DONE!

Well for now anyway. It was a busy busy semester and I am so glad it is over. I never thought I would say this, but you know that stuff that you learn in college...and you say, "why are we learning this? I am never going to use it." This semester I realized that finally I am actually going to use what I learned. It really is a great feeling. But you want to know an even greater feeling? Having a five week vacation where I can seriously sit around and do nothing. That is what I'm talking about.

The first few days of my vacation have been really tough. I did some xmas shopping, took pictures with santa, sat on the couch and watched tv and had several drinks with some really great friends. Anyway, I know you don't really care about any of this but it has been a while since I have posted and it is not like anyone reads this thing anyway so why do I have to be insightful or funny anyway. Goodnight and Merry Chirstmas.

Yeah. Like I have never heard that one before.

I used to have a best friend named Heather. Admittedly, at first it was a little wierd to be around someone all the time who had the same name as you but we got over it. We were two different people and sometimes I even forgot that our names were the same. Weird huh. We were thrilled by this similarity for about five minutes and quickly went on with our friendship and the "name thing" was really discussed again. That is, unless someone else discovered our similarity. It is amazing how ridicualous people can be with this kind of information. Like for example:

"Hey, I said Heather, and they both turned around! That's funny"....right....really funny, good one bro.

Or my favorite:

"Hey, are you guys, like, twins?" Yes, identical ones actually. You see, our parents were just that lazy...and stupid.

Help!

So, I've been up since 7 am...oh yes, that is almost 20 hours! And guess when I have to be up! At 7am! Isn't that just "spit-on-your-neck-kick- you-in-the- crotch fantastic!?!" So, goodnight.

(P.S. The quote is from Friends by the by...the one where Ross comes home from China.)

Thought of the day...

1:30 am is too late at night/early in the morning to think of something meaningful to say.

I meant to do this yesterday...

Why am I so calm when I have upwards of one million things to do? Because...

"...now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls, brought me here. Where was I before the day that I first saw your lovely face? Now I see it everyday and I know that I am the luckiest."

30 more days...5 years. I love you.

May 25th

This episode in my life that most refer to as the "real world" is now less than a year away and I am not ready. I remember my first year of college, the most common word of advice that was ever shared with me was "Don't worry; you have plenty of time to decide what you want to do." Well, guess what, I don't anymore. This keeps me from falling asleep at night. A few weeks ago, one of my former professors asked me "So, you graduate in the spring? And then what?" My answer: "Um, I don't know." Oh my god! I don't know. I always thought I did but then someone asked me and I realized I have no idea what the hell I am doing after the 24th of May.

So you are thinking: "But you have your whole life ahead of you!" Yeah, and this scares the hell out of me! School has kept me safe from the "real world" so to speak for almost my entire life and in just a few short months, it will be over. I regret all the times I acted like I knew exactly how my life was going to be after college because the truth is I have no clue. I don't know if I even want to be a teacher anymore. And this shocks me every time I think about it. But at the same time, I feel like it is something I should do because there are people in my life that might be disappointed if I don't. I know that you shouldn't live your life only trying to please the people in it, but for as long as I can remember I have been telling my friends and family “I want to teach.” And here it is, almost my last semester of senior year and all of a sudden…just kidding…I don’t think I want to teach anymore.

I think that deep down I know everything will work out. But right now, life just seems, for lack of a better word, scary. So I have two choices:

Stop thinking about my future and blindly jump into a career and hope for the best OR, embrace the fact that I have an entire world at my finger tips and look forward to all the change I am potentially capable of. Seems like an easy choice…well, easier said than done.

Thought of the day

One of the most rewarding things I have ever done: rocked a baby to sleep....I love my job.:)

Scholarship worthy? You be the judge...

My personal statement for the merit scholarship

I am a child development major.
I volunteered for Head Start Preschools through CSUS service learning.
I was a teacher for a day care program over the summer of 2002.
I am currently employed at the ASI Children’s Center.
I have sung in many choirs throughout my life and am a member of the CSUS Concert Choir.
I am fluent in American Sign Language and am very interested in the deaf community and teaching sign language to hearing children.
The purpose of this list is not to brag. Rather, these are the activities I am involved in that help define me. It is not these accomplishments that make me deserving of this award, but those I have yet to complete. I feel that my experiences in the field of child development and beyond are small tastes of what I am capable of. I remember my mindset before my first semester at CSUS: All child development majors become teachers. Admittedly, I want to teach, but the more I become involved with the field of child development, I realize that I am not limited to one career path. Child development majors can serve their community in so many other ways.
It is still unclear what experiences and challenges my future holds for me. I do know that I will be trying to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Do I want to change the world? I wish it could be that simple. However, the knowledge I have gained through the child development department has taught me that change in the fields of education and child advocacy is necessary. I am confident I can help make that change happen.

I don't know. Too cheesy? We shall see I guess...

I had a excellent weekend, and here is why:

-went to San Luis Obispo
-got to see Grant
-got to dress up for Halloween even though the party, or should I say "party" was pretty much non-existent
-the weather was great
-spent some time with my second family
-saw one of the cutest babies on the planet...baby Drew!

After a weekend like that, how am I supposed to get back into the swing of things?

Who wants to get naked!?!?!?

My mother and I expereienced a sensation of "giddy school girl" on Saturday. Who knew it would only take a short road trip to University Ave in Palo Alto to make all our culinary dreams come true! Borders Books was hosting none other than Food Network's sexiest chef on tv...Jamie Oliver (aka: the Naked Chef).

He was 40 minutes late due to traffic on 101, but it was well worth the wait. When he finally did arrive, he said a few words....of course I was not listenng to a single one of them, rather looking at his beautiful face. Then, (sigh) the book signing. I handed him my book and he called me "darling" which is such a beautiful word when said with a dashing English accent. Don't you agree? And then it was over...and I turned with my cookbook in hand, knowing that we will probably never meet again. But I am not going to lie...there was a spark between the two of us. But I guess since he is married with a child and the fact that I have a "boyfriend" would make things difficult on our realtionship.

But in all seriousness, he is a really interesting chef who, no ladies, does not cook naked, rather used very few ingredients to make fantastic meals. And these meals range from extra fancy to "Fantastic Fishstick Buttie," in other words, a fish stick sandwich. I look forward to trying out some of Jamie Oliver's creations and I think you should too! And if you are not a "good cook" or you "can't even make toast" not to fear, because in the words of Jamie Oliver he recipies are "Easy Peasy!"

Makes you think...

We had a discussion today in cognitive development. We were touching on many topics. Education reform, assesment, testing and so on. No one really had anything positve to say about any of the issues and I was feeling discouraged. But then my professor said something that turned a light on and I had one of those watershed moments that makes you forget all the times you questioned your field of study. She said:

"It is easy to see all the weeds, but it is time to start planting flowers."

Get excited people!

Kings-91
Super Sonics-90

Let the pre-season games begin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

"Will that be all (fill in the blank)"

I remember when I was a pre-teen and I got so excited when store clerks would call me "Miss." Being called "Miss" is a huge milestone in an adolescent's development; finally, the general public is begining to recognize you as an adult as well. So today I am in the grocery store trying to re-stock my kitchen when the bagger, who looks to be about my age, says to me..."Would you like any help out today Ma'am?" Whoa! Back the truck up! Why was I not made aware of this transition from Miss to Ma'am? This is not an exciting milestone like being called "miss" for the first time. Do I look like a ma'am? I hope not...not yet at least.

Then again, when I went to get my car smogged, the man behind the counter says to me "What can I help you with today young lady?" Whoa! Back the truck up! Did you just call me young lady? Do I look like a five-year-old girl with pig-tail braides? Am I being scolded? So in my head I think..."Young lady! That's ma'am to you buddy!"

I don't get me.

Thought of the day...

When citrus flavored vodka starts to taste like flat seven up...it is time to stop drinking.

OMG!!!!!

If you don't know what "OMG" means because you have not masted the art of abbreviations I will tell you. The technical spelling of the word for OMG is "ohmigod!" (that's "oh my God" if you are still a little fuzzy) and is use by valley girls all across this golden state. It is most commonly used as an expression of intense surprise and excitment. Which brings me to your next inquiry. Why, Heather, are you OMG-ing? Well I will tell you. I am a SENIOR!! That's right, a senior in college which means I am graduating. It rocks. But I am not that excited...I mean it is not like I have already looked up when my commmencment ceremony will be taking place! Or looked into graudation pictures! I mean, give me a little credit, I am not that obsessed!

Gee! I sure love my job!

Can you sense the sarcasm in my voice? Ok, in all honesty, it is not that I don't like my job...it is that I don't like my job this week. The children are bonkers. It is very sad. Lately I do not feel like a teacher. Drill sergeant is probably a better description. I feel like all I do all day is yell. "Sit there!" "Don't sit there!" "Stop that!" "Do as I say!" Ahhhhhhhhh! Some of the problems these children want me to solve for them...well, here is the classic example...

"Miss Heather, I told Sean that I could make a sound like a mongoose and he told me that's not what a mongoose sounded like so I kicked his ball and then he pinched me!"

Excuse me, what? A mongoose! You had a fight about the noises that a mongoose produces! Do you even know what a mongoose is? Do I even know what a mongoose is? Do I even care?

However, this little incident pales in comparison to the darling little child who thought it would be funny to poop...yes...poop on the floor of the boys' bathroom. So, I am truly at a loss. Am I really making a positive impression on these children's lives? Am I a good teacher? Is this really the career for me? This week really has made me take a good, hard look at some of the things I thought I have always wanted, but in the end, I am always happy to be a teacher because all it takes is that one kid to say something that makes it all worth it. It was just after I had finished yelling to the class that they needed to sit down, close their lips and not move because they were on my last nerve and I was sick of it when Gary walked over to my desk and said..."You're having a bad day Miss Heather and I am sorry." And I said, "You know what Gary, you're right. I am having a really bad day, but I am still glad to be your teacher."

"...and I never even owned a blue blanket!"




Which Peanuts Character Are You Quiz

bye-bye dorms!

Signed my lease on Saturday for my new place in Sac. Nice!

How many sets of eyes does your mom have?

I just started working for a summer program for school age kids and throughout the summer I will be entertaining you all with the many exciting, interesting, cute, and funny conversations I have with the kids at my center. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed with story number one!

Jessica: Excuse me, Miss Heather, are you a mom?
me: No, I am not a mom yet. Do I look like a mom?
Jessica: No.
me:Well, how do you know what a mom looks like?
Jessica: I know you are not a mom because you don't have eyes in the back of your head. My mom does! I've seen 'em!

Kids! I love them!

What is going on here?

I have had some time to deal with the fact that on Sunday night, my Sacramento Kings lost to the Lakers in game seven of the playoffs. It was a sad, sad end to the exciting series but worth the extra time I got to spend with Grant. But I was so sure that it was in the bag! My Kings were going to win.

Which brings me to my next point...my Kings? What is that about? To be honest, I am not really a fan of the Sacramento area as a whole and yet, I love the Sacramento Kings. Strange. This newly discovered love has been doing some weird things to me and created a person that I have never met before. The only time I have ever been interested in basketball was in 5th and 6th grade when I played forward and scored a whopping zero points total both years I played. Now, it is my favorite sport.

I find myself saying strange things like: "Webber seems a little off his game today," or "Geez! Divac's in foul trouble again!" or joining in while a crowd chants, "Bibby Baby! Bibby Baby! Bibby Baby!" Why am I doing this? Furthermore, I seem to suffer from the disease that makes one think that the people inside the TV can hear you if you shout directions at them loud enough. I don't get it.

Similarly, I now hate the Lakers! I have never cared about the Lakers in my life, but now the thought of Shaq making all those free-throws despite his reputation makes me cringe. And I dont think I can ever enjoy the sweet, sweet goodness of Nutella hazelnut spread ever again because, well, see for yourself!

I am at a loss. Why I now love the game of basketball, refer to the Kings as "my" team, know all the players by name and shout orders at a screen that can't talk back is beyond me. Perhaps I feel the need to belong to something. Perhaps it is a strange phenomenon that occurs when you live in a city with its own sports team for too long. Perhaps it is none of these. Who knows the answer. Well, until I find it...GO NETS!!

Sniff...Sniff...

Too sad. Too, too sad.

Movie Quotes

1. -"If he gets up, we'll all get up! It will be Anarchy!"

2.-"p b and j with the crust cut off. Well Brian, this is a very nutritious lunch, all the food groups are represented. Did your mom marry Mr. Rogers?"
-"uh no, Mr. Johnson"

Can you guess what movie these are from...can you? If you guessed Breakfast Club, you get a gold star. Right now, this fantastic film is effectively distracting me from the paper I am writing.

Done!

I made a website for my Cross-cultural child development class! Don't check it out! It's really boring!

ahhhhh.......

Working on a paper at 11:30 pm, but listening to some Sarah McLachlan, so all is right with the world.

...and in the distance, the melodic tune to "Pomp and Circumstance" could be heard.

Do you know what I did today? I picked up an application to graduate. GRADUATE! Perhaps you don't feel the same excitement as I do. In fact, I am sure you don't, but for me, this is huge. I mean, so far I have been in school for 15.5 years of my life and that does not include preschool or the year and a half I have left to complete. But the thought of being done with school...FOREVER, blows my mind. So, wish me luck...because next spring, I will walk across that stage at Arco Arena and prove to the CSU system that by taking an overload of classes each semester, you can obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development in just 4 years!

My Job Rocks!

It's true! If you would kindly look at the bio to your right, you will notice that I get paid to hold babies. That's right. My Monday and Wednesday mornings are spent in the infant room at the ASI Children's Center on campus. I do admit that getting up at 6:00 am is not what I would call fun. However, as soon as I walk in that room and see all those bright eyed babies smiling up at me, I remember that it is all worth it. And you know what the best part is? They love you unconditionally! Granted, I am no replacement for mom, but I am the next best thing and there is definitly something to be said for that. Now, I know what you are all thinking...spit-up, crying, germs and stinky diapers. I have had my fair share of all of the above. But all it takes is that one sweet, innocent, pint sized person to lift their arms up to me with a smile across their pudgy little face, and I forget about all that other stuff. And if they won't stop crying, spit-up on my clean shirt...for the third time and wiped their boogers all over my shoulder it is especially nice to be able to say, "I don't have to take you home with me tonight!"

...testing, testing...is this thing on?


I would like to welcome you all to my very own website. To be honest, I was never really interested in "web journaling," but Grant convinced me that all the cool kids were doing it, so I decided to have a go. I am a very busy girl, but I will try my best to update you on various events occuring in my life. My only hope is that you find these many events as interesting, hilarious, exciting or as noteworthy as I do. Enjoy!