Surprise!

Hooray! It's a surprise blog posting.  I'm starting to feel like a dork constantly posting my blog updates on Facebook so this one is unannounced.  That way I can get a feel of how many people have my blog listed in their bloglines and don't rely on facebook. My blog is going global.  People from other countries are starting to read it.  I do actually know some people living in other countries which include Ireland, Germany, and South Africa and their countries are listed.  But other countries are included in my audience that I have no connections with such as Austria, United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore.  I'm pretty pumped.  They probably came across it by accident and didn't even stick around to read it, but I'm going to pretend that I'm an international blogging superstar.
My fingernails are light purple and I LOVE IT!  I can't stop looking at them.
I have to take a major test in August called the Advancement to Candidacy Exam.  I have to pass it in order to continue on in the Masters Program. Therefore I've been spending a lot of my days in the Public Library.  I'm surprised at how many other college students are here studying as well.  Yesterday when I was leaving and going down the stairs to the parking garage I passed a guy who looked about my age climbing the stairs and he was carrying a toddler aged little girl.  I smiled at them and right after I passed them I heard the little girl ask, "Is that my mom?"  The guy started laughing and said "No, that's not her."  Poor girl can't even remember her own mother's face.  The guy carrying her might not have even been her dad. He could have been a kidnapper.  Either way, I feel like she is in good hands if he is taking time to take her to the library.

Wakarusa, Little Baby Céo, and bits of a quilt

Hokay...I went to Wakarusa and it was pretty awesome.  I mostly went to see Mumford and Sons and let me just say they rocked my world.  They sounded just as good live as they do on their album and they played a lot of new songs that have me looking forward to their new album. Me, my friend Rebekah and her boyfriend Nick went and had a great time. Bek and I brought hula hoops to fit in with the other girls.  

When arriving at Mulberry Mt.  Cops were EVERYWHERE.  But once you get inside Wakarusa gates it is a free-for-all.  I've never seen so much illegal activity in at one time.  Drugs were not a secret.  It smelled like pot throughout the entire event and everybody smoked it openly. Anytime I made eye contact with someone smoking pot they would hold it out to me ask me if I wanted a hit.  I would politely reply  "No thanks, but that is nice of you to offer."  Bek, Nick and I were probably the only drug free ones there.  Back at our campsite offered us his ecstasy that he wouldn't be able to finish.  Once again, "No thanks, but that is nice of you to offer."  Also, shirts were an option for women.  Apparently body paint is the same thing as a shirt to these girls.  No bra, no bikini top, nothing but paint.  

Wakarusa had the best food ever.  Probably because they knew everyone would have the munchies, but they really provided.  They didn't just have the normal corndog/funnel cake stand.  They had vegetarian stands, Asian stir-fry, Greek food.  I had the best gyro of my life.  Mumford and Sons played at 6.  Ben Harper was next.  I wasn't too familiar with him but he was really good.   After the concert we met a guy tripping on acid and then went to another stage to listen to more music.  The band at this stage was very electronic/trance type music.  I had the most fun when me and Bek got in the middle of the crowd and danced like we were on drugs with the rest of them. So fun.  Glad I went.  It was an fun experience.  I think I would only go back next summer if a good band was playing.  

Now on to my niece Céo.  I finally had the chance to meet her this weekend when my brother Ivan and my sister-in-law Ariel came to Fayetteville. Let me just say she is one of the prettiest babies I've ever seen.  I don't think it is a biased opinion either.  Everyone who sees her comments on how pretty she is.  To me, most newborns are all blotchy and weird.  Check out this pic of Céo the day she was born. 

She is only three months old.  She makes extremely funny faces.  She can already raise one eyebrow and give you a quizzical look just like her daddy.  She is the squirmiest baby ever and has a very sweet smile.  Let’s look at her some more.  

 I love her and I can't wait to see her again. (FYI her name is pronounced Say-O hence the accented e in her name.)  In the background of the last picture is the her baby quilt that I created.  I will blog about it more when it is completely finished.  

Hot Time Summer in the City

Memorial Weekend is over. That means I have been in Fayetteville for two weeks.  Yay.   Here are some highlights of my time so far: 

My friends Staci, Erin and Melissa were hired to make cupcakes, the groom’s cake and bride’s cake for my friend Barnes’ wedding.  I helped them make them…not really but I did put sprinkles and flowers on over 150 cupcakes.  They turned out really well.  The girls did a terrific job.

Only a portion of the cupcakes we made!

Barnes and Kerry’s wedding on Mt. Magazine on Sunday.  It turned freaky foggy half way up the mountain.  We LITERALLY could not see ten feet in front of us.  It was like the twilight zone.  The wedding got moved indoors due to the fog.  Kerry looked lovely and it was the shortest service I have ever attended which was a plus.  It was really good seeing everyone at the wedding that I hadn’t seen in a while.

On Thursday I went to see Hangover 2.  It was good and bad.  It was exactly like the first one but not as funny (but it definitely had its moments) and much more gross.  I would recommend renting it instead of going to the theatres to see it, unless you are a boy, then you will probably love it.

My friend Drew Swayne had an extra ticket to Silver Dollar City so I went there on Friday.  It was awesome.  The Barbeque and Bluegrass fest was going on so I got to hear banjos at every corner.   My heaven will have banjos at every corner, that is how much I love them.  If any of you are going to SDC anytime soon I would recommend the Big Barn Swing ride.  It rocked my world.  It sounds like a kiddie ride, but I assure you, it is not for the faint of heart.

Pic of the ride I stole from the Internet to show its extreme intensity.

On Saturday my sister and brother-in-law came in from South Carolina and will be staying with us til Tuesday.  Yipee! I usually only get to see her over Christmas.  I also painted my fingernails light blue.  That is pretty crazy for me.  I’m pretty proud of myself. 

Yesterday was absolutely lovely so I took the doors off of my jeep for the first time this week. Rain is not in the near forecast which means I don’t have to put them back on any time soon.  That always gets me excited.  It was also extremely windy so I decided I would go to Wal-Mart to buy a kite.  They had a lot of options: kites with Disney Princesses on them, Dragon Kites, Train Kites, Box Kites.  I decided to get the Pterodactyl Kite so I could make screeching noises when I fly it and pretend to attack the birds.  (I had no idea Pterodactyl was spelled that way until I bought the kite.  I would have spelled it Teradactle…you learn something new every day.)

I’m currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I’m on the fourth one.  It is taking me three days per book so It shouldn’t take me too long to finish them.  Next, I’m going to read the Hunger Games.  I have heard excellent things about it. 

I have lost ten pounds since I first moved to Little Rock.  That is bad.  So my goal this summer is to gain it all back.  I’ve already gained 3 of them since I’ve been back so I only have 7 more to go.

Music Update:  Taylor Swift’s new album Speak Now is pretty amazing.  Me and Mom watched Never Say Never and now I have Bieber Fever.  

P.S. If you know Hunter Buwick, you should write on his facebook wall and say “I’m on Team Kennedy Wing.”  Don’t ask questions, just do it.

So close I can taste it!!

Summer is almost here and I can't wait. I just turned in my last paper for the semester.  Now I have to wait an entire week for a final next Monday then I'll be home free...literally.  I'm going to be in Fayetteville for the whole summer and I can't wait.  I can't wait to be familiar with EVERY part of the city I live in.  I can't wait to drive around all summer with no doors on.  I can't wait to do things with my friends...hopefully a lot of water activities will be included.  My goal is to try and volunteer at all of the art galleries/Crystal Bridges during the summer so I can fill my resume up with sweet experience.  That way I'm doing something productive while still getting to experience my last real summer vacation. I'm trying my best to avoid growing up, but maturity and responsibility won't leave me alone.  Since I have an entire week before going home, I will spend my time packing up what I'm going to take with me back to Fayetteville, this is not going to be easy.  I came across an amazing playlist online the other day and I listened to it literally all night last night (besides a 30 min power nap at 5:00am) and it rocked my socks off.  It is perfect for summer. Classic rock combined with country songs that everybody knows.  I'm not really a country music fan but these are the goodies.  I finally finished Wicked and was disappointed.  The plot between the book and musical was very different and I personally liked the musical better.  I've never been one to paint my fingernails, but that is going to change this summer.  Me and my friend Nellie are going to be manicure buddies and paint our nails all of the fun colors that are trendy this summer. I'm really trying my best to think of things to say.  I ordered a pair of Ray Bans for $20 on ebay.  They said they were new with tags but that is awfully cheap for the real deal.  Either way they looked pretty in the picture.  I've recently gotten into the habit of eating waffles for dessert.  I eat my dinner, then wash my plate and load it back up with delicious syrupy waffles....yum..........what else...I'm going to three weddings this summer, one of which is in Florida.  My room is clean.  Now I'm going to see what movies are coming on tv.  I watched the LOTR trilogy last week and I have the slight urge to watch them again.  I'm going to do nothing all day but nap and eat and watch tv and look for good bargains on ebay.  This is how I celebrate finishing a paper.  I'm excited about life at the moment and it is truly a wonderful feeling.

Nerdish Delight

DISCLAIMER:  This is going to be a very nerdy blog.  If you don’t understand some of the references, then I feel sorry for you because you are missing out.  Nerdiness=Awesomeness.  This is just an inside look at my typical train of thought and the types of things I think about…Usually a delightful mix of sci-fi and spirituality.  ;)

I just watched Limitless and it blew my mind; but untapped brain potential is not a new thought for me.  I remember the day in 9^th grade when my teacher said that scientists thought that Einstein used 3% more brain power than the average person.  3% and he was able to accomplish all of that?!  Ever since then I thought about using our full potential and what wonders we could unlock.  My first thought was that telekinesis would be possible.  Mutant powers would be at our fingertips if only we could gain access to our brain’s full ability.  I always wondered why God didn’t make me with the ability to use my full brain potential.  What’s the point of having a brain with parts that I don’t use…like tonsils and wisdom teeth.  If we stop using parts of our brain, as a human race, will our brains slowly evolve over eons to where humans in the future will have a brain half our size?  That is why every time something is out of my reach e.g. cell phone, remote, cookie….I try to use the force to get it into my hands before actually reaching for it.  Just testing the ole noodle’s skill level.

Back to thinking about the full potential, I think it is like Jean Grey.  She had her power blocked because she was a danger to herself and society; Phoenix was outta control.  So maybe Professor X is to Jean Grey as God is to the human race. He put those blockers there for a reason? I don’t really know; I’m grasping at straws here.

  But just to have one day to see what it would be like to have 100% BRAIN POWER! I know what I would do:  I would finish all of my assignments and papers for grad school by noon and then have the rest of the day to ponder life’s deepest questions and most likely figure them out by supper. But if I used the drug used from Limitless, NZT, I would feel extremely dull and worthless the next day so I would have to take it again so I wouldn’t feel so gross.  This is no good since I’m not a fan of addictions. So my next thought brings me to Felix Felicis (Liquid Luck from Harry Potter).  This potion does not have withdrawal side effects. One sip of that golden elixir and I would have the innate sense of what my next step in life is supposed to be and what direction I need to go.  That was the best part about the NZT and Felix Felicis, the guys immediately knew what they wanted to accomplish and how to get it done.  That’s all I want, just some guidance.  Just an inkling of an idea of what God has in store for me.  It is very frustrating not really having an idea of what my future may hold or what direction I'm headed in.  While the upside of not knowing my future is that it gives me hope of thinking I was meant for great things, and not a dim life in a crack house. I know that is an extreme example, but it’s all about seeing the glass as half full. So I guess I would rather not know my future, so I can make it as awesome as possible instead of knowing I was stuck with a life that was only mediocre. 

I came across a list of List of 120 ways to boost brain power that should get both sides of your brain working.  You guys should check it out.

Here are some simple ones

1. Cultivate ambidexterity. Use your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, comb your hair or use the mouse. Write with both hands simultaneously. Switch hands for knife and fork. ( I did the teeth brushing one,   It was surprisingly hard and felt like I was brushing my teeth for-e-ver before I was satisfied with the job I did.)

5. Block one or more senses. Eat blindfolded, wear earplugs, shower with your eyes closed.

22. Learn to juggle

37. Change Clothes. Go Barefoot. (Booyah!  All those times I’ve looked like a shoeless hillbilly, I was actually becoming a genius!)

104. Mix your senses. How much does the color pink weigh? How does lavender scent sound?

My goal is to try all 120 on the list.  The juggling one might pose to be a problem since God chose not to grant me the gift of hand-eye-coordination.  You should include some of these into your daily life as well. It couldn’t hurt.

P.S. My daddy came to visit me in Little Rock so therefore I was forced to clean my room.  Finally. Now I am currently admiring the general splendor of my bed chamber.  

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Ugggghhhhh!!! I have 27 days until I'm done for the semester.  I have two major problems with this.  1) Those 27 days are going to take forever because when they're over, I get to move back to Fayetteville for the summer!!  2)  27 days is not enough time to finish three 20 page papers, 2 presentations, 1 journal and study for 1 final.  Yikes.
Even though the clock is ticking (Extremely loudly) I still manage to procrastinate.  Somehow the most mundane activities seem super exciting and important when I need to study.
Ooohhh! My laundry basket is full!  Now I can do laundry!!  Hooray!
I've even organized all of my library books I currently have checked out for my papers according to class and due date.  Have I read them? No. But at least they look pretty sitting on my desk in a neat fashion.

Since I'm going to be summering in Fayetteville, I'm thinking of activities I want to do.  I would like to go to Wakarusa on Mulberry Mountain in Ozark this year.  I've never been to a music festival before and from the looks of it, everybody should experience one.  I was looking at pictures of last year's festival and Mulberry Mt. seems to be the Mecca for backwoods hippies, hobos, and straight up wierdos... and it looks pretty awesome. Not only would it be fun to people watch, interact with people who truly do not care what others think, but to act like a hippie for one day.  One day to let my freak flag fly.  Also, one of my favorite bands, Mumford and Sons, will be playing.  I saw their American debut (they're British) on David Letterman last February, watched them grow into one of the top indie bands and have loved every minute of it.  Another thing that seems fun to experience is Wakarusa's Silent Disco.  Every night the bands will stop playing so everybody can sleep. But if you still want to party, Wakarusa is going to have a bon fire where they pass out headsets that will be playing techno music.  What a sight that would be!  Tons of people dancing around a fire to music you can't hear..I love it. We'll see if I go, the problem would be to find a willing companion.  :)
Well, I better get going so I can watch glee study.

Excessively Long Spring Break Synopsis

My two week spring break in Fayetteville was lovely.  My most common activity was eating at restaurants.  I pretty much dined out for every meal.  I've never really done that before, and I was surprised at how expensive it became.  I arrived in Fayetteville on Tuesday afternoon, I went straight to The Papaya to get my eyebrows waxed which is weirdly one of my favorite things ever...seriously.  Wednesday I had lunch with Tuesday Julius.  We ate at Feltner Brothers.  I had the best corn dog of my life and we split a basket of chili cheese fries.  We decided to walk off the food by exploring all of the houses right off Dickson Street. It was a lovely adventure. Then I went to the mall to find a green shirt for St. Patrick's.  FAIL.  Apparently green is not popular; however teal, turquoise, and robin's egg blue are quite the rage. But I ran into my bestest westest friend Rebekah Mann, who was there for a haircut.  I ended up buying a white shirt.   Thursday was lunch with Kate Sbarra at Common Grounds.  Yummy.  Then we went to Wal-Mart where I bought green dye, four ramekins, and a blow torch.  Went home to dye my shirt then I hung out with Corie Dawson and Rebekah for St. Patrick's.  Friday I went to Wilson Park with Nellie Beall.  But it was not park weather; it was cloudy, cold, and windy.  We sat on a blanket, wrapped up in blankets.  We had a long entertaining conversation like always.  Then I went to the mall with Staci Coston and then to Kara Moore's Birthday at Red Robin.  I love their campfire sauce.  Everybody's most used quote was "Can we get more campfire sauce?"  Saturday I went to my Dad's where I learned that Digger Bees exist and make tunnels in the ground and that my Dad's back yard has an infestation, they looked like overgrown anthills.  It looked like his yard had chicken pox.  Then Kyle Jones took me on a bike ride out to Lake Wedington, it was very pretty and fun. Then I had steaks at Staci and Corey's house.  Delish as usual.  Then went to a belated St. Patty's party at my friend Stephen and Brian's house.  

WEEK #2

Sunday, MY BIRTHDAY.  I woke up, walked into the hallway where my mom jumped out in front of me and excitedly told me happy birthday.  Then lead me to the dining room where she brought out a chocolate cake with candles and sang happy birthday and let me open my present (Vera Bradley Weekender in Lemon Parfait...super excited to use it).  So, I knew it was going to be a happy birthday since I had chocolate cake for breakfast.  Went to a new church, Grace Harbor. Kyle is on the praise team there so Staci, Corey and I went to support him.  One of the friendliest churches ever.  It felt like a family and that is what I think church should feel like. Then they took me out to Johnny Carino's for lunch.  I asked for crayons and the kid’s game menu so I got to play while I waited for my food.  Then I went home and made Crème Brulees.  It was very tasty.  Here are some pics of the torching process.

Me in Mom's awesome Robo-Cop glasses. Safety first friends.

Then I went to Small Group that had a St. Patrick's theme.  I had corned beef and cabbage for the first time.  I love cabbage.  Monday...I have no idea, I'm sure I did something.  On Tuesday Staci and Corey invited everybody over and we had breakfast for supper.  So good!  Then we played Rock Band and Dance Central.  Then I drove home. (Here is the sad part of the blog)  When I got home I noticed my window was cut. Then I realized my wallet was not in my center consul, then I realized my gps was not in there either.  So I had to call Arvest, and then the Police.  I had to tell them everything in my wallet.  (Here is the saddest part)  since I had just had my birthday, I had a lot of gift cards in there.  So the thief pretty much stole all my birthday presents.  Doesn't that just sound so pitiful?

This is the cut.  I had just gotten this soft top in December.  

Wednesday: Nelle and I drove to get me a new driver's license and then to the bank where I had to close my account and open a new one.  I more annoyed at the hassle this has caused me then the fact that my stuff got stolen.  I don't like the idea that people feel entitled to the things that I have worked for.  Lame.  Then I had dinner with Libby at Farrel's. So good to see her. She is seriously the busiest person on the planet.  Thursday I had an eye appointment, when I was leaving the office (the one in the mall, next to Lens Crafters) I managed to trip over the coffee table, knock it over along with the centerpiece made of candles and rocks.  The rocks managed to go into the hallway of the mall, a leg of the coffee table fell off, I was on the floor saying "I BROKE YOUR TABLE! I'M SO SORRY" while trying to pick up the rocks. I was so embarrassed.  Then all of the Lens Crafters people came over to see what all of the commotion was about.  Then I had to assure the doctor that yes, the contacts he gave me were the correct prescription.  Then I went to Devil's Den to go off roading with Stephen Baccus and his friends.  I've never really taken full advantage of having a jeep wrangler. It was a lot of fun. I let the boys drive my jeep when we got in too precarious of situations (which was pretty much the whole time) but they did make me drive in the beginning and taught me about 4 wheel drive high, 1st and 2nd gear.  It was very exciting and educational. 

Here is Lil' Jeepie properly muddy after the day's excursions.

then I ate dinner with Corie at La Huerta and then I went bowling.  Did not do so hot in the beginning but almost got a turkey.  That would have been so cool.  Friday I had dinner with Corey and Staci, because Melissa, Drew and JP were in town.  It was good to see them.  I'm glad they are moving to Fayetteville, but I'm sad they won't be so close to me anymore.

Saturday I watched way too much HGTV with mom and then went to Cafe Delta Soul which is a catfish/creole/steak/burger place.  I was kind of nervous because usually catfish places serve frog legs and I have made an oath that the next time I'm at a place that serves frog legs I would order them because I've never had them before. I was relieved to find that this place did not.  I had the jambalaya instead. Sunday I went to first service and then to a Ladies Class that I really enjoyed.  Then a group went to Ruby Tuesday for brunch.  It was very tasty.  Who knew.  Then 12 of my sweet friends surprised me with a $250 gift card to help pay for my wallet, gps, and window.  I almost started crying, but I didn't want to because I HATE crying in public, so I didn't let myself, but it was hard not to.  I did cry on the way home. It is nice to know i have such generous, thoughtful friends.  Then mom and I did a little shopping, then I packed, went to Dad's for an hour and then drove back to Little Rock. I'll try to blog more often so the lengths of these blogs stop being so ridiculous.  Thanks for reading my blog if you made it all the way to the end!