Happy Mother's Day!

To my wonderful mother....

I love sitting around doing nothing all day. Fab-u-lous.

Two weeks from today I will have graduated from college. Ah!

Back to laying in bed...the first day I have had completely free in months and months and I am living it up. Gonna go see Ironman tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to Lake Pleasant to for the first camping trip of summer. Next week is gonna be full of packing and getting ready for Europe, one paper and a few hours of work.

I need a job when I get back...keep your ears and eyes open for something...I will work just about anywhere!

It's 2:30am

and I can't sleep. Why? Well...probably because I am so sleep deprived that I have had about 25 cans of soda today just to stay awake and they all hit me at about midnight. There may be something more useful I could be doing, but really...it's 2:30am and I don't feel like it. So I figured I'd post a lil and bore you all with the thoughts and goings on of my life

I graduate in oh....10 days. Funny thing is that I wasn't really even excited about it until this week. People have been asking me all semester if I'm excited to graduate, and honestly I wasn't. I had too much going on, full class load, work, friends, etc etc to really even think about it. But I had my last class tonight and now all I have left is one final and one paper and I'm done. And now...I am ecstatic. I just can't believe it's almost here...I almost have my college degree. It's amazing feeling. I really am proud of myself, which is something I never say even if I think it. I'm just very thankful that I had the opportunity to even go to college. I'm really very lucky.

Next comes Europe. Leavin May 12th will be gone until June 4th. I met some of the people I will be going with last week and it is a really great group of people. I was nervous because it would have been terrible to not know anyone and get stuck with a boring group, but everyone I met is a lot of fun. I'll be taking TONS of pictures, but I probably won't be able to post em until I get back. I'm not bringing my laptop so I don't know what my interent access will be like because I'll have to find internet cafes. There's so much to do to get ready to leave though. Besides the obvious packing stuff, I have to figure out currency exchanging, call the bank to let them know i will be using my cards overseas, make copies of my important info, order a new drivers licsense, buy some things i need to pack, make sure i get my bills for the month paid before I leave, etc. Ay it's alot. But it'll be worth it. And since all i have to do is work a few hours next week I should have plenty of time to do it (hint hint: if anyone wants to get me a graduation present, a lil monetary donation to my Europe trip would be greatly appreciated...spread the word...)

I need a job still. I've had some interviews, but I'm either too qualified and the people think I will get bored and quit, or I'm not quite qualified enough. It's ok though, I will start seriously job hunting when I get back. I may end up working at one or two or three part time jobs until I find something more permanant. The problem is that since I'm planning on going back to grad school in January, I don't know if it's worth it to find a "permanent" job because I will either have to quit or only work part time come January.

I need to get my grad school stuff in order too. Letters of Rec, personal statement, etc. Hopefully I will have it all done and turned in by the end of June. eek.

I still need someone to sublet my apartment in Tucson...keep your ears open for anyone looking for a place down there. It's a really great apartment I promise!

I guess that's really all that's new. This semester truly has just been a whirlwind. I feel like I just started the semester and now it's already over.

But really that's how this whole year has been. This time last year I had just broken up with Davis, my parents were just about to split up, I was moving, starting a new summer job...my life basically was turned upside down. Ending what I thought was going to be a lifelong relationship was just about the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but honestly I have not regretted it once. I didn't realize how far away from my true self I had gotten in the time we were together. I am not saying that is anyone's fault, but I had gotten to the point that I really did not like myself because I had been sacrificing so much of myself for his happiness for so long. I feel like where I am today, I really am the person I used to be, only better. Well, hopefully better. I have gotten so much of my independent personality back and that was something I always liked about myself. I have allowed myself to open up to so many new people and new experiences in the past year, and I never would have had those opportunities if I hadn't left.

Also, I feel like I have had more honest to goodness FUN in the past year than I had had in so long. I have renewed alot of my old friendships, and strengthened ones that I had kept all along. I've taken chances and opened up and just really enjoyed life. I'm looking forward to continuing to do that. Spontaneity definitely creates some of the best memories.

I guess that's really all. Apparently I get very contemplative at 2:30am...haha. But I'm tired now so hopefully I will fall asleep soon. I hope to see you all at my graduation party next week!

Oh and ps...I've also been dating a really great guy for just about three months now...maybe ya'll will get to meet him soon :)

This is what my grandpa said to my grandma today after we told him that she will most likely not get any better. She's been very agitated and restless...basically won't let anyone touch her. My grandpa kept trying to hold her hand, and she continued to pull away. After she did this a few times he said

"Don't let go of my hand...I might get lost..."

And the next time she held onto his hand for just a little bit longer than usual.

heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. after 52 years of marriage they still love eachother like newlyweds...i hope i'm lucky enough to find that one day. i hope we all are...

Just an FYI...

I graduate in 6 weeks. SIX WEEKS! which also means I will be on my way to Europe in 6 weeks and 3 days. awesome.

Of course, I will also be even more incomunicado for the next 6 weeks. What I have going on...

• Surviving taking 18 credit hours. ouch. no fun.
• Sending out graduation announcements and planning a graduation party.
• Prepare for Europe...this means figuring out what I need to bring, learning some key words in 5 different languages, actually packing, etc, etc...
• Work and try not to go completely broke before I graduate
• Not turn into a hermit and try to actually enjoy this last semester
• Apply for jobs. Oh the real world is a joy already.
• Help my family out...for those who don't know, my grandma stratton is very very sick and probably will not live much longer. We've heard this before, but this time it's really happening. So I've been spending quite a bit of time at the hospital lately.

The end. See you all in 6 weeks, because you better come to my party!

I know I'm a loser and I haven't posted hardly at all lately, but I had to post tonight. Why you ask...?

Because my best friend in the whole world got engaged tonight!!! And words cannot explain how excited I am for them both. They are the type of couple who can make anyone believe that true love and soul mates really do exist. I feel so privaleged to be her maid of honor and to be able to witness what will no doubt be an amazing wedding. The engagement was no surprise, but it is still so exciting that it is official now.

And since Danielle reads this (I think...) I LOVE YOU!!! Congrats again :)

Just made another post on my Pop Culture blog. This one is about how the image of cowboys and western movies have changed over time. Enjoy!

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone for making my birthday so special! I had a great time at all of my parties and loved my wonderful presents. So thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!

No time to post pics right now, but you can check out Amy's blog to see the beautiful pictures she took!

I am OFFICIALLY going to Europe after I graduate!!!! Just put down the deposit. woot.

I can't wait...24 days of vacation, sightseeing, and history. I think NEXT summer (2009) I'm going to try to go to Spain for 10 days or so, since I've always wanted to go there and this trip won't be going there. Maybe...if I can save enough money over the next year. It's not like I need to save money for, oh I don't know, grad school or anything right??? :-)

Anywho, I'm excited. yay!

Oh and this is my 100th post apparently. Woo hoo I broke triple digits.

Exciting news!

Awhile back I "applied" to be a penpal for soldier serving overseas and I just found out who I'm going to be writing to! For safety reasons, I'm not going to post all his information on here, but his name is Christian and he is serving in Iraq right now. I'm doing it through a great organization called Adoptaplatoon. I'm sending out my first letter to him tomorrow!

If anyone would like me to send along a message of support or anything to him I would be more than happy to do that. I will also periodically be sending care packages and if you want to send something I will do that too.

I'm pretty excited to do this. Hopefully having a penpal will make his deployment a little easier. Plus, doesn't it sound so old fashioned and fun to write real letters to someone?! :-)

blog, blog, blog and more blog

So my blog for my Pop Culture class is up and running and you can check it out at

lcstratt.blog.asu.edu

My first blog is about the history of the Easy Bake Oven and how it reinforces female gender roles. Pretty interesting...and there are some fun pictures of original Easy Bake Ovens. Comment on it if you like...if my blog is the best on that topic then I get extra credit! It should be posted by tonight or tomorrow.

Enjoy reading about my crazy topics for that class! I feel like a blog officianado because I'm one of the only people in that class that already has a blog. So go Blogspot for making me sound knowledgable.

I'm sitting at work right listening to people get tutoring for O-Chem. I feel bad for everyone who has ever had to take that class.

The rest of my life...school life that is

it's the second week of school and i figured maybe I should post about the rest of my classes.

Marriage and Family- OK when I signed up for this course, I thought it was "Family Studies". it turns out this class is identical to a class I took last semester titled "Courtship and Marriage", which I hated. I mean, it uses the EXACT SAME BOOK. Luckily, I have friends in this class, the professor is hilarious, and I still rememeber alot of the info from last semester's class. Should be easy.

Sociology of Deviance- Talked about whether or not stripping was a deviant behavior today in class. haha. I actually thought I would hate this class, but the professor is so great and it is very interactive...lots of class discussion. Plus, once again, I know a few people in the class. AND it's the professor's first semester at ASU West, and she thinks classes are only an hour long...not an hour and 15 minutes. So we've been getting out 15 minutes early every day. One day I'm sure someone will tell her, but for now it's nice.

Mexican Politics- I'm a little obsessed with Mexico so this is a great class for me. Plus, if I decide to go into the Peace Corps I will either go to Central America or Mexico (hopefully) so it's useful. My professor is this hilarious old white guy who has lived in just about every state in Mexico for some span of time. We get all these great stories from what it's really like down there, not just the tourist view. Muy interesante si?

Qualitative Methods- KILL ME NOW. Not only is the subject matter boring (basically social science research methods), but this professor is notorious for being a hard ass and the pickiest grader alive. Unfortunately she's also the only one who teaches this course and it's required for my major. This will be by far my most difficult class. I have to pick a research topic for this class...I think I've decided on teen suicide (because it's the most interesting of the topics we could choose from) but I'm having trouble finding qualitative research on it. ugh.

And the end. I love my job. I work with some fun people and I get homework done. yay!

Oh- and my birthday is in 8 days...woot. woot. :-)

The first day of the rest of my life...

Or maybe just the first day of the end of my undergrad career. yay!

Class #1: Global Social Movements...GREAT professor (this is actually my 3rd class with this professor), I know (and like) a few people in the class, and the content should be interesting. We'll be going over things like the environmental/global warming movements, human rights movements, feminist movements, etc and how the media and politics affect the movements. Interesting....

Class #2: Popular Culture...professor seems good and very energetic, I know some people...but not really anyone I've talked to much before. There is NO BOOK (hooray!) and we get to watch a bunch of movies and things like that. We also get to make our own blog about different topics in the class, so I'll make sure to post the link on here so you all can check it out once I start writing in it. We get to study vampires...and Harry Potter...and YouTube. Should be fun!

That's all I have today...tomorrow I have class from 12:30-9:15 with only an hour break in the middle. Ouch.

What's new in '08

This is what I'm up to...

• Starting my LAST semester of my undergrad career on Monday. 18 credit hours...should be fun! I'm nervous and scared, but excited as well. I can almost put a check next to this spot in my "things I want to accomplish in life" list.
• I got a job on campus as a front desk assistant at the Student Success Center. 8 hours a week...not much, but better than nothing.
• I turn 21 in 3 weeks (from today!). It's not like being 21 will change my life, but it's still exciting.
• I am saving up to go to Europe after I graduate. There is this month long trip for graduating students. I was planning on going to Europe next summer either by myself or on a cruise, but this would be so much better...and less expensive. That being said...if anyone is looking to get me a gift for the aforementioned birthday...a donation towards my trip would be a great one! :-)
• Still single, still happy.
• I'm writing this from my super cool new computer that I got for Christmas. My other one was about to die so hopefully this one will last me for a few years...if I'm lucky it'll last me until I'm out of grad school!
• Oh! that's another thing. I'm considering going into the Peace Corps when I get out of grad school. It's a new idea and it's 3 years aways so alot could change by then, but I'm looking into it. I think it would be a life changing opportunity.
• My New Year's "resolution" (I don't make resolutions so this is more like a goal or something) is to challenge myself. Meet new people, try new things, etc. I figure moving to Tucson in August will be a pretty big 'challenge' so I might as well practice a little before I move.

That's it! My life is not very exciting, but I figured I would post since I hadn't really posted in awhile. The Girl Scout Cookie Sale starts this Saturday, and anyone who knows my neice Kassi is required to order from her before anyone else! You can email me if you want to order cookies since I'm one of her leaders.

Happy very belated New Year!

I haven't posted in awhile, and I hate that the first thing I am posting about in weeks has to be something this tragic.

2 Deer Valley Students killed in Bus Crash

When this article was written only 2 students had been killed, but as of about 30 minutes ago a third student -a sophomore named Jasmine- has died as well. On top of that, a teacher at Bellair had a son in the crash who has broken bones but survived. Unfortunately he witnessed the deaths of two people in his best friend's family. His best friend and his friend's older brother both survived, but their dad, aunt, and grandma all died and their mother is barely holding on. The nephew of another woman who works at Bellair died as well. Can you even imagine? It's beyond tragic.

It's surreal because the bus was coming back from Telluride. I'm not sure if it's the same road I drove back on the few times I went to Telluride because the bus had to take a detour, but still. Deer Valley actually takes a bus trip to Telluride every year, but this trip was not through the school.

All the reports and witnesses say it was the bus drivers fault. He was speeding on a very unsafe part of the highway at night. And he walks away with minor crashes because he was the only one on the bus who had a seatbelt. Isn't that how it works? The jerk who causes the crash and kills close to a dozen people walks away fine. It amazes me that that's how the world works sometimes. And at the risk of sounding bitter and immature...it's unfair. Three teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them are dead because some idiot was in rush to get home.

OK-I'm ending now. It all just hits a little too close to home. And 95% of the time I am not angry...but something like this happens and I can't help but be utterly and severly pissed off at the world. And at that jerk who was in a hurry to get home and walked away with only a few scratches.

Pray for the people who died, the people who are still in the hospital, and all of their families.

A Real Fairytale

"This is the fairy tale that should have been read to us when we were little:

Once upon a time in a land far away,a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so."

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself:

I don't f*ckin think so."

ahahahahahahahaha

On the same note....I saw Enchanted the last night and it was simply the best movie ever. Well, maybe not...but it was really good. It reiterated the fact that I want to marry Patrick Dempsey. I get made fun of because I love those sappy, chick flick movies. I don't see what's so wrong in believing that true love exists, and that the perfect man is out there somewhere...even if it is just for two hours. :-)

Back to reality and my Volunteer Management final...

Interesting? Scary? Dissapointing?

Phoenix is the 64th most dangerously drunk city. (The list goes from 100 to 1, with 100 being the most drunk and 1 being the least. Weird way to number a list, but such is life)

Denver is #100 (WORST!). Tucson is 77th (Can you say "college town" anyone???).

I guess be glad we aren't the worst, but considering only 36 cities are worse than Phoenix, it sure isn't comforting.

So here's my motherly lesson to all: Don't be stupid and drive home drunk. Chances are you will get home safe, but maybe you won't and you will kill someone else or yourself. So have a DD, or call a cab. Or you can call me. I'll pick your drunk butt up at 2:30am and take you home AND bring you back to get your car from the bar/party the next day-no questions asked. Trying to save yourself the embarrassment of asking for help is just not worth the risk of the alternative.

The end. Now go eat your vegetables and clean your room young lady/young man! :-)

Just thought I would post some pictures...

...of some people I love. :-)

My Dad (We both look strange, but this was at the Coyotes game on 11/22)

All of my friends (Kristen and Valerie last weekend at Margaritaville)
My mom (It's her birthday today! Happy Birthday!)
My neice (because she's hilarious. Isn't her dimple adorable?!)
My nephews (This is Jacob...Josh was somewhere else. Doesn't he look happy???)

Amy posted some great pics from Thanksgiving as well. Some good ones of me doing Madonna "Vogue" poses. Some good ones of my Mom telling a story. Some of my amazingly beautiful Grandma. Check em out.

oh yea...I'm totally gonna go see this.

ABC...123...

I need a job....



I am so desperate I may end up going back to Petsmart pretty soon. That's how bad it is.



I love Christmas. My problem is that I LOVE buying gifts for people and even if I set a budget for myself I go way over. I can't help it!!! It makes me happy, but it also makes me broke....



Anyways, if anyone knows of any place that is hiring, let me know. Ideally, I would like to NOT work weekends (Saturday/Sunday...I will work Friday nights however). During Christmas I can work as many hours as needed, but once school starts it would need to be knocked down to less than 20. Preferrably not food service, but I won't count it out if the hours are good. Pay isn't a big deal...anything is better than what I am making now...which is almost nothing. That's about it.



I applied to work the counter at a bakery, but have yet to get a response back. I just applied to work at the daycare at LA Fitness, so we'll see about that. And I know the Starbucks inside the Barnes and Noble at Arrowhead is hiring (my friend Ashley works there), but it's kind of a far drive. I can also apply at the new SuperTarget by my house for temporary holiday work, but I don't know how hip they would be to me not working weekends. So we shall see.



But please, keep your eyes and ears open and let me know if you see ANYTHING you think I may be interested in/good at.



Thanks!