Meeting Rick Springfield, Summer Break is Over and Goodbye for Now

My summer break was great, but it was way too short! I ended up just staying home and worked on a few, much-needed tasks, as well as worked at my job the entire summer.

In other news, my friend, who I've known since she was a baby, asked me to be her Maid of Honor. I didn't waste any time looking for a bridesmaid dress, trying several on and then finally ordering one. I just hope it gets here soon because the wedding is in 6 weeks!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the best part about this summer was getting to meet Rick Springfield, in late July. My childhood friend, "H," emailed me to let me know that Rick was going to be in town (actually, he was going to be in the neighboring town next to where her aunt lives--which is about a 40 minute drive from where I live) the following weekend for a book signing and she asked if I wanted to go with her. I quickly responded with a "Yes!" I had a crush on Rick when I was about nine-years-old, as did my friend, who was eight at the time. Anyway, the day finally arrived and my friend drove us to the bookstore. There was already a line of people (i.e. women) outside of the bookstore; however, the line didn't look too long. Once we got inside and everyone was seated, I must have counted a little over 75 people there. I did see about 2 or 3 men there, who I imagine were in attendance either to support their wives or they just wanted an autograph from the author.

Rick was about 30 minutes late arriving, but when he finally arrived, it was like if Elvis had just set foot inside the building! He brought out his guitar and began singing about 3 acoustic songs. He sang two of my favorites, including "Jessie's Girl" and "Love Somebody," and then put down his guitar. Then one of the bookstore clerks told the audience that we were all going to have a chance to have our books signed by Rick, as well as take a photo with him. Wow! I'm finally going to get a photo with one of my childhood crushes! You don't know how happy this made me feel, although you wouldn't have guessed it! My friend and I got in line and I noticed a few fans had brought their old albums to have Rick sign. I was going to do the same, but decided not to at the last minute.

I let my friend go first in line. Then when it came to my turn, I told Rick, "My nine-year-old self thanks you for writing this song!" The song had a connection to me immediately when I first heard it as a child, so I mentioned this to him. I don't recall what he replied, but then it was time for our photo-op! After looking back at the photo that was taken of us, I had a big smile on my face! About 10 minutes later, my friend and I were about to leave when I noticed Rick's autobiography was sitting on the store counter. I asked the store clerk if it was for sale and he said yes. I bought it and told my friend that we should get back in line and see if Rick would be willing to sign the book I just bought and to have a group photo taken of us with him. Well, we got back in line--just like a few other fans had done--and I got my second book signed. Oh, AND we got our photo taken with Rick!! My childhood dream finally came true! Needless to say, this was one of the happiest days of my life! I can now cross this off my bucket list. :-)

I went back to school about three weeks ago and I'm now taking a full load of courses. This now means that I don't have much time for anything else except eat, do homework, read school books and sleep. :-(

I'm going to take an extended break away from this blog. I need to shift my priorities to finishing my education, which should hopefully be in another year or so. Until next time.

Hello Summer Break!

As of yesterday, I am done with the fall semester! Four months went by rather quickly and I'm just happy that I'll be getting some extended time off to rest and relax.  :)

First on my agenda is to tend to my mother's needs. She may need surgery in the next month or so and I need to be available for her, and my father. Second is catching up with friends. I literally don't have much time to partake in anything fun during the semester, so I'm hoping to get together with some friends during my break. Oh, and I can't forget that I need to do some spring cleaning too. In the meantime, I'll be anxiously waiting for my grades to be posted.

About a month ago, someone from my school emailed me inviting me to join some organization. I first thought it was an invitation to join a sorority, which I have NO plans of ever joining! Anyway, I ignored those two emails and today I received another invitation--this time by mail--inviting me to join my school's chapter of a particular honors organization.

I've never been one to join clubs or other types of organizations because groups have never been my thing, but I think this organization is different. I'm considering joining it and hope that it will help me in the long-run, especially when I graduate, which is hopefully late next year.

The thought of joining a club or an organization of any kind reminded me of this quote:

"I sent the club a wire stating, please accept my resignation. I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member." ~Groucho Marx

Remembering Davy Jones of The Monkees

Remembering the last Leap Year, February 29, 2012...the same day that my childhood celebrity crush, singer, musician and actor David "Davy" Jones of the The Monkees died at the age of 66.





I'm still grateful and fortunate I finally got to fulfill a childhood dream of mine seven months prior to Davy's death: I met him, Micky and Peter after one of their concerts in Northern California.  :-)

Here is the first and fast version (which happens to be my favorite) of The Monkees' song, "I Wanna Be Free."

February 14 - Singles Awareness Day

I'd like to take a moment to wish all my fellow single folks a Happy Singles Awareness Day because, after all, it's just another day like any other day. Am I right?

Here are a few anti-love / anti-Valentine's Day songs to get you through the day and lift up your spirits!

Happy New Year!

I'm so glad to be leaving 2013 behind! For the most part, this year didn't start off great, especially for my family. On Jan. 1, my mother's other sister passed away after suffering a stroke shortly after Christmas 2012. Then in July of this year, my mom's oldest niece died. That makes four deaths within the span of two years. :-(

I tried conquering my main nemesis, which was a particular college math course; however, it didn't quite happen in the spring, but I finally passed it two weeks ago! I'm happy to say that I'll never have to take this subject ever again!

I worked with two organizations and did some volunteer work for them this year. The first one resulted into a part-time job and the second one began this summer, but ended two weeks ago. The latter volunteer position was one I had been waiting for since I was 13-years-old. I'm so grateful for having been given these opportunities in which I was able to learn a few things from. 

Lastly, this year (once again) didn't bring me love--aka The One--but it gave me time to reflect on the good things that happened to me, as well as the bad things that happened. With the start of 2014, it will be a time for new goals, new opportunities and hopefully much more.

Have a Happy New Year...one that's filled with good health, joy and prosperity!  :-)

Christmas

Here's wishing you a great and MERRY CHRISTMAS!   :)

Good News Just in Time for the Holidays

Today I received some good news, which I had been anticipating for the last week.

I took my last final exam last Tuesday afternoon. This semester, I was enrolled in two courses: a work experience-internship one and a math/Statistics one. I had been struggling with Stats for some time now. Let's just say that the subject of math has been a pain in my side for as long as I can remember.

Anyway, so I already knew that I was going to receive an "A" for my work experience course since not much was required from it. But I was waiting to find out when my math instructor would submit grades for this course. Well, this afternoon I checked my email and then suddenly I felt like my heart was going to come out of my chest. I then logged into my student account and went to view my grades. As the next screen appeared, I looked at the grade and was so relieved of the outcome. I passed...finally!

With this good news, I can finally relax for the next three weeks until I start my new school. I'm also looking forward to taking the next step towards my future. :)

Happy Holidays!