We survived an earthquake!

Yesterday is pretty much a big blur of fear and anxiety. The earth quake changed how a lot of people around us will do things. It sent fear and panic into the lives of those who thought something like this would never happen in our area.

I really have too many thoughts to type about here today, but maybe when things settle I will be able to think more clearly.

It seems the aftershocks have stopped for the most part. We felt a slight one this afternoon, but nothing major. The pets have finally stopped being nervous and they are playing.

Kate (our 5 1/2 month old Shepherd) nearly had a heart attack over the whole thing and is very clingy today, but other than wanting some extra hugs she is okay.

Im just thankful we are all okay, the house is okay and the things that were moved or broken can be replaced or put back.

If Money Grew on Trees.....

Its been a very long time since I posted on here, but something tells me its time to start blogging again. Not for the sake of catching readers attention, but to just get some things off of my chest.

Another school semester starts on Monday and I am scared. I dont know really why I am scared, but I am.

Money is very tight here and it seems like every store I go in or every commercial on TV I feel like a kid at Christmas. Its sad to say, but I just want to go shopping without having to worry about money. I also want to have just one day without stress.

I feel like I am coming unraveled and I can not get some things under control. I feel guilt about some things, but yet at the same time relief.

I went out this evening and saw my dream cupcake maker! I WILL have this. I get the refund from my school in just a few short weeks and this is my first purchase, along with a book of decorating ideas. I am not looking to make myself independently rich, but I want to make cute cupcakes!!!

My wish for myself right now was that I was not so negative. I can be fine one moment and then just start thinking about things and feel out of control all over again. It makes me so scared, but its hard to talk about.

Hopefully a vacation will be on the books for me soon, but Im not holding my breath. I feel like last time I got my hopes up so much that I am still not recovered from that. It broke my heart to miss my family reunion, but more it broke my heart that I changed plans to go with my Dad to the reunion because I couldnt go with my boyfriend because of money and then Dad ended up in the hospital again. He is ok though and thats what counts.

I am going to make my introduction posts in my class..... also known as plugging myself to be something I really do not feel that I am.

6 Months... and Counting

Today marked the 6 month anniversary for my boyfriend and I. What a great thing to celebrate, except for the fact that I felt crappy all day.

5 years ago yesterday our family lost a great man. My Uncle Buddy passed away from cancer. It was such a sad time for our family and I feel like the family has never really healed from it and honestly never will. I know that I will always miss him and his antics, our talks and mostly the advice. I hope that he is in heaven enjoying seeing the accomplishments our family has made, but also to see some other things going on too.

I am already counting down to the week end. We are having a superbowl party. Should be fun, no matter who shows up. I am excited to have people over and to enjoy spending time with friends.

Tonight I am shopping for a Kindle. I am excited with the thought that I might be getting one, but also not sure what to expect.

Math... and all that jazz

I will never understand why the one subject that I cry over gives me the worst professors ever. I also do not understand why the definition of deadline had to be emailed to me today, but that lady needs to get a serious grip on reality! I am not behind, actually my homework is not due for nearly 48 more hours and I dont know why she made a big deal out of wanting everyone to be so ahead. That class is not easy to get ahead in, so she needs to just chill for sure.

We survived the flu... 2 bottles of Thera-Flu cough syrup, doses of Benadryl for itchy throats, Lysol for germy door handles and other things, cuddle time from a very lonely Shepherd and a lot of check in phone calls later.... we are well and lived through another adventure. I never thought I would be so happy to see the outside world. This was also my first time being that sick away from home and honestly I missed my Mom. It was nice to go home last night to my parents and get a few things accomplished there, but also nice to come back here too. Its hard to be torn like that.

I have a lot of work to finish before Sunday at Midnight including a Literature pre-test, Sociology test on the first 4 chapters and I could possibly get a draft of my Literature paper out for 2% extra credit. I dont know if that will happen or not. Also have a math homework and a half to finish and a quiz in that. God forbid its a minute late, even with being sick all week.

Next week end is the Superbowl and our much awaited and anticipated party. I am excited, but know theres a lot to be done before we can have people over and before it can be a success.

Much love to my followers, and hopefully these posts havent bored you all senseless.

Oh No.... Not Today.... Not Ever!!!

So I go to sleep last night with the thought and prayer that I would not wake up sick today.... well guess what. Sick... both of us sick. I am not believing this. This is too much with the fever, upset stomach, cough and sore throat. BLAH!!!!

I am waiting for my sociology discussion topic for this week. Hopefully it gets uploaded soon because Im tired of waiting, but then again do not feel like doing much anyway.

Today I put a roast in the crock pot and hoping that the flour I added will make a decent sauce. I dont know what we will have with it, but it wont be much considering I just dont feel like cooking. Thank God again for the crock pot.

Im watching Hoarders and this show makes me sick, yet I still watch it. I cant believe some of the things people collect. Last night on this same show a woman had dead chickens in her garage... A man was living with over 1000 rats, which began as 2 rats. I was very shocked, and more grossed out.

Supposing I feel better tomorrow I will be going back to Mom and Dads, but if not I might be right here for awhile. I am not going to risk getting anyone else sick and have already sent some warning texts for people to stay away!

Its naptime here and time to close this for now.

The O.C. Reruns and Wireless Internet....

So on this Friday I find myself sitting on the couch under a nice warm quilt after loving on my favorite German Shepherd and watching reruns of The O.C. I do not know why and never will why I enjoy this show so much, even though when it premiered I did not care for it.
Now its Rachael Ray time... I should be working on some homework, but I just do not feel motivated to do that. I feel that being ahead this week has allowed me to be able to focus on other things that are important to me.
Tonight Im going to bingo with Patrick and his Mom. Hopefully I will win something since I won $125 last time.

I am really out of things to type about. Will try to have something more interesting to say this week end.

A Different Attitude....

After my post earlier today I realized that I was just complaining for no good reason. I didnt have a real reason to be in a bad mood, it was just there.

I got out of bed and started going through my clothes. I already have 2 trash bags of things to take to Goodwill and will be adding to that when I go through the others.

Tomorrow should be an interesting day considering I have to sit in court in the morning with Dad to make sure he gets a fair trial against this cop that wrote him a running a red light ticket. I am not too pleased with that since the law code says that pretty much there has to be 100% proof the light was red and it was yellow when he proceeded through the intersection.

I am excited to have an American Idol date tomorrow night... sad to say I dont remember if I mentioned that in my earlier post.

Teen Mom 2 tonight made me so sad for Leah. I feel bad for her and Corey. Their baby looks to have a long road ahead of her.

I took a nap tonight and now Im not sure if I will be able to go back to sleep any time soon. This might be a long night.....

Checking Out, and I dont mean books

Sometimes I will admit to getting really overwelmed. Things like money, bills, homework and life just get a little too hectic for me to deal with. So, to use the term I just heard on Dr. Phil... I check out. I guess its just how I cope.
Today I have checked out. I feel like I just need some time to regroup and deal with things and not do anything at all, but I know its a lazy way to be.

I should be going through this massive amount of clothes I have and getting rid of stuff, but my motivation is negative. I absolutely do not feel like doing anything, although I know eventually I will make myself get out of bed and start working on it, even if its just for a few minutes.

This week has been full of a lot of eye opening things and its only Tuesday. I do not know what the rest has in store and maybe I do not want to know.

On a plus note, I am done all of my homework until the 30th, which is a rare occurance. I dont know how it happened, but it did and Im not going to question it. My intentions are to stay ahead so that I can have some time to do other things as the semester moves on.

In other news... well there is no other news. I am not even really motivated to update this and would rather just take a nap............

A Change Will Do You Good

This week end was so full of change. I feel like I not only grew up a little more, but I also managed to realize that I KNOW Im in the right place. No details needed, but thats just how it is.
I went back to do some more coupon shopping this week end. It was awesome and in 2 trips I saved like $70! I spent less than $20! Its a great feeling to know I can not only provide things for myself, but also things for other people. Todays trip included 4 free packs of Orbit gum, just because I love them so much and a hands free Lysol soap dispenser that has made its new home in the kitchen. Apparently its "the shit."
I have spent the week end in good company with many laughs, although some were after a few very big tears. It feels good to know Im starting a new semester of school in great spirits and ready for about anything that it has to throw at me.
As for school, I have done everything but my math homework which is due next Sunday. An awesome feeling for sure. This weeks assignments included writing some boring as usual discussion boards about myself, an English paper about Christians watching too much TV and not reading enough Bible, a Sociology paper about organizations helping others and families and some boring reading and videos. If the entire semester goes this smoothly I will look back thankful for all of its rewards.
Today I made crock pot BBQ ribs. They turned out well and everyone had a good dinner. I am also fortunate for the crock pot. It has made some awesome meals without costing a lot because I can throw about any meat in there and it cooks into something tender and yummy. I baked some potatoes in the microwave and warmed up some corn... and there was dinner.
Tomorrow I leave here to go back to Mom & Dads with the promise that I am going to go through my closet and get rid of things I no longer need or want. I want to be more organized this year and thats the only way I can do it. Also I will more than likely be bringing more clothes here. Im tired of wearing the same ones over and over.
I am off now to finish watching a movie and then hitting the bed. Course checklists are due in the morning and hopefully they will be open at midnight so I can just finish those and be finished with everything. I have 1 more chapter to read in Sociology that I keep putting off because the book is pretty boring so far, but its only a few pages and I forgot to mention it earlier in this post.

Anyway.... to all of my followers, some advice; if crying a tear or two brings closure to some things in your life, cry away.... you might not feel better right away, but believe me in the end you will be a bigger and better person. Wow... I feel like the end of a Run's House episode....

Theres a lot to be said for Jason Aldean

Ok so yes, Im procrastinating tonight from Sociology homework to write this. I have over 50 more pages to read and actually comprehend, but its not happening like it should. This book is absolutely stupid! I hope and pray it gets more interesting, because if its not Im going to have a very long 8 weeks.

I went into town today and managed to get some pretty cool school supplies. I needed notebooks and folders, but ended up with some page markers and new ink pens too. Going to try colored ink this semester. Wow, the joys of college life, debating ink colors..

My printer died, which is completely the wrong time for that to happen. Ive only had it for a year and use it mostly for printing my coupons and for school. Guess I will be investing in a new one or buying ink for my fab boyfriends printer. Might end up doing both, but for now its just one or the other. Cant say Im impressed with the life span of this Canon.

I am restless tonight... not sure why, but I guess its jitters about starting school. I got into my pj's early tonight and actually came to bed before 7. Watched the WVU game, played around online and now I just feel like going to sleep sadly enough.

Going to my boyfriends for the week end and will be back at mom and dads on Monday night. Gotta do the traffic court deal for Dad on Wednesday morning and then American Idol night at Patricks. YAY!!

Jason Aldean is playing, his voice reminds me of a lot of things that I have been through, except only now I can listen to it with the pride inside of knowing I made the right choices and my life is heading in the direction I want now, not in the direction that someone else picked for me. I amaze myself sometimes that I stayed in school through that whole thing, but since I did that pride only gets bigger.

I suppose I should do a few more things and hit the bed. The week ends sometime leave little room for sleep and more than likely will be leaving less room now that school is back in session.

The week end will include a Saturday with no plans at all except laying on the couch and enjoying some good company. Sunday I plan on doing some homework and cleaning up... also moving the Christmas tree to the basement. That thing has been up since 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, its time for it to meet its new home. I also want to start some major cleaning projects. The floors should be done too. I think I might be biting off more than I can chew.

Baby Its Cold Outside!!!

If its going to be so cold outside I would at least appreciate the idea that we had some snow on the ground, but no... I wake up today and theres nothing but some little patches left.... Booo weather man, boo!! Oh, and hiss!!

This week has had its own set of challenges where I try to figure out how to be a regular citizen and a student all over again. The last month was great, but I got my class schedules again and boy am I going to be busy. The first 8 weeks includes my first half of Math 110, Sociology and English 102. I have taken 2 other English classes at Liberty before, but this one is a bit different with its work load. Sociology is a new concept to me, so this will be interesting but seems to be very reading and assignment heavy. Math is always a struggle for me, even with help from the internet and family and friends.
I think my biggest struggle is to figure out how to continue to be a good daughter, girlfriend and all of the other "people" Im supposed to be and still maintain good standing in school. I sometimes wonder if I will ever be finished and it looks like having a job would be easier than this.

This week does not have many exciting plans except for the idea that Saturday Ive requested a pajama day, but not sure if that will happen or not. I can only hope it will, especially if I get a head start on my homework and get some other things accomplished.

I guess I must run, the real world is calling my name yet again......

So There Went The Routine....

I thought I could keep up with this better, but apparently not! HA!!

The week end was awesome and to recap I spent Saturday doing not only things that had to be done and needed to be done, but finished the evening with the movie Easy A and an awesome Mexican dinner with my boyfriend and his cousins family. It was great. Also great to save $100 while shopping for things that we not only wanted but needed. Its great to do that and feel like something was accomplished. Pepperidge Farm cake!!!!

Sunday I managed to clean up a bit, and by a bit thats all I mean. Painted my toenails this awesomely bright pink color and went to Chinese. Not cooking all week end sure was nice, but the reality of this Monday sure rolled around. I got up today and threw the ingredients in the crock pot for chili. Super simple, tasty and makes the house smell like home. Sad to say, but cooking smells remind me of when I was a child and being at my Grandmas.

I got a sneak peak at my math homework for the next 16 weeks. This is going to be intense, although not as many formal assignments, I am still a little curious as to how it is going to go. Last math semester I dreamed for a D just to pass, this time I am dreaming of a C and going yet again for honor roll. The CJUS honor roll is a great program and I want to graduate with honors also. I have been very lucky to keep this up for awhile, although losing it for a bit due to some pretty bold things happening in my life that got a bigger hold of me than homework.

So anyway.... as the afternoon rolls into evening, we are off to play some pool at a friends and come home to a quiet night on the couch with a movie.

Bizarre Facebook fact of the day: A quiz told me I am going to get married in 2011! Thats so awesome. After looking at rings it makes my heart feel warm to know even the Facebook quiz makers see marriage in my future!

Deals Abound!!!

I hope this works. What an awesome site!!!!

6 Days In

So we are 6 days into a new year. One that is full of promise, hope and everything else cheerful and grand. I ended 2010 spending a pretty average night watching the ball drop and thinking back on everything that 2010 had to offer. It was full of a lot of things, but most of all personal growth and finding out who I am. Before I make the great intro with the person I am now, I will explain first what I learned in 2010.

1- Never take anything or anyone for granted. They can be taken away in an instant.

2-I learned to love, in a way that I never knew before. A kind of love that is absolutely the best kind ever.

3- Life is easier with little money and lots of non-monetary things.

4-The hardest things in life dont seem so hard after you actually accomplish them and look back.

So theres that part, now heres the intro. Im Samantha. 25 years old from small town Virginia. I am working on a degree in Criminal Justice which will be focused on investigations. I have about a year of school left, maybe a bit more depending on summer breaks and anything else that might get in the way.

Im a hard worker who often surrounds myself in homework just to get it done, but sometimes suffers from procrastination, especially in subjects that I do not care for.

I have a wonderful boyfriend, Patrick, who comes with a very special German Shepherd named Riley. We have been celebrating lots of firsts, such as the most amazing first Christmas. We have been together 5 months, but the most special part is we have known each other for a very long time.

I am a different type of shopper, one that looks for the best deal and uses lots of coupons! I have gotten some pretty decent deals lately just by using coupons and store specials and will continue to do so to save as much money as possible.

Dr Pepper is one of my lifelines, Pepsi is the other. I am a caffeine addict and hope that these things are never outlawed or out of business ha!

I am an animal lover and enjoy taking pictures. I also cook, but have been known to keep that a secret for various reasons.

So theres the intro and the hope that I can keep this blog going to update friends and family on the happenings of life.