WAHOO!

So, graduation is edging closer every minute. It's still a bittersweet feeling for me, but I'm so excited for summer. I think I've planned things so that I will get to say my goodbye's to everyone before I head out on Sunday and then start work on Monday! So, it should be an emotional week and weekend, but I'm excited for it.

Poster Session and Honors Banquet

What a week indeed. My paper is done, well at least until after defense and I have to make revisions. My poster is done, and we had an absolute blast presenting them last night to the faculty and the other various people who came to see. It was a great night. This semester has been a challenge for sure, but there is no way I could have kept my sanity without the wonderful other people in my lab or my thesis class. We've all become very close over the past year, and last night confirmed that even more. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we're actually researchers and scientists at the earliest part in our careers. I cannot wait to hear what fantastic things my honors buddies are up to in years to come. There will be wonderful things discoverd I can assure you. :)

So, here is to finishing the second major step in the finishing process of this thesis project. All that's left is defense on Wednesay and then a celebration with my lab people that I'm really looking forward to. Then it's revisions/binding, final exams, and graduation. The moment I've been waiting for for 4 years now. As the day approaches faster, the more sad I get about leaving all of these wonderful people.....

Here are some great pics..

Lile and I in front of my poster!

Three of my favorite 'social' Hirt Lab women!


Three Amigos! :)

For more info check out our website. They did are really great job with pictures and stuff.. psych.indiana.edu

I feel the earth move under my feet...

Earthquake anyone? haha What a strange feeling to wake up to. This morning around 5:30 my bed felt like it had wings and was swaying in a hammock motion. My desk was rattling, and outside everything was eerily quiet. Then it was over. A few seconds later the birds started chirping, and I lay in bed wondering what the heck had just happened. Couldn't have been an earthquake... or could it? Did I dream it? No. Surely not. Haha. Well, I didn't. Apparently it was a 5.2 on the scales, and most of Bloomington as well as other parts of Indiana felt it. Indiana hasn't been shaken since 1925. So, on this beautiful Friday morning, the whole campus is abuzz with excitement about a natural phenomenon that usually doesn't happen in these parts too often.


Ok, now for news on other fronts of my life...
First off, this week has been hellish. I've been working my butt of trying to get my thesis manuscript done so that my committee has time to read it before my defense on Wednesday. AND we have a poster session tonight for the entire faculty, and so I needed to have my poster done and printed in advance. Well, it's all done. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. The weather has been really beautiful the last few days. I worked my butt of running around the psych building collecting the last draft of my results section from Ed and hurrying to make final final corrections before printing off all 51 pages and making 3 copies of it. But, you know what. It's done. The poster is done, and looks pretty darn cool. It was a huge weight lifted, and I was able to relax the rest of the day.

I'm ready and excited for our poster session tonight. It's a really great opportunity for the faculty and grad students to ask us questions and just talk to us about the work we've spent all year doing. Then they treat us to a nice dinner. I found out earlier in the week that I will be receiving a Excellence In Research award for my efforts this year, and I'm so honored. So, the session will be great prep for defense, and then we're having our 3rd annual Honors Thesis Bar Crawl right after! Wahoo! What way to celebrate with some really great people who I really do love. We're a great group.

In other news, I found out I was not accepted for the Burris assistantship. BOO! But, I'll find something. I'm pretty bummed about it, but life goes on. No time to wallow in that.

Graduation is fast approaching. I'm excited, and yet saddened. I've had an amazing four years here in B-town, and it will certainly be hard to leave that behind and move home for the summer knowing I'll be going somewhere else in the fall. But, such is life, and I can't wait to start the next chapter.

Road Blocks.

Things that stand between me and and summer:

* Finishing my thesis
* Poster Session for entire faculty/ Honors Dinner
* Honors Thesis Bar Crawl
* Dinner with Helen and Nigel
* 10 Page final reserch paper for my G402 class
* Thesis DEFENSE
* Last lab meeting/celebration
* Health Psych Final
* Revisions of my theisis
* Binding my thesis
* Cognitive Psych Final
* Novice Year Rowing Reunion
* Saying goodbye.... :(
* Packing up ALL my crap (and I have a LOT of it)
* La Cha with the family and moving home

Music and Lyrics

I just want to say that I'm slightly obsessed with the movie, Music and Lyrics. I've seen it twice in the last oh like 4 days. The music, Drew and Hugh make for an amazing combo. It's just such a sweet and romantic movie with some great one liners in it. And, I'm in love with the soundtrack. haha. So, if you haven't seen it. GO DO IT! NOW! P.S. who knew Hugh could sing?? H-O-T! hehe. Oh yeah, and watch out for Hugh's amazing dance movies - he has such a strange but catchy hip popping movie. Check it out!

Synopsis: In New York, the washed-up singer Alex Fletcher has a decadent career singing his old hits in amusement parks, school reunions or dinner parties to survive. In the 80's, he was a successful singer of the band POP with Collin Thompson, but when his partner split, his solo-career was a complete failure. His manager and friend Chris Riley schedules a meeting with the successful teen singer Cora Corman and Alex has a chance to be promoted in a show if he delivers a new song for Cora's concert in the end of the week. Alex has difficulties to put lyrics in his melody, but he accidentally discovers Sophie Fisher, who is temporarily watering his plants and proves to be a sensitive poet and efficient lyricist. Their song is approved by Cora, but they disagree about her interpretation, while they fall in love for each other.

Some pics...

Hugh actually learned to play the piano for the movie!

One of my favorite scenes. Hugh is teaching them his sweet moves.

Some great lines...

Alex Fletcher: The best time I've had in the last fifteen years was sitting at that piano with you.
Sophie Fisher: That's wonderfully sensitive... especially from a man who wears such tight pants.
Alex Fletcher: It forces all the blood to my heart.
--------------
Alex Fletcher: You seem angry - click your pen!
-------------
Alex Fletcher: It doesn't have to be perfect. Just spit it out. They're just lyrics.
Sophie Fisher: "Just lyrics"?
Alex Fletcher: Lyrics are important. They're just not as important as melody.
Sophie Fisher: I really don't think you get it.
Alex Fletcher: Oh. You look angry. Click your pen.
Sophie Fisher: A melody is like seeing someone for the first time. The physical attraction. Sex.
Alex Fletcher: I so get that.
Sophie Fisher: But then, as you get to know the person, that's the lyrics. Their story. Who they are underneath. It's the combination of the two that makes it magical.

Little 500, Interviews, and Thesising.

Well, it is officially time for Little 500 in Bloomington. So that means that pretty much the entire town of Bloomington is in an uproar. People are causing trouble, drinking 24/7, skipping class, playing corn hole and beer pong like it was their job (too bad you can't put those skills on a resume), and enjoying the madness that comes with the ever famous bike race. The weather has been beautiful all week, and so people have been really been taking advantage of it. It's always a great time on campus, but it signifies the closing of another year. We're three weeks away from graduation. That thought alone is still a bit scary, although I'm less overwhelmed than previously. Now, I'm just ready - and yet not. I've been having lots of nostalgic moments lately remembering all the great times I've spent here in Bloomington. I was walking through campus yesterday. The trees were blooming and it was a beautiful sunshine day. I couldn't help be on top of the world and yet be a little sad. I have fallen in love with this great college town, and I will be sad to leave it. There' s just nothing like it. While I don't think that college has necessarily been the best 4 years of my life - I do think that they've been great ones. I've learned so much and grown up a lot the last four years. Tears were shed, but so many more laughs were had with some really great people. I'm truly lucky. But, all good things must come to an end, and that's ok. I will forever have the memories I've made, but I'm beyond excited about making new ones and opening that next chapter. I think the best years of my life are yet to come - perhaps right around the corner.

Speaking of which, I had an interview in Muncie yesterday for an assistantship at Burris (Laboratory School) in the counseling center there. It went really well. I think I have a good shot at it, and I think it would be a great position for me. So, that's exciting. Also, on the graduate school front - I might possibly have a new roommate for next year. I met Amy at orientation, and we hit it off. So, we're toying with the idea. I think things are coming together really well. Better than I could have expected. It's amazing to think back a few months ago when my future was so uncertain and seemingly blank. It's amazing to have something filling that void now. BSU - Here I come! Watch out! haha.

So, I'm off to start work on what still stands between me and graduation. I just have a few more (very important) things to get out of the way before I can be free. Oh how I dream of summer days relaxing by the pool or reading in the gatehouse at Salamonie. I can't wait!

Stuff...

1. I'm procrastinating.
2. I now have an interview at Burris Lab School in Muncie for an assistantship which sounds pretty promising. BUT, it's just one more thing I have on my plate.
3. I set a time, date, and room for DEFENSE! Wednesday, April 23, 2008 @ 12:00PM in PY228! Eeek!
4. I need to order bar crawl t-shirts.
5. I need to write my discussion section.
6. I need to finish my results section.
7. I need to prepare my discussion of the discussion presentation for Thursday.
8. I have a poster to finish by next Friday.
9. I love Amos Lee - new singer. Check it out.
10. I love it when my bro calls me just to say hello.
11. It's finally spring.
12. It's Little 500!
13. I need to get to work and stop writing in my blog.
14. Ok, work time.

What a week!

Well what a week it has been. Whew. I get tired just thinking about it. Two tests, a paper and 2 assistantship applications due, plus the every day stress of trying to get my thesis finished and poster made and trying to keep up with friends and family.... That's enough to stress anyone out. But, luckily I made it through the week as I always do. I was pretty exhausted last night, but I aced my health psych test yesterday and so the week ended on a good note. I cam home to an empty apartment (the roommates are in MI this weekend for a race) and relaxed in front of the TV for a bit and ate some dinner. I was feeling better after that. Vicky and I had planned on doing dessert and a move so we hit up Olive Garden and went to see '21'. It was a splendid evening, and the perfect relaxing ending to an insane week.

Movie Review:
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the movie. I had heard some serious mixed reviews, but I thought it was pretty great. It was extremely entertaining and funny with yet a serious and suspenseful side to it. The new starlet Jim Sturgess (of Across the Universe and The Other Boleyn Girl) is such a cutie and a talented actor. Not to mention the surprise I had seeing the star chica from Win a Date With Tad Hamilton - Kate Bosworth. She is very grown up and a far cry from the girl from Frasier's Bottom who wins a date with a superstar. I'm a sucker for Kevin Spacey anyways, but the flick was indeed something I'd recommend. Check it out.

So, great company, great entertainment, and great food (I ordered chocolate gelato at Olive Garden! YUM!) made for a great Friday night. Today I'm taking it easy. I still have lots to do, but I'm doing it at my pace instead of warp speed. I'm relaxing in some comfy clothes and enjoying the sunshine. I'll get around to work in a little bit. I think Kara and I are getting together for dinner and some movie time tonight which will be fabulous. So, here's to a weekend of relaxation with a little bit of productivity mixed in. Ahhh... how splendid.

Going... Going... GONE...

Yup. It's official. I've gone crazy! aaahahahahahaha Sweeeet!

Night's I'll Remember.

Well, not a whole lot to update. I'm just chugging along trying to get everything accomplished that I need to this week. But, I want to dedicate this post to my wonderful friends and roommates.

I have enjoyed living with these wonderful people this year. I will surely never forget the nights we've spent messing around and just hanging out or the times we spend just being stupid and goofy. I totally have a test today and should have been studying last night, but fortunately my roomies and I had a blast. And Fuzz came over for a bit also. It was a great night! I've always heard it said that you'll never remember the nights you spent studying, but you'll always remember the good times you had - so live it up! haha. See the pics below. I documented! :)

I have some of the best friends in the world. :)

"True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils."

Creepy Hugs.

Two peas in a pod.

Hi Andy! :) I love candid shots!

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere we go."

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

Interesting.

I was messing around during a study break today, and I found this burried in my documents on my PC. I thought it was interesting. So, I'll share it with you. It's something a dear friend, who I have drifted from over the past 6 months, wrote for me. Check it out.

There is a thin line between what has been and what is to come. It is in that sliver of time and space that you will find every bit of who you are at this exact moment. Nothing matters more than the breath you just took and the beautiful image that just flashed in your mind. For that brief second, you just are. That is the present. It is called the present because it is a gift. Be grateful for the gift you give yourself of being alive and recognizing your place in the world at this exact moment. Love that line you are walking right now that is the present. That line is your life. Walk it. Love it.

Thunderstorms and Big Dreams.

I happen to be listening to the song "Dreaming Out Loud" by One Republic, and it just seems to ring true right now. :) I love it when songs speak to your life.

So, yesterday I made the trek up to Ball State for the Graduate Fair and our Counseling Psych Masters orientation. I had a blast! The odd thing is that my parents called me on Friday saying that I had a letter of acceptance from IU. So, for a brief period I was wondering about the possibility of going here instead. You can't help it. No matter how made up your mind is, a letter of acceptance opens up a whole other path for your future that you can't help wonder about. But, I put those thoughts aside yesterday. I learned a lot about the program. The graduate students we were able to talk to were fabulous, and they really seemed to have a pretty close bond. The faculty was pretty great too. They do some fabulous stuff, and stuff that speaks to a lot of my interests as a future therapist. But, I think the best part of yesterday was the other prospective students I got to meet. I met some really great people, and we almost bonded instantly. It was weird, but great at the same time. So, I hope that some of them choose Ball State and I get to enjoy the next two years with them. All other feelings aside - I know I made the right choice and I am overwhelmed with excitement about my future there. Two years just almost doesn't seem long enough. haha. YAY!


Other than that yesterday was awesome because mom and dad came to B-town. Andy's (my roommate) parents were in from Canada for their second home race of the season, and mom and dad HAD to meet them. Andy and I have been talking about this for some time now. We knew they would hit it off, which of course they did. So, I got back to B-town and hung with them for a bit and then we all went out to dinner at Olive Garden. It was a perfect ending to a great day. Another reason I'm excited about going to BSU - being close to the fam and to my IU pals. So, today it is thunderstorming pretty good, and I have to get back to work. This week is a monster for me. Two tests, a paper proposal, and a presentation in thesis class. Not to mention all the other things that are going on like trying to find an assistantship. Thinking about scheduling classes for next year. Checking in on my summer job. Planning my defense. Groceries. Rent. Life.

Wish me luck! I just might need it!

Summer Dreams.

The weather down here has been pretty nasty the last few days. Rain and some warmer temps, but still in the 40's. There is some partly sunny skies in the forecast for tomorrow, which I'm extremely excited about, but spring cannot come soon enough. The only good thing about rainy days is that it makes it easier to get work done - although it can be arugued that naps are more highly contemplated on rainy days.

Needness to say I've been dreaming of summer days. Not only because of the weather, but because of what it summer brings with it. I'm not sure I could juggle any more balls at once. My life is pretty darn crazy right now. There have definitely been points before where I've felt this overwhelmed with things, but I think there are more emotions tied in with this year - or perhaps just different ones than I am used to. I'm working really hard to stay on top of my honors thesis. There are so many things that still need to be done, and the weeks are dwindiling. My friends are all talking about how they are SO excited that we only have 4 weeks of school left (*GULP) while I hate the thought of it because that means even less time to accomplish everything that needs to get done. I hate talking about it even though it means being 4 weeks closer to summer and graduation. So, honors thesis, thesis committee, defense date, finishing my paper, applying for assistantships, visiting Ball State for orientation, parents coming down Saturday, roommates, oh yeah those things called classes that have tests and papers, researching narrative therapy, socializing with friends, staying in touch with long distance friends, trying to enjoy my senior year, Little 500, laundry, cooking, studying, meetings... AHHH! haha On the other hand, it absolutely amazes me how much someone can have on their plate and still 1 - accomplish it and 2 - survive it all. Soon enough it will all be over.

So, until then I have been dreaming of summer. I cannot wait to be at home with nothing harder to do than decide if I want to swim first or mow the yard first and then swim before heading to work and reading as many books as I can get my hands on. Oh yeah! Vacationing in SanFran with Cass! :) So, here's to summer and the last weeks of my senior year! Let them be great and full of awesome memories and hard work!

Easter.

I hope that everyone had a Happy Easter. Mine was cut a little bit short due to the amount of work I needed to catch up on. I ended up going home Saturday around 2 after working hard on my introduction to my thesis. It's always nice to be home. Mom made rubins and I made cheesecake for Easter dinner at the Houck's on Sunday. It was a great night!

But, probably the most enjoyable thing about the weekend was the twin's baptism on Sunday. They did splendidly! No crying. No fussing. It was a beautiful cerimony. I'm very happy to have been a part of it as a proud Godmother. :) I'm very proud of Craig and Emily, and I love my nephews more than I know how to express.


After church, we came back to Gary and Claudia's for some fun and food. We ate some great food and played cards and played with the boys. It was a great time. Then it was back to B-town for me. Boo! I didn't want to leave. Being home this much in the last few weeks has just made me even more eager to have this semester over with! It will happen soon enough. On one hand I'm still thankful for having 5.5 weeks left because of the amount of work I have to do. Although I will say, I've been an extremely productive human being the past 4 days or so. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you really have to. I guess 4 years of college will teach you how to master that huh? haha.

Well, the weather is getting nicer. It's still pretty cold here in B-town, but the sun has been shining for a whlie. But, I think it's supposed to rain like 4 days next week. BOO! I'm ready for summer!!!! That's all for now.

Birthday Fun!

Oh what fun turning 22 can be!!

Yesterday was an absolutely amazing day! First off it was the first day of Spring! I love it when that falls on my bday. The weather was gorgeous! After the last few days of rain, waking up to sunshine and birds chirping was exactly what I needed for my bday! So, I went to class, which was actually really interesting, and then my dear friend Kara took me to lunch at Noodles and Co. Lunch was fantastic. We had SO much food, but it was all very delicious. As usual we had some great convo as well. :)

I then proceeded to go to thesis class and they sang to me. It was a good class, but it was a great reminder of just how much work we all have and how little time we have to accomplish it. Yikes. Dale's so great at cracking the whip! But, nothing could ruin my bday mood. I came home and relaxed till dinner. Of course we went to Cheeseburger In Paradise - one of my favorite places in B-town to eat. It was a very interesting group of people. I have some very distinct groups of friends - rowers, roommates, old rower pals, and psychology. It worked out really well. I have such amazing friends.

Speaking of amazing. My very dear roomate made me her mother's famous 'lazy daisy' cake. Oh My GOSH! It's SO good! So, we came back to the apartment and had some champaign (from last year's 21st bday that never got opened) and cake! It was great times. I had big plans to hit up The Upstairs after this, but was way too pooped. So Kara brough over some Leo and we watched The Beach and ate some popcorn. Perfect ending to the perfect day! Enjoy the pictures!

P.S. I just wanna say that I'm a very lucky girl. I have some truly amazing and beautiful friends. They make life worth living, and make the sun shine even on cloudy days. I am very loved. :)

Cheeseburger drinks are the BEST!!

Me. Britt. and Megan. Psych pals!

Two of my favorite old rower pals who I miss greatly. I'm so glad they were able to make it!

Fuzz. Cass. and Me. Cheers! A couple of the best people I know.

Roomates! Love these girls with all my heart!

Miss Kara Marie! We're so silly! What would I do without her?
THE 'Lazy Daisy' Cake!! YUM!

Rainy Tuesday.

I'm sitting here listening to the rain hit the window of my apartment. It's relaxing. Maybe a little too relaxing. I need to go get busy and eat lunch and get started with my G402 reading notes, CogLab assignment, and thesis work. I might throw a trip to Target in there as a study break. I have a lot to accomplish, but it'll get done. I work well under pressure. :) One of my (many) strengths.

Well, I'm settling back into the routine of class and studying after a crazy week at home. I have mixed emotions about the seven weeks of school that are left. I'm sad that it's that long, but at the same time thankful because I have SO much to accomplish between now and graduation. It's scary.

I'm ready for warm sunny weather and spring flowers. We've had a bit of a taste of it, but now it's back to rain and mildly warm weather. Bleh. Here's wishin for warm weather.

Lately I've had the itch to travel. I've been looking at everyone's spring break pics of the sunny beach and condos in Florida. I miss the beautiful state of FL. In reality I was just there last year, but training trips for rowing for a week in December hardly quench the thirst for warm beaches, palm trees, sunsets, waves, and great dining. Don't get me wrong, I have some great memories from my trips to Tampa, but I long to hit the St. Augustine trail once again. Eh, it'll give me something to dream about. :)

What a week...

Well, what a week that was. I'm back in Bloomington now trying to face the reality that is school. My teeth are doing very well. They still hurt a little bit, and trying to keep food out of my holes is far from fun. But on the whole they're doing great. My bruises are starting to go away which is good. I'm not quite ready for the insane 7 weeks that are about to fly by, but here's to getting started and finished!

To catch up on the end of spring break.....

The end of the week was full of emotions, family, birthday celebration, and babies. Craig and Em came home Thursday night. We had the memorial service on Friday afternoon for Grandma. It was a beautiful service. We are truly blessed with an amazing set of friends and family. It was so great to get to see some of the people who came to pass on their sympathy and love to our family. It's strange who death brings family together almost like nothing else in life. Its a blessing in disguise. We had a good time remembering Grams and making picture boards and gathering things to set around like her craft painting things and favorite ingredients for cooking. She would have loved it. Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have touched the lives of the Alexanders from near and far. Love to all of you.

Saturday we decided to go ahead with the celebration of Craig's bday and mine. We know that is what Grams would have wanted. She was there with us having fun too. We had a great time with the twins, Aunt Cheri, and Gary and Claudia. It was a packed house with lots of food, and love. Couldn't have asked for a better Saturday. Craig got a Wii, which also provided hours of entertainment into the wee hours of the morning and then again the next day. haha Watch out for the baseball game though... my arm is sore!


It was a nice way to end a week that started with such sadness and loss. It made the pain just a little bit more bearable for all of us. Family is something that comes first on my list. It's a beautiful thing, and it's wonderful to see my brother have one of his own now. We are each other's life support, and I couldn't ask for a better one.