Lilly's First Dance Pictures

Lilly and I drove up to Fort Dodge today so she could get her dance pictures taken.  All day she was practicing her smile- a big cheesy one!  When we got to the YWCA we did her hair and make up and got her all beautiful.  She did her individual shots first and then it was time for the group pictures!  When they were setting everyone up for the first one I noticed that Lilly was the same height as the girls who were posing on their knees... Man, she's small!  Lilly was front and center in the first group shot...

... Showing off her well rehearsed cheesy grin.  The second group shot (which I didn't take one of) she was standing in front of 'the pink panther' with her hands on her hips- All Attitude!  It was wonderful!  All the other dance mom's were gushing over Lilly more than their own kids!  One even commented on the fact that she seems to be very mature for her age.  Which she is, it's almost like she 'pretends to be a kid'.  But she was loving the pictures today.  If anyone wants a copy let me know.  I ordered one of each and I'm going to scan them to make copies.  So be sure to put in your orders!

A lot of Change

It has been quite a while since I've upgraded.  Sorry about that!  But a ton of stuff has been going on and I really haven't had the time or energy.  I'll start by talking about finals week.  I was a little worried about it because up until this semester, I had straight A's since switching to a psychology major.  This semester I was resigned to the fact that I was going to have to settle for B's.  My first final was in Comp 2.  We were supposed to turn in our rough draft of a German informative report on Monday and work up a final draft during our final period on Tuesday.  All I had to do was move a couple periods around, add a few hyphens, and decapitalize a few words.  I used the rest of the period studying for my next final, which was in Abnormal Psychology.  I has spent all day Monday studying and was somewhat comfortable with it.  I was done with that final in around 20 minutes, I couldn't decide if that was a good thing or not. (On a side note: It sounds like the people living above me are tap dancing or something.)  A few hours after the final (and checking to see if the grade had been entered about a thousand times) I found out I got a 105.88% on the final bringing my overall grade to an A!!  I spend the entire next day studying for my Marriage and Family final.  I got that grade rather quickly and was so excited!  That teacher always makes her tests rather hard, but the test seemed rather easy this time.  I got a 100% on the final plus a few of the extra credit points, bringing my overall grade in that class up to an A!!  I then spent a week freaking out because I wanted to know if the A I was going to get on my Comp 2 final was going to be enough to bring that overall grade up to an A, so I could have straight A's for another semester.  After a week of constantly checking web advisor for my grade, I found out Tuesday that I got a 100% on that!  I got straight A's this semester!!!  They aren't high A's like last semester, but there are A's so I'm jumping for joy!!  

Right after my final on Thursday, I drove down to Des Moines to pick up Lilly.  She had her first over night with 'them' that weekend.  I spent Friday morning running around because during the week I got a letter from the Fort Dodge housing agency, letting me know that my file had been transfered to Des Moines and I needed to contact them promptly to figure out my next step.  After trying to call for a few days and just getting a busy signal, I went in first thing Friday morning.  I explained my situation and the reasons I really wanted to get out of Fort Dodge and they told me they would contact me within a week to let me know when I would get in for orientation.  I then went straight to the apartment complex where I had a place reserved to let them know the update.  I was then informed that as a new promotional thing for the new buildings, the month of May was rent free.  RENT FREE!! Meaning, I could move immediately.  I signed my lease and got my key on Friday.  I then started calling friends and family to let them know I was ready to move and see when I could get help... Nobody could really help.  My Grandma then came to the rescue and told me that she would make up the difference between a UHaul and Two Men and a Truck.  I called them and was told that they would be in Fort Dodge around 9:30 Saturday morning to move me to Des Moines!  They did end up costing $200 more than they quoted, but I now live in a brand new, beautiful apartment in Des Moines!  For the first time in years I am able to relax, breath, and enjoy myself! 

 I spent all day today applying for jobs.  I went to the mall and applied at The Children's Place (which could be potentially dangerous if I buy everything for Lilly...), Maurices (potentially dangerous if I buy everything for myself...), and Bath and Body works.  I had an interview at Bath and Body today and I feel that it went really well.  I was relaxed, professional, and fairly educated on the product and how to sell.  See, selling somebody scents could be difficult work!  Different personalities like different types of smell.  For instance, I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with a newer scent called Dancing Waters.  It is the type of smell that I have been searching for.  Target used to carry one very similar to it in the Healing Garden Waters line called Perfect Calm... Anyway, it fits me because it is calming, soothing... *sigh*  If only I had money to buy it!!  What I am getting at in my form of rambling, is that my small amount of knowledge of psychology could help with every aspect of life... even selling the product at Bath and Body.  That, combined with being a former manager of the cosmetics department at Target, makes me perfect for that job.  I just hope they feel the same.  I got online tonight and applied at Hy-Vee, Payless Shoes, and Scooters Coffee House.  I would also love the job at the coffee house... I walked in and it was truly the perfect environment for me.  I loved everything about it!    Tomorrow I am going to Aspen Fitness.  I'm a little nervous, but also excited.  I got a call yesterday telling me I won a $50 gift certificate there!  I put my name in a drawing for that at Edible Arrangements when I was picking up moms birthday present.  I don't know how far the $50 will go, but maybe it can get me started on a healthier path.  I really do want to lose weight the healthy way, instead of my past way of self-starvation and drug use.  I just don't have the confidence to do it, honestly.  I try working out on my own, but I don't know what I'm doing and I feel like I'm doing it wrong...  I really hope this will help! 

To end this I will put forth a request.  I really need a small kitchen table/chairs, vaccum cleaner, and a few bookshelves for my new apartment.  If anyone is looking to get rid of any of the above (or knows of somebody... or knows of somebody who knows of somebody...), please let me know!  I would really like to be able to invite people over to my new place and have a sit down meal... 

I'm mobile!

I am updating from my phone!

The Joy of Bandaids

Lilly had an appointment today to get her four year shots.  I didn't want to tell her what this specific doctor appointment was for and have her freaking out about it, so I just told her we were going to wake up early from nap and go to the doctor.  Before nap she did express a slight concern about going to the doctor because "sometimes they poke you."  This was said with a terrified look on her face.  Then she relaxed, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she said with a sigh "And then you get a bandaid."  While she was taking a short nap I threw some Hello Kitty bandaids in my purse to make sure that she would have some pretty ones, which I am now glad I did.  What type of place gives shots only to kids and doesn't have kid friendly bandaids?  While there, Lilly was a big girl and comforted another girl before she got her shots (who also happened to be a four year old named Lilly) and then it was her turn.  She happily picked out her stickers, pencil, toothbrush, and coloring book while the nurses got everything ready.  She was given five shots in her thighs, but was very good about it.  She did cry a little bit while she was getting the shots, but when they were done so were the tears.  While I was putting her coat back on her and gathering all her new treasures, she says to me (and not quietly) "Mommy, I don't ever want to come back to this place!"  Luckily, I was able to honestly asure her that I wouldn't have to bring her back there... I didn't mention it was only because we were moving in a few weeks and her next set of shots would be given at a different place... Oh well, she has always been really good about getting her shots.  I honestly think it's harder for me cause it breaks my heart to take her to a place that will hurt her.  That's just the joy of being a mommy though.  

In other news, I have started packing up the closets and other things we don't use that often.  I have two sets of dishes so the nice set can be packed up.  I am determined to actually use them after I move, so if anyone wants to come over for supper-feel free!  I'd love to use them!  Lilly has been a big help with the packing.  I explained to her that Grandpa Daddy gave us some boxes so we can start packing up the extra blankets and closets and she got all excited about wanting to pack up some of her toys.  I told her that I would give her a box to start packing up the toys in her room and before I knew it most of her room was all packed and clean!  Now I just get to sort through all of her clothes and decide what goes with us, what gets given away, and what gets thrown away.  I'm also working on doing the same with my room and all the closets.  I'm actually enjoying this because every thing put in a box is just one step closer to leaving... *sigh* I can hardly wait!  

I register for classes at Grand View a week from tomorrow and the week after that is finals.  There are a couple classes that sound really interesting, like Psychology and Religion and the Special Topic classes.  The focus on one subject every year, and it's topics like Serial Killers!  It sounds sooo cool!  I would be moving a lot sooner but Lilly's dance recital is on May 28th and I really don't want to drive back and forth for practices and dress rehersals and all that.  There is also a picture day at some point, I can't wait to get those!  Lilly has been practicing hard and looks adorable.  If anyone is interested in driving 'all the way up here' to join me at Lilly's first dance recital, let me know and I'll give you the time and directions.  I would love for some of my friends/family to join me!  (I really don't want to be stuck sitting either by myself or with 'them' at the recital.)

Happy (and not so) News

So, would you like the good news or the bad news first?  :)  I'll start with the bad cause I'm really proud of the good and I want that to be the one that's really remembered.

Bad:  I went to a pulmonary specialist on Thursday, a reference from a wonderful doctor in Des Moines who actually LISTENS to their patients.  After struggling to breath for over a year and numerous doctor visits and ER visits here in Dodge, I finally was able to go to my favorite doctor in Des Moines.  After listening to my history and briefly to my lungs she said that I could have asthma and immediately scheduled me to see a specialist.  After a whole lot of breathing tests, it was determined that I do, in fact, have asthma.  Apparently, during the breathing tests my ability to breath dropped 40%.  Not good, but I'm feeling better already!  My next step in this is to stop smoking, which I intend to do after the move.  I tried to get Chantix from the doctor but my insurance company denied it.  Interesting, huh?  I'll just have to try something else, but the patch is out because I already tried that and it left huge welts on my arm.  Felt like it was burning a whole through my flesh!  Really don't want to do that again.

Good:  My transfer to Grand View is done!  I register for classes on the 29th of this month.  I am so excited!  I loved everything about it! My classes will be in the brand new building that is beautiful and the library is right across the street and it has a coffee shop in it!! How PERFECT is that??  Now if I could just afford the coffee...  Other good Grand View news: I got the Transfer Presidential Scholarship!  Because my GPA is high, I was able to get a $5,500 scholarship!!  I am so flippin' happy right now!!  And, my application for my apartment went through (of course) so now I just have to wait for the housing agency people to get off their behinds and transfer my HUD information so I can find out how much my rent will be.  That won't happen until at least May 1st though, so now I just have to hurry up and wait for that.

Freedom of Expression

According to my attorney, the "donor" and his mom have copies of either my blog or my mom's blog and are trying to use it against me in court.  For some reason, my (and my mom's) expression of our feelings, concerns, and events upsets them.  My response (in case they want to print this off too) comes from http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/First_amendment.  

First amendment

first amendment: an overview

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference. See U.S. Const. amend. I. Freedom of expression consists of the rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and the implied rights of association and belief. The Supreme Court interprets the extent of the protection afforded to these rights. The First Amendment has been interpreted by the Court as applying to the entire federal government even though it is only expressly applicable to Congress. Furthermore, the Court has interpreted, the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as protecting the rights in the First Amendment from interference by state governments. See U.S. Const. amend. XIV.

Two clauses in the First Amendment guarantee freedom of religion. The establishment clause prohibits the government from passing legislation to establish an official religion or preferring one religion over another. It enforces the "separation of church and state." Some governmental activity related to religion has been declared constitutional by the Supreme Court. For example, providing bus transportation for parochial school students and the enforcement of "blue laws" is not prohibited. The free exercise clause prohibits the government, in most instances, from interfering with a person's practice of their religion.

The most basic component of freedom of expression is the right of freedom of speech. The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without interference or constraint by the government. The Supreme Court requires the government to provide substantial justification for the interference with the right of free speech where it attempts to regulate the content of the speech. A less stringent test is applied for content-neutral legislation. The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence. The right to free speech includes other mediums of expression that communicate a message.

Despite popular misunderstanding the right to freedom of the press guaranteed by the first amendment is not very different from the right to freedom of speech. It allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination. It is part of the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. It does not afford members of the media any special rights or privileges not afforded to citizens in general.

The right to assemble allows people to gather for peaceful and lawful purposes. Implicit within this right is the right to association and belief. The Supreme Court has expressly recognized that a right to freedom of association and belief is implicit in the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments. This implicit right is limited to the right to associate for First Amendment purposes. It does not include a right of social association. The government may prohibit people from knowingly associating in groups that engage and promote illegal activities. The right to associate also prohibits the government from requiring a group to register or disclose its members or from denying government benefits on the basis of an individual's current or past membership in a particular group. There are exceptions to this rule where the Court finds that governmental interests in disclosure/registration outweigh interference with first amendment rights. The government may also, generally, not compel individuals to express themselves, hold certain beliefs, or belong to particular associations or groups.

I have the right to blogging, as does my mom.  I have the right to write whatever I want, and it's protected.  You will not stop me (or my mom) from blogging.  You will not stop me from telling the truth.

Venting

 I am getting sick and tired of fake people! You know the ones. The ones who say one thing but do another? But there is also another kind in my opinion. The ones who refuse to make a decision, take a stand, never give a straight answer. All they do is judge others for what they do 'wrong' when they are doing nothing themselves. At least the person who is doing the wrong thing is doing SOMETHING!  I'm tired of people who think they have the right answer when it comes to God.  Why can there be only one way to worship Him?  Did He not make us all different?  (And as a side note, He did make us human, therefore WE MAKE MISTAKES and He doesn't reject us for it, and He doesn't consider us to be disappointments or failures.)   I was told that because I was celebrating Christmas, and Santa Clause came to our house, that I am worshiping Santa Clause!  Apparently, I am raising my daughter wrong.  That person didn't even take into consideration that my daughter asked for Baby Jesus for Christmas... But what's wrong with there being different people worshipping God in different ways?  I really don't believe that God is judging us on how we worship.  I believe that as long as your heart is in the right place, that's all you need.  Well, not ALL... There is the importance of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness, and  working on improving yourself and your life.  But since God did make us human with the ability to make choices for ourselves (this being called 'Free Will') He understands that we will screw up, probably frequently.  We are allowed to ask for forgiveness over and over and over and over and over and over.... (get the picture?)  Therefore, He is not demanding perfection.  But don't you think that since He's not expecting perfection from us, there isn't a perfect way to worship?  That, perhaps, there isn't a perfect religion?  Think about it.... Look at the controversy behind all of it!  Look at what man has made it!  Even those not involved in 'religion' and view themselves as above it all are still missing vital parts.  God is about one main thing, and this is called LOVE.  If this is missing from ones life, then they should really rethink it.  If they spend more time preaching than loving, something is wrong.  The way to reach people is by living it, not talking about it over and over and over and over and over.... but never putting true, heart felt actions behind your words.  These people are what I consider to be fake.  Just because you claim to be Christian and right with God, doesn't mean you are.  I have more respect for people who are honest and would rather say "No, I'm not doing what I should be" than those who don't put actions behind their words.  1 John 3:18 does say "Let us not love with words or tongue but with ACTIONS and in TRUTH"