Flashback Friday

Finally...it's Friday!!

Here's a band of musical brothers from Utah, who were very popular in the 1970's. You might recognize the cute, younger brother singing lead...Donny. :-)

Music Monday

Here's a tune by one of the greatest bands from Dublin, Ireland: U2.

News Recap

I've been so busy with school, work and life that I haven't had much time to blog until now. Here's a breakdown of what's been happening in my life in the last month.

On Sept. 12, my parents, niece and I drove 10.5 hours to Southern California to attend my cousin "T's" rosary. We left at 4:30 a.m. and didn't arrive until about 3:20 p.m. Needless to say, we were all tired and sleepy, but we had to arrive at my other cousin's ("T's" sister) place and rest for a little bit until it was time to attend the rosary at 7 p.m. The next day, most of my cousins--minus a few and my two siblings, who couldn't make it--gathered to say our final goodbyes to my cousin. Although the reason we were all there wasn't pleasant, it was good that we were able to visit with my mother's relatives since we don't get to see them very often.

Recently, I've sought therapy for some issues that have plagued me since childhood. I won't go into details, but I'm hoping it helps me overcome some of the things I've dealt with throughout my life.

Men. What can I say about them except they're from Mars. ;-) Honestly, I'm coming to a point in my life where I really want to make some new, permanent changes, including "throwing in the towel" to feelings I've had for someone who I know will never like me back. It is what it is and I can't make a person like me nor will I beg someone for that matter. My motto is, "What you see is what you get." If the other person doesn't like the qualities I have to offer, then he's missing out. I am no longer going to waste my time and effort. As I've said before, if I'm meant to be in a relationship, then so be it. And if it doesn't happen, then I'll learn to accept whatever God has planned for me. Anyway, I'm going to continue focusing on what's more important to me right now and that's completing my studies.

School is going smoothly. I've been spending a lot of time on-campus, either working on my math homework or seeking extra help at the math tutorial center. I didn't do well on my first exam and I'm striving to get a better grade on my 2nd test. School is over in about 9 weeks and I'm intending I pass this class so I can concentrate on taking classes for my major.

Since returning to school in August, I recently had to cut back on my freelancing job with the organization I've been working with. However, the amount of work I'm doing now for them isn't helping me pay my bills, which means that I am now looking for a new job...one that's flexible, stable, permanent and with better pay. However, I get really discouraged when I receive rejection from a company or an organization because I know they're thinking that I'm overqualified for their position. Instead of "judging a book by its cover," they should allow me to interview first before they judge me based on my background or experience. I mean, why do they post the open position and then not give interested job seekers the opportunity to interview AFTER all the effort he/she has gone into contacting them and sending them his/her resume? This is what frustrates me the most. :(

On Oct. 13, I received something in the mail, which I've been working on for the past seven years: my Associate degree! What took me by surprise was the word located just underneath my name, which was 'Honors.' :-) Anyway, about two weeks ago, I had an appointment with my guidance counselor to discuss the college application I need to fill out before the end of November. She started reviewing all the courses I've taken at the college and told me that as of this past May, I completed all the requirements needed for my Associate degree! Another piece of good news she gave me: since I passed my previous math course in May, I don't have to take the competency exam after all. This last bit of news was such a relief! Now it's just a matter of going through graduation ceremonies next May and passing this final math course (i.e. Stats) in December so that I can finally transfer to the university in August 2013! A final anecdote: my counselor told me that I need to take one more Journalism class, which I could very well take at the university, but she recommended I take it in the spring. So much for getting a real break from school next semester! Well, the good thing about this class is that I know the instructor very well and I'm certain she'll be happy to see me in her class again. :)

I was recently asked by a relative what I was going to do for my birthday, which is in a month. I told her that I wasn't going to do anything. You see, I'm celebrating a "milestone" birthday this year and my cousin's older siblings (they're twins) had a party for their "milestone" b-day last year. However, there's a big difference in how they celebrate and in how I celebrate, which I might discuss here someday. Anyway, I initially wanted to do some fun activity with a few of my closest friends, but I don't think I can afford to do so right now. I think I might just go out to dinner with my family and possibly with some close friends since most of them will be around for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Lastly, I recently received an email from my editor. She commented on the unique events I email her every week for the two calendars I'm responsible for. She also asked if I planned to continue writing after the semester was over or if I was done with writing altogether. I'm in the process of replying to her. I honestly and seriously can't be making "chump" change for all that I do. This part-time job has been a blessing and a headache at the same time. Although I'd like to continue contributing, I'd like to get some more experience in doing other things involving writing. However, those opportunities haven't risen lately. Also, with how the economy is right now, I need a job, but I also need a better income so that I can pay the bills and do some fun things in the future, including taking a trip or two on my bucket list. Besides, I really need something to look forward to after all the stress from school and work.